Antinociceptive and uterine relaxant activities of Viburnum toronis alive (Caprifoliaceae)

In vitro relaxant and spasmolytic effects of constituents from Viburnum prunifolium and HPLC quantification of the bioactive isolated iridoids

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Viburnum prunifolium is a North America shrub used in ethnomedicine because of its spasmolytic, sedative, and anti-asthmatic properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Contrasting results were reported in past literature about the active principles of this plant. Our aim was to clarify this matter by evaluating the relaxant and spasmolytic activities of the main constituents obtained from the drug.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pharmacological assays were carried out on rabbit jejunum spontaneous contractions and on guinea-pig carbachol-precontracted trachea.

RESULTS

Cumulative concentration (1-100 microg/ml) of Viburnum prunifolium methanolic extract (MeOH extract), its purified fractions soluble in ethylacetate (EtOAc fraction) and in n-butanol (BuOH fraction), and the iridoid glucosides (2 x 10(-5) to 4 x 10(-4)M): 2'-O-acetyldihydropenstemide (1), 2'-O-trans-p-coumaroyldihydropenstemide (2), 2'-O-acetylpatrinoside (3), and patrinoside (4), isolated from EtOAc fraction (1 and 2) and BuOH fraction (3 and 4), induced both relaxant effect of rabbit jejunum spontaneous contractions and spasmolytic effect on guinea-pig carbachol (5.5 x 10(-7)M)-precontracted trachea. Propranolol (10(-6)M) antagonised all Viburnum prunifolium tested components relaxant and spasmolytic effects. At non-relaxing concentrations (0.5 microg/ml), MeOH extract and its fractions induced a potentiating effect of isoprenaline cumulative concentrations also in both isolated tissues.

CONCLUSION

In both tissues, the order of potency was EtOAc fraction>BuOH fraction>MeOH extract and 1>2>3>4 suggesting that the major iridoids of EtOAc fraction may be considered among the most active compounds. HPLC analysis of the bioactive iridoids indicates that 1 and 2 are present for 7.38% and 14.90% in EtOAc fraction, and 3 and 4 for 18.47% and 8.86% in BuOH fraction. By comparing the values of EC(50) of the fractions and compounds isolated from them, we may assume that the iridoids play a significant role in the biological activity of the corresponding fractions.

The Systemic Theory of Living Systems. Part IV: Systemic Medicine--The Praxis

This fourth lecture illustrates the praxis and results of Systemic Medicine (SM) in various therapeutic applications. SM's success has made it popular throughout Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The treatment of over 300,000 patients by 150 orthodox MD's, trained and qualified in SM, in 35 medical establishments with above average results corroborate its effectiveness as an eCAM in chronic degenerative diseases. Herein we provide a synopsis of results obtained in four such pathologies-the journal's necessary space restrictions somewhat limiting content-as well as clinical and photographic evidence. The validity of any medical theory is substantiated by its degree of effectivity and success. The workability of evidence-based SM corroborates Systemic Theory's transcendence.

Ayurveda and gynecological disorders

The science of life--Ayurveda is practiced in India since time immemorial. Besides being cheap and easily available Ayurvedic drugs are considered safe. Moreover, there is surge in the interest in Ayurveda due to quest of alternative medicines. Many of the gynecological disorders being not reported to the physicians, are treated with household remedies in India. The science of Ayurveda deals with these issues in a systematic manner as evident from the classification of diseases available and the number of plant drugs or the combinations thereof available for the treatment. In the present article, Ayurvedic herbal formulations and single plant drugs used traditionally in treatment of gynecological disorders are described.