bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue cultures of Withania somnifera: Morphogenesis and withanolide synthesis
Authors: Roja G. , Heble M. R. , Sipahimalani A. T.
Published: October 2006

Tissue cultures were established from axillary meristems of the plant Withania somnifera. Growth hormones influenced the morphogenetic responses of the cultures. The explants gave multiple shoots in Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with benzyladenine (BA), rooting in MS+coconut milk (CM) (10%) and callus formation in MS+2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) (2.0 ppm). Callus cultures failed to synthesize withanolides. Multiple shoot cultures synthesized significant levels of withanolides and their concentrations varied with different growth hormones.
Antiinflammatory effect of Japanese‐Sino medicine ‘Keishi‐ka‐jutsubu‐to’ and its component drugs on adjuvant air pouch granuloma of mice
Authors: Kimura Masayasu , Kimura Ikuko , Luo Bao , Kobayashi Shinjiro
Published: October 2006

A Japanese‐Sino medicine, Keishi‐ka‐jutsubu‐to (KJ), consisting of seven crude drugs, aconite, Atractylodes lancea, peony, liquorice, ginger, cassia and jujube, has long been used clinically to cure chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The antiinflammatory effect induced by KJ and the main roles of the component crude drugs in KJ were investigated on adjuvant‐induced air pouch granuloma in mice. KJ (water‐soluble extract at 50°C) was effective in inhibiting the chronic inflammatory process of angiogenesis, whereas KJ (extract at 100°C without a water‐cooler) was effective for the acute inflammatory processes of inflammatory cell migration and pouch fluid exudation. Keishi‐to (KJ minus aconite and Atractylodes lancea) and a combination of both aconite and Atractylodes lancea provided additive inhibition of angiogenesis when used in combination. The interaction between aconite and Atractylodes lancea also produced additive inhibition. The effects on angiogenesis of peony, ginger or cassia alone were potentiated, and those of aconite, Atractylodes lancea or liquorice alone were additive in KJ. Pharmacological analysis of these experimental chronic inflammatory processes demonstrated the role of each drug in the combined effect of KJ.
Antidiabetic effect of Nelumbo nucifera (Gaertn) extract: Part II
Authors: Huralikuppi J. C. , Christopher A. B. , Stephen P. M.
Published: October 2006

Earlier studies showed that the extract of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., an aquatic Indian plant, produced hypoglycaemia and an improvement of glucose tolerance in normal rabbits. Further investigations were undertaken. Chronic administration of plant extracts (test drugs) to normal rats did not produce a sustained fall of fasting blood sugar levels although daily doses caused hypoglycaemia as an acute effect; concurrent glucose tolerance studies showed beneficial effects. In vitro studies with rat hemidiaphragms revealed that test drug treatment of donor animals significantly enhanced the effect of insulin. The improvement of glucose tolerance therefore may also be due to increased peripheral glucose utilization caused by increased sensitivity of skeletal muscles to endogenous insulin. Comparative studies were also carried out in moderately diabetic rabbits using test drugs (equivalent to 1000 mg/kg of crude material) and standard drugs phenformin and tolbutamide (100 mg/kg each). The test drugs showed acute and chronic effects in suppressing hyperglycaemia, but were less potent than standard drugs. However, test drugs significantly improved glucose tolerance in these animals. With severely diabetic rabbits, these drugs proved to be ineffective even at four‐fold higher doses. Toxicity studies in normal rats did not show any deleterious effect on kidney, heart or liver during an 8‐week study period.
Hepatoprotective activity of picroliv isolated from Picrorhiza kurrooa against thioacetamide toxicity on rat hepatocytes
Authors: Visen P. K. S. , Shukla Binduja , Patnaik G. K. , Chandra Ramesh , Singh Vineeta , Kapoor N. K. , Dhawan B. N.
Published: October 2006

Picroliv, an iridoid glycoside mixture from the root and rhizome of Picrorhiza kurrooa, showed dose‐dependent protective activity on isolated hepatocytes (ex vivo) against thioacetamide‐induced hepatic damage in the rat. It enhanced the percentage of viable hepatic cells. Picroliv also antagonized the changes in the enzymes GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase produced by thioacetamide both in the isolated hepatocyte suspension as well as in serum. It was found to be more potent than silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent.
A pharmacological evaluation of Baphia nitida Lodd (Leguminosae) ethanolic extract on rats and mice
Authors: Onwukaeme D. N. , Lot T. Y.
Published: October 2006

Fresh leaves of Baphia nitida supplied by a herbalist were extracted, screened phytochemically and then subjected to various pharmacological tests. The phytochemical tests showed the presence of saponin, flavonoid glycosides and true tannins. In the dose range used, no acute toxicity was observed for the ethanolic extract. The extract showed a dose dependent antinociceptive (analgesic) activity in mice with the analgesic activity of 500 mg/kg extract being comparable to that of 300 mg/kg of acetylsalicylic acid. The extract demonstrated an antidiarrhoeal effect by protecting rats against castor oil induced diarrhoea. This was also dose related but less than the protection afforded by sodium salicylate. The extract did not demonstrate any appreciable anticonvulsant effect against strychnine‐induced convulsion in rats.
Chinese medicinal herbs modulate mutagenesis, DNA binding and metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene
Authors: Wong Brian Y. Y. , Lau Benjamin H. S. , Teel Robert W.
Published: October 2006

Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) and Scutellaria barbata (SB) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating liver, lung and rectal tumours while Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Ligustrum lucidum (LL) are often used as an adjunct in cancer therapy. In this study, we determined the effects of aqueous extracts of these four herbs on benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)‐induced mutagenesis using Salmonella typhimurium TA100 as the bacterial tester strain and rat liver 9000 × g supernatant as the metabolic activation system. The effects of these herbs on [3H]BapP binding to calf thymus DNA and formation of BaP‐DNA adducts were assessed. Organosoluble and water‐soluble metabolites of BaP were extracted and analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and alumina column liquid chromatography. Mutagenesis assays revealed that all four herbs produced a significant concentration‐dependent inhibition of His+ revertants induced by BaP. At a concentration of 1.5 mg/plate, SB and OD in combination exhibited an additive effect, whereas AM and LL in combination demonstrated an antagonistic effect. The trend of inhibition of these four herbs on BaP‐induced mutagenesis was: SB > LL > OD > AM. LL, OD and SB significantly inhibited BaP binding to DNA. LL and SB significantly reduced BaP‐DNA adduct formation and SB significantly decreased formation of organosoluble metabolites of BaP. Our data suggest that these Chinese medicinal herbs possess cancer chemopreventive properties.
Feeding deterrency and insecticidal effects of plant extracts on Lutzomyia longipalpis
Authors: de Arias Antonieta Rojas , Schmeda‐Hirschmann Guillermo , Falcao Adalberto
Published: October 2006

Papers impregnated with seventeen extracts and three essential oils derived from nineteen plant species were assayed for insecticidal effect on Lutzomyia longipalpis sandflies. Five extracts significantly increased the mortality rates when compared with controls. Six extracts and two essential oils were assessed after application to hamsters for repellency/antifeedant effects on the flies. Bixa orellana seed extract and Bulnesia sarmientoi essential oil elicited a strong feeding inhibition at 2.50‐1.25 μg/cm2 skin.
Pharmacological effects of phenylpropanoid glycosides from Orobanche hederae
Authors: Pieretti S. , Di Giannuario A. , Capasso A. , Nicoletti M.
Published: October 2006

A purified extract of Orobanche hederae, composed of two phenylpropanoid glycosides, verbascoside and orobanchoside (55:45), was investigated for its pharmacological profile. The extract did not exert significant changes on the nociceptive threshold in the hot plate test; no effect was registered on guinea‐pig ileum. On the other hand, the phenylpropanoid glycoside mixture significantly prolonged sleep induced by pentobarbital and affected locomotor activity in mice; it also produced a slowing of the electroencephalographic trace and induced, when injected in the lateral cerebral ventricle, epileptiform activity in male rabbits. These effects may suggest neuroleptic‐like properties.
In vitro antiamoebic and antiplasmodial activities of alkaloids isolated from Alstonia angustifolia roots
Authors: Wright C. W. , Allen D. , Cai Ya , Phillipson J. D. , Said I. M. , Kirby G. C. , Warhurst D. C.
Published: October 2006

Nine alkaloids from Alstonia angustifolia have been assessed for antiprotozoal activities against Entamoeba histolytica and Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Three dimeric alkaloids, macrocarpamine, macralstonine acetate (semisynthetic) and villastonine were found to possess significant activity against both protozoans, but were 4–8 times less potent than emetine against E. histolytica and 15–50 times less potent than chloroquine against P. falciparum. The monomeric alkaloids, alstonerine, alstophylline, 11‐methoxyakuammicine, norfluorocurarine, pleiocarpamine and vincamajine were all considerably less active than the dimers: macralstonine base was found to be inactive.
The pharmacological properties of the ethanolic root extract of Combretum dolichopetalum
Authors: Asuzu I. U. , Njoku J. C.
Published: October 2006

The pharmacological actions of the crude ethanolic extract and the active fractions of the roots of Combretum dolichopetalum were tested on guinea‐pig isolated ileum and in intact rats. The extract relaxed guinea‐pig ileum in a concentration‐dependent manner. Two active fractions (Rf 0.96 and 0.84) which also relaxed the guinea‐pig ileum were isolated using column chromatography and TLC respectively. Both the crude extract and the active fractions inhibited the contractions induced by acetylcholine and histamine concentration‐dependently in the guinea‐pig ileum. The crude extract inhibited ulcers and gastric secretions induced in rats by pyloric ligation together with histamine 100 mg/kg, i.p. (p<0.05). The extract also delayed gastric emptying in rats in a dose‐dependent manner. The effects of the extract were compared with cimetidine at each stage of the study.
The effects of Baphia nitida Lodd (leguminosae) extract on the gastrointestinal tract of rats and mice
Authors: Onwukaeme D. N. , Lot T. Y.
Published: October 2006

The constituents from the leaves of Baphia nitida were extracted using methanol and acetone as solvents. The extract did not demonstrate any acute toxic effects in mice within the dose range used during this study. The extract inhibited gastric emptying time in rats and intestinal motility in mice, both effects were manifested in a dose‐related fashion. These effects were similar but less pronounced than those produced by atropine sulphate. The extract did not induce gastric ulceration in rats and failed to protect against acetyl salicylic acid‐induced gastric ulcer in rats or histamine‐induced duodenal ulcer in guinea‐pigs.
Blood sugar lowering effect of Vernonia amygdalina Del, in an experimental rabbit model
Authors: Akah P. A. , Okafor C. L.
Published: October 2006

The aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina, Del, (Compositae) given i.p. produced a dose‐related fall in blood sugar. A dose of 80 mg/kg body weight of adult rabbit produced a maximum lowering of blood sugar in both fasted normal and alloxanized rabbits. The fasting blood sugar in normoglycaemic rabbits was reduced from 96 mg% to 48 mg% in 4 h. In alloxanized rabbits, the blood sugar was reduced from the mean value of 520 mg% to 300 mg% in 8 h. The hypoglycaemic effects were compared with those of tolbutamide. Acute toxicity studies of the extract in mice gave LD50 value of 1122 mg/kg body weight when given i.p. The blood sugar lowering effect of Vernonia amygdalina extract may involve a mechanism not related to insulin secretion.
Studies on the neuropharmacological aspects of Pluchea indica root extract
Authors: Sen T. , Chaudhuri A. K. Nag
Published: October 2006

Neuropharmacological studies were conducted in rodents with Pluchea indica Less root extract. On investigation with different experimental models it was found that the extract produced alteration of behaviour pattern, reduction in spontaneous motility, prolongation of pentobarbitone‐induced sleep, suppression of aggressive behaviour pattern and of the conditioned avoidance response. The observations suggest that the root extract of P. indica possesses a potent central nervous system depressant action.
Hypotensive effect and enzyme inhibition activity of mapuche medicinal plant extracts
Authors: Schmeda‐Hirschmann G. , Loyola J. I. , Sierra J. , Retamal R. , Rodriguez J.
Published: October 2006

Thirty‐five plant samples belonging to 30 Mapuche medicinal plants were assayed for xanthine oxidase and β‐glucuronidase inhibitory activity as well as for brine shrimp toxicity and hypotensive effect in normotensive rats. A high number of extracts displayed significant inhibition towards the enzyme β‐glucuronidase or elicited a hypotensive response. The biological activity of the assayed extracts shows some correlation with their use as digestives for treating hepatic troubles by the Mapuche Amerindians. From the ten plants displaying a hypotensive effect ≥20%, eight have some ethnobotanical indication suggesting that activity.
Oscillating potentials of the electroretinogram in the evaluation of the effects of padma 28 on lipid metabolism and vascular changes in humans
Authors: Samochowiec J. , Palacz A. , Bobnis W. , Lisiecka B.
Published: October 2006

In this study the effect of Padma 28 on lipid parameters and oscillating potentials of the electroretinogram in humans was measured. The aim of the study was to determine whether a correlation between disturbances in lipid metabolism and oscillating potentials exists. The lipid parameters studied in blood serum of patients included: triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol percentage. A decrease in the amplitudes of oscillating potentials was observed in patients with hyperlipidaemia, including both hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia. In these patients, after 16 weeks of treatment with Padma 28 the values for oscillating potentials and lipid parameters normalized. Thus the oscillating potentials of the electroretinogram may prove a useful tool in diagnosing pathological conditions that are associated with disturbances in blood lipid levels, such as atherosclerosis, at early stages hitherto difficult to diagnose.
A clinical study of PSP on peripheral blood counts during chemotherapy
Authors: Shiu W. C. T. , Leung T. W. T. , Tao M.
Published: October 2006

The effect of polysaccharide peptides from Coriolous versicolor (PSP) on peripheral blood counts was evaluated on eleven Chinese breast cancer patients. There was no significant drop in their peripheral white blood counts and platelet counts after three cycles of chemotherapy. Half of the studied patients noticed an increase in appetite. The authors concluded that PSP may be a useful adjunctive treatment during chemotherapy.
Mikania cordata root extract in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and reduction of enzyme leakage in mice with carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage
Authors: Mandal P. K. , Bishayee A. , Mukherjee J. R. , Chatterjee M.
Published: October 2006

The effects of Mikania cordata root extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver injury were investigated. Lipid peroxidation, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were used as the marker for functional efficiency of the liver cells. A 7.8% inhibition of lipid peroxide levels in liver homogenate was noted at a dose of 10 mg/kg and the inhibition was more prominent (68.7%) at the optimum dose level of 150 mg/kg. The inhibitory values were 4.3% and 30.4% at the low and the high (optimum) doses tested, respectively, in the case of lipid peroxide levels in the hepatic lipid fraction. At a dose of 150 mg/kg, a maximum inhibition of the increased enzyme levels was observed (i.e. SGOT, 15.6%; SGPT, 13.4%; LDH, 22.8%). This observation suggests that Mikania cordata root extract induced a recovery from the damage caused in liver tissue during CCl4 administration.
Bioactive substances from the Chinese daffodil, Narcissus tazetta
Authors: Chiu K. W. , Lee Y. C. , Yung K. H.
Published: October 2006

The cardiovascular activity of the aqueous (A) and 30% MeOH (B) fractions of an ethanol extract of the daffodil bulbs (Narcissus tazetta) was examined using in vivo and in vitro preparations of normotensive rats and in the presence/absence of various blockers: α, β‐adrenergic, cholinergic, ganglionic, histaminergic, enzyme converson inhibitor, calcium channel. These fractions (A and B) produced similar dose‐dependent hypotensive responses in the anesthetized animals. The responses induced by fraction B might be mediated via adrenergic and cholinergic receptor activation. In isolated atrial preparations, fraction A increased the atrial rate (+ ve chronotropism) but not the atrial tension (inotropism). Fraction B, however, produced negative chronotropic but positive inotropic responses. Fraction B had no effect on the untreated tail vascular smooth muscle but increased the tension on AVP‐preconstricted helical strips. It is suggested that the daffodil bulb contains cardiovascular active substances, the sum total of the effects produced accounts for the hypotensive action. It is further shown that these substances are distinct from those of well‐documented antimitotic narciclasine.
Antimicrobial activity of Polygonum equisetiforme extracts and flavonoids
Authors: Ghazal S. A. , Abuzarqa M. , Mahasneh A. M.
Published: October 2006

Methanol, hexane, aqueous and petroleum ether extracts of the whole plant Polygonum equisetiforme did not show any activity against ten bacterial and four fungal species. The butanol crude extract and all the pooled groups of this exhibited variable patterns of antimicrobial activity. Quercetin (a flavonol) has been isolated and identified as the major constituent. The antifungal and antibacterial activity of quercetin was compared with the antibacterial drugs gentamycin, streptomycin and ampicillin and the antifungal drug miconazole nitrate. The antifungal activity of quercetin was limited to Candida tropicalis and it had a narrow antibacterial spectrum of activity. However, its activities against Enterobacter aerogenes and Escherichia coli were low grade compared with ampicillin, stretomycin and gentamycin. Quercetin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside, quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide, quercetin‐3‐O‐arabinoside and isorhamnetin were also isolated in very low yield. They have not been reported previously in this species.
Biologically active preparations from Lactuca virosa L.
Authors: Gromek D. , Kisiel W. , Klodzińska A. , Chojnacka‐Wójcik E.
Published: October 2006

The crude preparations from Lactuca virosa L. (P‐1, P‐2, P‐3), lactucin (1) and jacquinelin (2) were investigated pharmacologically in Albino‐Swiss mice. The results indicate that P‐1, P‐2, P‐3 and 1, but not 2 show sedative and analgesic properties. The most active of them was preparation P‐2 which at a dose of 2 mg/kg reduced the spontaneous locomotor activity and at a dose of 15 mg/kg produced an analgesic effect. Jacquinelin (2), 8‐desoxylactucine (4), 11β,13‐dihydrolactucin (5) and lactuside A (6) were isolated from this preparation.
Effects of saponins from Mimosa tenuiflora on lymphoma cells and lymphocytes
Authors: Jiang Yulin , Weniger Bernard , Haag‐Berrurier Micheline , Anton Robert , Beck Jean‐Paul , Italiano Liliane
Published: October 2006

The following saponosides: mimonosides A (Ma), B (Mb) and C (Me), isolated from the bark of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poiret (Mimosaceae) were tested for their influence on cell growth. These effects were evaluated in vitro on a panel of lymphoma cells from human and murine origins and on murine lymphocytes (thymocytes and splenocytes). The three saponins did not exhibit any growth influence on two tumour cell lines (Molt 4 and RDM 4). However, they exhibit an important increase of incorporation of tritiated thymidine into DNA of cultured lymphocytes in vitro. Synergic effects of the saponins with concanavaline A (Con A) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the lymphocytes were observed.
The basis for the antihyperglycemic activity of Indigofera arrecta in the rat
Authors: Nyarko A. K. , Sittie A. A. , Addy M. E.
Published: October 2006

The basis for the antihyperglycaemic property of Indigofera arrecta, a plant used for the treatment of diabetes, was evaluated using normoglycemic and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. The rats were given different doses of the freeze‐dried extract of the plant material orally and intraperitoneally. The extract decreased the plasma glucose levels of fasting normoglycemic rats, but did not prevent the rise in plasma glucose after an oral glucose load in these rats. The extract increased plasma insulin levels. In the diabetic rats, the rise in blood glucose after an oral glucose load was not affected when the extract was administered 17 days after induction of diabetes. When administered 7 days after induction of diabetes, the rise in blood glucose was decreased, and was stabilized after 30 min. The results indicate that I. arrecta is insulinotropic, requiring functional beta cells to express its effect.
Assessment of the efficacy of quwenling as a mosquito repellent
Authors: Collins D. A. , Brady J. N. , Curtis C. F.
Published: October 2006

Quwenling is a mosquito repellent product made in China from lemon eucalyptus. It was tested in the laboratory against. Anopheles gambiae in comparison with two commercial products containing 20–22% deet. The numbers of mosquitoes coming to bite in 30 s with successive increments of dosage of each product applied to human skin or to a cotton sleeve were compared with the numbers of bites with untreated controls. The ED50, ED90 and ED100 values indicated that Quwenling was somewhat less potent than the deet products. The performance of the three products against British wild mosquitoes did not differ significantly.
Panax ginseng extract improves scopolamine‐induced deficits in working memory performance in the T‐maze delayed alternation task in rats
Authors: Ni X.‐H. , Ohta H. , Watanabe H. , Matsumoto K.
Published: October 2006

The effects of Panax ginseng water extract on spatial working memory disruption induced by scopolamine were examined using a T‐maze delayed alternation task in rats. Scopolamine (0.025–0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) dose‐dependently impaired the maze performance, and physostigmine (0.4 mg/kg) significantly reversed the scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg)‐induced performance deficits. Ginseng extract (0.5–4.0 g dried root/kg) orally administered 60 min before testing dose‐dependently improved the maze performance disrupted by scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg). Ginseng extract given for 7 days in drinking water (2.0 and 4.0 g/kg/day) also exhibited dose‐dependent reversal of the scopolamine‐induced performance deficits. These data indicate the beneficial effects of ginseng extract on spatial working memory in rats.
Pharmacological study of phenylpropanoid glycosides: Platelet aggregation and blood pressure studies in rabbits and rats
Authors: Capasso A. , Pieretti S. , Di Giannuario A. , Nicoletti M.
Published: October 2006

The effects of phenylpropanoid glycosides (PhGs) isolated from Calceolaria and Orobanche on platelet aggregation and blood pressure have been investigated. The PhGs tested were able to interfere with platelet aggregation, producing pro‐ or antiaggregant effects. On the other hand, none of the PhGs tested had a significant effect on Mood pressure. The results suggest that the effects of PhGs on rabbit platelets may be related to a differential modulation of cAMP‐phosphodiesterase.
Experimental pharmacokinetics of biologically active plant phenolic compounds. II. Pharmacokinetics of likviritin in the rat
Authors: Voskoboinikova I. V. , Tjukavkina N. A. , Kolhir V. K. , Geodakyan S. V. , Zjuzin V. A. , Kolesnik Yu. A. , Litvinenko V. I.
Published: October 2006

A procedure was developed to measure plasma and urine likviritin levels by reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography. The likviritin pharmacokinetics was studied in rats after intravenous injection of the compound in a single dose of 1,3 and 10 mg/kg and after its oral administration in a single dose 50 and 500 rag/kg. It was shown that likviritin pharmacokinetics after i.v. injection within the above dose range was nonlinear and within every dose could be described by a two‐compartmental model. Its nonlinear nature might be associated with saturated binding of the compound.
Study of the antioedema activity of some seaweed and sponge extracts from the mediterranean coast in mice
Authors: Payá Miguel , Ferrándiz Maria Luisa , Sanz Maria Jesús , Bustos Gloria , Blasco Rafael , Rios José Luis , Alcaraz Maria José
Published: October 2006

Chloroform and methanol extracts of ten marine species, seven seaweeds and three sponges, have been studied for possible, antioedema activities. The extracts were administered either topically or orally on TPA‐induced mouse ear oedema and on carrageenan mouse paw oedema, respectively. The most interesting seaweed extracts were found to be from Corallina elongata, Galaxaura oblongata, Laurencia obtusa and Udotea petiolata, where both extracts of each species induced a large antioedema effect in both models employed. None of the sponges assayed demonstrated antiinflammatory effects on carrageenan mouse paw oedema, however, some extracts elicited an inhibition of the oedema developed by TPA.
Effects of traditional medicines, Gosya‐jinki‐gan, “Kyushin” and “Reiousan” on sexual and learning behaviour in chronically stressed mice
Authors: Morishita Shin‐Ichi , Shoji Masamichi , Oguni Yasuhiro , Hirai Yasuharu , Sugimoto Chishio , Ito Chihiro
Published: October 2006

Traditional medicines, such as Gosya‐jinki‐gan (Niu‐Che‐Shen‐Qi‐Wan) extract preparation (KJE), “Kyushin” (KY–2) and “Reiousan” (R–03) were studied to determine their effects on sexual and learning behaviour in mice subjected to chronic “hanging stress”. Drugs were given orally once a day for 14 days, and sexual (licking, mounting and intromission) and learning (memory retrieval and memory extinction) behaviour were observed. KJE and R–03 protected mice against the stress‐induced decrease of licking, mounting and intromission behaviour, and increases of acceleration of memory loss and failure of memory retrieval. KY–2 protected mice against stress‐induced decrease of licking and intromission behaviour, and increases of acceleration of memory loss and failure to retrieve memory. These results suggest that these drugs have protective effects against chronically exhausted states.
Oligo‐ and macrocyclic diterpenes in thymelaeaceae and euphorbiaceae occurring and utilized in yunnan (Southwest China) 4. Tigliane type diterpene esters (phorbol–12,13‐diesters) from Wikstroemia canescens
Authors: Dagang Wu , Sorg B. , Adolf W. , Opferkuch H. J. , Seip E. H. , Hecker E.
Published: October 2006

From a methanol extract of the roots of Wikstroemia canescens (Wall) Meisen the hitherto unknown Wikstroemia factors C1 and C2 were isolated by means of a Craig distribution followed by TLC. They were identified as the tigliane type phorbol–12‐benzoate–13‐decanoate (C2) and the corresponding–13‐3E, 5E‐decadienoate) (C1). On the mouse ear Wikstroemia factor C1 showed irritant activity comparable to that of the standard irritant phorbol ester 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol–13‐acetate. Wikstroemia factor C2, not assayed for irritancy, may be expected to be about as active as C1.
Inhibition of IgE formation in mice by glycoproteins from corn silk
Authors: Namba Tsuneo , Xu Hongxi , Kadota Shigetoshi , Hattori Masao , Takahashi Tooru , Kojima Yasuhiko
Published: October 2006

The inhibitory effects of glycoproteins separated from a hot water extract of corn silk (U‐CSE) on the formation of IgE antibodies after primarily and secondarily challenged responses with dinitrophenyl (DNP)‐ovalbumin (OVA) antigen in mice were investigated using the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) test.

When U‐CSE was given intranasally or intraperitoneally the day before primary immunization, IgE antibody production was strongly inhibited. Furthermore, it was found that new formation of IgE antibodies was readily inhibited by U‐CSE administration in mice with high levels of IgE after primary immunization. It was also found that U‐CSE markedly suppressed IgE antibody formation in secondarily challenged responses with the antigen. U‐CSE may be clinically applicable to type I allergic diseases.
Stimulation of RNA polymerase activity by ginsenoside‐Rb2 in diabetic rats
Authors: Yokozawa Takako , Yasui Teruhito , Oura Hikokichi
Published: October 2006

The effect of ginsenoside‐Rb2 on RNA polymerase activity was investigated in rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. Daily intraperitoneal administration of ginsenoside‐Rb2 for 3 or 6 days resulted in an increase of RNA polymerase I activity, as well as an increment of RNA polymerase II activity. From these results, it seems that ginsenoside‐Rb2 promotes the synthesis of rRNA and mRNA.
Effect of phytochemicals on the mutagenicity of the tobacco‐specific nitrosamine 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK) in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA1535
Authors: Teel Robert W.
Published: October 2006

Five phytochemicals with potential chemopreventive activity were tested to determine their antimutagenic effects toward the tobacco‐specific nitrosamine 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK) in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA1535. NNK at a concentration of 80 mM was metabolically activated by hamster liver microsomes. Three phytochemicals; capsaicin, diallyl sulphide and silymarin, exhibited antimutagenic activity toward NNK in a dose‐dependent manner. At the highest nontoxic concentration tested (0.5 mmole/plate), the inhibitory effect of capsaicin, diallyl sulphide and silymarin was 85%, 23% and 48%, respectively. D‐limonene and tannic acid were also tested but did not show antimutagenic activity toward NNK in TA1535. These results suggest that capsaicin, diallyl sulphide and silymarin inhibited the activation of NNK and indicate that further studies of the efficacy of these phytochemicals in the chemoprevention of NNK‐induced carcinogenesis are warranted.
α‐glucosidase and aldose reductase inhibitors: Constituents of cashew, Anacardium occidentale, nut shell liquids
Authors: Toyomizu M. , Sugiyama S. , Jin R. L. , Nakatsu T.
Published: October 2006

Constituents of cashew, Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae), shell liquids inhibit α‐glucosidase, invertase and aldose reductase. Sixteen compounds including four anacardic acids, four cardols, four cardanols and four methyl cardols were isolated and identified as active constituents. Anacardic acids were more potent enzyme inhibitors among the constituents isolated from the nut oil while the enzyme inhibitory activities of commercial structurally related compounds were negligible in comparison.
Formulation studies on Datura metel Linn. Powder 1. Effect of powder size on granule and compact properties
Authors: Femi‐Oyewo M. N. , Elujoba A. A. , Alebiowu G.
Published: October 2006

Datura metel Linn. powdered leaf (25% w/w) has been formulated in lactose‐based granulations into compacts using the wet granulation process. The effects of changes in the particle size of D. metel powder on the properties of its granules and compacts were studied. Bigger and less friable granules were produced with increase in powder size due to the increased wettability of the powder with size. These resulted in stronger and less friable compacts with a longer disintegration time. Granule flow rate increased while angle of repose decreased with increase in D. metel powder size. Compacts of comparable physical properties were produced from both granulations of D. metel and D. stramonium. The hyoscine contents of D. metel and D. stramonium powders were found to be 0.23% and 0.30% w/w, respectively.
Mutagenic potencies of medicinal plants screened in the ames test
Authors: Bresolin Sayonara , Ferrão Vargas Vera Maria
Published: October 2006

Aqueous extracts of three species used in Brazilian popular medicine (Sambacus australis, Bauhnea forficata, Mimosa bimucromata) were screened for the presence of mutagenic activity in the Ames test. The extracts showed frameshift mutagenic activity after metabolization. In addition, M. bimucromata presented positive results in the TA100 strain, which detects a base pair substitution, with and without metabolization. The metabolites of B. forficata extract also showed mutagenic activity in the TA102 strain. The presence of flavonoids and tannins in the extracts may be correlated to positive mutagenic activity.
Interaction of capsaicin with human erythrocyte membranes
Authors: De Amit Krishna , Sengupta D. , Ghosh J. J.
Published: October 2006

Capsaicin (8‐methyl‐n‐vanillyl‐6‐nonenamide) caused a dose related (1‐100 nM) haemolysis of human red blood cells. This haemolysis was associated with significant changes in erythrocyte membrane lipid components and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Ruthenium red blocks this capsaicin‐induced haemolysis and membrane AChE activity changes.
Terminalia arjuna extract modulates the contraction of rat aorta induced by KCl and norepinephrine
Authors: Tripathi Yamini B.
Published: October 2006

The bark of Terminalia arjuna is in clinical use for the management of cardiovascular disorders in India. The objective of this study was to investigate the contractile response induced by the extract on rat aorta, a vascular smooth muscle. Terminalia arjuna relaxed the contraction, induced by both KCl (60 mM) and norepinephrine (NE, 3 μM). Inhibition was more prominent (80%) in the NE induced contraction than the KCl induced contraction (30%). Under similar conditions diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker (Dz, 1.0 μM), inhibited 68% of the KCl induced and 30% of NE induced contraction. Thus it appears that the action of Terminalia arjuna extract differs from that of diltiazem in that it is more specific for alpha‐adrenergic receptor agonists. It indirectly inhibited the contraction induced by norepinephrine by acting on K (Ca) channel by hyperpolarizing the smooth muscle membrane.
Potential of natural products as insect antifeedants
Authors: Jain D. C. , Tripathi A. K.
Published: October 2006

Insect antifeedants are the substances that play a significant role in host plant selection by phytophagous insects. Extensive work has been done on natural antifeedants and a large number of these compounds have been identified belonging to different classes during the past decade. The present article deals with various chemical and biological aspects of insect antifeedants and with their possible role in insect pest management.
Choleretic effect of the essential oil from Helichrysum picardii Boiss. & Reuter in rats
Authors: de la Puerta R. , Sáenz M. T. , Garcia M. D.
Published: October 2006

Oral administration of an essential oil obtained from Helichrysum picardii Boiss. & Reuter at doses of 13 and 26 mg/kg to normal rats produced a significant choleretic activity. A quantitative determination of the total bile acid concentration was carried out using an enzymatic kit prepared with purified 3‐α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The essential oil induced in bile secretion but it did not produce an enhancement in the bile content.
Antiinflammatory activity of the iridoids kutkin, picroside‐1 and kutkoside from Picrorhiza kurrooa
Authors: Singh G. B. , Bani Sarang , Singh Surjeet , Khajuria A. , Sharma M. L. , Gupta B. D. , Banerjee S. K.
Published: October 2006

Powdered roots of Picrorhiza kurrooa (PK), its alcoholic extract (AEPK) and active constituents kutkin, picroside‐1 and kutkoside demonstrated antiinflammatory activity (AIA) in a variety of test models. Significant AIA was recorded in adjuvant‐induced and formaldehyde arthritis in rats and mice. In carrageenan‐induced oedema inhibitory activity was remarkably enhanced upon intraperitoneal treatment in rats and mice. Kutkin exhibited significant action in dextran‐induced oedema in rats. It inhibited acetic acid induced vascular permeability in mice and leucocyte migration in rats. Kutkin lacked any analgesic, antipyretic or ulcerogenic effect.
Aloctin A, an active substance of Aloe arborescens Miller as an immunomodulator
Authors: Imanishi Ken'Ichi
Published: October 2006

Aloctin A (Alo A), an active substance isolated from the leaves of Aloe arborescens Miller, has many biological and pharmacological activities, such as mitogenic activity for lymphocytes, binding of human α2‐macroglobulin, complement activation via the alternative pathway, antiinflammatory activity, antiulcer activity and antitumour activity. In this paper, the effects of Alo A treatment in vivo and in vitro on the immune response of murine and human lymphoid cells are described.
Inhibitory effect of Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger (Kidachi aloe) on induction of preneoplastic focal lesions in the rat liver
Authors: Tsuda H. , Matsumoto K. , Ito M. , Hirono I. , Kawai K. , Beppu H. , Fujita K. , Nagao M.
Published: October 2006

Inhibitory effects of freeze‐dried Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger (Kidachi aloe) whole leaf powder (Aloe) on induction of preneoplastic glutathione S‐transferase (GST‐P) positive hepatocyte foci GST‐P+ were studied in male rats. Experiment 1: Group 1 was fed a diet containing 30% Aloe for 8 days. At day 7, the carcinogen, 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo(4,5‐f)quinoline(1Q, 100 mg/kg, i.g., one dose), was given 12 h after partial hepatectomy (PH) for initiation, followed by phenobarbital (PB) and D‐galactosamine for promotion and then killed at week 11. Experiment 2: Group 1 was given diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 200 mg/kg, i.p.) for initiation then a diet containing 30, 20 or 10% Aloe during weeks 3–8, with PH at week 3. In both experiments, groups 2 and 3 were treated as in group 1 without Aloe or carcinogens. GST‐P+ in group 1 lesions larger than 5 cells in experiment 1 and 200 μm in diameter in experiment 2 were compared with group 2. In experiment 1, the number of cells in group 1 showed a tendency for decrease. In experiment 2, the areas in group 1 were significantly decreased. The results indicate that 30% Aloe exerts inhibition of the promotion, and possibly of the initiation stage of hepatocarcinogenesis.
Potential reversal of chronological and photo‐aging of the skin by topical application of natural substances
Authors: Danhof Ivan E.
Published: October 2006

Aging changes in the skin, in which degenerative changes exceed regenerative changes, are characterized by thinning and wrinkling of the epidermis together with the appearance of lines, creases, crevices and furrows, especially accentuated in lines of facial expression. These changes are brought about both by chronological (genetically determined) and photo (solar radiation‐determined) factors. The reason for the readily apparent surface morphological alterations is found in changes in the underlying dermis characterized by the loss of fascicular and soluble collagen and elastin fibres, with lessened support of epidermal layers, and lessened circulatory perfusion. Many so‐called ‘antiaging’; actions of topically‐applied materials are nothing more than transient hydrational/moisturizing effects, which, while lessening the prominence of undesirable surface defects and blemishes, do nothing to change the dermal losses. True ‘antiaging’ actions would require evidence for the return toward normal of the regenerative/degenerative balance exemplified by increased collagen and elastin synthesis. Evidence is accruing that four groups of topically applied substances, namely, (a) nonsaponifiable fractions of avocado and soybean oils, (b) vitamin A derivatives, (c) alpha‐hydroxy acids (AHAs), and (d) extracts of Aloe vera, possess activities which reverse the degenerative skin changes seen with aging by stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibres, thereby restoring toward normal the regenerative/degenerative equilibrium.
Inhibitory effects of ergosterol isolated from the edible mushroom Hypsizigus marmoreus on TPA‐induced inflammatory ear oedema and tumour promotion in mice
Authors: Yasukawa Ken , Aoki Takashi , Takido Michio , Ikekawa Tetsuro , Saito Hideharu , Matsuzawa Tsunetomo
Published: October 2006

An antitumour‐promoting activity in two‐stage carcinogenesis, was found in the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the Japanese edible mushroom ‘Buna‐shimeji’, Hypsizigus marmoreus (Tricholomataceae). From the active fractions of the extracts, two sterols, ergosterol and ergosterol peroxide, were isolated. The isolates showed inhibitory activity against 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate induced ear inflammation in mice, and ergosterol markedly inhibited tumour promotion in a two‐stage carcinogenesis experiment. These sterols may be useful in developing an effective method of cancer prevention.
Effects of quercetin on the gastrointestinal tract in rats and mice
Authors: Carlo Giulia Di , Mascolo Nicola , Izzo Angelo Antonio , Capasso Francesco , Autore Giuseppina
Published: October 2006

Intraperitoneal administration of quercetin (6.25–50 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.5‐0.01) reduced intestinal transit in mice and this effect was antagonized by yohimbine and phentolamine but not by atropine or naloxone. Quercetin (12.5–50 mg/kg) reduced also (p<0.05‐0.01) intraluminal accumulation of fluid and diarrhoea induced by castor oil and these effects were antagonized by yohimbine. Finally quercetin (12.5–50 mg/kg) reduced the area of gastric ulcer but not the number. It is suggested that α2‐adrenergic receptors mediate the effect of quercetin on intestinal motility and secretion.
Hypotensive effect of Laurelia sempervirens (Monimiaceae) on normotensive rats
Authors: Schmeda‐Hirschmann G. , Loyola J. I. , Rodriguez J. , Dutra‐Behrens M.
Published: October 2006

The leaves of Laurelia sempervirens (Monimiaceae), an endemic Chilean tree known as ‘Laurel’, were used by the Mapuche Amerindians for treating headache and as a diuretic. Intravenous administration of a hydroalcoholic L. sempervirens extract to rats, elicited a hypotensive response of −27.0%±2.0% in the mean blood pressure of normotensive animals at a dose of 5 mg crude extract ± kg body weight. Bioassay‐guided isolation of the active ‘Laurel’ metabolites led to the alkaloid laurotetanine as the main hypotensive principle of L. sempervirens leaves. At 1 mg/kg body weight, laurotetanine produced a hypotensive response of −29.0%±2.1% in the mean blood pressure of normotensive rats, with a duration of 2 min, both comparable to those elicited by the crude extract at 5 mg/kg. In the acute oral toxicity study, ‘Laurel’ proved to be a very low toxicity crude drug at doses up to 3 g crude extract/kg body weight. The data obtained support the use of L. sempervirens in Mapuche traditional medicine.
Antitumoural antibacterial and antifungal activities of kefir and kefir grain
Authors: Cevikbas Adile , Yemni Ersin , Ezzedenn Fikret W. , Yardimici Turay , Cevikbas Ugur , Stohs S. J.
Published: October 2006

Kefir is a milk‐derived product prepared by the incubation of kefir ‘grains’ with defatted milk. Various studies have been published on the therapeutic effects of kefir. However, few controlled studies and little information on the antibacterial, antifungal and antitumoural activities of kefir have been published. Therefore, these activities associated with kefir were investigated. The daily intraperitoneal administration of 0.50 mL kefir for 20 days to mice; containing transplanted fusiform cell carcomas resulted in a significant decrease in tumour size. Kefir‐induced disappearance of tumoural necrosis was also evident. With respect to the antibacterial activity of kefir, the greatest activity was exhibited against gram‐positive coccus, staphylococcus, and gram‐positive bacillus. Kefir ‘grains’ showed higher antibacterial activity than kefir. Kefir also demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida, Saccharomyces, Rhodotorula, Torulopsis, Microsporum and Trichopyton species. The results demonstrate that kefir possesses antibacterial, antifungal and antineoplastic activities, and provides credence to the folklorec use of kefir for a variety of infectious and neoplastic diseases.
In vitro inhibition of adenosine deaminase by a group of steroid and Triterpenoid compounds
Authors: Koch Heinrich P. , Aichinger Andrea , Bohne Bernd , Plank Gerlinde
Published: October 2006

The effects of several sapogenins and saponins of the steroid and triterpenoid classes, as well as of a few common phytosterols, have been tested for their inhibitory action towards adenosine deaminase (ADA). It was found that the acidic sapogenins strongly inhibit the enzyme. The mean inhibitory concentration (IC50) was in the range 10−3 to 10−2 mg/mL, while the inhibitor constants (Ki) have been estimated as about 10−6 M. In contrast to this finding is the complete absence of any influence on the enzyme of the neutral sapo(ge)nins and the phytosterols. It is suggested that ADA is a worthwhile therapeutic target and that the (acidic) sapogenins, which are regular constituents of many medicinal plant species, presumably contribute their activity through an interaction with this enzyme.
Aconitine‐induced bradycardia, centrally acting muscarinic effects are inhibited peripherally by higenamine in conscious mice
Authors: Kimura Ikuko , Makino Mitsuhiro , Matsui Tetsuo , Takada Miwako , Kimura Masayasu
Published: October 2006

The effects of aconitine, higenamine and coryneine derived from processed aconite, a Sino‐Japanese medicine on pulse rate were examined in unanaesthetized mice. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the water extract (3 mg/kg) of processed aconite produced a bradycardia, like bigeminy, within 15 min which was prolonged for 30 min. Aconitine (30 μg/kg, i.p.) produced a similar bradycardia. Higenamine induced tachycardia at doses of 30 and 100 μg/kg, i.p. The aconitine‐induced bradycardia was antagonized completely by higenamine (10 μg/kg, i.p.), isoproterenol (1 μg/kg. s.c.), or scopolamine (10 μg/kg. s.c.). The anti‐aconitine effect of higenamine was prevented by propranolol (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Centrally administered aconitine (1 and 3μg) also induced bradycardia. The aconitine (i.c.v.)‐induced bradycardia was prevented by centrally administered atropine (1 μg, i.c.v.). These results demonstrated that aconitine (i.p.)‐induced bradycardia is mainly due to a central muscarinic action. As higenamine has a peripheral β1‐adrenergic action, like isoproterenol, the inhibition by higenamine of aconitine‐induced bradycardia is due to physiological antagonism.