Emblica Extract Research Articles

Antioxidant activity of polyphenolic extract of Phyllanthus emblica against lead acetate induced oxidative stress

Phyllanthus emblica (Euphorbiaceae) possesses a vast ethnomedical history and represents a phytochemical reservoir of heuristic medicinal value. Polyphenolic extract of P. emblica fruits, was investigated for antioxidant potential against lead acetate induced toxicity in female Wistar rats. The liver of female Wistar rats treated with lead acetate at different concentrations showed significant increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Furthermore, lead acetate also caused decrease in reduced glutathione content in rat liver. However, the co-incubation of extract and lead acetate showed significant protection in concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the polyphenolic extract of P. emblica fruits also found to have potent free radical scavenging activity as assessed by reducing power assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (IC50 15.5 μg/mL), superoxide radical (IC50 26 μg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays (IC50 22 μg/mL) under in vitro conditions. Moreover the phytochemical characterization of the extract was also measured by determining total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents. This activity of the extract may be due to the total polyphenolic contents present in it. The present study concluded that a polyphenolic rich fraction of P. emblica fruits is a potential source of natural antioxidants and thus could prevent oxidative stress induced by heavy metal toxicants.

Antioxidant and Atherogenic Foam cell Prevention Ability of Methanol and Aqueous Extract ofEmblica OfficinalisFruits and Its Effect onCD36andABCA1Gene Expression in RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cell Line

Different solvent extracts of Emblica officinalis fruits were assessed for antioxidant activity, and it was seen that the methanol and water extracts showed the highest activity. Foam cell formation, the basis of atherosclerotic plaque formation, was prevented by only the methanol and water extracts of Emblica and not by acetone, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts in RAW 264.7 cell lines. Gene expression studies showed that CD36 scavenger receptor expression was downregulated and ABCA1 (cholesterol efflux receptor) expression was upregulated in a dose- and timedependent manner with the upregulation seen at 12 and 24 h time points. Highperformance liquid chromatography analysis for methanol and water extracts showed coumaric acid to be the next abundant compound followed by caffeic acid after myricetin and gallic acid, which were also present in other extracts in high amounts. A high correlation was seen between caffeic acid, gallic acid, coumaric acid and total antioxidant capacity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Emblica officinalis fruits, commonly incorporated in various food products, has been known to be a “wonder fruit” since ancient times and has been known to dissolve atherosclerotic plaque in arteries. However, the precise molecular mechanism of its action has not been elucidated yet. Furthermore, a systematic study of the extraction system is yet to be done. The present work attempts to shed some light on these questions to form a basis for further research on this precious, but under exploited fruit, and also to promote its consumption on a large scale.

Antimicrobial activity of Thai medicinal plants against beverage spoilage microorganisms and their potential in retarding Alzheimer’s disease progression

Thai medicinal plants (34 crude methanolic extracts) were tested for their antimicrobial activities, antiacetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities, total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Acorus calamus, Cassia alata, Crocus sativus, Nymphaea lotus and Phyllanthus emblica extracts showed strong antimicrobial activity against spoilage yeasts, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria tested. Most susceptible yeast strains were Rhodotorula glutinis and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Kaempferia parviflora, Nelumbo nucifera, Rauvolfia serpentina and Centella asiatica extracts exhibited strong acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (more than 70 % inhibition). Terminalia chebula, Cinnamomum bejolghota, Uncaria gambir and P. emblica extracts had the strongest antioxidant activity, EC50 of 387.23 – 490.47 μg extract/mg 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) by DPPH radical scavenging activity method and reducing capacity of 656.19 – 774.41 mmol Fe(II)/g by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method. U. gambir extract had the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents (771.59 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g and 2,292.43 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g, respectively).

Antibacterial application of polyvinylalcohol-nanogold composite membranes

The present invention explores the antibacterial efficacy of ultra stable gold nanoparticles (GNPs), embedded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hybrid membranes. A green approach to synthesize the ultra stable GNP's using Phyllanthus emblica (amla) extract was adapted. These GNP's were impregnated in PVA matrix to fabricate hybrid PVA-nanogold membranes by solvent casting technique. The facile green synthesis resulted in spherical gold nanoparticles with an average diameter of 2–4nm. The Xigo analysis suggested the ultra high stability of these nanoparticles for more than 6 months. The interaction of GNP's with PVA matrix was studied using FTIR and the surface topology was studied using AFM. Antibacterial efficacy of these hybrid membranes was assessed using disc diffusion method against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains. The inhibitory effects of the hybrid membranes resulted in a zone of inhibition of 0.8–1.0cm over a period of 24h.

Antioxidant effect of Phyllanthus emblica extract prevents contrast-induced acute kidney injury.

BackgroundContrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) occurs after the administration of intravenous iodinated contrast agents. Oxidative stress has been proposed as one of the most important mechanisms in the pathogenesis of CI-AKI. The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effect of the extract from Phyllanthus emblica (PE) in preventing CI-AKI.MethodsMale Sprague Dawley rats were subjected into eight groups, were given water (control) or PE extract (125 or 250 or 500 mg/kg/day) for 5 days before the induction of CI-AKI. Renal function and oxidative stress markers; malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were determined in plasma and renal tissue. Kidney sections were performed for histopathological examination.ResultsIn the contrast media (CM) group, increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were demonstrated which correlated with severity of tubular necrosis, peritubular capillary congestion and interstitial edema. Moreover, an increase in MDA and a decrease in TAC SOD and CAT activity in CM group were significantly changed when compared with the control (P < 0.05). In contrast, CI-AKI-induced rats administrated with PE extract 250 and 500 mg/kg/day significantly preserved renal function and attenuated the severity of pathological damage (P < 0.05) as well as significantly lower MDA and higher TAC, SOD and CAT than the CM group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the protective role of PE extract against CI-AKI.

Anti-Arthritic Efficacy And Safety Of Crominex® 3+ (Trivalent Chromium, Phyllanthus emblica Extract, And Shilajit) In Moderately Arthritic Dogs

Anti-Arthritic Efficacy And Safety Of Crominex® 3+ (Trivalent Chromium, Phyllanthus emblica Extract, And Shilajit) In Moderately Arthritic Dogs

Medicinal Potential of Phyllanthus emblica (Linn.) Fruits Extracts: Biological and Pharmacological Activities

Phyllanthus emblica&nbsp;(Linn.) is a common plant and fruits very popular in Bangladesh. It is a common ingredient of many traditional and herbal medicines. The intention of the present study was to explore the scientific relation with the traditional use of the fruit of&nbsp;Phyllanthus emblica&nbsp;(Linn.). Antimicrobial screening, analgesic activity, antidiarrheal activity and the brine shrimp lethality test for cytotoxic activity screening are the selected pharmacological activities. Phytochemical analysis of ethanolic fruits extract confirms that the fruit contain flavonoids, alkaloids, tannin, steroids, reducing sugar and gum. Experimental screening confirms that the fruit extract produced 19.07% and 38.67% writhing inhibition at the oral dose of 250 and 500mg/kg-body weights respectively. That means ethanol extract of the fruit of&nbsp;Phyllanthus emblica&nbsp;(Linn.) has an analgesic property. The ethanolic fruit extract of&nbsp;Phyllanthus emblica&nbsp;(Linn.) also significantly inhibited ear edema formation in xylene induced ear edema, considered as direct evidence that supporting the anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic fruit extract of&nbsp;Phyllanthus emblica&nbsp;(Linn.) The fruit extract ha a remedy for a different bacterial disease is supported by the antibacterial screening tests. During the antidiarrheal activity screening at the dose of 500mg/kg-body weight,&nbsp;Phyllanthus emblica&nbsp;(Linn.) showed a moderate antidiarrheal activity in castor oil induced test in mice and caused an increase in latent period i.e. delayed the onset of diarrheal episode and decreased the frequency of defecation. T-test of these responses showed that the result is significant throughout the observation period. The ethanolic fruits extract have cytotoxic activity and test sample showed different mortality rate at different concentrations. The LC50&nbsp;values were found to be 60µg/ml for the crude extract. The 90% mortality (LC90) values were 100µg/ml respectively. According to the results of the present investigation, we can conclude that the ethanolic fruits extract of&nbsp;Phyllanthus emblica&nbsp;(Linn.) has significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diarrheal and cytotoxic effects. This study also suggests us to isolate the active compound(s) responsible for those pharmacological properties.

Evaluation of Phyllanthus emblica extract on cold pressor induced cardiovascular changes in healthy human subjects

Background:Acute and chronic stress is a risk factor for the development and progression of coronary artery disease. Increased arterial stiffness is an independent marker for cardiovascular disease. Cold pressor test (CPT) is known to be associated with substantial activation of the autonomic nervous system.Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Phyllanthus emblica extract on cold pressor stress test induced changes on cardiovascular parameters and aortic wave reflections in healthy human subjects.Materials and Methods:This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Participants were randomized to receive either two capsules of P. emblica extract 250 mg (containing aqueous extract of P. emblica, highly standardized by high-performance liquid chromatography to contain low molecular weight hydrolysable tannins emblicanin-A, emblicanin-B, pedunculagin and punigluconin) or two capsules of placebo twice daily for 14 days. Pharmacodynamic parameters such as heart rate, augmentation pressure, augmentation index (AIx), subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), radial and aortic blood pressure (BP) were recorded before and after CPT at baseline and end of treatment. After washout period of 14 days, subjects crossed over to the other treatment and the same test procedure was repeated again. Safety assessments were done at baseline and at the end of treatment.Results:A total of 12volunteers completed the study. Compared with baseline and placebo, P. emblica extract produced a significant decrease of mean percent change in the indices of arterial stiffness (AIx, radial and aortic BP) and increase in SEVR, an index of myocardial perfusion with CPT. Both treatments were well-tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported.Conclusion:Proprietary P. emblica extract, showed a significant decrease in cold pressor stress test induced changes on aortic wave reflections.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Emblica officinalis in Rodent Models of Acute and Chronic Inflammation: Involvement of Possible Mechanisms.

Emblica officinalis, commonly known as amla in Ayurveda, is unarguably the most important medicinal plant for prevention and treatment of various ailments. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Emblica officinalis (HAEEO). Acute inflammation in rats was induced by the subplantar injection of carrageenan, histamine, serotonin, and prostaglandin E2 and chronic inflammation was induced by the cotton pellet granuloma. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of HAEEO at all the tested doses (300, 500, and 700 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited rat paw edema against all phlogistic agents and also reduced granuloma formation. However, at the dose of 700 mg/kg, HAEEO exhibited maximum anti-inflammatory activity in all experimental models, and the effects were comparable to that of the standard anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, in paw tissue the antioxidant activity of HAEEO was also measured and it was found that HAEEO significantly (P < 0.001) increased glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity and subsequently reduced lipid peroxidation evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde. Taken all together, the results indicated that HAEEO possessed potent anti-inflammatory activity and it may hold therapeutic promise in the management of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Study of pharmacodynamic interaction of Phyllanthus emblica extract with clopidogrel and ecosprin in patients with type II diabetes mellitus

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is associated with oxidative stress which impairs the platelet function. Phyllanthus emblica extract a rich source of vitamin C plays an important role in scavenging free radicals. The effect of vitamin C on platelet aggregation in healthy and coronary artery disease patients has been demonstrated. The present study attempts to study the pharmacodynamic interactions of P. emblica extract with clopidogrel and ecosprin. Materials and methodsThis was a randomized open label crossover study of 10 type II diabetic patients. The dosage schedules were either single dose of 500mg P. emblica extract or 75mg clopidogrel or 75mg ecosprin or 500mg P. emblica+75mg clopidogrel or 500mg P. emblica+75mg ecosprin. After single dose study and washout period, patients received either 500mg P. emblica extract twice daily or 75mg clopidogrel or 75mg ecosprin once daily or combinations for 10 days. Platelet aggregation was measured at baseline and at 4h of treatment after single and multiple dose study along with recording of bleeding and clotting time. ResultsAfter single and multiple dose administration of the three treatments and with combinations there was statistically significant decrease of platelet aggregation compared to baseline. Further, the mean percent inhibition of platelet aggregation was significant, when compared between single and multiple doses of P. emblica. The bleeding and clotting time was prolonged with single and multiple dose administration of all treatments compared to baseline. All treatments were well tolerated. ConclusionP. emblica extract demonstrated significant antiplatelet activity with both single and multiple dose administration.

Polyphenol extract of Phyllanthus emblica (PEEP) induces inhibition of cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in cervical cancer cells

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of polyphenol extract from Phyllanthus emblica (PEEP) on cervical cancer cells and to explore the underlying mechanism.MethodsMTT assay was used to measure inhibition of proliferation of cervical cancer (HeLa) cells after treatment with PEEP at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/ml for 48 hours. HeLa cells were treated with PEEP (150 mg/ml) for 48 hours in the following analysis. Karyomorphism was assessed by immunofluorescence using DAPI staining, and cell apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed using flow cytometry. Three apoptotic marker proteins, namely, Fas, FasL, and cleaved caspase-8, were assessed by western blotting.ResultsPEEP inhibited the growth of HeLa cells, and the optimum concentration of PEEP was 150 mg/ml. In addition, the karyomorphism of HeLa cells after treatment with PEEP was abnormal. Furthermore, PEEP induced arrest of the HeLa cell cycle at G2/M phase, and triggered apoptosis. PEEP also induced significant Fas and FasL activation, and cleavage of caspase-8.ConclusionsOur study indicates that PEEP is effective in inhibiting HeLa cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and inducing apoptosis.

Do plants mediate their anti-diabetic effects through anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic actions? an in vitro assay of 3 Indian medicinal plants

BackgroundBoth experimental and clinical studies suggest that oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of both types of diabetes mellitus. This oxidative stress leads to β-cell destruction by apoptosis. Hence exploring agents modulating oxidative stress is an effective strategy in the treatment of both Type I and Type II diabetes. Plants are a major source of anti-oxidants and exert protective effects against oxidative stress in biological systems. Phyllanthus emblica, Curcuma longa and Tinospora cordifolia are three such plants widely used in Ayurveda for their anti-hyperglycemic activity. Additionally their anti-oxidant properties have been scientifically validated in various experimental in vitro and in vivo models. Hence the present in vitro study was planned to assess whether the anti-hyperglycemic effects of the hydro-alcoholic extracts of Phyllanthus emblica (Pe) and Curcuma longa (Cl) and aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) are mediated through their antioxidant and/or anti-apoptotic property in a streptozotocin induced stress model.MethodsRINm5F cell line was used as a model of pancreatic β-cells against stress induced by streptozotocin (2 mM). Non-toxic concentrations of the plant extracts were identified using MTT assay. Lipid peroxidation through MDA release, modulation of apoptosis and insulin release were the variables measured to assess streptozotocin induced damage and protection afforded by the plant extracts.ResultsAll 3 plants extracts significantly inhibited MDA release from RIN cells indicating protective effect against STZ induced oxidative damage. They also exhibited a dose dependent anti-apoptotic effect as seen by a decrease in the sub G0 population in response to STZ. None of the plant extracts affected insulin secretion from the cells to a great extent.ConclusionThe present study thus demonstrated that the protective effect of the selected medicinal plants against oxidative stress induced by STZ in vitro, which was exerted through their anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic actions.

Effects of Phyllanthus emblica extract on endothelial dysfunction and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study

BackgroundIt has been reported that hyperglycemia can induce endothelial dysfunction via increased oxidative stress and that it plays a central role in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Phyllanthus emblica (Emblica officinalis, amla) is known for its antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity. The present study compared the effects of an aqueous extract of P. emblica (highly standardized by high-performance liquid chromatography to contain low molecular weight hydrolyzable tannins, ie, emblicanin A, emblicanin B, pedunculagin, and punigluconin) versus those of atorvastatin and placebo on endothelial dysfunction and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsEligible patients were randomized to receive either P. emblica 250 mg twice daily, P. emblica 500 mg twice daily, atorvastatin 10 mg in the evening and matching placebo in the morning, or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy parameter was the change in endothelial function identified on salbutamol challenge at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Secondary efficacy parameters were changes in biomarkers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and glutathione), high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, the lipid profile, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Laboratory safety parameters were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment.ResultsEighty patients completed the study. Treatment with P. emblica 250 mg, P. emblica 500 mg, or atorvastatin 10 mg produced significant reductions in the reflection index (−2.25%±1.37% to −9.13%±2.56% versus −2.11%±0.98% to −10.04%±0.92% versus −2.68%±1.13% to −11.03%±3.93%, respectively), suggesting improvement in endothelial function after 12 weeks of treatment compared with baseline. There was a significant improvement in biomarkers of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation compared with baseline and placebo. Further, the treatments significantly improved the lipid profile and HbA1c levels compared with baseline and placebo. All treatments were well tolerated.ConclusionBoth atorvastatin and P. emblica significantly improved endothelial function and reduced biomarkers of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, without any significant changes in laboratory safety parameters.

Mosquitocidal and water purification properties of Ocimum sanctum and Phyllanthus emblica

&lt;em&gt;Ocimum sanctum&lt;/em&gt; was tested for its larvicidal and water sedimentation properties; the fruit ethanol and methanol extracts of &lt;em&gt;Phyllanthus emblica &lt;/em&gt;were tested for phytochemical, larvicidal, oviposition-deterrent and ovicidal activities. Results emphasized that plant extracts have high toxicity against the egg and larvae of the malarial vector &lt;em&gt;Anopheles stephensi&lt;/em&gt; and also have water sedimentation properties. LC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; of &lt;em&gt;Phyllanthus emblica &lt;/em&gt;against &lt;em&gt;Anopheles stephensi &lt;/em&gt;larvae ranged from 33.08 ppm to 81.26 ppm and from 23.44 to 54.19 ppm for ethanol and methanol extracts, respectively. &lt;em&gt;Phyllanthus emblica&lt;/em&gt; also showed excellent ovipositional deterrent and ovicidal activities. The oviposition activity index value of ethanol and methanol extracts of Phyllanthus emblica at 500 ppm were -0.80 and -0.92, respectively. &lt;em&gt;Ocimum sanctum&lt;/em&gt; includes both insecticidal secondary compounds, amino acids (glycine, lysine), vitamin C and other substances, that make treated water suitable for human consumption. Water quality parameters such as color, turbidity and pH were analyzed in the water samples (pre-treatment and post-treatment of plant extracts) taken from the breeding sites of mosquitoes. Hence, the plant product can be used as both mosquitocidal and water purifier.

ANTIFUNGAL, AFLATOXIN INHIBITORY AND FREE RADICAL‐SCAVENGING ACTIVITIES OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS EXTRACTS

ABSTRACTThe antifungal, aflatoxin inhibitory and antioxidant activity of methanol–aqueous extract (2:1) of 62 medicinal plants was explored. Based on the antifungal results, the extracts of 25 plants showed more than 50% antifungal activity and were further investigated for their aflatoxin inhibition and antioxidant properties. Methanol–aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia chebula fruits caused 100% inhibition of aflatoxin production by the toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus in semisynthetic medium at 1 mg/mL. In addition, P. emblica (IC50 = 4.1 µg/mL) and T. chebula (IC50 = 6.9 µg/mL) fruits extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity during the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging assay in comparison with butylated hydroxytoluene (IC50 = 8.1 µg/mL) and butylated hydroxyanisole (IC50 = 6 µg/mL).PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBased on the results of the present study, methanol–aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia chebula, being endowed with strong antifungal, aflatoxin inhibitory and antioxidant activity, may be recommended as plant‐based preservatives for the enhancement of shelf life of food items and their protection from the undesirable harmful effects of molds, aflatoxin and free radical‐mediated damages.

Pharmacological evaluation of cytoprotective potential of Phyllanthus Emblica (PE) and Asparagus Racemosus (AR) in preventing gastric erosions, ulcerations and inflammation induced in rats

Background: Most of the currently available therapies for peptic ulcer disease have their own limitations and an ideal therapeutic agent is not yet available in the market.Hence,we decided to explore the cytoprotective potential of Indian Medicinal Plants namely Phyllanthus emblica and Asparagus racemosus along with ranitidine as a positive control in various animal models. Aims & Objective: To evaluate the cytoprotective effect of the extracts of Phyllanthus emblica (PE) and Asparagus racemosus (AR) in preventing gastric erosions, ulcerations and inflammation induced in rats. Materials and Methods: Cold immobilization stress, ethanol (99.9%), aspirin were the experimental models selected for inducing gastric erosions and ulcerations. Ulcer index , erosions, oedema, congestion and inflammation were the parameters studied for assessing gastric damage whereas carrageenininduced rat paw oedema model was used to induce inflammation. Ranitidine was used as a positive control. Results : The two drugs chosen for the study namely Phyllanthus emblica and Asparagus racemosus prevented gastric damage significantly in the ethanol group (p<0.05) and cold stress group (p<0.05). In the aspirin group, erosions, oedema, congestion and inflammation were remarkably reduced by PE cold water extract (PECWE) and PE hot water extract (PEHWE) and in the AR treated groups when compared with the control group. PECWE and PEHWE showed significant anti-inflammatory activity (p<0.05) comparable to aspirin thereby proving their role in inflammatory disorders. In our study, AR also showed a significant protection (p<0.05) against ethanol, cold stress and aspirin group. Conclusion : The present study supports that ethanol, cold simmobilization stress and aspirin induce gastritis, gastric erosions and ulcerations and Phyllanthus emblica and Asparagus racemosus have significant potential as prominent cytoprotectants against these toxic effects.

Immunomodulatory and anticancer activities of phenolics from emblica fruit (Phyllanthus emblica L.)

There is a paucity of studies on the immunomodulatory properties of fruit extracts of emblica with the emphasis on lymphocytes. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory properties and anticancer potential of six phenolic compounds from emblica fruit by in vitro proliferation assay. Effects of these compounds on splenocyte proliferation and the cytotoxicity to both human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) and human embryonic lung fibroblast cell (HELF) were determined by the MTT method. Significantly stimulatory effects (P<0.05) were found for geraniin and isocorilagin. The concentration of geraniin, quercetin 3-β-d-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3-β-d-glucopyranoside, isocorilagin, quercetin, kaempferol and rutin to obtain 50% of stimulatory effect was 56, 123, 242, 42, 73, 93 and 92μg/ml, respectively. The assay of anticancer activities suggested that geraniin and isocorilagin exhibited higher cytotoxicities than other compounds against MCF-7 with IC50 of 13.2 and 80.9μg/ml, respectively. Isocorilagin exhibited a strong cytotoxicity to HELF cell with IC50 of 51.4μg/ml. Geraniin, quercetin, kaempferol and their glycosides had weak cytotoxicity against HELF cells. Paclitaxel showed a strong cytotoxicity to MCF-7 and HELF with IC50 of 6.8 and 14.5μg/ml, respectively. These findings are in line with the reported potent antioxidant activity. These results suggested that the antitumour activity of these compounds might be achieved by immunomodulatory properties which could partially be attributed to their antioxidant activity.

The antidiarrheal and spasmolytic activities of Phyllanthus emblica are mediated through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca2+ channels

This study was aimed at providing the possible mechanisms for the medicinal use of Phyllanthus emblica in diarrhea. The in vivo studies were conducted in mice, while isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum were used for the in vitro experiments. The crude extract of Phyllanthus emblica (Pe.Cr), which tested positive for alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, flavonoids, sterols and coumarins, caused inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation in mice at 500-700 mg/kg. In isolated rabbit jejunum, Pe.Cr relaxed carbachol (CCh) and K(+) (80 mM)-induced contractions, in a pattern similar to that of dicyclomine. The preincubation of guinea pig-ileum with Pe.Cr (0.3 mg/mL), caused a rightward parallel shift in the concentration-response curves (CRCs) of acetylcholine without suppression of the maximum response. While at the next higher concentration (1 mg/mL), it produced a non-parallel rightward shift with suppression of the maximum response, similar to that of dicyclomine, suggesting anticholinergic and Ca(2+) channel blocking (CCB)-like antispasmodic effect. The CCB-like activity was further confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Pe.Cr, shifted the CRCs of Ca(2+) to the right with suppression of the maximum response, similar to nifedipine or dicyclomine. The activity-directed fractions of Pe.Cr showed a combination of Ca(2+) antagonist and anticholinergic like components in all fractions but with varying potency. These results indicate that the Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract possesses antidiarrheal and spasmolytic activities, mediated possibly through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca(2+) channels, thus explaining its medicinal use in diarrhea.

Anti-inflammatory activity and toxicity of the standardised water extract of Phyllanthus emblica L.

Phyllanthus emblica L. is an herbal plant commonly used in Asian traditional medicine. Its fresh or dry fruits were reported as an alternative treatment of diarrhea, jaundice, and inflammatory disorder [1, 2]. The aim of this study was to investigate anti-inflammatory activity and toxicity of a standardised water extract of P. emblica fruits prepared according to Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Its anti-inflammatory activity was tested in rats using carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma models. Acute (5,000mg/kg) and chronic oral toxicities (300, 600, and 1,200mg/kg) were also evaluated in rats. Oral administration ofP. emblica extract at the doses of 150, 300, and 600mg/kg caused dose-dependent inhibition of carrageenan-induced acute inflammation (Table 1). In chronic inflammation, P. emblica (600mg/kg) did not reduce both transudative and proliferative phases, body weight gain and thymus weight in cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation (data not show). The pharmacological mechanism of activity of the standardised water extract of P. emblica seems to be more similar to NSAIDs rather than to steroidal drugs. Inhibitory effect on the synthesis and/or release of inflammatory mediators, especially prostaglandins, may be the main mechanisms of action of P. emblica water extract. In addition, P. emblica water extract did not produce acute (LD50 &gt;5,000mg/kg) and chronic oral toxicity. The extrapolation of these results to humans suggests that Phyllanthus emblica L. water extract should be acceptably safety level for usage at the doses of 300, 600, and 1,200mg/kg/day.

Type I pro‐collagen promoting and anti‐collagenase activities of Phyllanthus emblica extract in mouse fibroblasts

As part of an ongoing search for the novel pharmacological activities of Phyllanthus emblica, the present study has shown its type I collagen promoting and anti-collagenase effects on primary mouse fibroblast cells. At a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml, emblica extract significantly increased the type I pro-collagen level up to 1.65-fold, and 6.78-fold greater than that of an untreated control, determined by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis, respectively. Emblica extract caused an approximately 7.75-fold greater type I pro-collagen induction compared to the known herbal collagen enhancer asiaticoside at the same treatment concentration (0.1 mg/ml). Moreover, emblica extract inhibited collagenase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal inhibition was observed (78.67 +/- 3.51%) at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. In summary, emblica extract has a promising pharmacological effect that benefits collagen synthesis and protects against its degradation and could be used as a natural anti-aging ingredient.