Evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of lycorine from Sternbergia fisheriana (Herbert) Rupr

The present study reports the potential antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of lycorine from Sternbergia fischeriana (Herbert) Rupr. (Amaryllidaceae). Lycorine was evaluated on mice by using acetic-acid induced writhing and tail-flick tests. Lycorine exhibited stronger inhibition than aspirin in acetic-acid induced abdominal stretching at 1.0 mg/kg dose. Lycorine also showed antinociceptive activity at 1.0 mg/kg dose in tail-flick test. The anti-inflammatory activity of lycorine was not found to be significant at dose of 0.5 mg/kg. However, at doses of 1.0 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg, i.p. showed a significant reduction with 53.45% and 36.42%, respectively in rat paw oedema induced by carrageenan against the reference anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin (3 mg/kg, i.p.) (95.70%). The ED₅₀ of lycorine was determined as 0.514 mg/kg. Hepatoprotective activity of lycorine on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced acute liver toxicity following biochemical parameters were also evaluated. Rats were treated with lycorine at doses of 1.0 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg, i.p. Results of biochemical tests were confirmed by histopathological examination. Lycorine exhibited significant hepatoprotective effect at dose of 2.0 mg/kg i.p. dose.     

Constituents of aromatic plants: eucalyptol

The subacute toxicity studies reported up to now in rats and mice suggested that mice were less susceptible than rats to the toxicity of eucalyptol. In fact, after gavage, it was found toxic in male rats at doses higher than 600 mg/kg while no effect was seen in mice up to 1200 mg/kg. However, the limitations and the quality of the study do not allow the extrapolation of a 'no effect level'. Several reports in rat and brushtail possum show the formation of hydroxylated bicycled products of eucalyptol as main metabolites. Moreover, metabolites which require ring opening have been also detected. Following the accidental exposure of human beings, death was reported in two cases after ingestion of 3.5-5 ml of essential eucalyptus oil, but a number of recoveries have also been described for much higher amounts of oil.     

Antidiarrhoeal activity of Cyperus rotundus

The methanol extract of Cyperus rotundus rhizome, given orally at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w., showed significant antidiarrhoeal activity in castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice. Among the fractions, tested at 250 mg/kg, the petroleum ether fraction (PEF) and residual methanol fraction (RMF) were found to retain the activity, the latter being more active as compared to the control. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) did not show any antidiarrhoeal activity.     

Antinociceptive effect and acute toxicity of the Hyptis suaveolens leaves aqueous extract on mice

The aqueous extract of Hyptis suaveolens leaves was studied for their antinociceptive property in chemical and thermal models of nociception in mice. Oral administration of the aqueous extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced the number of writhings induced by acetic acid, decreased the licking activity of the early phase in formalin test and increased the reaction time in hot-plate test. The antinociceptive effect was significantly antagonized by naloxone (3 mg/kg; i.p.). Preliminary acute toxicity study showed that no animal death with doses up to 5 g/kg (p.o.).     

Analgesic,antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oil of Lippia multiflora

The essential oil of Lippia multiflora Moldenke (Verbenaceae) produced by conventional hydrodistillation was analyzed and studied for its analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities in rats and mice. At the doses used (2, 4 and 8 ml/kg o.s.) the essential oil of L. multiflora showed significant and dose-dependent analgesic effect on acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Only the dose of 8 ml/kg of essential oil, antagonized hyperexia induced by brewer's yeast. No effect on granuloma formation was observed.     

Antiinflammatory activity of Sambucus ebulus hexane extracts

Hexane extracts of aerial parts (flowered browes), leaves and roots of Sambucus ebulus were investigated for their antiinflammatory activity in rats. Aerial parts and roots extracts produced statistically significant and dose dependent inhibition of edema induced by carrageenan at all doses when compared to the control groups. On the contrary, hexane extract of leaves did not show any activity up to 600 mg/kg i.p. The highest activity was showed in the aerial parts and roots that at 600 mg/kg i.p. inhibited inflammation by ca. 80% (78% for diclofenac at 100 mg /kg i.p.). No extracts exhibit toxicity when injected up to 2 g/ kg intraperitoneally in mice.     

Ocotea quixos Lam. essential oil: In vitro and in vivo investigation on its anti-inflammatory properties

Here we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of Ocotea quixos essential oil and of its main components, trans-cinnamaldehyde and methyl cinnamate, in in vitro and in vivo models. Ocotea essential oil and trans-cinnamaldehyde but not methyl cinnamate significantly reduced LPS-induced NO release from J774 macrophages at non-toxic concentrations, inhibited LPS-induced COX-2 expression and increased forskolin-induced cAMP production. The essential oil (30–100 mg/kg os) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (10 mg/kg os) in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema showed anti-inflammatory effect without damaging gastric mucosa. In conclusion we provide the first evidence of a significant anti-inflammatory gastro-sparing activity of O.quixos essential oil.     

Chemical composition and pharmacological activity of essential oil of Canarium schweinfurthii

The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of the resin of Canarium schweinfurthii growing in Central African Republic, was analysed by GC and GC/MS and its analgesic and antiinflammatory effects were studied. The major constituents of the essential oil were octylacetate (60%) and nerolidol (14%). At the doses of 1, 2 and 3 ml/kg i.p. essential oil shows a significant analgesic effect using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate methods. However, its was unable to reduce inflammatory process in cotton pellet induced granuloma method.     

Antidiabetic properties of aqueous barks extract of Parinari excelsa in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The aqueous extract of the Parinari excelsa barks at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg/day for 7 days has a significant antihyperglycemic effect on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. At the same dose the acute oral administration of aqueous extract of the P. excelsa barks (100 and 300 mg/kg) induced a significant decrease of blood glucose on glucose-loaded normoglycaemic rats. Our results seem to confirm the rational bases for its use in traditional medicine.     

Toxicity and anthelmintic efficacy of crude aqueous of extract of the bark of Sacoglottis gabonensis

The water extract of the stem bark of Sacoglottis gabonensis was evaluated for its preliminary acute toxicity and anthelmintic efficacy against gastro-intestinal nematodes of small ruminants and mice in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Intra-peritoneal administration of doses ranging from 400 to 3200 mg/kg of the aqueous stem bark extract produced varying degrees of toxicity manifested as depression, drowsiness and unsteady gait, paralysis of the hind limbs, dyspnoea, coma and death. The pathological lesions noted at necropsy were mainly congestion and edema of the lungs, bronchi and bronchioles and hepatomegally with focal necrosis of liver cells. The severity of the clinical symptoms and pathological lesions were dose-related. In the in vitro study, the extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced the hatching of strongyline nematode eggs from naturally infected small ruminants. The 100 mg/ml concentration of the extract produced the highest (94.4%) inhibition on nematode egg hatch and the result was comparable to similar effect produced by either levamisole (100% at 15 mg/ml) or albendazole (99.7% at 6.25 mg/ml). In rats experimentally infected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus, treatment with the S. gabonensis stem bark aqueous extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced adult worm burden and completely inhibited faecal egg output 5 days post treatment.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Dalbergia sissoo leaves

The possible anti-inflammatory activity of the 90% ethanolic extract of Dalbergia sissoo leaves (DSELE) was studied in different models of inflammation in rats after oral administration at doses of 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg. DSELE significantly inhibited carrageenin, kaolin and nystatin-induced paw oedema, as well as the weight of granuloma induced by a cotton pellet. It also inhibited dye leakage in acetic acid-induced vascular permeability test in mice. DSELE was devoid of ulcerogenic effect on the gastric mucosa of rats in acute and chronic tests. In acute toxicity studies, it was found to be safe up to 10.125 g/kg, p.o. in the rat. It was concluded that the D. sissoo leaf extract possessed significant anti-inflammatory activity (in acute, sub-acute and chronic models of inflammation) without any side effect on gastric mucosa.     

Passiflora alata and Passiflora edulis spray-dried aqueous extracts inhibit inflammation in mouse model of pleurisy

The aqueous leaves extracts of Passiflora alata (100-300 mg/kg, i.p.) and Passiflora edulis (100-1000 mg/kg, i.p.) possess a significant antiinflammatory activity on carrageenan-induced pleurisy in mice. Treatment with the extracts inhibited leukocyte migration and reduced the formation of exudate. Moreover, a significant inhibition of myeloperoxidase and adenosine-deaminase activities was observed at the doses tested (100 or 250 mg/kg, i.p.). At the same doses, a significant decrease of serum C-reactive protein was observed.     

Anti-diabetic activity of flowers of Hibiscus rosasinensis

The ethanol extract of flowers of Hibiscus rosasinensis at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the blood glucose level in both acute (1, 3, 5 h) and sub acute (1, 3, 5, 7 days) treatments.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Trewia polycarpa roots

The alcoholic extract of Trewia polycarpa roots, when administered orally to rats at doses of 50-400 mg/kg, exhibited a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in both acute and chronic models. It also showed a significant antinociceptive action mice in the dose range of 25-200 mg/kg. The extract did not reveal any toxicity in rats up to a dose of 3.2 g/kg (p.o.). It showed the presence of terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, quinones and glycosides on phytochemical screening.     

Acute toxicity and diuretic studies of Rungia repens aerial parts in rats

Ethanolic extract of Rungia repens aerials parts (300 and 600 mg/kg p.o) showed diuretic activity in rats. The acute toxicity, orally evaluated in mice, was found to be higher than 3000 mg/kg.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Butea monosperma flowers

Methanolic extract of Butea monosperma flowers (MEBM) was studied for anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenin induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma in albino rats. In carrageenin induced paw edema, MEBM at oral doses of 600 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, dose-dependently inhibited the paw edema. In cotton pellet induced granuloma, MEBM at the same doses was found to significantly inhibit granuloma tissue formation, including significant reduction in levels of serum lysosomal enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and lipid peroxides as compared to control.     

Insecticidal effects of the powdery formulation based on clay and essential oil from the leaves of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clausena anisata</Emphasis> (Willd.) J. D. Hook ex. Benth. (Rutaceae) against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acanthoscelides obtectus</Emphasis> (Say) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

The bioefficacies of essential oil and aromatized clay powder based on the mixture of clay and essential oil extracted from Clausena anisata were evaluated for their insecticidal activities and their effects on progeny production of Acanthoscelides obtectus. Contact toxicity assayed by coating on bean grains showed that these chemicals caused significant mortality of the test insect. Beetle mortality was dose dependant and after 2-day exposure the aromatized clay powder was more toxic (LD₅₀ = 0.069 μl/g grain) than the pure essential oil (LD₅₀ = 0.081 μl/g grain). There was, however, a highly significant loss of toxicity after 24 and 36 h following treatment with essential oil and aromatized powder, respectively. Both aromatized clay powder and pure essential oil considerably reduced the F₁ progeny insect production. The essential oil evoked moderated repellent action and high fumigant toxicity (LC₅₀ = 0.093 μl/cm³) against adults of A. obtectus. These results suggest that the clay powder could be used to stabilize the essential oil to increase its efficacy for use as an alternative to synthetic insecticides.     

Essential oil of Lindera neesiana fruit: Chemical analysis and its potential use in topical applications

The composition of the essential oil of Lindera neesiana Kurz fruit was examined by GC-MS, ¹H, ¹³C and bidimensional NMR techniques (HMQC, HMBC, COSY, TOCSY). Forty compounds were identified, representing approximately 86% of the oil: Z-citral (15.08%), E-citral (11.89%), eucalyptol (8.75%), citronellal (6.72%), α-pinene (6.63%) and β-pinene (5.61%) were the major components. The essential oil of L. neesiana fruit showed significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans at non-cytotoxic doses in human keratinocytes, suggesting possible topical applications.     

CNS depressant activity of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides

The aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides was used to study the central nervous system depressant activity pattern of the plant. The extract protected mice from strychnine-induced convulsion at 400 mg/kg p.o. and 100 mg/kg i.p. A dose-dependent prolongation of seizure latency was produced at 400 mg/kg, p.o. and 100 mg/kg i.p. for strychnine-induced seizure; and at 400 mg/kg p.o. and 100 mg/kg i.p. for picrotoxin-induced seizure. Moreover, the CNS depressant activity of the extract (200 mg/kg p.o. and 50 mg/kg i.p.) was demonstrated by a significant prolongation of 40 mg/kg, pentobarbitone sleeping time, and significant reduction in exploratory behavior of mice at a dose of 400 mg/kg p.o., with both effects comparable to effects produced by 4 mg/kg chlorpromazine. Acute oral toxicity test, up to 14 days, did not produce any visible signs of toxicity; however, acute (24 h) i.p toxicity test produced a dose-dependent mortality with LD50 of 455.2 mg/kg.     

Synergistic antibiotic activity of volatile compounds from the essential oil of Lippia sidoides and thymol

Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) is used in the folk medicine as topical antiseptic in skin and mucous membranes and its therapeutic effect is attributed to the thymol presence. The objective of this work was to verify the chemical composition and antibiotic modifying activity of the essential oil extracted from the leaves of L. sidoides and its major component thymol. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. The synergistic activity was evaluated using gaseous contact method. The essential oil was obtained (yield of 1.06%) and the GC/MS analysis identified the main constituents: thymol (84.9%) and p-cymene (5.33%). The antibiotic modifying activity was verified using the minimal inhibitory dose method and gaseous contact. It verified the interference of essential oil and thymol against all tested aminoglycosides. There were no statistical differences between the activity of the essential oil and thymol against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, indicating this to be the responsible composition for such activity. However, the oil was shown more effective when compared to the thymol against Staphylococcus aureus. The essential oil of L. sidoides and its major component thymol influence the activity of aminoglycosides and may be used as adjuvant in antibiotic therapy against respiratory tract bacterial pathogens.