Evaluation of the anti-stress and anticonvulsant activities of leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia in mice

Aim of the study

The extract of the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia (AC) is extensively used in ethnomedicine for ulcers, rheumatic pains, febrile convulsions and for enhancing physical performance. In this study, the anti-stress and anticonvulsant activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia were investigated in mice.

Materials and methods

The anti-stress activity was assessed based on the ability of the extract to alter the duration of immobility, in the forced swim endurance test, whilst a picrotoxin-treated animal, was employed as the model for convulsive seizures.

Results

The extract (100–400 mg/kg) given orally was found to significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the duration of immobility, which suggest an anti-stress/anti-fatigue property. However, AC when tested at doses between 100 and 400 mg/kg did not prevent convulsions induced by picrotoxin in mice. The acute toxicity study carried out in mice revealed that the extract was well tolerated by the animals, as no death was observed at oral doses of 500–4000 mg/kg.

Conclusions

The results of this preliminary study provide evidence, which may support the use of Alchornea cordifolia against stress or fatigue in ethnomedicine.     

Anti-ulcer polysaccharides from Cola cordifolia bark and leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Aqueous extracts of bark and leaves of C. cordifolia are traditionally used in Mali (West Africa) in the treatment of wounds and gastric ailments like abdominal pain, gastritis and gastric ulcers.

Aim of the study

To evaluate and compare the anti-ulcer and immunological activities, as well as the toxicity of polysaccharide rich water extracts from the bark and leaves of C. cordifolia.

Materials and methods

Gastric ulcers were induced in rats and the inhibition of ulcer formation was calculated based on lesion index. Immunological activities were measured by complement fixation and macrophage activation. Toxicity was tested on brine shrimps. The two extracts were characterised by GC, Yariv-precipitation and quantification of phenolic compounds. An ethnomedical survey on C. cordifolia was carried out in Siby (Mali, West-Africa) to generate more knowledge about the traditional use.

Results

Bark and leaf extracts from C. cordifolia significantly inhibited the formation of gastric lesions in rodents in a dose depending manner. CCbark50 showed a high complement fixation activity in vitro. No toxicity was found. The ethnomedical survey showed that C. cordifolia was mainly used for treating pain and wounds.

Conclusions

Our results shows that the bark and the leaves comprise a dose dependant anti-ulcer activity in an experimental rat model (no statistical difference between the plant parts). Clinical studies should be performed to evaluate the effect of both bark and leaves of C. cordifolia as a remedy against gastric ulcer in human.     

Cordysinocan,a polysaccharide isolated from cultured Cordyceps, activates immune responses in cultured T-lymphocytes and macrophages: Signaling cascade and induction of cytokines

Cordyceps sinensis, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, possesses activities in anti-tumor, anti-oxidation and stimulating the immune response; however, the identity of active component(s) is not determined. A strain of Cordyceps sinensis, namely UST 2000, has been isolated. By using activity-guided purification, a novel polysaccharide of molecular weight ∼82 kDa was isolated from the conditioned medium of cultured Cordyceps. The isolated exo-polysaccharide, namely cordysinocan, contains glucose, mannose, galactose in a ratio of 2.4:2:1. In cultured T-lymphocytes, application of cordysinocan induced the cell proliferation and the secretion of interleukin-2, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8. In addition, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) was induced transiently by the treatment of cordysinocan. Moreover, application of cordysinocan in cultured macrophages increased the phagocytosis activity and the enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase. These results therefore verify the important role of Cordyceps polysaccharide in triggering such immune responses.     

Role of Sida cordifolia L. leaves on biochemical and antioxidant profile during myocardial injury

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The Sida cordifolia L. (Family: Malvaceae) is a widely allocated herb by folk tribes of Gujarat state of India for the treatment of coronary manifestations. However, no published data relevant to use of the plant is available.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and biochemical profile of hydroalcoholic extract of Sida cordifolia L. (HESC) leaves against myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.

Materials and methods

Albino rats were administered HESC (100 and 500 mg/kg) and propranolol (10 mg/kg) once daily orally for 30 days. At the end of treatment period, MI was induced by administering isoproterenol (ISO) or by subjecting heart to ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Endogenous biomarkers (LDH and CK-MB) and antioxidants (SOD and catalase) were estimated in serum/perfusate and heart tissue homogenate (HTH).

Results

The LDH and CK-MB activities were elevated in HTH and depleted in serum/perfusate of HESC and propranolol groups when compared to ISO/IRI control. Further, it was found that both doses significantly increased endogenous antioxidants in HTH. Moreover, biochemical findings were supported by histopathological observations.

Conclusion

The result confirm, at least in part, for the use of Sida cordifolia in folk medicine to treat MI.     

茜草和茜草炭对正常大鼠凝血-纤溶系统的影响

目的:研究茜草和茜草炭对正常Wistar大鼠凝血-纤溶系统的影响,通过其药理作用探讨它们的止血化瘀机制.方法:将Wistar大鼠随机分为6组,每组7只,分别为茜草和茜草炭水煎制低剂量、高剂量组(含生药5.0,10.0 g·kg-1),阳性对照组(氨甲苯酸0.6 g·kg-1),空白对照组(生理盐水10 mL·kg-1).灌胃7d,用ELISA法检测大鼠血浆中组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(t-PA)、纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂(PAI)和纤溶酶原(PLG)活性.结果:和空白对照组比较,茜草在实验剂量下均能提高t-PA的活性,且高剂量时提高t-PA的活性更显著(P＜0.01).高剂量茜草炭能使大鼠t-PA活性提高(P＜0.05),但其作用低于高剂量茜草组.低剂量时对大鼠t-PA活性影响不显著.茜草和茜草炭对PAI和PLG的活性影响均不显著.结论:茜草高、低剂量均能提高t-PA的活性,且在高剂量时提高更显著,进而影响凝血-纤溶系统,从而发挥其止血化瘀作用.茜草炭对纤溶系统也有一定作用,但可能是多种酶的综合作用.茜草和茜草炭对凝血-纤溶系统药理作用效果不同,进而影响它们的临床使用.     

Inulin-rich fractions from Vernonia kotschyana roots have anti-ulcer activity

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Roots from Vernonia kotschyana are on the national list of essential drugs in Mali (West-Africa). It is sold under the name Gastrosedal and it used against ailments like gastritis and gastric ulcer. To evaluate the anti-ulcer, immunomodulating activities and toxicity of 50 and 100 °C water extracts, Vk50-I and Vk100-I respectively, from the roots of Vernonia kotschyana.

Materials and methods

Characterization of extracts was carried out by GC, colorimetric and biological methods. Vk50-I and Vk100-I were administrated 50 min before induction of gastric ulcers in mice with 0.3 M HCl–60% EtOH. Inhibition of ulcer formation was calculated based on lesion index. Immunological activities were measured by complement fixation and macrophage activation. Toxicity assay was carried out on brine shrimps.

Results

Vk50-I (98% inulin) and Vk100-I (83% inulin) from Vernonia kotschyana significantly inhibited the formation of gastric lesions in mice (100 mg/kg). No immunomodulating activities or toxicity were found.

Conclusions

Our results show that inulin is probably partly responsible for the anti-ulcer activity of Gastrosedal. In addition, it is possible that water soluble polysaccharides (mainly inulin) have an indirect impact on the general health of the GI.     

Ethanolic extract and water-soluble polysaccharide from Chaenomeles speciosa fruit modulate lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 macrophage cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Chaenomeles speciosa fruits have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of diseases related to inflammatory reaction. This study aims to identify anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory components of Chaenomeles speciosa fruit and unravel their potential mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Ethanolic extract and its n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions, as well as water-soluble polysaccharide, were prepared from dry fruits of Chaenomeles speciosa. The mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and used as an inflammatory cell model. Production of nitric oxide in the cells was determined by the Griess assay, and cell viability was tested by the MTT method. Cellular apoptosis was evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Relative quantification of inflammation-related genes was analyzed by real-time PCR.

Results

LPS-induced production of nitric oxide in RAW264.7 cells was significantly inhibited by the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) at 200–800 μg/ml, while Chaenomeles speciosa polysaccharide (CPS) promoted nitric oxide production at 250–750 μg/ml either alone or in an additive fashion with LPS. Both EAF and CPS did not provoke noticeable cytotoxicity and apoptosis at the above effective concentrations. EAF significantly reduced LPS-induced upshift of iNOS mRNA level but showed no significant effect on the induction of IFN-γ and G-CSF, while CPS reduced the gene induction of TNF-α, IFN-γ and G-CSF by LPS.

Conclusions

EAF was able to inhibit nitric oxide production by reducing LPS-induced upshift of iNOS mRNA level. CPS was an activator of nitric oxide production through cytokines such as TNF-α, IFN-γ and G-CSF. These results demonstrate the therapeutic effects of both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Chaenomeles speciosa fruit, a traditional edible medicine used in health maintenance and disease treatment.     

藤三七总皂苷和总黄酮提取工艺优选

目的: 优选藤三七总皂苷和总黄酮的提取工艺。方法: 采用UV测定总皂苷和总黄酮含量。以总皂苷和总黄酮提取量为指标,采用单因素试验考察提取次数,正交试验考察乙醇体积分数、提取时间及乙醇用量对藤三七中总皂苷和总黄酮提取工艺的影响。结果: 藤三七中总皂苷和总黄酮的最佳提取工艺为加12倍量75%乙醇回流提取2次,每次2 h,总皂苷、总黄酮平均提取量分别为16.23,46.40 mg·g^-1。结论: 优选的提取工艺合理可行。     

Comparative “in vitro” evaluation of the antiresorptive activity residing in four Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Hemidesmus indicus emerges for its potential in the treatment of bone loss diseases

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Four Indian plants, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine: Asparagus racemosus Willd., Emblica officinalis Gaertn., Hemidesmus indicus R. Br., and Rubia cordifolia L. were selected on the basis of their ethnobotanical use and of scientific evidence that suggests a potential efficacy in the treatment of bone-loss diseases. The antiresorptive properties of the four plants have been investigated. The aim was to provide adequate evidence for the exploitation of natural compounds as alternative therapeutics for the treatment of diseases caused by increased osteoclast activity.

Materials and methods

Decoctions were prepared from dried plant material according to the traditional procedure and standardization by HPLC was performed using marker compounds for each species. Total polyphenols, flavonoids and radical scavenging activity of the decoctions were also determined. The bioactivity of the plant decoctions was evaluated in subsequent phases. (1) A cytotoxicity screening was performed on the mouse monocytic RAW 264.7 cell line to define the concentrations that could be utilized in the following step. (2) The antiresorptive properties of plant decoctions were compared with that of a “gold standard” drug (alendronate) by measuring osteoclastogenesis inhibition and osteoclast apoptosis. (3) The toxic effect on bone forming cells was excluded by evaluating the impact on the proliferation of osteogenic precursors (mesenchymal stem cells, MSC).

Results

All the decoctions inhibited osteoclastogenesis similarly to alendronate at the highest doses, but Hemidesmus indicus and Rubia cordifolia were also effective at lower concentrations. Apoptosis increased significantly when cells were exposed to the highest concentration of Emblica officinalis, Hemidesmus indicus, and Rubia cordifolia. All concentrations of Emblica officinalis tested inhibited the proliferation of osteogenic precursors, while only the highest doses of Asparagus racemosus and Rubia cordifolia were toxic. On the contrary, Hemidesmus indicus did not affect osteogenic precursor growth at any concentration tested.

Conclusion

Among the medicinal plants included in the study, Hemidesmus indicus showed the greatest antiosteoclastic activity without toxic effect on osteogenic precursors. Therefore, Hemidesmus indicus exhibits the properties of an antiresorptive drug and represents the ideal candidate for further clinical investigations.     

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.     

Macrophage activating activity of pyrrole alkaloids from Morus alba fruits

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The fruits of Morus alba have been traditionally used as a tonic to enhance immune responses.

Materials and methods

The macrophage activating constituents of Morus alba fruits were purified using various column chromatography techniques. The structures of isolated compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation such as 1D and 2D NMR analysis. The macrophage activating activities of isolated compounds were evaluated by measuring the production of nitric oxide, TNF-α and IL-12 in RAW 264.7 cells. The phagocytic activity was also evaluated.

Results

Five pyrrole alkaloids, 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde (1), 2-formyl-1H-pyrrole-1-butanoic acid (2), 2-formyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrole-1-butanoic acid (3), 2-formyl-5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-pyrrole-1-butanoic acid (4) and Morrole A (5) were isolated from the fruits of Morus alba. Morrole A (5) is first reported in nature and other pyrrole alkaloids (1–4) are first reported from Morus species. Among the isolated compounds, compounds 3 and 4 significantly activated macrophage activity by the enhancement of nitric oxide, TNF-α and IL-12 production, and the stimulation of phagocytic activity in RAW 264.7 cells.

Conclusion

Pyrrole alkaloids, including a new compound, were isolated from Morus alba fruits. These compounds activated macrophage activity in RAW 264.7 cells.     

Extract isolated from Angelica hirsutiflora with insulin secretagogue activity

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Angelica genus (Umbelliferae) has traditionally been used as the medicine and health food considered alleviating several disorders including diabetes mellitus. Angelica hirsutiflora Liu Chao & Chuang is an endemic species and a folk medicine in Taiwan.

Aim of the study

The scientific evidence of anti-diabetic effect for Angelica hirsutiflora remains unknown. The methanolic extracts isolated from Angelica hirsutiflora were studied for its insulin secretagogue and hypoglycemic activities.

Materials and methods

The in vitro effects and possible mechanisms of Angelica hirsutiflora extract on the insulin secretion in isolated mouse and human islets and pancreatic β-cell line HIT-T15 were determined; and tested the regulation of blood glucose in fasted mice and high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice.

Results

Angelica hirsutiflora extract potently stimulated the release of insulin from cultured HIT-T15 cells and isolated mouse and human islets. The intracellular calcium levels were also increased in HIT-T15 cells and isolated human islets treated with Angelica hirsutiflora extract. Angelica hirsutiflora extract was capable of enhancing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2 protein in HIT-T15 cells. Specific ERK inhibitor PD98059 inhibited the increase of insulin secretion by Angelica hirsutiflora extract in HIT-T15 cells and isolated mouse islets. When Angelica hirsutiflora extract was administered to the fasted mice, it decreased the rise in blood glucose level after starch loading. The plasma insulin level was also increased by Angelica hirsutiflora extract treatment. In high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice, Angelica hirsutiflora extract markedly improved the oral glucose intolerance as compared with the vehicle control.

Conclusions

These findings support that Angelica hirsutiflora extract may be useful in the control of hyperglycemia in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus by acting as an insulin secretagogue.     

Immunomodulatory potential of rhizome and seed extracts of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae) is a well-known aquatic plant which has been used for the treatment of several disorders including skin disease, cough, inflammation, fever and many other disorders.

Aim of the study

To explore the immunomodulatory activity of extract of rhizome (NNRE) and seed (NNSE) of the plant.

Materials and methods

The immunomodulatory activity of NNRE and NNSE was evaluated using various in vivo models including the total and differential leukocyte count (TLC and DLC), nitroblue-tetrazolium reduction (NBT) test, neutrophil adhesion test, phagocytic response and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC, 5 × 10⁹ cells/ml) were used to immunize the animals. NNRE and NNSE at the doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg were administrated.

Result

The TLC and lymphocyte count increased significantly but the neutrophil count was decreased for NNRE and NNSE treated groups compared to the control. A dose-dependent potentiation of DTH reaction induced by SRBC was observed from the extracts. The percentage of neutrophil adhesion to the nylon fiber was increased in NNRE treated groups (63.22 and 62.91%) compared to the NNSE treated group (54.86 and 54.23%). A potential phagocytic response was seen on treatment of the extracts, and significant changes were observed in the formation of formazone crystals.

Conclusion

This finding suggests that the extract of rhizome and seed Nelumbo nucifera stimulate defense system by modulating several immunological parameters.     

山楂叶悬钩子根抗氧化活性成分研究

目的:研究山楂叶悬钩子根抗氧化活性成分.方法:综合利用硅胶减压柱色谱、凝胶柱色谱分离方法分离纯化山楂叶悬钩子根中化学成分,运用多种波谱技术(UV,1 H-NMR,13C-NMR,MS)鉴定化合物结构,进一步通过DPPH法评价各化合物的抗氧化活性.结果:从山楂叶悬钩子根中分离得到9个化合物,分别为蔷薇酸(1),山柰酚-3-O-β-D-吡喃半乳糖苷(2),吐曼酸(3),2α,19α,24-三羟基乌苏-12-烯-3-氧-28-酸(4),2α-羟基齐墩果酸(5),乌苏酸(6),胡萝卜苷(7),β-谷甾醇(8),白藜芦醇苷(9).抗氧化实验结果表明化合物2和9在50 mg·L-时对DPPH自由基清除能力分别为95.60％,75.23％.结论:化合物1～8为首次从该植物中分离得到,化合物2和9具有明显的抗氧化活性.     

髯丝蛛毛苣苔和吊石苣苔抗菌活性成分研究

目的 研究髯丝蛛毛苣苔和吊石苣苔的抗菌活性成分.方法 以小檗碱为阳性对照,利用纸片扩散法进行抗菌活性研究,液体培养法进行活性成分筛选;采用各种色谱法对高活性部位分离,运用多种波谱技术鉴定结构.结果 从髯丝蛛毛苣苔醋酸乙酯部位分离得到5个化合物β-谷甾醇(1),E-3,4-二甲氧基肉桂酸(2),barbinervic acid (3),3β,19α-二羟基-12-烯-28-乌苏酸(4),28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl pomolic acid(5).从吊石苣苔醋酸乙酯部位分离得到3个化合物 5,7-二羟基-6,8,4'-三甲氧基黄酮(6),5,6,4'-三羟基-7,8-二甲氧基黄酮(7),5-羟基-6,8,4'-三甲氧基黄酮-7-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(8).化合物3,4,6对金黄色葡萄球菌(SA)、耐甲氧西林葡萄球菌(MRSA)和β-内酰胺酶阳性的金黄色葡萄球菌(ESBLs-SA)具有抑制活性.其中化合物3(IC50 0.098 g·L-1)抑制SA活性最好;化合物4(IC50 0.130 g·L-1)抑制MRSA活性最好;化合物3(IC50 0.270mg·L-1)抑制ESBLs-SA活性最好.结论 化合物1～5为首次从植物中分离得到,7,8为首次从该科植物中分离得到.     

蟾衣化学成分及体外抗肿瘤活性研究

目的:对源于蟾蜍的新资源蟾衣进行化学成分研究,并对蟾衣提取物及分离得到的主要化合物进行抗肿瘤活性评价.方法:蟾衣粗粉采用95％乙醇回流提取,提取物采用正相硅胶、反相硅胶和葡聚糖凝胶Sephadex LH-20柱色谱分离,结合结晶法对化合物进行纯化,通过波谱分析鉴定化合物的结构;采用MTT法对95％乙醇提取物及分离得到的主要化合物进行体外抗肿瘤活性评价.结果:从蟾衣95％乙醇提取物中分离鉴定了8个化合物,分别为棕榈酸胆甾烯酯(1),胆甾醇(2),5α,8α-epidioxycholesta-6-en-3β-ol(3),胆甾-5-烯-3β,7β-二醇(4),胆甾-7-烯-3β,5α,6β-三醇(5),3-十八烷氧基-1,2-丙二醇(6),△4,5(E),△9,10(Z)-鞘胺醇-正十五碳酸酰胺(7)和蟾蜍噻咛(8);抗肿瘤活性筛选表明,蟾衣95％乙醇提取物和分离得到的主要化合物对试验的细胞株均无抑制作用.结论:化合物1～8均为首次从蟾衣中分离得到,其中化合物3,5～7为首次从中华大蟾蜍和蟾蜍属中分离得到.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract and fractions from Couroupita guianensis Aublet leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Couroupita guianensis Aublet, ‘macacarecuia’, ‘abricó-de-macaco’, ‘castanha-de-macaco’ and ‘amêndoa-dos-andes’, is found in tropical regions and is widely used in the treatment of tumors, pain, and inflammatory processes.

Aim of the study

Ethanol extract and hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were evaluated in models of inflammatory pain (formalin-induced licking) and acute inflammation (carrageenan-induced peritonitis).

Materials and methods

Ethanol extract, hexane and ethyl acetate fractions (10, 30 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and the reference drugs dexamethasone (5 mg/kg), morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.), and acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) were tested in formalin-induced licking response and carrageenan-induced peritonitis.

Results

All three doses from Couroupita guianensis fractions significantly reduced the time that the animal spent licking the formalin-injected paw in first and second phases. However, only higher doses (30 and 100 mg/kg) were able to inhibit the leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity after carrageenan injection. In this model, the 100 mg/kg dose almost abolished the cell migration. It was also observed that protein concentration resulted from extravasation to the peritoneum and nitric oxide (NO) productions were significantly reduced. Cytokines production was differently affected by the treatment. TNF-α production was reduced after ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction pre-treatment whereas hexane fraction had effect only with 100 mg/kg dose. IL-1β production was inhibited only after hexane fraction pre-treatment. The inhibitory effect observed was not due to a direct cytotoxic effect on cells nor to a NO-scavenger activity. The effect was due to a direct inhibition on NO production by the cells.

Conclusions

The results show that Couroupita guianensis fractions have anti-inflammatory effect, partly due to a reduction on cell migration and a inhibition on cytokines and inflammatory mediators production.     

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of anacardic acids from Amphipterygium adstringens

Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Standl. (Anacardiaceae) is widely used in traditional Mexican medicine for the treatment of gastritis and ulcers. In this work, we studied the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of its bark, this Gram-negative bacterium is considered the major etiological agent of chronic active gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, and it is linked to gastric carcinoma. From a bio-guided assay of the fractions obtained form a continuous Soxhlet extraction of the bark, we identified that petroleum ether fraction had significant antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori. From this fraction, we isolated an anacardic acids mixture and three known triterpenes: masticadienonic acid; 3α-hydroxymasticadienonic acid; 3-epi-oleanolic; as well as the sterol β-sitosterol. Only the anacardic acids mixture exhibits a potent dose-dependent antibacterial activity (MIC = 10 μg/ml in broth cultures). It is enriched in saturated alkyl phenolic acids (C_15:0, C_16:0, C_17:0 C_19:0) which represents a novel source of these compounds with potent anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. The promising use of anacardic acids and Amphipterygium adstringens bark in the development of an integral treatment of Helicobacter pylori diseases is discussed.     

黄芩苷对非白念珠菌生物膜抑制作用的研究

目的:研究黄芩苷对光滑念珠菌、近平滑念珠菌、克柔念珠菌、季也蒙念珠菌等非白念珠菌生物膜的影响.方法:96孔微量培养板上构建4种非白念珠菌生物膜;微量稀释法检测黄芩苷对4种非白念珠菌最低抑菌浓度(MIC);XTT减低法评价黄芩苷对4种非白念珠菌生物膜SMIC及菌细胞黏附性的影响.结果:4种非白念珠菌在96孔板中可形成成熟的生物膜;黄芩苷对4种非白念珠菌MIC分别是125,250,125,62.5 mg·L~(-1);黄芩苷对4种非白念珠菌生物膜的SMIC50分别是＞1 000,500,125,250 mg·L~(-1);SMIC80均大于或等于1 000 mg·L~(-1).黄芩苷对4种非白念珠菌的黏附有一定的抑制效应.结论:黄芩苷对近平滑念珠菌、克柔念珠菌、季也蒙念珠菌生物膜有较强的抑制作用.