复方芸香片的体外抑菌作用实验研究

目的：实验研究复方芸香片的体外抑菌作用。方法：采用抑菌实验,观察复方芸香片及其组成的水提物、醇提物对所选用的8种细菌的最低抑菌浓度和相对抑菌浓度作用程度。结果：醇提的复方芸香片对化脓性链球菌、藤黄入叠球菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、B群链球菌、肺炎链球菌、绿脓杆菌、大肠杆菌和沙门氏菌,均有同等的较弱的抑菌作用。复方芸香药材醇提物对上述细菌的抑菌作用大为增强,其中最强的是前两种,其次是金黄色葡萄球菌和B群链球菌。芸香醇提物对前4种菌的抑菌作用也较强。H对上述细菌也有一定抑制作用。结论：复方芸香片对一般细菌有抑菌作用。     

Male contraceptive efficacy of Ricinus communis L. extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ricinus communis L. (Rc), of Euphorbiaceae family is a widespread plant in tropical regions and it is used in traditional medicines as an antifertility agent in India and different parts of the world.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to revalidate the ethnobotanical knowledge by evaluating the activity of only crude stem bark extracts of Rc. In this study, effects of extracts on male contraceptive efficacy were experimented in vitro with human sperm sample. The work is based on primordial and contemporary therapeutic uses of this plant.

Materials and methods

In this study, dose of petroleum ether extract, ethyl acetate extract, acetone extract and lyophilised aqueous extract of Rc were added to fresh human semen in 1:1 volumetric ratio. As the aqueous extract showed a promising result in 1:1 ratio, therefore, the Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS), Nuclear chromatin decondensation test (NCD) and Acrosomal status and function test (AFT) were also carried out with the aqueous extract of Rc.

Results

The sperm immobilisation effects of the extract appeared immediately in a dose-dependent manner when the samples were treated with four different extracts of this plant. At a concentration of 100 mg/mL, 100% (p<0.001 and p<0.05) sperms lost their progressive motility. At a concentration of 300 mg/mL, 100% (p<0.001 and p<0.05) became immotile when treated with aqueous extract. There was 88% (p<0.001 and p<0.05) morphological deformities in sperm sample due the effect of aqueous extract when they were tested for HOS and 91% (p<0.05) sperms behaved against NCD as compared to control group. Also there was a distinct decline (p<0.05) in AFT with increase in dosage concentration.

Conclusion

The findings of the study revealed that aqueous stem bark extract of the plant showed dose dependent loss of sperm motility by influencing the morphological deformation, blockage in nuclear envelope and distinct declination in acrosomal status of spermatozoa. This research, thus, opens up scope for future exploration of bark of the plant as commercial source of new male contraceptive.     

Mechanisms of the anti-hypertensive effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyces

Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-hypertensive effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS) in both humans and experimental animals. To explore the mechanisms of the anti-hypertensive effect of the HS, we examined the effects of a crude methanolic extract of the calyces of HS (HSE) on vascular reactivity in isolated aortas from spontaneously hypertensive rats. HSE relaxed, concentration-dependently, KCl (high K(+), 80 mM)- and phenylephrine (PE, 1 microM)-pre-contracted aortic rings, with a greater potency against the alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor agonist. The relaxant effect of HSE was partly dependent on the presence of a functional endothelium as the action was significantly reduced in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. Pretreatment with atropine (1 microM), L-NAME (10 microM) or methylene blue (10 microM), but not indomethacin (10 microM), significantly blocked the relaxant effects of HSE. Endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxations induced by acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, respectively, were significantly enhanced in aortic rings pretreated with HSE when compared to those observed in control aortic rings. The present results demonstrated that HSE has a vasodilator effect in the isolated aortic rings of hypertensive rats. These effects are probably mediated through the endothelium-derived nitric oxide-cGMP-relaxant pathway and inhibition of calcium (Ca(2+))-influx into vascular smooth muscle cells. The present data further supports previous in vivo findings and the traditional use of HS as an anti-hypertensive agent.     

楤木属中草药的整理研究

Chong木属是最接近人参属的一群植物,我国有丰富的种植资源。在强调整理Chong木中草药传统疗效的基础上,结合现代的化学,药理及制剂研究进展提出了开发前景的建议。     

Cytotoxic effect of Reseda lutea L.: A case of forgotten remedy

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Reseda lutea L. (Resedaceae) or Wild Mignonette is a widely distributed plant species. Pliny the Elder (AD 23–AD 79), a Roman scholar and naturalist, reported the use of R. lutea for reducing tumors in his Historia naturalis. Accounts of the beneficial effects of R. lutea in tumor treatment could also be found in the works of later authors, such as Étienne François Geoffroy (1672–1731) and Samuel Frederick Gray (1766–1828). However, to date no in vivo or in vitro evidence exists in support of the alleged tumor healing properties of R. lutea.

Materials and methods

The composition of autolysates obtained from different organs (root, flower and fruit) of R. lutea was investigated by GC and GC–MS analyses and IR, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. These analyses led to the discovery of a new compound isolated in pure form from the flower autolysate. Autolysates and their major constituents were submitted to MTT-dye reduction cytotoxic assay on human A375 (melanoma) and MRC5 (fibroblast) cell lines. Mechanism of the cytotoxic effects was studied by cell cycle analysis and Annexin V assay.

Results

Benzyl isothiocyanate and 2-(α-l-rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate were identified as the major constituents of the root and flower autolysates, respectively (the later represents a new natural product). These compounds showed significant antiproliferative effects against both cell lines, which could also explain the observed high cytotoxic activity of the tested autolysates. Cell cycle analysis revealed apoptosis as the probable mechanism of cell death.

Conclusions

Tumor healing properties attributed to R. lutea in the pre-modern texts were substantiated by the herein obtained results. Two isothiocyanates were found to be the major carriers of the observed activity. Although there was a relatively low differential effect of the plant metabolites on transformed and non-transformed cell lines, one can argue that the noted strong cytotoxicity provides first evidence that could explain the long forgotten use of this particular species.     

Vasorelaxant effects and mechanisms of action of Heracleum sphondylium L. (Apiaceae) in rat thoracic aorta

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Aerial parts of Heracleum sphondylium L. (HS) are used in traditional medicine to treat hypertension. To provide pharmacological basis for this use, we investigated the vasorelaxant effects of a dichloromethane extract of HS (HSDE) and the mechanisms involved.

Materials and methods

Activity of HSDE was evaluated on rat isolated thoracic aortic rings.

Results

HSDE induced vasorelaxation in phenylephrine (PE, 10⁻⁶ mol/L) and high KCl—(6×10⁻² mol/L) pre-contracted aortic rings that was independent on the presence of endothelium. HSDE markedly decreased extracellular Ca²⁺-induced contraction in high-KCl and PE pre-challenged rings. It also inhibited the intracellular Ca²⁺ release sensitive to PE (10⁻⁶ M). The relaxant effect of HSDE were blunted by 4-amino-pyridine (4-AP, 10⁻³ mol/L), an inhibitor of voltage-dependent K⁺ channels.

Conclusion

Our results provide the first evidence that a dichloromethane extract of Heracleum sphondylium L. exhibits vasorelaxant properties through endothelium-independent mechanisms involving the inhibition of Ca²⁺ mobilization and changes in Kv channel conductances. These data argue for its use as antihypertensive therapy in traditional medicine.     

A flavonoid glycoside isolated from Smilax china L. rhizome in vitro anticancer effects on human cancer cell lines

The anticancer activity of eight crude extracts of Smilax china L. rhizome (SCR) against HeLa cells was assessed by MTT assay and clonogenic assay, the fraction rich in flavonoids had show good activity against HeLa cells. A bioassay-guided separation on this extract lead to the detection of kaempferol-7-O-beta-D-glucoside (KG), which belongs to flavonoid glycoside, displayed marked anticancer activity. We evaluated its in vitro cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effect in a panel of established cancer cell lines by MTT assay and clonogenic assay. KG induces A375 and HL60 cells apoptosis, which was demonstrated by morphological changes, DNA fragmentation and flow cytometric analysis. Fluorescent staining with Hoechst 33258 showed fragmentation and condensation of chromatin in the A375 and HL60 cells. Flow cytometric analysis shown that A375 and HL60 cells treated with KG resulted in the appearance of a hypodiploid peak (A0 region), probably due to the presence of apoptosing cells and/or apoptotic bodies with DNA content less than 2n. Quantitation of the hypodiploid cells shows a dose-dependent response to KG, and this result is in good accordance with that of the DNA fragmentation assay by agarose gel electrophoresis. Our results suggested that cell cycle arrest at G(1) phase and induce apoptosis as a mechanism by which KG exerts an antiproliferative effect.     

Vascular effects of Tanacetum vulgare L. leaf extract: in vitro pharmacological study

Aim of the study

Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae/Compositae) is principally used in traditional Moroccan medicine as antihypertensive remedy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro vascular activity of the aqueous extract of Tanacetum vulgare L.

Materials and Methods

The activity of Tanacetum vulgare L. extract was tested on contractile response of Wistar rat aorta to high KCl and noradrenaline and on endothelium-dependent relaxation evoked by acetylcholine.

Results

The addition of Tanacetum extract during the plateau phase of noradrenaline-evoked contraction produced a rapid relaxation that reached a maximum of 30% of the contraction and was suppressed by the NO synthase inhibitor N^G-nitro-l-arginine. At higher extract concentrations this rapid relaxation was followed by a slowly developing, N^G-nitro-l-arginine-resistant, relaxing effect. Tanacetum extract also depressed KCl-evoked contraction by 30% at maximum. This effect was abolished in the presence of N^G-nitro-l-arginine. The endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine was depressed in the presence of Tanacetum extract in the bathing solution.

Conclusion

:This study indicates that the aqueous extract of Tanacetum possesses NO-mediated and NO-independent vasorelaxing properties in vitro.     

Spasmolytic activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. involves calcium channels in the guinea pig ileum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a plant used around the world for its properties to cure pain in several conditions, such as arthritic and abdominal pain or as an antispasmodic; however, there are no scientific studies demonstrating its spasmolytic activity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an ethanol extract from Rosmarinus officinalis aerial parts and the possible mechanism involved by using rings from the isolated guinea pig ileum (IGPI).

Materials and methods

The IGPI rings were pre-contracted with potassium chloride (KCl; 60 mM), acetylcholine (ACh; 1 × 10⁻⁹ to 1 × 10⁻⁵ M) or electrical field stimulation (EFS; 0.3 Hz of frequency, 3.0 ms of duration and 14 V intensity) and tested in the presence of the Rosmarinus officinalis ethanol extract (150, 300, 600 and 1 200 μg/mL) or a referenced smooth muscle relaxant (papaverine, 30 μM). In addition, the possible mechanism of action was analyzed in the presence of hexametonium (a ganglionic blocker), indomethacine (an inhibitor of prostaglandins), l-NAME (a selective inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase) and nifedipine (a calcium channel blocker).

Results

Rosmarinus officinalis ethanol extract exhibited a significant and concentration-dependent spasmolytic activity on the contractions induced by KCl (CI₅₀ = 661.06 ± 155.91 μg/mL); ACh (CI₅₀ = 464.05 ± 16.85 μg/mL) and EFS (CI₅₀ = 513.72 ± 34.13 μg/mL). Spasmolytic response of Rosmarinus officinalis (600 μg/mL) was reverted in the presence of nifedipine 1 μM, but not in the presence of hexamethonium 0.5 mM, indomethacine 1 μM or l-NAME 100 μM.

Conclusion

The present results reinforce the use of Rosmarinus officinalis as antispasmodic in folk medicine. Moreover, it is demonstrated the involvement of calcium channels in this activity, but not the participation of nicotinic receptors, prostaglandins or nitric oxide.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of Inonotus obliquus, Polygala senega L., and Viburnum trilobum in a cell screening assay

Aim of the study

The purpose of the study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the mushroom Inonotus obliquus (Chaga), Polygala senega (Senega) and Viburnum trilobum (Cranberry) bark extract fractions from locally produced materials in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced murine macrophage RAW 164.7 cells.

Materials and methods

Four fractions from each of the three extracts were obtained: (80% ethanol extracted; Fa), (water-soluble polysaccharide fraction; Fb), (Polyphenolic fraction; Fc) and (ETOAc/H₂O extracted fraction; Fd). These extract fractions were tested in the cell screening system at 50,100 and 500 μg/ml for their ability to inhibit LPS induced inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNFα and IL-6. Supernatants from LPS alone treated cells were used as control. The cytokines in the cell culture supernatants following treatments with extract fractions were quantified by ELISA method, using 96 well ELISA plates.

Results

All fractions of the extracts significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα except the polyphenolic Fc fraction of Senega which showed an increased production of IL-6. Furthermore, each fraction showed a dose-dependant anti-inflammatory effect. Nitric oxide production was not affected by cranberry and senega, while Chaga significantly reduced NO production in murine macrophage cell assay.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that the extracts obtained from the root of Polygala senega L., bark of Viburnum trilobum, and the mushroom Inonotus obliquus possess anti-inflammatory properties when tested in a RAW 264.7 macrophage cell system.     

墨旱莲多糖对正常小鼠免疫功能的实验研究

目的: 评价墨旱莲多糖对正常小鼠免疫功能的影响。 方法: 昆明种小鼠,分为墨旱莲多糖高、中、低3个剂量组、正常对照组和阳性药香茹多糖组,ig 14 d后观测小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞吞噬率和吞噬指数以及溶血素和溶血空斑的形成情况。 结果: 与正常组对照组相比,墨旱莲多糖高、中、低3个剂量组均能显著增加小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞的吞噬百分率和吞噬指数,显著增加血清中溶血素含量和溶血空斑的形成,其中以墨旱莲多糖低剂量组作用为强。 结论: 墨旱莲多糖对正常小鼠免疫功能有良好的增强作用。     

Fertility inducing effect of aerial parts of Coccinia cordifolia L. in female rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The aerial parts of Coccinia cordifolia L. are used to treat female infertility in West Bengal state of India.

Aim of the study

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the fertility inducing effect of aerial parts of Coccinia cordifolia L. in female rats.

Materials and methods

The effect of aqueous extract of Coccinia cordifolia L. on hyperprolactinemia induced infertility, endometriosis induced infertility and androgen-induced infertility was studied. The effect on serum estrogen level, serum progesterone level and reproductive tract was also evaluated in normal healthy female rats. The extract was administered orally at two different doses of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg.

Results

In hyperprolactinemia induced infertility model, the numbers of uterine implants were almost 10 times more in the extract treated groups as compared to control. The high dose of extract also produced a significant increase in serum estrogen levels (p < 0.01) and number of corpus luteum (p < 0.05) in healthy female rats. The extract at both doses was effective in reducing the weight of endometrial implants by 70–80%, but failed to induce fertility in rats with endometriosis. The extract was ineffective in inducing fertility in androgen-induced infertility model.

Conclusions

The aqueous extract of Coccinia cordifolia L. induces fertility in hyperprolactinemia induced infertility model in female rats.     

Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on serum lipids: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Prevention of cardiovascular disease by modifying its major risk factors, including serum cholesterol levels, is an important strategy. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. has been promoted for reducing cholesterol levels, but its reported impact on cholesterol levels has been inconsistent. The study aimed to assess systematically the evidence and quality of current research on the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on blood lipids and its adverse effects.

Materials and methods

Electronic databases were searched up to June 2013 for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Journals and conference proceedings were also searched. The quality of the selected trials was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. The efficacy results of similar studies were pooled if they used the same comparator. Outcomes examined were levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides.

Results

Six studies involving 474 subjects met our inclusion criteria. These studies varied in terms of the types of interventions, comparators used, and duration of trials. Overall, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. did not produce any significant effect on any of the outcomes examined, when compared with placebo, black tea or diet. With short-term use it is well tolerated.

Conclusions

The available evidence from RCTs does not support the efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in lowering serum lipids. Further rigorously designed trials with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm the effects of HS on serum lipids.     

Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae) leaf tea: effect of the growing stage and desiccation status on the antimalarial activity of a traditional preparation

In French Guiana, Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae) leaf tea is a well-known widely used traditional antimalarial remedy. Impact of the vegetal sampling condition on in vivo and in vitro antimalarial activity was assessed. Traditional infusions were prepared with juvenile or mature leaves, both either fresh or dried. Results showed that growing stage and freshness of vegetal material exert a striking effect on antimalarial activity, both in vitro and in vivo. By far, leaf tea made from fresh juvenile (FJ) Quassia amara leaves was the most active. In vitro, active component (simalikalactone D) concentration correlates biological activities, although unexplained subtle variations were observed. In vivo, tea made with dried juvenile (DJ) leaves displays a peculiar behavior, meaning that some components may help simalikalactone D delivery or may be active in vivo only, therefore enhancing the expected curative effect of the traditional preparation.     

The medicinal uses of Callicarpa L. in traditional Chinese medicine: An ethnopharmacological,phytochemical and pharmacological review

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Callicarpa L. (Verbenaceae) has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the prevention and treatment of a wide number of health disorders such as inflammation, rheumatism, hematuria, fracture, hematemesis, menoxenia, gastrointestinal bleeding, scrofula, etc.

Aims of the review

To assess the scientific evidence for therapeutic Callicarpa in TCM and to identify future research needs.

Methods

The available information on the ethnopharmacological uses in Chinese medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical practice of Callicarpa species was collected via a library and electronic search (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and CNKI).

Results

A variety of ethnomedical use of Callicarpa has been recorded in many ancient Chinese books. Phytochemical investigation of this genus has resulted in identification of more than 200 chemical constituents, among which diterpenes, triterpenoids and flavonoids are the predominant groups. The isolates and crude extract have exhibited a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects involving anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, neuroprotective, anti-amnesic, antitubercular, antioxidant, antimicrobial and analgesic activities. Preparations containing Callicarpa species exerted good efficacy on clinical applications of gynecological inflammation, internal and external hemorrhage as well as acne vulgaris and chronic pharyngitis, etc. From the toxicity perspective, only three Callicarpa species have been assessed.

Conclusions

Pharmacological results have validated the use of Callicarpa species in the traditional medicine. As literature demonstrated, terpenoids and flavonoids are perhaps responsible for most of the activities shown by the plants of this genus. However, the detailed active compounds and the underlying mechanisms remain a work in progress. In addition, more attention should be paid to C. nudiflora as well as the domain of rheumatism.     

Investigation on the morphological protective effect of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural extracted from wine-processed Fructus corni on human L02 hepatocytes

Aim

To determine the mode of action of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) extracted from wine-processed Fructus corni on hepatoprotective activities, the effects of 5-HMF on H₂O₂-induced human L02 hepatocytes injury was examined.

Mthods

Hepatocytes L02 injured by H₂O₂ was treated by 5-HMF. The morphological changes of the cells were observed under inverted phase-contrast, fluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy and the activities of caspase-9 and caspase-3 were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent detector.

Results

It revealed that 5-HMF improved the morphology of H₂O₂-treated human L02 hepatocytes, and also inhibited the level of caspase-9 and caspase-3 of them.

Conclusions

These results suggested a morphological hepatocyte protective effect and the anti-apoptosis mechanism by 5-HMF.     

Dual effects of crude extracts obtained from Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae) on experimental anxiety in mice

Aim of the study

Different preparations obtained from P. alliacea have been traditionally used in South America and Brazil for many medical conditions.To investigate the effects of fresh whole plant (WP) extract, aerial part (AP) extract, and root (R) extract obtained from Petiveria alliacea using the elevated plus maze (EPM) model of anxiety in mice. Total flavonoid content present in Petiveria alliacea extracts was also determined.

Materials and methods

WP, AP, or R (300–900 mg/kg) extracts were orally administered to mice 30 min before they were subjected to the EPM and open field test. Total flavonoid content present in the extracts was determined by spectrophotometry.

Results

The WP extract (300 and 900 mg/kg) caused anxiolytic-like effects, and the AP extract (300 mg/kg) induced anxiogenic-like effects in mice subjected to the EPM. No effect on anxiety-like behavior was observed with acute administration of the R extract. The content of flavonoids present in the AP extract (1.34%) was almost threefold higher than the flavonoid content present in the WP extract (0.52%).

Conclusions

Preparations using different fresh parts of Petiveria alliacea caused opposite effects on experimental anxiety in mice. However, predicting the extent to which flavonoid content present in Petiveria alliacea extracts differentially induces anxiolysis or anxiogenesis in mice was not possible. Further studies will be necessary to elucidate the effects of flavonoids or other substances present in Petiveria alliacea extracts on experimental anxiety.     

Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive principles from a folk remedy, Rhododendron ponticum L. leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Rhododendron ponticum L. (Ericaceae) is used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and to alleviate rheumatic pain and against toothache in Turkish traditional medicine.