bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The need for formulation of Shilajit by its isolated active constituents
Authors: Ghosal Shibnath , Lal Jawahar , Singh Sushil K. , Goel Raj K. , Jaiswal Arun K. , Bhattacharya Salil K.
Published: October 2006

Shilajit, a panacea of oriental medicine, collected from different countries, exhibits overtly different levels of bioactivity. The effects of shilajit, collected from India, Nepal, Pakistan and Soviet Russia, and the effects of organic constituents isolated from a potent shilajit sample, were studied in a number of antistress and CNS activity paradigms. Shilajit from Kumaon (India), Dolpa (Nepal), and a combintion (1:1) of the total ethylacetate extracts (TE) and fulvic acids (FAs), from Kumaon shilajit, produced statistically significant effects in forced swimming‐induced immobility in albino mice; restraint stress and aspirin‐induced gastric ulcers in pylorus ligated albino rats; and augmented the learning acquisition and memory retention in old rats. The potential risk of ingesting shilajit, in the native form as a ‘health product’, was appraised in view of its high stable free radical content and possible contamination with mycotoxin‐producing fungi. Hence, there is an imperative need for formulation of shilajit on the basis of its isolated active constituents (TE and FAs). Additionally, the physical and spectral characteristics of active FAs (bioactivity‐directed) were determined and compared with those of less active and inactive samples. These would provide predictability for selection of FAs for formulation of shilajit.
Enhancing effect of calaguala on the prevention of rejection on skin transplants in mice
Authors: Tuominen M. , Bohlin L. , Lindbom L.‐O. , Rolfsen W.
Published: October 2006

Calaguala, an extract from the fern Polypodium decumanum, has been used to treat psoriasis and other immunologically related disorders. In order to elucidate whether an immunosuppressive mechanism could explain the clinical effect, Calaguala was studied in a skin model of allograft rejection in mice. Calaguala significantly prolonged the allograft survival compared with untreated transplanted mice. The results indicate that Calaguala exerts an immunosuppressive effect which could explain at least partly, the positive clinical results on psoriasis.
Clinical studies on the palliative treatment of prostatic adenoma with extract of Urtica root
Authors: Belaiche P. , Lievoux O.
Published: October 2006

The effects of fluid of roots of Urtica dioica and Urtica urens on 67 men of over 60 years of age, suffering from prostatic adenoma, were studied. Functional symptoms such as nocturia were alleviated, particularly in less severe cases, and no untoward effects were observed.
Partially purified leaf extracts of Melia azedarach L. inhibit tacaribe virus growth in neonatal mice
Authors: Coulombié F. C. , Andrei G. M. , Laguens R. P. , de Torres R. A. , Coto C. E.
Published: October 2006

Neonatal mice, inoculated intraperitoneally with 103 PFU of Tacaribe virus, died after developing a typical encephalitis. The administration of partially purified extracts of Melia azedarach L. (Ma) fresh green leaves, in seven doses by the same route, reduced virus spread which normally involves the kidneys, liver and brain. Mortality fell to 50% in treated mice and viral titres in brain were at least 3 logs lower than those of untreated mice. Surviving mice mounted a humoral immune response. High levels of neutralizing antibodies were present up to 60 days post‐infection when the animals were killed. Ma administration exerts a marked decrease in circulating interferon levels of infected mice. Thus, at day 6 post‐infection the amount of acid resistant interferon in treated animals was eight times lower than in those untreated.

The antiviral effect of Ma in vivo is clearly stated in this murine‐arenavirus model.
Antiviral activity of panamanian plant extracts
Authors: Romin T. L. , Weber N. D. , Murray B. K. , North J. A. , Wood S. G. , Hughes B. G. , Cates R. G.
Published: October 2006

Panamanian tropical forest plants are potential sources of useful medicinal compounds including some with antiviral activities. Extracts prepared from the leaves of seven plants (Alseis blackiana Hemsl., Aspidosperma megalocarpon Muell, Arg., Hybanthus prunifolius (Humb. & Bonpl.) G. K. Schulze, Ouratea lucens Engl., Piper cordulatum C. DC., Trichilia cipo C. DC. and Tetragastris panamensis Kuntze) were screened for antiviral activity using three separate assay methods. The more polar (aqueous and ethanol) extracts of all plants demonstrated antiviral and virucidal activities. Good activities were found in the Ouratea lucens and Trichilia cipo ethanol and aqueous extracts which were further characterized for antiviral activity and cytotoxic effects. These extracts had direct virucidal activity as well as intracellular antiviral activity against both DNA and RNA viruses. Antiviral activity was achieved with extract concentrations significantly lower than those necessary to produce cytotoxic effects. Additionally, extracts were less toxic to normal cells than to the tumour cells tested.
Reversal of thioacetamide induced cholestasis by picroliv in rodents
Authors: Shukla B. , Visen P. K. S. , Patnaik G. K. , Dhawan B. N.
Published: October 2006

Thioacetamide (100 and 200 mg/kg s.c.) reduced the volume of bile secretion by 33.1–50.6% and this was accompanied by a reduction in bile acids (31–54%) and bile salts (60–61%) in conscious rats and anaesthetized guinea‐pigs. A significant reversal of these effects was achieved by pretreatment with picroliv, the hepato‐protective principle of Picrorhiza kurrooa, in a dose dependent manner against thioacetamide‐induced cholestasis. Picroliv was found to be more active than silymarin in both experimental models of cholestasis.
Hepatoprotective activity in the rat of ursolic acid isolated from eucalyptus hybrid
Authors: Shukla B. , Visen P. K. S. , Patnaik G. K. , Tripathi S. C. , Srimal R. C. , Dayal R. , Dobhal P. C.
Published: October 2006

Ursolic acid has been evaluated for its choleretic, anticholestatic and hepatoprotective activities in rats. It produced a dose‐dependent (5–20 mg/kg) choleretic effect. Significant anticholestatic activity (27.9–100%) was observed against paracetamol (2.0 g/kg) induced cholestasis. The compound also showed a marked hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol and galactosamine (800 mg/kg) induced hepatotoxicity by reversing the altered values in viability of the isolated hepatocytes and the altered biochemical liver and serum parameters. The activity of ursolic acid compared well with the known hepatoprotective drug, silymarin.
Potential teratogenicity in mice of the essential oil of Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl. Study of a fraction rich in sabinyl acetate
Authors: Pages N. , Fournier G. , Velut V. , Imbert C.
Published: October 2006

A fraction of the essential oil of Salvia lavandulifolia containing 50% sabinyl acetate was used to evaluate its fetotoxic potential in mice. Pregnant dams were injected s.c. (15, 45 and 135 mg of this fraction/kg body weight) on days 6 to 15 of gestation. They were killed and subjected to uterine examination on day 17 of pregnancy. The fetuses were removed for examination and the maternal hepatic and renal weights were recorded. A significant maternal toxicity, as indicated by a reduced weight gain, was observed among pregnant dams receiving 45 or 135 mg/kg of the test material. In addition, a reduced hepatic weight was observed in the three treated groups in the females that had a reduced litter—thus indicating a greater susceptibility to sabinyl acetate during pregnancy—and in the 135 mg/kg treated group, in most of the dams. In the three treated groups the drug had a dose‐dependant abortifacient effect, but was not fetotoxic.

This work underlines the potential risk induced by the uncontrolled use of such essential oils in aromatherapy.
Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity in acute and chronic conditions of Trema guineense (Schum. et Thonn.) Ficalho and Trema micrantha Blume extracts in rodents
Authors: Barbera R. , Trovato A. , Rapisarda A. , Ragusa S.
Published: October 2006

The analgesic activity of extracts of Trema guineense (Schum. et Thonn.) Ficalho and Trema micrantha Blume were evaluated in mice by the acetic acid induced writhing test and in rats by the hot plate method. The antiinflammatory and antiarthritic activities were evaluated in rats by the carrageenin‐induced Oedema assay and Newbould's adjuvant arthritis test. Pharmacological activities were compared with indomethacin. The ether and ethanol extracts of both species showed a significant analgesic activity in both tests. As regards the antiinflammatory and antiarthritic activities, the ether extract of Trema micrantha (1 kg of dry leaves) produced the highest percentage of inhibition of carrageenin‐induced oedema and adjuvant arthritis and this effect was comparable to that of indomethacin.
Contractile effect of some extracts from the leaves of Musanga cecropioides (Cecropiaceae) on uterine smooth muscle of the rat
Authors: Kamanyi A. , Bopelet M. , Tatchum T. R.
Published: October 2006

Portions of the hot water extract, chloroform and n‐butanol fractions of the leaves of Musanga cecropioïdes were used to challenge uterine strips from nonpregnant and early stage pregnant (3–8 days) female Wistar rats. Uterine strips were obtained from oestrogenized females. The aqueous and n‐butanol extracts (10 mg/L showed very marked uterotonic effects which were more pronounced in the pregnant females. These contractile effects were dose‐dependent and comparable to oxytocin and acetylcholine (100 μg/mL) but were all antagonized by ethanol, a potent Ca2t channel antagonist. These effects may account for the abortifacient properties of the extracts observed in previous in vivo trials.
Hypolipidaemic Activity in Rats of Bergenin, the Major Constituent of Flueggea microcarpa
Authors: Jahromi M. A. Farboodniay , Chansouria J. P. N. , Ray Anil B.
Published: October 2006

Oral administration of bergenin, isolated from the leaves of Flueggea microcarpa, to hyperlipidaemic rats for 14 days significantly decreased serum total lipid without much change in serum cholesterol and triglycerides. However, after 21 days of administration, the serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)—and very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL)—cholesterol levels were significantly reduced while the serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol level was elevated. Bergenin‐treated animals also showed a significant decrease in atherogenic index.
An extract of Desmodium adscendens inhibits NADPH‐dependent oxygenation of arachidonic acid by kidney cortical microsomes
Authors: Addy Marian E. , Schwartzman Michal L.
Published: October 2006

Cortical microsomes of human kidneys were used to study the effect of an extract of Desmodium adscendens on the cytochrome P450‐dependent arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. The phenolic compounds tyramine and hordenine, as well as triterpenoid saponins known to be present in the plant were also evaluated along with the extract, an n‐butanol fraction (nBF) of the crude plant extract. The extract and the compounds were pre‐incubated with the microsomal suspension before the addition of cofactors and radioactive AA. The products of the reactions and the unreacted AA were extracted, separtaed by HPLC and measured radiometrically. The total amount of radioactive AA converted, and the production of AA metabolites identified as epoxy‐eicosatrienoic acids, monohydroxy‐eicosatetraenoic acids, 19‐, 20‐ and di‐hydroxy derivatives of AA, were inhibited by nBF. The inhibition by nBF was shown to be dose‐dependent. A saponin, sapogenin and the phenolic compounds present in D. adscendens did not inhibit this oxygenation of AA. The results indicate that this plant contains an as yet unidentified inhibitor for the third pathway of AA metabolism.
Cardiovascular effects in rodents of the methanolic extract of the stem bark of Khaya senegalensis A. Juss
Authors: Olayinka A. O. , Onoruvwe O. , Lot T. Y.
Published: October 2006

The methanolic bark extract of Khaya senegalensis was investigated for its effects on the cardiovascular system. The extract increased the blood pressure of chloralose anaesthetized rats. The increase in rate and force of contraction of isolated, spontaneous rabbit atria evoked by the extract were dose dependent and less pronounced than those produced by isoprenaline. The chronotropic effects of the extract and isoprenaline were antagonized by propranolol which also abolished the ionotropic effect of the extract and antagonized isoprenaline‐induced inotrophy. The vasoconstrictor effect of the extract observed with isolated spiral strips of rabbit aorta was dose dependent, less potent than noradrenaline and was abolished by prazosin. These findings indicate that the hypertensive effect of the methanolic bark extract of K. senegalensis is partly due to the stimulation of β‐receptors and α‐adrenoceptors.
Pharmacological screening of (+)‐Multifloramine from Colchicum decaisnei
Authors: Zarga M. H. Abu , Sabri S. S. , Al‐Tel T. H. , Atta‐ur‐Rahman  , Fatima N. , Shah Z.
Published: October 2006

(+)‐Multifloramine (1) isolated from Colchicum decaisnei (Liliaceae) exhibited significant positive inotropic and negative chronotropic effects on isolated rat atria. The positive inotropic effect was not antagonized by adding propranolol. The compound showed hypotensive and tocolytic activities. The LD50 of the compound in mice was found to be 383 mg/kg body weight. Its quaternary methiodide derivative (2) produced less effect on atria, uterus and mean arterial blood pressure. The LD50 of the derivative in mice was 31.6 mg/kg body weight.
Experimental pharmacokinetics of biologically active plant phenolic compounds. I. Pharmacokinetics of mangiferin in the rat
Authors: Geodakyan S. V. , Voskoboinikova I. V. , Tjukavkina N. A. , Kolhir V. K. , Kolesnik Yu. A. , Zjuzin V. A. , Glyzin V. I. , Sokolov S. J.
Published: October 2006

The pharmacokinetics of mangiferin (the main component of the drug ‘Alpizarin’) was studied by HPLC in rats after intravenous injection of the drug in a single dose of 0.3, 1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg and after its oral administration in a single dose of 50–500 mg/kg. It was shown that the mangiferin pharmacokinetics for the above dose levels was nonlinear, and within each dose could be described by a two‐compartmental model. Its nonlinearity might be associated with saturated binding and metabolism of the compound.
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) inactivation and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition in vitro by Combretum glutinosum perr. (Combretaceae) extract
Authors: Pousset J. L. , Rey J. P. , Levesque J. , Coursaget P. , Galen F. X.
Published: October 2006

Among the aqueous extracts of ten African medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of hepatic disease and which can inhibit hepatitis B virus antigen (HBsAg) in vitro, extracts from the leaf decoction of Combretum glutinosum proved to be the most active (100–500 ng/mL−1). With solvents of increasing polarity, a precipitate was isolated from the methanolic phase of this extract which contains gallic tannins and these compounds may be responsible for the effect on angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE).
Stimulation of tissue repair by Mikania cordata root extract in carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Mandal Pradyot K. , Bishayee Anupam , Chatterjee Malay
Published: October 2006

Experiments were carried out to determine the efficacy of the Mikania cordata root extract in the tissue repair activities in mice intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). We have estimated total plasma protein, albumin, globulin, blood urea, hepatic microsomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) and cytochrome P‐450 level. Acute single intraperitoneal administration of CCl4 (1 mL of 20% v/v in olive oil/kg body weight) decreased albumin and increased globulin level and thereby reduced the albumin‐globulin ratio. A lower blood urea level was also noticed after treatment of mice with CCl4. A 1 h pretreatment with the root extract tended to reverse these features which were found to be dose‐dependent, but the results were statistically significant in the dose range of 100–150mg/kg. The M. cordata root extract (at 150mg/kg) dramatically improved the level of hepatic microsomal RNA (42.2%; p<0.001) and cytochrome P‐450 content (70.2%; p<0.001) that were altered in CCl4‐induced liver damage. Based on these observations, it is considered that M. cordata root extract may alleviate the deleterious effects of CCl4, protect the liver cells and activate the hepatic reticuloendothelial system‐mediated defence mechanism as well as the regeneration of protein synthesis.
Anticholinergic effects of the methanol stembark extract of Erythrina sigmoidea on isolated rat ileal preparations
Authors: Nkeh Benedicta N. , Kamanyi A. , Bopelet M.
Published: October 2006

The methanol extract of the stembark of Erythrina sigmoidea decreased the tone and spontaneous activity of isolated rat ileal preparations. It was found that at an extract concentration of 4.8 μg/mL, all activity was abolished. Carbachol and acetylcholine were both shown to be partially antagonized by the extract at 4.8 μg/mL. Atropine, the standard muscarinic antagonist had similar effects which were, however, less potent. Sustained spasms provoked by either of the two cholinomimetics were rapidly relaxed to levels below the zero point by small concentrations of the methanol extract as compared to relaxations provoked by atropine.
Quercetin and naringenin; effects on ulcer formation and gastric secretion in rats
Authors: Martin M. J. , Motilva V. , ÓN de la Lastra C. Alarc
Published: October 2006

The antiulcerogenic effect of two flavonoids, quercetin and naringenin, in acute gastric ulcer (cold‐restraint and pylorus‐ligated) has been investigated. In both models quercetin and naringenin presented a significant decrease in ulcer index with respect to the control group. Nevertheless, in the Shay‐ligated method no decrease in either volume, acidity or pepsin were observed, however, a significant difference was found in histamine secretion values.
Use of crude extract of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in reducing cytotoxic effects of arsenic in mouse bone marrow
Authors: Roychoudhury Arati , Das Tandra , Sharma Archana , Talukder Geeta
Published: October 2006

A relatively high concentration of crude extract of garlic, (Allium sativum L.)‐‐single clove variety, was found to reduce the cytotoxic effects of three doses of sodium arsenite, corresponding to 1/10, 1/30 and 1/50 of the LD50 in laboratory bred male Swiss albino mice. The animals were given a single oral dose of the chemical, together with the extract, and effects were observed after 24 h in bone marrow cells following the colchicine–fixation–airdry–Giemsa schedule. The endpoints scored were chromosomal aberrations and damaged cells.
Inhibitory actions of Ganoderma lucidum spore extract on delayed‐type hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Ling‐Hua Zhang , Pei‐Gen Xiao
Published: October 2006

The effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore extract (GLSE) on murine delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) induced by sheep red blood cells (SRBC), 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene, and allotypic splenocytes was studied. It was found to inhibit the DTH reaction significantly. It is concluded that GLSE may inhibit cell‐mediated immunity in mice.
Antiinflammatory activity of ‘Soymida febrifuga’ (Mansa rohini) in rats and mice
Authors: Diwan Prakash V. , Singh Ashok K.
Published: October 2006

The tree bark of Mansa rohini extract (MRE) showed a dose dependent inhibition of rat paw oedema. MRE also significantly reduced the volume of peritoneal ascites and gamma glutarnyl transpeptidase. The antiinflammatory activity of MRE was comparable to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents such as naproxen, ibuprofen and piroxicam. MRE was devoid of ulcerogenic properties and hence it is a potential antiinflammatory agent.
Blood pressure lowering effect of the aqueous extract of the stem of Ipomoea acanthocarpa (convolvulaceae) in spontaneously and salt‐loaded hypertensive rats
Authors: Kamanyi A. , Guizot C. Tchoumkeu , Bopelet M.
Published: October 2006

Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and salt‐loaded hypertensive rats (SLHR) were submitted to a daily treatment by gavage of 2 mL/100 g body weight of the aqueous extract of the stem of Ipomoea acanthocarpa (30 mg/mL stock solution). A fall in blood pressure of nearly 13% was observed after two successive administrations of the aqueous extract. After 14 days of treatment, the blood pressure fell by more than 30±8%. The hypotensive effect might be due to a direct vascular smooth muscle effect or to its already observed high diuretic effects or might be acting by some other mechanism.
Protection of vascular endothelial cells from hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidant injury by gypenosides, saponins of Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Authors: Li Lin , Lau Benjamin H. S.
Published: October 2006

Lipid peroxidation and toxicity associated with oxygen radicals have been suggested as major causes of cancer, atherosclerosis and the aging process. Damage of endothelial cells may lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Endothelial cells are susceptible to oxidant insult. In the present study, the antioxidant effect of a Chinese medicinal herb, Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino (Chinese name, Jiaogulan), was investigated in vitro using vascular endothelial cells. Confluent monolayers of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) were preincubated with different concentrations of gypenosides (GP, total saponins of Gynostemma pentaphyllum) for 16 h, then washed and incubated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 4 h. Cell injury was assessed by measuring the release of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cell viability with tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Lipid peroxidation products of PAEC were monitored as thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) with a fluorometric assay. The results showed that 62.5 μM H2O2 incubated with PAEC for 4 h increased the percentage of LDH release, decreased cell viability manifested by MTT absorbance at 620 nm, and elevated TBARS. Preincubation of GP (25–150 μg/mL) with PAEC for 16 h before H2O2 exposure significantly declined LDH release, increased cell viability, and reduced TBARS. These results demonstrate that gypenosides can protect vascular endothelial cells from oxidant injury. The data thus suggest that gypenosides may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and for retardation of the aging process.
Effects of kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside on rat blood pressure
Authors: Ahmad Mansoor , Gilani Anwar‐Ul‐Hassan , Aftab Khalid , Ahmad Viqar Uddin
Published: October 2006

Two flavonoids, kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside and rutin, were tested on normotensive pentothal anaesthetized rats for cardiovascular activities. Kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside showed a remarkable decrease in systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate, whereas rutin displayed no effect on any of the above mentioned parameters.
Characterization of in vitro IL‐2 production enhancing and anticomplementary pectic polysaccharides from kampo (Japanese herbal) medicine ‘Juzen‐Taiho‐To’
Authors: Kiyohara H. , Yamada H. , Takemoto N. , Kawamura H. , Komatsu Y. , Oyama T.
Published: October 2006

A crude polysaccharide fraction (F‐5) from ‘Juzen‐Taiho‐To’ (TJ‐48), a Kampo (Japanese herbal) medicine prepared by decocting a prescription of 10 herbs, enhanced the production of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) by mouse spleen cells stimulated with concanavalin‐A (Con‐A). When F‐5 was fractionated by cetavlon precipitation, the neutral polysaccharide fraction (F‐5‐5) enhanced IL‐2 production, and also showed anticomplementary activity. Anion‐exchange chromatography and gel filtration indicated that F‐5‐5 contained at least seven kinds of polysaccharides with anticomplementary activity or IL‐2 production enhancing activity. Among these polysaccharides relatively higher molecular weight polysaccharides (F‐5‐5IIa‐1‐1, IIa‐2‐1, IIb‐1 and IIc‐1) showed only anticomplementary activity, whereas relatively lower molecular weight polysaccharides (F‐5‐5IIb‐3A, IIb‐3C and IIc‐2A) enhanced only IL‐2 production of the spleen cells. These immunomodulating polysaccharides consisted of neutral sugars such as arabinose, galactose and galacturonic acid, and the IL‐2 production enhancing polysaccharides also contained a relatively large proportion of protein. Pronase digestion of F‐5‐5 failed to decrease the enhancement of IL‐2 production, whereas the activity significantly decreased by chemical degradation of the carbohydrate moiety or uronic acid with periodate or lithium. Methylation analysis before and after base‐catalysed β‐elimination suggested that the anticomplementary polysaccharides were grouped into pectic polysaccharides, and that the most potent IL‐2 production enhancing polysaccharide (F‐5‐5IIc‐2A) contained an arabinogalactan moiety in addition to (1→4)‐linked galacturonic acid.
Monitoring physical and chemical properties of freshly harvested field‐grown Aloe vera leaves. A preliminary report
Authors: Wang Yin‐Tung , Strong Kimberly J.
Published: October 2006

The content of total solids was obtained using the homogenate of mesophyll tissue of field‐grown Aloe vera leaves. Filtered gel was used to determine the acidity (pH), content of total reducing sugars and amount of filterable solids. Additional cellulase‐digested and filtered gel was used to determine optical density (for estimating aloin level) and concentrations of calcium and magnesium, as well as for HPLC analysis. There was a considerable variation in leaf size among different production fields. Acidity of the sap was rather consistent, ranging between 4.45 and 4.50. Fibre content, although small, varied by as much as 75%. Profiles of HPLC analyses showed two relatively stable and consistent peaks in nearly all samples that may be used to verify the presence of Aloe extract in an end product, provided these compounds are stable during processing of the Aloe gel.
Immunoreactive lectins in leaf gel from Aloe barbadensis Miller
Authors: Winters Wendell D.
Published: October 2006

Lectins isolated from the gel portion of leaves of Aloe barbadensis Miller by differential centrifugations and gel filtration were found to have strong haemagglutination and mitogenic activities. Haemagglutination titres induced by these lectins were markedly higher than those induced by lectins isolated similarly from Aloe saponaria Haw and Aloe chinesis. The levels of lymphocyte blastogenesis using the Aloe barbadensis Miller lectins were high, but markedly less than those detected using positive control lectins concanavalin A and phytohae‐magglutinin. Results of Western blot transfers followed by immunoblots using specific receptor antisera suggested that the Aloe barbadensis Miller lectins were active at alpha D‐glucose and mannose sites and not at n‐acetyl glucosamine sites. The haemagglutination activities of these Aloe substances were also observed to decrease as a function of time frozen at liquid nitrogen temperatures for up to 9 years.
The learning ability and motility of senescence accelerated mice (SAM‐P/1) treated with Toki‐Shakuyaku‐San
Authors: Kishikawa Masao , Nishimura Mika , Sakae Mihoko , Iseki Masachika
Published: October 2006

The effects of the Kampo medicine Toki‐Shakuyaku‐San on the motility and learning ability of mice were studied. An assay on mice aged 5 months after 15 weeks of administration revealed no change in spontaneous motility. However, in a study on learning ability employing passive avoidance task, the latent periods of test trial were significantly longer in the Toki‐Shakuyaku‐San administered group than in a control group, indicating that Toki‐Shakuyaku‐San may play some role in the alleviation of learning disturbances in mice.
The hypoglycaemic activity of Swertia japonica extract in streptozotocin induced hyperglycaemic rats
Authors: Basnet Purusotam , Kadota Shigetoshi , Namba Tsuneo , Shimizu Mineo
Published: October 2006

The hypoglycaemic activity of an aqueous ethanolic extract of Swertia japonica and its ethyl acetate, n‐butanol, water soluble fractions, together with ether soluble and insoluble fractions of ethyl acetate soluble fraction was observed in streptozotocin (STZ) induced hyperglycaemic rats. It was found that an aqueous ethanolic extract was more effective than a mixture of tolbutamide and buformine, and an ethanolic extract of another species of this plant, S. chirayita in lowering the blood glucose level under similar experimental conditions. Furthermore, an ethyl acetate soluble fraction of S. japonica and its ether insoluble fraction showed a potent hypoglycaemic activity.
Vasoconstrictor and cardiotonic actions of Haloxylon recurvum extract
Authors: Gilani Anwar‐Ul Hassan , Shaheen Farhana
Published: October 2006

Intravenous administration of an ethanolic extract of Haloxylon recurvum (30–300 μg/kg) caused a rise in arterial blood pressure in normotensive anaesthetized rats. Pretreatment of animals with phentolamine (1 mg/kg) abolished the vasoconstrictor response of the plant extract in a way similar to that of norepinephrine (NE). In an isolated rabbit aorta preparation, both plant extract and NE produced contractile responses which were blocked by phentolamine (0.3 μg/mL). In isolated guinea‐pig atria, the plant extract caused positive inotropic and chronotropic responses similar to that of NE and was blocked by propranolol (0.3 μg/mL). These results suggest that vasoconstrictor and cardiac stimulatory effects of the plant extract are mediated through mechanisms similar to those of NE (stimulation of α‐adrenergic receptors in the blood vessels and cardiac β‐receptors respectively) and hence this plant contains sympathomimetic constituent(s).
Activity of a methanolic extract of Zimbabwean Crinum macowanii against exotic RNA viruses in vitro
Authors: Duri Zvitendo J. , Scovill John P. , Huggins John W.
Published: October 2006

The in vitro antiviral activity of a freeze‐dried methanolic extract of the bulbs of Zimbabwean Crinum macowanii was determined in Vero cells infected with a number of exotic RNA viruses. At a concentration of 32 μg/mL, the crude methanolic extract reduced by 100% the viral cytopathic effect in Vero cells infected with yellow fever virus, and caused a 70% inhibition of the viral cytopathic effect in cells infected with Japanese encephalitis virus. No evidence of cytotoxicity was observed at this concentration. The freeze‐dried extract inhibited the replication of the above mentioned viruses by 100% at a concentration of 10 μg/mL. No cytotoxicity was seen at this concentration.
In vitro activity and mutagenicity of bisbenzylisoquinolines and quinones against Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes
Authors: de Arias A. Rojas , Inchausti A. , Ascurrat M. , Fleitas N. , Rodriguez E. , Fournet A.
Published: October 2006

The accidental transmission of Chagas' disease by donor blood is recognized as a serious problem in the Latin America. This paper describes the screening of natural products as possible new chemoprophylactic additives in blood banks. Ten plant‐derived alkaloids, three terpenes, three quinones and 14 crude plant extracts were tested against bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain in vitro at 4°C at a concentration of 250 μg/mL, using gentian violet as the baseline drug. The bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, cocsuline, daphnandrine, daphnoline, isochondodendrine, gyrocarpine, limacine and pheanthine and the naphthoquinone, plumbagin completely lysed the trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi at a concentration of 250 μg/mL, this activity was verified by the subculture of the treated medium during 4 months. The active alkaloids, pheanthine, daphnoline and limacine were evaluated for mutagenicity by the sister chromatid exchange assay (SCE) in peripheral lymphocytes. Daphnoline and pheanthine elicited no significant increase of the SCE up to 50 μg/mL, while limacine significantly increased the SCE values at a concentration of 25 μg/mL, and 50 μg/mL.
Pharmacological activity of the extracts of two Satureja obovata varieties on isolated smooth muscle preparations
Authors: de Rojas V. R. Sánchez , Ortega T. , Villar A.
Published: October 2006

Aqueous extracts of two varieties of Satureja obovata Lag. subsp. obovata: var. valentina and var. obovata, exhibited a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on the contractions induced by acetylcholine (Ach) (3.4 × 10−8−6.8 × 10−5M) and CaCl2 (2 × 10−4−1.28 − 10−2M) in rat duodenum and by noradrenaline (NA) (10−9−5.12 × 10−7 M) and CaCl2 (2 × 10−4−1.28 × 10−2 M) in rat aorta. The extracts also produced relaxant effects in both tissue preparations precontracted with K+ (75 mM) and in rat aorta precontracted with NA (10−6 M). Vasodilatory effects of the two extracts were attenuated when the endothelium was removed. The inhibitory effects of var. valentina were stronger. These results indicated a smooth muscle relaxant effect that could account for the use of these extracts in traditional medicine.
Short term toxicity of embelin in female rats
Authors: Prakash Anand O.
Published: October 2006

The toxicity of emblin has been assessed in female cyclic rats. Its administration at a dose of 120 mg/kg body weight did not cause any changes in the weight of liver, kidney and spleen, however, the wet weight of the adrenals showed a remarkable increase. Biochemical constituents such as protein and glycogen did not show any change in these organs except in the adrenal where a significant increase was observed. The activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase was increased in the kidney and adrenal. Administration of embelin for 6 weeks caused severe pathological changes in the liver and kidney which mainly included disintegration, necrotic changes and perinuclear vacuolation. Marked tubular damage was observed in the kidneys. The adrenals showed hypertrophy and the histological features of the spleen remained unchanged.
Effects of the flavone luteolin, isolated from Colchicum richii, on guinea‐pig isolated smooth muscle and heart and on blood pressure and blood flow
Authors: Abdalla S. , Zarga M. Abu , Sabri S.
Published: October 2006

The effects of the flavone luteolin, extracted from Colchicum richii, on guinea‐pig isolated ileum, pulmonary artery, trachea, atrium, perfused heart, and on blood pressure and blood flow of anaesthetized guinea‐pigs were studied. Luteolin (10−5−3 × 10−4 M) caused concentration‐dependent relaxation of the tone of ileum, epinephrine‐precontracted pulmonary artery and only mild relaxation of acetylcholine‐precontracted trachea. These effects were not affected by pretreatment with 1 mM theophylline except in the ileum where theophylline shifted to the left the luteolin concentration‐effect curve. Luteolin (3 × 10−6−3 × 10−4 M) caused an increase in the beating rate and the contractility of the spontaneously beating atrium and of the isolated perfused heart. Theophylline (1 mM) significantly inhibited the effects of luteolin on the atrium and the perfused heart. Luteolin, in doses of 0.3, 1.0, 1.5 and 5 mg/kg body weight had no effect on heart rate of anaesthetized guinea‐pigs but caused depression of systolic and diastolic blood pressure except at the lowest dose used where there was a small increase in both parameters. Also, only the lowest dose (0.3 mg/kg) caused a small increase in blood flow. Larger doses of luteolin caused dose‐related inhibition of blood flow. The effects of luteolin on blood pressure and blood flow were not affected by theophylline pretreatment (5 mg/kg). These observations suggest that the effects of luteolin may be tissue‐specific and in the isolated heart they may be attributed to inhibition of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. The data further demonstrate that luteolin has potential cardiovascular effects that merit further investigation.
Depressor effect of magnesium lithospermate B, a component of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Yokozawa Takako , Lee Tae Woong , Chung Hae Young , Oura Hikokichi , Nonaka Gen‐Ichiro , Nishioka Itsuo
Published: October 2006

The effects of magnesium lithospermate B on blood pressure were examined in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures were decreased after magnesium lithospermate B administration, whereas the urinary levels of kallikrein, prostaglandin E2, sodium and potassium were increased. The mechanisms of the depressor action of magnesium lithospermate B were discussed on the basis of these findings.
Thyroid hormone enhancing activity of the fruits of Juglans regia L. in mice
Authors: Öztürk Y. , Aydin S. , Arslan R. , Baser K. H. C. , Kurtar‐Öztürk N.
Published: October 2006

In Turkish folk medicine, the fruits and leaves of Juglans regia L. have been widely used as a herbal remedy for the treatment of various endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus, anorexia, thyroid dysfunctions, etc. The effect of fruits of J. regia on the thyroid hormone levels of mice was investigated using two extracts prepared from the fruits by different methods. The acute toxicities of these two extracts in mice were assessed as well. On the basis of our findings obtained, the extracts prepared from the fruits of J. regia enhanced thyroid hormone levels, while they exerted minimal acute toxicity in mice.
Carthami flos extract and its component, stigmasterol, inhibit tumour promotion in mouse skin two‐stage carcinogenesis
Authors: Kasahara Yoshimasa , Kumaki Kunio , Katagiri Susumu , Yasukawa Ken , Yamanouchi Sakae , Takido Michio , Akihisa Toshihiro , Tamura Toshitake
Published: October 2006

An antitumour‐promoting activity in two‐stage carcinogenesis, is found in the methanol extract of the Carthami Flos (Carthamus tinctorius L.; Compositae), which is a traditional Chinese medicine and natural pigment of rouge additivies in certain Asian countries. From these active fractions, δ5‐ and δ7‐sterol fractions were separated. The separation was examined for inhibitory activity against TPA‐induced inflammatory ear oedema in mice. Stigmasterol (71% in the mixture) was the most abundant of 14 sterols identified in the δ5‐sterol fraction. Schottenol (70% in the mixture) constituted the dominant sterol of the δ7‐sterol fraction. Furthermore, stigmasterol markedly inhibited tumour promotion in two‐stage carcinogenesis experiments.
A Study of the effect of Wedelia calendulacea less. On wound healing in rats
Authors: Hegde D. A. , Khosa R. L. , Chansouria J. P. N.
Published: October 2006

The effect of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Wedelia calendulacea Less. on wound healing, in open and sutured wound models, was observed and found to be significant.
Recent advances in the study of antioxidative effects of Chinese medicinal plants
Authors: Liu Jian , Xiao Pei‐Gen
Published: October 2006

Research on the antioxidative effect of Chinese medicinal plants as a field of modern pharmacology has become more active in China because antioxidative drugs can be used widely to alleviate and/or cure various inflammations, allergic diseases, cancers, organic damage and ageing diseases. In the last decade more attention has been paid to the art of extracting antioxidants from medicinal plants possessing high efficiency and low toxicity since synthetic antioxidants usually show adverse side effects leading to their limited application. A list of 48 species and varieties of Chinese medicinal plants and the antioxidants obtained from them are presented in detail; the status and methodology adopted by Chinese pharmacologists on antioxidative studies are described. Studies on four Chinese traditional drugs, Fructus Schisandrae, Fructus Rosae davuricae, Radix Cynanchi auriculati and Radix Ginseng, are described to show the advances and prospects on the antioxidative effect of Chinese medicinal plants.
Antimicrobial activity of crenatine, an alkaloid synthesized from indole
Authors: Ajayeoba Edith O. , Adeniyi Bolanle A. , Okogun J. I.
Published: October 2006

Synthesized crenatine, a B‐carboline alkaloid previously isolated from Quassia undulata (Guill & Perr) D. Dietr (Simaroubaceae) is shown to possess antibacterial but no antifungal activity. The activity was tested in vitro against seven Gram‐positive, ten Gram‐negative bacteria and a yeast at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The compound was found to be more effective against Gram‐positive than Gram‐negative bacteria.
Hepatoprotective effects of propolis extract on carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver injury in rats
Authors: González R. , Corcho I. , Remirez D. , Rodriguez S. , Ancheta O. , Merino N. , González A. , Pascual C.
Published: October 2006

The effects of an ethanolic extract of Cuban red propolis were examined using the model of acute hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) in rats. Propolis extract at doses of 5, 10 and 25 mg/kg i.p. decreased significantly the activity of alanine aminotransferase and the concentration of malondialdehyde in rat serum as well as the concentration of triglycerides in liver which were increased in CCI4‐treated animals. An ethanol extract of red propolis also reduced liver damage induced by CCI4 in rats. This effect was observed by electron microscopy. According to our results it is concluded that ethanolic extract of red propolis exerts hepatoprotective effects in this experimental model which are probably caused by antioxidative properties (e.g. scavenging action against oxygen radicals) of this extract.
Fractionation and characterization of anticomplementary and mitogenic substances from Panax ginseng extract G‐115
Authors: Yamada Haruki , Otsuka Hanako , Kiyohara Hiroaki
Published: October 2006

Panax ginseng extract G‐115 had anticomplementary and mitogenic activities. Incubation with artificial gastric juice slightly decreased the anticomplementary activity, whereas incubation with artificial intestinal juice or with artificial gastric juice followed by artificial intestinal juice slightly increased the activity. Incubations with artificial gastric and intestinal juices slightly decreased mitogenic activity similar to that with water. The G‐115 was fractionated in order to characterize the active substances for anticomplementary and mitogenic activities. The most potent anticomplementary activity was observed in the crude polysaccharide fraction, G‐115G, whereas the water‐soluble dialysable fraction, G‐115E showed the most potent mitogenic activity. Although pronase digestion did not change the anticomplementary activity of G‐115G, G‐115G decreased the anticomplementary activity after the treatments with periodate and endo‐polygalacturonase indicating that a carbohydrate moiety containing polygalacturonan may contribute to the activity. G‐115G was further purified by precipitation with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, anion‐exchange chromatography on DEAE‐Sepharose and gel filtration on Sepharose CL‐4B, and major potent anticomplementary polysaccharide, G‐115I1‐IIa‐2‐3 was obtained. G‐115I1‐IIa‐2‐3 was homogeneous, and its molecular weight was estimated to be 3.68 × 105. G‐115I1‐IIa‐2‐3 consisted mainly of arabinose, galactose and glucose in addition to small amounts of galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid and rhamnose.
Evaluation of the acute toxicity, analgesic and CNS activities of different species of Teucrium genus
Authors: Bello R. , Barrachina M. D. , Martínez‐Cuesta M. A. , Esplugues J. , Yúfera E. Primo
Published: October 2006

Methanol and dichloromethanol extracts of the leaves and stems of four Teucrium species (T. cartaginenses, T. flavum, T. pumillum and T. buxifolium) have been tested for their toxicity, analgesic and central depressor effects. The intraperitoneal administration of the different extracts showed a CNS depressant activity in mice, but they lacked anticonvulsive effects. When tested for analgesic activity none of the extracts increased the threshold of pain thermal stimulus. However, the methanol and dichloromethanol extracts of T. cartaginenses and T. buxifolium species showed a significant analgesic effect in models of pain induced by chemical or mechanical stimulation.
Behavioural effects of Visnea mocanera extract: Psychostimulant and anxiogenic properties
Authors: ández‐Pérez M. Hern , Mateo C. C. Sánchez , Darias V. , Rabanal R. M.
Published: October 2006

Neuropharmacological studies were conducted in mice with different extracts from the leaves and fruits of Visnea mocanera L. f. (Theaceae). The combined data obtained from all biological models suggest that the methanol extract from the leaves and the syrup from the fruits appear to have a psychostimulant action, since these extracts increased locomotor activity (the methanol extract at 250 mg/kg p.o.), reduced pentobarbital‐induced sleeping time (the methanol extract and syrup at 250 mg/kg p.o.) and produced hyperthermia (the syrup at 250 and 500 mg/kg p.o.). The aqueous fraction (250 and 500 mg/kg p.o.) and syrup (500 mg/kg p.o.) from fruits showed an anxiogenic‐like profile in mice when evaluated acutely in the elevated plus‐maze test.
Combined effects of ginseng and radiotherapy on experimental liver cancer
Authors: You Jyh‐Sheng , Hau Dou‐Mong , Chen Kung‐Tung , Huang Hui‐Feng
Published: October 2006

Panax ginseng, one of the most widely used plant medicines, was combined with radiotherapy, and studied against intrahepatic sarcoma‐180 tumour cells in mice. Oral administration of ginseng extract, radiation treatment and the combination of both increased the life span of tumour‐bearing mice to 20.4%, 16.9% and 82.1%, respectively. The same treatments were found to be cytotoxic to sarcoma‐180‐induced liver tumour cells. The synthetic rates of DNA, RNA and protein of the tumour cells were all inhibited measurably by the combined treatment. Histopathological studies showed that radiation treatment destroyed both cancer and liver cells and the cells shrank and became necrotic. The ginseng treatment seemed to help the recovery of liver cells and no infiltration of cancer cells was noted.
Microbiological and pharmacological studies on extracts of Cucurbita maxima
Authors: Villasen̄or Irene M. , Bartolome Arlene L. O. , Daclan Lunadel C. , Manatad Armi J. G.
Published: October 2006

Extracts from the fruits, leaves and flowers of Cucurbita maxima Duschne were subjected to preliminary microbiological and pharmacological studies. The undiluted ethanol extracts of squash fruits exhibited complete inhibition against B. subtilis and only partial inhibition against E. coli. The extracts of squash flowers and leaves showed either minimal or an absence of antimicrobial activity against both organisms.

In the pharmacological screening of the crude extracts of squash fruits and leaves, there was a decrease in motor activity, ataxia, temporary palpebral ptosis, hyperaemia, micturition and abdominal gripping in the test mice. The ethyl acetate extract of squash flowers caused a decrease in respiratory rate, analgesia, paralysis of the hindlegs, persistent skin folds, hyperaemia, diarrhoea, and exophthalamos.
Antimicrobial activity of extracts from some Canary species of Phaeophyta and Chlorophyta
Authors: Febles C. I. , Arias A. , Hardisson A. , López A. Sierra , Gil‐Rodríguez M. C.
Published: October 2006

A number of brown (Phaeophyta) and green (Chlorophyta) seaweeds have been collected from the littoral of Tenerife (Canary Islands) and extracts from them have been studied for antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Three different solvents, n‐hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol have been used to obtain extracts from the Phaeophyta: Sargassum desfontainesii (Turner) C. Agardh, Halopteris scoparia (Linnaeus) Sauvageau and Stypopodium zonale (Lamouroux) Papenfuss; and the Chlorophyta: Codium intertextum (Collins et Hervey) and Ulva rigida (Clemente) C. Agardh. The activity of the extracts was tested using Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacteria and yeasts. The methanol extract showed most antibacterial activity. The extracts were mainly active against bacteria (Gram +) while all the fungi tested proved to be resistant to the extracts of brown seaweeds, however, the methanol extract of Codium intertextum (Chlorophyta) showed considerable action against some yeasts tested.