bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abortifacient activity of some Nigerian medicinal plants
Authors: Akah P. A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe abortifacient effects of five plant species commonly used by Nigerian traditional birth attendants to achieve relatively painless delivery, hasten fetal delivery and evacuate retained placenta were investigated. Aqueous extracts of the plants were prepared and screened pharmacologically using isolated smooth muscle preparations and pregnant animals. The extracts were also subjected to toxicological and phytochemical studies. The extracts contracted isolated uterine smooth muscle preparation and potentiated oxytocin‐induced responses of the uterus. In the whole animal, the extracts caused expulsion of fetuses in the third trimesters of pregnancy. These results appear to justify their traditional uses.
Hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of oral Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. Leaf extract in albino rats fed on a high fat diet
Authors: Bishayee Anupam , Chatterjee Malay 
Published: October 2006

AbstractGymnema sylvestre R. Br. leaf extract (25–100 mg/kg) when orally administered to experimentally induced hyperlipidaemic rats for 2 weeks, reduced the elevated serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL)‐and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol in a dose‐dependent manner. The decreased serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol and antiatherogenic index (AAI) in hyperlipidaemia were also reversed towards normalization. The ability of this extract (at 100 mg/kg) to lower TG and TC in serum and its antiatherosclerotic potential were almost similar to that of a standard lipid lowering agent—clofibrate.
Effects of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang and its component drugs on adenine nucleotide levels in diabetic rats
Authors: Yokozawa Takako , Toriyama Kazue , Zhou Jia Jun , Oura Hikokichi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn rats given Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang for 25 days, the total adenine nucleotide and ATP contents were increased and the energy charge was inclined toward the positive side. When the effects of the same dose of each component galenical of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang were examined, Atractylodis Lanceae Rhizoma produced the same effect on adenine nucleotide as that of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. In rats given Ginseng Radix, the ATP and total adenine nucleotide contents and the energy charge tended to be increased. However, there were no particular changes in these parameters in rats given Astragali Radix, Angelicae Radix, Zizyphi Fructus, Aurantii Nobilis Pericarpium, Glycyrrhizae Radix or Cimicifugae Rhizoma. These parameters tended to be decreased in rats given Bupleuri Radix, and were decreased significantly in rats given Zingiberis Rhizoma.
Pharmacological studies on the crude drug ‘Hwang‐Jin‐Guey’ from Taiwan (1)
Authors: Lin Chun‐Ching , Lin Jer‐Min , Chang Cheng‐Hsiung , Hattori Masao , Namba Tsuneo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThree different crude drugs take the same name ‘Hwang‐jin‐guey’ on the Taiwan market, they are (1) Cudrania cochinchinensis var. gerontogea (Moraceae), (2) Ventilago leiocarpa (Rhamnaceae) and (3) Viscum multinerve (Loranthaceae). To clarify and compare the pharmacological actions of these folk medicines, the antiinflammatory and liver‐protective effects of their aqueous and ethanol extracts were investigated. The results showed that the aqueous extracts of C. cochinchinensis (300 mg/kg), V. leiocarpa (300 mg/kg) and ethanol extract of C. cochinchinensis (100 mg/kg) displayed marked antiinflammatory activity compared to indomethacin. An ethanol extract of V. leiocarpa (300 mg/kg) exhibited a comparable inhibitory effect to indomethacin in the paw oedema induced by carrageenan. As to the liver‐protective effect, the statistical analysis (ANOVA) indicated that the aqueous (100 mg/kg) and ethanol (300 mg/kg) extracts of C. cochinchinensis presented pronounced activities against CCI4‐induced acute liver damage.However, treatment with V. multinerve offered no protection against CCI4‐induced hepatotoxicity, whether aqueous or ethanol extracts. These phenomena were also confirmed by histological observation.
Antihepatotoxic and immunostimulant properties of iridoid glycosides of Scrophularia koelzii
Authors: Garg H. S. , Bhandari S. P. S. , Tripathi S. C. , Patnaik G. K. , Puri Anju , Saxena Ragini , Saxena R. P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe alcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Scrophularia koelzii (100 mg/kg p.o. × 7 days) significantly protected the rat liver against thioacetamide induced toxicity. On its further fractionation, activity was localized in the chloroform fraction from which four iridoid glycosides, namely scropolioside‐A, koelzioside, harpagoside and 6‐0‐(3″‐0‐p‐methoxy‐cinnamoyl)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl catalpol were isolated. Among these, scropolioside‐A showed maximum hepatoprotective activity. Immunostimulant response was observed with all the four iridoids with harpagoside exhibiting maximum induction of immune response.
Punicalagin‐induced release of norepinephrine reverses orthostatic hypotension in rats
Authors: Chang Tzen Kwan , Hsu Feng‐Lin , Cheng Juei‐Tang 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPunicalagain, an active principle isolated from the leaves of Lumnitzera racemosa (Combretaceae), reversed the fall in arterial blood pressure in conscious Wistar rats with orthostatic hypotension induced by injection of hexamethonium into animals subjected to 90° head‐up tilts for 60 s. Punicalagin was found to be less effective on prazosin‐induced orthostatic hypotension. Plasma norepinephrine (NE) was elevated by intravenous injection of punicalagin in a dose‐dependent manner from 0.5 to 15 mg/kg, both in normotensive rats and the orthostatic hypotensive animals. An increase of mean blood pressure was also found in rats that received the injection of punicalagin; this increase in blood pressure was totally abolished by prazosin. Failure of hexamethonium or pentolinium, antagonists of ganglionic nicotinic receptors, to influence the NE releasing action of punicalagin ruled out the participation of ganglionic stimulation. This NE‐releasing action of punicalagin was, however, totally blocked by the inhibitors of noradrenergic nerve terminals, guanethidine or bretylium. Also, the activity of punicalagin was not modified by adrenalectomy. Thus, a direct release of NE from the noradrenergic nerve terminals by punicalagin seems responsible for the reversal of orthostatic hypotension.
Olivacine plus coadjuvants in the treatment of murine leukaemia
Authors: de Oliveira Marilda Meirelles , de Alencar Filho Rufino Antunes 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAdministration of olivacine, 1,5‐dimethyl‐6H‐pyrido[4,3‐b] carbazole to mice inoculated with 105, 103 and 102 leukaemic cells (L1210) produced significant survival in all treated groups which was not altered by association with the naturally occurring nucleoside deoxycytidine. Treatment with olivacine plus heterologous serum caused leucocytosis due to neutrophilia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis, as opposed to treatment with olivacine alone, which produced leucopenia due to neutropenia and lymphocytopenia.
Trypanocidal components of Pluchea quitoc L.
Authors: Zani Carlos L. , Alves Tǎnia M. A. , de Oliveira Alaíde B. , Murta Silvane M. F. , Ceravolo Isabela P. , Romanha Alvaro J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFour compounds active against the epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease, were isolated from the hexane extract of Pluchea quitoc L. (Compositae). The flavone casticin (1), identified on the basis of its spectroscopic characteristics, along with PQU19B, 19G and 28A, the structures of which are in the process of identification, did not show significant activity against the infective bloodstream trypomastigote forms of the parasite.
Some pharmacological effects of an ethanolic extract of Palisota ambigua on the central nervous system in mice
Authors: N'Gouemo P. , Baldy‐Moulinier M. , Nguemby‐Bina C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe present study investigates some neuropharmacological effects of an ethanol extract of the leaves of Palisota ambigua (Commelineae), a medicinal plant in Central Africa. Intraperitoneal administration of the extract induced hyperthermia and reduced the writhing response induced by acetic acid. In addition, the extract augmented the duration of sleeping time induced by sodium pentobarbital and delayed the onset of clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole. By contrast, the extract did not affect convulsions induced by maximal electroschock and picrotoxin.
Inhibition of postprandial hyperglycaemia by oolong tea extract (OTE)
Authors: Nakahara Koichi , Izumi Reiko , Kodama Tohru , Kiso Yoshinobu , Tanaka Takaharu 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOolong tea extract (OTE) was found to inhibit sucrase from the small intestine and α‐amylase. The IC50 values were 0.25 mg/mL and 5.0 mg/mL respectively. The effect of OTE on postprandial hyperglycaemia was investigated in vivo in rats loaded with sucrose, maltose, soluble starch or glucose. OTE suppressed the increase of blood glucose levels in sucrose‐, maltose‐ and glucose‐loaded rats, but not in soluble starch‐loaded rats. From these results it was assumed that orally administered OTE inhibits intestinal glycosidases, especially sucrase, thereby deterring the digestion of certain amounts of sucrose or maltose, and also inhibits glucose absorption partially, leading eventually to a reduction in blood glucose levels.
Transformation of Withania somnifera (L) Dunal by Agrobacterium rhizogenes: Infectivity and phytochemical studies
Authors: Banerjee S. , Naqvi A. A. , Mandal S. , Ahuja P. S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThree different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, namely A4, LBA 9402 and LBA 9360 were used for infection to induce hairy root formation in W. somnifera. Strain specificity of the bacterium and frequency of transformation events were analysed. Significant differences were observed between the transformation ability of the different strains of Agrobacterium. The best response in terms of transformation ability and growth of the hairy roots was obtained with A. rhizogenes strain A4, followed by LBA 9402, whereas LBA 9360 strain failed to induce a transformation event. The production of withanolides with special reference to withaferin A was studied through HPLC in the A4 induced hairy root lines and their respective media at different growth phases (i.e. 4, 10 and 24 weeks). The presence of withaferin A in the media as well as in the hairy roots of 10‐week‐old cultures highlights the importance of the present study for the commercial prospects of this plant.
Antiinflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of Ventilago leiocarpa
Authors: Lin Chun‐Ching , Lin Wei‐Chih , Chang Cheng‐Hsiung , Namba Tsuneo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTwo animal experiments models including carrageenin‐induced oedema and CCl4‐induced liver injury were investigated to compare and elucidate antiinflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of four fractions (CHCl3, EtOAc, n‐BuOH, H2O) from the stem bark of Ventilago leiocarpa Benth. The results showed that each fraction displayed both antiinflammatory and hepatoprotective activities. The H2O fraction (50, 100 mg/kg) was even more effective than indomethacin (10 mg/kg) in reducing carrageenin‐induced oedema, and also had the greatest protection against CCl4‐induced liver injury. It significantly lowered the acute increase in sGOT and sGPT levels caused by CCl4. Histopathological changes such as necrosis, fatty change, ballooning degeneration and inflammatory infiltration of lymphocytes and Kupffer cells around the central veins were also concurrently improved by the treatment with each fraction (50 mg/kg) or the H2O fraction (100 mg/kg).
Activation of protein kinase C from guinea‐pig and rat ventricular muscles by musclide‐A1 and its (2R, 5S)‐diastereomer
Authors: Kimura Ikuko , Takamura Yusaku , Uwano Teruko , Hata Yukiko , Kimura Masayasu , Kikuchi Tohru 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe activating effects of musclide‐A1, 6‐methyl‐2,5‐heptanediol 5‐(hydrogen sulphate) (la), and its (2R, 5S)‐ and (2R, 5R)‐diastereomers on ventricular protein kinase C from guinea‐pig and rat were compared with other natural compounds derived from musk and non‐natural related compounds. The (2R, 5S)‐diastereomer was most potent among musk‐derived compounds and its related non‐natural compounds. The activation by la (20 μM) was produced in the presence of low [Ca2+]0 and phosphatidylserine like 1,2‐dioctanoylglycerol (2 μM). The activation pattern for peaks eluted by a hydroxyapatite column demonstrated that 1a activates ventricular‐specific protein kinase C peak II, suggesting one mechanism for the beta‐adrenergic cardiotonic potentiation by 1a.
Effects of shilajit on biogenic free radicals
Authors: Bhattacharya Salil K. , Sen Ananda P. , Ghosal Shibnath 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe radicophilicity (antiradical–antioxidant effects) of processed shilajit (SJP) to oxygen‐derived free radicals and nitric oxide (NO), and the attendant H2O2 cleaving effect were evaluated. SJP provided complete protection to methyl methacrylate (MMA) against hydroxyl radical‐induced polymerization and acted as a reversible NO‐captodative agent. SJP (20 and 50 mg/kg/day, i.p., for 21 days) induced a dose‐related increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in frontal cortex and striatum of rats. The data were comparable to those of (−)‐deprenyl (2 mg/kg/day, i.p., for 21 days) in respect of SOD and CAT activities. These findings are consistent with the therapeutic uses of shilajit as an Ayurvedic rasayan (rejuvenator) against oxidative stress and geriatric complaints.
Cardiovascular effects of oblongine chloride, an alkaloid from Leontice leontopetalum, in the anaesthetized guinea‐pig
Authors: Abdalla S. , Zarga M. Abu , Sabri S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effects of (−)oblongine chloride, a quaternary alkaloid from Leontice leontopetalum on blood pressure, heart rate and blood flow of the anaesthetized guinea‐pig were studied. At doses ranging from 0.5 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg, i.v., oblongine chloride caused a dose‐dependent reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These doses were associated with an increase in heart rate. Propranolol (5 mg/kg) failed to block the effects of oblongine chloride on systolic and diastolic blood pressure but significantly reduced the increase in heart rate observed with low doses (0.5–6 mg/kg) of oblongine chloride. In doses ranging from 0.05 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg, oblongine chloride caused a small increase in blood flow. Larger doses (1.5, 4.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg) caused an initial decrease followed by an increase of blood flow. The net effect of cumulative doses was an increase in blood flow over the control value. These observations suggest that oblongine chloride may have potential haemodynamic effects and that these effects are not mediated by β‐adrenergic receptor stimulation.
Effects on blood pressure of caffeic acid analogues isolated from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix in rats with adenine‐induced renal hypertension
Authors: Yokozawa Takako , Zhou Jia Jun , Oura Hikokichi , Tanaka Takashi , Nonaka Gen‐Ichiro , Nishioka Itsuc 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effects of caffeic acid analogues isolated from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix were examined in rats with adenine‐induced renal failure and hypertension. Systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures were decreased after magnesium lithospermate B administration. Oral administration of lithospermic acid B also decreased these blood pressure values even though the effects were weaker than those of magnesium lithospermate B. However, rats given lithospermic acid, rosmarinic acid or caffeic acid showed no appreciable changes in systolic, mean or diastolic blood pressure throughout the experimental period. Urinary excretion of both kallikrein and sodium was increased significantly in rats given magnesium lithospermate B or lithospermic acid B. These results indicate that the action of these compounds shows a structure‐specific pattern.
A pharmacological study of Araujia sericifera B. extracts in rodents
Authors: Bello R. , Borges C. , Esplugues J. V. , Esplugues J. , Lopez De Medrano‐Villar M. J. , Yúfera E. Primo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe present study analyses the pharmacological activity in in vitro and in vivo models of different extracts obtained from Araujia sericifera. The hexane extract of fruits lacked toxicity, but exhibited an analgesic effect in models of chemical and thermal stimulation. Such an extract was the only one which exhibited antiinflammatory actions. The intrinsic effect on arterial blood pressure was biphasic: at low doses it significantly increased blood pressure, whereas at high doses it exerted the opposite effect. On isolated organs it produced a marked decrease in the maximum effect of histamine and acetylcholine. The dichloromethanol extract of fruits decreased arterial pressure and the maximum effect of histamine. The methanol extract of fruits slightly depressed the CNS. An analgesic effect was noted following chemical stimulation; the maximum effect of serotonin was significantly decreased. The dichloromethanol extract of seeds markedly decreased arterial pressure and the maximum effect of acetylcholine and serotonin. The methanol extract of seeds exerted an analgesic effect after chemical stimulation and modified the maximum effect of noradrenaline and serotonin.
Stimulation of neuron‐like cell growth by Aloe substances
Authors: Bouthet Catherine F. , Schirf Virgil R. , Winters Wendell D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAloe plant materials are widely known for their uses in folk medicine, particularly for their ability to aid healing of minor cutaneous wounds and for protection of skin cells. Several in vitro studies have shown Aloe substances stimulate fibroblast and epithelial cell growth and induce lectin‐like responses in immune cells involved in skin wound repair processes. In our present studies, we quantitatively tested Aloe substances extracted from whole leaves and gel filets for their comparative effects on induction of proliferation in fibroblast cells and, for the first time, in neuron‐like cells. Aloe gel substances were found to significantly increase proliferation in suspension‐treated neuron‐like cells to a greater level than that detected in similarly treated fibroblast cells in short term cultures. In long term cultures of cells treated only once, Aloe substances maintained both cells viability at different doses of Aloe. These studies demonstrate for the first time that partially purified substances in Aloe extracts can stimulate the growth of neuron‐like cells in vitro, therefore extending the range of types of cells highly reactive with Aloe substances.
Comparison of the effects of crude extract of spinach‐beet leaves and equivalent amounts of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin in modifying the clastogenic activity of chromium (VI) oxide in mice in vivo
Authors: Sarkar Debisri , Sharma Archana , Talukder Geeta 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe anticlastogenic activities of a crude extract of leaves of spinach‐beet (Beta vulgaris var. benghalensis Hort.) and equivalent amounts of chlorophyll extracted from the leaves and of synthetic chlorophyllin in reducing cytotoxicity were compared following exposure of mice in vivo to a known clastogen chromium (VI) oxide. Male Swiss albino mice were administered orally the vegetable extract for 7 consecutive days and then exposed to the clastogen by gavage (20 mg/kg b wt). For comparison, equivalent amounts of extracted chlorophyll and synthetic chlorophyllin were administered to the mice, 2 h before exposure to the same dose of the metal. Chromosomes were studied from bone marrow cells 24 h after exposure, following colchicine‐hypotonic‐fixative‐flame drying‐Giemsa staining schedule. Chlorophyllin and the crude extract, when given alone, did not induce chromosomal aberrations and reduced the clastogenic effects induced by chromium (VI) oxide to a statistically significant level, indicating a protective action. Chlorophyll, however, produced a significant increase of chromosomal aberrations compared with control, when administered alone and was not able to reduce the clastogenicity of the metallic salt to a significant level.
Screening of antiradical, antilipoperoxidant and hepatoprotective effects of nine plant extracts used in Caribbean folk medicine
Authors: Joyeux Michel , Mortier François , Fleurentin Jacques 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe antagonistic activity of nine plant extracts, traditionally used in Caribbean folk medicine, versus tert‐butyl hydroperoxide has been evaluated on isolated hepatocytes. These results are completed by the evaluation of the antiradical potential of these extracts against a solution of diphenyl picryl hydrazyl radical. In all cases, an aqueous extract of Rosmarinus officinalis was used as a natural reference extract.
An extract of Desmodium adscendens activates cyclooxygenase and increases prostaglandin synthesis by ram seminal vesicle microsomes
Authors: Addy Marian E. , Schwartzman Michal L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMicrosomes from ram seminal vesicles were used as a source of cyclooxygenase enzyme to evaluate the effect of an n‐butanol fraction of Desmodium adscendens (nBF) on prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. 1‐14C‐arachidonic acid (14C‐AA) conversions into prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2a) and the endoperoxide intermediate, prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) were analysed radiometrically and compared among reaction mixtures with different concentrations of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, with and without GSH and with or without preincubation with nBF, tyramine and hordenine, phenolic compounds present in D. adscendens. The percentage of 14C‐AA converted in the various reaction mixtures was used to indicate activation of cyclooxygenase enzyme (Cox). nBF activated Cox at sub‐optimal enzyme concentrations and increased PG synthesis at all enzyme concentrations used, shifting the increased production in favour of PGE2 under certain conditions. Tyramine was more effective than nBF in activating Cox. The results indicate that D. adscendens contains compounds, other than phenolics, which modulate PG synthesis and could lead to production of relaxant prostanoids.
Effects of TDEYA fromAtractylodesrhizome on experimental gastric ulcer
Authors: Sakurai Tetsuro , Sugawara Hiroki , Saito Ken‐Ichi , Kano Yoshihiro 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe administration of (6E, 12E)‐tetradecadiene‐8, 10‐diyne‐1, 3‐diol diacetate (TDEYA), isolated fromAtractylodesrhizome, promoted the transit of charcoal in the small intestine of mice at a dose of 250 mg/kg. TDEYA prevented lesion formation induced by HCl‐ethanol or ethanol in a dose‐dependent manner. This action was still evident following intraperitoneal administration and previous treatment with indomethacin. The protective effect of TDEYA against gastric lesion caused by necrotizing agents would thus appear not to be mediated by endogenous prostaglandins. TDEYA did not inhibit gastric ulcers induced by pyloric ligation nor did it reduce gastric juice output or pepsin activity. TDEYA significantly increased hexosamine content in gastric juice and the mucosa. The effect of TDEYA on HCl‐ethanol or ethanol‐induced gastric lesions may thus be exerted through its protective action on the stomach by secreting mucus and by not reducing gastric juice secretion or pepsin activity.