In vitro effects of aqueous seeds extract of Acacia cyanophylla on the opsonized zymosan-induced superoxide anions production by rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes

In vitro studies were carried out in rat pleural polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) activated by opsonized zymosan (OZ) to investigate the effects of aqueous extract from Acacia cyanophylla seeds on superoxide anions generation. PMNs were collected, after induction of an acute inflammatory reaction, by injection in the rat pleural cavity, of a suspension of calcium pyrophosphate (CaPP) crystals (pleurisy with CaPP) or serum (pleurisy with serum). The results obtained indicate that Acacia cyanophylla aqueous seeds extract had, in vitro, a significant stimulatory effect, in a dose dependent manner, on the PMN superoxide anions generation. It also corrected the diminution of superoxide anions production induced by diclofenac pre-treated PMNs. It could be concluded from the results of this study that the stimulatory properties of Acacia cyanophylla seeds aqueous extract may at least be due to the presence of polyphenols such tannins and/or lignins. Further investigations are needed to determine clearly the mechanisms mediating the generation of superoxide radicals in this phenomenon.     

Studies on antihypertensive and antispasmodic activities of methanol extract of Acacia nilotica pods

A methanol extract of Acacia nilotica pods (AN) caused a dose-dependent (3-30 mg/kg) fall in arterial blood pressure. Treatment of animals with atropine abolished the vasodilator response of acetylcholine (ACh), whereas the antihypertensive effect of the plant extract remained unaltered. Phentolamine (an alpha-adrenergic blocker) abolished the vasoconstrictor effect of norepinephrine (NE), whereas pretreatment of the animal with AN, did not modify the NE response. These results indicate that the antihypertensive effect of plant extract is independent of muscarinic receptor stimulation or adrenoceptor blockade. In the in vitro studies, AN produced a dose-dependent (0.3-3.0 mg/mL) inhibitory effect on force and rate of spontaneous contractions in guinea-pig paired atria. Similarly, it inhibited the spontaneous contraction of rabbit jejunum in a concentration-dependent (0.1-3.0 mg/mL) manner. AN also inhibited K(+)-induced contractions in rabbit jejunum at a similar concentration range, which suggests that the antispasmodic action of AN is mediated through calcium channel blockade, and this may also be responsible for the blood pressure lowering effect of AN, observed in the in vivo studies.     

长柱十大功劳与阔叶十大功劳水提物药理作用比较

目的:观察并比较长柱十大功劳与阔叶十大功劳水提物的药理作用,为长柱十大功劳的开发利用提供依据.方法:采用小鼠耳廓肿胀法、醋酸扭体法、番泻叶致小鼠腹泻法、异硫氰酸萘酯所致肝损伤模型,并对长柱十大功劳水提物进行急性毒性试验.结果:两种十大功劳水提物都具有抗炎、镇痛、止泻、保肝利胆的作用,长柱十大功劳水提物止泻作用优于阔叶十大功劳水提物,其最大给药量为402.00 g·kg-1.结论:长柱十大功劳与阔叶十大功劳水提物药理作用相近,提示其药用价值有深入研究的必要.     

The in vivo antifungal activity of the aqueous extract from Nigella sativa seeds

The effect of an aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds was studied on candidiasis in mice. An intravenous inoculum of Candida albicans produced colonies of the organism in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Treatment of mice with the plant extract (6.6 mL/kg equivalent to 5 mg of estimated protein, once daily for 3 days) 24 h after the inoculation caused a considerable inhibitory effect on the growth of the organism in all organs studied. A 5-fold decrease in Candida in kidneys, 8-fold in liver and 11-fold in spleen was observed in the groups of animals post-treated with the plant extract. Histopathological examination of the respective organs confirmed these findings. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds exhibits inhibitory effect against candidiasis and this study validates the traditional use of the plant in fungal infections.     

Pharmacologic effects of an aqueous extract of Rhigiocarya racemifera

Several pharmacologic studies were carried out with an aqueous extract of Rhigiocarya racemifera after phytochemical tests revealed the main constituents to be glycosides, saponins and tannins. Studies on intact mice showed that the extract has an intraperitoneal LD50 of 142 mg/kg and that 50 mg/kg of the extract reduced gastrointestinal motility comparable to 10 mg/kg of atropine. In rats, 28 mg/kg of extract showed significant anti-ulcer activity against indomethacin-induced ulcer and this effect was equivalent to 100 mg/kg of cimetidine. Studies on isolated tissue revealed that it may have musculotropic antispasmotic effects. These preliminary investigations seem to support its use by herbalists to treat various gastrointestinal disorders.     

A study on the toxicology of Acacia nilotica

The potential toxicity of Acacia nilotica was investigated in rats maintained on 2% and 8% acacia diet for 2 and 4 weeks. A significant reduction in body weight in all acacia-fed groups and a significant decrease in the levels of hemoglobin, serum total protein and total cholesterol in animals fed 8% acacia diet for up to 4 weeks were observed. These effects were, however, reversed one week after treatment termination. No significant changes in serum parameters of hepatic and renal functions, fasting glucose and triglycerides were observed. Further, no deaths among treated animals and no significant histopathological changes in liver sections were noted. It is concluded that A. nilotica, at 2% and 8% levels, has a low toxicity potential.     

Identification of an inhibitor in the aqueous extract of Fritillaria polliflora Schrek seeds

It has been identified that there exists a certain inhibitor in the aqueous extract of Fritillaria pollidiflora seeds against embryonic development and germination of seeds. An improved method is thus proposed to guarantee better treatment of seeds.     

The antianaphylactic effects of Crinum glaucum aqueous extract

The aqueous extract of Crinum glaucum was evaluated for its effects on antigen and histamine induced contraction of the ileum and on mediator release from the lungs of sensitized guinea pigs. The results show that the extract dose dependently inhibited the contractions induced by antigen and histamine in vitro and in vivo. The extract also inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the quantity of mediators antigenically released from the lungs and reduced the mepyramine resistant activity from the lungs. The results obtained indicate that the extract possesses antianaphylactic properties, which may account for its use as an antiasthmatic in traditional medicine.     

A pharmacological study of Cecropia obtusifolia Bertol aqueous extract.

Cecropia obtusifolia (Cecropiaceae) is a species from tropical America and its leaves are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and as an anti-inflammatory agent. In the present study, the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and central nervous system depressant effects of the aqueous extract from the leaves of C. obtusifolia were investigated in different experimental models, with the purpose of validating its ethnomedical uses. The results obtained with the extract from the leaves of C. obtusifolia reflect a low toxicity, a substantial central depressor effect and analgesic activity and significant motor incoordination and muscle relaxant activity. Concerning the analgesic activity, using the hot plate test, the extract did not produce any effect, however it showed a significant effect on the pain induced by chemical stimuli (acetic and formalin test); this suggests the peripheral analgesic effect of the extract. The extract also showed a topical and systemic anti-inflammatory effect. Thus this work could justify the popular use of C. obtusifolia in rheumatic and kidney inflammation pathologies and reveals that this plant is an interesting species.     

Chemical and pharmacological analysis of the crude aqueous/alcoholic extract from Cordyline dracaenoides

Chemical analysis of Cordyline dracaenoides (Kunth) demonstrated the presence of steroidal saponins and anthocyanidins in the stem, rhizome and root. Small amounts of tannins were also detected in its stem and rhizome. Pharmacological analysis revealed different effects according to the part of the plant used. Crude aqueous/alcoholic extract (CE) from the rhizome inhibited carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, while the CE obtained from the root significantly decreased the locomotor activity and potentiated barbiturate-induced hypnosis in mice. The CE from the roots inhibited noradrenaline-induced contraction in the rat vas deferens in a concentration-dependent and a noncompetitive manner, while the CE from the rhizome caused a parallel displacement to the left of noradrenaline concentration response curves. In the isolated rat stomach, the CE from the roots promoted a concentration-dependent displacement to the right of the serotonin concentration response curve allied to a marked inhibition of its maximal response, while the CE from the rhizome produced only an inhibition of about 40% of serotonin-contractile responses. These results suggest that the CE from C. dracaenoides exhibits a potent and long lasting antioedematogenic effect, has central depressant effects and potentiates noradrenaline-induced contractile responses of the isolated rat vas deferens. All these effects may be, at least in part, related to the presence of steroidal saponins in this plant.     

Immunosuppressive effects of Echinodorus macrophyllus aqueous extract

Echinodorus macrophyllus is a medicinal plant, popularly known in Brazil as "chapéu de couro", used to treat rheumatic diseases, which are usually characterized by exacerbated T and B lymphocyte response. We have evaluated the effects of the aqueous extract of Echinodorus macrophyllus (AEEm) on these cell functions, proliferation, and nitric oxide production. Mice treated orally for 7 days with AEEm had inhibited B cell antibody production (0.5mg/kg b.w.) and delayed type hypersensitivity (0.5 and 5mg/kg b.w.) mediated by T cells, reducing subcutaneous tissue leukocyte infiltration. AEEm inhibited, in vitro, NO production by stimulating J774 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with no cytotoxicity. We have demonstrated, for the first time, its immunosuppressive effect. This immunosuppressive effect supports a potential therapeutic use of AEEm to control exacerbated humoral and/or cellular immune response, as in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. However, it is important to be cautious about its indiscriminate popular use to avoid side effects, mainly in immunodeficiency diseases.     

The kinetics of reversal of pre-sickled erythrocytes by the aqueous extract of Cajanus cajan seeds

The aqueous methanol extract (3:1, v/v) of the seeds of Cajanus cajan was investigated for antisickling properties. The extract possessed significant antisickling activity and was found to be concentration-dependent. The kinetics of reversal of presickled erythrocyte (HbSS) cells using the extract at 0.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL showed first-order kinetics with rate constants of 5.833 x 10(-3) min(-1), 6.143 x 10(-3) min(-1), 5.957 x 10(-3) min(-1) 6.00 x 10(-3) min(-1) and 6.046 x 10(-3) min(-1), respectively, and with an average half-life 115.6 min. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of free amino acids, phenolic compounds, tannins, globulins and saponins. These results show that the extract has potential use in the management of painful episodes experienced by sickle cell patients.     

The in vitro effect of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds on nitric oxide production

The in vitro effect of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds on nitric oxide (NO) production by murine macrophages was studied. Murine peritoneal macrophages were pre-incubated with the extract and then activated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharride. NO production was measured after 24 hours by spectrophotometry. The plant extract caused a dose-dependent decrease in NO production. Dialyzed preparation of the extract did not affect NO production. However, the boiled fraction of the extract resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of NO apparently comparable to that of the whole extract. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of N. sativa seeds exhibits an inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production by murine macrophages and the active component(s) is/are non-protein in nature. In view of the fact that nitric oxide is a pro-inflammatory mediator, this study validates the traditional use of the Nigella sativa seeds for the treatment of rheumatism.     

Further pharmacological studies on aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta in rats

This present study investigates the effect of an aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta, on leukocytes migration and on phenylhydrazine-treated rat red blood cells (RBC). The effect of Aframomum melegueta on the number of white blood cells (WBC), in inflammatory exudates, was assessed by utilizing the granuloma air pouch model, for chronic inflammation in carrageenin-treated rats. The extract was tested for its anti-oxidant and membrane-stabilizing effects, in rat RBC exposed to phenylhydrazine. Aframomum melegueta was found to significantly reduce the number of WBC, in the fluid in a dose-related manner. The extract also produced significant inhibition of rat red blood cells lysis exposed to phenylhydrazine, which suggests a membrane-stabilizing effect. It further demonstrated a potent anti-oxidant activity, as it significantly reduced the levels of malonydialdehyde (MDA) formation in rat RBC exposed to phenylhydrazine. The results of this study, suggest that Aframomum melegueta possess membrane-stabilizing activity, along with anti-oxidant property and may also have a modifying effect, on the responses of WBC to tissue injury.     

The antihypertensive and vasodilator effects of aqueous extract from Berberis vulgaris fruit on hypertensive rats

The aqueous extract from Berberis vulgaris fruit (B.V.) was tested to evaluate its antihypertensive effects on DOCA-induced hypertension in the rats. Hypertension was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) by DOCA-salt injection (20 mg/kg, twice weekly, for 5 weeks, s.c.) plus NaCl (1%) which was added to the animals' drinking water. Then 5 weeks later, the rats were anaesthetized with thiopental (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and the arterial blood pressure was measured. The mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were 231 +/- 6.4 (mmHg) and 506 +/- 12 (beats/min), respectively. Administration of B.V. extracts significantly reduced the rat arterial blood pressure. In in vitro studies, rings of descending aorta were cut and mounted for isometric tension recording in an organ chamber containing Krebs solution. Mesenteric beds were also removed and perfused with Krebs solution. After 1 h of stabilization, preparations (aortic rings or mesenteric beds) were precontracted with phenylephrine (10(-5) M), then different concentrations of B.V. (0.4, 2 and 4 mg/mL) were added which caused a relaxation in these vessels. To investigate the mechanism of action of the extract, the tissues were incubated with either L-NAME (10(-5) M) or indomethacin (10(-5) M) for 20 min. In the aortic rings L-NAME pretreatment could only reduce the vasodilatory effects of a low concentration of B.V. (0.4 mg/mL), but indomethacin was without effect. In isolated perfused mesenteric beds preincubation with either L-NAME or indomethacin did not modify the vasodilator effects of the aqueous extract from B.V. fruit. The present results suggest that the antihypertensive and vasodilatory effects of B.V. fruit extract are mainly endothelial-independent and it may be used to treat hypertension, a status with endothelial dysfunction.     

Anti-influenza virus effects of the aqueous extract from Mosla scabra

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mosla scabra (Thunb.) C. Y. Wu is a broadly used species in the southeastern China as an antipyretic and antiviral drug for the treatment of colds, fever, inflammation and chronic bronchitis.

Aim of the study

To investigate the anti-influenza virus activities of the aqueous extract from Mosla scabra (AEMS), and to provide evidence for the implication of its immunomodulatory potential for the overall protective effect in lethal murine experimental influenza A infection.

Materials and methods

The anti-influenza virus activities of AEMS or ribavirin were evaluated in embryonated eggs and in a mouse infection model and the effects of AEMS on early immune responses during influenza virus infection were evaluated in a mouse infection model.

Results

At the concentration of 0.3–30.0 mg/ml, AEMS exhibited both preventive and therapeutical effect on embryonated egg. Oral administration of AEMS to mice infected with influenza virus A (IVA) was highly effective in preventing death, inhibiting pneumonia and reducing lung viral titers. It also significantly enhanced IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-5 cytokine-producing splenocytes, increased T-cell subsets like CD4⁺ and CD4⁺/CD8⁺, decreased levels of IL-6 after infection, and provided protective immunity. At a dosage of 4800 mg/kg, almost all treated mice survived, suggesting that AEMS is of low toxicity. However, ribavirin has weaker efficacy compared to AEMS.

Conclusions

These results showed, for the first time, while both AEMS and ribavirin appeared to have similar efficacy against IVA, AEMS playing a role as an immunomodulator and antiviral inhibitor during influenza virus infection, was considered to be less toxic and may warrant further evaluation as a possible agent for the treatment of influenza.     

Anti-metastatic effects of aqueous extract of Helixanthera parasitica

Metastasis, the spread of cancer in body, is a major cause of death. We have screened anti-metastatic activity of aqueous and dichloromethane extracts of several not previously studied Thai herbs, using an in vitro invasion test. This involves the in vitro invasion of HCC-S102, a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line derived from a Thai patient, through a reconstituted-basement membrane (Matrigel). The aqueous extract of a plant (Helixanthera parasitica) revealed a significant inhibitory effect on the cancer cell invasion, and showed antioxidant activity. The aqueous extract was partially purified by silica gel column chromatography, and the highest anti-metastatic activity fraction showed 83% inhibition of invasion with low cytotoxic effect. However, anti-metastatic activity was not associated with the antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract.     

Evaluation of the antiviral activity of an aqueous extract from Phyllanthus orbicularis

The antiviral and cytotoxic activity of Phyllanthus orbicularis, a member of the Euphorbiaceae, was evaluated in tissue culture. An aqueous extract made from leaves and stems of this plant exhibited selective antiviral indexes of 12.3 and 26 against bovine herpesvirus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2, respectively, showing no selective antiviral activity against adenovirus type 5 and mengovirus. Incubation with this plant extract during cell culture infection, impaired the productive replication of both herpes viruses in an extract concentration-dependent manner, also depending on the multiplicity of infection (MOI) used. The results obtained suggested that the P. orbicularis antiviral activity might be partially due to a direct interaction with virus particles or their entry into the cell, instead of interfering with intracellular virus-specific macromolecular synthesis.     

Anti-atherogenic effects of the aqueous extract of rhubarb in rats fed an atherogenic diet

The present study was designed to investigate whether the aqueous extract of rhubarb (AR) could prevent the development of atherosclerosis through regulating vascular inflammatory processes in rats fed with an atherogenic diet. AR significantly reduced plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and increased plasma high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in rats fed with an atherogenic diet. AR inhibited vascular expressions of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE) induced in rats with an atherogenic diet. On the other hand, AR augmented the vascular expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) and restored vascular nitric oxide (NO) production. Furthermore, AR suppressed the elevated expression of vascular nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) p65 as well as adhesion molecules, including intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin in rats fed with an atherogenic diet. Also, AR decreased endothelial expression of ICAM-1 and ET-1 in aorta. These results suggest that AR suppresses the development of atherosclerosis in the atherogenic-diet rat model through inhibiting vascular expressions of proinflammatory and adhesion molecules via the regulation of nitric oxide and endothelin system.