Evaluation of the analgesic and topical anti-inflammatory effects of Hypericum reflexum L. fil

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 1% Topical Cannabidiol Gel in Animal Models

Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid isolated from cannabis plants, is an interesting candidate for studying its anti-inflammatory effects, especially in the pre-clinical and animal models. Its anti-inflammatory effects, such as reduction of edema and arthritis, have been demonstrated in animal models. However, topical CBD administration requires further evaluation of CBD dosage and efficacy in animal models and clinical settings. Methods: This in vivo study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of topical CBD administration in an animal model. Scientific experiments, including the formalin test, writhing test, carrageenan-induced edema, histopathological examination, and detection of various proinflammatory mediators, were performed. Results: The anti-inflammatory effects in vivo after inflammation induction, represented by decreased times of paw licking, degree of paw edema, and decreased writhing response, showed that 1% of tropical CBD use had significantly comparable or better anti-inflammatory effects when compared with tropical diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory agent. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects were significant compared with the placebo. In addition, the histopathological examination showed that topical CBD drastically reduced leukocyte infiltration and the degree of inflammation. This study also showed that the levels of various proinflammatory mediators in the plasma of mice treated with topical CBD did not differ from those treated with diclofenac. Conclusions: The topical administration of 1% CBD gel is a potentially effective candidate for an anti-inflammatory agent. Candidate for an anti-inflammatory agent.

Impact of Phytomolecules with Nanotechnology on the Treatment of Inflammation

Abstract:

Inflammation is a part of the biological response of body tissues against harmful stimuli, such as damaged cells, pathogens, irradiations, and toxic compounds. Numerous treatments, including anti-inflammatory drugs that treat the condition of inflammation, are available for its management. Because of the severe adverse effects associated with synthetic medications, phytotherapy may be a promising and effective approach to treating inflammation. The therapeutic potential of herbs is due to their capacity to target a variety of inflammatory mediators, including chemokines, cytokines, nitric oxide, lipoxygenase, nuclear factor kappa-B, and arachidonic acid. Furthermore, nanomedicine may be a valuable and effective formulation approach for overcoming the drawbacks of phytoconstituents, such as their low bioavailability, high first-pass metabolism, and poor stability. The current manuscript provides a thorough description of many phytoconstituents and herbal plants that have great potential for treating inflammation-related diseases, as well as information on their limitations, drug formulations, and regulatory issues.

Bioactive Potential: A Pharmacognostic Definition through the Screening of Four Hypericum Species from the Canary Islands

In this work, we propose a general methodology to assess the bioactive potential (BP) of extracts in the quest of vegetable-based drugs. To exemplify the method, we studied the anticancer potential (AP) of four endemic species of genus Hypericum (Hypericum canariense L, Hypericum glandulosum Aiton, Hypericum grandifolium Choisy and Hypericum reflexum L.f) from the Canary Islands. Microextracts were obtained from the aerial parts of these species and were tested against six human tumor cell lines, A549 (non-small-cell lung), HBL-100 (breast), HeLa (cervix), SW1573 (non-small-cell lung), T-47D (breast) and WiDr (colon). The methanol–water microextracts were evaluated further for cell migration, autophagy and cell death. The most promising bioactive polar microextracts were analyzed by UHPLC–DAD–MS. The extraction yield, the bioactivity evaluation and the chemical profiling by LC–MS suggested that H. grandifolium was the species with the highest AP. Label-free live-cell imaging studies on HeLa cells exposed to the methanol–water microextract of H. grandifolium enabled observing cell death and several apoptotic hallmarks. Overall, this study allows us to select Hypericum grandifolium Choisy as a source of new chemical entities with a potential interest for cancer treatment.

Ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv (Olacaceae): a review

Background

The plant Olax subscorpioidea Oliv (Olacaceae) is a shrub that is widely available in Africa. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases including asthma, pain, inflammation, gastrointestinal and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, cough, diabetes mellitus, cancer, infectious diseases, hepatic diseases, and many other diseases. Several phytochemical and pharmacological investigations were conducted on this plant. However, comprehensive information on this medicinally important plant is not available in the literature. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to provide comprehensive and critical information on all the reported ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and potential toxicity of Olax subscorpioidea to highlight its therapeutic potentials based on traditional usage and identify research gaps as a basis for further investigations to develop novel therapeutic compounds.

Main body

The available information about the plant was retrieved from the online bibliographic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) and published PhD dissertation using the search terms Olax subscorpioidea, traditional uses, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and safety. Phytochemical studies have shown that the plant contains several bioactive compounds such as rutin, morin, quercetin, caffeic acid, santalbic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, squalene, nonacosane, hentriacontane, and many more compounds. Also, pharmacological investigations revealed that Olax subscorpioidea has antidepressant, antiepileptic, anti-Alzheimer’s, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, analgesic, antiinflammatory, antiarthritic, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiulcer, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, apoptotic, antiprotease, and other CNS effects.

Conclusion

Several pharmacological studies on Olax subscorpioidea have established its ethnopharmacological uses. However, there are limited phytochemical and pharmacological studies to validate other folkloric claims of the plant. Therefore, extensive phytochemical and further pre-clinical efficacy and safety evaluations to fully establish its therapeutic potentials and elucidate its mechanisms of pharmacological actions could be necessary.

Graphical abstract

Pellucidin A promotes antinociceptive activity by peripheral mechanisms inhibiting COX-2 and NOS: In vivo and in silico study

Peperomia pellucida (PP) belongs to the Peperomia genus, which has a pantropic distribution. PP is used to treat a wide range of symptoms and diseases, such as pain, inflammation, and hypertension. Intriguingly, PP extract is used by different tropical countries for its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. In fact, these outcomes have been shown in animal models, though the exact bioactive products of PP that exert such results are yet to be discovered. To determine and elucidate the mechanism of action of one of these compounds, we evaluated the antinociceptive effect of the novel dimeric ArC2 compound, Pellucidin A by using in vivo and in silico models. Animals were then subjected to chemical, biphasic and thermal models of pain. Pellucidin A induced an antinociceptive effect against chemical-induced pain in mice, demonstrated by the decrease of the number of writhes, reaching a reduction of 43% and 65% in animals treated with 1 and 5 mg/kg of Pellucidin A, respectively. In the biphasic response (central and peripheral), animals treated with Pellucidin A showed a significant reduction of the licking time exclusively during the second phase (inflammatory phase). In the hot-plate test, Pellucidin A did not have any impact on the latency time of the treated animals. Moreover, in vivo and in silico results show that Pellucidin A’s mechanism of action in the inflammatory pain occurs most likely through interaction with the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. Our results demonstrate that the antinociceptive activities of Pellucidin A operate under mechanism(s) of peripheral action, involving inflammatory mediators. This work provides insightful novel evidence of the biological properties of Pellucidin A, and leads to a better understanding of its mechanism of action, pointing to potential pharmacological use.

Antipyretic and anti-nociceptive effects of methanol extract of leaves of Fimbristylis miliacea in mice model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl (Cyperaceae) is a grass like herb usually grows as a weed in rice fields and is mainly distributed in tropical or sub-tropical countries of south and south-east Asia, central America, northern Australia and west Africa. The plant has been traditionally used to treat fever as a form of poultice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to investigate antipyretic and anti-nociceptive effects of methanol extract of leaves of Fimbristylis miliacea in mice model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antipyretic effect of Fimbristylis miliacea was examined using Baker's yeast induced hyperthermia test. Anti-nociceptive effect was investigated using acetic acid induced writhing test, formalin induced hind paw licking test and hot plate test.

RESULTS

The extract at concentration of 400 mg/kg produced significant reduction in body temperature after 0.5 h of administration (4.12 °F, p ≤ 0.001) and continued to decrease (after 4 h, 5.92 °F, p ≤ 0.001). Extracts at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg decreased the temperature by about 2.77 °F (from 99.47 °F to 96.7 °F) and 5.58 °F (98.2 °F-92.62 °F) respectively after 4 h whereas paracetamol dropped by about 7.2 °F (p ≤ 0.001). The extract showed significant decrease in number of writhes at all concentrations. Highest effect was found at 200 mg/kg having 35.7 writhes (p ≤ 0.001), much lower than control (89.2); standard drug diclofenac showed 23.2 writhes. Percent inhibition of writhing were 54.26 and 73.99 for 200 mg/kg and diclofenac respectively. The result of hind paw licking test also corroborated writhing test. Significant reduction in percent inhibition of licking was observed mainly in late phase. Percent inhibition of licking were 93.77 and 51.55 for 400 mg/kg extract and diclofenac respectively. In hot plate test, extract at 400 mg/kg showed significant increase in latency from 10.77 s to 13.59 s (p ≤ 0.05). Extract at this dose after 2 h demonstrated greater percent maximal effect (43.26%) compared to ketorolac (40.19%).

CONCLUSION

The experiment confirmed the traditional use of F. miliacea in the treatment of fever with possible anti-nociceptive effects.

Anti-nociceptive effect of methanol extract of leaves of Senna singueana in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Senna singueana (Del.) Lock (Fabaceae) is a shrub or tree found in Ethiopia and other African countries. It has been traditionally used for different conditions including treatment of pain conditions in humans and animals. Although various reports are available in the literature claiming different activities of the plant, scientific studies supporting analgesic potential of S. singueana are lacking and the present study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect of methanol extract of leaves of S. singueana in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-nociceptive activity of S. singueana (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, p.o) was investigated using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking, and hot plate tests. Acute oral toxicity was determined using a slightly modified guideline (423) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

RESULTS

S. singueana extract increased the percentage of inhibition of writhing response and licking response (neurogenic and inflammatory phase) in acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking tests, respectively. It also significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the percentage of mean maximal effect (%MPE) compared to control group in the hot-plate test. In all models, the combination of S. singueana with either diclofenac or morphine produced statistically significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the percentage of inhibition of writhing, paw licking, and %MPE compared to single treatment groups. It was also found that the 400 mg/kg extract produced higher antinociceptive effects (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the 200 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

S. singueana leaves may have analgesic effect that is mediated through both peripheral and central mechanisms and could be used as adjuvant treatment to the modern analgesics.

Phytochemical and Antinociceptive, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Studies of Smilax larvata (Smilacaceae)

The tea of aerial parts of Smilax larvata Griseb. (Smilacaceae) has been ethnopharmacologically used in Southern Brazil due to its anti-inflammatory action. In this study, ethanolic and organic extracts from aerial parts of S. larvata were phytochemically and pharmacologically characterized. The phytochemical analysis of EtOAc extract of S. larvata revealed the presence of three flavonoids, drabanemoroside, kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, and kaempferol, the first two being isolated for the first time in this genus, two phenolic compounds p-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid, and alkaloids. In vitro assays demonstrated a potential antioxidant property of SLG. The treatment with SLG induced a significant reduction of the formalin-evoked flinches in rats, an effect reversed by opioid antagonist naloxone. Treatment with SLG also induced a significant increase in the hot plate latency and a decrease of intestinal motility by 45%. No effect was observed over nociceptive responses induced by a TRPA1 agonist mustard oil or over acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Together, our data suggested that SLG has an in vivo antinociceptive effect, which seems to be associated with the opioid system activation. These findings support previous claims of medical use of Smilax larvata in the treatment of pain conditions.

BIOLOGICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF EXTRACTS FROM PTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS POIR (FABACEAE) ROOT BARKS

Background:

Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. belonging to Fabacae familly is used as medicinal plant in Burkina Faso’s folk medicine. Roots of P. erinaceus are used to treat ulcer, stomach ache and inflammatory diseases. The objective of the present study was to carry out phytochemical composition of methanol (MeOH) and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts from Pterocarpus erinaceus roots, to isolate pure compounds, and to evaluate their pharmacological activities.

Methods:

Chromatographic fractionation led to the isolation of active components of the extracts. The structures were established by NMR analysis and comparison with data from literature. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using croton oil-induced edema of mice ear as well as the effect of extracts against lipoxygenase and lipid peroxidation was evaluated. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extracts.

Results:

Friedelin (1), 3a-hydroxyfriedelan-2-one (2), a-sophoradiol (3) and stigmasterol (4) were isolated from DCM extract and maltol-6-O-apiofuranoside-glucopyranoside (5) isolated from MeOH. DCM extract and friedelin, 3a-hydroxyfriedelan-2-one, a-sophoradiol showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect against ear edema. Friedelin (1), α-sophoradiol (3) and maltol-6-O-apiofuranoside-glucopyranoside (5) exhibited lipoxygenase inhibition. MeOH extract (100 μg/mL) inhibited lipoxygenase and lipid peroxidation activities at 45.1 ± 3% and 30.7 ± 0.5% respectively. MeOH extract, ethyl acetate fraction and butanol fraction exhibited antioxidant property with both two methods used.

Conclusion:

The results suggested that the extracts and compounds from roots of Pterocarpus erinaceus possessed local anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidant properties and inhibitor effect against lipoxygenase and lipid peroxidation activities.

Antinociceptive and anti-tussive activities of the ethanol extract of the flowers of Meconopsis punicea Maxim

BACKGROUND

As an important traditional Tibetan (veterinary) medicine, the flowers of Meconopsis punicea (family Papaveraceae) have been used to treat pain, fever, cough, inflammation, liver heat and lung heat of humans and animals by local people for thousands of years. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-tussive activities of the ethanol extract of M. punicea (EEM).

METHODS

Firstly, HPLC was used to analyze the main constituents of the ethanol extract of M. punicea. In animal experiments, the acetic acid-induced writhing response test, hot plate test, barbiturate-induced sleeping time and formalin tests were used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity. Then, ammonia-induced coughing and sulfur dioxide-induced coughing tests in mice as well as the phenol red secretion in trachea test were used to investigate the anti-tussive activity of the extract. Finally, an acute toxicity study was carried out.

RESULTS

The results showed that alkaloids and flavonoids were the main compounds in the ethanol extract of M. punicea flowers. The extract at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg had good antinociceptive and anti-tussive activities in mice with a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that EEM has significant bioactivities, and the active components of M. punicea should be studied further.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Melanthera scandens

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of leaf extract of Melanthera scandens (M. scandens).

METHODS

The crude leaf extract (39-111 mg/kg) of M. scandens was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities using various experimental models. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carragenin, egg-albumin induced oedema models, while acetic acid, formalin-induced paw licking and thermal-induced pain models were used to evaluate the antinociceptive property.

RESULTS

The extract caused a significant (P<0.05 - 0.001) dose-dependent reduction of inflammation and pains induced by different agents used.

CONCLUSIONS

The leaf extract possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects which may be mediated through the phytochemical constituents of the plant.

Phytochemical composition and antinociceptive activity of Bauhinia glauca subsp. hupehana in rats

In traditional medicine, Bauhinia glauca subsp. hupehana has long been used as an analgesic agent in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of B. glauca subsp. hupehana (BHE) in rats and its chemical fingerprint. The antinociceptive activity of BHE was assessed in mice using chemically and heat–induced pain models, such as the acetic acid–induced writhing, hot plate, tail–flick and glutamate tests. Naltrexone hydrochloride, a non–selective opioid receptor antagonist, was utilized to determine the involvement of the opioid system. In addition to this, the involvements of the cGMP and ATP–sensitive K⁺ channel pathways were also detected using methylene blue and glibenclamide. The oral administration of BHE (at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) produced significant and dose–related inhibitions in both the chemically and heat–induced pain models. Interestingly, in the abdominal constriction test, when the dose of BHE was increased to 800 mg/kg (p.o., n = 10), the inhibition rate was 100%. The antinociceptive mechanism may involve the cGMP pathway and ATP sensitive K⁺ channel pathway. The central antinociceptive effect was not antagonized by naltrexone. One phenolic acid, one lignin and five flavonoids were isolated from BHE. The antinociceptive activity of BHE was most likely due to the presence of the flavonoids. The acute toxicity results showed that BHE was safe at a high dose (2 g/kg, p.o.). The current investigation demonstrates that B. glauca subsp. hupehana is a potential candidate for the development of novel, non–opioid, analgesic phytomedicines.

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro biological activity of three Hypericum species from the Canary Islands (Hypericum reflexum, Hypericum canariense and Hypericum grandifolium)

In the present work we carried out a phytochemical and biological investigation on three Hypericum species, i.e. Hypericum reflexum, Hypericum canariense and Hypericum grandifolium, from the Canary Islands where they are traditionally used as diuretic, wound healing, vermifuge, sedative and antidepressive agents. The polar extracts of the top flowering aerial parts, prepared by Soxhlet apparatus using a methanol-acetone (1:1) extracting mixture, were analyzed by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS for the content of eight biomarkers such as hypericin, hyperforin, chlorogenic acid, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, quercitrin and quercetin, whereas the hydrodistilled essential oils were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The three Hypericum species had different results in both polar and volatile constituents, H. reflexum being the only one endowed with a small amount of naphtodianthrones (hypericin and pseudohypericin), and containing high levels of chlorogenic acid, rutin and volatile mono- and sesquiterpenes. After chemical characterization, all products were in vitro biologically assayed for antiproliferative activity on human tumor cell lines by MTT assay, for antioxidant potential by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, and for antimicrobial activity by the agar disc diffusion and microdilution methods. Results revealed interesting bioactivities and differences between polar extracts and essential oils, with the former being endowed with significant antioxidant activity and the latter with comparable inhibition effects on the tumor cells (A375, MDA-MB 231 and HCT 116) to that of cisplatin.

Antinociceptive property of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv (Olacaceae) extract in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Olax subscorpioidea is a shrub or tree found in Nigeria, and other parts of Africa. It is used in the management of inflammatory disorder, mental illness, convulsion, pain, and cancer. However, there is dearth of information on scientific basis for its folkloric use in the management of pain. Therefore, the study was designed to investigate the antinociceptive property of the extract of Olax subscorpioidea (EOS) leaves in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antinociceptive activity of EOS (12.5-50 mg/kg, i.p.) was investigated using acetic acid induced abdominal writhing, tail immersion, hot plate and formalin tests.

RESULTS

Extract of Olax subscorpioidea produced significant dose dependent inhibition of writhing frequency [F(4,20)=155.9, p<0.0001] and significant dose dependent inhibition of neurogenic and inflammatory pains [F(4,20)=116.7, p<0.0001; F(4,20)=40.05, p<0.0001]. It also produced a significant dose dependent prolongation of the latent period and reaction times in tail immersion and hot plate tests in mice [F(4,20)=19.49, p<0.0001; F(4,20)=97.95, p<0.0001].

CONCLUSION

Olax subscorpioidea possessed potent analgesic action, mediated centrally and peripherally, thus justifying its use in the management of pain.

Evaluation of antinociceptive effect of methanolic extract of leaves of Crataeva nurvala Buch.-Ham

BACKGROUND

Crataeva nurvala Buch.-Ham. (Family: Capparidaceae) is widely used as anti-inflammatory, contraceptive, laxative, lithotropic, febrifuge and as tonic in traditional medicine. This study evaluated the antinociceptive effect of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Crataeva nurvala (MECN).

METHODS

The antinociceptive activity was investigated using heat-induced (hot-plate and tail-immersion test) and chemical-induced (acetic acid, formalin and glutamic acid) nociception models in mice at different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) of MECN. Morphine sulphate (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg, i. p.) were used as reference analgesic drugs.

RESULTS

MECN produced significant dose-dependent antinociception when assessed using hot plate test, tail immersion test and acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test (65.55%). Likewise, MECN at similar doses produced significant dose-dependent inhibition in both neurogenic (50.82%) and inflammatory pain (73.53%) induced by intraplantar injection of formalin (2.5% formalin, 20 μl/paw). Besides, MECN also significantly inhibited the glutamate-induced (10 μM/paw) pain in mice (74.68%). It was demonstrated that pretreatment with naloxone (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reversed antinociception produced by MECN in hot plate and tail immersion test suggesting the involvement of opioid receptor. In addition, administration of glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, i.p.), an ATP-sensitive K+ channel antagonist could not reverse antinociceptive activity induced by MECN.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that MECN possesses antinociceptive activity involving inhibition of opioid system as well as the glutamatergic system supporting its traditional uses.

A systematic review for anti-inflammatory property of clusiaceae family: a preclinical approach

Background. Clusiaceae family (sensu lato) is extensively used in ethnomedicine for treating a number of disease conditions which include cancer, inflammation, and infection. The aim of this review is to report the pharmacological potential of plants of Clusiaceae family with the anti-inflammatory activity in animal experiments. Methods. A systematic review about experiments investigating anti-inflammatory activity of Clusiaceae family was carried out by searching bibliographic databases such as Medline, Scopus and Embase. In this update, the search terms were "anti-inflammatory agents," "Clusiaceae," and "animals, laboratory." Results. A total of 255 publications with plants this family were identified. From the initial 255 studies, a total of 21 studies were selected for the final analysis. Studies with genera Allanblackia, Clusia, Garcinia or Rheedia, and Hypericum showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. The findings include a decrease of total leukocytes, a number of neutrophils, total protein concentration, granuloma formation, and paw or ear edema formation. Other interesting findings included decreased of the MPO activity, and inflammatory mediators such as NF- κ B and iNOS expression, PGE2 and Il-1 β levels and a decrease in chronic inflammation. Conclusion. The data reported suggests the anti-inflammatory effect potential of Clusiaceae family in animal experiments.

Antinociceptive activity of Rhoifoline A from the ethanol extract of Zanthoxylum nitidum in mice

AIM OF THE STUDY

Antinociceptive activity of Rhoifoline A (RA), a benzophenanthridine alkaloid obtained from the ethanol extract of Zanthoxylum nitidum, was evaluated in mice using chemical and thermal models of nociception.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RA was evaluated on anti-nociceptive activity in mice using chemical and thermal models of nociception.

RESULTS

RA administered intraperitoneally at doses of 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg exhibited significant inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin, and on thermal nociception in the tail-flick test and the hot plate test. RA neither significantly impaired motor coordination in the rotarod test nor did spontaneous locomotion in the open-field test. RA did not enhance the pentobarbital sodium induced sleep time. These results indicated that the observed antinociceptive activity of RA was unrelated to sedation or motor abnormality. Core body temperature measurement showed that RA did not affect temperature during a 2-hour period. Furthermore, RA-induced antinociception in the hot plate test was insensitive to naloxone or glibenclamide but significantly antagonized by L-NAME, methylene blue and nimodipine.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, it is reasonable that the analgesic mechanism of RA possibly involved the NO-cGMP signaling pathway and L-type Ca(2+) channels.

Evaluation of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of Caralluma dalzielii

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Caralluma dalzielii has been used for treating several ailments including convulsion, leprosy, snake bites, otitis (ear pain), fungal diseases and rheumatoid arthritis in Northern Nigeria. However there is no scientific evidence to support its use in literature. To evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extract of Caralluma dalzielii in animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties were assessed using acetic acid induced writhing test in mice, sub plantar formalin induced nociception, the tail-flick test and formalin induced oedema in rats. Three doses of the extract (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) were used for the assessment.

RESULTS

Caralluma dalzielii extract demonstrated strong dose-dependent antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in all the models employed. All doses (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) produced a significant percentage inhibition (41.77, 77.11, and 90.76% in the early phase and 52.02, 85.35, 93.93% in the late phase) in the acetic acid writhing test and (42.85, 55.71, 86.43% in the early phase and 23.26, 37.98, 72.87 in the late phase) in the formalin induced nociception test, respectively. The tail-flick test showed a significant increase in the antinociceptive effect of the extract in both early and late phases when compared with the control. The inhibition of oedema in the formalin test was significant when compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that Caralluma dalzielii showed excellent antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties suggesting that its traditional use in the treatment of pains and inflammatory diseases may be valid.

Antinociceptive, antidiarrheal, and neuropharmacological activities of Barringtonia acutangula

CONTEXT

Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn. (Lecythidaceae) has been used in folk medicine in the treatment of arthralgia, chest pain, dysmenorrhea, inflammation, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, and also in psychological disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antinociceptive, antidiarrheal, and neuropharmacological effect of the methanol extract of B. acutangula leaves and seeds in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg; p.o.) were tested for antinociceptive activity by acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and tail immersion models; castor oil- and magnesium sulphate-induced diarrheal models were used to evaluate antidiarrheal activity whereas hole cross and open field models were employed for testing neuropharmacological activity.

RESULTS

Both extracts exhibited significant antinociceptive effect (p < 0.001) in acetic acid and heat induced pain models in a dose-dependent manner. The extracts prolonged the latency period to the thermal stimuli in both hot plate and tail immersion test. The extracts also showed significant inhibition of defecation (p < 0.001, 0.01) in both diarrheal models. Again, the spontaneous motor activity was decreased (p < 0.001) by the extracts in both hole cross and open field test.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that the methanol extracts of B. acutangula leaves and seeds possess good antinociceptive, antidiarrheal, and central nervous system (CNS) depressant activities. This study validates the use of this plant in traditional medicine.

Evaluation of antinociceptive effects of Crassocephalum bauchiense Hutch (Asteraceae) leaf extract in rodents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The leaves of Crassocephalum bauchiense have long been used in traditional Cameroonian medicine for the treatment of epilepsy, pain, inflammatory disorders, arthritis and intestinal pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we attempted to identify the possible antinociceptive action of the aqueous extract and the alkaloid fraction prepared from the leaves of Crassocephalum baucheiense.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions, formalin-, capsaisin- and glutamate-induced nociception, and hot plate assay procedures, the antinociceptive effects of the aqueous extract and the alkaloid fraction was assessed after oral administration in mice. Morphine sulfate was used as reference analgesic agent. Mice were submitted to the rota-rod task and open-field test in order to assess any non-specific muscle-relaxant or sedative effects of the extracts of Crassocephalum bauchiense. Male and female Swiss mice were used to assess acute toxicity of these extracts.

RESULTS

The aqueous extract and the alkaloid fraction of Crassocephalum bauchiense produced a significant antinociceptive effects in the acetic acid, formalin, glutamate, capsaicin and hot plate tests. These antinociceptive effects of Crassocephalum bauchiense were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with naloxone. The extracts of Crassocephalum bauchiense did not alter the locomotion of animals in the open-field or rotarod tests, which suggest a lack of a central depressant effect. The animals did not exhibit any acute toxicity to the aqueous extract and the alkaloid fraction, so it was not possible to calculate the LD(50).

CONCLUSION

The results confirm the popular use of Crassocephalum bauchiense as an antinociceptive, and contribute to the pharmacological knowledge of this species because it was shown that the aqueous extract and the alkaloid fraction of Crassocephalum bauchiense produced dose related antinociception in models of chemical and thermal nociception through mechanisms that involve an interaction with opioidergic pathway.

Effects of Hypericum montbretti extract on the central nervous system and involvement of GABA (A)/Benzodiazepine receptors in its pharmacological activity

The present study was undertaken to investigate the putative activity of a methanol extract of Hypericum montbretti (Guttiferae) on the central nervous system. Rutin (1519 ppm) and quercitrin (784 ppm) were identified as the major phenolic compounds in the extract. When administered at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses, the extract decreased the total number of head-dipping behaviours performed by mice during a hole-board test. Administration of both the extract and diazepam (2 mg/kg) reduced spontaneous locomotory activity, potentiated hexobarbital (60 mg/kg)-induced sleeping parameters and prevented pentylenetetrazole (80 mg/kg)-induced seizures relative to the controls. These findings are the first to indicate the sedative and anticonvulsant activities of H. montbretti extract. Atropine (2 mg/kg) and naloxone (5 mg/kg) pre-treatment did not reverse the sedative effect, indicating that muscarinic and opioidergic mechanisms did not contribute to the pharmacological action. However, pre-treatment with flumazenil (a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist) reversed both the sedative and anticonvulsant effects induced by a 100 mg/kg dose of the extract, indicating the involvement of the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor complex. In conclusion, H. montbretti extract is a novel candidate as a sedative and anticonvulsant drug for the treatment of sleep disorders and for the prevention of epileptic seizures.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties of Thespesia populnea Soland ex. Correa seed extracts and its fractions in animal models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thespesia populnea Sol. ex Correa (Malvaceae) is commonly known as "Indian tulip tree". The plant has been used as an astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and hepatoprotective in Indian system of traditional medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thespesia populnea seeds were successively extracted by soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether (40-60 °C) (TPO) and ethanol (TPE). Unsaponifiable matter (TPOUM) and fatty acids were separated from seed oil. A GC-MS analysis of fatty acid methyl esters was carried out. Ethanolic extract was fractionated using CHCl(3), EtOAc, n-BuOH and H(2)O. Acute arthritis was induced by sub-plantar injection of carrageenan into the left hind paw of rats. The paw volume was measured using plethysmometer. Analgesic activity was assessed by heat induced pains (tail immersion model) and antipyretic activity assessed using brewers yeast-induced pyrexia model.

RESULTS

Oral administration of TPO and TPE at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. and tested fractions at 200mg/kg significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema and brewers yeast-induced pyrexia. In tail immersion method also extracts and fractions showed significant analgesic activity. Amongst all fractions EtOAc showed most significant results. TPOUM showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. GC-MS analyses showed the presence of fourteen fatty acids, predominant fatty acids were palmitic and stearic acid.

CONCLUSION

These results highlighted anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of Thespesia populnea seeds.

Systematic review of herbals as potential anti-inflammatory agents: Recent advances, current clinical status and future perspectives

Many synthetic drugs reported to be used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders are of least interest now a days due to their potential side effects and serious adverse effects and as they are found to be highly unsafe for human assistance. Since the last few decades, herbal drugs have regained their popularity in treatment against several human ailments. Herbals containing anti-inflammatory activity (AIA) are topics of immense interest due to the absence of several problems in them, which are associated with synthetic preparations. The primary objective of this review is to provide a deep overview of the recently explored anti-inflammatory agents belonging to various classes of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, polyphenolic compounds, and also the compounds isolated from plants of marine origin, algae and fungi. Also, it enlists a distended view on potential interactions between herbals and synthetic preparations, related adverse effects and clinical trials done on herbals for exploring their AIA. The basic aim of this review is to give updated knowledge regarding plants which will be valuable for the scientists working in the field of anti-inflammatory natural chemistry.

Mechanisms involved in the antinociception of petroleum ether fraction from the EtOH extract of Chrysanthemum indicum in mice

The petroleum ether fraction (PEF) from the EtOH extract of flowers and buds of Chrysanthemum indicum was evaluated on antinociception in mice using chemical and thermal models of nociception. PEF administered orally at doses of 188 and 376 mg/kg produced significant inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid, subplantar formalin or capsaicin injections and on thermal nociception in the tail-flick test and the hot plate test. In the pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep time test and the open-field test, PEF neither enhanced the pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep time nor impaired the motor performance, indicating that the observed antinociception was unrelated to sedation or motor abnormality. In a measurement of core body temperature, PEF did not affect temperature within 80 min. Moreover, PEF-induced antinociception in the capsaicin test was insensitive to naloxone, yohimbine or methylene blue, but was significantly antagonized by atropine and glibenclamide. These results suggested that PEF-produced antinociception might be involvement in the ATP sensitive K+ channels and the mAChRs-ATP sensitive K+ channels pathway. In additional, the antinociception of PEF might attribute to the synergic effects of these two compounds, 2-[[2-[2-[(2-ethylcyclopropyl)methyl] cyclop Cyclopropaneoctanoic and n-hexadecanoic acid, or the property of a single compound, which merited exploring further.

Lupane triterpenes with a δ-lactone at ring E, from Lippia mexicana

Three new lupane-type triterpenes, lippiolide (1), lippiolidolic acid (2), and lippiolic acid (3), were isolated from aerial parts of Lippia mexicana. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited a δ-lactone at ring E. The known cycloartane triterpene 5 was also isolated. The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical reactions, and the structure of compound 1 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 1, 3, and 5 was evaluated in the TPA-induced ear mouse edema model. Lupanes 1 and 3 were more active than cycloartane 5.

Antinociceptive effect of methanol extract of Capparis ovata in mice

CONTEXT

Capparis ovata Desf. (Capparaceae) grows widely in Turkey. Flower buds and fruits of the plant are used in folk medicine for their analgesic, antirheumatismal, and diuretic effects.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the possible antinociceptive effect of the methanol extract of C. ovata (CME) in mice.

MATERIALS

The antinociceptive effect of methanol extract, prepared with the C. ovata flower buds, was studied at the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg (i.p.) using tail-immersion, hot-plate, and writhing tests in mice. Morphine sulfate (5 mg/kg; i.p.) and dipyrone (100 mg/kg; i.p.) were used as reference analgesic agents. Naloxone (5 mg/kg; i.p.) was also tested.

RESULTS

It was observed that the C. ovata extract had a significant antinociceptive effect in these tests. In the hot-plate and tail-immersion test results, the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg increased the percentage of the maximum possible effect (MPE%) value for nociception significantly according to the control value (P < 0.001). All doses of the extract decreased the number of acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions in mice when compared with control group (P < 0.001). These effects were inhibited by pretreatment with naloxone.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that CME is a potentially antinociceptive agent which acts as both at the peripheral and central levels.

Antinociceptive activity of methanol extract of fruits of Capparis ovata in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Capparis ovata Desf. and Capparis spinosa L. have wide natural distribution in Turkey and they are consumed in pickled form. Flower buds, root bark, and fruits of the plant are used in folk medicine due to their analgesic, wound healing, cell regeneration, tonic, and diuretic effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we attempted to identify the possible antinociceptive action of methanol extract prepared from fruits of Capparis ovata.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using tail immersion, hot plate and writhing tests, the antinociceptive effect of the methanol extract of Capparis ovata (MEC) fruits was assessed after intraperitoneal administration into mice. Morphine sulfate (5mg/kg; i.p.) and diclofenac (10mg/kg; i.p.) were used as reference analgesic agents. Naloxone (5mg/kg; i.p.) was also tested.

RESULTS

MEC was studied at the doses of 50, 100, and 200mg/kg (i.p.) and exhibited significant antinociceptive activities in all tests used. The above-mentioned doses of the extract reduced the writhing responses by 32.21, 55.70, and 68.36%, respectively. MPE% were increased by 7.27, 12.07, 14.60% in the tail immersion, and 7.88, 11.71, 16.73% in the hot plate test at the tested doses, respectively. Naloxone antagonized antinociceptive effect at the doses of 100 and 200mg/kg whereas partially antagonized the effect of MEC at the dose of 50mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that MEC has antinociceptive effects both at the peripheral and central levels.

Antinociceptive activities of the liposoluble fraction from Vitex negundo seeds

The antinociceptive activities of the petroleum ether fraction (PEF) from the aqueous ethanol extract of Vitex negundo Linn. (Verbenaceae) seeds have been evaluated in several nociceptive mouse models. Given orally, the PEF (at doses of 12, 24, and 48 mg/kg body weight) produced significant dose-related inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and sub-plantar formalin injections and on thermal nociception in the hot-plate test. Naloxone (1 mg/kg bw subcutaneously), a non-selected opioid receptor antagonist, notably reversed the analgesic effect caused by the PEF (48 mg/kg bw) when assessed against the first phase of the formalin test, but this effect was less significant for the PEF in the second phase. Our observations suggest that the PEF probably interacted with the opioid system and may be more effective on inflammatory pain. In addition, potent anti-inflammatory activity of the PEF was observed in the xylene-induced ear edema test, which further indicates that the analgesic effects of the PEF may be partially mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity. Further chemical analysis suggests that the analgesic activities of the PEF could be mostly due to the abundance of fatty acids with synergetic effects in the present work.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation for analgesic properties and constituents of Vitex negundo L. seeds

This study was undertaken to ascertain the analgesic properties of Vitex negundo L. seeds and to isolate and characterize the active constituents. Among the 80% ethanol extract and some fractions with different polarity, the acetoacetate fraction showed the highest anti-nociceptive activity in acetic acid-induced writhing test in ICR mice. The analgesic bioguided isolation of the acetoacetate fraction yielded two major lignans: 6-hydroxy-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-7-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2-naphthaldehyde (1) and vitedoamine A (2). Given orally, compound (1), which was more productive, produced significant inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin injections and exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activities in dimethyl benzene-induced ear edema test in a dose-dependent manner. Since co-administration of naloxone fails to antagonize the analgesic activity of compound (1) in the formalin test, we suggest that compound (1) possesses potent analgesic effects which are most likely to be mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity rather than through opioid receptor system and therefore could partially explain the anti-nociceptive effect of V. negundo L. seeds.

The analgesic and antiplasmodial activities and toxicology of Vernonia amygdalina

Vernonia amygdalina possesses several bioactive compounds and is used in traditional medicines of southwestern Uganda, along with other regions. Its analgesic potential has not been investigated thus far. The present study examines the antinociceptive potential of the aqueous leaf extract (50-200 mg/kg) using three models of nociception (acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin test, and tail-flick test), antiplasmodial activity, and toxicology of the extract. The results show the extract significantly inhibits acetic acid-induced writhing and the formalin test in mice but did not give a potent effect in the tail-flick test, suggesting that the extract may have peripheral and central analgesic properties. The extract also exhibited significant antiplasmodial activity in mice against Plasmodium berghei with 73% inhibition in the group that received a dose of 200 mg/kg i.p. daily for 4 days. Toxicology results show no clinical signs of toxicity or adverse toxicological effects in the treated groups, except for a significant decrease in red blood cell count and a dose-dependent increase in serum bilirubin. These changes were within control values based on historical reference ranges at doses of 500-2,000 mg/kg/day for 14 consecutive days as compared to the control. This study supports the traditional use of V. amygdalina as an alternative therapy for malaria and the symptomatic relief of pain usually associated with malaria.

Hypericum grandifolium Choisy: a species native to Macaronesian Region with antidepressant effect

AIM OF THE STUDY

Various species of Hypericum genus have been used in the Canary Islands as sedative, diuretic, vermifuge, wound healing, antihysteric and antidepressant agent. Studies have shown that methanol extract of Hypericum grandifolium Choisy is active in tetrabenazine-induced ptosis and forced swimming tests. In the current study, the aqueous, butanol and chloroform fractions obtained from the methanol extract as well as three sub-fractions derived from the chloroform fraction were evaluated for their central nervous effects in mice, particularly their antidepressant activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The central nervous effect of different fractions and sub-fractions of Hypericum grandifolium was evaluated in mice using various behavioural models including locomotor and muscle relaxant activity, forced swimming test, effect on normal body temperature, barbiturate-induced sleep, tetrabenazine-induced syndrome and 5-hydroxytryptohan-induced head twitches and syndrome.

RESULTS

We found that the butanol and chloroform fractions and all sub-fractions showed an antidepressant effect in the forced swimming test, the chloroform fraction being the most active. They produced no effects or only a slight depression of locomotor activity. Chloroform fraction significantly increased the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, produced a slight but significant hypothermia and antagonized tetrabenazine-induced ptosis, whereas the butanol fraction produced a slight potentiation of 5-HTP-induced head twitches and syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results, together with previous pharmacological and phytochemical data, indicated that Hypericum grandifolium possess antidepressant-like effects in mice and that different constituents, such as the flavonoids and the benzophenone derivatives, could be responsible at least in part for the antidepressant effects observed for this species.

Characterizing the metabolic fingerprint and anti-inflammatory activity of Hypericum gentianoides

In this paper we characterize the metabolic fingerprint and first reported anti-inflammatory activity of Hypericum gentianoides. H. gentianoides has a history of medical use by Native Americans, but it has been studied very little for biological activity. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analyses of a methanol extract show that H. gentianoides contains a family of over nine related compounds that have retention times, mass spectra, and a distinctive UV absorption spectra characteristic of certain acyl-phloroglucinols. These metabolites are abundant relative to other secondary products present in H. gentianoides, accounting for approximately 0.2 g per gram of dry plant tissue. H. gentianoides methanol extracts and a specific semipreparative HPLC fraction from these extracts containing the putative acyl-phloroglucinols reduce prostaglandin E 2 synthesis in mammalian macrophages.

Anti-nociceptive activity of aqueous fraction from the MeOH extracts of Paederia scandens in mice

AIM OF THE STUDY

We examined the effects of the aqueous fraction (AF) on nociception models mice induced by the chemical and the thermal stimuli so as to elucidate the analgesic activity and provide scientific basis for the clinical use of Paederia scandens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The AF of MeOH extract from P. scandens was evaluated on anti-nociceptive activity in mice using chemical and thermal models of nociception.

RESULTS

Given orally, the aqueous fraction at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg produced significant inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin injections and on thermal nociception in the tail-flick test and in the hot plate test. More significant inhibition of nociception was observed at dose of 800 mg/kg of this fraction. In the pentobarbital sodium -induced sleeping time test and the open-field test, the aqueous fraction neither significantly enhanced the pentobarbital sodium -induced sleeping time nor impaired the motor performance, indicating that the observed anti-nociception was unlikely due to sedation or motor abnormality.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that the aqueous fraction produced anti-nociception possibly related to the iridoid glycosides and polysaccharides in this fraction.

Antinociceptive activity of petroleum ether fraction from the MeOH extracts of Paederia scandens in mice

The petroleum ether fraction of MeOH extract from Paederia scandens was evaluated on anti-nociceptive activity in mice using chemical and thermal models of nociception. Given orally, the petroleum ether fraction (PEF) at doses of 20, 40 and 80mg/kg produced significant inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin or capsaicin injections and on thermal nociception in the tail-flick test and in the hot plate test. More significant inhibition of nociception was observed at dose of 80mg/kg of the petroleum ether fraction. In the pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping time test and the open-field test, the petroleum ether fraction neither significantly enhanced the pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping time nor impaired the motor performance, indicating that the observed anti-nociception was unlikely due to sedation or motor abnormality. Moreover, the petroleum ether fraction-induced anti-nociception in both capsaicin and formalin tests was insensitive to naloxone, but was significantly antagonized by glibenclamide. These results suggested that the petroleum ether fraction produced anti-nociception possibly related to glibenclamide-sensitive K(+)-ATP channels, which merited further studies regarding the precise site and mechanism of action. The major constituents of the petroleum ether fraction (PEF) determined by GC/MS analysis, are linoleic acid, the sterols and vitamin E. Therefore it can be suggested that they exert synergetic effects and are together responsible for the antinociceptive activity of the PEF-fraction.

Antidepressant activity of some Hypericum reflexum L. fil. extracts in the forced swimming test in mice

We previously reported that oral administration of the methanol extract obtained from the aerial part in blossom of Hypericum reflexum L. fil. was active in the tetrabenazine and forced swimming test. In the present study, the effect of the aqueous, butanol and chloroform fractions obtained from the methanol extract of this species on the central nervous system was investigated in mice, particularly in animal models of depression. Antidepressant activity was detected in the butanol and chloroform fractions of this species using the forced swimming test since both fractions induced a significant reduction of the immobility time, producing no effects or only a slight depression on spontaneous motor activity when assessed in a photocell activity meter. Moreover, these fractions did not alter significantly the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. On the other hand, the chloroform fraction produced a slight but significant hypothermia and was also effective in antagonizing the ptosis induced by tetrabenazine. Furthermore, the butanol fraction produced a slight potentiation of the head twitches and syndrome induced by 5-HTP. Taken together, these data indicate that the butanol and chloroform fractions from Hypericum reflexum possess antidepressant-like effects in mice, providing further support for the traditional use of these plants in the Canary Islands folk medicine against central nervous disorders.