Ethnopharmacological Knowledge Research Articles

Urtica dioica: Anticancer Properties and Other Systemic Health Benefits from In Vitro to Clinical Trials.

While conventional medicine has advanced in recent years, there are still concerns about its potential adverse reactions. The ethnopharmacological knowledge established over many centuries and the existence of a variety of metabolites have made medicinal plants, such as the stinging nettle plant, an invaluable resource for treating a wide range of health conditions, considering its minimal adverse effects on human health. The aim of this review is to highlight the therapeutic benefits and biological activities of the edible Urtica dioica (UD) plant with an emphasis on its selective chemo-preventive properties against various types of cancer, whereby we decipher the mechanism of action of UD on various cancers including prostate, breast, leukemia, and colon in addition to evaluating its antidiabetic, microbial, and inflammatory properties. We further highlight the systemic protective effects of UD on the liver, reproductive, excretory, cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems. We present a critical assessment of the results obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials to highlight the gaps that require further exploration for future prospective studies.

Exploring the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Australian Native Plants Based on their Ethnopharmacological Knowledge.

Inflammation represents the inherent protective reaction of the human body to various harmful agents and noxious stimuli. Standard anti-inflammatory therapy including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with several side effects. In the past decades, people rely on medicinal plants for the treatment of inflammation. The traditional utilization of medicinal plants is regarded as a safe, cost-effective, and broadly accepted approach. In this study, anti-inflammatory activity of plants traditionally utilized by the D'harawal people in Australia has been assessed in vitro. Eighty Australian native plants were screened based on the Dharawal Pharmacopeia for their inhibitory effect on the nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and interferon (IFN)-γ stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages for their anti-inflammatory activity. From the eighty ethanolic extracts screened, seventeen displayed potent NO inhibition with an IC50 recorded below 15 μg/mL. The aim of this review was to utilise the ethnopharmacological knowledge and to correlate the anti-inflammatory activity of the seventeen plants with either their known or unknown phytochemicals reported in the literature. In doing so, we have created a snapshot of Australian native plant candidates that warrant further chemical investigation associated with their anti-inflammatory activity.

Investigating the anti-growth, anti-resistance, and anti-virulence activities of Schoepfia schreberi J.F.Gmel. against the superbug Acinetobacter baumannii

Schoepfia schreberi has been used in Mayan folk medicine to treat diarrhea and cough. This study aimed to determine the anti-growth, anti-resistance, and/or anti-virulence activities of S. schreberi extracts against Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogen leader that causes healthcare-associated infections with high rates of drug-resistant including carbapenems, the last line of antibiotics known as superbugs, and analyze their composition using HPLC-DAD. Ethyl acetate (SSB-3) and methanol (SSB-4) bark extracts exhibit antimicrobial and biocidal effects against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant A. baumannii. Chemical analysis revealed that SSB-3 and SSB-4 contained of gallic and ellagic acids derivatives. The anti-resistance activity of the extracts revealed that SSB-3 or SSB-4, combined with imipenem, exhibited potent antibiotic reversal activity against A. baumannii by acting as pump efflux modulators. The extracts also displayed activity against surface motility of A. baumannii and its capacity to survive reactive oxygen species. This study suggests that S. schreberi can be considered a source of antibiotics, even adjuvanted compounds, as anti-resistant or anti-virulence agents against A. baumannii, contributing to ethnopharmacological knowledge and reappraisal of Mayan medicinal flora, and supporting the traditional use of the bark of the medicinal plant S. schreberi for the treatment of infectious diseases.

Sesamol as a potent anticancer compound: from chemistry to cellular interactions.

Sesamol (SM), a well-known component isolated from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum), used in traditional medicines in treating numerous ailments. However, numerous molecular investigations revealed the various mechanisms behind its activity, emphasizing its antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and apoptosis-inducing properties, preventing cancer cell spread to distant organs. In several cells derived from various malignant tissues, SM-regulated signal transduction pathways and cellular targets have been identified. This review paper comprehensively describes the anticancer properties of SM and SM-viable anticancer drugs. Additionally, the interactions of this natural substance with standard anticancer drugs are examined, and the benefits of using nanotechnology in SM applications are explored. This makes SM a prime example of how ethnopharmacological knowledge can be applied to the development of contemporary drugs.

Ethnopharmacology of medicinal plants used by the Tenggerese community in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia

Abstract. Bhagawan WS, Ekasari W, Agil M. 2023. Ethnopharmacology of medicinal plants used by the Tenggerese community in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 5464-5477. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is a repository of biodiversity with profound cultural significance. The Tenggerese community residing within the park possesses rich ethnopharmacological knowledge, using medicinal plants for various ailments. This study aims to comprehensively explore the medicinal plant diversity, traditional uses, and potential pharmacological activities among the Tenggerese people. Ethnopharmacological data was gathered through interviews with informants in seven Tenggerese villages. Ethnopharmacological indices like Species Use Value (SUV) and Fidelity Level (FL) were calculated to identify the most important medicinal plants. Phytochemical analysis of selected medicinal plants was conducted using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, and its pharmacological potential was assessed through antibacterial tests. A total of 124 medicinal plant species from 54 families were documented. The Tenggerese community utilizes plants to treat diverse diseases, with reproductive healthcare being prominently featured. Elaeocarpus longifolius emerged as a key species with high SUV and FL values. Phytochemical analysis identified 25 compounds, including major and minor compounds, already known for their pharmacological activities elsewhere. Elaeocarpus longifolius extract showed inhibitor activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The findings contribute to bridging traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, offering potential avenues for the development of drug candidates from indigenous medicinal plants.

New Therapeutic Strategies for Obesity and Its Metabolic Sequelae: Brazilian Cerrado as a Unique Biome.

Brazil has several important biomes holding impressive fauna and flora biodiversity. Cerrado being one of the richest ones and a significant area in the search for new plant-based products, such as foods, cosmetics, and medicines. The therapeutic potential of Cerrado plants has been described by several studies associating ethnopharmacological knowledge with phytochemical compounds and therapeutic effects. Based on this wide range of options, the Brazilian population has been using these medicinal plants (MP) for centuries for the treatment of various health conditions. Among these, we highlight metabolic diseases, namely obesity and its metabolic alterations from metabolic syndrome to later stages such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Several studies have shown that adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction leads to proinflammatory cytokine secretion and impaired free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation and oxidative status, creating the basis for insulin resistance and glucose dysmetabolism. In this scenario, the great Brazilian biodiversity and a wide variety of phytochemical compounds make it an important candidate for the identification of pharmacological strategies for the treatment of these conditions. This review aimed to analyze and summarize the current literature on plants from the Brazilian Cerrado that have therapeutic activity against obesity and its metabolic conditions, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Bioactive compounds from the leaves of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek: Inhibition of LDL oxidation, glycation, lipid peroxidation, target enzymes, and microbial growth

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMaytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek, a medicinal plant used for treating gastritis, ulcers, and gastric disorders, possesses therapeutic properties attributed to diverse leaf compounds—terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins, reflecting the ethnopharmacological knowledge of traditional users. Aims of the studyWe aimed to assess the antioxidant and antiglycant capacities of Maytenus ilicifolia's ethanolic extract and organic fractions, identify bioactive compounds through HPLC-MS/MS analysis, and conduct phytochemical assessments. We also assessed their potential to inhibit digestive and cholinesterase enzymes, mitigate oxidation of human LDL and rat hepatic tissue, and examine their antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. Materials and methodsOrganic fractions (hexane - HF-Mi, dichloromethane - DMF-Mi, ethyl acetate - EAF-Mi, n-butanol - BF-Mi, and hydromethanolic - HMF-Mi) were obtained via liquid-liquid partitioning. Antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, ORAC) and antiglycant (BSA/FRU, BSA/MGO, ARG/MGO/LDL/MGO models) capacities were tested. Phytochemical analysis employed HPLC-MS/MS. We also studied the inhibitory effects on α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, human LDL and rat hepatic tissue oxidation, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 macrophages. ResultsHPLC-ESI-MS/MS identified antioxidant compounds such as catechin, quercetin, and kaempferol derivatives. Ethanolic extract (EE-Mi) and organic fractions demonstrated robust antioxidant and antiglycant activity. EAF-Mi and BF-Mi inhibited α-amylase (2.42 μg/mL and 7.95 μg/mL) compared to acarbose (0.144 μg/mL). Most organic fractions exhibited ∼50% inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, rivaling galantamine and rivastigmine. EAF-Mi, BF-Mi, and EE-Mi excelled in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. All fractions, except HMF-Mi, effectively countered LDL oxidation, evidenced by the area under the curve. These fractions protected LDL against lipid peroxidation. ConclusionThis study unveils Maytenus ilicifolia's ethanolic extract and organic fractions properties. Through rigorous analysis, we identify bioactive compounds and highlight their antioxidant, antiglycant, enzyme inhibition, and protective properties against oxidative damage. These findings underline its significance in modern pharmacology and its potential applications in healthcare.

In-vitro Dissolution Study of Gallstone with Medicinal Plant Extracts

Background: Gallstone disease poses a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems globally, necessitating safer alternatives to current treatments like dissolution therapy and cholecystectomy. Natural compounds from plants offer a potential solution, but research on their cholelitholytic activity is limited. In vitro dissolution studies are crucial for identifying effective plant-based therapies. Objective: This study aims to investigate the in vitro cholelitholytic activity of six plants and Ayurvedic medicines, selected based on ethnopharmacological knowledge and folk medicinal practices. Methods: Gallstone samples were categorized as combined cholesterol gallstones (CCGS) or black pigment gallstones based on external morphology and cross-sectional analysis. In vitro dissolution studies were conducted using extracts from Bergenia ciliata, Berberis asiatica, Cuscuta europaea, Kalanchoe pinnata, Teraxacum officinale, Macrotyloma uniflorum, and Ayurvedic medicines (Cystone®, Gokshuradi, and Calcury). The samples were immersed in the extracts and controls separately and incubated in a shaking water bath. The gallstone dissolution capacity was assessed by recording the dry weight of the samples at multiple time points. Results: T. officinale was highly effective in dissolving black pigment gallstones, while B. asiatica exhibited superior efficacy for CCGS. M. uniflorum and C. europaea also demonstrated significant dissolution activity against black pigment gallstones. However, K. pinnata was less effective for both gallstone types. B. ciliata and C. europaea exhibited equal effectiveness against both types. Ayurvedic medicine extracts were less effective compared to plant extracts. Conclusion: This in vitro study showed the plants can dissolve GS effectively. However, the effectiveness of the plant to dissolve GS depends on the type of the stone. The findings from this study serve as a basis for further in vivo research

A Review of the Popular Uses, Anatomical, Chemical, and Biological Aspects of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae): A Genus of Plants Known as "Miracle Leaf".

Species of the genus Kalanchoe have a long history of therapeutic use in ethnomedicine linked to their remarkable healing properties. Several species have chemical and anatomical similarities, often leading to confusion when they are used in folk medicine. This review aims to provide an overview and discussion of the reported traditional uses, botanical aspects, chemical constituents, and pharmacological potential of the Kalanchoe species. Published scientific materials were collected from the PubMed and SciFinder databases without restriction regarding the year of publication through April 2023. Ethnopharmacological knowledge suggests that these species have been used to treat infections, inflammation, injuries, and other disorders. Typically, all parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes either as crude extract or juice. Botanical evaluation can clarify species differentiation and can enable correct identification and validation of the scientific data. Flavonoids are the most common classes of secondary metabolites identified from Kalanchoe species and can be correlated with some biological studies (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential). This review summarizes several topics related to the Kalanchoe genus, supporting future studies regarding other unexplored research areas. The need to conduct further studies to confirm the popular uses and biological activities of bioactive compounds is also highlighted.

Physicochemical characterization, phytochemical analysis, and pharmacological evaluation of Sambucus wightiana

Sambucus wightiana (SW) is a 4–5-foot herbaceous stem with 5–9 leaflets and pinnatifid leaves (15–30 cm). It is used to treat stomach disorders, as an emetic for expelling poisonous substances, and as a laxative for controlling skin diseases. Phytochemical research based on ethnopharmacological knowledge is frequently regarded as an appropriate approach for discovering new agents from higher-altitude plants. Therefore, the present study focussed on identifying, collecting, and authenticating the S. wightiana and, isolating and characterizing the phytoconstituents using the DPPH method, reducing power, total flavonoid, phenolic content, anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the evaluation of antidiabetic studies of extracts/fraction and pure phytoconstituents of S. wightiana in alloxan-induced diabetic model and OGTT methods were carried out. The observed results revealed that the methanolic extract of Sambucus wightiana has significant anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidant activity. The methanolic extracts of S. wightiana, a dose of alloxan/SW-400 mg/Kg (111.55 ± 6.9 mg/dl) also decreased significantly the serum ALP level (p < 0.05). The methanol extracts of S. wightiana showed highly significant anti-hyperglycemic activity (p < 0.05). From the methanolic extracts, alloxan/SW-400 mg/Kg (89.55 ± 2.5 mg/dl) showed highly significant decrease in serum LDL level (p < 0.05) in extract-treated groups, not changing the body weight substantially and methanolic extract of S. wightiana at a dose of 400 mg/Kg exhibited substantial lipid, and blood glucose levels and liver enzymes lowering capacity compared to the diabetic control group. Consequently, the prevention of hyperglycaemia by various other drugs, S. wightiana could contribute to a new formulation with significant pharmacological effects.

Ethnopharmacological Value and Biological Activities via Antioxidant and Anti-Protein Denaturation Activity of Morinda lucida Benth and Momordica charantia L. Leaves Extracts from Benin.

Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae), the wild variety of bitter melon, and Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) were commonly used as a popular folk medicine in Benin. This study aimed to appreciate the ethnopharmacological knowledge and evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of M. charantia and M. lucida leaves extracts. Semi-structured surveys supported by individual interviews were conducted with herbalists and traditional healers in southern Benin. The antioxidant activities were evaluated by a micro-dilution technique using ABTS and FRAP methods. These activities were supported by cyclic voltammetry analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the albumin denaturation method. The volatile compounds were analysed by GC-MS analysis. All the respondents involved in this study have good knowledge of the two plants. We identify 21 diseases grouped into five categories of condition. The two plants' extracts possess variable antioxidant capacity. Indeed, all the active extracts of M. charantia presented an IC50 < 0.078 mg/mL, while the extracts of M. lucida had an IC50 up to 0.21 ± 0.02 mg/mL. For anti-inflammatory activity, a dose-response activity (p < 0.001) was observed in the protein denaturation inhibition rate of the extracts. It should be noted that the highest inhibition rate (98.34 ± 0.12) of the albumin denaturation was observed with M. lucida dichloromethane extract. A total of 59 volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis in the extracts of the two plants. The M. charantia ethyl acetate extract shows the presence of 30 different compounds with a relative abundance of 98.83%, while that of M. lucida shows 24 compounds with a relative abundance of 98.30%. These plants are potential candidates to discover new compounds with therapeutic properties that could be used to solve public health problems.

Myrtinols A–F: New Anti-Inflammatory Peltogynoid Flavonoid Derivatives from the Leaves of Australian Indigenous Plant Backhousia myrtifolia

Our in-house ethnopharmacological knowledge directed our anti-inflammatory investigation into the leaves of Backhousia mytifolia. Bioassay guided isolation of the Australian indigenous plant Backhousia myrtifolia led to the isolation of six new rare peltogynoid derivatives named myrtinols A-F (1-6) along with three known compounds 4-O-methylcedrusin (7), 7-O-methylcedrusin (8) and 8-demethylsideroxylin (9). The chemical structures of all the compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic data analysis, and absolute configuration was established using X-ray crystallography analysis. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity by assessing the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon (IFN)-γ activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. A structure activity relationship was also established between compounds (1-6), noting promising anti-inflammatory potential by compounds 5 and 9 with an IC50 value of 8.51 ± 0.47 and 8.30 ± 0.96 µg/mL for NO inhibition and 17.21 ± 0.22 and 46.79 ± 5.87 µg/mL for TNF-α inhibition, respectively.

Ethnobotanical survey of the traditional antiparasitic use of medicinal plants in humans and animals in Laghouat (Southern Algeria).

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among the inhabitants of the Aflou region of Laghouat (Southern Algeria). This study was considered as a first step toward the identification of new bioactive antiparasitic molecules. The preservation and documentation of this traditional knowledge will ensure its continuity and transmission from one generation to another, especially because of the emergence of resistant parasites and the lack of references caused by the lack of work in this area; therefore, we intended to inventory and collect the maximum amount of information on medicinal plants that are traditionally used by the local population as antiparasitic in humans and animals (small ruminants, cattle, and livestock). The information was collected using open interviews; the ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the area mentioned above from April to July 2021 using a semi-structured questionnaire and a global sample of 200 respondents. The data were analyzed using the System Package for the Social Sciences software and Microsoft Excel 2010 using the following quantitative indices: Relative frequency of citation (RFC), family importance value (FIV), fidelity level, and informant consensus factor (ICF). The investigation uncovered the antiparasitic use of 58 plant species belonging to 30 families. The family Asteraceae had the highest FIV (FIV = 0.23). The pathology with the highest degree of agreement among the informants was genitourinary parasitosis (ICF = 0.930). The species that was most commonly cited by the local population was Artemisia herba-alba Asso (RFC = 1), and the foliage was the most commonly used part (46.4%). Infusion (38.8%) was the most-used preparation for remedies. This investigation revealed a rich ethnopharmacological knowledge in southern Algeria; therefore, the data gathered in this survey may be utilized to create novel antiparasitic compounds with activity in humans and animals.

Ethnomedicinal survey of Bhalessa, Jammu and Kashmir, a remote region of Western Himalaya

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe traditional knowledge about ethnomedicinal plants has a significant impact on human healthcare. However, across the globe especially in remote areas, this treasure-trove of traditional knowledge is being rapidly lost. Therefore, it is important to scientifically document and validate the folklore claims about medicinal plants, which will contribute to their bioprospection and sustainable use. Aims of the studyThe study was conducted to elucidate the traditional knowledge and practices about the usage of medicinal plants by the tribal population inhabiting Bhalessa, a remote area in district Doda, Jammu, and Kashmir, Western Himalaya. Material and methodsWe collected ethnomedicinal data through focused interviews of the local population in the study area by employing in situ and ex-situ survey methods. The collected data was subjected to statistical tools of informant consensus factor (ICF), use reports and comparison with previous studies. ResultsWe report a total of 80 medicinal plant species traditionally used against 17 disease categories in the area. The most frequently used plant parts were roots and leaves and the route of administration of the medicines was largely oral in the powdered form. The ICF values were indicative of a higher agreement among the users about the usage of plants in the treatment of disease categoriesmusculoskeletal and connective tissue, genitourinary and gastrointestinal disease categories. Based on the number of use report and number of taxa utilized, the most prevalent disease in the study area were joint pain and fever. ConclusionNovel information has been generated as the elderly people of Bhalessa possess precious knowledge of medicinal plants. These novel folklore claims about the various therapeutic values of medicinal plants require scientifically sound validation. Therefore, we call for focused phytochemical research and proper pharmacological validations of the reported medicinal uses in the study area, particularly of the Himalayan endemic species such as Aconitum lethale, Arisaema jacquemontii, and Saussurea costus.

Mixtures of medicinal plants from caatinga: Basis for further bioprospecting studies

The use of mixtures of medicinal plants, when compared to the therapeutic objective of a particular plant, can show greater effectiveness in the cure or treatment of disorders or potentiate harmful effects to an organism. The present study aimed to verify the indications of medicinal plants, alone and in association. Ethnobotanical information was obtained through semi-structured interviews, using the snowball technique, collecting information related to preparation, part of the plant used and therapeutic purposes of the mixtures. The experts highlighted a total of 58 mixtures indicated for 41 diseases grouped into ten body systems, among which respiratory system disorders covered a more significant number of mixtures (28) and obtained the second largest consensus among the informants (ICF = 0.44). Symptoms in this category included flu and cough with higher indications and higher frequency of use in associations for Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. The Index of Taxon Usefulness in Mixtures (ITUM) ranged from 0.14 to 1.00. A total of 14 species showed values equal to 1.00, observed only in mixtures, highlighting Allium cepa L. with more indications of use. The mixtures showed no toxicity in the study. However, it is possible to observe some species with individual use that may confer antagonistic effects depending on their administration and dosage. Therefore, the results of this research show that the mixtures most used by the community are prepared with an association of two to three plants. The mixtures have more restricted indications of use, demonstrating specificity in the treatment of illness. Further pharmacological bioprospecting studies are needed to confirm and validate the therapeutic benefit of these medicinal plant associations. • Knowledge of the benefits of using medicinal plant mixtures. • Identification of medicinal plant species rich in ethno-pharmacological knowledge with high potential for economic development through sustainable. • Therapeutic preparations exploring species of the local biodiversity as an alternative to the local health care system .

Testicular hernia and herbal medicine in Dodinda and Ngondong in western Logone occidental province in Chad

In Chad, testicular hernia is one of the public health problems with more than 1,423 cases treated in 2015. Medicinal plants are widely used by the local population to treat this disease. The objective of this work is to make an evaluation of the contribution of ethno-pharmacological knowledge of plants used in the treatment of testicular hernia in the villages of Dodinda and Ngondong, Department of Lac-Wey in Chad (Province of Logone Occidental). Data on traditional testicular hernia treatments reviewed as well as surveys were carried out using semi-structured questionnaires between September 2019 and January 2021. A total of 100 active traditional practitioners and knowledgeable villagers estimated their contribution to this treatment. Data were analyzed based on use value (UV), fidelity level (FL) and relative citation frequency (RFC).Then, the most cited species were the subject of a photochemical study. All of six (06) plant species belonging to four (04) families have been reported. In the study area, 40% of healers use the combination of Cassia sieberiana bark with Cassia occidentalis roots. 35% use the combination of the bark of Indigofera tinctorium with the roots of Ipomoea hederifolia. 25% use the combination of the bark of Sacocephalus latifolius with the roots of Salix alba. Biochemical characterization of these six (06) main species used in the treatment of testicular hernia revealed considerable levels of chemical constituents with different colorations. Such results are a prerequisite for the development of improved traditional medicines.

Anticancer potential of oroxylin A: from mechanistic insight to synergistic perspectives.

Oroxylin A (OA), a well-known constituent of the root of Scutellariae plants, has been used in ethnomedicine already for centuries in treating various neoplastic disorders. However, only recent molecular studies have revealed the different mechanisms behind its action, demonstrating antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and proapoptotic effects, restricting also the spread of cancer cells to distant organs. A variety of cellular targets and modulated signal transduction pathways regulated by OA have been determined in diverse cells derived from different malignant tissues. In this review article, these anticancer activities are thoroughly described, representing OA as a potential lead structure for the design of novel more potent anticancer medicines. In addition, co-effects of this natural compound with conventional anticancer agents are analyzed and the advantages provided by nanotechnological methods for more efficient application of OA are discussed. In this way, OA might represent an excellent example of using ethnopharmacological knowledge for designing modern medicines.

Tristaenone A: A New Anti-Inflammatory Compound Isolated from the Australian Indigenous Plant Tristaniopsis laurina.

Inspired by ethnopharmacological knowledge, we conducted a bioassay-guided fractionation of the leaves of Tristaniopsis laurina which led to the discovery of a new anti-inflammatory compound, tristaenone A (1). The structure was elucidated by detailed spectroscopic data analysis, and the absolute configuration was established using X-ray crystallography analysis. Tristaenone A (1) suppressed LPS and IFN-γ-induced NO, TNF-α and IL-6 production in RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 37.58 ± 2.45 μM, 80.6 ± 5.82 μM and 125.65 ± 0.34 μM, respectively. It also inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation by 52.93 ± 14.14% at a concentration of 31.85 μM.

Five centuries of Cirsium ehrenbergii Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae) in Mexico, from Huitzquilitl to Cardo Santo: History, ethnomedicine, pharmacology and chemistry

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSeveral medicinal plants, including the endemic herb Cirsum ehrenbergii (Asteraceae), have been documented in manuscripts, medical and botanical books written in Mexico since the XVI century until the present. This unique circumstance is a real window in the time that allows to investigate historical and contemporary ethnopharmacological knowledge. Aim of the studyTo examine the persistence, disappearance, and transformation of ethnomedicinal knowledge of C. ehrenbergii along time. Also, to investigate the chemistry and pharmacology of this species in relation to its historical and present day main ethnomedical applications related to Central Nervous System and inflammation. Materials and methodsA thorough review was performed of written sources of medicinal plants from XVI and onwards. For the pharmacological studies, the organic extracts were tested in mice models to assess its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. The active extracts were studied chemically. The isolated compounds were identified by 1H, 13C NMR, or characterized by GC-MS. ResultsCirsum ehrenbergii was illustrated for the first time (1552) in the Libellus de Medicinalibus Indorum Herbis (Booklet of Medicinal Plants of the Indians) and named in the Nahuatl native language as huitzquilitl (edible thistle). It was there recommended as nigris sanguinis remedium (remedy for black blood), and for the treatment of illnesses with an inflammatory component. Nigris sanguinis was well known in the European medicine of that time and currently it has been interpreted as “depression”. At the present time, peasants and native population in Mexico mainly name C. ehrenbergii in Spanish as cardo Santo (holy thistle). Its original Nahuatl name has been almost forgotten. However, these communities use this species, among other maladies, to heal “nervios” (anxiety and/or depression) and for anti-inflammatory purposes. These ailments and treatments resemble those recorded in the Libellus and in several medicinal plant books along centuries.The ethanol extract of C. ehrenbergii roots showed antidepressant-like activity in mice administered at 300 mg/kg, as indicated by the forced swim test (FST). The glycosylated flavonoid linarin was identified as antidepressant principle and was active at the doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg in the FST. Regarding to anti-inflammatory activity, the most active was the methylene chloride extract of the aerial parts, which contains taraxasterol, pseudotaraxasterol, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol. ConclusionsCirsium ehrenbergii extracts possess antidepressant-like (roots, EtOH) and anti-inflammatory (aerial parts, CH2Cl2) properties, containing active compounds. Our results sustain historical and present day ethnomedical applications of this species documented along five centuries.

Antimicrobial potential of the Mayan medicine plant Matayba oppositifolia (A. Rich.) Britton against antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe bark of Matayba oppositifolia (A. Rich.) Britton (commonly known as “huaya” or “palo huacax”) is commonly utilized in traditional Mayan medicine for treating diarrhea and for canker and other sores. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to investigate the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of M. oppositifolia bark extracts against drug-susceptible and -resistant ESKAPE-E pathogens. In addition, the phytochemical composition of the best antibacterial extract was analyzed. Materials and methodsThe bark extracts were prepared with different solvents, including water, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. These were tested against ESKAPE-E (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp., including Escherichia coli) strains using Resazurin Microtiter Assay. In addition, the composition of the most active extract was analyzed by GC-MS. ResultsThe aqueous and organic bark extracts showed activity on drug-susceptible and -resistant ESKAPE-E microbes (MIC = 1000–31.25 μg/mL). The n-hexane bark extract was more active against the superbugs carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (MIC = 500–31.25 μg/mL) and A. baumannii (MIC = 250-125 μg/mL). The GC-MS analysis of this extract allowed the identification of 12 phytochemicals as the potential antibacterial compounds. The major compounds identified were palmitic acid (1), friedelan-3-one (2) and 7-dehydrodiosgenin (3). ConclusionThe present study reveals the strong in-vitro antibacterial activity of the n-hexane extract from the bark of M. oppositifolia and demonstrates the potential of natural products as a source of antibacterial compounds or phytomedicines that are specifically effective against drug-resistant ESKAPE-E bugs. Additionally, our investigation contributes to the ethnopharmacological knowledge and reappraisal of Mayan medicinal flora, as well as supports the traditional use of the bark of the medicinal plant M. oppositifolia for the treatment of infectious diseases.