Ge-Gen-Tang has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ge-Gen-Tang (GGT) has been used against adult respiratory tract infection for thousand years in ancient China. However, GGT is unable to inhibit influenza virus. The effect of GGT to manage respiratory tract viral infection has been questioned. Several ingredients of GGT and their constituents are able to inhibit various viruses. Therefore, GGT might have antiviral activity against other viruses causing respiratory tract illness. Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is one of the most important airway viruses. However, it is unknown whether GGT is effective against HRSV.

Aim of the study

HRSV contributes considerably to respiratory tract illness of the elderly and immunocompromised adults. There is no effective therapeutic modality for HRSV infection. In order to find a readily available agent to manage HRSV infection, the authors tested the hypothesis that GGT can effectively minimize airway pathology by preventing HRSV-induced plaque formation in respiratory mucosal cell lines.

Materials and methods

Effect of the hot water extract of GGT on HRSV was tested by plaque reduction assay in both human upper (HEp-2) and low (A549) respiratory tract cell lines. Ability of GGT to stimulate anti-viral cytokines was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

GGT dose-dependently inhibited HRSV-induced plaque formation in both cell lines (p < 0.0001), especially in A549 cells. GGT was more effective when given before viral infection (p < 0.0001). GGT could dose-dependently inhibit viral attachment (p < 0.0001) with or without heparin. GGT could further inhibit HRSV internalization time-dependently and dose-dependently (p < 0.0001). GGT could stimulate mucosal cells to secrete IFN-β to counteract viral infection before and after viral inoculation.

Conclusions

GGT is effective against HRSV-induced plaque formation in airway epithelium.     

Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang (Sho-seiryu-to) inhibited cytopathic effect of human respiratory syncytial virus in cell lines of human respiratory tract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang (XQLT, TJ-19, Sho-seiryu-to, so-cheong-ryong-tang) has been used against acute airway diseases for thousands of year in ancient China. Most of the acute airway illnesses are caused by virus. However, without activity against influenza virus, XQLT has been questioned to manage respiratory tract viral infection. Nevertheless, XQLT might be active against airway viruses other than influenza. Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is one of the most common respiratory viral pathogens without effective management. However, it is unknown whether XQLT has anti-HRSV activity.

Aim of the study

We tested the hypothesis that XQLT can effectively minimize HRSV-induced plaque formation in respiratory tract mucosal cell lines.

Materials and methods

Anti-HRSV activity of a hot water extract of XQLT was examined by plaque reduction assay in both human upper (HEp-2) and low (A549) respiratory tract cell lines. Its effects on syncytial formation and viral fusion (F) protein were examined directly by microscopy and by western blot, respectively. Ability of XQLT to stimulate IFN-β was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Hot water extract of XQLT dose-dependently inhibited HRSV-induced plaque formation in both HEp-2 and A549 cells (P<0.0001), particularly when given before viral inoculation (p<0.0001). XQLT inhibited viral attachment (p<0.0001) and internalization (p<0.0001). 300 μg/ml XQLT could decrease both the number and the size of HRSV-induced syncytium without clear effect on the production of viral F protein. XQLT could stimulate epithelial cells to secrete IFN-β before and after viral inoculation to counteract viral infection (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

XQLT is effective against HRSV infection on airway epithelia by preventing viral attachment, internalization, syncytial formation, and by stimulating interferon secretion.     

Sheng-Ma-Ge-Gen-Tang (Shoma-kakkon-to) inhibited cytopathic effect of human respiratory syncytial virus in cell lines of human respiratory tract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Sheng-Ma-Ge-Gen-Tang (SMGGT; Shoma-kakkon-to) has been used against pediatric viral infection for thousands of year in ancient China. However, it is unknown whether SMGGT is effective against human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV).

Aim of the study

HRSV is a major pediatric viral pathogen of low respiratory tract infection without effective management. This study tested the hypothesis that SMGGT effectively inhibited cytopathy induced by HRSV.

Materials and methods

Effect of the crude extract of SMGGT on HRSV was tested by plaque reduction assay in both human upper (HEp-2) and low (A549) respiratory tract cell lines. Ability of SMGGT to stimulate anti-viral cytokines was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Crude extract of SMGGT dose-dependently inhibited HRSV-induced plaque formation. The crude extract was more effective when given before viral infection (p < 0.0001). It inhibited viral attachment dose-dependently (p < 0.0001) and could increase heparin effect on viral attachment. Furthermore, it was synergistic with very low-dose heparin on viral attachment. In addition, the crude extract time-dependently and dose-dependently (p < 0.0001) inhibited HRSV internalization into HEp-2 cells. Epithelial cells secrete IFN-β and TNF-α to counteract viral infection. The crude extract could stimulate epithelial cells to secrete these cytokines beforehand and become resistant to viral infection. It also stimulated IFN-β to defense HRSV after viral inoculation.

Conclusions

Sheng-Ma-Ge-Gen-Tang could be effective to manage HRSV infection in young children.     

Liu-He-Tang inhibited plaque formation by human respiratory syncytial virus infection in cell lines of the human respiratory tract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Liu-He-Tang (LHT) has been used to treat adult respiratory tract infection with productive cough and fever for a thousand years in ancient China. Adults with respiratory tract infection of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) can have symptoms similar to those managed by LHT. Therefore, LHT is supposed to be beneficial for adult HRSV infection. However, LHT does not have any antiviral activity to support its use against HRSV infection.

Aim of the study

HRSV is the most important virus causing serious pediatric respiratory tract infections worldwide. HRSV also contributes considerably to respiratory tract illness in adults. There is no effective therapeutic modality against HRSV infection. In order to find readily available agents to manage adult HRSV infection, this study tested the hypothesis that LHT has antiviral activity against HRSV-induced cytopathy.

Materials and methods

Effect of the hot water extract of LHT on HRSV was tested by plaque reduction assay in both human upper (HEp-2) and low (A549) respiratory tract cell lines and also a human normal fibroblast cell line (WI-38). Ability of LHT to stimulate anti-viral cytokines was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

LHT could dose-dependently inhibit HRSV-induced plaque formation (p < 0.0001), especially in A549 cell. 300 μg/ml LHT nearly abolished plaque formation in A549 cells. LHT was more effective when given before viral inoculation (p < 0.0001). LHT dose-dependently inhibited viral attachment (p < 0.0001). Besides, LHT could inhibit HRSV internalization both time-dependently and dose-dependently (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, LHT stimulated epithelial cells to secrete IFN-β and TNF-α to counteract HRSV infection before infection becomes established.

Conclusions

LHT has anti-HRSV activity that provides a basic support of its possible use in managing adult HRSV infection.     

Proanthocyanidin-enriched extract from Myrothamnus flabellifolia Welw. exerts antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 by inhibition of viral adsorption and penetration

Aim of the study

Extracts from the aerial parts of the South African resurrection plant Myrothamnus flabellifolia Welw. have been used traditionally against infections of the upper respiratory tract and skin diseases. A polyphenol-enriched extract was investigated for potential antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and adenovirus, and the underlying mode of action was to be studied.

Materials and methods

Antiviral effects of an acetone-water extract (MF) from Myrothamnus flabellifolia on HSV-1 and adenovirus type 3 were tested in infected Vero cells by plaque reduction assay, MTT test and immunofluorescence. The influence of the extract on the HSV-1 envelope glycoprotein D was shown by Western blot. Organotypic full thickness skin models consisting of multilayer skin equivalents were used for the investigation of MF effects on HSV-1 replication.

Results

MF exhibited strong antiviral activity against HSV-1. The HSV-1-specific inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was determined as 0.4 μg/mL and the cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) against Vero cells as 50 μg/mL. A selectivity index (SI) (ratio of CC₅₀ to IC₅₀) of approximately 120 was calculated when MF was added to the virus inoculum for 1 h at 37 °C prior to infection. The replication of adenovirus 3 was not affected by MF.MF abolished virus entry into the host cell by blocking viral attachment to the cell surface. When added after attachment at a concentration of >6 μg/mL, the extract also inhibited penetration of HSV-1 into the host cell. Polyphenolic compounds from MF directly interacted with viral particles, leading to the oligomerisation of envelope proteins as demonstrated for the essential viral glycoprotein D (gD). Using organotypic full thickness tissue cultures, it was shown that treatment of HSV-1 infected cultures with the MF resulted in reduced viral spread.

Conclusions

A polyphenol-enriched extract from Myrothamnus flabellifolia strongly acts against HSV-1 by blocking viral entry into the cells.     

Jiawei-Yupingfeng-Tang,a Chinese herbal formula,inhibits respiratory viral infections in vitro and in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Jiawei-Yupingfeng-Tang (JYT) is a Chinese herbal formula that is widely used to treat respiratory tract illness. However, the effect of JYT on respiratory viruses remains unknown. The influenza virus (IFV) and the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) cause millions of cases of severe illness per year, and many of these illnesses develop into lethal pneumonia. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether JYT can be used to treat these infections.

Materials and methods

The effect of JYT against IFV and HRSV was tested using a plaque reduction assay in the lower respiratory tract cell line A549. The expression of ICAM-1 was determined by real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. A mouse model infected with lethal influenza developing into interstitial pneumonia was used to evaluate the effect of JYT in vivo.

Results

JYT extract inhibited both IFV and HRSV in a dose-dependent manner when given before, during and after a viral infection. JYT was effective in blocking the entry of the virus. Furthermore, pre-treatment with JYT reduced the susceptibility of cells to the invasion of HRSV by inhibiting the expression of ICAM-1. Importantly, JYT extract increased the survival rate of lethal influenza-infected mice, prolonged the survival time and alleviated the virus-induced lung lesions, which is comparable with the effects of ribavirin treatment.

Conclusions

These data support JYT as an alternative modality to be used in the treatment of respiratory viral infection induced by HRSV and IFV.     

Anti-influenza virus activity of the ethanolic extract from Peperomia sui

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Peperomia sui Lin and Lu (Peperomia sui), a well-known Taiwanese folk medicine, has a broad range of biological effects, especially in treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases. However, no previous study has explored the activity of Peperomia sui against influenza virus infections. This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-influenza virus activity and the potential virucidal effect of the ethanolic extract of Peperomia sui (PSE).

Methods

The anti-H6N1 avian influenza viral activity of PSE against the influenza virus A/Chicken/TW/0518/2011 (H6N1) in chicken fibroblast DF-1 cells was evaluated by cell viability assay, hemagglutination assay, neuraminidase activity assay, indirect immunofluorescence assay and quantitative RT-PCR assay.

Results

PSE significantly increased the viability of cells that were infected by the H6N1 virus. PSE also suppressed the synthesis of viral nucleoprotein (NP), and inhibited the growth of the virus in DF-1 cells. Further, PSE inhibited the neuraminidase activity of H6N1 virus.

Conclusions

The findings of this study provide important information for the exploitation and utilization of Peperomia sui in treatment of influenza infection.     

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-HIV-1 activities of compounds isolated from the medicinal plant Rhus chinensis

Aim of the study

Previously, we reported that the petroleum ether fraction, RC-1, and EtOAc fraction, RC-2, of the medicinal plant Rhus chinensis showed potent anti-HIV-1 activities. To address anti-HIV-1 constituents of RC-1 and RC-2, 17 compounds were isolated. Anti-HIV-1 activities and possible action mechanisms of these compounds were investigated.

Methods

The syncytial formation induced by HIV-1 was determined under the inverted microscope, cellular toxicity and protection assay were assessed by MTT method, reduction of p24 antigen expression level and RT activity were measured by ELISA, and inhibition of recombinant HIV-1 PR was monitored by the fluorescent signal.

Results

The compounds 1 and 13 inhibited HIV-1-induced syncytium formation potently with TI value of 42.31 and 19.07, respectively. Compounds 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10 were less potent with TI value of 8.94, 8.22, 4.14, 5.11 and 5.34, respectively. Compound 1, a benzofuranone-type compound, previously reported as a novel anti-HIV-1 agent, might target late-steps of HIV-1 life cycle. Compound 13 inhibited HIV-1 replication with EC₅₀ of 7.16 μg/ml and might target at/before integration step.

Conclusion

These compounds might contribute to anti-HIV-1 activities extracts of the medicinal plant Rhus chinensis.     

Evaluation of the anti-neuraminidase activity of the traditional Chinese medicines and determination of the anti-influenza A virus effects of the neuraminidase inhibitory TCMs in vitro and in vivo

Etnopharmacological relevance

Neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors are currently the most effective drugs to treat influenza A viruses infection. Many traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been used in the clinics to treat influenza. The anti-viral mechanisms of these TCMs and their inhibitory effects towards NA need to be systematically tested.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the anti-NA activity of the TCMs and the anti-influenza A virus effects of the NA inhibitory TCMs in vitro and in vivo.

Material and methods

We tested the inhibitory activity of water extracts from 439 TCMs towards NA. The in vitro anti-influenza virus activities of the 5 TCMs were evaluated using the strain A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) NYMC X-179A of influenza A virus. A randomly selected TCM with NA inhibitory activity, Melia toosendan extract, was further evaluated using a mouse model infected with influenza A virus.

Results

Five TCMs, Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke [Fragaria indica Andr.], Liquidambar formosana Hance., Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc., Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc., and Prunella vulgaris L., exerted potent inhibitory activity towards NA. These TCMs in the range of 25-250 μg/mL had the ability to reduce virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) and the virus yield in MDCK cells. Melia toosendan significantly reduced death rate and prolonged mean day to death (MDD) of the viral infected mice.

Conclusions

This study describes five TCMs exerted strong inhibitory activities towards NA, and exhibited antiviral effect against influenza A virus by reducing viral reproduction and reduced CPE of the viral infected cells. Melia toosendan, significantly reduced death rate and prolonged survival of the H1N1 viral infected mice.     

Nauclea latifolia Smith (Rubiaceae) exerts antinociceptive effects in neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The roots of Nauclea latifolia Smith (Rubiaceae) popularly known as “koumkouma” is used in traditional Cameroonian medicine as neuropathic pain remedy and for the treatment of headache, inflammatory pain and convulsion. This study was conducted to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of the alkaloid fraction isolated from Nauclea latifolia in neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in rat.     

Anti-inflammatory and mutagenic evaluation of medicinal plants used by Venda people against venereal and related diseases

Ethnopharmacology relevance

Inflammation is a major risk factor for various human diseases including venereal diseases, often resulting in treatment complications. Plants have been traditionally used for treatment of many different diseases and have been successfully proven to be an alternative source in treatment of infectious diseases.

Aim of the study

This study was aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory activities and the mutagenic properties of 12 medicinal plants used by the Venda people against venereal and related diseases.

Materials and methods

The plants were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity against the cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and -2) enzymes and genotoxicity using the Ames test, with and without S9 (metabolic activation) against Salmonella typhimurium tester strain TA98.

Results

DCM and PE extracts of Adansonia digitata bark, Bolusanthus speciosus bark, Pterocarpus angolensis bark and Pappea capensis leaves and EtOH and water extracts of Bolusanthus speciosus stem and Ekebergia capensis bark showed the best anti-inflammatory activity in both COX-1 and -2 assays at 250 μg/ml. These were further evaluated at three other concentrations (31.25, 62.5, and 125 μg/ml) to determine IC₅₀ values. Water extracts of Ekebergia capensis bark showed the best IC₅₀ value towards COX-1. The Ames test revealed that all plant extracts were non-mutagenic towards Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98 except for Elephantorrhiza burkei and Ekebergia capensis that showed weak mutagenicity.

Conclusion

The active plants may offer a new source of chemicals for the effective treatment of anti-inflammatory conditions related to venereal diseases.     

Antinociceptive effect of Lecythis pisonis Camb. (Lecythidaceae) in models of acute pain in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Lecythis pisonis Camb., also known in Brazil as sapucaia, is used in folk medicine against pruritus, muscle pain and gastric ulcer.

Aim of the study

To investigate the antinociceptive effect of ethanol extract from Lecythis pisonis leaves (LPEE), fractions (hexane-LPHF, ether-LPEF and ethyl acetate-LPEAF) and mixture of triterpenes [ursolic and oleanolic acids (MT)] in mice.

Materials and methods

LPEE and LPEF were evaluated on the acetic acid induced writhings and formalin, capsaicin and glutamate tests. In addition, MT was investigated on the writhings induced by acetic acid, capsaicin and glutamate tests. In the study of some possible mechanisms involved on the antinociceptive effect of LPEF, it was investigated the participation of opioid system, K⁺_ATP channels and l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway.

Results

LPEE (12.5 and 25 mg/kg, p.o.), LPEF and MT (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the writhings in comparison to saline. LPEE (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and LPEF (50 mg/kg, p.o.) were effective in inhibiting both phases of formalin test. In capsaicin test, LPEE (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.), LPEF (12.5–50 mg/kg, p.o) and MT (6.25–25 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant antinociceptive effect compared to the control. LPEE (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o.), LPEF (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and MT (12.5 and 25 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the glutamate-evoked nociceptive response. Treatment with naloxone, l-arginine and glibenclamide reversed the effect of LPEF in glutamate test.

Conclusions

These results indicate the antinociceptive effect of Lecythis pisonis leaves and suggest that this effect may be related to opioid pathway, K⁺_ATP channels, and l-arginine-nitric oxide modulation. Furthermore, these data support the ethnomedical use of this plant.     

In vitro screening for anthelmintic and antitumour activity of ethnomedicinal plants from Thailand

Aim of study

This study screened for anthelmintic and/or antitumour bioactive compounds from Thai indigenous plants and evaluated effectiveness against three different worm species and two cancer cell lines.

Materials and methods

Methylene chloride and methanol extracts of 32 plant species were screened for in vitro anthelmintic activity against three species of worms, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the digeneans Paramphistomum epiclitum and Schistosoma mansoni (cercariae). Cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated against two cancer cell lines: human amelanotic melanoma (C32) and human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) by the SRB assay. Anthelmintic and anticancer activities were evaluated by the inhibiting concentration at 50% death (IC₅₀) and the selectivity index (SI) relative to human fibroblasts.

Results and conclusions

None of the extracts were active against Paramphistomum epiclitum. Plumbagin, a pure compound from Plumbago indica, had the strongest activity against Caenorhabditis elegans. The methylene chloride extract of Piper chaba fruits had the strongest activity against schistosome cercariae. Strong cytotoxicity was shown by the methylene chloride extract of Michelia champaca bark and the methanol extract of Curcuma longa rhizome against C32 and HeLa, respectively. These extracts had higher SI (>100) than positive controls in relation to either the worms or the cell lines. The methanol extract of Bouea burmanica had a slightly lower activity towards C32 cells than did Michelia champaca but had a much higher SI (>27,000).

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The plant species screened in this research was recorded by several indigenous medicinal practitioners as antiparasitic, anticancer and/or related activities to the human major organ system.     

The cytotoxic effects of Scilla nervosa (Burch.) Jessop (Hyacinthaceae) aqueous extract on cultured HepG2 cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bulbs of Scilla nervosa, a medicinal plant indigenous to Southern Africa, are traditionally used in aqueous decoctions to treat a diverse range of illnesses. The bulbs contain homoisoflavanones and stilbenoids. Little information is known about the plant's toxicity on the liver, a major detoxifying organ. This study investigated the effects of an aqueous extract of the bulbs in cultured HepG2 liver cells, a model system for investigating the toxicity of xenobiotics.

Materials and methods

The concentration that reduced cell viability to 50% (IC₅₀) after 24 h treatment was derived. Potential mechanisms of toxicity using the IC₅₀ were investigated as changes in metabolic activity, apoptosis, oxidative damage and DNA fragmentation. In addition, cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity, which is implicated in drug metabolism and interactions, was also assayed.

Results

Cell viability decreased in a concentration-dependent manner and the IC₅₀ was determined as 0.03 mg/mL. Treating the cells at the IC₅₀ for 24 h resulted in increased intracellular ATP levels, no significant change in phosphatidylserine externalisation, increased caspase-8 activity, decreased caspase-9 activity, no significant change in mitochondrial membrane potential, increased lipid peroxidation, evidence for genotoxicity as demonstrated by DNA fragmentation, and slightly induced CYP3A4 activity.

Conclusion

Results suggest that liver cells are sensitive to an aqueous extract of the bulbs and there is an increased potential to induce apoptosis, oxidative stress and genotoxicity in vitro.     

Mycology,cultivation, traditional uses,phytochemistry and pharmacology of Wolfiporia cocos (Schwein.) Ryvarden et Gilb.: A review

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Wolfiporia cocos (Schwein.) Ryvarden et Gilb. has a long history as a Chinese traditional medicine with uses of inducing diuresis, excreting dampness, invigorating the spleen, and tranquilizing the mind. Recently, Wolfiporia cocos has received increasing interest, and phytochemical and pharmacological studies have validated the traditional uses of this species.

Aims of the review

To provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the mycology, cultivation, traditional uses, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities aspects of Wolfiporia cocos in order to highlight its ethnopharmacological use and to explore its therapeutic potentials and to provide a basis for future research.

Materials and methods

The accessible literature, from 1980 to 2012, on Wolfiporia cocos written in English, Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish and Turkish were selected and analyzed.

Results

The phytochemical and modern pharmacological studies demonstrated that Wolfiporia cocos possess a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-rejection, nematicidal, anti-hyperglycemic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertonic stress activities, which could be explained by the presence of various triterpenes and polysaccharides.

Conclusions

Modern phytochemical and pharmacological investigations showed that major active components separated from Wolfiporia cocos had anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-rejection activities, and so on. Further investigations are needed to explore the relationship of the molecular mass, chain stiffness, and water solubility of polysaccharide from Wolfiporia cocos with the antitumor activities.     

In vitro antiprotozoal,antimicrobial and antitumor activity of Pavetta crassipes K. Schum leaf extracts

Aim of the study

To study the potential benefit of the traditional medicinal plant Pavetta crassipes K. Schum (Rubiaceae), which is widely distributed throughout West Africa, the methanol and dichloromethane extracts were isolated from the plant leaves to determine if they exhibited antiprotozoal, antibacterial, antifungal or antitumor activity in vitro.

Materials and methods

The methanol and dichloromethane extracts and their specific fractions were obtained using bioassay-guided fractionation and investigated for antiproliferative activity in vitro in microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans), protozoans (Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Leishmania infantum and Plasmodium falciparum), and cancer (U373, PC3, MXT and A549) and normal cell lines (NHDF and MRC-5).

Results

Most of the alkaloid fractions investigated exhibited antiproliferative activity in all the cancer cell lines, microorganisms and protozoans studied.

Conclusions

The benefit of Pavetta crassipes as a traditional medicinal remedy was confirmed using antiprotozoal and cytotoxicity assays in vitro. These analyses revealed that the components present in the alkaloid extract of Pavetta crassipes are responsible for its antiprotozoal and cytotoxic efficacy.