bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological activity of a procyanidin isolated from Sclerocarya birrea bark: Antidiarrhoeal activity and effects on isolated guinea‐pig ileum
Authors: Galvez J. , Crespo M. E. , Zarzuelo A. , De Witte P. , Spiessens C.
Published: October 2006

The antidiarrhoeal activity of a procyanidin isolated from the bark of Sclerocarya birrea was studied, using four models of experimentally induced diarrhoea in rats. The cathartic agents used were: magnesium sulphate, castor oil, arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2. At doses of 150 mg/kg, the procyanidin showed antidiarrhoeal activity in all the models of experimentally induced diarrhoea. The procyanidin (2.5 μg/mL‐0.64 mg/mL) dose‐dependently inhibited the phasic contractions of the isolated guinea‐pig ileum spontaneous activity; this inhibition was significantly reduced by hexamethonium (10−4 M). It also modified the dose‐response curves to acetylcholine in a non‐competitive way, and relaxed, in a dose‐dependent manner, the contractions induced by acetylcholine (10−7 M) and KCI (50 mM), being five times more potent against acetylcholine. The procyanidin modified the biphasic mechanical response evoked by acetylcholine (10−7 M) in isolated guinea‐pig ileum, inhibiting the phasic response more profoundly than the tonic one. It is concluded that the antidiarrhoeal activity of the procyanidin isolated from S. birrea bark is related to an inhibition in intestinal motility. The way in which it produces this inhibition can be related to an interference with the subsequent events evoked after muscarinic stimulation.
Effects of shilajit and its active constituents on learning and memory in rats
Authors: Ghosal S. , Lal J. , Jaiswal A. K. , Bhattacharya S. K.
Published: October 2006

Effects, in albino rats, of a processed shilajit (Sh‐P), native shilajit (Sh‐N) (unprocessed water‐soluble fraction), and a preparation consisting of a mixture of ethyl acetate extractives (EE) and fulvic acids (FAs) from Sh‐P, were evaluated in (i) an active avoidance, (ii) elevated plus‐maze and (iii) open‐field behaviour paradigms. This study was undertaken to appraise the validity of use of shilajit as an Ayurvedic medha rasayan (enhancer of learning and memory). Sh‐P and its active constituents (EE‐FAs) significantly augmented learning acquisition and memory retrieval in the battery of tests, designed for this purpose, according to accepted tenets. Sh‐N, on the other hand, produced erratic responses (both augmentative and retardative) in the above parameters. The U‐shaped dose‐responses shown by Sh‐P and EE‐FAs are reminiscent of agents that improve cognitive functions. Additionally, Sh‐P and EE‐FAs, in high doses (25–50 mg/kg p.o.), produced significant antianxiety effect in the open‐field behaviour test. The present and earlier findings seem to suggest that the action of shilajit is mediated by facilitating communication between the immune and the central nervous systems. These findings reinforce our earlier postulate that purification of shilajit is an imperative necessity to ensure its optimum therapeutic effect. This would also safeguard from potential health risks associated with prolonged ingestion of raw shilajit containing free radicals and fungal toxins.
Effects of extracts of Zanthoxylum fruit and their constituents on spontaneous beating rate of myocardial cell sheets in culture
Authors: Huang Xin‐Li , Kakiuchi Nobuko , Che Qing‐Ming , Huang Sheng‐Lun , Hattori Masao , Namba Tsuneo
Published: October 2006

In the course of our studies on naturally occurring cardioactive agents, we investigated the effects of water and methanol extracts of a Chinese crude drug “Huajiao” the dried fruit of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, on the spontaneous beating rate (BR) of embryonic mouse myocardial cell sheets in culture. Both extracts significantly increased the BR. Through bioassay directed fractionation of the extracts, hydroxy‐β‐sanshool (1b), xanthoxylin (2) and two quercetin glycosides, hyperin (4) and quercitrin (6), were found to increase the BR in a standard medium (2.1 mM Ca2+). In a low Ca2+ medium (0.5 mM Ca2+), these compounds suppressed the decrease of BR, which was induced by low Ca2+. Of 16 flavonoids related in structure with hyperin (4) and quercitrin (6), quercetin, isoquercitrin, rutin, myricetin and myricitrin also increased the BR in the standard medium, while kaempferol and luteorin decreased the BR in the standard medium. When compared with control, hydroxy‐β‐sanshool (1b) and xanthoxylin (2) stimulated 13–15 fold calcium uptake of the cultured myocardial cells, which might have caused the positive chronotropic effect. Hyperin (4) and quercitrin (6) did not affect calcium uptake of the myocardial cells, Na+–K+ ATPase activity or Ca2+‐ATPase activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Aucubin: A new antidote for poisonous Amanita mushrooms
Authors: Chang Ii‐Moo , Yamaura Yoshio
Published: October 2006

Aucubin, an iridoid glycoside, exhibits significant protective activities against Amanita intoxication in beagle dogs. The post‐injection of aucubin helps beagle dogs survive from lethal poisoning caused by A. virosa ingestion. Such protective activities of aucubin result from primarily preventing hepatic injury caused by Amanita poisoning, and is partly due to a preventive effect of aucubin on the depression of m‐RNA biosynthesis in the liver caused by α‐amanitin intoxication.
A natural antioxidant extract from Sempervivum tectorum
Authors: Blázovics A. , Prónai L. , Fehér J. , Kéry A. , Petri G.
Published: October 2006

The superoxide scavenging activity of lyophilized extract of Sempervivum tectorum (StF1) was determined by electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping methods. The extract inhibited ascorbic acid induced and FeCl3 stimulated lipid peroxidation and was concentration dependent in the liver microsomal fraction of rats.
Effects of two monoterpene esters, valtrate and didrovaltrate, isolated from Valeriana wallichii, on the ultrastructure of hepatoma cells in culture
Authors: Keochanthala‐Bounthanh C. , Beck J. P. , Haag‐Berrurier M. , Anton R.
Published: October 2006

The action of two monoterpene esters isolated from Valeriana wallichii D.C., valtrate and didrovaltrate, has been studied on the ultrastructure of HTC hepatoma cells in culture. These two compounds are cytoxic and inhibit the synthesis of DNA and protein in tumour cells. The study using scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that, prior to cell death, the two compounds cause the disappearance of membrane microvilli, a large distension of the endoplasmic reticulum and a marked condensation of the mitochondria. Furthermore, valtrate rapidly leads to the rounding and detachment of cells cultivated in layers whereas, in the presence of didrovaltrate, the cells remain spread out and tightly attached to the support, even after treatment with trypsin.
Role of membrane lipid composition in the cytotoxicity of the sesquiterpene lactone eupatoriopicrin
Authors: Van Der Linde Joost C. C. , Woerdenbag Herman J. , Malingré Theo M. , Kampinga Harm H. , Konings Antonius W. T.
Published: October 2006

The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible role of lipid peroxidation in the cytotoxicity of eupatoriopicrin, the principal sesquiterpene lactone from Eupatorum cannabinum L. Incorporation of arachidonic acid acyl chains in the phospholipids of cellular membranes of mouse fibroblast LM cells enhanced their sensitivity to the cytotoxic effect of eupatoriopicrin. In the clonogenic assay (2 h exposure) 90% cell kill was found with 14.4 μM eupatoriopicrin in normal cells and 11.7 μM in cells enriched with arachidonic acid (PUFA cells). After incubation with eupatoriopicrin a more rapid loss of membrane integrity and more lysis was found for PUFA cells in the trypan blue exclusion assay. Using gas chromatography, it was shown that the spectrum of fatty acid acyl chains in the phospholipids of normal cells remained unchanged after 2 h incubation with 20 μM eupatoripicrin, followed by 24 h post‐incubation. In PUFA cells the polyunsaturated fatty acids were found to degrade possibly due to lipid peroxidation. Using the alkaline unwinding assay and clamped homogeneous electric field electrophoresis, more DNA damage was found in PUFA cells than in normal cells after treatment with eupatoriopicrin. However, because in normal cells, in which PUFA were nearly absent, DNA damage was found as well, it is concluded that lipid peroxidation plays at most a minor role in eupatoriopicrin‐induced cell killing.
Efficacy of the steroidal fraction of fenugreek seed extract on fertility of male albino rats
Authors: Kamal R. , Yadav R. , Sharma J. D.
Published: October 2006

T. foenum‐graecum seed extract (100 mg/day/rat) was fed orally to male albino rats for 60 days. The sperm count and motility of cauda spermatozoa declined significantly leading to negative fertility tests. The organ weights as well as androgen dependent parameters (protein, sialic acid and fructose) were lower, revealing the reduction in circulating androgen. Cholesterol is a precursor of androgen. The increase in testicular and serum cholesterol may be co‐related with its nonutilization by the system, leading to a fall in circulating androgen and hence the altered histoarchitecture observed. Therefore T. foenum‐graecum extract exerts both antifertility and antiandrogenic activities.
Experimental pharmacokinetics of biologically active plant phenolic compounds III. Pharmacokinetics of dihydroquercetin
Authors: Voskoboinikova I. V. , Tjukavkina N. A. , Geodakyan S. V. , Kolesnik Y. A. , Kolhir V. K. , Zjuzin V. A. , Sokolov S. J.
Published: October 2006

The pharmacokinetics of dihydroquercetin (DHQ) was studied by HPLC in rats after intravenous injection of the compound in single doses of 1,3, 10 and 30 mg/kg and after oral administration in single doses of 50 and 500 mg/kg. Nonlinear pharmacokinetic behaviour was demonstrated for DHQ when administered intravenously to rats; after oral administration DHQ can be detected in blood plasma only in trace amounts. Model independent parameters for intravenous administration of DHQ were calculated, and the description of the dynamics of the change in concentration of DHQ as a two‐compartmental model were given for blood plasma.
Antispasmodic effect of Bersama abyssinica aqueous extract on guinea‐pig ileum
Authors: Makonnen E. , Hagos E.
Published: October 2006

The present study deals with the effect of one of the traditionally used Ethiopian medicinal plants, Bersama abyssinica, on gut motility. The experiment was carried out on isolated guinea‐pig ileum with a standard spasmogen, histamine, in the absence and presence of the water extract of the medicinal plant. The spasmogenic effect of histamine was found to be antagonized by the extract in a nonreversible manner, indicating that B. abyssinica has a spasmolytic activity.
Antiarthritic effect of lupeol acetate
Authors: Kweifio‐Okai G. , Carroll Anthony R.
Published: October 2006

Lupeol acetate isolated from the petroleum ether fraction of Alstonia boonei root barks was tested for its antiarthritic effect in CFA‐induced arthritic rats. Administered orally every 48 h (66 mg/kg body weight) from days 32 to 40 postadjuvant and assessed on day 60, Iupeol acetate returned the increase in spleen weight and the reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase to nonarthritic control values.
Effects of Dan Shen preparations on blood and urine components in rats with renal failure
Authors: Yokozawa Takako , Oura Hikokichi , Nonaka Gen‐Ichiro , Nishioka Itsuo
Published: October 2006

Two Dan Shen preparations commercially available in China were given intraperitoneally to rats with renal failure in order to investigate their effects on blood and urine components. In rats given an injection of compound Dan Shen composed of Dan Shen and Jiang Xiang, effects similar to those found after administration of magnesium lithospermate B (the active constituent of Dan Shen) alone were observed. In contrast, in rats given noncompound Dan Shen containing almost no magnesium lithospermate B as revealed by high‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis, there was a significant decrease only in the blood levels of urea nitrogen and inorganic phosphorus.
Screening of some Turkish medicinal plants for their antiulcerogenic activities
Authors: Yeşilada Erdem , Sezik Ekrem , Fujita Tetsuro , Tanaka Shigeo , Tabata Mamoru
Published: October 2006

Our field surveys on the traditional medicine in Turkey revealed that several plants are used for the treatment of ulcers; Cedrus libani, Centaurea solstitialis ssp. solstitialis, Cistus laurifolius, Hypericum scabrum, Plantago major, Sambucus ebulus and Spartium junceum. Various extracts prepared from these plants were tested by using a water immersion‐stress ulcer model in rats to confirm the claimed activities. Pharmacological experiments clearly demonstrated that the aqueous extracts of all the plants given orally showed significant antiulcerogenic activity.
Cytotoxic constituents of the roots of the indonesian medicinal plant Fibraurea chloroleuca
Authors: Dai Jin‐Rui , Chai Heebyung , Pezzuto John M. , Kinghorn A. Douglas , Tsauri Soefjan , Padmawinata Kosasih
Published: October 2006

Three protoberberine alkaloids, berberine chloride, berberrubine chloride and thalifendine chloride were isolated from the roots of Fibraurea chloroleuca Miers, and found to show significant cytotoxic activity with one or more human cancer cell‐lines and cultured P‐388 cells. A phytoecdysteroid, 20‐hydroxyecdysone, was also isolated as a noncytotoxic compound. Based on comparison with previous investigations, different collections of F. chloroleuca roots appear to exhibit considerable variation in their alkaloidal profiles.
Excelsin: An insect feeding‐deterrent isolated from Ailanthus excelsa (Simarubaceae)
Authors: Tripathi Arun K. , Jain D. C.
Published: October 2006

Bioassay directed fractionation of the methanol extract of the stem bark of Ailanthus excelsa (Simarubaceae) led to the isolation and identification of an antifeedant constituent excelsin. A leaf disc method of bioassay showed the potency of excelsin to prevent feeding was 75.94% at 1000 ppm concentration against Spilosoma obliqua. This insect is a destructive lepidopterous pest in the northern parts of India attacking a wide range of cash crops. The effective dose (ED50) of excelsin was found to be 0.563%.
Investigations on antiviral action of Haemanthus albiflos natural extract
Authors: Husson G. P. , Sarrette B. , Vilagines Ph. , Vilagines R.
Published: October 2006

Investigations were undertaken on the antiviral action of an hydroalcoholic extract from Haemanthus albiflos bulb, reported here as an efficient agent against RNA viruses. Poliovirus propagated on HeLa cells with different concentrations of the extract was used in the assays. The effect on cellular RNA, DNA and protein synthesis as well as on viral RNA synthesis was evaluated by measuring the radioactivity incorporated using labelled precursors.

A 0.2 μL/mL concentration of the plant extract showed an inhibition of cellular RNA, DNA and protein synthesis compared with the control of 44%, 40% and 52%, respectively. At the same concentration a 90% decrease of the viral RNA synthesis was observed over 210 min.
Diuretic activity of Satureja montana subsp. Montana extracts and oil in rats
Authors: Stanic Gordana , Samaržija Ita
Published: October 2006

Three preparations of Satureja montana subsp. montana leaves were tested for diuretic activity in rats: an infusion, a water‐alcohol extract and essential oil. In 1‐day experiments, the cumulative volume of urine was collected during the first 5 h after oral administration of 5 mL/100 g body weight of plant preparation. It was established that all the preparations tested initially caused a decrease in diuresis and subsequently a mild stimulation of diuresis. 0.1% solution of essential oil was considered to be a therapeutic dose, whereas 0.5% and 1% solutions caused toxic symptoms in the animals. A further experiment involving treatment of rats for 3 days with a 10% drug infusion and 0.1% essential oil solution demonstrated the considerable diuretic activity of winter savory.
Oestrogenic and pregnancy interceptory efficacy of a flavonoid mixture from Grangea maderaspatana poir (Artemisia maderaspatana) in the mouse
Authors: Jain Sunita , Sareen Vineeta , Narula Anita
Published: October 2006

A mixture of flavonoids extracted from the plant Grangea maderaspatana possessed oestrogenicity and antiimplantational activities in the mouse. In the 3 day uterotrophic bioassay, administration of the drug at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight per day, intramuscularly to ovariectomized females, resulted in a highly significant (p<0.001) increase in the wet uterine and vaginal weights. However, in comparison with conjugated oestrogen, the extract proved to be mildly oestrogenic. Flavonoids, if administered orally at the same dose level effectively interfere with all stages of pregnancy. Maximum interceptory efficacy was recorded when the drug was administered from days 4–6 post coitum. However, there was a reduction in antinidational activity only if the drug was administered from days 1–3 and 7–9 post coitum.
Carbohydrates from garlic bulbs (Allium sativum L.) as inhibitors of adenosine deaminase enzyme activity
Authors: Koch Heinrich P. , Jäger Walter , Groh Ursula , Hovie James E. , Plank Gerlinde , Sedlak Ulrike , Praznik Werner
Published: October 2006

The effect of several fructose polysaccharides or fructans, isolated from the fresh cloves of garlic (Allium sativum L.), on the activity of the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) is reported. The oligomers consisting of between 9 and 14 monosaccharide units have the highest enzyme inhibiting activity, whereas the higner polymers with a degree of polymerization up to 60, as well as lower sugars, have little or no activity at all. Since the inhibition is of the competitive type, it is assumed that a close structural relationship to the natural substrate, adenosine, is required for the interaction of the inhibitors with the enzyme molecule, presumably through binding to its active centre.
Antiviral activity of chilean medicinal plant extracts
Authors: Pacheco P. , Sierra J. , Schmeda‐Hirschmann G. , Potter C. W. , Jones B. M. , Moshref M.
Published: October 2006

Chilean flora is a potential source of bioactive compounds, including some with antiviral activity. Ninety aqueous and hydroaloholic extracts from 36 native and introduced plant species were screened for antiviral activity on herpes (HSV‐1 and HSV‐2) and HIV viruses. Furthermore, the samples were assayed for antimicrobial effect on pathogenic bacteria and a yeast. Plants were selected according to their indication of use for treating symptomatology of possible viral aetiology in Chilean folk medicine. The hydroaloholic extracts of Cassia stipulacea and Escallonia illintia exhibited detectable antiviral effects towards HSV‐1 with IC50 values of 80 and 40 μg crude extract/mL, respectively. Samples belonging to Aristotelia chilensis (IC50 of 40 μg/mL), Drymis winteri (IC50 values of 35 and 80μg/mL), Elytropus chilensis and Luma apiculata, with an IC50 value of 100 μg/mL showed activity against HSV‐2. None of the extracts showed activity against HIV at extract concentrations which were nontoxic for cells.
Tissue culture of Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger
Authors: Kawai Kaoru , Beppu Hidehiko , Koike Takaaki , Fujita Keisuke , Marunouchi Tohru
Published: October 2006

We examined the culture conditions for callus induction in the tissue of Aloe arborescens. When incubated in the dark at 25°C, for about 30 days callus was induced. The frequency of callus formation was in the order of superior stalk > middle stalk > inferior stalk. No callus was formed in the leaf. When the Murashige–Skoog (MS) basal agar medium was supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.1–0.5 μM kinetin (a plant growth regulator) and 10–50 μM alpha‐naphthalenacetic acid, callus formation occurred at an incidence of 20–52% (mean: 39%). When the MS basal agar medium was supplemented with 3% glucose and 10% Alpha Modification of Eagle's Medium instead of 3% sucrose, callus formation was promoted, but the protein and aloin concentrations, and carboxypeptidase activity in the Aloe callus decreased more than those observed in the sucrose‐containing medium.
Characterization of Aloe vera gel before and after autodegradation, and stabilization of the natural fresh gel
Authors: Yaron Anina
Published: October 2006

The polysaccharides present in Aloe vera gel are presumed to play a key role in the clinical activity of the gel. While clinical studies generally confirm the contribution of the gel to a reduction in inflammation and an acceleration of healing, in some cases the expected therapeutic activity is not observed. This variability could perhaps be attributed to differences in the source of the gel, horticultural conditions and/or post‐harvest treatments. Accordingly, polysaccharide content and composition and gel consistency were studied as a function of growth conditions in gels obtained from shrubs of Aloe barbadensis Miller grown in the Negev region of Israel. Autodegradation of the polysaccharides in the freshly produced gel was also characterized, and a method was developed for retarding this process. The polysaccharides were found to consist of glucomannans. Polysaccharides constituted 0.2–0.3% of the fresh gel and 0.8–1.2% of the dry matter content. Irrigation had a greater influence on gel composition than leaf age or season. The fresh gel showed pseudoplastic behaviour, which became Newtonian as a result of post‐production autodegradation. The polysaccharides remaining after degradation were mainly mannans. Addition of a natural polysaccharide extracted from a species of red microalgae produced a soft pseudoplastic gel with synergistic rheological properties. The addition of the algal polysaccharide preserved the physical properties of the natural aloe polysaccharides. Chemical means were used to retard microbial degradation.
Purification of active substances of Aloe arborescens miller and their biological and pharmacological activity
Authors: Saito Hiroko
Published: October 2006

We purified Aloctin A from Aloe arborescens Miller and defined its chemical, biological and pharmacological activities. Aloctin A consists of two discrete bands, α and β with a combined S–S bond. Its molecular weight for α is 7500 and the molecular weight for β is 10 500. Aloctin A has many biological and pharmacological activities as follows: 1. Haemagglutinating activity; 2. Cytoagglutinating activity; 3. Mitogenic activity of lymphocytes; 4. Precipitate‐forming reactivity with α2‐macroglobulin; 5. Complement C3 activating activity; 6. Inhibition of heat‐induced haemolysis of rat erythrocytes; 7. Antitumour effect; 8. Antiinflammatory effect; 9. Inhibition of gastric secretion and gastric lesions.
Biochemical properties of carboxypeptidase from Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger
Authors: Ito Shosuke , Teradaira Ryo , Beppu Hidehiko , Obata Masafumi , Fujita Keisuke , Nagatsu Toshiharu
Published: October 2006

A carboxypeptidase was partially purified from Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger on a scale suitable for pharmacological studies. The enzyme was most active and stable at pH 5.0. The enzyme had a broad specificity against various synthetic peptides, being capable of splitting C‐terminal proline. Its activity was inhibited almost completely by diisopropylfluorophosphate, strongly by transition metals, such as Fe3+, Hg2+ and Cu2+, and moderately by sulphydryl reagents. These results indicate that Aloe enzyme is a serine carboxypeptidase and appears to contain a sulphydryl group that may be involved in its inactivation.
Mechanism of antiinflammatory and antithermal burn action of CPase from Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger in rats and mice
Authors: Obata Masafumi , Ito Shosuke , Beppu Hidehiko , Fujita Keisuke , Nagatsu Toshiharu
Published: October 2006

Carboxypeptidase (CPase) was partially purified from Kidachi aloe (Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger) by an FPLC system, and was administered intravenously to female ICR mice with inflammation. The enzyme preparation exhibited significant analgesic effects and inhibited vascular permeability in the abdominal region. It also revealed an antithermal burn action on the hind paw, when it was administered to female Wistar rats intravenously.
Hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic effects in mice of Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger
Authors: Beppu Hidehiko , Nagamura Yohichi , Fujita Keisuke
Published: October 2006

Two different components were separated from Aloe arborescens var. natalensis Berger (Kidachi aloe in Japanese), which exhibit hypoglycaemic activity in spontaneously diabetic mice and normal mice. One component was separated from the succulent layer of the Aloe leaf (leaf pulp). This component, when administered to mice intraperitoneally or orally, decreased the blood glucose level, and maintained the lower level for about 24 h. On the other hand, administration of the superficial layer of the Aloe leaf (leaf skin) to streptozotocin (pancreatic islets beta‐cells toxin) –‐ induced diabetic mice, significantly depressed hyperglycaemia and examination of the tissue section under the light microscope revealed less denaturation and necrosis of islets beta‐cells. These results indicate that Kidachi aloe relieves the diabetic condition by direct hypoglyceration (blood glucose lowering activity) and activates beta‐cells.
Beneficial effects of Aloe in wound healing
Authors: Heggers John P. , Pelley Ronald P. , Robson Martin C.
Published: October 2006

The therapeutic effects of Aloe vera have been examined in preventing progressive dermal ischaemia caused by burns, frostbite, electrical injury, distal dying flap and intra‐arterial drug abuse. In vivo analysis of these injuries showed that the mediator of progressive tissue damage was thromboxane A2 (TxA2). Experimentally Aloe was compared to a variety of antithromboxane agents to include U38450, a lodoxamide, a lazaroid and Carrington wound gel. In the burn injury Aloe was comparable to the lodoxamide and lazaroid with an 82% to 85% tissue survival when compared with the control and the Carrington wound gel (p=0.05). Tissue survival in the experimental frostbite injury was 28.2% when compared with the control (p=0.05). Similar results were obtained for the electrical injury, and intra‐arterial drug abuse. Clinically burn patients treated with Aloe healed without tissue loss as did those with frostbite (p=0.001). In the intra‐arterial drug abuse patients Aloe reversed the tissue necrosis. This therapeutic approach was used to prevent progressive tissue loss in each injury by actively inhibiting the localized production of TxA2. Aloe not only acts as a TxA2 inhibitor but maintains a homeostasis within the vascular endothelium as well as the surrounding tissue.
Toxicological assessment of Aralia mandshurica (Araliaceae) root extract after subchronic administration in rats. A biochemical and histological study
Authors: Burgos Rafael , Hancke Juan , Wikman Georg , Cubillos Victor , Caballero Elías , Oyarzo Mauricio , Sánchez Nury
Published: October 2006

The toxic subchronic effect of an extract of Aralia mandshurica on rats of both sexes was studied over a period of 90 days (0.2, 1.7, 3.4 g/kg p.o.). The toxic effects of Aralia mandshurica on the following enzymes were evaluated: alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP), total proteins and serum urea. Blood samples were obtained by means of retroorbital puncture with a microcapillary tube on days 15, 30, 45, 75 and 90 of the administration of Aralia mandshurica. The body weight was registered every week, and at the end of the study a necropsy was performed and the liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, spleen, gonads and adrenal glands were weighed. Liver, gonads and kidneys were examined histologically.

There was an increase in the levels of AST and SAP enzymes with a dose of 3.4 g/kg in both sexes on day 90 of administration, but no changes were observed in urea and serum protein. A significant decrease of the body weight was recorded in both sexes with a dose of 3.4 g/kg. Moreover, the animals treated with doses of 1.7 and 3.4 g/kg showed a diminution of faecal consistence. An increase of the liver weight was produced with all the doses of Aralia mandshurica, but neither macroscopic nor histological alterations were observed, as in the rest of the organs. Possible liver damage associated with this enzyme is discussed.
Effect of Echinacea, Aconitum, Lachesis and Apis extracts, and their combinations on phagocytosis of human granulocytes
Authors: Erhard Michael , Kellner Josefine , Wild Johanna , Lösch Uli , Hatiboglu Fatma Sefika
Published: October 2006

The influence of Echinacea angustifolia, Aconitum napellus, Lachesis muta, and Apis mellifica, the contents of the combination product Influex (Steigerwald, Germany), on the phagocytosis of human granulocytes was investigated. Incorporation of latex microspheres was measured with a flow cytometric method. With regard to the constituents of the prescription, only vitamin C, lipopolysaccharide, and Echinacea angustifolia were able to enhance the phagocytosis rate. Aconitum, Apis and Lachesis, alone were not able to stimulate phagocytosis but showed an enhancement effect when combined with one another or with Echinacea. For example, a combination of Aconitum (10−2) and Lachesis (10−2) was able to stimulate phagocytosis up to 390%.
Effects of stembark and leaf extracts of Bridelia ferruginea on skeletal muscle
Authors: Onoruvwe O. , Olayinka A. O. , Lot T. Y. , Udoh F. V.
Published: October 2006

The ethanolic extracts of the leaves and stembark of Bridelia ferruginea were separately investigated for their effects on skeletal muscle using the phrenic nerve‐hemidiaphragm muscle preparation from rats. The bark extract inhibited twitch tension induced by direct electrical stimulation (muscle) (MS) but not indirect electrical stimulation (nerve) (NS) of the diaphragm. It inhibited tetanus tension to both nerve (TNS) and muscle stimulation (TMS), had no effect on K+‐induced contracture and reduced the minimal fusion frequency (MFF). The leaf extract had no effect on twitch tension to NS and MS or K+‐induced contracture but increased tetanus tension to TNS or TMS as well as MFF. These findings suggest that the bark extract does not affect influx of extracellular Ca2+ but inhibits the intracellular mobilization of Ca2+. The leaf extract also had no effect on influx of extracellular Ca2+ but most likely facilitated the intracellular mobilization of Ca2+. Thus, the intracellular action of the bark extract is opposite to that of the leaf extract.
The differential cytotoxicity of cardenolides from Thevetia ahouia
Authors: Decosterd Laurent , Gustafson Kirk R. , Cardellina John H. , Cragg Gordon M. , Boyd Michael R.
Published: October 2006

Bioassay‐guided fractionation of the cytotoxic organic extracts of the wood of Thevetia ahouia (Apocyanaceae) led to the isolation of three cardenolide glycosides, neriifolin, 3′‐O‐methylevomonoside and 2′‐acetyl‐neriifolin [1–3]. These agents exhibited a distinctive pattern of differential cytotoxicity in the National Cancer Institute's human disease‐oriented 60‐cell line tumour screening panel, which suggests that follow‐up in vivo xenograft evaluations may be warranted. These patterns may be useful in future dereplication studies of extracts potentially containing this class of compound.
The antioxidant activity of Flavonoids Isolated from Corylus colurna
Authors: Benov L. , Georgiev N.
Published: October 2006

A natural mixture of flavonoids (F4) was isolated from Corylus colurna leaves. In this study the antioxidant and the free radical scavenging activities of this mixture have been investigated. It was found that F4 had a strong antioxidant activity comparable to that of quercetin and myricetin and higher than that of rutin. F4 is a potent superoxide radical scavenger, more efficient than quercetin and myricetin or their mixture. F4 is also a strong inhibitor of ischaemia/reperfusion‐induced peroxidation in the brain and liver. In addition to these advantages F4 had low toxicity and can be readily isolated. All these advantages make it an alternative to the more toxic synthetic antioxidants for the treatment of pathological conditions in which free radicals are involved.
Protective effect of sho‐saiko‐to (Xiao‐Chai‐Hu‐Tang) on primary cultured rat hepatocytes
Authors: Tsuji Mayumi , Yoshida Yasuko , Kodama Kyoko , Okazaki Masako , Oguchi Katsuji
Published: October 2006

The protective effects of the crude drug, and the complete and incomplete prescriptions of a traditional Chinese medicine, Sho‐saiko‐to (SST), against CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes were studied. The complete SST prescription showed the most potent protective effect, whilst with the exception of Scutellaria root extract, other components were ineffective. An incomplete prescription lacking Jujube or Ginger exhibited a similar effect to that of the SST in this system. The protective effect of SST against CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity in cultured hepatocytes appears to be based on the integrated effects resulting from pharmacological interactions among these crude drugs in the whole prescription.
Antimicrobial activity of naturally occurring and synthetic phloroglucinols against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yamaki Masae , Miwa Mikiko , Ishiguro Kyoko , Takagi Shuzo
Published: October 2006

Several phloroglucinols were isolated from Chinese drugs, Di er cao (Hypericum japonicum Thunb.) and Xian he cao (Agromonia pilosa Ledb.). These compounds showed potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Phloroglucinol derivatives were synthesized and their activities compared with naturally occurring and synthetic phloroglucinols against Staphylococcus aureus. The most active derivatives were methylene‐bis diacetyl‐phloroglucinol, n‐butanoylphloroglucinol, sarothralin and uliginosin B.
Selective antiprotozoal activity of some Strychnos alkaloids
Authors: Wright Colin W. , Allen David , Cai Ya , Chen Zhenping , Phillipson J. David , Kirby Geoffrey C. , Warhurst David C. , Tits Monique , Angenot Luc
Published: October 2006

The in vitro activities of 20 Strychnos alkaloids have been determined against three species of protozoa and the active compounds were then assessed for in vitro cytotoxic activity using KB cells. 3′,4′‐dihydrosambarensine was the most active against Plasmodium falciparum, and was relatively nontoxic to KB cells (cytotoxic/antiprotozoal ratio, 1474). Usambarensine displayed the most selectivity against Entamoeba histolytica while 3′,4′‐dihydrousambarensine was the most selective compound against Giardia intestinalis although the cytotoxic/antiprotozoal ratios (20.4 and 6.6 respectively) were less favourable than the above.
Comparative effects of the flavonoids luteolin, apiin and rhoifolin on experimental pulmonary hypertension in the dog
Authors: Occhiuto Francesco , Limardi Foca
Published: October 2006

The acute effects were compared of selected flavonoids on the pulmonary vascular circuit in two experimental models of pulmonary hypertension, produced by hypoxia and by prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in anaesthetized dogs. In all dogs, haemodynamic variables (pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery wedge and aortic pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, cardiac output) were recorded in the control state, during hypoxia or PGF2α‐induced pulmonary vasoconstriction, and after equimolar doses (5 mM/kg/i.v.) of luteolin, apiin and rhoifolin. The effects observed after flavonoid administration were compared with those of equimolar doses of nifedipine. The results obtained have shown that luteolin and apiin caused a decrease of hypoxic pulmonary vascular resistance to normoxic values and of the pulmonary arterial pressure while cardiac output remained unchanged. Rhoifolin produced no change in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, but decreased cardiac output and aortic pressure. The response of the pulmonary hypertension induced by PGF2α to flavonoids and nifedipine was nearly identical to that of hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension. The mechanism of action of these flavonoids is discussed.
Ca++ channel blocking activity of Artemisia scoparia extract
Authors: Gilani Anwar H. , Janbaz Khalid H. , Lateef Anisa , Zaman Mohtashim
Published: October 2006

Intravenous administration of a hydro‐methanolic extract of Artemisia scoparia (3–30 mg/kg) produced hypotensive and bradycardiac effects. These effects remained unaltered in atropine treated animals and the presence of the extract did not modify the vasoconstrictor response of norepinephrine, indicating that cardiovascular effects of the plant extract are not mediated through activation of muscarinic receptors or adrenoceptor blockade. In the in vitro studies, it suppressed the spontaneous movements of rabbit jejunum in a concentration‐dependent (0.1‐1 mg/mL) manner. The plant extract inhibited K+‐induced tonic contraction in a manner similar to that of verapamil. Exposure of tissue to Ca++‐free Kreb's solution abolished the spontaneous movements which were restored on addition of Ca++. In tissue pretreated with plant extract or verapamil, addition of Ca++ (50 μM) failed to restore spontaneous contractions. These data indicate that Artemisia scoparia cntains Ca++ channel blocker‐like constituent(s) which may explain the hypotensive effect observed in vivo and the traditional use of the plant as a spasmolytic.
Catharanthus roseus cell cultures: Growth, alkaloid synthesis and antidiabetic activity
Authors: Benjamin B. D. , Kelkar S. M. , Pote M. S. , Kaklij G. S. , Sipahimalani A. T. , Heble M. R.
Published: October 2006

Suspension cultures of Catharanthus roseus were established from three different cell lines namely, CWS, CWS‐A and CWS‐G on MS medium supplemented with 2,4‐D (0.4 ppm). The three cell lines were cultured in growth and production media. Cell line CWS grown in production medium showed a PCV (packed cell volume) of 70% in 21 days. The cells synthesized 0.10% ajmalicine in the production medium and the cell extract caused a 71% decrease in blood sugar in diabetes induced rats. In growth medium the cells showed a PCV of 97% in 21 days and produced trace amounts of alkaloids. The cell extracts did not show any antidiabetic activity. The CWS‐A cell line showed a PCV of 98% in 21 days and synthesized 0.036% ajmalicine in production medium. The extracts had no hypoglycaemic effect. In growth medium the cells showed a 98% PCV in 21 days and produced trace amounts of alkaloids. The cell extract caused an 86% decrease in blood sugar. The CWS‐G cell line grown in flasks failed to synthesize significant levels of alkaloids both in growth and production media. The cell extracts did not show any antidiabetic activity.
Effect of Toki‐Shakuyaku‐San (TJ‐23) on the activity of choline acetyltransferase in the brain of menopausal rats
Authors: Sakamoto Shuichi , Hagino Nobuyoshi , Toriizuka Kazuo
Published: October 2006

This study was designed to examine the effect of TJ‐23 on the synthesis of acetylcholine menopausal rats. TJ‐23 (500 mg/kg body weight) was administered daily through drinking water for either 1 or 3 months. Treatment with TJ‐23 for 1 month resulted in an increase in the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the ventral hippocampus, but there was no statistically significant change in the frontoparietal cerebral cortex. Treatment with TJ‐23 for 3 months resulted in a decrease in the ChAT activity in the frontoparietal cortex, but there was no statistically significant change in the hippocampus. Furthermore, treatment with TJ‐23 for 3 months resulted in a decrease in the ChAT activity in the amygdala‐pyriform cortex complex. From these observations, it is inferred that TJ‐23 treatment brings on the synthesis of acetylcholine in the frontoparietal cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and furthermore, treatment with the same regimen brings on different time sequences of acetylcholine synthesis in the frontoparietal cerebral cortex and hippocampus in menopausal rats.
Hepatoprotective effects of propolis extract on paracetamol‐induced liver damage in mice
Authors: González Ricardo , Remirez Diadelys , Rodriguez Sandra , González Addys , Ancheta Odelsa , Merino Nelson , Pascual Carlos
Published: October 2006

The effects of propolis extract were studied in a model of acute hepatotoxicity induced by a high oral dose (600 mg/kg) of paracetamol in mice. Propolis at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg i.p. decreased significantly the activity of alanine aminotransierase in serum, which was increased by paracetamol alone and increased the concentration of reduced glutathione in mouse liver, which is depleted by paracetamol. Propolis extract also reduced liver damage induced by paracetamol in mice, which was observed by optical and electron microscopy. The hepatoprotective effects of propolis were produced when administered 30 min before paracetamol or 2 h after it. It is concluded that propolis exerts some effects which resemble those of N‐acetylcysteine, the well‐known antidote of paracetamol.
Anti‐inflammatory activity of Lannea coromandelica bark extract in rats
Authors: Singh Surjeet , Singh G. B.
Published: October 2006

Oral administration of an ethanolic extract of Lannea coromandelica (ELC) demonstrated a dose related antiinflammatory activity (AIA) in carrageenan and dextran induced oedema and adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. ELC reduced the pleural exudate volume and inhibited leucocyte migration in carrageenan‐induced pleurisy in rats. It lacked analgesic, antipyretic or ulcerogenic effect and failed to exhibit any effect in cotton pellet granuloma. It did not prolong the gestation period, parturition time in pregnant rats or the onset time of diarrhoea in rats induced by castor oil. The ALD50 is greater than 2 g/kg p.o. in mice.
Effects of polysaccharides purified from Salviae miltiorrhizae radix on experimental nephrosis in rats
Authors: Guoji Ye , Kajihara Jun‐Ichi , Kirihara Sei , Kato Kazuo , Abe Hiroko
Published: October 2006

A polysaccharide active fraction (AF) obtained from a hot‐water extract of Salviae miltiorrhizae radix was found to reduce urinary protein excretion in rats with aminonucleoside‐induced experimental nephrosis. Its composition was determined as 20% neutral sugars and 80% uronic acids. Oral or intramuscular administration of AF to the rats with aminonucleoside‐induced nephrosis resulted in a significant decrease of urinary protein excretion and an improvement in the levels of serum albumin, cholesterol and lipid peroxide. Further, electron microscopical analysis revealed that the extent and the severity of lesions of the epithelial cells in glomerulus were significantly less in the rats treated with AF.
Hypoglycaemic properties of the aqueous root extract of Morinda lucida (Benth) (Rubiaceae). Studies in the mouse
Authors: Kamanyi A. , Njamen D. , Nkeh B.
Published: October 2006

The aqueous root extract of Morinda lucida (Rubiaceae) Benth, exhibited potent hypoglycaemic effects in both normoglycemic and alloxan‐induced diabetic mice by oral administration. This effect was dose‐dependent and more potent than that observed with chlorpropamide (1‐(p‐chlorobenzene‐sulphanyl)‐3‐propylurea). In the normoglycaemic mice, the extract (140 mg/kg body weight) produced a fall in blood sugar of 32% + 1% while at 280 mg/kg body weight there was a 52% + 2% fall over the same time interval.

In alloxan‐induced diabetic mice, the reaction time of the extract was longer with a single dose of the extract producing a significant hypoglycaemic effect 4 h after administration. In diabetic mice, a dose of 140 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract caused a fall in blood sugar of 51% + 1% while a dose of 280 mg/kg produced a fall of 60% + 2%.
Immunosuppressive effect of the aqueous extract of Kalanchoe pinnata in mice
Authors: Rossi‐Bergmann B. , Costa S. S. , Borges M. B. S. , da Silva S. A. , Noleto G. R. , Souza M. L. M. , Moraes V. L. G.
Published: October 2006

The aqueous extract of Kalanchoe pinnata leaves was found to cause significant inhibition of cell‐mediated and humoral immune responses in mice. The spleen cells of animals pre‐treated with K. pinnata showed a decreased ability to proliferate in response to both mitogen and to antigen in vitro. Treatment with K. pinnata also impaired the ability of mice to mount a delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH) to ovalbumin. The intravenous and topical routes of administration were the most effective by almost completely abolishing the DTH reaction. The intraperitoneal and oral routes reduced the reaction by 73% and 47% of controls, respectively. The specific antibody responses to ovalbumin were also significantly reduced by treatment. Together, these observations indicate that the aqueous extract of K. pinnata possesses an immunosuppressive activity.
Hypotensive activity of ovatodiolides isolated from a Chinese crude drug ‘Fáng Féng Cáo’
Authors: Momose Yasunori , Nimura Masayuki , Arisawa Munehisa , Hayashi Toshimitsu , Takeda Ryuji , Nakanishi Suehiro
Published: October 2006

Macrocyclic diterpenoids, ovatodiolides, showed a transient hypotensive activity in the anaesthetized dog. The effects of ovatodiolides on the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), contactile activity in isolated frog heart by the Yagi‐Hartung method and the Ca2+ current measured with the voltage clamp method in single bullfrog atrial cells were examined. Ovatodiolide (1) showed inhibitory activity of myocardial contraction and an antagonistic effect on Ca2+ current. These results suggest that the hypotensive activity by ovatodiolides at least, partly, may be due to inhibition of myocardial contraction.
Screening of Indonesian plant extracts for anti‐human immunodeficiency virus—type 1 (HIV‐1) activity
Authors: Otake Toru , Mori Haruyo , Morimoto Motoko , Ueba Noboru , Sutardjo Supriyatna , Kusumoto Ines Tomoco , Hattori Masao , Namba Tsuneo
Published: October 2006

Of 30 Indonesian plant extracts tested for their human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1) inhibitory activities, six were shown to be effective by assays using HIV‐1‐infected MT‐4 cells: a methanol extract of mahoni (bark of Swietenia mahagoni) and water extracts of benalu teh (stems and branches of Loranthus parasiticus), kiules (fruit of Helicteres isora), supratul (fruits of Sindora sumatrana), sambiloto (leaves of Andrographis paniculata) and temu ireng (rhizoma of Curcuma aeruginosa). Their ED50 values ranged from 4.2 to 175 μg/mL. The samples also suppressed the formation of syncytia in co‐cultures of MOLT‐4 and MOLT‐4/HIV‐1 cells. The most potent inhibitor was a methanol extract of mahoni, which also showed a significant inhibition of HIV‐1 protease.
The effects of Icacina trichantha tuber extract on the nervous system
Authors: Asuzu I. U. , Abubakar I. I.
Published: October 2006

The tuber of Icacina trichantha was extracted with 50% methanol and concentrated to dryness in vacuo to give a yield of 5.6% w/w. The extract induced sleep in rats treated with high doses (400–1000 mg/kg i.p.). The LD50 of the extract was 671 mg/kg i.p. It potentiated pentobarbitone sleeping time in rats dose‐dependently and also induced significant local anaesthetic effects in guinea‐pigs. The extract was able to give 80% protection to rats poisoned with pentylenetetrazole but failed to protect rats from strychinine poisoning. It induced significant dose‐dependent analgesia in rats and showed significant muscle relaxant activity in mice.