Effects of Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) extract on macrophage activity

Klebsiella pneumoniae Planktonic and Biofilm Reduction by Different Plant Extracts: In Vitro Study

This study evaluated the action of Pfaffia paniculata K., Juglans regia L., and Rosmarius officinalis L. extracts against planktonic form and biofilm of Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC) values were determined for each extract by microdilution broth method, according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Next, antimicrobial activity of the extracts on biofilm was analyzed. For this, standardized suspension at 10⁷ UFC/mL of K. pneumoniae was distributed into 96-well microplates (n = 10) and after 48 h at 37°C and biofilm was subjected to treatment for 5 min with the extracts at a concentration of 200 mg/mL. ANOVA and Tukey tests (5%) were used to verify statistical significant reduction (p < 0.05) of planktonic form and biofilm. P paniculata K., R. officinalis L., and J. regia L. showed reductions in biomass of 55.6, 58.1, and 18.65% and cell viability reduction of 72.4, 65.1, and 31.5%, respectively. The reduction obtained with P. paniculata and R. officinalis extracts was similar to the reduction obtained with chlorhexidine digluconate 2%. In conclusion, all extracts have microbicidal action on the planktonic form but only P. paniculata K. and R. officinalis L. were effective against biofilm.

BAY 41-2272 activates host defence against local and disseminated Candida albicans infections

In our previous study, we have found that 5-cyclopropyl-2-[1-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-yl]-pyrimidin-4-ylamine (BAY 41-2272), a guanylate cyclase agonist, activates human monocytes and the THP-1 cell line to produce the superoxide anion, increasing in vitro microbicidal activity, suggesting that this drug can be used to modulate immune functioning in primary immunodeficiency patients. In the present work, we investigated the potential of the in vivo administration of BAY 41-2272 for the treatment of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus infections introduced via intraperitoneal and subcutaneous inoculation. We found that intraperitoneal treatment with BAY 41-2272 markedly increased macrophage-dependent cell influx to the peritoneum in addition to macrophage functions, such as spreading, zymosan particle phagocytosis and nitric oxide and phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated hydrogen peroxide production. Treatment with BAY 41-2272 was highly effective in reducing the death rate due to intraperitoneal inoculation of C. albicans, but not S. aureus. However, we found that in vitro stimulation of peritoneal macrophages with BAY 41-2272 markedly increased microbicidal activities against both pathogens. Our results show that the prevention of death by the treatment of C. albicans-infected mice with BAY 41-2272 might occur primarily by the modulation of the host immune response through macrophage activation.

Supplementation with Pfaffia glomerata (Sprengel) Pedersen does not affect androgenic-anabolic parameters in male rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Paffia spp (Amaranthacea) has a widespread use of in Brazil as a possible hormonal supplement and a substitute of Panax ginseng, although information on its reproductive effects is missing.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluated possible anabolic-androgenic or anti-androgenic effects of Pfaffia glomerata (PG) extract using intact eight-months-old male rats and pre-pubertal castrated rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three different dose levels of PG (8.5, 30 and 85 mg/kg/day) were administered to eight-months-old rats for 28 days or to castrated males for 7 days (Hershberger assay). In the experiment with intact animals, 24h fecal samples were collected for quantification of fecal metabolites of androgens throughout treatment. At the end of the treatment period, animals were euthanized for evaluation of serum testosterone, reproductive organ weights, number of spermatids per testis, diameter of seminiferous tubules and cross-sectional area of soleus muscle fibers. In the Hershberber assay, androgenic or anti-androgenic effects were evaluated by the weights of androgen-dependent tissues: ventral prostate, seminal vesicle, glans penis and levator ani muscle/bulbocavernosus muscle.

RESULTS

No effects were observed in the concentrations of fecal metabolites of androgens monitored during the treatment of intact eight-months-old rats. Moreover, at the end of treatment, no changes were seen in any of the investigated parameters. In the Hershberger assay, the PG extract did not induce androgenic or anti-androgenic effects at the dose levels tested. Significant effects were only observed in animals treated with testosterone and testosterone plus flutamide, which were used as positive controls for androgenicity and anti-androgenicity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

At the dose levels tested, PG extract does not induce anabolic-androgenic or anti-androgenic effects in rats.

Development of an analytical method for the quantification of pfaffic acid in Brazilian ginseng (Hebanthe eriantha)

Hebanthe eriantha (Poir.) Pedersen (Amaranthaceae), which is known as Brazilian ginseng is widely used in folk medicine as an aphrodisiac and antidiabetic tonic. The anti-tumor activity, attributed to the pfaffic acid present in roots of H. eriantha, is responsible for the great interest in the commercialization of this species. In Brazil, the species H. eriantha is mainly used in commercial preparations, although other plants of the genus Pfaffia and Hebanthe have been marketed as Pfaffia paniculata or Brazilian ginseng. The pfaffic acid present in the roots is mainly conjugated with sugars (pfaffosides) and can be used as an active marker of H. eriantha, which helps to differentiate this species from others marketed as Brazilian ginseng. The main objective of this study was to develop and validate a liquid chromatographic method to quantify pfaffic acid in the roots of H. eriantha. The extraction and hydrolysis conditions were optimized using an univariate and experimental design, respectively, and the quantification of pfaffic acid by high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) was validated. This method was used to evaluate the pfaffic acid content in 30 different genotypes of the species from a germplasm collection. The content of pfaffic acid ranged from 0.97 to 4.29% (w/w) on a dry weight basis.

Effects of a Brazilian herbal compound as a cosmetic eyecare for periorbital hyperchromia ("dark circles")

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that periorbital hyperchromia (dark circles) occurs mainly as a consequence of postinflammatory hemodynamic congestion producing a typical bruising aspect on the lower eyelids.

AIMS

To evaluate the clinical effects of Pfaffia paniculata/Ptychopetalum olacoides B./Lilium candidum L.-associated compound (PPLAC) on periorbital hyperchromia and to study in vitro its underlying anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.

METHODS

Twenty-one volunteers presenting with periorbital hyperchromia received a serum sample containing 5.0% PPLAC, which was applied topically in the periorbital area twice a day for 28 days. Skin color was measured using variations in the individual typological angle (DeltaITA(0)) and skin luminance (DeltaL*) calculated in the area around the eyes and in the adjacent area. Colorimetric readings were taken at the onset and end of the 28-day treatment. Volunteers were also asked to fill out a questionnaire concerning the improvement in "dark circles." The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of PPLAC were measured by quantification of prostaglandin E(2), leukotriene B(4), histamine, and superoxide dismutase levels using an in vitro model of human skin culture.

RESULTS

Topical application of PPLAC led to a significant improvement in skin luminance and tone in the periorbital area, which was demonstrated by increased values of ITA(0) and L* in about 90% of volunteers. In addition, subjects reported reduced intensity and improved appearance of "dark circles." A dose-dependent decreased production of inflammatory mediators, concomitant to increased antioxidant enzyme levels, was observed in our in vitro studies, under basal and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the precise mechanisms related to PPLAC remain to be clarified, our results indicate that the reduction in the inflammatory process as well as the antioxidant protection against deleterious elements may be considered as an integral approach to preserve the integrity of vascular endothelium, preventing the hemodynamic congestion that culminates in the formation of "dark circles" around the eyes.

Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) roots decrease proliferation and increase apoptosis but do not affect cell communication in murine hepatocarcinogenesis

Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) roots and/or its extracts have shown anti-neoplastic, chemopreventive, and anti-angiogenic properties. The aim of this work was to investigate the chemopreventive mechanisms of this root in mice submitted to the infant model of hepatocarcinogenesis, evaluating the effects on cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and intercellular communication. Fifteen-day-old BALB/c male mice were given, i.p., 10mug/g of the carcinogen N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN). Animals were separated into three groups at weaning and were given different concentrations of powdered P. paniculata root (0%, 2%, or 10%) added to commercial food for 27 weeks. Control group (CT) was not exposed to the carcinogen and was given ration without the root. After euthanasia, the animals' liver and body weight were measured. Liver fragments were sampled to study intercellular communication, molecular biology, and histopathological analysis. Cellular proliferation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry for PCNA, apoptosis was evaluated by apoptotic bodies count and alkaline comet technique, and intercellular communication by diffusion of lucifer yellow dye, immunofluorescence, western blot and real-time PCR for connexins 26 and 32. Chronic treatment with powdered P. paniculata root reduced cellular proliferation and increased apoptosis in the 2% group. Animals in the 10% group had an increase in apoptosis with chronic inflammatory process. Intercellular communication showed no alterations in any of the groups analyzed. These results indicate that chemopreventive effects of P. paniculata are related to the control of cellular proliferation and apoptosis, but not to cell communication and/or connexin expression, and are directly influenced by the root concentration.

Clinical outcomes of diabetic foot management with Circulat

Major and minor lower-extremity amputation is a common complication among diabetics. Various sources indicate diabetic foot ulcer prevalence at between 2.2% and 15% in diabetics. This study evaluates the efficacy and tolerance of a standardized plant extract combination, Circulat, developed for the prevention and treatment of severe manifestations of type 2 diabetes, such as necrotic damage of the foot. Thus, a retrospective cohort study was carried out in 174 patients treated with Circulat with diabetic foot grades D1-D3, according to The University of Texas Wound Classification System, in 50 medical centers, from 2004 to 2007. Circulat obtained 50.57% complete cure of diabetic foot, significant improvement in 37.9% and prevented amputation in 88.5% of the study's total population. The treatment was well tolerated. Four patients (2.3%) had slight gastrointestinal unrest which did not warrant suspension of treatment.

Effects of individual housing on behavior and resistance to Ehrlich tumor growth in mice

This study analyzed in Balb/C mice the effects of individual housing on behavior, serum corticosterone and resistance to Ehrlich tumor growth. Mice (60 days old) were individually (IH) or grouped housed (G) (10-12 animals/cage) for 14-21 days. The 1st day of the housing condition was considered experimental day 1 (ED1). Results showed that on ED21, IH mice, when compared to G mice, presented no differences on corticosterone serum levels when kept undisturbed; however, an increased level of this hormone was observed in IH mice after an immobilization stress challenge. An increased time spent in the plus-maze closed arms and a decreased time in the open arms were also observed in IH mice. When compared to G animals, after inoculation with 10(5) Ehrlich tumor cells on ED1, IH mice presented an increase in volume of ascitic fluid and number of tumor cells. The survival time of IH mice was also shorter than that measured in G animals. Furthermore, IH mice injected with a different number of tumor cells on ED1 always presented increased Ehrlich tumor cells than G group. Interestingly, these effects were not observed when the tumor cells injection was done on ED4. These results suggest that individual-housing conditions induce an altered immune-endocrine response and, at the same time, decrease animals' resistance to Ehrlich tumor growth. It is proposed that the neural link between the behavioral and immunological changes observed after the stress of individual housing might involve the activation of the HPA axis.

Characterizing the neuroprotective effects of alkaline extract of Lycium barbarum on β-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity

Lycium barbarum is an oriental medicinal herb that has long been used for its anti-aging and cell-protective properties. Previous studies have shown that aqueous extracts from L. barbarum exhibit neuroprotection via inhibiting pro-apoptotic signaling pathways. Other active components can also be accomplished by novel alkaline extraction method, which may give different profiles of water-soluble components. We hypothesize that another active component obtained by alkaline extraction method exerts different biological mechanisms to protect neurons. In this study, we aim to examine the neuroprotective effects from the alkaline extract of L. barbarum, namely LBB, to attenuate beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide neurotoxicity. Primary cortical neurons were exposed to Abeta-peptides inducing apoptosis and neuronal cell death. Pretreatment of LBB significantly reduced the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and the activity of caspase-3 triggered by Abeta. "Wash-out" procedures did not reduce its neuroprotective effects, suggesting that LBB may not bind directly to Abeta. We have further isolated three subfractions from LBB, namely LBB-0, LBB-I and LBB-II. LBB-I and LBB-II showed differential neuroprotective effects. Western blot analysis demonstrated that LBB-I and LBB-II markedly enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt. Taken together, our results suggested that the glycoconjugate isolated from novel alkaline extraction method can open up a new avenue for drug discovery in neurodegenerative diseases.

Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) methanolic extract reduces angiogenesis in mice

Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) roots have been indicated for the treatment of several diseases. Our studies have shown that P. paniculata roots present antineoplastic effects and cancer chemopreventive activity in a mouse hepatocarcinogenesis model. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Brazilian ginseng on corneal angiogenesis in mice. We first conducted a toxicological study employing 250, 500, or 1000mg/kg/day of the methanolic extract of P. paniculata roots by gavage to BALB/c mice. Animals did not lose weight during the treatment nor presented histopathological alterations. The effect of this root on angiogenesis in the cornea of BALB/c mice was then assessed. Male mice were treated, by gavage, once a day, with doses of 250, 500, or 1000mg/kg of methanolic extract of P. paniculata powdered root for 10 days; filtered water was used as control. Corneal cauterization was accomplished by the contact of a silver nitrate crystal on the central area of the cornea, in the 5th day of treatment with P. paniculata, which continued thereafter; the animals were euthanized on the 6th day after cauterization. Newly formed blood vessels were filled with India ink, and the corneas were routinely processed. Blood vessels were quantified in an image analysis system. A smaller total area of neovascularization in the mouse cornea was observed in animals treated with 1000mg/kg of the methanolic extract of P. paniculata. These results indicate an antiangiogenic effect of this extract. The mechanisms of this antiangiogenic activity of P. paniculata should be further investigated.

Increase of cellular recruitment, phagocytosis ability and nitric oxide production induced by hydroalcoholic extract from Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves

The leaves and the oil from the seeds of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Chenopodiaceae), a plant known in Brazil as 'mastruz', have been used by native people to treat parasitic diseases. Experimentally it was shown that Chenopodium ambrosioides inhibits the Ehrlich tumor growth, what could be due to an immunomodulatory effect of this product. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic crude extract (HCE) from leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides on macrophage activity and on lymphoid organs cellularity. C3H/HePas mice received the HCE (5mg/kg) by intraperitoneal via and were sacrificed 2 days later. HCE treatment did not alter the cell number in bone marrow, but it increased the cell number in peritoneal cavity, spleen and lymph node. The spreading and phagocytosis activity, the PMA-induced hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) release and the nitric oxide (NO) production were also increased when compared to control group. Similar results were obtained with concanavalin A (Con A), used as a positive control, with exception of the NO production that was only detected in HCE-derived macrophages. The in vitro treatment with HCE induced a dose-dependent NO production by resident macrophages, but did not enhance the NO production by HCE-derived macrophage, which however, was enhanced by Con A, suggesting that HCE and Con A induce NO production by different routes. In conclusion, HCE-treatment was able to increase the macrophages activity and also the cellular recruitment to secondary lymphoid organs, what could explain the previously related anti-tumor activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides.