Anticonvulsant activity of the essential oil and methanolic extract of Bunium persicum (Boiss). B. Fedtsch

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bunium persicum is an endemic plant to Iran which its seeds have a long history of medicinal uses.

Aim of the study

This work aimed to study the anticonvulsant effect of the essential oil and methanolic extract of the plant.

Materials and methods

The essential oil and methanolic extract of the plant were studied against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions in mice in different doses. The neurotoxicity of the essential oil and methanolic extract was investigated using rotarod method.

Results

The essential oil and methanolic extract prolonged the onset of clonic and tonic seizures in PTZ. The tonic seizures were prevented by essential oil in both methods at dose of 1 mL/kg and higher doses. The methanolic extract inhibited PTZ-convulsions at dose 3 g/kg and was ineffective against MES induced convulsion.

Conclusions

The essential oil of the plant might be useful to control absence and grand mal seizures at dose 1 mL/kg. This activity might be due to its content of monoterpenes.     

Anticonvulsant effect of Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. on pentylenetetrazole induced seizure: a behavioral and EEG study in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Marsilea quadrifolia Linn (MQ) extract has been used traditionally as sedative and antiepileptic drug in India.

Aim of this study

To investigate the anticonvulsive potential of MQ extracts by using behavior and electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure model in rats.

Materials and methods

For anticonvulsant effect, 60 minutes after administration of MQ, behavior and EEG were analyzed during PTZ (60 mg/kg) induced seizures. Changes of EEG power, latency of onset of seizure, seizure severity score, and duration of epileptic seizure were determined.

Results

Both the water and ethanol extract of MQ increased the latency of seizure but also decreased duration of epileptic seizure and seizure severity score. This reduction of seizure severity was also observed in EEG recording and EEG power analysis. The effectiveness of MQ ethanol extract is better than MQ water extract.

Conclusion

Both water and ethanol extract of MQ were effective in reducing the severity of behavioral and EEG seizures induced by PTZ in rats. This study justifies the traditional use of this plant in epilepsy.     

Behavioral and anticonvulsant effects of the standardized extract of Ficus platyphylla stem bark

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Decoctions of Ficus platyphylla Del.-Holl (Family: Moraceae) are used in Nigeria?s folk medicine for the management of epilepsy and their efficacies are widely acclaimed among the rural communities of northern Nigeria. The aim of the study is to examine the behavioral and anticonvulsant properties of the standardized methanol extract of Ficus platyphylla (FP) stem bark, in order to scientifically describe its potential values in the management of convulsive disorders.

Materials and methods

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and preliminary phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract were utilized and the intraperitoneal median lethal dose (LD₅₀) determined in mice. The effects of FP were investigated on some murine models of behavior and its anticonvulsant effects studied on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-, strychnine (STN)-, picrotoxin (PCT)-, isoniazid (INH)-, aminophylline (AMI)- and maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures in mice.

Results

The intraperitoneal oral LD₅₀ of FP was estimated to be 5000 mg/kg. FP significantly reduced the locomotor activities including the total distance covered, speed, active time and rearing counts. It shortened the onset and prolonged the duration of diazepam-induced sleep, but had no effect on motor coordination on the rota-rod treadmill or beam-walking assay in mice at the doses tested. The extract protected the mice against PTZ- and STN-induced seizures and significantly delayed the latencies of myoclonic jerks and tonic seizures induced by all the standard convulsant agents (PTZ, PCT, INH, STN and AMI) used in this study, but failed to protect the mice against MES seizures at the doses tested. The HPLC fingerprint of the extract shows a spectrum profile characteristic of Ficus platyphylla, while the preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids and tannins.

Conclusion

Our study provides scientific evidence that FP may contain psychoactive principles with potential anticonvulsant properties, thus supporting further development of the psychoactive components of this plant as anticonvulsant agents.     

Anticonvulsant effect of Ficus religiosa: Role of serotonergic pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ficus religiosa (Moraceae) is reported to have numerous therapeutic utility in folk medicine. Among different biological activities on central nervous system, it has been reported to be used in ethnomedical treatment of epilepsy, which led us to further explore its anticonvulsant activity in various animal models of epilepsy.

Aim of the study

To investigate anticonvulsant activity of methanolic extract of figs of Ficus religiosa in animal models and to determine its possible anticonvulsant mechanism.

Materials and methods

Anticonvulsant activity of figs extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) was studied in seizures induced by maximum electroshock (MES), picrotoxin and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Cyproheptadine, a nonselective (5HT_1/2) serotonin antagonist (4 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to study the reversal of protective effect of extract in the above mentioned models. Acute toxicity, neurotoxicity and potentiation of pentobarbitone induced sleep by extract was also studied.

Results

Extract showed no toxicity, potentiated pentobarbitone induced sleep and inhibited seizures induced by MES and picrotoxin in a dose dependent manner. Anticonvulsant effect of extract was comparable to clinically used antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin and diazepam). However, PTZ induced seizures were not inhibited. Animals pretreated with cyproheptadine showed inhibition of the anticonvulsant effect of extract.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that the methanolic extract of figs of Ficus religiosa had anticonvulsant activity against MES and picrotoxin induced convulsions, with no neurotoxic effect, in a dose dependent manner. Inhibition of the anticonvulsant effect of extract by cyproheptadine substantiates the involvement of serotonergic pathways for the anticonvulsant activity of extract.     

UPLC-TOF-MS analysis of Galium spurium towards its neuroprotective and anticonvulsant activities

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Galium species have been reported to be used against epilepsy in traditional Turkish folk medicine.

Aim of study

The present work was undertaken to evaluate the in vivo anticonvulsant and in vitro neuroprotective effects of Galium spurium L. and to determine the major constituents by UPLC–TOF-MS.

Materials and methods

Anticonvulsant activity of the aerial parts of Galium spurium was investigated using pentylenetetrazole, picrotoxin, and maximal electroshock-induced seizure animal models. In order to evaluate the safety, neurotoxicity (Rota rod test) of the ethanol extract was also determined. In vitro neuroprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Galium spurium was assessed by acetylcholinesterase and butrylcholinesterase inhibitions. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (UPLC–TOF-MS) was used to identify the major compounds in the extract.

Results

In pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure, the ethanol extract at doses of 250 and 1000 mg/kg prolonged the onset of seizures. Similarly, Galium spurium (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly delayed the onset of picrotoxin-induced seizures in mice and these doses also exhibited 12.5% and 17% protection, respectively, against picrotoxin-induced seizures. Furthermore, Galium spurium extract showed a significant protective effect against maximal electroshock-induced seizures at doses of 250 and 1000 mg/kg (50% and 37.5%, respectively) and also all tested doses prolonged the onset of seizures. No motor co-ordination was observed with intraperitoneal injection of Galium spurium extract at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The extract exhibited 16.2% inhibition against butrylcholinesterase at 200 μg/mL concentration, whereas it did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Phytochemical analysis of the extract based on the MS data by UPLC–TOF-MS, ten major compounds (phenolic and triterpenic acids, flavonoids and iridoids) were determined.

Conclusions

The results indicate that Galium spurium may have anticonvulsant activity against picrotoxin and maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice. Phenolic acids, flavonoids and iridoids might be responsible for anticonvulsant activity. The results offer possible beneficial effects by the plant's aerial parts and may suggest a realistic explanation for its traditonal usage in epilepsy.     

Hancornia speciosa: indications of gastroprotective, healing and anti-Helicobacter pylori actions

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomez) is a medicinal plant frequently cited in ethnopharmacological inventories of the central region of Brazil against gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhoea, ulcer, gastritis and stomachache.

Aim of the study

The hydroalcoholic extract (HE) and infusion (BI) of Hancornia speciosa bark were investigated for their ability to prevent and heal rodent gastric ulcer.

Materials and methods

The preventive and healing action of both preparations of Hancornia speciosa were evaluated in experimental models in rodents that simulated this disease in human gastric mucosa.

Results

BI did not exert gastroprotective effect, in contrast to HE (500 mg/kg, p.o.) that decreased (p < 0.05) the severity of gastric damage induced by HCl/ethanol (52%), indomethacin/bethanechol (51%), stress (52%) or pylorus ligature experiments (54%). HE increased (p < 0.05) the pH and decreased acid output of gastric juice. This extract promoted increase of mucus amount (3.62 mg/wt. tissue vs. 5.81 mg/wt. tissue), healing action (67%) and displayed anti-Helicobacter pylori effect.

Conclusions

The antiulcer action of Hancornia speciosa resulted in increase of gastric mucus formation and antioxidant properties of polymeric proanthocyanidins present in the bark composition of this medicinal plant.     

Proconvulsant effect of khat (Catha edulis) in Sprague dawley rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Catha edulis (khat) is a plant whose fresh young leaves are used by an estimated five million people in eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula as a drug of recreation. The fresh leaves and shoots are rich in cathinone, a psychostimulant with effects similar to those of amphetamines. Psychostimulants produce a dose-related excitation of the central nervous system which can lead to seizures and convulsions. However there are no reports on studies of the effect of this herb on brain excitability and seizures. This knowledge is useful for doctors who may prescribe drugs whose side effects include lowering seizure threshold because there could be additive proconvulsant effect among khat users.

Aim of the study

to determined whether khat lowers pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure threshold.

Methodology

Male Sprague dawley rats were given fresh aqueous khat extract, old aqueous khat extract (3 g/kg bw), methylphenidate or saline and the timed intravenous (PTZ) seizure threshold test was used to study its effect on seizure threshold.

Results

Fresh khat (3 g/kg) and methylphenidate (4 mg/kg) lowered PTZ seizure threshold.

Conclusion

Khat lowers seizure threshold.     

Anticonvulsant activity of DNS II fraction in the acute seizure models

Aim of the study

Delphinium nordhagenii belongs to family Ranunculaceae, it is widely found in tropical areas of Pakistan. Other species of Delphinium are reported as anticonvulsant and are traditionally used in the treatment of epilepsy. Delphinium nordhagenii is used by local healer in Pakistan but never used for scientific investigation as anticonvulsant. Thus, Delphinium nordhagenii was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation and the most active fraction, i.e. DNS II acetone was chosen for further testing in the acute seizure models of epilepsy to study the antiepileptic potential in male mice.

Materials and methods

Different doses (60, 65 and 70 mg/kg, i.p.) of DNS II acetone fraction of Delphinium nordhagenii was administered 30 min prior the chemoconvulsant's injection in the male mice. Convulsive doses of chemoconvulsants (pentylenetetrazole 90 mg/kg, s.c. and picrotoxin 3.15 mg/kg, s.c.) were used. The mice were observed 45–90 min for the presence of seizures. Moreover, four different doses of DNS II (60, 65, 70 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) were tested in the MES test.

Results

The DNS II acetone fraction of Delphinium nordhagenii has exhibited the anticonvulsant actions by preventing the seizures against PTZ- and picrotoxin-induced seizure as well as 100% seizure protection in MES test. The results are comparable with standard AEDs (diazepam 7.5 mg/kg, i.p. and phenytoin 20 mg/kg, i.p.).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the Delphinium nordhagenii possesses the anticonvulsant activity. Further analysis is needed to confirm the structure and target the extended activity profile.     

Evaluation of the effects of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge saponin extract on central nervous system functions

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In traditional medicine, Astragalus mongholicus (AM) has been used for the treatment of general weakness, chronic illness, and to increase overall vitality.

Aim of the study

The present study investigated possible effects of the saponin fraction of AM on the central nervous system. Moreover, its effects on locomotor activity, anxiety, and hippocampal morphology were studied.

Material and methods

AM extract was tested for its effects on locomotor activity using the Moti-Test, for situational anxiety in the elevated plus maze, and for anticonvulsant activity against acute pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and in the PTZ kindling model.

Results

It was shown that AM (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) did not interfere with locomotor activity and situational anxiety as measured in the elevated plus maze. In these doses, AM significantly suppressed pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures (p < 0.05). Its anticonvulsant efficacy was also evident against repeated PTZ seizures (p < 0.05). This suggests potential therapeutic usefulness. After subchronic application, the number of cells in hippocampal CA1 was reduced, whilst the cell number in CA3 and hilus remained unaffected.

Conclusions

Doses of AM extract which did not interfere with locomotor acticity and situational anxiety appear to be useful in the treatment of convulsive disorders. The mechanisms underlying this effect on hippocampal morphology are not yet understood.     

Central effects of isolated fractions from the root of Petiveria alliacea L. (tipi) in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Petiveria alliacea L. (tipi) a shrub from Phytolaccaceae family is popularly used in folk medicine for treating a wide variety of disorders in South and Central America.

Aim of the study

To investigate the neuropharmacological properties on experimental animals.

Materials and methods

The acetate (FA), hexanic (FH), hydroalcoholic (FHA) and precipitated hydroalcoholic (FHAppt) fractions from the root of tipi were studied to investigate its pharmacological properties in the classical behavioral models (open-field, elevated plus maze-EPM, rotarod, barbiturate-induced sleeping time, forced swimming and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions tests) using mice. These fractions were administered intraperitoneally and orally to female mice at single doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg.

Results

All these fractions decreased the locomotor activity, rearing and grooming in the open-field test, suggesting a possible central depressant action. No significant effect was evident on motor coordination of the animals in the rotarod test. On EPM, all the fractions of tipi presented a significant reduction on the time of permanence in the open arms, indicating an absence of anxiolytic-like effect. In addition, the fractions increased the immobility time in the forced swimming test and potentiated pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in mice, confirmed a probable sedative and central depressant effect. Furthermore, the fractions increased the latency to the first convulsion and the lethal time of the PTZ-induced convulsions test in the animals, confirmed its popular use as anticonvulsant.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the fractions of P. alliacea L. contains biologically active substance(s) that might be acting in the CNS and have significant depressant and anticonvulsant potentials, supporting folk medicine use of this plant.     

Anti-epileptogenic and antioxidant effect of Lavandula officinalis aerial part extract against pentylenetetrazol-induced kindling in male mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Repeated application of Lavandula officinalis (L. officinalis) has been recommended for a long time in Iranian traditional medicine for some of nervous disorders like epilepsy and dementia. However, there is no available report for the effect of chronic administration of Lavandula extract in development (acquisition) of epilepsy. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the anti-epileptogenic and antioxidant activity of repeated administration of Lavandula officinalis extract on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindling seizures in mice model.

Materials and methods

Lavandula officinalis was tested for its ability (i) to suppress the seizure intensity and lethal effects of PTZ in kindled mice (anti-epileptogenic effect), (ii) to attenuate the PTZ-induced oxidative injury in the brain tissue (antioxidant effect) when given as a pretreatment prior to each PTZ injection during kindling development. Valproate (Val), a major antiepileptic drug, was also tested for comparison.

Results

Val and Lavandula officinalis extract showed anti-epileptogenic properties as they reduced seizure score of kindled mice and PTZ-induced mortality. In this regard, Lavandula officinalis was more effective than Val. Both Lavandula officinalis and Val suppressed brain nitric oxide (NO) level of kindled mice in comparison with the control and PTZ group. Meanwhile, Lavandula officinalis suppressed NO level more than Val and Lavandula officinalis also decreased brain MDA level relative to PTZ group.

Conclusion

This is the first report to demonstrate NO suppressing and anti-epileptogenic effect of chronic administration of Lavandula officinalis extract on acquisition of epilepsy in PTZ kindling mice model. In this regard, Lavandula officinalis extract was more effective than Val, possibly and in part via brain NO suppression.     

Evaluation of the wound healing potential of Wedelia trilobata (L.) leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc (Asteraceae) leaves are used in the treatment of wounds by traditional healers. Despite the use of this plant in wound healing, there is a scarcity of scientific data to support its therapeutic application.

Aim of the study

To investigate the wound healing potential of Wedelia trilobata (L.) leaves commonly employed by traditional healers and to clarify its traditional use in a scientific investigation.

Materials and methods

An ethanolic extract of Wedelia trilobata leaves was subjected to column chromatography. Hexane, ethyl acetate (WEA) and chloroform:methanol (50:50) (WCM) fractions were obtained. The fractions were tested using relevant in vitro wound healing assays. Antioxidant activity was measured by the DPPH assay. The fibroblast proliferation, oxidative stress using hydrogen peroxide, an in vitro scratch assay, and increasing collagen content was determined using fibroblast L929. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Results

WEA (3 μg/mL) promoted fibroblast L929 survivability up to more than 90% before and more than 85% after hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress. WEA (3 μg/mL) induced a 70% migration rate in the in vitro scratch assay and the collagen content was increased to 261 μg/mL compared to the control (57.5 μg/mL). WCM exhibited a scavenging activity for DPPH with an IC₅₀ value of 179.5 μg/mL comparable to BHT (139.3 μg/mL). WEA was active against Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis with MIC values of 62.5 and 31.25 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

These scientific findings of wound healing activity supports the traditional claims for Wedelia trilobata (L.) leaves. The WEA displayed antibacterial and fibroblast stimulatory activities while WCM exhibited antioxidant to indicate its potential wound healing properties. However further studies to isolate the antibacterial, antioxidant and fibroblast stimulatory compounds that contribute to the wound healing properties of this plant are needed.     

Evaluation of diuretic activity of Amaranthus spinosus Linn. aqueous extract in Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditional Siddha medicine literature claims that the Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (family: Amaranthaceae) whole plant possesses diuretic property.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the diuretic potential of Amaranthus spinosus aqueous extract (ASAE) in rats.

Material and methods

Different concentrations of ASAE (200, 500, 1000, 1500 mg/kg), thiazide (10 mg/kg) and vehicle were orally administered to rats (n = 6 animals per group) and their urine output was collected after 24 h. Volume, pH, Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations of urine were estimated.

Results

ASAE produced increase in Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻ excretion, caused alkalinization of urine, showed strong saluretic activity and carbonic anhydrase inhibition activity. These effects were observed predominantly at 500 mg/kg dose and there was no dose–response relationship.

Conclusion

Our study strongly suggests that the Amaranthus spinosus is acting as a thiazide like diuretic with carbonic anhydrase inhibitory activity which restates the claim as diuretic herb in Siddha medicine.     

Hyperpigmentant activity of leaves and flowers extracts of Pyrostegia venusta on murine B16F10 melanoma

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pyrostegia venusta is a native Brazilian plant which has a variety of uses in traditional folk medicine including the treatment of vitiligo. However, its effectiveness on melanogenesis is not yet elucidated.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to investigate the melanogenic activity of hydroalcoholic extracts from the leaves and flowers of P. venusta on murine B16F10 melanoma cells.

Materials and methods

Different concentrations of the hydroalcoholic extracts of flowers and leaves of P. venusta were evaluated in trials of spontaneous melanin content (4 days), and cell viability by the MTT assay in murine B16F10 cells, and in the mushroom tyrosinase activity in vitro.

Results

Both extracts, leaves (0.1; 0.3; 1 and 3 μg/mL) and flowers (0.03 and 0.1 μg/mL) increased the melanin content in a concentration dependent manner after 4 days of incubation on melanoma cells. Leaves extract promoted enhancement of melanogenesis with maximum effect of 33.3 ± 3% (3 μg/mL), and the flower extract increased in 23.4 ± 3% (0.1 μg/mL). The cell viability test using MTT showed that in the same tested concentrations of both extracts no cell death was detected. Actually, either extract was not able to cause any change in the tyrosinase activity. HPLC analysis of P. venusta extracts found 0.09% and 1.08% of allantoin on leaves and flowers extracts, respectively.

Conclusions

The leaves and flowers extracts of P. venusta stimulates B16F10 melanogenesis at very low concentrations. These findings support the folk medicinal use of P. venusta on the treatment of hypopigmentation diseases, such as vitiligo.     

Antinociceptive activity of aqueous extract and isolated compounds of Lithrea molleoides

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Lithrea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine in South America.

Aim of the study

In the present study, the in vivo antinociceptive effect of L. molleoides' aqueous extract and its isolated compounds has been investigated.

Materials and Methods

Antinociceptive activity was evaluated through writhing, formalin and hot plate tests in mice. The phytochemical analysis was performed.

Results

The extract produced significant inhibition on nociception induced by acetic acid (ED50: 8.7 mg/kg, i.p.) and formalin (ED50: 7.7 mg/kg, i.p.) administered intraperitoneally and also orally. Yohimbine diminished the activity of the extract in the acetic acid test meanwhile haloperidol enhanced its effect. Two majority compounds, shikimic and vanillic acid were active in chemical nociceptive models used in this work, producing the highest inhibition of the writhing response at a dose of 30 mg/kg i.p. (55.4% and 57.1%, respectively) meanwhile at 100 mg/kg p.o. produced a slight response (23.3% and 23.9%, respectively).

Conclusions

These results suggest that L. molleoides' aqueous extract produced antinociception possibly related to the presence of shikimic and vanillic acid. The adrenergic and dopaminergic systems seem to be involved in the mechanism of antinociception of the extract.     

In vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory activities of iridoids fraction from Barleria prionitis Linn

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Barleria prionitis Linn. (Family: Acanthaceae), one of the important Ayurvedic medicinal plant in India, has long been used to treat variety of ailments including swellings, gout, arthritic and rheumatic disorders, nervine and skin diseases, and also acts as immunorestorative.

Aim of the study

The present study was aimed to explore in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory activities of the iridoids fraction i.e. n-butanol fraction of methanol extract from Barleria prionitis aerial parts (IFBp).

Materials and methods

IFBp was studied for in vitro [nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test and neutrophils candidacidal assay] and in vivo immunomodulatory activity on cellular and humoral immune responses to the antigenic challenge by sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and by neutrophil adhesion test, phagocytic activity and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. The study comprised the preliminary phytochemical screening, HPTLC standardization and maximum tolerable dose determination of IFBp.

Results

IFBp (50, 100 and 200 μg/ml) significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased the intracellular killing activity of stimulated neutrophils assayed by in vitro NBT reduction test and neutrophils candidacidal assay. Pretreatment of IFBp (100 and 200 mg/kg; p.o.) evoked a significant increase in percent neutrophils and neutrophils adhesion to nylon fibres. Oral administration of IFBp augmented the humoral immune response to SRBCs, evidenced by increase in antibody titres and dose dependently potentiated the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction induced by SRBCs in mice. IFBp potentiated significantly (P ≤ 0.01) the macrophage phagocytic activity and ameliorated the red blood cells, total white blood cells and platelets count and haemoglobin concentration, and also restored the myelosuppressive effects induced by cyclophosphamide. The content (% w/w; mean ± SD, n = 3) of main iridoids i.e. shanzhiside methyl ester and barlerin was found to be 21.55 ± 2.40 and 10.03 ± 1.69 in IFBp of BP, respectively.

Conclusion

The present investigation reveals that IFBp is a potent immunostimulant, stimulating both the specific and non-specific immune mechanisms.     

Sedative activity of hexane extract of Keampferia galanga L. and its active compounds

Ethnopharmacological relevance

It is well known that fragrance impacts behaviors and autonomic functions, and is increasingly used as relaxant, carminative, as well as sedative in aromatherapy. Kaempferia galanga L. is one of the popular traditional aromatic medicinal plants used in tropics and subtropics of Asia including China, Japan and Indochina.

Aim of the study

The aim of present study was to investigate sedative effects of hexane extract of Kaempferia galanga L.and 2 active aromatic compounds (compound 1: ethyl trans-p-methoxycinnamate and compound 2: ethyl cinnamate ) included in the extyract by means of inhalation in mice.

Materials and methods

Sedative activity was assessed by inhalation of the hexane extract and two major aromatic compounds.

Results

Inhalation of hexane extract at the doses of 1.5 and 10 mg showed significant reduction of locomotor activity, indicating considerable sedative and relaxant effects. Compound 1 and 2 were proved to possess sedative effects at 0.0014 mg and 0.0012 mg respectively.

Conclusions

These results suggest the promising application of Kaempferia galanga L. and its constituents in aromatherapy.     

Antiulcer principle from Zingiber montanum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rhizome of Zingiber montanum has been extensively used as a folk medicine to ameliorate peptic ulcer at northern part of Bangladesh.

Aim of the study

To identify the antiulcer principle of the MeOH extract of the rhizome of Zingiber montanum by an ex vivo bioassay guided chromatographic separation and purification, and structure elucidation of the purified compound by spectroscopic methods.

Materials and methods

Dried powder of Zingiber montanum rhizomes was extracted with MeOH. The antiulcer activity of the crude extract and its chromatographic fractions were evaluated by the inhibition of 1 N HCl induced gastric lesions in Swiss albino mice. The pure compound was purified from the active fraction by crystallization with hexanes. Structure of the pure compound was elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The antiulcer activity of the pure compound was evaluated by the inhibition of 1 N HCl, 95% ethanol and indomethacin induced gastric lesions in mice.

Results

The MeOH extract of Zingiber montanum showed 61.97% and 83.10% inhibition of the 1 N HCl induced gastric lesions at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively, in mice. Chromatographic separation on silica gel of the extract was yielded seven fractions and the fraction 2 was found to have most potent antiulcer activity in mice. This fraction showed 77.46% inhibition of the 1 N HCl induced gastric lesions at a dose of 40 mg/kg in mice. Crystallization of the fraction yielded 1 (zerumbone, 180 mg). It showed statistically 45.77% and 92.25% inhibition of 1 N HCl induced gastric lesions in mice at doses of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively. It also showed 29.07% and 45.35% inhibition of 95% ethanol induced gastric mucosal damage, and 64.76% and 72.38% inhibition of indomethacin induced gastric lesions in mice at doses of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively.

Conclusion

Zerumbone (1) showed potent cytoprotective effect against necrotizing agent (HCl) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacin) induced gastric ulceration. It also exhibited moderate cytoprotective effect against noxious agent (EtOH) induced gastric lesions. It can be considered as a promising new antiulcer natural drug lead.     

Evaluation of anti-tussive activity of Chamaedorea tepejilote

Aim of the study

Evaluate the potential inhibition of cough in a mouse model induced by sulfur dioxide gas of methanol and chloroform extracts of aerial parts of Chamaedorea tepejilote.

Material and methods

The antitussive effect was examined using the Ogyhara method. The extracts and theobromine were orally administered to mice. Each extract was administered to one group (400 mg/Kg) and theobromine (2 mg), and negative control received PVP. The frequency of cough was measured at 60, 90 min after the administration of chloroform extract.

Results

The water extract of C. tepejilote had no effect on the pharmacological model used in this study. The effects of the methanol and chloroform extracts of this plant on sulfur-dioxide-induced cough in experimental animals show activity dose-dependently in the range between 100 to 500 mg/Kg. At doses of 400 mg/kg, the methanol and chloroform extracts inhibited cough by 41.72% and 49.1%, respectively; these results are comparable to the effect produced by the antitussive agent theobromine (53.4% inhibition).

Conclusions

Both extracts exhibited significant antitussive activity, and the effect of the chloroform extract was dose dependent. The antitussive activity of this extract was comparable to that of theobromine. The effect of chloroform extract on the trachea was also tested; it did not relax pre-contractions in guinea pig trachealis induced KCl, carbachol or histamine.     

The effects of Rhizoma drynariae on interleukin-2 and T-lymphocyte levels in rats after severe head injury

Objective

To investigate the effects of Rhizoma drynariae on the levels of interleukin-2(IL-2) and T-lymphocyte subset in rats with severe head injury (SHI).

Methods

72 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, model group, and R. drynariae group. The experimental group received intragastrical infusions of with aqueous R. drynariae extract four hours after SHI while the other groups were administered with equivalent volumes of physiological saline. Infusions were administered to the 3 groups once a day for 7 d. IL-2 and T-lymphocyte (CD3, CD4, CD8) levels were measured at 24, 72, and 168 h after initial infusion.

Results

The levels of IL-2 and CD4 T cells reduced obviously after 24 h in the model group (P<0.05), but recovered to the levels of the control group after 72 h, and remained elevated after 168 h. In the R. drynariae group, IL-2 and CD4 levels were did not decrease while the level of CD8 T cells was reduced significantly (P<0.05).

Conclusions

R. drynariae can protect against immune dysfunction or improve immunity in rats with severe head injury (SHI).