bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoglycaemic activity of Anthocleista vogelii (Planch) aqueous extract in rodents
Authors: Abuh F. Y. , Wambebe C. , Rai P. P. , Sokomba E. N. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe hypoglycaemic effect of Anthocleista vogelii was studied in mice, rats and rabbits. Aqueous extract of the plant obtained by infusion from finely pulverized root was used. The extract (100, 400 and 800 mg/kg) induced significant hypoglycaemic activity in a dose‐related fashion at 2 h after oral administration in mice and rats with ED25 of 250 mg/kg and 350 mg/kg respectively. The extract (800 mg/kg, orally) similarly induced statistically significant lowering of blood glucose levels at 8 h in normoglycaemic rabbits. The extract (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, orally) also caused reduction of blood glucose levels in alloxan‐induced diabetic animals. The results of this study indicate that the aqueous extract of the roots of Anthocleista vogelii possess favourable hypoglycaemic activity both in normo and hyperglycaemic animals compared to chlorpropamide as a standard.
Antihepatotoxic actions of traditional chinese medicines. 2. The pharmacological interaction of components of Dai‐saiko‐tǒ employing complement‐mediated cytotoxicity in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes
Authors: Kiso Yoshinobu , Suzuki Michiko , Yasuda Masahiro , Watanabe Hisako , Minegishi Toshihiko , Hikino Hiroshi , Yang Ling‐Ling , Yen Kun‐Ying 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAntihepatotoxic activities of the components of a traditional Chinese prescription, Dai‐saiko‐tǒ, were examined employing complement‐mediated cytotoxicity in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes. Bupleuri Radix and Scutellariae Radix were shown to be active in this system but did not reach the levels of activity of the prescription. In combination, Bupleuri Radix‐Scutellariae Radix, Bupleuri Radix‐Zingiberis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix‐Pinelliae Tuber and Bupleuri Radix‐Zingiberis Rhizoma, exhibited effects comparable to the original prescription. It was therefore concluded that the antihepatotoxic activity of Dai‐saiko‐tǒ is due to the pharmacological interactions of their constituents. In addition, a difference in antihepatotoxic activity of Bupleuri Radix and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus was observed between their water extracts and 50% aqueous ethanol extracts, indicating that active principles in each extract of the prescription seemed to be different and, therefore, the method of extraction was an important factor in the clinical use of Dai‐saiko‐tǒ.
Pharmacological effects of chronic ingestion of Garcinia kola seeds in the rat
Authors: Braide V. B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMale rats were chronically fed a diet containing dry powdered seeds of Garcinia kola, at the level of 10% w/w for 6 weeks. The effect of this diet was investigated on gastrointestinal motility, castor oil induced diarrhea, and pentobarbital sleeping times, as well as organ and body weights at the end of 6 weeks. Garcinia kola caused marked inhibition of gastrointestinal motility, protected against castor oil induced diarrhea, prolonged pentobarbital sleeping time, and caused marked retardation of growth but did not affect organ weights compared to pair‐fed controls. There is a possibility that the observations may be due to the flavonoids contained in G. kola seeds.
Anoectochilus formosanus Hay. Contains substances that affect arachidonic acid metabolism
Authors: Mak Oi‐Tong , Huang Dinq‐Ding , Law Rocky Chau‐Sing 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe whole plant of Anoectochilus formosanus Hay. was extracted with hot water, and the aqueous solution was re‐extracted with ethyl acetate in order to study the effects on thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production in rabbit platelets and prostacyclin (PGI2) production in bovine aortic tissues. Inhibition of TXA2 production, using either arachidonic acid (AA) or PGH2 as precursors, was manifested on incubation of platelets with the crude water extraction, and the ethyl acetate extraction of A. formosanus Hay., respectively; the inhibitory effects were concentration‐dependent. Incubation of platelets with the aqueous remainder caused activation of TXA2 production, using AA as the precursor, but there was no effect on TXA2 production using PGH2 as the precursor. With the AA precursor, there was activation of PGI2 production on incubation of aortic tissues with both crude water extraction and aqueous remainder of A. formosanus Hay., but not with ethyl acetate extraction, and the activating effects were also concentration‐dependent. No effect on PGI2 production was observed on incubation with PGH2 as the precursor. These results suggest that A. formosanus Hay. contains at least two different components affecting TXA2 production in platelets, and PGI2 production in aortic endothelium, respectively, and these effects might play important roles in the pharmacological effects of A. formosanus Hay.
Comparative haemodynamic effects of the flavonoids rhoifolin and vitexin in the dog
Authors: Occhiuto F. , Circosta C. , de Pasquale A. , Briguglio F. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this communication we have examined the acute haemodynamic effects of two flavonoids with different electrophysiological characteristics, rhoifolin and vitexin, in anaesthetized dogs. The following haemodynamic parameters: mean aortic pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure, left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure, and its first derivative, mean arterial and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, right atrial pressure and heart rate were measured. The results obtained have shown that rhoifolin and vitexin caused a decrease of mean aortic pressure, of the arterial and pulmonary capillary pressure and of heart rate. Differences in the left ventricular performance index of the two flavonoids were also noted.
Effects of pilose antler extracts on doxorubicin‐induced beating abnormalities of cultured myocardial cells
Authors: Huang Sheng‐Lun , Yang Xiu‐Wei , Takahashi Kyoko , Kakiuchi Nobuko , Hattori Masao , Namba Tsuneo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractEffects of pilose antler extracts and subsequent fractions on normal and doxorubicin (DX)‐administered cultured myocardial cells from mouse embryo were investigated. A water extract did not affect the percentage of beating cells at 1–100 μg/mL but suppressed the beating rate at 100 μ/mL. A pretreatment with the water extract significantly restored the percentage of beating cells which was reduced by administration of DX, and showed a tendency to recover the reduced beating rate. A similar pretreatment with an aqueous EtOH‐solnble portion (fraction 1) of the water extract significantly recovered both the percentage of beating cells and the beating rate, but further fractionation did not improve the activities. LDH leakage from DX‐administered myocardial cells was significantly diminished by the pretreatment with fraction 1, though ATP content in the cells was not appreciably recovered.
The protective and curative action of Withania frutescens leaf extract against CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Montilla M. P. , Cabo J. , Navarro M. C. , Risco S. , Jiménez J. , Aneiros J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe studied the protective and curative action of an ethanol extract of Withania frutescens leaves against CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated in terms of the LD50 of CCl4, the modification of Nembutal‐induced sleep, the action on bile flow, serum transaminase and hepatic fatty acids levels and a histopathological study of liver tissue. Curative action was assessed by measuring the duration of Nembutal‐induced sleep and with a histopathological study of liver tisue. The findings indicate that the leaf extract has both preventative and curative activity against CCL4‐induced liver damage.
The source of ca2+ for the spasmolytic actions of longicaudatine, a bisindole alkaloid isolated from Strychnos trinervis (Vell.) Mart. (Loganiaceae)
Authors: de Medeiros C. L. C. , Thomas G. , Mukherjee R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractLongicaudatine, a tertiary bisindole alkaloid isolated from the root bark of Strychnos trinervis (Vell.) Mart. (Loganiaceae), antagonized in a noncompetitive manner, carbachol and histamine induced contractions of the guinea‐pig ileum and bradykinin responses in the rat uterus. The respective pD2' values (mean ± SE) were 4.61 ± 0.21, 4.98 ± 0.04 and 4.49 ± 0.01. Longicaudatine, unlike verapamil, had no effect on voltage dependent Ca2+ channels, as it failed to inhibit KCI or CaCl2 induced contractions of guinea‐pig ileum and depolarized rat uterus respectively. When compared with sodium nitroprusside, an antagonist of receptor operated Ca2+ channels, longicaudatine produced a slower and weaker inhibition of noradrenaline induced sustained contractions of rabbit aortic strips. However, in the aorta, the alkaloid antagonized the intracellular calcium dependent transient contractions of noradrenaline and longicaudatine (IC50, 5.01 × 10−7 M) was approximately 133 times more potent that procaine (IC50, 6.68 × 10−5 M), a known inhibitor of the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Longicaudatine may exert nonspecific spasmolytic effects by acting on intracellular Ca2+ stores, rather than on depolarization dependent or receptor operated Ca2+ channels.
Antihepatotoxic biochemical effects of kolaviron, a biflavonoid of Garcinia kola seeds
Authors: Braide V. B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMale rats (200–220 g) were treated with toxic doses of carbon tetrachloride (2 mL/kg per day i.p., for 3 days) to induce liver damage. Another group of rats received kolaviron, a biflavonoid extract from seeds of Garcinia kola (500 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 h prior to receiving carbon tetrachloride. Tests for liver function were performed on all animals. The activities of glutamic oxaloacetatetransaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and glutamic dehydrogenase (GLDH) in serum were determined, as were the concentrations of hepatic glutathione (GSH) and triglyceride in liver. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in the liver. Carbon tetrachloride induced marked depletion of GSH and increased the formation of MDA and triglyceride in the liver, as well as causing significant increases in activities of the serum enzymes assessed. Pretreatment with kolaviron significantly attentuated all the alterations caused by carbon tetrachloride. The antihepatotoxic action of kolaviron was clearly demonstrated in the model of hepatitis employed in this study.
Isolation of a saikosaponin responsible for the antiinflammatory activity of Bupleurum gibraltaricum lam. Root Extract
Authors: Utrilla M. P. , Zarzuelo A. , Risco S. , Ocete M. A. , Jiménez J. , Gamez M. J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBupleurum gibraltaricum Lam. root extract demonstrated an antiinflammatory activity against carrageenan produced plantar oedema in the rat. We have isolated a compound responsible for this activity, a glycoside of saikogenin G containing three sugars. This compound differs from saikosaponin d in that the latter contains only two sugars.
Screening for toxic thiophene compounds from crude drugs of the family compositae used in Northern Italy
Authors: Tosi B. , Bonora A. , Dall'Olio G. , Bruni A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe presence and distribution of biosynthetically related di‐ and terthiophenes from 25 crude drugs derived from some genera of the family Compositae were investigated by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) densitometry. A significant thiophene content was found in Tagetes patula, Achillea millfolium, A. millefolium var. tanacetifolia, Arnica montana, Artemisia absinthium, A. pontica, A. dracunculus, Centaurea cyanus, Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, Doronicum pardaliandres, Helianthus annuus and Tanacetum vulgare. The results of this study indicate that commercial crude drugs from the Compositae contain amounts of photoactive thiophenes which are potentially toxic.
Sedative hypnotic action of pala papua, Myristica argentea, in mice
Authors: Takahashi Sumiko , Uekane Ayako , Otsuka Kazuoki , Shigenobu Koki 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAn aqueous extract of the seed of Myristica argentea depressed motor activity and caffeine‐induced excitement, and prolonged spontaneous and pentobarbital‐induced sleep in mice; it also inhibited brief tonic spasm caused by pentobarbital before hypnosis. These actions are discussed by comparing them with those of nutmeg essential oil, the seed essential oil of Myristica fragrans.
Effects of Kamikihi‐To, a traditional Chinese Medicine, on learning and memory performance in mice
Authors: Nishizawa Koji , Saito Hiroshi , Nishiyama Nobuyoshi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effects of Kamikihi‐To (KMK), a traditional Chinese medicine (Chinese name Jia‐Wei‐Gui‐Pi‐Tang), on learning and memory performance abilities in normal or memory‐impaired mice were studied using step through and step down type passive avoidance tests. The effects were also studied using shuttle box and lever press type conditioned avoidance tests in normal mice. KMK (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg p.o.) showed no influence on the learning abilities in passive and conditioned avoidance tests in normal mice. In contrast, KMK (1.0 g/kg p.o.) exerted ameliorating effects on memory registration impairment induced by ethanol in step through and step down tests. KMK at this dose also significantly improved memory retrieval disability induced by electroconvulsive shock (ECS) in step through test. Moreover, KMK (0.5 g/kg p.o.) ameliorated memory consolidation impairment induced by ECS in step down test. These results suggest that KMK ameliorates the impaired learning performance through its influence on memory registration, consolidation and retrieval.
Insect feeding‐deterrent activity of some saponin glycosides
Authors: Jain D. C. , Tripathi A. K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSaponins and sapogenins isolated from Balanites roxburghii, Agave cantala and Phaseolus vulgaris were studied for insect antifeedant activity against the larvae of the noctuid, Spilosoma obliqua (Walker). The most active compound was diosgenin‐3‐0‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)]‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl (1→4)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (X), inhibiting approximately. 73.63 per cent feeding at 0.02 per cent concentration. Relative efficacy of all the tested compounds was assessed, using azadirachtin as standard.
Choleretic activity of p‐hydroxyacetophenone isolated from Artemisia scoparia Waldst. et Kit. in the rat
Authors: Liu Chang‐Xiao , Ye Gui‐Zhen 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIntraduodenal injection of p‐hydroxyacetophenone (PAP) isolated from Artemisia scoparia Waldst, et Kit. at a dose of 50 mg/kg to normal rats produced significant choleretic activity. At doses of 12.5–250 mg/kg, the relationship between bile secretion and dose was linear. To rats whose liver had been injured by nithiocyamine, intraduodenal injection of PAP at a dose of 50 mg/kg produced a significant increase in bile secretion, solid materials and bile acids in bile. Oral administration of PAP at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 4 days reduced the serum icterus index and bilirubin.
Hypertensive effect of glycosidic derivatives of hordenine isolated from Selaginella doederleinii hieron and structural analogues in rats
Authors: Lin R. C. , Peyroux J. , Seguin E. , Koch M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effect of glycosidic derivatives of hordenine isolated from Selaginella doederleinii and synthetic analogues has been studied on rat blood pressure after oral administration. A hypertensive activity was observed for the first time in this series which supports the chinese traditional medicinal use of the plant.
Inhibitory effects on angiogenesis and pouch fluid exudation by aconite alkaloids in adjuvant‐induced inflammation of the mouse
Authors: Luo Bao , Kobayashi Shinjiro , Kimura Ikuko , Kimura Masayasu 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe antiinflammatory effect of a water extract of aconite root and its constituent alkaloids on adjuvant‐induced air pouch granuloma in the mouse was investigated. Aconite alkaloids were more potent than, and aconite extracts were equipotentto, hydrocortisone and indomethacin against angiogenesis in chronic inflammation.
Euphytose®, an association of plant extracts with anxiolytic activity: Investigation of its mechanism of action by an in vitro binding study
Authors: Valli Marc , Paubert‐Braquet Monique , Picot Sylvie , Fabre Richard , Lefrançois Gérard , Rod Didier 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe present results show that the association of plant extracts, Euphytose®, interacts with central benzodiazepine (BDZ) receptors, alpha‐2 adrenoceptors and muscarinic M1 receptors with respective IC50 values of 37.1, 3.6 amd 30.0 μg/mL. In contrast, Euphytose® does not show any interaction with peripheral BZD, 5‐HT1 and 5 HT2 serotoninergic, alpha‐1 adrenergic, DA1 and DA2 dopaminergic and M2 muscarinic receptors. The present in vitro binding data demonstrate clearly the different interactions of Euphytose® with various neurotransmitter binding sites in the central nervous system. This is of importance in order to elucidate the mechanism of action of the putative anxiolytic and/or antidepressant effect of this drug.
Selection and micropropagation of high artemisinin producing clones of Artemisia annua L.
Authors: Elhag H. M. , El‐Domiaty M. M. , El‐Feraly F. S. , Mossa J. S. , El‐Olemy M. M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAn in vitro micropropagation method has been used to clone Artemisia annua L. plants from axenic seedlings or field grown plants selected on the basis of morphological characteristics during the growing season. Clones were maintained in culture by continuous transfer every 4–6 weeks. The performance of the various clones in the field as well as their contents of artemisinin and related sesquiterpenes were compared with selected field grown plants. An internally standardized reverse‐phase HPLC method was developed for this evaluation. Artemisinic acid (III) was by far the major sesquiterpene for all clones tested, followed by arteannuin B (II) and then artemisinin (I). However, there was a high degree of variability between various clones for all sesquiterpenes tested. The high artemisinin producing clones are characterized as tall robust plants with long internodes, open branching, dense leaves and thick stems. Results from unorganized callus cultures initiated from the leaves of the corresponding clones did not indicate the formation of artemisinin or related sesquiterpenes in these cultures.
Hepatoprotective activity of Hypericum perforatum L. alcoholic extract in rodents
Authors: Öztürk Y. , Aydin S. , Başer K. H. C. , Kirimer N. , Kurtar‐Öztürk N. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn recent years, interest in the hepatoprotective plants and plant based chemicals is increasing. In Turkish folk medicine, Hypericum perforatum L. has been used for various purposes including liver protection. The hepatoprotective effect of H. perforatum was investigated in vivo by cannulating the rat bile duct for choleretic activity and by barbiturate sleeping time following CCI4‐induced hepatic injury. The increase in the bile secretion following intraduodenal injection of H. perforatum extract, and the appearance of its constituents in the bile were observed by its colour change and this observation was confirmed by thin layer chromatographic analysis suggesting the excretion of hypericin into the bile as well. It was observed that the extract shortens the barbiturate sleeping time of CCI4‐treated mice suggesting hepatoprotection.
Garlic and onion extracts. In vitro inhibition of adenosine deaminase
Authors: Koch H. P. , Jäger W. , Hysek J. , Körpert B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSeveral specimens of garlic bulbs (Allium sativum L., fresh sap and rehydrated dry powder), as well as a few other Allium species, were assayed for their ability to inhibit the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA). A clear dose‐dependent inhibition of enzyme activity, leading to an accumulation of the substrate adenosine (Ado) in the system, was observed. A standard in vitro testing procedure was derived which is suitable for quality assessment of either raw or dried garlic, as well as for bioequivalence control of pharmaceutical products derived therefrom.
A screening method for natural products on triatomine bugs
Authors: Schmeda‐Hirschmann Guillermo , de Arias Antonieta Rojas 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA simple method for screening natural products on triatomine bugs, vectors of Chagas' disease, was developed using fourth instar Rhodnius neglectus nymphs as an insect model. The statistical method of randomized blocks and randomized blocks with a dichotomous variable were compared and the minimum sample size for screening purposes was established. Tests were made on 94 plant extracts from 49 species, 28 of which are traditionally regarded as having some effect on arthropods or parasitic helminths. 50 μg of crude hexane or ethanol extract was topically applied to each insect. The effect on mortality and moulting was assessed. Ten plant species caused an increased mortality (16.0% to 52.3%) compared with untreated controls. Moulting inhibition ranged from 22.2% to 33.3% and was related to insecticidal effect in most cases. Extracts from two Meliaceae plants belonging to the genera Melia and Cabralea were among the most active tested, causing 32.5% and 45% mortality, respectively. Extracts from a Salvia species killed 52.3% of the bugs. Ten of the 13 plants showing activity are used by the rural population in various parts of Latin America for arthropod control or as vermifuges.
Bactericidal effect of the sesquiterpene T‐cadinol on Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Claeson Per , Rådström Peter , Sköld Ola , Nilsson Åsa , Höglund Stefan 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe antimicrobial effects of the sesquiterpene T‐cadinol, isolated from the Somalian traditional remedy, scented myrrh (resin of Commiphora guidottii Chiov., Burseraceae), were investigated. The compound was found to be active toward Staphylococcus aureus and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The minimum inhibitory concentration of T‐cadinol on S. aureus was 24 μg/mL and the lowest concentration exerting fungicidal effect on T. mentagrophytes was 2.3 μg/mL. The influence of T‐cadinol cell viability in S. aureus, both in different growth‐phases, and in the absence and presence of chloramphenicol, was studied. It could be concluded that T‐cadinol has a bactericidal rather than a bacteriostatic effect, which acts also in the absence of growth. Furthermore, the effect of T‐cadinol on S. aureus was analysed and documented with transmission electron microscopy. The electron micrographs clearly showed that T‐cadinol interacted with the cell envelopes, causing bacterial lysis and subsequent fatal loss of intracellular material. The effect of the substance was thus characterized as bacteriolytic. The use of scented myrrh in traditional medicine as a remedy for wounds may then be in congruence with this bactericidal effect of T‐cadinol toward the common wound pathogen S. aureus.