Aristata Extract Research Articles

Comprehensive Analysis of Berberis aristata DC. Bark Extracts: In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Bioaccessibility and Safety.

Berberine (BER) is an alkaloid found, together with other protoberberinoids (PROTBERs), in several species used in medicines and food supplements. While some herbal preparations containing BER and PROTBERs, such as Berberis aristata DC. bark extracts, have shown promising potential for human health, their safety has not been fully assessed. Recently, the EFSA issued a call for data to deepen the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic understanding of products containing BER and PROTBERs and to comprehensively assess their safety, especially when used in food supplements. In this context, new data were collected in this work by assessing: (i) the phytochemical profile of 16 different commercial B. aristata dry extracts, which are among the most widely used preparations containing BER and PROTBERs in Europe; (ii) the In Vitro and In Silico investigation of the pharmacokinetic properties of BER and PROTBERs; (iii) the In Vitro cytotoxicity of selected extracts in different human cell lines, including tests on hepatic cells in the presence of CYP450 substrates; (iv) the effects of the extracts on cancer cell migration; and (v) the In Vitro molecular effects of extracts in non-cancer human cells. Results showed that commercial B. aristata extracts contain BER as the main constituent, with jatrorrhizine as main secondary PROTBER. BER and jatrorrhizine were found to have a good bioaccessibility rate, but they interact with P-gp. B. aristata extracts showed limited cytotoxicity and minimal interaction with CYP450 substrates. Furthermore, tested extracts demonstrated inhibition of cancer cell migration and were devoid of any pro-tumoral effects in normal cells. Overall, our work provides a valuable overview to better elucidate important concerns regarding botanicals containing BER and PROTBERs.

Berberis aristata Boosts Platelet Count in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Model

Background and purpose of the study: This study investigated the effectiveness of Berberis aristata, a medicinal plant commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, in increasing platelet count in a heparin-induced thrombocytopenia model in rats. Research rationale: Conditions like dengue fever, and certain immunological disorders result in thrombocytopenia. No standard treatment for such conditions is available. The only way of treatment is to increase platelet count naturally with alternative medicines. Therefore, well well-known medicinal plant Berberis aristata and its main constituent berberine are tested for platelet-enhancing potential in this study. Method: Dried stem powder of Berberis aristata was extracted by using methanol and HCl (2:3, v/v) by Soxhlet extractor at 45-50 0C. The crude extract was used to obtain an alkaloidal fraction. Both the crude extract and the alkaloidal fraction were analysed by developing TLC using n-butanol: glacial acetic acid: water (7:2:1, v/v/v) as a solvent system. Platelet-enhancing potential screening was done by administering the crude extract, alkaloidal fraction as well as berberine in rats with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Statistical analysis was applied. Result: The results showed that increase in platelet count in Berberis aristata extract, alkaloidal fraction, and berberine-treated groups as compared to the control group. Conclusion: All the test groups showed significant platelet-enhancing activity in comparison to the control group. Among the entire test groups, the extract of Berberis aristata was found to have the most significant platelet-enhancing potential.

Antimicrobial activities and enzyme inhibition effects of Nepeta species

Various Nepeta species, widely used among the public, have valuable phytochemical contents and clinical and biological activities. For this reason, our study examined the enzyme inhibition and antibacterial properties of methanol: chloroform (1:1) extracts of six Nepeta species. N. aristata showed a higher inhibitory effect than the standard drug on seven of the eight enzymes studied. N. baytopii had a high inhibition effect on urease and lipase. It was determined that N. italica inhibited other enzymes except for urease, CA, and lipase. In addition, BChE is also the only effective plant. N. nuda subsp. albiflora has a high effect on inhibiting urease, AChE, and lipase. N. stenantha and N. trachonitica also showed inhibition effects on urease, AChE, and tyrosinase. In the disc diffusion method of antibacterial activity, extracts against B. cereus had antibacterial activity. The antimicrobial activity of N. aristata extract was effective against P. aerugonisa and K. pneumoniae. Additionally, when looking at the minimum inhibition concentration method of antibacterial activity, Nepeta extracts were effective against most bacteria. This research determined Nepeta extracts are effective natural products with antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities.

Buccal spray of standardized Berberis aristata extract causes tumour regression, chemoprotection and downregulation of inflammatory mediators in oral cancer hamster model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBerberis aristata (BA) has been described in Ayurveda in formulations for treating conditions related to the buccal cavity, including tumours and inflammation. Oral cancer (OC) is a major global health problem with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Natural product based therapies are being explored as safer therapeutic strategies for OC. Aim of the studyEvaluating the potential of standardized BA extract loaded buccal spray formulation in OC. Material and methodsBA stem bark extract was prepared using sonication and standardized with respect to Berberine. The standardized extract was characterized and formulated as a buccal spray (SBAE-BS) using hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose K15M, polyethylglycol 400, Miglyol®812N and ethanol. The SBAE-BS was characterized and evaluated in vitro in KB cell line and in vivo in OC hamster model. ResultsThe SBAE-BS had pH, viscosity, mucoadhesive strength and BBR content corresponding to 6.8, 25.9 cP, 345 dyne/cm2 and 0.6 mg/mL respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity of SBAE-BS was comparable to 5 fluorouracil (5FU). In hamsters, SBAE-BS treatment lead to tumour regression (p = 0.0345), improved body weights (p < 0.0001), no organ toxicity, downregulation of inflammatory mediators and improved survival outcomes as compared to standard systemic 5FU. ConclusionThus, SBAE-BS showed cytotoxic and chemo-protective effects in the OC hamster model, evidencing its ethnopharmacological use and demonstrating translational potential to be developed as therapy for OC.

Antiparasitic Effects of Asteraceae Species Extracts on Echinococcus granulosus s.s.

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), which is worldwide distributed and causes long-lasting infections in animals and humans. The existing treatment is limited to the use of benzimidazoles, mainly albendazole (ABZ). However, it has unwanted side effects and its efficacy is about 50%. The Asteraceae family includes plants that have therapeutic applications (medicinal species) and has an important role in new drug development. The species belonging to a different genus of this family show a wide range of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antiparasitic activities, among others. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of extracts of four Asteraceae species against protoscoleces of E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.). On the other hand, the Stevia aristata extract was assessed on the murine cyst of E. granulosus (s.s.) and the efficacy of S. aristata extract was investigated in a murine model of CE. Stevia satureiifolia, S. aristata, Grindelia pulchella, and G. chiloensis extracts at 100 μg/mL caused a decrease in protoscoleces viability; however, S. aristata extract produced the greatest in vitro protoscolicidal effect. After 20 days of treatment with the highest concentration (100 μg/mL) of S. aristata extract, protoscoleces viability decreased to 0%. The tegumental changes observed by scanning electron microscopy were consistent with the reduction in vitality. The collapse of the germinal layer was registered in 60 ± 5.8% and 83.3 ± 12.0% of cysts treated during 4 days with 50 and 100 μg/ml, respectively. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of the S. aristata extract against E. granulosus (s.s.) cysts was 47.86 μg/mL (96 h). The dosage of infected animals with the 50 mg kg−1 dose of S. aristata extract resulted in a significant reduction in cyst weight in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, S. aristata extract was demonstrated to exert a marked effect, both in vitro and in the murine model.

Berberis aristata reduces vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity by down-regulation of cell proliferation markers

IntroductionVancomycin is used to treat bacterial infections but there is a risk of nephrotoxicity associated with it. Oxidative stress is the possible cause of this nephrotoxicity. Plant extracts have long been used in fighting oxidative stress and have proved quite useful. The present study investigated the treatment potential of Berberis aristata root extract against nephrotoxicity induced by vancomycin. MethodsB. aristata was collected from Chikar Valley, Azad Kashmir, identified, and later analyzed by High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Vero cells were used to determine the effects of B. aristata extract. For the determination of apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects cells were divided into three major groups; Control, Vancomycin, and Treated. The control groups were either left untreated or treated with 0.1% DMSO. Vancomycin group was treated with 0.6 mg/mL, 3 mg/mL, and 6 mg/mL of vancomycin, while treated groups were treated with (100 µg/mL, 200 µg/mL, 400 µg/mL) along with various vancomycin (0.6 mg/mL, 3 mg/mL, and 6 mg/mL) concentrations. The mRNA expression of antioxidant and proliferative markers (p53, p21, Cas 4, Cas 5, Cas 9, and Cyt-c) was assessed by qPCR. ResultsHPLC chromatogram indicated the presence of berberine component by comparing the peaks at retention time. The mRNA expression of all selected markers was found to be upregulated in the vancomycin group with a decrease of expression in treated groups, indicating the recovery from vancomycin-induced damage to kidney cells. ConclusionB. aristata extract can be used along with vancomycin treatment to minimize its toxicity.

In Vitro Anti Acne Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Stem of Berberis aristata

Current research work is intended to study the impact of herbal approach to treat acne, an extremely common cutaneous inflammatory disorder of multifactorial origin with prevalence in adolescents. Acne is common disease of skin and is usually treatable. An attempt had been taken to investigate the in vitro antiacne activity of ethanolic extract of stem of Berberis aristata. The MIC value of the B. aristata extract against S. epidermidis, P. acnes and M. furfur were found to be 600 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml respectively. In vitro antimicrobial screening using erythromycin as a positive control clearly indicated that ethanolic extract of B. aristata is promising antimicrobial against the test microorganisms.

Antipsoriatic and Anti-inflammatory Studies of Berberis aristata Extract Loaded Nanovesicular Gels.

Objective:Novel nanovesicular gel of Berberis aristata extract was developed and evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and antipsoriatic activity.Materials and Methods:Transferosomes were prepared using soya phosphatidylcholine and edge activators (Tween 80, Span 80, and sodium deoxycholate) by a modified lipid film hydration technique using rotary evaporator and evaluated for various parameters. The quantification and standardization of extract have been carried out using its alkaloid content as berberine as biomarker. Topical application of imiquimod (IMQ) (immune modifier) on the shaved back of mice developed psoriasis-like inflammation followed by histopathological study of inflamed skin.Results:The size of transferosomes was in the range of 265–345 nm whereas polydispersity index ranges from 0.10 to 0.63, and for zeta potential, it was from −19.3 to −43.3 mV. Transferosomes were further added to Carbopol 934P for gel formation and subsequently evaluated for their physicochemical properties. Their efficacy against inflammation, IMQ-induced psoriasis, and skin sensitivity was compared with conventional formulation (commercial formulation-Angle Gloss, Phytolab Pvt. Ltd.). Percent inhibition of edema by transferosomal gel (55.76%) was more as compared to conventional gel of extract (33.5%) found out by Carrageenan-induced paw edema method. Primary irritation index was found to be <0.4 inferring its safe use for topical formulation.Conclusion:Histopathological report showed that, in psoriasis-induced animal treated with topical application of extract loaded transferosomal gel showed a marked reduction in thickness of epidermis, length of rete ridges as compared to conventional gel formulation. It can be inferred that B. aristata extract loaded transferosomal gel can function as potential anti-inflammatory and antipsoriatic formulation.SUMMARY The objective of the present research work was to prepare Berberis aristata extracts (roots, ethanolic 70%v/v) loaded transferosomal gel, to perform in vitro characterization and in vivo evaluation of their efficacy against inflammation as well as imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis in animalsThe remarkable enhancement in the in vitro release efficiency of B. aristata extract loaded transferosomal gel resulted in improved anti-inflammatory activity. The prepared novel formulation of B. aristata has also shown its efficacy against IMQ-induced psoriasis. Abbreviations used: SPC: Soyaphosphatidylcholine, PDI: Polydispersity index, IMQ: Imiquimod, EA: Edge activator, BE: Berberine, TEM: Transmission electron microscopy, PBS: Phosphate buffered saline, H and E: Hematoxylin and eosin, ZP: Zeta potential, EE: Entrapment efficiency.

Effect of Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) on Intestinal Permeation and Anti-Diabetic Activity of &lt;I&gt;Berberis aristata&lt;/I&gt; Extract: &lt;I&gt;In-Vitro&lt;/I&gt; and &lt;I&gt;Ex-Vivo&lt;/I&gt; Studies

Effect of Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) on Intestinal Permeation and Anti-Diabetic Activity of &lt;I&gt;Berberis aristata&lt;/I&gt; Extract: &lt;I&gt;In-Vitro&lt;/I&gt; and &lt;I&gt;Ex-Vivo&lt;/I&gt; Studies

Preliminary study about the possible glycemic clinical advantage in using a fixed combination of Berberis aristata and Silybum marianum standardized extracts versus only Berberis aristata in patients with type 2 diabetes

BackgroundBerberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid widely used to improve the glucidic and lipidic profiles of patients with hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. The limitation of berberine seems to be its poor oral bioavailability, which is affected by the presence, in enterocytes, of P-glycoprotein – an active adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-consuming efflux protein that extrudes berberine into the intestinal lumen, thus limiting its absorption. According to some authors, silymarin, derived from Silybum marianum, could be considered a P-glycoprotein antagonist.AimThe study aimed to evaluate the role played by a possible P-glycoprotein antagonist (silymarin), when added to a product containing Berberis aristata extract, in terms of benefits to patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe study enrolled 69 patients with type 2 diabetes in suboptimal glycemic control who were treated with diet, hypoglycemic drugs, and in cases of concomitant alterations of the lipid profile, hypolipidemic agents. The patients received an add-on therapy consisting of either a standardized extract of Berberis aristata (titrated in 85% berberine) corresponding to 1,000 mg/day of berberine, or Berberol®, a fixed combination containing the same standardized extract of Berberis aristata plus a standardized extract of Silybum marianum (titrated as >60% in silymarin), for a total intake of 1,000 mg/day of berberine and 210 mg/day of silymarin.ResultsBoth treatments similarly improved fasting glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride, and liver enzyme levels, whereas glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values were reduced to a greater extent by the fixed combination.ConclusionThe association of berberine and silymarin demonstrated to be more effective than berberine alone in reducing HbA1c, when administered at the same dose and in the form of standardized extracts in type 2 diabetic patients.

Standardization of Berberis aristata extract through conventional and modern HPTLC techniques

ObjectiveBerberis aristata (Berberidaceae) is an important medicinal plant, found in the different region of the world. It has significant medicinal value in the traditional Indian and Chinese system of medicine. The aim of the present investigation includes qualitative and quantitative analysis of Berberis aristata extract. MethodsPresent study includes determination of phytochemical analysis, solubility test, heavy metal analysis, antimicrobial study and quantitative analysis by HPTLC method. ResultsPreliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of carbohydrate, glycoside, alkaloid, protein, amino acid, saponin, tannin and flavonoid. Solubility in water and alcohal were found to be 81.90% in water and 84.52% in 50% in alcohal. Loss on drying was found to be 5.32%. Total phenol and flavonoid content were found to be 0.11% and 2.8%. Level of lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium complies the standard level. E. coli and salmonella was found to be absent whereas total bacterial count, yeast and moulds contents were found to be under the limit. Content of berberine was found to be 13.47% through HPTLC techniques. ConclusionsThe results obtained from the present studies could be used as source of valuable information which can play an important role for the food scientists, researchers and even the consumers for its standards.

Antidiarrheal activity, chemical and toxicity profile of Berberis aristata

Context: This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antidiarrheal activity, oral acute toxicological profile, and developed a chemical fingerprint of Berberis aristata Linn. (Berberidaceae).Materials and methods: The ethanol (by maceration) and aqueous (by Soxhlet) extracts of Berberis aristata bark were used for the study. The study involved the antimicrobial (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) by micro dilution) and antidiarrheal (castor oil induced diarrhea, charcoal motility) tests. The active principle, berberine was characterized by different spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.Results: The MIC and MBC (of both extracts) against all strains of Shigella were recorded between 125 to 500 µg/mL and 300 to 600 µg/mL, respectively. The MIC and MBC values of berberine are almost comparable to standard ciprofloxacin. UV and IR spectroscopy along with HPTLC and HPLC studies showed presence of berberine in the extracts. The onset of castor oil induced diarrhea was delayed and number of diarrheal episodes was reduced by both the extracts in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, the length of intestine traveled by the feed was also significantly reduced in the charcoal motility test by both the extracts. LD50 of >5000 mg/kg body weight was observed for both extracts in the acute oral toxicity studies with Swiss albino mice.Conclusion: The results validate in vivo and in vitro antidiarrheal activity of Berberis aristata extracts and provide its chemical fingerprint.

Withanolides from Whitania aristata and their diuretic activity

Aim of the study Withania aristata is an endemic plant used traditionally in Canary Islands as a diuretic. In this paper, we report on this pharmacological activity in several extracts of the dry vegetal material collected and the identification and diuretic activity of two withanolides, one of them previously not reported, isolated from the most active fraction. Material and methods Four Whitania aristata extracts at 100 mg/kg were orally administered to laboratory animals to evaluate their diuretic activity. From the most active fraction, two withanolides were isolated. Both and a mixture of them at 5 and 10 mg/kg were analyzed too as diuretics. Water excretion rate and content of Na + and K + electrolytes were measured in the urine of saline-loaded animals. Results Whitania aristata water fraction, the two withanolides and the mixture of these compounds displayed high diuretic activity, with a significant excretion of sodium and potassium ions in laboratory animals. Conclusions This research supports the ethno-medicinal use of Whitania aristata as diuretic. This activity seems to be associated to the presence of a new type of natural diuretic agents, such as withaferin A and witharistatin.