Evaluation of the antitussive effect of stigma and petals of saffron (Crocus sativus) and its components, safranal and crocin in guinea pigs

The antitussive activity of Crocus sativus stigma and petal extracts and its components, safranal and crocin, was evaluated using the nebolized solution of citric acid 20% in guinea pigs. The extract and agents were injected intraperitoneally. The ethanolic extract of C. sativus (100-800 mg/kg) and safranal (0.25-0.75 ml/kg) reduced the number of cough. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of petal and crocin did not show antitussive activity.     

Anticonvulsant evaluation of safranal and crocin from Crocus sativus in mice

The anticonvulsant activities of Crocus sativus stigma constituents, safranal and crocin, were evaluated in mice using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions in mice. Safranal (0.15 and 0.35 ml/kg, i.p.) reduced the seizure duration, delayed the onset of tonic convulsions and protected mice from death. Crocin (200 mg/kg, i.p.) did not show anticonvulsant activity.     

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.     

Free radical scavenging activity of different extracts and some constituents from the leaves of Ligustrum vulgare and L. delavayanum

The free radical scavenging activity of the water infusions, different organic solvent extracts and some constituents from Ligustrum vulgare and Ligustrum delavayanum leaves was assessed with the aid of DPPH radical. Among the samples screened, water infusions had the strongest free radical scavenging capacity. From the tested compounds scavenging active flavonoid aglycones are present in the most active chloroform fractions from both leaves samples.     

Anti-inflammatory, cyclooxygenase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of standardized extracts of Tridax procumbens L.

The standardized EtOAc, MeOH and 70% EtOH extracts of Tridax procumbens aerial parts showed significant inhibition of rat paw edema at a medium dose of 200 mg/kg and the EtOAC extract was the most active. These extracts were standardized by HPLC with the help of chemical markers. Further, the extracts were evaluated for COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activity and EtOAc extract exhibited the highest inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 at 50 μg/mL. Cent aurein, centaureidin and bergenin were isolated as COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory principles from the EtOAc extract. The extracts also exhibited antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS free radicals. The anti-inflammatory activity of T. procumbens aerial parts could be at least in part due to COX-1, COX-2 enzyme inhibition and free radical-scavenging activities which may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and other polyphenols in the extracts.     

Antiobesity and lipid lowering effects of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng leaves extracts and mahanimbine on high fat diet induced obese rats

The dichloromethane (MKD) and ethyl acetate (MKE) extracts of Murraya koenigii leaves significantly reduced the body weight gain, plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels significantly when given orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg/day to the high fat diet (HFD) induced obese rats for 2 weeks. The observed antiobesity and antihyperlipidemic activities of these extract are correlated with the carbazole alkaloids present in them. Mahanimbine (1) when given orally (30 mg/kg/day) also significantly lowered the body weight gain as well as plasma TC and TG levels. These findings demonstrate the excellent pharmacological potential of mahanimbine to prevent obesity.