bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractStudies 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

AbstractClinical 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

AbstractVarious 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

AbstractMusclide (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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractMorusin 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractHexane 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

AbstractSixty 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

AbstractTwo 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractExtracts 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

AbstractKolaviron, 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractOral 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

AbstractDifferent 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractIt 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

AbstractEthanolic 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

AbstractMale 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

AbstractThe 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.