Antinociceptive and hypnotic properties of Celastrus orbiculatus

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Celastrus orbiculatus, a woody vine of the Celastraceae family, has been widely used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and odontalgia. In this study, we assessed the sedative and antinociceptive activities of the methanolic extract of Celastrus orbiculatus (MCO).

Materials and methods

The antinociceptive effect of MCO was evaluated using several experimental pain models, including thermal nociception methods, such as the tail immersion and the hotplate tests, as well as chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin administration in mice. To verify the possible connection of the opioid receptor to the antinociceptive activity of MCO, we performed a combination test with naloxone, a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist. The sedative effect of MCO was studied using the pentobarbital-induced sleeping model.

Results

MCO demonstrated strong and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity compared to tramadol and indomethacin in various experimental pain models. The combination test using naloxone revealed that the antinociceptive activity of MCO is associated with activation of the opioid receptor. MCO also caused decreased sleep latency and increased sleeping time in the pentobarbital-induced sleeping model; however, MCO alone did not induce sleep.

Conclusions

In the present study, MCO showed potent antinociceptive and sedative activities. Based on these results, MCO may be considered a valuable anti-nociceptive and hypnotic agent for the treatment of various diseases.     

Sedative and anticonvulsant activities of methanol extract of Dorstenia arifolia in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Dorstenia arifolia is a plant that has been used in the folk medicine to produce hypnotic, sedative and ansiolitic effects but the pharmacological properties have not yet been studied. In addition, the smoke of its rhizome is reputed to induce lethargic sensation.

Aims of the study

The present study investigated possible activities of the methanol extract (ME) of Dorstenia arifolia rhizome on the central nervous system (CNS).

Materials and methods

ME was tested for sedative, hypnotic and anticonsulsant effects using locomotor activity evaluation, pentobarbital-induced sleeping time and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsion, respectively.

Results

Intraperitoneal administration of ME (10 and 50 mg/kg) significantly decreased locomotor activity from 205.2 ± 25.6 movements/min (DMSO) to 112.1 ± 18.4 (P < 0.05) and 114.9 ± 16.9 (P < 0.05), respectively. Flumazenil (10 mg/kg), an antagonist of GABA_A receptor, prevented the ME-induced sedation. Treatment with ME (50 mg/kg) significantly increased the duration of pentobarbital-induced sleeping time from 41.0 ± 2.3 to 57.9 ± 2.9 min (P < 0.05). The latencies to seizures after intraperitoneal injection of PTZ was recorded and compared between groups. ME promoted a significant protection of PTZ-induced seizures and mortality in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that ME of Dorstenia arifolia rizhome has pronounced central effects, and that the sedative and anticonvulsant activities may be related to a facilitation of the GABAergic transmission.     

Central effects of isolated fractions from the root of Petiveria alliacea L. (tipi) in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Petiveria alliacea L. (tipi) a shrub from Phytolaccaceae family is popularly used in folk medicine for treating a wide variety of disorders in South and Central America.

Aim of the study

To investigate the neuropharmacological properties on experimental animals.

Materials and methods

The acetate (FA), hexanic (FH), hydroalcoholic (FHA) and precipitated hydroalcoholic (FHAppt) fractions from the root of tipi were studied to investigate its pharmacological properties in the classical behavioral models (open-field, elevated plus maze-EPM, rotarod, barbiturate-induced sleeping time, forced swimming and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions tests) using mice. These fractions were administered intraperitoneally and orally to female mice at single doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg.

Results

All these fractions decreased the locomotor activity, rearing and grooming in the open-field test, suggesting a possible central depressant action. No significant effect was evident on motor coordination of the animals in the rotarod test. On EPM, all the fractions of tipi presented a significant reduction on the time of permanence in the open arms, indicating an absence of anxiolytic-like effect. In addition, the fractions increased the immobility time in the forced swimming test and potentiated pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in mice, confirmed a probable sedative and central depressant effect. Furthermore, the fractions increased the latency to the first convulsion and the lethal time of the PTZ-induced convulsions test in the animals, confirmed its popular use as anticonvulsant.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the fractions of P. alliacea L. contains biologically active substance(s) that might be acting in the CNS and have significant depressant and anticonvulsant potentials, supporting folk medicine use of this plant.     

Rosewood oil induces sedation and inhibits compound action potential in rodents

Aim of the study

Aniba rosaeodora is an aromatic plant which has been used in Brazil folk medicine due to its sedative effect. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the sedative effect of linalool-rich rosewood oil in mice. In addition we sought to investigate the linalool-rich oil effects on the isolated nerve using the single sucrose-gap technique.

Materials and methods

Sedative effect was determined by measuring the potentiation of the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. The compound action potential amplitude was evaluated as a way to detect changes in excitability of the isolated nerve.

Results

The results showed that administration of rosewood oil at the doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg significantly decreased latency and increased the duration of sleeping time. On the other hand, the dose of 100 mg/kg potentiated significantly the pentobarbital action decreasing pentobarbital latency time and increasing pentobarbital sleeping time. In addition, the effect of linalool-rich rosewood oil on the isolated nerve of the rat was also investigated through the single sucrose-gap technique. The amplitude of the action potential decreased almost 100% when it was incubated for 30 min at 100 μg/ml.

Conclusions

From this study, it is suggested a sedative effect of linalool-rich rosewood oil that could, at least in part, be explained by the reduction in action potential amplitude that provokes a decrease in neuronal excitability.     

Influences of Fructus evodiae pretreatment on the pharmacokinetics of Rhizoma coptidis alkaloids

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rhizoma coptidis is a traditional Chinese medicine with pharmacological properties. It is usually prescribed with Fructus evodiae as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas. Here we report the influences of Fructus evodiae on the pharmacokinetics of the Rhizoma coptidis alkaloids and propose possible mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Pharmacokinetic experiments were performed in rats. In vitro absorption experiments were performed in everted rat gut sacs, while in vitro metabolism experiments and determination of hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 mRNA expression were performed in rat liver microsomes.

Results

Pretreatment with Fructus evodiae extract for two weeks decreased the systemic exposure of the Rhizoma coptidis alkaloids. This effect was not due to inhibition of absorption or enhanced hepatic phase I metabolism of the Rhizoma coptidis alkaloids. However, Fructus evodiae pretreatment enhanced both the activity and expression of hepatic UGT1A1.

Conclusions

The results showed that Fructus evodiae pretreatment decreased the systemic exposure of the Rhizoma coptidis alkaloids by inducing hepatic UGT1A1.     

The protective effect of Schisandra lignans on stress-evoked hepatic metastases of P815 tumor cells in restraint mice

Aim of the study

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of schisandra lignans extract (SLE) on stress-evoked hepatic metastases of mastocytoma P815 tumor cells, which was closely related with immune function.

Materials and methods

The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint of SLE was recorded and the percentage composition of schisandra lignans was determined as 82.63%. The contributions of the immunomodulatory properties of SLE to the protective effects on stress-induced hepatic metastases were studied.

Results

Our results found that restraint stress significantly promoted hepatic metastases of P815 tumor cells. However, oral administration of SLE (100 and 200 mg/kg/d, 14 d) significantly reduced the number of metastatic colonies in liver of restrained mice. SLE was further found to be significantly improving T lymphocyte proportions and increasing cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity of immunized spleen cells in stressed mice.

Conclusion

These results indicated that the protective effects of SLE on hepatic metastases were related to its alleviation of the adverse effects of stressors for bio-homeostasis and immunoprotection. The obtained data provided evidences to elucidate the traditional use of Fructus schisandrae as a tonic or sedative.     

Sedative, vasorelaxant, and cytotoxic effects of convolvulin from Ipomoea tyrianthina

Aim of the study

Ipomoea tyrianthina has been used in Mexican traditional medicine as a mild purgative, for the treatment of nervous disorders, and against tumors. In this study, the effect of convolvulin (an ether-insoluble resin glycoside) from the root of Ipomoea tyrianthina on: Central Nervous System; as spasmolytic and vasodilator; cytotoxic against cancer cell lines is evaluated.

Materials and methods

Convolvulin isolated from the root of Ipomoea tyrianthina (IT-EM) was tested on pentylentetrazole induced seizures, pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, release of GABA and glutamic acid, isolated rat aorta and ileum rings, and against Caco-2 and KB cell lines.

Results

IT-EM increased the hypnotic effect induced by pentobarbital and the release of GABA in brain cortex of mice, but did not protect mice against pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions. IT-EM produced a significant vasodilator effect in concentration- and endothelium-dependent manners on isolated rat aorta, but did not inhibit significantly contractions on rat ileum, colon, and jejune rings. IT-EM showed cytotoxic activity against nasopharyngeal carcinoma KB cell line.

Conclusions

Convolvulin (IT-EM) from Ipomoea tyrianthina has sedative effect, vasorelaxant effect in concentration- and endothelium-dependent manners, and cytotoxic activity against nasopharyngeal carcinoma KB cell line.     

Hypnotic effect of jujubosides from Semen Ziziphi Spinosae

Ethnopharmacological significance

Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, the seed of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (bunge) Hu ex H.F. Chow has been widely used in treating insomnia and anxiety.

Aim of the study

In this study, we investigated the hypnotic effect of jujubosides, one of the major components (saponin) of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, in both day and night period.

Materials and methods

After the administration of jujubosides (9 mg/kg once per day for 3 days), sleep parameters were examined by EEG and EMG analysis in normal rats and the action of jujubosides on pentobarbital-induced sleep assessed by the loss-of righting reflex.

Results

During daytime (9:00–15:00), jujubosides significantly increased the total sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep without significant influence on non-REM (NREM) sleep. During nighttime (21:00–3:00), jujubosides significantly increased the total sleep and NREM sleep especially the light sleep while showed no significant effect on REM sleep and slow wave sleep (SWS). In pentobarbital-treated mice, jujubosides significantly augmented the hypnotic effect of pentobarbital (45 mg/kg, i.p.), proved by increasing sleep time and this augmentative effect was potentiated by 5-hydroxytryptophan (2 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, jujubosides inhibited the para-chlorophenylalanine-induced suppression of pentobarbital-induced hypnosis.

Conclusions

These results suggested that the hypnotic effect of jujubosides on normal rats may be influenced by circadian rhythm and the serotonergic system may involve in the hypnotic effect of jujubosides. Jujubosides may be good source of lead compounds for novel hypnotics.     

Pharmacological evaluation of sedative–hypnotic activity and gastro-intestinal toxicity of Rhizoma Paridis saponins

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rhizoma Paridis saponins (RPS) have been well studied for antimicrobial, anti-hemorrhagic, and anticancer effects. However, scientific information on RPS regarding the toxic and neuropharmacological effects is limited. In this study, the acute oral toxicity, sedative–hypnotic activity and gastro-intestinal toxicity of RPS were investigated.

Materials and methods

The acute toxicity was carried out by administering single doses (800–5000 mg/kg) of RPS to adult mice. Rotarod test and sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis activity were used to evaluate the neuropharmacological effects on mice. Gastric emptying and intestinal transit were used to investigate the gastric–intestinal system effects.

Results

A single oral administration of RPS dose-dependently caused adverse effects on the general behavior and mortality rate of mice. LD₅₀ value of oral acute toxicity was 2182.4 mg/kg, with 95% confidence limit of 1718.4–2807.8 mg/kg. In the test of sleeping mice, RPS acted in synergy with sodium pentobarbital at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg while motor coordination was not influenced within 120 min after treatment with RPS. Regarding the gastric–intestinal toxicity, RPS (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) significantly inhibited gastric emptying but did not affect the intestinal transit.

Conclusions

RPS, which is a hypotoxic anticancer drug, possesses the sedative–hypnotic activity and gastric stimulus side effect.     

Neuropharmacological study of Dracocephalum moldavica L. (Lamiaceae) in mice: sedative effect and chemical analysis of an aqueous extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Dracocephalum moldavica is used as a tranquilizer and as remedy for nervous conditions relief in the Mexican traditional medicine. Despite its intensive use no literature reported neuropharmacological studies on Dracocephalum moldavica as yet.

Aim of the study

The sedative, anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like effects of the aqueous extract of aerial parts of Dracocephalum moldavica (Lamiaceae) (DM) were evaluated in behavioral models in mice. The general toxic effects of DM were evaluated as well as their chemical analysis was performed.

Materials and methods

DM effects were evaluated on pentobarbital-induced sleeping time (SPT), the hole-board (HBT), and the avoidance exploratory behavior (AEBT) tests and on the forced swimming test (FST). General activity and motor coordination were evaluated in the open field (OFT) and Rota-rod tests, respectively. The acute toxicity of DM was determinate by its LD₅₀ dose. The chemical analyses DM were performed by chromatographic and HPLC–ESI-MS techniques.

Results

DM prolonged the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, induced sedation in the HBT, decreased spontaneous activity and produced motor coordination impairment in mice. However, DM did not show anxiolytic effects in the AEBT or HBT and it was not effective in FST. The DM-treatment produced mortalities with LD₅₀ = 470 mg/kg body weight.The HPLC–ESI-MS analysis of DM revealed that (acacetin, apigenin and luteolin)-7-O-β-d-(6″-O-malonyl)-glucoside derivates are the main compounds of DM.

Conclusions

DM induced sedative actions and a general inhibition of CNS activity observed by the decrease of animals’ general activity, motor coordination and exploration.     

Anticonvulsant activity of aqueous root extract of Ficus religiosa

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ficus religiosa Linn is frequently used for the treatment of nervous disorders among Pawara tribe of the Satpuda range, India.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of the aqueous aerial root extract of Ficus religiosa in chemoconvulsant-induced seizures in mice.

Materials and methods

The anticonvulsant activity of the extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was investigated in strychnine-, pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin- and isoniazid-induced seizures in mice. Rat ileum and fundus strip preparations were used to study the effect of the extract on acetylcholine (Ach)- and serotonin (5-HT)-induced contractions, respectively.

Results

The extract showed no toxicity and protected the animals in the strychnine and pentylenetetrazole tests in a dose-dependent manner. Its effect in the picrotoxin and isoniazid tests, however, was less potent. The extract also exhibited dose-dependent potentiation of Ach in rat ileum but failed to potentiate the effect of 5-HT in rat fundus strip preparation.

Conclusions

The results suggest that an orally administered aqueous root extract of Ficus religiosa has dose-dependent and potent anticonvulsant activities against strychnine- and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. The observed activities may be ascribed to the appreciable content of zinc and magnesium in the extract.     

Sedative and hypnotic effect of freeze-dried paeoniflorin and Sini San freeze-dried powder in pentobarbital sodium-induced mice

Objective

To investigate the sedative and hypnotic activity of paeoniflorin and freeze-dried Sini San powder on mice and provide a reliable method for determining the pharmacodynamic material basis of Sini San.

Methods

Male adult mice weighing 20–22 g were used in this study. Three experiments were carried out. Synergism with pentobarbital was used as an index for hypnotic effect. Loss of the righting reflex was used to determine the start of sleep. Sleep latency and sleeping time were recorded in each experiment.

Results

The coefficient of variation of the supra-threshold dose (55 mg/kg) was significantly lower than that of the threshold dose. The sleep latency of mice was significantly decreased, and the sleeping time of mice was significantly prolonged. The effects of paeoniflorin and Sini San on prolonging the sleeping time of mice induced by pentobarbital sodium were significantly stronger than those in the control group.

Conclusion

Paeoniflorin produces significant sedative and hypnotic effects, and there is an obvious dose-effect relationship.     

CNS depressant and anticonvulsant activities of the alcoholic extract of leaves of Ziziyphus nummularia

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ziziyphus nummularia (family: Rhamnaceae) is a xerophyte, grows in the grazing lands of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Ziziyphus nummularia (ZN) is used as sedative in ethnomedicine. The objective of this study is to investigate the anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and sedative activities of the alcoholic extract of leaves of Ziziyphus nummularia (EZN).

Materials and methods

The anticonvulsant effect of the EZN (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) was evaluated in mice using the pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock induced seizure models. Its anxiolytic activity was evaluated using the elevated plus maze, hole board and open field models board methods, while the pentobarbital induced sleep was used to evaluate the sedative activity. The acute toxicity and effect on motor coordination were also assessed.

Results

EZN (100–300 mg/kg) protected the mice against the pentylenetetrazole induced convulsions; it causes a significant (P<0.05) dose dependent increase in latency of convulsion. Treatment with EZN reduced the duration of the tonic hind limb extension induced by electroshock. Mice treated with EZN preferred the open arm of the plus maze and were found to be devoid of open-arm avoidance. EZN potentiation the barbiturate induce sleep in mice, it causes a decrease in the sleep latency and increases the duration of sleep.

Conclusion

The results obtained from the experiments indicate that the EZN has CNS depressant and anticonvulsant activities.     

Extract of Ganoderma lucidum prolongs sleep time in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi) is a basidiomycete white-rot macrofungus that has been used as a tranquilizing agent (i.e., An-Shen effect) for the treatment of restlessness, insomnia, and palpitation in China for hundreds of years.

Aim of the study

The present study aimed to investigate whether Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) influences the sleep of freely moving rats and the potential mechanism.

Materials and methods

Ganoderma lucidum extract was extracted from fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum. Rats were treated with GLE orally for 3 days, and on the third day, electroencephalographic and electromyographic recordings were made for 6 h from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. in freely moving rats. Sleep parameters were analyzed using SleepSign software. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Three-day administration of GLE significantly increased total sleep time and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep time at a dose of 80 mg/kg (i.g.) without influencing slow-wave sleep or REM sleep in freely moving rats. TNF-α levels were significantly increased concomitantly in serum, the hypothalamus, and dorsal raphe nucleus. The hypnotic effect of GLE (80 mg/kg, i.g.) was significantly inhibited by intracerebroventricular injection of TNF-α antibody (2.5 μg/rat). Co-administration of GLE (40 mg/kg, i.g.) and TNF-α (12.5 ng/rat, i.c.v.), both at ineffective doses, revealed an additive hypnotic effect.

Conclusion

These results suggest that GLE has hypnotic effects in freely moving rats. The mechanism by which the extract promoted sleep remains unclear, but this effect appears to be primarily related to the modulation of cytokines such as TNF-α. Furthermore, these data at least partially support the ethnomedical use of Ganoderma lucidum.     

Protective effects of methanolic extract of Hedyotis puberula (G. Don) R. Br. ex Arn. against experimentally induced gastric ulcers in rat

Aim of the study

This study was aimed to evaluate the antiulcer activity of the whole plants of Hedyotis puberula (G. Don) R. Br. ex Arn.

Materials and methods

Gastroprotective potential of the Hedyotis puberula methanol extract (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) was studied on indomethacin (IND), ethanol and pyloric ligation (PL)-induced gastric ulcer models in rats.

Results

The treatment with Hedyotis puberula extract at 400 mg/kg p.o. protected the rats against the ulceration which was comparable to the reference drug omeprazole. Pretreatment with extract protected rats from gastric lesion development by way of increased pH and decreased volume, acidity and pepsin content of gastric secretion. Furthermore, total carbohydrate: protein ratio of the gastric juice were noticeably increased in pretreated rats.

Conclusion

Results of our study showed that Hedyotis puberula possess significant gastroprotective activity and validate the folklore claim.     

Anti-angiogenic activity of methanol extract of Phellinus linteus and its fractions

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of MeOH extract of PL (PLME) and its fractions on angiogenesis.

Materials and methods

PLME and its subsequent fractions (methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions) were evaluated in vitro. Specifically, the anti-angiogenic activities of PLME and its fractions were investigated by measuring their effects on the proliferation, migration, tube formation and phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, the in vivo Matrigel plug model was applied to evaluate new vessel formation.

Results

The results revealed that PLME and its subsequent fractions, except for the aqueous fraction, led to significant inhibition of the proliferation, migration, tube formation and VEGFR-2 phosphorylation of HUVECs as well as in vivo angiogenesis.

Conclusions

These findings indicate the potential for the use of PLME in pathological situations involving stimulated angiogenesis, such as inflammation and tumor development.     

Analgesic effect of Coptis chinensis rhizomes (Coptidis Rhizoma) extract on rat model of irritable bowel syndrome

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Coptis chinensis rhizomes (Coptidis Rhizoma, CR), also known as “Huang Lian”, is a common component of traditional Chinese herbal formulae used for the relief of abdominal pain and diarrhea. Yet, the action mechanism of CR extract in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown. Thus, the aim of our present study is to investigate the effect of CR extract on neonatal maternal separation (NMS)-induced visceral hyperalgesia in rats and its underlying action mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 3-h daily maternal separation from postnatal day 2 to day 21 to form the NMS group. The control group consists of unseparated normal (N) rats. From day 60, rats were administrated CR (0.3, 0.8 and 1.3 g/kg) or vehicle (Veh; 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose solution) orally for 7 days for the test and control groups, respectively.

Results

Electromyogram (EMG) signals in response to colonic distension were measured with the NMS rats showing lower pain threshold and increased EMG activity than those of the unseparated (N) rats. CR dose-dependently increased pain threshold response and attenuated EMG activity in the NMS rats. An enzymatic immunoassay study showed that CR treatment significantly reduced the serotonin (5HT) concentration from the distal colon of NMS rats compared to the Veh (control) group. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western-blotting studies showed that CR treatment substantially reduced NMS induced cholecystokinin (CCK) expression compared with the Veh group.

Conclusions

These results suggest that CR extract robustly reduces visceral pain that may be mediated via the mechanism of decreasing 5HT release and CCK expression in the distal colon of rats.     

Evaluation of the effects of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge saponin extract on central nervous system functions

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In traditional medicine, Astragalus mongholicus (AM) has been used for the treatment of general weakness, chronic illness, and to increase overall vitality.

Aim of the study

The present study investigated possible effects of the saponin fraction of AM on the central nervous system. Moreover, its effects on locomotor activity, anxiety, and hippocampal morphology were studied.

Material and methods

AM extract was tested for its effects on locomotor activity using the Moti-Test, for situational anxiety in the elevated plus maze, and for anticonvulsant activity against acute pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and in the PTZ kindling model.

Results

It was shown that AM (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) did not interfere with locomotor activity and situational anxiety as measured in the elevated plus maze. In these doses, AM significantly suppressed pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures (p < 0.05). Its anticonvulsant efficacy was also evident against repeated PTZ seizures (p < 0.05). This suggests potential therapeutic usefulness. After subchronic application, the number of cells in hippocampal CA1 was reduced, whilst the cell number in CA3 and hilus remained unaffected.

Conclusions

Doses of AM extract which did not interfere with locomotor acticity and situational anxiety appear to be useful in the treatment of convulsive disorders. The mechanisms underlying this effect on hippocampal morphology are not yet understood.     

Medicinal potions used against infectious bowel diseases in Mayan traditional medicine

Aim of the study

Since one of the main health problems of the indigenous population are infectious bowel diseases, we decided to test Mayan medicinal potions used to treat these conditions against some of the causal agents.

Materials and methods

Thirty-one herbal formulations used for the treatment of infectious bowel diseases were prepared according to the collected ethnobotanical data. Their activities were tested against some of the causal agents of diarrheic symptoms, such as Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi and Shigella flexneri.

Results

Nine formulations were active against bacteria (MIC = 0.5 mg/ml), four on Entamoeba histolytica, and seven on Giardia lamblia (IC₅₀ ≤ 20 μg/ml).

Conclusions

This work supports the use of the traditional Mayan formulations against some infectious bowel diseases, and it is the first step towards their study.     

Bacopa monniera leaf extract up-regulates tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression: implications in memory formation

Aim of the study

To examine the effect of Bacopa monniera leaf ethanolic extract (BMEE) on the serotonergic system of postnatal rats with reference to learning and memory.

Materials and methods

From postnatal day (PND)-15-29, rats were treated with BMEE (40 mg/kg BW + 0.5% gum acacia) by oral gavage. Behavioural tests (Y-maze, hole-board and passive avoidance) were used to evaluate their learning (PND-32-37) and retention of memory (PND-47-53). Effect of BMEE on neurotransmitter system was analyzed by ELISA and semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Oral administration of BMEE improved learning and retention of memory significantly in all behavioural tasks. Following BMEE treatment, the level of serotonin (5-HT) increased while dopamine (DA) decreased significantly. We also found variation in the level of acetylcholine (ACh). However, no significant changes were observed in the level of ACh and glutamate (Glu). The level of 5-HT was significantly elevated up to PND-37 and was then restored to normal level on PND-53. Interestingly, concomitant up-regulation was recorded in the mRNA expression of serotonin synthesizing enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) and serotonin transporter (SERT) on PND-29 and PND-37, which was restored on PND-53.

Conclusions

The results suggest that BMEE treatment significantly enhances the learning and retention of memory in postnatal rats possibly through regulating the expression of TPH2, 5-HT metabolism and transport.