Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl (Verbenaceae) in experimental animal models

Screening of Natural Products Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Entry

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the search for new molecules with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The entry of the virus into the cell is one of the main targets for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Natural products are an important source of new therapeutic alternatives against diseases. Pseudotyped viruses allow the study of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry inhibitors, and due to their simplicity, they allow the screening of a large number of antiviral candidates in Biosafety Level 2 facilities. We used pseudotyped HIV-1 with the D614G SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein to test its ability to infect ACE2-expressing HEK 293T cells in the presence of diverse natural products, including 21 plant extracts, 7 essential oils, and 13 compounds from plants and fungi. The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) was evaluated using the resazurin method. From these analyses, we determined the inhibitory activity of the extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis, which had a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 91.65 µg/mL, a CC₅₀ of 693.5 µg/mL, and a selectivity index (SI) of 7.57, indicating its potential use as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 entry. Moreover, our work indicates the usefulness of the pseudotyped-virus system in the screening of SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors.

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.

A Review of Malaysian Medicinal Plants with Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity

This article aims to provide detailed information on Malaysian plants used for treating inflammation. An extensive search on electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect and conference papers was done to find relevant articles on anti-inflammatory activity of Malaysian medicinal plants. The keyword search terms used were "inflammation," "Malaysia," "medicinal plants," "mechanisms," "in vitro," and "in vivo." As a result, 96 articles on anti-inflammatory activity of Malaysian medicinal plants were found and further reviewed. Forty-six (46) plants (in vitro) and 30 plants (in vivo) have been identified to possess anti-inflammatory activity where two plants, Melicope ptelefolia (Tenggek burung) and Portulaca oleracea (Gelang pasir), were reported to have the strongest anti-inflammatory activity of more than 90% at a concentration of 250 µg/ml. It was showed that the activity was mainly due to the occurrence of diverse naturally occurring phytochemicals from diverse groups such as flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, steroids, benzophenone, triterpenoids, curcuminoids, and cinnamic acid. Hence, this current review is a detailed discussion on the potential of Malaysian medicinal plants as an anti-inflammatory agent from the previous studies. However, further investigation on the possible underlying mechanisms and isolation of active compounds still remains to be investigated.

A survey of herbal weeds that are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders from southern Thailand: Krabi and Songkhla provinces

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Weeds are plants grow naturally and are commonly seen. They are mostly used for feedstuff. However, their use as herbs for treating diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, is rare. Therefore, the present study aimed to: (1) quantify the number of herbal weeds used for treating gastrointestinal disorders; (2) study local knowledge of weed utilization for treating gastrointestinal disorders in Songkhla and Krabi provinces; and (3) analyse quantitative data with the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV) and Fidelity Level (FL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted from November 2014 to January 2016 through semi-structured interviews with 35 folk healers. The main questions were designed to obtain plant information, including the local name, method of use, preparation method and medicinal properties. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, quantitative indexes (UV, ICF as well as FL) and interpretation.

RESULTS

A total of 49 species in 46 genera and 28 families were found. The most common use of weeds was as herbs (80%). The preferred part used was the whole plant (76.27%). The preferred methods of drug preparation and use were decoction and drink, respectively. The highest UV was found for Acmella oleracea (0.83). The highest FLs (100%) were found for 12 species, including Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus viridis, Alternanthera sessilis, Sauropus androgynus, Plantago major, and others. The highest ICF (0.93) was found for treating toothache.

CONCLUSION

Overall, there are reports on the pharmacological activity of 31 species of weeds and reports on toxicity for 20 species of weeds. Therefore, awareness of the use of herbs is necessary to ensure that they are used safely and that benefits arise from the therapy. This study showed that medicinal weeds are still popularly used by folk healers. The pharmacological properties were consistent with the local uses, which supported a preliminary indication that the weed plants were effective for treating gastrointestinal diseases.

A survey of herbal weeds that are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders from southern Thailand: Krabi and Songkhla provinces

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Weeds are plants grow naturally and are commonly seen. They are mostly used for feedstuff. However, their use as herbs for treating diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, is rare. Therefore, the present study aimed to: (1) quantify the number of herbal weeds used for treating gastrointestinal disorders; (2) study local knowledge of weed utilization for treating gastrointestinal disorders in Songkhla and Krabi provinces; and (3) analyse quantitative data with the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV) and Fidelity Level (FL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted from November 2014 to January 2016 through semi-structured interviews with 35 folk healers. The main questions were designed to obtain plant information, including the local name, method of use, preparation method and medicinal properties. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, quantitative indexes (UV, ICF as well as FL) and interpretation.

RESULTS

A total of 49 species in 46 genera and 28 families were found. The most common use of weeds was as herbs (80%). The preferred part used was the whole plant (76.27%). The preferred methods of drug preparation and use were decoction and drink, respectively. The highest UV was found for Acmella oleracea (0.83). The highest FLs (100%) were found for 12 species, including Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus viridis, Alternanthera sessilis, Sauropus androgynus, Plantago major, and others. The highest ICFs (1.00) were found for treating toothache, dysentery, haemorrhoids, intestinal pain and abdominal pain.

CONCLUSION

Overall, there are reports on the pharmacological activity of 31 species of weeds and reports on toxicity for 20 species of weeds. Therefore, awareness of the use of herbs is necessary to ensure that they are used safely and that benefits arise from the therapy. This study showed that medicinal weeds are still popularly used by folk healers. The pharmacological properties were consistent with the local uses, which supported a preliminary indication that the weed plants were effective for treating gastrointestinal diseases.

Anti-inflammatory and in-vitro antibacterial activities of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Qingdaisan

BACKGROUND

Qingdaisan (Formulated Indigo powder, QDS) are widely used for treatment of aphtha, sore throat and bleeding gums in China. The aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and dental ulcer therapeutic effects of QDS.

METHODS

Dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema test and cotton pellet-induced granuloma test were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activities of QDS on acute and chronic inflammatory. The healing time and local pathologic changes were used to assess the therapeutic effects of QDS on dental ulcer. The antibacterial activities of each component and the whole formulation of QDS were determined by agar well diffusion assay. High-dose and low-dose QDS were tested in this experiment and Gui Lin Watermelon Frost Powder (GLWFP) was used as positive control.

RESULTS

Oral treatment with QDS significantly accelerated the healing of ulcerative lesions induced by phenol injury. The dental ulcers of high-dose QDS group were all healed within 6 days. It was shorter than those of low-dose QDS group and GLWFP group. Less quantity of inflammatory cells and plenty fibroblasts were observed in pathological section of QDS groups. QDS also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity both in acute and chronic animal models. Although some of the components exhibited antibacterial activities, the whole formulation of QDS didn't show any significant antibacterial activity in vitro.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that QDS has obviously anti-inflammatory activity for both acute and chronic inflammatory, also has a remarkable effect for healing dental ulcer caused by phenol. QDS didn't have antibacterial activity to selected strains in vitro.

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl: From Traditional Usage to Pharmacological Evidence

Introduction. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl belongs to the family of Verbenaceae and is commonly known as Gervao, Brazilian tea, verbena cimarrona, rooter comb, or blue porter weed. It is one of the important plants with high medicinal and nutraceutical benefits. S. jamaicensis contains various medicinal properties in traditional and folk medicinal systems, with cures for several diseases. Objective. The objective of this review paper is to collect information concerning the morphology, distribution, traditional usage, phytochemical compositions, biological activities, and safety data of S. jamaicensis. Materials and Methods. The information was obtained from literature search through electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar on S. jamaicensis. Results and Conclusion. The high medicinal properties of this plant, for instance, antimicrobial and antifungal effect as the main activities, but verbascoside as the main active chemical component, make it a valuable source of the medicinal compound. This review paper summarizes all information concerning the morphology, distribution, traditional usage, phytochemical compositions, pharmacological activities, and toxicological studies of S. jamaicensis.

Anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of ficus deltoidea

Ficus deltoidea (Family Moraceae) leaves have been used traditionally by the Malays to treat ailments such as wounds, sores, and rheumatism. The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of F. deltoidea leaf (FDA) using acute and chronic inflammatory models. FDA, in the doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, was administered intraperitoneally in rats (n = 6) before the animals were subjected to the carrageenan-induced paw edema test, cotton pellet-induced granuloma test, and formalin test. The first two tests represent acute and chronic models of inflammation, respectively. The first and second phases of the formalin test represent neurogenic pain and inflammatory-mediated pain, respectively; thus, only the second phase was measured in the present study. Results showed that FDA exerted significant (p < .05) anti-inflammatory activity in all assays, with dose-response effects seen in the paw edema and formalin tests. In conclusion, the leaf of F. deltoidea possesses anti-inflammatory activity against acute and chronic inflammatory responses and against pain-associated inflammatory response. These findings justify the traditional uses of F. deltoidea leaves for treatment of inflammatory-mediated ailments.

Antinociceptive activity of Melicope ptelefolia ethanolic extract in experimental animals

Melicope ptelefolia is a medicinal herb commonly used in Malaysia to treat fever, pain, wounds, and itches. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the Melicope ptelefolia ethanolic extract (MPEE) using animal models of nociception. The antinociceptive activity of the extract was assessed using acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, hot-plate, and formalin-induced paw licking tests. Oral administration of MPEE produced significant dose-dependent antinociceptive effects when tested in mice and rats using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test and on the second phase of the formalin-induced paw licking test, respectively. It was also demonstrated that MPEE had no effect on the response latency time to the heat stimulus in the thermal model of the hot-plate test. In addition, the antinociception produced by MPEE was not blocked by naloxone. Furthermore, oral administration of MPEE did not produce any effect in motor performance of the rota-rod test and in acute toxicity study no abnormal behaviors as well as mortality were observed up to a dose level of the extract of 5 g/kg. These results indicated that MPEE at all doses investigated which did not produce any sedative and toxic effects exerted pronounce antinociceptive activity that acts peripherally in experimental animals.

Preliminary Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Essential Oils of Zingiber zerumbet

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been widely used for the treatment of inflammation. However, despite their effectiveness, most NSAIDs cause various side effects that negatively affect the management of inflammation and, in part, pain. Thus, there is a need to search for new anti-inflammatory agents with few, or no, side effects. Natural products of plant, animal, or microorganism origin have been good sources of new bioactive compounds. The present study was carried out to evaluate the acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oil of the rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet (Zingiberaceae) using the carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma tests, respectively. The effect of the essential oil on inflammatory- and noninflammatory-mediated pain was also assessed using the formalin test. Essential oil of Z. zerumbet, at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, was administered intraperitoneally to rats. The substance exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity both in acute and chronic animal models. The essential oil also inhibited inflammatory- and noninflammatory-mediated pain when assessed using the formalin test. In conclusion, the essential oil of Z. zerumbet possessed anti-inflammatory activity, in addition to its antinociceptive activity, which may explain its traditional uses to treat inflammatory-related ailments.