bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transformation of aucubin to new pyridine monoterpene alkaloids, aucubinines A and B, by human intestinal bacteria
Authors: Hattori Masao , Kawata Yukio , Inoue Kazuyo , Shu Yue–Zhong , Che Qing–Ming , Namba Tsuneo , Kobashi Kyoichi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAucubin was transformed to new nitrogen‐containing compounds named aucubinines A and B, along with an aglycone, aucubigenin by anaerobic incubation with defined strains of human intestinal bacteria and with faecal flora of humans. Among 24 bacterial strains examined, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, Peptostreptococcus intermedius and Bacteroides fragilis showed potent ability of transforming aucubin to aucubinine A. Aucubinines A and B were prepared from aucubin by almond β‐glucosidase in the presence of NH.
Inhibitory actions of phospholipase A2 and saponins including ginsenoside Rb1 and glycyrrhizin on the formation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor clusters on cultured mouse myotubes
Authors: Kobayashi Shinjiro , Nakagawa Masaya , Takahashi Kentaro , Kimura Ikuko , Kimura Masayasu 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effects of saponin(ICN), ginsenoside Rb1(G‐Rb1; 20‐S‐protopanaxadiol aglycon), ginsenoside Rg1(G‐Rg1; 20‐S‐protopanaxatriol aglycon), and glycyrrhizin (GLR) on acetylcholine receptor (AChR) cluster formation were investigated in developing mouse myotubes co‐cultured with spinal cord explants. Peak and total intensity of relative fluorescence in fluorescein isothiocyanate α‐bungarotoxin stain were measured as markers of AChR cluster formation and AChR appearance, respectively. Saponin (ICN) (1.0 μg/mL) inhibited both the cluster formation and the appearance of AChR on the plasma membranes of the myotubes. The effect of saponin (ICN) was closely related to extracellular Ca2+ ions, because its inhibition was abolished by treatment with 2 mM EGTA. G‐Rb1 also inhibited both markers at a higher concentration (122 μM), whereas G‐Rg1 had no effect. The effect of G‐Rb1 was not dependent on extracellular Ca2+ ions. GLR (122 μm) inhibited both markers, and its effect was decreased by 2 mM EGTA. At a lower concentration of 0.3 μ/mL, saponin (ICN) showed no direct effect; it did not affect inhibition of both markers by phospholipase A2(PLA2). In contrast, at a lower concentration (36 μM) without direct effect, both G‐Rb1 and GLR abolished the inhibition induced by PLA2. The modes of inhibitory actions of saponins on PLA2/Ca2+ interaction for the formation of AChR clusters were classified into three different interactions such as saponin (ICN) with the influx of external Ca2+, G‐Rb1 with PLA2, and GLR with PLA2/Ca2+/ calmodulin interaction.
Plant antiviral agents. VII. Antiviral and antibacterial proanthocyanidins from the bark of Pavetta owariensis
Authors: Baldé A. M. , van Hoof L. , Pieters L. A. , Berghe D. A. Vanden , Vlietinck A. J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractExtracts of the bark of Pavetta owariensis were found to exhibit in vitro antiviral and antibacterial activities. Bioassay‐gnided fractionation resulted in the isolation of new antimicrobially active dimeric, trimeric and tetrameric proanthocyanidins with doubly linked structures. The presence of (+)‐catechin and chlorogenic acid in the active fractions was also demonstrated.
Dietary Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with malignant glioma: Effects on immunocompetence, quality of life, and survival
Authors: Merchant Randall E. , Rice Charles D. , Young Harold F. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe scientific and anecdotal information available suggests that broken cell wall preparations and extracts of Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the diet provides important nutrients necessary to maintain good health, resist infection, and restore immune functions in immunocompromised patients. Our clinical study of Chlorella pyrenoidosa (provided by YSK International Corporation, Kyoto, Japan) was designed to test these properties in patients with a history of glioma. Patients with this type of primary brain tumor have a poor prognosis and either because of the tumor itself or due to the treatments applied to kill it, they have compromised immune functions leading to a greater than normal susceptibility to infection. Chlorella was added to the diet of 21 patients; 15 had a glioblastoma, four with low‐grade astrocytoma, one had an anaplastic astrocytoma, and one with a high‐grade oligodendroglioma. Each patient's general health was monitored by monthly physical and neurological examinations as long as they survived or for at least 2 years. Imaging studies of the brain and blood tests were performed at 3–4 months intervals. Complete blood counts, differentials, cytometric determinations of natural killer cells and T cell subsets, and in vitro lymphocyte activation assays to assess level of immunosuppression were performed on blood samples. Our results with patients taking Chlorella, although limited, suggest that the cellular components and functions of the immune system remain at near‐normal levels and are less adversely affected when patients are undergoing chemotherapy and/or taking immunosuppressive medications such as steroids. Over the 2 year course of our investigation, we have observed our patients to have had fewer respiratory infections and flu‐like illnesses. 7 of the 20 evaluable patients were alive and had yet to show any reappearance of their glioma after 2 years in the study. Although, our results suggest that our glioma patients may have benefited from adding Chlorella pyrenoidosa to their diet, more controlled clinical studies and animal experiments will be required to define its mechanism of action and limitations.
Effect of certain adaptogenic plant extracts on drug‐induced narcosis in female and male mice
Authors: Ahumada F. , Trincado M. A. , Arellano J. A. , Hancke J. , Wikman G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe depressing effects of the extracts of Ocimun sanctum (O), Schizandra chinensis (S), Sedum rosea (R), Withania somnifera (W), Aralia elata (A), and Celastrus paniculatus (C) upon the mouse central nervous system (CNS) was evaluated. Recovery time of the righting reflex after the injection of a single dose of pentobarbital (50 mg/kg i.p.) was compared to the effect induced by that drug and the extracts. Decreasing or increasing the time for mouse recovery was evaluated in relation to dose and sex. The results demonstrate a significant (p ⩽ 0.05) increase of the narcosis time with all the extracts. The recovery of the righting reflex was sex and dose‐dependent. These plant extracts have a clear synergism with pentobarbital in depressing the mouse CNS response.
Anti‐diabetic effect of Nelumbo nucifera (Gaertn): Part I preliminary studies in rabbits
Authors: Huralikuppi J. C. , Christopher A. B. , Stephen P. M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractNelumbo nucifera Gaertn, an Indian aquatic herb, has been studied for its potential utility in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus. The powdered sun‐dried flowers (test drug), as well as the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of these, produced significant hypoglycaemia in fasting normal albino rabbits. There was no significant difference in the activities of 1000 mg/kg of the test drug and equivalent amounts of the extracts; the effect was approximately 50% of that produced by 250 mg/kg of tolbutamide. Glucose tolerance studies with normal rabbits showed that oral doses of both extracts, equivalent to 1000 mg/kg of the test drug, produced significant depression of the peak rise in fasting blood sugar after glucose load; the effects of both extracts were comparable to that produced by 250 mg/kg of tolbutamide. A study of glucose tolerance curves shows that the duration of hyperglycaemia was also notably reduced compared with the controls. In normal rabbits, the extracts, in doses mentioned above, significantly depressed hyperglycaemia induced by injection of adrenaline hydrochloride 0.5 mg/kg s.c. Since the test drug and extracts were found to be effective in studies of the above parameters in normal animals, further chronic studies on normal and diabetic animals are planned.
Antiinflammatory activity of Ipomoea pes‐caprae (L.) R. Br
Authors: Pongprayoon U. , Bohlin L. , Soonthornsaratune P. , Wasuwat S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe antiinflammatory activity of an extract from the leaves of Ipomoea pes‐caprae (L.) R. Br., used as a traditional remedy for different types of inflammation, was investigated using experimental models of acute inflammation. Topical application of the extract inhibited carrageenan‐induced paw oedema and ear oedema induced in rats by arachidonic acid or ethyl phenylpropiolate. In vitro prostaglandin formation was inhibited by the extract in a concentration‐dependent manner, with a potency equal to that of aspirin but considerably less than that of indomethacin. This study shows that Ipomoea pes‐caprae has a significant antiinflammatory activity, probably due to a reduction of prostaglandin and leukotriene formation. Thus, in addition to earlier results, this work further supports the use of Ipomoea pes‐caprae as an antiinflammatory agent in traditional medicine.
Prevention of paracetamol‐induced hepatic damage in rats by picroliv, the standardized active fraction from Picrorhiza kurroa
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesh , Rastogi Ravi , Garg N. K. , Dhawan B. N. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSingle oral administration of paracetamol (2 g/kg body wt) to rats caused significant changes in the activities of γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, 5′‐nucleotidase, succinate dehydrogenase, glucose‐6‐phosphatase and cytochrome P450 and contents of glycogen and cholesterol in liver after 24 and 48 h. Total lipids and lipid peroxides in liver increased both at 24 and 48 h while protein content of liver decreased after 48 h. Levels of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin in serum also increased. The magnitude of these changes was more after 48 h of paracetamol administration. Picroliv, the iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa, when given orally to rats (6 and 12 mg/kg body wt for 7 days) caused significant reversal of the paracetamol‐induced biochemical changes. The degree of protection at the two doses of picroliv was almost similar.
Antifungal flavonoids from Varthemia iphionoides
Authors: Afifi F. Ü. , Al‐Khalil S. , Abdul‐Haq B. K. , Mahasneh A. , Al‐Eisawi D. M. , Sharaf M. , Wong L. K. , Schiff P. L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFour flavonoids 5,7,4′‐trihydroxy‐3,3′‐dimethoxyflavone (3′,3′‐di‐O‐methylquercetin) (1), 5,4′‐dihydroxy‐3,7‐dimethoxyflavone (kumatakenin) (2), 5,4′‐dihydroxy‐6,7,8,‐trimethoxyflavone (xanthomicrol) (3) and 5,7,4′‐trihydroxy‐3,6,3′‐trimethoxyflavone (jaceidine) (4) were isolated and identified from the Jordanian Varthemia iphionoides. They have not previously been reported in this genus. The aqueous alkaline solution of these compounds showed little or no activity against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium. Compound 2 was active against the fungi Fusarium solani and Candida tropicalis while compounds 1 and 3 were much more active against F. solani, Aspergillus parasiticus and C. tropicalis.
Assessment of the hypnotic/sedative effects and toxicity of Passiflora edulis aqueous extract in rodents and humans
Authors: Maluf E. , Barros H. M. T. , Frochtengarten M. L. , Benti R. , Leite J. R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPassiflora species are used in folk medicine as hypnotic and sedative treatments. In this study the hypnotic‐sedative effects and toxicity of Passiflora edulis were assessed in rats and mice and in healthy volunteers. It was verified that some samples of Passiflora edulis had a nonspecific central nervous system depressant effect. Furthermore, hepatobiliary and pancreatic toxicity to animals and humans were detected.
Antiimplantation mechanism of action of embelin in rats
Authors: Prakash Anand O. , Sisodia Bhavna , Mathur R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe antiimplantation mechanism of action of embelin has been studied in rats. Its administration caused a significant reduction in ovarian and uterine wet weight. Ovarian histology revealed newly formed corpora lutea and the biochemical constituents were decreased. Similarly, the uterus of pregnant treated rats did not show any preparative changes, decidualization, apposition reaction, stimulation or proliferation. Biochemical constituents also behaved as those of cyclic rats even on the day of implantation. These findings suggest that the administration of embelin to pregnant rats keeps the ovary and uterus in a cyclic condition.
Inhibition of ethyl phenylpropiolate‐induced rat ear oedema by compounds isolated from Ipomoea pes‐caprae (L.) R. Br.
Authors: Pongprayoon U. , Bohlin L. , Baeckström P. , Jacobsson U. , Lindström M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe extract (IPA) of leaves from Ipomoea pes‐caprae (L.) R. Br. has previously been shown to reduce the development of rat ear oedema induced by ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP) in a dose‐dependent manner. Using this bioassay to guide fractionation of the extract, two diastereomeric compounds, the actinidols 1a and 1b, were isolated (0.8% of IPA). The actinidols constitute part of the active principle of IPA. Compounds, previously isolated from IPA, with either prostaglandin synthesis inhibiting activity in vitro [2‐hydroxy‐4,4,7‐trimethyl‐1(4H)‐naphthalenone, (−)‐mellein and eugenol] or antispasmodic activity (E‐phytol) were also assayed for inhibitory effects on the development of EPP‐induced rat ear oedema. They all reduced oedema formation dose‐dependently. The results suggest that IPA consists of several active compounds which interfere with the process of inflammation in different ways.
Inhibitory effects of indonesian plant extracts on reverse transcriptase of an RNA Tumour Virus (I)
Authors: Kusumoto I. T. , Shimada I. , Kakiuchi N. , Hattori M. , Namba T. , Supriyatna S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMethanol and water extracts of 30 Indonesian medicinal plants were tested for inhibitory activity on avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV)‐reverse transcriptase (RT). The most potent inhibition was shown by extracts of Loranthus parasiticus (whole plant), Helicteres isora (fruit), Terminalia belerica (fruit peel), Strobilanthes crispus (leaves) and Woodfordia floribunda (flower and leaves). Two kinds of template‐primers, (rA)n‐(dT)12–18 and (rC)n‐(dG)12–18 were examined for polymerization reaction but the inhibitory activity was stronger in the (rC)n‐(dG)12–18 directed reaction in most of the samples. These extracts showed no appreciable cytotoxicity at concentrations where over 90% of RT activity was inhibited.
Bioactivity screenings of plants selected on the basis of folkloric use or presence of lignans in a family
Authors: Richardson M. D. , Peterson J. R. , Clark A. M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTwenty‐one plant species were selected to provide samples for a pilot test of the newly established in‐house antiviral screening programme at The University of Mississippi. These species were selected on the basis of folkloric use or the present of lignans in the plant family to increase the likelihood of positive results. The percentage (19%) of species showing antiviral activity against either Rhino virus 1A or Herpes Simplex virus 1 was within the percentage range of plants with antiviral activity found in other screenings for which a similar basis for collection was used. The plant extracts were also screened for antimicrobial activity and for toxicity to brine shrimp. Results of the screenings for all biological activities were correlated with the basis for collection. The best correlation between basis for collection and biological activity was seen for species from plant families containing lignans that were collected based on folkloric use for colds and anti‐Rhino viral activity.
Effects of aqueous extract of Baphia nitida on isolated cardiac tissues
Authors: Adeyemi O. O. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe pharmacological action of cold aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Baphia nitida was studied on cardiac preparations. The extract (5.0 × 10−3 g mL) reduced the rate and force of contraction of the isolated rabbit heart. The rate and force of contraction of the spontaneously beating rat atria was dose‐dependently reduced by 5.0 × 10−4 to 2.5 × 10−2 g/mL of the extract and this effect was not antagonized by 3.45 × 10−7 M atropine. The extract (5.0 × 10−2 g mL) completely blocked the positive chronotropic and inotropic effects of 10 mM CaCI2 but only reduced that of 1.61 × 10−7 M isoprenaline. The effect of the extract on CaCI2‐induced responses of the rat atria was not affected by 3 × 10−7 M propranolol. The use of this extract for treating palpitation locally may be related to its negative chronotropic and inotropic effects.
Evaluation of the silymarin content in Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Cultivated under different agricultural conditions
Authors: Hammouda F. M. , Ismail S. I. , Hassan N. M. , Zaki A. K. , Kamel A. , Rimpler H. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAn HPLC assay for the determination of silymarin in the fruits of Silybum marianum is given. The effect of different water regimes and nitrogen fertilization levels on the silymarin content of cultivated plants grown in reclaimed desert land have been studied. The highest silymarin contents were obtained upon nitrogen fertilization with 100, 150 kg/feddan (1 feddan = 4200 m2) and a 60% water regime without fertilization compared to the content of silymarin in wild plants.
The influence of Zea mays on urinary risk factors for kidney stones in rats
Authors: Grases F. , March J. G. , Ramis M. , Costa‐Bauzá A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effects on the calcium oxalate urolithiasis urinary risk factors of Zea mays (stigmata maidis), in herb infusion form, combined with different diets (standard, high glucidic, high protein) have beer studied using male Wistar rats. From the reported study, the possible antilithiasic effects of Zea mais infusion can be exclusively assigned to some diuretic activity. Thus, no influence on important urinary risk factors such as citraturia, calciuria or urinary pH values was detected. It is interesting to emphasize that the diuretic effect of the herb infusion was clearly dependent on the diet and was maximum when the rats were fed with the standard one.
Effect of some bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids on American Leishmania sp. in BALB/c mice
Authors: Fournet Alain , Barrios Alcira Angelo , Muñoz Victoria , Hocquemiller Reynald , Cavé André 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFour bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, antioquine, berbamine, gyrocarpine and isotetrandrine were tested in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis (IFLA/BR/67/PH8 or MHOM/GF/84/CAY‐H‐142) or L. venezuelensis (VE/74/PM‐H3). The treatments were initiated 1 day after the parasitic infection, with alkaloid at 100 mg/kg/day for 14 days and the reference compound, meglumine antimonate (GlucantimeR) at 200 mg/kg/day. Antioquine, berbamine and gyrocarpine were less potent than Glucantime against L. amazonensis (PH8). Only isotetrandrine exhibited activity approximately equal to or greater than Glucantime in BALB/c mice infected with L. amazonensis (PH8 or H‐142) and showed significant activity against L. venezuelensis. Experiments with a single local treatment on the footpad, 2 weeks after parasitic infection with L. amazonensis (PH8), showed that isotetrandrine at 200 mg/kg was less active than Glucantime at 400 mg/kg.
Analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of Scoparia dulcis L. Extracts and glutinol in rodents
Authors: De Farias Freire Sonia Maria , Da Silva Emim José Artur , Lapa Antonio José , Souccar Caden , Torres Luce Maria Brandão 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe analgesic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic activities of the water (WE) and ethanolic (EE) extracts of Scoparia dulcis L. were tested in mice and rats. Both extracts (0.5 and 1 g/kg) p.o., prolonged the sleeping time induced by pentobarbital in mice, EE being more active than WE. Injections of EE (0.5–2 mg/kg i.v.) to anaesthetized rats induced a dose‐related hypertension inhibited by alpha‐blocker drugs; the hypertension was not obtained after oral treatment. EE (0.25‐1 g/kg p.o.) but not WE, reduced writhings induced by acetic acid in mice. Glutinol (30 mg/kg p.o.), a major triterpene obtained from EE, produced the same effect. The tail flick response of mice was not influenced by either extract. EE (0.5 and 1 g/kg) and glutinol (30 mg/kg) p.o., reduced the paw oedema and pleurisy induced by carrageenin in rats, but only EE (1 g/kg) reduced the paw oedema induced by dextran or histamine. No effect of EE was detected on chronic inflammation induced by cotton pellets and in yeast‐induced hyperthermia in rats. The results indicate that the extract of S. dulcis is endowed with analgesic effects probably related to the antiinflammatory activity of the plant. Those effects are related mainly to the presence of glutinol and flavonoids, which exert their action on the early phase of the acute inflammatory process.
Histomorphological and biochemical changes of lung tissues following capsaicin treatment in the rat
Authors: Mandal T. K. , De A. K. , Ghosh J. J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractGross histomorphological alterations and biochemical changes, particularly in the lipid pattern of lung alveolar tissues, were oblerved in rats after intraperitoneal injection of capsaicin (the pungent principle of red hot pepper). Preliminary experiments showed that short‐term capsaicin treatment produced and inflammatory response with significant degenerative changes in the alveolar epithelial cells and increased cellularity of lung alveoli, as revealed by thickening of lung alveolar cells with occasional rupture of lung alveolar cellular integrity. The cytological changes were correlated with concomitant biochemical changes revealed by the decreased cholesterol and phospholipid content of lung alveolar tissues and infiltration of phospholipids towards the lumen of the alveoli which may be the cause of thickening of the alveoli cell lining of the lung tissues. On the other hand, long term capsaicin‐treated rat lungs showed a significant inhibition of capsaicin induced damage of lung tissues indicating a possible dual action of capsaicin on antiinflammatory respones in the pulmonary system.
Antipsychotic effects and tolerance of crude Rauvolfia vomitoria in Nigerian psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Obembe A. , Sokomba E. N. , Sijuwola O. A. , Olorunfemi P. O. , Alemika T. O. E. , Isichei C. O. , Ogunkeye O. O. , Bangudu A. B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe dried root of Rauvolfia vomitoria administered orally to 10 psychiatric patients at doses up to 800 mg/day, in divided doses, showed antipsychotic effects. The overall side effects were minimal, without serious incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms. Physical examination and laboratory parameters tend to correlate with the theory that Rauvolfia vomitoria accumulates in the plasma. The antipsychotic effects of Rauvolfia vomitoria were shown to be dose dependent when given three‐times a day, with minimal side effects.