Antidiarrhoeal and intestinal modulatory activities of Wei-Chang-An-Wan extract

Aim of the study

Wei-Chang-An-Wan (WCAW), a traditional pharmaceutical preparation, has been used for treating various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases for several decades, but it is still poorly understood how it works on those disorders. This study was to investigate the effects of WCAW extract on GI tract.

Materials and methods

The activities of the methanol extract (ME) of WCAW on castor oil-induced diarrhoea, gastrointestinal transit (GIT) in mice, and contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum were investigated. We further assessed the safety of ME in vivo. Additionally, a HPLC fingerprint of ME was appraised to ensure its chemical consistency.

Results

Ten peaks were identified in the HPLC fingerprint of ME. At the doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg, ME significantly protected mice against castor oil-induced diarrhoea as well as the number of faeces and wet faeces. Interestingly, administration of ME significantly accelerated GIT in normal mice and reduced stimulated GIT induced by neostigmine. ME also dose-dependently attenuated spontaneous contractions of the isolated rabbit jejunum, and those induced by acetylcholine (Ach) and neostigmine. Moreover, oral administration of ME up to 5 g/kg did not produce any toxic effects. Taken together, ME is able to inhibit diarrhoea, increase normal GIT, and decrease GIT induced by neostigmine, which indicate that ME might play a bidirectional role in GI tract.

Conclusions

Our study provides a scientific basis for the clinical use of WCAW.     

Sedative hypnotic action of pala papua,Myristica argentea,in mice

An aqueous extract of the seed of Myristica argentea depressed motor activity and caffeine-induced excitement, and prolonged spontaneous and pentobarbital-induced sleep in mice; it also inhibited brief tonic spasm caused by pentobarbital before hypnosis. These actions are discussed by comparing them with those of nutmeg essential oil, the seed essential oil of Myristica fragrans.     

Analgesic,antipyretic and antiinflammatory effects of Achillea ageratum

The aqueous and methanol extracts of Achillea ageratum L. (Asteraceae) have been evaluated for analgesic, antipyretic and antiinflammatory properties in mice and rats in several experimental models. The aqueous extract exhibited significant activity in the analgesic and antiinflammatory assays but was unable to reduce hyperthermia. Moreover, the methanol extract exerted effects in three pharmacological actions. The phytochemical investigation of this latter extract revealed the presence of flavonic compounds: luteolin, quercetin and 7-O-β-luteolin. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Some effects of Salvia aegyptiaca L. on the central nervous system in mice

Salvia aegyptiaca L. is used for treating various unrelated conditions that include nervous disorders, dizziness, trembling, diarrhoea and piles. This work examines some effects of the crude acetone and methanol extracts of the plant given at single oral doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1 or 2 g/kg, on the central nervous system (CNS) in mice. The extracts were also tested for anti-inflammatory and antipyretic actions. Several models of nociception have been used to examine the analgesic effect of the extract. In treated mice, the extracts caused dose-related inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction, and significantly reduced formalin-induced pain. Treatment with the extracts at doses of 0.5 and 1 g/kg significantly increased the reaction time in the hot-plate test. In treated mice both extracts caused significant and dose-related impairment of the sensorimotor control and motor activity. Treatment with both extracts did not significantly affect the rectal temperature of normothermic mice. The methanol extract (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) did not affect the rectal temperature of hyperthermic mice, but the acetone extract was effective in significantly reducing the rectal temperature of hyperthermic mice, 0.5 and 1 h after administration of the extract at doses of 0.25-2 g/kg. It is concluded that the crude methanol and acetone extracts of S. aegyptiaca have CNS depressant properties, manifested as antinociception and sedation. Both extracts have some anti-inflammatory and antipyretic actions. On the whole, the acetone extract appeared to be slightly more effective than the methanol extract in this regard.     

Antitumor activity of methanolic extract of Cassia fistula L. seed against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Effects of methanolic extract (ME) of Cassia fistula seed on the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and on the life span of tumor bearing mice were studied. ME treatment showed an increase of life span, and a decrease in the tumor volume and viable tumor cell count in the EAC tumor hosts. Cytological studies have revealed a reduction in the mitotic activity, and the appearance of membrane blebbing and intracytoplasmic vacuoles in the treated tumor cells. Improvement in the hematological parameters following ME treatment, like hemoglobin content, red blood cell count and bone marrow cell count of the tumor bearing mice have also been observed. The results of the present study suggest that ME of C. fistula seed has an antitumor activity.     

Anti‐inflammatory Activities of Gouania leptostachya Methanol Extract and its Constituent Resveratrol

Gouania leptostachya DC. var. tonkinensis Pitard. Rhamnaceae is a traditional medicinal plant used in Thailand for treating various inflammatory symptoms. However, no systematic studies have been performed concerning the anti‐inflammatory effects or molecular mechanisms of this plant. The immunopharmacological activities of a methanol extract from the leaves and twigs of G. leptostachya (Gl‐ME) were elucidated based on the gastritis symptoms of mice treated with HCl/EtOH and the inflammatory responses, such as nitric oxide (NO) release and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production, from RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, inhibitory target molecules were also assessed. Gl‐ME dose‐dependently diminished the secretion of NO and PGE₂ from LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. The gastritis lesions of HCl/EtOH‐treated mice were also attenuated after Gl‐ME treatment. The extract (50 and 300 µg/mL) clearly reduced mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, nuclear translocation of p65/nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, phosphorylation of p65‐activating upstream enzymes, such as protein kinase B (AKT), inhibitor of κBα kinase (IKK), and inhibitor of κB (IκBα), and the enzymatic activity of Src. By HPLC analysis, one of the major components in the extract was revealed as resveratrol with NO and Src inhibitory activities. Moreover, this compound suppressed NO production and HCl/EtOH‐induced gastric symptoms. Therefore, these results suggest that Gl‐ME might be useful as an herbal anti‐inflammatory medicine through the inhibition of Src and NF‐κB activation pathways. The efficacy data of G. leptostachya also implies that this plant could be further tested to see whether it can be developed as potential anti‐inflammatory preparation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti-diarrhoea and analgesic activities of the methanol extract and its fractions of Jasminum amplexicaule Buch.-Ham. (Oleaceae)

Jasminum amplexicaule Buch.-Ham. (Oleaceae) has been commonly used in the traditional medicine in dysentery, diarrhoea and bellyache in China. In the present work, the methanol extract of Jasminum amplexicaule and different fractions of this extract were studied for anti-diarrhoea and analgesic activities. The anti-diarrhoea activities were investigated using castor oil-induced, magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhoea models, antienteropooling assay and gastrointestinal motility models in mice. The analgesic activities were studied using hot-plate, writhing and formalin models in mice. At the doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg, the methanol extract (ME) showed significant and dose-dependent anti-diarrhoea and analgesic activity in these models. The chloroform fraction (CHF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and the residual methanol fraction (RMF) exhibited similar activity using a dose of 200mg/kg in these models. The pharmacological activities of the n-butanol fraction (BUF) were lesser than the ME extract and other fractions. These results may support the fact that this plant is traditionally used to cure diarrhoea and pain.     

Onset of puberty and ovarian steroidogenesis following adminstration of methanolic extract of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. stem and Corchorus olitorius Linn. seed in mice

The effect of methanolic extract (ME) of Cuscuta reflexa stem Roxb. and Corchorus olitorius Linn. seed on the onset of reproductive maturity and the ovarian steroidogenesis was studied by means of biochemical techniques. ME of Cuscuta reflexa stem and Corchorus olitorius seed treatment causes a remarkable delay in sexual maturation as evidenced by the age at vaginal opening and appearance of first estrus (cornified smear). The same treatment also results in a significant diminution of Delta(5)-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activity along with a reduction in the weight of ovary, uterus and pituitary. On the basis of above data, it is assumed that the probable cause of delayed maturation in ME of Cuscuta reflexa stem and Corchorus olitorius seed treated mice is due to the suppressed ovarian steroidogenesis.     

A pharmacological study of Araujia sericifera B. extracts in rodents

The present study analyses the pharmacological activity in in vitro and in vivo models of different extracts obtained from Araujia sericifera. The hexane extract of fruits lacked toxicity, but exhibited an analgesic effect in models of chemical and thermal stimulation. Such an extract was the only one which exhibited antiinflammatory actions. The intrinsic effect on arterial blood pressure was biphasic: at low doses it significantly increased blood pressure, whereas at high doses it exerted the opposite effect. On isolated organs it produced a marked decrease in the maximum effect of histamine and acetylcholine. The dichloromethanol extract of fruits decreased arterial pressure and the maximum effect of histamine. The methanol extract of fruits slightly depressed the CNS. An analgesic effect was noted following chemical stimulation; the maximum effect of serotonin was significantly decreased. The dichloromethanol extract of seeds markedly decreased arterial pressure and the maximum effect of acetylcholine and serotonin. The methanol extract of seeds exerted an analgesic effect after chemical stimulation and modified the maximum effect of noradrenaline and serotonin.     

Studies on Some Psychopharmacological Actions of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) Leaf Extract

The methanol extract of the leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam. was investigated for some psychopharmacological actions in animals. The extract was found to produce a significant alteration in general behavioural pattern by head dip test, Y-maze test, evasion test, and reduction in muscle relaxant activity by rotarod test, chimney test and traction test. Beside these, the extract also potentiated pentobarbitone induced sleeping time and lowered body temperature in experimental animals.     

Effects of Morinda lucida leaf extract on Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in mice

The dried leaves of Morinda lucida were extracted with 50% methanol and the extract was recovered in a 9.7% w/w yield. Acute toxicity tests were performed in mice and the intraperitoneal LD₅₀ of the extract was 2000 . The extract induced purgation in mice from the first hour after oral administration and reached its peak between the third and fourth hour. The purgation was not dose-dependent. M. lucida leaf extract i.p. significantly suppressed the level of parasitemia after Trypanosoma brucei infection in mice. Suppression of existing parasitemia appeared dose-dependent with 1000 i.p. producing the maximum effect. The best trypanocidal activity was obtained when treatment with M. lucida extract commenced simultaneously with trypanosome inoculation.     

Antibothropic action of Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Flacourtiaceae) extracts

Casearia sylvestris Sw., popularly known in Brazil as ‘guaçatonga’, has been used as antitumor, antiseptic, antiulcer, local anaesthetic and healer in folk medicine. Snakebite envenomation by Bothrops jararacussu (Bjssu) constitutes a relevant public health hazard capable of inducing serious local damage in victims. This study examined the pharmacological action of apolar and polar C. sylvestris leaf extracts in reverting the neuromuscular blockade and myonecrosis, which is induced by Bjssu venom and its major toxin bothropstoxin‐I on the mouse phrenic nerve–diaphragm preparations. The polar methanol extract (ME) was by far the most efficacious. ME not only prevented myonecrosis and abolished the blockade, but also increased ACh release. Such facilitation in neuromuscular transmission was observed with ME alone, but was accentuated in preparations incubated with ME plus venom or toxin. This established synergy opens an interesting point of investigation because the venom or toxin in contact with ME changes from a blocking to a facilitating effect. It is suggested that rutin, known to have potent antioxidant properties, and one of the components present in the ME, could have a role in the observed effects. Since commercial rutin did not reproduce the ME effects, it is likely that a rutin‐containing phytocomplex is neutralizing the bothropic envenoming effects. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Passiflora actinia Hooker extracts and fractions induce catalepsy in mice

Leaves from several Passiflora species are largely employed in the Brazilian folk medicine for its anxiolytic and sedative properties. In behavioral studies, to analyze the tranquillizer action of Passiflora actinia Hooker, it was noteworthy that animals treated with the hydroethanol (HE) and methanol (ME) extracts presented an abnormal postural immobility compared to control animals. That observation led to an investigation of the effects of HE and its fractions on evaluation of catalepsy in mice. The results showed that HE extract, methanol extract, the sequent aqueous crude fractions (AF), and fa, fb and fc chromatographic fractions obtained from Passiflora actinia induced catalepsy in mice. Apparently, the active principles responsible for catalepsy are present in all of the fractions of the extract.     

The effects of Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) extract on the gastrointestinal tract of rodents

The dried methanol extract of the leaves of Morinda lucida Benth was studied for its effects on gastric emptying in rats and intestinal motility in mice. The effect of the extract on acetylsalicylic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats was also investigated. The extract promoted gastric emptying time in rats and intestinal motility in mice. The extract did not induce gastric ulceration in rats and failed to protect against acetylsalicylic acid-induced ulcer in rats. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies on the antiulcer activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on gastric ulcer models in rats

The methanol fraction of M. oleifera leaf extract was found to possess significant protective actions in acetylsalicylic acid, serotonin and indomethacin induced gastric lesions in experimental rats. A significant enhancement of the healing process in acetic acid—induced chronic gastric lesions was also observed with the extract-treated animals.     

Hepatoprotective effects of Pluchea indica (less) extract in experimental acute liver damage in rodents

The methanol fraction of the extract of Pluchea indica roots exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity against experimentally induced hepatotoxicity by carbon tetrachloride in rats and mice. The extract caused significant reduction of the elevated serum enzyme levels (AST, ALT, LDH and serum alkaline phosphatase) and serum bilirubin content in acute liver injury. A significant increase of reduced serum total protein, albumin and albumin/globulin ratio was also observed on extract treatment. The extract significantly reduced the prolonged pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time and also caused a significant reduction of plasma prothrombin time in comparison with CCl₄-treated animals. The extract caused significant reduction of the increased bromosulphalein retention by CCl₄-treatment. These findings are suggestive of a potent hepatoprotective effect of the extract under investigation.     

Biphasic effects of Morus alba leaves green tea extract on mice in chronic forced swimming model

In this study, the effects of an aqueous extract of Morus alba leaves green tea (ME) on mouse behaviors (depression, anxiety, climbing activity and thermal response), muscle coordination and muscle strength were studied. Male IRC mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of either the ME, desipramine or diazepam. Thirty minutes after injection, the mice were tested in all experimental models. A significant antidepressant-like effect could be detected in the animals receiving either 100 or 200 mg/kg ME. The effect of 200 mg/kg ME in decreasing the immobility time was comparable to 10 mg/kg desipramine. With higher dose (1000 mg/kg), a significant increase in immobility time could be observed. In the elevated plus maze, no increase in time in the open arm could be observed in mice treated with ME at either 100 or 200 mg/kg. However, high doses of ME (500 or 1000 mg/kg) decreased both time in the open arm and the number of entries in the maze. No change in thermal response could be seen in mice treated with ME at doses up to 500 mg/kg, however, at 1000 mg/kg, the response time to heat was increased significantly. The ME at either 500 or 1000 mg/kg also decreased muscle coordination, strength and climbing activity significantly when compared with the control. This study suggests that ME possesses an antidepressant- without an anxiolytic-like effect, however, at high doses, the extract might show the sedative effect and alter other functions such as muscle strength, animal activity in the maze and pain response.     

Chemopreventive action by an extract from Brassica compestris (var sarason) on 7,12‐dimethylbenz(A)anthracene induced skin papillomagenesis in mice

We report the chemopreventive property of an ethanolic extract of the seeds of Brassica compestris var sarason (mustard seed) on DMBA (7,12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced skin papillomagenesis in male Swiss albino mice. A significant reduction in the values of tumour incidence, tumour burden and the cumulative number of papillomas was observed in mice treated orally with the seed extract of Brassica compestris var sarason, continuously at peri and post initiational stages of papillomagenesis compared with the control groups. The latency period in the experimental group significantly increased (11.3 ± 0.40 weeks) compared with the control group (7.8 ± 0.17). Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

炒紫苏子提取物的抗氧化作用研究

 目的　研究炒紫苏子提取物的抗氧化作用。方法　15月龄昆明种小鼠,随机分组,每日1次灌胃炒紫苏子醇提药物和水提药物,给药21次后,杀鼠取脑和血。采用MDA试剂盒、SOD试剂盒,测定血浆中MDA,SOD值,采用紫外分光光度法测小鼠脑匀浆中MAO。结果 炒紫苏子醇提物269,134 mg·kg^-1剂量组均能显著降低MDA水平(P<0.001),提高SOD酶活性(P<0.05),而134 mg·kg^-1剂量组能显著降低MAO水平(P<0.05);炒紫苏子水提物213 mg·kg^-1剂量组均能显著降低MDA,MAO水平(P<0.001,P<0.01),提高SOD酶活性(P<0.05),而106 mg·kg^-1剂量组能显著降低MDA水平(P<0.001),MAO水平(P(0.05)。结论 炒紫苏子醇提取物和水提取物具有较强的抗氧化作用。     

Antioedema and analgesic actions of Diodia scandens extract in rats and mice

An extract of Diodia scandens obtained by petroleum ether extraction of the leaves was screened for pharmacological actions. The extract evinced a marked antiinflammatory effect in rats, causing a dose-related and sustained inhibition of the increase in rat paw circumference caused by subplantar injection of a phlogistic agent. In addition, the extract increased the threshold of pain stimulus in mice. The extract significantly protected rats from aspirin, indomethacin and reserpine induced ulcers. These results revealed that the plant, Diodia scandens has potential medicinal value.