Long-term administration of an aqueous extract of dried,immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. suppresses body weight gain in rats

Aim of study

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of daily administration of an aqueous extract of the dried, immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata Raf. (Rutaceae) (PF-W) on body weight in rats.

Materials and methods

PF-W was used in following experiments: 10-week-long measurement of body weight and food intake, in vitro pancreatic lipase activity assay, in vivo triglyceride concentration study, and measurement of intestinal transit rate.

Results

A high dose of PF-W (200 mg/2 mL/animal/day, in aqueous solution) was administered intragastrically to rats for 10 weeks. PF-W suppressed body weight gain by 6%. However, administration of PF-W at a lower dose (20 mg/animal/day) did not reduce weight gain. Administration of low- or high-dose PF-W had no effect on food intake throughout the experimental period. Additional experiments revealed that the suppressive effect of PF-W on body weight gain was not related to pancreatic lipase activity. Moreover, co-administration of PF-W with a lipid emulsion did not reduce plasma triglyceride concentration. Of interest, the high dose of PF-W significantly increased the rate of intestinal transit, whereas oral administration of the lower dose did not. Control and PF-W-treated groups did not differ in hematological and serum biochemical parameters, or in relative organ weights after 10 weeks of high-dose PF-W administration.

Conclusion

PF-W does not suppress body weight gain by interfering with fat absorption in a pancreatic lipase-dependent manner. The suppressive effect of PF-W on weight gain is likely due to the increased rate of intestinal transit, and the consequent reduction in nutrient absorption. Moreover, it appears that PF-W is relatively safe for long-term use. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that long-term, daily administration of PF-W successfully suppressed body weight gain—apparently due to accelerated intestinal transit and not to interference with pancreatic lipase activity. Due to its apparent long-term safety, PF-W is a potential therapeutic agent for reduction of body weight in humans.     

Phytotherapeutic effects of the fruits of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. on cancer,inflammation, and digestive dysfunction

Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. belongs to the family Rutaceae in the genus Poncirus. Its fruits are widely used to alleviate symptoms of various disorders. The mature fruit (MF) possesses anticancer and antiinflammatory activities. Extracts of the dried, immature fruit, Poncirus fructus (PF) are widely used as a traditional medicine for ameliorating symptoms of digestive dysfunction in East Asia. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of MF and PF extracts on cancer, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders have been extensively studied in the past decade. This review summarizes recent findings on the anticancer and antiinflammatory effects of MF and the prokinetic effects of PF. Although the therapeutic effects of MF and PF have been clearly elucidated, in‐depth further clinical studies are still required to completely verify the clinical efficacy and safety of the fruits of P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.     

Acetylene compound isolated from Atractylodes japonica stimulates the contractility of rat distal colon via inhibiting the nitrergic-purinergic relaxation

Aim of the study

Our previous research has showed that rhizome of Atractylodes japonica Koidz (Compositae) exhibits an increase in the spontaneous contractility of distal colon in rats. The aims of this study are to identify the phytochemical(s), which stimulate(s) the colonic contractility, contained in Atractylodes japonica and to evaluate the pharmacological mechanism responsible for the colonic muscle contraction.

Materials and methods

Based on the stimulatory activity-guided fractionation on the isometric contraction of rat distal colonic strips, atractylodiol (ATD) and diacetyl-atractylodiol (DATD) were isolated from the CHCl₃ fractions of Atractylodes japonica.

Results

ATD and DATD dose-dependently increased both tension and amplitude of distal colon longitudinal muscle (DCLM), but they stimulated only amplitude in the distal colon circular muscle. The ED₅₀ values of ATD and DATD to stimulate the amplitude of DCLM were revealed as 9.1 × 10⁻⁹ M and 1.8 × 10⁻⁸ M, respectively. l-NAME (0.1 mM) significantly increased the ADT (1 μM)-induced contraction of DCLM, whereas SNAP (0.1 mM) markedly reduced the stimulatory effects of ATD on DCLM contractility. The combined effects of SNAP and atropine (0.5 μM) on the ATD-induced contraction of DCLM were similar to the inhibitory effects of SNAP alone. Suramin (0.1 mM) significantly enhanced the increase of ATD-induced DCLM contraction, whereas ADPβS (0.1 mM) markedly abolished the stimulatory effects of ATD on the spontaneous contractility of DCLM.

Conclusions

The present results demonstrate that acetylene compounds, ATD and DATD, are the effective phytochemical of Atractylodes japonica to stimulate the motility of distal colon in rats, and ATD possibly enhances the spontaneous contractility of distal colon through inhibiting the mechanism of nitrergic-purinergic relaxation.     

Poncirus trifoliate fruit modulates pacemaker activity in interstitial cells of Cajal from the murine small intestine

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Poncirus fructus (PF) has been widely used as a traditional medicine in Eastern Asia, especially to ameliorate the symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders related to abnormal GI motility.

Aim of the study

Poncirus fructus (PF), also known as Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. (Rutaceae), is widely used as a traditional medicine in Eastern Asia mainly to ameliorate the symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders related to abnormal GI motility. In a previous study, a methanol extract of PF was found to have particularly potent gastroprokinetic effects. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal tract, but the action mechanisms of PF extract in mouse small intestinal ICCs have not been investigated. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of a methanol extract of PF (MPF) in mouse small intestinal ICCs. In addition, we sought to identify the receptors involved.

Materials and Methods

Enzymatic digestions were used to dissociate ICCs from small intestines. The whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record potentials (current clamp) from cultured ICCs. In addition, we analyzed intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i).

Results

MPF decreased the amplitudes of pacemaker potentials in ICCs, and depolarized resting membrane potentials in a concentration dependent manner. Y25130 (a 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist) and RS39604 (a 5-HT₄ receptor antagonist) blocked MPF-induced membrane depolarizations, whereas SB269970 (a 5-HT₇ receptor antagonist) did not. Pretreatment with Na⁺ or Ca²⁺-free solution or thapsigargin (a Ca²⁺-ATPase inhibitor in endoplasmic reticulum) abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials and suppressed MPF-induced activity. [Ca²⁺]_i analysis showed that MPF increased [Ca²⁺]_i. Furthermore, treatments with PD 98059, SB203580, or JNK II inhibitor blocked MPF-induced membrane depolarizations in ICCs.

Conclusion

These results suggest that MPF modulates pacemaker potentials through 5-HT₃ and 5-HT₄ receptor-mediated pathways via external Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ influx, and via Ca²⁺ release from internal stores in a mitogen-activated protein kinase dependent manner. The study shows MPF is a good candidate for the development of a gastroprokinetic agent. In view of the effects of MPF on ICCs, further research is required, particularly to identify the active compound(s) involved and to determine their action mechanisms.     

An aqueous extract of Poncirus fructus activates the prokinetic activity of 5-HT receptor subtype 4 without hERG interaction

Aim of the study

Poncirus fructus (PF) - also known as the dried, immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. (Rutaceae) - is a natural substance that has long been used for various gastrointestinal disorders in eastern Asia. An aqueous extract of PF (PF-W) has particularly potent gastroprokinetic effects, but its molecular mechanism was not well understood. Identification of the underlying prokinetic mechanism of PF-W was pursued in the present study.

Materials and methods

Changes in in vitro cAMP levels and in vivo intestinal transit rate (ITR) caused by PF-W were measured after pretreatment with GR125487, an antagonist for serotonin receptor subtype 4 (5-HT4R). An [³H] astemizole binding assay and electrophysiology experiments were performed to determine if PF-W has any interaction with the human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium channel.

Results

PF-W induced an increase in intracellular cAMP in 5-HT4R-expressing HEK293T cells, indicating that PF-W does activate 5-HT4R. Moreover, pretreatment with GR125487 successfully blocked the increase, suggesting that the response was 5-HT4R-specific. More importantly, pretreatment of GR125487 in rats inhibited the elevation of ITR by PF-W, indicating that the prokinetic effect of PF-W was indeed exerted via 5-HT4R. On the other hand, both [³H]-astemizole binding assay and electrophysiological experiments revealed that PF-W did not interfere at all with the hERG channel.

Conclusion

It was found that PF-W exerts its prokinetic activity through a 5-HT4R-mediated pathway, with no interaction with hERG channels. Therefore, PF-W is a good candidate that might be developed as a prokinetic agent with fewer expected cardiac side effects.     

根癌农杆菌对枳壳遗传转化的影响因素

目的：建立一套根癌农杆菌转化枳壳的有效方法,为枳壳新品种选育、引入外源基因奠定基础。方法：以枳壳实生苗的上胚轴为材料,农杆菌菌株为ＥＨＡ１０１,含质粒载体ＰＧＡ４８２ＧＧ,质粒上插入了ＧＵＳ,ＮＰＴⅡ基因。结果：２０ｄ苗龄的外植体转化再生率较高;其感染前先进行２ｄ预培养,对转化有一定促进作用;外植体与农杆菌共培养时间以２～３ｄ为宜;乙酰丁香酮能较大提高转化效率,转化再生频率达２７．５％;外植体与农杆菌共培养后延迟２ｄ选择,抗性芽发生率有所提高。结论：通过探讨根癌农杆菌对枳壳遗传转化的影响因素,获得较高的转化再生频率,建立了有效的转化再生系统。     

瑶药柚子枫提取物降血糖作用的研究

目的:研究瑶药柚子枫提取物的降血糖作用。方法:采用四氧嘧啶所致小鼠糖尿病模型和葡萄糖所致高血糖小鼠模型,ig给药7 d后,测定血糖水平。结果:柚子枫水提醇沉上清液提取物(A1)和水提醇沉沉淀物(A2)ig 5,10,20 g.kg-1对四氧嘧啶糖尿病小鼠血糖升高有明显抑制作用,70%醇提物(B)对高血糖值降低作用不明显。A1,A2在ip葡萄糖后0.5,1,2h,对葡萄糖引起高血糖小鼠血糖升高有明显降低作用,B在5～20 g.kg-1剂量下1,2 h对高血糖值降低作用不明显。结论:A1,A2对2种高血糖模型作用效果一致,表现出降血糖作用;B无显著降糖作用。     

Male contraceptive efficacy of Ricinus communis L. extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ricinus communis L. (Rc), of Euphorbiaceae family is a widespread plant in tropical regions and it is used in traditional medicines as an antifertility agent in India and different parts of the world.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to revalidate the ethnobotanical knowledge by evaluating the activity of only crude stem bark extracts of Rc. In this study, effects of extracts on male contraceptive efficacy were experimented in vitro with human sperm sample. The work is based on primordial and contemporary therapeutic uses of this plant.

Materials and methods

In this study, dose of petroleum ether extract, ethyl acetate extract, acetone extract and lyophilised aqueous extract of Rc were added to fresh human semen in 1:1 volumetric ratio. As the aqueous extract showed a promising result in 1:1 ratio, therefore, the Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS), Nuclear chromatin decondensation test (NCD) and Acrosomal status and function test (AFT) were also carried out with the aqueous extract of Rc.

Results

The sperm immobilisation effects of the extract appeared immediately in a dose-dependent manner when the samples were treated with four different extracts of this plant. At a concentration of 100 mg/mL, 100% (p<0.001 and p<0.05) sperms lost their progressive motility. At a concentration of 300 mg/mL, 100% (p<0.001 and p<0.05) became immotile when treated with aqueous extract. There was 88% (p<0.001 and p<0.05) morphological deformities in sperm sample due the effect of aqueous extract when they were tested for HOS and 91% (p<0.05) sperms behaved against NCD as compared to control group. Also there was a distinct decline (p<0.05) in AFT with increase in dosage concentration.

Conclusion

The findings of the study revealed that aqueous stem bark extract of the plant showed dose dependent loss of sperm motility by influencing the morphological deformation, blockage in nuclear envelope and distinct declination in acrosomal status of spermatozoa. This research, thus, opens up scope for future exploration of bark of the plant as commercial source of new male contraceptive.     

Hypotensive and endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effects of methanolic extract from Curcuma longa L. in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Curcuma longa L. (CL) is a yellow rhizome that is used in African traditional medicine to treat palpitation, hypertension or other related blood circulation disorders.

Aim of the study

To justify the use of CL in ethnomedicine, we investigated the vasorelaxant effect of methanolic extract of CL (CLME) and its underlying mechanisms in isolated rat mesenteric artery.

Materials and methods

The effect of CLME on the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) (pulse interval) were determined in vivo in non-anaesthetized rats. Superior mesenteric rings were isolated, suspended in organ baths containing Tyrode solution at 37 °C and gassed with 95% O₂ + 5% CO₂, under a resting tension of 0.75 g. The vasorelaxant effects of CLME were studied by means of isometric tension recording experiments.

Results

In normotensive rats, CLME (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg, i.v.) induced dose-dependent hypotension (2.0 ± 0.5%; 27.1 ± 5.0% and 26.7 ± 4.6%, respectively), and pronounced bradycardia (5.8 ± 1.2%, 19.3 ± 3.2% and 22.9 ± 4.6%, respectively). CLME (1–1000 μg/mL) induced concentration-dependent relaxation of tonic contractions evoked by phenylephrine (Phe) (10 μM) and KCl (80 mM) in rings with intact-endothelium (E_max = 82.3 ± 3.2% and 97.7 ± 0.7%) or denuded-endothelium (E_max = 91.4 ± 1.0% and 97.8 ± 1.1%). Also, in a depolarized, Ca²⁺ free medium, CLME inhibited CaCl₂ (1 μM–30 mM)-induced contractions and caused a concentration-dependent rightward shift of the response curves, indicating that CLME inhibited the contractile mechanisms involving extracellular Ca²⁺ influx. In addition, in Ca²⁺ free media containing EGTA (1 mM), CLME inhibited the transient contraction of denuded rings constricted with Phe, but not those evoked by caffeine (20 mM). In contrast, neither glibenclamide, BaCl₂, tetraethylammonium nor 4-aminopyridine affected CLME-induced relaxation.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the hypotensive and bradycardic effects of CLME, as well as its potent vasodilation of rat mesenteric arteries. These effects, may in part, be due to the inhibition of extracellular Ca²⁺ influx and/or inhibition of intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization from Phe-sensitive stores.     

Antifertility efficacy of Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Smith on female Wister albino rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Plant based traditional medicines for birth control has been in practice in rural populations of North-East India, since time immemorial. Fresh rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Smith is one of the plant parts used traditionally by different ethnic communities in Tripura, India for birth control. The present investigation is aimed to justify the scientific basis in traditional use of Drynaria quercifolia rhizome as anti-fertility agent.

Materials and methods

Ex-vivo uterotonic activity was done on uterine tissue. Acute toxicity test of the plant extract was carried out in rats of both sexes. The abortifacient and anti-implantation activities of the extract were investigated, in-vivo and estimated the level of different hormones release.

Results

The result revealed the effectiveness of methanol (87%) and aqueous (68%) extract of the plant on uterotonic activity. The extracts showed relatively non-toxic effect in acute toxicity study. Methanolic extract has shown higher efficacy for both abortifacient (^??p<0.01) and anti-implantation performance (^??p<0.01) and also effected hormone release level (^??p<0.01).

Conclusion

Methanolic extract of Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Smith rhizome has been proved to have significant anti-fertility activity.     

Trapa natans L. root extract suppresses hyperglycemic and hepatotoxic effects in STZ-induced diabetic rat model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Trapa natans L. has a folkloric reputation as nutrient, appetizer and astringent. Its utility as antidiabetic, anticancer, diuretic, aphrodisiac, antidiarrhoeal and in many other maladies is well reported in the literature. Therefore, the present study has been carried out to study the antihyperglycemic effect of root extract of Trapa natans L. and its various fractions. Furthermore, hepatotoxic effects and lipid peroxidation risks have also been evaluated.

Methods

The ethanol extract and its successive fractions obtained from roots of Trapa natans have been administered in sucrose loaded and STZ- induced diabetic Wistar rats at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. Glibenclamide was used as positive control. The evaluation of protective effects of extract as well as fractions against hepatotoxicity and lipid peroxidation at 600 mg/kg b.w. has also been carried out.

Results

The methanol fraction emerged as the most potent antihyperglycemic fraction. It has also been found that the ethanolic extract as well as its fractions did not cause any lipid peroxidation and hepatotoxicity risks.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the intense investigations of the methanol fraction obtained from Trapa natans root extract can be done to provide an alternative natural therapy for hyperglycemia.     

Sub-acute toxicity of the chloroformic extract of Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Mez in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cape beech (Rapanea melanophloeos) is an important medicinal plant that is widely used in most of Africa. Currently, little toxicological information is available on its safety following prolonged use.

Aim of the study

In this study, we sought to evaluate the oral sub-acute toxicity of Rapanea melanophloeos stem bark chloroformic extract using Sprague Dawley rats.

Materials and methods

Six-week old rats were orally administered with the extract at dosage levels of 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg for 28 days. Clinical signs, hematological and clinical chemistry parameters were monitored, while organ weights and organ pathology were evaluated at the end of the study.

Results

The extract caused a significant reduction in bodyweight at 1000 mg/kg. The hematological profiles of animals at this dose showed an increase in the erythrocyte count and the hematocrit that were accompanied by decrease in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Biochemical parameters were not altered in a dose-related manner when compared to the controls. There were time associated alterations on both hematological and biochemical parameters, but pathological examination did not reveal any treatment related changes in any of the organs.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the chloroformic stem bark extract of Rapanea melanophloeos may be of no toxicological concern at dosage levels up to 1000 mg/kg. Rapanea melanophloeos can therefore be used confidently in African traditional medicine at these or lower dosage levels.     

牡荆属植物的研究进展

至今为止人们对牡荆属植物中的黃荆和蔓荆进行了较多的研究,从中发现包括黄酮类、萜类、木脂素类、甾醇类、蒽类及挥发油等在内的不同类型的多种化学成分。一些试验结果确认牡荆属植物中富含的黄酮类化合物可用于延缓衰老,防治心血管疾病等作用,显示有较好的开发应用价值。由于牡荆属植物在我国分布广泛,植物种类多样,其中很多品种已作为民间用药,如果附加科学内涵加以研究开发,该属植物将有巨大的消费市场,同时也将会成为一种涉及民生和关系区域发展的经济作物。     

柚子枫挥发油化学成分研究

目的采用水蒸气蒸馏法从柚子枫中提取挥发油。方法采用GC-MS法分析柚子枫挥发油的成分。结果共鉴定出17种成分,占已分离组分总含量的80%以上。其中植酮(20.91%)、植物醇(20.01%)、法尼基丙酮(15.32%)是其中所含的相对含量较高的成分。结论通过对柚子枫挥发油的分析,为其进一步开发提供科学依据。     

Sedative activity of hexane extract of Keampferia galanga L. and its active compounds

Ethnopharmacological relevance

It is well known that fragrance impacts behaviors and autonomic functions, and is increasingly used as relaxant, carminative, as well as sedative in aromatherapy. Kaempferia galanga L. is one of the popular traditional aromatic medicinal plants used in tropics and subtropics of Asia including China, Japan and Indochina.

Aim of the study

The aim of present study was to investigate sedative effects of hexane extract of Kaempferia galanga L.and 2 active aromatic compounds (compound 1: ethyl trans-p-methoxycinnamate and compound 2: ethyl cinnamate ) included in the extyract by means of inhalation in mice.

Materials and methods

Sedative activity was assessed by inhalation of the hexane extract and two major aromatic compounds.

Results

Inhalation of hexane extract at the doses of 1.5 and 10 mg showed significant reduction of locomotor activity, indicating considerable sedative and relaxant effects. Compound 1 and 2 were proved to possess sedative effects at 0.0014 mg and 0.0012 mg respectively.

Conclusions

These results suggest the promising application of Kaempferia galanga L. and its constituents in aromatherapy.     

Hypoglycemic effect of quassinoids from Brucea javanica (L.) Merr (Simaroubaceae) seeds

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The seeds of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr (Simaroubaceae) are recommended by traditional practitioners for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Aim of the study

To identify the compounds responsible for blood glucose lowering effect and evaluate the acute toxicity of the compounds.

Materials and methods

Extracts, fractions and subfractions were administered to normoglycemic mice and the blood glucose concentration was monitored for 8 h. Bioactive compounds isolated through column chromatography were administered to normoglycemic mice and streptozotocin (STZ) rats with monitoring of blood glucose concentration at 0–8 h. The acute toxicity was evaluated in mice.

Results

Bioactivity-guided fractionation led to the isolation of bruceines E (1) and D (2). Normoglycemic mice administered with 1 mg/kg of 1 and 2 exhibited significant blood glucose concentration reduction of 40.07 ± 11.45% and 48.82 ± 13.34%, respectively. STZ induced diabetic rats administered with 1 and 2 exhibited significant blood glucose concentration reduction of 73.57 ± 13.64% and 87.99 ± 2.91%, respectively.

Conclusion

The reduction of blood glucose concentration by both bruceines was comparable to glibenclamide and they might act as an insulin secretagogue. The presence of a hydroxyl moiety at C₂ in 1 reduced the toxic effect by 9-fold compared to 2.     

滇桂艾纳香不同提取物凝血作用的比较研究

目的 :研究滇桂艾纳香不同提取物对小鼠出、凝血时间,以及对家兔体外血浆复钙时间的影响。 方法 :小鼠ig不同剂量的滇桂艾纳香水提取物、70%乙醇提物、50%乙醇提取物,采用剪尾法及毛细管法、玻片法测定各组小鼠出、凝血时间;在家兔新鲜血浆中加入滇桂艾纳香水提取物、70%乙醇提物、50%乙醇提取物测定血浆复钙时间。 结果 :滇桂艾纳香不同提取物均有一定的缩短动物出、凝血时间和血浆复钙时间的作用;其中70%乙醇提取物ig后可明显缩短小鼠的出血时间(P<0.01)、毛细管法凝血时间(P<0.01)、玻片法凝血时间(P<0.01)并且可显著缩短家兔体外给药血浆复钙时间(P<0.001); 结论 :滇桂艾纳香70%乙醇提取物凝血作用较其它几种提取物强。     

火炭母药材HPLC指纹图谱研究

目的:建立火炭母药材的HPLC指纹图谱分析方法,为火炭母药材质量评价提供参考依据。方法:色谱柱PlatisilODS C18(4.6 mm×250 mn,5μm),流动相乙腈-0.05%磷酸溶液,梯度洗脱进行色谱分离;洗脱时间60 min,流速1.0 mL.min-1,检测波长360 nm。结果:确定17个共有色谱峰为特征峰构成火炭母药材HPLC指纹图谱,相似度评价结果表明,各产地火炭母药材相似度均在0.90以上。结论:所用方法准确可靠,所得指纹图谱共有模式可作为火炭母药材质量控制的依据。