Antimicrobial assays of three native British plants used in Anglo-Saxon medicine for wound healing formulations in 10th century England

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Three important Anglo-Saxon medical texts from the 10th century contain herbal formulations for over 250 plant species, many of which have yet to be evaluated for their phytochemical and/or pharmacological properties. In this study, three native British plants were selected to determine antimicrobial activity relevant to treating bacterial infections and wounds.

Materials and methods

Several preparations of Agrimonia eupatoria L., Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh. and Potentilla reptans L. were screened for antimicrobial activity against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria of relevance in wounds using a 96 well plate microdilution method (200, 40 and 8 μg/mL). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined for the most potent extracts from 2 to 0.004 mg/mL and HPLC chromatograms examined by multivariate analysis. Principle components analysis (PCA) was used to identify chemical differences between antimicrobial activity of the crude extracts.

Results

The HPLC–PCA score plots attributed HPLC peaks to the antimicrobial activity with all three plants inhibiting growth of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus by >50% in four or more extracts. The first two principal components (PC) represented 87% of the dataset variance. The P. reptans 75% ethanol root extract exhibited the greatest range of activity with MIC₅₀ at 31.25 μg/mL to a total MIC that was also the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) at 1 mg/mL. Additionally, the root of P. reptans, inhibited growth of Gram-negative bacteria with the 75% ethanol extract having a MIC₅₀ at 1 mg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the decoction a MIC₅₀ at 3.9 μg/mL against Escherichia coli.

Conclusions

The results indicate a moderate antimicrobial activity against common wound pathogens for P. reptans suggesting it may well have been effective for treating wound and bacterial infections. Anglo-Saxon literary heritage may provide a credible basis for researching new antimicrobial formulations. Our approach encompassing advanced analytical technologies and chemometric models paves the way for systematic investigation of Anglo-Saxon medical literature for further therapeutic indications to uncover knowledge of native British plants, some of which are currently lost to modern Western herbal medicine.     

Antimicrobial activity of some important Adiantum species used traditionally in indigenous systems of medicine

Adiantum Linn. of Adiantaceae family is one of the most common and widely distributed species. Ethnomedicinally, the genus is important and popularly known as "Hansraj" in Ayurvedic System of Medicine. It has been used in cold, tumors of spleen, liver and other viscera, skin diseases, bronchitis and inflammatory diseases. It is also considered as tonic and diuretic. In the present study its four important species, i.e. Adiantum capillus-veneris, Adiantum peruvianum, Adiantum venustum and Adiantum caudatum were collected and extracted with methanol. These extracts were tested for their antimicrobial agents against five gram positive, six gram negative (including multiresistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus) and eight fungal strains using standard microdilution assay. The maximum activity was exhibited by the methanolic extract of Adiantum venustum followed by Adiantum capillus-veneris, Adiantum peruvianum and Adiantum caudatum. The methanolic extract of Adiantum capillus-veneris had very low MIC value (0.48 microg/ml) against Escherichia coli whereas, Adiantum venustum extract against Aspergillus terreus with MIC of 0.97 microg/ml. Total phenolic constituents of Adiantum species viz. Adiantum venustum, Adiantum capillus-veneris, Adiantum peruvianum and Adiantum caudatum were 0.81% (w/w), 0.83% (w/w), 0.71% (w/w) and 0.52% (w/w), respectively (as gallic acid equivalent); implying that the observed activity could be related to the amount of phenolics.     

湿润烧伤膏治疗感染伤口的临床疗效观察

目的:观察湿润烧伤膏(MEBO)治疗感染伤口的临床疗效。方法:82例患者感染伤口应用湿润烧伤膏治疗。结果:82例患者全部愈合,治愈率为100%。愈合创面平整,无挛缩畸形,无明显功能障碍。结论:湿润烧伤膏治疗手术切口感染有较好的治疗效果。     

A review of plant species used to treat conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis is a major occular external infection in tropical countries. Although not a very serious disease, it gives much discomfort and sometimes leads to partial blindness or blindness due to corneal involvement. Conjunctivitis has been known to occur in epidemic proportions in different parts of the world, mainly African and Asian regions. The indigenous cure of conjunctivitis using herbal products has been popular for centuries. This paper is an attempt to compile information on plants mentioned as a cure for conjunctivitis during ethnobotanical surveys between 1933 and 2000. Plants mentioned as a cure in various systems of medicine, namely Siddha and Ayurveda, are also included.     

Additional antiprotozoal constituents from Cuphea pinetorum, a plant used in Mayan traditional medicine to treat diarrhoea

In addition to kaempferol and quercetin already found in the roots from Cuphea pinetorum, bioassay-guided fractionation of the crude extract of the aerial part of this species gave four flavonoid glycosides, quercetin-3-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside, luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, apigenin-7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside and apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, as well as squalen and beta-sitosterol. In vitro antiamoebic and antigiardial activities of isolated compounds indicated that kaempferol is the principal antiprotozoal agent in C. pinetorum. Based on finding this antiprotozoal inhibitor, flavonoids were studied in order to elucidate structure-activity relationships. These data suggest that kaempferol may play an important role in antidiarrhoeal activity of C. pinetorum.     

Screening of plants used in Mayan traditional medicine to treat cancer-like symptoms

Aim of the study

To investigate the potential of plants used in Mayan traditional medicine to treat cancer-like symptoms using the Mayan ethnobotany literature, and evaluate their organic extracts for in vitro cytotoxic activity on cancer cell lines.

Materials and methods

The selection of the plants studied in this investigation was based on the Mayan ethnobotanical information provided by different literature sources. Extracts were obtained by maceration with methanol for 72 h of each plant part used and evaporated in vacuo to give the corresponding dried extract. Each methanol extract was tested for its cytotoxicity using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay performed in 96-well tissue plates on seven cancer cell lines, lung carcinoma (A549), cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa), laryngeal carcinoma (Hep-2), nasopharynx carcinoma (KB), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3), and cervix squamous carcinoma cells (SiHa), as well as normal human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293). Cell proliferation/viability was spectrophotometrically assessed at 540 nm after addition of MTT.

Results

51 plants were found in the literature to be used for the treatment of symptoms suggestive of cancer, 21 were chosen to evaluate the cytotoxic activity. Aeschynomene fascicularis root bark extract showed a pronounced cytotoxic activity on Hela and KB cell lines and Bonellia macrocarpa stem and root bark extracts showed similar prominent activities on KB cells.

Conclusion

21 plants were selected according to their use in the treatment of cancer-like symptoms recorded in the ethnobotanical literature. Plant extracts prepared from Aeschynomene fascicularis root bark and Bonellia macrocarpa stem and root bark have been selected for extensive studies leading to the isolation of the active constituents.     

Antimicrobial activity of stingless bee (Trigona sp.) propolis used in the folk medicine of Western Maharashtra, India

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Stingless bee (Trigona sp.) propolis is widely used in the folk medicine of Western Maharashtra, India to treat a variety of ailments.

Aim of the study

To determine the chemical composition and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Indian stingless bee propolis.

Materials and methods

Chemical composition of the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) was determined by GC–MS analysis. A range of bacteria including multidrug resistant (MDR) cultures as well as a yeast strain was tested for antimicrobial activity using EEP. MIC, MBC, MFC, Kill curves and post agent effect (PAE) of the EEP were assessed using standard microbiological methods.

Results

GC–MS analysis revealed that propolis contained 24 compounds (9 known and 15 newly reported). Many of these were known bioactive compounds, including antimicrobials. The MICs of EEP were in the range of 1.21–9.75 μg/mL while the MBCs/MFC were between 2.43 and 19.5 μg/mL. The time required to achieve 90% (1 log₁₀) reduction in culture growth ranged between 1.06 and 3.53 h at their respective MIC values. PAE for all the cultures was >24 h.

Conclusion

Indian stingless bee propolis has a complex nature with 24 chemical compounds. It has a potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The latter finding, in conjunction with other bioactive properties, could provide a scientific basis to its popular use in the Indian folk medicine.     

"米邦塔"仙人掌提取物对细菌性皮肤致病菌抑制作用的研究

目的：研究“米邦塔”仙人掌对几种细菌性皮肤致病菌的抑制作用。方法：杯碟法测试“米邦塔”仙人掌汁对不同的细菌类皮肤致病菌是否有抑制作用及最低抑菌浓度。结果：“米邦塔”仙人掌汁对金黄色葡萄球菌、大肠杆菌、绿脓杆菌、乙型溶血性链球菌、变形杆菌、枯草牙孢杆菌、蜡状芽孢杆菌、表皮葡萄球菌均有明显的抑制作用。结论：该研究为“米邦塔”仙人掌在医药工业的合理应用提供了科学依据。     

Antimicrobial evaluation of some plants used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases

Twelve methanolic plant extracts from botanical species used in traditional medicine in Morelos, México to cure infectious diseases have been subjected to a screening study to detect potential antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial activity of the products was evaluated using colonies growing in solid medium, establishing the minimal concentration required to inhibit their in vitro growth (MIC). The results showed that extracts from Eucalyptus globolus Labill, Punica granatum L., Artemisia mexicana Willd., and Bocconia arborea Watt. possess strong in vitro antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms.     

Antimicrobial evaluation of certain plants used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of respiratory diseases

Eighteen crude extracts, including six hexanic, six chloroformic and six methanolic from six different plant species used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of respiratory infections, were evaluated for potential antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. The minimal inhibitory concentration was determined for each extract using a two-fold dilution assay. The results showed that 16 crude extracts (89%) exhibited antimicrobial activity against at least one of the microorganisms tested at concentrations of 5 mg/ml or below. The extracts from Gnaphalium oxyphyllum, Gnaphalium americanum, and Crescentia alata possessed strong antimicrobial activity against the pathogens tested.     

Screening of plants used in Danish folk medicine to treat epilepsy and convulsions

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of 42 plants used in Danish folk medicine for the treatment of epilepsy and convulsions, or for inducing sedation, were tested for affinity to the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor in the flumazenil-binding assay. Ethanolic extracts of leaves of Primula elatior and Primula veris and aerial parts of Tanacetum parthenium exhibited good, dose-dependent affinity.     

Effect of Mexican medicinal plant used to treat trichomoniasis on Trichomonas vaginalis trophozoites

Crude methanolic extracts from 22 Mexican medicinal plants were screened for antitrichomonal activity against Trichomonas vaginalis, which is the etiological agent of trichomoniasis. Among the plants tested Carica papaya and Cocos nucifera showed the best antitrichomonal activity with IC(50) values of 5.6 and 5.8 microg/ml, respectively. The extracts of Bocconia frutescens, Geranium mexicanum, and Lygodium venustum showed moderate activity with IC(50) values ranging from 30.9 to 60.9 microg/ml. All the other plant extracts were inactive (IC(50)>100 microg/ml). All extracts tested were less active than metronidazole (IC(50) 0.037 microg/ml), an antiprotozoal drug used as positive control. The results of the antiprotozoal screening support the popular uses of five of the plants tested for the treatment of some urogenital tract disorders in Mexican traditional medicine. However, seeds of Carica papaya and aerial parts of Bocconia frutescens should be used in herbal medicine with care to avoid toxicity.     

Identification and evaluation of Peruvian plants used to treat malaria and leishmaniasis

Households in eleven geographically and ethnically distinct areas in Loreto, Peru, were interviewed about their knowledge and use of plants, for the treatment of malaria and leishmaniasis. The survey resulted in 988 use records representing 118 plant-taxa for malaria and 289 use-records representing 85 plant-taxa for leishmaniasis. In both cases the 10 most frequently reported taxa accounted for about half of all the use-records. Plant material was collected and extracts were screened for in vitro inhibition of Plasmodium and Leishmania parasites. In the case of Plasmodium, extracts of 11 of the 13 most frequently reported plants showed significant growth inhibitory activity, while only a few plant extracts inhibited the growth of Leishmania parasites.     

Antimicrobial activity of certain Indian medicinal plants used in folkloric medicine

Fifty medicinal plants belonging to 26 families were studied for their antimicrobial activity. Among 50 plants tested, 72% showed antimicrobial activity. About 22 plant extracts from 15 families exhibited activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Fourteen plants belonging to 11 families did not show activity against any of the bacteria tested. Only nine plant extracts showed antifungal activity. The bulb extracts of A. cepa and A. sativum exhibited activity against both filamentous and non-filamentous fungus. Eight plant extracts belonging to seven families exhibited both antibacterial and antifungal activity.     

Screening of plants used in Danish folk medicine to treat memory dysfunction for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity

Aqueous and methanolic extracts of 11 plants, used in Danish folk medicine for improvement of memory and cognition, and 3 Corydalis species were tested for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity using the Ellman colorimetric method. Significant inhibitory activity in dose-dependent manner was observed for extracts of Corydalis cava, Corydalis intermedia, Corydalis solida ssp. laxa and Corydalis solida ssp. slivenensis. Extracts of Ruta graveolens, Lavandula angustifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis, Petroselinum crispum and Mentha spicata exhibited moderate inhibition of the enzyme, defined as more than 15% at 0.1 mg/ml.     

Potential genotoxicity of plant extracts used in Ethiopian traditional medicine

Aim of the study

Although traditional herbal medicines are widely used in Ethiopia, no information is available on their potential genotoxicity. In the present study, hydroalcoholic extracts of Glinus lotoides, Plumbago zeylanica, Rumex steudelii and Thymus schimperi were evaluated for their DNA damaging effects using the comet assay.

Material and methods

Mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells were exposed to different concentrations of the extracts for 3 h with and without metabolic activation (S9-mix) using 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide and benzo(a)pyrene as positive controls, and vehicles as negative controls.

Results

In the absence of S9, all extracts were found to induce significant DNA damage without affecting the cell viability. T. schimperi and R. steudelii were the most potent DNA-damaging extracts, and G. lotoides and P. zeylanica the least potent. The addition of S9 had different effects on the DNA damage induced by the extracts: it lowered the DNA damaging effect of P. zeylanica, did not affect the DNA damaging effect of T. schimperi, and increased the DNA damaging effects of R. steudelii and G. lotoides.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study suggest that all extracts evaluated have a genotoxic potential in vitro which needs to be substantiated by further studies.     

An evaluation of the activity related to inflammation of four plants used in Thailand to treat arthritis

The leaves of Acanthus ebracteatus, stembark of Oroxylum indicum and the stems of Cryptolepis buchanani and Derris scandens are used as traditional remedies in Thailand for arthritis. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts were tested using three different in vitro systems for effects relevant to anti-inflammatory activity. The aqueous extracts of O. indicum and D. scandens significantly reduced myeloperoxide release. Eicosanoid production was reduced only by the aqueous extracts of A. ebracteatus and D. scandens. D. scandens extract showed potent inhibitory activity against generation of leukotriene B(4) and also displayed antioxidant activity. In the rat hind paw edema test, D. scandens extract showed significant activity when given intraperitoneally but did not produce a significant reduction when given orally. The results therefore supported to some extent the traditional use of D. scandens for arthritic conditions and provided slight indication of activity which could explain the use of O. indicum and A. ebracteatus. No relevant activity was demonstrated in any of the tests for C. buchanani extracts.     

Antimicrobial phenylpropanoids from the Argentinean highland plant Parastrephia lucida (Meyen) Cabrera

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The Argentinean highland plant Parastrephia lucida (Meyen) Cabrera is used in traditional medicine as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory crude drug.

Aim of the study

To relate the antimicrobial effect of the crude drug with the constituents of the active fractions and traditional use.

Materials and methods

Assay-guided isolation of the methanol (MeOH) plant extract was carried out using bacteria and yeasts as target organisms. Both ATCC and local strains were included in the study. The antimicrobial fractions and compounds were detected by bioautographic assays. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of each extract and fraction were determined and compared with reference antibiotics. Fractions were analyzed by HPLC–DAD, GC–MS, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR.

Results

From the MeOH extract of the plant, assay-guided isolation of the antimicrobial constituents led to 12 phenylpropanoids and two simple phenolics. Most of the compounds occurring in the active fractions were E-caffeoyl or E-cinnamoyl esters including prenyl and phenethyl derivatives. The MIC values of the most active fractions ranged between 12.5 and 200 μg/mL against reference strains and local isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.

Conclusions

The antimicrobial effect found in the crude drug was associated with mixtures of phenylpropanoids, including prenyl and phenethyl esters of caffeic and cinnamic acids. The results support at least in part the traditional use of the plant as local antiseptic.     

Antimicrobial activity, toxicity and the isolation of a bioactive compound from plants used to treat sexually transmitted diseases

Extracts of six ethnobotanically selected medicinal plants (Anredera cordifolia, Elaeodendron transvaalense, Elephantorrhiza burkei, Senna petersiana, Terminalia sericea and Rauvolfia caffra) used traditionally to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) were investigated for antibacterial activity using the agar dilution method. Of the six collected, Terminalia sericea, Senna petersiana and Anredera cordifolia were also investigated for cytotoxicity. The phytochemical studies on Senna petersiana resulted in the isolation of luteolin, which also showed antimicrobial activity. Only the Senna petersiana extract and luteolin isolated from it were tested for antiviral activity and showed some activity at the highest non-toxic concentration of 24 and 500 microg/ml, respectively. The results of the antimicrobial screening support the ethnomedicinal uses of these plants to some extent.     

Antioxidant and antiglycation properties of total saponins extracted from traditional Chinese medicine used to treat diabetes mellitus

Eleven antidiabetic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) extracts rich in saponins were examined for their antioxidant and antiglycation activities. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were evaluated by studying the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes induced by ascorbate/Fe2+, cumine hydroperoxide (CHP) or CCl4/reduced form of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). The antioxidant capacities were also evaluated by studying the scavenging of 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The antiglycation activities of these extracts were evaluated by hemoglobin-delta-gluconolactone (delta-Glu) assay, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-glucose assay and N-acetyl-glycyl-lysine methyl ester (GK peptide)-ribose assay. Aralia taibaiensis outperformed other extracts in most of the assays except inhibition of early glycation products formation, where Acanthopanax senticosus showed higher activity. Aralia taibaiensis was particularly potent in inhibiting the late glycation and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on proteins. The antioxidant and antiglycation activities of most extracts were correlated with the saponin content. The results demonstrate that the antidiabetic activities of most extracts could be explained, at least in part, by their combined antioxidant and antiglycation properties.