Anti-ulcer polysaccharides from Cola cordifolia bark and leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The study documented medicinal plants that are traditionally used for treatment of malaria in Shinile District, eastern Ethiopia, and evaluated selected medicinal plants for their antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium berghei.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted in four kebeles of Shinile District, Somali Region, Ethiopia. A total of 15 traditional healers were sampled based on recommendations of local elders and administrators. Specimens of the reported antimalarial plants were collected and stored at the Mini Herbarium of the Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, following identification. Crude aqueous and ethanol extracts of Aloe sp., Azadirachta indica and Tamarindus indica were tested in vivo against Plasmodium berghei. The three plants were selected based on the frequency antimalarial use report by healers.

Results

The study revealed 27 antimalarial plants, the majority of which were harvested from the wild. Root was the most frequently sought plant part. Most of the remedies were used in decoction form. Aloe sp., Azadirachta indica and Tamarindus indica were the most commonly reported plants for their antimalarial use. For the in vivo test, all the plant extracts were given to mice orally. Ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of Aloe sp. caused 73.94% and 58.10% parasitaemia suppression, respectively at dose of 650 mg/kg. Ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica leaves induced 54.79% parasitaemia suppression at the dose of 650 mg/kg and its water extract induced 21.47% parasite suppression at a similar dose. Water extract of the fruits of Tamarindus indica showed the highest parasitaemia suppression (81.09%) at the dose of 650 mg/kg. Most Plasmodium berghei infected mice treated with high dose of plant extracts survived relatively longer compared to their respective controls although the difference was not significant.

Conclusions

The result of this study may support the traditional use of Aloe sp., Azadirachta indica and Tamarindus indica in the study area against malaria. Results of this study can be used as a basis for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations in the effort for search of new and locally affordable antimalarial agents.     

Inulin-rich fractions from Vernonia kotschyana roots have anti-ulcer activity

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Roots from Vernonia kotschyana are on the national list of essential drugs in Mali (West-Africa). It is sold under the name Gastrosedal and it used against ailments like gastritis and gastric ulcer. To evaluate the anti-ulcer, immunomodulating activities and toxicity of 50 and 100 °C water extracts, Vk50-I and Vk100-I respectively, from the roots of Vernonia kotschyana.

Materials and methods

Characterization of extracts was carried out by GC, colorimetric and biological methods. Vk50-I and Vk100-I were administrated 50 min before induction of gastric ulcers in mice with 0.3 M HCl–60% EtOH. Inhibition of ulcer formation was calculated based on lesion index. Immunological activities were measured by complement fixation and macrophage activation. Toxicity assay was carried out on brine shrimps.

Results

Vk50-I (98% inulin) and Vk100-I (83% inulin) from Vernonia kotschyana significantly inhibited the formation of gastric lesions in mice (100 mg/kg). No immunomodulating activities or toxicity were found.

Conclusions

Our results show that inulin is probably partly responsible for the anti-ulcer activity of Gastrosedal. In addition, it is possible that water soluble polysaccharides (mainly inulin) have an indirect impact on the general health of the GI.     

Anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the n-butanol fraction from Pteleopsis suberosa stem bark

Pteleopsis suberosa Engl. et Diels (Combretaceae) is a tree distributed in many African countries. The decoction from the stem bark is orally administered for the treatment of gastric ulcers in traditional medicine. Previous pharmacological studies reported the anti-ulcer activity of extracts from P. suberosa stem bark. In the present study, the anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory effects of the n-butanol fraction (RBuOH) obtained from a methanol extract of P. suberosa bark were investigated on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats and carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice. Misoprostol (0.50 mg/kg, p.o.) and indomethacin (8.00 mg/kg, p.o.) were used as positive controls for anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory activities, respectively. Results showed that RBuOH treatment significantly reduced the incidence of gastric lesions (50 mg/kg, P<0.05; 100 and 200 mg/kg, P<0.01) and restored the decreased levels of total sulfhydryl groups (T-SH) and non-protein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH) (50, 100 mg/kg, P<0.05; 200 mg/kg, P<0.01) in the stomach homogenate. Moreover, RBuOH treatment attenuated MDA levels as index of lipid peroxidation in gastric mucosa. Administration of RBuOH at the same dosage (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) reduced significantly (P<0.01) carrageenan-induced paw oedema in dose-dependent manner (from 42.81% to 87.81% inhibition, 5h after carrageenan injection). The anti-inflammatory effect of RBuOH at 200 mg/kg was comparable with that of indomethacin. Finally, RBuOH proved to possess elevated free radical scavenger capacity on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay (IC(50) 23.48 microg/ml) which may contribute to the observed anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory activities.     

Role of Sida cordifolia L. leaves on biochemical and antioxidant profile during myocardial injury

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The Sida cordifolia L. (Family: Malvaceae) is a widely allocated herb by folk tribes of Gujarat state of India for the treatment of coronary manifestations. However, no published data relevant to use of the plant is available.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and biochemical profile of hydroalcoholic extract of Sida cordifolia L. (HESC) leaves against myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.

Materials and methods

Albino rats were administered HESC (100 and 500 mg/kg) and propranolol (10 mg/kg) once daily orally for 30 days. At the end of treatment period, MI was induced by administering isoproterenol (ISO) or by subjecting heart to ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Endogenous biomarkers (LDH and CK-MB) and antioxidants (SOD and catalase) were estimated in serum/perfusate and heart tissue homogenate (HTH).

Results

The LDH and CK-MB activities were elevated in HTH and depleted in serum/perfusate of HESC and propranolol groups when compared to ISO/IRI control. Further, it was found that both doses significantly increased endogenous antioxidants in HTH. Moreover, biochemical findings were supported by histopathological observations.

Conclusion

The result confirm, at least in part, for the use of Sida cordifolia in folk medicine to treat MI.     

Evaluation of the anti-stress and anticonvulsant activities of leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia in mice

Aim of the study

The extract of the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia (AC) is extensively used in ethnomedicine for ulcers, rheumatic pains, febrile convulsions and for enhancing physical performance. In this study, the anti-stress and anticonvulsant activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia were investigated in mice.

Materials and methods

The anti-stress activity was assessed based on the ability of the extract to alter the duration of immobility, in the forced swim endurance test, whilst a picrotoxin-treated animal, was employed as the model for convulsive seizures.

Results

The extract (100–400 mg/kg) given orally was found to significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the duration of immobility, which suggest an anti-stress/anti-fatigue property. However, AC when tested at doses between 100 and 400 mg/kg did not prevent convulsions induced by picrotoxin in mice. The acute toxicity study carried out in mice revealed that the extract was well tolerated by the animals, as no death was observed at oral doses of 500–4000 mg/kg.

Conclusions

The results of this preliminary study provide evidence, which may support the use of Alchornea cordifolia against stress or fatigue in ethnomedicine.     

Anti-inflammatory,wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant properties of the leaves of Ficus amplissima Smith

Ethno pharmacological relevance

Ficus amplissima, commonly known as kal-itchchi, being used in folklore medicine, leaves juice is applied externally on old chronic wounds and the latex is applied on the wound.

Aim

There was no scientific evidence justifying the medicinal use of Ficus amplissima, therefore the present study was aimed at evaluation of anti-inflammatory, wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant activity of the plant.

Materials and methods

In the present study the acetone extract of Ficus amplissima leaves were studied for enzymatic antioxidant activity through different assays, anti-inflammatory by using carrageenan and histamine induced rat paw edema models (50 mg, 100 mg acetone extract) and wound healing activity by incorporating the two doses (1% (w/w) and 2% (w/w)) of acetone extract and simple ointment base B.P. in concentration of 0.5% (w/w) using excision and incision wound models in rats. In case of the excision wound model wound contraction and period of epithelization was studied while incision wound model was evaluated by determining tensile strength.

Results

Ficus amplissima leaves expressed the potent anti-inflammatory and in-vivo antioxidant activity where 100 mg acetone extract showed high activity. Treatment of wound with ointment containing 2% (w/w) acetone extract exhibited significant (P<0.001) wound healing activity.

Conclusion

The acetone extract of Ficus amplissima leaves exhibited better anti-inflammatory, wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant activity probably due to phenols constituents.     

Enzyme inhibition,antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities,and brine shrimp toxicity of extracts from the root bark,stem bark and leaves of Terminalia macroptera

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The root bark, stem bark and leaves of Terminalia macroptera have been traditionally used against a variety of ailments such as wounds, hepatitis, malaria, fever, cough, and diarrhea as well as tuberculosis and skin diseases in African folk medicine. Boiling water extracts of Terminalia macroptera, administered orally, are the most common preparations of this plant used by the traditional healers in Mali. This study aimed to investigate the inhibition of the activities of α-glucosidase, 15-lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase, DPPH scavenging activity, complement fixation activity and brine shrimp toxicity of different extracts obtained by boiling water extraction (BWE) and by ASE (accelerated solvent extraction) with ethanol, ethanol–water and water as extractants from different plant parts of Terminalia macroptera.

Materials and methods

27 different crude extracts were obtained by BWE and ASE from root bark, stem bark and leaves of Terminalia macroptera. The total phenolic and carbohydrate contents, enzyme inhibition activities (α-glucosidase, 15-lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase), DPPH scavenging activity, complement fixation activity and brine shrimp toxicity of these extracts were evaluated. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied for total biological activities evaluation.

Results

Several of the extracts from root bark, stem bark and leaves of Terminalia macroptera obtained by BWE and ASE showed potent enzyme inhibition activities, radical-scavenging properties and complement fixation activities. None of the extracts are toxic against brine shrimp larvae in the test concentration. Based on the results from PCA, the ASE ethanol extracts of root bark and stem bark and the low molecular weight fraction of the 50% ethanol–water extract of leaves showed the highest total biological activities. The boiling water extracts were less active, but the bark extracts showed activity as α-glucosidase inhibitors and radical scavengers, the leaf extract being less active.

Conclusion

The observed enzyme inhibition activities, radical scavenging properties and complement fixation activities may explain some of the traditional uses of this medicinal tree, such as in wound healing and against diabetes.     

茜草和茜草炭对正常大鼠凝血-纤溶系统的影响

目的:研究茜草和茜草炭对正常Wistar大鼠凝血-纤溶系统的影响,通过其药理作用探讨它们的止血化瘀机制.方法:将Wistar大鼠随机分为6组,每组7只,分别为茜草和茜草炭水煎制低剂量、高剂量组(含生药5.0,10.0 g·kg-1),阳性对照组(氨甲苯酸0.6 g·kg-1),空白对照组(生理盐水10 mL·kg-1).灌胃7d,用ELISA法检测大鼠血浆中组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(t-PA)、纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂(PAI)和纤溶酶原(PLG)活性.结果:和空白对照组比较,茜草在实验剂量下均能提高t-PA的活性,且高剂量时提高t-PA的活性更显著(P＜0.01).高剂量茜草炭能使大鼠t-PA活性提高(P＜0.05),但其作用低于高剂量茜草组.低剂量时对大鼠t-PA活性影响不显著.茜草和茜草炭对PAI和PLG的活性影响均不显著.结论:茜草高、低剂量均能提高t-PA的活性,且在高剂量时提高更显著,进而影响凝血-纤溶系统,从而发挥其止血化瘀作用.茜草炭对纤溶系统也有一定作用,但可能是多种酶的综合作用.茜草和茜草炭对凝血-纤溶系统药理作用效果不同,进而影响它们的临床使用.     

Screening of the topical anti-inflammatory activity of the bark of Acacia cornigera Willdenow, Byrsonima crassifolia Kunth, Sweetia panamensis Yakovlev and the leaves of Sphagneticola trilobata Hitchcock

Ethnopharmacological relevance

An investigation of topical anti-inflammatory activity was undertaken on plants used in Central America traditional medicine.

Aim of study

Four herbal drugs used in the folk medicine of Central America to treat inflammatory skin affections (Acacia cornigera bark, Byrsonima crassifolia bark, Sphagneticola trilobata leaves and Sweetia panamensis bark) were evaluated for their topical anti-inflammatory activity.

Materials and methods

Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts were obtained for herbal medicines and then extracts were tested on Croton oil-induced ear dermatitis model in mice.

Results

Almost all the extracts reduced the Croton oil-induced ear dermatitis in mice and the chloroform ones showed the highest activity, with ID₅₀ (dose giving 50% oedema inhibition) values ranging from 112 μg/cm² (Byrsonima crassifolia) to 183 μg/cm² (Sphagneticola trilobata). As reference, ID₅₀ of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin was 93 μg/cm².

Conclusions

Lipophilic extracts from these species can be regarded as potential sources of anti-inflammatory principles.     

马肾果叶的化学成分研究

研究马肾果叶的化学成分。采用硅胶、Sephadex LH-20、高效制备液相等方法,对马肾果甲醇提取物进行分离纯化,通过质谱(MS)、波谱数据分析(¹H-,¹³C-NMR)进行结构鉴定。从马肾果甲醇提取物中分离7个化合物,分别鉴定为dasyclamide(1),aglamide A(2),aglamide B(3),aglamide C(4),aglamide D(5),aglaroxin A 1-O-acetate(6),3'-methoxyaglaroxin A 1-O-acetate(7)。上述化合物均为首次从该植物中分离得到。     

Wound healing activity of Calotropis gigantea root bark in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Calotropis gigantea R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is a perennial undershrub found chiefly in wastelands throughout India. It has been reported as a traditional folkloric medicine for a variety of alignments. The plant Calotropis gigantea is also used in some parts of India for wound healing in combination with other plants. However there are no scientific reports on wound healing activity of the plant Calotropis gigantea R.Br.

Aim of the study

To investigate the effects of Calotropis gigantea root bark on wound healing activity in rats by excision, incision and dead space wound healing models in rats.

Methodology

Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing between 180 and 200 g were topically treated with extract formulated in ointment by using simple ointment BP as base. 5% (w/w) ointment was applied once daily in excision wound model. Calotropis gigantea ethanolic extract was given orally at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in incision and dead space wound healing models. Rats of standard groups were treated with 5% Povidone iodine ointment topically. The percentage wound closure, epithelization time, hydroxyproline content and scar area on complete epithelization were measured.

Results

Topical application of Calotropis gigantea in excision wound model increased the percentage of wound contraction. Scar area and epithelization time were decreased. In incision wound and dead space wound breaking strength of wounds and hydroxyproline was increased.

Conclusion

Calotropis gigantea accelerated wound healing in rats and thus supports its traditional use.     

In vivo analgesic activity,toxicity and phytochemical screening of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Psidium cattleianum Sabine

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Psidium cattleianum Sabine is extensively used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat several diseases including painful disorders. Aim of the study to investigate the toxicity and the possible analgesic activities of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Psidium cattleianum Sabine (ELPCS), to support its use in folk medicine. To screen the major phytochemical constituents of this extract and evaluate their antioxidant activity.

Materials and methods

ELPCS was assessed for its antioxidant activity using the DPPH model. Its analgesic activity was examined using mouse models of acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate paw licking models. The major phytochemical constituents of the extract were screened; their toxicity on LLC-MK2 mammalian cells was evaluated.

Results

ELPCS exhibited significant peripheral analgesic activity at doses of 60, 80, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg in mice, but it did not display central analgesic activity and not was toxic to LLC-MK2 cell (LD₅₀>400 µg/mL). The extract exhibited free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by IC₅₀ values (15.9 µg/mL) obtained by the DPPH method. Phytochemical screening detected flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, and tannins.

Conclusions

The results of the experimental studies proved the analgesic activity of ELPCS and supported the traditional use of this plant.     

白木香叶化学成分的研究

目的:研究白木香叶的化学成分。方法:应用溶剂法和色谱法分离纯化化合物,利用谱学技术鉴定化合物结构。结果:分离得到33个化合物,本文鉴定12个化合物的结构,分别为5-羟基-7,4’-二甲氧基黄酮(1)、金合欢素(2)、木犀草素(3)、芫花素(4)、芫花苷(5)、腺苷(6)、芫花素-5-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(7)、高次衣草素-7-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(8)、次黄嘌呤(9)、尿嘧啶(10)、8-C-β-D-半乳糖基异牡荆素(11)、4-(1,2,3-三羟基丙基)-2,6-二甲氧基苯-1-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(12)。结论:除化合物1,3,4外,化合物2,5～12均为首次从白木香叶中分离得到。     

白木香叶脂溶性化学成分研究

目的:研究白木香叶脂溶性化学成分.方法:应用溶剂法和色谱法分离纯化化合物,利用谱学技术鉴定化合物结构.结果:分离得到11个化合物,分别鉴定为β-谷甾醇(1)、二十六烷酸(2)、隐丹参酮(cryptotanshinone,3)、2α-羟基熊果烷(2α-hydroxyursane,4)、二氢丹参酮I(dihydrotanshinone I,5)、丹参酮I(tanshinone I,6)、丹参酮ⅡA(tanshinoneⅡA,7)、2α-羟基熊果酸(2α-hydroxyursolic acid,8)、对羟基苯甲酸(p-hydroxybenzoic acid,9)、对羟基苯酚(hydroquinone,10)和胡萝卜苷(11).结论:除化合物9外,其他化合物均为首次从白木香叶中分离得到.     

藤三七总皂苷和总黄酮提取工艺优选

目的: 优选藤三七总皂苷和总黄酮的提取工艺。方法: 采用UV测定总皂苷和总黄酮含量。以总皂苷和总黄酮提取量为指标,采用单因素试验考察提取次数,正交试验考察乙醇体积分数、提取时间及乙醇用量对藤三七中总皂苷和总黄酮提取工艺的影响。结果: 藤三七中总皂苷和总黄酮的最佳提取工艺为加12倍量75%乙醇回流提取2次,每次2 h,总皂苷、总黄酮平均提取量分别为16.23,46.40 mg·g^-1。结论: 优选的提取工艺合理可行。     

柔毛淫羊藿叶黄酮类成分研究

对柔毛淫羊藿Epimedium pubescens叶的化学成分进行研究.采用硅胶,Sephadex LH-20,MCI柱色谱及制备、半制备HPLC等方法进行分离和纯化,根据理化性质和波谱数据鉴定化合物结构.从柔毛淫羊藿叶的70%乙醇提取物中分离得到11个化合物,分别鉴定为脱水淫羊藿素(1),淫羊藿次苷Ⅱ(2),2'-O-鼠李糖基淫羊藿次苷Ⅱ(3),去甲基脱水淫羊藿素(4),宝藿苷Ⅱ(5),朝霍素B(6),粗毛淫羊藿苷(7),苜蓿素(8),山柰酚(9),大豆素(10),对羟基苯甲酸乙酯(11).其中化合物 11 为首次从淫羊藿属植物中分离得到,其余10个化合物为首次从该植物中分离得到.     

大叶冬青的黄酮类成分研究

采用多种色谱技术,从大叶冬青的叶中分离得到9 个化合物,通过IR,UV,MS,NMR 等波谱学方法鉴定了化合物的结构,分别为5-羟基-6,7,8,4’-四甲氧基黄酮（1）,橘红素（2）,川陈皮素（3）,5-羟基-6,7,8,3’,4’-五甲氧基黄酮（4）,5,6,7,8,4’-五甲氧基黄酮醇（5）,5,6,7,8,3’,4’-六甲氧基黄酮醇（6）,5-羟基-3’,4’,7-三甲氧基二氢黄酮（7）,大豆脑苷Ⅰ（8）和大豆脑苷Ⅱ（9）。化合物 1~9 为首次从大叶冬青中分离得到。     

Fertility inducing effect of aerial parts of Coccinia cordifolia L. in female rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The aerial parts of Coccinia cordifolia L. are used to treat female infertility in West Bengal state of India.

Aim of the study

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the fertility inducing effect of aerial parts of Coccinia cordifolia L. in female rats.

Materials and methods

The effect of aqueous extract of Coccinia cordifolia L. on hyperprolactinemia induced infertility, endometriosis induced infertility and androgen-induced infertility was studied. The effect on serum estrogen level, serum progesterone level and reproductive tract was also evaluated in normal healthy female rats. The extract was administered orally at two different doses of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg.

Results

In hyperprolactinemia induced infertility model, the numbers of uterine implants were almost 10 times more in the extract treated groups as compared to control. The high dose of extract also produced a significant increase in serum estrogen levels (p < 0.01) and number of corpus luteum (p < 0.05) in healthy female rats. The extract at both doses was effective in reducing the weight of endometrial implants by 70–80%, but failed to induce fertility in rats with endometriosis. The extract was ineffective in inducing fertility in androgen-induced infertility model.

Conclusions

The aqueous extract of Coccinia cordifolia L. induces fertility in hyperprolactinemia induced infertility model in female rats.