In vivo antimalarial activities of Quassia amara and Quassia undulata plant extracts in mice

Extracts obtained from two Nigerian Simaroubaceae plants, Quassia amara L. and Quassia undulata (Giull and Perr) D. Dietr were screened for antimalarial properties using a total of six extracts. The plant extracts showed significant antimalarial activities in the 4 day suppressive in vivo antimalarial assay in mice inoculated with red blood cells parasitized with Plasmodium berghei berghei. Plant extracts were studied at 100 mg and 200 mg per kg body weight mouse per day, respectively. At a concentration of 100 mg/kg of mouse, Q. amara leaf hexane extract had the highest suppressive activity with a parasite density of 0.16 +/- 0.001%. Q. amara leaf methanol extract had an outstanding activity; of 0.05 +/- 0.03% at 200 mg/kg. Chloroquine (10 mg/kg, positive control) had a suppressive activity of 0.34 +/- 0.02 in the same assay on day 4.     

Antidiabetic activity of standardized extract of Quassia amara in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a standardized methanol extract of Quassia amara L. (Family: Simaroubaceae) in nicotinamide–streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin in rats pre‐treated with nicotinamide. Diabetic rats were treated with oral doses of Quassia amara extract (QaE; 100 and 200 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg; as standard). QaE and glibenclamide were administered as a suspension in 0.3% carboxy methyl cellulose for 14 days. Control animals received an equal volume of vehicle. Blood samples were collected by retro‐orbital puncture on day 14, 1 h after last treatment. Plasma glucose, insulin and lipid parameters (total cholesterol, LDL‐C, HDL‐C and triglycerides) were measured using commercially available biochemical kits. The oral glucose tolerance test was performed to evaluate the effect of the extract on peripheral glucose utilization in normal rats. Both doses of QaE significantly (p < 0.01) reduced elevated fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. In the oral glucose tolerance test, QaE treatment significantly increased (p < 0.05) the glucose tolerance compared with the vehicle. QaE and glibenclamide, effectively normalized dyslipidemia associated with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. The findings of the present study indicate that Quassia amara extract may be potentially valuable in the treatment of diabetes and associated dyslipidemia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antiplasmodial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Erythrina senegalensis

The in vivo antiplasmodial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Erythrina senegalensis, an ornamental plant commonly used in Northern Nigeria for the treatment of fevers, was evaluated. Aqueous extracts of the stem bark of the plant was used for the study. The in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the aqueous extract against Plasmodium berghei was assessed using the suppressive and curative test procedures. Analgesic activity was assessed using the acetic acid (0.75%v/v) induced abdominal constriction, while the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on egg-albumin induced paw oedema in rats as a model of acute inflammation. The stem bark extract of E. senegalensis exhibited only slight antiplasmodial activity while significant (P<0.05) analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were observed. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract indicates the presence of alkaloids and glycosides.     

飞龙掌血醇提物的抗炎镇痛作用

目的研究飞龙掌血醇提物的抗炎镇痛作用及其机制。方法大鼠用角叉菜胶致炎及福尔马林致痛,研究飞龙掌血醇提物的镇痛作用;ELISA试剂盒检测角叉菜胶实验大鼠血清中β内啡肽(β-EP)、前列腺素E2(PGE2)、5-羟色胺(5-HT)的含有量,炎症大鼠皮肤组织中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)及白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)的含有量,以及福尔马林实验小鼠血清中白三烯B4(LTB4)的含有量;免疫组化法观察大鼠脊髓FOS及P物质(SP)蛋白表达。结果飞龙掌血醇提物能明显降低足趾肿胀率;福尔马林实验中,飞龙掌血醇提物能明显减少舔足累积时间,降低PGE2的含有量,高剂量组尤为明显;3个剂量组均能降低血清中5-HT的含有量,高剂量和低剂量效果显著,高剂量组还能升高血清中β-EP的含有量。各剂量组均能降低皮肤组织中TNF-α和IL-1β的含有量,中、高剂量组抑制FOS蛋白表达;高剂量组明显降低血清中LTB4的含有量。结论飞龙掌血醇提物具有抗炎镇痛作用,其作用机制可能是与通过增加血清中β-EP,降低PGE2、5-HT、LTB4含有量,降低皮肤组织中TNF-α、IL-1β含有量,以及下调脊髓SP及FOS蛋白表达有关。     

Antipyretic and analgesic activities of Caesalpinia bonducella seed kernel extract

Ethanolic extract (70%) of Caesalpinia bonducella seed kernel has been subjected for its antipyretic and antinociceptive activities in adult albino rats or mice of either sex at 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg orally. The extract demonstrated marked antipyretic activity against Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The extract had significant central analgesic activity in hot plate and tail flick methods. It also exhibited marked peripheral analgesic effect in both acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice and Randall-Selitto assay in rats. It also significantly inhibited the formalin-induced hind paw licking in mice. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia bonducella seed kernel possesses potent antipyretic and antinociceptive activities and thus, validates its use in the treatment of pain and pyretic disorders.     

Anti-ulcerogenic properties of Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae) standardized extracts in rodent models

Aim of the study

Quassia amara L. is commonly used in Costarican folk medicine. It has been used for the treatment of a broad range of gastrointestinal symptoms such as dyspepsia, gastritis and constipation. In this study, the gastroprotective activity of two standardized extracts of Quassia amara L., Lipro^® and Ligas^®, was evaluated.

Materials and methods

Anti-ulcerogenic properties were evaluated in female rats under acute ulcer-induction models (ethanol, indomethacin and hypotermic restraint). To get a deeper insight in the anti-ulcerogenic properties of the extracts, Ligas^® was evaluated in the Shay rat model. Five parameters were estimated with this model: gastric mucus barrier, non-protein sulfhydril groups (NPSG) in the gastric mucosa, and pH, total acidity and peptic activity of the gastric juice.

Results

Induction of ulcers by 95% ethanol (0.5 mL per os), indomethacin (100 mg/kg s.c.) and stress (2 h in hypothermic restraint) was inhibited significantly with administration of Lipro^® (p < 0.05), in a dosage range from 4.9 mg/kg/d to 48.9 mg/kg/d. Treatment was given for one week. The extract Ligas^® showed a significant augmentation of NPSG (p < 0.05) in a dosage range from 4.0 to 39.7 mg/kg. Ligas^® did not produce a significant change (p > 0.05) in the other indicators.

Conclusions

Quassia amara L. standardized extracts, Lipro^® and Ligas^®, showed an important anti-ulcerogenic effect in acute ulcer induction models. Their effect was related to an increase in gastric barrier mucus and non-protein sulfhydril groups.     

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-lymphocytic activities of the aqueous extract of Crinum giganteum

The anti-inflammatory, anti-lymphocytic and analgesic properties of Crinum giganteum, a popular herb used for the management of asthma and other respiratory disorders was investigated in rats and mice. The extract dose-dependently produced significant (P<0.05) inhibition of formalin induced pain in rats. It also demonstrated significant (P<0.01) inhibition of abdominal constriction induced with 0.75% v/v acetic acid in mice. On the cotton pellet induced granulomatous tissue formation in rats, the extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased the weight. However, no significant inhibition was observed in the egg albumin-induced inflammation in rats. Oral administration of this extract in rats for 14 days significantly affected (P<0.05) the total leukocyte count and the overall percentage lymphocytes. The intraperitoneal and per oral LD(50) were 627+/-5.8mg/kg and 1486+/-18.9 mg/kg in mice and 520+/-10.2mg/kg and 1023+/-4.3 mg/kg in rats, respectively. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract indicates the presence of tannins. These results therefore indicate that C. giganteum bulb contains biologically active principles, which have potentials for the treatment of inflammatory processes.     

Preliminary studies on the antiinflammatory and analgesic activities of Calotropis procera root extract

A chloroform-soluble fraction from Calotropis procera roots showed significant dose-related antiinflammatory activity in rats using the pharmacologic models of carrageenin-induced pedal oedema, cotton pellet granuloma and formaldehyde-induced arthritis. In addition, significant analgesic potential was demonstrated using acetic acid-induced writhing in mice.     

Anti-protozoan activities of Harungana madagascariensis stem bark extract on trichomonads and malaria

AIM OF THE STUDY: The ethanolic stem bark extract of Harungana madagascariensis (Hypericaceae), (Choisy) Poir were evaluated for their activities on Trichomonas gallinae (Rivolta) Stabler isolated from the pigeon (Columba livia). It was also tested for their anti-malarial activity on N67 Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis (in vivo) in mice and on Plasmodium falciparum isolates in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-trichomonal screening was performed in vitro using Trichomonas gallinae culture. The minimum lethal concentration (MLC) is the lowest concentration of the test extract in which no motile organisms were observed. The anti-malarial effects were determined in-vivo for suppressive, curative and prophylactic activities in mice receiving a standard inoculum size of 1 x 10(7) (0.2 ml) infected erythrocytes of Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis intraperitoneally, and the in vitro was performed against 3 isolates of Plasmodium falciparum in a candle jar procedures. RESULTS: The IC(50) of the extract and metronidazole (MDZ) (Flagyl) on Trichomonas gallinae at 48 h are 187 and 1.56 microg/ml. The IC(50) of the extract, chloroquine (CQ) and artemether (ART) on Plasmodium falciparum are between 0.052 and 0.517 microg/ml for the extract and 0.021 and 0.0412 microg/ml for ART and CQ, respectively. The actions of the extract in in vivo study on Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis showed that in both suppressive and prophylactic tests the percentages chemo-suppressive were between 28.6-44.8% and 30.2-78.2% respectively, while only 80 mg/kg of the extract reduced the parasitaemia level when compared to the control and the standard drugs in curative test. CONCLUSIONS: Harungana madagascariensis stem bark extract therefore exhibited significant anti-protozoan effects against Trichomonas and Plasmodium both in vivo and in vitro.     

Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of the ethanol extract from Cynoglossum lanceolatum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cynoglossum lanceolatum Forsk. (Boraginaceae) has been used in folk medicine in china to treat acute nephritis, periodontitis, acute submandibular lymphadenitis, snake bite, etc. However, there have been no scientific reports in the modern literature on the diuretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of this plant. The objective of this study is to evaluate the above activities of the Cynoglossum lanceolatum extract (CLE) in animals.

Materials and methods

The diuretic effect of CLE was assessed in rats and rabbits. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using fresh egg white-induced paw edema in rats, carrageenan-elicited paw edema in adrenalectomized rats, and dimethylbenzene-induced inflammation in mice. The analgesic action was estimated in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the hot-plate test. In addition, the acute oral toxicity of CLE was studied in mice.

Results

CLE strikingly and dose-dependently increased urine output of rats and rabbits, suppressed fresh egg white-induced paw edema in rats and carrageenan-elicited paw edema in adrenalectomized rats, reduced dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in mice, inhibited the writhing response in mice, but did not increased reaction time of mice in the hot-plate test. No death of mice was observed when orally administered CLE up to 12 g/kg.

Conclusions

These findings propose that CLE has evident diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and non-central analgesic activities. Furthermore the anti-inflammatory action does not rely on endogenetic glucocorticoids regulated by hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. On the other hand, CLE also shows a favorable safety.     

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.     

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of methanol extract from Bauhinia racemosa stem bark in animal models

In this study, the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract obtained from Bauhinia racemosa stem bark, the so-called MEBR, were investigated. The effects of MEBR on the acute and chronic phases of inflammation were studied in carrageenan, dextran and mediators (histamine and serotonin)-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma, respectively. Analgesic effect of MEBR was evaluated in acetic acid-induced writhing and hotplate tests. Antipyretic activity of MEBR was evaluated by yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in rats. The anti-oedema effect of MEBR was compared with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin orally. In acute phase of inflammation, a maximum inhibition of 44.9, 43.2, 44.8 and 45.9% (P<0.001) was noted at the dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. after 3h of treatment with MEBR in carrageenan, dextran, histamine and serotonin-induced paw oedema, respectively. Administration of MEBR (200 mg/kg b.w.) and indomethacin (10 mg/kg b.w.) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the formation of granuloma tissue induced by cotton pellet method at a rate of 50.4 and 56.2%, respectively. The extract also inhibited peritoneal leukocyte migration in mice. The MEBR also produced significant (P<0.01) analgesic activity in both models. Further, the MEBR potentiated the morphine- and aspirin-induced analgesic in mice. Treatment with MEBR showed a significant (P<0.01) dose-dependent reduction in pyrexia in rats. The results suggest that MEBR possess potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of ethanolic extract and two limonoids from Melia toosendan fruit

AIM OF STUDY: The fruit of Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc. (MTF) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of stomachache and many acute or chronic inflammations, as well as ascariasis. This paper aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the MTF extract and two main limonoid-type triterpenoids isolated from MTF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanolic extract of MTF and two limonoids, isotoosendanin (1) and 1-O-tigloyl-1-O-debenzoylohchinal (2) were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Acetic acid-induced vascular permeability and lambda-carrageenan-induced hind paw edema tests in mice were used to investigate anti-inflammatory activity; and acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate tests in mice were used to determine analgesic effect. RESULTS: Both the ethanolic extract and two limonoids displayed significant anti-inflammatory effects. Although the ethanolic extract showed remarkable analgesic effects in both writhing and hot-plate tests, the two limonoids had analgesic effects just in writhing test. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that the ethanolic extract of MTF had obvious anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, and the two limonoids were the active constituents contributing to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of MTF.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata DC flower

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Kigelia pinnata DC is extensively used in Indian traditional medicine for several diseases including inflammatory and painful disorders.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata flower (MKFL) to support the medicinal uses claimed by folklore practitioners.

Materials and methods

MKFL is evaluated for its anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats and analgesic activity in acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and formalin-induced paw licking models in mice.

Results

MKFL exhibited a significant (P < 0.01) anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. in rats and mice respectively.

Conclusions

The results of the experimental study thus strongly support the traditional use of this plant for inflammatory and pain disorders.     

Chemical constituents from the stem bark of Symplocos paniculata Thunb. with antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The stem bark of Symplocos paniculata Thunb. has been used to check abortion in folk medicine in India.

Aim of the study

The present study was undertaken to isolate the phytochemicals from the plant together with the evaluation of antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the plant extract and isolated compounds.

Materials and methods

The plant extract was subjected to column chromatography for isolation of phytochemicals. The agar diffusion method was adopted for antimicrobial activity to determine MICs. Ethanolic extract and isolated compounds were selected for investigating their analgesic activity on acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was performed on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats.

Results

The stem bark of the plant afforded seven compounds, 4-(8-hydroxyethyl) cyclohexan-1-oic acid (1); androst-5(6)-ene 17-one 3β-O-(β-d-glucopyranoside) (2); 9β,25-cyclo 3β-O-(β-d glucopyranosyl)-echynocystic acid (3); 9β,19-cyclo 24-methylcholan-5,22-diene 3β-O-{β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 6) α-l-rhamnopyranoside} (4); 30-ethyl 2α,16α-dihydroxy 3β-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl) hopan-24-oic acid (5); 32,33,34-trimethyl-bacteriohopan-16-ene 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6) and flavone 3′,4′,5′,6-tetramethoxy 7-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 3) β-d-glucopyranoside (7). The extract and isolated compounds exhibited antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusion

The present study concludes that ethanolic extract of the plant and its constituents having significant antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.     

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of Parinari polyandra stem bark in rats and mice

The methanolic extract of the stem bark of Parinari polyandra (family Rosaceae) was investigated for possible anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice and rats. Three models were used to study the extracts effects on nociception which were the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test, hot-plate method (both in mice) and the formalin test in rats. The anti-inflammatory effects were investigated employing the albumin-induced hind-paw oedema in rats. Results of the study revealed the extract to have significant (P<0.05) anti-nociceptive effect at a dose of 200 mg/kg p.o. in mice and rats in all the models for anti-nociception while 100 mg/kg p.o. showed significant (P<0.05) effect in the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test and in phase I of the formalin test. The extract also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects which were found to be significant (P<0.05) at 200 mg/kg p.o. in the rats tested. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and saponin glycoside. The results suggest the extract contains pharmacologically active principles. The result is in agreement with the local application of the plant in painful and inflammatory conditions.     

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Liu-Shen-Wan and its individual fractions

Liu-Shen-Wan (LSW), a famous traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of upper respiratory tract inflammation, was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Acetic acid-elevated vascular permeability, carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na)-induced leukocyte migration and ear edema induced by picryl chloride were used to test anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate tests were used to determine analgesic effect. It was observed that LSW exerted significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in these models at doses of 30 and 90mg/kg crude drug in vivo. In addition, LSW potently inhibited proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) stimulated by streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin at doses of 0.5-5microg/ml in vitro. LSW was then partitioned with chloroform, methanol, water and mineral fraction. Several fractions inhibited inflammation and pain in varying degrees. Among them, chloroform fraction was the most active in hot-plate and writhing tests, and exerted the remarkable inhibitory effect on human PBMC proliferation. Methanol and water fractions had more suppressive activities in vascular permeability, leukocyte migration and PC-DTH tests. These results suggest that LSW has significantly anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The chloroform fraction is a key fraction of LSW to the overall anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, while methanol and water fractions also partly contribute to anti-inflammatory activities of LSW.     

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of the extract of gamboge from Garcinia hanburyi Hook f

In Thai folklore medicine, gamboge, the yellow gum-resin secreted from Garcinia hanburyi, is used for infected wound, pain and edema The ethyl acetate extract from Garcinia hanburyi (GH5763) was assessed for anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities using experimental animal models. It was found that GH5763 possessed inhibitory activity on acute phase of inflammation as seen in ethyl phenylpropiolate-induced ear edema and carrageenin-induced hind paw edema in rats. However, GH5763 did not elicit any inhibitory effect on arachidonic acid-induced hind paw edema. In subchronic inflammatory model, GH5763 provoked a significant reduction of both transudative and proliferative phase when tested on cotton pellet-induced granuloma model. GH5763 also reduced the alkaline phosphatase activity in serum of rats in this animal model. In the analgesic test, GH5763 elicited inhibitory activity on acetic acid-induced writhing response and on both the early and the late phase of formalin test. Moreover, GH5763 also possessed an excellent antipyretic effect when tested in yeast-induced hyperthermic rats. It is postulated that the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of GH5763 are caused by the inhibition of the prostaglandin biosynthesis.     

Antinociceptive and antiedematogenic effects of the aqueous extract of Hyptis pectinata leaves in experimental animals

The aqueous leaf extract of Hyptis pectinata (L.) Poit (Lamiaceae), popularly known in Brazil as "sambaicatá" or "canudinho", was tested for its antinociceptive effects using the abdominal writhing, hot plate and formalin test models, and for its aniedematogenic effects using the carrageenin and arachidonic acid-induced rat paw edema. The aqueous extract of Hyptis pectinata administered orally at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg had a significant antinociceptive effect in the test of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, with 43, 51 and 54% reduction of writhes, respectively, compared to the control. An increase in hot-plate latency of 47 and 37.5% was also observed in animals receiving doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. when placed on a hot plate. In the formalin test, doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. had no significant effect during the first phase of the test (0-5 min), while the dose of 200 mg/kg, p.o. reduced the nociceptive effect by 70% during the second phase (20-25 min). At the dose of 600 mg/kg, p.o., the aqueous extract inhibited carrageenin-induced rat paw edema by 34.1%, and the dose of 300 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally inhibited the rat paw edema induced by subplantar injection of arachidonic acid by 32.8%. These results suggest that the aqueous extract from the Hyptis pectinata leaves produces antiedematogenic and antinociceptive effects. The antinocipetion observed with the hot-plate test probably involves the participation of the opioid system.     

Antimicrobial activities of methanol extract and compounds from stem bark of Vismia rubescens

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The plant, Vismia rubescens (Guttiferae) is popularly used in Cameroon and in several parts of Africa as febrifugal and for the treatment of various microbial infections (skin diseases, diarrhoea and venereal diseases).

Aim of the study

This study was mapped out to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of the methanol extract and compounds from the stem bark of Vismia rubescens.

Materials and methods

Structures of the compounds obtained after column chromatography of the methanol-soluble fraction were determined by spectroscopy and in comparison with published data. The broth micro-dilution method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activities against three bacteria species (Salmonella typhi, Stahylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and four yeast species (Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis and Cryptococcus neoformans).

Results

Chemical analysis of the methanol extract from the stem bark of Vismia rubescens yielded five known compounds 1,4,8-trihydroxyxanthone (1), 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone (2), physcion (3), friedelin (4) and friedelanol (5). The crude extract and compounds 1, 2 and 3 exhibited both antibacterial and antifungal activities that varied between the microbial species (MIC = 3.12–1000 μg/ml). Compounds 2 and 3 were the most active (MIC = 3.12–100 μg/ml) while Stahylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were sensitive to all the tested compounds. The antimicrobial activity of this plant as well as that of compounds 1 and 2 is being reported here for the first time.

Conclusion

These results provide promising baseline information for the potential use of this plant as well as some of the isolated compounds in the treatment of skin diseases and diarrhoea.