Psychopharmacological screening of Pfaffia glomerata Spreng. (Amarathanceae) in rodents

The alcoholic extract of Pfaffia glomerata roots (100, 500, 1000 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), and 500, 1000, 1500 mg/kg, per os) was studied in several behavioral animal models for the evaluation of central activity: open field, barbiturate sleeping time, pentilenotetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions, elevated plus-maze, step-down inhibitory avoidance and forced swimming test. The acute treatment (500 mg/kg, i.p.) interfered with the open-field habituation, decreased sleep latency and increased barbiturate-induced sleeping time, protected partially the animals of PTZ-induced convulsions, decreased the memory retention in step-down inhibitory avoidance, and did not have an important effect in the elevated plus-maze test and forced swimming test. The same extract at 1000 mg/kg per os did not cause any effect in barbiturate sleeping time and pentilenotetrazole-induced convulsions models. Thus, the effect on the memory was deeper evaluated in the step-down inhibitory avoidance task. When administered by intraperitoneal route, the extract showed a dose-dependent effect causing full amnesia at 1000 mg/kg. On the other hand, when it was given by oral route at 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg, no influence on the memory retention was observed. These results suggest that the alcoholic extract of P. glomerata roots presents different effects depending on the route of administration: by i.p route, it seems to be a central nervous system depressant agent; by oral route, it seems to be ineffective, at least in the tested doses.     

Psychopharmacological assessment of Pfaffia glomerata roots (extract BNT-08) in rodents

A pharmacological assessment of the standardized extract (BNT-08) of Pfaffia glomerata roots was performed in young mice submitted to acute treatment with several doses (i.p.), in young and old mice submitted to chronic oral treatment for 150 days or with water (control groups) and in old mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg of extract. Acute tests involved an initial screening, spontaneous movements, rota-rod, barbiturate sleeping time and passive avoidance were carried out. The chronic test involved mortality assessment, body weight and learning and memory in a T-maze left/right discrimination test and in the passive avoidance model. Of the acute tests only the sleeping time test showed relevant differences between the groups. With the chronic treatment, a relevant decrease of the number of sessions necessary for learning in the group of old mice treated with the extract was evident. A partial reversal of the memory de fi cit induced by age in the old mice treated with the extract was found in the passive avoidance test. The results suggest that the standardized extract from Pfaffia glomerata roots promoted an increase in both learning and memory of old mice treated in the chronic test.     

Analgesic effects and anti-inflammatory properties of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenckia americana Linn (Solanaceae)

Aim of the study

To evaluate analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory properties of Schwenckia americana (Solanaceae), a medicinal plant used for treating rheumatic pains and swelling in North-western Nigeria.

Materials and methods

Three doses (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana were evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using acetic acid induced writhing test, formalin induced nociception, and formalin induced hind paw oedema in rats.

Results

All doses (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) of the extract tested were effective. The extract at the tested doses produced a percentage inhibition of the acetic acid induced abdominal constriction of (53.3, 58.0 and 86.7%), respectively. A percentage inhibition of the formalin induced nociception of 44.00, 56.04, and 56.04% (early phase) and 33.00, 36.63 and 59.71% (late phase) was also produced. The inhibition of oedema formation increased with increasing dosage from 25 to 100 mg/kg. The crude extract produced a statistically significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity comparable to the effect of standard drug (10 mg/kg Piroxicam).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana thus justifying its traditional usage.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae) methanolic root extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae) is a shrub widely used in traditional African Medicine (TAM) for the treatment of various painful and inflammatory conditions.

Aim of the study

The objective of this study was to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic root extract of Cnestis ferruginea.

Materials and methods

Analgesic activity was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, tail clip, and hot plate tests in mice. The carrageenan- and egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema, formaldehyde-induced arthritis inflammation, and xylene-induced ear oedema tests were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory actions of Cnestis ferruginea.

Results

The methanolic root extract of Cnestis ferruginea (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg; p.o.) produced significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of pain response elicited by acetic acid and formalin while also increasing the nociceptive reaction latency in the tail clip and hot plate tests. In respect of anti-inflammatory activity, Cnestis ferruginea caused significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of oedema development in the carrageenan, egg albumin, formaldehyde, and xylene-induced inflammation tests. The effects of the extract in the various models were generally comparable to those of the standard drugs used.

Conclusion

The findings in this study suggest that the methanolic root extract of Cnestis ferruginea possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities possibly mediated through peripheral and central mechanisms involving inhibition of release and/or actions of vasoactive substances (histamine, serotonin and kinins) and prostaglandins. The results justify the use of the extract in TAM for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Crinum glaucum aqueous extract.

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of Crinum glaucum were evaluated in mice and rats using the carrageenan- and dextran-induced paw oedema, acetic acid-induced writhing, cold water tail flick and formalin pain tests. The extract (100-400 mg/kg) and acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg) produced a significant (P<0.05) inhibition of the second phase response in the formalin pain model, while only the high dose (400 mg/kg) of the extract showed an antinociceptive effect in the first phase. The extract also showed a dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhes. The tail flick latency was dose dependently enhanced by the extract but this was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that produced by morphine (2 mg/kg). The extract (125-500 mg/kg) administered 1 h before or after carrageenan-induced paw swelling produced a dose dependent inhibition of the oedema. No effect was observed with the dextran-induced oedema model. The data obtained suggest that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the extract may be mediated via both peripheral and central mechanisms.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Lactuca sativa seed extract in rats

Lactuca sativa (Lettuce) is a member of Compositae family. In folk medicine of Iran, the seeds of this plant were used for relieving of inflammation and osteodynia. In this study, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a crude methanol/petroleum ether (70/30, v/v) extract of the seeds have been evaluated. The extract exhibited a time- and dose-dependent analgesic effect in formalin test and also a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in a carrageenan model of inflammation. The extract had no analgesic effect in tail-flick test up to the highest dose used (6 g/kg). No abnormal behavior and lethality was observed by the extract up to 6 g/kg. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of triterpenoids, saponins and simple phenols in the extract.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract from Glycine tomentella root in mice

In the present study, we have investigated the analgesic effect of the aqueous extract of the root of Glycine tomentella (AGT) using models of acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test, the anti-inflammatory effect of AGT using model of lambda-carrageenan-induced paw edema. In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of AGT, we have detected the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRx) in the liver and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO in the edema paw. In the analgesic test, AGT (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) decreased the acetic acid-induced writhing response and the licking time on the late phase in the formalin test. In the anti-inflammatory test, AGT (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) decreased the paw edema at the third, fourth, fifth and sixth hour after lambda-carrageenan administration, and increased the activities of SOD, GPx and GRx in the liver tissue and decreased the MDA level in the edema paw at the third hour after lambda-carrageenan injection. However, AGT could not affect the NO level which induced by lambda-carrageenan. These results suggested that AGT possessed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of AGT might be related to the decrease in the level of MDA in the edema paw via increasing the activities of SOD, GPx and GRx in the liver.     

Analgesic antiinflammatory action of Pfaffia paniculata (Martius) kuntze

The alcoholic extract of Pfaffia paniculata dried roots was studied for analgesic antiinflammatory activity in the rat paw oedema test, writhing test, hot plate test and increased vascular permeability. Pfaffia paniculata inhibited the carrageenin-induced rat paw oedema and increased vascular permeability and showed analgesic activity on inflammatory pain but not on noninflammatory pain. Moreover the extract was devoid of local irritant action.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang)

Vimang is an aqueous extract of Mangifera indica used in Cuba to improve the quality of life in patients suffering from elevated stress. To assess its possible analgesic and antiinflammatory effects, the results of a standard extract evaluation are presented. Analgesia was determined using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction and formalin-induced licking. Antiinflammatory effects were evaluated using carrageenan- and formalin-induced oedema. Vimang (50-1000 mg/kg, p.o.) exhibited a potent and dose-dependent antinociceptive effect against acetic acid test in mice. The mean potency (DE(50)) was 54.5 mg/kg and the maximal inhibition attained was 94.4%. Vimang (20-1000 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently inhibited the second phase of formalin-induced pain but not the first phase. The DE(50) of the second phase was 8.4 mg/kg and the maximal inhibition was 99.5%, being more potent than indomethacin at doses of 20 mg/kg. Vimang (20-1000 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited oedema formation (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) of both carrageenan- and formalin-induced oedema in rat, guinea-pigs and mice (maximal inhibitions: 39.5, 45.0 and 48.6, respectively). The inhibitions were similar to those produced by indomethacin and sodium naproxen, p.o. The different polyphenols found in Vimang could account for the antinociceptive and antiinflammatory actions reported here for the first time for M. indica bark aqueous extract.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of a water extract of Trachelospermum jasminoides (Apocynaceae)

Aims of the study

This study investigated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of a water extract of Trachelospermum jasminoides (WET) in ICR mice.

Materials and methods

In HPLC analysis, the fingerprint chromatogram of WET was established. Acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin-induced pain were examined the analgesics effects of WET. WET on λ-Carrageenan(carr)-induced paw edema was performed. We investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of WET via studies of the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx) in the liver and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite oxide (NO) in the edema paw. Serum NO and TNF-α were also measured.

Results

The fingerprint chromatogram of WET was established through HPLC analysis, and implies that WET contains the active ingredient gallic acid, chlorgenic acid, caffeic acid, taxifolin, isoquercitrin and quercetin. WET significantly inhibited the numbers of acetic acid-induced writhing responses and the formalin-induced pain in the late phase. In the anti-inflammatory test, WET inhibited the development of paw edema induced by carr. WET decreased the paw edema at the third, fourth and fifth hour after carr administration, and increased the activities of SOD, GPx and GRx in the liver tissue and decreased the MDA level in the edema paw at the third hour after carr injection. WET decreased the level of NO in edematous paw tissue and in serum level, and diminished the level of serum TNF-α at the fifth hour after carr injection.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that WET is an effective anti-inflammatory agent in carr-induced inflammation. WET probably exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing TNF-α and NO. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of WET might be related to the decrease in the level of MDA in the edema paw via increasing the activities of SOD, GPx and GRx in the liver.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the crude hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the bark of Hymenaea martiana

Experiments were designed to examine the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the crude hydroalcoholic extract (CE) of Hymenaea martiana. The CE of H. martiana (25-200 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a graded inhibition of hindpaw oedema induced by carrageenan, PAF-acether (PAF), serotonin (5-HT), dextran and histamine (HIS). However, the CE given orally up to 500 mg/kg had no effect on the agonist-induced hindpaw oedema. The CE given intraperitoneally, but not orally, caused a graded and pronounced inhibition of His, 5-HT, bradykinin (BK) and PAF-induced increase of vascular permeability. When the CE was given orally (300 mg/kg) once a day for 15 days it caused a significant increase of agonist-induced increase of vascular permeability. The CE given either by p.o. or by i.p. routes (100-800 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited arachidonic acid (AA)-induced ear oedema in mice, being significantly more potent when it was given by the latter route. In contrast, CE at the same doses, failed to inhibit croton-oil-induced ear oedema in mice. The CE of H. martiana given by either i.p. or p.o. routes caused a marked and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity as revealed by its antagonistic action against acetylcholine, acetic acid or AA-induced writhing responses in mice, being more effective when given intraperitoneally. These results, and those previously reported with the CE of H. martiana in the isolated preparations, provide strong experimental support which argues in favour of the beneficial use of this plant extract in folk medicine. The exact mechanism that underlies its analgesic and anti-inflammatory profiles remains unclear, but may result from its ability to inhibit the generation of lipoxygenase and/or cyclooxygenase products of the arachidonic acid pathway.     

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.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Nelsonia canescens leaf extract

An ethanolic extract of the dried leaves of Nelsonia canescens was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in rat. In the test for anti-inflammatory activity, the extract at the doses of 50-200 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) inhibited carrageenan-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet granuloma. Likewise, at the same doses the extract exhibited analgesic activity in both the hot plate latency assay (hot plate maintained at 55 degrees C) and on the early and late phases of formalin-induced paw licking in rats. The result of the present study confirm that Nelsonia canescens has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. These findings also justify the traditional use of the plant for treating pain.     

祖师麻提取物的镇痛与抗炎作用研究

目的观察祖师麻提取物的抗炎、镇痛和抗佐剂性关节炎的作用。方法采用醋酸扭体法、小鼠腹腔毛细血管通透性试验、二甲苯致小鼠耳肿胀试验和弗氏完全佐剂致大鼠佐剂性关节炎试验。结果祖师麻提取物0.04、0.08g/kg可明显减少冰醋酸所致小鼠的扭体反应次数和减轻佐剂致原发性大鼠右后足跖肿胀(P<0.05、0.01);祖师麻提取物0.08g/kg能显著抑制冰醋酸致小鼠毛细血管通透性增加(P<0.05)和明显减轻小鼠耳廓肿胀度(P<0.01)。结论祖师麻提取物具有较好的镇痛、抗急性炎症和抗佐剂性关节炎的作用。     

鸡枞菌粉提取物镇痛抗炎作用的研究

目的:研究鸡枞菌粉提取物的镇痛抗炎作用。方法:采用醋酸扭体实验,甲醛致痛模型,二甲苯致耳肿胀模型及角叉菜胶致足肿胀模型观察鸡枞菌粉及其提取物镇痛抗炎作用。同时对小鼠炎症渗出液中PGE2,SOD,MDA,NO和NOS进行测定。结果:鸡枞菌粉提取物均能降低小鼠醋酸引起的扭体次数,减少甲醛致痛实验中小鼠舔足时间;抑制二甲苯致小鼠耳肿胀及角叉菜胶引起的小鼠足肿胀。对炎症介质也有较好的抑制作用。结论:鸡枞菌粉提取物具有明显镇痛抗炎作用。     

Analgesic, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Pedaliaceae) secondary root aqueous extract

South Africa is blessed with a rich floral biodiversity of medicinally useful plants. One such plant is Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Family: Pedaliaceae). H. procumbens is widely used in South African traditional medicine for the treatment, management and/or control of a variety of human ailments. In the present study, the analgesic effect of H. procumbens secondary root aqueous extract was evaluated in mice, using the 'hot-plate' and 'acetic acid' test methods; while the antiinflammatory and antidiabetic effects of the plant's secondary root extract were investigated in rats. Fresh egg albumin-induced pedal oedema and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus were used as experimental test models of inflammation and diabetes Diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg i.p.) was used as a reference analgesic and antiinflammatory agent for comparison. Chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p.o.) was used as a reference hypoglycaemic agent for comparison. H. procumbens root aqueous extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced significant (p < 0.05-0.001) analgesic effects against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain stimuli in mice. H. procumbens root extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) also produced dose-related, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) of the fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation of the rat hind paw oedema. Furthermore, the plant extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study indicate that H. procumbens root aqueous extract possesses analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties, and lend pharmacological support to the suggested folklore uses of Harpagophytum procumbens root in the management and/or control of painful, arthritic and other inflammatory conditions, as well as for adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa.     

Anticonvulsant activity of Carissa edulis (Vahl) (Apocynaceae) root bark extract

AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the anticonvulsant activity of root bark extract of Carissa edulis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The median lethal dose (LD(50)) of Carissa edulis extract was determined using Lork's method (1983). The anticonvulsant activity of the extract was assessed in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsion in mice and maximal electroshock test (MEST) in chicks, with benzodiazepine and phenytoin as standard drugs, respectively. While mechanistic studies were conducted using both flumazenil, a GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor complex site antagonist and naloxone a non-specific opioid receptor antagonist. RESULTS: The median lethal dose (LD(50)) of Carissa edulis was 282.8mg/kg and over 5000mg/kg following intraperitoneal and oral administration, respectively. Carissa edulis produced 40% and 20% protection against convulsion at 5 and 20mg/kg, respectively, compared with 100% protection with benzodiazepine. The mean onset and percentage protection against convulsion in Carissa edulis extract-treated mice were reduced by flumazenil and naloxone. Carissa edulis exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of the convulsion induced by MEST with 20mg/kg providing 90% protection while phenytoin (20mg/kg) produced 100% protection. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Carissa edulis possesses biologically active constituent(s) that have anticonvulsant activity which supports the ethnomedicinal claims of the use of the plant in the management of epilepsy.     

Hypotensive effect of crude root extract of Solanum sisymbriifolium (Solanaceae) in normo- and hypertensive rats

The hypotensive effect of the crude hydroalcoholic extract from root of Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae) was investigated both in normotensive and hypertensive rats. The intravenous administration of the extract (50 and 100 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in blood pressure in anaesthetized hypertensive (adrenal regeneration hypertension + deoxycorticosterone acetate (ARH + DOCA)) rats. Oral administration of the extract (10, 50, 100 and 250 mg/kg) also produced a dose-dependent hypotensive effect in conscious hypertensive animals. In anaesthetized normotensive rats, the extract (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.v.) also induced hypotension in a dose-dependent manner. Lastly, no significant effect on blood pressure was produced by the extract when administered orally (10, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) to conscious normotensive rats.     

Antitumor activity of crude extract and fractions from root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight

Antitumor activity of the ethanol extract from the root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight and four fractions of the ethanol extract were investigated, both in vitro and in vivo. The five samples exhibited cytotoxic activity on human tumor cell lines K562, SHG44, HCT-8, A549, PC3, in vitro and inhibition in mouse implanted sarcoma S180, in vivo. Among the five samples, fraction E was noted to be of the highest antitumor activity.     

In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of the crude extract and fractions from Rosa canina L. fruits

The aqueous and ethanol extracts of Rosa canina L. (Rosaceae) fruits and the fractions prepared from the latter were investigated for their anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in several in vivo experimental models. The ethanolic extract was shown to possess significant inhibitory activity against inflammatory models (i.e., carrageenan-induced and PGE(1)-induced hind paw edema models, as well as on acetic acid-induced increase in a capillary permeability model) and on a pain model based on the inhibition of p-benzoquinone-induced writhing in mice. Hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate, n-butanol and the remaining water fractions were obtained through bioassay-guided fractionation. Ethylacetate and n-butanol fractions displayed potent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities at a dose of 919 mg/kg without inducing acute toxicity. Further attempts to isolate and define the active constituent(s) were inconclusive, possibly due to the synergistic interaction of components in the extract.