Antiplasmodial activity of root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus

Aim of the study

Antiplasmodial activity of root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus were evaluated to ascertain the folkloric claim of its antimalarial activity and elucidate its antiplasmodial mechanism of action.

Material and method

The crude ethanolic root extract (27–81 mg/kg) and gradient fractions ( n- hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol; 54 mg/kg) of Croton zambesicus were investigated for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine - sensitive Plasmodium berghei infections in mice. The antiplasmodial activity during early and established infections as well as the prophylactic activity were investigated. Chloroquine (5 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg) were used as positive controls. Thin films made from tail blood of each mouse were used to assess the level of parasitaemia of the mice. Oxidant generation potentials of the crude extract and fractions was also evaluated to elucidate their mechanism of action.

Results

The crude root extract (27 – 81 mg/kg) demonstrated significant (P < 0.01–0.001) schizonticidal activity during early and established infections and also had prophylactic activity. The activity was comparable to that of the standard drug used (chloroquine 5 mg/kg, pyrimethamine 1.2 mg/kg). Methanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions had comparative in vivo antiplasmodial activity and oxidant generation potentials.

Conclusion

The antiplasmodial activity of this root extract and fractions which is likely to be through peroxidation confirms the folkloric use of this plant.     

Antiplasmodial activity of Punica granatum L. fruit rind

Aim of the study

Sun-dried rind of the immature fruit of Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) (Pg) is presently used as a herbal formulation (OMARIA) in Orissa, India, for the therapy and prophylaxis of malaria. The aims of this study were (i) to assess in vitro the antiplasmodial activity of the methanolic extract, of a tannin enriched fraction and of compounds/metabolites of the antimalarial plant, (ii) to estimate the curative efficacy of the Pg extracts and (iii) to explore the mechanism of action of the antiplasmodial compounds. Urolithins, the ellagitannin metabolites, were also investigated for antiplasmodial activity.

Materials and methods

Chloroquine-susceptible (D10) and -resistant (W2) strains of Pf were used for in vitro studies and the rodent malaria model Plasmodium berghei—BALB/c mice was used for in vivo assessments. Recombinant plasmepsins 2 and 4 were used to investigate the interference of Pg compounds with the metabolism of haemoglobin by malaria parasites.

Results

The Pg methanolic extract (Pg-MeOH) inhibited parasite growth in vitro with a IC₅₀ of 4.5 and 2.8 μg/ml, for D10 and W2 strain, respectively. The activity was found to be associated to the fraction enriched with tannins (Pg-FET, IC₅₀ 2.9 and 1.5 μg/ml) in which punicalagins (29.1%), punicalins, ellagic acid (13.4%) and its glycoside could be identified. Plasmepsin 2 was inhibited by Pg-MeOH extract and by Pg-FET (IC₅₀ 7.3 and 3.0 μg/ml), which could partly explain the antiparasitic effect. On the contrary, urolithins were inactive. Both Pg-MeOH extract and Pg-FET did not show any in vivo efficacy in the murine model.

Conclusions

The in vitro studies support the use of Pg as antimalarial remedy. Possible explanations for the negative in vivo results are discussed.     

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Croton crassifolius ethanol extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Croton crassifolius has been used to treat snake bites, stomach ache, sternalgia, joint pain, as well as pharyngitis, jaundice, and rheumatoid arthritis in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there is no scientific evidence which supports the use in the literature.

Aim of the study

To investigate the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of C. crassifolius.

Materials and methods

Anti-nociceptive actions of C. crassifolius were assessed in mice using the hot-plate test, acetic acid-induced writhing test, and formalin test. Anti-inflammatory effects of C. crassifolius were determined in three animal models: acetic acid-induced capillary permeability accentuation in mice, carrageenan-induced edema of the hind paw in rats, and cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation in rats.

Results

Ethanol extract of C. crassifolius showed no significant anti-nociceptive activity in the hot-plate test. However, extract at dosages of 45, 90 and 180 mg/kg significantly reduced acetic acid-induced writhing by 28.89% (P<0.05), 38.37% (P<0.05), and 56.53% (P<0.001), respectively. The extract also caused marked dose-related inhibition of formalin-induced pain in the second phase (P<0.05 for 45 mg/kg, P<0.001 for 90 and 180 mg/kg extract). C. crassifolius extract at dosages of 45, 90 and 180 mg/kg significantly reduced acetic acid-induced capillary permeability accentuation in mice by 26.18% (P<0.05), 65.70% (P<0.001), and 79.19% (P<0.001), and suppressed carrageenan-induced paw edema by 21.28% (P<0.05), 30.69% (P<0.01), and 49.17% (P<0.001) at 6 h after carrageenan injection, respectively. 180 mg/kg of the extract also showed significant activity against carrageenan-induced paw edema at 4 h. At 90 and 180 mg/kg, the extract inhibited cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation in rats.

Conclusions

These results collectively demonstrate that the ethanol extract of C. crassifolius possesses peripheral anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, providing evidence to rationalize the traditional use of C. crassifolius for the treatment of pain and inflammation.     

维药阿纳其根抗肿瘤活性部位筛选及其化学成分的分离鉴定

为探寻阿纳其根的生物活性成分,对其抗肿瘤活性部位化学成分进行了研究。结果表明,主要抗肿瘤活性部位为二氯甲烷部位和乙酸乙酯部位。从阿纳其根的二氯甲烷部位和乙酸乙酯部位共分离得到10个单体成分,其中,包括7个N-烷基酰胺类生物碱、1个香豆素和2个黄酮苷。分别为十四-2E,4E,8E-三烯酸-4-羟基苯乙胺(1)、十-2E,4E-二烯酸异丁基胺(2)、十一-2E,4E-二烯-8,10二炔酸苯乙胺(3)、十四-2E,4E-二烯酸-4-羟基苯乙胺(4)、十四-2E,4E-二烯-8,10-二炔-异丁基胺(5)、十-2E,4E-二烯酸苯乙胺(6)、十二-2E,4E-二烯酸苯乙胺(7)、异莨菪亭(8)、槲皮素-7-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(9)、异鼠李素-7-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(10)。活性部位分离得到的化合物1为1个新的化合物,化合物2~4,化合物8~10为首次从该植物中分离得到。     

Antiplasmodial activity of extracts from seven medicinal plants used in malaria treatment in Cameroon

Aim of the study

In a search for new plant-derived biologically active compounds against malaria parasites, we have carried out an ethnopharmacological study to evaluate the susceptibility of cultured Plasmodium falciparum to extracts and fractions from seven Cameroonian medicinal plants used in malaria treatment. We have also explored the inhibition of the Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease Falcipain-2.

Materials and methods

Plant materials were extracted by maceration in organic solvents, and subsequently partitioned or fractionated to afford test fractions. The susceptibility of erythrocytes and the W2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum to plant extracts was evaluated in culture. In addition, the ability of annonaceous extracts to inhibit recombinant cysteine protease Falcipain-2 was also assessed.

Results and discussion

The extracts showed no toxicity against erythrocytes. The majority of plant extracts were highly active against Plasmodium falciparumin vitro, with IC₅₀ values lower than 5 μg/ml. Annonaceous extracts (acetogenin-rich fractions and interface precipitates) exhibited the highest potency. Some of these extracts exhibited modest inhibition of Falcipain-2.

Conclusion

These results support continued investigation of components of traditional medicines as potential new antimalarial agents.     

Anti-angiogenic activity of methanol extract of Phellinus linteus and its fractions

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of MeOH extract of PL (PLME) and its fractions on angiogenesis.

Materials and methods

PLME and its subsequent fractions (methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions) were evaluated in vitro. Specifically, the anti-angiogenic activities of PLME and its fractions were investigated by measuring their effects on the proliferation, migration, tube formation and phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, the in vivo Matrigel plug model was applied to evaluate new vessel formation.

Results

The results revealed that PLME and its subsequent fractions, except for the aqueous fraction, led to significant inhibition of the proliferation, migration, tube formation and VEGFR-2 phosphorylation of HUVECs as well as in vivo angiogenesis.

Conclusions

These findings indicate the potential for the use of PLME in pathological situations involving stimulated angiogenesis, such as inflammation and tumor development.     

Acute toxicity studies of Croton membranaceus root extract

Aim of the study

Croton membranaceus root and leaf extracts are used in the Bahamas to aromatize tobacco, in Nigeria to improve digestion, and in Ghana, for benign prostate hyperplasia. Despite claims of success there is paucity of information on its toxicity. The aim of this study was to determine if Croton membranaceus has acute toxicity properties.

Materials and methods

Roots were air-dried in a solar dryer for one week before milling. The powder was extracted with 96% ethanol, freeze-dried and re-extracted with distilled water and freeze-dried. 15 male Sprague-Dawley rats (180-200 g) were divided equally into 2 treatment groups [low dose (LD) and high dose (HD)], plus a control group (C). LD and HD received 1500 and 3000 mg/kg b.wt. Croton membranaceus aqueous extract, respectively, one time and observed for 14 days. Haematological [Full Blood Count and haemoglobin (Hb)], biochemical [bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatise (ALP), γ-glutamyltranspetidase (GGT), urea, creatinine, creatinine kinase - Muscle and Brain (CK-MB), creatinine kinase - Total (CK-R)] examinations were performed.

Results

Control group's CK-MB (5444 ± 534 U/L) and LD group CK-MB (4014 ± 1016 U/L) were significantly different (p < 0.05). Control and the HD group CK-MB (3955 ± 1135 U/L) were significantly different (p < 0.05). Both LD and HD CK-R levels (697 ± 197 U/L and 732 ± 203 U/L, respectively), were lower than the control (1139 ± 220 U/L) at 48 h and 14 days (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). γ-GT levels of the HD group was 4.8 ± 0.4 U/L compared to the Control group value of 0.9 ± 0.2 U/L (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Taking all factors into consideration, Croton membranaceus ingestion does not produce general acute toxicity. However, its creatinine kinase lowering ability could be explored.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract and fractions from Couroupita guianensis Aublet leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Couroupita guianensis Aublet, ‘macacarecuia’, ‘abricó-de-macaco’, ‘castanha-de-macaco’ and ‘amêndoa-dos-andes’, is found in tropical regions and is widely used in the treatment of tumors, pain, and inflammatory processes.

Aim of the study

Ethanol extract and hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were evaluated in models of inflammatory pain (formalin-induced licking) and acute inflammation (carrageenan-induced peritonitis).

Materials and methods

Ethanol extract, hexane and ethyl acetate fractions (10, 30 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and the reference drugs dexamethasone (5 mg/kg), morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.), and acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) were tested in formalin-induced licking response and carrageenan-induced peritonitis.

Results

All three doses from Couroupita guianensis fractions significantly reduced the time that the animal spent licking the formalin-injected paw in first and second phases. However, only higher doses (30 and 100 mg/kg) were able to inhibit the leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity after carrageenan injection. In this model, the 100 mg/kg dose almost abolished the cell migration. It was also observed that protein concentration resulted from extravasation to the peritoneum and nitric oxide (NO) productions were significantly reduced. Cytokines production was differently affected by the treatment. TNF-α production was reduced after ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction pre-treatment whereas hexane fraction had effect only with 100 mg/kg dose. IL-1β production was inhibited only after hexane fraction pre-treatment. The inhibitory effect observed was not due to a direct cytotoxic effect on cells nor to a NO-scavenger activity. The effect was due to a direct inhibition on NO production by the cells.

Conclusions

The results show that Couroupita guianensis fractions have anti-inflammatory effect, partly due to a reduction on cell migration and a inhibition on cytokines and inflammatory mediators production.     

Anticonvulsant activity of aqueous root extract of Ficus religiosa

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ficus religiosa Linn is frequently used for the treatment of nervous disorders among Pawara tribe of the Satpuda range, India.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of the aqueous aerial root extract of Ficus religiosa in chemoconvulsant-induced seizures in mice.

Materials and methods

The anticonvulsant activity of the extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was investigated in strychnine-, pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin- and isoniazid-induced seizures in mice. Rat ileum and fundus strip preparations were used to study the effect of the extract on acetylcholine (Ach)- and serotonin (5-HT)-induced contractions, respectively.

Results

The extract showed no toxicity and protected the animals in the strychnine and pentylenetetrazole tests in a dose-dependent manner. Its effect in the picrotoxin and isoniazid tests, however, was less potent. The extract also exhibited dose-dependent potentiation of Ach in rat ileum but failed to potentiate the effect of 5-HT in rat fundus strip preparation.

Conclusions

The results suggest that an orally administered aqueous root extract of Ficus religiosa has dose-dependent and potent anticonvulsant activities against strychnine- and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. The observed activities may be ascribed to the appreciable content of zinc and magnesium in the extract.     

Anti-angiogenic activity of the methanol extract and its fractions of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica

This study aimed to elucidate anti-angiogenic activity of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica that has been widely used in folk medicine. The methanol extract (UDE) of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica concentration-dependently displayed a strong inhibition in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis. The n-butanol fraction of UDE and subsequent 30% MeOH subfraction were identified to be most responsible for the anti-angiogenic activity.     

In vitro and in vivo toxicological evaluation of extract and fractions from Baccharis trimera with anti-inflammatory activity

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Baccharis trimera (Less) DC. (Asteraceae), popularly known in Brazil as “carqueja”, have been used in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal diseases, and inflammatory processes as rheumatism.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo toxicological effects of anti-inflammatory Baccharis trimera aqueous extract and fractions.

Materials and methods

Aqueous extract of Baccharis trimera (AEBt) was produced by infusion in boiling water. After lyophylization AEBt was extracted with 80% ethanol, originating the ethanolic supernatant fraction (EFBt) and the aqueous sediment fraction (AFBt). Anti-inflammatory properties of AEBt, EFBt or AFBt (3, 30 or 300 μg/kg b.w.) were evaluated by the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema using indomethacin (10 mg/kg) as positive control. The growth of rat hepatoma cells (HTC) and human embryo kidney epithelial cells (HEK) was determined by protein staining assay. Cytotoxicity was assayed by the tetrazolium salt (MTT) reduction. Cyclosporin was used as reference cytotoxic drug for spleen cells and doxorubicin for HTC and HEK cells. For in vivo toxicological evaluation SW male mice were daily and oral (gavage) treated with extract/fractions at 4.2 mg/kg or 42 mg/kg during 15 days. After treatment liver or kidney cells were submitted to comet assay to determine the DNA damage index, and the glutathione S-transferase activity was assayed towards ETHA (class Pi) and CDNB (several classes). Mutagenicity was evaluated by the Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA97, TA98, TA100, and TA102.

Results

The anti-inflammatory effects of EFBt were higher than those of AEBt or AFBt. Mice treatment (3-300 μg/kg) with AFBt reduced the paw edema (3 h) at lower levels (29.2-37.3%; P < 0.01), than those observed for AEBt (44.7-54.2%; P < 0.001), EFBt (49.3-58.2%; P < 0.001) or indomethacin (64.6%, P < 0.001, 10 mg/kg). The growth of kidney cells (HEK) was inhibited by AEBt (IC₅₀ 182.6 μg/ml), EFBt (IC₅₀ 78.1 μg/ml) and AFBt (IC₅₀ 86.2 μg/ml), with lower effects on HTC hepatic cell (IC₅₀ 308.8 μg/ml, 396.5 μg/ml and 167.9 μg/ml, respectively). As evaluated by MTT test, AFBt exhibited cytotoxicity for HEK cells (IC₅₀ 372.5 μg/ml), but none for HTC ones; by the way, AFBt stimulated spleen cells (EC₅₀ 2.2 μg/ml) while cyclosporine, a cytotoxic reference drug inhibited them with IC₅₀ of 0.42 μg/ml; the IC₅₀ for doxorubicin for HEK and HTC cells was 0.28 μg/ml and 14.4 μg/ml, respectively, at 96 h. No mutagenic potential was observed. Mice treatment with AEBt or AFBt at 42 mg/kg for 15 days altered the kidney relative weight, but not at 4.2 mg/kg. Baccharis trimera did not change liver, spleen or popliteal lymph node relative weight. DNA damage index of kidney cells was observed on mice treated with AEBt/AFBt, but not on animals treated with EFBt, while DNA lesions were detected on liver cells only after AFBt treatment. The general activities of hepatic GST and Pi GST were reduced by EFBt and AFBt treatment, respectively.

Conclusions

Baccharis trimera did not show mutagenicity, inhibited the GST activity, a hepatic detoxification enzyme, and induced in vivo (genotoxicity) and in vitro toxicological effects to kidney cells.     

Hepatoprotective effect of Hypericum japonicum extract and its fractions

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of different parts of Hypericum japonicum against carbon tetrachloride(CCl(4))-induced hepatitis and alpha-naphthyl-isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were divided into groups and then administrated orally with solutions extracted from herbs before they were modeled in the experiments. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (T-BIL) in serum were evaluated. HPLC fingerprint was used for phytochemical analysis of the extracts. RESULTS: The total aqueous extract of Hypericum japonicum had an obvious effect on the decreasing of AST, ALT and T-BIL levels in serum. The isolated fraction IV (F4) exhibited a preferable activity of ameliorating cholestasis, while Fraction V (F5) was more efficacious in protecting liver from injury. Chemical fingerprint indicated that F5 contained several flavonoids which might be the active chemicals against hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Different fractions of Hypericum japonicum manifest different effect, indicating their different potentials as candidacies of new drugs.     

蜘蛛香提取物及总缬草素的抗焦虑活性研究

目的探讨蜘蛛香提取物及蜘蛛香总缬草素的抗焦虑作用及相关机制。方法利用小鼠明暗箱、敞箱、高架十字迷宫和自发性活动实验观察小鼠行为学方面的表现,评价蜘蛛香提取物及总缬草素抗焦虑作用;利用ELISA试剂盒方法测定小鼠血清皮质酮和脑海马组织中神经递质5-羟色胺(5-HT)、去甲肾上腺素(NE)和多巴胺(DA)水平。结果蜘蛛香提取物及总缬草素各剂量组对小鼠在明暗箱、敞箱、高架十字迷宫和自发性活动实验中的行为学表现均有改善作用,且可降低小鼠血清皮质酮水平和下调脑海马组织中神经递质NE、DA及5-HT的水平。结论蜘蛛香提取物及总缬草素均有抗焦虑作用,其抗焦虑作用可能是通过作用于丘脑-垂体-肾上腺(HPA)轴系统和调节脑组织神经递质而实现的。     

山茱萸水提液银纳米颗粒的制备及其抑菌活性的研究

目的使用山茱萸水提液在温和条件下制备银纳米颗粒(Ag NPs)、探究还原反应机制并研究其抑菌活性。方法采用紫外-可见光谱监测Ag NPs的生成,红外光谱研究还原机制,激光粒度仪和透射电镜表征粒径,表面性质和形貌,2倍稀释法研究Ag NPs的抑菌活性。结果山茱萸水提液在pH 9.0时超声反应4 h是还原制备AgNPs的最佳条件,得近球形AgNPs,平均粒径58.73 nm,均匀稳定、分散性好。黄酮类化合物可能起还原作用,同时水提液中活性成分在Ag NPs表面形成保护层,防止团聚,增加了Ag NPs的稳定性,制得的Ag NPs对大肠杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌的抑制率比化学法制备的Ag NPs分别增加20、40倍。结论山茱萸水提液可在温和条件下制备Ag NPs,该Ag NPs与化学制备法相比有更强的抗菌性能。结果表明该方法合成出的Ag NPs性能稳定,可以作为新型抗菌剂。     

Antinociceptive activity of the methanolic extract of Kaempferia galanga Linn. in experimental animals

Kaempferia galanga Linn. (Zingiberaceae) presents many chemical constituents of the volatile oil extracted from the rhizome. The rhizome of Kaempferia galanga is used by people in many regions for relieving toothache, abdominal pain, muscular swelling and rheumatism. In this study we investigated the antinociceptive activity in mice and rats using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, hot plate and tail-flick tests. The extract at test doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. clearly demonstrated antinociceptive activity in all tests. This activity was dose- and time-dependent. The extract administered at 200 mg/kg, p.o. had a stronger antinociceptive effect than aspirin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) but less than morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.). Naloxone (2 mg/kg, i.p.) abolished the antinociceptive action of both morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) and the extract (200 mg/kg, p.o.) in a similar manner. In conclusion, the methanol extract of Kaempferia galanga markedly demonstrated the antinociceptive action in experimental animals. The antinociceptive mechanisms appear to be both peripherally and centrally mediated actions and the opioid receptors are probably involved. Therefore, our studies support the use in traditional medicine of Kaempferia galanga against pain caused by various disorders.     

紫花前胡中化学成分的研究

采用HP20大孔吸附树脂、ODS、硅胶柱色谱、Sephadex LH-20柱色谱和半制备HPLC等色谱分离手段对紫花前胡的化学成分进行研究。结合理化性质及MS,NMR等谱学数据鉴定化合物的结构,从紫花前胡80%乙醇提取物中分离并鉴定了12个化合物,分别是(9R,10R)-9-acetoxy-8,8-dimethyl-9,10-dihydro-2H,8H-benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b']dipyran-2-one-10-yl ester(1)、补骨脂呋喃香豆精(2)、顺式-3',4'-二千里光酰基-3',4'-二氢邪蒿内酯(3)、(3'R,4'R)-3'-angeloyloxy-4'-senecioyloxy-3',4'-dihydroseselicalipteryxin(4)、(+)-8,9-dihydro-8-(2-hydro-xypropan-2-yl)-2-oxo-2H-furo[2,3h]chromen-9-yl-3-methylbut-2-enoate(5)、libanoridin(6)、丝立尼亭(7)、花椒素(8)、crocatone(9)、peujaponisinol B(10)、peujaponisinol A(11)、ostenol(12)。其中,化合物1~5为首次从当归属植物中分离得到,化合物7~12为首次从紫花前胡中分离得到。     

赤芝水提取物中的三萜类成分

采用硅胶、ODS、Sephadex LH-20、HPLC等色谱技术手段,从赤芝水提物中分离得到1个新的灵芝三萜酸和18个已知类似物。利用理化性质和波谱数据,鉴定新化合物为2β-acetoxy-3β,25-dihydroxy-7,11,15-trioxo-lanost-8-en-26-oic acid(1)。通过与文献数据比较,已知化合物分别鉴定为ganoderic acid H(2),12β-acetoxy-3β,7β-dihydroxy-11,15,23-trioxo-lanost-8,16-dien-26-oic acid(3),ganoderenic acid D(4),ganoderic acid C1(5),ganoderic acid G(6),3β,7β-dihydroxy-11,15,23-trioxo-lanost-8,16-dien-26-oic acid(7),ganoderic acid B(8),ganoderic acid C6(9),3β,15α-dihydroxy-7,11,23-trioxo-lanost-8,16-dien-26-oic acid(10),ganoderic acid A(11),ganolucidic acid A(12),lucidenic acid E2(13),lucidenic acid N(14),lucidenic acid P(15),lucidenic acid B(16),lucidenic acid A(17),lucidenic acid C(18),lucidenic acid L(19)。虽然化合物2~19在赤芝中已经报道,但是化合物1是新化合物。因此,该研究进一步丰富了赤芝的化学成分,尤其是填补了赤芝传统水煎剂化学成分研究的空白。     

Gastroprotective activity of ethanolic root extract of Potentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Potentilla fulgens (Wall.) ex Hook. (Rosaceae) is a potent medicinal plant of the Western Himalayas, known under the name “Himalayan Cinquefoil or Bajradanti”, and has been used traditionally to treat ailments including peptic ulcers, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, diabetes and cancer.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to scientifically evaluate the gastric-ulcer protective effect of P. fulgens ethanolic root extract (EPF) on experimental rats.

Material and methods

The gastroprotective activity of EPF was evaluated on four gastric-ulcer models such as pyloric ligation (PL), ethanol (EtOH), cold restrain stress (CRS) and aspirin (ASP)-induced gastric ulcers. The gastric acid obtained from 4 h PL-induced gastric ulcer rats was determined for total volume content, pH and total acid–pepsin output. Total carbohydrates and protein ratio, expressed as index of mucin activity, and DNA content were estimated in the gastric juice and gastric mucosal tissue. The microvascular permeability, H⁺K⁺–ATPase activity, gastric mucus and histamine content were also determined. The levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) and malondialdehyde in the stomach tissue (mucosal scrapings) were quantified. A histopathological study of the stomach was evaluated using eosin–haematoxylin stain.

Results

EPF (200–400 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant protection against acute gastric-ulcer induced by EtOH, PL and CRS (400 mg/kg, p.o.), but was found to be ineffective against ASP-induced ulcerogens. The effect of EPF on gastric juice studies in 4 h PL rats significantly produced an increased level in gastric pH, whereas the effect on gastric volume and acid–pepsin output was observed to decrease significantly. However, EPF was found to have no significant effect on the defensive factors, thus revealing its antisecretory property by inhibiting the aggressive factors. EPF, significantly decreased the histamine level, inhibited the H⁺K⁺–ATPase activity and prevented the microvascular injury caused by ethanol in the rat stomach. Moreover, it was also observed to have antioxidant effects by producing a significant increase in the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH and decreased the LPO activity. Histopathological studies showed that EPF significantly prevented gastric lesions caused by ethanol.

Conclusions

The present study showed that EPF has potent gastroprotective and antisecretory effects, thus justifying the traditional usage of this herb to treat gastric ulcers.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol root extract of Mahonia oiwakensis in mice

Aims of the study

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, and protoberberine alkaloid contents of ethanol extract of MO roots (MOR_EtOH).

Materials and methods

The analgesic activity of MOR_EtOH was determined using acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test. The anti-inflammatory activity of MOR_EtOH was determined using the λ-carrageenan-induced paw oedema model. The protoberberine alkaloid contents of MOR_EtOH were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

MOR_EtOH (100 and 500 mg/kg) decreased the acetic acid-induced writhing responses and licking times of the second phase in the formalin test. Moreover, carrageenan-induced paw oedema was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner by administering MOR_EtOH (100 and 500 mg/kg) at 3, 4, and 5 h after the carrageenan injection. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) of MOR_EtOH-treated mice were significantly reduced compared with those in the serum of animals administered carrageenan. Notably, MOR_EtOH attenuated the expression of cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and neutrophil infiltration in paw tissues injected with carrageenan. The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of MOR_EtOH appear to be related to the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration, iNOS and COX-2 protein expression, NO release, and the decreasing TNF-α level in serum. The analytical results showed that the contents of berberine, palmatine and jatrorrhizine were 191.45 mg/g extract, 100.15 mg/g extract and 66.45 mg/g extract, respectively.

Conclusion

These experimental results suggest that MOR_EtOH produced both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in mice and may be a candidate for the development of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.     

The in vivo expectorant and antitussive activity of extract and fractions from Reineckia carnea

Aim of study

To evaluate the potential expectorant and antitussive activity of a traditional Chinese medicine.

Materials and methods

The water extract and four fractions of the aerial part of Reineckia carnea were orally administrated to coughing mice induced by ammonium hydroxide and mice injected with phenol red, respectively, to investigate their medification effect on coughing and mucus scretion.

Results and discussion

90% Ethanol fraction significantly lengthened the latent period of cough and decreased cough frequency caused by ammonium hydroxide at the dose of 0.372 g/kg (p < 0.05). Sixty percent ethanol fraction reduced the cough frequency as well as the mucus secretion from mouse tracheas obviously at the dose of 0.570 g/kg (p < 0.05) by measuring the tracheal output of phenol red in mice. The medication effects in multiple doses of the active fractions were then performed and it has been proved that the 60% ethanol and 90% ethanol fraction were curatively effective on expectoration and coughing, respectively both at the high and middle dose, which supplied proofs for the further research on chemical constituents in both of two effective fractions.