bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening of nine vasoactive medicinal plants for their possible calcium antagonistic activity. Strategy of selection and isolation for the active principles of Olea europaea and Peucedanum ostruthium
Authors: Rauwald H. W. , Brehm O. , Odenthal K. P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFourteen different extracts of nine vasoactive medicinal plants used in European and African phytotherapy and traditional medicine were pharmacologically tested for their possible calcium antagonistic mode of action. The criteria for the selection of plants were: use in traditional medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, ‘nonspecific’ spasmolytic activity (mode of action not known), natural compounds with structural similarities to already known ‘calcium‐antagonists’ or calcium‐antagonists that have been found in species of the same tribe. All plant extracts were investigated against contractions of aortic strips induced by K+‐depolarization. Extracts derived from Ammi visnaga, Guajacum officinale, Olea europaea, Peucedanum ostruthium and Ruta graveolens showed a clear activity, while Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Leonurus cardiaca, Passiflora incarnata and Solidago gigantea showed no effect in this test. A comparison between K+‐ and norepinephrine‐induced contractions evaluated the selectivity of the inhibition, which is demonstrated by the isolation and identification strategy for the Ca++‐antagonistic principles of Olea europaea leaves and Peucedanum ostruthium rhizomes.
Antiprotozoal activity of quinoline alkaloids isolated from Galipea longiflora, a Bolivian plant used as a treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Fournet A. , Barrios A. Angelo , Muñoz V. , Hocquemiller R. , Roblot F. , Cavé A. , Richomme P. , Bruneton J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe stem bark of Galipea longiflora is used by the Chimane Indians in Bolivia for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis produced by Leishmania braziliensis. Petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of stem, root bark and leaves were found active in vitro against Leishmania ssp and Trypanosoma cruzi at 100 μg/mL. The activity guided fractionation of the extracts by chromatography afforded 12 active compounds identified as 2‐substituted quinoline alkaloids. BALB/c mice were infected with Leishmania amazonensis (strain PH8 or H‐142) and treated 24 h after infection with the major alkaloids from the crude alkaloidal extract; 2‐phenylquinoline and 2‐n‐pentylquinoline. 2‐phenylquinoline was as potent as Glucantime (Rhǒne‐Poulenc) against the strain H‐142, but less active than the reference drug against the virulent strain PH8 of L. amazonensis. 2‐n‐pentylquinoline did not exhibit any activity. Assays of single local treatments on the rear footpad infection, 2 weeks after the parasitic inoculation, indicated an effect for 2‐phenylquinoline by reducing the severity of lesion. However, this activity was found to be slightly lower than that obtained using Glucantime.
Studies on possible protective effect of plant derived phenols and the vitamin precursors—β‐Carotene and α‐tocopherol on 7,12 dimethylbenz (a) anthracene induced tumour initiation events
Authors: Moushumi Lahiri , Sumati Bhide 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOur earlier experiments have shown that the plant phenols—hydroxychavicol, eugenol, catechin, curcumin, and the vitamins—β‐carotene and α‐tocopherol—are potent inhibitors of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) induced mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. In an attempt to elucidate their mode of action, we studied their effect on mouse skin DNA synthesis following 7,12 dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) treatment and 3H‐7,12 dimethylbenzanthracene—DNA interaction in vitro (in the presence of mouse skin S9). With the exception of eugenol, all the phenols and vitamins tested inhibited 3H‐DMBA‐DNA interaction in vitro. In the DNA biosynthesis assay, of the chemopreventive agents tested only β‐carotene effectively modulated DMBA suppressed DNA synthesis in the mouse skin. Our results indicate that the assay of DNA biosynthesis is not of predictive value with respect to the chemopreventive effect of a chemical, while assay of carcinogen—DNA interaction shows correlation between the chemopreventive property and the inhibition of the interaction of carcinogen with DNA.
Isolation of a neuromuscular junctional blocking agent from Cleistanthus collinus plant leaf extract
Authors: Vijayalakshmi K. M. , Kumar N. V. Nanda , Pagala M. K. D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA potent neuromuscular junctional blocking agent was isolated from chloroform extracts of poisonous Cleistanthus collinus leaf by a combined chromatographic—cholinesterase inhibition technique. An amorphous yellowish green extract was eluted from paper or micro thin layer chromatographic plates. This compound caused a 93% fade on nerve evoked muscle tension and a 95% decrement in nerve evoked muscle action potentials and least change in muscle evoked muscle action potentials and tension in a rat phrenic nerve—diaphragm preparation, suggesting the presence of a potent pharmacologically active ingredient causing neuromuscular blockade which is irreversible.
The ethanol‐insoluble fraction of an aqueous Cervi Cornu Vernum extract improves the condition of renal anaemia in rats fed an adenine diet
Authors: Yokozawa Takako , Ogama Takako , Namba Tsuneo , Hattori Masao 
Published: October 2006

AbstractLevels of red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Ht) were decreased significantly in rats fed an adenine diet. Their erythrocyte indices, such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), were similar to those of normal rats, but uraemic symptoms were present as well, providing evidence of renal anaemia. Administration of the EtOH‐insoluble fraction of an aqueous extract of Cervi Cornu Vernum improved the renal anaemia, and the changes were reflected in the morphology of the erythrocytes. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in total protein and albumin. These findings suggest that the EtOH‐insoluble fraction of Cervi Cornu Vernum improves the state of undernutrition resulting from renal anaemia.
Cholertic activity of Thapsia chem I, II, and III in rats: Comparison with terpenoid constituents and peppermint oil
Authors: Trabace Luigia , Avato Pinarosa , Mazzoccoli Michele , Siro‐Brigiani Giovanni 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe influence on bile flow of the fruit essence from three chemotypes of the genus Thapsia and their major components has been investigated. For comparative purposes menthol and peppermint oil were also included in the assay. All the drugs tested showed toa different extent choleretic activity calculated on the increase of the bile amount in male adbult Wistar rats. Thapsia Chem I (50 mg/kg) containing 88% geranylacetate was found to indued choleresis in treated rats to a level as high as peppermint oil containing 42% menthol. A similar activity was confirmed when pure geranylacetate was assayed.
Pharmacological effects of butylidenephthalide
Authors: Ko Wun‐Chang , Chang Li‐Duang , Wang Gwo‐Yang , Lin Lung‐Ching 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe pharmacological effects of synthetic butylidenephthalide (Bdph), the most potent antispasmodic agent found in the neutral oil of Ligusticum wallichii Franch., were examined in this study. In vivo, Bdph exerted a significant antihypertensive effect in anaesthetized renal hypertensive rats at a dose of 30 mg/kg (i.v. or i.p.), or 60 mg/kg (p.o.). Bdph antagonized noradrenaline (NA) induced increases in blood pressure in anaesthetized normotensive rats. In addition, Bdph prevented the pituitrin‐induced T‐wave lowering of the ECG in anaesthetized rats. It also dose‐dependently decreased coronary arterial pressure in dogs. It is concluded that Bdph dilates coronary vessels. In vitro, Bdph non‐competitively antagonized adrenaline‐induced contraction in isolated rabbit aortic strips. It also significantly antagonized the NA‐induced maximum decrease in perfusion rate of isolated rabbit ears. However, the vasodilator effect may cause a heat loss because Bdph significantly lowered the rectal temperature of rats at ambient temperature of 20°C, but not at 30°C. Bdph might be a useful coronary dilator and antihypertensive drug.
Antifungal effects of α‐terthienyl from Tagetes patula on five dermatophytes
Authors: Romagnoli C. , Mares D. , Fasulo M. P. , Bruni A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAlpha‐terthienyl (αT), a thiophene compound isolated from Tagetes patula (Asteraceae), exhibits antifungal activity towards five strains of dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. violaceum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum cookei). αT plus UVA irradiation for 90 min acted as a fungistatic at concentrations between 6 μM and 24 μM. Between 1 and 10 days after irradiation, the fungal growth was reduced or arrested with marked responses for T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum and M. cookei. The ultrastructural events that occur in Trichophyton mentagrophytes after treatment were studied by electron microscopy. In the dark, αT caused no important ultrastructural modifications within the hyphae. After UVA irradiation the photoactive compound caused damage to membranes of the nucleus, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Plasmolytic and autolytic changes resulted in plasma membrane breakage and in cell wall aberrations. UVA‐activated αT would appear to target protein‐rich membranes of the dermatophytes.
Hypolipedaemic activity of picroliv in albino rats
Authors: Khanna A. K. , Chander R. , Kapoor N. K. , Dhawan B. N. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe hypolipidaemic action of picroliv, a standarized preparaton from Picrorhiza kurrooa, has been studied in normal as well as in triton‐ and cholesterol‐fed rats. Serum lipids were found to be lowered by picroliv (25 mg/kg b.w.) in triton WR‐1339‐induced hyperlipaemia. Chronic feeding of this drug (6 mg/kg b.w.) in normal rats and in animals simultaneously treated with cholesterol (25 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days caused lowering in the lipid and protein levels constituting β‐lipoproteins followed by an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol in experimental animals. Picroliv alters lipolytic activities in plasma, liver, heart an adipose tissues and stimulated receptor mediated catabolism of low density lipoprotein. The lipid lowering action of the natural product is mediated through inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in liver, increased faecal bile acid excretion and enhanced plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity.
Laminaria ochroleuca: A preliminary study of its effect on the central nervous system
Authors: Vázquez‐Freire M. J. , Lamela M. , Calleja J. M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effects were studied of a methanolic extract of the brown alga Laminaria ochroleuca on the central nervous system (CNS) of mice. Spontaneous motor activity, exploratory behaviour, motor coordination, d‐amphetamine‐induced hypermotility, body temperature, pentobarbital‐induced hypnosis, pentylenetetrazole‐induced convulsions and analgesic activity were assessed. At doses between 25 and 100mg/kg, the extract showed significant activity in all tests except that of pentylenetetrazole‐induced convulsions. It is concluded that the methanolic extract of Laminaria ochroleuca is a CNS depressant with slight analgesic activity.
A study on the action of a modified Wen‐Pi‐Tang prescription, using uraemic toxins in blood as indices
Authors: Yokozawa Takako , Miyauchi Isao , Oura Hikokichi , Zheng Ping Dong , Zhou Jia Jun 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA modified Wen‐Pi‐Tang prescription (named Fu‐Zheng‐Jiang‐Zhuo‐Tang) containing Angelicae Radix, Paeonia Radix, Polygoni Radix, Pinellia Tuber and Zuo‐Jin‐Wan instead of Aconiti Tuber, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix was given to rats with renal failure, and a decrease in the blood levels of uraemic toxins was observed. This effect closely resembled that of Wen‐Pi‐Tang, but these two prescriptions showed different effects when their Rhei Rhizoma contents were exchanged.
Participation of the serotonergic system in the memory effects of Ginkgo biloba L. and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey
Authors: Petkov V. D. , Belcheva S. , Konstantinova E. , Kehayov R. , Petkov V. V. , Hadjiivanova Chr. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe 7‐day oral administration of the extracts from Ginkgo biloba (GK501) and Panax ginseng (G115) as well as their combination PHL‐00701 (Gincosan®) produced changes in rat behaviour suggesting memory‐enhancing effects. Single doses of agonists and antagonists of different serotonin receptor subtypes influenced the rat's capability for retention of learned behaviour and the behavioural effects of the drugs tested. GK501 decreased the density (Bmax) of 5‐HT1 receptors in the frontal cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Data concerning the effects of the drugs tested suggest the participation of the serotonergic transmitter system as an important neurochemical correlate of rat behaviour and of the memory effects of the drugs studied. This participation is modulated by the differences in the functions of the serotonin receptor subtypes.
Oxytocic and oestrogenic effects of Monechma ciliatum methanol extract in vivo and in vitro in rodents
Authors: Uguru M. O. , Okwuasaba F. K. , Ekwenchi M. M. , Uguru V. E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractVarious solvent extracts of the leaves of Monechma ciliatum (family Acanthecaea) were tested for oxytocic properties on uterine preparations in vivo and in vitro. The methanol extract (HME) contracted the nonpregnant uterus of the rat, guinea‐pig and mouse as well as preparations obtained from guinea‐pigs on days 6–7 and 11–12 of pregnancy. The rat pregnant uterus was not affected by the extract. Oral administration of HME to rats on days 15, 16 and 17 of pregnancy had no abortifacient effect compared with oxytocin. However, laparotomy on day 23 revealed fetal death in utero. The extract was also found to have oestrogenic activity based on parameters such as uterine weight ratio, premature vaginal opening and degree of vaginal cornification.
Cardiovascular effects of the aqueous extract of Moringa pterygosperma
Authors: Limaye Dnyanesh Arun , Nimbkar Anil Yashvant , Jain Rajeev , Ahmad Mansoor 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe aqueous extract of stem bark of Moriga pterygosperma (Family Moraingaceae) was investigated for its effect on various pharmacological parameters. In cardiovascular profile at lower concentrations (1–10 ng) it produced a dose dependent positive inotropic effect (n = 3, 1.29 ± 0.021 for 10 ng) and at higher concentrations (0.1–1 μg) a dose dependent negative inotropic effect (n = 3, 0.53 ± 0.033 for 1 μg) on the isolated frog heart. It also produced a dose dependent hypotensive effect on dog blood pressure (n = 3, 82 ± 0.98 for 20 mg/kg). It failed to elicit any effect on isolated guinea‐pig ileum, rat stomach fundus or frog rectus abdominis muscle.
Shilajit attenuates streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus and decrease in pancreatic islet superoxide dismutase activity in rats
Authors: Bhattacharya Salil K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractDiabetes mellitus was induced in male Wistar rats by the administration of streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg, s.c. on 2 consecutive days). Hyperglycaemia and superoxide dismutase activity of pancreatic islet cells was assessed on days 7, 14, 21 and 28, following STZ administration. In two other groups, shilajit (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered concurrently for 28 days. STZ induced significant hyperglycaemia by day 14, which increased progressively on days 21 and 28. STZ also induced a decrease in pancreatic islet cell superoxide dismutase, which was apparent by day 7 and increased progressively, thereafter on days 14, 21 and 28. Shilajit (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) had no discernible per se effect on blood glucose levels in normal rats but attenuated the hyperglycaemic response of STZ from day 14 onwards, though only the effect of the higher dose was statistically significant. Similarly, both the doses of shilajit reduced the STZ‐induced decrease in superoxide dismutase activity from day 14 onwards, the effect of the lower dose being statistically insignificant. The findings confirm earlier observations that STZ‐induced hyperglycaemia may be the consequence of a decrease in pancreatic islet superoxide dismutase activity, leading to accumulation of free radicals and damage of the β‐cells. Shilajit attenuates both these effects of STZ possibly by its action as a free radical scavenger. The findings support the postulate that shilajit can prevent maturity onset diabetes mellitus.
Hypoglycaemic activity of selected European plants
Authors: Neef H. , Declercq P. , Laekeman G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractNine European plants were selected to be screened for hypoglycaemic activity. Selection criteria were based on traditional use and literature references. Total extracts of the plants were prepared by boiling the dried material with water or macerating it with 80% ethanol. Male Swiss mice were orally loaded with glucose after the extracts had been given by oral gavage. Four extracts improved the glucose tolerance: Adiantum capillus veneris, Daucus carota, Galega officinalis and Juglans regia. Further investigation will be focused on bioguided isolation of active fractions.
Comparative study on the cytotoxic effect of viscotoxin and mistletoe lectin on tumour cells in culture
Authors: Urech K. , Schaller G. , Ziska P. , Giannattasio M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA comparative study was carried out on the effect of viscotoxin and mistletoe lectin I, two mistletoe proteins known to be toxic to mammals, on three tumour cell lines in culture (Yoshida sarcoma cells, T‐cell leukaemia cells Molt4, and myeloid cells K562). Both viscotoxin and mistletoe lectin were cytotoxic for the three cell lines tested, although the cell sensitivity was dependent on the type of cells used. Yoshida cells were the most sensitive to viscotoxin (ED50= 0.7 μg/mL) and less sensitive to mistletoe lectin (ED50= 12.8 μg/mL). K562 cells were more sensitive to mistletoe lectin (ED50= 75 pg/mL) than Molt4 cells (ED50= 1.3 ng/mL), whose high sensitivity to mistletoe lectin is well known. Data are also reported showing that this cell line dependent sensitivity can be exploited to demonstrate and/or to discriminate the toxic activities of either substances in crude mistletoe extracts. In particular the Yoshida cell line can represent a suitable system for a bioassay of viscotoxin in these extracts.
Evaluation of the folklore use of Rhaptopetalum coriaceum olio as an abortifacient
Authors: Onu U. Oden 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe antifertility effects of the methanol extract of Rhaptopetalum coriaceum stem bark were investigated in pregnant rats and oestrogen‐primed isolated rat uterus. Graded intraperitoneal doses (350, 700 and 1400 mg/kg) of the extract produced fetal discharges which were expressed as percent antifertility (16.6%, 50.0%, and 66.6% respectively). The extract induced an increase of spontaneous activity of oestrogen‐dominated rat uterus in a concentration‐related manner with an EC50 of 48.6 mg/mL.
Studies on the antiinflammatory and related pharmacological activities of Psidium guajava: A preliminary report
Authors: Sen T. , Nasralla Hussam S. H. , Chaudhuri A. K. Nag 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe methanolic fraction of Psidium guajava fruit extract was found to possess significant inhibitory activity against carragenin, kaolin and turpentine‐induced oedema formation. The fraction significantly inhibited protein exudation. The proliferative form of inflammation was significantly counteracted following cotton pellet‐induced granuloma formation in rats. Acetic acid‐induced algesia (writhing) in mice was significantly inhibited by the fraction. Significant antipyretic activity of the fraction was observed following yeast‐induced pyrexia in rats. Potent antiarthritic activity was observed with the fraction against formaldehyde‐induced chronic arthritis in rats.
Antiinflammatory and vasoprotective activities of polysaccharides isolated from fruit bodies of higher Fungi P.1. polysaccharides from Trametes gibbosa (Pers.: Fr)Fr. (Polyporaceae)
Authors: Czarnecki Ryszard , Grzybek Jan 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPolysaccharide fractions TG‐1 and TG‐2 were isolated from the fruit bodies of Trametes gibbosa (Pers.: Fr.) Fr.(Polyporaceae). Both fractions are glucans with trace amounts of other sugars. The polysaccharide fractions administered to rats intravenously, strongly inhibited vessel permeability in the rat pleural exudate model, induced by carragenan, but did not influence its density. Both polysaccharide fractions decreased considerably the total protein level in the pleural effusion. Fractions TG‐1 and TG‐2 antagonized effectively the inflammation mediator complex induced by carragenan and they neutralized the pharmacological effects with respect to small vessel permeability. At the same time they increased the number of neutrophils and eosinophils and decreased the number of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. The pharmacological activity of polysaccharide fractions TG‐1 and TG‐2 confirms their function as potential factors responsible for the stabilization of a wall vessel, especially in pathological conditions leading to endothelial damage.
Analgesic and antipyretic effects of Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Richard. Extract in rodents
Authors: Agil M. Ahmad , Risco S. , Miró M. , Navarro M. C. , Ocete M. A. , Jiménez J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe dried (elaterium) or fresh juice from Ecballium elaterium fruit is used in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions in popular medicine. In this study the elaterium is examined for its analgesic and antipyretic effects in several animal models. The elaterium exhibits both analgesic and antipyretic activities.
Antihepatotoxic Effects of chlorogenic acid from Anthocephalus cadamba
Authors: Kapil A. , Koul I. B. , Suri O. P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn the present study, chlorogenic acid (CGA) isolated from Anthocephalus cadamba was screened for hepatoprotective activity by in vitro and in vivo assay methods using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as a model of liver injury. Intraperitoneal administration of CGA to mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight for 8 days caused significant reversal in lipid peroxidation, enzymatic leakage, cytochrome P450 (Cyt P450) inactivation and produced enhancement of cellular antioxidant defence in CCl4‐intoxicated mice, revealing that the antioxidative action of CGA is responsible for its liver protective activity. CGA exhibited a better therapeutic protective action than silymarin (SM), in CCl4‐administered mice.
Effect of Fabiana imbricata constituents on Rhopalosiphum padi and Heliothis zea
Authors: Schmeda/hirschmann G. , Román P. , Theoduloz C. , Donoso B. C. , Corcuera L. J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe main secondary metabolites of Fabiana imbricata showed toxicity towards the greenbug Rhopalosiphum padi when administered in an artificial diet. A dose‐dependent toxicity was observed for fabiaimbricatan‐15‐oic acid and oleanolic acid at doses up to 3.0 mM (p <0.01). Both compounds apparently act as antifeedants at higher doses. Rutin also showed a dose‐related toxicity. Scopoletin and p‐hydroxyacetophenone were toxic at 6.0 mM. None of the compounds tested were toxic towards the fifth instar Heliothis zea larvae.