Prokinetic effect of a standardized yarrow (Achillea millefolium) extract and its constituent choline: studies in the mouse and human stomach

Composition and Biological Activity of the Essential Oils from Wild Horsemint, Yarrow, and Yampah from Subalpine Meadows in Southwestern Montana: Immunomodulatory Activity of Dillapiole

Agastache urticifolia (Benth.) Kuntze (horsemint), Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow), and Perideridia gairdneri (Hook. & Arn.) Mathias (yampah) are native, culturally important plants that grow in the subalpine meadows of Montana. Analysis of the composition of essential oils extracted from these plants showed that the main components of essential oils obtained from flowers and leaves of A. urticifolia (designated as AUF/AUL) were menthone (2.7/25.7%), isomenthone (2.6/29.1%), pulegone (78.9/28.8%), and limonene (4.2/6.2%), whereas essential oils obtained from the inflorescence of A. millefolium (designated as AMI) were high in α-thujone (17.1%) and β-thujone (14.9%), 1,8-cineole (17.0%), camphor (13.0%), sabinene (7.0%), guaia-3,9-dien-11-ol (3.2%), and terpinen-4-ol (2.5%). Essential oils obtained from the inflorescence of P. gairdneri (designated as PGI) contained high amounts of dillapiole (30.3%), p-cymen-8-ol (14.1%), terpinolene (12.0%), 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-cyclohex-2-enone (6.2%), and γ-terpinene (2.4%). Evaluation of their immunomodulatory activity demonstrated that essential oils extracted from all of these plants could activate human neutrophils with varying efficacy. Analysis of individual components showed that dillapiole activated human neutrophil intracellular Ca²⁺ flux ([Ca²⁺]_i) (EC₅₀ = 19.3 ± 1.4 μM), while α-thujone, β-thujone, menthone, isomenthone, and pulegone were inactive. Since dillapiole activated neutrophils, we also evaluated if it was able to down-regulate neutrophil responses to subsequent agonist activation and found that pretreatment with dillapiole inhibited neutrophil activation by the chemoattractant fMLF (IC₅₀ = 34.3 ± 2.1 μM). Pretreatment with P. gairdneri essential oil or dillapiole also inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis induced by fMLF, suggesting these treatments could down-regulate human neutrophil responses to inflammatory chemoattractants. Thus, dillapiole may be a novel modulator of human neutrophil function.

The regulatory effects of fucoidan and laminarin on functional dyspepsia mice induced by loperamide

Gastrointestinal dysmotility is a common cause of functional dyspepsia. As two kinds of polysaccharides derived from brown algae, fucoidan and laminarin possess many physiological properties; however, their relative abilities in regulating gastrointestinal motility have not been illustrated yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of fucoidan and laminarin on functional dyspepsia mice induced by loperamide. Mice with gastrointestinal dysmotility were treated with fucoidan (100 and 200 mg per kg bw) and laminarin (50 and 100 mg per kg bw). As a result, fucoidan and laminarin reversed the dysfunction mainly through regulating gastrointestinal hormones (motilin and ghrelin), the cholinergic pathway, the total bile acid level, c-kit protein expression, and gastric smooth muscle contraction-related gene expression (ANO1 and RYR3). Moreover, fucoidan and laminarin intervention modulated the gut microbiota profile including the altered richness of Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Streptococcus. The results indicated that fucoidan and laminarin may restore the rhythm of the migrating motor complex and regulate gut microecology. In conclusion, we provided evidence to support that fucoidan and laminarin might have potential abilities to regulate gastrointestinal motility.

Effects of Achillea Millefolium Extract on Spontaneous and Oxytocin-Induced Isolated Rat Uterine Contractions

Achillea millefolium (AM) is widely used in traditional medicine in a wide geography due to its effects on the female reproductive system. However, its effect on uterine smooth muscle contractions is unknown. Our study aims to investigate the effects of AM on spontaneous and oxytocin-induced isolated rat uterine contractions. Myometrial strips were obtained from 32 adult Wistar Albino rats. Contraction amplitudes and frequencies were recorded after either of the following: administration of only Krebs-Hanseleit (KBH) solution, administration of Achillea millefolium extract (AME); administration of KBH or AME after inducing contractions with oxytocin. When AM extract was administered at a dose of 2mg/ml, it significantly reduced the spontaneous (non-induced) contraction frequency compared to the control group with only KBH addition to the medium (AME: 2.37±0.49, KBH: 9.25±1.69, p=0.002). AME significantly reduced the amplitude of spontaneous uterine contractions in the administrations of 0.5, 1, and 2mg/ml (p

Effects of Achillea millefolium on cisplatin induced ocular toxicity: an experimental study

Aim: Cisplatin is a widely used and highly effective anti-cancer agent and one of the limiting side effects of cisplatin is ocular toxicity. Achillea millefolium, also known as yarrow, is a plant that has been used for many years to treat various health problems including chemotherapy-related toxicities. Methods: The present investigation was designed to evaluate the biochemical, molecular and histopathological effects of Achillea Millefolium on cisplatin-induced oxidative and inflammatory ocular damage in rats. Twenty-four adult male rats were assigned randomly to four groups (n = 6) as (1) control, (2) cisplatin (7 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), (3) Cisplatin + Achillea millefolium (200 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days), (4) Cisplatin + Achillea millefolium (400 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days). Levels of total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status, SOD, MDA, IL-1β, and IL-10 were measured in ocular tissue. The mRNA expressions of TNF-α, nuclear factor kappa B and Caspase-3 were evaluated. Also, ocular sections were evaluated histopathologically.Results: Achillea Millefolium upregulated ocular antioxidant enzymes and downregulated inflammation. The SOD activity and total antioxidant capacity increased whereas total oxidant status and MDA levels decreased significantly at high dose group. High dose Achillea millefolium treatment reduced the IL-1β concentrations, whereas IL-10 levels increased significantly in that group. Moreover, we observed that Achillea millefolium restored ocular histopathological structure and significantly suppressed apoptosis by reducing the expression of Caspase-3.Conclusion: Collectively, our results suggest that Achillea millefolium have protective effects against cisplatin-induced ocular toxicity and is a promising adjuvant therapy with the potential to prevent cisplatin related ocular toxicity.

Cytotoxicity and Anti-cancer Activity of the Genus Achillea L

BACKGROUND

The genus Achillea L. is rich in bioactive sesquiterpenes and flavonoids; most of the studied species exhibit several biological activities and are used as emmenagogue, wound healing and analgesic agents. Some species are also used in local folklore medicine.

OBJECTIVE

Following a literature survey, we discuss the anti-cancer properties of Achillea species, taking into consideration ethnopharmacological data on their use in traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer. In addition, we screened extracts and isolated secondary metabolites from A. coarctata for cytotoxicity, upon information based on local traditional medicine. The plant was collected in Kozani (Northern Greece), where it is locally used for treating gastrointestinal disorders, including stomach cancer.

METHODS

A selection of the relevant data was performed through a search in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Science Direct databases. In addition, extracts and isolated compounds from A. coarctata were tested for their in vitro activity against the human cancer cell lines MCF-7 and HeLa.

CONCLUSION

The genus Achillea L. is a valuable source of bioactive secondary metabolites. The most significant outcome of the investigation of medicinal plants is the documentation and the assessment of the traditional information and its use and perspectives in the light of modern pharmacology.

The Phytochemistry of Cherokee Aromatic Medicinal Plants

Background: Native Americans have had a rich ethnobotanical heritage for treating diseases, ailments, and injuries. Cherokee traditional medicine has provided numerous aromatic and medicinal plants that not only were used by the Cherokee people, but were also adopted for use by European settlers in North America. Methods: The aim of this review was to examine the Cherokee ethnobotanical literature and the published phytochemical investigations on Cherokee medicinal plants and to correlate phytochemical constituents with traditional uses and biological activities. Results: Several Cherokee medicinal plants are still in use today as herbal medicines, including, for example, yarrow (Achillea millefolium), black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), and blue skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). This review presents a summary of the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and biological activities of Cherokee aromatic and medicinal plants. Conclusions: The list is not complete, however, as there is still much work needed in phytochemical investigation and pharmacological evaluation of many traditional herbal medicines.

Choosing an Animal Model for the Study of Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen as the main characteristic. The prevalence of FD worldwide varies between 5% and 11%. This condition adversely affects attendance and productivity in the workplace. Emerging evidence is beginning to unravel the pathophysiologies of FD, and new data on treatment are helping to guide evidence-based practice. In order to better understand the pathophysiologies of FD and explore better treatment options, various kinds of animal models of FD have been developed. However, it is unclear which of these models most closely mimic the human disease. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the currently available animal models of FD in relationship to the clinical features of the disease. The rationales, methods, merits, and disadvantages for modelling specific symptoms of FD are discussed in detail.

Medicinal plants--prophylactic and therapeutic options for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets lead to significant economic losses in livestock husbandry. A high morbidity has been reported for diarrhea (calves ≤ 35%; piglets ≤ 50%) and for respiratory diseases (calves ≤ 80%; piglets ≤ 40%). Despite a highly diverse etiology and pathophysiology of these diseases, treatment with antimicrobials is often the first-line therapy. Multi-antimicrobial resistance in pathogens results in international accordance to strengthen the research in novel treatment options. Medicinal plants bear a potential as alternative or additional treatment. Based on the versatile effects of their plant specific multi-component-compositions, medicinal plants can potentially act as 'multi-target drugs'. Regarding the plurality of medicinal plants, the aim of this systematic review was to identify potential medicinal plant species for prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases and for modulation of the immune system and inflammation in calves and piglets.

RESULTS

Based on nine initial sources including standard textbooks and European ethnoveterinary studies, a total of 223 medicinal plant species related to the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases was identified. A defined search strategy was established using the PRISMA statement to evaluate 30 medicinal plant species starting from 20'000 peer-reviewed articles published in the last 20 years (1994-2014). This strategy led to 418 references (257 in vitro, 84 in vivo and 77 clinical trials, thereof 48 clinical trials in veterinary medicine) to evaluate effects of medicinal plants and their efficacy in detail. The findings indicate that the most promising candidates for gastrointestinal diseases are Allium sativum L., Mentha x piperita L. and Salvia officinalis L.; for diseases of the respiratory tract Echinacea purpurea (L.) MOENCH, Thymus vulgaris L. and Althea officinalis L. were found most promising, and Echinacea purpurea (L.) MOENCH, Camellia sinensis (L.) KUNTZE, Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Origanum vulgare L. were identified as best candidates for modulation of the immune system and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Several medicinal plants bear a potential for novel treatment strategies for young livestock. There is a need for further research focused on gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets, and the findings of this review provide a basis on plant selection for future studies.

A polysaccharide fraction from Achillea millefolium increases cytokine secretion and reduces activation of Akt, ERK and NF-κB in THP-1 monocytes

Achillea millefolium has been used in traditional medicine for a number of ailments, including skin inflammation and wounds. A polysaccharide fraction (Am-25-d) isolated from aqueous extract from A. millefolium had an average molecular weight of 270 kDa and a monosaccharide composition of GalA, Gal, Ara, Xyl, Rha in molar ratio of 28:26:23:9:7. THP-1 cells primed with IFN-γ and stimulated with LPS in the presence of Am-25-d secreted more IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-23 and TNF-α than THP-1 cells stimulated in the absence of Am-25-d. However, when added to unstimulated cells Am-25-d did not increase secretion of the cytokines examined. Stimulating THP-1 monocytes in the presence of Am-25-d led to decreased nuclear concentrations of NF-κB and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt kinases compared with that when the cells were stimulated without Am-25-d. These findings indicate that Am-25-d isolated from A. millefolium has immunoenhancing properties that may be mediated via the Akt pathway.