Evaluation of antibacterial and acute oral toxicity of Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich root extracts

The high prevalence of morbidity and mortality from bacterial infections, together with the growing threat of antibacterial resistance, necessitated the development of alternative new drugs from traditional medicine. In Ethiopia, Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich has been traditionally used for the treatment of fungal infections such as ringworms that cause tinea pedis and it have also different medical values. Scientific information on its biological activity against a broad range of bacteria and safety data is scant, compared to its folklore data. In this study, we evaluated antibacterial activities and acute oral toxicity of aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate root extracts of Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich. Aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the plant were evaluated using agar hole diffusion and agar dilution methods. Biological activities of the plant extracts were expressed as a zone of inhibition diameter, minimum inhibitory concentration (mg/ml), and minimum bactericidal concentration (mg/ml). The safety studies were performed by oral acute toxicity study according to the organization of economic cooperation and development test Guidelines 420.Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the extracts compared to gram-negative bacteria, especially against S. aureus and S. epidermidis, which are commonly found in the skin. Ethyl acetate extract was more potent than ethanol and aqueous extracts. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) of tested mice was above 9600 mg/kg. This study provides a scientific basis for the antibacterial activity of the root extracts of I. tinctoria A. Rich, where, the ethyl acetate extract showed the most promising activity. Therefore, the antibacterial potential and practical non-toxicity of the study plant extracts suggested the possibility of using it for the development of antimicrobial drugs by further studying the plant in different directions.

Chemical Composition and Bioactive Characterisation of Impatiens walleriana

The attractive colour characteristics of the flowers of the species Impatiens walleriana have been arousing great interest in the food industry, which is looking for potential natural sources of colouring ingredients. In this sense, the present work focused on the chemical and bioactive characterization of pink and orange flowers of I. walleriana. The phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS; in addition, different bioactivities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity) were also analysed. Both samples studied showed significant amounts of phenolic compounds, especially phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which justifies the excellent performance in the different bioactivities studied. The orange variety, despite having a greater variety of phenolic compounds, showed a total amount of compounds lower than the pink variety. Overall, the flowers of I. walleriana emerge as a promising resource to be explored by the food industry.

Anti-Neurodegenerative Biflavonoid Glycosides from Impatiens balsamina

Four biflavonoid glycosides, balsamisides A-D (1-4), and nine known compounds (5-13) were obtained from the white petals of Impatiens balsamina. The 2D structures of the purified phytochemicals were established using conventional NMR techniques in addition to the new long-range HSQMBC NMR experiment. Acid hydrolysis followed by experimental and quantum-mechanics-based ECD data analysis permitted full configurational assignment of the purified metabolites. Compounds 1-13 were assessed for their potential to impede the generation of nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 cells. They were also investigated for potential neuroprotective activity using C6 cells and cytotoxicity against some human tumor cell lines, but were inactive (IC₅₀ > 10 μM) against all the cell lines.

A new label-free screen for steroid 5α-reductase inhibitors using LC-MS

Steroid 5α-reductase (S5αR) plays an important role in metabolizing testosterone into active androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is involved in many androgen dependent disorders, such as androgenic alopecia, benign prostatic hyperplasia and acne. The method for screening for S5αR inhibition is key in finding new antagonists. In this study, the label-free S5αR inhibitory assay using LC-MS was developed. S5αR type 1 enzyme was obtained from LNCaP prostate cancer cells. The enzymatic assay was optimised for enzyme-substrate (testosterone) concentration, NADPH-cofactor concentration, solvent tolerance, enzyme activity stability and incubation time. The developed assay was validated by measuring the signal to background ratio (S/B), the signal to noise ratio (S/N), the signal window (SW) and the zeta factor Z' in accordance with published bioassay guidelines. The enzymatic reaction was performed in 96-well plates and DHT formation was determined by LC-MS. S/B, S/N, SW and Z' factor were well above acceptable criteria and the reproducibility was good using Z' factor other 3days and further validated by dutasteride and finasteride inhibition. The method was successfully applied to quantify S5αR inhibitory activity of some Thai herbal extracts. Two plant extracts, Impatiens balsamina L. and Curcuma longa L. showed IC₅₀ at 5.4±0.2 and 9.0±1.2μgmL^-1 and are therefore promising sources of new S5αR inhibitors. The assay has high selectability and reproducibility and suited to medium throughput screening required by phytochemistry.

Flavonoids from the flowers of Impatiens glandulifera Royle isolated by high performance countercurrent chromatography

INTRODUCTION

Impatiens glandulifera Royle (Balsaminaceae) is an annual herb from the Himalaya region, currently widespread along European river systems and one of the most important neophyte invading plants in Germany. Exploring the effects of allelopathic plant chemicals is important for the understanding of its ecological impacts in the process of suppression of indigenous plant species.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical composition of Impatiens glandulifera flowers (IGFs) using high performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC).

METHODS

The flowers of Impatiens glandulifera were manually separated and extracted with ethanol. LC-ESI-MS/MS was used to characterise the crude extract of IGF. The various flavonoids detected were isolated by HPCCC using of methyl tert-butyl ether-acetonitrile-water (2:2:3, v/v/v). The combination of the data provided by preparative ESI-MS/MS metabolite profiling, LC-ESI-MS/MS, UV-vis and 1D/2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis was used to elucidate the structures of the isolated compounds.

RESULTS

HPCCC runs led to the direct isolation of pure dihydromyricetin (ampelopsin), eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (astragalin) and kaempferol-3-O-6"-malonyl-glucoside, as well as the pre-purification of kaempferol-3-O-rhamno-rhamnosyldiglucoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside (hyperoside), quercetin and kaempferol in a single step.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on the flavonoid composition of the species Impatiens glandulifera. The developed protocol was successfully used to isolate the main flavonoids from the crude extract of IGFs. This combined HPCCC and HPLC procedure could be applied to the fast fractionation and recovery of flavonoid derivatives of other plant extracts.

Effects of extended growth periods on subcellular distribution, chemical forms, and the translocation of cadmium in Impatiens walleriana

Impatiens walleriana plants accumulate sufficiently high concentrations of cadmium (Cd) for this species to be considered a potential Cd hyperaccumulator. Rooted cuttings were grown hydroponically for 25 and 50 days in solutions spiked with various Cd concentrations. The subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cd in different organs were analyzed, and its upward translocation was also assessed. The plants accumulated large amounts of Cd; the Cd concentration in the roots and shoots reached 120-1900 and 60-1600 mg/kg, respectively. Regardless of the growth period, the Cd accumulated in the roots was primarily compartmentalized in the soluble fraction or ethanol and deionized water extractable chemical forms with high migration abilities. Translocation to the shoots was followed by an association of Cd mainly in the cell wall or with pectate and protein. The roots' Cd showed a high migration capacity for predicting the shoots' Cd concentrations. Different exposure periods significantly affected the subcellular distribution of Cd in the stems, and thus the upward translocation.

[Chemical constituents from Impatiens pritzllii var. hupehensis]

Eight compounds were isolated from the 50% ethanol extract of Impatiens pritzllii var.hupehensis through various column chromatography methods including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated as 2,6-dimethyl-2-vinyl-2,3,4,7-tetrahydrooxepine(1), 1,3,6-trihydroxy-7-methyl-anthraquinone(2),4-hydroxybenzaldehyde(3),4-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone(4), podophyllotoxin(5),scopoletin(6), α-spinasterol(7) and 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-α-spinasterol(8) based on the NMR and MS spectral data. Compound 1 is new compound and compounds 2-8 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Impatiens textori Miq. extract via inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in in vitro and in vivo experimental models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Impatiens textori Miq. (I. textori, Balsaminaceae) is a traditional medicinal herb used for centuries to treat several inflammatory related skin infections and allergic disorders in Asian countries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we elucidated the effects of whole plant extracts of I. textori on inflammasome activation using in vitro and in vivo models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LPS-stimulated murine bone marrow macrophages were used to study the regulatory effect of I. textori extract (IT) on inflammasome activation. ATP, nigericin and MSU were used as danger-associated molecules to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. An LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model was used to study the in vivo effect of IT on inflammasome activation.

RESULTS

IT treated at 25, 50, and 100μg/mL concentrations suppressed interleukin-1β secretion through the attenuation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation (p<0.001 at 100μg/mL) leading to the decreased amount of ASC oligomerization and caspase-1 maturation. For the in vivo model, IT inhibited the NLRP3 expression and cell recruitment at the lung tissue in the ALI mouse model.

CONCLUSION

IT exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects via the attenuation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation supporting the traditional claims and may provide a valuable therapeutic strategy in treating various inflammation-related disorders.

Nectar protein content and attractiveness to Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens in plants with nectar/insect associations

We chose five easily propagated garden plants previously shown to be attractive to mosquitoes, ants or other insects and tested them for attractiveness to Culex pipiens and Aedes aegypti. Long term imbibition was tested by survival on each plant species. Both mosquito species survived best on Impatiens walleriana, the common garden impatiens, followed by Asclepias curassavica, Campsis radicans and Passiflora edulis, which sponsored survival as well as the 10% sucrose control. Immediate preference for imbibition was tested with nectar dyed in situ on each plant. In addition, competition studies were performed with one dyed plant species in the presence of five undyed plant species to simulate a garden setting. In both preference studies I. walleriana proved superior. Nectar from all plants was then screened for nectar protein content by SDS-PAGE, with great variability being found between species, but with I. walleriana producing the highest levels. The data suggest that I. walleriana may have value as a model plant for subsequent studies exploring nectar delivery of transgenic mosquitocidal proteins.

Efficacy of the saponin component of Impatiens capensis Meerb.in preventing urushiol-induced contact dermatitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Many different tribes of American Indians used jewelweed, Impatiens capensis Meerb, as a plant mash to reduce development of poison ivy dermatitis. Saponins are a natural soapy constituent found within plants. A 2012 study suggested that saponins may be present in jewelweed which could be responsible for its efficacy in preventing rash development following contact with Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze (poison ivy). This study validated this hypothesis and demonstrated additional biological activity of the jewelweed saponin containing extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fresh I. capensis leaves were extracted with methanol and further partitioned between ethyl acetate and water, with a final separation between water and n-butanol, to obtain a saponin containing extract. The presence of saponins in the extract was demonstrated by the observation of foaming and using a vanillin colorimetric assay for total saponins. Efficacy of the saponin containing extracts in rash reduction was tested by brushing poison ivy (PI) onto the forearms of volunteers (N=23) in six locations and treating these PI exposed areas with distilled water (control), saponin containing extracts, fresh plant mashes, and soaps made with and without plant extracts. Saponin containing extracts were further tested for biological activity against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria and against cancer cell lines A-375, HT-29, and MCF-7. Additionally, because saponins have been shown to have a stimulatory effect in cardiac muscle 2 µl saponin extract was applied superficially to black worms, Lumbriculus variegatus (N=5).

RESULTS, AND CONCLUSIONS

Both saponin containing extracts and all soaps tested were effective in reducing poison ivy dermatitis; thus, saponin content correlates with PI rash prevention. No apparent antibiosis was observed against any bacteria tested; however, dose response cytotoxicity was documented against MCF-7 breast cancer cells and cytostatic activity was seen against the HT-29 colon cancer cell lines. Lumbriculus variegatus exhibited a 138% increase in heart rate over baseline rate five minutes post treatment implying a possible positive chronotropic effect.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanol extract from the stem and leaf of Impatiens balsamina L. (Balsaminaceae) at different harvest times

The aim of this study was to investigate the total phenolic content, total flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract from stems (S) and leaves (L) of Impatiens balsamina L. (Balsaminaceae), which were harvested in Korea on March 10, 2011 (S1 and L1), May 14, 2011 (S2 and L2), and July 5, 2011 (S3 and L3), respectively. Our results revealed that the total phenolic (79.55–103.94 mg CE/g extract) and flavonoid (57.43–104.28 mg QE/g extract) contents of leaf extract were higher (p < 0.01) than those of stem extract. Leaf extracts (L1, L2, and L3) exhibited stronger (p < 0.01) free radical scavenging activity (66.06, 63.71, and 72.19%, respectively) than that of the positive control. In terms of antimicrobial activity, leaf extracts showed higher inhibitory effects against microorganisms than those of stem extracts (S1, S2, and S3). Among the leaf extracts at different harvest times, L3 showed the greatest antimicrobial activity against both Gram negative and Gram positive strains. From these results, the leaf extract from I. balsamina L. might be a valuable bioactive resource, and would seem to be applicable as a natural antioxidant in food preservation.

The effectiveness of jewelweed, Impatiens capensis, the related cultivar I. balsamina and the component, lawsone in preventing post poison ivy exposure contact dermatitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Impatiens capensis (jewelweed) is native to the Eastern and Midwestern US and Canada. Many Native American tribes used I. capensis and its close relatives to treat/prevent rash from plant sources particularly Toxicodendron radicans and Urtica dioica. I. balsamina (garden balsam) a native of China was used by the indigenous people of Asia for similar purposes.

AIM OF STUDY

This study aims to validate ethnopharmacological use of jewelweed in poison ivy (PI) dermatitis prevention and to refute scientific papers denying this efficacy. Additionally, the content of lawsone, the purported effective agent in jewelweed preparations, was measured to see if its concentration correlated with jewelweed preparation efficacy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Poison ivy was brushed onto forearms of volunteers in 6 locations and exposed areas were treated with jewelweed extracts, fresh plant mashes, soaps made of plant extracts, water and Dawn® dish soap. Rash development was scored on a scale of 0-14.

RESULTS

Jewelweed mash was effective in reducing poison ivy dermatitis, supporting ethnobotanical use. However, jewelweed extracts were not effective; and soaps made of these extracts were effective but no more so than jewelweed-free soaps. Lawsone content varied with harvest season and did not appear to affect rash development.

CONCLUSION

Jewelweed is an efficacious plant for preventing development of dermatitis following poison ivy contact, but soap is more effective. Lawsone content does not correlate with PI rash prevention. Perhaps saponins, the soapy component of jewelweed are the effective agents.

A new cytotoxic dinaphthofuran-7,12-dione derivatives from the seeds of Impatiens balsamina

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of seeds of Impatiens balsamina.

METHODS

The chemical constituents of the plant were isolated and purified by column chromatography and their structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectral date.

RESULTS

A new dinaphthofuran-7,12-dione derivative, named balsaminone C(1), with another two known dinaphthofuran-7,12-dione derivatives, balsaminone A (2), balsaminone B (3) were isolated.

CONCLUSION

Compound 1 is a new compound. These compounds exhibit cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines A549, Bel-7402 and Hela. Compound 1 is worth to be further studied as potential anticancer agent.

Mercury uptake and translocation in Impatiens walleriana plants grown in the contaminated soil from Oak Ridge

Mercury (Hg) contaminated soils from Oak Ridge, Tennessee were investigated for phytoavailability of mercury as measured by degree of Hg translocation in aboveground biomass of Impatiens walleriana plants grown in the soils. After 90 days of incubation, results revealed a higher concentration of total Hg in the leaves than in the flowers or the stems. Plants that were grown in the soils with higher Hg concentrations showed significantly higher Hg uptake and translocation in the aboveground plant-biomass, and the correlation with the initial soil-Hg was significant for the leaves and the stems in the plants that were tested. On an average, only 4.06 microg of Hg could be found in the above ground plant biomass of all the plants, compared to an average 3673.50 microg of initial total Hg concentrations in these soils. Statistical analysis revealed a greater affinity of Hg for the soil carbon, which supported the finding of this study on low soil Hg bioavailability.

Two new flavone glycosides from the seeds of Impatiens balsamina L

Two new flavone glycosides were isolated from the seeds of Impatiens balsamina L. and their structures were determined as quercetin-3-O-[α-L-rhamnose-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), and quercetin-3-O-[(6'''-O-caffeoyl)-α-L-rhamnose-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) on the basis of various spectral and chemical studies.

Triterpenoid saponins from Impatiens siculifer

Triterpenoid saponins, impatienosides A-G, together with 12 known saponins, were isolated from the whole plants of Impatiens siculifer. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR and MS analyses coupled with chemical degradation. Cytotoxic activities of the isolated saponins were evaluated against three human cancer cell lines: human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells, human stomach KATO-III adenocarcinoma, and human lung A549 adenocarcinoma.

The mechanics of explosive seed dispersal in orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Explosive dehiscence ballistically disperses seeds in a number of plant species. During dehiscence, mechanical energy stored in specialized tissues is transferred to the seeds to increase their kinetic and potential energies. The resulting seed dispersal patterns have been investigated in some ballistic dispersers, but the mechanical performance of a launch mechanism of this type has not been measured. The properties of the energy storage tissue and the energy transfer efficiency of the launch mechanism were quantified in Impatiens capensis. In this species the valves forming the seed pod wall store mechanical energy. Their mass specific energy storage capacity (124 J kg(-1)) was comparable with that of elastin and spring steel. The energy storage capacity of the pod tissues was determined by their level of hydration, suggesting a role for turgor pressure in the energy storage mechanism. During dehiscence the valves coiled inwards, collapsing the pod and ejecting the seeds. Dehiscence took 4.2+/-0.4 ms (mean +/-SEM, n=13). The estimated efficiency with which energy was transferred to the seeds was low (0.51+/-0.26%, mean +/-SEM, n=13). The mean seed launch angle (17.4+/-5.2, mean +/-SEM, n=45) fell within the range predicted by a ballistic model to maximize dispersal distance. Low ballistic dispersal efficiency or effectiveness may be characteristic of species that also utilize secondary seed dispersal mechanisms.

An unusual acylated malvidin 3-glucoside from flowers of Impatiens textori Miq. (Balsaminaceae)

Acylated malvidin 3-glucoside was isolated from the purple flowers of Impatiens textori Miq. as a major anthocyanin component along with malvidin 3-(6''-malonyl-glucoside). Its structure was elucidated to be malvidin 3-O-[6-O-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl)-beta-glucopyranoside] by chemical and spectroscopic methods.

Isolation and identification of an anti-tumor component from leaves of Impatiens balsamina

We have previously shown that ethanol or chloroform extracts of the leaves of Impatiens balsamina (LIB) have anti-tumor activity against the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. The ethanol extracts were separated into five fractions according to polarity. An MTT assay indicated that two of the fractions had anti-tumor activity and that the petroleum ether fraction (PEF) was the most active. But the available quantities of both the PEF and chloroform fractions (CHF) were limited, precluding further study. The chloroform extract (CHE) shared almost all the same spots with the PEF and CHF and was plentiful enough to carry out further separations. Thus, the CHE was further separated into six sub-fractions (CHE1~6) by column chromatography. A MTT assay showed that only the CHE2 fraction had a strong tumor inhibition ratio (IC₅₀ = 6.47±0.05 mg/L), which was superior to that of curcumin (IC₅₀ = 13.95±0.11 mg/L). However, TLC revealed that CHE2 was not pure and still contained two more components. After further separation and purification, followed by TLC and MTT assay confirmation, the final active component was isolated and identified as 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone by m.p., UV, MS and ¹³C- and ¹H-NMR data. This is the first report demonstrating that 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone has intensive in vitro anti-tumor activity against HepG2 cells.

In vitro activity of kaempferol isolated from the Impatiens balsamina alone and in combination with erythromycin or clindamycin against Propionibacterium acnes

The in vitro antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant Propionibacterium acnes of kaempferol isolated from the Impatiens balsamina alone and in combination with erythromycin or clindamycin antibiotics was investigated. The antibiotic combination effect against antibiotic-resistant P. acnes was studied by checkerboard test. Kaempferol and quercetin demonstrated antibacterial activities against P. acnes. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for both compounds were < or =32 ug/ml and < or =64 ug/ml for clindamycin-sensitive and-resistant P. acnes, respectively. The four combination formulations (kaempferol and either erythromycin or clindamycin; quercetin and either erythromycin or clindamycin) exhibited a synergic inhibition of P. acnes growth. The combination of kaempferol with quercetin showed an indifferent effect. The combination of clindamycin with kaempferol or quercetin showed a greater synergic effect than that of erythromycin with kaempferol or quercetin. Thus, these combinations demonstrated the potential to treat acne.

Effects of the compounds 2-methoxynaphthoquinone, 2-propoxynaphthoquinone, and 2-isopropoxynaphthoquinone on ecdysone 20-monooxygenase activity

The effects of the natural compound 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, isolated from the leaves of Impatiens glandulifera and the synthetic compounds 2-propoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and 2-isopropoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone on ecdysone 20-monooxygenase (E-20-M) activity were examined in three insect species. Homogenates of wandering stage third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster, or abdomens from adult female Aedes aegypti, or fat body or midgut from fifth instar larvae of Manduca sexta were incubated with radiolabelled ecdysone and increasing concentrations (from 1 x 10(-8) to 1 x 10(-3) M) of the three compounds. All three compounds were found to inhibit in a dose-dependent fashion the E-20-M activity in the three insect species. The concentration of these compounds required to elicit a 50% inhibition of this steroid hydroxylase activity in the three insect species examined ranged from approximately 3 x 10(-5) to 7 x 10(-4) M.

Three new triterpenoid saponins from the rhizomes of Impatiens pritzellii var. hupehensis

Three new triterpenoid saponins, impatiprins A-C (1-3), together with a known triterpenoid (4) and two known triterpenoid saponins (5, 6), were isolated from the rhizomes of Impatiens pritzellii Hook. f. var. hupehensis Hook. f. The structures of 1-3 were determined by 1D and 2D NMR, FAB-MS techniques and chemical methods. Compounds 1 and 2 showed weak cytotoxicities against S-180, HeLa and HepG2 cell lines.

Immunomodulatory activity of the rhizomes of Impatiens pritzellii var. hupehensis on collagen-induced arthritis mice

Impatiens pritzellii Hook. f. var. hupehensis Hook. f. (Balsaminaceae) has been well-known and widely used in China as an anti-rheumatoid arthritis (anti-RA) herb. In this present study, mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) have been treated with the methanol (MeOH) extract (0.56, 1.12, 1.68 and 2.24 g/kg body weight) and the n-butanol (BuOH) fraction (0.13, 0.27, 0.40 and 0.53 g/kg body weight) of the rhizomes of Impatiens pritzellii orally for 3 weeks. The progression of CIA was evaluated by macroscopic scoring. Administration of the MeOH extract at dose of 1.12 g/kg and the BuOH fraction at 0.53 g/kg suppressed the development of CIA in mice significantly. The spleen and thymus indexes were measured and the levels of IgG, IL-10, INF-gamma and IL-18 in the serum of CIA mice were examined after the treatment of the MeOH extract (1.12 and 1.68 g/kg body weight) and the BuOH fraction (0.40 and 0.53 g/kg body weight). Administration of the MeOH extract and the BuOH fraction of Impatiens pritzellii decreased the spleen and thymus indexes, down-regulated the levels of IgG, INF-gamma, IL-18, and up-regulated the concentration of IL-10 in the serum of mice with CIA. From the results, it was concluded that administration of Impatiens pritzellii had obviously therapeutic effects on RA including immunomodulatory activity. Moreover, the BuOH fraction exerted the activity of anti-RA of Impatiens pritzellii.

[Studies on chemical constituents from rhizome of Impatiens pritzellii var. hupehensis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents from the rhizome of Impatiens pritzellii var. hupehensis.

METHOD

The rhizome were extracted with methanol, isolated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel. All the compounds were identified on the basis of spectral analysis (including IR, MS, NMR) and physico-chemical characters.

RESULT

Five compounds were identified as a-spinasterol (I), alpha-spinasteryl-7, 22-dien-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (II), stigmast-7, 22-dien-3-one (III), stearic acid (IV), hentriantane (V).

CONCLUSION

Compound I is isolated from this plant for the first time, Compound II, III, IV, V are isolated from genus Balsaminaceae for the first time.

Antianaphylactic and Antipruritic Effects of the Flowers of Impatiens textori MIQ

The anti-anaphylactic and anti-pruritic activities of a 35% EtOH extract (IT) of the flowers of Impatiens textori MIQ. were investigated by in vivo assay. IT and apigenin (1), apigenin 7-glucoside (2) and luteolin (3), principal compounds from IT, inhibited compound 48/80 (COM)-induced by blood pressure (BP) decrease, which was an immunoglobulin (Ig)E-independent anaphylaxis-like response. Compounds 1-3 all inhibited BP decrease induced by IgE-dependent anaphylaxis. Furthermore, IT also inhibited the blood flow (BF) decrease induced by antigen-induced anaphylaxis in actively sensitized mice. IT showed a significant inhibitory effect on scratching behavior induced by COM without a central depressant. IT also significantly inhibited platelet activating factor (PAF)- and serotonin (5-HT)-induced scratching behavior and mitigated protease (PA)-induced scratching behavior. These findings showed that the flowers of I. textori can be utilized as an anti-anaphylactic and anti-pruritic agent in addition to the traditional applications of this plant.

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory 1,4-naphthoquinones from Impatiens balsamina L

Significant selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory activities were observed for two new 1,4-naphthoquinone sodium salts, sodium 3-hydroxide-2[[sodium 3-hydroxide-1,4-dioxo(2-naphthyl)]ethyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione (impatienolate) (1) and sodium 2-hydroxide-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (balsaminolate) (2), which were isolated from the corolla of Impatiens balsamina L. (Balsaminaceae). Their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. Our results offer evidence supporting the use of I. balsamina L. to treat articular rheumatism, pain, and swelling.

Preventive effects of Impatiens balsamina on the hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL)-induced decrease in blood flow

Monitoring the blood flow of unanesthesized mice was found to be a reliable and effective method for studying their anaphylactic responses, in addition to the known method of monitoring blood pressure. Hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL)-specific anaphylaxis in mice was estimated by monitoring the decrease in blood flow with a Doppler blood flow meter. This method is convenient for searching for both anaphylaxis and anti-anaphylactic substances from natural products. Using this system, we estimated the anti-anaphylactic effects of the 35% ethanol extract (IB) of petals of Impatiens balsamina L., as well as those of anti-allergic agents currently used. Kaempferol 3-rutinoside and lawsone from IB significantly inhibited the decrease of blood flow. We also found that platelet-activating factor (PAF) and serotonin participate in decreasing the blood flow, but histamine does not.

Antipruritic and antidermatitic effect of extract and compounds of Impatiens balsamina L. in atopic dermatitis model NC mice

We examined the effects of a 35% ethanol extract (IB) from the petals of Impatiens balsamina L. and the principal active compounds from IB on chronic and serious pruritus and the development of dermatitis using NC mice, a model of atopic dermatitis. IB at 100 mg/kg significantly inhibited serious scratching behaviour in the NC mouse with established dermatitis when administered i.v. 1 h before, or p.o. 24 h before the measurement. A 10 microg/kg dose of kaempferol 3-rutinoside and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (lawsone) isolated from IB also inhibited scratching behaviour in the NC mouse with established dermatitis. When 4-week-old NC mice with no symptoms were administered orally 100 mg/kg/day of IB until 13 weeks of age, protection was also noted against scratching behaviour during the development of dermatitis. IB was effective for the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis.