Phytochemical composition, protective and therapeutic effect on gastric ulcer and α-amylase inhibitory activity of Achillea biebersteinii Afan

Promising impacts of Achillea spp., beyond A medicinal plant, against toxins, toxicities, and injuries: In vivo and in vitro mechanisms

Natural toxins produced by various living organisms pose significant risks to health, food security, and environmental balance through inhalation, ingestion, and other exposure routes. This review focuses on the ameliorative effects of different Achillea species, which comprise over 130 perennial herbs known for their therapeutic properties. A systematic examination of data from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science was conducted, encompassing various studies without date restrictions, ensuring a comprehensive selection of articles based on full-text availability. The results of this study indicate that Achillea millefolium exhibits anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties, enhances collagen proliferation regulation, suppresses inflammatory responses, and displays significant antioxidant activity. Similarly, A. wilhelmsii has been shown to have hepatoprotective effects, as evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde levels and increased total thiol concentrations. A. fragrantissima has also been demonstrated to have cardioprotective effects, with a decrease in inflammatory markers and edema levels. The protective benefits of other species within the Achillea genus extend to various toxins. This comprehensive review underscores the potential of Achillea species as natural remedies for combating toxicities and promoting health.

From lab to nature: Recent advancements in the journey of gastroprotective agents from medicinal chemistry to phytotherapy

Peptic ulcer, affecting 10 % of the global population, results from imbalances in gastric juice pH and diminished mucosal defences. Key underlying factors are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori infection, undermining mucosal resistance. Traditional treatments like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists exhibit drawbacks such as adverse effects, relapses, and drug interactions. This review extensively explores the ethnomedicinal, synthetic and pharmacological facets of various potential peptic ulcer treatments. Rigorous methodologies involving electronic databases, and chemical structure verification via 'PubChem' and 'SciFinder' enhance the review's credibility. The provided information, spanning medicinal insights to intricate pharmacological mechanisms, establishes a robust groundwork for future research and the development of plant-derived or synthetic molecules for peptic ulcers, offering a promising alternative to conventional therapies.

In-vitro Cytotoxicity Investigations for Phytoconstituents of Saudi Medicinal Plants With Putative Ocular Effects

BACKGROUND

Metastatic secondary ocular tumors spread from systemic malignancies, including breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of extracts from 5 medicinal plants native to Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

For preliminary activity screening, cytotoxicity using the MTT assay and selectivity index determinations were made for medicinal plant extracts against various cancer cell-lines. The most promising extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis to determine the phytochemical composition. Clonogenic assays were performed using the most promising extract to confirm the initial results. Finally, western blot analysis was used to determine the modulation in expression of survivin and P27 suppressor genes in the human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) cell-line to understand the potential mechanistic properties of the active plant extract.

RESULTS

The 5 plant extracts showed various cytotoxic activity levels using IC50. The most active extract was found to be the leaves of Capparis spinosa L. (BEP-07 extract) against the MCF7 breast cancer cell-line (IC50 = 3.61 ± 0.99 μg/ml) and selectivity index of 1.17 compared to the normal human fetal lung fibroblast (MRC5) cells. BEP-07 extract showed a dose dependent clonogenic effect against the MCF7 colonies which was comparable with the effect of doxorubicin. BEP-07 extract caused a significant decrease of survivin and increase in P27 expression compared to control GAPDH at its highest dose (14 µg/ml). The GC-MS chromatogram of Capparis spinosa L. (BEP-07 extract) revealed the existence of 145 compounds, belonging to the diverse classes of phytoconstituents. Fatty acids and their derivatives represent 15.4%, whilst octadecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester was the principal component (7.9%) detected.

CONCLUSION

Leaves of Capparis spinosa L. (BEP-07 extract) exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect particularly against breast cancer cells. It exhibited this effect through survivin inhibition and via P27 upregulation. The detected phytoconstituents in the plant extract might be involved in tested cytotoxic activity, while further investigations are required to complete the drug candidate profile.

The Potential Gastro-Protective Effect of Qaysum (Achillea fragrantissima) Against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Wistar Albino Rats

Gastric ulcer (GU) is among the peak prevalent syndromes. This study investigates the defensive properties of Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch.Bip. extract (AFE) against ethanol-induced stomach lesions. Twenty-eight rats were allocated into negative control, positive control, AFE + ethanol, and omeprazole ethanol. In serum and gastric homogenates, oxidative stress displays (e.g., malondialdehyde (MDA), decreased glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD), and catalase enzyme (CAT)) and inflammatory parameters (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) were estimated. GU markers (gastric lesions, ulcer index (UI), pH) were evaluated, and gastric histopathological examinations were performed. The positive control cluster exhibited severe gastric mucosal injuries, reduced stomach mucus secretion, and pH of gastric content. Furthermore, AFE-pretreated rats displayed meaningfully increased periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) countenance in their stomach epithelial layers. Pretreatment with AFE reduced stomach lesions, UI, MDA, and TNF-α levels, while mucus, pH, CAT, GSH, and SOD levels increased. Stomach examination showed significant improvement in gastric mucosa reduced edema and leukocyte infiltration of the submucosal level in pretreatment with the AFE and omeprazole groups versus the ethanol group. Additionally, AFE extracts increase the intensity of the stomach epithelium's PAS. The acute toxicity experiment with an advanced dosage of 5 g/kg AFE did not exhibit any signs of toxicity in the rats. In conclusion, the AFE reduced the effect of ethanol on the gastric mucosa, which may be due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

An In-Depth Study of Metabolite Profile and Biological Potential of Tanacetum balsamita L. (Costmary)

Asteraceae species Tanacetum balsamita L. (costmary) is renowned for its traditional usage as an aromatic, carminative and tonic plant. This work aimed at in-depth study of the phytochemical and in vitro biological profilings of methanol−aqueous extracts from the costmary leaves, flower heads and roots. An UHPLC-HRMS analysis revealed more than 100 secondary metabolites including 24 acylquinic acids, 43 flavonoid glycosides, aglycones and methoxylated derivatives together with 15 phenolic acids glycosides. For the first time, 91 compounds are reported in the costmary. The flower heads extract possessing the highest content of total phenolics and flavonoids, actively scavenged DPPH (84.54 ± 3.35 mgTE/g) and ABTS radicals (96.35 ± 2.22 mgTE/g), and showed the highest reducing potential (151.20 and 93.22 mg TE/g for CUPRAC and FRAP, respectively). The leaves extract exhibited the highest inhibition towards acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (2.11 and 2.43 mg GALAE/g, respectively) and tyrosinase (54.65 mg KAE/g). The root extract inhibited α-glucosidase (0.71 ± 0.07 mmol ACAE/g), α-amylase (0.43 ± 0.02 mmol ACAE/g) and lipase (8.15 ± 1.00 mg OE/g). At a concentration >2 µg/mL, a significant dose dependent reduction of cell viability towards THP-1 monocyte leukemic cells was observed. Costmary could be recommended for raw material production with antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties.

Biochemical and pharmacological prospects of Citrus sinensis peel

Gastric ulcer and hepatotoxicity due to irrational drug overuse are two of the most serious conditions associated with inflammation and oxidative stress that affect the digestive system. This study aimed to experimentally evaluate the hepatoprotective/gastroprotective effects of aqueous and butanol citrus peel extracts and hesperidin in rat models of ulcer and hepatotoxicity. Acute toxicity study was performed for determining the safe dose of citrus extracts to analyze efficacy. In the experiments on hepatoprotective and gastroprotective effects, rats were classified into nine groups in each experiment: (1) negative control, (2) positive control hepatotoxic model with paracetamol (640 mg/kg)/gastric ulcer model:ethanol 70% (1 ml), (3)reference hepatoprotective:silymarin (25 mg/kg)/gastroprotective:ranitidine (50 mg/kg), and (4-9) groups treated for 2 weeks before induction of each disease with either citrus aqueous or butanol extracts or hesperidin (125-250 mg/kg). Drugs, ethanol, or tested compounds were administered orally. The levels of biochemical parameters, such as AST, ALT, NO, MDA, CRP, and ILβ6, were significantly reduced, but CAT level was increased. Postmortem examination of liver and stomach tissues of treated animals revealed marked improvement compared with positive control animals. Hesperidin exerted the best hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastroprotective effects, followed by butanol and then aqueous citrus peel extracts.

Alloimperatorin from Ammi majus fruits mitigates Piroxicam-provoked gastric ulcer and hepatorenal toxicity in rats via suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis

Introduction: Fruits of Ammi majus, commonly called bishop's weed, contain a significant amount of furanocoumarins. Alloimperatorin (Allo, 6) was isolated from the free coumarin fraction of fruits, beside 8-hydroxypsoralen (1), methoxsalen (2), heraclin (3), isoimperatorin (4), imperatorin (5), isoheraclenin (7) and heraclenin hydrate (8). Piroxicam (Px) is a widely used pain-relieving drug that demonstrated side effects, including gastric ulceration and hepatorenal toxicity.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the protective potential of Alloimperatorin against Px-induced gastric ulceration and hepatorenal toxicity.Material & Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: Negative control, Px-induced rats, Allo + Px co-treated group, and Pc + Px co-treated group. Allo (25 mg/kg body weight) and Pc (25 mg/kg body weight) treatments were received 5 days before and 4 days after Px intoxication for 4 days (50 mg/kg body weight). Serum prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2) and liver and kidney functions were measured. Oxidative stress markers were evaluated in the three tissues. Histopathological features and caspase-3 immunoexpression were monitoredResults & Discussion: Px triggered gastric ulceration, increased indices of liver and kidney functions, decreased PG-E2 levels, provoked oxidative stress, and activated caspase-3 immunoexpression. Co-treatment with Allo demonstrated protective activities.Conclusion: Alloimperatorin exhibited anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities.

Exploring phytochemical constituents of Achillea arabica Kotschy. ethanolic flower extract by LC-MS/MS and its possible antioxidant and antidiabetic effects in diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to reveal the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of ethanolic lyophilized extract of Achillea arabica flower extract against streptozotosine (STZ)-induced in diabetic rats and to determine its phytochemical content by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After toxicity test, 35 female rats were divided into five groups. Control, diabetes mellitus (DM), A.arabica (400 mg/kg) extract, DM + A. arabica (400 mg/kg) extract and DM + Glibenclamide (2 mg/kg). It was determined that while diabetic rats treated A.arabica plant extract significantly decreased blood glucose level, serum glucose, HbA1c, liver and kidney damage biomarker levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to the DM group, it caused fluctuations in antioxidant enzyme levels. According to LC-MS/MS results of A. arabica flower extract, quinic acid (2439.9 μg/g), cyranoside (858.4 μg/g), chlorogenic acid (698.7 μg/g), and cosmosiin (347.8 μg/g) were determined as major compounds, respectively. In addition, two new compounds were determined in this extract according to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Mass analyses and these compounds were named edremitine and achillosine, respectively. Thus, A.arabica flower extract has possible therapeutic effects to prevent high blood glucose level and oxidative stress caused by DM in liver and kidney via its high phenolic content.

Distribution of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Plant Parts and Populations of Seven Underutilized Wild Achillea Species

Evaluation of phytochemical composition of underutilized Achillea species provides the primary selection of germplasms with the desired quality of raw material for their further applications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the comprehensive distribution patterns of phenolic compounds in seven wild Achillea spp. and their plant parts, and to assess their antioxidant activity. Plant material was collected from different sites in Turkey. A complex of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols and flavones was identified and quantified in methanolic extracts using HPLC-PDA method. Antioxidant activity was assessed by radical scavenging assay. The results showed that qualitative and qualitative profiles of caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids were species-specific, explaining the characteristic patterns of their variation in the corresponding species and plant parts. The highest total amount of caffeoylquinic acids was detected in A. setacea. A. arabica exposed the highest accumulation of mono-caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids with the greatest levels of quercetin and luteolin derivatives and the flavonol santin. Santin was detected in all plant parts of A. cappadocica, A. setacea, A. santolinoides subsp. wilhelmsii, and A. arabica. A notable antiradical capacity was confirmed in A. arabica, A. setacea and A. cappadocica plant extracts. The leaves of all studied species were found to have priority over inflorescences and stems in terms of radical scavenging activity. The new data complemented the information that may be relevant for the continuation of chemophenetic studies in the heterogeneous genus Achillea.

Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch.Bip. methanolic extract exerts potent antimicrobial activity and causes cancer cell death via induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis and S-phase arrest

This study was done to evaluate the anticancer potential of Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch.Bip. leaves methanolic extract in detail for the first time, in addition to investigating its antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial assay revealed that the extract exerted high activity against P. vulgaris (MIC = 156.25 µg/ml) and C. albicans (MIC = 625 µg/ml), while moderate activity was observed against other microbes. The extract was also screened against HepG2, A549, HCT116 and MCF7 cancer cells and was found to be active across all cells with highest selectivity and cytotoxic activity being observed for A549 cells (IC₅₀ = 1.21 µg/ml). Further mechanistic studies on A549 cells showed that the extract resulted in S-phase arrest and induced apoptosis via activation of caspase-3, p53 and Bax, in addition to downregulation of Bcl-2. HR-LCMS analysis indicated the presence of 3-hydroxycoumarin, quercetin 3,3'-dimethyl ether and skullcapflavone II which might be responsible for the extract's bioactivity.

Phytochemistry and Evidence-Based Traditional Uses of the Genus Achillea L.: An Update (2011–2021)

Knowledge within the field of phytochemistry research has accelerated at a tremendous speed. The excess of literature reports featuring plants of high ethnopharmacological importance, in combination with our interest in the Asteraceae family and traditional medicine, led us to acknowledge the value of the Achillea L. genus. In a broad context, the various Achillea species are used around the globe for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including gastrointestinal problems, haemorrhages, pneumonia, rheumatic pains, diuresis, inflammation, infections, and wounds, as well as menstrual and gynaecologic abnormalities. The present review aims to provide and summarize the recent literature (2011–2021) on the phytochemistry of the Achillea genus. In parallel, this study attempts to bridge the reports on the traditional uses with modern pharmacological data. Research articles that focused on secondary metabolites, traditional uses and pharmacological activities were collected from various scientific databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Reaxys and Google Scholar. This study revealed the presence of 141 phytochemicals, while 24 traditionally used Achillea spp. were discussed in comparison to current data with an experimental basis.

Downregulation of fibrosis and inflammatory signalling pathways in rats liver via Pulicaria crispa aerial parts ethanol extract

CONTEXT

Liver is a vital organ for the detoxification of toxic substances in the body, where fibrosis is the major cause of liver damage. Pulicaria crispa processes many therapeutic applications such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-ulcerative agent.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to modulate the fibrosis and inflammatory signalling pathways in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats via treatment with Pulicaria crispa aerial parts ethanol extract (PCEE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CCl₄ was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg b.wt./twice a week/six consecutive weeks, PCEE was orally allocated at a dose of 250 mg/kg b.wt./day/six weeks and silymarin was orally administrated at a dose of 100 mg/kg, b.wt/day/six weeks. The plant extract evaluation was done through measuring aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST& ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total lipids (TP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low level glycoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The liver architectures were also estimated.

RESULT

The phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of sterols and/or triterpenoids. Treatments with plant extract suppressed significantly (p < 0.0001) the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TP, TG, TC, LDH-C, MDA, NO, AFP, TNF-α and IL-6, while increased (p < 0.0001) the levels of HDL-C, GSH and SOD. The histopathological features confirmed the therapeutic role of the plant extract.

CONCLUSION

PCEE succeeded to exert anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and anti- oxidants effects in CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis.

UHPLC-MS Characterization and Biological Insights of Different Solvent Extracts of Two Achillea Species (A. aleppica and A. santolinoides) from Turkey

In the current study, Achillea santolinoides and Achillea aleppica aeral parts and root were extracted with ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. Detailed phytochemical profiles were obtained using UHPLC-MS, yielding the identification of hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, phenolic acid glycosides and sugar esters, acylquinic acids, O-glycosyl flavones and flavonols, and flavonoid aglycons, among others. The antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitory activities of the extracts were assayed with in vitro tests. The phenolic content of the water extracts was significantly higher as compared to the ethyl acetate and methanol ones. A. aleppica aerial parts methanol extract possessed highest flavonoid content (49.18 mg rutin equivalent/g). Antioxidant properties assessment revealed that the methanol extract of A. santolinoides roots actively scavenged DPPH (54.11 mg TE/g) and ABTS radicals (112.53 mg TE/g) and possessed highest reducing potential (183.55 and 129.92 mg TE/g, for CUPRAC and FRAP, respectively). The ethyl acetate extracts of aerial parts and roots of both species showed highest inhibition against BuCHE (6.07–6.76 mg GALAE/g). The ethyl acetate extract of A.santolinoides aerial part showed highest inhibition against tyrosinase (73.00 mg KAE/g). These results showed that the tested Achillea species might represent novel phytotherapeutic avenues for the management of Alzheimer’s disease and epidermal hyperpigmentation conditions, which are both associated with oxidative stress. This paper could shed light into future potential industrial applications using the tested Achillea species.

Isolation and characterization of flavonoid compounds from Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl and its role as anti-gastro ulcerative agent in rats

CONTEXT

Stomach ulcer is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in the world.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to isolate flavonoid compounds from methanol extract of the aerial parts of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl. and evaluate its protective and therapeutic effects against gastric ulcer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chromatographic techniques were used for the identification of the isolated compounds. To explore the effects of the plant extract, it was administrated by oral gavage for one week either before or post-ethanol ulcer induction. Ranitidine was also evaluated as a reference drug. Stomach pH, gastric juice volume, lesions number, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, Interleukin-10, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, prostaglandin E2, and total protein levels were estimated in gastric tissue. Stomach histopathological features were also monitored.

RESULTS

Six flavonoid compounds were isolated, where five of them were isolated for the first time (vitexin, isovitexin, apigenin 7,4'-dimethyl ether, 5,7,2'-trimethoxyflavone, and scutellarein), while apigenin was previously reported. Treatment with plant extract recorded amelioration in all the biochemical parameters.

CONCLUSION

The methanol extract of plant aerial parts had prophylactic and treatment effects against gastric ulcer in rats, where its treatment effect exceeded its protective role. The extract recorded anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects due to the presence of flavonoid compounds.

Management of Citrus sinensis peels for protection and treatment against gastric ulcer induced by ethanol in rats

Introduction: Stomach ulcer is one of the most prevalent disorders worldwide. The study was aimed to isolate and characterize the major polymethoxylated flavonoids in Citrus sinensis peels petroleum ether extract and investigate its protective and curative effect on gastric ulcer.Material and methods: Some spectral analyses were used for identification of the isolated compounds from the petroleum ether extract of Citrus sinensis peels. One oral dose (0.5 ml/100 g b.wt.) of absolute ethanol was orally given to rats after starvation for 24 h to induce gastric ulcer. To explore the protective and curative role of the plant extract, it was orally (250 mg/kg b.wt.) given for 1 week either before or post-ulcer induction. A reference drug, ranitidine (100 mg/kg b.wt.), was also evaluated. Stomach acidity, gastric volume, lesion counts, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (AP), interlukin-10 (IL-10) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were estimated. Stomach histopathological features were monitored.Results: Nine polymethoxy flavonoids were identified from the extract. Treatment with C. sinensis peels extract recorded amelioration in all parameters.Conclusion: Citrus sinensis petroleum ether peels extract had protective and curative effects against gastric ulcer. Therefore, the extract recorded anti-secretory, anti-ulcerative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Its healing action exceeded its protective role due to its richness in polymethoxylated flavonoids.

Chemical constituents from Artemisia rupestris and their neuraminidase inhibitory activity

Two new thiophene derivatives (1 and 2), a new sesquiterpene (3), and 15 known compounds (4-18) were isolated from the whole plants of Artemisia rupestris. The new compounds (1-3) were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic techniques including 1 D (¹H and ¹³C) and 2 D NMR experiments (COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY), and HR-ESI-MS. Most of the isolates (1-6, 8, 10-18) exhibited the neuraminidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 74.07-986.54 μM by a fluorescence-based assay. Two known flavonoids (chrysosplenetin B and luteolin) showed a comparable activity to oseltamivir acid on neuraminidase inhibition.

Chemical composition and protective role of Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A. Mey. subsp. undulata against gastric ulcer induced by ethanol in rats

Pulicaria undulata subsp. undulata (Family; Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant used to treat inflammation. The objective of this study is to explore the protective effect of the ethanol extract of P. undulata subsp. undulata aerial parts against ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rats. The chemical composition of plant extract, the unsaponifiable matter and the fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed. The biological evaluation was carried out through measuring ulcer indices, oxidative stress markers, certain marker enzymes, inflammatory index and the histopathological assessment of the stomach in rats. The total unsaponifiable matter (94.29%) and the fatty acid methyl ester (82.96%) content were identified. Gastric ulcer recorded significant increase in gastric volume and lesion counts (p < 0.0001). Drastic changes in all biochemical parameters under investigation were observed. Protection with plant extract reversed the action of ethanol by variable degrees of improvement in comparison with the reference drug. The presence of carbohydrates and proteins that acted as a mucilage lining the stomach inner wall give its protective action. In conclusion, P. undulata subsp. undulata succeeded to have anti-ulcerative protective effect. The measured biomarkers served as a good mirror to predict gastric ulcer and the presence of carbohydrates, protein and fibers present in the plant extract acted as a mucilage lining the inner intestinal wall and protect against ethanol induced gastric ulcer. Future study will be carried out to identify the biologically active compounds responsible for plant protection against the gastric ulcer.

Antinociceptive action of Achillea biebersteinii methanolic flower extract is mediated by interaction with cholinergic receptor in mouse pain models

Achillea biebersteinii is a perennial aromatic herb that grows in the Mediterranean area. The leaves of this plant are used in foods as bittering and appetizing agents. In folk medicine, it is used for the treatment of stomachache and abdominal pain. In this study, the analgesic effect of A. biebersteinii methanolic flower extract was tested in three pain models, namely: writhing, tail-flick and paw-licking (formalin) tests. A. biebersteinii extract inhibited abdominal cramps produced by acetic acid. The effect of A. biebersteinii was better than that of 70 mg/kg indomethacin. In tail flick, A. biebersteinii extract increased latency at 30 min and was as effective as 100 mg/kg diclofenac sodium. In formalin test, A. biebersteinii extracts decreased paw-licking and flinching response in early and late phases. Atropine blocked the action of A. biebersteinii extract (300 mg/kg) in the late phase of formalin test as well as in writhing and tail-flick tests. GC-MS analysis revealed that ascaridole and iso-ascaridole were the main constituents of A. biebersteinii flower extract. In conclusion, this study shows for the first time that the antinociceptive effect of A. biebersteinii is mediated by the cholinergic receptor.

Shedding light on the biological and chemical fingerprints of three Achillea species (A. biebersteinii, A. millefolium and A. teretifolia)

Representatives of the Achillea genus are widely used as foods or nutraceuticals. Considering the increasing demand for herbal dietary supplements with health promoting effects, the objective of this research was to evaluate the biological and chemical profiles of different extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol and water) obtained from three Achillea species (A. biebersteinii, A. millefolium and A. teretifolia). The antioxidant (free radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), reducing power (CUPRAC and FRAP), metal chelating and phosphomolybdenum), enzyme inhibitory (anti-cholinesterase, anti-tyrosinase, anti-amylase and anti-glucosidase) and antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) effects were assessed to investigate their biological profiles. Moreover, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined and LC-MS analysis was performed for the chemical profile of the investigated extracts. The LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several caffeoylquinic acids in these extracts. Generally, the methanol and water extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant abilities, which correlated with the higher levels of phenolic compounds when compared to the ethyl acetate extracts. In addition, the best antimicrobial activities were obtained for the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts. However, the ethyl acetate extract had remarkable enzyme inhibitory potential. On the basis of our results, Achillea species may be promoted as promising sources of natural agents and used for the development of nutraceuticals or functional food ingredients.

Protective Role of Achillea biebersteinii Pretreatment on Dimethoate Induced Oxidative Stress in Guinea Pigs Liver

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the influence of Achillea biebersteinii (Ab), a medicinal herb used widely in Yemeni's folk medicine as analgesic, antipyretic, against diarrhea and flatulence and for liver diseases, on the liver antioxidant potential of guinea pigs acutely intoxicated with dimethoate pesticide (DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals were administered with Ab aqueous extract (50 and 100 mg kg-1 b.wt., orally) or silymarin (100 mg kg-1 b.wt., orally) for 2 weeks followed by single acute DM administration (80 mg kg-1 b.wt., 1/4 of the LD50 orally). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SPSS.

RESULTS

The results showed that the treatment with Ab extract significantly lowered the DM induced serum levels of hepatic marker enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP). Liver histopathology also showed that Ab extract reduced the incidence of lesions including the swelling of cells, lymphocytes infiltration, nucleus fragmentation and condensation and necrosis induced by DM treatment in guinea pigs.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that Ab aqueous extract could protect the liver against DM-induced oxidative damage.

GC-MS Analysis: In Vivo Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activities of the Essential Oil of Achillea biebersteinii Afan. Growing in Saudi Arabia

Liver disease is a worldwide problem. It represents one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in humans. Achillea biebersteinii is used as herbal remedy for various ailments including liver diseases. But the scientific basis for its medicinal use remains unknown. Thus, this research was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of A. biebersteinii essential oil (ABEO) (0.2 mL/kg) in the amelioration of CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rodent model. Moreover, the chemical content of the oil was investigated using GC and GC-MS. The following biochemical parameters were evaluated: serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (γ-GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin. Furthermore, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH), and total protein (TP) contents in liver tissue were estimated. 44 components (92.0%) of the total oil have been identified by GC-MS analysis where α-terpinene and p-cymene were the most abundant. The high serum enzymatic (GOT, GPT, GGT, and ALP) and bilirubin concentrations as well as the level of MDA, NP-SH, and TP contents in liver tissues were significantly reinstated towards normalization by the ABEO. Histopathological study further confirmed these findings. In addition, ABEO showed mild antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays.