Combined Anthraquinone Research Articles

Research on contents of anthraquinones in Cassiae Semen by principal component analysis

Cassiae Semen is a common traditional Chinese medicine, and contents of anthraquinones of Cassiae Semen different significantly from area to area. According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 edition), only contents of aurantio obtusin and chrysophanol were used to evaluate the quality of Cassiae Semen, another data could be added later. Ten batches of Cassiae Semen from different areas were determined, and total anthraquinones, total free anthraquinones and total combined anthraquinones contents were assessed by ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer, contents of aurantio obtusin, rhein, aloe emodin, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion were determined by HPLC. After that, principal components analysis was used to evaluate these data determined previous by dimension reduction analysis. At last, the result suggests that three main components were found out, it shows that content of aloe emodin could be used to evaluate the quality of Cassiae Semen as well as contents of aurantio obtusin and chrysophanol. And Cassiae Semen from Hebei province posseses higher quality than Cassiae Semen from other different areas. All these results can provide a good reference for quality evaluating of Cassiae Semen medicinal materials at a certain extent.

Understanding differences between Rheum palmatum and R. franzenbachii from perspective of chemistry, efficacy and toxicity

Rheum franzenbachii (called Tudahuang in local) has some similarities with R. palmatum (rhubarb) collected by "China Pharmacopoeia" and is often used as a substitute of rhubarb. Can Tudahuang simply replace rhubarb in the application or whether is there difference between Tudahuang and rhubarb, and what is the difference it is important to verify the difference and understand its proper application in the field of clinical practice. In this paper, we discussed the differences of the two herbs from the views of chemistry, efficacy and toxicity based on the author's previous research work as well as literatures, by using the major role of the rhubarb "diarrhea" as the basic point. The analysis result showed that the role of diarrhea Tudahuang was much weaker than that of rhubarb. The reason lies in the difference between the contents of combined anthraquinones component. While acute toxicity in mice of Tudahuang is stronger than that of rhubarb. Thus, Tudahuang should not simply replace rhubarb in practice.

Application of microscopy technique and high performance liquid chromatography for quality assessment of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Heshouwu).

Background:The technique of microscopy has been applied for identification of Chinese materia medica (CMM) since decades. However, very few scientific publications report the combination of conventional microscopy and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques for further application to quality assessment of CMM.Objective:The objective of this study is to analyze the quality of the dried root tuber of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Heshouwu) and to establish the relationships between 2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-glucoside, combined anthraquinone (CAQ) and quantity of clusters of calcium oxalate.Materials and Methods:In this study, microscopy and HPLC techniques were applied to assess the quality of P. multiflorum Thunb., and SPSS software was used to establish the relationship between microscopic characteristics and chemical components.Results:The results showed close and direct correlations between the quantity of clusters of calcium oxalate in P. multiflorum Thunb. and the contents of 2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-glucoside and CAQ. From these results, it can be deduced that Polygoni Multiflori Radix with a higher quantity of clusters of calcium oxalate should be of better quality.Conclusion:The established method can be helpful for evaluating the quality of CMM based upon the identification and quantitation of chemical and ergastic substance of cells.

In vitro antibacterial efficacy of crude ethanolic leaf extract and alkaloidal fractions of Phyllanthus amarus on URO-pathogens.

The phytochemistry and in vitro antibacterial efficacy of crude ethanolic leaf extract and alkaloidal fractions of Phyllanthus amarus on the Gram positive ( Streptococcus sp, Staphylococcus aureus ; Coagulase negative Staphylococcus sp and Enterococcus faecalis ) and Gram negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp.; Serratia marcescens ; Klebsiella sp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) isolated from mid stream urine were carried out using standard microbiological and disc diffusion techniques. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic leaf extracts of P. amarus revealed the presence of phyto-constituents such as alkaloids (+++), tannins (+++), saponins (++), flavonoids (++), cardiac glycoside (+), free anthraquinones (++), deoxy-Sugar test (+) and phlobatanins (+), while combined anthraquinones was not detected. The results showed that P. amarus extracts exhibited varying degrees of inhibitory effects against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria isolated from urine samples. Highest mean zones of inhibition (14.3 + 1.0 mm) and activity index (0.97) were obtained at 40.0mgml -1 among the Gram positive bacteria, while the highest mean zones of inhibition (14.5 + 0.5mm) and activity index (1.12) at 40.0mgml -1 were obtained among the Gram negative. The results also showed that Coagulase negative Staphylococcus sp (CS03) was not sensitive to both 20.0mg/ml -1 of crude extracts of P. amarus and alkaloidal fractions. Among the Gram negative, Enterobacter sp (ES03) was not sensitive to 20.0mg/ml -1 of crude extracts of P. amarus , alkaloidal fractions and Streptomycin. Therefore, there is a need to consider the use of this potent ethanolic leaf extracts and the alkaloids for developing synthetic drugs against uro-pathogens.

Antimicrobial activity of six selected plants against some strains fof pathogenic organisms

Crude ethanolic extracts selected six Nigerian plants based on ethnobotanical reports of their antifungal and antibacterial actions were subjected to phytochemical and antimicrobial screening. All the six plants namely Acalypha fimbriata, Glaphae brevis, Vernonia amygdalina, Struchium sparganophora, Celosia argentea and Amaranthus spinosus were screened against strains of Candida albicans, Trichophyton metagophyte, Malassezia furfur, Aspergillus flavus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. The seventy percent (70%) aqueous ethanolic extract of A. finbriata was found to possess greatest activities against the pathogenic fungi; C. albicans, T. metagophyte, M. furfur and A. flavus at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50 mg/ml. While V. amygdalina and S. sparganophora showed better antibacterial activity of MIC values of 25 to 50 mg/ml than A. finbriata which exhibited wider spectrum of activity against the three pathogenic bacteria of MIC 100 mg/ml. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins and combined anthraquinones in A. finbriata which justifies its antimicrobial activities as portrayed in this test. The results of this work justify the ethnobotanical uses of these plants in traditional medicine in Nigeria. Key words: Nigerian plants, antimicrobial, phytochemical screening

In vitro antisickling activities and phytochemical evaluation of Plumbago zeylanica and Uvaria chamae

The roots of Plumbago zeylanica (Plumbaginaceae) and Uvaria chamae(Annonaceae) have been used in folklore medicine in the management of sickle-cell disease (SCD) in South-West Nigeria. Using both crude methanol extract and its aqueous fraction, in vitro antisickling activities of these plant parts were evaluated using p-hydroxybenzoic acid and normal saline as positive and negative controls, respectively. Phytochemical screening of the investigated plant specimens revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponnins, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides free and combined anthraquinones. Extracts/fractions of P. zeylanica had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) antisickling activity at the tested concentrations of 10.0, 1.0 and 0.1 mg/ml. Therefore, the use of these plants by the traditional medical practitioners in the treatment of SCD in Ogun State, Nigeria is justified. The implication of these results is in defining the role of each plant specimen in traditional recipes for SCD management and drug development is presented. Key words: Antisickling activity, phytochemicals, Plumbago zeylanica, sickle cell disease, Uvaria chamae.

Analysis of anthraquinone contents and antimicrobial evaluation of the pods of Senna alata (Linn.) Roxb. and Senna podocarpa (Guill. &amp; Perr.) Lock. (Fabaceae)

Senna alata and Senna podocarpa are two medicinal plants that have long been used as laxative and treatment of skin diseases. The pods have not been investigated for antimicrobial activity. This study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial properties and analysis of the anthraquinone contents of the pods. The antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of the two Senna species pods were evaluated by agar diffusion method using these organisms: bacteria –Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus; and fungi –Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum. The ethanolic extract of S. alata exhibited antibacterial activity against B. subtilis - zone of inhibition at 250mg/ml was 19mm while the zones of inhibition for S. podocarpa against B. subtilis and E. coli at 125mg/ml was 17mm and 20mm respectively. The two Senna species inhibited only one fungus, T. rubrum - the zone of inhibition at 125mg/ml was 14mm for S. alata and 23mm for S. podocarpa. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis of the anthraquinone contents of the Senna species pods using solvent system – Benzene: ethyl acetate: glacial acetic acid (7:2:1) and aluminum coated silica gel plates showed the presence of both free and combined anthraquinone while UV analysis showed that the percentage of combined anthraquinone for S. alata was 0.004% w/w and 0.0303% w/w for S. podocarpa. Official Senna pod used as standard had a value of 0.133% w/w.

The Correlation Between Bioactive Components of Fallopia multiflora Root and Environmental Factors

Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) Harald, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, is used in treating dizziness. In this study, the samples of F. multiflora from ten different locations were collected, and five bioactive components (2, 3, 5, 4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucoside, emodin, emodin-8-O-beta-D-glucoside, physcion and physcion-8-O-beta-D-glucoside) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. The correlations between 17 environmental factors and 5 bioactive components were analyzed. The results showed that the highest contents of bioactive components were in samples from Deqing, and the lowest in samples from Tianyang, which indicated that the quality of F. multiflora grown in Deqing was superior, while that grown in Tianyang was inferior. Emodin content was negatively correlated with the average temperature in January (p < 0.01) and the accumulated temperature (p < 0.01). Physician content was also negatively correlated with the average temperature in January (P < 0.01), the accumulated temperature (p < 0.05) and the organic matter (p < 0.05). However, emodin was positively correlated with the soil available K (p < 0.05) and Zn (p < 0.01). The results of stepwise regression showed that the accumulated temperature was the main factor influencing the contents of emodin and physcion. However, none of the environmental factors had significant correlation with 2, 3, 5, 4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucoside, emodin-8- O-beta-D-glucoside and physcion-8-O-beta-D-glucoside. In conclusion, some environmental factors have significant influence on the content of dissociated anthraquinones, while some have no influence on that of combined anthraquinones.

Comparative Pharmacognostic Studies on Aloe schweinfurthii and Aloe vera (Aloeceae) Leaves

In the modern era, herbs are found to be potential medicine for a variety of diseases. The usage of herbal drugs has increased in both developing and developed counties due their natural origin and minimal side effects. At present, the standardization of herbal drugs and herbal preparations is a priority area for Nigerian government and also Nigerian pharmaceutical industries. The Aloe plant (family, Aloeceae) has been used all over the world for many years for various medicinal and health purposes. Studies on the macro- and micro-morphology of the leaves of Aloe schweinfurthii Baker and those of Aloe vera (Linn.) Burm. f., (a world acknowledged Aloe species), were carried out for comparative identification, authentication, chemo-microscopy, quantitative microscopy and phytochemical profiles that could be incorporated into their monographs in the proposed Nigerian Herbal Pharmacopoeia (NHP). The results showed that both Aloe species possessed many similarities in epidermal characteristics with the ranunculaceous stomata that is more abundant in A. schweinfurthii. The TS of A. vera is clearly distinguished from A. schweinfurthii with the presence of calcium oxalate and raphides. Physical evaluation points out that the total ash value of the dried leaf, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, water soluble extractive and alcohol soluble extractive values of A.&#146;schweinfurthii are greater than that of A. vera. General phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extracts of both Aloe species revealed similarities in the presence of free and combined anthraquinones, starch, flavonoids, steroidal and phenolic compounds.

Identification of Natural Compounds with Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Activity from Rheum palmatum L. Ethanol Extract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a severe health problem in the world; however, there is still no satisfactory therapeutic strategy for the HBV infection. In search for new anti-HBV agents with higher efficiency and less side effects, the anti-HBV activities of traditional Chinese medicine Rheum palmatum L. ethanol extract (RPE) and isolated anthraquinones were evaluated. Methods: The anti-HBV activities of RPE and isolated anthraquinones were demonstrated in a stable HBV-producing cell line HepG2 2.2.15 by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Southern blot analysis. Results: RPE could inhibit HBV-DNA production and HBsAg expression in a dose-dependent manner. The concentration of 50% HBV-DNA inhibition (IC₅₀) of RPE was calculated at 212.36 ± 11 µg/ml. Six anthraquinones were isolated from RPE by using RP-HPLC. Five free anthraquinones showed weakly or slightly inhibitory activities against HBV. The only combined anthraquinone chrysophanol 8-O-β-D-glucoside exhibited significant activity against HBV DNA production and antigens expression with an IC₅₀ value of 36.98 ± 2.28 µg/ml on HBV DNA inhibition. Endogenous HBV DNA polymerase activity assay indicated that chrysophanol 8-O-β-D-glucoside might be a potential inhibitor of the HBV DNA polymerase. Conclusions: The results suggested that RPE could effectively inhibit HBV. The combined anthraquinone chrysophanol 8-O-β-D-glucoside is the major active compound in RPE and could be a promising candidate for the development of new anti-HBV drugs in the treatment of HBV infection.

Epidermal and Phytochemical Studies in the Genus Boerhavia (Nyctaginaceae) in Nigeria

AbstractBoerhavia species are widely used in African traditional medicine. Four species of the genus occurring in Nigeria have been investigated morphologically and phytochemically. Epidermal cells are either polygonal in shape with straight anticlinal walls or irregular with curved or undulate walls. The cells are variable in size and thickness both within and among species. Anomocytic stomata are found in all species except in B. difffusa where a mixture of both anomocytic and anisocytic types occur. Trichomes are uniseriate and unbranched but are variable in size, distribution and abundance. These features are discussed in relation to the practical identification of the taxa. Phytochemically, screening showed that all species contain flavonoid or phenolic constituents while only traces of alkaloids and tannins are present. Free or combined anthraquinones and saponins were not detectable in any of the four taxa screened.

Chemical and biological analyses of Nigerian Cassia species for laxative activity

The leaves of 10 Cassia species (Leguminosae), cultivated in Nigeria, were assayed spectrophotometrically for combined anthraquinone content and also pharmacologically for their laxative properties in male albino rats using official senna leaves ( Cassia acutifolia Del.) as the reference standard. Leaves of C. podocarpa Guill. and Perr. and of senna had identical laxative potency. The results of both the chemical and the biological experiments suggested that C. alata L. and C. podocarpa are the most likely candidates for drug development in Nigeria. The use of a laxative index is proposed for the comparative study of Cassia (or any plant species) and its possible application to the quality control of these drugs is discussed.