Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excel essential oil

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excel (family Euphorbiaceae) stem bark is used in Cameroon by Baka pygmies as a remedy for wound healing and tetanus.

Aim of the study

To characterize the chemical composition and to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the essential oil of the plant.

Materials and methods

The essential oil was extracted from the stem bark by dynamic head space and by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC and GC-MS analyses. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated on the basis of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal–fungicidal concentration (MBC–MFC) by the micro and macrodilution methods. The following bacteria and fungi were used: Clostridium sporogenes ATCC 3584, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida albicans LM 450, Trichophyton mentagrophytes LM 230, Trichophyton rubrum LM 237, Microsporum canis LM 324.

Results

The hydrodistillation afforded 0.06% (dry weight basis) of pale yellow oil. Thirty-eight compounds representing 90.69% were identified. The major component (36.40%) was found to be (E)-isoelemicin, identified by comparison of its ¹H-NMR experimental data, with literature data. The oil showed good antibacterial activity against Clostridium Sporogenes, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes with MIC ranging from 13.5 to 126 μg/ml. A weak antifungal activity (MIC 250 μg/ml) was found against Trichophyton rubrum, only.

Conclusions

The antimicrobial activity and the chemical composition of Phyllanthus muellerianus stem bark essential oil are reported for the first time.     

The antidiarrheal and spasmolytic activities of Phyllanthus emblica are mediated through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca2+ channels

Aim of the study

This study was aimed at providing the possible mechanisms for the medicinal use of Phyllanthus emblica in diarrhea.

Materials and methods

The in vivo studies were conducted in mice, while isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum were used for the in vitro experiments.

Results

The crude extract of Phyllanthus emblica (Pe.Cr), which tested positive for alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, flavonoids, sterols and coumarins, caused inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation in mice at 500-700 mg/kg. In isolated rabbit jejunum, Pe.Cr relaxed carbachol (CCh) and K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contractions, in a pattern similar to that of dicyclomine. The preincubation of guinea pig-ileum with Pe.Cr (0.3 mg/mL), caused a rightward parallel shift in the concentration-response curves (CRCs) of acetylcholine without suppression of the maximum response. While at the next higher concentration (1 mg/mL), it produced a non-parallel rightward shift with suppression of the maximum response, similar to that of dicyclomine, suggesting anticholinergic and Ca²⁺ channel blocking (CCB)-like antispasmodic effect. The CCB-like activity was further confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Pe.Cr, shifted the CRCs of Ca²⁺ to the right with suppression of the maximum response, similar to nifedipine or dicyclomine. The activity-directed fractions of Pe.Cr showed a combination of Ca²⁺ antagonist and anticholinergic like components in all fractions but with varying potency.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract possesses antidiarrheal and spasmolytic activities, mediated possibly through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca²⁺ channels, thus explaining its medicinal use in diarrhea.     

Wound healing and antimicrobial potential of Carissa spinarum Linn. in albino mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Carissa spinarum Linn. (Apocynaceae), popularly known as Jungle karunda, has been traditionally used as wound healing agent.

Aim of the study

To investigate in vivo wound healing and antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of Carissa spinarum.

Materials and methods

The effect of methanolic extract of Carissa spinarum root extracted by cold maceration was evaluated on burn wound model in mice. The wound healing activity of 1% and 2.5% (w/w) extract was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelization and hydroxyproline content. Histological study of the granulation tissue was carried out to know the extent of collagen formation in the wound tissue. The antimicrobial activity of extract was also studied against the bacterial and fungal strain using agar dilution method.

Results

The results showed that Carissa spinarum root extract has significant wound healing activity as evident from the rate of wound contraction and epithelization. Hydroxyproline expressions and histological parameters were also well correlated with the healing pattern observed. Methanolic extract also exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms.

Conclusions

The present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of Carissa spinarum in the management of wounds.     

Investigating wound healing, tyrosinase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extracts of Salvia cryptantha and Salvia cyanescens using in vivo and in vitro experimental models

Ethnopharmacological Relevance

Salvia L. species are widely used against wounds and skin infections in Turkish folk medicine.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to evaluate wound healing activity of the ethanol (EtOH) extracts of Salvia cryptantha and Salvia cyanescens.

Materials and methods

For the assessment of wound healing activity linear incision and circular excision wound models were employed on rats and mice. The wound healing effect was comparatively evaluated with the standard skin ointment Madecassol^®. Inhibition of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in skin aging, was achieved using ELISA microplate reader. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radical scavenger effect, ferrous ion-chelating ability, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests.

Results and Conclusions

The EtOH extract of Salvia cryptantha treated groups of animals showed 56.5% contraction, whereas the reference drug Madecassol^® showed 100% contraction. On the other hand, the same extract on linear incision wound model demonstrated a significant increase (33.2%) in wound tensile strength as compared to other groups. The results of histopathological examination maintained the upshot of linear incision and circular excision wound models as well.These findings specify that Salvia cryptantha for wound healing activity can be appealed further phytochemical estimation for spotting its active components.     

Inhibitory effect of Aralia continentalis on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Aralia continentalis has been used in traditional Korean medicine for dental diseases such as toothache, dental caries, periodontal disease and gingivitis, and also has been used for neuralgia, analgesia, sweating, and as an antirheumatic.

Aim of the study

The present study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Aralia continentalis extract on cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, which is one of the most important bacteria in the formation of dental caries and dental plaque.

Materials and methods

The inhibitory effects of Aralia continentalis extract on the growth, acid production, water-insoluble glucan synthesis, and adhesion were investigated in Streptococcus mutans. The biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and safranin staining.

Results

The ethanol extract of Aralia continentalis showed concentration dependent inhibitory activity on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and significant inhibition of acid production at the concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml compared to the control group. The synthesis of water-insoluble glucan by glucosyltransferase (GTFase) was decreased in the presence of 0.5-4 mg/ml of the extract of Aralia continentalis. The extract markedly inhibited Streptococcus mutans adherence to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite beads (S-HAs). The extract of Aralia continentalis has an inhibitory effect on the formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilms at the concentrations higher than 2 mg/ml.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Aralia continentalis may inhibit cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, and also may support the scientific rationale that native inhabitants used the extract for the treatment of dental diseases.     

The potential role of female flowers inflorescence of Typha domingensis Pers. in wound management

Aim of the study

Female flowers inflorescence of Typha species including Typha domingensis Pers. are used externally for burns and wound healing in Turkish folk medicine. In order to verify the folkloric assertion, the female and male flowers inflorescences were individually submitted to in vivo wound models.

Material and methods

Ointment formulations prepared directly either from the male or female flowers inflorescences of Typha domingensis in 5% and 10% concentrations were submitted to activity testing. After that, female flowers inflorescence was further submitted to successive extractions with solvents in increasing polarity; i.e., n-hexane, chloroform, methanol and water and the wound healing activity of each extract was investigated. The linear incision and circular excision wound models were used for the evaluation of the healing potential of the test materials in rats and mice. Tissue sections were also evaluated by histopathological techniques.

Results

Remarkable wound healing activity was observed only for the female flowers inflorescence at 5% concentration in ointment base and its methanolic and aqueous extracts. The wound healing effect was found comparable to that of reference ointment Madecassol^®. The results of histopathological evaluation supported the outcome of both linear incision and circular excision wound models.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that the female flowers inflorescence of Typha domingensis displayed notable wound healing activity in mice and rats, at the models tested.     

Wound healing acceleration effect of endemic Ononis species growing in Turkey

Aim of the study

Ononis L. species have been used for healing of wounds, eczema and rheumatic complaints, against skin cancer and lesions and topically used as antiseptic and antimicrobial agent in folk medicine. In the present study, the aqueous and methanolic extracts of three endemic Ononis species growing in Turkey, including Ononis sessilifolia Bornm., Ononis basiadnata Hub.-Mor. and Ononis macrosperma Hub.-Mor. were assessed for their in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

Materials and methods

In vivo wound healing activities of the plants were evaluated by using linear incision and circular excision experimental models subsequently histopathological analysis. The healing potential was comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol^®, which contains 1% extract of Centella asiatica. In vivo inhibitory effect of the extracts on acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability was studied for the assessment of anti-inflammatory activity.

Results

The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the aerial parts of O. macrosperma demonstrated the highest activity in both wound models and significant anti-inflammatory activity in acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability test. Furthermore, ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of O. sessilifolia showed anti-inflammatory effect but was devoid of wound healing activity. The rest of the species did not show remarkable wound healing effect. Ethyl acetate fraction of O. macrosperma ethanolic extract demonstrated significant but reduced wound healing activity, which revealed a possible combined effect. The results of histopathological examination supported the outcome of linear incision and circular excision wound models.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that the aerial parts of O. macrosperma display remarkable wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.     

A novel wound healing ointment: a formulation of Hypericum perforatum oil and sage and oregano essential oils based on traditional Turkish knowledge

Aim of the study

Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae), olive oil (Oleaceae), Origanum Tourn ex L. and Salvia L. species (Lamiaceae) are used against inflammatory disorders and for healing of skin wounds in traditional Turkish medicine. A new ointment formulation was developed to provide more efficient wound healing activity. The content of the formulation was as follows; olive oil extract of flowering aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L., olive oil, an equivalent mixture of Origanum majorana L. and Origanum minutiflorum Schwrd. et Davis essential oils (Origani aetheroleum), Salvia triloba L. essential oil. The aim of the present study is to assess the wound healing potential of this new formulation by using in vivo and in vitro models as well as histopathological methods.

Materials and methods

For the evaluation of wound healing potential of this formulation (HPP crème mit Rotöl ointment) in vivo wound healing experimental models were employed on rats and mice and the efficiency was comparatively assessed against a reference ointment Madecassol^®. Tissue sections were also evaluated histopathologically. Furthermore, the wound healing activity of each component was also investigated individually to determine the improvement in the healing capacity of the formulation.

Results

The ointments of HPP crème mit Rotöl and Hypericum perforatum L. demonstrated the highest activities on both wound models when compared to reference ointment Madecassol^®, while the other ingredients did not show any remarkable wound healing effect. However, the efficacy of the formulation was remarkably higher than the Hypericum L. ointment alone which was also confirmed by histopathological evaluation. On the other hand, the formulation did not reduce elastase activity in vitro, but inhibited the collagenase activity. HPP crème mit Rotöl also exerted bactericidal and candicidal activities.

Conclusions

The experimental studies revealed that HPP crème mit Rotöl formulation displays remarkable wound healing activity. To be acting on the different stages of wound healing process could be considered as a beneficial effect of the formulation for the treatment of wounds.     

Wound repair and anti-inflammatory potential of essential oils from cones of Pinaceae: preclinical experimental research in animal models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ethnobotanical surveys revealed that Abies bornmulleriana, Abies cilicica, Abies nordmanniana and Cedrus libani have been used to promote wound healing in Turkish folk medicine. Four different fir species (Abies cilicica subsp. cilicica, Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana, Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani, and Abies nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana), Cedrus libani and Picea orientalis were assessed for their in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

Materials and methods

The essential oils from six different coniferous cones were used. In vivo wound healing activity of the plants was evaluated by linear incision and circular excision experimental wound models subsequently histopathological analysis. The healing potential was comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol^®, which contains 1% extract of Centella asiatica. Additionally acetic acid-induced capillary permeability test was used for the oils’ anti-inflammatory activity.

Results

The essential oils from Cedrus libani and Abies cilicica subsp. cilicica demonstrated the highest activities on the both wound models. Moreover, the oil from Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana was found generally highly effective. On the other hand, the rest of the species did not show any remarkable wound healing effect. Results of the present study support the continued and expanded utilization of these plant species employed in Turkish folk medicine.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that Cedrus libani and Abies cilicica subsp. cilicica display remarkable wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.     

In vitro growth stimulatory and in vivo wound healing studies on cycloartane-type saponins of Astragalus genus

Aim of the study

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the wound healing effects of the four chief saponins of Astragalus species [cycloastragenol (CA), astragaloside IV (AG), cyclocephaloside I (CCI) and cyclocanthoside E (CCE)].

Material and methods

Effects of cell viability and proliferation of the isolated compounds were evaluated by the MTT assay on human keratinocyte. The wound healing activity was studied by using in vitro wound healing, proliferation and migration scratch assay. In order to see in vivo effectiveness of the compounds, an animal study with Sprague-Dawley male rats at the age of 12 weeks was carried out, and then the main histological outcomes were investigated to observe reepithelization, neovascularization, and presence of inflammatory cells, granulation tissue amount and maturation.

Results

All the compounds increased both fibroblast proliferation and migration, but the effects were much superior for CA at 1 ng/ml concentration. Among the compounds, based on the histological findings, 5% CA preparation was found to be the most remarkable in vivo wound healing agent showing greater cell density, more regularly organized dermis and more newly formed blood vessels.

Conclusion

Results of this study indicate that the cycloartane-type saponins are the principal constituents responsible for wound healing activities of the roots of Astragalus species substantiating its use in traditional medicine.     

Wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities of the Michauxia L'Hérit (Campanulaceae) species native to Turkey

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The leaves of Michauxia species are used for the treatment of wounds in Turkish traditional medicine. In the present study, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the extracts obtained from the root and herb of 5 species of Michauxia collected in different parts of Turkey were evaluated.

Material and methods

In vivo incision and excision wound models were used in order to assess the wound healing effects of the methanolic extracts of the plants. Skin samples were also evaluated histopathologically. In vivo inhibitory effect of the extracts on acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability was studied for the assessment of anti-inflammatory activity. TBA (thiobarbituric acid) test, qualitative and quantitative DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) tests were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity.

Results

Noteworthy wound healing activity was observed for the ointment formulation prepared with 1% Michauxia nuda (root) and Michauxia tchihatchewii (herb) extracts. The results of histopathological evaluation supported the outcome of incision and excision wound models. Moreover, the Michauxia nuda (root) exerted remarkable anti-inflammatory effect. The highest antioxidant activity was observed with the ethyl acetate extract of Michauxia tchihatchewii herb.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that Michauxia displays remarkable wound healing and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.     

Antimicrobial activity of Acacia mellifera extracts and lupane triterpenes

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Acacia mellifera (Vahl) Benth (Leguminosae) is a subtropical medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional African medicines against various diseases such as pneumonia and malaria.

Aim of the study

The present study was performed to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of extracts from the stem bark of Acacia mellifera.

Materials and methods

The extracts were examined for antibacterial and antifungal activity using the disc-diffusion method against bacterial strains: Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 25923), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and fungal strains Candida albicans (ATCC 90028), Candida krusei (ATCC 6255), Cryptococcus neoformans (ATCC 6603) and clinical isolates of Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Results

Some of these extracts were found to be active against some bacterial and fungal strains and were further fractionated to give 12 pure compounds. The methanolic and methanol:dichloromethane (1:1) extracts exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activity. The two were active against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Activity guided fractionation led to isolation of two active compounds: 3-(Z)-cis coumaroylbetulin and 30-hydroxylup-20 (29)-en-3β-ol which were against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853).

Conclusions

These results may partly explain and support the use of Acacia mellifera stem barks for the treatment of infectious diseases in traditional Kenya medicine.     

Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healer glycosides from the flowers of Verbascum mucronatum Lam.

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The leaves, flowers and whole aerial parts of Verbascum L. species have been used to treat respiratory problems, haemorrhoids and other types of inflammatory conditions in traditional Turkish medicine.

Aim of the study

In order to evaluate this traditional information, the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healing activities of Verbascum mucronatum Lam. which is used as haemostatic in Turkish folk medicine were investigated.

Materials and methods

In vivo inhibitory effect of the extracts on the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model in mice was studied for the assessment of anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, the wound healing potential of the plant were evaluated by using in vivo wound healing experimental models, i.e. incision and excision models on mice and rats, were comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol^®. Skin samples were also evaluated histopathologically.

Results

The results of these experimental studies exhibited that Verbascum mucronatum displays anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healing activities. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedures four iridoid glucosides, ajugol (1), aucubin (2), lasianthoside I (3), catalpol (4), two saponins, ilwensisaponin A (5) and C (6) and a phenylethanoid glycoside, verbascoside (7) were isolated and their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. Verbascoside (7) was found to possess significant wound healing activity as well as antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials, per os without inducing any apparent acute toxicity or gastric damage.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that Verbascum mucronatum displays remarkable antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities.     

Healing potential of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on full-thickness excision cutaneous wounds in alloxan-induced-diabetic BALB/c mice

Aim of the study

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) used in Jordanian folk medicine for wound management and treatment. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the healing efficacy of both aqueous extract and essential oil of the aerial parts on alloxan-induced diabetic BALB/c mice.

Materials and methods

Two full-thickness round wounds were created in the dorsal area of each mouse. Animals were divided into four groups of twenty mice each: untreated normal, untreated diabetic, aqueous extract- (intraperitoneal injection of 0.2 ml at a dose of 10% for 3 days) and essential oil-treated diabetic mice (topical application of 25 μl/excision wound, twice a day for 3 days). For 15 days, the wounds were visually observed; blood glucose level, body weight, regenerated granulation tissue weight and the percentage of wound contraction were measured. On days 6 and 15 after wounding, the animals were sacrificed and the histology of wound area was examined.

Results

Significant positive differences (p < 0.01) between treated and control groups were observed at different aspects of diabetic wound healing process. Reduced inflammation and enhanced wound contraction, re-epithelialization, regeneration of granulation tissue, angiogenesis and collagen deposition were detected in the treated wounds.

Conclusions

Results indicated that the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis was the most active in healing diabetic wounds and provide a scientific evidence for the traditional use of this herb in wound treatment. However, further scientific verification is required to confirm and assess the range of wound healing potential of essential oils of Rosemary chemotypes.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 11-O-galloylbergenin

Aims of the study

Current study was designed to explore the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of a constituent isolated from Mallotus philippinensis, in order to validate its folk use.

Materials and methods

11-O-galloylbergenin was isolated from ethanolic extract of Mallotus philippinensis. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the test compound were assessed using formalin test and carrageenan-induced paw edema models.

Results

11-O-galloylbergenin showed significant analgesic activity at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg against formalin test in rats. Similarly, 11-O-galloylbergenin exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema model at doses of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg.

Conclusion

11-O-galloylbergenin has demonstrated its significant potential to be further investigated for its discovery as a new lead compound for management of pain and inflammation.     

Investigation of plant extracts in traditional medicine of the Brazilian Cerrado against protozoans and yeasts

Aim of the study

To investigate the activities of the 217 plant extracts in traditional medicine of the Brazilian Cerrado against protozoans and yeasts.

Materials and methods

Plant extracts were prepared by the method of maceration using solvents of different polarities. The growth inhibition of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain (FcB1) was determined by measuring the radioactivity of the tritiated hypoxanthine incorporated. Activity against Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi and Trypanosoma cruzi was measured by the MTT colorimetric assay. The antifungal tests were carried out by using the CLSI method. The active extracts were tested also by cytotoxicity assay using NIH-3T3 cells of mammalian fibroblasts.

Results

Two hundred and seventeen extracts of plants were tested against Plasmodium falciparum. The eleven active extracts, belonging to eight plant species were evaluated against L. (L.) chagasi, Trypanosoma cruzi, yeasts and in NIH-3T3 cells. The results found in these biological models are consistent with the ethnopharmacological data of these plants. The ethyl acetate extract of Diospyros hispida root showed IC₅₀ values of 1 μg/mL against Plasmodium falciparum. This extract demonstrated no toxicity against mammalian cells, resulting in a significant selectivity index (SI) of 435.8. The dichloromethane extract of Calophyllum brasiliense root wood was active against Cryptococcus gattii LMGO 01 with MIC of 1.95 μg/mL; and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Candida krusei LMGO 174, both with MIC of 7.81 μg/mL. The same extract was also active against Plasmodium falciparum and L. (L.) chagasi with IC₅₀ of 6.7 and 27.6 μg/mL respectively. The ethyl acetate extract of Spiranthera odoratissima leaves was active against Cryptococcus gattii LMGO 01 with MIC of 31.25 μg/mL, and against Plasmodium falciparum with IC₅₀ of 9.2 μg/mL and Trypanosoma cruzi with IC₅₀ of 56.3 μg/mL.

Conclusion

The active extracts for protozoans and human pathogenic yeasts are considered promising to continue the search for the identification and development of leading compounds.     

Appraisal on the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils obtained from the cones and needles of Pinus species by in vivo and in vitro experimental models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

According to ethnobotanical data, Pinus species have been used against rheumatic pain and for wound healing in Turkish folk medicine.Essential oils from the cones and needles of five different Pinus species (Pinus brutia Ten., Pinus halepensis Mill., Pinus nigra Arn., Pinus pinea L. and Pinus sylvestris L.) were evaluated for their in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

Materials and methods

In vivo wound healing activity of the ointments prepared from essential oils was evaluated by linear incision and circular excision experimental wound models subsequently histopathological analysis and hydroxyproline content. Furthermore, the essential oils were screened for anti-hyaluronidase activity. Additionally anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by using the method of Whittle, which is based on the inhibition of acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability.

Results

The essential oils obtained from the cones of Pinus pinea and Pinus halepensis demonstrated the highest effects on the wound healing activity models. On the other hand, the rest of the essential oils did not show any significant wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that essential oils obtained from the cones of Pinus pinea and Pinus halepensis display remarkable wound healing activity.     

Enhancement of wound healing by topical application of Scorzonera species: determination of the constituents by HPLC with new validated reverse phase method

Ethnopharmacological relevance Scorzonera species are mainly used against arteriosclerosis, kidney diseases, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and rheumatism, as well as for pain relief and wound healing in Turkish folk medicine. In the current study, aerial parts and roots of Scorzonera cinerea, Scorzonera incisa, Scorzonera latifolia, Scorzonera mollis ssp. szowitsii, Scorzonera parviflora, and Scorzonera tomentosa collected from different regions of Anatolia and yak? sak?z? which is prepared by drying the latex is obtained from the roots of Scorzonera latifolia were evaluated for their wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Materials and methods

In vivo wound healing activity of the plants was evaluated by linear incision and circular excision wound models. Hydroxyproline content of the treated tissues was also assessed. Acetic acid-induced capillary permeability test was used for anti-inflammatory activity. For the determination of the active constituents, a new high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed. Precision of the developed method was performed by the evaluation of intra-day and inter-day variations of the each standard at limits of quantification (LOQ) levels.

Results

The aqueous methanolic extracts of Scorzonera latifolia, Scorzonera mollis ssp. szowitsii demonstrated the highest activities. The main compound was detected as chlorogenic acid both in roots and aerial parts of the most Scorzonera species and hyperoside or rutin was determined as one of the main component of the aerial parts.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that methanol-water extracts from aerial parts of Scorzonera latifolia and Scorzonera mollis ssp. szowitsii were found to have better activity on the wound healing compared to the other extracts and control groups. This might be due to the combined effect of the constituents present in the extracts.     

Modulation of LPS-stimulated neuroinflammation in BV-2 microglia by Gastrodia elata: 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol is the bioactive candidate

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Gastrodia elata Blume (Orchidaceae, GE) a traditional plant in Oriental countries is known for its enormous benefits to treat headaches, dizziness, vertigo and convulsive illnesses. In the present study, the ethnopharmacological role of GE in neuroinflammation mediated by activated microglia and the mechanisms underlying were reported.

Materials and methods

BV-2 microglia activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was employed and the effects of GE on corresponding neuroinflammatory parameters were assessed.

Results

GE extract inhibited LPS-stimulated production of inflammatory cytokines and down regulated the c-Jun NH₂-Terminal Kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, which are known to be involved in neuroinflammation. Further, inhibition of NO and iNOS by 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (4-HBA), one of the active constituent of GE in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells suggest that 4-HBA might be the bioactive candidate.

Conclusion

GE extract and its active constituent 4-HBA could be further exploited to mitigate microglial activation and may be developed as a new therapeutic remedy in treating various neuroinflammatory diseases.