Anthelmintic activity of Calotropis procera (Ait.) Ait. F. flowers in sheep

The anthelmintic activity of Calotropis (C.) procera flowers in comparison with levamisole was evaluated through in vitro and in vivo studies. In vitro studies revealed anthelmintic effects (P<0.05) of crude aqueous (CAE) and crude methanolic extracts (CME) of Calotropis procera flowers on live Haemonchus (H.) contortus as evident from their mortality or temporary paralysis. For in vivo studies, Calotropis procera flowers were administered as crude powder (CP), CAE and CME to sheep naturally infected with mixed species of gastrointestinal nematodes. Egg count percent reduction (ECR) was recorded as 88.4 and 77.8% in sheep treated with CAE and CP at 3gkg(-1) body weight on day 7 and 10 post-treatment (PT), respectively. CME was least effective resulting in 20.9% reduction in ECR on day 7 PT. It was found that Calotropis procera flowers possess good anthelmintic activity against nematodes, yet it was lower than that exhibited by levamisole (97.8-100%). It is suggested that further research on large scale be carried out involving a large number of animals, doses higher than those used in the current study, identification of active principles, and standardization of dose and toxicity studies for drug development.     

Protective effect of latex of Calotropis procera in Freund's Complete Adjuvant induced monoarthritis

The protective effect of latex of Calotropis procera in Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced monoarticular arthritis was evaluated in rats. Arthritis was induced by a single intra‐articular injection of 0.1 mL of 0.1% FCA in the right ankle joint. The effect of dried latex (DL, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and its methanol extract (MeDL, 50 and 500 mg/kg) following oral administration was evaluated on joint inflammation, hyperalgesia, locomotor function and histology at the time of peak inflammation. The effects of DL and MeDL were compared with antiinflammatory drugs phenylbutazone (100 mg/kg), prednisolone (20 mg/kg), rofecoxib (20 and 100 mg/kg) and immuno‐suppressant methotrexate (0.3 mg/kg). Daily oral administration of DL and its methanol extract (MeDL) produced a significant reduction in joint inflammation (about 50% and 80% inhibition) and associated hyperalgesia. The antihyperalgesic effect of MeDL was comparable to that of rofecoxib. Both DL and MeDL produced a marked improvement in the motility and stair climbing ability of the rats. The histological analysis of the arthritic joint also revealed significant reduction in oedema and cellular infiltration by MeDL that was comparable to that of rofecoxib. Thus, our study suggests that the latex of C. procera has the potential to be used as an antiarthritic agent. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antioxidant and protective effect of latex of Calotropis procera against alloxan-induced diabetes in rats

In the present study, dry latex (DL) of Calotropis procera possessing potent anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated for its antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic effects against alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. Daily oral administration of DL at 100 and 400 mg/kg doses produced a dose-dependent decrease in the blood glucose and increase in the hepatic glycogen content. DL also prevented the loss of body weight in diabetic rats and brought down the daily water consumption to values comparable to normal rats. DL also produced an increase in the hepatic levels of the endogenous antioxidants, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione, while it brought down the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The efficacy of DL as an antioxidant and as an anti-diabetic agent was comparable to the standard anti-diabetic drug, glibenclamide.     

In vivo and in vitro effect of latex of Calotropis procera on gastrointestinal smooth muscles

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dry latex (DL) of Calotropis procera on smooth muscles of gastrointestinal tract. Oral administration of DL to rats (50-1000 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent decrease in intestinal transit along with a decrease in intestinal content as compared to control group. At lower doses DL produced dose-dependent contractions of gastrointestinal smooth muscles in vitro (rabbit ileum and fundus of rat stomach) that was followed by desensitization at higher doses.     

Antiinflammatory activity of Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br

The antiinflammatory activity of an extract from the leaves of Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br., used as a traditional remedy for different types of inflammation, was investigated using experimental models of acute inflammation. Topical application of the extract inhibited carrageenan-induced paw oedema and ear oedema induced in rats by arachidonic acid or ethyl phenylpropiolate. In vitro prostaglandin formation was inhibited by the extract in a concentration-dependent manner, with a potency equal to that of aspirin but considerably less than that of indomethacin. This study shows that Ipomoea pes-caprae has a significant antiinflammatory activity, probably due to a reduction of prostaglandin and leukotriene formation. Thus, in addition to earlier results, this work further supports the use of Ipomoea pes-caprae as an antiinflammatory agent in traditional medicine.     

玉竹、菟丝子醇提物对烧伤小鼠免疫功能的影响

玉竹、菟丝子醇提物灌胃,可明显提高小鼠血清溶血素的水平,增强腹腔巨噬细胞的吞噬功能,改善脾淋巴细胞对ConA的增殖反应,说明此两药可能是一种以增强体液免疫及吞噬功能为主的免疫增强剂。     

Topical application of serine proteases from Wrightia tinctoria R. Br. (Apocyanaceae) latex augments healing of experimentally induced excision wound in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Wrightia tinctoria R. Br. (Apocyanaceae) is a folk medicinal plant known to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antihemorrhagic potential. Wrightia tinctoria latex is used for treatment of various clinical conditions including psoriasis, blisters, mouth ulcers, and extensively for topical application on fresh wounds to promote accelerated healing.

Aims of the study

To investigate the wound healing potential of Wrightia tinctoria latex proteases using a mouse model.

Materials and methods

Proteolytic activity of Wrightia tinctoria latex proteases (WTLP) was determined on various substrates (casein, gelatin and collagen (type-I and IV)). The thermal stability and the class of proteases present in WTLP were determined using heat treatment and specific protease inhibitors, respectively. Excision wound model in mice was used to evaluate the healing potential of WTLP application (twice daily, 10 mg/kg). Neosporin, a standard drug, was used for comparison. The progression of healing was monitored using physical (wound contraction), biochemical (collagen content, catalase and MMP activity) and histological examinations.

Results

WTLP contains thermostable serine proteases, which are completely inhibited by PMSF. WTLP showed strong caseinolytic, gelatinolytic and collagenolytic activity. The excision wound healing rate upon WTLP treatment was significantly higher than (>2-fold) the control group (49% vs. 18%, ^??p<0.01) on day 3 and throughout the study. PMSF pre-treated and heat denatured WTLP failed to promote wound healing. In addition, serial biochemical analysis of the granulation tissue demonstrated 1.5-fold more (2444±100 vs. 1579±121 µg/100 mg tissue) hydroxyproline content and 5.6-fold higher catalase activity (16.7±1.3 vs. 3±0.3 units/mg) compared to controls. Further, the enhanced collagen content and matrix metalloproteinase activity correlated with wound contraction rate following WTLP and Neosporin treatment. Histological analysis on day 9 confirmed complete epithelialization, re-establishment of skin structure and accelerated wound healing following WTLP treatment.

Conclusions

The thermostable serine proteases of Wrightia tinctoria latex are directly involved in the wound healing process. Our findings provide a biochemical basis for the role of WTLP in the enhancement of wound healing. The study supports traditional topical application of Wrightia tinctoria latex on fresh wounds to promote accelerated healing.     

Inhibition of ethyl phenylpropiolate-induced rat ear oedema by compounds isolated from Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br.

The extract (IPA) of leaves from Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br. has previously been shown to reduce the development of rat ear oedema induced by ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP) in a dose-dependent manner. Using this bioassay to guide fractionation of the extract, two diastereomeric compounds, the actinidols 1a and 1b, were isolated (0.8% of IPA). The actinidols constitute part of the active principle of IPA. Compounds, previously isolated from IPA, with either prostaglandin synthesis inhibiting activity in vitro [2-hydroxy-4,4,7-trimethyl-1(4H)-naphthalenone, (?)-mellein and eugenol] or antispasmodic activity (E-phytol) were also assayed for inhibitory effects on the development of EPP-induced rat ear oedema. They all reduced oedema formation dose-dependently. The results suggest that IPA consists of several active compounds which interfere with the process of inflammation in different ways.     

Antinociceptive properties of the methanolic extract obtained from Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br

Ipomoea pes-caprae is a medicinal plant used in many countries for the treatment of several ailments, including inflammatory and algesic processes. The present study describes the antinociceptive effects of the methanolic extract and two fractions obtained from aerial parts of this plant. The results indicated that both methanolic extract and two fractions (ethyl acetate and aqueous) exhibited considerable antinociceptive activity against two classical models of pain in mice. Methanolic extract presented a calculated ID50 value of 33.8 mg/kg, i.p. against writhing test and also inhibited both phases of pain (neurogenic and inflammatory) of the formalin test with ID50 of 37.7 and 12.5 mg/kg, i.p. for the first and second phase, respectively. Preliminary phytochemical analysis suggested the presence of steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids and flavonoids. These findings support, at least in part, the popular use of I. pes-caprae to treat dolorous processes.     

Neutralization of toxic effects of different crude jellyfish venoms by an extract of Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br.

An extract (IPA) of the plant Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br., previously shown to be clinically effective toward dermatitis caused by venomous jellyfishes, was studied as to its ability to neutralize toxic activities of jellyfish venoms. Different venoms exhibited different degrees of activity. When IPA was incubated with active venoms, it inhibited the actions of all jellyfish venoms tested, with IC50 values in the range of 0.3-0.8 mgIPA/mg venom for proteolytic action, and with about 10 times lower IC50 values for the neutralization of haemolytic action. These activities of IPA support the previously reported effectiveness in the treatment of dermatitis caused by jellyfish sting.     

Calotropis gigantiea (L.) R. Br (Apocynaceae): A phytochemical and pharmacological review

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Calotropis gigantiea (L.) R. Br (Apocynaceae) commonly called as “crown flower” or “giant milk weed” is a well-known weed to many cultures for treating various disorders related to central nervous system, skin diseases, digestive system, respiratory system, reproductive system etc. Indigenous groups made the plant as a part of their lives since they use the fruit fibre to make ropes, household items, for weaving clothes and flowers for garlands apart from usage for various indications. The study aims at far-reaching review on phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, ethnopharmacology, intellectual property transfer on pharmacological therapies, toxicity which aids to provide scientific evidence for the ethnobotanical claims and to identify gaps required to be conducted as a future research prerequisite.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search was performed using different databases such as Scopus, Science direct, PubMed and Sciverse with no timeline limit set during the search. All the available abstracts and full text articles were included in the systematic review.

Results

Most of the folkloric uses were validated by the scientific studies such as analgesic, anti-arthritic, anti-asthmatic, anti-bacterial, anti-convulsant, anti-pyretic, central nervous system disorders, contraceptive, anti-ulcer and wound healing. In addition other studies such as anti-diabetic, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-helminthic, anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, cardio-protective studies, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotectivity, fibrinolytic, mosquitocidal, nerve muscle activity, vasodilation and skeletal muscle activities were also reported for the plant. Isolated compounds such as calotropin, frugoside and 4'-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl frugoside were tested for the cytotoxicity efficacy against both human and rat cell lines out of which calotropin showed potent activity (IC₅₀–15 ng/ml). However there were no clinical trials reported on the plant which is one of the major lacunas.

Conclusions

This review article explores the ethnopharmacological, pharmacological activities phytochemistry and intellectual rights of Cg which gives the evidence of a potent and commercial drug which up on further research leads to the most viable drug for variety of treatments. However there is further need for in-vivo studies and clinical trials on isolated phytoconstituents which will help to commercialise.     

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract and compounds isolated from Trichodesma indicum (Linn.) R. Br. root

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The roots are reportedly used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, leprosy, skin diseases and fever.

Aim of study

The aim of present study was to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of ethanol extract of Trichdesma indicum root, and its purified compounds and to validate scientifically its use in traditional medicine.

Material and methods

The root of Trichdesma indicum was extracted with ethanol and subjected to chromatographic separation for isolation of phytochemical compounds. Structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The antimicrobial activities of the ethanol extract of T. indicum and isolated compounds were primarily evaluated by a disc diffusion test. The anti-microbial efficacy of the ethanol extract or isolated compounds was then assessed in vitro by determining minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal or fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC).

Results

n-Decanyl laurate (1), n-tetradecanyl laurate (2), n-nonacosanyl palmitate (3), stigmast-5-en-3β-ol-21(24)-olide (4), n-pentacos-9-one (5), n-dotriacont-9-one-13-ene (6), stigmast-5-en-3β-ol-23-one (7) and lanast-5-en-3β-D-glucopyranosyl-21 (24)-olide (8) were isolated from ethanol extract of T.indicum. The ethanol extract and isolated compounds (1–8) showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activities. The ethanol extract exhibited potent growth inhibitory activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis and C. albicans with an MIC value of 19.2 μg/ml. Among all the isolated compounds, lanast-5-en-3β-D-glucopyranosyl-21 (24)-olide (8) displayed strongest antibacterial activity against S. aureus with MIC value of 2.4 μg/ml.

Conclusions

The results of present study provide ground basis for the potential use of the ethanol extract Trichodesma indicum root as well as the some of the isolated compounds in the treatment of infections associated with the studied microorganisms.     

旋花苗的生药学研究

目的:对旋花苗进行生药学研究,为临床应用和开发利用提供参考资料。方法:采用性状鉴定和显微鉴定。结果:旋花苗茎横切面的皮层和髓部薄壁细胞发达,维管束类型为双韧型维管束。叶横切面栅栏组织由2列短柱状细胞组成,主脉维管束也是双韧型维管束。粉末中导管和纤维较多,气孔为平轴式。结论:旋花苗的这些生药学特征可用于鉴别该生药。     

In vitro antioxidant and antithrombotic activity of Hemidesmus indicus (L) R.Br

The methanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus (L) R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) roots was found to inhibit lipid peroxidation and scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide radicals in vitro. The amount required for 50% inhibition of lipid peroxide formation was 217.5 micro g/ml. The concentrations needed to scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide radicals were 73.5 and 287.5 micro g/ml, respectively. The intravenous administration of this extract (5mg/kg body weight) in rabbits delayed the plasma recalcification time and enhanced the release of lipoprotein lipase enzyme significantly. The extract also inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in vitro (50-250 micro g), which was comparable to commercial heparin.     

The Bioactive and Therapeutic Potential of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. (Indian Sarsaparilla) Root

The root of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br., commonly known as Indian Sarsaparilla, is used traditionally to treat a wide variety of illnesses including rheumatism, leprosy, impotence, urinary tract and skin infections. The anticancer, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, renoprotective, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties of H. indicus have been investigated in numerous in vivo and in vitro studies. Among these, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity was well documented. This review details the phytochemistry and therapeutic applications of H. indicus root. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies on the antibacterial potential of Cryptostegia grandiflora R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) extract

Different extracts of Cryptostegia grandiflora (Roxb) Rbr. leaves were investigated for their antibacterial potential against Pseudomonus cepacia NCIM-2106, Bacillus megatorium NCIM-2087, Staphylococcus aureus NCIM-2492, Escherichia coli NCIM-2345, Bacillus subtilis NCIM-2349 and Bacillus coagulans NCIM 2323. Almost all the extracts produced significant antibacterial activity against all the microorganisms being tested and the effect so produced was comparable to the standard antibiotic, tetracycline hydrochloride. The petroleum ether (60 degrees-80 degrees C) extract showed maximum efficacy.     

鹅绒藤不同部位红外光谱分析与鉴定

目的：对鹅绒藤茎、叶、果皮不同部位的化学成分进行分析鉴别。方法采用傅立叶红外光谱和二阶导数谱、二维相关谱分析方法,对药材鹅绒藤茎、叶、果皮不同部位的红外光谱进行分析。结果叶和果皮的红外图谱较为相似,但与茎的差别较为明显。在二阶导数谱中,鹅绒藤叶1543、1515、1499、1467 cm-1等吸收峰较强,结合1738、1659 cm-1附近的羰基吸收峰,可判定其中黄酮类成分较多,而茎与果皮中相对较少。结论通过红外光谱三级宏观指纹鉴定的方法分析了鹅绒藤茎、叶、果皮的红外谱图,从宏观上比较了三者成分的差异,为鹅绒藤化学成分的研究和临床合理用药提供参考。     

Enhancement in the absorption of water and electrolytes from rat intestine by Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. root (water extract)

Hemidesmus indicus root in the form of suspension in water (10 mg/ml) containing 15.5 mM NaCl, 3 mM KCl and 12 mM glucose, when injected into the ligated jejunal sac (1 ml/sac) of rat, increased the absorption of water, Na(+) and K(+) (but not glucose) from the sac. This bioactivity was present in the water extract (5 or 10 mg/sac) of the root and not in the hexane extract. In contrast, the ethanol extract decreased the absorption of water and electrolytes from the jejunal sac. The effect of water extract was not affected by heat at 100 degrees C for 30 min. Intraperitoneal administration of the water extract (50 to 200 mg/kg) was devoid of any significant effect on the jejunal absorption. Neither the root suspension nor the water extract (125-500 mg/kg) showed any significant anti-ulcer and diuretic activities in rats. The intestinal motility was also not influenced by the root (water extract) when tested in mice. The present study indicates that H. indicus root powder or its water extract can be incorporated in oral rehydrating salt solution (ORS) for increasing its anti-diarrhoeal efficacy.     

沙苑子及黄芪属植物种子形态的扫描电镜观察

用扫描电镜对沙苑子及其同属18种植物种子进行了观察。通过对种子整体形态、大小及种皮表面纹饰的比较,大致可将它们分为五个组。另对沙苑子的特征作了重点描述。