bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of T‐2 toxin and verrucarin A in combination on Kluyveromyces marxianus
Authors: Jones Tania J. , Koshinsky Heather A. , Khachatourians George G.
Published: October 2006

The growth inhibitory effects of combinations of T‐2 toxin and verrucarin A on the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus was studied. A combination index value was derived to indicate the type of interaction that existed between the binary mixture of these two toxins at various ratios and the target yeast cells. The type of interaction was dependent on the ratio of the toxins used to attain a particular level of growth inhibition. Further, the least change in the type and intensity of interaction or the maximally quiescent ratio (MQR) was found to be unique to the growth medium. In a rich medium, the MQR was 1.0 μg/ml T‐2 toxin:0.75 μg/ml verrucarin A, where the two toxins had a very stable synergistic interaction over a 2 or 3 log value concentration range. Decreasing the nutrients changed the MQR to 1.0 μg/ml T‐2 toxin: 0.38 μg/ml verrucarin A. Halving the concentration of the cells in the assay changed the MQR to 1.0 μg/ml T‐2 toxin.6.0 μg/ml verrucarin A. We have previously shown that the hierarchy of trichothecene toxicity in yeast bioassay is verrucarin A > roridin A > T‐2 toxin > diacetoxyscirpenol > HT‐2 toxin. The MQR of these toxins in combination with T‐2 toxin follows the same order. This study shows an exception to the above order in that verrucarin A and roridin A exchange places. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fumonisins: Their implications for human and animal health
Authors: Marasas Walter F. O.
Published: October 2006

Fusarium moniliforme is one of the predominant fungi associated with com intended for human and animal consumption world‐wide. Fumonisins, food‐bome carcinogens that occur naturally in com, were first isolated and chemically characterized in South Africa in 1988. The major metabolite, fumonisin B1 (FB1), was subsequently shown to cause leukoencephalomalacia (LEM) in horses, pulmonary edema syndrome (PES) in pigs, and liver cancer in rats. FB1, is also a cancer promoter and initiator in rat liver; hepatotoxic to horses, pigs, rats, and vervet monkeys; cytotoxic to mammalian cell cultures; and phytotoxic to several plants. Fumonisins in home‐grown com have been associated with an elevated risk for human esophageal cancer in Transkei and China. There is a close structural similarity between fumonisin and sphingosine, and fumonisins are the first known naturally occurring inhibitors of sphingolipid biosynthesis. The natural occurrence of FB1 together with FB2 and FB3, has been reported in commercial com and/or combased feeds and foods from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Botswana, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Hungary, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Switzerland, United States, and Zimbabwe. It is imperative that safe levels of fumonisins in human foods and animal feeds should be determined and realistic tolerance levels established as soon as possible. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Some reflections on establishing a community legislation on mycotoxins
Authors: Verardi Giuseppe , Rosner Heino
Published: October 2006

A Community legislation on mycotoxins is essential to protect public health and to avoid trade barriers and competition distortions. Maximum permitted levels in food are to be fixed. Some orientations for this purpose are indicated.

The verification of the compliance with maximum permitted levels shall need suitable analytical methods. Up to now, such methods were fixed by directives. This approach, however, had some disadvantages. A more flexible approach is to be planned.

Among the mycotoxins to be taken into consideration, priority should be granted to the aflatoxins and to ochratoxin A. Fumonisins also deserve interest. Other mycotoxins will be taken into consideration as the need arises and scientific data are available.

Some basic remarks on the rationale for establishing maximum permitted levels in food are made. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drugs that show protective effects from ricin toxicity in in vitro protein synthesis assays
Authors: Thompson William L. , Scovill John P. , Pace Judith G.
Published: October 2006

We used an in‐vitro, inhibition of protein synthesis assay (PSI) to test a wide variety of drugs for possible therapeutic use against ricin, a toxic glycoprotein that causes death in animals by inhibiting protein synthesis. Selection of test drugs was based on possible interference with ricin activity at different stages of the toxic process. Most of the drugs tested had no effect on ricin‐induced PSI, were toxic when tested alone, or enhanced the toxicity of ricin. The only ones showing protection were galactose, lactose, and several derivatives of these sugars, Brefeldin A (BFA), 3′‐azido‐3′‐deoxythymidine (AZT), and a purine derivative (BM33203). The sugar derivatives provided 50% protection against a PSI ED99 of ricin (0.1 μg/ml). Concentrations of BFA greater than 0.5 μM caused about 50% PSI by itself, but blocked any further inhibitory effects of ricin. AZT, at optimum concentrations, reached a maximum protection level of about 40% in the presence of an ED99 dose of ricin, while the nucleoside derivative, BM33203, at concentrations above 0.1 mM, showed minimal protection (up to 30%) from ricin toxicity. The combination of BM33203 and AZT appeared to have an additive effect, showing up to 80% protection from an ED dose of ricin. Drugs showing protection in the PSI cell assay showed no protection from ricin in a cell‐free translation assay used to determine if they would block ricin at the protein synthesis site. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postpartum intracerebral hemorrhage in a patient receiving bromocriptine
Authors: Iffy Leslie
Published: October 2006

A case of intracerebral hemorrhage is described which occurred on the 4th day of the puerperium in a patient who had mild pregnancy induced hypertension. The mother received bromocriptine for milk suppression following childbirth; a drug with demonstrated potential for exacerbating hypertension. The rarity of such accidents postpartum, projected against the increasing number of reports documenting vasospastic effect of bromocriptine in the puerperium, increases the suspicion concerning a cause‐effect relationship.
Automated databases and the need for fieldwork in pharmacoepidemiology
Authors: Hemmelgarn Brenda , Blais Lucie , Collet Jean‐Paul , Ernst Pierre , Suissa Samy
Published: October 2006

The Saskatchewan Asthma Epidemiologic Project (SAEP) is used as an example to describe the fieldwork necessary to supplement computerized data sources. Steps were implemented beyond the computerized sources of information to identify case events, validate outcome diagnoses, and obtain clinical information on potential confounding variables. Validation of the cause of death as actually being a consequence of asthma was particularly beneficial and prevented the misclassification of 11 of the 165 deaths identified from a geographically defined cohort of asthmatic patients in the province of Saskatchewan. Hospital medical records and physician questionnaires were used in the SAEP as an external source of information in an attempt to measure and control asthma severity, a potential confounding variable. The availability of a variety of variables which contributed to the measure of asthma severity from hospital medical records and physician questionnaires was highly variable, ranging from 4 per cent to 86 per cent. A considerable amount of time and expense was associated with obtaining additional information beyond the automated databases.
The effect of the introduction of safety packaging for carbamazepine on toxicity in overdose in adults
Authors: Buckley N. A. , Newby D. A. , Dawson A. H. , Whyte I. M.
Published: October 2006

Background — Safety packaging has been shown to be effective in preventing childhood poisoning; however similar data for adults is lacking. In February 1993 the Australian packaging for carbamazepine was changed from bottles of tablets to blister packs.

Objective — To assess whether there has been a change in the amount of carbamazepine taken per overdose or the severity of poisoning coinciding with this change.

Design — Comparison of cohorts of patients presenting before and after repackaging.

Setting — Newcastle, Australia.

Subjects — Sixty‐seven patients who ingested carbamazepine and presented to a general hospital which serves a well‐defined geographic area.

Main outcome measures — Number of tablets and total dose ingested, peak carbamazepine level, degree of sedation, need for intubation and the time in hospital and ventilated.

Results — Significantly fewer tablets and a lesser amount was ingested by patients presenting after the repackaging. Though clinical measures were improved slightly after repackaging the differences did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions — Repackaging resulted in less carbamazepine reported to have been ingested in overdose. Clinical measures did not reflect the extent of this change. This may be due to effects of treatment or coingested drugs obscuring any difference or the reported differences may be due to a reporting bias associated with packaging. Repackaging is a promising means of reducing the severity of deliberate self poisoning but further study, including out of hospital mortality data, is required.
The interaction of natural products with cellular signalling mechanisms
Authors: Drummond Alan H. , Hughes Phil. J.
Published: October 2006

Naturally occurring substances were of inestimable value to the founding fathers of modern pharmacology in their early studies into the nature and properties of neurotransmitter receptors. Even today, chemical substances derived from the animal and plant kingdom are of crucial importance to biochemical pharmacologists studying the mechanisms by which hormonal signals are communicated from the cell surface to the intracellular compartment. Signal transduction is a complex procedure which involves the linkage of a receptor, via a coupling protein (usually a guanine nucleotide binding protein or G‐protein), to a system which produces second messengers (adenylate cyclase, phosphoinositidase C or an ion channel) or directly to an ion channel. Not only has nature provided a variety of agents that can mimic or antagonize the actions of hormones at the cell surface, but it has also provided a wealth of substances that can modify the signal transduction process at a post receptor level. In this article, we discuss the sources and the mechanisms of action of a selection of the most widely used of these latter agents and show how they have helped the modern biochemical pharmacologist to gain an insight into the fundamental mechanisms involved in signal transduction.
Plants as a source of antimalarial drugs 5. Activities of Ailanthus altissima stem constituents and of some related quassinoids
Authors: Bray D. H. , Boardman P. , O'Neill M. J. , Chan K. L. , Phillipson J. D. , Warhurst D. C. , Suffness M.
Published: October 2006

Extracts from Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle Simaroubaceae have been tested for activity against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and against P. berghei infections in mice. The activity of the chloroformic extract in vitro (IC50 5 μg ml‐1) and in vivo (ED50 82.94 mg kg −1 d −1 after oral administration) is due principally to the presence of the quassinoid ailanthone (IC50 in vitro 0.015μg ml−1 ED50 in vivo 0.76 mg kg−1 d−1). The constituent alkaloids canthin‐6‐one and 1‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one are inactive in vitro. The in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activities of five related quassinoids, viz., ailanthinone, chaparrin, glaucarubol, glaucarubin, glaucarubinone are also reported.
Cytostatic activity of eupatoriopicrin in fibrosarcoma bearing mice
Authors: Woerdenbag H. J. , Malingré Th. M. , Lemstra W. , Konings A. W. T.
Published: October 2006

In this study the possible cytostatic effects of eupatoriopicrin, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Eupatorium cannabinum L., against the fibrosarcoma FIO 26 have been investigated. This solidly growing tumour was transplanted subcutaneously in C57Bl mice. Eupatoriopicrin was administered intraperitoneally (as single as well as repeated doses) as a solution in 20% v/v ethanol. Different doses and dosage schedules were used and compared with control conditions. A dose dependent growth delay of the tumour was found. The treating volume of the tumour was about 500 μl. Two clinically applied chemotherapeutics, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, were used as reference compounds.
Pharmacological evidence for an interaction between constituents (blend effect) of the Japanese‐Sino medicine “Keishi‐ka‐zyutubu‐tō” in neuromuscular blockade in diabetic mice
Authors: Kimura Masayasu , Kimura Ikuko , Muroi Masashi , Yoshizaki Masao , Hikino Hiroshi
Published: October 2006

The pharmacological interaction between constituents of Keishi‐ka‐zyutubu‐tō (composed of 7 crude drugs, namely peony, liquorice, jujube, cassia, ginger, Atractylodes lancea, and aconite), a medicine of Japanese‐Sino origin, was investigated in in situ sciatic nerve‐gastrocnemius muscle preparations using genetically dlabetic KK‐CAy mice. When administered intra‐arterially, the drug caused a degree of inhibition of the diabetic neuromuscular junction 280 times greater than normal. The two constituents, peony‐liquorice, were only 2.6 times more potent in diabetic muscles. When further combined with peony‐liquorice, the potency ratio was increased 4.9 times for cassia, 5.9 times for ginger and 8.7 times for Atractylodes lancea. In combination with the representative compounds contained in the above crude drugs except for jujube, the potency ratio of paeoniflorin (PF) and glycyrrhizin (GLR) was increased 6.6 times for cinnamaldehyde, 6.1 times for [8]‐gingerol and 14 times for β‐eudesmol in diabetic muscles. Aconite potentiated the blocking effects of peony‐liquorice to the same extent in diabetic muscles as in normal muscles. This tendency was also confirmed when mesaconitine was combined with PF‐GLR. The single effect of β‐eudesmol or [8]‐gingerol was 5.2 times or 3.7 times more potent, respectively, on diabetic muscles than on normal muscles. Cinnamaldehyde or mesaconitine demonstrated the same degree of sensitivity in both diabetic and normal muscles. These results indicated that the preferentially more potent neuromuscular blocking effects of Keishi‐ka‐zyutubu‐tō in diabetic muscles were mainly attributable to β‐eudesmol, a major component of Atractylodes lancea.
Influence of side chains on phorbol ester binding to protein kinase C
Authors: Yeh Emily , Sharkey Nancy A. , Blumberg Peter M.
Published: October 2006

The phorbol esters, natural products derived from plants of the family Euphorbiaceae, are potent tumor promoters and modulators of biological response. Their major site of action is protein kinase C. Three classes of derivatives were examined to better assess the influence of the ester side chains on phorbol ester binding affinity for protein kinase C. A series of phorbol diesters substituted at the 13‐OH with biotin separated from the phorbol nucleus by linker arms of variable length were prepared. Although all showed good potency by themselves (half‐maximally effective doses of 12–67 nM), addition of avidin greatly inhibited activity, suggesting significant steric constraints on the side chains for retention of activity. At the other extreme, very high concentrations of the unsubstituted parent alcohol phorbol were examined to determine whether phorbol was actually inactive or whether it might simply possess weak binding activity. Inhibition was in fact observed with an apparent Ki of approximately 10 mM. The inhibition was time dependent and not stereospecific, however, suggesting that the inhibition was not due to competitive binding. The third class of compounds examined were phorbol 12‐ and 13‐monoesters. Although approximately 20‐fold less potent than the 13‐monoesters, the 12‐monoesters showed substantial binding activity, in contrast to their reported lack of activity in vivo.
A pharmacological study of Glaucium flavum Crantz II: Central nervous system
Authors: Cabo J. , Cabo M. P. , Jimenez J. , Zarzuelo A.
Published: October 2006

A series of neuropharmacological studies were carried out on several preparations of the root, leaves, stem and pericarps of the fruit of Glaucium flavum Crantz in experimental animals. In general administration these preparations produced a lowering of spontaneous activity and body temperature, potentiation of barbiturate‐induced sleep and analgesia. These results indicate that Glaucium flavum has a clearly depressive action on the CNS.
The effects of phorbol esters with different biological activities on protein kinase C
Authors: Ellis Christine A. , Brooks Susan F. , Brooks Gavin , Tudor Evans A. , Morrice Nicholas , Evans Fred. J. , Aitken Alastair
Published: October 2006

The sapintoxins are a series of naturally occurring fluorescent phorbol esters with a range of selective biological activities (e.g. pro‐inflammatory but non‐tumour promoting). Their ability to activate protein kinase C (PKC) in vitro has been studied. Both tumour promoting and non‐promoting phorbol derivatives activate the enzyme in vitro at low concentrations. 12‐deoxyphorbol‐13‐phenylacetate‐20 acetate (DOPPA) acts as a partial agonist in the activation of protein kinase C. Structurally distinct phorbol esters may therefore preferentially activate different forms of protein kinase C. α‐sapinine, a biologically inactive compound, binds to protein kinase C without stimulating the enzyme and prevents subsequent activation by phorbol esters such as 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl phorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA).
A sensitive micro‐method for the quantitation of total alkaloids seasonal effect on alkaloid accumulation in leaves of Datura metel grown in Ibadan
Authors: Abo K. A. , Ikhile B. U.
Published: October 2006

The analytical method described is a rapid means of assay for total alkaloids, using a back titration with acid employing a potentiometric determination of end‐point. Samples required (approx. 1.5 g) are much less than those for conventional percolation processes. Using the procedure, the total alkaloid content of Datura metel has been shown to peak in the hot dry season, only minimal levels of bases being detected in the rainy season in Ibadan.
Natural antagonists of platelet‐activating factor
Authors: Hosford David , Mencia‐Huerta Jean‐Michel , Page Clive , Braquet Pierre
Published: October 2006

Several groups of antagonists of platelet‐activating factor (PAF) are reviewed. The characteristics of PAF binding sites on mammalian cell membranes are described together with the activities of non‐specific and synthetic PAF‐antagonists. The specificity of the ginkgolides to bind to PAF‐receptors is discussed and the effects of these natural products in a range of biological systems is emphasized. Other groups of natural PAF‐antagonists described are the lignans and gliotoxin related compounds. The structural chemistry, structure‐activity relationships and pharmacological properties of these drugs are compared to the ginkgolides.
Effect of (−)‐cathinone, an active principle of Catha edulis forssk. (Khat) on plasma amino acid levels and other biochemical parameters in male wistar rats
Authors: Al‐Meshal I. A.
Published: October 2006

Leaves of the psycho‐active plant Catha edulis (khat) have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of depression, fatigue, obesity and gastric ulcers. (−)‐Cathinone is considered as the major chemical ingredient in khat leaves responsible for the CNS effects of the plant. In recent years many reports have been published on neuropharmacological aspects of this compound. Little is known about its metabolic and biochemical changes in vivo, following ingestion. In the present study two groups of male albino rats were dosed with 30 and 100 mg/kg, body weight of cathinone, respectively. The animals were sacrificed after one hour of administration. Blood and heart muscle samples were collected for the analysis of amino acids, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, glucose, SGDT, SGPT, triglycerides, urea, uric acid and cardiac glycogen. (−)‐Cathinone in lower dose (30 mg/kg) significantly increased 12 and decreased 1 out of 22 amino acids studies, whereas in higher dose (100 mg/kg) it significantly decreased 20, and increased 1 amino acid level. There was a decrease in cardiac glycogen and serum triglycerides with both the dose of cathinone used. Other biochemical parameters remained unchanged.
Effect of padma 28 on experimental hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis induced by high‐fat diet in rabbits
Authors: Wójcicki J. , Samochowiec L. , Ceglecka M. , Juzyszyn Z. , Tustanowski S. , Kadłubowska D. , Juźawiak S.
Published: October 2006

New Zealand rabbits were divided into three equal groups: (1) controls, (2) animals receiving high‐fat diet (HFD) containing cholesterol and coconut oil, and (3) HFD + Padma 28. A pronounced reduction in lipid metabolism disturbancs and in severity of plaque formation occurred after Padma 28 had been administered. Lipid content in serum, lever homogenate and liver microsomes was depressed. An increase in the microsomal phosphatidylcholine content was observed. The cytochrome P‐450 content in liver microsomes was significantly elevated, and the concentration of malondialdehyde in the blood serum of rabbits was decreased whilst insulin levels were normalized and testosterone content was increased. Atherosclerotic plaque intensity at 12 weeks measured planimetrically averaged 67.3% in HFD‐fed animals but only 15.5% in Padma 28‐treated rabbits. These findings suggest that Padma 28, in addition to lowering serum lipid level in rabbits on an experimental diet also affect metabolic processes in the liver and may modify lipid deposition in major arteries.
The biological activity of eugenol, a major constituent of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): Studies on prostaglandins, the intestine and other tissues
Authors: Bennett A. , Stamford I. F. , Tavares I. A. , Jacobs S. , Capasso F. , Mascolo N. , Autore G. , Romano V. , Di Carlo G.
Published: October 2006

Studies have been made of eugenol on isolated tissues from man and laboratory animals, and on rats in vivo. Eugenol inhibited prostaglandin synthesis, and reduced the tone of isolated gut muscle and myometrium. With rats in vivo, the compound reduced the rate of intestinal transit, the intestinal accumulation of fluid induced by prostaglandin E2, and the diarrhoea induced by castor oil. Eugenol showed anti‐inflammatory activity in the rat paw carrageenin oedema test.
Diabetic patients' response to oral administration of aqueous extract of Indigofera arrecta
Authors: Addy Marian E. , Nyarko Alex K.
Published: October 2006

Clinical laboratory data on six male diabetic patients attending an out‐patient clinic at the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM) were used to evaluate the therapeutic and possible toxic effects of Indigofera arrecta, a plant used at CSRPM for the control of diabetes mellitus. Levels of plasma glucose and serum triacylglycerol (TG) were used as indices for therapeutic effect; serum proteins, bilirubin, cholesterol and the enzymes gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and the aminotransferases for hepatotoxic effects; and blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and its clearance rate as indices of nephrotoxicity. Hematological indices were also measured. The results show that an aqueous extract of I. arrecta administered orally, significantly lowered blood glucose levels during the first 2 weeks of administration. Levels of serum TG and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly lowered at the end of the 12 week treatment period. There was also a significant decrease in blood creatinine levels accompanied by an increase in creatinine clearance rate. Other metabolites, enzymes, excretory products and hematological indices that were determined were not affected. The results indicate that the mode of action of the plant extract is not primarily through lowering of blood glucose.
Post‐coital contraceptive effects of Ferula jaeschkeana Vatke extracts in rats and hamsters and their hormonal properties
Authors: Pathak Sandhya , Prakash Anand O.
Published: October 2006

Various extracts of Ferula jaeschkeana Vatke have been studied for their anti‐implantation activity in rats and hamsters along with an assessment of hormonal properties like estrogenic, antiestrogenic, progestagenic and antiprogestagenic actions. Of the various extracts produced, hexane, benzene and chloroform fractions prevented implantation in all the rats when administered at 25 mg/kg dose for 7 days after coitus. These fractions were ineffective in golden hamsters. In the hormonal studies, the hexane extract increased significantly the uterine wet weight in bilaterally ovariectomized rats and also stimulated the histological features of the uterus. Its estrogenic activity has also been confirmed by its capacity to induce implantation in rats undergoing experimentally delayed implantation. Its conjoint administration with diethylstilbesterol showed a synergistic effect. None of the doses of the hexane extract could interfere with the action of standard progesterone when tested in mature and immature rats. The anti‐implantation activity of the extracts was considered to be due to its frank and potent estrogenic action.
Forskolin‐ and diacylglycerol‐like potentiation of isoproterenol‐induced positive inotropic effect in guinea pig papillary muscles by the musk component, musclide
Authors: Kimura Masayasu , Kimura Ikuko , Chui Li‐Hua , Uwano Teruko
Published: October 2006

Musclide (ML) is a glycerol‐rich mixed component extracted from musk, a dried secretion from the preputial follicle of musk deer, Moschus moschiferus Linn. ML (50 μg/mL) that caused no direct inotropic effect potentiated isoproterenol (Isp)‐induced positive inotropic effect in isolated guinea pig papillary muscles. This cardiotonic action has been attributed to β‐adrenergic potentiation. The mechanisms were further investigated using pertussis toxin (IAP), cholera toxin (CTX), forskolin (FK) and dioctanoylglycerol (DOG). IAP pretreatment (50 μg/kg, i.p., the 3rd day before tissue isolation) and/or DOG (200 μM, preliminarily applied for 5 min) increased the maximal response of the concentration‐response curve for isoproterenol. CTX pretreatment (0.1 μM, for 3 h) increased the affinity. ML (50 μg/mL) or FK (82.9 nM) preliminarily applied for 5 min caused increases in both the maximal response and affinity. The extent of potentiation produced by ML or DOG was not changed in normal muscles or IAP‐pretreated muscles. The extent of potentiation by ML was greater in CTX‐pretreated muscles than in normal ones. ML or DOG, when combined with FK, caused only the increase in the maximal response. These results suggest that the potentiation mechanisms of ML are partially FK (adenylate cyclase activator)‐like and partially DOG (protein kinase C activator)‐like.
Studies on the effects of Pluchea indica less root extract on gastroduodenal ulcer models in rats and guineapigs
Authors: Pal Siddhartha , Chaudhuri A. K. Nag
Published: October 2006

The methanolic fraction of P. indica root extract was found to possess significant antiulcer activity in different experimental animal models. In preventive antiulcer tests, significant protective actions in acetylsalicylic acid, serotonin and indomethacin‐induced gastric lesions were observed in experimental rats. The extract also afforded significant protection to chemically‐induced duodenal lesion in guineapigs. Significant enhancement of healing process in acetic acid‐induced chronic gastric lesions were also observed in the extract‐treated animals.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of capsaicin on the pulmonary anti‐oxidant enzyme system in rats
Authors: De Amit Krishna , Ghosh Jagat Jiban
Published: October 2006

The effect of capsaicin treatment (intraperitoneally) on the pulmonary anti‐oxidant enzyme system has been studied using rats as experimental animals. Short‐term treatment with capsaicin has been found to cause a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities. On the other hand, long‐term treatment with capsaicin produced a significant decrease in CAT and POD activities. This result has been interpreted in terms of the already reported ‘activation’ and ‘densensitization’ action of capsaicin on short‐ and long‐term treatment respectively.
Morusin, isolated from root bark of Moms alba L., inhibits tumour promotion of teleocidin
Authors: Yoshizawa Shigeru , Suganuma Masami , Fujiki Hirota , Fukai Toshio , Nomura Taro , Sugimura Takashi
Published: October 2006

Morusin is an isoprenylated flavone, isolated from the root bark of Mom alba L. Morusin, which is structurally unrelated to 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐l3‐acetate (TPA), inhibited the specific binding of [3H]TPA to a particulate fraction of mouse skin as well as activation of protein kinase C by teleocidin in vitro. Pretreatment with morusin for 10 min also inhibited induction of ornithine decarboxylase by teleocidin in mouse skin. The results of these three biochemical tests indicated that morusin may have anti‐tumour promoting activity. In week 20 of a two‐stage carcinogenesis experiment on mouse skin, tumours were found in 100% of the mice treated with 7,U‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) plus teleocidin, but in 60% of those treated with DMBA plus teleocidin and morusin. The average numbers of tumours per mouse in these groups were 5.3 and 1.1, respectively. Morusin per se did not show any tumour promoting activity in DMBA‐initiated mouse skin. Thus, morusin inhibited tumour promotion of teleocidin in a two‐stage carcinogenesis experiment. Morusin is a new, isoprenylated flavonoid anti‐tumour promoter.
A preliminary study of the biological activities of the bark extract of Piliostigma thonningii (schum) in mice
Authors: Asuzu I. U. , Ugwuja M. O.
Published: October 2006

The biological activities of the stem bark of Piliostigma thonningii were studied in mice. The oral LD50 of the 70% ethanol extract was 1862 mg/kg. It significantly reduced pentobarbitone‐induced sleeping time after an intraperitoneal injection (p < 0.05). The extract induced persistent contractions on the guineapig ileum which were completely blocked by atropine. Mice intubated with varying doses (100,200,400 mg/kg) of the extract had diarrhoea. The extract appeared to mediate its action through a cholinergic mechanism.
A cyanobacteria extract and β‐carotene stimulate an antitumor host response against an oral cancer cell line
Authors: Schwartz J. L. , Shklar G.
Published: October 2006

The studies presented here discuss the regression of an oral tumor cell line implanted into the hamster cheek pouch. Tumor cells injected into the cheek pouch of old hamsters allowed the rapid growth of the tumors in non‐immunosuppressed recipients, and the development of oral cancer in an annual population similar to the age that oral cancer normally presents in humans. This model was then utilized in tumor regression studies following the local injection of the carotenoid β‐carotene and an extract of Cyanobacteria containing β‐carotene and other carotenoids. Eighty male Syrian hamsters were divided into four groups. Five animals from each group were examined weekly for their tumor burden. After 4 weeks, 80% of the animals, and after 8 weeks, 85% of the Cyanobacteria‐treated hamsters, exhibited complete gross tumor regression. β‐Carotene treatment produced similar results. All hamsters that were injected with HCPC‐1 tumor cells and were untreated, developed tumors which progressed to a significant tumor burden (p <0.001). The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) was localized to cells associated with tumor regression following carotenoid or algae treatment (p <0.001). Resident peritoneal macrophages (RPM) exhibited a significant increase in cytotoxicity when obtained from hamsters exhibiting complete regression of tumor (p <0.001). Intraperitoneally injected HCPC‐1 cells inhibited macrophage cytotoxicity. This effect was reversed following incubation with mitogen (LPS), algae or carotenoid.
Antimicrobial properties of heartwood, bark/sapwood and leaves of Juniperus species
Authors: Clark Alice M. , McChesney James D. , Adams Robert P.
Published: October 2006

Hexane and methanol extracts of heartwood, bark/sapwood and leaves of twelve taxa of Juniperus from the United States were assayed for antifungal and antibacterial activities. The hexane extract of the heartwood of several junipers appeared comparable in antibacterial activity to streptomycin. Antibacterial activity of the hexane extracts from the bark/sapwood of J. monosperma and J. californica were comparable to streptomycin. No appreciable antibacterial activities were found in the leaf extracts from any species examined. No antifungal activities comparable to amphotericin B were found in either hexane or methanol extracts of the heartwood nor from the bark/sapwood. Antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans comparable to amphotericin B was found in the hexane extract of the leaves of J. occidentalis var. australis. The methanol extracts from the leaves of J. osteosperma and J. californica had antifungal activities comparable to amphotericin B against Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Screening of sudanese plants for molluscicidal activity and identification of leaves of Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) O Ktze (Taccaceae) as a potential new exploitable resource
Authors: Abdel‐Aziz Abdallah , Brain Keith , Bashir Ahmed K.
Published: October 2006

Sixty samples of materials implicated in traditional Sudanese medicine, representing 42 plant species, 31 genera and 22 families, were tested for molluscicidal activity. Tacca leontopetaloides (Taccaceae) was identified as a potent material which could be developed as a natural snail control agent. Several active fractions containing steroidal saponins were isolated.
Molluscicidal properties of the new constituents from the stem of Dysoxylum lenticellare on Biomphalaria glabrata
Authors: Aladesanmi A. J. , Adewunmi C. O.
Published: October 2006

Two new alkaloids, 3‐epi‐2, 18‐dimethoxy‐schelhammericine and lenticellarine and a new diterpene, 8β‐methoxysandaracopimarene isolated from the stem of Dysoxylum lenticellare Gillespie were tested against Biomphalaria glabrata Say and found to possess molluscicidal activity.
Antiviral activity of the infusion (SHS‐174) from flowers of Sambucus nigra L., aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L., and roots of Saponaria officinalis L. against influenza and herpes simplex viruses
Authors: Serkedjieva Julia , Manolova Nadia , Zgórniak‐Nowosielska Izabella , Zawilińska Barbara , Grzybek Jan
Published: October 2006

The SHS‐174 preparation, a lyophilized infusion from flowers of Sambucus nigra L., aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L., and roots of Saponaria officinalis (100 g; 70 g; 40 g) exhibited an antiviral effect. It inhibited the reproduction of different strains of influenza virus types A and B, both in vitro and in vivo, and herpes simplex virus type 1, in vitro. The preparation contains flavonoids, triterpene saponins, phenolic acids, tannins and polysaccharides which could be responsible for its antiviral properties.
Neuropharmacological activity of Prunus spinosa stem extract in mice
Authors: Castiella E. , Ucelay M. , Lasheras B. , Frechilla D. , Cenarruzabeitia E.
Published: October 2006

The neuropharmacological activity of the aqueous extract of Prunus spinosa stems (PSA) has been studied through screening of anxiolytic, antipsychotic and antidepressive activity in mice. PSA appeared to demonstrate a pattern of antidepressive‐like activity because it antagonized hypothermia induced by apomorphine and potentiated yohimbine toxicity. It also antagonized the symptoms induced by oxotremorine. PSA lacked antipsychotic or anxiolytic activities.
In vitro antimalarial activity of six medicinal plants
Authors: Gbeassor M. , Kedjagni A. Y. , Koumaglo K. , de Souza C. , Agbo K. , Aklikokou K. , Amegbo K. A.
Published: October 2006

Extracts obtained from the leaves of Annona muricata, Ficus polita, Luffa aegyptiaca, Momordica charantia and Newbouldia laevis and from the twigs and leaves of Moringa pterygosperma were screened for antimalarial action against Plasmodium falciparum cultured in vitro. All six extracts were found to inhibit the growth of P. falciparum in a dose‐dependent manner. The IC50 values varied from 12.6 μg/mL for Newbouldia laevis to 68.4 μg/mL for Momordica charantia.
Prevention of thioacetamide‐induced hepatotoxicity by biflavanones of Garcinia kola
Authors: Iwu Maurice M. , Igboko Ogo A. , Elekwa Ogbonnaya K. , Tempesta Michael S.
Published: October 2006

Kolaviron, a mixture of Garcinia biflavonoids GB‐1 (II‐3‐I‐4′‐II‐4″‐I‐5‐II‐5‐I‐7‐II‐7‐heptahydroxy‐3,8″‐biflavanone), GB‐2 (II‐3‐II‐3′‐I‐4′‐II‐4″‐I‐5‐II‐5‐I‐7‐II‐7‐octahydroxy‐3,8″‐biflavanone) and kolaflavanone (II‐3‐II‐3′‐II‐4″‐I‐5‐II‐5‐I‐7‐II‐7‐heptahydroxy‐3,8″‐biflavanone) obtained from Garcinia kola, protected rats against the toxic effects of thioacetamide in vivo. The biflavonoid mixture at a dose of 100mg/kg i.p. reduced the thiopental‐induced sleep in thioacetamide‐poisoned rats, both in the chronic and acute test models. The microsomal enzyme levels in the serum of rats poisoned with thioacetamide were also significantly altered by treatment with kolaviron.
Gastrointestinal motility enhancing effect of saussureae radix
Authors: Yamahara Johji , Chisaka Takeshi , Huang Qirong , Kishi Kazumasa , Kobayashi Hiromi , Kawahara Yuzo
Published: October 2006

The effect of Saussureae radix on gastrointestinal motility was tested by its ability to enhance charcoal meal transport in mice. The 25 mg/kg of the acetone extract orally administered significantly enhanced gastrointestinal motility. Dehydrocostus lactone was purified from the acetone extract as an active principle.
Protection afforded by aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus species against cytotoxicity induced by lead and aluminium salts
Authors: Dhir Haimanti , Roy Ajoy Kumar , Sharma Archana , Talukder Geeta
Published: October 2006

Oral administration of aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit and P. niruri L. leaves to laboratory bred albino mice for a week, significantly reduced the cytotoxic action of lead nitrate and aluminium sulphate. The frequency of chromosomal breakages, gaps and rearrangements induced by three concentrations of these salts was decreased when compared to the control animals which had received the salts alone. The plant extracts were equally effective in modifying the clastogenic effects of both lead nitrate and aluminium sulphate.
Modulation of human complement activation and the human neutrophil oxidative burst by different root extracts of Picrorhiza kurroa
Authors: Simons J. M. , Hart L. A. T. , Labadie R. P. , van Dijk H. , de Silva K. T. D.
Published: October 2006

Different root extracts of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. (Scrophulariaceae), prepared by boiling or by extraction at 4°C with a series of four solvents, were screened for their influence on complement‐mediated hemolysis and on the production of luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence (CLlum) by activated human neutrophils. All extracts exhibited dose‐dependent inhibitory effects. A methanol extract, whether prepared by boiling or under cold conditions, and a cold aqueous extract showed the most potent action on classical and alternative pathway dependent hemolysis, respectively. In both cases the effects were induced by interference with the complement activation cascade. Feasible artefacts like stabilization of the target eryrthrocytes in the complement‐assay and chelation of essential bivalent cations were excluded as a mode of action. A Soxhlet ethyl acetate extract showed the strongest inhibition of CLlum production. This effect was not based on nonspecific toxicity towards neutrophils nor was it likely to be caused by interference with receptor stimulation by zymosan.
CNS activity of Mentha rotundifolia and Mentha longifolia essential oil in mice and rats
Authors: Raya M. D. Pérez , Utrilla M. P. , Navarro M. C. , Jiménez J.
Published: October 2006

The essential oils of Mentha rotundifolia and Mentha longifolia were analyzed with GC and GC/MS. The major components were rotundifolone (10.4%) and piperitol (57.6%) in M. rotundifolia, and rotundifolone (33.2%) and diosphenol (47.7%) in M. longifolia. M. longifolia essential oil exhibited a stronger CNS depressant effect than that of M. rotundifolia; both essential oils were somnifacients.
General immunological properties of fatsoluble (cernitin GBX) and water‐soluble (cernitin T60) pollen extracts
Authors: Samochowiec L. , Gieldanowski J. , Wöjcicki J.
Published: October 2006

The immunological properties of fat‐soluble (Cernitin GBX) and water‐soluble (Cernitin T60) pollen extracts were examined in vivo and in vitro. For investigations in vitro we used the water‐soluble pollen extract (T60), and in vivo the fat‐soluble form (GBX). The aim of the in vivo experiments was to evaluate their effect on IgG antibody production, their capability of rosette formation (E‐RFC) and cell indicating IgM‐plaqueforming cells (PFC) hemolysins. Also observations were made on the effect of the pollen extract on graft vs host reaction, the transplantation barrier and delayed hypersensitivity in relation to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Its assumed effect on phagocytosis and blastic transformation was assessed in vitro. In both in vivo and in vitro systems the influence of T60 and GBX preparations on the population of T‐ and B‐cells was tested. A relationship was revealed between immunological activity and the evaluated Cernitins. Both the Cernitins examined demonstrated moderate immunoregulatory properties, but the immunosuppressive component was predominant.
Pharmacological effects of rutin
Authors: Yildizoǧlu‐Ari Nuray , Altan V. Melih , Altinkurt Orhan , Öztürk Yusuf
Published: October 2006

It is well‐known that flavonoids including rutin exert a wide range of pharmacological effects. This study was carried out for further characterization of the pharmacological effect of rutin. A significant rise in the serum 5‐HT levels was found 2 h after the administration of rutin (25 mg kg−1 i.p.). The same dose of rutin caused no significant change in the serum 5‐hydroxytryptomine levels after 8 and 72 h when compared to controls. In the in vivo experiments, rutin (25 mg kg−1 i.p.) was ineffective on the blood pressure and respiratory tract of the guinea‐pigs in spite of its smooth muscle relaxant effects in the in vitro preparations. These findings strongly suggest a physiological antagonism in the effects of rutin in intact animals.
Antimalarial activity and cytotoxicity of Ficus pyrifolia and Rhus (=Baronia) taratana leaf extracts
Authors: Ratsimamanga‐Urverg Suzanne , Rasoanaivo Philippe , Rakoto‐Ratsimamanga Albert , le Bras Jacques , Ramiliarisoa Olivao , Savel Jean
Published: October 2006

Ethanolic leaf extracts of Ficus pyrifolia (Moraceae) and Rhus(= Baronia) taratana (Anacardiaccae), said to possess antimalarial effects in traditional herbal medicines, were tested against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro using an isotropic semi‐microtest and in vivo in the 4 day suppressive test in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Although the in vitro test showed moderate or low activity (IC50 = 18 μg/mL and 80 μg/mL, respectively), the in vivo bioassays demonstrated significant activity with 67%, 52% and 48% suppression of parasitaemia with 80, 320, 2.5 mg/kg day−1 of Ficus pyrifolia, Rhus taratana and chloroquine, respectively. The two plant extracts showed low cytotoxicity.
Inhibition of drug metabolism by flavonoid extract (Kolaviron) of Garcinia kola seeds in the rat
Authors: Braide V. B.
Published: October 2006

Male rats were treated daily with either intraperitoneal or oral doses (200 mg/kg) of a biflavonoid fraction of an extract from Garcinia kola seeds, kolaviron, either dissolved in DMSO or suspended in 0.9% NaCl. The duration of kolaviron treatment lasted 4 days (i.p.) or 7 days (oral). The control groups received 0.9% NaCl orally or DMSO alone (i.p.). The effect of kolaviron was tested on the duration of barbiturate‐induced sleep, and on the activities of liver microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes (p‐hydroxylation and N‐demethylation). Kolaviron was observed to: 1, significantly prolong the duration of sleep induced by either hexobarbital or pentobarbital; and 2, significantly depress the levels of drug metabolizing activity of the hepatic microsomal enzymes studied, when compared to the control groups. The effects of kolaviron pretreatment on the duration of sleep induced by barbiturates, are attributable to an inhibitory effect of kolaviron on the activity of microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver.
Pharmacological evidence for a spasmogenic agent in Datura root extract tested on dispersed smooth muscle cells of guinea‐pig ileum
Authors: Kumar N. V. Nanda , Prabhakar E. , Murthy K. Srinivasa
Published: October 2006

The effect of acetylcholine, scopolamine, and Datura leaf and root extracts on the contractility of dispersed muscle cells of guinea‐pig ileum was studied. Scopolamine and crude Datura leaf extract alone or together had no significant effect on contraction of smooth muscle cells. Acetylcholine and Datura root extract either alone or together caused a significant (30%) contraction. Datura root extract reversed the effect of both scopolamine and Datura leaf extract suggesting the presence of an unknown spasmogenic factor in Datura root extract.
The antiinflammatory effect in rats of Chieh‐pu‐warn, a traditional chinese herbal preparation
Authors: Chang Chung‐Gwo , Chen Ming‐Chu , Yang Hsing‐Yi
Published: October 2006

Chieh‐pu‐warn (CPW), or Swift‐footed pill, is a traditional Chinese herbal preparation for the treatment of weakness, paralysis, or arthritis. Toxicity studies in mice showed that CPW at the maximal tested dosage (25 g/kg, p.o.) exhibited no acute toxicity. Subacute treatment of CPW with recommended daily dose (2.5 g/kg, p.o. daily for 15 days) showed that the body weight and the water content of lung, heart, kidney, and liver in mice were not changed significantly. The antiinflammatory effect of CPW was evaluated with carrageenin‐ and Freund's complete adjuvant‐induced edematous responses in the hind paws of rats. It was found that a single dose (2.5 g/kg, p.o.) of CPW had no significant antiinflammatory effect, but consecutive pretreatment with the same dose for three days significantly inhibited the carrageenin‐induced acute inflammation and Freund's complete adjuvant‐induced subacute inflammation in rats. The present results suggest that CPW has antiinflammatory activities with low toxicities.
Inhibition of A23187–induced release of leukotriene B4 in mouse whole blood Ex vivo and human polymorphonuclear cells in vitro by the cannabinoid analgesic cannabidiol
Authors: Formukong E. A. , Evans A. T. , Evans F. J. , Garland L. G.
Published: October 2006

The effects of CBD, a potent analgesic cannabinoid on LTB4 and TXB2 production stimulated by A23187 was determined in mouse blood ex vivo and in human polymorphonuclear cells in vitro. At a dose of 10 mg/kg administered orally CBD inhibited LTB4 production in mouse blood and was equieffective to the dual lipoxygenase/cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor BW755C and the lipoxygenase inhibitor BWA4C used at a dose of 50 mg/kg. In the same blood samples CBD stimulated TXB2 production from between 20 to 30% over a 4 h period. A23187 stimulation of LTB4 synthesis in human polymorphonuclear cells was inhibited by CBD and Δ'‐THC in a dose related manner (IC505.4 and 8.2 μm respectively). However, only CBD produced a 100% inhibition of LTB4 synthesis. The production of TXB2 in these cells was initially stimulated at low doses by CBD but at higher doses TXB2 synthesis was inhibited.