bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxicity studies on six plants used in the traditional Arab system of medicine
Authors: Shah A. H. , Qureshi S. , Tariq M. , Ageel A. M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractToxicity studies were done on six plants used in the traditional Arab system of medicine, namely: Aloe vera, Ammi majus, Areca catachu, Citrullus colocynthis, Cuminum cyminum and Zizyphus spina‐christi. During acute toxicity tests, observations were made for 24 h while the animals were treated for 3 months in chronic treatment. External morphological changes, visceral toxicity, haematological changes, and spermatogenic dysfunction, besides effects on average body weight and vital organ weight, were recorded. In the acute toxicity test, C. colocynthis showed a dose dependent toxic effect. On chronic treatment, per cent lethality was found to be significant in A. catachu, A. vera and C. colocynthis treated groups where haematological changes were also observed. The spermatogenic dysfunction was significant in A. vera and C. colocynthis treated animals. C. cyminum and Z. spina‐christi on the other hand, reduced sperm abnormalities.
Antimicrobial activity of selected plants employed in the Spanish mediterranean area. Part II
Authors: Recio M. C. , Rios J. L. , Villar A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe antimicrobial properties of 59 plants used in folk medicine to treat general infectious diseases were studied. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of chloroform and methanol plant extracts were assayed using the agar‐streak method and 38 of them showed activity against some of the microorganisms tested. Bioautography established the probable active compounds. Inhibition bands were identified as containing terpenoids and polyphenolic compounds.
Capsaicin pretreatment protects free radical induced rat lung damage on exposure to gaseous chemical lung irritants
Authors: De Amit Krishna , Ghosh Jagat Jiban 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPretreatment with capsaicin tends to normalize pulmonary lipid peroxidation changes induced by exposure to sulfur dioxide, formalin or nitrogen dioxide gases. This protective effect of capsaicin pretreatment appears to be due to the stabilization of the rat lung membrane lipid system.
Cytotoxic action of alpha‐methylene lactones towards HeLa cells in culture
Authors: Chagonda L. , Lockey P. M. , Marples B. A. , Salt W. G. , Traynor J. R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPossible targets to account for the qtotoxic activity of the a‐methylene containing sesquiterpenes elephantopin and vernoleph, and an a‐methylene‐lactone steroidal derivative, 3‐methoxy‐16‐methylene‐17‐oxo‐17a‐Dhomoestra‐1,3,5,(10)‐triene, have been studied. The compounds reduced surface and intracellular thiol levels in HeLa S3 ceb, caused an inhibition of Na+/K+‐ATPase and an inhibition of the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into macromolecules. In addition, the steroidal compound, but not the sesquiterpene elephantopin, released lysosomal enzymes and caused marked changes in the structural integrity of the cells. Observed effects of α‐methylene lactones on cellular respiration and [3H]thymidine uptake were not a consequence of alkylation. The results support the concept of the cell membrane and in particular Na+/K+‐ATPase as a target for sesquiterpene lactone alkylation.
Anti‐inflammatory and related actions of Syzygium cuminii seed extract
Authors: Chaudhuri A. K. Nag , Pal Siddhartha , Gomes A. , Bhattacharya Siddhartha 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe chloroform fraction of Syzygium cuminii seeds was found to cause significant inhibition of carrageenin, kaolin and other mediator‐induced oedema. The extract inhibited exudation of protein, leakage of dye in peritoneal inflammation and migration of leucocytes. The extract also caused inhibition of grannloma formation, experimental arthritis and also turpentine‐induced joint oedema. Significant anti‐pyretic action of the extract was also observed against yeast‐induced pyrexia. These observations established the anti‐inflammatory effect of S. cuminii seed extract in exudative, proliferative and chronic stages of inflammation along with an anti‐pyretic action.
Comparative studies on the involvement of histamine and substance P in the inflammatory response of capsaicin in rat paw
Authors: de Krishna Amit , Ghosh Jagat Jiban 
Published: October 2006

AbstractDirect administration of capsaicin (isolated from Capsicum frutescens) in the rat paw caused a dose‐related inflammatory response, which reached a maximum peak within 10 min and remained steady for 180 min after injection. Pretreatment with histamine H1 receptor antagonist and substance P antagonist produced significant inhibition to this capsaicin‐induced paw oedema. Results indicate the involvement of histamine in the early phase and both histamine and substance P in the later phase of capsaicin‐induced inflammation in the rat paw.
The effect of plant growth regulators and nutrient conditions on growth and alkaloid production in multiple shoot cultures of Rauwolfia serpentina
Authors: Roja G. , Benjamin B. D. , Heble M. R. , Patankar A. V. , Sipahimalani A. T. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMultiple shoot cultures of Rauwolfia serpentina were established from axillary meristems of the field grown plants on Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with benzyladenine (BA) (1.0 ppm) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (0.1 ppm). Growth hormones influenced the morphogenetic events of the shoot cultures such as root initiation in indoleacetic acid (IAA) combinations, stunted shoot formation in 2, 4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4–D) and slender shoot formation in kinetin (Kn) + NAA combinations. The morphogenetic responses were associated with marginal changes in alkaloid production. The cultures produced high levels of alkaloids including ajmaline (0.15%) ajmalidine and 3–epi‐α‐yohimbine in Zenk's production medium. The alkaloid concentrations in the cultures were comparable to the alkaloids in the roots of the intact plant. The shoot cultures showed stability of growth and alkaloid production characteristics over a period of five years.
Attenuation of the increase in blood pressure and vascular reactivity by chronic oral administration of soft‐shelled turtle powder in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Feng Hong , Matsuki Norio , Saito Hiroshi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effects of chronic oral administration of cryomilled powder of the soft‐shelled turtle (SST powder) on blood pressure, serum catecholamine contents and vascular reactivity of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were studied. The SST powder was administered orally 20–500 mg/kg/day for 9 weeks. The treatment slowly but significantly reduced the blood pressure increase in SHR. However, the SST powder did not affect the blood pressure in WKY. Heart rate and wet heart weight were not affected by the SST powder treatment. Serum content of catecholamine and aldosterone and the plasma renin activity were also unaffected by the chronic administration of the SST powder. The increase in vascular resistance of isolated mesenteric vascular beds from SHR was significantly reduced by the chronic treatment of SST powder. Vascular reactivity to norepinephrine was also smaller in the SST powder‐treated group. The treatment did not affect vascular resistance or reactivity in WKY. These results suggest that chronic oral administration of the SST powder reduces the development of hypertension by decreasing the peripheral vascular resistance and reactivity. The SST powder may be useful for the treatment of hypertension.
Natural products and the development of selective antiprotozoal drugs
Authors: Wright Colin W. , Phillipson J. David 
Published: October 2006

AbstractNew drugs are urgently required for the treatment of amoebiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria and trypanosomiasis. In this review the potential of natural plant products as a source of antiprotozoal drugs is discussed with respect to biochemical differences between protozoa and hosts. Some of the ways in which pathogenic protozoa differ biochemically from their human hosts are described, and the modes of action of some antiprotozoal drugs which exploit these differences are mentioned. A selection of natural products of plant origin (alkaloids, terpenes, quinones and miscellaneous compounds) is illustrated with emphasis on their modes of action and potential for the development of selective antiprotozoal agents.
Effect of the aqueous extract and saponin fraction from the flowers of Verbascum thapsiforme on protein biosynthesis in a rat liver ribosomal system
Authors: Paszkiewicz‐Gadek Anna , Grochowska Krystyna , Gałasiński Władysław 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effect of fractions isolated from the aqueous extract of Verbascum flowers on protein biosynthesis was studied. A strong inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract on protein biosynthesis was demonstrated in isolated rat liver ribosomes. The saponin fraction was shown to be responsible for this activity and it was compared to commercial glycyrrhizic acid and its aglycon as the standard drungs. It was found that these compounds strongly inhibited the incorporation of [14C]leucine into proteins in vitro and that the target site for inhibition was the ribosome fraction from rat liver cells.
Coagulation of milk as an index of astringency of the bark extract of Bridelia ferruginea benth and lime juice for the formulation of a traditional gargle ‘Ogun Efu’
Authors: Orafidiya Lara O. , Lamikanra A. , Adediji Jokotade A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe extent of the coagulation of milk by the ethanolic extract of bark of Bridelia ferruginea and lime juice has been used to determine the effective concentrations of these two major astringent ingredients of a traditionally prepared herbal gargle ‘Ogun Efu’. Optimal concentrations of the bark extract and lime juice, respectively, were required to give maximum coagulate heights. Combinations of the bark extract with lime juice resulted in a synergistic effect on the coagulate heights obtained. The concentrations of Bridelia bark extract and lime juice (when combined) that gave the highest coagulate height were used as the basis for the laboratory formulation of the gargle. The coagulate heights obtained with the laboratory formulated products, compared with those obtained with the traditionally prepared products, indicate that the milk coagulation test method for the determination of the effective concentrations of the two ingredients is dependable.
Oral hypoglycemic effect of Salacia reticulata in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rat
Authors: Serasinghe Soma , Serasinghe Palitha , Yamazaki Hiromi , Nishiguchi Keiko , Hombhanje Francis , Nakanishi Suehiro , Sawa Kazuko , Hattori Masao , Namba Tsuneo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe oral hypoglycemic activity of Salacia reticulata extract was evaluated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The diabetic rats were orally administered an aqueous extract of Salacia reticulata and the plasma glucose concentration was determined at regular intervals following administration. The drug was effective as a hypoglycemic agent at all the doses tested (0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg and 5.0 g/kg). The maximum percentage decrease in plasma glucose was observed between 1–5h following administration of the drug.
Activity of Ku Shen compounds against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Yamaki Masae , Kashihara Mikiko , Takagi Shuzo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTen compounds were isolated from the Chinese crude drug, Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens Aiton). Seven compounds showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. The activity principles were identified as kurarinone, sophoraflavanone G, iso‐kurarinone, kuraridine, kushenol C, D and nor‐anhydroicaritin.
Pharmacological studies on terpenoids from marine sponges: Analgesic and muscle relaxant effects
Authors: de Pasquale R. , Circosta C. , Occhiuto F. , de Rosa S. , de Stefano S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSome terpenoids extracted from marine sponge: triacetylated desidein (from Disidea pallescens), 2‐tetraprenyl benzoquinol and 4‐hydroxy‐3‐tetraprenylbenzoic acid (from Ircinia muscarum), 2‐polyprenyl benzoquinols (from Ircinia spinosula), avarol (from Disidea avara) and furospongin‐1 (from Spongia officinalis) were tested by multidimensional Irwin screening and with some tests for analgesic and muscle relaxant activity. The three prenylhydroquinols derivatives and avarol show a good analgesic activity and low toxicity.
Inhibitory effect of rehmaionoside B, a constituent of rehmaniae radix, on isolated bladder and urethral smooth muscle of mice
Authors: Nakase Kiyokazu , Kimura Ikuko , Kimura Masayasu , Kitagawa Isao 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe have investigated the effects of rehmaionoside B and other constituents of Rehmaniae radix on bladder and urethral smooth muscle strips of mice. Of the five constituents investigated, rehmaionoside B (1 mg/mL) most effectively inhibited the contraction induced by noradrenaline (10 μg/mL) in urethral smooth muscle. These constituents, especially rehmaionoside B, not only inhibited the spontaneous contraction but slightly relaxed the normal tone of the bladder smooth muscle. The relaxation induced by rehmaionoside B (0.1 mg/mL) corresponded to 26.4% of the isoproterenol (1 μg/mL) response. Rehmaionoside B also inhibited the PGF2α‐induced spontaneous contraction of the bladder. The treatment with rehmaionoside B significantly inhibited arachidonic acid‐induced contraction of the bladder. This response was similar to that induced by indomethacin. Rehmaionoside B inhibited both urethral and bladder smooth muscles, which may affect micturition. The effect of rehmaionoside B on the bladder was an indomethacin‐like action.
Pharmacological investigations of sticky viscome extract (Cleome viscosa L.) in rats, mice and guinea‐pigs
Authors: Singh P. D. A. , West M. E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe aqueous extract of seeds of Cleome viscosa L. has been studied for its pharmacological activities. It was found to be nontoxic when dosed orally and intraperitoneally to rats and mice. The extract showed significant analgesic activity in mice and local anaesthetic activity in guinea‐pigs. It potentiated the barbiturate sleeping time in rats and had a mild laxative effect, increasing the passage of soft faeces. It failed to protect against convulsions induced by picrotoxin in rats. The results are discussed in terms of the alleged uses of the plant in folklore medicine.
Reduction of agonist‐induced contractions of guinea‐pig isolated ileum by flavonoids
Authors: Capasso A. , Pinto A. , Mascolo N. , Autore G. , Capasso F. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effect of 13 flavonoids on the contraction of guinea‐pig isolated ileum induced by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene D4 (LTD4) have been investigated. Apigenin, quercetin and kaempferol at a concentration of 10 μM significantly (p<0.001) reduced the contraction to either agonist. Crysin and flavone antagonized only PGE2 (p<0.01). The other flavonoids were inactive. The blocking effect of apigenin, quercetin and kaempferol against PGE2 was also concentration‐ and time‐dependent, and was augmented by the calcium channel blocker verapamil or by lowering the extracellular calcium to 25%, consistent with a calcium‐mediated mechanism of protection which these flavonoids, at the same concentration, also showed against barium chloride (BaCl2)‐ or acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced contraction (p<0.05–0.001).
Teratogenic effects of Plectranthus fruticosus essential oil in mice
Authors: Pages N. , Fournier G. , Chamorro G. , Salazar M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe teratogenic potential of Plectranthus fruticosus essential oil was evaluated in Swiss‐OF1 mice injected subcutaneously. They received daily 0, 15, 45 or 135 mg/kg body weight on days 6 to 15 of gestation. A slight maternal toxicity, as evidenced by reduced weight gain and some physical alterations, was observed among treated groups compared with controls. Animals were killed and subjected to uterine examination on day 17 of pregnancy. Plectranthus fruticosus essential oil induced both embryo‐ and feto‐toxicity in the three treated groups, as manifested by a statistically significant increase in the numbers of resorbed and malformed fetuses. The observed malformations were predominantly related to the eyes (anophthalmia).
Influence of Padma 28 on the spontaneous bactericidal activity of blood serum in children suffering from recurrent infections of the respiratory tract
Authors: Jankowski S. , Jankowski A. , Zielinska S. , Walczuk M. , Brzosko W. J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effect of Padma 28 on spontaneous bactericidal activity (SBA) of blood serum was tested in 19 children suffering from recurrent infections of the respiratory tract (RIRT). SBA was tested against three bacterial strains; Salmonella typhimurium 568, and Escherichia coli strains 044 and 055. A considerable increase (bactericidal index <2) of SBA was noted in 12 children (63.1%). In four children (21%) the increase of SBA was less pronounced (bactericidal index > 2). In three children (15.7%) no effect of Padma 28 on SBA of the serum was observed.
Tissue cultures of Artemisia annua: Organogenesis and artemisinin production
Authors: Fulzele D. P. , Sipahimalani A. T. , Heble M. R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSeeds of Artemisia annua obtained from different locations Europe(P1), Michigan USA (P2), Washington USA (P3), Hoechst India (P4) and Lucknow (P5) were germinated and grown in an experimental field station. The plants were harvested during the early flowering stage and analysed for artemisinin and arteannuin‐B. Plants from Europe produced the highest level of artemisinin (6.50 mg% fresh weight (F.‐W.)) and those from Lucknow produced the highest level of arteannuin‐B (21.42 mg% F.W.). Callus initiation and growth was achieved on Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with BA (1 ppm) + NAA (1 ppm) from the five plant types. The European variety gave multiple shoots in BA (0.1 ppm) + IAA (1 ppm) medium and root formation in NAA (1 ppm) + Kn (0.1 ppm) medium. Artemisinin and atreannuin‐B were detected in cultures of the European variety with complete differentiation (0.95 mg% F.W. and 6.57 mg% F.W. respectively).
Musclide‐A1: A novel Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase activator derived from musk and its cardiotonic potentiating action in guinea‐pig cardiac muscles
Authors: Kimura Masayasu , Kimura Ikuko , Uwano Teruko , Isoi Yukiko , Kadota Shigetoshi , Kikuchi Tohru 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMusclide‐A1 (6‐methyl‐2, 5‐heptanediol 5‐(hydrogen sulfate)) was isolated from musk, a dried secretion from the preputial follicle of musk deer, Moschus moschiferus Linn. Musclide (100 μg/mL), a water‐soluble extract, and musclide‐A1 (30 μg/mL) potentiated β‐adrenergic cardiotonic action in guinea‐pig papillary muscles. Musclide‐A1 at 130 μM or 1,2‐dioctanoylglycerol at 200 μM potentiated the positive inotropic action induced by the maximal concentration of isoproterenol (258 nM). The potentiation was suppressed by 3 nM staurosporine or 1 μM H‐7, an inhibitor of Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase. Musclide‐A1 at 4 and 8 μM activated protein kinase C and other Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase in ventricular muscles of guinea‐pig. The activation of Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase was completely suppressed by 3 nM saturosporine. The activity of musclide‐A1 (4 μM) was comparable to that of 1,2‐dioctanoylglycerol (4 μM, the optimum concentration to stimulate protein kinase C), and were inhibited completely by 30 nM staurosporine. These results indicate that one mechanism of cardiotonic potentiation induced by musk, may be in part due to the activation of protein kinase C and other Ca2+‐dependent protein kinases.
Choleretic action of andrographolide obtained from Andrographis paniculata in rats
Authors: Tripathi G. S. , Tripathi Y. B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAndrographolide, a diterpene, isolated from Andrographis paniculata exhibited a strong choleratic action when administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to albino rats. This substance induced an increase in bile flow together with a change in the physical properties of the bile secretion.
Improvement of carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver injury by oral administration of soft‐shelled turtle powder in the rat
Authors: Feng Hong , Yasuhara Mikiko , Shimoto Yoshimasa , Matsuki Norio , Saito Hiroshi , Shiga Junji 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effects of orally administered soft‐shelled turtle powder on experimental liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride were studied. Activities of transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase, content of albumin in serum, total protein, triglyceride and hydroxyproline in liver and histopathological assessment were used as indices of liver injury. Daily oral administration of 100 and 500 mg/kg soft‐shelled turtle powder for 6 weeks did not prevent the acute injury induced by a subsequent single injection of carbon tetrachloride. However, administration of soft‐shelled turtle powder for 6 weeks during chronic treatment with carbon tetrachloride significantly and dose‐dependently ameliorated the liver injury. The increases in glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase, glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase in serum were attenuated, and there was a noticeable improvement of serum album and liver total protein content in rats treated with the powder. In addition, histopathological observation demonstrated a decrease in fatty degeneration in the liver of rats treated with the powder. None of the indices of liver injury was significantly affected by 6‐week oral administration of soft‐shelled turtle powder in non‐carbon tetrachloride‐treated rats. The results suggest that repeated administrations of soft‐shelled turtle powder have a therapeutic effect on chronic liver injury, by improving liver function and protein synthesis.
In vitro immunostimulating polysaccharide fractions from roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis fish. et DC
Authors: Zhao J.‐F. , Kiyohara H. , Sun X.‐B. , Matsumoto T. , Cyong J.‐C. , Yamada H. , Takemoto N. , Kawamura H. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe water soluble anticomplementary, mitogenic and immune complex (IC) clearance enhancing crude polysaccharide fraction, prepared from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. et DC., was fractionated into five polysaccharide fractions by the addition of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. A strongly acidic polysaccharide fraction (GR‐2), which has the most potent immunostimulating fraction, contained about 60% galacturonic acid with arabinose, galactose and glucose as the major neutral sugars, and a small quantity of protein. Pronase digestion did not alter the anticomplementary and mitogenic activities, however, endo‐α‐(1→4)‐polygalacturonase digestion reduced both activities. The IC clearance activity of GR‐2 was slightly decreased by pronase digestion but not by endo‐polygalacturonase digestion. GR‐2 was further purified by ion exchange chromatography and gave GR‐2IIa, GR‐2IIb and GR‐2IIc. GR‐2IIa and IIb are mainly composed of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose and galacturonic acid and showed only moderate anticomplementary activity. GR‐2IIc consisted of rhamnose, fucose, arabinose, mannose, glucose, galactose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid as the component sugars with a small quantity of protein. GR‐2IIc had the most potent anticomplementary, mitogenic and IC clearance activities. From these results it may be concluded that anticomplementary and mitogenic activities are caused by polysaccharides containing a polygalacturonan moiety.