Anti-inflammatory activity of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. in rats

Aim of the study

Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) is one of the medicinal plants that is often used in Sri Lankan traditional systems of medicine. One of its uses is the treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, validity of the anti-inflammatory activity has not been scientifically investigated so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of Trichosanthes cucumerina hot water extract (HWE) and its fractions.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activity of Trichosanthes cucumerina was evaluated by use of the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in Wistar rats. In addition, the mechanism/s by which Trichosanthes cucumerina is mediated the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by determining its effects on (a) membrane stabilizing activity and (b) nitric oxide inhibitory activity.

Results

Apart from the lowest dose of the HWE, other tested doses (500, 750, 1000 mg/kg) produced a significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibition of the inflammation, most pronounced at 5 h after the injection of carrageenan. The anti-inflammatory effect induced by 750 mg/kg, was comparable to that of the reference drug, indomethacin at 4 and 5 h. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production and membrane stabilization activities are probable mechanisms by which Trichosanthes cucumerina mediates its anti-inflammatory actions. Among the tested fractions, methanol fraction (MEF) and aqueous fraction (AQF) at a dose of 75 mg/kg exhibited marked inhibition against carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema. The anti-inflammatory effect induced by MEF, was comparable to that of the reference drug, indomethacin and as well as to the 750 mg/kg of HWE at 4 and 5 h.

Conclusions

(a) These findings rationalize the traditional usage of this plant as an anti-inflammatory agent and (b) membrane stabilizing properties and NO inhibitory activity are possible mechanisms through which Trichosanthes cucumerina mediates its anti-inflammatory action.     

Toxicological reproductive study of Cassia occidentalis L. in female Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cassia occidentalis L. (Leguminosae) has long been used as natural medicine in rainforests and other tropical regions for the treatment of inflammation, fever, liver disorders, constipation, worms, fungal infections, ulcers, respiratory infections, snakebite and as a potent abortifacient.

Aim of the study

This study has investigated the effects of oral sub-acute administration of Cassia occidentalis during pregnancy in female Wistar rats.

Materials and methods

Three groups of pregnant rats were treated orally from the 1st to the 6th day (pre-implantation period) and from the 7th to the 14th day (organogenic period) of pregnancy, with doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. On the 20th day of pregnancy, the animals were euthanized and reproductive parameters evaluated.

Results

The results revealed no statistically significant differences between the control and treated groups in terms of offspring/dam relationship; fetuses, placentae and ovaries weights; number of implantation and resorption sites; number of corpora lutea in the ovaries and pre- and post-implantation loss rates. However, the presence of dead fetuses was registered in both doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg of Cassia occidentalis.

Conclusions

Further studies should therefore be conducted to obtain more detailed characteristics of the toxic effects of this species, the use of which is not recommended during pregnancy.     

Anti-inflammatory activities of Sieboldogenin from Smilax china Linn.: Experimental and computational studies

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Smilax china Linn. is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well as in Pakistan for several medicinal purposes including their use in inflammatory disorders.

Aim of the study

The aims of the current study were to validate and assess the folk use of Smilax china Linn. on pharmacological grounds using the isolated compound at molecular, in vivo and computational levels.

Materials and methods

Seiboldogenin was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of the plant crude extract. In vitro lipoxygenase and in vivo carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema models were used in experimental studies while molecular docking technique was used to conduct computational study.

Results

Sieboldogenin showed significant lipoxygenase inhibition (IC50: 38 μM). It also exhibited significant inhibition (p < 0.05) of carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema at the doses of 10 and 50 mg/kg. Computational molecular docking showed its molecular interaction with important amino acid residues in the catalytic site of lipoxygenase, revealing its potential binding mode at molecular level.

Conclusions

Sieboldogenin seems to be a potential new anti-inflammatory compound responsible for anti-inflammatory activities of Smilax china Linn. Its in vitro and in vivo inflammatory activities are in good agreement with the folk medicinal use of Smilax china Linn. in inflammatory disorders.     

Morinda citrifolia Linn (Noni): In vivo and in vitro reproductive toxicology

Morinda citrifolia Linn (syn. Noni) is a plant widely used as food and medicine worldwide but there are no toxicological tests about this plant focused on reproduction.     

In vitro and in vivo aphrodisiac properties of Corchorus depressus Linn. on rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle relaxation and sexual behavior of normal male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Corchorus depressus Linn. has been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional Indian medicine to treat male sexual dysfunction and impotency.

Aim of the study

The petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions of 95% methanol extract of Corchorus depressus were screened initially for their in vitro aphrodisiac activity on rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle. The chloroform fraction (CDC) was found to be the most active and therefore investigated further on general mating behavior, libido and potency of normal male Wistar albino rats in comparison with the standard drug, Sildenafil citrate.

Materials and methods

Animals were divided into the following groups: Control, SC CDC 100, CDC 200, and CDC 400, who received saline, Sildenafil citrate or the chloroform fraction of Corchorus depressus at doses of 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg b.wt., respectively. The route of administration for all the groups was oral dosing, which was once in a day for 45 days. To analyze the mating behavior, female rats with estrus phase were used.

Results

The chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of Corchorus depressus significantly reduced ML, IL, PEI and III. There was a significant increase in the MF, IF and EL and serum testosterone levels throughout the study period. The potency test significantly increased erections, quick flips, long flips and total reflex. In vitro aphrodisiac activity was significantly higher in chloroform fraction at a concentration of 25.0 mg/ml, which induced 71.4% relaxation. The combined results of the above mentioned models indicate that the chloroform fraction of Corchorus depressus produces a significant increase in sexual activity as exhibited by 25 mg/ml in vitro and 400 mg/kg in vivo. In comparison with the control, all the drug-treated groups have shown drug-induced effects for a few parameters.

Conclusions

In vitro and in vivo studies provide valuable experimental evidence that the chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of Corchorus depressus possesses aphrodisiac property. This study further substantiates the ethnopharmacological claims of Corchorus depressus as a sexual stimulating agent and offers a significant potential for studying the effect on male sexual response and its dysfunctions.     

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.     

Anti-hyperglycemic activity of the leaves of Tetracera scandens Linn. Merr. (Dilleniaceae) in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Aim of the study

The present study was aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic potential of the leaves of Tetracera scandens Linn. Merr. (Dilleniaceae) in vivo with regard to prove its efficacy by local herbalists in the treatment of diabetes frailties.

Materials and methods

Crude aqueous (AQ) and methanol (MEOH) extracts of the leaves of T. scandens L. were administered to both normal and alloxan induced diabetic male albino rats (Wistar strain). The blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after oral administration of AQ and MEOH extracts.

Results

Significant reduction in glucose was observed in fasting blood glucose levels in the treated diabetic rats without causing any hypoglycemic effect compared to normal rats. Both polar extracts of the leaves of T. scandens L. exhibited significant anti-hyperglycemic activity at different doses and intervals. The highest anti-hyperglycemic effect (62.5%) was observed by the AQ extract at 0.25 g/kg body weight (b.w.) and MEOH extract (36.5%) at 0.5 g/kg b.w. after 8 h. The significant anti-hyperglycemic activity was found to be comparable with a known oral synthetic hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide 0.25 mg/kg b.w.

Conclusion

This study provides scientific evidence that the leaves of T. scandens L. have anti-diabetic efficacy and justifies its utility by local herbalists. However, more experiments at the clinical levels are required to confirm the utility of this plant by traditional practitioners in the management of diabetes mellitus.     

Dose- and time-dependent effects of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed on sexual behaviour of normal male rats

Aim of the study

According to Indian Systems of Medicine, Mucuna pruriens Linn., belonging to the leguminous family (Papilionaceae), were used for treating male sexual disorders since ancient times. In this study, the effects of ethanolic extracts of the Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed on general mating behaviour, libido and potency of normal male Wister albino rats were investigated and also compared with the standard reference drug, Sildenafil citrate.

Materials and Methods

Animals were divided into one control group (Group I––received saline) and four experimental groups (Groups II–V). Experimental groups were divided on the basis of the dosage of extract to the animals as follows: 150 mg/kg body weight (Group I), 200 mg/kg body weight (Group II) and 250 mg/kg body weight (Group IV) while Group V received Sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg body weight). Animals were fed PO with saline or extract or standard drug once in a day for 45 days. To analyse the mating behaviour, female rats with oestrus phase were used.

Results

The extract administered PO significantly increased the mounting frequency, intromission frequency and ejaculation latency, and decreased the mounting latency, intromission latency, post-ejaculatory interval and inter-intromission interval. The potency test significantly increased erections, quick flips, long flips and total reflex. Therefore, the results indicated that the ethanolic extracts of Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed produced a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats at a particular dose (200 mg/kg). When compared to control, all the drug-treated groups have shown drug-induced effects for a few parameters. However in Group II, there was an obvious enhancement in all parameters, without affecting the normal behaviour. When compared with the standard drug, the net effect of extract is even less than that in Group II.

Conclusions

Therefore, the resulting aphrodisiac activity of the extract lends support to the claim that it has traditionally been used for the treatment of sexual disorders.     

(E)-2-[2-(4-甲氧苄基)肼基]-4-苯基噻唑与人血清蛋白的相互作用

目的: 研究(E)-2-[2-(4-甲氧苄基)肼基]-4-苯基噻唑(MHP)与人血清蛋白(HSA)之间的相互作用,为揭示噻唑类衍生物与DNA作用的机制提供实验依据. 方法: 根据MHP与HSA相互作用的荧光敏化作用,利用Stern-Volmer方程,及非辐射能量转移理论处理实验数据,采用同步荧光光谱探讨了MHP对HSA构象的影响. 结果: 实验发现MHP可以使HSA的荧光增强,表明两者之间发生了能量转移,能量转移的机理是MHP与HSA结合形成了复合物.荧光增强(敏化)效应主要源于给体-受体间的偶极-偶极作用的能量转移. 结论: 能量转移的结果为内原发色基团的荧光被猝灭和外源发色基团荧光被敏化,计算得到其敏化常数为-2.620 8×10⁴.同步荧光光谱表明,相互作用引起HSA构象变化,提示结合位点更接近于色氨酸.     

The effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed on memory,attention and cognition in healthy human volunteers

Background

Experimental evidences have demonstrated that Nigella sativa Linn. seed (NS) has positive modulation effects on aged rats with memory impairments, prevents against hippocampal pyramidal cell loss and enhances consolidation of recall capability of stored information and spatial memory in rats. NS has neuroprotective, nephroprotective, lung protective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective activities as established by previous studies on animals. Several clinical trials with NS on human have also demonstrated beneficial effect.

Aim of the study

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of NS on memory, attention and cognition in healthy elderly volunteers. Furthermore, safety profile of NS was assessed during the nine-week study period.

Methods

Forty elderly volunteers were recruited and divided randomly into group A and group B—each consisting of 20 volunteers. The treatment procedure for group A was 500 mg NS capsule twice daily for nine weeks and Group B received placebo instead of NS in the similar manner. All the volunteers were assessed for neuropsychological state and safety profile twice before treatment and after nine weeks. The neuropsychological tests were logical memory test, digit span test, Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, letter cancellation test, trail making test and stroop test. Safety profile was assessed by measuring biochemical markers of Cardiac (total cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatine kinase-MB); Liver (aspartate aminotransferase, alanin aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, bilirubin) and Kidney (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) through using commercial kits.

Results

There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the score of logical memory test-I and II, total score of digit span, 30 min delayed-recall, percent score in Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, time taken to complete letter cancellation test, time taken in trail making test-A and test-B, score in part C of stroop test due to ingestion of NS for nine weeks. There were not statistically significant changes (p>0.05) in any of the biochemical markers of cardiac, liver, kidney function during this nine-week study period.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates the role of NS in enhancing memory, attention and cognition. Therefore, whether NS could be considered as potential food supplement for preventing or slow progressing of Alzheimer disease needs further investigations. However, study with Alzheimer′s patients with large population size for longer period of time is recommended before using NS daily and extensive phytochemical investigations are recommended for novel drug discovery from NS for treating cognitive disorders.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of crude extract and isolated compounds from Baccharis illinita DC in acute skin inflammation

Ethnopharmacologycal relevance

The tea from the leaves of Baccharis illinita DC (Asteraceae family) is commonly used by the population as anti-inflammatory (including topically), protective gastric and anti-infectious. However, no studies have been done with this species to confirm its topical anti-inflammatory action.

Aim

This study evaluated he topical effects of crude extract of leaves (CE) and its active constituents in 12-O-tetradecanoilforbol acetate (TPA)-induced ear oedema.

Methodology

CE and compounds effects were tested in commonly used models of TPA-, arachidonic acid (AA)- and capsaicin-ear oedema. Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell migration was evaluated by mieloperoxidase and analyzed histologically.

Results

CE (0.1–1 mg/ear) caused a dose-related inhibition of TPA-induced ear oedema and PMN influx similarly to that produced by topical application of the steroidal anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. The active constituents of the AcOEt fraction kaurenoic acid, α-spinasterol, oleanolic acid and baurenol also inhibited TPA-induced ear edema. Histological analysis of the ear of CE-treated animals confirmed the reduction of edema and of PMN infiltration. Both CE and the nosteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin inhibited the AA-induced ear oedema, but did not change capsaicin-induced oedema.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the CE and the active constituents have a topical anti-inflammatory effect and the possible mechanisms for the pharmacological effects are discussed.     

Antidiabetic activity of Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn. in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn. (Poaceae) is traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus. The grains of Paspalum scrobiculatum are having potential in the development of drug for diabetes due to their antidiabetic activity.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of grains of Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn. (Poaceae) in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight), were administered orally to male Wistar albino rats. Alloxan monohydrate was used to induce diabetes mellitus. Total phenolic content was estimated in the extracts. The parameters studied included oral glucose tolerance test, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and glycated haemoglobin levels, liver glycogen content, serum lipid profile, and changes in body weights.

Results

In oral glucose tolerance test, reduction of fasting blood glucose levels took place from 60 min of extract administration. The extracts produced a dose-dependent fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG). After 15 days of treatment with extracts the maximum reduction in FBG (35.14%) was observed in diabetic rats treated with ethanolic extract 500 mg/kg dose. A significant increase in serum insulin level was observed in the treated rats. Serum lipid levels were reversed towards near normal and a control in the loss of body weight was observed in treated rats as compared to diabetic control. The extract treatment also showed a significant increase in the liver glycogen and a significant decrease in glycated haemoglobin levels. The results demonstrate that Paspalum scrobiculatum possesses significant antidiabetic activity in diabetic rats.

Conclusion

The results suggest that Paspalum scrobiculatum has antidiabetic activity, thereby justifying its traditional claim and augmenting it into the present day systems of medicine.     

Prophylactic and curative activities of extracts from Warburgia ugandensis Sprague (Canellaceae) and Zanthoxylum usambarense (Engl.) Kokwaro (Rutaceae) against Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium berghei

Ethnopharmacological relevance

This work reports the anti-plasmodial activities of Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum usambarense commonly used as phytomedicines against malaria by some Kenyan communities.

Aim of study

To determine the anti-plasmodial activities of extracts from Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum usambarense against Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium berghei.

Materials and methods

Eight plant extracts were screened for in vitro anti-plasmodial activity against Plasmodium knowlesi, in a 96-well plate incubated at 37 °C on a RPMI culture medium supplemented with baboon serum. Of the eight, three were investigated for prophylactic and curative activities in BALB/c mice against drug-sensitive Plasmodium berghei in a 4-day test at a dose rate of 200 mg/kg/day.

Results

Inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) values of between 3.14 and 75 μg/ml, up to 69% chemosuppression of parasites growth and over 80% survivorship of treated mice were observed.

Conclusion

The two medicinal plants, Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum usambarense possess bioactive compounds against malaria parasites and could be exploited for further development into malaria therapy.     

Anti-inflammatory and anti-hypersensitive effects of the crude extract,fractions and triterpenes obtained from Chrysophyllum cainito leaves in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Chrysophyllum cainito, popularly known as “star apple”, caimito, “abiu-roxo” or “abiu-do-Pará”, is a tree of about 25 m in height. Besides its culinary use, it is also used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and several inflammatory diseases.

Materials and methods

The crude methanolic extract (CME) was submitted to phytochemical studies for obtaining fractions and isolated compounds. They were monitored by thin-layer-chromatography (TLC). The biological activity was evaluated in mice using the carrageenan-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and paw oedema. Biochemical assays, such as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and activity and cytokines levels quantification, were carried out to analyse the involvement of neutrophil migration and IL-1β and TNFα production. Some adverse effects were investigated using the open-field and rota-rod tests, and it was also measured the rectal temperature.

Results

This study demonstrates, for the first time, the anti-hypersensitivity and anti-inflammatory effects of CME, fractions and two isolated triterpenes obtained from the leaves of Chrysophyllum cainito on carrageenan-induced hypersensitivity and paw-oedema. The mice treated with CME or chloroform fraction (CHCl₃) presented reduction in mechanical hypersensitivity. The effect of the CME seemed to be partially related to the anti-inflammatory activity, as the paw-oedema and MPO activity were also significantly inhibited. The isolated compound Lup-20(29)-en-3β-O-hexanoate demonstrated more reduction of the hypersensitivity than 3β-Lup-20(29)-en-3-yl acetate, suggesting that this molecule might be partially responsible for the biological effects obtained with CME and CHCl₃ fractions. Finally, animals treated with CME and CHCl₃ did not present changes in locomotor activity, motor performance or body temperature.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrates, for the first time, that the crude extract, fractions and pure compounds obtained from the Chrysophyllum cainito leaves possess important anti-hypersensitive properties against inflammatory pain in mice. The mechanisms through which Chrysophyllum cainito exerts its anti-hypersensitive actions are still unclear, and require further investigation; however, this could well constitute a new and attractive alternative for the management of persistent inflammatory and neuropathic pain in humans.     

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Casearia sylvestris Sw. is widely used in popular medicine to treat inflammatory conditions.

Aim of the study

To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract (HCE) taken from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae).

Methods and results

The effect of the HCE from this plant (3–300 mg/kg) on the reduction of inflammatory response to carrageenan was investigated in pleurisy in rats (intrapleural, 2% in 0.2 mL) or paw edema in mice (intraplantar, 300 μg/20 μL, right hind paw). The plant anti-inflammatory action was assessed by its capability in inhibiting cell migration, enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and production of nitrite/nitrate or edema. The in vitro antioxidant activity of this extract against lipid peroxidation and damage to proteins was assessed as possible pathways to contribute as anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema (739.3±11.9 μm) was reduced by HCE (30 mg/kg: 462.8±28.38 μm) to similar extents as dexametasone (365.1±16.7). In pleurisy, treatment of the animals with HCE (100 mg/kg: 0.010±0.001 mU/mg of protein) also reduced MPO activity augmented by carrageenan (0.020±0.001 mU/mg of protein) as well as leukocytes migration (carrageenan: 17.8890±2.3900 leukocytes/mL, HCE 100 mg/kg: 7.0880±9631 leukocytes/mL). Significant effects were also observed in animals treated with different doses of HCE in biochemical tests for oxidative stress analysis.

Conclusion

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of HCE from Casearia sylvestris Sw. suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of this plant in treatment of inflammatory conditions.     

Mechanism(s) of action involved in the gastroprotective activity of Muntingia calabura

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Muntingia calabura L. (Muntingiaceae) is locally known as kerukup siam. Its leaves, flowers, barks and roots have been used traditionally in East Asia and South America to treat various diseases including ulcer-related diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism(s) of gastroprotective effect of methanol extract of Muntingia calabura leaves (MEMC) using the pylorus ligation induced gastric ulceration in rats.

Materials and methods

Five groups of rats (n=6) were administered orally once daily for 7 days with 8% Tween 80 (negative control), 100 mg/kg ranitidine (positive control), or MEMC (100, 250 or 500 mg/kg), followed by the ulcer induction via ligation of the pyloric part of the rat’s stomach. This was followed by the macroscopic analysis of the stomach, evaluation of gastric content parameters, and quantification of mucus content. The antioxidant (measured using the superoxide anion and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-radical scavenging, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and total phenolic content (TPC) assays), anti-inflammatory (evaluated using the in vitro lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase assays), phytoconstituents and HPLC analysis of MEMC were also carried out.

Results

The MEMC significantly (p<0.05) reduced gastric lesion in this model. Furthermore, the extract also significantly (p<0.01) reduced the volume of gastric content whereas the total acidity was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the doses of 100 and 500 mg/kg MEMC. Moreover, the mucus content increased significantly (p<0.01) in MEMC-treated rats. The extract also showed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in all assays tested, and demonstrated the presence of high tannins and saponins followed by flavonoids.

Conclusion

The MEMC exerted gastroprotective effect via several mechanisms including the anti-secretory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These activities could be attributed to the presence of tannins, saponins and flavonoids (e.g. rutin, quercitrin, fisetin and dihydroquercetin).     

2株内生真菌对菊花抗旱特性的影响

目的:以PEG6000模拟干旱条件,研究接种内生真菌(葡萄孢属C1菌Botrytis sp.、球毛壳菌G4菌Chaetomium globosum对药用菊花Ch.morifolium抗旱性的影响.方法:分别用0%,10%,20%,30%,40%PEG6000胁迫菊花组培苗4 d,测定各处理组菊花生物量,叶片超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、苯丙氨酸解氨酶(PAL)活性及叶片丙二醛(MDA)、可溶性蛋白含量.结果:模拟干旱胁迫后,接种内生真菌的菊花长势好于对照(未接菌),PEG6000胁迫4 d后,随着胁迫浓度的增加,菊花总生物量不断减少,接菌组生物量显著高于对照,C4组高于C1组;各处理组MDA含量随着胁迫浓度的增加而不断增加;各处理组POD活性、可溶性蛋白含量随着胁迫浓度的增加均呈现先增加后减小的趋势;对照SOD活性随着胁迫浓度的增加而逐渐增加,接菌组SOD活性基本保持不变;对照PAL活性随着胁迫浓度的增加而逐渐增加.不同浓度PEG胁迫后,接菌组MDA含量始终低于对照,SOD活性、POD活性、可溶性蛋白含量、PAL活性均始终高于对照.结论:接种内生真菌提高菊花的抗旱能力.     

Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage in epididymal sperm of streptozotocin induced diabetic rat

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mucuna pruriens Linn. (M. pruriens) is a leguminous plant that has been recognized as an herbal medicine for improving fertility and related disorders in the Indian traditional system of medicine, however without proper scientific validations.

Aim of the study

To study the effect of ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens on mitochondrial dysfunction and the DNA damage in hyperglycemic rat epididymal spermatozoa.

Materials and methods

Male Wistar albino rats were divided as control (Sham), diabetes induced [streptozotocin 60 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) in 0.1 M citrate buffer] (STZ), diabetic rats administered with 200 mg/kg b.w. of extract (STZ+MP) and normal rats administered with 200 mg/kg b.w. of extract (Sham+MP). M. pruriens was administered (gavage) once daily for a period of 60 days. On 60th day animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation sperm were collected from epididymis and subjected various analysis like antioxidants, ROS, lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage, chromosomal integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).

Results

Significant reduction in the sperm count, motility, viability and significant increase in the number of abnormal sperm in STZ compared to sham was noticed. STZ rat sperm showed significant increase in LPO and DNA damage. Both the enzymic and non-enzymic were decreased; MMP and the mitochondrial functions were severely affected in STZ group. The diabetic rats supplemented with M. pruriens showed a remarkable recovery in antioxidant levels and reduced LPO with well preserved sperm DNA. MMP and mitochondrial function test were also preserved in STZ+MP rat sperm.

Conclusion

The present study has clearly demonstrated the potency of M. pruriens to reduce the diabetic induced sperm damage induced by oxidative stress (OS). These observations are encouraging to perform similar studies in human.     

Anti-inflammatory intestinal activity of Arctium lappa L. (Asteraceae) in TNBS colitis model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In Brazilian traditional medicine, Arctium lappa (Asteraceae), has been reported to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms.

Aim of the study

In the present study, we investigated the effects of the lactone sesquiterpene onopordopicrin enriched fraction (ONP fraction) from Arctium lappa in an experimental colitis model induced by 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and performed experiments to elucidate the underlying action mechanisms involved in that effect.

Materials and methods

ONP fraction (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) was orally administered 48, 24 and 1 h prior to the induction of colitis and 24 h after. The inflammatory response was assessed by gross appearance, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels and a histological study of the lesions. We determined cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 protein expressions by western blotting and immunohistochemistry assays.

Results

TNBS group was characterized by increased colonic wall thickness, edema, diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration, increased MPO activity and TNF-α levels. On the contrary, ONP fraction (25 and 50 mg/kg) treatment significantly reduced the macroscopic inflammation scores (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively) and morphological alterations associated with an increase in the mucus secretion. Similarly, the degree of neutrophil infiltration and the cytokine levels were significantly ameliorated. Moreover, COX-2 expression was up regulated in TNBS-treated rats. In contrast, ONP fraction (50 mg/kg) administration reduced COX-2 overexpression.

Conclusions

We have shown that the ONP fraction obtained from Arctium lappa exert marked protective effects in acute experimental colitis, confirming and justifying, at least in part, the popular use of this plant to treat gastrointestinal diseases.     

白木香乙酰乙酰基辅酶A硫解酶基因(AsAACT)的克隆与表达分析

目的：对国产沉香的基原植物白木香Aquilaria sinensis （Lour.）Gilg乙酰辅酶A酰基转移酶（acetyl-CoA C-acetyl transferase,AACT）基因AsAACT全长进行克隆并展开生物信息学分析和表达分析,为解析沉香萜类次生代谢产物的生物合成机制奠定基础。方法：根据获得的白木香转录组数据库AACT部分转录本序列设计引物,采用RT-PCR及RACE技术,以白木香茎cDNA为模板,克隆获得AsAACT全长,进行生物信息学分析;采用荧光定量PCR,以GADPH为内参,分析白木香愈伤组织受不同伤害胁迫AsAACT的表达模式。结果：AsAACT开放阅读框（opening reading frame,ORF）为1 236 bp,编码411个氨基酸残基,酶命名为AsAACT;白木香愈伤受物理伤害（切割）后表达量没有明显变化,但受化学伤害（MeJA）后4 h表达量升高了5.5倍,说明该基因对MeJA诱导的化学伤害较敏感,且能够在早期响应伤害胁迫。结论：通过AsAACT基因的全长cDNA克隆和表达特性分析,为后续深入研究其在沉香倍半萜合成途径的功能奠定基础。