Antinociceptive effect of Melastoma malabathricum ethanolic extract in mice

The antinociceptive effect of the ethanolic extract of Melastoma malabathricum (MME) was investigated using acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test and hot-plate test in mice. It was demonstrated that the extract (30-300 mg/kg, i.p.) strongly and dose-dependently inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing with an ED(50) of 100 (78-160) mg/kg i.p. It also significantly increased the response latency period to thermal stimuli. Furthermore, the nonselective opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone blocked the antinociceptive effect of the extract in both tests, suggesting that M. malabathricum may act both at peripheral and central levels.     

Haematological evaluation of ethanolic extract of Allium ascalonicum in male albino rats

The haematological effect of ethanolic extract of Allium ascalonicum was evaluated in male albino rats during a 21 day administration at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w, orally. Parameters evaluated include the serum lipids, red and white cell indices. The results showed that the extract administered decreased most of the parameters relating to red cell and increased most of those parameters relating to white cells. It also decreased the total cholesterol (TCH), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) with no significant effect on the triglyceride levels.     

Hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects of ethanolic extract from Jatropha gossypiifolia L. in rats

The present work was carried out to examine the hypotensive effects of ethanolic extract (EE) from Jatropha gossypiifolia L. The oral administration of EE (125 or 250 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) caused a significant and dose-dependent reduction of the systolic blood pressure. The concentration-response curves to norepinephrine (NE) or Ca(2+) were non-parallelly shifted to the right and the maximum contractile responses were concentration dependently depressed by EE (0.1 or 0.5 mg/ml) in endothelium-deprived mesenteric artery. The cumulative additions of EE (0.1-30 mg/ml) caused a concentration-dependent relaxant response in endothelium-deprived mesenteric artery precontracted with NE or Ca(2+). In conclusion, our results have shown that the EE from J. gossypiifolia L. can elicit hypotension, by oral via, in conscious normotensive rats and vasorelaxant activity on rat mesenteric rings precontracted with NE or Ca(2+).     

Vasorelaxation and antispasmodic effects of Kaempferia parviflora ethanolic extract in isolated rat organ studies

The ethanolic extract of Kaempferia parviflora (KP) rhizomes dose-dependently relaxed both aortic rings and ileum precontracted with phenylephrine and acethylcholine, respectively.     

Hypoglycemic activity of Nymphaea stellata leaves ethanolic extract in alloxan induced diabetic rats

The ethanolic extract of leaves of Nymphaea stellata given by oral route to diabetic rats at dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day for seven days reduced significantly by 31.6 and 42.6 % the plasma glucose level increased by intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/day of alloxan. Moreover, the treatment significantly affected the plasma level of cholesterol and triglyceride.     

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the ethanolic extract and its fractions of Cleome rutidosperma

Oral administration of the ethanolic extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) and its fractions (200 mg/kg each) of the aerial parts of Cleome rutidosperma produced significant analgesic activity in acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion tests, anti-inflammatory effect against carrageenin induced inflammation and adjuvant induced polyarthritis and antipyretic activity against yeast-induced pyrexia. Fractionation of the ethanolic extract potentiated the activities.     

Beneficial effect of Embelia ribes ethanolic extract on blood pressure and glycosylated hemoglobin in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

Embelia ribes (common name, Vidanga) is extensively used in traditional system of medicine for treatment of various disorders. It is described in Ayurveda, as a powerful anthelmintic, antifertility and antihyperlipidemic agent. The present study was undertaken to investigate modulatory effect of 6 weeks' chronic oral administration of E. ribes ethanolic extract on diabetes mellitus induced by a diabetogen, streptozotocin (STZ) with special reference to changes in glucose levels, glycated haemoglobin status and cardiac toxicity. STZ treatment (40 mg/kg iv) resulted in significant increase in blood glucose levels, glycated haemoglobin levels, heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Oral administration of E. ribes ethanolic extract in dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in animals when compared with diabetic rats.     

Identification of chicoric acid as a hypoglycemic agent from Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract in a biomonitoring in vivo study

Ocimum gratissimum L. is popularly used to treat diabetes mellitus. The hypoglycemic activity of this medicinal species has been confirmed by in vivo studies. The present study conducted a chemical investigation of a leaf decoction (10% p/v) of O. gratissimum monitored by in vivo hypoglycemic activity assays. Four phenolic substances were identified: l-caftaric acid (1), l-chicoric acid (2), eugenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (3) and vicenin-2 (4). The acute hypoglycemic activity of the O. gratissimum decoction fractions Og1-S (300 mg/kg), Og1-A (240 mg/kg) and Og1-B (80 mg/kg) was evaluated intraperitoneally in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. They reduced glycemia by 63%, 76% and 60% (in 120 min), respectively, in the diabetic mice. Subfractions of Og1-A were also evaluated under the same conditions: Og1-AS (200 mg/kg) and Og1-AP (40 mg/kg) produced a decrease of only 37% and 39%, respectively. Among the major phenolic substances, only chicoric acid (2; 3 mg/kg) reduced significantly the glycemic levels of diabetic mice by 53%, 120 min after treatment. This is the first study describing the hypoglycemic activity of chicoric acid in an animal model of diabetes mellitus. In addition, we suggest that there may be other substances contributing to this activity. Thus, for the first time, a correlation is established between the hypoglycemic activity of O. gratissimum and its chemical composition.     

Protective effect of Piper longum fruit ethanolic extract on radiation induced damages in mice: a preliminary study

The radioprotective property of an ethanolic extract of Piper longum fruits (EEPLF) was investigated in Swiss mice. The white blood cell (WBC) count in irradiated control mice was drastically reduced to 1900 cells/mm3 on third day but in treated animals the count was 2783.3 cells/mm3. The number of bone marrow cells and alpha-esterase positive cells was also enhanced by the EEPLF administration (16.7 x 10(6) cells/femur and 946.5/4000 cells, respectively) when compared to the radiation exposed control animals (12.2 x 10(6) cells/femur and 693.5/4000 cells, respectively). EEPLF reduced the elevated levels of glutathione pyruvate transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in liver and serum of radiation treated animals. The extract administration also increased the reduced glutathione (GSH) production to offer the radioprotection.     

Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition of ethanolic extract and monoterpenes from Pimpinella anisoides V Brig. (Apiaceae)

Ethanolic extract from the fruits of Pimpinella anisoides, an aromatic plant and a spice, exhibited activity against AChE and BChE, with IC₅₀ values of 227.5 and 362.1 μg/ml, respectively. The most abundant constituents of the extract were trans-anethole, (+)-limonene and (+)-sabinene. trans-Anethole exhibited the highest activity against AChE and BChE with IC₅₀ values of 134.7 and 209.6 μg/ml, respectively. The bicyclic monoterpene (+)-sabinene exhibited a promising activity against AChE (IC₅₀ of 176.5 μg/ml) and BChE (IC₅₀ of 218.6 μg/ml).     

Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in the rats

Aqueous (150 mg/kg/day) and to a lesser extent petroleum ether (20 mg/kg/day) extract of Urtica dioica given for 30 days to rats fed with normal or high-fat diet, improved the blood lipid profile. Significant decreases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio and plasma total apo B were observed. Assessment of GOT, GPT and LDH activities showed that no liver damage has occurred during the study period.     

Analgesic and antidiarrheal properties of Ocimum selloi essential oil in mice

Ocimum selloi essential oil (2, 20, and 200 mg/kg; p.o.) reduced, in a dose-dependent way, the abdominal contraction induced by acetic acid (0.6%; i.p.) and the diarrhea episodes induced by castor oil in mice. At the higher dose (200 mg/kg; p.o.), the essential oil significantly reduced intestinal transit (P<0.05) in the charcoal meal test. The main component detected in O. selloi essential oil was methyl chavicol (98%; GC and GC/MS).These effects seems to support the use of O. selloi against diarrhea, intestinal spasm and visceral pain.     

丁香罗勒栽培及其研究进展

简述丁香罗勒引进云南德宏试验种植初步形成的栽培技术,并综合介绍国内外对丁香罗勒化学成分、功能作用的研究进展。     

The infestation of Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae) by Aphis fabae (Scop.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) under the influence of Lamiaceae (Ocimum basilicum L. and Satureja hortensis L.)

Abtract The system Vicia faba–Aphis fabae fabae was studied under the influence of Ocimum basilicum (basil) and Satureja hortensis, in a wind tunnel, in the greenhouse and in field experiments. In the wind tunnel at 20°C both Lamiaceae were deterrent for A. fabae, and S. hortensis proved to be more deterrent than O. basilicum. In experiments in the greenhouse at low temperatures (average minimum 14.6°C, average maximum 24.1°C), A. fabae colonised first and significantly more intense Vicia fabae (field beans) not surrounded by O. basilicum or S. hortensis. At high temperatures (average minimum 18.0°C, average maximum 38.5°C) this relation was inverted: Vicia faba surrounded by the two Lamiaceae were preferred for colonisation (Ocimum basilicum significantly). It showed that pots with Lamiaceae were no obstacle for the aphids to reach Vicia faba. In strip cropping in the field, the repellent effect of Ocimum basilicum proved to be stronger than of Satureja hortensis. In 2002 there was observed only a tendency of lower aphid attack of field beans intercropped with Lamiaceae, while in 2004 and 2005 the infestation of Vicia faba by Aphis fabae was significantly lower in plots intercropped with basil. In plots with Satureja hortensis as intercrop, Vicia faba were significantly lower infested, after 3 weeks. The differences between the results of the wind tunnel/greenhouse at low temperatures, and the field experiments concerning the deterrence by Satureja hortensis cannot be explained. But basing on our results with Ocimum basilicum and those published by other authors, it is recommended to follow up intercropping, after a sincere analysis in every case, in favour of agronomists.     

Effects of Morus alba leaf extract on the production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 and cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages

Morus alba leaf methanolic extract and its fractions (chloroform, butanol, and aqueous fractions) were found to inhibit NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages without an appreciable cytotoxic effect at concentration from 4 to 100 microg/ml. LPS-induced PGE2 production was significantly reduced only by butanol fraction. In addition, M. alba leaf extract and its fractions significantly decreased the production of TNF-alpha. These findings suggest that M. alba leaf extract seems to be able in suppressing inflammatory mediators. Moreover, the inhibitory activities on COX-2 and iNOS of its butanol fraction are warranted for further elucidation of active principles for development of new antiinflammatory agents.     

Role for toll-like receptor 4 in TNF-alpha secretion by murine macrophages in response to polysaccharide Krestin,a Trametes versicolor mushroom extract

Woody fungi and yeast preparations show promise in cancer treatment by activating anti-tumor immune responses. Macrophages (J774A.1) were treated with PSK, Reishi extract, scleroglucan or vehicle control. Pre-incubation with TLR4 blocking antibody inhibited TNF-alpha secretion by both J774A.1 cells and primary splenocytes but had inconclusive effect on scleroglucan-induced secretion of TNF-alpha. PSK induced TNF-alpha and IL-6 secretion by wild type but not by TLR4-deficient peritoneal macrophages. We conclude that constituents from PSK act as ligands for TLR4 receptors leading to induction of TNF-alpha and IL-6 inflammatory cytokines. Receptor-mediated differences may be due to structural differences in beta glucans or non-glucan constituents.     

Rosmarinic acid content and RAPD analysis of in vitro regenerated basil (Ocimum americanum) plants

Various in vitro cultures were established from shoot tips of Ocimum americanum seedlings. Rosmarinic acid content of the in vitro produced plants as well as parent plant were determined by HPLC analysis and subjected to RAPD analysis. MS medium with BA at a concentration of 1 mg/l and 0.25 mg/l IAA supports maximum rosmarinic acid production in plants produced from cultures grown on that medium. RAPD analysis revealed 64 scorable bands from four primers, including six polymorphic bands. The band pattern revealed differences between the parent plant and the in vitro regenerated plants. Certain band changes were found in O. americanum plants regenerated in vitro, suggesting the existence of genetic variation that might affect the biochemical synthesis of plants derived from tissue culture.     

Effect of a standardized extract of red orange juice on proliferation of human prostate cells in vitro

A standardized extract of red orange juice (ROE) was shown to inhibit proliferation of fibroblast and epithelial prostate cells. These data suggest that the antiproliferative properties of ROE cannot be ascribed to cytotoxic effect and highlight its potential usefulness in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.     

Relationship between H_2O_2 accumulation and NO synthesis during osmotic stress: promoted somatic embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica

Osmotic stress promotes somatic embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica,which leads to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).The single pieces of cotyledons of F.mandshurica were used as explants to induce somatic embryogenesis in osmotic-stress medium.Furthermore,the hydrogen peroxide H_2O_2 content of explanted cells was varied by adding exogenous H_2O_2 or catalase solution to assess the effects of the exogenous H_2O_2on somatic embryogenesis,intracellular H_2O_2accumulation,and the relationship between signaling mediated by ROS or reactive nitrogen species.The results revealed that exogenous H_2O_2(100?300μmol L~(–1)) increased the number of somatic embryos.On 60th day of exogenous H_2O_2(200μmol L~(–1))treatment,the number of somatic embryos of explants treated,which was 136.54%,was higher than the control.Moreover,exogenous H_2O_2 (100μmol L~(–1)) significantly increased the intracellular H_2O_2content and enhanced the activities of superoxidase dismutase and peroxidase.Finally,exogenous H_2O_2(100μmol L~(–1)) activated the intracellular non-enzymatic pathway for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis.The somatic embryogenesis in broadleaf trees increases with the change of endogenic ROS content,and depends on the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes.Both H_2O_2and NO,as signaling molecules,were found to be involved in the process of somatic embryogenesis in broadleaf trees.In the process of exogenous H_2O_2promoting somatic embryogenesis,NO synthesis depended on non-enzymatic reactions.These results provide a scientific basis for resolving the mechanism by which ROS levels are regulated during somatic embryogenesis of broadleaf trees and establish a reasonable and efficient technology system for regulating somatic embryogenesis of trees.     

Girdling decreases photosynthetic electron fluxes and induces sustained photoprotection in mango leaves

Girdling has been suggested as a way to improve earliness and intensity of flowering in mango (Mangifer indica L.). However, the accumulation of carbohydrates associated with girdling may result in a decrease in photosynthesis. We assessed the long-term effect of branch girdling during the prefloral period on leaf net photosynthesis (A(n)) of 3-year old mango trees, cv. Cogshall, growing on La Réunion island. Leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured monthly from March to August 2004 on recently matured leaves on girdled and non-girdled branches. Within 28 days after girdling, A(n) was reduced by 77% and remained at about 2 micromol CO(2) m(-2 ) s(-1) until the beginning of flowering. The decrease in photosynthetic electron transport rate (J) and sustained photoprotection (reflected by the decrease in predawn maximal efficiency of photosystem II) effectively protected leaves on girdled branches from photodamage, as shown by the vigorous recovery of A(n) and J observed immediately after the appearance of inflorescences. These increases in A(n) and J were unaccompanied by a decrease in leaf carbohydrate concentration during the first month following the onset of flowering, indicating that there are carbohydrate-dependent and carbohydrate-independent mechanisms of sink regulation of photosynthesis. It is concluded that girdling does not necessarily lead to irreversible damage, even in the presence of a fourfold increase in leaf starch concentration and in the absence of any sink activity. However, the decrease in leaf nitrogen concentration indicates that there may exist long-term negative effects of branch girdling on photosynthetic capacity. A modified version of the biochemical model of A(n) is presented that takes account of the effect of leaf starch concentration on J.