bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The antimalarial activity of chromatographic fractions of Spathodea campanulata stem bark extracts against Plasmodium berghei berghei in mice
Authors: Makindet J. M. , Amusan O. O. G. , Adesogan E. K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractExtracts of the stem bark of Spathodea campanulata which showed blood schizontocidal action were purified by column chromatography. The action of the fractions was studied using Fink and Kretschmar and Rane tests with chloroquine as reference drug. Column chromatography was effective for isolating the fractions responsible for the antimalarial property of the crude extracts. Some chromatographic fractions demonstrated significant antimalarial activity which was higher than that observed with the crude extracts.
Effects of Echinacea purpurea extracts on fibroblast populated collagen lattice contraction
Authors: Zoutewelle Gerry , van Wijk Roeland 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe fibroblast populated collagen lattice was used to study the influence of extracts from roots or herbal parts of Echinacea purpurea on the collagen contracting ability of C3H10T1/2 mouse fibroblasts. Collagen gel contraction was inhibited by herb and root extracts which were added at the time of preparation of the gel. Inhibition was dependent on the amount of extract, the initial cell density and the collagen concentration used for preparation of the gel. When cell density was increased or collagen concentration decreased, the resulting increase in contraction counteracts the inhibitory effect of root extracts strongly, and that of herb extracts to a much lesser extent. The addition of extracts 1 h after preparation of the gel could hardly prevent contraction. Echinacea extracts inhibited the cell morphological changes which are characteristic for fibroblasts contracting a collagen gel. The inhibition of morphological changes parallels the inhibition of collagen gel contraction in many respects. The significance of these observations is discussed in relation to the process of wound healing.
Gastric antisecretory, antiulcer and cytoprotective properties of ethanolic extract of Alpinia galanga willd in rats
Authors: Al‐Yahya M. A. , Rafatullah S. , Mossa J. S. , Ageel A. M. , Al‐Said M. S. , Tariq M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effect of Alpinia galanga extract has been studied on experimentally induced gastric ulcers in rats. The ethanolic extract of A. galanga at a dose of 500 mg/kg, significantly reduced the intensity of gastric mucosal damage induced by pyloric ligation and hypothermic restraint stress in rats. It produced a significant decrease in gastric secretion in pylorus ligated rats and a highly significant cytoprotective effect against 80% ethanol‐, 0.6 M HCI‐, 0.2 M NaOH‐ and 25% NaCl‐induced cytodestruction. Pretreatment with the extract significantly prevented hypothermic stress‐induced gastric wall mucus depletion. These findings suggest that a significant antisecretory and cytoprotective action of A. galanga may be responsible for its antiulcer activity.
Olea europaea L. and oleuropein: Effects on excito‐conduction and on monophasic action potential in anaesthetized dogs
Authors: Occhiuto F. , Circosta C. , Gregorio A. , Busa G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effects of a glyceroethanolic macerate of the leaves of Olea europaea L. and of oleuropein on excito‐conduction and on the right atrial and ventricular monophasic action potential (MAP) have been studied in anaesthetized dogs using the technique of endocavitary recording. At the higher doses tested, a slight increase in the sinusal cycle of the sinoatrial conduction time and of the sinus node recovery time, together with a prolongation of the atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction and an increase of the atrial and ventricular MAP duration were observed. This may be due to a decrease in the repolarization phase 3. These electrophysiological effects indicate an inhibitory action both on the swift influx of sodium and on the slow influx of calcium, as well as a decrease in potassium conductance.
Chemical and pharmacological analysis of the crude aqueous/alcoholic extract from Cordyline dracaenoides
Authors: Calixto João B. , de Lima Thereza C. M. , Morato Gina S. , Nicolau Mauro , Takahashi Reinaldo N. , Valle Rosa M. R. , Schmidt Carla C. , Yunes Rosendo A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractChemical analysis of Cordyline dracaenoides (Kunth) demonstrated the presence of steroidal saponins and anthocyanidins in the stem, rhizome and root. Small amounts of tannins were also detected in its stem and rhizome. Pharmacological analysis revealed different effects according to the part of the plant used. Crude aqueous/alcoholic extract (CE) from the rhizome inhibited carrageenan‐induced rat paw oedema, while the CE obtained from the root significantly decreased the locomotor activity and potentiated barbiturate‐induced hypnosis in mice. The CE from the roots inhibited noradrenaline‐induced contraction in the rat vas deferens in a concentration‐dependent and a noncompetitive manner, while the CE from the rhizome caused a parallel displacement to the left of noradrenaline concentration response curves. In the isolated rat stomach, the CE from the roots promoted a concentration‐dependent displacement to the right of the serotonin concentration response curve allied to a marked inhibition of its maximal response, while the CE from the rhizome produced only an inhibition of about 40% of serotonin‐contractile responses. These results suggest that the CE from C. dracaenoides exhibits a potent and long lasting antioedematogenic effect, has central depressant effects and potentiates noradrenaline‐induced contractile responses of the isolated rat vas deferens. All these effects may be, at least in part, related to the presence of steroidal saponins in this plant.
Hypotensive action of Solanum melongena on normotensive rats
Authors: Shum O. L. , Chiu K. W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe cardiovascular action of Solanum melongena extract (SME) was investigated using in vivo and in vitro preparations. SME produced dose‐dependent hypotensive responses in normotensive albino rats. The duration of response was also dose dependent. In pharmacological antagonist studies, the hypotensive action of SME was proved not to be mediated through the autonomic ganglion, the α‐adrenoceptor or the histaminergic receptor. SME worked via the β‐adrenoceptor and cholinergic (muscarinic) receptor inducing the hypotensive response. A dose‐related attenuation of hypotension with increasing dosages of the β‐adrenoceptor blocker, propranolol, and the cholinergic receptor blocker, atropine was observed. In vitro studies indicated that the vasorelaxing and negative inotropic effect of SME might be implicated in the hypotensive response. The activities of the β‐adrenergic and acetylcholine receptors mediated by SME in turn promoted vasodilation of the resistant vessels and a reduction in cardiac activity respectively. It is also possible that the hypotensive effect of SME could be accounted for by its influence on the activity of the renin‐angiotensin system, since a significant difference of the hypotensive response of SME was obtained with captopril. Furthermore, SME induced diuresis in water‐loaded rats which might also account for the hypotensive effect observed. SME could be a very potent hypotensive agent.
Effects of Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharide on cellular and humoral immunity in normal and sarcoma 180 transplanted mice
Authors: Bin Gao , Gui‐Zhen Yang 
Published: October 2006

AbstractGanoderma applanatum polysaccharide (GAPS) was extracted and purified from Polyporaceae Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat. It was found that in vitro GAPS (65.2–250 μg/mL) increased the spleen cell proliferation response to ConA; GAPS (500 μg/mL) enhanced IL‐2 production of spleen cells stimulated with ConA; GAPS (125–500 μg/mL) augmented the IFNγ production of spleen cells stimulated with ConA. Administering GAPS (20 mg/kg/day s.c.) to normal mice for 10 consecutive days enhanced spleen cell proliferation responses to ConA and the IL‐2 and IFNγ production of spleen cells stimulated with 5 μg/mL ConA. It also increased spleen cell primary antibody responses to sheep red blood cells. Administering GAPS (20 mg/kg/day, s.c.) to sarcoma 180 transplanted mice for 15 consecutive days restored the NK activity and the IL‐2 and IFNγ production of the spleen cells which were suppressed by the tumour.
Hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds. A clinical study
Authors: Sharma R. D. , Raghuram T. C. , Rao V. Dayasagar 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) was evaluated in ten hyperlipidaemic subjects. Isocaloric diets with and without fenugreek were each given for 20 days. Ingestion of experimental diets, containing 100 g of debitterized fenugreek powder, resulted in a significant reduction in the serum total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. HDL cholesterol levels were not altered but the ratio with total cholesterol and LDL and VLDL cholesterol were significantly increased. These results indicate the beneficial effect of fenugreek seeds in hyperlipidaemic patients.
Virucidal activity in aqueous extracts obtained from Cedrela tubiflora leaves
Authors: Córdoba Mónica A. , Coto Celia E. , Damonte Elsa B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractCrude extracts obtained from leaves of Cedrela tubiflora (CT) (Meliaceae family) show antiviral and virucidal effects against several viruses. Herpes simplex, pseudorabies and vesicular stomatitis viruses were extremely susceptible and a reduction of 3–5 log in infectivity occurred after 15 min of direct incubation with the plant extract. By contrast, poliovirus and the Tacaribe arenavirus are inhibited intracellularly. The inhibitory action is dose dependent and no cytotoxic effects were detected on Vero cells after 2 days of CT treatment.
Cytotoxic and antitumour activity of scopadulcic acid from Scoparia dulcis L.
Authors: Hayashi Kyoko , Hayashi Toshimitsu , Morita Naokata 
Published: October 2006

AbstractScopadulcic acid B is a diterpenoid recently isolated from Scoparia dulcis L. This compound showed greater cytotoxicity against cell lines derived from tumour tissues with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.068–0.076 μg/mL, compared with cell lines from normal tissues with an IC50 of 0.097–0.245 μg/mL. The in vivo antitumour activity of scopadulcic acid B was determined using mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. Oral administration of the compound at doses of 25 or 100 mg/kg/day prolonged the median survival time of the animals. However, when administered intraperitoneally to mice at doses of 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day, scopadulcic acid B increased the survival rate by 12.5%, 12.5% and 25%, respectively, without weight change over the treatment period.
In vitro antibacterial activity of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds against multiple drug‐resistant isolates of Shigella spp. and isolates of Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli
Authors: Ferdous A. J. , Islam S. N. , Ahsan M. , Hasan C. M. , Ahmed Z. U. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe antibacterial activity of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds was studied against 37 isolates of Shigella dysenteriae 1, Shigella flexneri, Shigella sonnei and Shigella boydii and 10 strains of Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli. Most of the strains were clinically resistant to ampicillin, co‐trimoxazole and tetracycline. All the strains tested showed promising sensitivity to the volatile oil. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the volatile oil for Shigella, Vibrio and Escherichia strains tested was between 50–400 μg/mL.
Effect of Shilajit on rat brain monoamines
Authors: Bhattacharya S. K. , Ghosal S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractShilajit (25 and 50 mg/kg i.p. for 5 days) significantly lowers the levels of 5HT and 5HIAA and increases the levels of DA, NA and their metabolites, in concert, in rat brain. The finding is appraised in view of its use as an Ayurvedic rasayan (rejuvenator).
Pharmacological properties of a lyophilizate from Galeopsis ladanum on the central nervous system of rodents
Authors: Czarnecki R. , Librowski T. , Zélbala K. , Kohlmünzer S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe influence of a fraction obtained from Galeopsis ladanum L. on the central nervous system of rodents was examined. The results of these investigations show that the fraction impeded CNS activity. It is practically nontoxic and at a dose of 2000 mg/kg i.p. it does not have a soporific influence on mice. It reduces considerably the spontaneous locomotor activity of mice as well as the locomotor activity of mice stimulated by caffeine, but did not influence the locomotor activity induced by amphetamine. The extract did not exhibit a synergetic effect with barbiturates. The results suggest that the pharmacological activity of the extract resembled the activity of drugs which generally depress the CNS, being on the border between ataractic and sedative drugs.
Impact of the preparation process on immunomodulatory activities of the ayurvedic drug Nimba arishta
Authors: Kroes B. H. , Van Den Berg A. J. J. , Labadie R. P. , Abeysekera A. M. , De Silva K. T. D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractNimba arishta is an ayurvedic drug obtained by fermentation of a decoction of Azadirachta indica bark to which sugar and a kalka have been added. Kalkas consist of various plant materials including flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa. The effects of the preparation process on immunomodulatory properties of Nimba arishta were investigated by means of model systems. On the basis of traditional applications of Nimba arista in Sri Lanka, complement activity and functioning of granulocytes were selected as relevant immunological parameters in our studies. Long boiling times, as a consequence of decoction preparation on a commercial scale, were found to substantially reduce the immunomodulatory activities, whereas addition of the kalka resulted in a marked increase. Inoculation with yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Schizosaccharomyces pombe var. pombe) or microorganisms introduced through addition of the kalka did not affect the in vitro immunomodulatory activities of Nimba arista. Further investigations revealed that Woodfordia fruticosa is the kalka ingredient with the most pronounced biological activities. Although in quantitative terms the bark of Azadirachta indica strongly dominates in Nimba arishta preparation, it was shown by detailed model studies that the flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa were found to represent a major ingredient with respect to modulation of complement activity.
An extract of the leaves of the breadfruit Artocarpus altilis (parkinson) fosberg exerts a negative inotropic effect on rat myocardium
Authors: Young Ronald E. , Williams Lawrence A. D. , Gardner Michael T. , Fletcher Cyril K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractEthyl acetate soluble extracts from the leaves of the breadfruit Artocarpus altilis exerted a weak, negative chronotropic effect (p<0.05) and significantly reduced left ventricular pulse pressure (p<0.001) in vivo in the rat. The electrocardiogram maintained a high amplitude QRS complex (ventricular excitation) even when the ventricular pressure pulse was very depressed. On right ventricular myocardial strips, the same extracts produced a significant negative inotropic effect (p<0.0001). This indicates that the in vivo effects might be due in part, to a direct inotropic effect on the myocardium. An in vivo side effect was extensive intravascular haemolysis and consequent haemoglobinuria which could be caused by the vehicle, the extract, or a combined effect of the two. The mechanism of action of the inotropic agent was not cholinergic, and may involve a decoupling of excitation and contraction.
Oligo‐ and macrocyclic diterpenes in thymelaeaceae and euphorbiaceae occurring and utilized in Yunnan (Southwest China) 5. Daphnane type diterpene 9,13,14‐orthoesters from roots of Daphne papyracea
Authors: Dagang Wu , Sorg B. , Adolf W. , Opferkuch H. J. , Hecker E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFrom roots of Daphne pupyracea Wall, two new diterpene esters, Daphne factors P1 and P2, were isolated. Both are esters of the polyfunctional daphnane type: P1 is the 9,13,14‐orthobenzoate‐12‐(2E,4E,6E‐decatrienoate) of 6a,7a‐epoxy‐5β, l2β‐dihydroxyresiniferonol. P2 is structurally nearly identical with P1, the only difference is located in the parent alcohol moiety: that of P1 carries an olefinic Δ1,2 unsaturation whereas P1 exhibits the 1,2α‐dihydro partial structure.
Recent advances in studies of antihyperlipaemic and antihyperglycaemic compounds from Chinese traditional and herbal medicines
Authors: Ling‐Hua Zhang , Pei‐Gen Xiao 
Published: October 2006

AbstractRecent advances concerning the studies of Chinese traditional and herbal medicine with antihyperlipaemic and antihyperglycaemic properties have been reviewed; their medicinal plant sources and the molecular structures of the active compounds therein, as well as the result of their pharmacological and biochemical studies, wherever available, are presented.
Garlicin—fact or fiction? the antibiotic substance from garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Koch Heinrich P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIt was in the early pioneer days of the antibiotic era when ‘garlicin’, the antibiotic agent from garlic (Allium sativum L.), appeared for the first time in the scientific literature and was described as a substance isolated from garlic cloves with convincing pharmacological and clinical evidence concerning its antibiotic properties. In this article evidence for and against garlicin as a chemical entity will be reviewed in order to clarify more fully the known antibiotic activity of garlic clove extracts.
Antioedema and analgesic actions of Diodia scandens extract in rats and mice
Authors: Akah P. A. , Okogun J. I. , Ekpendu T. O. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAn extract of Diodia scandens obtained by petroleum ether extraction of the leaves was screened for pharmacological actions. The extract evinced a marked antiinflammatory effect in rats, causing a dose‐related and sustained inhibition of the increase in rat paw circumference caused by subplantar injection of a phlogistic agent. In addition, the extract increased the threshold of pain stimulus in mice. The extract significantly protected rats from aspirin, indomethacin and reserpine induced ulcers. These results revealed that the plant, Diodia scandens has potential medicinal value.
Bisnordihydrotoxiferine and vellosimine from Strychnos divaricans root: Spasmolytic properties of bisnordihydrotoxiferine
Authors: Da Silva B. A. , De Araújo Filho A. P. , Mukherjee R. , Chiappeta A. De A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBisnordihydrotoxiferine and vellosimine, two tertiary indole alkaloids have been isolated from the root of Strychnos divaricans. Bisnordihydrotoxiferine antagonized in a nonspecific manner, oxytocin and acetylcholine induced contractions in the rat uterus and acetylcholine and histamine responses in the guinea‐pig ileum. Bisnordihydrotoxiferine, like verapamil, produced effects on voltage dependent Ca2+ channels. For example in guinea‐pig ileum, bisnordihydrotoxiferine (pD'2 3.92±0.09) and verapamil (pD'2 6.00±0.11) inhibited KCl induced contractions. Furthermore, bisnordihydrotoxiferine (pD'2 4.37±0.02) and verapamil (pD'2 6.83±0.10) also antagonized CaCl2 induced contractions of K+‐depolarized rat uterus. When compared with sodium nitroprusside, an antagonist of receptor operated Ca2+ channels, bisnordihydrotoxiferine had no effect. However, in the aorta, the alkaloid (IC50, 6.10 × 10−6M) antagonized the intracellular calcium dependent transient contractions of noradrenaline and it was about four times more potent than procaine (IC50, 2.30 × 10−5M), a known inhibitor of the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Bisnordihydrotoxiferine may produce nonspecific spasmolytic actions mainly by inhibiting intracellular calcium mobilization and to a lesser extent by inhibiting voltage dependent calcium channels in smooth muscles.
Antidiarrhoeal activity of the methanolic fraction of the extract of unripe fruits of Psidium guajava Linn.
Authors: Ghosh T. K. , Sen T. , Das Arunima , Dutta A. S. , Nag Chaudhuri A. K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe methanolic fraction of the extract of unripe fruits of Psidium guajava was found to possess significant antidiarrhoeal activity. The fraction decreased gastric motility in an experimental animal model and inhibited acetylcholine release from isolated guinea‐pig ileum. On microbial screening the fraction was found to inhibit significantly the growth of different strains of Shigella spp. and Vibrio cholerae.
Toki‐Shakuyaku‐San and Oren‐Gedoku‐To improve the disruption of spatial cognition induced by cerebral ischaemia and central cholinergic dysfunction in rats
Authors: Fujiwara Michihiro , Iwasaki Katsunori 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effects of traditional Kampo prescriptions, Toki‐Shakuyaku‐San and Oren‐Gedoku‐To, were compared on the improvement of experimental disruption of spatial cognition using an eight‐arm radial maze task in rats. These two Kampo prescriptions, Toki‐Shakuyaku‐San at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. and Oren‐Gedoku‐To at a dose of 5 and 10 mg/kg, p.o., improved the disruption of spatial cognition in a non‐dose‐dependent manner in both scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and cerebral ischaemia (10 min) treated rats. At high doses of the drugs, these ameliorative effects were diminished. These results suggest that the balance between several neurotransmitter systems may play a significant role in learning and memory performance. Ameliorative effects of Toki‐Shakuyaku‐San resulted in 50% of rats recovering to normal, in the group treated with scopolamine compared with the cerebral ischaemia group. Oren‐Gedoku‐To, on the other hand, improved the efficacy against ischaemia.
Effect of liver‐protecting Sempervivum tectorum extract on the immune reactivity of spleen cells in hyperlipidaemic rats
Authors: Blázovics Anna , González‐Cabello R. , Barta Irén , Gergely P. , Fehér J. , Kéry Ågnes , Petri G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe pathobiological role of free radicals was demonstrated in hyperlipidaemia and in steatotic liver as well as in the immune response of lymphocytes and monocytes. Hyperlipidaemia has a suppressive effect on cellular immune responses, inhibits the mitogen induced lymphoblast transformation, diminishes the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) production of spleen macrophages and enhances spontaneous interleukin 1 (IL‐1) activity. A freeze dried extract of Sempervivum tectorum has antioxidant, free radical scavenger and membrane stabilizing effects. The measured serum parameters were changed favourably after Sempervivum tectorum extract treatment. The beneficial effect of Sempervivum tectorum extract was also observed on the Con A stimulated blast transformation of splenocytes, on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggered TNF‐α activity and on the spontaneous IL‐1 activity of spleen macrophages of hyperlipidaemic rats. The natural scavenger capacity was increased by treatment, initiating restoration of liver function.