Suppression of ERK1/2 and hypoxia pathways by four Phyllanthus species inhibits metastasis of human breast cancer cells

Chemotherapies remain far from ideal due to drug resistance; therefore, novel chemotherapeutic agents with higher effectiveness are crucial. The extracts of four Phyllanthus species, namely Phyllanthus niruri, Phyllanthus urinaria, Phyllanthus watsonii, and Phyllanthus amarus, were shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit metastasis of breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7). The main objective of this study was to determine the pathways utilized by these four Phyllanthus species to exert anti-metastatic activities. A cancer 10-pathway reporter was used to investigate the pathways affected by the four Phyllanthus species. Results indicated that these Phyllanthus species suppressed breast carcinoma metastasis and proliferation by suppressing matrix metalloprotein 2 and 9 expression via inhibition of the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway. Additionally, inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α in the hypoxia pathway caused reduced vascular endothelial growth factor and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, resulting in anti-angiogenic effects and eventually anti-metastasis. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis identified numerous proteins suppressed by these Phyllanthus species, including invasion proteins, anti-apoptotic protein, protein-synthesis proteins, angiogenic and mobility proteins, and various glycolytic enzymes. Our results indicated that ERK and hypoxia pathways are the most likely targets of the four Phyllanthus species for the inhibition of MCF-7 metastasis.

Effects of 6 weeks oral administration of Phyllanthus acidus leaf water extract on the vascular functions of middle-aged male rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Leaves of Phyllanthus acidus (PA) have been used in Thai traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension. We have previously shown that chronic treatment of a PA water extract to middle-aged male rats caused a lowering of the body and serum lipids, two of the parameters that are implicated in cardiovascular disease.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate if chronic treatment of middle-aged male rats with a PA water extract affected the perivascular (aortic) adipose tissue (PVAT) and/or their vascular functions

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fresh leaves of PA were extracted with water and orally gavaged to the middle-aged male rats for 6 weeks. Vascular functions were studied in vitro using isolated thoracic aorta with and without PVAT, and mesenteric rings in Krebs Heinseleit solution with results recorded with a Polygraph or a Myograph system. The amount of blood vessel eNOS and CSE (cystathionine-γ-lyase) expression was measured by Western blotting.

RESULTS

PA treatment caused a lower maximal contractile response to phenylephrine (Phe) of the endothelium-intact aortic ring than that of the control group. This effect was abolished by N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NA) or by denudation of the endothelium. dl-propargylglycine (PAG, H2S inhibitor) and TEA (Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel blocker), but not glybenclamide (ATP-activated K(+) channel blocker), caused a similar increase in the baseline of the endothelium-intact aortic ring in the presence of l-NA in both the PA-treated and control aortic rings. This effect sequentially resulted in a greater contractile response of the aortic rings of both groups to Phe. Glybenclamide also caused a similar increase in the maximal contraction of the endothelium-intact blood vessels with l-NA to both groups. PAG, TEA or glybenclamide did not modify the phenylephrine C-R curves for either group of the PVAT-endothelium-intact aortic rings preincubated with l-NA. The CSE levels of the thoracic aorta and at the PVAT were not different between the PA-treated and the control group. Relaxation of the Phe-precontracted thoracic aortic ring to acetylcholine, but not to glyceryl trinitrate, was higher for the PA-treated than for the control aortic rings and this effect was abolished by l-NA. The mesenteric rings of the PA treated group showed a lower sensitivity on the contractile response to Phe than that of the control group, and this effect was abolished by l-NA. Vasodilatation to acetylcholine, but not to glyceryl trinitrate, of the PA treated-mesenteric ring was more sensitive than that of the control group and this effect was abolished by l-NA. The expression of eNOS by the PA treated thoracic aorta and the mesenteric arteries was higher than the control group. These results demonstrated that chronic treatment with a PA water extract to middle-aged rats affected their vascular functions by increasing the nitric oxide production from the endothelial cells and also modulated the responsiveness of the thoracic aortic- and mesenteric rings to phenylephrine and acetylcholine.

Ethnopharmacological investigation of the diuretic and hemodynamic properties of native species of the Brazilian biodiversity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Although Echinodorus grandiflorus, Cuphea carthagenensis, and Phyllanthus tenellus infusions are used in Brazilian folk medicine due to their possible diuretic effect, none of these species was critically investigated as a diuretic drug. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible acute diuretic activity of ethanol soluble fractions (ES) obtained from these species and assess the relationship between renal cortical blood flow and their antioxidant and hypotensive activity using normotensive Wistar rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The preparation obtained from E. grandiflorus (ES-EG), C. carthagenensis (ES-CC), and P. tenellus (ES-PT) infusions was orally administered in a single dose to rats. Urine excretion rate, pH, density, conductivity and Na(+), K(+), Cl(-) and HCO3(-) contents were measured in the urine of saline-loaded animals. Concentration of electrolytes, total protein, urea, creatinine, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity were evaluated in collected serum. The involvement of the renal cortical blood flow and antioxidative activity in the hypotensive and diuretic effects was also determined.

RESULTS

Water and Na(+), Cl(-) and Na(+) excretion rates were significantly increased by ES-EG, while urinary bicarbonate excretion was reduced. Moreover, ES obtained from E. grandiflorus was able to significantly increase renal blood flow and reduce mean arterial pressure and oxidative stress in "in vitro" and "in vivo" models. All other parameters evaluated were not affected by any treatment.

CONCLUSION

The results presented here shown that the ES-EG obtained from E. grandiflorus leaves shown a significant diuretic and hypotensive activity and suggest that these effects could be related with an important renal and systemic vasodilator effect. In addition, it was shown for the first time that the pharmacological effects of ES obtained from P. tenellus and C. carthagenensis do not support its popular use as a diuretic agent.

In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Phyllanthus acidus methanolic extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels (Phyllanthaceae) has traditionally been used to treat gastric trouble, rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma, respiratory disorders, and hepatitis. Despite this widespread use, the pharmacological activities of this plant and their molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Therefore, we evaluated the immunopharmacological activities of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of this plant (Pa-ME) and validated its pharmacological targets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages, an HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis model, and an acetic acid-injected capillary permeability mouse model were employed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Pa-ME. Potentially active anti-inflammatory components of this extract were identified by HPLC. The molecular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity were studied by kinase assays, reporter gene assays, immunoprecipitation analysis, and overexpression of target enzymes.

RESULTS

Pa-ME suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prevented morphological changes in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, both HCl/EtOH-induced gastric damage and acetic acid-triggered vascular permeability were restored by orally administered Pa-ME. Furthermore, this extract downregulated the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and reduced the nuclear levels of NF-κB. Signalling events upstream of NF-κB translocation, such as phosphorylation of Src and Syk and formation of Src/Syk signalling complexes, were also inhibited by Pa-ME. The enzymatic activities of Src and Syk were also suppressed by Pa-ME. Moreover, Src-induced and Syk-induced luciferase activity and p85/Akt phosphorylation were also inhibited by Pa-ME. Of the identified flavonoids, kaempferol and quercetin were revealed as partially active anti-inflammatory components in Pa-ME.

CONCLUSION

Pa-ME exerts anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo by suppressing Src, Syk, and their downstream transcription factor, NF-κB.

Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles prepared by biological method

Zinc oxide have been produced via a simple green method from zinc nitrate and leaf extract aqueous solutions. Prepared ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated by employing through UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM), respectively. The present investigation, confirmed the estimated band gap 3.51eV and the PL intensity at 402nm in visible region are dependent upon the geometrical shape and size of the ZnO NPs. The TEM micrograph and XRD pattern confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO NPs. The presence of functional groups and the chemical bonding are confirmed by FTIR spectra. EDS shows that the highly pure ZnO nanostructures. Moreover, the catalytic activity of synthesized ZnO in the reduction of methylene blue was studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The effects of process conditions on the morphology and size of ZnO have been found from FE-SEM and TEM analyses, respectively.

Hepatoprotective activity of hepatoplus on isonaizid and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Present study deals with the hepatoprotective activity of polyherbal formulation Hepatoplus (HP) as an oral supplement to the INH and RIF induced hepatitis in experimental rats. Rats treated with INH and RIF show abnormal liver function with significant increase in serum transaminases, bilirubin and clotting time (CT) and significant decrease in total protein and Albumin, which is brings to near normal levels by HP and LIV 52 treatments. Rats treated with INH and RIF suffer from oxidative stress in the hepatocytes, due to the decrease in Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase (GPX), Catalase (CAT), Super oxide dismutase (SOD) and significant increase in Lipid Per oxidation (LPO). HP decreases the oxidative stress and protects the liver cells membrane from LPO. 85% of DNA damage (comet tail) seen with RIF and INH treatment is reduced to 34.1% on HP application. A decrease of hepatocytes mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity is observed in INH and RIF treatment is restored by HP supplementation. Hepatic apoptotic and CYP2E1 gene expressions were also studied, BAX, p53, Caspase 3 and CYP2E1 were significantly up regulated and Bcl2 was down- regulated in INH and RIF treated rats. Concomitant application of HP prevents the modulation of these gene expressions. It is concluded that high dose of HP (100mg/kg) supplemented along with INH and RIF effectively prevents the toxicity induced by INH and RIF, as effective as 100mg/kg of LIV52.

Comparative clinical evaluation on herbal formulation Pepsil, Safoof-e-Katira and Omeprazole in gastro esophageal reflux disease

This study was conducted to evaluate the role of Unani herbal drugs Pepsil and Safoof-e-katira on the gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). This was multicentre randomized case control study conducted at Matab Hakeem Muhammad Noor-ud-din, Burewala; Aziz Muhammad din Medical and Surgical Centre, Burewala and Shifa-ul-mulk Memorial Hospital, Hamdard University Karachi. The patients were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. In test group-1 the male female ratio was 40%, 60%; test group-2 was 42%, 58% and in control group was 44%, 56% respectively. The observed symptoms in the study were increased appetite (TG-1-95%, TG-2-95% and CG-89%), difficulty in swallowing (TG-1-93%, TG-2-96% and TC-94%), belching/burping (TG-1-97%, TG-2-97% and CG-95%), vomiting (TG-1-90%, TG-2-96% and CG-89%), heart burn (TG-1-100%, TG-2-100% and CG-98%), palpitation (TG-1-100%, TG-2-100% and CG-97%), epigastric pain (TG-1-97%, TG-2-97% and CG-90%), abdominal cramps (TG-1-97%, TG-2-98% and CG-95%), tenesmus (TG-1-100%, TG-2-100% and CG-97%), flatulence (TG-1-100%, TG-2-75% and CG-95%), wakeup during sleep (TG-1-94%, TG-2-87% and CG-94%). The p-value of the results of the symptoms was 0.000 except flatulence where the value was 0.001. The statistical results of the study prescribed that all the drugs studied (Pepsil, Safoof-e-katira and Omeprazole) are highly significant. The herbal coded drug Pepsil showed no side effects and unani herbal drug safoof-e-katira showed minimum result of 75% in the patients while Omeprazole resulted with some side effects. In the result it can be concluded that the herbal coded drug Pepsil is a potent herbal drug for gastro esophageal reflux disease.

Extract from Phyllanthus urinaria L. inhibits hepatitis B virus replication and expression in hepatitis B virus transfection model in vitro

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of the extract from Phyllanthus urinaria L. on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and expression in HBV transient transfection model in vitro.

METHODS

The eukaryotic expression plasmid pHBV1.1, which contains 1.1-fold-overlength genome of HBV, was transfected into the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, to establish and assess the HBV transient transfection model. The extract from Phyllanthus urinaria L. was prepared in different concentrations and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium was used to detect the maximum nontoxic concentration of the drug. The extract from Phyllanthus urinaria L. were added into the transfected cell, at the concentrations of 0.8, 0.2 and 0.05 g/L, respectively. Four days after drug application, enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay was used to detect the concentration of HBsAg in the supernatants, Southern blot was applied to analyze HBV DNA level, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of HBcAg in cells.

RESULTS

After the transfection of plasmid pHBV1.1 into HepG2 cells, the concentration of HBsAg in supernatants was increased obviously as compared with that of the normal cells (P<0.05), and all expected HBV replicative intermediates were confirmed by Southern blot analysis, which ensured the successful establishment of the HBV transient transfection model. After the application of drugs at the concentrations of 0.8 and 0.2 g/L, the level of HBsAg was obviously decreased in the supernatants, as compared with that of the virus group (P<0.05); Southern blot showed that the level of HBV rc DNA, ds DNA, ss DNA was obviously reduced compared with that of the virus group (P<0.01); Western blot revealed that the expression of HBcAg in the drug group was obviously inhibited, as compared with that of the virus group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The extract from Phyllanthus urinaria L. obviously inhibited replication and expression of HBV in HBV transfected cell lines in vitro, thus exerting distinctive anti-HBV effects.

Evaluation of haematological changes in Plasmodium-berghei-infected mice administered with aqueous extract of Phyllantus amarus

This study was designed to evaluate the changes in some hematological parameters of P-berghei-infected mice treated with aqueous extract of Phyllantus amarus, a plant that is used traditionally to treat malaria patients in some Nigerian communities. The aqueous extract of the leaves at 200, 400 and 600 mg kg(-1) body weight/day dose levels were used to treat the test groups immediately after infection for the suppressive test and 72 hours post infection for the curative test while a standard antimalarial drug, Artesunate, at a dose of 50 mg kg(-1) body weight was administered on the positive control group. The negative control group was left untreated. The level of parasitemia, variation in weight, Percentage Packed Cell Volume (% PCV), erythrocytes (RBC) and leukocytes (WBC) counts in the different groups were monitored throughout the period of study. The crude extract was screened for its phytochemical composition. The crude extract at 200, 400 and 600 mg kg(-1) body weight/day suppressed parasitemia by 54.67, 61.25 and 61.24% after treating for four days in the suppressive test as against 72.32% for the standard drug while the level of parasitemia was reduced by 64.35, 66.71 and 67.13%, respectively after treating for five days in the curative test as against 71.87% for the standard drug. The variations in the values of Percentage Packed Cell Volume (% PCV), weight, leukocyte and erythrocyte counts for treated groups before and after treatment was not significant (p < 0.05). Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, saponin, carbohydrate and phenols were found to be present in the crude extract. The findings of this study show that the use of Phyllantus amarus as antimalaria regimen by local medical practitioners does not adversely affect the weight and the haematological parameters determined.

Phyllanthus species versus antiviral drugs for chronic hepatitis B virus infection

BACKGROUND

Phyllanthus species for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been assessed in clinical trials, but no consensus regarding their usefulness exists. When compared with placebo or no intervention, we were unable to identify convincing evidence that phyllanthus species are beneficial in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Some randomised clinical trials have compared phyllanthus species versus antiviral drugs.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of phyllanthus species compared with antiviral drugs for patients with chronic HBV infection.

SEARCH METHODS

Searches were performed in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Gorup Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expended, and the Chinese Biomedical CD Database, China Network Knowledge Information, Chinese Science Journal Database, TCM Online, and Wanfang Database. Conference proceedings in Chinese were handsearched. All searches were conducted until 31st October 2012.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials comparing phyllanthus species with antiviral drugs for patients with chronic HBV infection. We included trials irrespective of blinding, publication status, or language.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors selected the trials and extracted the data independently. The RevMan software was used for statistical analysis of dichotomous data with risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the risk of bias to control for systematic errors. We calculated the number of patients needed (required information size) to be randomised in order to make reliable conclusions. We assessed the cumulative findings with trial sequential analysis to control for random errors.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified five randomised clinical trials with 290 patients. All trials were considered to have high risk of bias. Patients in the experimental group received compound phyllanthus for three months to 12 months. Patients in the antiviral drug group received lamivudine, interferon alpha, thymosin, or thymosin alpha 1. None of the trials reported mortality, hepatitis B-related morbidity, quality of life, or liver histology. Phyllanthus seemed to have a superior effect on clearance of serum HBeAg at the end of treatment in conventional meta-analysis (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.91, P = 0.002; I(2) = 0%), but not when trial sequential analysis was applied. Phyllanthus had no significant effect on clearance of serum HBsAg (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.08, P = 0.92; I(2) = 0%) or HBV DNA (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.53 to 1.31, P = 0.43; I(2) = 70%) when compared with antiviral drugs. Data on HBeAg seroconversion was reported in one trial and no significant difference was found comparing phyllanthus versus lamivudine (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.71 to 1.11). No data were reported on adverse events in the five trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of phyllanthus for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Researchers who are interested in conducting further randomised clinical trials on phyllanthus ought to monitor both beneficial and harmful effects and should primarily test the herb against placebo in addition to antiviral drugs that are known to offer more benefit than harm. Only in this way new interventions can be assessed without compromising personal ethical considerations.

Antimicrobial activity of crude methanolic extract from Phyllanthus niruri

The antibacterial efficiency of the methanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. was investigated against pathogenic bacteria responsible for common infections of skin, and urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. The extract demonstrated antibacterial activities against all the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested. The results obtained suggested that at higher concentrations the extract would eradicate the growth of bacterial cells. The bacterial cells, after exposure to the extract, showed complete alteration in their morphology, followed by collapse of the cells beyond repair. The study revealed that the methanolic extract of P. niruri may be an effective antibacterial agent to treat bacterial infections since the extract exhibited significant antimicrobial potency, comparable with that of the standard antibiotic chloramphenicol.

Anti-hyperalgesic activity of corilagin, a tannin isolated from Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Corilagin (β-1-O-galloyl-3,6-(R)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose) is a tannin isolated from Phyllanthus niruri (Euphorbiaceae). This plant is well known for their therapeutic purposes to treat several diseases associated with dolorous process and are used in several ethno-medicines in tropical and subtropical countries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-hyperalgesic activity of corilagin using chemically and thermally based nociception models in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Corilagin was isolated from Phyllanthus niruri (Euphorbiaceae) by extraction and chromatographic procedures and the anti-hyperalgesic activity was evaluated by using writhing, formalin, capsaicin, glutamate and hot plate tests in mice.

RESULTS

Corilagin presented activity in acetic acid model with the ID50 calculated value of 6.46 (3.09-13.51) being about 20.6 fold more potent than acetylsalicylic acid. It also exhibited activity against the first phase of formalin test with ID50 value of 18.38 (15.15-22.59) μmol/kg. In the capsaicin and glutamate models, corilagin demonstrated significant activity at the 3 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

The experimental data demonstrated that corilagin exhibits anti-hyperalgesic activity that may be due to interaction with the glutamatergic system.

The leaf and seed aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus improves insulin resistance diabetes in experimental animal studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Amongst the Yoruba tribe (Southwest Nigeria), water decoction of the leaf and seed of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn. is reputably used for the local management of diabetes mellitus, obesity and hyperlipidemia.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness and elucidate mechanism(s) of action of the aqueous leaf and seed extract of Phyllanthus amarus (PAE) in normal and 10% sucrose-induced hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia as an experimental model of insulin resistance diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the repeated oral antihyperglycemic action of 150-600 mg/kg/day of PAE was evaluated in normal and 10% sucrose-induced insulin resistance rats using indicators such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin and insulin resistance indices. The extract's weight losing, antihyperlipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects were also evaluated by measuring the effect of the extract on the body weight, plasma levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and atherogenic indices.

RESULTS

In normal rats, PAE caused significant (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001) and dose related decreases in body weight, FBG, TG, TC, LDL-c, and atherogenic indices. Repeated oral treatment with 10% sucrose drink for 30 days was associated with significant (p<0.001) weight gain, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance indices, hyperlipidemia and atherogenic indices. However, pre-treatment with PAE significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001) and dose-dependently attenuated increase in any of these measured parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, results of this study showed PAE to effectively control insulin resistance DM which was mediated via improvement in insulin resistance, thus, validating its ethnomedical use in the local management of DM.

Ethnopharmacology guided screening of traditional Indian herbs for selective inhibition of Plasmodium specific lactate dehydrogenase

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plants traditionally used to treat malaria can provide quality leads towards identifying novel anti-malarial drugs. Here we combined this approach with target based drug discovery and explored Plasmodium specific lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibitory activity of 8 Indian plants which are ethnically used to treat malaria.

METHODS

LDH from Indian Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax strains, were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, followed by purification of recombinant enzymes (rPfLDH and rPvLDH respectively). Extracts of 8 plants in different organic and aqueous solvents, were screened for their inhibitory activity on rPfLDH, rPvLDH and mammalian LDHs. Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract was further tested for in vitro parasiticidal activity.

RESULTS

Aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn. and chloroform extract of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. exhibited profound and exclusive inhibitory effect on Plasmodium falciparum LDH (IC(50)=11.2 μg/ml ± 0.4) and Plasmodium vivax LDH (IC(50)=6.0 μg/ml ± 0.6) respectively. Moreover, Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract also demonstrated antiplasmodial activity in vitro, on Chloroquine sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum (IC(50)=7.1 μg/ml ± 0.5 and 6.9 μg/ml ± 0.7 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Target specific screening of traditional herbs used in malaria treatment has proffered Phyllanthus amarus and Murraya koenigii extracts as hits which can optimistically provide novel antimalarial drugs.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excel essential oil

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excel (family Euphorbiaceae) stem bark is used in Cameroon by Baka pygmies as a remedy for wound healing and tetanus.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To characterize the chemical composition and to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the essential oil of the plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The essential oil was extracted from the stem bark by dynamic head space and by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC and GC-MS analyses. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated on the basis of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal-fungicidal concentration (MBC-MFC) by the micro and macrodilution methods. The following bacteria and fungi were used: Clostridium sporogenes ATCC 3584, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida albicans LM 450, Trichophyton mentagrophytes LM 230, Trichophyton rubrum LM 237, Microsporum canis LM 324.

RESULTS

The hydrodistillation afforded 0.06% (dry weight basis) of pale yellow oil. Thirty-eight compounds representing 90.69% were identified. The major component (36.40%) was found to be (E)-isoelemicin, identified by comparison of its (1)H-NMR experimental data, with literature data. The oil showed good antibacterial activity against Clostridium Sporogenes, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes with MIC ranging from 13.5 to 126 μg/ml. A weak antifungal activity (MIC 250 μg/ml) was found against Trichophyton rubrum, only.

CONCLUSIONS

The antimicrobial activity and the chemical composition of Phyllanthus muellerianus stem bark essential oil are reported for the first time.

[Experience of use of prolit septo in the complex treatment of patients with urolithiasis]

The efficacy of phytogenic drug prolit septo in the complex treatment of patients with urolithiasis complicated by infectious-inflammatory process was evaluated. The effects of prolit septo were assessed by a comparative evaluation of the results of microbiological analysis of urine in 14 patients of main group and 12 patients of control group. Patients in both groups were matched by sex, age, and results of raiological, clinical, biochemical and microbiological methods of examination. For the treatment of 11 patients of the main group, prolit septo was applied in combination with standard anti-bacterial treatment, 3 patients received monotherapy with prolit septo within 3-6 weeks. The drug was administered at a dose of 1200 mg (2 capsules) 3 times a day. Twelve patients of the control group received only standard treatment. The duration of treatment in both groups was 1-2 weeks. It was found that combined therapy with prolit septo is more effective than standard antibacterial treatment. Against the background of combined therapy the disappearance of bacteriuria was noted in 54.5% of patients of main group compared with 8.3% of patients of control group.

Antimalarial plant remedies from Burkina Faso: their potential for prophylactic use

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Saye, a combination remedy prepared from Cochlospermum planchonii Hook.f. (Cochlospermaceae), Cassia alata L. (Fabaceae) and Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. et Thonn. (Euphorbiaceae), N'Dribala, a Cochlospermum planchonii root decoction, and a fruit preparation of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) are plant remedies of the folk medicine in Burkina Faso and are commonly used by traditional healers for the treatment of malaria.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed at validating the antiplasmodial activity of the preparations and at estimating their potential for prophylaxis, using the murine malaria system Plasmodium berghei/Anopheles stephensi.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous extracts were orally administered to mice (6 animals per treatment group) at a daily dose of 200mg/kg body weight for nine days, applying protocols that mimic as much as possible traditional recipes and treatment schemes.

RESULTS

Saye, N'Dribala and Azadirachta indica preparations revealed prophylactic activity, reducing parasitaemia in treated mice, with respect to controls, by 52.0% (CI(95) 46.1-57.9), 45.5% (CI(95) 44.5-46.5) and 45.0% (CI(95) 41.1-48.9), respectively. No evidence of transmission blocking effects was detected with any of the tested remedies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms, in the murine malaria system, the antiplasmodial properties of the examined remedies on the Plasmodium stages developing in the vertebrate host, thus encouraging studies aiming at identifying the active fractions and compounds responsible for the described activity and to develop standardized prophylactic remedies.

Antiplasmodial activity of extracts of Tridax procumbens and Phyllanthus amarus in in vitro Plasmodium falciparum culture systems

BACKGROUND

Aqueous extracts of Tridax procumbens (TP) (Compositae) and Phyllanthus amarus (PA) (Euphorbiaceae) are used in traditional medicine in Ghana to treat malaria. Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-trypanosoma, anti-bacterial and anti-HIV effects of TP and PA.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the antiplasmodial activity of extracts of TP and PA.

METHOD

Aqueous extracts of TP and PA were prepared. A portion of each was freeze-dried and the remaining extracted sequentially with ethyl acetate and chloroform. Ethanolic extracts were also prepared. The antiplasmodial activity of the extracts was assessed with the 3H-hypoxanthine assay using chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Chloroquine was used as the reference drug. The modified tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay was also used to evaluate the red blood cell (RBC)-protective/antiplasmodial activities and cytotoxicities of the extracts.

RESULTS

Results showed that TP and PA have antiplasmodial activities. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of PA were the most active, yielding EC50 values of 34.9 µg/ml and 31.2 µg/ml, respectively in the tetrazolium-based assay. The TP and PA produced and IC50 values of 24.8 µg/ml and 11.7 µg/ml, respectively in the hypoxanthine assay. Protection of human RBCs against P. falciparum damage by the extracts highly correlated with their antiplasmodial activities. None of the extracts, within the concentration range (1.9-500 µg/ml) studied produced any overt toxicity to human RBCs.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that both PA and TP have activities against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum (Dd2) parasites. The antiplasmodial principles extracted into water and ethanol but not chloroform or ethyl acetate.

Antimicrobial properties of stem bark extracts from Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excell

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The plants of the genus Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae) are widely distributed in most tropical and subtropical countries, and have long been used in folk medicine to treat several diseases. Particularly, Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excell, commonly called "mbolongo" in Cameroon, is used by pygmies baka as a remedy for tetanus and wound infections.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the antimicrobial properties of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excell (family Euphorbiaceae) stem bark used in Cameroon by baka pygmies as a remedy for wound healing and tetanus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous and methanol extracts with and without defatting treatment, were prepared and their activity against Clostridium sporogenes ATCC 3584, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, was evaluated on the basis of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal-fungicidal concentration (MBC-MFC) by the macrodilution method.

RESULTS

Water extract showed a weak activity against Clostridium sporogenes (MIC 900 μg/mL) and resulted inactive at the tested concentrations against all the other microorganisms. The defatted methanol extract, inactive against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, exhibited a very interesting activity against Clostridium sporogenes and Streptococcus pyogenes (MIC 100 μg/mL and 300 μg/mL, respectively), which seems to validate the use of this plant in pygmies traditional medicine for the treatment of tetanus and wound infections. The activity found against Streptococcus mutans (300 μg/mL), aetiological agent of caries, may suggest a possible use of this plant as natural remedy to prevent dental diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

The activity against streptococci and Clostridium sporogenes ATCC 3584, showed by stem bark extracts of Phyllanthus muellerianus, traditionally used by baka pygmies to treat wound infections and tetanus, is reported for the first time.

Phyllanthus species for chronic hepatitis B virus infection

BACKGROUND

Phyllanthus species for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been assessed in clinical trials, but no consensus regarding their usefulness exists.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of phyllanthus species for patients with chronic HBV infection.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Searches were performed in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Gorup Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and the Chinese Biomedical CD Database, China Network Knowledge Information, Chinese Science Journal Database, TCM Online, and Wanfang Database. Conference proceedings in Chinese were handsearched. All searches were conducted until October 2010.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials comparing phyllanthus species with placebo or no intervention for patients with chronic HBV infection. Co-interventions were allowed if all comparison groups had received the same co-interventions. We included trials irrespective of blinding, publication status, or language.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors selected the trials and extracted the data independently. The RevMan software was used for statistical analysis of dichotomous data with risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Risk of bias was assessed to control for systematic errors. Trial sequential analysis was used in order to control for random errors.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 16 randomised trials with 1326 patients were included. One trial with 42 participants compared phyllanthus with placebo. The trial found no significant difference in HBeAg seroconversion after the end of treatment (RR 0.9; 95% CI 0.73 to 1.25) or follow-up (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.63 to 1.60). No other outcomes could be assessed. Fifteen trials compared phyllanthus plus an antiviral drug like interferon alpha, lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil, thymosin, vidarabine, or conventional treatment with the same antiviral drug alone. Phyllanthus did significantly affect serum HBV DNA (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.91, P = 0.008; I(2) = 71%), serum HBeAg (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.60 to 0.81, P < 0.00001; I(2) = 68%), and HBeAg seroconversion (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92, P = 0.005; I(2) = 78%), but the heterogeneity was substantial. The result obtained regarding serum HBV DNA was not supported by trial sequential analysis. None of the trials reported mortality and hepatitis B-related morbidity, quality of life, or liver histology. Only two trials reported adverse events with numbers without significant differences. No serious adverse events were reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no convincing evidence that phyllanthus compared with placebo benefits patients with chronic HBV infection. Phyllanthus plus an antiviral drug may be better than the same antiviral drug alone. However, heterogeneity, systematic errors, and random errors question the validity of the results. Clinical trials with large sample size and low risk of bias are needed to confirm our findings. Species of phyllanthus should be reported in future trials, and a dose-finding design is warranted.

Studies on the possible mechanisms of antidiabetic activity of extract of aerial parts of Phyllanthus niruri

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVES

The effects of methanol extract of aerial parts of Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae), an antidiabetic herb, on glucose absorption and storage in diabetes were studied to elucidate the mechanisms of blood glucose lowering and glycemic control in diabetes.

METHODS

The effect of chronic oral administration of the extract on glycemic control was evaluated in alloxan diabetic rats using blood glucose lowering and post-prandial glucose suppression activities as well as effects on hemoglobin glycation and body weight. Effects on glucose mobilization and storage were assessed using the weight and glycogen content of liver isolated from treated diabetic rats, while in vitro inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme activities were used as indices of effect on glucose absorption.

RESULTS

Results showed that the extract lowered blood glucose, suppressed postprandial rise in blood glucose following a glucose meal, reduced hemoglobin glycation and increased absolute and relative weights as well as glycogen content of liver in diabetic rats. Treatment with the extract also ameliorated the decrease in body weights caused by the diabetic disease. In vitro, the extract inhibited α-amylase (IC₅₀: 2.15 ± 0.1 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀: 0.2 ± 0.02 mg/mL) activities.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that aerial parts of P. niruri may owe their blood glucose lowering properties to inhibition of glucose absorption and enhancement of glucose storage.

Effect of aqueous extract of Phyllantus amarus leaves on implantation and pregnancy in rats

Phyllanthus amarus is a medicinal plant used widely in the treatment of many diseases. It has a long tradition of use in the Hindu Ayurvedic system of medicine and it has long been used as a medicinal agent in cultures around the world. Traditionally, in the Yoruba speaking part of western Nigeria it is used in treating sterility and difficult childbirth. This experiment was therefore designed to scientifically test the effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus (AEPA) leaves on implantation and pregnancy. Animals were divided into two groups of 18 rats each after pregnancy has been established. Group I received 0.2mg/100g body weight of AEPA from day 1 of pregnancy. Group II received equal volume of distilled water serving as the control. Six rats from each group were sacrificed on days 6, 8 and 19 respectively. Implantation and pregnancy were assessed. AEPA reduced the time frame for implantation in the treated rats and caused abortion of pregnant rats. Although the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus reduces the time frame for implantation, its abortificent effect does not support the traditional claim that it can treat sterility.

Aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri (Euphorbiaceae) enhances the phenotypic and functional maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and their antigen-presentation function

Decoctions of Phyllanthus niruri (PN) (Fam. Euphorbiaceae) is promoted in traditional medicine of Africa, Asia, and South America as beneficial supplement for different infectious diseases, especially for viral hepatitis, tumor, and for immune compromised patients. This stimulated the interest in understanding the mechanisms by which the whole extract of the plant could stimulate the immune system. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells and provide a link between the innate and the adaptive immune responses. In the present study, the effects of lyophilized aqueous extract of PN on structural and functional maturation of murine bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DCs) were investigated. Bone marrow cells were cultured in the presence of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor and interleukin-4 (IL-4) and the generated immature DCs were stimulated with PN (25, 50, and 100 microg/mL) or lipopolysaccharide (10 microg/mL) for 48 h. Results showed that treatment with PN increased the expression of major histocompatibility complex-II and the various makers for DCs maturation (CD40), activation (CD83), and costimulation (CD86) in a concentration-dependent manner. Consistent with the increase in phenotypic makers, functional maturation assay showed that treatment of BM-DCs with PN caused a decrease in fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran pinocytosis and an increase in IL-12 in the supernatant. In a transgenic T-cell activation model, PN-treated BM-DCs presented Ova antigen to Ova-specific CD8(+) T cells from OT-1 mice more efficiently as demonstrated by increased T-cells proliferation and IL-2 production. Therefore, PN enhances the structural and functional maturation of BM-DCs and their antigen-presenting function. These effects are relevant in immunodeficient conditions, tumor control, and in infectious diseases.

Effects of Phyllanthus urinaria extract on HepG2 cell viability and oxidative phosphorylation by isolated rat liver mitochondria

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phyllanthus urinaria is widely used as anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal and hepatoprotective medicines in Asian countries such as India, China and Thailand. In Thailand, Phyllanthus urinaria is traditionally used as an adjuvant or alternative medicine for cancer patients, including liver cancer. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its use in cancer particularly hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the cytotoxic effect of Phyllanthus urinaria extract on human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and the effect on oxidative phosphorylation by isolated rat liver mitochondria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HepG2 cells and isolated rat liver mitochondria were treated with the 50% methanolic extract of Phyllanthus urinaria. Cytotoxicity of the extract was assessed by trypan blue exclusion and MTT assay. Rates of oxygen consumption of isolated mitochondria were determined with a Clark oxygen electrode.

RESULTS

It was found that the hydromethanolic extract induced cell death of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. The IC(50) of Phyllanthus urinaria extract measured by trypan blue exclusion and MTT assay were 431+/-65 microg/ml and 445+/-62 microg/ml, respectively. Morphological changes of the cells were also observed. With isolated rat liver mitochondria, the extract slightly stimulated mitochondrial state 4 respiration but profoundly depressed state 3 respiration and respiratory control ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

The extract impairs energy metabolism by acting as inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation and weak mitochondrial uncoupler. These mitochondrial effects may play a role in the cytotoxic action of Phyllanthus urinaria extract on HepG2 cells. These results provide preliminary experimental evidence supporting the use of Phyllanthus urinaria against hepatocellular carcinoma and open the possibility of considering this plant an adjunctive medicine for the treatment of this deadly disease.

Mitigation of carbon tetrachloride-induced damage by Phyllanthus amarus in liver of mice

Liver disease has become a global concern worldwide. In absence of reliable liver protective drugs in modem medicine, a large number of medicinal preparations are recommended for the treatment of liver disorders as they are believed to be harmless based on their natural origin. The aim of the present study was to determine the hepatoprotective activity of Phyllanthus amarus plant extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4-induced liver damage in female mice. Carbon tetrachloride administration caused a significant increase in liver and serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP), while total protein content significantly decreased as compared to vehicle control. The effect was dose-dependent. Oral administration of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus along with carbon tetrachloride caused significant mitigation of CCl4-induced changes.