Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit (Lamiaceae), a medicinal plant protects the stomach against several gastric ulcer models

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities of Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze

Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze is a species widely used traditionally in the treatment of ailments, such as stomach pain, hemorrhoids, cough, verminosis, ulcer, liver disease, fever, influenza, nasal congestion, and inflammation. This review aims to provide a survey of available information on seven international electronic databases (Google Scholar, Medline, ResearchGate, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed) about botanical aspects, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of M. suaveolens. Mesosphaerum suaveolens is a tropical America native species, but it can be found in several parts of the world as a ruderal plant. The species is the most studied species of the genus Lamiaceae due its phytochemical aspect, especially regarding the chemical composition of its essential oil. Besides the essential oils, M. suaveolens is a source of numerous secondary compounds such as triterpenes, diterpenes, and phenolic compounds, which are related to its biological activities, such as allelopathic, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, and larvicidal activities as described in the literature.

Protective effect of standardised fruit extract of Garcinia cowa Roxb. ex Choisy against ethanol induced gastric mucosal lesions in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The fruit of Garcinia is a rich and valuable source of bioactive compounds and is traditionally used for treating wounds and ulcers. The present study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of chromatographically standardized fruit extract of Garcinia cowa (GCE) on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats and its possible mechanisms.

METHODS

The effect of GCE (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) was evaluated by determining various gastric ulcer parameters like gastric wall mucus, non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) content, microvascular permeability, endogenous antioxidant enzyme, and gastric histopathological study.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Oral administration of GCE at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg exhibited significant (p < .01) dose-dependent inhibition of ulcer index by 18.94-44.02%, respectively. Pre-treatment of rats with GCE (400 mg/kg) significantly restored the depleted gastric wall mucus level by 34.09% and NP-SH content by 33.35% induced by ethanol administration. In addition, GCE (400 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease in microvascular permeability of Evans Blue by 47.43%, rationalizing its protective effect. Furthermore, a significant increase in oxidative enzyme levels with reduction in malondialdehyde level and elevation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was observed in the GCE treated group as compared to the ulcer control group. The histopathological assessment also confirmed the protective nature of GCE. HPTLC analysis showed the presence of 0.27%, 0.11% w/w gallic acid, and amentoflavone, respectively in GCE. The content of α-mangostin and xanthochymol in the G. cowa extract sample quantified by HPLC-PDA method was 0.72 and 8.46%, respectively. The results obtained indicate that the protective effect of GCE against gastric ulcers in rats through multiple actions confirmed by the reduction of oxidative stress and restoration of adhered gastric mucus, NP-SH content, and histological architecture.KEY MESSAGESEthanol is the most typical ulcerogenic agent and has been shown to extend the risk of ulcer in humans.Natural products are promising alternative medication for the development of new drugs to regulate gastrointestinal diseases.Garcinia cowa protects the gastric mucosa through multiple actions that include restoration of adhered gastric mucus and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

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.

Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit protects colon from TNBS-induced inflammation via immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-proliferative mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In folk medicine Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae) has been reported to relieve respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, indigestion, cold, pain, fever, cramps, skin diseases, gastric ulcer and inflammatory disorders. This study investigated the effects and the mechanisms of action of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit (Lamiaceae) ethanol extract (Hs-EtOH) and hexane phase (Hs-HexF) against intestinal inflammation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Acute and relapse TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis protocols were used to evaluate intestinal anti-inflammatory activity. Damage evaluations, biochemical, histological and immunostaining parameters were determined.

RESULTS

Both extracts decreased macroscopic colonic inflammation and the area of lesion induced by TNBS. Nevertheless, only Hs-HexF was able to reduce colonic wall thickness, edema and diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration and to prevent GSH depletion in the acute model of ulcerative colitis. In the chronic phase with relapse of colonic ulceration, yet again only Hs-HexF significantly attenuated inflammatory parameters and presented a decrease in nitrite/nitrate, MDA, MPO, IL-1-β and TNF-α and increased levels of SOD, CAT, GSH and IL-10. Hs-HexF also significantly reduced positive cells immunostained for PCNA.

CONCLUSION

The data indicate intestinal anti-inflammatory activity for H. suaveolens, due to the participation of the antioxidant system, decreased neutrophil infiltration and cytokine modulation, as well as, owing to regulation of cell proliferation.

Subtribe Hyptidinae (Lamiaceae): A promising source of bioactive metabolites

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The subtribe Hyptidinae contains approximately 400 accepted species distributed in 19 genera (Hyptis, Eriope, Condea, Cantinoa, Mesosphaerum, Cyanocephalus, Hypenia, Hyptidendron, Oocephalus, Medusantha, Gymneia, Marsypianthes, Leptohyptis, Martianthus, Asterohyptis, Eplingiella, Physominthe, Eriopidion and Rhaphiodon). This is the Lamiaceae clade with the largest number of species in Brazil and high rates of endemism. Some species have been used in different parts of the world mainly as insecticides/pest repellents, wound healing and pain-relief agents, as well as for the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to discuss the current status concerning the taxonomy, ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and biological properties of species which compose the subtribe Hyptidinae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The available information was collected from scientific databases (ScienceDirect, Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, ChemSpider, SciFinder ACS Publications, Wiley Online Library), as well as other literature sources (e.g. books, theses).

RESULTS

The phytochemical investigations of plants of this subtribe have led to the identification of almost 300 chemical constituents of different classes such as diterpenes, triterpenes, lignans, α-pyrones, flavonoids, phenolic acids and monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, as components of essential oils. Extracts, essential oils and isolated compounds showed a series of biological activities such as insecticide/repellent, antimicrobial and antinociceptive, justifying some of the popular uses of the plants. In addition, a very relevant fact is that several species produce podophyllotoxin and related lignans.

CONCLUSION

Several species of Hyptidinae are used in folk medicine for treating many diseases but only a small fraction of the species has been explored and most of the traditional uses have not been validated by current investigations. In addition, the species of the subtribe appear to be very promising as alternative sources of podophyllotoxin-like lignans which are the lead compounds for the semi-synthesis of teniposide and etoposide, important antineoplastic agents. Thus, there is a wide-open door for future studies, both to support the popular uses of the plants and to find new biologically active compounds in this large number of species not yet explored.

Does spatial heterogeneity of landscape explain the process of plant invasion? A case study of Hyptis suaveolens from Indian Western Himalaya

Biological invasion is probably one of the most serious threats to biodiversity after climate change. Landscape distinguished by the heterogeneity of structure, forms, human interferences, and environmental settings plays an important role in the establishment and spread of invasive species. We investigated the effect of the spatial heterogeneity for a selected landscape upon the invasion process through a case study of Hyptis (Hyptis suaveolens) in the Indian Western Himalayan region. The selected study site constitutes a heterogeneous landscape of 32,300 ha in the state of Uttarakhand, placed at the lower elevation of the Indian Himalaya. The landscape has varying levels and patterns of Hyptis invasion. We quantified the spatial heterogeneity in terms of elevation; distance from the canal, river, road, and settlement; and 18 landscape metrics (at the patch and land use class level) to investigate their influence on the invasion; for this purpose, a logistic regression model was developed. The invasion of Hyptis was found to be governed by spatial heterogeneity. The highest probability of invasion was found in the areas adjacent to rivers and roads. The analysis at patch level revealed that the invasion is largely governed by the perimeter-area ratio of patches and is positively correlated. This suggests for greater invasion chances in smaller patches as compared with larger ones. The analysis for the land use class metrics indicated a higher influence of edge density expressed as total edge length of patches per unit area, followed by patch density expresses as a total number of patches per unit area. Hence, the landscapes with larger edges and more number of patches are supposed to be more prone to invasion risks. The results of the study can be used by forest managers in designing a landscape-level system to control invasion.

In vitro Antibiotic and Modulatory Activity of Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze against Candida strains

The emergence of fungal resistance to commercial drugs has been a major problem for the WHO. In this context, research with natural products is promising in the discovery of new active substances. Thus, this work evaluated the antifungal effect of a medicinal plant (i.e., Mesosphaerum suaveolens) against strains of the genus Candida, tested the combined effect with the drug fluconazole, and, finally, determined the phenolic constituents present in the species. Initially, aqueous extracts of leaves (AELMs) and aerial parts (AEAPMs) of the species were prepared. For microbiological assays, the minimum fungicidal concentration was determined by broth microdilution, and the combined effect of fluconazole extracts were verified by sub-inhibitory microdilution concentrations (CFM/8) followed by spectrophotometric readings which were used to determine the IC50. HPLC detected the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, detecting eight compounds present in the samples of which caffeic acid and quercetin were major components. The AELMs modulated fluconazole activity since it decreased fluconazole's IC50 from 7.8 µg/mL to an IC50 of 4.7 µg/mL (CA LM 77) and from 28.8 µg/mL to 18.26 µg/mL (CA INCQS 40006) for the C. albicans strains. The AEAPMs were able to potentiate the effect of fluconazole more effectively than the AELMs. Such an effect was significant for the 16 µg/mL concentration for CA LM 77 and 32 µg/mL for CA INCQS 40006. The AEAPMs as well as the AELMs presented clinically relevant activities for C. tropicalis strains. For the C. tropicalis LM 23 strain, the AEPMs obtained an IC50 of 25 µg/mL and the AELMs an IC50 of 359.9 µg/mL.

Galactomannan from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima prevents indomethacin-induced gastrointestinal damage via neutrophil migration

Galactomannans are neutral polysaccharides isolated from the endosperm of some Leguminosae seeds. They consist of a (1 → 4) linked β-mannopyranosyl backbone partially substituted at O-6 with α-d-galactopyranosyl side groups. C. pulcherrima have anti-inflammatory and muco-adhesive proprieties. Acute gastritis is an inflammatory disease triggered by use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We investigated the gastroprotective effect of galactomannan obtained from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima L. (GM-CP) in acute gastritis model induced by indomethacin. Gastritis was induced with indomethacin (30 mg/kg, P.·O.) in female Swiss mice. Animal groups (n = 7) were pretreated with saline-dissolved GM-CP (3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, P.O.) or vehicle 1 h before gastritis induction. Mice were euthanized seven hours after the induction. The stomach and blood samples were collected for analysis. At 10 mg/kg, GP-CP reduced the extension of macroscopic lesion and the loss of superficial cells by alleviating inflammatory symptoms (neutrophil infiltration, migration and adhesion of mesenteric leukocytes, production of TNF-α and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and helping to maintain mucin labeling of the tissue. Thus, the findings of the study suggest that GM-CP exhibits gastroprotective effects.

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.

Antiulcer Agents: From Plant Extracts to Phytochemicals in Healing Promotion

In this narrative review, we have comprehensively reviewed the plant sources used as antiulcer agents. From traditional uses as herbal remedies, we have moved on to preclinical evidence, critically discussing the in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on plant extracts and even isolated phytochemicals with antiulcerogenic potential. A particular emphasis was also paid to Helicobacter pylori activity, with emphasis on involved mechanisms of action. Lastly, the issue of safety profile of these plant products has also been addressed.

Gastroprotective and antioxidant effects of fluvoxamine on stress-induced peptic ulcer in rats

Objectives

Stress-induced peptic ulcer disease (SPUD) refers to erosions in the mucosa of the upper gastrointestinal tract that are caused by stress. Some antidepressants are reported to have antioxidant and antiulcer effects. However, histopathological and biochemical evaluation of the anti-ulcer activity of a comparable antidepressant, fluvoxamine, has not been adequately investigated. This study aims to determine the anti-ulcer efficacy of fluvoxamine in reducing stress-induced histopathological and biochemical changes in the gastric mucosa.

Methods

Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each: the control groups, the SPUD group, and the fluvoxamine-pre-treated group, which received fluvoxamine for eight days before stress exposure. The cold-restraint stress method was used to induce stomach ulcers in the SPUD and fluvoxamine groups. Afterward, the stomachs of rats were removed, opened, and ulcer indices were calculated. Light microscopy was performed following haematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid Schiff's, Masson's trichrome staining, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunostaining. Gastric tissue levels of oxidative stress markers were measured and compared among groups.

Results

The stomachs of the fluvoxamine-treated rats showed a significantly lower number of ulcers with minimal mucosal injury compared with those of rats from the SPUD group. The oxidative stress marker levels and SPUD ulcer indices were significantly different among groups.

Conclusion

Fluvoxamine pre-treatment exerted a gastroprotective effect against ulcer development and promoted healing of the developed lesions.

Bush mint (Hyptis suaveolens) and spreading hogweed (Boerhavia diffusa) medicinal plant extracts differentially affect activities of CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 enzymes

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hyptis suaveolens (L) Poit and Boerhavia diffusa Linn are medicinal herbal plants commonly found in the tropics and sub-tropics. They are used to treat various conditions among them boils, dyslipidaemia, eczema, malaria, jaundice and gonorrhoea. Thus, the herbal medicinal extracts are now found as part of some commercial herbal formulations. There has not been adequate characterization of these medicinal herbs on their effects on drug metabolising enzymes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effects of extracts of Hyptis suaveolens (HS) and Boerhavia diffusa (BD) on activity of drug metabolising enzymes, CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, as well predict their potential for herb-drug interaction. A secondary aim was to identify constituent compounds such as polyphenolics, in the crude extract preparations of Hyptis suaveolens and Boerhavia diffusa and measure them for activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CYP450 inhibition assays using recombinant CYP450 (rCYP) and fluorescence screening employing individual isozymes (CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4) were used to determine reversible- and time-dependent inhibition (TDI) profiles of extracts of Hyptis suaveolens and Boerhavia diffusa. Inhibition kinetic parameters, K_i and K_inact were also estimated. UPLC-MS employing a Synapt G2 (ESI negative) coupled to a PDA detector was used to identify polyphenolic compounds in crude extracts of Hyptis suaveolens and Boerhavia diffusa.

RESULTS

The inhibitory potency of Hyptis suaveolens and Boerhavia diffusa extracts varied among the different enzymes, with CYP1A2 (3.68 ± 0.10µg/mL) being the least inhibited by HS compared to CYP2D6 (1.39 ± 0.01µg/mL) and CYP3A4 (2.36 ± 0.57µg/mL). BD was most potent on CYP3A4 (7.36 ± 0.94µg/mL) compared to both CYP2D6 (17.79 ± 1.02µg/mL) and CYP1A2 (9.48 ± 0.78µg/mL). Extracts of Hyptis suaveolens and Boerhavia diffusa exhibited TDIs on all CYPs. The most prominent phenolic candidates identified in both medicinal herbs using UPLC-MS analysis included caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin, citric acid, ferulic acid and gluconic acid. These phenolic compounds are thought to potentially give HS and BD their therapeutic effects and inhibitory characteristics affecting CYP450 activities. In vivo predictions showed the potential for HS and BD extracts to cause significant interactions if co-administered with other medications.

CONCLUSIONS

The study reveals that crude aqueous extracts of HS and BD potentially inhibit drug metabolising isozymes CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 in a reversible and time-dependent manner. Thus care should be taken when these extracts are co-administered with drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4.

Activity of Brucea javanica oil emulsion against gastric ulcers in rodents

The present study aims to investigate the gastroprotective effect of Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE) in animals. Gastroprotective potential of BJOE was studied on absolute ethanol, aspirin, reserpine and restraint plus water immersion-induced gastric ulcers in mice as well as glacial acetic acid (GAA) and pyloric ligation (PL)-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Except for ulcer scores, total acidity as well as pepsin activity as for the PL-induced gastric ulcer model and ulcer incidence as for the GAA-induced gastric ulcer model were also determined. Histopathological evaluation as for aspirin, reserpine, PL-induced models was conducted. Results showed that BJOE significantly (P < 0.05) reduced ulcer index in the mouse and rat models in a dose-dependent manner. It had significant (P < 0.05) suppressive effect on total activity of gastric juice as well in PL-induced model. Histopathological examination for the stomach samples confirmed the findings in the aspirin, reserpine or PL-induced gastric lesion models, which showed relatively complete mucosa structure and less inflammation. It is concluded that BJOE could be effective on gastric ulcer in rodents and its gastroprotective activity might be related to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ability and promote gastric mucus secreted. The results may provide beneficial basis for increasing BJOE's clinical indication in future.

Gastroprotective and Antiulcer Effects of Celastrus paniculatus Seed Oil Against Several Gastric Ulcer Models in Rats

Peptic ulcer is a recurrent chronic illness and has become almost a hallmark of the so-called civilized life. In folk medicine, the Celastrus paniculatus plant has been used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases and gastrointestinal disturbances, including dyspepsia and stomach ulcers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the gastroprotective and antiulcer effects of Celastrus paniculatus seed oil (CPO) against several gastric ulcer models in rats. The gastroprotective and antiulcer effects of CPO were evaluated using pylorus-ligated ulcer ethanol- and indomethacin-induced ulcers using rantidine (40 mg/kg per os [PO]) as standard. Gastrointestinal motility was determined by gastric emptying time and gastrointestinal transit ratio. The results of the pharmacological studies of CPO (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg) demonstrated effective gastroprotection against ethanol- and indomethacin-induced ulcer models. In pylorus-ligated rats, the seed oil showed gastroprotective activity by decreasing total gastric juice volume and gastric acidity while increasing the gastric pH. The gastroprotection against ethanol and indomethacin is partially attributed to effective inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, and increase in the levels of IL-10. Treatment with CPO in ethanol-induced ulcer rats significantly (p < .05) decreased MDA (malondialdehyde) levels, which were accompanied by an increase in the activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and catalase. CPO reduced the rate of gastric emptying but had no effect on gastrointestinal transit. The present findings indicate that CPO has potent gastroprotective effects and support the folkloric usage of the seed oil to treat various gastrointestinal disturbances.

Oral treatment with essential oil of Hyptis spicigera Lam. (Lamiaceae) reduces acute pain and inflammation in mice: Potential interactions with transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Hyptis comprehends almost 400 species widespread in tropical and temperate regions of America. The use of Hyptis spicigera Lam. (Lamiaceae) is reported in traditional medicine due to its gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The rationale of this study was to investigate the potential use of the essential oil of H. spicigera (EOHs) as analgesic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The antinociceptive effect of EOHs was verified analyzing acute nocifensive behavior of mice induced by chemical noxious stimuli [i.e., formalin and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels agonists]. We also verified the effects of EOHs on locomotor activity and motor performance in mice. Finally, we investigate the involvement of central afferent C-fibers with EOHs analgesic effect.

RESULTS

EOHs presented antinociceptive effect at 300 and 1000mg/kg on formalin-induced pain behavior model, presenting 50% and 72% of inhibition during the first phase (ED₅₀ =292mg/kg), and 85% and 100% during de second phase (ED₅₀ =205mg/kg), respectively. Temperature of the hind paw was reduced by EOHs treatment in a dose-dependent manner; oedema was diminished only by EOHs 1000mg/kg. EOHs does not impaired locomotor activity or motor performance. For mice injected with capsaicin, a TRPV1 activator, EOHs (1000mg/kg, ED₅₀ =660mg/kg) showed decreased (63%) nociceptive behavior. When injected with cinnamaldehyde (TRPA1 activator), mice treated with EOHs showed 23%, 43% and 66% inhibition on nociceptive behavior (100, 300 and 1000mg/kg, respectively; ED₅₀ 402mg/kg). When mice were injected with menthol (TRPM8 activator), EOHs showed 29%, 59% and 98% inhibition of nociceptive behavior (100, 300 and 1000mg/kg, respectively; with ED₅₀ =198mg/kg. Finally, when desensitized mice were injected with menthol, EOHs (300mg/kg) does not show antinociceptive effect.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the efficacy of EOHs on experimental models of nociception. We have found the involvement of TRP channels V1, A1 and M8 with EOHs activity, which was remarkably potent and efficient in inhibiting pain evoked by menthol, a TRPM8 channel activator. TRPM8 channels from TRPV1+ C-fibers, but not TRPM8+ C-fibers nor TRPM8+ Aδ mechanosensory fibers, mediate EOHs analgesic effects.

The gastro protective effects of Cibotium barometz hair on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in Sprague-Dawley rats

BACKGROUND

Cibotium barometz is a medical herb used traditionally in the Malaysian peninsula for several ailments, including gastric ulcer. The aim of this study was assessment the anti-ulcer effects of C. barometz hair on ethanol-induced stomach hemorrhagic abrasions in animals. Seven groups of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were administered 10% Tween 20 in the normal control and ulcer control groups, and omeprazole 20 mg/kg and 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of C. barometz hair extract in the experimental groups. After 60 min, the normal control group of rats was orally administered 10% Tween 20, while absolute ethanol was orally administered to the groups of ulcer control, omeprazole and experimental groups. Stomachs of the rats were examined macroscopically and histologically. Homogenates of stomachs were used to evaluate endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities.

RESULTS

Rats pre-fed with plant extract presented a significant decrease in the sore area, increased pH of gastric contents and preserved stomach wall mucus compared to the ulcer group. Histologically, rats pre-fed with C. barometz hair extract showed mild to moderate disruptions of the surface epithelium while animals pre-fed with absolute ethanol showed severe disruptions of the stomach epithelium with edema and leucocyte penetration of the submucosal layer. A Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining revealed that each rat pre-treated with the plant extract displayed an intense uptake of stomach epithelial glycoprotein magenta color compared to the ulcer control group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that rats pre-fed with the plant extract showed an up-regulation of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and down-regulation of Bax proteins compared to ulcer control rats. Homogenates of the stomach tissue demonstrated significant increases in the endogenous antioxidant enzymatic activity and decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA) in rats pre-treated with C. barometz hair extract compared with the ulcer control rats. In acute toxicity, the liver and kidney revealed no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects histologically.

CONCLUSIONS

The gastric cytoprotective action of C. barometz hair extract might be attributed to antioxidants, an increase in gastric pH, stomach mucus preservation, increased endogenous antioxidant enzymes, decreased lipid peroxidation, up-regulation of HSP70 and down-regulation of Bax proteins.

Cytotoxicity of 91 Kenyan indigenous medicinal plants towards human CCRF-CEM leukemia cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plants from Kenyan flora are traditionally used against many ailments, including cancer and related diseases. Cancer is characterized as a condition with complex signs and symptoms. Recently there are recommendations that ethnopharmacological usages such as immune and skin disorders, inflammatory, infectious, parasitic and viral diseases should be taken into account when selecting plants that treat cancer.

AIM

The present study was aimed at investigating the cytotoxicity of a plethora of 145 plant parts from 91 medicinal plants, most of which are used in the management of cancer and related diseases by different communities in Kenya, against CCRF-CEM leukemia cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extracts from different plant parts (leaves, stems, stem bark, roots, root barks, aerial parts and whole herb) were obtained by cold percolation using different solvent systems, such as (1:1v/v) dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and n-hexane (1), methanol (MeOH) and CH2Cl2 (2); neat MeOH (3), 5% H2O in MeOH (4) and with ethanol (EtOH, 5); their cytotoxicities were determined using the resazurin reduction assay against CCRF-CEM cells.

RESULTS

At a single concentration of 10μg/mL, 12 out of 145 extracts exhibited more than 50% cell inhibition. These include samples from the root bark of Erythrina sacleuxii (extracted with 50% n-hexane-CH2Cl2), the leaves of Albizia gummifera, and Strychnos usambarensis, the stem bark of Zanthoxylum gilletii, Bridelia micrantha, Croton sylvaticus, and Albizia schimperiana; the root bark of Erythrina burttii and E. sacleuxii (extracted with 50% CH2Cl2-MeOH), the stem bark of B. micrantha and Z. gilletii (extracted using 5% MeOH-H2O) and from the berries of Solanum aculeastrum (extracted with neat EtOH). The EtOH extract of the berries of S. aculeastrum and A. schimperiana stem bark extract displayed the highest cytotoxicity towards leukemia CCRF-CEM cells, with IC50 values of 1.36 and 2.97µg/mL, respectively. Other extracts having good activities included the extracts of the stem barks of Z. gilletii and B. micrantha and leaves of S. usambarensis with IC50 values of 9.04, 9.43 and 11.09µg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provided information related to the possible use of some Kenyam medicinal plants, and mostly S. aculeastrum, A. schimperiana, C. sylvaticus, Z. gilletii, B. micrantha and S. usambarensis in the treatment of leukemia. The reported data helped to authenticate the claimed traditional use of these plants. However, most plants are used in combination as traditional herbal concoctions. Hence, the cytotoxicity of corresponding plant combinations should be tested in vitro to authenticate the traditional medical practitioners actual practices.

Evidence of the gastroprotective and anti- Helicobacter pylori activities of β-mangostin isolated from Cratoxylum arborescens (vahl) blume

Purpose

β-Mangostin (BM) from Cratoxylum arborescens demonstrated various pharmacological activities such as anticancer and anti-inflammatory. In this study, we aimed to investigate its antiulcer activity against ethanol ulcer model in rats.

Materials and methods

BM was isolated from C. arborescens. Gastric acid output, ulcer index, gross evaluation, mucus production, histological evaluation using hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid–Schiff staining and immunohistochemical localization for heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Bax proteins were investigated. Possible involvement of reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, prostaglandin E2, antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes, radical scavenging, nonprotein sulfhydryl compounds, and anti-Helicobacter pylori were investigated.

Results

BM showed antisecretory activity against the pylorus ligature model. The pretreatment with BM protect gastric mucosa from ethanol damaging effect as seen by the improved gross and histological appearance. BM significantly reduced the ulcer area formation, the submucosal edema, and the leukocytes infiltration compared to the ulcer control. The compound showed intense periodic acid–Schiff staining to the gastric mucus layer and marked amount of alcian blue binding to free gastric mucus. BM significantly increased the gastric homogenate content of prostaglandin E2 glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nonprotein sulfhydryl compounds. The compound inhibited the lipid peroxidation revealed by the reduced gastric content of malondialdehyde. Moreover, BM upregulate HSP70 expression and downregulate Bax expression. Furthermore, the compound showed interesting anti-H. pylori activity.

Conclusion

Thus, it could be concluded that BM possesses gastroprotective activity, which could be attributed to the antisecretory, mucus production, antioxidant, HSP70, antiapoptotic, and anti-H. pylori mechanisms.

Ulcer healing and mechanism(s) of action involved in the gastroprotective activity of fractions obtained from Syngonanthus arthrotrichus and Syngonanthus bisulcatus

Background

Syngonanthus arthrotrichus and Syngonanthus bisulcatus, currently known for Comanthera aciphylla (Bong.) L.R.Parra & Giul. and Comanthera bisulcata (Koern.) L.R. Parra & Giul, popularly known in Brazil as “sempre-vivas,” are plants from the family Eriocaulaceae. They are found in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. The species are known to be rich in flavonoids to which their gastroprotective activity has been attributed. In this research, experimental protocols were performed to elucidate the associated mechanisms of action.

Methods

The activity was evaluated using induced gastric ulcer models (acetic acid and ethanol-induced gastric lesions in NEM or L-NAME pre-treated mice, and by ischemia/reperfusion). Antioxidant enzymes, serum somatostatin, and gastrin were also evaluated.

Results

In chronic gastric ulcers, a single daily oral dose of Sa-FRF or Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg body wt.) for 14 consecutive days accelerated ulcer healing to an extent similar to that seen with an equal dose of cimetidine. The pre-treatment of mice with NEM (N-ethylmaleimide) or L-NAME (N-nitro-L-arginine) abolished the protective activity of Sa-FRF, Sa-FDF, Sb-FDF and Sb-FRF or Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF, respectively, which indicates that antioxidant compounds and nitric oxide synthase activity are involved in the gastroprotective. Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg p.o) protected the gastric mucosa against ulceration that was induced by ischemia/reperfusion (72 and 76 %, respectively). It also decreased lipid peroxidation and restored total thiols in the gastric wall of mice that had been treated with ethanol. When administered to rats submitted to ethanol-induced gastric lesions, Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the somatostatin serum levels, while the gastrin serum levels were proportionally decreased.

Conclusions

The results indicate significant healing effects and gastroprotective activity for the Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF, which probably involves the participation of SH groups, nitric oxide (NO), the antioxidant system, somatostatin, and gastrin. All are integral parts of the gastrointestinal mucosa’s cytoprotective mechanisms against aggressive factors.

Genotoxicity assessment of two common curing weeds: Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poir. and Leucas indica (L.) R. Br

Hyptis suaveolens and Leucas indica, two common weeds were selected for the present study, to reveal their probable cytotoxic potential. The meristematic root tips of Allium cepa were used for testing the cytotoxic property of the aqueous leaf extracts containing both polar and non-polar compounds, and that containing polar compounds alone, at different concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 %) and at different time durations, using distilled water as negative control. Mitotic squash preparations were made using a standard protocol. The mitotic index of the treated root tip cells was found to be decreasing and the abnormality percentage was found to be increasing with increase in extract concentration when compared with the control. Maximum cytotoxicity was observed in the extract containing both polar and non-polar compounds. Both the tested plants were found to be cytotoxic. The abnormalities noticed were of both clastogenic (nuclear lesions, nuclear fragmentation, etc.) and non-clastogenic (aberrant cell wall formation at cytokinesis, ball metaphase, etc.) types. Both plant extracts were found to significantly (P < 0.05) inhibit root growth of Allium cepa with an EC50 value of 1.92 % (R(2) = 0.594) for Hyptis and 1.58 % (R(2) = 0.757) for Leucas. The results were also analysed statistically by using analysis of variance followed by appropriate post hoc tests. These two weeds are aromatic plants comprising of essential oils that are volatile, natural complex compounds characterized by a strong odour and formed as secondary metabolites. In nature, essential oils play an important role in the protection of the plants as insecticides by reducing their appetite for such plants. When specifically targeted the concept of effectively exploiting these weeds for the formulation of herbal insecticides/pesticides may be possible in the near future.

Gastroprotective effect of alpha-pinene and its correlation with antiulcerogenic activity of essential oils obtained from Hyptis species

Background:

Alpha-pinene (α-pinene) is a monoterpene commonly found in essential oils with gastroprotective activity obtained from diverse medicinal plants, including Hyptis species. The genus Hyptis (lamiaceae) consists of almost 400 species widespread in tropical and temperate regions of America. In the north and northeastern Brazil, some Hyptis species are used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disturbances.

Objective:

The present study has investigated the gastoprotective effect of purified α-pinene in experimental gastric ulcer induced by ethanol and indomethacin in mice.

Materials and Methods:

Gastric ulcers were induced in male Swiss mice (20-30 g) by oral administration of absolute ethanol or indomethacin 45 min after oral pretreatment with vehicle, standard control drugs or α-pinene (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg). One hour after the ulcerative challenges, the stomach were removed, and gastric lesions areas measured. The effects of α-pinene on the gastric juice acidity were determined by pylorus ligation model. The gastrointestinal motility and mucus depletion were determined by measuring the gastric levels of phenol red and alcian blue, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin stained sections of gastric mucosa of the experimental groups were used for histology analysis.

Results:

α-pinene pretreatment inhibited ethanol-induced gastric lesions, reduced volume and acidity of the gastric juice and increased gastric wall mucus (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we showed an interesting correlation between concentration of α-pinene and gastroprotective effect of Hyptis species (P Pearson = 0.98).

Conclusion:

Our data showed that the α-pinene exhibited significant antiulcerogenic activity and a great correlation between concentration of α-pinene and gastroprotective effect of Hyptis species was also observed.

Modulation of the pharmacokinetics, therapeutic and adverse effects of NSAIDs by Chinese herbal medicines

INTRODUCTION

Concomitant use of NSAIDs and Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) is frequent, yet summarized information on their interactions is lacking.

AREAS COVERED

A systematic review of literature in four evidence-based English databases was performed. Articles which reported CHMs altering the pharmacokinetics, therapeutic and adverse effects of NSAIDs were identified and summarized. Such interactions may lead to beneficial, detrimental or no change in outcomes. The current review covers four therapeutic effects of NSAIDs, including: i) anti-inflammatory; ii) analgesic; iii) antiplatelet, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular; and iv) anticancer effects and four adverse effects of NSAIDs, including: i) gastrointestinal ulcer; ii) nephrotoxicity; iii) hepatotoxicity; and iv) antiplatelet effects and bleeding.

EXPERT OPINION

While majority of CHMs demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating NSAIDs-induced adverse effects and potentiating the therapeutic effects, this review provides insights for development of CHMs as add-on medications to NSAIDs therapies. However, since limited information was from well-designed clinical trials, the findings are not yet conclusive and more clinical studies are warranted to provide guidance for healthcare professionals. In future, researches on interactions between NSAIDs and CHMs are expected to grow and modern approaches such as pharmacogenomics might enhance the throughput and accuracy of identifying clinically relevant interactions.