Amphipterygium Adstringens Research Articles

Antimycobacterial activity of an anthracycline produced by an endophyte isolated from Amphipterygium adstringens.

The search for new compounds effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is still a priority in medicine. The evaluation of microorganisms isolated from non-conventional locations offers an alternative to look for new compounds with antimicrobial activity. Endophytes have been successfully explored as source of bioactive compounds. In the present work we studied the nature and antimycobacterial activity of a compound produced by Streptomyces scabrisporus, an endophyte isolated from the medicinal plant Amphipterygium adstringens. The active compound was detected as the main secondary metabolite present in organic extracts of the streptomycete and identified by NMR spectroscopic data as steffimycin B (StefB). This anthracycline displayed a good activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv ATCC 27294 strain, with MIC100 and SI values of 7.8µg/mL and 6.42, respectively. When tested against the rifampin mono resistant M. tuberculosis Mtb-209 pathogen strain, a better activity was observed (MIC100 of 3.9µg/mL), suggesting a different action mechanism of StefB from that of rifampin. Our results supported the endophyte Streptomyces scabrisporus as a good source of StefB for tuberculosis treatment, as this anthracycline displayed a strong bactericidal effect against M. tuberculosis, one of the oldest and more dangerous human pathogens causing human mortality.

Traditional Knowledge as a Basis for the Development of a Sustainable Resource Management Program: A Case Study in a Rural Village in Morelos, Mexico

We analyzed the traditional knowledge and management of local wild fauna and flora among the inhabitants of the peasant community of Chimalacatlán, together with their perception of local environments, to identify potential species for the future development of a sustainable resource management program. Initial contact with the community was established through an ethnographic survey to identify those with the most knowledge on this topic. Residents were selected for inclusion in the interviews using chain referral sampling. Forty-eight people were interviewed and asked about the species they were familiar with, as well as their methods of fostering/managing some of them. In this context, people cited 83 plant and 44 animal species. The preferred animals for the development of a resource management program were Odocoileus virginianus (white-tailed deer) and Ctenosaura pectinata (Mexican spiny-tailed iguana); while the preferred plants were Amphipterygium adstringens (cuachalalate) and Bursera linanoe (linaloe). For the residents of this community, fauna and flora have constituted an important resource, since various species are used as food, medicinal remedies, firewood, ornaments, and pets. Some species are illegally hunted and/or marketed as a means of subsistence. This study confirms the value of local residents’ knowledge in improving the management of environmental units, as well as the need to strengthen collaboration between decision-makers in development programs and the community.

Estructura, riqueza y diversidad de especies de árboles en un bosque tropical caducifolio de Morelos

Por su vecindad con la Ciudad de México, que es el núcleo con mayor población del país, el estado de Morelos ha recibido una considerable presión sobre sus recursos forestales; el bosque tropical caducifolio es uno de los tipos de vegetación más impactados. A fin de conocer el estado de conservación de esta asociación, se realizó un estudio en el que se describe la estructura, riqueza y diversidad de especies de árboles en el municipio Tepalcingo de dicha entidad. Se censaron todos los árboles con un diámetro normal ≥ 10 cm en 34 sitios de muestreo de 500 m2 con una separación mínima entre ellos de 200 m, los cuales se ubicaron mediante un plano georreferenciado, que se cotejó en campo; cada uno de ellos fue identificado con estacas y una zanja en cruz en el centro, para facilitar su localización y remedición posterior. Los resultados indican la presencia de 883 individuos, pertenecientes a 50 especies y 20 familias, entre las cuales sobresale Fabaceae. Respecto al Índice de Valor de Importancia (IVI) destacan como taxa principales Lysiloma divaricatum (61.1), Amphipterygium adstringens (28.5), Conzattia multiflora (27.1), Mimosa benthami (21.5), Bursera copallifera (18.03); los valores de los índices de diversidad indican tendencias similares a las descritas para el número de especies.

Streptomyces scabrisporus, an endophyte isolated from Amphipterygium adstringens as producer of an anthracycline active against different cancer cell lines

Streptomyces scabrisporus, an endophyte isolated from Amphipterygium adstringens as producer of an anthracycline active against different cancer cell lines

In Vitro Bioactivity of Methanolic Extracts from Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Cirsium mexicanum DC., Eryngium carlinae F. Delaroche, and Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. Used in Traditional Medicine in Mexico

Seven out of eight methanolic extracts from five plants native to Mexico were inactive against ten bacterial strains of clinical interest. The fruit extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides inhibited the bacteria Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 4375 μg/ml), Escherichia coli (MIC = 1094 μg/ml), and Salmonella typhimurium (MIC = 137 μg/ml). The fruit extract of C. ambrosioides was with CC50 = 45 μg/ml most cytotoxic against the cell-line Caco-2, followed by the leaf extract from Pithecellobium dulce (CC50 = 126 μg/ml); interestingly, leaves of C. ambrosioides (CC50 = 563 μg/ml) and bark of P. dulce (CC50 = 347 μg/ml) extracts were much less cytotoxic. We describe for the first time the cytotoxic effect from extracts of the aerial parts and the flowers of Cirsium mexicanum (CC50 = 323 μg/ml and CC50 = 250 μg/ml, resp.). Phytochemical analysis demonstrated for both extracts high tannin and saponin and low flavonoid content, while terpenoids were found in the flowers. For the first time we report a cytotoxicological study on an extract of Eryngium carlinae (CC50 = 356 μg/ml) and likewise the bark extract from Amphipterygium adstringens (CC50 = 342 μg/ml). In conclusion the fruit extract of C. ambrosioides is a potential candidate for further biological studies.

Natural Compounds from Mexican Medicinal Plants as Potential Drug Leads for Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs

In Mexican Traditional Medicine 187 plant species are used in the treatment of respiratory conditions that may be associated with tuberculosis. In this contribution, we review the ethnobotany, chemistry and pharmacology of 63 species whose extracts have been assayed for antimycobacterial activity in vitro. Among these, the most potent is Aristolochia brevipes (MIC= 12.5 µg/mL), followed by Aristolochia taliscana, Citrus sinensis, Chrysactinia mexicana, Persea americana, and Olea europaea (MIC<64 µg/mL). Other potent extracts (inhibition > 95%, 50 µg/mL) include: Amphipterygium adstringens, Larrea divaricata, and Phoradendron robinsoni. Several active compounds have been identified, the most potent are: Licarin A (isolated from A. taliscana), and 9-amino-9-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[h]-chromen-2-one (transformation product of 9-methoxytariacuripyrone isolated from Aristolochia brevipes), both with MIC= 3.125 µg/mL, that is 8-fold less potent than the reference drug Rifampicin (MIC= 0.5 µg/mL). Any of the compounds or extracts here reviewed has been studied in clinical trials or with animal models; however, these should be accomplished since several are active against strains resistant to common drugs.

Estructura arbórea e importancia cultural de los huertos frutícolas tradicionales de Coatetelco, Morelos, México

Traditional fruit homegardens are units of production of high richness of species with value in use. The objective was to analyze the relationship between the arboreal structure of 30 homegardens of Coatetelco, Morelos and the value in use of the species. The structure was quantified through the Importance Value Index (IVI). The Cultural Value Index (CVI) identified the preference of the community. The arboreal variety includes 24 botanical families, 49 genera and 65 species; 45 % were introduced and 55 % were native of America from which 23 % belonged to dry tropical deciduous forest. Ecologically and culturally, the most important species are the multiple use ones (Leucaena leucocephala, and L. esculenta), self-supply and sale ones (Mangifera indica, and Citrus x aurantium), and the ones produced during dry season (Spondias purpurea and Pithecellobium dulce). The size of homegardens, specific richness and density are positively related. Importance value and cultural value index correlated 86 %. The structure of the homegardens was organized because of cultural reasons. The preferred species are the ones with the highest value in use. Native trees such as Amphipterygium adstringens, Swietenia humilis, Jacaratia mexicana, Enterolobium cyclocarpum and also some other species introduced as Citrus maxima, Ficus carica and Moringa oleifera which could be lost because of lack of space.

The anacardic 6-pentadecyl salicylic acid induces macrophage activation via the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, P38 kinases and NF-κB

Amphipterygium adstringens is a plant traditionally used to treat gingivitis, gastric ulcer and even gastric cancer but the mechanism involved in the regulation of the immune response is not elucidated yet. The 6-pentadecylsalicylic acid (6SA) is the main anacardic acid found in A. adstringens. In order to evaluate the immune-modulatory abilities of 6SA, we used mouse splenocytes and determined the phosphorylation of the transcription factor NF-κB and MAP kinases ERK1/2, JNK and p38 in helper and cytotoxic T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and F4/80+ macrophages. Treatment with 6SA was not cytotoxic as measured by both trypan blue exclusion and tetrazolium salts (MTT) tests. Additionally, 6SA did not alter the proportion of helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, NK cells or macrophages. Moreover, 6SA treatment significantly increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, P38 and NF-κB mainly in macrophages. In this cells (peritoneal macrophages), treatment with 6SA increased the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and decreased the secretion of IL-4 and IL-10 depending on MAPK and NF-κB phosphorylation. In addition, 6SA increased the migration and phagocytic activity of macrophages also depending on the phosphorylation of different kinases. These data suggest that 6SA induces the classical activation pathway in macrophages via the phosphorylation of MAP kinases and NF-κB thus activating the adaptive immune system.

Genotoxic and cytostatic effects of 6-pentadecyl salicylic anacardic acid in transformed cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells

In Mexico, as in many other countries, traditional medicine is used for the treatment of several diseases. In particular, Amphipterygium adstringens infusion is used for gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer. Extracts from this tree have microbicidal effects against Helicobacter pylori, an important risk factor for gastric cancer development. Anacardic acids are constituents of A. adstringens, and 6-pentadecyl salicylic acid (6-PSA) is the most abundant. However, there is a lack of information regarding the effects of 6-PSA on cancer cells. Therefore, we investigated whether 6-PSA has differential effects on the induction of genotoxicity, cytostaticity, and apoptosis in normal human peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs), bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes of Balb/c mice, and human transformed cell lines derived from both gastric cancer (AGS cells) and leukaemia (K562 cells).Treatment with 6-PSA (30–150μM) reduced the viability of AGS and K562 cells together with a moderate, but significant, increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells and the induction of DNA breakage (Comet Assay). Moreover, 6-PSA increased the apoptosis rate in both the AGS and K562 cell lines in a caspase 8-dependent manner. In contrast, neither cytotoxicity nor genotoxicity were observed in PBMCs or bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes of Balb/c mice after treatment with low doses of 6-PSA (0.2–2.0mg/Kg). Instead, 6-PSA treatment resulted in the inhibition of PBMC proliferation, which was reversible after the compound was removed. Additionally, 6-PSA treatments (2–20mg/Kg) increased the frequency of mature polychromatic erythrocytes in the bone marrow, suggesting a possible effect on the differentiation process of immune cells.The present results indicate that 6-PSA induces cytotoxicity and moderate genotoxicity, together with an increase in the apoptosis rate, in a caspase 8-dependent manner in gastric cancer cells. In contrast, a low toxicity was observed when PBMCs were exposed to 6-PSA.

Anacardic acid induces cell apoptosis associated with induction of ATF4-dependent endoplasmic reticulum stress

Anacardic acid (6-pentadecylsalicylic acid, AA), a natural compound isolated from the traditional medicine Amphipterygium adstringens, has been reported to possess antitumor activities. However, its molecular targets have not been thoroughly studied. Here, we report that AA is a potent inducer of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to apoptosis in hepatoma HepG2 and myeloma U266 cells. Induction of ER stress by AA was supported by a dose- and time-dependent increase in expression of the ER signaling downstream molecules, such as GRP78/BiP, phosphorylated eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP in both HepG2 and U266 cell lines. Blockage of ATF4 expression by siRNA partially inhibited, while knockdown of CHOP expression by siRNA slightly increased AA-induced cell death in these cells. In addition, AA suppressed HepG2 xenograft tumor growth, associated with increased ER stress in vivo. These results suggest that AA induces tumor cell apoptosis associated with ATF4-dependent ER stress.

Amphypterygium adstringens Anacardic Acid Mixture Inhibits Quorum Sensing-controlled Virulence Factors of Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Quorum sensing (QS) is a process of bacterial cell-cell communication that controls a large number of systems affecting pathogenicity. Interrupting this communication system can provide nonvirulent pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) potential of an anacardic acids mixture isolated from Amphipterygium adstringens, a medicinal plant known as "cuachalalate", to prevent the onset of bacterial infections as an alternate to antibiotics. Initially we investigated the anti-QS activity of A. adstringens hexane extract (HE) by the inhibition of violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum. From the active HE, an anacardic acid mixture (AAM) was obtained. The anti-quorum sensing activity of AAM was investigated by the rhamnolipid and pyocyanin production constraint as well as decrease of elastase activity, all being quorum sensing-controlled virulence factors expressed in the pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. HE induced a 91.6% of inhibition of the violecin production at 55 μg/mL concentration, whereas AAM showed 94% of inhibition at 166 μg/mL. In both cases, inhibition of violacein production did not affect the viability of the bacterium. AAM inhibited pyocyanin (86% at 200 μg/mL) and rhamnolipid (91% at 500 μg/mL) production in a dose/response form and decrease the elastase (75% at 500 μg/mL) activity in P. aeruginosa without affecting its development. Because an anacardic acids mixture isolated from A. adstringens demonstrated anti-QS, it could be further exploited for novel molecules to treat the emerging infections of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.

P209 Propolis as a potential quorum sensing inhibitor in Chromobacterium violaceum

Quorum sensing (QS) is a process of bacterial cell-cell communication that controls a large number of systems affecting pathogenicity. Interrupting this communication system can provide nonvirulent pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) potential of an anacardic acids mixture isolated from Amphipterygium adstringens, a medicinal plant known as “cuachalalate”, to prevent the onset of bacterial infections as an alternate to antibiotics.Initially we investigated the anti-QS activity of A. adstringens hexane extract (HE) by the inhibition of violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum. From the active HE, an anacardic acid mixture (AAM) was obtained. The anti-quorum sensing activity of AAM was investigated by the rhamnolipid and pyocyanin production constraint as well as decrease of elastase activity, all being quorum sensing-controlled virulence factors expressed in the pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa.HE induced a 91.6% of inhibition of the violecin production at 55 μg/mL concentration, whereas AAM showed 94% of inhibition at 166 μg/mL. In both cases, inhibition of violacein production did not affect the viability of the bacterium. AAM inhibited pyocyanin (86% at 200 μg/mL) and rhamnolipid (91% at 500 μg/mL) production in a dose/response form and decrease the elastase (75% at 500 μg/mL) activity in P. aeruginosa without affecting its development.Because an anacardic acids mixture isolated from A. adstringens demonstrated anti-QS, it could be further exploited for novel molecules to treat the emerging infections of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.

Ethnobotanical survey and antibacterial activity of plants of the Mexican altiplane used for the treatment of oral cavity infections

The inhibitory effects on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Phorphyromonas gingivalis of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of 47 medicinal plants used in the Altiplane region of Mexico for the treatment of dental diseases such as toothache, dental caries, periodontal disease and gingivitis were determined during an ethnobotanical survey, as their minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC); this last determined from the wells of microplate with no visible bacterial growth. Interviews were performed to get information and inhibitory effects of the extracts were tested by the microdilution method. Values of the most active extracts (MIC and MBC) ranged from 10.5 to 67.5µg/mL in the ethanolic extracts of Haematoxylon brasiletto, Punica granatum, Iostephane heterophyla, Bursera simaruba, Cedrela odorata and Rhus standleyi, and from 10.5 to 78.0µg/mL for the aqueous extracts of Haematoxylon brasiletto, Punica granatum, Iostephane heterophyla, Amphipterygium adstringens, Argemone mexicana, Cedrela odorata, Eysenhardtia polystachya, Persea americana, Syzygium aromaticum, Cinnamomun zeylanicum, Cnidoscolus multilobus and Rhus standleyi, showing these last the highest inhibitory effect against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Most of the medicinal plants showed an antibacterial effect in vitro.

Ethnobotanical survey and antibacterial activity of plants used in the Altiplane region of Mexico for the treatment of oral cavity infections

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe ethnobotanical survey conducted in this study showed 47 plant species used in the Altiplane region of Mexico for the treatment of dental diseases such as toothache, dental caries, periodontal disease and gingivitis. Materials and methodsInformation was collected by performing interviews. The following data were recorded: name of the patients or herbalists with their age, sex; date and place of gathering information; pathology of persons interviewed; name of the drug (vernacular name); parts used (leaves, bark, fruits, seeds, aerial parts), mode of preparation and administration, and possible combinations.The inhibitory effects of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the medicinal plants detected during the survey the on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Phrophyromonas gingivalis were determined using microdilution method. The minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined from the wells of microplate with no visible bacterial growth. ResultsIn total, tree places of the Altiplane region of Mexico were visited and five healers and 100 patients were questioned. 47 wild and cultivated species were recorded. The most frequent uses were to treat tooth pain, gum diseases, bad breath and cavities. Infusions were the most frequently prepared formulation. Other applied preparations mentioned with decreasing frequency were decocts, syrups, tinctures, direct application of the plant material without prior preparation and finally macerations.The ethanolic extracts of Haematoxylon brasiletto, Punica granatum, Iostephane heterophyla, Bursera simaruba, Cedrela odorata and Rhus standleyi (12.5–65.0μg/mL) as well as water extracts of Haematoxylon brasiletto, Punica granatum, Iostephane heterophyla, Amphipterygium adstringens, Argemone mexicana, Cedrela odorata, Eysenhardtia polystachya, Persea americana, Syzygium aromaticum, Cinnamomun zeylanicum, Cnidoscolus multilobus and Rhus standleyi (10.5–78.0μg/mL) showed the highest inhibitory effect against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. ConclusionsMany plants are used in the Mexican traditional medicine to treat oral bacterial diseases by the healers or patients. Our study demonstrated that most of the medicinal plants showed an antibacterial effect in vitro, and justified at least in part their use in traditional medicine. These results encourage further investigations to extract and identify the active chemical compounds responsible for the antibacterial effect observed.

Plantas silvestres útiles y prioritarias identificadas en la Mixteca Poblana, México

Uno de los factores de la producción sostenible de los bosques tropicales es la conservación de sus especies vegetales silvestres útiles, cuyo estado puede ser evaluado inicialmente a través del conocimiento tradicional local. El objetivo de este trabajo fue contribuir a la elaboración de un inventario de plantas útiles y, mediante valoración socioeconómica y ecológica, determinar prioridades de conservación en la Mixteca Poblana, México. Se realizaron 14 entrevistas y un taller participativo en dos comunidades del municipio de Chietla, Puebla, México. Se registraron los usos de las especies reconocidas, la importancia socioeconómica y el potencial ecológico de cada planta considerada relevante y se aplicó un análisis de factores principales. En ambas comunidades se reconocieron nueve categorías de uso, destacando las combustibles, las medicinales, las alimenticias y las de construcción. En Huajotitlán se reportaron 139 especies útiles, ubicando a palo dulce (Eysenhardtia polystachya), pitaya (Stenocereus stellatus) y palma (Brahea dulcis) como adecuadas para planes de manejo y aprovechamiento; las especies prioritarias para reforestación fueron cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens), cuatomate (Solanum glaucescens), nanche (Byrsonima crassifolia), quina (Hintonia latiflora) y rabo de iguana (Havardia acatlensis). En Buenavista se reportaron 126 especies útiles, de las cuales pitaya y palma fueron percibidas como importantes para su manejo y aprovechamiento; ciruela (Spondias purpurea), palo dulce y árnica (Colubrina triflora) fueron identificadas como apropiadas para reforestación. El análisis de factores principales confirmó la importancia de las especies en cada comunidad.

Anacardic Acid (6-Pentadecylsalicylic Acid) Inhibits Tumor Angiogenesis by Targeting Src/FAK/Rho GTPases Signaling Pathway

Anacardic acid (6-pentadecylsalicylic acid), a natural inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase from Amphipterygium adstringens, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidative, and antimicrobial functions. However, whether this salicylic acid could block angiogenesis has not been elucidated to date. Here, we postulate that anacardic acid affects multiple steps of tumor angiogenesis to contribute to tumor inhibition. In this study, we found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion and capillary-like structure formation of primary cultured human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) could all be significantly suppressed by anacardic acid in vitro, without detectable cellular toxicity. Furthermore, anacardic acid effectively inhibited vascular development in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane ex vivo (n = 10) and VEGF-triggered corneal neovascularization in vivo (n = 10). A mechanistic study revealed that anacardic acid blocked activities of Src and FAK kinases in concentration- and time-dependent manners in HUVECs, resulting in activation of RhoA-GTPase and inactivation of Rac1- and Cdc42-GTPases. Of note, when anacardic acid (2 mg/kg per day) was subcutaneously administrated to mice bearing human prostate tumor xenografts (n = 6-7), the volume and weight of solid tumors were significantly retarded. Src, Ki-67, and CD31 immunohistochemical staining further revealed that Src protein expression, tumor cell proliferation, and microvessel density could be remarkably suppressed by anacardic acid. Taken together, our findings demonstrate for the first time that anacardic acid functions as a potent tumor angiogenesis inhibitor by targeting the Src/FAK/Rho GTPase signaling pathway, leading to significant suppression of prostate tumor growth.

Isolation of the new anacardic acid 6-[16′Z-nonadecenyl]-salicylic acid and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis

A new anacardic acid, 6-[16′Z-nonadecenyl]-salicylic acid (1), along with seven known compounds, 6-[8′Z-pentadecenyl] salicylic acid (15:1 anacardic acid) (2), 6-nonadecenyl salicylic acid (anacardic acid 19:0) (3), 6-pentadecyl salicylic acid (anacardic acid 15:0) (4), masticadienonic acid (5), 3α-hydroxymasticadienonic acid (6), 3-epi-oleanolic acid (7) and β-sitosterol, were isolated from the bark of Amphipterygium adstringens using a bioassay-guided fractionation method. The structure of the new compound (1) was elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation. The known compounds (2–7) were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with reported values in the literature. Compounds 1–4 exhibited antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 7 to 104 µg mL and from 12 to 126 µg mL, respectively.

Antimicrobial Activity of Northwestern Mexican Plants AgainstHelicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is the major etiologic agent of such gastric disorders as chronic active gastritis and gastric carcinoma. Over the past few years, the appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has led to the development of better treatments, such as the use of natural products. This study evaluated the anti-H. pylori activity of 17 Mexican plants used mainly in the northwestern part of Mexico (Sonora) for the empirical treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The anti-H. pylori activity of methanolic extracts of the plants was determined by using the broth microdilution method. The 50% minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from less than 200 to 400 μg/mL for Castella tortuosa, Amphipterygium adstringens, Ibervillea sonorae, Pscalium decompositum, Krameria erecta, Selaginella lepidophylla, Pimpinella anisum, Marrubium vulgare, Ambrosia confertiflora, and Couterea latiflora and were greater than 800 μg/mL for Byophyllum pinnatum, Tecoma stans linnaeus, Kohleria deppena, Jatropha cuneata, Chenopodium ambrosoides, and Taxodium macronatum. Only Equisetum gigantum showed no activity against H. pylori. This study suggests the important role that these plants may have in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders caused by H. pylori. The findings set the groundwork for further characterization and elucidation of the active compounds responsible for such activity.

Anti-ulcer activity of Cyrtocarpa procera analogous to that of Amphipterygium adstringens, both assayed on the experimental gastric injury in rats

The bark of Amphipterygium adstringens (Aa) is commonly mixed or adulterated with the bark of Cyrtocarpa procera (Cp) and sold in Mexican markets. Aa is a well known species in Mexico used as decoction to relieve ulcers. Scientific reports reinforcing the anti-ulcer activity of Aa have been previously described, but those describing the anti-ulcer properties of Cp as a substitute for Aa in folk medicine are scarce. To investigate anatomical and phytochemical differences between these species, as well as to assess the anti-ulcer effect of Cp extracts in comparison to the Aa extracts. Anatomical micro-technique and physical and spectroscopic data were used to analyze differences between Cp and Aa. Regard to the pharmacological activity, it was assessed by using the ethanol-induced gastric damage model in rats. Whereas the bark anatomy of Aa was characterized by vertical canals in the periderm and the rare occurrence of fibers in its phloem, a periderm without vertical canals and abundant fibers in the phloem were distinctive features of Cp. Phytochemical analysis allowed the identification of tirucallane, masticadienonic and 3α-hydroxymasticadienonic acids as major components in Aa, while β-amyrin and β-sitosterol were obtained from Cp. Gastric lesions observed in the control group decreased in the presence of 100mg/kg of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from the normal or regenerated bark of Cp, thus resembling the anti-ulcer effect of Aa. Nevertheless, major anti-ulcer potency was observed with the most active methanol extract from Cp obtained from normal [the effective dose fifty ED(50)=45.54 mg/kg] or regenerated (ED(50)=36.68 mg/kg) bark in comparison to Aa (ED(50)=115.64 mg/kg). Chemical and anatomical differences were found between these species, but since the anti-ulcer activity of Cp is similar to that shown by Aa our results reinforce the use of both species for the relief of gastric ulcer in folk medicine.

Anti- Helicobacter pylori activity of anacardic acids from Amphipterygium adstringens

Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Standl. (Anacardiaceae) is widely used in traditional Mexican medicine for the treatment of gastritis and ulcers. In this work, we studied the anti- Helicobacter pylori activity of its bark, this Gram-negative bacterium is considered the major etiological agent of chronic active gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, and it is linked to gastric carcinoma. From a bio-guided assay of the fractions obtained form a continuous Soxhlet extraction of the bark, we identified that petroleum ether fraction had significant antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori. From this fraction, we isolated an anacardic acids mixture and three known triterpenes: masticadienonic acid; 3α-hydroxymasticadienonic acid; 3- epi-oleanolic; as well as the sterol β-sitosterol. Only the anacardic acids mixture exhibits a potent dose-dependent antibacterial activity (MIC = 10 μg/ml in broth cultures). It is enriched in saturated alkyl phenolic acids (C 15:0, C 16:0, C 17:0 C 19:0) which represents a novel source of these compounds with potent anti- Helicobacter pylori activity. The promising use of anacardic acids and Amphipterygium adstringens bark in the development of an integral treatment of Helicobacter pylori diseases is discussed.