Evaluation of antioxidant activities and phenolic content of Berberis vulgaris L. and Berberis croatica Horvat

Antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extracts of roots, twigs and leaves of common barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) and Croatian barberry (Berberis croatica Horvat) were studied. All the extracts were found to possess some radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities, as determined by scavenging effect on the DPPH free radical, reducing power and β-carotene–linoleic acid model system. With the exception of the β-carotene–linoleic acid test, antioxidant activity correlated well with the content of main plant antioxidants, phenols and flavonols, which suggests an important role of these compounds in overall antioxidant activity of investigated plant organs. The antioxidant activity varied mostly in relation to the organ, while no significant statistically differences were found between B. vulgaris and B. croatica.     

Antidiarrheal activity,chemical and toxicity profile of Berberis aristata

Context: This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antidiarrheal activity, oral acute toxicological profile, and developed a chemical fingerprint of Berberis aristata Linn. (Berberidaceae).

Materials and methods: The ethanol (by maceration) and aqueous (by Soxhlet) extracts of Berberis aristata bark were used for the study. The study involved the antimicrobial (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) by micro dilution) and antidiarrheal (castor oil induced diarrhea, charcoal motility) tests. The active principle, berberine was characterized by different spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.

Results: The MIC and MBC (of both extracts) against all strains of Shigella were recorded between 125 to 500?µg/mL and 300 to 600?µg/mL, respectively. The MIC and MBC values of berberine are almost comparable to standard ciprofloxacin. UV and IR spectroscopy along with HPTLC and HPLC studies showed presence of berberine in the extracts. The onset of castor oil induced diarrhea was delayed and number of diarrheal episodes was reduced by both the extracts in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, the length of intestine traveled by the feed was also significantly reduced in the charcoal motility test by both the extracts. LD₅₀ of >5000?mg/kg body weight was observed for both extracts in the acute oral toxicity studies with Swiss albino mice.

Conclusion: The results validate in vivo and in vitro antidiarrheal activity of Berberis aristata extracts and provide its chemical fingerprint.     

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of the Root of Berberis asiatica

Berberis asiatica Roxb. ex. DC. (Berberidaceae) is a very common substitute to "Daruharidra", that is, B. aristata DC., which is used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Being an important medicinal plant, it is used extensively for treating a variety of ailments, that is, affection of eyes, skin disease, jaundice, and rheumatism. The current study was therefore carried out to provide requisite pharmacognostic details. Morphological, anatomical, and phytochemical aspects were carried out to identify the diagnostic features of B. asiatica root. Some of the diagnostic features of the root drug noted from the anatomical study are patches of pericyclic fiber, pitted sclerieds, and berberine-containing cells and heterocyclic medullary rays. Physicochemical studies revealed the presence of total ash 2.650%; acid insoluble ash 0.266%; alcohol soluble extractive 11.833%; water soluble extractive 15.333%; tannins 1.723%; sugar 0.332%; starch 16.444%; and alkaloidal content (berberine) 2.4%. A comparative high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis with B. aristata showed a similar profile. Berberine was identified as the major constituent, with a slightly lower percentage (2.4%) in the former. The R_f value of other bands was also calculated.     

The promising effect of barberry (Zereshk) extract against experimental pulmonary microvascular remodeling and hypertension: A comparison with sildenafil

Context: Despite the beneficial effects of barberry (Berberis integerrima Berberidaceae) on decreasing systemic hypertension, its influence has not been investigated on pulmonary hypertension.

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the effect of barberry fruit, on monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension.

Materials and methods: Nine groups were arranged as follows: the control group, the monocrotaline (M) group, the barberry groups with doses of 50, 100, and 200 (mg/kg), the M plus barberry groups, and the M plus sildenafil group. Two weeks after a single injection of monocrotaline (60?mg/kg, s.c.), barberry water extracts or sildenafil (30?mg/kg/d) were gavaged daily for 2 weeks. At the end of the 4th week, hemodynamic, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were assessed.

Results: In comparison with the M group, barberry (200?mg/kg) or sildenafil significantly reduced the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) (22.95?±?1.78?mm Hg and 30.71?±?1.64?mm Hg, versus 41.28?±?1.5?mm Hg), right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) (0.39?±?0.03 and 0.42?±?0.02, versus 0.57?±?0.02), and the medial wall thickness (MWT) (4.56?±?0.15?µm and 5.97?±?0.19?µm, versus 7.02?±?0.43?µm). Barberry or sildenafil had no significant effect on the plasma level of endothelin-1, glutathione peroxidase, and the malondialdehide of lung.

Conclusion: 200?mg/kg of barberry has an improving effect on the monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension. This effect was stronger than that of the sildenafil's and may have been mediated through mechanisms other than the modulation of the endothelin-1 or redox system.     

小檗属植物抗糖尿病及糖尿病并发症的研究进展

小檗属植物资源丰富,药用历史悠久,可用于治疗多种疾病,其中刺檗、具芒小檗、毛叶黄耆和豪猪刺等植物的研究较为深入。小檗属植物的主要成分为生物碱类和黄酮类,研究最多的是小檗碱,其具有降血糖血脂、抗炎、抑菌等药理作用,可用于治疗糖尿病及其并发症。然而,对小檗碱的研究并不能代替对小檗属植物的研究。对小檗属植物提取物抗糖尿病及其并发症的药理作用和作用机制进行综述,为促进该属植物及其有效成分的临床应用提供理论基础。     

Berberis aetnensis C. Presl. extracts: antimicrobial properties and interaction with ciprofloxacin

Previous research showed that berberine-containing Berberis species synthesise the substances 5'-methoxyhydnocarpin-D (5'-MHC-D) and pheophorbide a, which have no antimicrobial activity but inhibit the expression of multidrug resistant efflux pumps (MDRs) in Staphylococcus aureus and potentiate the action of berberine. The MDR pumps extrude synthetic and natural antimicrobials from bacterial cells. We searched for these compounds in Berberis aetnensis C. Presl. (Berberidaceae), an endemic plant of the volcano Mount Etna. This work confirms the presence of pheophorbide a and permits us to hypothesise the presence of 5'-MHC-D in leaf extracts. In fact, the activity of ciprofloxacin was improved when two chromatographic fractions isolated from leaf extracts were added. These results are indicative of the presence of MDR pump inhibitors. Moreover, crude extracts were tested on several micro-organisms and showed antimicrobial activity mainly against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts.     

Antioxidant,antimicrobial and wound healing properties of Struthanthus vulgaris

Context: Struthanthus vulgaris (Vell.) Mart. (Loranthaceae) has been widely used in traditional medicine in Brazil to bathe wounds.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the in vitro wound healing effects, together with the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of S. vulgaris leaf and branch extracts.

Material and methods: Ethanol leaf and branch extracts of S. vulgaris were investigated at 1–100?µg/ml concentrations in the scratch assay after 14?h. Antioxidant activity was investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, and the antibacterial activity was tested at concentrations up to 1000?µg/ml against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by the microdilution test after 24?h. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by colorimetric methods.

Results: Struthanthus vulgaris leaf and branch extracts at 100?µg/ml concentration stimulated migration and proliferation of fibroblasts and enhanced cell numbers by 56.2% and 18.6%, respectively. Antioxidant activity exhibited IC₅₀ values of 24.3 and 18.9?µg/ml for the leaf and branch extracts, respectively. The ethanol leaf extract showed antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive Staphylococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentration values of 125 and 500?µg/ml, respectively. An appreciable total phenolic content in the leaves (813.6?±?2.7?mg/g) and branches (462.8?±?9.6?mg/g), and relatively low concentration of flavonoids in the leaves (13.3?±?4.3?mg/g) and branches (1.9?±?0.2?mg/g), was detected.

Discussion and conclusion: The antioxidant and antibacterial activities, together with the strong ability to stimulate proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, provide some support for the traditional use of S. vulgaris.     

近红外漫反射光谱结合主成分回归法快速测定黑果小檗皮中盐酸小檗碱含量

目的应用近红外漫反射光谱结合主成分回归法(PCR)对黑果小檗皮中盐酸小檗碱进行快速定量分析。方法通过化学测定值与光谱间建立PCR数学模型对黑果小檗皮中盐酸小檗碱进行快速定量分析。结果黑果小檗皮中盐酸小檗碱的内部交叉验证均方差(RMSECV)为1.016 9,内部交叉验证决定系数为0.979 5,预测平均回收率为108.51%,统计学检验表明预测值与标准方法测定值之间的差异无统计学意义。结论表明利用近红外漫反射光纤光谱结合PCR对黑果小檗进行定量分析可行。     

Effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the pharmacokinetics of berberine in rats

Context: Berberine is an active alkaloid isolated from Rhizoma coptidis [Coptis chinensis Franch. (Ranunculaceae)] that is widely used for the treatment of diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. However, the pharmacokinetics of berberine in normal rats and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model rats are not clear.

Objective: This study compares the pharmacokinetics of berberine between normal and T2DM model rats.

Materials and methods: The T2DM model rats were fed with high fat diet for 4 weeks, induced by low-dose (30?mg/kg) streptozotocin for 72?h and validated by determining the peripheral blood glucose level. Rats were orally treated with berberine at a dose of 20?mg/kg and then berberine concentration in rat plasma was determined by employing a sensitive and rapid LC-MS/MS method.

Results: The significantly different pharmacokinetic behaviour of berberine was observed between normal and T2DM model rats. When compared with the normal group, C_max, t_1/2 and AUC_(0–t) of berberine were significantly increased in the model group (17.35?±?3.24 vs 34.41?±?4.25?μg/L; 3.95?±?1.27 vs 9.29?±?2.75?h; 151.21?±?23.96 vs 283.81?±?53.92?μg/h/L, respectively). In addition, oral clearance of berberine was significantly decreased in the model group (134.73?±?32.15 vs 62.55?±?16.34?L/h/kg).

Discussion and conclusion: In T2DM model rats, the pharmacokinetic behaviour of berberine was significantly altered, which indicated that berberine dosage should be modified in T2DM patients.     

近红外漫反射光纤光谱结合偏最小二乘法快速测定黑果小檗皮中盐酸小檗碱含量

目的应用近红外漫反射光纤光谱结合偏最小二乘法(NIR-PLSR)对黑果小檗皮中盐酸小檗碱进行快速定量分析。方法建立NIR-PLSR数学模型对黑果小檗皮中盐酸小檗碱进行快速定量分析。结果黑果小檗皮中盐酸小檗碱的内部交叉验证均方差(RMSECV)为0.810 2,内部交叉验证决定系数为0.987 1,预测平均回收率为101.4%,统计学检验表明NIR预测值与标准方法测定值之间的差异无统计学意义。结论利用NIR-PLSR对黑果小檗进行定量分析可行。     

Antiplasmodial activity of aqueous extract of Berberis aristata roots against Plasmodium berghei-infected BALB/c mice

Abstract

Context: The rising problem of resistance to present antimalarial drugs stresses the need to look for newer antiplasmodial components with effective modes of action. The roots of Berberis aristata DC. (Berberidaceae) are used in the traditional medicine for malaria in various parts of India.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate antiplasmodial activity of B. aristata roots extract for the validation of its traditional medicinal use.

Material and methods: Aqueous root extract of Berberis aristata (AREBA) was screened for its in vitro as well as in vivo antiplasmodial activity against lethal rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei NK65. In vitro activity was evaluated against schizont maturation of P. berghei using various concentrations ranging from 1 to 100?µg/mL. For in vivo studies, AREBA at the doses of 150, 250, 350, and 650?mg/kg/d was administered to P. berghei infected BALB/c mice orally for 4 consecutive days (D0–D3).

Results: AREBA showed in vitro antiplasmodial activity with an IC₅₀ value of 40?µg/mL. In vivo studies demonstrated a variable dose-dependent chemosuppression with higher efficacy at lower doses. At a dose of 350?mg/kg/d, the suppressive and preventive activities were found to be 67.1% and 53.9%, respectively, followed by enhancing mean survival period up to 12.8?d for the curative assay versus 7.5?d for the untreated mice.

Discussion and conclusion: These results provide relevant scientific evidences for the traditional medicinal use of this plant as malaria remedy and further advocates the isolation and characterization of active antiplasmodial principle from this plant.     

Effect of macronutrient deficiency on withanolides content in the roots of Withania somnifera and its correlationship with molybdenum content

Abstract

Context: The content of withanolides in the roots of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) is important for therapeutic application. Earlier studies have shown that the deficiency of macro- and micronutrients affects the growth of W. somnifera. Therefore, we examined the effect of these deficiencies on the withanolides content of the roots.

Objective: To examine the effect of molybdenum accretion in nitrogen-, phosphorus-, calcium- and potassium-deficient soils on the accumulation of withanolides in the roots of W. somnifera. Different withanolides have different therapeutic applications hence major bioactive withanolides assume importance.

Materials and methods: Methanol extracts of the roots were subjected to HPTLC and individual withanolides were identified by comparing their R_f values with those of the authentic samples. Molybdenum was quantified by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Free radical scavenging activity was monitored by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay.

Results: Molybdenum content in roots of nitrogen-, phosphorus-, calcium-, potassium-deficient, and control plants were 7.02?±?2.1, 13.1?±?1.6, 17.1?±?0.9, 33.5?±?3.3, and 33.9?±?1.6?ppm, respectively. Levels of withaferine A increased with the increase in the Mo content in roots from 7.79?±?2.2?mg/g to 12.57?±?3.4?mg/g. Antioxidant activity of nitrogen-deficient plants was the lowest (24.7?±?2.2%) compared to other groups.

Discussion and conclusion: It was observed that nitrogen metabolism-dependent molybdenum uptake influences the withanolides accumulation in the roots.     

Evaluation of selected South African plant species for antioxidant,antiplatelet, and cytotoxic activity

The antioxidant, antiplatelet, and cytoxoxic effects of seven South African plant extracts, namely, Combretum vendae A.E. van Wyk (Combretaceae), Commiphora harveyi (Engl.) Engl. (Burseraceae), Khaya anthotheca (Welm.) C.DC (Meliaceae), Kirkia wilmsii Engl. (Kirkiaceae), Loxostylis alata A. Spreng. ex Rchb. (Anacardiaceae), Ochna natalitia (Meisn.) Walp. (Ochnaceae), and Protorhus longifolia (Bernh. Ex C. Krauss) Engl. (Anacardiaceae), were evaluated using established in vitro assays. All the extracts showed comparably low toxicity except for the extract of C. harveyi that showed high hemagluttination assay titer value, which indicates toxicity. The extracts of P. longifolia, K. wilmsii, O. natalitia, L. alata, C. harveyi, and C. vendae exhibited antioxidant properties in the qualitative assay using DPPH. In the quantification of antioxidation using ABTS, only the extracts of P. longifolia, L. alata, and C. vendae showed antioxidant activity with respective TEAC values of 1.39, 1.94, and 2.08. Similarly, in the quantitative DPPH assay, L. alata (EC₅₀, 3.58?±?0.23?µg/mL) and K. wilmsii (EC₅₀, 3.57?±?0.41?µg/mL) did not differ significantly (p?≤?0.05) from the control. K. anthotheca showed a higher EC₅₀ (176.40?±?26.56?µg/mL) value, and differed significantly (p?≤?0.05) from all the other extracts and control. In addition, the extracts of C. vendae and C. harveyi showed significant (p?≤?0.05) antiplatelet activity and did not differ from the control (aspirin) with EC₅₀ of 0.06?±?0.01?µg/mL and 0.19?±?0.00?µg/mL, respectively. Lower EC₅₀ values in the antioxidant and antiplatelet studies are indicative of superior activity of the plant extract against oxidation and platelet aggregation.     

甘肃小檗枝、叶化学成分的分离与鉴定

目的:对甘肃小檗枝、叶中的化学成分进行分离与鉴定。方法:采用大孔吸附树脂、硅胶、SephadexLH-20等色谱分离手段对甘肃小檗的枝、叶95%乙醇提取物进行分离纯化,根据理化性质和光谱数据鉴定化合物的结构。结果:从甘肃小檗的枝、叶中共分离得到8个化合物,分别鉴定为小檗胺(1)、小檗碱(2)、巴马汀(3)、药根碱(4)、非洲防己胺(5)、小檗红碱(6)、8-氧小檗碱(7)、(+)木兰花碱(8)。其中,化合物5至8为首次从该植物中分离得到。结论:本试验结果可为甘肃小檗的进一步研究提供依据。     

Studies on phytochemical,antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,hypoglycaemic and antiproliferative activities of Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia extracts

Context: Echinacea (Asteraceae) is used because of its pharmacological properties. However, there are few studies that integrate phytochemical analyses with pharmacological effects.

Objective: Evaluate the chemical profile and biological activity of hydroalcoholic Echinacea extracts.

Materials and methods: Density, dry matter, phenols (Folin–Ciocalteu method), flavonoids (AlCl₃ method), alkylamides (GC-MS analysis), antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS methods), antiproliferative effect (SRB assay), anti-inflammatory effect (paw oedema assay, 11 days/Wistar rats; 0.4?mL/kg) and hypoglycaemic effect (33 days/Wistar rats; 0.4?mL/kg) were determined in three Echinacea extracts which were labelled as A, B and C (A, roots of Echinacea purpurea L. Moench; B, roots, leaves, flowers and seeds of Echinacea purpurea; C, aerial parts and roots of Echinacea purpurea and roots of Echinacea angustifolia DC).

Results: Extract C showed higher density (0.97?g/mL), dry matter (0.23?g/mL), phenols (137.5?±?2.3 mEAG/mL), flavonoids (0.62?±?0.02 mEQ/mL), and caffeic acid (0.048?mg/L) compared to A and B. A, B presented 11 alkylamides, whereas C presented those 11 and three more. B decreased the oedema (40%) on day 2 similar to indomethacin. A and C showed hypoglycaemic activity similar to glibenclamide. Antiproliferative effect was only detected for C (IC₅₀ 270?μg/mL; 8171?μg/mL; 9338?μg/mL in HeLa, MCF-7, HCT-15, respectively).

Discussion and conclusion: The difference in the chemical and pharmacological properties among extracts highlights the need to consider strategies and policies for standardization of commercial herbal extracts in order to guarantee the safety and identity of this type of products.     

In vitro anti-aging activities of extracts from leaves of Ma Kiang (Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala)

Abstract

Context: Cleistocalyx nervosum (DC.) Kosterm. var. paniala (Roxb.) J. Parn. & Chantaran. (Myrtaceae) or Ma Kiang contains high amounts of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity of its fruit and seed has been investigated. However, limited available information concerning the biological activities of its leaves has been reported.

Objective: To investigate the in vitro anti-aging potential of young and old leaves of Ma Kiang.

Materials and methods: Ma Kiang leaves were extracted using water, methanol, and chloroform as the solvents by cold (sonication) and hot (boiling) processes. The extracts were determined for total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The extracts (at 0.001–10?mg/ml) were tested for antioxidative and tyrosinase inhibition activities using a colorimetric method. The cytotoxicity of extracts (at 0.0001–1?mg/ml) was determined with human skin fibroblasts. Also, the extracts at 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1?mg/ml which showed no toxicity were tested for MMP-2 inhibition.

Results: The cold methanol extract of the old leaves showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 511.44?±?18.23?μg GAE/mg and 262.96?±?2.98?μg QE/mg, respectively. This extract also gave high free radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and tyrosinase inhibition activities with SC₅₀, IPC₅₀, and IC₅₀ values of 0.02?±?0.004, 0.23?±?0.13, and 0.02?±?0.006?mg/ml, respectively. The extract at 0.1?mg/ml exhibited the highest MMP-2 inhibition of 91.14?±?1.67%.

Discussion and conclusion: The anti-aging potential of the cold methanol extract from old leaves of Ma Kiang can be further developed as an anti-aging agent.     

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the indigenous medicinal plant Albizia odoratissima

Context: Albizia odoratissima (L. f.) Benth has been used in Indian folk medicine to treat numerous inflammatory pathologies, such as leprosy, ulcers, burns and asthma.

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of A. odoratissima.

Materials and methods: Dried leaves of A. odoratissima were extracted in organic solvents (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol). The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was examined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The antibacterial activity was examined using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bacterial concentration (MBC), determined by broth microdilution method against Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus vulgaris) and Gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus).

Results: The TPC ranged from 4.40?±?1.06 to 1166.66?±?31.85?mg GAE/g of dry weight (DW), and the TFC ranged from 48.35?±?3.62 to 109.74?±?1.84?mg QE/g of DW. The IC₅₀ values of the ethyl acetate extract for DPPH, ABTS, and H₂O₂ were 10.96?±?0.40, 4.35?±?0.07, and 163.82?±?1.52?μg/mL, respectively. Both methanol and ethyl acetate extracts demonstrated effective antibacterial activity with MICs and MBCs values ranging 136–546?μg/mL and 273–1093?μg/mL, respectively, against the tested pathogenic species.

Conclusions: The leaves of A. odoratissima showed potent free radical scavenging property and antimicrobial activity.     

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Pittocaulon species from México

Context: Stems and leaves of Pittocaulon spp. (Asteraceae) are used in Mexican traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory substance and for the treatment of skin injuries.

Objective: This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of methanol (MeOH) and dichloromethane (DC) extracts of five Pittocaulon species.

Materials and methods: DC and MeOH extracts from flowers, roots, and stems of Pittocaulon praecox (Cav.) H. Rob. & Brettell, P. bombycophole (Bullock) H. Rob. & Brettell, P. filare (Mc Vaugh) H. Rob. & Brettell, P. velatum (Greenm.) Rob. & Brettell and P. hintonii H. Rob. & Brettell.

Result and Discussion: In the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the flower extracts obtained with MeOH were the most active with IC₅₀ values ranging from 51.83?±?4.08 to 154.19?±?8.39 ppm. In the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) model, the best activity was shown by DC extracts of roots with IC₅₀ values ranging from 55.54?±?1.28 to 160.82?±?5.37 ppm. The MeOH extract of flowers of P. bombycophole had the highest IC₅₀ value in both DPPH (51.83?±?4.08 ppm) and TBARS (39.78?±?1.97 ppm). The samples with the best values in the antioxidant activity assays were evaluated in the anti-inflammatory tests. The DC root extract of P. velatum at a dose of 1?mg/ear produced the greatest reduction (84.96%) of the 2-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema. This extract also reduced the activity of the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) (73.65%) at the same dose. In contrast, DC root extract of this species did not show significant inhibition of the increase in paw edema induced by carrageenan at the doses tested (100?mg/kg).

Conclusion: These results support the traditional use of these plants as anti-inflammatory. DC extracts of P. velatum and MeOH extracts of P. bombycophole may be a potential resource of natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, respectively. Additional studies must be done to identify the compounds responsible of the activity on these plants and to establish the mechanism of action.     

Amino acid content and acetylcholinesterase inhibition of Huperzia saururus infusion and decoction

Abstract

Context. Huperzia saururus (Lam.) Trevis. (Lycopodiaceae), an autochthonous plant species in Argentina, is used as a memory improver in traditional medicine. It was studied for this reason and the purified alkaloid extract did show significant activity on learning and memory. The species is mostly consumed in the form of infusions and decoctions.

Objectives: To evaluate the activity of the H. saururus infusion and decoction as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and to determine the amino acid content in both extracts.

Material and methods: Infusion and decoction were purified by ionic exchange chromatography and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC-UV, and the AChE inhibition of these extracts was evaluated by using the Ellman method.

Results: Both infusion and decoction exerted strong AChE inhibitory activities (IC₅₀?=?7.2?±?0.4 and 22.7?±?5.6?μg/mL, respectively). Among nine amino acids, arginine (Arg) was identified in a concentration greater than 9?mg/100?g of dried aerial parts in both extracts.

Discussion and conclusion: This high content of Arg could be considered a contributing factor to the activity on memory previously demonstrated for the H. saururus alkaloid extract, since Arg is implicated indirectly in mnemonic processes as a precursor in nitric oxide synthesis. Thus, the central effect of H. saururus could involve two different mechanisms, the cholinergic mechanism and the nitric oxide pathway.     

改变检测波长HPLC法测定小檗属植物根中的生物碱

应用改变检测波长反相高效液相色谱法测定了5种小檗属植物根中的尖刺碱、小檗胺、异汉防已碱、非洲防己胺、药根碱、巴马亭和小檗碱。色谱柱为μ-Bondapakphenyl;流动相为0.02mol·L^-1磷酸二氢钾乙腈(7:3);0.0～10.0min用203nm检测,10.0～30.0min用346nm检测;流速1.0ml·min^-1。根据这7种生物碱的紫外吸收波长的不同在色谱过程改变检测波长,提高了分析的灵敏度和准确度。