Ethanol Extract Of Dried Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. for musculoskeletal pain treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDerris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. has been used as active ingredient in Thai traditional medicine recipes for pain treatment. Dry stem powder and ethanolic extract also recommended in Thailand National List of Essential Medicines (NLEMs) for musculoskeletal pain treatment as herbal medicine. However, no summarization of clinical effect and safety has been evaluated. ObjectiveOur study aimed to determine the clinical effects and safety of D. scandens for musculoskeletal pain treatment compared with standard regimen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). MethodsInternational and Thai databases were searched from inception through August 2015. Comparative randomized controlled trials investigating oral D. scandens for musculoskeletal pain were included. Outcomes of interest included level of pain and adverse event. Mean changes of the outcomes from baseline were compared between D. scandens and NSAIDs by calculating mean difference. ResultsFrom 42 articles identified, 4 studies involving a total of 414 patients were included for efficacy analysis. The effects of oral D. scandens on reducing pain score were no different from those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at any time points (3, 7, 14 days and overall). The overall pain reduction in the D. scandens group was not inferior to treatment with NSAIDs (weighted mean difference 0.06; 95% CI: −0.20, 0.31) without evident of heterogeneity (I2=0.00%, p=0.768). When compared, the adverse events (AEs) of D. scandens showed no different relative risk with NSAIDs. The major adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms. ConclusionD. scandens may be considered as an alternative for musculoskeletal pain reduction.

Preclinical Evaluation of the <i>Enceliacanescens Lam</i> Extract: Medicinal Properties useful for Cancer Treatment

<em>Encelia canescens Lam</em> (nv: mancapaqi, mataloba, matalobo, mucle, or “coronilla de fraile”) is a 30-80-cm high shrubby perennial plant that grows in the Atacama and Coquimbo regions of Chile up to 1,700 m above the sea. The present research was performed to examine the toxicological, antioxidant and antitumoural properties of aqueous and ethanol <em>Encelia canescens Lam</em> extracts. Our results revealed the presence of saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, coumarins and tannins. The total phenolic compound contents were 19±1.14 mg/g tannic acid in the aqueous extract and 23±1.60 mg/g tannic acid in the ethanol extract. The total flavonoid contents were 0.15±0.02 mg/g quercetinin the aqueous extract and 0.13±0.06 mg/g quercetinin the ethanol extract. Based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays, the antioxidant capacities were 354±23 µmol trolox/100 g of the dry ethanol extract and 303±15 µmol trolox/100 g of the dry aqueous extract. Using 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, the antioxidant capacities were 2,354±568 µmol trolox/100 g of the dry ethanol extract and 1,856±453 µmol trolox/100 g of the aqueous extract. Neither of the extracts exhibited toxicity in the acute topical and oral toxicity tests on the rodents. Antiproliferative studies with cultures of SaOS-2 cells revealed substantial inhibitory effects of both extracts. Moreover, an<em> in vivo</em> antitumour assay revealed that the aqueous extractat a dose of 16 mg/kg x day and the lyophilized extract at a dose of 4 and 8 mg/kg x day efficiently increased the survival of mice with tumours, and the lyophilized extract was able to significantly reduce tumour size at adose of 8 mg/kg x day. Therefore, the results of the present study established that extracts of <em>Encelia canescens Lam</em> have antitumour activities. Considering the properties of <em>Encelia canescens Lam</em> revealed in this preclinical evaluation, clinical studies approved by the health authorities should be performed to examine the efficacy and safety of extracts of this plant in cancer patients.

The Anticandidal and Toxicity Properties of Lampranthus francisci

Fungal infections have been rising due to the increasing number of immunocompromised patients and intensive use of some antifungal agents. Lampranthus francisci is an ornamental succulent plant. In Zimbabwe, the fresh sap from the leaves is used to treat fungal scalp infections. The activity of L. francisci fresh and dry acetone, ethanol, hydroethanolic, and aqueous extracts against Candida albicans and Candida krusei was determined. Mouse peritoneal cavity cells and sheep red blood cells were used to investigate L. francisci’s toxicity profile. The hydroethanolic extracts were the most effective extracts against C. albicans. The fresh ethanol extract was the most effective extract against C. krusei. The dry acetone extract, dry ethanol extract, and the fresh and dry aqueous extracts promoted the growth of C. krusei. The hydroethanolic extracts caused haemolysis of sheep cells. The hydroethanolic extracts promoted the growth of the mouse peritoneal cavity red blood cells. Both aqueous extracts increased the density of the mouse cells, but only the fresh extract increased the metabolism of the mouse cells. L. francisci has some fungicidal activity and boosts the growth of immune cells, thus validating its use in ethnomedicine. L. francisci extracts are potential leads for the isolation of immune stimulatory compounds.

Atividade antibacteriana de extratos de folhas de Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Araceae)

RESUMO O uso de plantas medicinais no tratamento de doenças é uma estratégia antiga utilizada por praticamente todas as populações do mundo, e, embora novos antibióticos tenham sido desenvolvidos para o controle de micro-organismos infecciosos, às vezes são ineficazes. Diversos extratos de plantas medicinais têm efeitos antimicrobianos, principalmente quando associados à antibióticos de uso clínico, representando alternativa terapêutica para doenças infecciosas. Montrichardia linifera, conhecida popularmente como aninga, é espécie macrófita, aquática emergente de hábito herbáceo, pertencente a família Araceae e ocorre em áreas alagáveis. A utilidade farmacológica desta espécie é diversificada tendo sido relatada como cicatrizante, antirreumático, antidiurético e expectorante. Devido à relevância no campo etnofarmacológico, ampla utilização na medicina popular e escassez de trabalhos relacionados à atividade antibacteriana desta espécie, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a atividade antibacteriana de extratos alcoólicos de folhas de Montrichardia linifera, coletadas na margem do rio Igaraçu, Parnaíba-PI. O extrato foi testado em oito cepas de bactérias: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Foram utilizadas as técnicas de verificação da formação de halos de inibição e determinação das concentrações inibitórias e bactericidas mínimas. Os testes antibacterianos evidenciaram como principais resultados que o extrato metanólico seco (EMS), extrato metanólico fresco (EMF), e o extrato etanólico seco (EES), apresentaram ação antibacteriana, enquanto o extrato etanólico fresco (EEF) não apresentou atividade para as bactérias testadas. O EMS foi o mais eficiente, inibindo o crescimento bacteriano na concentração de 200 μg/mL para E. faecalis, 400 μg/mL para S. aureus, 400 μg/mL para S. epidermidis e 2.000 μg/mL para P. aeruginosa. O EMF obteve CIM de 2.000 μg/mL para E. faecalis e EES obteve CIM de 250 μg/mL para E. faecalis. Os resultados demonstraram que M. linifera constitui fonte eficiente de compostos bioativos antibacterianos. Os estudos sobre as propriedades farmacológicas de plantas da família Araceae são escassos, e os resultados deste trabalho são pioneiros em relação a atividade antibacteriana desta espécie.

English

Air-dried, pulverized leaves of Gongronema latifolium were subjected to step wise fractionation using first, ethanol and subsequently fractionation of the dried ethanol extract using solvents of increasing polarity, n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and ethanol. Column fractionation of the n-hexane extract using graded solvent mixture of n-hexane and ethylacetate in specified ratios, yielded four fractionates, one of which F2 was an oil. The F2 (oil) fraction was characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectral analysis. The effects of this oil fraction on alloxan- induced diabetes mellitus and indomethacin - induced ulceration were studied. The results obtained reveals that oil extract evoked significant inhibition of both alloxan- induced diabetes and indomethacin- induced ulcer in rats. The oil on analysis revealed content of essential fatty acyl esters and aromatic dicarboxylic acids, all of which are implicated in inhibiting hyperglycaemia and ulcer formation probably through oxidative reaction or through production of prostaglandins.   Key words: Gongronema latifolium, essential fatty acids, diabetes mellitus, ulcer, prostaglandins.

Determination of ulcer protecting effect of ethanol extract of Gongronema latifolium in rats

Ethanol extract of dietary vegetable, Gongronema latifolium, was evaluated for anti-ulcer activity. The extract was obtained from air-dried, pulverized leaves of the plant following its maceration in ethanol, filteration with Whatman No 1 filter paper and drying at 110°C. Fractionation of the dry crude ethanol extract was stepwisely carried out in with n-hexane, chloroform and ethylacetate, respectively, and their residual ethanol extract washed several times in ethanol. The four fractions were dried at low temperature and stored for use. The anti-ulcer activity of the crude extract was tested on indomethacin-induced and acid/ethanol-induced models of ulcer induction in rats. The activities of the fraction of the crude ethanol extract with respect, to reduction of ulcer index was evaluated only on indomethacin-induced ulcer model. The crude ethanol extract significantly (p<0.05) inhibited ulceration dose – dependently in the two ulcer models. This inhibition was higher in acid/ethanol model than in the indomethacin–induced ulcer model. The sub-fractions from the crude extract also inhibited ulcer with the chloroform fraction exhibiting the highest ulcer protection. Key words: Gongronema latifolium, ulcer, protection, indomethacin, acid/ethanol.

UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIRADIKAL BEBAS FRAKSI DIETIL ETER BERUWAS LAUT (Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb.) MENGGUNAKAN DPPH

Radical scavenging activity of diethyl ether fraction from sea lettuce tree (Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb.) using DPPH. The of research aims is determine the radical scavenging activity of sea lettuce tree based on the binding of free radical DPPH. Was conducted the research on test radical scavenging activity of sea lettuce tree (Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb.) and then compared with the radical scavenging activity Vitamin C. Five thousand grams of sea lettuce tree (Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb.) extraced by maceration using ethanol. Dry ethanol extract was partitioned with solid-liquid partition, using diethyl ether and then tested for activity and was obtained radical scavenging IC 50 value 27,06 µg/mL. Key Word : Radical Scavenging, Scaevola taccada, DPPH

UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIRADIKAL BEBAS FRAKSI DIETIL ETER BERUWAS LAUT (Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb.) MENGGUNAKAN DPPH

Radical scavenging activity of diethyl ether fraction from sea lettuce tree (Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb.) using DPPH. The of research aims is determine the radical scavenging activity of sea lettuce tree based on the binding of free radical DPPH. Was conducted the research on test radical scavenging activity of sea lettuce tree (Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb.) and then compared with the radical scavenging activity Vitamin C. Five thousand grams of sea lettuce tree (Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb.) extraced by maceration using ethanol. Dry ethanol extract was partitioned with solid-liquid partition, using diethyl ether and then tested for activity and was obtained radical scavenging IC 50 value 27,06 µg/mL. Key Word : Radical Scavenging, Scaevola taccada, DPPH

Supercritical CO2 extraction of raw propolis and its dry ethanolic extract

Three types of propolis extract were prepared and analyzed with respect to their global extraction yields and with respect to the concentration of the following markers: 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid; 3-prenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid; 4-hydroxycinnamic acid and 4-methoxy-3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone. The extract EEP (ethanolic extract of propolis) was obtained by the conventional method from raw propolis using ethanol as solvent. The extracts (SFE) were obtained by supercritical solvent extraction from the raw propolis using supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2), with and without the addition of ethanol as a co-solvent. The fractionated supercritical extracts (FSCE) were obtained by fractionation (extract and raffinate) of the dry EEP with sc-CO2. EEP yields of 39.5% were obtained and maximum global extraction yields were 7.3% for SFE with no co-solvent, 51% for SFE with 15% ethanol and 18% for the FSCE extract fraction. The concentrations of the markers in the different extracts differed as a function of the operational parameters, indicating that the addition of co-solvent and the selectivity of sc-CO2 could be manipulated so as to obtain extracts with the yields and concentrations of interest.

Detección de metabolitos secundarios en Ambrosia peruviana Willd y determinación de la actividad antibacteriana y antihelmíntica

Ambrosia peruviana has been reported as an anti-infective and anti-parasitic plant in the ethno-pharmacological environment. Given the high rates of bacterial and parasitic resistance against commercial drugs recorded, we performed the preliminary phytochemical screening following Sanabria's method and biological tests against clinical bacterial isolates, dog parasites, and Artemia salina.Cytotoxicity tests in Artemia salina were carried out by exposing adults to extracts of varied concentrations. The antibacterial activity was performed using the disk diffusion method and CIM. Toxocara canis nematodes were kept in Ringer's lactate supplemented with 10% RPMI and 1X ATM. The embryo generation percentage of eggs released into the culture medium was evaluated adding ethanol and aqueous extracts of dried A. peruviana. The tests of A. peruviana against helminths were performed by immersing adults in a medium supplemented with dried ethanol extract (at various concentrations) and fractions rich in alkaloids.Phytochemical screening allowed preliminary identification of alkaloids, cardiotonic glucosides, quinones, flavonoids, carbohydrates, tannins and saponins. The LC50 for dry ethanol extract was 64.2μg/ml, while for the aqueous extract was 840.4μg/ml. The extracts did not show antibacterial activity. T. canis adults showed motility decrease against dried extracts, not so in alkaloid fraction where they died after a 4h exposure. The use of extracts from A. Peruviana over Toxocara canis eggs caused a decrease in the percentage of embryo generation, which did not depend on the extract observed but on the concentration used.

Some therapeutic effects of herbal based ointment „Dermoplant G„on venous ulcers

Venous ulcers (ulcus cruris venosum) are a common chronic disease requiring continuing treatment, significantly influencing patients' way of life. After the first signs like heavy and achy legs, ankle and leg swelling, the disease progresses, and the patient frequently develops leg ulcers, which can become infected. We tested the therapeutic effects of the ointment „Dermoplant G„on the epithelization (reducing the affected area, ulcers score and microbial flora) of venous ulcers in 10 human patients (4 men and 6 women) during 7 weeks. The major components of the ointment were dry water extract of Allii bulbus, dry ethanol extract of Hyperici herba and oil extract of Calendulae flos. The patients were older than 18 years, with ulceration no longer then 2 months or with recurrent ulcers during last 6 months, localized in lower leg. The involved patients did not use any other phytomedicine or supportive therapy. The parameters were evaluated before the treatment (after clinical diagnosis of venous ulcers), and every 2 weeks during the period of 7 weeks. The ulcers score was evaluated on the basis of epithelization, granulation (0-very marked, 1-moderate marked, 2-little marked, 3-no effect), fibrin deposits, exudation and eczema (0-no effect, 1-little expressed, 2-good expressed, 3- very expressed). The percentage of epithelization of venous ulcers was 61,53±28,26 after 7 weeks, without significant effects on microbial flora (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). After 7 weeks of treatment, the ulcers score and symptoms score improvement was almost maximal-99,0%. The total score of treatment with „Dermoplant G“ was 86,37% after 7 weeks.

Effect of sanguinarine from the leaves of Macleaya cordata against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

The ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is one of the most pathogenic parasites of fish maintained in captivity. In this study, effects of crude extracts, fractions, and compounds from the leaves of Macleaya cordata against I. multifiliis were investigated under in vitro conditions by bioactivity-guided isolation method. The dried ethanol extract of M. cordata was extracted successively in a separating funnel with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and n-butanol. Among them, only the chloroform extract showed promising activity and therefore, was subjected to further separation and purification using various chromatographic techniques. Four compounds were isolated from chloroform extract, but only one compound showed potent activity. The structure of the active compound was elucidated as sanguinarine by hydrogen, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum and electron ionization mass spectrometry. In vitro antiparasitic efficacy tests exhibited that sanguinarine was 100% effective against I. multifiliis at a concentration of 0.7mg l(-1), with LC(50) and LC(90) values of 0.437 and 0.853mg l(-1) after 4h of exposure. In vivo antiparasitic efficacy tests showed that the number of I. multifiliis on the gills in the treatment group (in 0.9mg l(-1) sanguinarine) was reduced by 96.8%, in comparison to untreated group at 25°C for 48h. Mortality of fish did not occur in the treatment group during the trail, although 40% of untreated fish died. Our results indicate that the studied plant extracts, as well as sanguinarine might be potential sources of new antiparasitic drug for the control of I. multifiliis.

Inhibition of winter seedling raising in greenhouse of prematurebolting in Angelica sinensis

To study the inhibition effect of winter seedling raising in sunlight-greenhouse on premature bolting of Angelica sinensis. One factor of sowing date with 4 levels was tested at random design with 3 repeats. Sowing date of winter seedling raising had an important effect on seedling growth, seedling mature, plant growth, premature bolting, yield, quality, and extreme significant effect on yield. The bolting date of winter raised seedlings started in middle of July, 50 d later than tranditional seedlings, and bolting peck date was in the last ten days of July, 40 d later than the traditional seedlings. The highest ratio of premature bolting for winter raised seedlings was 1%, and the lowest was 0. A. sinensis roots sowed in November 28 had the highest yield, root dry ratio, ethanol extract, essential oil and ferulic acid contents compared to that in other sowing dates. The best sowing time was from end of November to middle of December. Premature bolting of A. sinensis could be greatly inhibited by winter seedling raising, end of November to middle of December would be the best sowing time for winter seedling raising in greenhouse.

SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE SELECTIVITY TO FRACTIONATE PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM THE DRY ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PROPOLIS

ABSTRACT The global yield and composition of extracts obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction from a dry ethanolic extract of propolis were measured in order to determine the possibility of using SC‐CO2 to fractionate components of interest present in these extracts. The global yield extraction was measured, and also the concentrations of the following phenolic compounds in the resulting supercritical fluid extracts (SFEs): 3,5‐diprenyl‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (known as artepillin C), 3‐prenyl‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid, 4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (p‐coumaric acid) and 4‐methoxy‐3,5,7‐trihydroxyflavone (kaempferide), of which artepillin C was the target component of greatest interest. The results showed extraction yields between 3.82 (at 150 bar) and 13.07% (at 350 bar), which could be highly correlated with the density of the SC‐CO2 at a constant temperature of 60C. The resulting concentrations in the SFE indicated that the selectivity of the carbon dioxide could be manipulated, and it was more selective at lower pressures, although with lower extraction yields.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSupercritical fluid extraction is an interesting process for the production of natural extracts because it is a clean process, and extractions using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the solvent have been gaining attention in recent years. This study presented important aspects with respect to the fractionation of a dry ethanolic extract of propolis using supercritical carbon dioxide, and it is important to explore the potential applications of propolis extracts and the biological properties of its fractions in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, such as in dental hygiene products, wound healing creams and antibacterial soaps.

Potential of Psidium guajava Supplemented Fish Diets in Controlling Aeromonas hydrophila Infection in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Fourteen herbs were extracted in water, 95% ethanol, and ether, and tested in vitro for antimicrobial activities against Aeromonas hydrophila, a fish pathogen causing motile Aeromonas septicemia. Using swab paper disc assays and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations, we noted that the ethanol extract of Psidium guajava leaf exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity. The extract allowed growth-inhibited A. hydrophila cells to regrow in fresh BHI broth indicating a bacteriostatic mode of action. In a pathogenicity test, the median lethal dose (LD(50)) of A. hydrophila for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by intraperitoneal injection was 3.44 x 10(6) CFU/ml. In vivo experiments showed that fish diets containing either dry leaf powder of P. guajava or dried ethanol extract of P. guajava leaf reduced mortality of A. hydrophila infected tilapia with no detected adverse effect on the fish. This study suggests that P. guajava leaf has the potential to control fish diseases caused by A. hydrophila.

Effect of Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) on cholesterol gallstones and bile secretion in hamsters

Larrea tridentata (Sesse and Moc. ex DC.) Coville is used for the treatment of gallstones in traditional Mexican medicine. The possible prevention or elimination of gallstones by ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves and twigs of L. tridentata was tested in hamsters fed a rich carbohydrate, fat-free diet. In addition, the effects of the ethanolic extract and its main metabolite, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, on bile secretion in the perfused liver were tested. In the experiment on prevention of gallstones, the dry ethanolic extract at a level of 0.5% of diet completely inhibited gallstone formation, lowered biliary moles percent cholesterol and increased the proportion of chenodeoxycholic acid of hepatic bile. The dry aqueous extract at a level of 1% of diet did not affect gallstone frequency or biliary parameters. In the experiment on elimination of gallstones, the ethanolic extract significantly reduced gallstone frequency, gallbladder bile cholesterol concentration and moles percent cholesterol. Both the ethanolic extract and nordihydroguaiaretic acid had cholestatic effects in the perfused liver, with an EC50 of 34 and 28 mg dL-1, respectively, when perfused for 10 min. This effect was reversible with concentrations up to 40 mg dL-1. The results indicate that L. tridentata could be useful in the treatment of gallstone disease, however care must be taken due to its hepatotoxicity.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Polygonum cognatum Meissn extracts

AbstractThe antioxidant activities, reducing powers, 2,2‐diphenyl‐l‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activities, total phenolic compound contents and antimicrobial activities of ether, ethanol and hot water extracts of Polygonum cognatum Meissn were studied in vitro. The highest antioxidant activity was found in the water extract. However, there were no statistically significant differences among 15 µg ml−1 extract‐containing samples in linoleic acid emulsion (0.02 M, pH 7.0) during 120 h of incubation (P &gt; 0.05). The reducing power of the water extract was the highest, but its reducing power was markedly lower than that of ascorbic acid. The highest DPPH radical‐scavenging activity was found in the water extract, with 50% DPPH radical scavenging at a concentration of 100 µg ml−1 dried water extract, while at the same concentration of dried ethanol extract the value was 12%. Surprisingly, no DPPH radical‐scavenging activity was observed in the ether extract. The concentrations of phenolic compounds found were 0.48, 0.50 and 0.01 µg ml−1 gallic acid equivalent in 10 µg ml−1 water, ethanol and ether extracts respectively. The ether and ethanol extracts showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The water extract did not show antimicrobial activity against the studied micro‐organisms.© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry

Antihepatotoxic activity of Rosmarinus tomentosus in a model of acute hepatic damage induced by thioacetamide.

R. tomentosus is a vegetal species closely related to the culinary rosemary (R. officinalis), a plant reported to contain antihepatotoxic agents. A dried ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Rosmarinus tomentosus (Lamiaceae) and its major fraction separated by column chromatography (fraction F19) were evaluated for antihepatotoxic activity in rats with acute liver damage induced by a single oral dose of thioacetamide. Silymarin was used as a reference antihepatotoxic substance. Pre-treatment with R. tomentosus ethanol extract, fraction F19 or silymarin significantly reduced the impact of thioacetamide toxicity on plasma protein and urea levels as well as on plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities compared with thioacetamide-treated animals (group T). Pre-treatment with R. tomentosus ethanol extract significantly reduced the impact of thioacetamide damage on alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities compared with group T. Silymarin administration significantly reduced alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities compared with group T. Fraction F19 administration reduced only alkaline phosphatase activity compared with group T. According to these data, R. tomentosus extract shows promising antihepatotoxic activity, suggesting the need to isolate the chemical principles responsible for this activity and to study this activity in a model of thioacetamide-induced cirrhosis.

Pharmacological Study ofCuscuta campestris Yuncker

The dried ethanol extract of the whole plant of Cuscuta campestris Yuncker was studied for its analgesic, antipyretic, antiinflammatory as well as CNS-depressant activities. The extract was given orally at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. A significant protection against the p-benzoquinone-induced writhing response in mice was observed. A marked lowering of the body temperature of both hyperthermic as well as normothermic mice was produced. Therefore, the extract possesses a hypothermic rather than an antipyretic effect. A marked inhibition of the carrageenan-induced rat hind paw oedema was also obtained. Regarding its CNS action, the extract produced a decrease in the motor activity of mice placed on a rotarod. In the conditioned avoidance reaction test the percentage of failure to avoid electric shock was shown to be increased after administration of the extract without any effect on the escape behaviour of the trained rats. Therefore, the CNS-depressant activity of the extract seems to be due to a tranquillizing effect. It could be concluded that the extract possesses analgesic, hypothermic, antiinflammatory as well as CNS-depressant activities.

Bloodgroup simulating activity in aerobic gram-negative oral bacteria cultured from fresh corpses

The gram-negative aerobic oral bacterial flora of 100 consecutive corpses was isolated. After the identification and culturing of the isolated organisms, blood grouping was performed by the haemagglutination inhibition technique on dried culture smears, the dried culture medium and a dried ethanol extract of the bacteria. Forty-seven of the samples showed a gram-negative aerobic bacterial growth, giving 58 microorganisms of 14 different species. Positive blood grouping results were found in two of them ( Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens), both of type B. It is concluded that occasional mistyping of blood groups on saliva and oral material may be caused by the oral gram-negative aerobic flora, especially if the specimens are contaminated or putrefying.