Eurycoma Longifolia Research Articles

Rho-Kinase II Inhibitory Potential of Eurycoma longifolia New Isolate for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction.

Background. Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Fam.: Simaroubaceae), known as Tongkat Ali (TA), has been known as a symbol of virility and sexual power. The aim of the study was to screen E. longifolia aqueous extract (AE) and isolates for ROCK-II inhibition. Results. The AE (1-10 μg/ml) showed a significant inhibition for ROCK-II activity (62.8-81%) at P < 0.001 with an IC50 (651.1 ± 32.9 ng/ml) compared to Y-27632 ([(+)-(R)-trans-4-(1-aminoethyl)-N-(4-pyridyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride]) (68.15-89.9 %) at same concentrations with an IC50 (192 ± 8.37 ng/ml). Chromatographic purification of the aqueous extract (AE) allowed the isolation of eight compounds; stigmasterol T1, trans-coniferyl aldehyde T2, scopoletin T3, eurycomalactone T4, 6α- hydroxyeurycomalactone T5, eurycomanone T6, eurycomanol T7, and eurycomanol-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside T8. This is the first report for the isolation of T1 and T3 from E. longifolia and for the isolation of T2 from genus Eurycoma. The isolates (at 10 μg/ml) exhibited maximum inhibition % of ROCK-II 82.1 ± 0.63 (T2), 78.3 ± 0.38 (T6), 77.1 ± 0.11 (T3), 76.2 ± 3.53 (T4), 74.5 ± 1.27 (T5), 74.1 ± 2.97 (T7), 71.4 ± 2.54 (T8), and 60.3 ± 0.14 (T1), where the newly isolated compound trans-coniferyl aldehyde T2 showed the highest inhibitory activity among the tested isolated compounds and even higher than the total extract AE. The standard Y-27632 (10 μg/ml) showed 89.9 ± 0.42 % inhibition for ROCK-II activity when compared to control at P < 0.0001. Conclusion. The traditional use of E. longifolia as aphrodisiac and for male sexual disorders might be in part due to the ROCK-II inhibitory potential.

Nephroprotective Effect of Herbal Extract Eurycoma longifolia on Paracetamol-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

Paracetamol (PCM) is a well-known drug widely used for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. PCM is generally considered as safe but overdose of PCM can cause nephrotoxicity. Traditionally, herbs have been used for the treatment of drug or toxin-induced renal disorders and numerous medicinal plants were tested for nephroprotection effect in PCM-induced nephrotoxicity model. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of the herbal extract Eurycoma longifolia (EL) against PCM-induced nephrotoxicity rat model. Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of eight rats each: control (vehicle 10 ml/kg), PCM alone (200 mg/kg PCM), EL 100 (EL 100 mg/kg+200 mg/kg PCM), EL 200 (EL 200 mg/kg+200 mg/kg PCM), and EL 400 (EL 400 mg/kg+200 mg/kg PCM). All animals from control group received vehicle daily and animals from groups PCM alone, EL 100, EL 200, and EL 400 received repeated dose of PCM and the assigned treatment of EL daily for a period of 14 days. On the 15th day, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, protein, and albumin were measured in blood and creatinine clearance was measured in urine collected over 24 hours. Kidney sections of all experimental groups underwent histopathological analysis. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in serum creatinine and blood urea levels in the PCM alone group compared to the treatment groups due to nephrotoxicity. In the treatment groups, there was a dose-dependent protection against PCM-induced changes observed in serum total protein, albumin, urea, and creatinine. Significant (p<0.05) drop was seen in serum creatinine and blood urea content in EL 200 and EL 400 groups. Creatinine clearance significantly increased for EL 200 (p<0.01) and EL 400 (p < 0.001) groups. Serum total protein and serum albumin content were significantly increased (p<0.05) in EL 200 and EL 400 groups compared to PCM alone group. Histopathological examination (H&E staining) of the rat kidneys revealed severe degeneration in the PCM alone group, while there was evidence of significant dose-dependent protection in the treatment groups against PCM-induced changes. The serum and urine biochemical results and histopathology analysis of the kidney indicate the nephroprotective potential of EL extract against PCM-induced nephrotoxicity.

Quassinoids and Alkaloids From the Roots of Eurycoma longifolia

Five quassinoids and 2 alkaloids were isolated from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. The structures of 3 new quassinoids, eurycomalide F, G, and H (1-3), were elucidated using a variety of spectroscopic methods. The known compounds were identified as eurycomalide A (4), laurycolactone B (5), 5-methoxycanthin-6-one (6), and canthin-6-one (7). Among the isolated compounds, canthin-6-one (7) exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production (IC50 = 16.9 μM). 5-Methoxycanthin-6-one (6) and eurycomalide F (1) exhibited weak inhibition with IC50 values of 23.4 and 32.7 μM, respectively.

The Effect of Pasak Bumi (Eurycoma longifolia, Jack) Roots Ethanol Extract against Hematology Profile of Healthy Volunteers

The roots of Eurycoma longifolia, Jack has a lot of beneficial activity on human health. The use of Eurycoma longifolia, Jack roots as a traditional medicine should be made in the form of a dosage that is more effective, safe, and had no side effects, especially on hematology. Easy preparations are capsule. This study aimed at identifying the effect of ethanol extract capsule of Eurycoma longifolia, Jack roots on hematology of healthy volunteers. Healthy volunteers were assigned in the study, each of which were 10 male and 10 female who met the inclusion criteria. Both groups were given ethanol extract capsule of Eurycoma longifolia, Jack roots for 14 days, with the dose of 300 mg extract once a day, after meal, at night. Hematology examination was performed on day 0; 14 and 42. Results were compared statistically using Repeated ANOVA and Friedman tests. The result of the study indicated that the average value of hematology at the examination day of 0; 14; and 42, there were significant differences in MCV and leukocyte parameters in healthy male volunteers (p&lt;0.05). MCH, LED and monocyte parameters in healthy female volunteers had a significant difference of (p&lt;0.05). However, the parameter values were still within the normal range. Monitoring results showed that some of the side effects were frequent urinary, dizziness, nausea, sweating, insomnia, and increasing appetite on healthy male volunteers. Meanwhile, on healthy female volunteers, there were frequent urinary, insomnia, constipation. Having ethanol extract capsule of the Eurycoma longifolia, Jack roots did not affect the hematology parameters of healthy male and female volunteers, but it caused some side effects.

An Analysis of Popular Online Erectile Dysfunction Supplements

IntroductionErectile dysfunction supplements (ED-Ss) are featured on online marketplaces like Amazon.com, with dedicated pages and claims that they naturally treat ED. However, their efficacy and safety are largely unknown, limiting the ability to counsel patients regarding their use. AimTo evaluate the highest rated and most frequently reviewed ED-Ss on Amazon.com to facilitate patient counseling regarding marketing myths, ingredient profiles, and evidence for product efficacy and safety. MethodsThe Amazon marketplace was queried using the key term “erectile dysfunction” with default search settings and ranking items based on relevance. The top 6 ED-S products identified on September 29, 2018, were reviewed based on price, ratings, reviews, manufacturer, and ingredients. Consumer reviews were categorized using subtopics within the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire to better understand ED-S efficacy and then reanalyzed following filtration of untrustworthy comments using ReviewMeta.com, a proprietary Amazon review analysis software. OutcomesQuantitative and qualitative evaluation of ED-S products sold on Amazon.com. ResultsThe top 6 ED-Ss had an average of 2,121 ± 1,282 reviews and a mean rating of 3.92 ± 0.42 stars. A total of 21 ingredients were identified in these ED-Ss. Ginseng, horny goat weed, L-arginine, and tongkat ali were the most popular ingredients included in the analyzed products. Our literature review identified 413 studies involving the 21 identified ingredients, of which 59 (16%) involved human subjects. Among these 69 human studies, only 12 (17%) investigated supplement ingredients individually and reported improvement in ED. Analysis of top-ranked customer reviews from the first 2 pages of reviews for each supplement revealed differences in IIEF scores before and after ReviewMeta.com filtration. After filtration, we observed a 77% decrease in reviews reporting improved erection strength, an 83% decrease in reviews reporting improved ability to maintain erection, a 90% decrease in reviews reporting increased sexual satisfaction, an 88% decrease in reviews reporting increased enjoyment with intercourse, and an 89% decrease in reviews reporting increased erection confidence. Strengths & LimitationsStudy strengths include a novel approach to ascertaining consumers’ perceptions and satisfaction with ED-Ss and practical summary information that clinicians can provide to patients. Limitations include selection bias, the small number of supplements analyzed, and the proprietary nature of the Amazon review analysis software. ConclusionsOur investigation revealed that human studies evaluating the efficacy of ED-S ingredients are limited and have yielded no definitive findings of the effects on ED. Patients considering ED-S use should receive appropriate counseling, given the prevalence of disingenuous reviews and the ready availability of Food and Drug Administration–approved drug therapies.Balasubramanian A, Thirumavalavan N, Srivatsav A, et al. An Analysis of Popular Online Erectile Dysfunction Supplements. J Sex Med 2019;16:843–852.

Optimizing Genomic DNA Isolation and PCR Amplification For Pasak Bumi (Eurycoma longifolia)

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Solvent Fractionation and Acetone Precipitation for Crude Saponins from Eurycoma longifolia Extract.

Eurycoma longifolia is a popular folk medicine in South East Asia. This study was focused on saccharide-containing compounds including saponins, mainly because of their medical potentials. Different organic solvents such as ethyl acetate, butanol, and chloroform were used to fractionate the phytochemical groups, which were consequently precipitated in cold acetone. Solvent fractionation was found to increase the total saponin content based on colorimetric assay using vanillin and sulfuric acid. Ethyl acetate fraction and its precipitate were showed to have the highest crude saponins after acetone precipitation. The samples were shown to have anti-proliferative activity comparable with tamoxifen (IC50 = 110.6 µg/mL) against human breast cancer cells. The anti-proliferative activities of the samples were significantly improved from crude extract (IC50 = 616.3 µg/mL) to ethyl acetate fraction (IC50 = 185.4 µg/mL) and its precipitate (IC50 = 153.4 µg/mL). LC-DAD-MS/MS analysis revealed that the saccharide-containing compounds such as m/z 497, 610, 723, 836, and 949 were abundant in the samples, and they could be ionized in negative ion mode. The compounds consisted of 226 amu monomers with UV-absorbing property at 254 nm, and were tentatively identified as formylated hexoses. To conclude, solvent fractionation and acetone precipitation could produce saccharide-containing compounds including saponins with higher anti-proliferative activity than crude extract against MCF-7 cells. This is the first study to use non-toxic solvents for fractionation of bioactive compounds from highly complex plant extract of E. longifolia.

INFLUENCE OF THE COMBINATION OF PASAK BUMI ROOT AND PROPOLIS EXTRACTS ON PARASITEMIA LEVELS IN MICE INFECTED WITH PLASMODIUM BERGHEI

Objective: Malaria infection remains a global concern due to increasing resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapy. This study examinedthe antimalarial effects of propolis extract alone and in combination with pasak bumi root extract.Methods: In the study, 30 mice were divided into six groups including two control groups, two groups of mice treated with propolis aloneat concentrations of 90 and 180 mg/kg body weight (BW), and two combination groups of mice treated with 90 or 180 mg/kg BW propolis incombination with 60 or 75 mg/kg BW pasak bumi, respectively. Plasmodium berghei 2% was injected into each mouse, and blood smears wereprepared after 8 days to assess parasitemia.Results: The results revealed no significant difference in parasitemia levels between the positive control and the two combination groups (p=0.136 and0.289, respectively). However, superior growth inhibition (GI) results were observed in the combination groups (97.97% and 97.83%, respectively)than in the propolis monotherapy groups, whereas better outcomes were observed in the positive control group (98.63% GI) than in the propolismonotherapy groups (23.88% and 51.66%, respectively).Conclusion: These results illustrate that combination therapy is superior to propolis monotherapy in inhibiting parasitemia.

Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced oxidative damage and memory deficit in rats

The Effects of Eurycoma longifolia on Testosterone and Blood Pressure in High-Fat-Fed Animal ModelRafidah Hanim Mokhtar, Fakhria Al-Joufi, Anil K Saxena, Imad M Al-Ani, Norlelawati A Talib, Norsidah Ku-Zaifah

Comparative antimicrobial studies on plant species known as ’Pasak Bumi': Eurycoma longifolia Jack., Rennelia elliptica Korth. and Trivalvaria macrophylla miq.

Pasak Bumi is a local name for a medicinal plant in Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is a famous medicinal plant and commonly used in traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac, as well as in the treatment of malaria. Pasak Bumi is a commercial name for Eurycoma longifolia (Simaroubaceae) plant species. Besides Eurycoma longifolia there are two other plant species also known locally as Pasak Bumi, Rennelia elliptica (Rubiaceae) and Trivalvaria macrophylla (Annonaceae). This study was performed to investigate the antimicrobial activities of the different species of Pasak Bumi and its total phenol contents. The antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract was determined using the Agar Well Diffusion method at various concentrations while the phenol content was determined by the Folin - Ciocalteu method. The results of the ethanol extract from the different root showed that the T. macrophylla had the highest phenol content, and the highest activity index (AI) was found in the E. longifolia (0.96 at 1000 µg concentration). The results of this study show that the three different Pasak Bumi have potential as antimicrobials against oral pathogen; 1 yeast: Candida albicans, and 3 bacterias: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sobrinus.

FITOGEOGRAFI PASAK BUMI (Eurycoma longifolia, Jack) PADA KAWASAN HUTAN LINDUNG GUNUNG AMBAWANG BUKIT BENDERA KABUPATEN KUBU RAYA KALIMANTAN BARAT

Pasak Bumi (Eurycoma longifolia, Jack.) It is a rare medicinal plant commonly found in Indonesian forests. The purpose of the study was to determine the phytogeography of pasak Bumi in Mount Ambawang Bukit Bendera, Kubu Raya Regency. The study was conducted by survey method with data collection techniques using the census method. The conditions observed included conditions, slope, altitude, and wind direction aspects (North, South, West, East). Then map the census results by measuring stem diameter (cm), tree height (m), slope (%), altitude (m asl), wind direction aspects, and coordinate points. Then true value, with the literature on habitat and phytogeography of pasak Bumi. Based on the results of the study found a total of 91 individuals scattered starting from an altitude of 98-200 m above sea level, the southernmost most found amounted to 45 individuals, the eastern part numbered 17 individuals, the western part amounted to 18 individuals while in the north with the number 11 individuals. This is because growth is covered by a canopy of dense trees that cover the pasak Bumi plant.Keywords: Eurycoma longifolia, Gunung Ambawang, Kubu Ray, pasak Bumi, phytogeography.

Pasakbumin A controls the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by enhancing the autophagy and production of antibacterial mediators in mouse macrophages.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and remains a major health problem worldwide. Thus, identification of new and more effective drugs to treat emerging multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and to reduce the side effects of anti-TB drugs, such as liver toxicity and other detrimental changes, is urgently needed. In this study, to develop a novel candidate drug for effective TB treatment with few side effects in the host, we selected pasakbumin A isolated from Eurycoma longifolia (E. longifolia) Jack, which protected host cells against Mtb infection-induced death. Pasakbumin A significantly inhibited intracellular Mtb growth by inducing the autophagy via the ERK1/2-mediated signaling pathway in Mtb-infected macrophages. We further investigated whether pasakbumin A could be used as a potential adjuvant for TB treatment. Treatment with pasakbumin A and anti-TB drug rifampicin (RMP) potently suppressed intracellular Mtb killing by promoting autophagy as well as TNF-α production via the ERK1/2- and NF-κB-mediated signaling pathways in Mtb-infected cells. Our results suggest that pasakbumin A could be developed as a novel anti-TB drug or host-directed therapeutic (HDT) strategy to protect against host cell death and improve host defense mechanisms against Mtb infection in macrophages.

Medicinal Plant by Batak Toba Medicinal plants used by the Batak Toba Tribe in Peadundung Village, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Silalahi M, Nisyawati, Pandiangan D. 2019. Medicinal plants used by the Batak Toba Tribe in Peadundung Village, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 510-525. Research of the medicinal plants by the Toba Batak ethnic has limited, even though the globalization and modernization resulted to degradation of the local knowledge. The objectives of this study were (i) documentation of medicinal plants used in the traditional therapies by the Batak Toba tribe of Peadundung Village, North Sumatra, Indonesia, and (ii) analysing the data by quantitative ethnobotanical tools such as use value (UV), cultural significance index (CSI), relative frequency of citation (RCF) and informant consensus factor (ICF) to determine the cultural importance of medicinal plants in order to develop a tool for their conservation. Semi-structured interviews with 41 identified respondents was the methodology employed for qualitative data collection. A total of 149 medicinal species of plants, belonging to 131 genera and 55 families, were recorded in the study which are used in the treatment of 21 categories of ailments. Plants with the highest UV were Eurycoma longifolia (UV=3.44), Curcuma longa (UV=2.67) and Zingiber officinale (UV=2.60). Eight species, namely Curcuma longa, Eurycoma longifolia, Allium cepa, Psidium guajava, Aleurites moluccanus, Piper betle, Citrus hystrix and Uncaria gambir were found to be having the highest RCF value of 1.00. Eurycoma longifolia (CSI=126), Curcuma longa (CSI=112) and Zingiber officinale (CSI = 105) emerged as the culturally most significant medicinal plants. Thrush and aphrodisiac use categories received the highest ICF of 1.00 each because the informants agreed of using only a single species for each of these categories. Eurycoma longifolia was used as an aphrodisiac whereas Averrhoa carambola was used against thrush. All these important and significant plants suffer the greatest harvesting pressure, hence their conservation should be given priority.

Structural Characterization and Immunomodulatory Activity of a Polysaccharide from Eurycoma longifolia.

A polysaccharide, Ali-1, was isolated from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia, a popular traditional medicinal herb in Malaysia. The structure of Ali-1 was characterized by monosaccharide, methylation, and NMR data analyses. The average molecular weight of Ali-1 is 14.3 ku, and it is composed of arabinose (14.31%), xylose (57.69%), galacturonic acid (13.03%), and glucuronic acid (14.86%). The main chain comprises (1→4)-linked xylose residues. It has branch points in the main chain; (1→2,4)-linked xylose residues, 1,2-linked glucuronic acid residues, and 1,2-linked arabinose residues form the branches, and the branches are terminated with T-linked galacturonic acid residues and T-linked arabinose residues. Ali-1 significantly improves the pinocytic and phagocytic abilities of RAW264.7 cells and facilitates cytokine secretion according to an immunostimulation assay. These results demonstrate that Ali-1 has potential as a functional supplement for people with compromised immune systems.

The composition and diversity of plant species in pasak bumi’s (Eurycoma longifolia) habitat in Batang Lubu Sutam forest, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Susilowati A, Rachmat HH, Elfiati D, Hasibuan MH. 2019. The composition and diversity of plant species in pasak bumi’s (Eurycoma longifolia) habitat in Batang Lubu Sutam forest, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 413-418. Pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) is one of the most popular medicinal plants in Indonesia. Currently, E. longifolia is being over-exploited due to its potential and popularity as herbal medicine and its high value in the market. Therefore, the study on the population structure of the species and habitat characterization is required to ensure successfulness of conservation of this species. The study was carried out in lowland forest, located in Limited Production Forest within the Register Number 40, situated administratively in Papaso Village, Sub-District of Batang Lubu Sutam-Padang Lawas, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Batang Lubu Sutam forest is known as a source of pasak bumi material in North Sumatra. Every year tons of pasak bumi are collected from this forest and exported to Malaysia and surrounding countries. Due to illegal harvesting for its roots, pasak bumi has been seriously depleted in some areas in Batang Lubu Sutam forest. Therefore, current data on its population are needed for conservation effort of Batang Lubu Sutam's pasak bumi. The objectives of this study were to assess the structure of forest where pasak bumi grows and to determine the correct management for sustainability the future stocks. Vegetation analysis was carried out purposively in four transect belts, each consisting of five quadrats or plots. The results showed that the Importance Value Index of pasak bumi at seedling, sapling, pole and tree stages was 21.26%, 9.147%, 0, and 0 respectively. The Shannon Diversity Index (H) ranged between 3.050 and 3.220 and was inside its common value distribution. The evenness index was high, more than 0.85, at all stages of plant growth. The disappearance of pasak bumi at pole and tree stages indicates threatening condition for the sustainability of pasak bumi in the study sites because of excessive harvesting.

Aktivitas Antiplasmodium dan Sitotoksisitas Isolat Akar Pasak Bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) secara In Vitro

Telah diketahui bahwa fraksi metanol akar pasak bumi mempunyai aktivitas antiplasmodium in vitro yang kuat. Namun belum diketahui isolat yang manakah yang aktif sebagai antiplasmodium. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji aktivitas antiplasmodium dan sitotoksisitas 5 isolat yang diisolasi dari fraksi metanol akar pasak bumi. Uji aktivitas antiplasmodium in vitro dilakukan pada kultur P. falciparum strain FCR-3 dan D10, sedangkan uji sitotoksisitas in vitro dilakukan pada kultur sel normal Vero. Aktivitas antiplasmodium dan sitotoksisitas in vitro dinyatakan sebagai IC50 (Inhibitory Concentration 50%) yaitu konsentrasi yang dapat menghambat pertumbuhan Plasmodium atau sel Vero sebesar 50%. Nilai IC50 ditentukan dengan analisis probit. Selektivitas isolat uji dinyatakan sebagai indeks selektivitas yang merupakan rasio sitotoksisitas (IC50 pada sel normal Vero) dengan aktivitas antiplasmodium in vitro (IC50 pada Plasmodium). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa isolat 4 dan 5 menunjukkan aktivitas antiplasmodium yang kuat dengan nilai IC50 berturut turut 2,21-19,02 dan 13,54-64,73 μg/mL Rasio sitotoksisitas/aktivitas antiplasmodium menunjukkan bahwa isolat 4 dan 5 juga menunjukkan nilai selektivitas yang tinggi yaitu 11.74-68.75 untuk isolat 4, dan 66.01-316.51 untuk isolat 5. Kesimpulannya, isolat 4 dan 5 mempunyai aktivitas aniplasmodium yang tinggi dengan seletivitas yang tinggi pula.

Effects of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack Supplementation Combined with Resistance Training on Isokinetic Muscular Strength and Power, Anaerobic Power, and Urinary Testosterone: Epitestosterone Ratio in Young Males.

Introduction:This study investigated the effects of resistance training and Eurycoma longifolia Jack supplementation on isokinetic muscular strength and power, Wingate anaerobic power, and testosterone: epitestosterone (T/E) ratio in young males.Methods:Forty young males were weight-matched and assigned into four groups: control (C), Eurycoma longifolia jack (ElJ), resistance training (RT), and Eurycoma longifolia Jack plus resistance training group (ElJ & RT). Participants in ElJ and ElJ & RT groups consumed 200 mg Eurycoma longifolia Jack daily, whereas participants in the C and RT groups consumed placebo capsules daily for 8 weeks. Resistance training program which consisted of 10 different exercises was conducted three times per week for 8 weeks. Participants' isokinetic muscular strength and power, anaerobic power, and urinary TE ratio were measured before and after the intervention period. This is a randomized placebo-controlled intervention study. Paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis.Results:The mean average power of knee flexion at 300°/s in the RT and ElJ & RT groups was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the posttest compared with pretest. Wingate relative peak power in the RT group increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with respective pretest value, whereas peak power in the combined ElJ & RT group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in posttest compared with pretest. There was no significant difference in T/E ratio between pre- and posttests in all the groups.Conclusions:The prescribed resistance training program, either with or without ElJ supplementation, improved isokinetic power of the lower limb. Resistance training alone improved relative anaerobic power, whereas combined Eurycoma longifolia Jack and resistance training improved peak power output. ElJ consumption of 200 mg daily for 8 weeks did not affect the urinary T/E ratio.

Anti-inflammatory effects of alkaloid enriched extract from roots of Eurycoma longifolia Jack

Objective: To examine the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the alkaloid enriched extract (ELA) from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. Methods: The in vitro antiinflammatory effects of ELA were evaluated by examining its inhibitory activities against nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expressions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The level of NO produced in the culture media was determined by Griess method. The iNOS and COX-2 protein expressions were analyzed by Western blot. The in vivo effect of ELA was evaluated on LPS-induced septic shock in mice model. Mice mortality was monitored for 5 days after injection of LPS. The chemical contents of the ELA were determined by using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Results: The ELA was found to exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory effect in both in vitro and in vivo models. The results demonstrated that ELA dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced NO production as well as the protein iNOS and COX-2 expressions. In the septic shock model, ELA dose-dependently protected mice from LPS-induced mortality. Further study on the isolated components of ELA indicated that 9,10-dimethoxycanthin-6-one may contribute significantly to the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. Conclusions: These results suggest that ELA exhibits the anti-inflammatory activity via suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS, and COX-2 and protects mice from LPS-induced mortality in septic shock model.

Enhancement of eurycomanone biosynthesis in cell culture of longjack (Eurycoma longifolia) by elicitor treatment

In this study, the effect of elicitors such as yeast extract (YE), methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) on the accumulation of eurycomanone in Eurycoma longifolia cell cultures were investigated. Suspension cells of E. longifolia was cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 30 g/L sucrose, 1.25 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1 mg/L kinetin at a shaking speed of 120 rpm. Elicitors were added in the culture at different concentrations and times to stimulate eurycomanone accumulation in the Eurycoma longifolia cells. Eurycomanone content was determined by HPLC with a C18 column, flow rate of 0.8 mL/min, run time of 17.5 min, and a detector wavelength of 254 nm. The stationary phase was silica gel and the mobile phase was acetonitrile: H2O. Non-elicited cells were used as the control. The study showed the effect of different elicitor concentrations, YE at 200 mg/L, MeJA at 20 μM and SA at 20 μM stimulated high production of eurycomanone. In which, treatment of 20 μM MeJA after 4 days of culture resulted in the highest accumulation of this compound (17.36 mg/g dry weight), approximately 10-fold higher than that of untreated cells (1.70 mg/g dry weight).

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of an important Southeast Asian medicinal plant, Eurycoma longifolia (Simaroubaceae)

Eurycoma longifolia is a small tree known for its use in Southeast Asian traditional medicine. The growing demand for its roots as raw material for medicinal extracts is slowly threatening the natural populations of this species. In this study, we assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast genome of E. longifolia as a resource for future genetic studies on this species. With a total length of 160,800 bp, comprising of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 88,162 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 15,607 bp, separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 27,369 bp each, 133 genes were predicted for the chloroplast genome. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the position of E. longifolia within the family Simaroubaceae.