Pharmacological evidence for a spasmogenic agent in Datura root extract tested on dispersed smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig ileum

The effect of acetylcholine, scopolamine, and Datura leaf and root extracts on the contractility of dispersed muscle cells of guinea-pig ileum was studied. Scopolamine and crude Datura leaf extract alone or together had no significant effect on contraction of smooth muscle cells. Acetylcholine and Datura root extract either alone or together caused a significant (30%) contraction. Datura root extract reversed the effect of both scopolamine and Datura leaf extract suggesting the presence of an unknown spasmogenic factor in Datura root extract.     

Spasmogenic effect of Datura metel root extract on rat uterus and rectum smooth muscles

The effect of Dautura metel leaf and root extracts, scopolamine and acetylcholine was studied on isolated smooth muscle preparations. Datura metel leaf extract and scopolamine showed antispasmodic effects, whereas Datura metel root extract and acetylcholine caused contracture in isolated rat uterus and rectum whole muscle. This suggests the presence of a spasmogenic factor in Datura metel root extract.     

洋金花与木本曼陀罗叶绿体基因组特征与系统进化分析

目的 以洋金花Datura metel和木本曼陀罗Brugmansia arborea为材料,分析其叶绿体基因组结构和特征,基于叶绿体组数据探讨洋金花和木本曼陀罗及茄科其他物种的系统发育关系。方法 利用华大MGISEQ-2000PE150测序平台,双末端测序策略对基因组DNA建库测序,用NOVOPlasty组装叶绿体基因组,采用最大似然法(maximum likelihood,ML)构建系统进化树。结果 洋金花和木本曼陀罗的叶绿体基因组全长为155934bp和155939bp,分别包含131和130个基因,GC值32.3%,具有典型的四分区域结构,包括1个大单拷贝区(large single copy,LSC)、1对反向重复区(inverted repeats,IR)和1个小单拷贝区(small single copy,SSC),各区域序列长度分别为86354、86278、25609、25720、18362、18221bp。系统发育分析表明,洋金花与曼陀罗属的曼陀罗构成1单系分支,具有100%支持率,而木本曼陀罗属与曼陀罗属构成单系分支,具有100%支持率。结论 结果支持洋金花隶属于曼陀罗属,与曼陀罗亲缘关系较近,木本的木曼陀罗属从曼陀罗属分出,独立为一个属。洋金花和木本曼陀罗叶绿体基因组信息为后期分子鉴定和群体遗传研究奠定基础。     

Formulation studies on Datura metel Linn. Powder 1. Effect of powder size on granule and compact properties

Datura metel Linn. powdered leaf (25% w/w) has been formulated in lactose-based granulations into compacts using the wet granulation process. The effects of changes in the particle size of D. metel powder on the properties of its granules and compacts were studied. Bigger and less friable granules were produced with increase in powder size due to the increased wettability of the powder with size. These resulted in stronger and less friable compacts with a longer disintegration time. Granule flow rate increased while angle of repose decreased with increase in D. metel powder size. Compacts of comparable physical properties were produced from both granulations of D. metel and D. stramonium. The hyoscine contents of D. metel and D. stramonium powders were found to be 0.23% and 0.30% w/w, respectively.     

Effects of leaf and root extracts of Nauclea latifolia on purinergic neurotransmission in the rat bladder

The leaf and root parts or their combination of Nauclea latifolia were separately extracted and their pharmacological effects on purinergic transmission in the bladder investigated. The leaf extract was very potent in potentiating purinergic neurotransmission by potentiating ATP induced contractions. These actions were more pronounced than the depression of potassium chloride evoked contraction of the bladder. The root extract depressed purinergic contraction of the bladder by a direct depressant action on the bladder smooth muscle since it did not modify ATP induced contractions. The leaf and root extracts antagonized each other when combined together. It is concluded that the leaf and root extracts of N. latifolia possess interesting pharmacological actions on the bladder.     

Preliminary antifungal and cytotoxicity studies of extracts of Ritchiea capparoides var. longipedicellata

Crude extracts obtained from the leaves, stem bark and roots of Ritchiea capparoides var. longipedicellata were screened for in vitro antifungal activity using the agar tube dilution method. The leaf hexane, leaf methanol, stem bark methanol and root methanol extracts were tested using ten clinical strains of fungi at a concentration of 200 and 400 μg/ml, respectively. At 400 μg/ml, all four extracts inhibited the growth of six of the ten test fungi used in the study. Inhibition of the growth of Aspergillus niger by the extracts was also seen but the activity was low and the leaf hexane and root methanol extracts inhibited the growth of Drechslera rostrata. Only the leaf hexane extract was active against Curvularia lunata, while the growth of Candida albicans was not inhibited by any of the extracts. The inhibition of growth of almost all the microorganisms decreased at 200 μg, griseofulvin was included as a reference compound and methanol as the control. Preliminary cytotoxicity tests were done with the four extracts using the larvae of the brine shrimp, Artemia saline. The extracts were however found to be relatively non-toxic as each extract had an LD₅₀ value greater than 1000 μg/ml.     

实时细胞分析结合指纹图谱技术比较不同部位雷公藤生物活性

目的基于实时细胞分析技术结合HPLC法,比较不同部位、不同产地雷公藤的生物活性。方法建立x CELLigence实时细胞分析系统实时动态检测细胞活性的方法:接种密度为2×105/m L,给药时间为24 h左右,检测雷公藤对RBL-2H3细胞的活性;通过HPLC法建立不同部位雷公藤的指纹图谱并分析其共有峰。结果浙江产雷公藤同一部位活性相似;根皮和叶具有类似生物学活性,根和茎具有类似的活性,根皮、嫩芽对RBL-2H3细胞的生物活性明显高于根、茎部位,尤以根皮部活性最强;指纹图谱显示不同部位成分相似但量差异较大;氯仿提取液对RBL-2H3细胞的抑制率明显高于水提液。结论在细胞生物学层面上雷公藤根皮及地上部分有研究与药用价值,可对其深入开发和利用。     

洋金花茎化学成分的分离鉴定

目的:研究洋金花Datura metel茎的化学成分。方法:采用硅胶,ODS柱色谱及HPLC等色谱分离方法进行分离纯化,利用NMR,HR-ESI-MS等波谱学方法结合参考文献鉴定化合物的结构。结果:从洋金花茎70%乙醇提取物的乙酸乙酯萃取部位中分离得到14个化合物,分别鉴定为N-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-2-hydroxyethyl)]-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enamide(1),3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methoxyethyl]acrylamide(2),N-反式-对-香豆酰基章鱼胺(3),N-顺式阿魏酰基酪胺(4),N-trans-feruloyl-3',4'-dihydroxyphenylethylamine(5),N-反式阿魏酰基酪胺(6),N-反式-对-香豆酰基酪胺(7),草夹竹桃苷(8),daturataturin A(9),baimantuoluoside H(10),daturametelin A(11),柑橘苷A(12),9,12,13-三羟基-10,15-十八碳二烯酸甲酯(13),(9E)-8,11,12-三羟基-十八碳烯酸甲酯(14)。结论:化合物1,8为首次从茄科植物中分离得到,化合物2~5为首次从曼陀罗属植物中分离得到。     

Anti‐inflammatory activity of Rhodiola rosea – “a second‐generation adaptogen”

Rhodiola rosea (golden root), a unique phytoadaptogen grown in high‐altitude regions has gained attention for its various therapeutic properties. In India, this plant is found in the Himalayan belt and has not been completely explored for its beneficial health effects. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory efficacy of the tincture extract of Rhodiola rosea roots (RTE). The anti‐inflammatory activity was determined through carrageenan‐induced paw oedema, formaldehyde‐induced arthritis and nystatin‐induced paw oedema in rat model. The tincture extract exhibited inhibitory effect against acute and subacute inflammation at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight. Inhibition of nystatin‐induced oedema was also observed in a dose‐dependent manner. The in vitro inhibitory effects of the tincture extract from R. rosea roots was evaluated against the enzymes relating to inflammation. The enzymes include cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and Phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂). The extract showed varying inhibitory activities against these enzymes depending on the concentrations. A potent inhibition was observed against Cox‐2 and PLA₂. Inhibition of nystatin induced oedema and phospholipase A₂ suggested that membrane stabilization could be the most probable mechanism of action of RTE in anti‐inflammation. The findings in this study may provide the use of R. rosea root extract in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

磷对滇龙胆漂浮育苗幼苗生长和生理特性的影响

目的: 以滇龙胆成熟种子为试验材料,探讨磷对滇龙胆种子漂浮育苗幼苗生长和生理特性的影响。方法: 以珍珠岩、蛭石、草炭等混合成育苗基质,采用漂浮育苗法及植物生理学实验方法研究磷对滇龙胆种子漂浮育苗幼苗生长和生理特性的影响。结果: 对滇龙胆漂浮育苗幼苗进行适宜浓度的施磷处理,不仅滇龙胆幼苗株高、根长、茎叶干质量、根干质量(P<0.01)极显著高于未施磷处理,而且叶片中叶绿素含量、硝酸还原酶(NR)活性和根系活力极显著高于未施磷处理(P<0.01)。结论: 探明磷对滇龙胆漂浮育苗幼苗植物学性状和生理特性的影响,滇龙胆漂浮育苗营养液中磷质量浓度以50~100 mg·L^-1为佳。     

Pharmacological studies of the antiinflammatory profile of Mikania cordata (Burm) B. L. robinson root extract in rodents

The methanolic fraction of the root extract of Mikania cordata was found to possess an inhibitory effect on carrageenin and other mediator—induced oedema; there was a significant inhibition of protein exudation, an increase in peritoneal capillary permeability and leucocyte migration in inflammatory conditions. The extract significantly inhibited both cotton pellet and carrageenin—induced granuloma formation, was effective in experimentally induced arthritic conditions and turpentine—induced joint oedema. The extract also possessed inhibitory effects on sodium urate-induced experimental gout. A significant reduction of pyrexia was also found to occur when rats were treated with the extract. Thus it may be concluded that the methanolic fraction of M. cordata root extract possessed significant antiinflammatory effects in exudative, proliferative and chronic phases of inflammation and demonstrated an antipyretic activity.     

Evaluation of Bioactive Potential of an Aloe vera Sterol Extract

We prepared a crude gel material from Aloe vera succulent leaf tissues. The ethanolic extract of lyophilized A. vera gel was used for the GC‐MS analysis. Hexadecanoic acid (22.22%) was identified as major compound. Sitosterol and stigmasterol were found to be 2.89% and 2.1% in the extract. HPLC analysis was carried out to confirm the presence of stigmasterol. The concentration of sterol extract needed to scavenge DPPH free radical by 50% was calculated as 5.2 mg mL^?1. In the FRAP assay, the sterol extract showed significant hydroxyl radical scavenging in a dose‐dependent manner (IC₅₀ value 1.17 µg mL^?1). Concentration of the sample required to reduce lipid peroxidation was found to be 4.18 µg mL^?1, and the extract also possessed acetylcholinesterase activity (IC₅₀ ‐ 5.26 µg mL^?1). Catalase activity was 0.196 μM H₂O₂ decomposed min^?1 µg^?1 protein, whereas the peroxidase activity was 17.01 μM of pyragallol oxidized min^?1 µg^?1 protein. The extract recorded higher activity against growth of S. greseus and C. albicans in the experiments carried out to determine antibacterial and antifungal activity, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

山腊梅叶提取物抗补体及镇咳活性物质基础的初步研究

目的研究山腊梅Chimonanthus nitens叶提取物的抗补体及镇咳活性,并初步分析其活性成分。方法以经典抗补体途径和浓氨致咳模型对不同极性部位的山腊梅叶进行活性比较,确定具有抗补体和镇咳活性的部位;采用高效液相色谱-质谱联用技术对有效活性部位进行化学成分的初步分析。对山腊梅叶中主要的化学成分进行镇咳和抗补体的活性评价。结果山腊梅叶的醋酸乙酯提取物部位同时具有抗补体和镇咳作用,通过质谱分析,初步鉴定了28个化合物。山柰酚-3-O-芸香糖苷和山柰酚同时具有镇咳和抗补体的活性。结论山腊梅叶醋酸乙酯提取物具有良好的抗补体和镇咳活性,其主要活性成分为山柰酚-3-O-芸香糖苷和山柰酚,且两者可作为控制质量的化学标记物。     

Antiviral screening of British Columbian medicinal plants

One hundred methanolic plant extracts were screened for antiviral activity against seven viruses. Twelve extracts were found to have antiviral activity at the non-cytotoxic concentrations tested. The extracts of Rosa nutkana and Amelanchier alnifolia, both members of the Rosaceae, were very active against an enteric coronavirus. A root extract of another member of the Rosaceae, Potentilla arguta, completely inhibited respiratory syncytial virus. A Sambucus racemosa branch tip extract was also very active against respiratory syncytial virus while the inner bark extract of Oplopanax horridus partially inhibited this virus. An extract of Ipomopsis aggregata demonstrated very good activity against parainfluenza virus type 3. A Lomatium dissectum root extract completely inhibited the cytopathic effects of rotavirus. In addition to these, extracts prepared from the following plants exhibited antiviral activity against herpesvirus type 1: Cardamine angulata, Conocephalum conicum, Lysichiton americanum, Polypodium glycyrrhiza and Verbascum thapsus.     

Studies on neutralizing effect of Ophiorrhiza mungos root extract against Daboia russelii venom

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe folklore or traditional therapy in southern India widely utilizes a plethora of local herbs to treat the patients challenged with snake venom. Despite the widespread implementation of antisera therapy, the local population of the country still relies on this century's old medicinal formulas mainly due to the cost effectiveness, lesser side effects and also its cultural acceptability. The present study aims to validate the neutralizing ability of one such traditionally acclaimed antidote Ophiorrhiza mungos root extract against Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) venom in the early developing chick embryos.Materials and methodsThe disc impregnated with venom, root extract or the combination of both was placed on the yolk sac membrane preferably over the anterior blood vessel of 6th day chick embryo. The neutralization/inhibition of venom-induced lethality or hemorrhage was achieved by incubating venom and extract before being applied to the embryo. The membrane stabilizing properties of root extract was estimated by HRBC lysis method. The preliminary phytochemical analysis was done to assess the phyto constituents in the root extract.ResultsThe LD₅₀ of Russell's viper venom in 6th day chick embryo was found to be 3 μg/μl. The neutralising effect of root extract was achieved by pre-incubating venom with various concentrations of extract and at the concentration of 10 μg/μl, 100% recovery of embryos was observed after 6 h of incubation. Higher concentration of root extract showed remarkable results by completely abolishing traces of hemorrhagic lesions induced by viper venom.ConclusionsThe above observations confirmed that the root extract of Ophiorrhiza mungos possess potent anti snake venom neutralizing compounds, which inhibit the activity of viper venom. The chick embryo, a new insensate model used in the present study is significant in venom research as it reduces the ruthless suffering of higher mammalian experimental models.     

Extract of gravel root (rhizome of Eupatorium purpureum) inhibits integrin-dependent U937 cell adhesion

The effect of the antirheumatic herbal drug, gravel root (rhizome of Eupatorium purpureum), was investigated on integrin-dependent U937 cell adhesion to endothelial cells and extracellular matrix protein, fibronectin. In the presence of gravel root extract (6.3–200 μg/mL), U937 cells lowered their capacity for phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-mediated adhesion to tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF)-activated endothelial cells or ICAM-1 coated plates. Similarly, the PMA mediated, LFA-1-dependent, homotypic cell aggregation in U937 cells was potently inhibited by gravel root extract. The α₄β₁ and α₅β₁-mediated adhesion of unstimulated U937 cells to fibronectin coated plates was also inhibited by gravel root extract. Neither the TNF-induced enhancement of expression of ICAM-1 on endothelial cell surface nor the TNF-induced endothelial adhesiveness to U937 cells was, however, inhibited by gravel root extract. Since all concentrations of gravel root extract tested failed to alter the proliferation of U937 cells, the observed activity was unlikely to be due to nonspecific suppression of cells. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ex vivo Effects of an Oenothera paradoxa Extract on the Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Neutral Endopeptidase Activity in Neutrophils from Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is considered to play an important part in the aetiology of coronary heart disease. Apart from ROS, neutrophils are a source of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) that inactivates protective natriuretic peptides. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro ROS generation and inhibition of NEP activity in neutrophils obtained from healthy volunteers and from patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by an aqueous extract of Oenothera paradoxa. Neutrophils isolated from AMI patients showed two‐fold higher ROS generation compared with cells from healthy donors, especially in the lucigenin‐enhanced luminescence model, which suggests intensive O^‐₂ generation. The addition of O. paradoxa extract at concentrations of 0.2, 2 and 20 µg/mL resulted in a significant reduction in ROS generation. The extracellular NEP activity was higher in patients after AMI compared with healthy individuals (15.0 ± 0.9 versus 10.3 ± 0.5 nmol AMC/10⁶ cells/60 min; p = 0.001). The addition of O. paradoxa extract at concentrations of 20, 50 and 100 µg/mL resulted in a significant reduction in NEP activity in both groups. O. paradoxa extract appears to be an interesting candidate for supplementation in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Glaucium flavum Crantz. part v: Hypoglycemic activity of the aqueous extract

The hypoglycemic activity of various root, stem, leaf and fruit preparations of Glaucium flavum Crantz, was studied in normoglycemic experimental animals. Having found that the leaf decoction was the most potent preparation, its hypoglycemic activity was further studied in hyperglycemic and alloxan-diabetic animals. Although the leaf decoction was an effective agonist in glucose-induced hyperglycemia, it was almost inactive in alloxan-induced diabetes.     

Protective effect of Withania somnifera root extract on electrographic activity in a lithium-pilocarpine model of status epilepticus

The present study investigated the anticonvulsant profile of Withania somnifera (W.s) in a lithium-pilocarpine model of status epilepticus (SE) in rats. Acute treatment with the root extract of W.s prolonged the latency to forelimb clonus but failed to protect against mortality. Acute pretreatment with W.s root extract enhanced the antiepileptic effect of diazepam and clonazepam. Rats chronically administered W.s (100, 200 mg/kg, p.o. × 7 d), when subjected to lithium-pilocarpine challenge showed a reduced mortality rate. Electrophysiological data further support the behavioural findings, as the root extract brought about a parallel change in seizure activity as paroxysmal spike activity appeared only from the 60 min record. Moreover, the seizure activity seemed to subside by 4 h in comparison with the control. The protective effect of the root extract appears to involve GABAergic mediation. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bioavailability of Bioactive Molecules from Olive Leaf Extracts and its Functional Value

Olive leaves are an important low‐cost source of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to examine the effect of in vitro digestibility of an olive leaf aqueous extract so as to prove the availability of its phenolic compounds as well as its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity after a simulated digestion process. The total phenolic content was significantly higher in the pure lyophilized extract. Phenolic compounds, however, decreased by 60% and 90% in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), respectively. Regarding antioxidant activity, it was reduced by 10% and 50% after gastric and intestinal digestion, respectively; despite this fact, high antioxidant capacity was found in both SGF and SIF. Moreover, the olive leaf extract showed an unusual combined antimicrobial action at low concentration, which suggested their great potential as nutraceuticals, particularly as a source of phenolic compounds. Finally, olive leaf extracts produced a general dose‐dependent cytotoxic effect against U937 cells. To sum up, these findings suggest that the olive leaf aqueous extract maintains its beneficial properties after a simulated digestion process, and therefore its regular consumption could be helpful in the management and the prevention of oxidative stress‐related chronic disease, bacterial infection, or even cancer. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.