Coriander fruit exhibits gut modulatory,blood pressure lowering and diuretic activities

Aim of the study

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is traditionally used for various gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders and this study was designed to rationalize its use in dyspepsia, abdominal colic, diarrhea, hypertension and as diuretic.

Materials and methods

Coriander crude extract (Cs.Cr) was evaluated through in vitro and in vivo techniques.

Results

Cs.Cr caused atropine sensitive stimulatory effect in isolated guinea-pig ileum (0.1–10 mg/ml). In rabbit jejunum preparations, Cs.Cr evoked a similar contractile response but in the presence of atropine, it exhibited relaxation against both spontaneous and high K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contractions as well as shifted the Ca²⁺ concentration–response curves to right, similar to that caused by verapamil. Cs.Cr (1–30 mg/ml) caused fall in arterial blood pressure of anesthetized animals, partially blocked by atropine. Cs.Cr produced vasodilatation against phenylephrine and K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contractions in rabbit aorta and cardio-depressant effect in guinea-pig atria. Cs.Cr produced diuresis in rats at 1–10 mg/kg. Bio-assay-directed fractionation revealed the separation of spasmogenic and spasmolytic components in the aqueous and organic fractions respectively.

Conclusions

These results indicate that coriander fruit exhibits gut stimulatory, inhibitory and hypotensive effects mediating possibly through cholinergic, Ca²⁺ antagonist and the combination of these mechanisms respectively. Diuretic activity adds value to its use in hypertension.     

Valuation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Erica species native to Turkey

Erica L. species (Ericaceae) have been popularly used as antirheumatic, diuretic, astringent and treatment of urinary infections. In order to evaluate this information, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of different extracts prepared with methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water from the aerial parts of Erica arborea L., Erica manipuliflora Salisb., Erica bocquetii (Pe?men) P.F. Stevens and Erica sicula Guss. subsp. libanotica (C.&;W. Barbey) P.F. Stevens (Ericaceae) of Turkish origin were investigated by using in vivo methods. For the anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model, PGE₂-induced hind paw edema model, and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema model and for the antinociceptive activity p-benzoquinone-induced writhing test in mice were employed. The ethyl acetate extracts of Erica arborea (EAE), Erica bocquetii (EBE) and Erica manipuliflora (EME) exhibited notable inhibition against carrageenan-induced (24.1–32.3%, 23.8–36.1%, 29.2–35.1%, respectively) and PGE₂-induced (21.2–37.7%, 6.8–29.7%, and 6.2–34.1%, respectively) hind paw edema as well as TPA-induced mouse ear edema models in mice, while the ethyl acetate extract of Erica sicula subsp. libanotica (ESE) (10.7–29.7%) displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity only on the PGE₂-induced hind paw edema model. However, the remaining extracts were found to be inactive against inflammatory models. Same extracts, i.e., EAE, EBE and EME were also found to exhibit remarkable antinociceptive activity in p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test at a dose of 100 mg/kg (46.5%, 27.7% and 36.3%, respectively).     

Antinociceptive and gastroprotective actions of ethanolic extract from Pluchea sagittalis (Lam.) Cabrera

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pluchea sagittalis, an herbaceous plant widely distributed in South America, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of digestive diseases and inflammation.

Aim of the study

This study was designed to investigate the antinociceptive and gastroprotective effects of the ethanolic extract (EE) of aerial parts from Pluchea sagittalis in rodents.

Materials and methods

The antinociceptive effects of EE was evaluated in mice after oral administration in chemical tests (acetic-acid, glutamate and formalin) or by biting behavior following intrathecal administration of cytokines such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in mice. Furthermore, rats were treated with EE and subsequently exposed to acute gastric lesions induced by 80% ethanol. Afterwards the gastric lesion extension and the mucus levels of gastric mucosa were measured.

Results

The oral administration of EE showed a dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions and glutamate-induced pain in mice, with ID₅₀ values of 624.0 (523.0-746.0) mg/kg and 368.0 (216.0-628.0) mg/kg, respectively. In the formalin test, the EE also produced significant inhibition of the inflammatory phase, with an ID₅₀ value of 411.0 (183.0-721.0) mg/kg; however, it was ineffective in the neurogenic phase caused by formalin. In addition, oral treatment with EE caused a significant inhibition of biting behavior induced by i.t. injection of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The antinociception caused by the EE (300 mg/kg, p.o.) was not reversed by naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) when assessed in the acetic acid writhing test. The EE (300-1000 mg/kg, p.o.) did not affect the motor coordination of animals in an open-field model. Oral treatment with the EE protected rats against gastric lesions induced by ethanol, with an ID₅₀ value of 55.0 (46.6-64.9) mg/kg, and increased the mucus levels of gastric mucosa to levels found in the non-lesioned group.

Conclusions

The mechanism by which the extract produced antinociception still remains unclear, but this effect seems to be primarily related to the modulation or inhibition of the action of pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, these data support, at least in part, the ethnomedical use of Pluchea sagittalis.     

Analgesic and antimalarial activities of crude leaf extract and fractions of Acalypha wilkensiana

Aim of the study

Antiplasmodial and analgesic activities of leaf extract and fractions of Acalypha wilkensiana were evaluated to ascertain the folkloric claim of its antimalarial and analgesic activities.

Materials and methods

The crude leaf extract (220–659 mg/kg) and fractions (chloroform and aqueous; 440 mg/kg) of Acalypha wilkensiana were investigated for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infections in mice and for analgesic activity against chemical and heat-induced pains. The antiplasmodial activity during early and established infections as well as prophylactic activity were investigated. Chloroquine (5 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg) were used as positive controls. Thin films made from tail blood of each mouse were used to assess the level of parasitaemia of the mice. Analgesic activity of the crude extract was also evaluated against acetic acid, formalin and heat-induced pains.

Results

The extract and its fractions dose-dependently reduced parasitaemia induced by chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infection in prophylactic, suppressive and curative models in mice. These reductions were statistically significant (p < 0.001). They also improved the mean survival time (MST) from 16 to 22 days relative to control (p < 0.01–0.001). The activities of extract/fractions were incomparable to that of the standard drugs used (chloroquine and pyrimethamine). On chemically and thermally induced pains, the extract inhibited acetic acid and formalin-induced inflammation as well as hot plate-induced pain in mice. These inhibitions were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and in a dose-dependent fashion.

Conclusion

The antiparasitaemic and analgesic effects may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant.     

Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Carissa carandas in constipation and diarrhea

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Carissa carandas Linn. commonly known as “Karaunda” (Apocynaceae) is a popular medicinal herb widely distributed in different parts of Pakistan. In addition to other medicinal uses, Carissa carandas is popular in indigenous system of medicine for its medicinal use in gut motility disorders like, constipation and diarrhea.

Objective

This study was planned to provide pharmacological basis to the medicinal use of Carissa carandas in constipation and diarrhea.

Materials and methods

The crude extract of the leaves of Carissa carandas (Cc.Cr) was prepared in methanol and its fractionation was carried out with ethylacetate, petroleum ether and n-butanol. In-vivo studies were conducted on mice, while isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum preparations were used for the in-vitro experiments. The spasmogenic and spasmolytic responses of gut tissues were recorded using isotonic transducers coupled with PowerLab data acquisition system.

Results

The HPLC fingerprints of Cc.Cr, its petroleum (Cc.Pef), ethylacetate (Cc.Eaf) and n-butanol (Cc.Baf) fractions showed the presence of oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. Oral administration of Cc.Cr to mice increased fecal output at lower doses (30 and 50 mg/kg), while it showed protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea at higher doses (300 and 600 mg/kg). In isolated guinea-pig ileum and rabbit jejunum, Cc.Cr and Cc.Baf exhibited stimulatory effect at 0.003–3 mg/ml, which was partially sensitive to atropine or pyrillamine or partially/fully sensitive to atropine+pyrillamine, followed by relaxation at higher tested concentrations, being more potent in rabbit tissues. The ethylacetate fraction (0.1–5 mg/ml) exhibited fully atropine-sensitive contractions in both guinea-pig and rabbit tissues, being more potent in guinea-pig while more efficacious in rabbit tissues. However, the petroleum fraction (0.003–1.0 mg/ml) showed only spasmolytic activity in spontaneously contracting rabbit tissues, similar to nifedipine. In guinea-tissue, Cc.Pef did not cause any stimulant effect. When studied against high K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contraction, the crude extract and its fractions caused a dose-dependent inhibition, with the following order of potency: Cc.Pef>Cc.Eaf>Cc.Cr≥Cc.Baf, similar to nifedipine indicating Ca⁺⁺ channel antagonist like activity, which was further confirmed when the plant extract displaced Ca⁺⁺ curves to the right with suppression of maximum effect similar to that of nifedipine.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the crude extract of Carissa carandas possesses a gut-stimulatory effect mediated primarily through the activation of muscarinic and histaminergic receptors while its spasmolytic effect was mediated possibly through Ca⁺⁺ antagonist pathway. Thus, this study provides a clear evidence for the dual effectiveness of Carissa carandas in constipation and diarrhea, thus validating its medicinal use.     

Acute diuretic effect of continuous intravenous infusion of an aqueous extract of Coriandrum sativum L. in anesthetized rats

AIM OF THE STUDY: The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the acute diuretic activity of continuous intravenous infusion of an aqueous extract of the seed of Coriandrum sativum L. Apiaceae (coriander) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aqueous extract of coriander seed was administered by continuous intravenous infusion (120 min) at two doses (40 and 100mg/kg) to anesthetized Wistar rats. Furosemide (10mg/kg), a standard diuretic was used as the reference drug. Excretion of water and electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride) in urine was measured, and glomerular filtration rate (equal to creatinine clearance) was determined. RESULTS: The crude aqueous extract of coriander seeds increased diuresis, excretion of electrolytes, and glomerular filtration rate in a dose-dependent way; furosemide was more potent as a diuretic and saluretic. The mechanism of action of the plant extract appears to be similar to that of furosemide. CONCLUSIONS: The aqueous extract of coriander seed possesses diuretic and saluretic activity, thus, validating the use of coriander as a diuretic plant in Moroccan pharmacopoeia.     

Antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Blechnum occidentale L. extract

Aim of study

Blechnum occidentale L. is a terrestrial fern that ranges from the United States to South America, and is employed in Brazilian folk medicine. In the present study we investigated the antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of Blechnum occidentale L. (MEB) in animal models of pain and inflammation to support its medicinal use in treatment of inflammatory and pulmonary diseases, urinary infections and liver diseases.

Materials and methods

The antinociceptive activity of MEB was evaluated using the writhing, formalin, and tail flick tests. The antiinflammatory activity of MEB was evaluated in carrageenan-induced paw oedema and neutrophil migration. In order to discard possible non-specific muscle relaxant or sedative effects of MEB, mice motor performance was evaluated in the rota rod test and its toxicity evaluated over 14 days.

Results

Intraperitoneal (IP) administration of MEB (0.01–100 mg/kg) produced a dose-related antinociception on acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Oral administration of MEB, at a different range of doses (100–400 mg/kg), also produced significant antinociceptive effect on the writhing test. Furthermore, treatment with MEB (100 and 200 mg/kg IP) inhibited significantly both the early and late phases of formalin-induced hypernociception in rats. In contrast, treatment with MEB (100 and 200 mg/kg IP) did not prevent the thermal nociception in the tail flick test. The IP administration of MEB (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced the paw oedema induced by carrageenan. Moreover, systemic treatment with MEB (11–300 mg/kg) reduced the neutrophil migration in the carrageenan-induced migration to the peritoneal cavity. In the rota rod test, MEB-treated mice did not show any significant motor performance alterations with the dose of 300 mg/kg. In addition, over the study duration of 14 days, there were no deaths or toxic signs recorded in the mice given 100 or 1000 mg/kg of MEB.

Conclusion

The results described here are the first report of pharmacological studies of Blechnum occidentale L. and indicate that this plant has antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities which support its folk medicine use.     

Comparative study on hemostatic, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities of different species of Paris L

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The rhizoma of Paris polyphylla var. yannanensis or P. polyphylla var. chinensis called Rhizoma Paridis as a traditional Chinese medicine has an effect of heat-clearing and detoxicating, detumescence and acesodyne in folk for a long time. The increasing application of Rhizoma Paridis resulted in the shortage of wildlife resources. Here, we compared the major activities of other species of genus Paris to find the replacement plants.

Materials and methods

Six species (P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, P. delavayi var. delavayi, P. fargesii var. Fargesii, P. bashanensis Wang et Tang, P. polyphyllar var. minora, and P. polyphylla var. pseudothibetical) were collected from three Provinces in China, and compared the hemostatic, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities by different assays.

Results

For the hemostatic activity, all the plants except Paris fargesii var. Fargesii could significantly shorten the tail bleeding time and blood clotting time (P<0.05). For further mechanism study, they reduced the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), but they had no significant effect on thrombin time (TT). P. fargesii var. Fargesii showed the similar cytotoxicity to P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis (IC₅₀: 18.21 and 15.73 μg/mL, respectively). HD₅₀ was used as the index of hemolytic activity. P. delavayi var. delavayi and P. bashanensis Wang et Tang were the last to have this activity as the values were 3.027 and 1.222 mg/mL.

Conclusions

The different species of genus Paris have different activities. Paris delavayi var. delavayi and Paris bashanensis Wang et Tang could be used as the resources of hemostatic drugs and P. fargesii var. Fargesii as the antitumor medicine.     

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract of Centipeda minima

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Centipeda minima (L.) is traditionally used in Chinese folk medicine for the treatments of rhinitis, sinusitis, relieving pain, reducing swelling, and treating cancer for a long history in Taiwan. However, there is no scientific evidence which supports the use in the literature.

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of Centipeda minima (ACM).

Materials and methods

The following activities were investigated: antioxidant activities [2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl)], and anti-inflammatory [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages and paw-edema induced by λ-carrageenan (Carr)]. We also investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ACM via studies of the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the edema paw. Serum NO, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were also measured in vivo. In HPLC analysis, the fingerprint chromatogram of ACM was established.

Results

ACM showed the highest TEAC and DPPH radical scavenging activities, respectively. ACM also had highest contents of polyphenol and flavonoid contents. We evaluated that ACM and the reference compound of protocatechualdehyde and caffeic acid decreased the LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. Administration of ACM showed a concentration dependent inhibition on paw edema development after Carr treatment in mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of ACM could be via NO, TNF-α, and IL-1β suppressions and associated with the increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Western blotting revealed that ACM decreased Carr-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions.

Conclusions

Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ACM might be correlated to the decrease in the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA), iNOS, and COX-2 via increasing the activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx in the edema paw. Overall, the results showed that ACM demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, which supports previous claims of the traditional use for inflammation and pain.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract from Glycine tomentella root in mice

In the present study, we have investigated the analgesic effect of the aqueous extract of the root of Glycine tomentella (AGT) using models of acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test, the anti-inflammatory effect of AGT using model of lambda-carrageenan-induced paw edema. In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of AGT, we have detected the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRx) in the liver and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO in the edema paw. In the analgesic test, AGT (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) decreased the acetic acid-induced writhing response and the licking time on the late phase in the formalin test. In the anti-inflammatory test, AGT (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) decreased the paw edema at the third, fourth, fifth and sixth hour after lambda-carrageenan administration, and increased the activities of SOD, GPx and GRx in the liver tissue and decreased the MDA level in the edema paw at the third hour after lambda-carrageenan injection. However, AGT could not affect the NO level which induced by lambda-carrageenan. These results suggested that AGT possessed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of AGT might be related to the decrease in the level of MDA in the edema paw via increasing the activities of SOD, GPx and GRx in the liver.     

Antibacterial,cytotoxic activities and chemical composition of fruits of two Cameroonian Zanthoxylum species

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Zanthoxylum leprieurii (Syn. Fagara leprieurii) is a plant extensively used by traditional healers in Cameroon for the treatment of stomach disorders, gonorrhea, intestinal parasites and sterility. The infusion from the fruit is taken in Cameroon for the treatment of sickle cell anemia, as well. Similarly, the roots of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Syn. Fagara zanthoxyloides) are also used for wound dressing, sickle cell anemia and as pain reliever, in addition to the uses mentioned for Zanthoxylum leprieurii.

Aim of the study

To scientifically validate their traditional use, the in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer assays were performed. In addition, chemical compositions of their fruit extracts and essential oils were also studied.

Material and methods

The chemical compositions of their essential oils and methanol extracts were studied. GC and GC–MS were used for analyzing the essential oils while various chromatographic methods were used to isolate the pure compounds from methanol extracts. MTT assay was used for the cytotoxic studies of methanol extracts, their fractions and some pure compounds. Antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts, some isolated compounds as well as essential oils was tested against a panel of human pathogenic bacteria by diffusion and dilution methods.

Results

The principal constituents of the essential oil of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides were identified as citronellol and geraniol whereas Zanthoxylum leprieurii was rich in E-β-ocimene. Furthermore, we report for the first time, the presence of 7,8-dimethoxycoumarin and sinapic acid in the methanol extract of Zanthoxylum leprieurii. In vitro bioassays reveal that the methanol extracts, essential oil and some of the isolated compounds from fruits of both the plants exhibit moderate anticancer and antimicrobial activities.

Conclusion

Altogether, the present findings justify the traditional use of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Zanthoxylum leprieurii in the treatment of stomach disorders and cancer disease. The antimicrobial properties in the essential oil of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides are of additional significance.     

黄连须根浸提液对土壤微生物及酶活性的影响

黄连Coptis chinensis是大量使用的中药材,连作障碍严重。试验在供试土壤中加入不同浓度的黄连须根浸提液(REC),研究了它们对土壤微生物和酶活性的影响。结果表明,在加入REC的土壤中,微生物碳氮量显著降低,细菌和放线菌比对照降低约60%,但真菌增加3倍左右。自生固氮菌、磷细菌、钾细菌、硝化细菌和氨化细菌均显著减少,说明土壤固(供)氮、溶磷、解钾、促生等功能受到抑制。REC对土壤酶活性的影响表现出多样性,提高转化酶活性,降低脲酶活性,对脱氢酶活性无显著影响,妨碍了土壤生物化学反应的有序进行。此外,REC减少微生物标记性磷脂脂肪酸(PLFAs)种类,降低PLFAs总量,提高真菌/细菌PLFAs比值,说明REC在抑制细菌繁殖生长的同时,相对的增加了真菌数量,致使后续作物容易发生真菌病害。REC还显著降低土壤微生物群落的多样性和均匀度指数,说明加入REC恶化了土壤生态环境,使微生物种群减少,密度降低。因此,在黄连生长过程中,根系分泌的化感物质可能改变土壤微生物种群结构,造成连作障碍。     

山蚂蝗属植物化学成分与生物活性研究进展

豆科Leguminosae山蚂蝗属Desmodium植物的化学成分主要为萜类、黄酮类、甾体、生物碱类化合物,具有抗氧化、抗菌消炎、保肝,解热镇痛、利胆利尿等药理活性。该文综述了2003年来山蚂蟥属20余种植物的化学成分及生物活性研究进展,为该属植物的研究与利用提供理论依据。     

In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive actions of some Lamium species

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Several Lamium species have been used to relieve pain in arthritic ailments in Turkish folk medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of different extracts prepared with methanol, dichloromethane, n-butanol and water from the aerial parts of some Lamium species of Turkish origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lamium eriocephalum subsp. eriocephalum, Lamium garganicum subsp. laevigatum, Lamium garganicum subsp. pulchrum and Lamium purpureum var. purpureum (Lamiaceae); for the anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model, PGE(2)-induced hind paw edema model, and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema model and for the antinociceptive activity p-benzoquinone (PBQ)-induced writhing test in mice were employed. RESULTS: The n-butanol extracts of Lamium garganicum subsp. laevigatum (LGL-BuOH), Lamium garganicum subsp. pulchrum (LGP-BuOH), and Lamium purpureum var. purpureum (LPP-BuOH) exhibited notable inhibition (16.5-28.9, 14.5-26.9, 12.3-21.5%, resp.) in carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model at doses of 200mg/kg without inducing any gastric damage. The LGL-BuOH (7.1-30.4%) and LGP-BuOH (5.9-24.1%) extracts also displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity against PGE(2)-induced hind paw edema model. LGL-BuOH and LGP-BuOH were also found to exhibit remarkable antinociceptive activity in p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test at a dose of 200 mg/kg (25.0 and 24.3%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The experimental data demonstrated that Lamium garganicum subsp. laevigatum and Lamium garganicum subsp. pulchrum displayed remarkable anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the ethanolic extract of Bougainvillea xbuttiana

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bougainvillea xbuttiana is widely distributed in Mexico and it is used as an analgesic in folk medicine.

Aim of the study

In the present study the in vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the Bougainvillea xbuttiana ethanolic extract have been studied in mice.

Materials and methods

The phytochemical analysis was performed. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated through writhing and formalin test in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined with the carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema model. IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ levels were determined by enzyme-like immunosorbent assay, whereas TNF and nitrite levels were detected by standard assay with L929 cells and colorimetric Griess reactive, respectively.

Results

The results showed that the ethanolic extract of the Bougainvillea xbuttiana has significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, by inhibition of nociception induced by acetic acid and paw oedema. This extract also induced a decrease in TNF levels and an increase of IL-6, IFN-γ and NO levels that we observed up to 2 h. The highest levels of IL-10 were observed up to 4 h. The ratios of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines in sera from mice injected with the ethanolic extract, may be manifesting an anti-inflammatory status.

Conclusions

The present study provides convincing evidences that Bougainvillea xbuttiana extract possesses significant anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects.     

Anti-diarrhoea and analgesic activities of the methanol extract and its fractions of Jasminum amplexicaule Buch.-Ham. (Oleaceae)

Jasminum amplexicaule Buch.-Ham. (Oleaceae) has been commonly used in the traditional medicine in dysentery, diarrhoea and bellyache in China. In the present work, the methanol extract of Jasminum amplexicaule and different fractions of this extract were studied for anti-diarrhoea and analgesic activities. The anti-diarrhoea activities were investigated using castor oil-induced, magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhoea models, antienteropooling assay and gastrointestinal motility models in mice. The analgesic activities were studied using hot-plate, writhing and formalin models in mice. At the doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg, the methanol extract (ME) showed significant and dose-dependent anti-diarrhoea and analgesic activity in these models. The chloroform fraction (CHF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and the residual methanol fraction (RMF) exhibited similar activity using a dose of 200mg/kg in these models. The pharmacological activities of the n-butanol fraction (BUF) were lesser than the ME extract and other fractions. These results may support the fact that this plant is traditionally used to cure diarrhoea and pain.     

Antimicrobial activities of methanol extract and compounds from stem bark of Vismia rubescens

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The plant, Vismia rubescens (Guttiferae) is popularly used in Cameroon and in several parts of Africa as febrifugal and for the treatment of various microbial infections (skin diseases, diarrhoea and venereal diseases).

Aim of the study

This study was mapped out to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of the methanol extract and compounds from the stem bark of Vismia rubescens.

Materials and methods

Structures of the compounds obtained after column chromatography of the methanol-soluble fraction were determined by spectroscopy and in comparison with published data. The broth micro-dilution method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activities against three bacteria species (Salmonella typhi, Stahylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and four yeast species (Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis and Cryptococcus neoformans).

Results

Chemical analysis of the methanol extract from the stem bark of Vismia rubescens yielded five known compounds 1,4,8-trihydroxyxanthone (1), 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone (2), physcion (3), friedelin (4) and friedelanol (5). The crude extract and compounds 1, 2 and 3 exhibited both antibacterial and antifungal activities that varied between the microbial species (MIC = 3.12–1000 μg/ml). Compounds 2 and 3 were the most active (MIC = 3.12–100 μg/ml) while Stahylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were sensitive to all the tested compounds. The antimicrobial activity of this plant as well as that of compounds 1 and 2 is being reported here for the first time.

Conclusion

These results provide promising baseline information for the potential use of this plant as well as some of the isolated compounds in the treatment of skin diseases and diarrhoea.     

Anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and anti-nociceptive activities of Saururus chinensis extract

Ethnopharmacolgical relevance: The aerial parts of Saururus chinensis Baill. are used for the treatment of edema and inflammatory diseases in the Oriental folk medicine.     

Alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of two Anthocleista species and in vivo rat model anti-diabetic activities of Anthocleista djalonensis extracts and fractions

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Anthocleista djalonensis (A. Chev) and Anthocleista vogelii Planch are plants being used in West Africa traditionally to treat various diseases such as malaria, hernia, hypertension, stomach aches, hemorrhoids, syphilis, and diabetes. Diabetes causes about 5% of all deaths globally each year. Chemotherapeutic agents such as biguanides, sulfonylureas, and thiozolidinediones are available for the treatment of diabetes, however, they have undesirable side effects. The need for newer, more effective and less toxic drugs is imperative and the biodiversity of Nigeria has a high potential for drug discovery based on plants used in the ethnomedicine.

Aim of the study

To investigate the leaves, stem bark and roots of these plants for their probable alpha-amylase inhibitory activities and establish their anti-diabetic activities. The overall goal is do bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation of active anti-diabetic compounds.

Materials and methods

Powdered samples (leaves, stem bark and roots) macerated with 80% aqueous methanol were evaluated in vitro using alpha-amylase inhibitory assay while in vivo investigations were carried out on hyperglycemic rats. Diabetes was induced in albino rats by an intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (80 mg/kg). Plant extracts (1 g/kg) were given orally for 7 days, while blood glucose levels were monitored using a one touch glucometer. The crude methanol extracts found to be most active were further partitioned into hexane and ethyl acetate fractions which were also tested in vivo on the diabetic animals.

Results

The leaves and stem bark crude methanol extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis gave comparable α-amylase inhibition of 73.66% and 72.90%, respectively which were quite higher than the 38.93% and 22.90% of the same plant parts given by Anthocleista vogelii. The crude stem bark extract of Anthocleista djalonensis exhibited significant peak blood glucose reduction on day 6 (72.59%, p<0.05) which was higher than the leaves or roots which gave 45.73% and 47.46% (p<0.05), respectively The stem bark ethyl acetate fraction of Anthocleista djalonensis gave reduction in blood glucose level of 60.86% (p<0.05).

Conclusion

From our results, the leaves, stem bark and whole root of both plants exhibited α-amylase inhibitory activities with Anthocleista djalonensis also showing good anti-diabetic activities in vivo indicating that they contain active principles for the management of diabetes. There is justification for the use of the plants traditionally to manage diabetes.     

Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of the ethanol extract from Cynoglossum lanceolatum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cynoglossum lanceolatum Forsk. (Boraginaceae) has been used in folk medicine in china to treat acute nephritis, periodontitis, acute submandibular lymphadenitis, snake bite, etc. However, there have been no scientific reports in the modern literature on the diuretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of this plant. The objective of this study is to evaluate the above activities of the Cynoglossum lanceolatum extract (CLE) in animals.

Materials and methods

The diuretic effect of CLE was assessed in rats and rabbits. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using fresh egg white-induced paw edema in rats, carrageenan-elicited paw edema in adrenalectomized rats, and dimethylbenzene-induced inflammation in mice. The analgesic action was estimated in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the hot-plate test. In addition, the acute oral toxicity of CLE was studied in mice.

Results

CLE strikingly and dose-dependently increased urine output of rats and rabbits, suppressed fresh egg white-induced paw edema in rats and carrageenan-elicited paw edema in adrenalectomized rats, reduced dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in mice, inhibited the writhing response in mice, but did not increased reaction time of mice in the hot-plate test. No death of mice was observed when orally administered CLE up to 12 g/kg.

Conclusions

These findings propose that CLE has evident diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and non-central analgesic activities. Furthermore the anti-inflammatory action does not rely on endogenetic glucocorticoids regulated by hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. On the other hand, CLE also shows a favorable safety.