Cytotoxic hydrolyzable tannins from Balanophora japonica

Four hydrolyzable tannins named balanophotannins D-G ( 1- 4) were isolated from the aerial parts of the parasitic plant Balanophora japonica. Their structures were characterized on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence. Balanophotannins D-G contain an oxidized hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP) group. The absolute configurations of balanophotannins D ( 1) and F ( 3) were determined via the PGME method. Balanophotannin E ( 2) showed cytotoxicity to Hep G2 cancer cells with an IC 50 value of 4.22 microM.     

Antimicrobial activity of Terminalia macroptera root

Terminalia macroptera Guill et Perr. (Combretaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Guinea-Bissau and other West African countries to treat infectious diseases. The ethanol extract from T. macroptera decorticated root and their liquid-liquid partition fractions, were screened for antimicrobial activity, by the twofold serial microdilution assay against seven reference bacterial strains and against Candida albicans. The extract and fractions showed some activity against at least one of the test microorganisms. The best results were obtained against Shigella dysenteriae and Vibrio cholerae. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of T. macroptera ethanol extract were also determined for about 100 clinical strains of Campylobacter sp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp. and Vibrio cholerae. The ethanol extract activity against Campylobacter strains is similar to co-trimoxazole, higher than sulfamethoxazole but lower than tetracycline, erythromycin, ampicilin and streptomycin. Ellagitannins are the major compounds in the extract and active fractions. The obtained results suggest a potential importance of this medicinal plant in the treatment of enteric diseases, particularly in Campylobacter infections.     

Terminalia macroptera, its current medicinal use and future perspectives

The tree Terminalia macroptera (Combretaceae) is widespread in Western Africa, and in this area, different parts have been utilized in the treatment of various diseases. In this article, we report on the medicinal use of T. macroptera in three different districts in Mali (Siby, Dioïla and Dogonland), based on interviews with 78 healers in these districts. Roots, root bark, stem bark, leaves and fruits have all been employed by healers, as has parasitic Loranthus species growing on the tree. Major areas of use comprise treatment of wounds and sores, infections, pain, cough, tuberculosis and hepatitis. Some of the medicinal uses of T. macroptera appear to be rationally explained by its chemical constituents.     

Dimeric and trimeric hydrolyzable tannins from Quercus coccifera and Quercus suber

Three new hydrolyzable tannins, cocciferins D(1) (1), D(2) (2), and T(1) (4), were isolated from the leaves of Quercus coccifera. Cocciferin D(2) (2) and two additional new tannins, cocciferins D(3) (3) and T(2) (5), were also obtained from the leaves of Quercus suber. Their oligomeric structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods and chemical evidence. Compounds 2, 3, and 5 were rare oligomers possessing glucose cores with both open-chain and pyranose forms.     

Arjunic acid, a strong free radical scavenger from Terminalia arjuna

This study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacities of arjunic acid, an aglycone obtained from the fruit of medicine Terminalia Fruit. Liver microsomes, mitochondria, and red blood cells (RBCs) were prepared from Wistar rats. The antioxidant capacity was determined by the inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide induced RBCs hemolysis, and RBCs autoxidative hemolysis. The free radical scavenging activity was tested by DPPH method and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluoresc in diacetate (DCFH(2)-DA) assay. Ascorbic acid was chosen as the positive controls. Results showed that arjunic acid was a strong antioxidant and a free radical scavenger, more potent than ascorbic acid, in microsomes lipid peroxidation, DPPH, hydrogen peroxide induced RBCs hemolysis, and (DCFH(2)-DA) assay (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the RBCs autoxidative hemolysis assay (p > 0.05).     

五倍子中鞣质提取工艺研究

目的：优化中药五倍子中鞣质的提取方法。方法：以鞣质水解后没食子酸提取率为指标，用高效液相色谱法进行含量测定，采用L9（3^4）正交设计试验，对药材粒度、提取溶剂倍量、提取时间和提取次数等因素进行考察，以确定最佳提取工艺。结果：用10倍量水，提取3次，每次9h的方法可以获得较高的鞣质提取率。结论：优选得到的鞣质提取工艺鞣质提取率较高且稳定可行。     

Arjunetin from Terminalia arjuna as an insect feeding-deterrent and growth inhibitor

Crude ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Terminalia arjuna (Combretaceae) and its three compounds namely arjunic acid, arjungenin and arjunetin were evaluated for antifeedant, growth inhibitory and oviposition-deterrent activities against a lepidopterous insect Spilarctia obliqua. The compound arjunetin showed highest growth inhibitory and feeding-deterrent properties with a growth inhibition (GI(50)) and feeding-inhibition (FD(50)) of 188.5 and 287.1 micro g/g diet respectively. Oviposition bioassays indicated no oviposition-deterrence in any of the compounds tested. The structure-activity relationship study indicated the importance of a glycosidation linkage in arjunetin.     

Constituents of tannins from Euphorbia prostrata Ait.]

Ten compounds have been isolated from Euphorbia prostrata and identified as gallic acid, corilagin, 1,2,3-tri-O-galloyl-D-glucose,geraniin,tellimagradin I, II, rugosin A, rugosin E, rugosin D and rugosin G on the basis of physicochemical and spectroscopic methods.     

Antiproliferative xanthones of Terminalia calcicola from the Madagascar rain forest

A bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOH extract of the Madagascan plant Terminalia calcicola led to the isolation of two new cytotoxic xanthones, termicalcicolanone A (1) and termicalcicolanone B (2). The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic data. Both compounds showed modest antiproliferative activity toward the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line.     

Effects of extracts and tannins from Arbutus unedo leaves on rat platelet aggregation

Many cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension are associated with an increase in blood platelet activity. Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae) is a medicinal plant reputed to treat arterial hypertension, so the present study was undertaken in order to determine the antiaggregant effect. The crude aqueous extract showed an inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation (IC50 = 1.8 +/- 0.09 g/L, n = 10). The subsequent extraction of Arbutus unedo leaves by successive solvents showed that the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts accounted for most of the antiaggregant activity (IC50 = 0.7 +/- 0.08, n = 9; 0.6 +/- 0.05; n = 9, respectively).The tannins isolated from the methanol extract exhibited a strong antiplatelet effect (% of inhibition = 75.3 +/- 1.4, n = 8) and may be the major chemical compounds responsible for this action. Our results support the traditional use of this plant in the preventive or therapeutic treatment of platelet aggregation linked to arterial hypertension.     

Anolignan B: a bioactive compound from the roots of Terminalia sericea

Antibacterial bioassay-guided fractionation of an ethyl acetate root extract of Terminalia sericea led to the isolation of anolignan B. The isolated compound was further tested for anti-inflammatory activity using the cyclooxygenase enzyme assays (COX-1 and COX-2) and for potential mutagenic effects using the Ames test. In the antibacterial test, anolignan B showed activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration values obtained (MIC) ranged from 3.8 microg/ml against Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) to 31 microg/ml against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative). In the anti-inflammatory assays, anolignan B showed activity against both COX-1 (IC(50) = 1.5 mM) and COX-2 (IC(50) = 7.5 mM) enzymes. No potential mutagenic effects were observed in the Salmonella microsome assay (TA98). Isolation of anolignan B from Terminalia sericea as well as the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities observed in this study has not been reported previously.     

藏药毛诃子水溶性化学成分研究

目的：研究藏药毛诃子Terminalia billirica(Gaert.) Roxb.水溶性部分化学成分。方法：利用大孔吸附树脂Diaion HP-20、凝胶Sephadex LH-20、Toyopearl HW-40、MCI gel CHP 20P、和ODS多种色谱技术分离纯化,根据化合物理化性质和波谱学数据进行结构鉴定。结果：从毛诃子水溶性部位分离得到10个化合物,分别鉴定为柯里拉京（Corilagin,1）、水杨苷（Salicoside,2）、甲基-α-阿拉伯糖苷（Methyl-α-D-arabinofuranoside,3）、1,4-二甲基-β-D-吡喃果糖（1,4-dimethyl-β-D-fructopyranose,4）、β-吡喃果糖（β-fructopyranose,5）和β-呋喃果糖（β-fructofuranose,6）、没食子酸（Gallic acid,7）、鞣花酸（Ellagic acid,8）1,2,3,4,6-五-O-没食子酰基-β-D-葡萄糖吡喃苷（1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranonside,9）、诃黎勒酸（Chebulagic acid,10）。结论：除化合物7和8外,其余均为首次从该植物中分离得到,化合物2-6为首次从榄仁树属植物中得到。     

Mutagenicity and oral toxicity studies of Terminalia chebula

The fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz. (T. chebula), which is a member of the Combfreetaceae family, is used widely in Asian countries as a traditional folk medicine, and its extract has been reported to be an anticancer, antidiabetic and anticaries agent. In our previous study, chebulic acid isolated from T. chebula extract was confirmed to show antioxidant activity and protective action against endothelial cell dysfunction. In order to support the safety‐in‐use of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc)‐soluble portion of a T. chebula ethanol extract containing 29.4% chebulic acid content, the prepared portion was tested in an in vitro mutagenicity assay, and a single‐ and 14‐day repeated dose oral toxicity study. In the bacterial mutation assay, up to 5000 µg/mL concentration of the EtOAc‐soluble portion, the numbers of colonies did not increase whether with or without metabolic activation. In the oral toxicity study, the single oral dose of the extract at 2000 mg/kg did not produce mortality or abnormal lesions in the internal organs of rats. The results of a 14‐day orally repeated dose showed that the EtOAc‐soluble portion of T. chebula ethanol extracts gave no adverse effects at dosages of 2000 mg/kg in rats in the study. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Radical scavenging activity and antioxidant properties of tannins from Guiera senegalensis (Combretaceae)

The antioxidant properties of nine tannins isolated and characterized from different parts of Guiera senegalensis were evaluated. Interesting results showed that galloylquinic acids (hydrolysable tannins), resulting from a tri- or tetra-substitution of galloyl groups on the quinic acid skeleton, played a crucial role in the inhibitory effect on Fe²⁺-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and radical scavenger activity in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. The effects of all tannins were markedly higher than that of gallic acid. Condensed tannins such as epicatechin and epigallocatechin gallate also showed fairly significant effects in both tests. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hypotensive effect in rats of hydrophilic extract from Terminalia arjuna containing tannin-related compounds

The effects of extracts containing tannin-related compounds from Terminalia arjuna, which has been used in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders by Ayurvedic physicians, on the blood pressure and heart rate of rats were examined. An aqueous extract of Terminalia arjuna produced a transient decrease in blood pressure accompanied by a slight decrease in heart rate. The hypotensive effect was observed with a fraction containing tannin-related compounds (F2) separated from the aqueous extract. The hypotensive effect of F2 was not affected by pretreatment of rats with propranolol, but was attenuated by pretreatment with atropine. The effects on blood pressure of acetylcholine, epinephrine, isoproterenol and bilateral carotid occlusion, were not affected by treatment with F2. These results suggest that an aqueous fraction of Terminalia arjuna containing tannin-related compounds has a hypotensive effect in the rat, which may be mediated by cholinergic mechanisms. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Terminalia arjuna,an ayurvedic cardiotonic,increases contractile force of rat isolated atria

The direct effects of aqueous, ethanolic, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of Terminalia arjuna (family: Combretaceae) bark, an ayurvedic remedy for cardiovascular disorders, were studied on isolated atria of rats. The aqueous extract produced a substantial positive inotropic effect (EC₅₀ = 0.25 mg/mL) but no change in the rate. The ethanol, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts all decreased the rate of contraction. A slight increase in force was seen with ethanol and chloroform extracts. Higher concentrations of the chloroform extract had a negative inotropic effect. The ethanol extract decreased the maximum following frequency of the left atria. It is concluded that Terminalia arjuna has a significant positive inotropic property on rat atria in vitro which could contribute to its efficacy in treating cardiovascular disorders.     

藏药余甘子与诃子化学和药理作用比较

余甘子和诃子均为常用藏药,藏药中余甘子、毛诃子、诃子3种药物配伍使用称为大三果,是大多数常用方剂的基础方。本文对余甘子和诃子化学成分与药理作用进行归纳总结和比较,为两种常用藏药的应用提供依据。     

诃子及其混淆品RAPD分析

目的：对不同品种的诃子进行ＤＮＡ指纹图的鉴别研究,并对ＲＡＰＤ在中药材鉴别中存在的一些问题进行研究。方法：应用ＲＡＰＤ技术对诃子及其常见混淆品进行ＤＮＡ指纹图多态性的比较。结果：ＤＮＡ指纹图显示,各样品间具有不同的遗传关系,根据这些差别可进行鉴别,同时对存在的若干问题提出了解决的方法。结论：ＲＡＰＤ可以有效地鉴别诃子及其混淆品。     

猴腿蹄盖蕨总酚和鞣质含量及抗氧化活性评价

目的：测定猴腿蹄盖蕨根茎总酚、鞣质含量评价及其抗氧化活性。方法采用福林酚试剂-干酪素比色法测定猴腿蹄盖蕨根茎总酚和鞣质含量,利用分光光度法测定其体外抗氧化活性。结果猴腿蹄盖蕨根茎总酚含量为24.61%,鞣质含量为4.59%,总酚和鞣质具有强还原能力以及羟自由基和超氧阴离子自由基清除活性。结论猴腿蹄盖蕨根茎总酚及鞣质具有显著的抗氧化活性。