Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents.

Berberis aristata is an edible plant employed in the South Asian Traditional Medicine, particularly its fruits being used as a tonic remedy for liver and heart. In this investigation, berberine, a known compound from this plant, was studied for its possible antihepatotoxic action in rats. Pretreatment of animals with berberine (4 mg/kg; orally twice daily for 2 days) prevented the acetaminophen- or CCl4-induced rise in serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aminotransaminases (AST and ALT), suggestive of hepatoprotection. Post-treatment with three successive oral doses of berberine (4 mg/kg every 6 h) reduced the hepatic damage induced by acetaminophen, while CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was not modified, suggesting a selective curative effect against acetaminophen. Pretreatment of animals with a single oral dose of berberine (4 mg/kg) induced prolongation of the pentobarbital (60 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced sleeping time as well as increased strychnine (0.3 mg/kg; i.p.)-induced toxicity, suggestive of inhibitory effect on microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes, cytochrome P450s (CYPs).     

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.     

Central inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract of Crinum giganteum

The aqueous extract of Crinum giganteum given intraperitoneally at doses of 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg in rats prolonged the duration of pentobarbital sleeping time and in mice reduced spontaneous motor activity, decreased the exploratory activity and attenuated amphetamine-induced stereotype behavior. The intraperitoneal and oral preliminary LD(50) in mice were found to be 627 and 1468 mg/kg, respectively. The data obtained suggest that the aqueous extract of C. giganteum contains some biologically active principles with sedative activity.     

Pharmacological studies in an herbal drug combination of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and passion flower (Passiflora incarnata): in vitro and in vivo evidence of synergy between Hypericum and Passiflora in antidepressant pharmacological models

Extracts of Hypericum, Passiflora and Valeriana are used for the treatment of mild depression and anxiety. We were interested whether a combination of Hypericum and Passiflora exerts comparable effects to Hypericum alone. We used two well-established models for investigating extracts for their anti-depressant activity, namely the effects on synaptic uptake of serotonin and the forced-swimming-test. We show here for the first time, that Passiflora significantly enhances the pharmacological potency of Hypericum in both models. Our data suggest that anti-depressive therapeutic effects of Hypericum are possible with lower doses, when it is combined with Passiflora, than with mono-preparations of Hypericum.     

Compositions and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils of two Hypericum species from Turkey

The chemical compositions of essential oils obtained from Hypericum hyssopifolium var. microcalycinum and Hypericum lysimachioides var. lysimachioides were analysed by using GC and GC-MS. Caryophyllene oxide was found to be the major component. The essential oils of both Hypericum species showed antimicrobial activity against nine microorganism at a concentration of 60 to 80 microg/ml.     

Studies on antidepressant and antinociceptive effects of ethyl acetate extract from Piper laetispicum and structure-activity relationship of its amide alkaloids

Piper laetispicum C.DC. (Piperaceae), is an endemic climbing, glabrous plant distributed in the southern part of China. A novel alkaloid amide, Laetispicine, from it has been proven to possess antidepressant activity. In this present study, antidepressant and antinociceptive effects of the ethyl acetate extract (EAE) of P. laetispicum have been studied in forced swimming, open field, acetic acid writhing and formalin tests in KM mice. A significantly antidepressant-like effect was showing at doses of higher than 60 mg/kg, which was not due to an increase in locomotive activity. The EAE also presented an analgesic effect, in our studies. At lower doses (30 mg/kg) the antinociceptive effect was likely mediated via peripheral inflammation and changes in central processing, and at higher doses (120 mg/kg) that was due to both central and peripheral pathways. We also quantitatively analyzed the major components of EAE by HPLC and approached the structure–activity relationship between structure of amide alkaloids and its antidepressant activities. The antidepressant effective components of EAE might be Leatispiamide A and Laetispicine. In their molecular structures, the isolated double bond from benzene ring and conjugated double bond located at 2–3 and 4–5 were necessary for its antidepressant activity.     

Pharmacokinetics of brucine after intravenous and oral administration to rats

The toxicity depending on both dose and administration route is the major obstacle to the development of brucine, a bioactive alkaloid from Semen Strychni. In this study, the apparent partition coefficient and plasma protein binding extent of brucine were determined. In addition, the dose-dependency of the pharmacokinetics of brucine was investigated. Three intravenous (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) and three oral (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) doses were administered to rats. After intravenous administration, the systemic clearance was reduced and AUC was nonlinearly increased as a function of dose. Upon oral administration, brucine was rapidly absorbed (T_max < 0.5 h), which was consistent with previously reported high Caco-2 P_app values. The increase in AUC was proportional to the increase in dose. The oral bioavailability (F) did not vary with the dose (F = 40.31%, 47.15% and 43.02% for 10, 20, 40 mg/kg doses, respectively). However, the dose-proportionality was not observed with C_max. The values of C_max/Dose were calculated to be 92.92 ± 45.83, 55.73 ± 24.01 and 36.29 ± 22.44 μg/L for 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively. The results of dose-dependent pharmacokinetic behavior under different administration routes may account for the significantly different toxicities of brucine between intravenous and oral administration.     

Evaluation of central nervous system effects of iso-6-cassine isolated from Senna spectabilis var. excelsa (Schrad) in mice

The depressant and anticonvulsant activities of iso-6-cassine (ISO) from Senna spectabilis (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg) injected by oral route in mice caused a significant decrease in the motor activity of animals when compared with the control group, up to 30 days after the administration and at dose of 1.5 mg/kg, it reduced the remaining time of animals on Rota-rod apparatus. Additionally, ISO at doses tested was also capable to promote an increase of latency for development of convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole and picrotoxin. These results suggest possible depressant and anticonvulsant activities in mice that need further investigation.     

金丝桃果实、种子形态及发芽特性的研究

以金丝桃果实和种子为研究材料,1）观察到金丝桃果实形态为卵圆形、红褐色,果皮有水泡状突起;种子形态为圆柱形、深褐色,在显微镜下可看到种皮具有花生壳式的网纹;2）采用浸种、小苏打、赤霉素、冷藏处理金丝桃种子,测定其发芽时间、发芽率、发芽势,结果表明金丝桃种子具有胚休眠特性,赤霉素（500mg／L）和冷藏处理能促进金丝桃种子的发芽,且赤霉素效果较好。     

Antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra aerial part

The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra (Hypericaceae) aerial part and of flavonoids isolated therein, I3,II8-biapigenin, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, kaempferol-3-O-glycoside, (-)-epicatechin and hypericin, was evaluated. The IC(50) resulted between 0.062 and 1 mg/ml.     

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.     

Phytochemical and antioxidant analysis of eight Hypericum taxa from Central Italy

Eight taxa of the Hypericum spp. growing in Central Italy (Appennino Umbro-Marchigiano) were analyzed by HPLC-DAD for constituents quantitation, for antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. H. perforatum subsp. veronense was the richest in phenolic compounds and hyperforin was detected for the first time in H. hircinum subsp. majus. Significant values of antioxidant activity were found in the investigated Hypericum taxa.     

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.     

黑龙江省两种金丝桃属植物RAPD反应的初步研究

利用RAPD技术,对黑龙江省金丝桃属两种植物进行DNA分子遗传标记鉴别,从30种随机引物中筛选出,对乌腺金丝桃、长柱金丝桃扩增具有较明显多态性的3种引物,进而从基因水平探讨其遗传本质。结果表明：引物S75、S76、S80可作为乌腺金丝桃、长柱金丝桃的高特异性引物,用这三种鉴别引物对样品的DNA进行PCR反应,经琼脂糖凝胶电泳,就可以准确鉴别。     

Hepatoprotective activity of Vitex negundo leaf extract against anti-tubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity

Hepatoprotective (HP) activity of Vitex negundo (VN) leaf ethanolic extract was investigated against hepatotoxicity (HT) produced by administering a combination of three anti-tubercular drugs isoniazid (INH)-7.5 mg/kg, rifampin (RMP)-10 mg/kg and pyrazinamide (PZA)-35 mg/kg for 35 35 days by oral route in rats. V. negundo leaf ethanolic extract was administered in three graded doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg orally, 45 min prior to anti-tubercular challenge for 35 days. HP effect of V. negundo leaf ethanolic extract was evident in the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg as there was a significant decrease in TB, AST, ALT and ALP levels in comparison to control. Histology of the liver section of the animals treated with the V. negundo leaf ethanolic extract in the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg further confirms the HP 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.     

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.).     

Anti-inflammatory,analgesic and antipyretic properties of Clitoria ternatea root

Clitoria ternatea roots methanol extract when given by oral route to rats was found to inhibit both the rat paw oedema caused by carrageenin and vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in rats. Moreover, the extract exhibited a significant inhibition in yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. In the acetic acid-induced writhing response, the extract markedly reduced the number of writhings at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg (p.o.) in mice.     

Antinociceptive effect and acute toxicity of the essential oil of Hyptis fruticosa in mice

The essential oil of the Hyptis fruticosa leaves was analyzed by GC/MS and evaluated for antinociceptive property as well as acute toxicity in mice. The essential oil, at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg (s.c.), produced significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing, but did not manifest a significant effect in hot-plate test. There was no acute toxicity at doses up to 5 g/kg. Bicyclogermacrene, 1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene were the major compounds detected in the essential oil.     

Diuretic, laxative and toxicity studies of Cocculus hirsutus aerial parts

The aqueous extract of the Cocculus hirsutus aerial parts (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant diuretic activity and laxative effect in rats. The acute toxicity, orally evaluated in mice, was found to be higher than 3000 mg/kg.