Bryonia Alba Research Articles

Effect of homeopathy on analgesic intake following knee ligament reconstruction: a phase III monocentre randomized placebo controlled study

The efficacy of homeopathy is still under debate and a recent meta-analysis recommended further randomized double-blind clinical trials to identify any clinical situation in which homeopathy might be effective. The complex of homeopathy tested in this study (Arnica montana 5 CH, Bryonia alba 5 CH, Hypericum perforatum 5 CH and Ruta graveolens 3 DH) is not superior to placebo in reducing 24 h morphine consumption after knee ligament reconstruction. The efficacy of homeopathy is still under debate. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of homeopathic treatment (Arnica montana 5 CH, Bryonia alba 5 CH, Hypericum perforatum 5 CH and Ruta graveolens 3 DH) on cumulated morphine intake delivered by PCA over 24 h after knee ligament reconstruction. This was an add-on randomized controlled study with three parallel groups: a double-blind homeopathic or placebo arm and an open-label noninterventional control arm. Eligible patients were 18-60 years old candidates for surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament. Treatment was administered the evening before surgery and continued for 3 days. The primary end-point was cumulated morphine intake delivered by PCA during the first 24 h inferior or superior/equal to 10 mg day(-1). One hundred and fifty-eight patients were randomized (66 in the placebo arm, 67 in the homeopathic arm and 25 in the noninterventional group). There was no difference between the treated and the placebo group for primary end-point (mean (95% CI) 48% (35.8, 56.3), and 56% (43.7, 68.3), required less than 10 mg day(-1) of morphine in each group, respectively). The homeopathy treatment had no effect on morphine intake between 24 and 72 h or on the visual analogue pain scale, or on quality of life assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire. In addition, these parameters were not different in patients enrolled in the open-label noninterventional control arm. The complex of homeopathy tested in this study was not superior to placebo in reducing 24 h morphine consumption after knee ligament reconstruction.

Clonal diversity within and among introduced populations of the apomictic vine Bryonia alba (Cucurbitaceae)

Bryonia alba L. (Cucurbitaceae) is a herbaceous Eurasian vine that predominantly reproduces clonally (asexually) through apomixis. We assessed the magnitude and distribution of clonal diversity within and among 23 recently established populations of B. alba in its new range in the western United States, based on the distribution of multilocus isozyme genotypes. Fifty-two unique clones were detected: 30 in the nine populations from eastern Washington and northern Idaho, and the remaining 22 in 14 populations from western Montana, northern Utah, and southern Idaho. On average, each population of B. alba was composed of 6.4 clones, and the proportion of distinguishable clones was 0.275. Multilocus diversity (D) was 0.632 and multilocus evenness (E) was 0.556. Twenty-six of 52 clones (50%) were restricted to a single population, and, on average, each clone occurred in 2.83 populations. Compared with other clonally reproducing plant species, this vine possesses moderate to high levels of clonal diversity in its new range in the western United States. This diversity appears to be a consequence of the events associated with its introduction (including multiple introductions), founder effects, and the proportion of sexual to apomictic reproduction within populations.Key words: invasive vine, apomixis, multilocus genotypes, clonal diversity and evenness, Bryonia alba, Cucurbitaceae.

Clonal diversity within and among introduced populations of the apomictic vine <i>Bryonia alba</i> (Cucurbitaceae)

Clonal diversity within and among introduced populations of the apomictic vine <i>Bryonia alba</i> (Cucurbitaceae)

Lectin from Bryonia alba Roots

A method has been developed for isolating and purifying lectin fromBryonia albaroots. Proteins with molecular weights from 45 to 67 kDa dominate in the partially purified lectin. The carbohydrate selectivity places the lectin in the galactose-specific group.

On the mechanism of action of plant adaptogens with particular reference to cucurbitacin R diglucoside.

Cucurbitacin R diglucoside (DCR), one of the active principles of Bryonia alba L. root was found to have an effect on the production of corticosteroids and the biosynthesis of eicosanoids in the adrenal cortex, isolated adrenocortical cells, blood plasma, and leukocytes under stress and stress-free conditions in vitro and vivo. DCR prevents stress-induced alterations of eicosanoids in blood and moderately stimulates the adrenal cortex to adapt organism to stress, because a moderate increase in corticosteroid secretion protects the defense system of organisms from becoming hyperactive. DCR enhances sensitivity to stress due to the effects of eicosanoids and corticosteroids.

Restoration of the disordered glucose-fatty acid cycle in alloxan-diabetic rats by trihydroxyoctadecadienoic acids from Bryonia alba, a native Armenian medicinal plant.

We studied how administration of trihydroxyoctadecadienoic acids obtained from the roots of the native Armenian plant Bryonia alba L. (0.05 mg/kg/day for 15 days. i.m.) restores the disordered lipid metabolism of alloxan-diabetic rats. Diabetes was accompanied by an increase in total non-esterified fatty acid content of blood together with decreases in muscle and adipose tissue of total non-esterified fatty acids and triglycerides, together with marked alterations of phospholipid fatty acid distribution within the membranes from muscle, including increased short chain fatty acid and decreased arachidonate content. All these metabolic changes induced in diabetes were significantly restored by trihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid treatment towards their normal values (P < 0.005) with the exception of diminished triglyceride content of muscle which was not restored. In experiments on rat neutrophil leukocytes in vitro, it was found that the standardised preparation of Bryonia C-18 fatty acids (a mixture of four diastereoisomeric forms of the positional isomers I 12,13,16-trihydroxy-9Z,14E-octadecadienoic acid, II 12,15,16-trihydroxy-9Z,13E-octadecadienoic acid, III 9,10, 13-trihydroxy-11E,15Z-octadecadienoic acid and IV 9,12,13-trihydroxy-10E,14Z-octadecadienoic acid) had no effect on granular enzyme secretion or 5-lipoxygenase activity at 5-50 micrograms/ml, but dose-dependently reduced thromboxane B2 generation, with a corresponding increase in prostaglandin E2 release. We conclude that trihydroxyoctadecadienoic acids from B. alba can correct major metabolic abnormalities typical of severe diabetes mellitus, and that they can influence the profile of the formation of stable prostaglandins by actions downstream of prostaglandin endoperoxides.

Allozyme diversity in the apomictic vineBryonia alba (cucurbitaceae): potential consequences of multiple introductions

Bryonia alba (Cucurbitaceae) is a Eurasian herbaceous vine that spreads vegetatively through the production of many stems from a large, tuberous root. The only known U.S. populations of this aggressive apomict are in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Washington and likely stem from deliberate (and subsequent accidental) introductions. To assess levels and patterns of genetic diversity of B. alba across its introduced range, 23 populations were analyzed for allozyme variation using 12 enzyme systems. On average, 14.9% of loci are polymorphic per population (1.19 alleles per locus)—low values compared to other vascular plant taxa. Mean percent polymorphic loci differed among regions, with the highest values in the Washington and northern Idaho region (20.2%) and Montana (19.0%) and lower values in populations from the Utah and southern Idaho region (7.4%). Observed heterozygosity exceeded that expected at Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium in six of 23 populations, and a statistically significant excess of heterozygosity was detected at Pgm‐1 in 18 of 23 populations. The level of population differentiation is high (GST = 0.544); however, the level of differentiation among populations within regions is much lower. These results are consistent with the genetic variation and structure expected for an apomict. Based on the level of genetic differentiation among populations, the current disjunct distribution of B. alba in its new range results from two, and possibly three, separate introductions in the western United States. These introductions may stem, in part, from the vine's 19th century use as a medicinal and ornamental plant.

Flavone C-glycosides from Bryonia alba and B. dioica

Lutonarin was isolated from Bryonia alba and B. dioica. Five further C-glycosides: vitexin, isovitexin, isoorientin, saponarin were isolated from B. dioica together with saponarin caffeic ester, a new natural product.

Trihydroxyoctadecadienoic acids exhibit antiatherosclerotic and antiatherogenic activity

A standardized mixture of isomeric trihydroxy fatty acids (TFA: 12,13,16-trihydroxy-9Z, 14E-octadecadienoic-, 12,15,16-trihydroxy-9Z, 13E-octadecadienoic-, 9,10,13-trihydroxy-HE, 15Z-octadecadienoic-, and 12,13,16-trihydroxy-9,14Z-octadecadienoic acid), isolated from Bryonia alba L. roots, were found to exhibit antiatherosclerotic (reducing atherosclerotic manifestations) effects as studied in the cell culture obtained from atherosclerotic plaques of the human aorta. TFA, in a concentration range of 10(-8)-10(-4) M, reduced the total cholesterol content to a higher extent than nifedipine, and inhibited the [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation into the cultivated cells. The experiments with deendothelized rabbit aorta also demonstrated that TFA exhibit an antiatherogenic (preventive) effect resulting in a decreased intima thickness and restricted adhesion of blood cells to the surface of the vessel lumen.

The commercial seed trade: An early disperser of weeds in the United States

Seeds, bulbs, and cuttings of exotic plant species, including plants cultivated exclusively as ornamentals, were being advertised for sale in printed circulars in the United States by 1800. By the end of the 19th century seed trade catalogs were prolific and often listed dozens of exotic species that were already naturalized in the U.S. or new introductions from foreign suppliers. Among the species routinely offered for sale were many now considered noxious (e.g.,Berberis vulgaris, Eichhornia crassipes, Isatis tinctoria) or at least undesirable (e.g.,Cannabis sativa, Eleusine indica, Lysimachia nummularia). This commerce was not only responsible for the introduction and spread of some species earlier than previously recognized (e.g.,Bryonia alba, Schinus terebinthifolius) but also caused the deliberate distribution of other species assumed to have been spread by accident alone (e.g.,Aegilops cylindrica, Bromus briziformis, Bromus mollis). Seedsmen’s introduction of substantial genetic variation through repeated introductions, inadvertent directional selection for local races in their gardens, their widespread use of seeds (compared to cuttings or non-fertile plant material), and the sowing of seeds at high density under cultivation all enhanced the opportunity for eventual naturalizations. The largely unrecognized proliferation of this industry in the 19th century and the ready access that consumers had to these species via mail order contributed to the rapid and extensive dissemination of at least 139 alien species throughout the United States.

The effect of homœopathic medicines on yeast growth

A reproducible method for testing the effect of homœopathic medicines on yeast cultures is described. Potencies of Sulphur, Arnica montana, Chamomilla, Bryonia alba, Euphrasia officinalis, and Pulsatilla were tested for theri effect on the rate of growth of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. No significant differences were found between the growth rate of test and control samples.

Effect of trihydroxyoctadecadiene acids fromBryonia alba L. on activity of glycogen metabolism enzymes in alloxan diabetes

It was shown previously in experiments on white rats with alloxan diabetes that trihydroxyoctadecadiene acids from Bryonia alba L. have a hypoglycemic action. The present paper is concerned with the effects of the above-indicated compounds on the activity of glycogen phosphorylase (a- and b-forms), phosphoprotein phosphatase and hexokinase in liver and muscle tissues of white rats with alloxan diabetes. One of the possible mechanisms of the hypoglycemic action of trihydroxyoctadecadiene acids is discussed.

Unsaturated polyhydroxy acids having prostaglandin-like activity from Bryonia alba II. Major components.

The eight major components of the fraction of unsaturated polyhydroxy fatty acids, isolated from BRYONIA ALBA L. roots, were identified as four diastereoisomeric pairs of 9,12,13-trihydroxy-trans-10, cis-15-octadecadienoic, 12,15,16-trihydroxy-cis-9, trans-13-octadecadienoic, 9,10,13-trihydroxy-trans-11, cis-15-octadecadienoic and 12,13,16-trihydroxy-cis-9, trans-14-octadecadienoic acids. Their mixture displayed prostaglandin-like activity. The possible biogenetic pathways of these compounds are discussed.

Cucurbitacine als stathmokinetische Wirkstoffe

A synergism of colchicine and different cucurbitacins has been shown, to be a cause in the formation of ball-metaphases in Bryonia species. The bitter principles cucurbitacin L and I, dihydrocucurbitacin B, and tetrahydrocucurbitacin I, which were examined more closely with respect to their karyological effects, were shown to give rise to C-metaphases in Hordeum and Vicia at concentrations of about 0.016 per cent. On the one hand the number of mitotic stages is reduced, and on the other hand there is an increase of metaphase stages. Higher concentrations lead to pycnotic degenerations of nuclei and are toxic. When colchicine is applied together with cucurbitacins, ball-metaphases result. This could be demonstrated in plants lacking colchicine and cucurbitacins (Hordeum) when both substances were applied at the same time. Ball-metaphases also appear in plants containing cucurbitacins (Bryonia alba, B. dioica, Citrullus colocythis, Iberis amara) when they are treated with colchicine.

Conjugated fatty acids in some cucurbitaceae seed oils.

Punicic acid was identified as a component of the seed oils of Cyclanthera explodens (26%) and Cayaponia africana (38%). α-Eleostearic acid was identified in Momordica dioica (55%) and its occurrence in Telfairia occidentalis (7 and 12%) was confirmed. Evidence of conjugated acids was noted in Fevillea peruviana and Bryonia alba. The oils of four other species of Cucurbitaceae had no conjugated acids. The distribution pattern of fatty acids in this family is discussed.

Mitteilung über Bryonia alba

Archiv der PharmazieVolume 146, Issue 2 p. 150-159 Article Mitteilung über Bryonia alba G. F. Walz, G. F. WalzSearch for more papers by this author G. F. Walz, G. F. WalzSearch for more papers by this author First published: 1858 https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.18581460206AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume146, Issue21858Pages 150-159 RelatedInformation