Antiinflammatory and antiulcer activities of Bambusa arundinacea

Angiogenic potential of Bambusa vulgaris leaves: Results of an in-vitro study with chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model

BACKGROUND

Herbal compounds have an important place in the management of wounds. However, very few compounds have been tested for their proangiogenic potential.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of study was to evaluate angiogenic potential of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. plant extract.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane model was used for estimation of angiogenic potential of B. vulgaris leaves extract with different concentrations. Angiogenic potential was estimated using focal application method and AbGel™ sponge application method. The test samples were loaded on eight embryonic development day of embryonic development of chick embryo and angiogenesis was observed on eleventh embryonic development day. Counting of blood vessels and photographic evaluation was done for estimation of angiogenic potential. The sponge specimen was examined for histological changes. Angiogenic potential of B. vulgaris leaves extract was compared against Plermin©.

RESULTS

All tested concentrations (85 mcg, 170 mcg, 255 mcg, 340 mcg and 425 mcg/disc) of B. vulgaris showed angiogenic potential as indicated by increase in the number of blood vessels. Maximum growth in blood vessels was seen at the concentration of 255 mcg. Photographic evaluation showed changes in angiogenesis with B. vulgaris leaves extract. Angiogenic potential was also confirmed on histological examination. Plermin control groups also showed the growth of blood vessels measured by counting the number of blood vessels in photographic evaluation. The growth of blood vessels with Plermin 40 mcg was similar to B. vulgaris 255 mcg.

CONCLUSION

The results of current study suggest angiogenic potential of B. vulgaris Schrad leaves as confirmed by visual observation and histological examination.

Natural Medicines as Gastro-protective Therapy in the Treatment of Peptic Ulcer: A Multifaceted Approach

Abstract:

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are the ailments of the digestive tract that affect its function like digestion, absorption and excretion. The dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract may occur due to infections by bacteria, parasites and viruses. Peptic Ulcer Disease is a gastrointestinal tract disorder of stomach and duodenum that is associated with infection of Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori is regarded as the worldwide causative agent responsible for the etiology of peptic ulcer and gastric carcinoma. The existing drug therapies are good healers in this situation, but due to resistance problems and side effects of drugs, researchers have been working to find out some safe alternatives. Interestingly, the medicinal herbs have been used for treating several disorders, including peptic ulcers and are considered an effective and safer alternative to existing drugs. It is also considered as an eco-friendly, easily available, safe, and less toxic traditional treatment therapy. The combination of herbal medicines with natural products has been shown effective in treating peptic ulcers. In this review, the medicinal plants used against H. pylori infection have been discussed. The mechanism of herbal drugs in healing peptic ulcers by inhibition of H+ K+ ATPase pump, secretion of gastric acid and gastric mucosal protection have also elaborated. The phytochemicals responsible for biological activity have been summarized in the present article. The combination of herbs and natural products in the form of the polyherbal formulation may also be helpful as an effective therapy for treating peptic ulcers. Medicinal plants may offer the researchers new chemical molecules to explore as future drugs or as biochemical agents to unravel the etiology of the disease.

Indian Medicinal Plants and Formulations and Their Potential Against COVID-19-Preclinical and Clinical Research

The cases of COVID-19 are still increasing day-by-day worldwide, even after a year of its first occurrence in Wuhan city of China. The spreading of SARS-CoV-2 infection is very fast and different from other SARS-CoV infections possibly due to structural differences in S proteins. The patients with severe diseases may die due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by systemic inflammatory reactions due to the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by the immune effector cells. In India too, it is spreading very rapidly, although the case fatality rate is below 1.50% (https://www.statista.com), which is markedly less than in other countries, despite the dense population and minimal health infrastructure in rural areas. This may be due to the routine use of many immunomodulator medicinal plants and traditional AYUSH formulations by the Indian people. This communication reviews the AYUSH recommended formulations and their ingredients, routinely used medicinal plants and formulations by Indian population as well as other promising Indian medicinal plants, which can be tested against COVID-19. Special emphasis is placed on Indian medicinal plants reported for antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-allergic/anti-inflammatory activities and they are categorized for prioritization in research on the basis of earlier reports. The traditional AYUSH medicines currently under clinical trials against COVID-19 are also discussed as well as furtherance of pre-clinical and clinical testing of the potential traditional medicines against COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2. The results of the clinical studies on AYUSH drugs will guide the policymakers from the AYUSH systems of medicines to maneuver their policies for public health, provide information to the global scientific community and could form a platform for collaborative studies at national and global levels. It is thereby suggested that promising AYUSH formulations and Indian medicinal plants must be investigated on a priority basis to solve the current crisis.

The efficacy and safety of herbal combination of Unani Medicine in chronic urticaria: A randomized, controlled study

Background and Aim; Chronic urticaria (CU) is a fluctuating and pruritic erythematous papule that persists for over six weeks. It affects 0.5-1% of the population and interferes with subjective well-being and daily life. Its etiology is highly complex which makes a causal and/or curative treatment difficult. Nonsedating H1-antihistamines are given as symptomatic therapy, which reduces symptoms effectively in <50% of patients. In Unani medicine, urticaria is known as Shara and treated according to its established etiology. The present study objective was to investigate the effect of herbal combination of Unani medicine (HCUM) comprising Rosa damascena Mill, Bambusa arundinacea Linn, Cinnamomum camphora Linn, Mentha arvensis Linn, in comparison with Levocetirizine in CU. Experimental procedure; This randomized open-labeled standard control clinical trial was conducted between 42 male/female patients aged 20-50 years with moderate to severe CU who were randomly allocated in a 3:1 ratio into HCUM and Levocetirizine 5 mg groups. HCUM powder 5.125 Gm and Levocetirizine 5 mg were given for 4 weeks. Urticaria activity score (UAS7) and chronic urticaria quality of life questionnaire (CU-Q2oL) were primary and secondary outcomes and analyzed per protocol. Results: A total of 40 patients completed the study. Data analysis showed a significant decrease (P=<0.001) in the scores of UAS7 (32.43 ± 2.34-14.03 ± 2.16 and 32.10 ± 2.33-28.40 ± 3.78) and CU-Q2oL (67.57 ± 9.56-36.50 ± 3.01 and 65.20 ± 11.78-59.60 ± 11.13) in HCUM and Levocetirizine groups respectively. Conclusion: As an alternative treatment in terms of safety, efficacy, tolerability, and quality of life the HCUM treatment proved to be more effective than Levocetirizine 5 mg in moderate to severe CU.

The potential beneficial effects of sildenafil and diosmin in experimentally-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Objectives

research in the treatment of gastric ulcer has involved the investigation of protective drugs. These drugs may be used as adjacent therapy with the traditional pharmacologic treatment of peptic ulcer. The present study is designed to investigate the gastro protective effects of diosmin (DIO), sildenafil (SILD) and their combinations with ranitidine (RANT) against indomethacin (INDO)-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Additionally, the potential mechanisms of their effect are addressed.

Methods

DIO (100 mg/kg) and SILD (10 mg/kg) were administered by oral route for seven days prior to ulcer induction. Moreover, other rats were treated with RANT (50 mg/kg) not only to compare efficiency of the medications but also, to help clarify potential mechanisms of their effect. Following, after 24 h of fasting, INDO (100 mg/kg) was administered for induction of gastric ulcer. Furthermore, rats in each group were sacrificed 4 h later. Biochemical analysis of DIO, SILD, RANT and their combinations pre-treated host tissues demonstrated reduction in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and concomitant increase in gastric pH, nitric oxide (NO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents.

Result

It is observed, that SILD and DIO pre-treatment showed non-significant effect on gastric juice PH. However, their combinations with RANT is superior to using RANT alone. In addition, the results revealed, that combinations of (RANT and SILD) and (RANT and DIO) showed the highest increase in gastric tissue NO levels. But, these two combinations achieved the lowest MDA levels relative to the control (INDO) group. Despite, all groups displayed non-significant effect on reduced GSH content, (RANT and SILD) group increased GSH concentration by 39.75% relative to INDO group. In addition, DIO, RANT and (RANT and DIO) pre-treatment have anti-apoptotic activity on gastric mucosa. On the other hand, SILD did not affect caspase-3 immunostaining. These results are confirmed by histopathological findings.

Conclusion

The work outcomes provide a new gastro protective agents in clinical gastropathy. So, this study not only provides an efficient way for peptic ulcer protection, but also it may be considered for future studies in ulcer healing and gastric cancer.

Potential Antiulcer Agents From Plants: A Comprehensive Review

Background:

Peptic ulcer is a deep gastrointestinal erosion disorder that involves the entire mucosal thickness and can even penetrate the muscular mucosa. Nowadays, several plants and compounds derived from it have been screened for their antiulcer activity. In the last few years, there has been an exponential growth in the field of herbal medicine. This field has gained popularity in both developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and less side effects.

Objective:

This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of currently available knowledge of medicinal plants and phytoconstituents reported for their anti-ulcer properties.

Methods:

The worldwide accepted database like SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, NISCAIR, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Web of Science, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar were used to retrieve available published literature.

Results:

A comprehensive review of the present paper is an attempt to list the plants with antiulcer activity. The review narrates the dire need to explore potential chemical moieties that exert an antiulcer effect, from unexploited traditional plants. Furthermore, the present study reveals the intense requirement to exploit the exact mechanism through which either the plant extracts or their active constituents exhibit their antiulcer properties.

Conclusion:

This article is the compilation of the plants and its constituents reported for the treatment of peptic ulcers. The Comprehensive data will surely attract the number of investigators to initiate further research that might lead to the drugs for the treatment of ulcers. As sufficient scientific data is not available on plants, most of the herbals cannot be recommended for the treatment of diseases. This can be achieved by research on pure chemical structures derived from plants or to prepare new lead compounds with proven beneficial preclinical in vitro and in vivo effects. However, a lot remains to be done in further investigations for the better status of medicinal plants.

The acute anti-inflammatory action of xylopic acid isolated from Xylopia aethiopica

Background Our earlier studies had given evidence of the traditional application of Xylopia aethiopica in the management of inflammation. The principal constituent obtained from its bio-fractionation is xylopic acid. It is a crystalline diterpene that belongs to the class of kauranes. This work sets out to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of the xylopic acid isolated from the dried fruit of X. aethiopica. Methods A preliminary anti-inflammatory study, using the protein denaturation model, and in vivo anti-inflammatory assay were employed in the investigation of acute inflammation. The modulation of the effect of the pro-inflammatory markers histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, and prostaglandin E2 by xylopic acid was investigated by in vivo mice paw oedema models. Results Xylopic acid showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of albumen denaturation with an IC50 of 15.55 μg mL-1. Xylopic acid (10, 30, 100 mg kg-1) inhibited the maximal oedema and the average paw thickness (oedema) over the period of each study considerably for all phlogistic agents employed (i.e. carrageenan, histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, and prostaglandin E2) in the inflammation induction for both prophylactic and therapeutic protocols. Conclusion This study establishes that xylopic acid has anti-inflammatory action in acute inflammation.

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.

Assessment of the laxative activity of an ethanolic extract of Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. shoot

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE

Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd., commonly known as Kanta Bans, plays an important ethnobotanical role, especially in Asia. In traditional medicine it has reportedly been used for the treatment of constipation, blood-diseases, leucodema, inflammation and urinary discharges. A number of ethnomedicinal records exist regarding the use of B. arundinaceae shoots as a laxative, however, there are no scientific studies reported on its laxative activity. Therefore, the aim of this present study was to evaluate the laxative activity of an ethanolic B. arundinaceae shoot extract in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

B. arundinacea shoots were collected from Dhaka, Bangladesh in July 2015. An ethanolic shoot extract was obtained and its laxative activity was evaluated by faecal consistency, gastrointestinal transit and entero-pooling assays in a mouse model. Furthermore, a phytochemical investigation of the extract was conducted by UHPLC-ESI-QqQ MS and UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap MS analysis.

RESULTS

The ethanolic shoot extract of B. arundinacea showed significant laxative activity in our mouse model, with significant increases in (i) the amount of wet faeces, with the maximum effect at 2h for 500mg/kg (47.92%), (ii) gastrointestinal transit (67.18% and 60.03% for doses of 250 and 500mg/kg, respectively), and (iii) small intestine content at the test doses of 250 and 500mg/kg p.o. Phytochemical investigation identified a total of thirty compounds in the ethanolic shoot extract of B. arundinacea using UHPLC-ESI-QqQ MS and UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap MS analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide support for the traditional use of B. arundinacea shoot as a laxative.

Serotonin and histamine mediate gastroprotective effect of fluoxetine against experimentally-induced ulcers in rats

Research in the treatment of gastric ulcer has involved the investigation of new alternatives, such as anti-depressant drugs. The present study was designed to investigate the gastroprotective effects of fluoxetine against indomethacin and alcohol induced gastric ulcers in rats and the potential mechanisms of that effect. Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) was administered IP for 14 days. For comparative purposes, other rats were treated with ranitidine (30 mg/kg). Thereafter, after 24 h of fasting, INDO (100 mg/kg) or absolute alcohol (5 ml/kg) was administered to all rats (saline was administered to naïve controls) and rats in each group were sacrificed 5 h (for INDO rats) or 1 h (for alcohol rats) later. Macroscopic examination revealed that both fluoxetine and ranitidine decreased ulcer scores in variable ratios, which was supported by microscopic histopathological examination. Biochemical analysis of fluoxetine- or ranitidine-pre-treated host tissues demonstrated reductions in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels and concomitant increases in gastric pH, nitric oxide (NO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents. Fluoxetine, more than ranitidine, also resulted in serotonin and histamine levels nearest to control values. Moreover, immuno-histochemical analysis showed that fluoxetine markedly enhanced expression of cyclo-oxygenases COX-1 and COX-2 in both models; in comparison, ranitidine did not affect COX-1 expression in either ulcer model but caused moderate increases in COX-2 expression in INDO-induced hosts and high expression in alcohol-induced hosts. The results here indicated fluoxetine exhibited better gastroprotective effects than ranitidine and this could be due to anti-secretory, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-histaminic effects of the drug, as well as a stabilization of gastric serotonin levels.

The Most Common Herbs to Cure the Most Common Oral Disease: Stomatitis Recurrent Aphthous Ulcer (RAU)

CONTEXT

Recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is an oral disease and the most common oral lesion, with 2% to 66% of the world's population infected annually. Its prevalence is about 25% in Tehran and 27.6% in Mashhad. The etiology of RAU is multifactorial. Aphthous risk factors include: immunological factors, psychological factors, stress, trauma, sensitivity, family history, blood disorders, malnutrition, and use of certain medications, It should be noted that the best treatment for RAU is the topical application of drugs. The use of topical treatments is recommended not only because the drug can directly impact the source of the disease, but also systemic side effects of the drug are reduced. Treatment of RAU has been considered in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM), and is covered in therapeutic books. The use of herbs in RAU has a centuries-old history; accordingly, extensive research should be conducted for this treatment of the disease.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Iranian medical sources were reviewed and effective plants used in the traditional treatment of RAU were found and compared with new findings. Finally, we have created a table listing the plants that are part of the therapeutic protocol for RAU.

RESULTS

Based on this article we can explain some of traditional pharmacological effects of plants and how these plants can be a source for a cure.

CONCLUSIONS

The plants listed can be used as a prediction of RAU management. Of course, there are is no evidence for curing RAU by some of these plants in allopathic medicine, and the further investigations in this area could lead to the discovery of a new drug.

Influence of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and various additives on in vitro plant propagation of Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Wild: A recalcitrant bamboo species

An efficient micropropagation protocol for high frequency plant regeneration was developed using nodal explants derived in vitro seedlings of Bambusa arundinacea which is an important multipurpose and edible bamboo species and recalcitrant to tissue culture. The nodal explants excised from 20-day-old seedlings were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with various concentrations of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) and kinetin (KIN) (0.5–5.0 mg/l) alone and/or in combination with 0.5 mg/l of different auxins [indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)] for shoot bud induction. The combination of BAP (3.0 mg/l) and IBA (0.5 mg/l) was found to be the best for the highest percent of shoot bud initiation (87.2%), with 24.2 shoots/explant. The highest frequency (95.2%) of shoot bud multiplication with maximum number of shoots (90.5 shoots/culture) was noticed on medium containing 4% coconut water with 4% sucrose. The regenerated shoot buds were cultured on MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of auxins alone and/or in combination with AgNO₃ (0.5–4.0 mg/l) for in vitro rooting. Maximum percent of rooting (85%) was noticed on MS medium augmented with 3.0 mg/l IBA and 2.0 mg/l AgNO₃ after 14 days of culture. Well rooted plantlets obtained were established in the field with 92% survival rate. The present plant regeneration protocol could be used for large scale propagation and ex-situ conservation of this important bamboo species in the near future.

Estrogenic activity of a hydro-alcoholic extract of Bambusa arundinaceae leaves on female wistar rats

To study the estrogenic activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Bambusa arundinaceae leaves (HEBA) in female Wistar rats. The dried powdered leaves were extracted with hydroalcoholic mixture (60%), and the resultant extract was subjected for phytochemical analyses to identify different phytoconstituents. HEBA were administered to ovariectomized rats for 7 days at three different doses (viz., 200, 300, 400 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) and their estrogenic activity were compared with each of daily treatment with 0.2 mg/kg body weight, i.p. conjugated equine estrogen as a positive control or olive oil as a negative control. Estrogenic activity was evaluated by doing uterotropic assay, vaginal cytology and measurement of vaginal opening in female Wistar rats. Oral administration of HEBA in ovariectomized immature and mature female Wistar rats in a dose of 400 mg/kg b.w. resulted in significant increase in the uterine wet weight (in mg) (224.82 ± 7.01) and (912.25 ± 27.22) when compared with ovariectomized control rats (111.52 ± 3.17) and (506.67 ± 21.39). HEBA (400 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) treated rats, showing only cornified epithelial cells which was an indication of the presence of the estrogen and also showed 100% vaginal opening. It was observed that HEBA possess significant estrogenic activity at 400 mg/kg b.w., p.o. which was evident by uterotropic assay, measurement of vaginal opening, and histopathological changes.

Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community of district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tharu community is the largest primitive indigenous community of the Uttarakhand, India. In this article we have scientifically enumerated medicinal plants and herbal preparations used by the Tharu community to treat various skin diseases, and discussed dermatological properties of these plants in the light of previous ethnomedicinal, microbiological, pharmacological, toxicological, phytochemical and clinical studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnomedicinal survey was conducted in different villages of Tharu community located in district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India. Ethnomedicinal information on plants used to treat various skin diseases was collected from 122 individuals (93 males and 29 females), including 35 experienced herbal practitioners and 87 local villagers. For each of the recorded plant species the use value (UV) and fidelity level (FL) was calculated. The informant consensus factor (Fic) was also calculated to find out the homogeneity in the information given by the informants.

RESULTS

A total of 90 plant species belonging to 86 genera and 48 families were used by the Tharu community to treat various skin diseases viz., wounds (38 spp.), boils (32 spp.), cuts (18 spp.), leprosy (11 spp.), eczema (10 spp.), itching (7 spp.), ringworm (5 spp.), burns (4 spp.), leucoderma (4 spp.), cracked heels (2 spp.), dandruff (3 spp.), body infection (2 spp.), chilblains (2 spp.), hair fall (2 spp.) and toes infection (2 spp.). Information on botanical name, family, vernacular name, ailments treated, mode and dose of herbal preparations, UV and FL values are provided for each of the recorded species. According to UV value most preferred plant species used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community was Ricinus communis L. followed by Tridax procumbens (L.) L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Ageratum conyzoides and Allium cepa L.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study has revealed significant information on various medicinal plants used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community. Literature review has confirmed most of the claims made by the Tharu community regarding treatment of various skin diseases by the reported plants. The literature review has also revealed that products from very few of the reported plants are available in market, while most of the reported plants are still under preclinical or clinical trials. There are various known phytochemicals, and antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents present in these plants which may be synthesized or transformed to make pharmaceuticals. Some of the reported plants have shown promising results in preclinical trails and there is a need of clinical trials to see their safety and efficacy in treating various skin diseases. These plants may be targeted for development of new medicines, ointments or drugs for the treatment of skin diseases. However further toxicological, preclinical and clinical studies are needed to validate claims about little worked out plant species reported in the present study viz., Sida cordata (Burm. F.) Borss. Waalk., Millettia extensa (Benth.) Baker, Caesulia axillaris Roxb., Ehretia laevis Roxb., Vanda tessellate (Roxb.) Hook. Ex G.Don. and Eualaliopsis binata (Retz.) C.E. Hubb. Further studies on these plants are recommended to assess their potential in development of new skin care products.

In vivo anti-ulcer, anti-stress, anti-allergic, and functional properties of gymnemic acid isolated from Gymnema sylvestre R Br

BACKGROUND

Gymnema sylvestre is a highly valued ethno pharmacologically important medicinal plant used currently in many poly-herbal formulations due to its potential antidiabetic activity and other health benefits. The present study was carried out to analyze the anti-stress, anti-allergic, and antiulcer activity of the bioactive compounds present in Gymnema sylvestre leaves.

METHODS

The preliminary phytochemical screening for bioactive compounds from aqueous extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, steroids, and saponins. The antioxidant activities were investigated using DPPH radical scavenging method. The characterization of the extract was carried out using standard compound by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and phytochemical analysis in terms of total phenol, total flavonoids, reducing power and antioxidant potentials, etc. The in vivo studies on albino mice proved the purified fraction has anti-stress/anti-allergic activity against milk induced leucocytosis/eosinophilia and able to inhibit the aspirin induced gastric ulcers.

RESULTS

The quantitative estimation for aqueous extract exhibited total antioxidant (9.13 ± 0.04 μg/g), flavonoids (125.62 ± 26.84 μg/g), tannin (111.53 ± 15.13 μg/g), total phenol content (285.23 ± 1.11 μg/g) and free radical scavenging (52.14 ± 0.32%). Further the aqueous extract was consecutively purified by TLC and silica column chromatography. The purified fractions were characterized by HPTLC and GC-MS and the component was identified as gymnemic acid. The potency of the antimicrobial activity of the extract was studied with bacteria. Pharmacological experiments clearly demonstrated that the extracts of all plants given orally showed significant gastric protection against the asprin-induced gastric ulcer model in mice. Furthermore, healing effects were also confirmed through histopathological examination.

CONCLUSIONS

The aqueous extracts of the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre possess anti ulcerogenic, Anti allergic, Anti stress, properties that may be due to cytoprotective mechanism. These results support the ethno medical uses of the plant in the treatment of gastric ulcer.

Synthetically modified bioisosteres of salicyl alcohol and their gastroulcerogenic assessment versus aspirin: biochemical and histological correlates

The present study was conducted to synthesize nitrogen containing derivatives of salicyl alcohol and to investigate in vivo their ulcerogenic potential in comparison with aspirin in rats. The compounds [4-(2-hydroxybenzyl) morpholin-4-iumchloride (I)] and [1,4-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl) piperazine-1,4-diium chloride (II)] were synthesized and their chemical structures were characterized using spectral data. In our previous study (Ali et al., Afr J Pharm Pharmacol 7:585-596, 2013), both compounds showed anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic properties in standard animal models and a greater binding affinity for cyclooxygenase-2 versus cyclooxygenase-1 in molecular docking and dynamics analysis. For in vivo studies, animals were randomly divided into four groups. The synthetic compounds (both at 100 or 150 mg/kg), aspirin (150 mg/kg), or saline vehicle was administered orally, once daily for 6 days and then tested for ulcerogenic activity. At the end of the procedure, gastric juice and tissues were collected and subjected to biochemical and histological analyses. The results of the study revealed that in the case of the aspirin-treated group, there was a significant increase in gastric juice volume, free acidity, total acidity, and ulcer score and a decrease in gastric pH. Moreover, histological examination of the gastric mucosa of the aspirin-treated group indicated morphological changes while neither of the synthetic compounds showed any significant ulcerogenic or cytotoxic properties. The results of the present study suggest that both compounds are free from ulcerogenic side effects and may represent a better alternative to aspirin.

Comparative evaluation of gastroulcerogenic potential of nitrogen isoforms of salicyl alcohol and aspirin in rats: biochemical and histological study

The aim of the current study was to explore in vivo any relative gastroulcerogenic prospective propensity of newly synthesized nitrogen containing derivatives of salicyl alcohol; compound (I) [1-(2-hydroxybenzyl)piperidinium chloride], compound (II) [4-carbamoyl-1-(2-hydroxybenzyl)piperidinium chloride] and aspirin in albino rats. The experimental groups received the following oral treatments daily for 6 days: group I saline control; group II, standard (aspirin) treatment group [150 mg/kg of body weight]; group III, test (compound I) treatment group [100, 150 mg/kg]; group IV, test (compound II) treatment group [100, 150 mg/kg]. The results showed that in the case of the aspirin treated group and compound (I) [150 mg/kg], there was a significant increase in gastric volume, free acidity, total acidity, ulcer score and a decrease in gastric pH. Furthermore, histopathological examination of gastric mucosa of these treated groups revealed detectable morphological changes. Utilizing the same protocol, synthetic compound (I) [100 mg/kg] and (II) [100, 150 mg/kg] exhibited no statistically significant ulcerogenic or cytotoxic properties. A cyclooxygenase (COX) selectivity test indicated the preferential inhibition of COX-I and COX-II enzymes by compounds (I) and (II). This study therefore indicates that these synthetic compounds may possess reduced ulcerogenic potential and could be a functional substitute to aspirin.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects of the leaf extract from Passiflora nitida Kunth

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormally high plasma glucose levels, leading to major complications, such as insulin resistance, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, also with alterations in the immune and neuronal systems. Brazilian plants have been studied as important sources for new molecules with medicinal properties. The genus Passiflora known as "Maracujá" has been used as a traditional folk medicine for a long time, so an investigation was performed regarding an endemic kind of passion fruit (Passiflora nitida Kunth) from Amazonas, Brazil. Here, we aimed to determine its potential biological activity against metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, pain, and inflammation. The hydroethanol leaf extract revealed an in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) = 6.78 ± 0.31 μg/mL and an α-amylase inhibition of IC₅₀= 93.36 ± 4.37. In vivo, experiments of different saccharide tolerance resulted in significant glycemia control and, with alloxan-diabetic mice, resulted in a decrease of total cholesterol, a hypoglycemic effect, and an antioxidant activity by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances measurement. Also, it decreased the carrageenan-induced edema volume and the rate of writhing as a nociceptive response. These results indicate positive effects of P. nitida extract and its potential to inhibit metabolic syndrome.

Gastroprotective Effect of Oxalis corniculata (Whole Plant) on Experimentally Induced Gastric Ulceration in Wistar Rats

The objective of the present study was to investigate the antiulcer activity of methanol extract of Oxalis corniculata (whole plant) using pylorus ligation and indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration in Wistar rats. The extract was preliminary evaluated for acute oral toxicity test using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines 423. Further, it was studied for antiulcer potential at the dose levels of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg. Ranitidine was used as a standard drug (100 mg/kg). Acid secretory parameters like gastric volume, pH, total acidity and free acidity were measured in pylorus ligation model, whereas numbers of ulcers, ulcers score and ulcer index was measured in pylorus ligated and indomethacin treated rats. Pretreatment of test extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased the gastric volume, total acidity, free acidity and increase in the pH of the gastric fluid in pylorus-ligated rats. It also showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in number of ulcers, ulcers score and ulcer index in pylorus ligated and indomethacin treated rats. Results of the study suggest that, the methanol extract of Oxalis corniculata possesses significant antisecretory and antiulcer effects and justify the traditional usage of this herb to treat peptic ulcers.

Evaluation of Caesalpinia pulcherrima Linn. for anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Linn.) Sw. for anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-inflammatory action of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of C. pulcherrima (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) (CPE and CPA) were evaluated by cotton pellet granuloma models. Pylorus ligation and aspirin induced ulcer models were employed for evaluating antiulcer activity for both the extracts. Ulcerogenic potential of CP was also evaluated.

RESULT

The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of C. pulcherrima significantly decreased (P<0.01) the granuloma tissue development. CPE and CPA at both the doses exhibited significant (P<0.01) antiulcer activity by decreasing the ulcer score in both the ulcer models and it was not ulcerogenic.

CONCLUSION

The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of C. pulcherrima (CPE and CPA) possess significant anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities.

Antiulcer and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Passiflora foetida L

Passiflora foetida L. (Passifloraceae), a widely growing perennial climber, has been used in traditional medicine for treating many ailments. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extract of P. foetida (EEPF) whole plant on gastric ulcer. The antiulcer effects of EEPF at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses were evaluated on ethanol and aspirin-induced gastric ulcer models. The antioxidant parameters and histological changes in gastric tissue of ulcer rats were also determined in both the models. P. foetida treatment significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the ulcer index and significantly (P < 0.01) increased the gastric pH of both ethanol and aspirin-induced ulcer rats. P. foetida showed significant (P < 0.01) reduction in lipid peroxidation and increase in reduced glutathione levels. The observations confirm that EEPF whole plant has antiulcer and antioxidant activities.

Anti-inflammatory and gastromucosal protective effects of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) stem bark

This study was aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory and gastromucosal protective effect of chloroform extract (CH) and hydroalcoholic extract (HE) of the stem bark of Calotropis procera obtained successively by cold maceration. The anti-inflammatory effect of the CH and HE extracts of the stem bark of Calotropis procera against carrageenan-induced paw oedema and also its gastromucosal protective effect has been studied by using two acute models: aspirin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and ethanol (96%) in albino rats. CH and HE extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at 200 and 400 mg/kg, while CH extract at 400 mg/kg was also found to have a significant gastromucosal protective effect. As part of investigations to obtain compounds with anti-inflammatory and gastromucosal protective effects in this work, a bioassay was carried out with fractions obtained from the CH extract with n-hexane (NF1), 1-butanol (BF1), ethyl acetate (EF1) and chloroform (CF1). The HE extract of the stem bark was fractionated with n-hexane (NF2), 1-butanol (BF2), ethyl acetate (EF2), chloroform (CF2) and water (WF2). The fractions were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and gastromucosal protective effects. Fractions NF1, CF1, BF2 and EF2 (20 mg/kg) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, while NF1 and BF2 (20 mg/kg) also showed gastromucosal protective effects. The results obtained for gastromucosal protective effects were also well supported by histopathological examination of the open excised rat stomach.

Gastroprotective Effect of Rubia cordifolia Linn. on Aspirin Plus Pylorus-Ligated Ulcer

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Rubia cordifolia (Rubiaceae) against experimentally induced gastric ulcer and compare activity with its fractions by employing aspirin plus pylorus-ligated ulcer screening model in Wistar rats. Total acidity, volume of gastric acid secretion, total acid output, and pepsin activity show significant reduction, when compared with the control group. The present study confirmed that chloroform fraction showed the significant activity at lower doses compared to parent extract. The mechanism can be attributed to decrease in gastric acid secretary activity along with strengthening of mucosal defensive mechanism by prostaglandin synthesis and antioxidant potential.

A medicinal plant study of the Santal tribe in Rangpur district, Bangladesh

OBJECTIVES

The Santals form the largest tribal community in northern Bangladesh and reside primarily in the districts of Rangpur and Dinajpur. The tribe has a long history of medicinal plant use and has its own medicinal practitioners, who usually administer medicinal plant formulations for treatment of various ailments. The objective of the present study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey among the Santal communities residing in Rangpur district to collect information on their use of medicinal plants.

DESIGN

Interviews were conducted with the Santal traditional medicinal practitioners in their own dialect with the help of a semistructured questionnaire and using the guided field-walk method. Plant specimens as pointed out by the practitioners were collected and pressed on the field, and identification was completed at the Bangladesh National Herbarium.

SETTINGS/LOCATION

The location was the Rangpur district, Bangladesh.

SUBJECTS

Subjects consisted of the Santal tribe.

RESULTS

Information on 52 medicinal plants distributed into 33 families was obtained in this survey. Ailments treated by these plants included skin disorders, respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, impotence, diabetes, cancer, malaria, and paralysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The medicinal plants used by the Santals are worth detailed scientific studies because they are used to treat ailments such as cancer and paralysis.

Screening for the anti-inflammatory activity of fractions and compounds from Atractylodes macrocephala koidz

The aim of this study was to screen for the anti-inflammatory activity of fractions and compounds from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. The rhizomes of Atractylodes macrocephala were treated with supercritical CO(2) fluid and the extract was separated by normal-phase and reverse-phase column chromatography. The separated samples were screened with white blood cell membrane (WBCM) chromatography (WBCM-C). The anti-inflammatory effects of these fractions and components were tested pharmacologically in vivo. The results indicated that the retention characteristics of the petrol-ether (1:1, v/v) fraction (BZC-2) of the supercritical CO(2) extract, the atractylenolide I and 14-acetoxy-12-senecioyloxytetradeca-2E,8E,10E-trien-4, 6-diyn-1-ol isolated from BZC-2 as active fractions and components were similar to that of dexamethasone in WBCM-C. Therefore, they may act on WBCM and its receptors. BZC-2 has shown anti-inflammatory effects in acute and chronic inflammation models in rats and mice. Oral administration of atractylenolide I and 14-acetoxy-12-senecioyloxytetradeca-2E,8E,10E-trien-4,6-diyn-1-ol produced significant anti-inflammatory effects in acute and chronic inflammation models in mice. The screening results with WBCM-C were correlated significantly with pharmacological effects in vivo. Atractylenolide I and 14-acetoxy-12-senecioyloxytetradeca-2E,8E,10E-trien-4,6-diyn-1-ol were the main components of Atractylodes macrocephala that were effective as anti-inflammatory agents.

Comparison of plants used for skin and stomach problems in Trinidad and Tobago with Asian ethnomedicine

This paper provides a preliminary evaluation of fifty-eight ethnomedicinal plants used in Trinidad and Tobago for skin problems, stomach problems, pain and internal parasites for safety and possible efficacy. Thirty respondents, ten of whom were male were interviewed from September 1996 to September 2000 on medicinal plant use for health problems. The respondents were obtained by snowball sampling, and were found in thirteen different sites, 12 in Trinidad and one in Tobago. The uses are compared to those current in Asia. Bambusa vulgaris, Bidens alba, Jatropha curcas, Neurolaena lobata, Peperomia rotundifolia and Phyllanthus urinaria are possibly efficacious for stomach problems, pain and internal parasites. Further scientific study of these plants is warranted.

In vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of Cheilanthes farinosa

In Ethiopia inflammatory skin diseases are among the most common health problems treated with traditional remedies which mainly comprise medicinal plants. In the present work, the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of Cheilanthes farinosa (Forsk.) Kaulf (Adianthaceae), a fern used in many parts of Ethiopia to treat inflammatory skin disorders, were studied using in vivo models of inflammation and pain. The results of the study showed that the fronds Cheilanthes farinosa possess strong anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties. It was further demonstrated that the active ingredients of the fern reside mainly in the methanol fraction from which three compounds viz. the flavonol glycoside rutin, and the natural cinnamic acids, caffeic acid and its quinic acid derivative chlorogenic acid have been isolated. The methanol extract was also shown to potentiate the anti-inflammatory activity of acetyl salicylic acid. At the tested concentrations, the methanol extract displayed a better anti-nociceptive activity than that of ASA in both the early and late phases of formalin induced nociception in mice. However, the activity of the extract was more pronounced in the late phase, which is commonly associated with inflammatory pain. Evaluation of the pharmacological properties of the compounds isolated from the active fractions pointed out that chlorogenic acid possesses strong anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities while caffeic acid and rutin were inactive. Moreover, on molar basis chlorogenic acid was proved to be superior in its anti-inflammatory action to acetyl salicylic acid. It was therefore concluded that chlorogenic acid contributes, in full or in part, to the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of Cheilanthes farinosa. Both the methanolic extract and pure chlorogenic acid failed to display anti-nociceptive activity when tested by the tail-flick test indicating that the plant is not a centrally acting analgesic but instead exerts its analgesic activity by way of its antinflammtory action.