Zanthoxylum Research Articles

In-vitro anthelmintic activity of seeds of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. against Pheretima Posthuma

Among the most common infections of digestive system in human beings are helminth infections. In developing countries, they pose a large threat to the society. Such parasitic diseases cause severe morbidity, including lymphatic filariasis, onchoserciasis and schistosomiasis. Different extracts of the plant material were tested against adult Indian earthworms Pheretima posthuma (Pheritimidae) as test worms. Various concentrations (10, 25 and 50 mg/ml) of all extracts were tested and results were expressed in terms of time for paralysis and time for death of worms. Piperazine citrate (10 mg/ml) was used as the standard reference drug. Results showed that the aqueous extract is more potent as compared to other extracts as it took less time to cause paralysis and death of the earthworms as compared to standard reference drug. Key words: Anthelmintic activity, Pheretima posthuma, piperazine citrate, Zanthoxylum armatum

Aqueous Extracts of Dried Fruits of <i>Zanthoxylum armatum</i> DC., (Rutaceae) Induce Cellular and Nuclear Damage Coupled with Inhibition of Mitotic Activity <i>in Vivo</i>

Bioactive compounds derived from plant natural compounds have proven to be valuable sources of metabolites which can seldom be obtained from other sources. Plants belonging to the genus Zanthoxylum have been valued across various cultures for their curative properties. Zanthoxylum armatum DC., belonging to the family Rutaceae is extensively used in traditional practices in North-Eastern India and neighbouring regions including South-East Asia. However, the potential cytogenetic effects of Zanthoxylum armatum under in vivo conditions, and their causative mechanisms have not yet been studied in detail. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of aqueous extracts of fruits of Z. armatum under in vivo conditions using the Allium test. Physiological and cellular data indicate that the extracts induce clumped chromosomes at metaphase stage of cell division coupled with mitotic arrest. Electron microscopy data reveal membrane damage of cellular organelles, chromatin condensation and chromatin marginalisation in cell of roots incubated in the extracts. The extracts also induce concentration dependent protein precipitation and genomic DNA degradation.

Searching for Novel Cancer Chemopreventive Plants and their Products:The Genus Zanthoxylum

The genus Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae) comprises about 250 species, of which many are used as food, often as condiments, substituting pepper due to the pungent taste of fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark, and therapeutic remedies especially in Eastern Asian countries and in Central America. The whole plant is also consumed as an ingredient of soups and salads. The aim of this review is to examine in detail from a phytochemical and pharmacological point of view what is reported in the current literature about the anti-cancer and chemopreventive properties of phytopreparations or individual active compounds obtained from edible plants belonging to this genus.

Chemical constituents and biological activities of the genus Zanthoxylum : A review

Zanthoxylum known as “Timoor” is used as mouth fresh, tooth care, spice and in intoxicating of the fishes. The present study deals with documentation of isolated chemical constituents and biological activities of the genus Zanthoxylum. The chemical constituents and essential oil have been isolated and characterized by several analytical methods. Alkaloids and cumarins are the main constituents of the genus. The presence of alkaloids and essential oil, Zanthoxylum possessed several types of biological activities such as larvicidal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antibiotic, hepatoprotective, antiplasmodial, cytotoxic, antiproliferative, anthelminthic, antiviral and antifungal. Key words: Zanthoxylum, alkaloids, essential oil, biological activities

Antimicrobial constituents from the African medicinal plant Zanthoxylum capense

The genus Zanthoxylum, comprising approximately 250 species, is well known for its ethnobotanical uses among Rutaceae family [1]. Previous studies have demonstrated that plants belonging to this genus are rich sources of biologically active compounds, such as alkaloids, aliphatic and aromatic amides, coumarins, as well as lignans [2]. Zanthoxylum capense (Thunb.) Harv. is a medicinal plant indigenous to Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique. Traditional healers use the decoction of its roots for snakebites, and the decoction of its root barks to treat tuberculosis, paralysis, and relief of toothache. However, until date there have been relatively few phytochemical studies on this species [3, 4]. During our search for bioactive compounds from the methanolic extract of Z. capense roots, we have isolated a new benzophenanthridine alkaloid and two new 2-arylbenzofuran neolignans. In addition, several known compounds were also isolated, including six alkaloids with the benzophenanthridine scaffold, one furoquinoline-type alkaloid and a lignan. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by means of MS, extensive 1D and 2D-NMR analyses and by comparison of their physical and spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Some compounds showed inhibitory activity mainly against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 with MIC values ranging from 12.5 to 50µg/mL. These compounds might be promising leads for the development of new antimicrobials.

The internal transcribed spacer rDNA specific markers for identification of Zanthoxylum piperitum

Genus Zanthoxylum which has significant medical importance belongs to the family Rutaceae. This investigation was aimed to identify total internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions among the nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) to distinguish Zanthoxylum piperitum from Zanthoxylum sichinifolium . The nrDNA ITS sequence markers were developed by using universal ITS5/ITS4 primer pairs. Speciesspecific primers amplified the total ITS region sequence named ITS1-YL1 and ITS1-YL2. These were amplified efficiently when paired with universal primer ITS4 in Z. piperitum, but not in Z. schinifolium . ITS1-YL1/ITS4 or ITS1-YL2/ITS4 preferential amplification was shown to be particularly useful for detection and distribution of Z. piperitum from other plant species, especially Z. schinifolium . These primers are useful to study the structure of Rutaceae family. Such identifications will be helpful for phylogenetic analysis in intraspecies population of the genus Zanthoxylum. Key words: Zanthoxylum piperitum , rDNA Int-sp markers, phylogenetic relationship, ribosomal DNA, internal transcribed spacer.

Analgesic Activity of Aqueous Extract of the roots of Fagara zanthoxyloides (Linn)

Fagara zanthoxyloides (Fagaraeceae) is a shrub with prickled branches and grows freely in the coastal regions. Ethnomedical information indicates that the shrub is used for the treatment of rheumatism, syphilitic sores, diarrhoea, stomach ache, toothache, and other ailments. The analgesic effects of the aqueous root extract of Fagara zanthoxyloides was studied using animal models. Results showed that the aqueous extracts of Fagara zanthoxyloides demonstrated potent and significant analgesic activity in vivo against drug induced abdominal constricitions and against both phases of thermal pain, comparable to some analgesic drugs. It is suggested that the analgesic effects appear to be due to its alkalodial phytoconstituent. Key words: analgesia, antinociceptive, Fagara zanthoxyloides

ZANTHOXYLUM ARMATUM (RUTACEAE), SU PRESENCIA EN ARGENTINA

Arana, M. D. & A. Oggero. 2009. Zanthoxylum armatum (Rutaceae), its presence in Argentina. Darwinia- na 47(2): 335-338. The first record of Zanthoxylum armatum var. armatum as a naturalized species for the argentinian flora is reported for Cordoba province. We include a description, illustration, distribution map, ecolo- gical data and differences with similar taxa.

Composition of four essential oils obtained from plants from Cameroon, and their bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus

The composition of four essential oils (EOs) extracted by hydrodistillation from plants of common use in Cameroon (Curcuma longa, Xylopia aethiopica, Zanthoxylum leprieurii L., Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides) was assessed by gas chromatography-mass. Their bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity was tested in vitro against three food borne pathogenic bacteria: Listeria monocytogenes,Salmonella enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteriostatic activities of this EOs on food borne bacteria were assessed in vitro through optical density measurements. The minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined in broth combined with a spot plating method. Z. xanthoxyloides and Z. leprieuriishowed a similar composition, with a prevalence of oxygenated monoterpenes (about 58%). The EO of Z. xanthoxyloides was the most effective against the microorganisms tested. Its higher concentration of geraniol could be linked to this higher activity. In almost all cases, the MBC was higher than the maximum concentration tested (3000 ppm). Notwithstanding their low bactericidal effect, the EOs studied showed interesting inhibiting activities against the tested food borne pathogens. S. enteritidis was the most resistant to the bacteriostatic effect of the four EOs. The knowledge of the antimicrobial potential of local plant EOs used in developing countries could help in their choice and their use to improve food safety and shelf-life. Key words: Essential oils, composition analysis, antimicrobial activity, pathogens.

ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF A ZULU HERBAL MIXTURE ’IMBIZA EPHUZWATO’

Imbiza ephuzwato is a Zulu herbal preparation consisting of roots, bulbs, rhizomes and leaves of several medicinal plants extracted with boiling water. The herbal mixture, sold in muthi shops around KwaZulu-Natal is used to treat microbial and fungal infections, boost energy and relieve general body pains. Imbiza ephuzwato was tested against two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria and Candida albicans using the microdilution assay to evaluate its antimicrobial effects. The mixture showed antibacterial and antifungal activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.78 mg/ml against the microbes tested. Six of the plant constituents (Corchorus aspleniifolius root, Cyrtanthus obliquus bulb, Drimia robusta bulb, Gunnera perpensa rhizome, Hypericum aethiopicum leaf and Zanthoxylum capense root) of Imbiza ehuzwato were extracted with petroleum ether, 80% ethanol and water. The extracts were subjected to similar tests to investigate the source of activity of the mixture. The aqueous extracts of G. perpensa rhizome showed MIC values of 0.78 mg/ml against the bacteria and fungus. The petroleum ether extract of C. aspleniifolius root showed MIC values of 0.195 mg/ml against all the bacteria and 0.39 mg/ml against C. albicans. The rest of the plants had MIC values ranging from 0.39 to 12.5 mg/ml against both the bacteria and fungus used. The results suggest G. perpensa rhizome could be the source of the activity detected in the product. G. perpensa rhizome contains several compounds with antibacterial activity. Isolation of active components will be attempted from the other active extracts.

Citrus Flavonoids in Fruit and Traditional Chinese Medicinal Food Ingredients in China

Flavonoids-enriched tissues of citrus such as peel, immature fruit and flower are consumed as culinary seasonings, tea ingredients in China for centuries. This HPLC quantitative study on the five citrus flavonoids, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, sinensetin and nobiletin on a wide range of Chinese citrus fruits and several Traditional Chinese Medicinal food ingredients in East China, revealed a great diversity in flavonoid composition. Huyou peel (C. paradisi cv. Changshanhuyou) was found to be the best naringin (3.25%) and neohesperidin (2.76%) source; C. aurantium, a major ingredient of several citrus-related TCM, is also a suitable source of naringin and neohesperidin, and a good juice source for flavanone glycosides; the peel of Wenzhoumiju (C. unshiu) is one of the richest local species in hesperidin (up to 6.25%); Zaoju (C. subcompressa) has the highest content of nobiletin (0.59%), a polymethoxylated flavone. LC-ES-MS analysis of Zanthoxylum genus for flavonoids revealed for the first time the presence of significant amounts (0.74%) of hesperidin in the root of Liangmianzhen (Z. nitidum (Roxb.) DC), a relative of Sichuan pepper, which is a spice widely used in China.

Alkaloids of Zanthoxylum budrunga

Pseudophrynamine, lunacridine and the new compound 2-(2′,4′,6′-trimethyl-heptenyl)-4-quinozolone were isolated from the leaves of Zanthoxylum budrunga.

Constituents of Zanthoxylum Sprucei

Constituents of Zanthoxylum Sprucei

Terihanine from Zanthoxylum nitidum

A phenolic quaternary 2,3,8,9-tetraoxygenated benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid, terihanine (3), was isolated by preparative paper chromatography (PPc) from the root bark of Zanthoxylum nitidum. From the phenolic tertiary base fraction of the stem bark, decarine (4), arnottianamide (5), toddaquinoline (6) and 6-carboxymethyl dihydrochelerythrine (7) were obtained. The presence of four quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids, terihanine (3), chelerythrine (8), avicine (9) and nitidine (10), in both the root bark and the stem bark was proved by preparative paper chromatography and TLC, but there was only trace amounts of terihanine (3) present in the stem bark.

Isolation of Alkaloidal Constituents of Zanthoxylum usambarense and Zanthoxylum chalybeum Using Ion-Pair HPLC

Quaternary alkaloids of two Kenyan medicinal plants belonging to the genus Zanthoxylum, Z. usambarense and Z. chalybeum, were examined using ion-pair HPLC. Both plants contained similar alkaloids, but colored protoberberines were found only in Z. chalybeum. From the stems of Z. usambarense a new alkaloid named usambanoline (1) was isolated and characterized.

Constituents of Zanthoxylum. 7. Old and new alkaloids from Zanthoxylum arborescens

Constituents of Zanthoxylum. 7. Old and new alkaloids from Zanthoxylum arborescens

Some Alkaloids and Other Constituents of Zanthoxylum microcarpum and Z. procerum

Some Alkaloids and Other Constituents of Zanthoxylum microcarpum and Z. procerum

A new benzophenanthridinic base from Fagara mayu

A new benzophenanthridinic base from Fagara mayu

Isolierung von (±)‐Tembamid aus Zanthoxylum tingoassuiba L. (Rutaceae)

Isolation of (±)‐Tembamid from the Bark of Zanthoxylum tingoassuiba L. (Rutaceae)Racemic tembamid (5) has been isolated from the bark, and (−)‐sesamin (1) from the leaves of Zanthoxylum tingoassuiba L.

Alkaloids and coumarins from Zanthoxylum flavum: Dihydrorutaecarpine, a novel β-indoloquinazoline alkaloid

Alkaloids and coumarins from Zanthoxylum flavum: Dihydrorutaecarpine, a novel β-indoloquinazoline alkaloid