Anti-inflammatory Medicinal Plant Research Articles

Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds with Potential Anti-inflammatory and Antidiabetic Activities: A Review

Background: Inflammation is a complex process. Persistent and uncontrolled inflammation may act as an etiologic factor for many chronic disorders like diabetes. Objective: This review aims to classify the anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic medicinal plants, their traditional uses, and their active compounds that have been tested for their anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects. Methods: We checked scientific publications in various electronic databases from 1981 to 2021. All the molecular structures were provided in ADC/ChemSketch. Results: We reviewed 58 species, belonging to 39 families. These species have long been used in traditional medicine to cure a variety of ailments, including, dysentery, typhoid fever, anemia, digestive and cardiac disorders, as well as diabetes and inflammation. Asteraceae represents the dominant family. The most potent anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic active compounds were reviewed including myricetin, quercetin, hesperetin, rutin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, gentisic acid, camphor, 1,8-cineol, p-cymene, limonene, linalool, thymoquinone, carvacrol, aromadendrine, α-pinene, lycopene, phytol, imperatorin, chalepin, hexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, tellimagrandin I, and trigalloyl glucose. Conclusion: This review indicates that medicinal plants have many therapeutic dynamics against inflammation and diabetes that could be exploited for the discovery of therapeutic preparation or agent for treating the two illnesses at the same time.

Lippia alba essential oil: A powerful and valuable antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory medicinal plant from Brazil

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Brazilian popular medicine, Lippia alba leaves are used in teas to treat pain and inflammatory diseases. Aim of the studyto evaluate the chemical composition, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities of Lippia alba essential oil and its major compound geraniol. Material and methodsLippia alba leaves were collected in Pará state, Brazil. The leaf essential oil was obtained using a modified Clevenger-type extractor. Then, the oil was analyzed by GC and GC-MS analyses. To evaluate the toxicity of LaEO and geraniol, the doses of 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg were used in a mouse model. For antinociception tests, abdominal contortion, hot plate, and formalin tests were used; all groups were treated with LaEO and geraniol at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg; and to evaluate inflammation using the ear edema model. ResultsThe constituents identified in the highest content were oxygenated monoterpenes: geraniol (37.5%), geranial (6.7%) and neral (3.8%). The animals treated with LaEO and geraniol demonstrated atypical behaviors with aspects of lethargy and drowsiness, characteristics of animals in a state of sedation; the relative weights showed no significant difference compared to the controls. In the abdominal contortion test, LaEO at 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg doses, and 100 mg/kg reduced the number of contortions, representing a percentage reduction of 84.64%, 81.23%, and 66.21% respectively. In the hot plate test, LaEO and geraniol increased the latency time at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg in all test periods; there was no statistical difference between LaEO and geraniol. In the first phase of the formalin test, only doses of 25 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of LaEO showed significant activity, reducing the latency time by 53.40% and 58.90%. LaEO at doses of 25 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg reduced the size of the edema, demonstrating an anti-inflammatory activity of 59.38% (25 mg/kg) and 50% (100 mg/kg). ConclusionLippia alba essential oil and geraniol showed central/peripheral analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential and can be used as an alternative or complementary treatment to conventional drugs. More studies are needed to evaluate its action mechanisms and its analgesic effects.

Echinacea spp.: The cold-fighter herbal remedy?

IntroductionEchinacea spp. are worldwide known as anti-inflammatory medicinal plants. The phytochemistry of the genus Echinacea is complex, however most notable compounds to which the biological activity is attributed are the alkamides. Much research focuses on the study of certain Echinacea species, namely E. angustifolia, E. pallida, E. purpurea, and E. lannata, to deal with common cold symptoms, however, results between the various studies are inconsistent. There is a historical background for the therapeutic use of the plant against various disorders by many civilizations. Additionally, Echinacea species therapeutic uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine are discussed. MethodologyDatabases including PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect were used for the research using the following keywords: Echinacea, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, immunostimulatory, cold-fighter, chemistry, alkamides and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The purpose of this review paper is to discuss the existing findings regarding the immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral activities of Echinacea species. ResultsEchinacea extracts contain a variety of secondary metabolites including caffeic acid, derivates of caffeic acid, flavonoids and alkamides. Alkamides, are the most studied compounds and the pharmacological activities of the plant are mainly attributed to those. DiscussionData gathered from the in vitro and in vivo studies provide substantiation regarding the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-viral effects of Echinacea species. On the contrary evidence from clinical trials questions the useful effects of the plant in reducing the frequency and length of the common cold. ConclusionFindings of the studies presented in the manuscript indicate that more research should be performed to evaluate whether Echinacea spp. is indeed a cold-fighter remedy. Additionally, conducting further studies regarding the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of the plant is highly recommended.

Active metabolites and potential mechanisms of Notopterygium incisum against obstructive sleep apnea Syndrome (OSAS): network analysis and experimental assessment.

Background: Notopterygium incisum K.C. Ting ex H.T. Chang, a synonym of Hansenia weberbaueriana (Fedde ex H. Wolff) Pimenov & Kljuykov, is an anti-inflammatory medicinal plant. Although abrnotopterol has been reported to be its primary active metabolite, the other metabolites and their mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential mechanisms by which its active metabolites treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) through network analysis and experimental assessment. Methods: The metabolites and potential targets of Notopterygium incisum were extracted from public databases. We searched for OSAS-related genes in the Genecards, OMIM, PharmGkb, TTD, and DrugBank databases. Cytoscape 3.9.0 was used to construct the drug-target-disease network and screen for hub genes. Human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells were cultivated in normoxia and chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) medium for 24h. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2) mRNA was detected using RT-qPCR, while PTGS2 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) proteins were identified using Western blot analysis. Co-Immunoprecipitation (CoIP) and Western blotting were utilized to evaluate the ubiquitination of PTGS2 in HBE cells. Results: Pterostilbene and notopterol, isolated from Notopterygium incisum, had potential therapeutic effects on OSAS. The PTGS2 and estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) hub genes were associated with OSAS. The pathway enrichment analysis focuses on the NF-κB, apoptosis, and HIF-1A pathways. In response to CIH, pterostilbene and notopterol decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE2 levels. The NF-κB pathway was activated by an increase in PTGS2 levels. Pterostilbene promoted proteasome-mediated ubiquitination of PTGS2 protein and reduced PTGS2 levels, inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. Conclusion: This study reveals the active metabolites of Notopterygium incisum and hub genes involved in treating OSAS, which provide a basis for the follow-up development and exploitation of the botanical drug.

Ethnobotanical study of anti-inflammatory medicinal plants in the region of El Bayadh (Western Algeria)

Ethnobotanical study of anti-inflammatory medicinal plants in the region of El Bayadh (Western Algeria)

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Star Anise (Illicium Verum) in Murine Model

Star anise (Illicium verum) is a medium-sized plant that is native to Asia as well as one of the most important medicinal plants used in Chinese herbal medicine. Star anise has bioactive compounds having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant activity of Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract was studied by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay. The current study aims to investigate the effect of Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract as ant-inflammatory by reducing the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL 1beta and reducing the oxidative stress by acting as a scavenger because inflammation and oxidative stress can induce each other. The highest free radical scavenging activities were exerted by the APTS method (95.1±0.33 Trolox/g) whereas, the free radical scavenging activities were exerted by ABTS was 77.7±0.30 Trolox/g. The anti-inflammatory activity of the Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract was studied by its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines productions (Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)) and reduce oxidative stress at different concentrations. Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract significantly reduce the pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-1β production (p<0.05) compared with negative control which is treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and has a similar effect in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines production similar to the positive control which treated with ascorbic acid. Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract significantly reduces oxidative stress (p<0.05) by reducing antioxidant enzyme activity catalase and glutathione-peroxidase compared with the LPS treated group. In conclusion Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract act as strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory medicinal plant.

Phytochemical constituents and anti-inflammatory activities of Clerodendrum petasites

Inflammation is process of immune responses to microbial infections and cell damage. Macrophages are pro-inflammatory leukocytes crucial for initiation, maintenance, and resolution of inflammation. Root extract of a medicinal plant Clerodendrum petasites (CP), has been widely used as a component of antipyretic and anti-inflammatory remedies. In the present study, we investigated whether CP aerial part (leaf and stem) extracts had the same contents with the root extracts as well as their cytotoxicity and inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 monocyte/macrophage-like cell model. Analysis of the methanol-extracted CP contents with the high-performance liquid chromatography ultra-violet spectroscopy (HPLC-UV) showed that major phenolic compounds found in the root extract were verbascoside and quercetin, while the aerial parts also additionally contained rosmarinic acid and hispidulin. These CP extracts were not toxic to the cells and able to inhibit production of pro-inflammatory markers, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In addition, the aerial CP extracts also inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), suggesting additional role of rosmarinic acid and hispidulin. In conclusion, this study showed that the aerial parts of the CP contained phytochemical constituents and could be used as anti-inflammatory medicinal plants.

Phytochemical and pharmacological validation of folklore medicine practiced in south-western Satpuda Ranges (India) for management of inflammatory conditions

IntroductionThe ethnobotanical survey of the South-western Satpuda ranges has continued for decades. However, very few disease-specific surveys and their pharmacological validation have been published. The present study aimed to identify, document, and pharmacologically validate the tribal knowledge on anti-inflammatory medicinal plants. MethodsThe field survey was conducted over a year from July 2015 to June 2016, scattered in the South-Western region of Satpuda Ranges. Documentation and identification of the medicinal herbs used often in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Two plants, namely Eulophia herbacea Lindl., and Grewia flavescens A. Juss. were commonly used for inflammatory conditions. Phytopharmacological validation was done using carrageenan induced inflammation and CFA-induced arthritis. ResultsThe current investigation identified 32 plants from 22 different families as anti-inflammatory plants. G. flavescens exhibited substantial antiarthritic action in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats, and E. herbacea showed powerful anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. This activity might be attributed to the presence of gallic acid, quercetin, β-sitosterol and lupeol. ConclusionThe research reveals that selected plants had anti-inflammatory properties in both acute and chronic inflammation. Further studies to highlight the exact mechanism of action of these plants are warranted.

In-silico molecular docking analysis of some plant derived molecules for anti-inflammatory inhibitory activity

Herbs are essential resources for drug discovery. However, numerous challenges stand in front of the scientific community to discover novel drugs from herbs. To explore the validation behind the precious knowledge of traditional medicine, we focused on achieving virtual screening to detect the potential medicines from the herbs. Five bioactive compounds from known anti-inflammatory medicinal plants were examined through molecular docking against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS), using AutoDock 4.2. The docking of selected ligands with COX-2 showed the binding energy varying from -6.15 Kcal/mol to ‑11.24 Kcal/mol. The docking energies of identified ligands with iNOS were generated ranges from -3.85kcal/mol to -6.99 kcal/mol. Among the tested ligands, it was noted that 6 urs-12-en-24-oic acid showed the best binding energy than other compounds with the lowest binding energy and highest binding affinity with both anti-inflammatory target proteins COX-2 and iNOS. The in silico study validates the potential phytochemical compound of the medicinal herb that contribute to anti-inflammatory activity with low toxicity and minimal side effects.

Antiinflammatory Medicinal Plants from the Ugandan Greater Mpigi Region Act as Potent Inhibitors in the COX-2/PGH2 Pathway.

Our study investigates 16 medicinal plants via assessment of inhibition of proinflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenases (COX). The plants are used by traditional healers in the Greater Mpigi region in Uganda to treat inflammation and related disorders. We present results of diverse in vitro experiments performed with 76 different plant extracts, namely, (1) selective COX-2 and COX-1 inhibitor screening; (2) 15-LOX inhibition screening; (3) antibacterial resazurin assay against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K12; (4) DPPH assay for antioxidant activity; and (5) determination of the total phenolic content (TPC). Results showed a high correlation between traditional use and pharmacological activity, e.g., extracts of 15 out of the 16 plant species displayed significant selective COX-2 inhibition activity in the PGH2 pathway. The most active COX-2 inhibitors (IC50 < 20 µg/mL) were nine extracts from Leucas calostachys, Solanum aculeastrum, Sesamum calycinum subsp. angustifolium, Plectranthus hadiensis, Morella kandtiana, Zanthoxylum chalybeum, and Warburgia ugandensis. There was no counteractivity between COX-2 and 15-LOX inhibition in these nine extracts. The ethyl acetate extract of Leucas calostachys showed the lowest IC50 value with 0.66 µg/mL (COX-2), as well as the most promising selectivity ratio with 0.1 (COX-2/COX-1). The TPCs and the EC50 values for DPPH radical scavenging activity showed no correlation with COX-2 inhibitory activity. This led to the assumption that the mechanisms of action are most likely not based on scavenging of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant activities. The diethyl ether extract of Harungana madagascariensis stem bark displayed the highest growth inhibition activity against S. aureus (MIC value: 13 µg/mL), L. innocua (MIC value: 40 µg/mL), and L. monocytogenes (MIC value: 150 µg/mL). This study provides further evidence for the therapeutic use of the previously identified plants used medicinally in the Greater Mpigi region.

Terpenoids from the Stems of Fissistigma polyanthoides and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Twelve new terpenoids (1-12) were isolated from the stems of Fissistigma polyanthoides, an anti-inflammatory medicinal plant traditionally used in Vietnam. Most of them (1-9) possess a sesquiterpenoid backbone (e.g., guaiane, germacrane, and cadinane) connected to a 2'-O-trans-cinnamoyl)-β-d-glucopyranose moiety, which is rare in Nature. Among them, compounds 4 (5/8-fused ring) and 6 (spiran [4,5] ring) represent uncommonly rearranged sesquiterpenoids. Compounds 10-12 are a novel monoterpene and two megastigmane derivatives, respectively. The individual structures were elucidated by combining NMR and MS data, and their configuration was established in NOESY and ECD experiments. Compounds 1-9 were also examined for their potential to interact with nuclear factor-kappa B activator protein 1 (NF-κB/AP-1) signaling by using the myelomonocytic reporter cell line THP-1Blue-CD14. Compounds 1-5 showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects [IC50 13.7 μM (1) to 49.0 μM (5)] on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells. However, compounds 1 to 4 also negatively affected cell viability in the same concentration range, while compound 5 was less potently cytotoxic.

Short Communication: Population and stand structure of Cinnamomum sintoc in the Low Land Forest of Mount Ciremai National Park, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Ismail AY, Kusmana C, Sudiana E, Widodo P. 2019. Short Communication: Population and stand structure of Cinnamomum sintoc in the Low Land Forest of Mount Ciremai National Park, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 1042-1047. Cinnamomum sintoc (C. sintoc) is one of the anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory medicinal plants which produces essential oils from its roots, skin, and leaves. This study aimed to analyze the population and stand structure of C. sintoc in Mount Ciremai National Park, West Java, Indonesia. Data collection was carried out using plots/ strips method. The plots were purposively placed and made at each altitude and direction of the slope. The research recorded 804 individual trees from each growth edge. Individual density between slope directions and altitudes was not significantly different for all diameter classes, but was significantly different between slope directions of stratum B (P = 0.001) and E (P = 0.012). These results indicate that sintoc population is spread evenly and can be cultivated at various slope and altitude directions and has no preference for the two topographic variables.

In vivo Neurological, Analgesic and In vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Ethanolic Extract of Leaf and Stem Bark of Wedelia chinensis

Wedelia chinensis is a widely used anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective medicinal plant in Bangladesh. In this study, analgesic, neurological, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the ethanolic extract of leaf and stem bark of W. chinensis were investigated. Oral administration of the ethanolic extract of W. chinensis (200- and 300-mg/kg body weight) was investigated on animal model for neurological activity using open field test and hole cross test. Acetic acid induced writhing method was used to assess the analgesic activity. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging assay was used for determining the antioxidant activity, while brine shrimp lethality bioassay was used for investigating cytotoxicity. The ethanol extract of the plant produced significant reduction (P&lt;0.05) of locomotion in both doses (200- and 300-mg/kg body weight) indicating pronounced neurological activity. Oral administration of alcoholic leaves and stem extracts significantly (p &lt; 0.05) inhibited writhing response in mice. The percentage of scavenging of DPPH free radical was found to be concentration dependent with IC50 value of 44.10 ± 0.65 and 38.96 ± 0.50 μg/ml for leaves and stem extracts, respectively. Our findings indicate that W. chinensis may be a source of natural antioxidant with potent analgesic, neurological and cytotoxic activities. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 22(1): 18-26, 2019

Bulnesia sarmientoi Supercritical Fluid Extract Exhibits Necroptotic Effects and Anti-Metastatic Activity on Lung Cancer Cells.

Bulnesia sarmientoi (BS) has long been used as an analgesic, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory medicinal plant. The aqueous extract of its bark has been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activity. This study investigated the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects of BS supercritical fluid extract (BSE) on the A549 and H661 lung cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity on cancer cells was assessed by an MTT assay. After 72 h treatment of A549 and H661 cells, the IC50 values were 18.1 and 24.7 μg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxicity on MRC-5 normal cells was relatively lower (IC50 = 61.1 μg/mL). BSE arrested lung cancer cells at the S and G2/M growth phase. Necrosis of A549 and H661 cells was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect of BSE on cancer cells was significantly reverted by Nec-1 pretreatment, and BSE induced TNF-α and RIP-1 expression in the absence of caspase-8 activity. These evidences further support that BSE exhibited necroptotic effects on lung cancer cells. By wound healing and Boyden chamber assays, the inhibitory effects of BSE on the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells were elucidated. Furthermore, the chemical composition of BSE was examined by gas chromatography-mass analysis where ten constituents of BSE were identified. α-Guaiene, (−)-guaiol and β-caryophyllene are responsible for most of the cytotoxic activity of BSE against these two cancer cell lines. Since BSE possesses significant cytotoxicity and anti-metastatic activity on A549 and H661 cells, it may serve as a potential target for the treatment of lung cancer.

Medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory activities from selected countries and regions of Africa.

Various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the metabolism of arachidonic acid by isoform of cyclooxygenase enzyme, thereby reducing the production of prostaglandin. Sadly, there are many side effects associated with the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, there are medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects with low or no side effects. The Afri-can continent is richly endowed with diverse medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory activities that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory conditions in traditional medicine. Interestingly, scientists have examined some of these African medicinal plants and documented their biological and therapeutic activities. Unfortunately, medicinal plants from different countries in Africa with anti-inflammatory properties have not been documented in a single review paper. It is important to document the ethnobotanical knowledge and applications of anti-inflammatory medicinal plants from selected countries representing different regions of the African continent. This paper therefore documents anti-inflammatory activities of various medicinal plants from different geographical regions of Africa with the aim of presenting the diversity of medicinal plants that are of traditional or therapeutic use in Africa.

Possible roles of &lt;i&gt;Eucomis autumnalis&lt;/i&gt; in bone and cartilage regeneration: A review

In response to the recent alarming prevalence of cancer, osteoarthritis and other inflammatory disorders, the study of anti-inflammatory and anticancer crude medicinal plant extracts has gained considerable attention. Eucomis autumnalis is a native flora of South Africa with medicinal value. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor/cancer, anti-oxidative and antihistaminic characteristics and produces bulb that have therapeutic value in South African traditional medicine. Despite the widely acclaimed therapeutic values of Eucomis autumnalis, its proper identification and proper knowledge, morphogenetic factors are yet to be efficiently evaluated. Similar to other plants with the same characteristics, E. autumnalis extract may stimulate bone formation and cartilage regeneration by virtue of its anti-inflammatory properties. This review provides data presented in the literature and tries to evaluate the three subspecies of E. autumnalis, highlighting their geographical location in South African provinces, their toxicity effects, as well as their phytochemistry and anti-inflammatory properties. Biologically active components, pharmacological importance and some environmental factors that can affect E. autumnalis are presented. The review also discussed the novel potential roles of E. autumnalis in regenerative medicine. Proper knowledge of the E. autumnalis plant and its possible role in bone and cartilage regeneration will help in addressing and clarifying its use in the production of drugs and for other therapeutic purposes, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Keywords : Medicinal plants, inflammatory diseases, toxicity, phytochemicals, bone regeneration

Cytotoxic, antioxidative, genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of Horchata, beverage of South Ecuador

Background“Horchata” is an herbal mixture infusion consumed in Southern Ecuador; 66% of its plants are anti-inflammatory medicinal plant, and 51% are analgesics. Anti-inflammatory substances can prevent carcinogenesis mediated by cytotoxic effects and can prevent DNA damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and apoptotic/antigenotoxic effects of horchata as well as its mechanism.MethodsNine different varieties of horchata were prepared in the traditional way and then freeze-dried. Phytochemical screening tested for the presence of secondary metabolites using standard procedures and antioxidant activities. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated on cerebral astrocytoma (D-384), prostate cancer (PC-3), breast cancer (MCF-7), colon cancer (RKO), lung cancer (A-549), immortalized Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1), and human peripheral blood lymphocytes via a MTS assay. The pro-apoptotic effects were evaluated with Anexin V/Propidium Iodide and western blot of Bax, Bcl-2, TP53, and TP73. Induction and reduction of ROS were assessed by fluorimetry. Genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects were evaluated with a comet assay and micronuclei on binucleated cells.ResultsFive of nine horchatas had cytotoxic effects against D-384 while not affecting normal cells. These horchatas induce cell death by apoptosis modulated by p53/p73. In CHO-K1 cells, the horchatas decrease the damage induced by hydrogen peroxide and Mitomycin C measured in the comet and micronucleus assay respectively.ConclusionsThe IC50 range of effective horchatas in D-384 was 41 to 122 μg·mL−1. This effect may be related to its use in traditional medicine (brain tonic). On the other hand, immortalized Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) and lymphocytes did not show a cytotoxic effect. The most potent horchata induced apoptosis via a p53/p73-mediated mechanism.The horchatas present antigenotoxic properties, which may be related to the antioxidant capacity. Future studies on horchata components are necessary to understand the interactions and beneficial properties.

Effect of Astragalus eremophilus on the Growth of Bracharia ramose

Astragalus eremophilus is traditionally used as a potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant medicinal plant. In the present study we proposed to assess an allelopathic property of the aqueous extract of Astragalus eremophilus. Proposed plant of Astragalus eremophilus was collected from the catchment area of University of Science and Technology Bannu in its growing season. The plant parts were dried in shed, grounded to powdered form and saturated with de-ionized water to prepare aqueous crude extract. Promising effects were shown by the crude aqueous extract of Astragalus eremophilus (root and stalk) growth control and least stalk development at high concentration with respect to control. The effect of Astragalus eremophilus on roots and stalk development of Bracharia ramose is as follows; 40% &gt; 30% &gt; 20% &gt; 10%. Astragalus eremophilus could be used as an alternative for weed control as evident by the present study, where further characterization studies are recommended for the production of plant based natural herbicides.

An Exploration of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plants with Anti-Inflammatory Activities.

In a continuing effort to discover more anti-inflammatory medicinal plants in China, the anti-inflammatory activities of 101 extracts from different parts of 84 traditional medicinal plants were evaluated by a panel of in vitro and in vivo assays. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitory effects were determined by luciferase assay in stably transfected Hela cells. Cytotoxic activities were assessed using the MTT assay. Inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide production and proinflammatory mediators were assessed by Griess reaction and Real-Time PCR analysis, respectively. In vivo anti-inflammatory activities were examined by xylene-induced mice ear edema model. In total, 22 extracts showed promising NF-κB inhibitory effects whereas 9 of them did not affect the cell viability. The 9 hit extracts were active in at least one of the subsequently performed in vitro pharmacological test systems. The extract from Hemerocallis minor (root) was selected to perform the in vivo study because it demonstrated significant suppressive effects in all the in vitro assays. Results showed that the extract of Hemerocallis minor (Root) was able to alleviate ear edema effectively in xylene-induced mice ear edema mode. Collectively, our study provides evidence for the potential anti-inflammatory effects of the medicinal plants traditionally used in China. Further phytochemical and pharmacological studies remain to be clarified.

잘피 추출물의 UVB로 손상을 유도한 각질형성세포에 대한 항염 효능

Objectives : In order to confirm whether extracts of different parts of Zostera marina (ZM), a marine flowering plant, can be used as cosmetic ingredients, this study evaluated their cytotoxicity and cytoprotective effects against ultraviolet B (UVB). Inflammatory responses induced by UV stimuli are also associated with the aging of the skin.Methods : We investigated the effects of ZM extracts on cells through the water soluble tetrazolium salt-1(WST-1) assay for cell viability. In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects, we evaluated the suppression of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by ZM extracts in HaCaT cells with UVB-induced damages, and also evaluated the production of Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in RAW 264.7 cells with LPS-induced damages.Results : High cell viabilities above 90% were observed in all types of ZM extracts, except for whole ZM extract at 0.5 mg/ml; in keratinocytes with UVB-induced damages, the cell viabilities were above 80% when treated with all types of ZM extracts. We confirmed their anti-inflammatory effects by investigating the suppression of inflammatory mediators. In keratinocytes with UVB-induced damages, COX-2 expression decreased in the experimental group treated with ZM extract. Similarly, in RAW 264.7 cells where inflammation was induced with LPS, the biosynthesis of PGE₂ was inhibited.Conclusion : These results suggest that ethanol extracts from Zostera marina may have value as the potential anti-inflammatory medicinal plant. Also based on the abovementioned results, ZM extract protects skin cells from UV-induced damages, and thus can be used in topically applied products for skin protection.