左归丸对免疫性卵巢早衰小鼠性激素的影响

目的测定8种清热解毒类藏药异叶青兰、甘青乌头、獐芽菜、乌奴龙胆、五脉绿绒蒿、铁棒锤、蒺藜、兔耳草体外抑菌活性。方法用琼脂扩散法和微量稀释法研究8种清热解毒类藏药体外抑菌活性,以抑菌圈和最小抑菌浓度(MIC)为评价指标。结果藏药水提取物和醇提取物对所选菌种都具有一定的抑制作用,形成抑菌圈直径范围为8~22 cm,MIC范围为1.56~50.00 mg.mL-1。其中异叶青兰和甘青乌头抑菌活性最强,五脉绿绒蒿基本没有抑菌作用。结论8种藏药水提取物,抑菌活性异叶青兰>甘青乌头>獐芽菜>兔耳草>铁棒锤>蒺藜>乌奴龙胆>五脉绿绒蒿;而对于醇提取物,异叶青兰>甘青乌头>铁棒锤>兔耳草>蒺藜>獐芽菜>乌奴龙胆>五脉绿绒蒿。     

Antiproliferative effect of extracts from Aristolochia baetica and Origanum compactum on human breast cancer cell line MCF-7

Aristolochia baetica L. (Aristolochiaceae) and Origanum compactum Benth. (Lamiaceae) are native plants of Morocco used in traditional medicine. In order to systematically evaluate their potential activity on human breast cancer, four different polarity extracts from each plant were assessed in vitro for their antiproliferative effect on MCF-7 cells. As a result, several extracts of those plants showed potent cell proliferation inhibition on MCF-7 cells. Chloroform extract of A. baetica (IC50: 216.06?±?15 μg/mL) and ethyl acetate of O. compactum (IC50: 279.51?±?16 μg/mL) were the most active. Thin layer chromatography examination of the bioactive extracts of A. baetica and O. compactum showed the presence of aristolochic acid and betulinic acid, respectively. These results call for further studies of these extracts.     

Antitumor activities of extracts from selected desert plants against HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Abstract

Context: Phytochemicals are produced by desert plants to protect themselves against stressful environments. They have been shown to be useful in preventing and fighting adverse pathophysiological conditions and complex diseases, including cancer. Although many desert plants have been investigated for their antitumor properties, a large number of them still remain to be explored for possible therapeutic applications in oncologic diseases.

Objective: To screen the antitumor effects of selected desert plants, namely Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch. Bip. (Compositae), Ochradenus baccatus Delile (Resedaceae), Origanum dayi Post (Lamiaceae), Phlomis platystegia Post (Lamiaceae) and Varthemia iphionoides Boiss (Compositae), against an in vitro tumor model utilizing HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Materials and methods: The aqueous extracts of aerial parts of the aforementioned plants were prepared and used for the in vitro experiments. The HepG2 cells were exposed to varying concentrations (0–4?mg/mL) of each plant extract for 24 or 48?h and the cytotoxicity was measured by the MTT assay.

Results: Following 24?h exposure, O. dayi extract exhibited a substantial antiproliferative effect in HepG2 cells (IC₅₀?=?1.0?mg/mL) followed by O. baccatus (IC₅₀?=?1.5?mg/mL). All plant extracts displayed cytotoxicity following 48?h exposure. Nevertheless, a substantial effect was observed with O. dayi (IC₅₀?=?0.35?mg/mL) or O. baccatus (IC₅₀?=?0.83?mg/mL).

Conclusion: The aqueous extracts from aerial parts of O. dayi and O. baccatus possess antitumor effects against human liver cancer cells. These desert plants represent valuable resources for the development of potential anticancer agents.     

Antidiabetic,antioxidant, and antilipid peroxidative activities of Dracocephalum polychaetum shoot extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: In vivo and in vitro studies

Context: Dracocephalum polychaetum Bornm. (Lamiaceae) is used in folk medicine and contains antioxidant agents.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antilipid peroxidative properties of methanol extract of D. polychaetum aerial parts.

Materials and methods: The effect of extract (200, 300, and 400?mg/kg, b.w.) on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was investigated. Also, extract (300?mg/kg) administered orally in diabetic rats for 14?d then, serum levels of some biochemical factors were evaluated. Pancreas samples were used for the determination of malondealdehyde (MDA) level, glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzyme activities. Red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma were used for MDA estimation. Pancreatic α-amylase inhibition, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays were done. The total flavonoid content of the extract was determined by spectrophotometry.

Results: Extract (300?mg/kg) decreased serum glucose level (27.1%) significantly at 120?min in OGTT. Serum levels of creatinine, triglycerides, cholesterol, alanine amino transferase and MDA levels in plasma, RBCs, and pancreas significantly decreased in treated (300?mg/kg) diabetic rats, while pancreatic GSH content, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymatic activities increased (p?<?0.05). The IC₅₀ values for the extract and butyl hydroxyanisole were 5.6 and 1.15?mg/mL in DPPH and 0.155 and 0.062?mg/mL in the FRAP methods, respectively. The extract had no inhibitory effect on α-amylase activity. The total amount of flavonoids of the extract was estimated to be 1.8% (g/g) on the basis of quercetin content.

Conclusion: Dracocephalum polychaetum shoot extract has antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, and antilipid peroxidative properties.     

Antioxidant,anticholinesterase and antibacterial activities of Stachys guyoniana and Mentha aquatica

Context: Stachys guyoniana Noë ex. Batt. and Mentha aquatica L. are two Algerian Lamiaceae used in folk medicine.

Objective: To investigate their antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antibacterial activities.

Material and methods: n-Butanol (BESG), ethyl acetate (EESG) and chloroform (CESG) extracts of S. guyoniana and methanol (MEMA) and chloroform (CEMA) aerial part extracts of M. aquatica and methanol (MERMA) and acetone (AERMA) roots extracts of M. aquatica were evaluated for their antioxidant activity by the β-carotene-linoleic acid, DPPH^? and ABTS^?+?scavenging, CUPRAC and metal chelating assays. The anticholinesterase activity was tested against AChE and BChE. The antibacterial activity was assessed by MICs determination against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella heidelberg, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes and Morganella morganii strains.

Results: In the β-carotene test, the CESG (IC₅₀: 2.3?±?1.27?μg/mL) exhibited the highest activity. The BESG was the best scavenger of DPPH^? (IC₅₀: 2.91?±?0.14?μg/mL). In the ABTS test, AERMA was the most active (IC₅₀: 4.21?±?0.28?μg/mL). However, with the CUPRAC, the BESG exhibited the best activity (A_0.50: 0.15?±?0.05?μg/mL) and was active in metal chelating assay with 48% inhibition at 100?μg/mL. The BESG was the best AChE inhibitor (IC₅₀: 5.78?±?0.01?μg/mL) however, the AERMA showed the highest BChE inhibitory activity (IC₅₀: 19.23?±?1.42?μg/mL). The tested extracts exhibited a good antibacterial activity.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated good antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antibacterial potential of S. guyoniana and M. aquatica, which fits in well with their use in folk medicine.     

Aqueous extract of Securidaca longipendunculata Oliv. and Olax subscropioidea inhibits key enzymes (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) linked with Alzheimer’s disease in vitro

Context: Plants have historically been used to treat neurodegerative diseases which include Alzheimer’s disease.

Objective: This study investigated the antioxidant properties and inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts of Securidaca longipendunculata root and Olax subscropioidea leaf on the cholinergic system in rat brain in vitro.

Materials and methods: Aqueous extracts (1:20 w/v) of S. longipendunculata root and O. subscropioidea leaf was prepared and the ability of the extract to inhibit the activities of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase was evaluated as well as antioxidants as typified by 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS^?) radical scavenging ability and Fe chelation spectophotometrically.

Results: ABTS^? radical scavenging ability showed that S. longipendunculata (0.075?Mmol TEAC/100?g) had a higher scavenging ability than O. subscropioidea (0.07?Mmol TEAC/100?g). Also, the Fe^2+?chelating ability of both extracts revealed that S. longipendunculata (IC_50?=_?105.57?g/mL) had a significantly (p?2+?chelating ability than O. subscropioidea (IC_50?=_?255.84?g/mL). Extracts of S. longipendunculata and O. subscropioidea inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities. However, S. longipendunculata (IC_50?=_?108.02?g/mL) has the higher AChE inhibitory activity than O. subscropioidea (IC_50?=_?110.35?g/mL). Also, both extracts inhibit BChE activity in vitro but S. longipendunculata (IC_50?=_?82.55?g/mL) had a higher BChE inhibitory activity than O. subscropioidea (IC_50?=_?108.44?g/mL).

Discussion and conclusions: The mechanism by which S. longipendunculata root and O. subscropioidea leaf perform their anti-Alzheimer’s disease activity may be by their inhibition on the key enzymes linked to this disease.     

Anti-Helicobactor pylori activity of some Jordanian medicinal plants

Context: Natural flora are considered a major source of new agents for the treatment of Helicobactor pylori. The plants used in this study were selected based on previous traditional use.

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the effect of extracts of 16 medicinal plants grown in Jordan against clinical isolates of H. pylori.

Materials and methods: Tested plant extracts included Aloysia triphylla (L'Her.) Britton (Verbenaceae), Anethum graveolens L. (Apiaceae), Artemisia inculata Delile (Asteraceae), Capparis spinosa L. (Capparaceae), Crataegus aronia (L.) Bosc ex. DC. (Rosaceae), Inula viscose (L.) Ait (Asteraceae), Lavandula officinalis Chaix. (Lamiaceae), Lepidium sativum L. (Cruciferae), Origanum syriaca L. (Lamiaceae), Paronychia argentea Lam. (Caryophyllaceae), Passiflora incarnate L. (Passifloraceae), Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach (Rosaceae), Sesamum indicum L. (Pedaliaceae), Urtica urens L. (Urticaceae) and Varthemia iphionoids Boiss (Asteraceae). Clinical isolates of H. pylori were tested in vitro for susceptibility to each of the above plant crude extracts using disk diffusion method, and the MIC value was determined for each plant extract using the serial dilution method.

Results: Results showed that ethanol extracts of most medicinal plants exerted cytotoxiciy against H. pylori isolates. Among the tested plant extracts, A. triphylla (MIC: 90?µg/mL, MBC: 125?µg/mL) and I. viscosa (MIC: 83?µg/mL, MBC: 104?µg/mL) showed the strongest activity against both isolates of H. pylori.

Discussion and conclusion: Jordanian medicinal plants might be valuable sources of starting materials for the synthesis of new antibacterial agents against H. pylori.     

Anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities of the wild edible cruciferous: Diplotaxis simplex

Context The present study deals with new biological properties of the wild edible Diplotaxis simplex (Viv.) Spreng (Brassicaceae).

Objectives The current study evaluates the antioxidant, the anti-inflammatory and the anti-cancer properties of ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts from D. simplex flowers.

Materials and methods The anti-proliferative activity of the extracts (10–70?μg/mL) was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) against human colon cancer cell line Caco-2. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by the inhibitory effect of the extracts (1.5–7.5?mg/mL) on phospholipase A2 activity as well as on carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice. Extracts (200?mg/kg) or indomethacin (50?mg/kg) as positive control were injected intraperitoneally for albino mice prior to the induction of the oedema by carrageenan. Antioxidant activities were investigated using various complementary methods.

Results Flower extracts contained a high level of polyphenolics (17.10–52.70?mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (74.20–100.60?mg QE/g), which correlate with its appreciable antioxidant potential in β-carotene peroxidation (IC₅₀ value: 12.50–27.10?μg/mL), DPPH^? radical-scavenging (IC₅₀ value: 0.20–0.40?mg/mL), Fe^3+?reducing (EC₅₀ value: 0.10–0.14?mg/mL) and Fe^2+?chelating (IC₅₀ value: 0.20–0.60?mg/mL) assays. These extracts were effective in inhibiting cancer cell growth (IC₅₀ value: 62.0–63.25?μg/mL). Besides, the ethyl acetate extract inhibited phospholipase A2 activity (IC₅₀ value: 2.97?mg/mL) and reduced the paw oedema in mice (from 0.38?±?0.01 to 0.24?±?0.01?cm), 4?h post-carrageenan challenge.

Conclusion These data suggest that D. simplex may be useful as a candidate in the treatment of inflammation and the colon cancer.     

Attenuation of glycation-induced multiple protein modifications by Indian antidiabetic plant extracts

Context: Protein glycation is the major contributing factor in the development of diabetic complications. The antiglycation potential of medicinal plants provides a promising opportunity as complementary interventions for complications.

Objective: To investigate the antiglycation potential of 19 medicinal plants extracts using albumin by estimating different indicators: (1) glycation (early and late), (2) albumin oxidation, and (3) amyloid aggregation.

Materials and methods: The effect of aqueous plant extracts (1% w/v) on protein glycation was assessed by incubating albumin (10?mg/mL) with fructose (250?mM) for 4 days. Degree of protein glycation in the absence and presence of plant extracts was assessed by estimating fructosamine, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), carbonyls, free thiol group and β-amyloid aggregation.

Results: Petroselinum crispum, Boerhavia diffusa, Terminalia chebula, Swertia chirayita and Glycyrrhiza glabra showed significant antiglycating activity. P. crispum and A. barbadensis inhibited the carbonyl stress and protected the thiol group from oxidative damage. There was significant correlation between protein thiols and amyloid inhibition (R?=??.69, p?Conclusion: P. crispum, B. diffusa and T. chebula had the most potent antiglycation activity. These plant exerted noticeable antiglycation activity at different glycation modifications of albumin. These findings are important for identifying plants with potential to combat diabetic complications.     

In vitro assessment of selected Korean plants for antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities

Context: Antiacetylcholinesterase (AChE) drugs have been a main therapeutic treatment for Alzheimer’s disease because increased AChE levels play a key role in reducing neurotransmission.

Objectives: Extracts from 35 Korean plants were selected and screened for antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activity to explore new sources derived from Korean natural resources that could be used as AD therapeutic agents.

Materials and methods: The antioxidant effect of extracts from 35 selected Korean plants was determined using two most common free radical scavenging assays using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS). Additionally, the effect of extracts, identified as antioxidants, on acetylcholinesterase inhibition was assessed by an acetylcholinesterase assay kit.

Results: Out of 36 extracts of 35 plants tested, Oenothera biennis L. (9.09?μg/mL), Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill. (9.52?μg/mL) and Betula platyphylla var. japonica (9.85?μg/mL) showed strong DPPH scavenging activity. Twelve other extracts also exerted moderate free radical scavenging activities with IC₅₀ values ranging from 10 to 50?μg/mL. Antioxidant capacity detected by ABTS assay was only significant in O. biennis (23.40?μg/mL), while the other extracts were weak or unable to reduce the production of ABTS. Based on the antioxidant activities of these plant extracts, 19 extracts with IC₅₀ values less than 100?μg/mL in DPPH assay were selected for further AChE inhibition assay. Among the extracts tested, the IC₅₀ value for Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina NAKAI (18.83?μg/mL) in AChE inhibitory activity was the lowest, followed by O. biennis (20.09?μg/mL) and Pharbitis nil Chosy (22.79?μg/mL).

Conclusions: Considering complex multifactorial etiology of AD, the extracts of P. vulgaris var. lilacina (aerial part), O. biennis (seed) and P. nil (seed) may be safe and ideal candidates for future AD modifying therapies.     

A molecular connection of Pterocarpus marsupium,Eugenia jambolana and Gymnema sylvestre with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 in the treatment of diabetes

Context: Pterocarpus marsupium (PM) (Leguminosae), Eugenia jambolana (EJ) (Myrtaceae) and Gymnema sylvestre (GS) (Asclepiadaceae) are the most important medicinal plants in the Indian system of traditional medicine for the treatment of hyperglycemia.

Objectives: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are the emerging class of anti-diabetic agents. However, only few compounds are commercially available. Therefore, in the present study we tried to explore the naturally occurring PM, EJ and GS semi-standardized extracts for their potential DPP-4 inhibition in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods: DPP-4 inhibition was evaluated by in vitro inhibitory assay, and enzyme kinetics were calculated using one-phase exponential decay equation. Glucose load (2?g/kg) was administered to control and diabetic rats 30?min following extract administration (100, 200 and 400?mg/kg) orally once, and blood samples were withdrawn at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3?h to measure plasma active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels.

Results: PM and EJ inhibit DPP-4 potently with IC₅₀ values of 273.73?±?2.96 and 278.94?±?6.73?µg/mL, respectively, compared to GS (773.22?±?9.21?µg/mL). PM, EJ and GS exhibit long duration of action with enzyme inhibitory half-lives of 462.3, 317.2 and 153.8?min, respectively. Extracts significantly increase GLP-1 levels compared to negative control groups and peak GLP-1 level was observed at 2?h for PM and EJ, whereas for GS it was at 1.5?h

Discussion and conclusion: Taken together, results suggest the extracts may have potent DPP-4 inhibitory action, and their hypoglycemic action attributed through an increase in plasma active GLP-1 levels.     

Intensification of marrubiin concentration by optimization of microwave-assisted (low CO2 yielding) extraction process for Marrubium vulgare using central composite design and antioxidant evaluation

Context: Marrubium vulgare Linn (Lamiaceae) was generally extracted by conventional methods with low yield of marrubiin; these processes were not considered environment friendly.

Objective: This study extracts the whole plant of M. vulgare by microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and optimizes the effect of various extraction parameters on the marrubiin yield by using Central Composite Design (CCD).

Materials and methods: The selected medicinal plant was extracted using ethanol: water (1:1) as solvent by MAE. The plant material was also extracted using a Soxhlet and the various extracts were analyzed by HPTLC to quantify the marrubiin concentration.

Results: The optimized conditions for the microwave-assisted extraction of selected medicinal plant was microwave power of 539?W, irradiation time of 373?s and solvent to drug ratio, 32?mL per g of the drug. The marrubiin concentration in MAE almost doubled relative to the traditional method (0.69?±?0.08 to 1.35?±?0.04%). The IC₅₀ for DPPH was reduced to 66.28?±?0.6?μg/mL as compared to conventional extract (84.14?±?0.7?μg/mL). The scanning electron micrographs of the treated and untreated drug samples further support the results.

Discussion and conclusion: The CCD can be successfully applied to optimize the extraction parameters (MAE) for M. vulgare. Moreover, in terms of environmental impact, the MAE technique could be assumed as a ‘Green approach’ because the MAE approach for extraction of plant released only 92.3?g of CO₂ as compared to 3207.6?g CO₂ using the Soxhlet method of extraction.     

Preliminary evaluation of the antispasmodic and lipoxygenase inhibitory effects of some selected medicinal plants

The present study aimed to evaluate the possible antispasmodic and lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of some Pakistani medicinal plants. Extracts from Aconitum laeve Royle (Ranunculaceae), Trichodesma indicum Linn. (Boraginaceae), and Sauromatum guttatum Schott (Araceae) (corms) were tested on the isolated rabbit jejunum. All the extracts caused reduction in spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced contractions. A. laeve displayed excellent spasmolytic activity and almost (95%) diminished the normal contraction of rabbit jejunum at a concentration of 0.25?mg/mL of final bath. T. indicum inhibited the intestinal contractions by 78% at 5?mg/mL while S. guttatum (corms) caused 69% inhibition of spontaneous contractions at a concentration of 2?mg/mL. Extracts from A. laeve, T. indicum, S. guttatum (leaves and berries) and Paeonia emodi Wall. (Paeoniaceae) were screened in vitro for lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. All the extracts except A. laeve, showed good to excellent inhibition of the tested enzyme. P. emodi and S. guttatum (leaves) each inhibited the enzyme by 90% while T. indicum and S. guttatum (berries), respectively, showed 64.5% and 65% inhibitory activity against this enzyme.     

Biological activities of ethyl acetate extract of different parts of Hyssopus angustifolius

Context: Hyssopus angustifolius M. Bieb. (Lamiaceae) is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of lung inflammation, laryngitis and cough relief. Much attention has been paid to this medicinal plant because of its traditional uses.

Objective: The present study examined the antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of ethyl acetate extract of stems, leaf and flowers of Hyssopus angustifolius.

Materials and methods: Antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated by employing six different models, i.e., DPPH, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging, metal chelating and reducing power activities and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system. Also, antihemolytic activity was evaluated against hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis.

Results: Flowers extract showed the better activity than leaf and stems extracts in DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ was 275.4?±?7.6 μg mL^?1). Leaf, stems and flowers extracts showed good nitric oxide scavenging activity (IC₅₀ were 376.6?±?11.4 µg mL^?1 for flowers, 297.6?±?9.6 μg mL^?1 µg mL^?1 for leaves and 837.8?±?19.2 µg mL^?1 for stems). The leaf extract exhibited better hydrogen peroxide scavenging and Fe²⁺ chelating activity than stems and flowers extracts. In hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system, all of the extracts exhibited very good activity. Also, extracts show weak reducing power activity. The ethyl acetate extract of leaf showed better antihemolytic activity than the flower and stems (IC₅₀ was 94.0?±?2.4 μg mL^?1).

Discussion and conclusion: These findings give a scientific basis to the traditional usage of Hyssopus angustifolius, also showing its potential as rich sources of natural antioxidant compounds.     

In vitro antioxidant and antitumor activities of six selected plants used in the Traditional Arabic Palestinian herbal medicine

Context: Despite several pharmacological applications of the medicinal plants in the Traditional Arabic Palestinian Herbal Medicine in Palestine (TAPHM), studies on their antioxidant properties are still scarce.

Objective: This work evaluates the antioxidant and antitumor activities of the ethanol extracts from different parts of six plants: [Arum palaestinum Boiss (Araceae), Urtica pilulifera L. (Urticaceae), Coridothymus capitatus (L.) Reichb (Lamiaceae), Majorana syriaca (L.) Rafin. (Lamiaceae), Teucrium creticum L. (Lamiaceae), and Teucrium capitatum L. (Lamiaceae)] used in the TAPHM.

Materials and methods: The antioxidant activity was evaluated for the ethanol extracts by DPPH and β-carotene–linoleic acid assays together with total contents of phenols and flavonoids. For the anti-carcinogenic evaluation, the extracts were tested for the ability to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) using the MTT reduction assay.

Results: Among the extracts, the U. pilulifera had the highest amount of total phenolics, possessing the second highest total flavonoids. It also showed a maximum cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀?=?63?µg/ml), followed by C. capitatus, and A. palaestinum. Otherwise, the extract of T. creticum was demonstrated to be an efficient scavenger of O₂ (IC₅₀?=?83?µg/ml), followed by M. syriaca, C. capitatus, T. capitatum, A. palaestinum, and U. pilulifera.

Discussion and conclusion: The results suggest that the investigated plants have shown varied antioxidant capacities which were strongly correlated with their contents of phenolics. Accordingly, this study proposes that the therapeutic benefit of these plants can be, at least in part, attributed to its potential inhibition of oxidative processes.     

Antiplasmodial and antimicrobial activities of South African marine algal extracts

Seventy-eight crude organic fractions from nineteen species of marine algae collected from the coast of South Africa were screened for activity against a chloroquine sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum (D10), Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium aurum and Candida albicans. Fifteen crude fractions showed good antiplasmodical activity (IC₅₀?<10 μg/mL). The dichloromethane fraction from Sargassum heterophyllum (Turner) C. Agardh (Sargassaceae) was the most active with an IC₅₀ value of 2.8 μg/mL. Eleven extracts showed MIC values ≤?1?mg/mL against at least one of S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, M. aurum and C. albicans. The broadest spectrum of antimicrobial activity was exhibited by the aqueous-HP20 fraction of Polysiphonia incompta Harvey (Rhodomelaceae). This study shows that marine algae not only produce antimicrobial compounds but also may be a source of antimalarial lead compounds.     

Kinetics of α-glucosidase inhibition by different fractions of three species of Labiatae extracts: a new diabetes treatment model

Context: Glucosidases are a group of enzymes playing crucial roles in digestion of carbohydrates. Glucosidase inhibitors can reduce carbohydrate digestion rate and have the potential to prevent development of type 2 diabetes. The Labiatae is one of the largest plant families grown globally and many studies that have isolated new pharmaceutical compounds. In folk medicine, some of Labiatae plants such as Zataria multiflora Boiss, Salvia mirzayanii Rech. F. &; Esfand, and Otostegia persica Boiss are consumed for the treatment of diabetes.

Objectives: This study investigates the inhibitory effects of different fractions of three mentioned species extracts on α-glucosidase.

Materials and methods: Ethanol extracts of these plants leaves were fractionated using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol solutions. The duration of this study was 12?months. To measure enzyme inhibition, 5?μL of the enzyme, 20?μL of substrate and samples were used and for evaluation mode of inhibition, constant amounts of α-glucosidase were incubated with rising concentrations of substrate (PNPG).

Results: The results revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction of Zataria multiflora (IC₅₀ =?0.35?±?0.01?mg/mL) and petroleum ether fraction of Salvia mirzayanii (IC₅₀ =?0.4?±?0.11?mg/mL) were the most potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase in comparison with the other samples and acarbose as the standard (IC₅₀ =?7?±?0.19?mg/mL). All of the samples exhibited noncompetitive-uncompetitive inhibition.

Discussion and conclusion: It can be inferred from this study that α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of the studied extracts may be a marker of antidiabetic potential of these extracts.     

New glycosides from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dracocephalum tanguticum</Emphasis> maxim

Four new glycosides, luteolin-7-methoxy-3′-O-(3″-O-acetyl)-β-D-gluco pyranuronic acid-6″-methyl ester (1), benzyl-6-[(2E)-2-butenoate]-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), 2-methoxy-4-(2-propen-1-yl)penyl-6-acetate-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), and 2-methoxy-4-(2-propen-1-yl)penyl-6-[(2E)-2-butenoate]-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), along with benzyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), 2-methoxy-4-(2-propen-1-yl)penyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), and pectolarigenin (7), were isolated from the whole plant of Dracocephalum tanguticum Maxim. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses, including HR-ESI-MS and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The inhibitory effects against nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells of all seven compounds were also evaluated.     

Screening of in vitro antimicrobial activity of plants used in traditional Indonesian medicine

Context: In many regions of Indonesia, there are numerous traditional herbal preparations for treatment of infectious diseases. However, their antimicrobial potential has been poorly studied by modern laboratory methods.

Objective: This study investigates in vitro antimicrobial activity of 49 ethanol extracts from 37 plant species used in Indonesian traditional medicine for treatment against Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Materials and methods: The plants were collected from the Biopharmaca collection garden, Bogor, Indonesia. The plant material was dried, finely grounded, extracted using ethanol, concentrated, and the dried residue was dissolved in 100% DMSO. Antimicrobial activity was determined in terms of a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using a broth microdilution method in 96-well microplates.

Results: The extract of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. (Lamiaceae) leaf produced the strongest antimicrobial effect, inhibiting the growth of C. albicans (MIC 128?μg/mL), S. aureus (MIC 256?μg/mL), E. faecalis (MIC 256?μg/mL) and P. aeruginosa (MIC 256?μg/mL). The leaf extract of Woodfordia floribunda Salisb. (Lythraceae) also exhibited significant effect against C. albicans (MIC 128?μg/mL), S. aureus (MIC 256?μg/mL) and E. faecalis (MIC 256?μg/mL). Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane &; Mabb. (Lamiaceae) leaf extract inhibited the growth of S. aureus (MIC 256 µg/mL) and C. albicans (MIC 256 µg/mL).

Discussion and conclusions: The leaf extract of O. aristatus and W. floribunda exhibited a significant anti-candidal effect. Therefore, both of these plants can serve as prospective source materials for the development of new anti-candidal agents.     

Carthamus,Salvia and Stachys species protect neuronal cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

Context: Finding effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases is of utmost importance for the aging population. Plants growing in Iran are rich sources of antioxidants and active phytochemicals.

Objective: The protective capacity of plants, with a special focus on those with reported antioxidant or neuroprotective potential or nervous system-related applications in folk medicine, was tested against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.

Materials and methods: Aerial parts of 20 plants including Carthamus, Salvia, and Stachys species were extracted with 80% methanol and dichloromethane and preincubated with neuronal PC12 cells for 3?h. Oxidative stress and apoptosis were induced by hydrogen peroxide (75?µM, 1?h exposure). Cell viability and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by MTT and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) assays, respectively, while apoptosis was determined by annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining by a flow cytometer.

Results: Eighty percent methanol extracts of Carthamus oxyacantha Bieb. (Asteraceae), Salvia santolinifolia Boiss. (Lamiaceae), and Salvia sclarea L. (Lamiaceae) at the concentration of 100?μg/ml showed significant neuroprotection in the MTT assay by 38.7, 34.7, and 39.5%, respectively, and inhibited intracellular ROS by 48.6, 61.9, and 61.4%, respectively. The first two extracts also significantly inhibited apoptosis. Dichloromethane extracts of C. oxyacantha and Stachys pilifera Benth. (Lamiaceae) at the concentration of 25?μg/ml showed neuroprotection by 27.5 and 26.5%, respectively, and inhibited ROS by 44.5 and 39.4%, respectively.

Conclusion: The above-mentioned plants seem to have important biological activities and their further study may lead to the discovery of new natural therapeutics useful against disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases.