bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of Japanese‐Sino medicine ‘Kakkon‐to‐ka‐senkyu‐shin'i’ and its related combinations and component drugs on adjuvant‐induced inflammation in mice
Authors: Kimura Masayasu , Kimura Ikuko , Guo Xin , Luo Bao , Kobayashi Shinjiro 
Published: October 2006

AbstractKakkon‐to‐ka‐senkyu‐shin'i (KSS), a Japanese‐Sino medicine consists of nine crude drugs: pueraria, ephedra, cnidium, magnolia, cassia, peony, liquorice, ginger and jujube. It has long been used clinically in the treatment of nasal inflammation. The antiinflammatory effects of KSS, its related combinations, and component crude drugs were investigated on adjuvant‐induced air pouch granuloma in mice. KSS was effective in inhibiting the inflammatory process of pouch fluid exudation, inflammatory cell migration and angiogenesis. Antiangiogenic effects were additive between (1) Keishi‐to and the combination of pueraria + ephedra + cnidium + magnolia in KSS, (2) Keishi‐to and the combination of pueraria + ephedra in Kakkon‐to, and (3) cnidium and magnolia in the combination of cnidium + magnolia. Inhibitory effects on inflammatory cell migration were also additive between (4) cnidium and magnolia in the combination of cnidium + magnolia, and were potentiative between (5) Kakkon‐to and the combination of cnidium + magnolia in KSS, (6) (pueraria+ephedra) and (cnidium + magnolia) in the combination of pueraria + ephedra + cnidium + magnolia, and (7) pueraria and ephedra in the combination of pueraria + ephedra. The main component crude drugs and combination in KSS for antiinflammation were magnolia and pueraria for angiogenesis, magnolia and ephedra for pouch fluid exudation, and pueraria + ephedra + cnidium + magnolia for inflammatory cell migration.
Microbiological properties of protoanemonin isolated from Ranunculus bulbosus
Authors: Didry N. , Dubreuil L. , Pinkas M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe antimicrobial properties of protoanemonin isolated from the aerial parts of Ranunculus bulbosus were investigated. By its marked inhibitory effects and its broad spectrum of activity against aerobes and anaerobes including multiresistant pathogenic strains, protoanemonin could be considered as a promising antimicrobial natural compound. Combinations of protoanemonin and antibiotics were also investigated. Twenty two antibiotic‐protoanemonin combinations against aerobic bacteria were studied: 20 combinations were partially synergistic (0.5<FIC⩽0.75) and in one case a total synergism (FIC⩽0.5) was observed. This striking result was obtained with the protoanemonin‐cefamandole combination against a pathogenic strain of Staphylococcus aureus.
Pharmacological activity of a procyanidin isolated from Sclerocarya birrea bark: Antidiarrhoeal activity and effects on isolated guinea‐pig ileum
Authors: Galvez J. , Crespo M. E. , Zarzuelo A. , De Witte P. , Spiessens C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe antidiarrhoeal activity of a procyanidin isolated from the bark of Sclerocarya birrea was studied, using four models of experimentally induced diarrhoea in rats. The cathartic agents used were: magnesium sulphate, castor oil, arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2. At doses of 150 mg/kg, the procyanidin showed antidiarrhoeal activity in all the models of experimentally induced diarrhoea. The procyanidin (2.5 μg/mL‐0.64 mg/mL) dose‐dependently inhibited the phasic contractions of the isolated guinea‐pig ileum spontaneous activity; this inhibition was significantly reduced by hexamethonium (10−4 M). It also modified the dose‐response curves to acetylcholine in a non‐competitive way, and relaxed, in a dose‐dependent manner, the contractions induced by acetylcholine (10−7 M) and KCI (50 mM), being five times more potent against acetylcholine. The procyanidin modified the biphasic mechanical response evoked by acetylcholine (10−7 M) in isolated guinea‐pig ileum, inhibiting the phasic response more profoundly than the tonic one. It is concluded that the antidiarrhoeal activity of the procyanidin isolated from S. birrea bark is related to an inhibition in intestinal motility. The way in which it produces this inhibition can be related to an interference with the subsequent events evoked after muscarinic stimulation.
Effects of shilajit and its active constituents on learning and memory in rats
Authors: Ghosal S. , Lal J. , Jaiswal A. K. , Bhattacharya S. K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractEffects, in albino rats, of a processed shilajit (Sh‐P), native shilajit (Sh‐N) (unprocessed water‐soluble fraction), and a preparation consisting of a mixture of ethyl acetate extractives (EE) and fulvic acids (FAs) from Sh‐P, were evaluated in (i) an active avoidance, (ii) elevated plus‐maze and (iii) open‐field behaviour paradigms. This study was undertaken to appraise the validity of use of shilajit as an Ayurvedic medha rasayan (enhancer of learning and memory). Sh‐P and its active constituents (EE‐FAs) significantly augmented learning acquisition and memory retrieval in the battery of tests, designed for this purpose, according to accepted tenets. Sh‐N, on the other hand, produced erratic responses (both augmentative and retardative) in the above parameters. The U‐shaped dose‐responses shown by Sh‐P and EE‐FAs are reminiscent of agents that improve cognitive functions. Additionally, Sh‐P and EE‐FAs, in high doses (25–50 mg/kg p.o.), produced significant antianxiety effect in the open‐field behaviour test. The present and earlier findings seem to suggest that the action of shilajit is mediated by facilitating communication between the immune and the central nervous systems. These findings reinforce our earlier postulate that purification of shilajit is an imperative necessity to ensure its optimum therapeutic effect. This would also safeguard from potential health risks associated with prolonged ingestion of raw shilajit containing free radicals and fungal toxins.
Effects of extracts of Zanthoxylum fruit and their constituents on spontaneous beating rate of myocardial cell sheets in culture
Authors: Huang Xin‐Li , Kakiuchi Nobuko , Che Qing‐Ming , Huang Sheng‐Lun , Hattori Masao , Namba Tsuneo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn the course of our studies on naturally occurring cardioactive agents, we investigated the effects of water and methanol extracts of a Chinese crude drug “Huajiao” the dried fruit of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, on the spontaneous beating rate (BR) of embryonic mouse myocardial cell sheets in culture. Both extracts significantly increased the BR. Through bioassay directed fractionation of the extracts, hydroxy‐β‐sanshool (1b), xanthoxylin (2) and two quercetin glycosides, hyperin (4) and quercitrin (6), were found to increase the BR in a standard medium (2.1 mM Ca2+). In a low Ca2+ medium (0.5 mM Ca2+), these compounds suppressed the decrease of BR, which was induced by low Ca2+. Of 16 flavonoids related in structure with hyperin (4) and quercitrin (6), quercetin, isoquercitrin, rutin, myricetin and myricitrin also increased the BR in the standard medium, while kaempferol and luteorin decreased the BR in the standard medium. When compared with control, hydroxy‐β‐sanshool (1b) and xanthoxylin (2) stimulated 13–15 fold calcium uptake of the cultured myocardial cells, which might have caused the positive chronotropic effect. Hyperin (4) and quercitrin (6) did not affect calcium uptake of the myocardial cells, Na+–K+ ATPase activity or Ca2+‐ATPase activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Aucubin: A new antidote for poisonous Amanita mushrooms
Authors: Chang Ii‐Moo , Yamaura Yoshio 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAucubin, an iridoid glycoside, exhibits significant protective activities against Amanita intoxication in beagle dogs. The post‐injection of aucubin helps beagle dogs survive from lethal poisoning caused by A. virosa ingestion. Such protective activities of aucubin result from primarily preventing hepatic injury caused by Amanita poisoning, and is partly due to a preventive effect of aucubin on the depression of m‐RNA biosynthesis in the liver caused by α‐amanitin intoxication.
A natural antioxidant extract from Sempervivum tectorum
Authors: Blázovics A. , Prónai L. , Fehér J. , Kéry A. , Petri G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe superoxide scavenging activity of lyophilized extract of Sempervivum tectorum (StF1) was determined by electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping methods. The extract inhibited ascorbic acid induced and FeCl3 stimulated lipid peroxidation and was concentration dependent in the liver microsomal fraction of rats.
Effects of two monoterpene esters, valtrate and didrovaltrate, isolated from Valeriana wallichii, on the ultrastructure of hepatoma cells in culture
Authors: Keochanthala‐Bounthanh C. , Beck J. P. , Haag‐Berrurier M. , Anton R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe action of two monoterpene esters isolated from Valeriana wallichii D.C., valtrate and didrovaltrate, has been studied on the ultrastructure of HTC hepatoma cells in culture. These two compounds are cytoxic and inhibit the synthesis of DNA and protein in tumour cells. The study using scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that, prior to cell death, the two compounds cause the disappearance of membrane microvilli, a large distension of the endoplasmic reticulum and a marked condensation of the mitochondria. Furthermore, valtrate rapidly leads to the rounding and detachment of cells cultivated in layers whereas, in the presence of didrovaltrate, the cells remain spread out and tightly attached to the support, even after treatment with trypsin.
Role of membrane lipid composition in the cytotoxicity of the sesquiterpene lactone eupatoriopicrin
Authors: Van Der Linde Joost C. C. , Woerdenbag Herman J. , Malingré Theo M. , Kampinga Harm H. , Konings Antonius W. T. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate a possible role of lipid peroxidation in the cytotoxicity of eupatoriopicrin, the principal sesquiterpene lactone from Eupatorum cannabinum L. Incorporation of arachidonic acid acyl chains in the phospholipids of cellular membranes of mouse fibroblast LM cells enhanced their sensitivity to the cytotoxic effect of eupatoriopicrin. In the clonogenic assay (2 h exposure) 90% cell kill was found with 14.4 μM eupatoriopicrin in normal cells and 11.7 μM in cells enriched with arachidonic acid (PUFA cells). After incubation with eupatoriopicrin a more rapid loss of membrane integrity and more lysis was found for PUFA cells in the trypan blue exclusion assay. Using gas chromatography, it was shown that the spectrum of fatty acid acyl chains in the phospholipids of normal cells remained unchanged after 2 h incubation with 20 μM eupatoripicrin, followed by 24 h post‐incubation. In PUFA cells the polyunsaturated fatty acids were found to degrade possibly due to lipid peroxidation. Using the alkaline unwinding assay and clamped homogeneous electric field electrophoresis, more DNA damage was found in PUFA cells than in normal cells after treatment with eupatoriopicrin. However, because in normal cells, in which PUFA were nearly absent, DNA damage was found as well, it is concluded that lipid peroxidation plays at most a minor role in eupatoriopicrin‐induced cell killing.
Efficacy of the steroidal fraction of fenugreek seed extract on fertility of male albino rats
Authors: Kamal R. , Yadav R. , Sharma J. D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractT. foenum‐graecum seed extract (100 mg/day/rat) was fed orally to male albino rats for 60 days. The sperm count and motility of cauda spermatozoa declined significantly leading to negative fertility tests. The organ weights as well as androgen dependent parameters (protein, sialic acid and fructose) were lower, revealing the reduction in circulating androgen. Cholesterol is a precursor of androgen. The increase in testicular and serum cholesterol may be co‐related with its nonutilization by the system, leading to a fall in circulating androgen and hence the altered histoarchitecture observed. Therefore T. foenum‐graecum extract exerts both antifertility and antiandrogenic activities.
Experimental pharmacokinetics of biologically active plant phenolic compounds III. Pharmacokinetics of dihydroquercetin
Authors: Voskoboinikova I. V. , Tjukavkina N. A. , Geodakyan S. V. , Kolesnik Y. A. , Kolhir V. K. , Zjuzin V. A. , Sokolov S. J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe pharmacokinetics of dihydroquercetin (DHQ) was studied by HPLC in rats after intravenous injection of the compound in single doses of 1,3, 10 and 30 mg/kg and after oral administration in single doses of 50 and 500 mg/kg. Nonlinear pharmacokinetic behaviour was demonstrated for DHQ when administered intravenously to rats; after oral administration DHQ can be detected in blood plasma only in trace amounts. Model independent parameters for intravenous administration of DHQ were calculated, and the description of the dynamics of the change in concentration of DHQ as a two‐compartmental model were given for blood plasma.
Antispasmodic effect of Bersama abyssinica aqueous extract on guinea‐pig ileum
Authors: Makonnen E. , Hagos E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe present study deals with the effect of one of the traditionally used Ethiopian medicinal plants, Bersama abyssinica, on gut motility. The experiment was carried out on isolated guinea‐pig ileum with a standard spasmogen, histamine, in the absence and presence of the water extract of the medicinal plant. The spasmogenic effect of histamine was found to be antagonized by the extract in a nonreversible manner, indicating that B. abyssinica has a spasmolytic activity.
Antiarthritic effect of lupeol acetate
Authors: Kweifio‐Okai G. , Carroll Anthony R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractLupeol acetate isolated from the petroleum ether fraction of Alstonia boonei root barks was tested for its antiarthritic effect in CFA‐induced arthritic rats. Administered orally every 48 h (66 mg/kg body weight) from days 32 to 40 postadjuvant and assessed on day 60, Iupeol acetate returned the increase in spleen weight and the reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase to nonarthritic control values.
Effects of Dan Shen preparations on blood and urine components in rats with renal failure
Authors: Yokozawa Takako , Oura Hikokichi , Nonaka Gen‐Ichiro , Nishioka Itsuo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTwo Dan Shen preparations commercially available in China were given intraperitoneally to rats with renal failure in order to investigate their effects on blood and urine components. In rats given an injection of compound Dan Shen composed of Dan Shen and Jiang Xiang, effects similar to those found after administration of magnesium lithospermate B (the active constituent of Dan Shen) alone were observed. In contrast, in rats given noncompound Dan Shen containing almost no magnesium lithospermate B as revealed by high‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis, there was a significant decrease only in the blood levels of urea nitrogen and inorganic phosphorus.
Screening of some Turkish medicinal plants for their antiulcerogenic activities
Authors: Yeşilada Erdem , Sezik Ekrem , Fujita Tetsuro , Tanaka Shigeo , Tabata Mamoru 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOur field surveys on the traditional medicine in Turkey revealed that several plants are used for the treatment of ulcers; Cedrus libani, Centaurea solstitialis ssp. solstitialis, Cistus laurifolius, Hypericum scabrum, Plantago major, Sambucus ebulus and Spartium junceum. Various extracts prepared from these plants were tested by using a water immersion‐stress ulcer model in rats to confirm the claimed activities. Pharmacological experiments clearly demonstrated that the aqueous extracts of all the plants given orally showed significant antiulcerogenic activity.
Cytotoxic constituents of the roots of the indonesian medicinal plant Fibraurea chloroleuca
Authors: Dai Jin‐Rui , Chai Heebyung , Pezzuto John M. , Kinghorn A. Douglas , Tsauri Soefjan , Padmawinata Kosasih 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThree protoberberine alkaloids, berberine chloride, berberrubine chloride and thalifendine chloride were isolated from the roots of Fibraurea chloroleuca Miers, and found to show significant cytotoxic activity with one or more human cancer cell‐lines and cultured P‐388 cells. A phytoecdysteroid, 20‐hydroxyecdysone, was also isolated as a noncytotoxic compound. Based on comparison with previous investigations, different collections of F. chloroleuca roots appear to exhibit considerable variation in their alkaloidal profiles.
Excelsin: An insect feeding‐deterrent isolated from Ailanthus excelsa (Simarubaceae)
Authors: Tripathi Arun K. , Jain D. C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBioassay directed fractionation of the methanol extract of the stem bark of Ailanthus excelsa (Simarubaceae) led to the isolation and identification of an antifeedant constituent excelsin. A leaf disc method of bioassay showed the potency of excelsin to prevent feeding was 75.94% at 1000 ppm concentration against Spilosoma obliqua. This insect is a destructive lepidopterous pest in the northern parts of India attacking a wide range of cash crops. The effective dose (ED50) of excelsin was found to be 0.563%.
Investigations on antiviral action of Haemanthus albiflos natural extract
Authors: Husson G. P. , Sarrette B. , Vilagines Ph. , Vilagines R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractInvestigations were undertaken on the antiviral action of an hydroalcoholic extract from Haemanthus albiflos bulb, reported here as an efficient agent against RNA viruses. Poliovirus propagated on HeLa cells with different concentrations of the extract was used in the assays. The effect on cellular RNA, DNA and protein synthesis as well as on viral RNA synthesis was evaluated by measuring the radioactivity incorporated using labelled precursors.A 0.2 μL/mL concentration of the plant extract showed an inhibition of cellular RNA, DNA and protein synthesis compared with the control of 44%, 40% and 52%, respectively. At the same concentration a 90% decrease of the viral RNA synthesis was observed over 210 min.
Diuretic activity of Satureja montana subsp. Montana extracts and oil in rats
Authors: Stanic Gordana , Samaržija Ita 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThree preparations of Satureja montana subsp. montana leaves were tested for diuretic activity in rats: an infusion, a water‐alcohol extract and essential oil. In 1‐day experiments, the cumulative volume of urine was collected during the first 5 h after oral administration of 5 mL/100 g body weight of plant preparation. It was established that all the preparations tested initially caused a decrease in diuresis and subsequently a mild stimulation of diuresis. 0.1% solution of essential oil was considered to be a therapeutic dose, whereas 0.5% and 1% solutions caused toxic symptoms in the animals. A further experiment involving treatment of rats for 3 days with a 10% drug infusion and 0.1% essential oil solution demonstrated the considerable diuretic activity of winter savory.
Oestrogenic and pregnancy interceptory efficacy of a flavonoid mixture from Grangea maderaspatana poir (Artemisia maderaspatana) in the mouse
Authors: Jain Sunita , Sareen Vineeta , Narula Anita 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA mixture of flavonoids extracted from the plant Grangea maderaspatana possessed oestrogenicity and antiimplantational activities in the mouse. In the 3 day uterotrophic bioassay, administration of the drug at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight per day, intramuscularly to ovariectomized females, resulted in a highly significant (p<0.001) increase in the wet uterine and vaginal weights. However, in comparison with conjugated oestrogen, the extract proved to be mildly oestrogenic. Flavonoids, if administered orally at the same dose level effectively interfere with all stages of pregnancy. Maximum interceptory efficacy was recorded when the drug was administered from days 4–6 post coitum. However, there was a reduction in antinidational activity only if the drug was administered from days 1–3 and 7–9 post coitum.
Carbohydrates from garlic bulbs (Allium sativum L.) as inhibitors of adenosine deaminase enzyme activity
Authors: Koch Heinrich P. , Jäger Walter , Groh Ursula , Hovie James E. , Plank Gerlinde , Sedlak Ulrike , Praznik Werner 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effect of several fructose polysaccharides or fructans, isolated from the fresh cloves of garlic (Allium sativum L.), on the activity of the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) is reported. The oligomers consisting of between 9 and 14 monosaccharide units have the highest enzyme inhibiting activity, whereas the higner polymers with a degree of polymerization up to 60, as well as lower sugars, have little or no activity at all. Since the inhibition is of the competitive type, it is assumed that a close structural relationship to the natural substrate, adenosine, is required for the interaction of the inhibitors with the enzyme molecule, presumably through binding to its active centre.
Antiviral activity of chilean medicinal plant extracts
Authors: Pacheco P. , Sierra J. , Schmeda‐Hirschmann G. , Potter C. W. , Jones B. M. , Moshref M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractChilean flora is a potential source of bioactive compounds, including some with antiviral activity. Ninety aqueous and hydroaloholic extracts from 36 native and introduced plant species were screened for antiviral activity on herpes (HSV‐1 and HSV‐2) and HIV viruses. Furthermore, the samples were assayed for antimicrobial effect on pathogenic bacteria and a yeast. Plants were selected according to their indication of use for treating symptomatology of possible viral aetiology in Chilean folk medicine. The hydroaloholic extracts of Cassia stipulacea and Escallonia illintia exhibited detectable antiviral effects towards HSV‐1 with IC50 values of 80 and 40 μg crude extract/mL, respectively. Samples belonging to Aristotelia chilensis (IC50 of 40 μg/mL), Drymis winteri (IC50 values of 35 and 80μg/mL), Elytropus chilensis and Luma apiculata, with an IC50 value of 100 μg/mL showed activity against HSV‐2. None of the extracts showed activity against HIV at extract concentrations which were nontoxic for cells.
Tissue culture of Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger
Authors: Kawai Kaoru , Beppu Hidehiko , Koike Takaaki , Fujita Keisuke , Marunouchi Tohru 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe examined the culture conditions for callus induction in the tissue of Aloe arborescens. When incubated in the dark at 25°C, for about 30 days callus was induced. The frequency of callus formation was in the order of superior stalk > middle stalk > inferior stalk. No callus was formed in the leaf. When the Murashige–Skoog (MS) basal agar medium was supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.1–0.5 μM kinetin (a plant growth regulator) and 10–50 μM alpha‐naphthalenacetic acid, callus formation occurred at an incidence of 20–52% (mean: 39%). When the MS basal agar medium was supplemented with 3% glucose and 10% Alpha Modification of Eagle's Medium instead of 3% sucrose, callus formation was promoted, but the protein and aloin concentrations, and carboxypeptidase activity in the Aloe callus decreased more than those observed in the sucrose‐containing medium.