Antispasmodic and antidiarrhoeal activity of the fruit of Rosa moschata (J)

Extraction and Fractionation of Prokinetic Phytochemicals from Chrozophora tinctoria and Their Bioactivities

Chrozophora tinctoria is an annual plant of the family Euphorbiaceae, traditionally used as a laxative, a cathartic and an emetic. A methanolic extract of Chrozophora tinctoria (MEC) whole plant and an n-butanol fraction of Chrozophora tinctoria (NBFC) were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect the phytochemicals. MEC and NBFC were tested for in vitro anti acetylcholinesterase (AChE) potential. The effect of both samples on intestinal propulsive movement and spasmolytic activity in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was also studied. About twelve compounds in MEC and three compounds in NBFC were tentatively identified through GC-MS. Some of them are compounds with known therapeutic activity, such as toluene; imipramine; undecane; 14-methyl-pentadecanoic acid methyl ester; and hexadecanoic acid. Both NBFC and MEC samples were checked for acute toxicity and were found to be highly toxic in a dose-dependent manner, causing diarrhea and emesis at 1 g/kg concentration in pigeons, with the highest lethargy and mortality above 3 g/kg. Both the samples of Chrozophora tinctoria revealed significant (p ≤ 0.01) laxative activity against metronidazole (7 mg/kg) and loperamide hydrochloride (4 mg/kg)-induced constipation. NBFC (81.18 ± 2.5%) and MEC (68.28 ± 2.4%) significantly increased charcoal meal intestinal transit compared to distal water (41.15 ± 4.3%). NBFC exhibited a significant relaxant effect (EC₅₀ = 3.40 ± 0.20 mg/mL) in spontaneous rabbit jejunum as compared to MEC (EC₅₀ = 4.34 ± 0.68 mg/kg). Similarly, the impact of NBFC on KCl-induced contraction was more significant than that of MEC (EC₅₀ values of 7.22 ± 0.06 mg/mL and 7.47 ± 0.57 mg/mL, respectively). The present study scientifically validates the folk use of Chrozophora tinctoria in the management of gastrointestinal diseases such as constipation. Further work is needed to isolate the phytochemicals that act as diarrheal agents in Chrozophora tinctoria.

Anthraquinones from the Aerial Parts of Rubia cordifolia with Their NO Inhibitory and Antibacterial Activities

The present study aimed to identify the composition of the aerial parts of Rubia cordifolia L. A chemical investigation on the EtOAc extracts from the aerial parts of Rubia cordifolia resulted in the isolation of four new anthraquinones, namely Cordifoquinone A-D (1-4), along with 16 known anthraquinones. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR and HR-ESIMS data. All isolates were assessed for their inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Compounds 1, 3 and 10 exhibited significant inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values of 14.05, 23.48 and 29.23 μmol·L^-1, respectively. Their antibacterial activities of four bacteria, Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus (ATCC 29213), Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (ATCC 14028) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), were also evaluated. Our results indicated that the antibacterial activity of these compounds is inactive.

Butyrlycholine esterase inhibitory activity and effects of extracts (fruit, bark and leaf) from Zanthoxylum armatum DC in gut, airways and vascular smooth muscles

BACKGROUND

Fruit, bark and leaves of Zanthoxylum armatum DC are popular remedies for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders in the subcontinent traditional practices. The aim of the study was to individually probe the profile of methanol extracts from three different parts of Zanthoxylum armatum.

METHODS

The ex-vivo muscle relaxant effects of extracts were assessed in the isolated intestine, trachea and thoracic aortic rings and were compared with the positive controls and CRC were constructed. The anti-diarrheal effect of extracts was evaluated in mice by inducing diarrhea with castor oil. The extracts were also studied for acute toxicity and butyrylcholine esterase inhibition.

RESULTS

The extracts from fruit, bark and leaves of Z. armatum showed inhibitory effect against the butyrylcholine esterase enzyme with percent inhibition of 50.75 ± 1.23, 82.57 ± 1.33, and 37.52 ± 1.11respectively, compared to standard serine (IC₅₀: 0.04 ± 0.001 μmol/L). The fruit and bark extracts provided 75, and 52% diarrheal protection, compared to verapamil (96%). In isolated rabbit jejunum strips, increasing addition of the extracts inhibited the spontaneous and high K⁺ precontractions with EC₅₀ values of 0.71 and 3 mg/mL for fruit, EC₅₀ values of 0.61 and 0.5 mg/mL for bark, EC₅₀ 0.81 and 3.1 mg/mL for leaves, like verapamil. The extracts induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of the carbachol (1 μM) and high K⁺ (80 mM) precontractions with EC₅₀ values of 2.4 and 0.9 mg/mL for fruit, EC₅₀ values of 1.2 and 3 for leaves. The bark extract was equipotent against both contractions with EC₅₀ 3.1 and 0.7 mg/mL, respectively. In the aortic rings, the fruit extract completely relaxed the phenylephrine (1 μM)-induced contractions with (EC₅₀ value = 0.8 mg/ml) and a partial inhibition of high K⁺ induced contractions. The leaves extract completely relaxed the aortic contractions with (EC₅₀ values = 1.0 and 8.5 mg/ml). The extracts caused no acute toxicity up to 3 g/kg dose.

CONCLUSIONS

The experiments revealed that the extracts of aerial parts of Z. armatum have antidiarrheal properties in vivo and showed spasmolytic effect in intestinal and tracheal preparations with possible mechanism involving the blockage of Ca⁺⁺ channels. These experiments provide enough justification for use of this plant in ethnomedicine in diarrhea, gut and bronchial spasms.

Apoptotic Pathway as the Therapeutic Target for Anticancer Traditional Chinese Medicines

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death and it plays a vital role in human development and tissue homeostasis. Mounting evidence indicates that apoptosis is closely related to the survival of cancer and it has emerged as a key target for the discovery and development of novel anticancer drugs. Various studies indicate that targeting the apoptotic signaling pathway by anticancer drugs is an important mechanism in cancer therapy. Therefore, numerous novel anticancer agents have been discovered and developed from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) by targeting the cellular apoptotic pathway of cancer cells and shown clinically beneficial effects in cancer therapy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion for the role, pharmacology, related biology, and possible mechanism(s) of a number of important anticancer TCMs and their derivatives mainly targeting the cellular apoptotic pathway. It may have important clinical implications in cancer therapy.

Fruits of Rosa brunonii – A Source of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds

Phytochemical examination of matured fruits of Rosa brunonii collected in Northern Pakistan led to the isolation of three flavonol glycosides quercetin-3- O-rhamnoside (1), and the kaempferol glycosides astragalin (2) and tiliroside (3). Their structures were elucidated by 1D– and 2D–NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Radical scavenging activities of the crude extract and isolated compounds were assessed by a DPPH assay. The results show strong antioxidative activities of tiliroside (3) and lower activities of astragalin (2) and quercetin-3- O-rhamnoside (1). These data confirm previous reports and underline the biological activities of flavonol glycosides.

Spasmogenic and spasmolytic activity of rind of Punica granatum Linn

BACKGROUND

Rind of Punica granatum is traditionally used in treatment of abdominal cramps and various GIT disorders. So far spasmolytic activity of rind of Punica granatum has been reported using in vitro model. However, its mode of action is not explored yet. Therefore, the current work describes the possible mode of action for spasmolytic activity of methanolic extract of rind of Punica granatum (Pg. Cr). Acute toxicity study is also performed to determine its safe dose range.

METHODS

Rind of Punica granatum was subjected to shade drying. Shade dried materials were pulverized using conventional grinder. Grinded materials were macerated in commercial grade methanol. The extract of rind of P. granatum was concentrated using a rotary evaporator. Rabbits' jejunal preparations were mounted in organ bath containing 10 ml Tyrode's solution, constantly aerated with carbogen gas. Pg. Cr was tested on spontaneous rabbits' jejunal preparations in concentrations 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/ml. Pg. Cr was also tested on KCl (80 mM)-induced contractions in rabbits' jejunal preparations. Since we observed spasmogenic activity for the first time, hence we also determined the effects of Pg. Cr in presence of atropine (0.03 μM). Pg. Cr was also tested in presence of 0.03 μM of loratadine HCl. Pg. Cr was also tested on barium chloride induced contractions. Calcium Concentration Response Curves (CCRCs) were constructed in the absence and presence of test samples of Pg. Cr in decalcified tissues to explore its possible mode of action. Acute toxicity screening was also performed to determine its safe dose range.

RESULTS

Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids, saponins and steroids. However, Pg. Cr tested negative for alkaloids and triterpenoids. Pg. Cr was safe up to 100 mg/kg with its LD50 = 1305 mg/kg. Its respective EC50, in the absence and presence of atropine, were 9.7 ± 0.3 and 3.12 ± 0.45 mg/ml. In the presence of 0.02 and 0.08 μM of loratadine HCl, respective EC50 were 5.6 ± 0.4 and 2.8 ± 0.15 mg/ml. EC50 for relaxant effects on KCl-induced contractions was 8.6 ± 1 mg/ml. In the presence of 0.3 mg/ml of Pg. Cr, a right shift was observed with EC50 (log [Ca++]M) = -1.8 ± 0.09 vs. control EC50 -2.6 ± 0.01. Similarly, EC50 for verapamil (0.1 μM) was -2.4 ± 0.011vs. control EC50= -2.4 ± 0.01. The right shift of P. granatum resembled the right shift of verapamil suggesting for inhibition of voltage gated calcium channels.

CONCLUSIONS

P. granatum is safe up to 100 mg/kg. In low concentrations, P. granatum produced spasmogenic activity possibly through involvement of cholinergic and histaminergic receptors. The spasmolytic action may follow inhibition of the voltage gated calcium channels.

Gut modulatory and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of Gaultheria trichophylla

CONTEXT

Gaultheria trichophylla Royle (Ericaceae) and related species have been used in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, pain and inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

The present investigation explores G. trichophylla for its potential activity in hyperactive gut disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antidiarrheal activity was evaluated on castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice with reference to standard drug verapamil. Gut modulatory activity was performed on isolated jejunum tissue preparations on spontaneous and high potassium induced contractions. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity was performed with an in vitro study. Extract was tested for toxicity in mice.

RESULTS

In the in vivo studies, the methanol extract of G. trichophylla and verapamil significantly (p < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001) inhibited the frequency of defecation as well as wetting of faeces when compared with the negative control. The methanol (Gt. MeOH) extract of G. trichophylla caused a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on spontaneous contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations and exhibited a partial inhibitory effect against high K⁺(80 mM) induced precontractions. Gt. MeOH shifted the Ca²⁺concentration-response curves (CRCs) to the right, suggesting calcium channel blocking like constituents. In an in vitro assay Gt. MeOH inhibited BChE enzyme with an IC₅₀ values of 35.52 ± 1.17 μg/mL. The extract showed no toxicity in mice at the dose of 3 g/kg.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that G. trichophylla possesses combinations of inhibitory and stimulatory effects mediated through possible cholinergic and less potent calcium blocking constituents, respectively. The latter may be responsible for the antidiarrheal effect.

Scientific investigation of crude alkaloids from medicinal plants for the management of pain

BACKGROUND

Tissue damage is associated with pain, which is an alarming sign. Aspirin and morphine have been widely used in recent decades for management of pain. Medicinal herbs have been in use for treatment of different diseases for centuries. Many of these herbs possess analgesic activity with relatively less incidences of adverse effects. The strong positive correlation of alkaloids in medicinal plants for analgesic activity persuades an intention to determine possible analgesic activity of total alkaloids extracted from the selected medicinal plants using animal models to answer its possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Crude alkaloids from selected medicinal plants (Woodfordia fruticosa, Adhatoda vasica, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Vitex negundo, Peganum harmala and Broussonetia papyrifera) were extracted as per reported literature. The test crude alkaloids were screened foracute toxicity study. Writhings induced by acetic acid, tail immersion method and formalin-induced nociception assay procedures were used for possible analgesic effects of the crude alkaloids.

RESULTS

Crude alkaloids were safe up to dose of 1250 mg/kg body weight in mice. The alkaloids significantly reduced the abdominal constrictions, and increased the time for paw licking response in both phases with a significant raise in latency time in nociception models (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the antinociceptive response was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with naloxone suggesting involvement of the opioid receptors for possible antinociceptive action.

CONCLUSIONS

Crude alkaloids of Woodfordia fruticosa and Peganum harmala showed prominent analgesic potentials through inhibition of peripheral as well as central nervous system mechanisms. Further work is required for isolation of the pharmacologically active constituents.