Guaiacum Officinale Research Articles

In vivo neuroprotective effect of Guaiacum officinale leaf extracts in scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment model

ABSTRACT The phytochemical composition and neuroprotective potential of the ethanolic extract of Guaiacum officinale leaves against scopolamine-induced amnesia were investigated. Spatial memory was evaluated through the Morris water maze, while the entire brain was assessed for acetylcholinesterase (AchE), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. The presence of glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and saponins was detected in the ethanolic extract through phycological analysis. The findings suggested that the ethanolic extract alleviated scopolamine-induced spatial memory impairments caused by scopolamine and decreased the AchE activity. The study also detailed MDA, SOD, transfer latency periods, and acetylcholine esterase levels in both normal and extract-treated groups.

The synergistic effects of Guaiacum officinale and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa extracts in the treatment of acne vulgaris on sensitive skin.

Acne vulgaris, a common chronic dermatological condition worldwide, is associated with inflammatory response and Cutibacterium acnes. Individuals with acne vulgaris and sensitive skin have limited suitable treatments due to the skin irritation and side effects exhibited by current hydroxy acidic medications. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of Guaiacum officinale (GO) and Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa (RT) extracts for treating acne vulgaris on sensitive skin by inhibiting inflammation. The phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity of GO and RT extracts were determined invitro. The anti-inflammatory effects were investigated in peptidoglycan (PGN)-induced HaCaT cells. Further, a 28-day clinical trial was conducted involving 30 subjects with both sensitive skin and acne to evaluate the efficacy and subjects' satisfaction. Total phenolics and flavonoids were detected in GO and RT extracts, the IC50 values for DPPH radical scavenging were 6.15 wt% and 0.76 wt%, respectively. The combination of GO and RT extracts at a 1:1 (v/v) ratio significantly decreased the expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4, as well as the secretion of IL-1α, IL-8, and TNF-α in PGN-induced HaCaT cells, by 2.30-7.93 times compared to GO extract alone (p < 0.05). Moreover, the cream containing 5 wt% the combination significantly improved facial acne and redness (p < 0.05). The number of comedones decreased by 50.00% and papules by 30.65% after 28 days of application. No adverse events were reported and 96.67% of the subjects were satisfied with the treatment. The efficacy of the GO and RT extracts in synergistically suppressing inflammation, improving acne vulgaris, and reducing redness. The study offers an effective and non-irritant treatment for acne vulgaris in individuals with sensitive skin.

COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF STANDARD STAINLESS STEEL AND IMPROVISED METALLIC IMPLANTS AND CORROSION INHIBITION POTENTIAL OF GUAIACUM OFFICINALE VIA ELECTROCHEMICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL APPROACHES

The malleability and fabrication of metal and associated alloys, as well as their vast range of applications, are significantly influenced by their physiochemical characteristics. Gas chromatograph mass spectrometer revealed the presence of eight (8) bioactive components, which are responsible for the inhibitory activities. Having a maximum inhibition efficiency of 85.17 at an inhibitor dose of 0.5g/L, there is a significantly reduction in reaction number in the presence of Guaiacum officinale extract compared to the blank solution. The electrochemical parameters for the improvised metallic biomaterial in 1.0 M HCl solution in the presence and absence of inhibitor concentrations revealed the high polarization region, thus a wide potential range. The addition of the inhibitor affected the anodic and the cathodic partial reactions, which signifies mixed-type mechanism of inhibition. The rate of corrosion mitigation increases in the presence of inhibitors when compared with a blank solution as a result of thin-film formation on metal/solution interface. This work give relevant information on the efficiency of Guaiacum officinale as an inhibitor for improvised metallic biomaterial in 1M HCl. The biocompatibility test showed that mechanical and chemical properties are within the recommended values.

Growth, Xylem Vulnerability to Cavitation and Leaf Cell Response to Dehydration in Tree Seedlings of the Caribbean Dry Forest

The characterisation of ecological strategies to predict drought response is still lacking for Caribbean dry forest seedlings. This study documents growth characteristics and tolerance to drought via xylem hydraulic and leaf cell properties of three dominant native species of the Caribbean dry forest. Twenty morphological and physiological traits were assessed in Citharexylum spinosum, Guaiacum officinale and Guapira fragrans in greenhouse conditions. The seedlings displayed contrasting growth rates, which were positively correlated with the capacity to quickly develop a large leaf area and root fraction. The three species had a similar xylem tolerance to embolism (P50: −4 MPa) but differed in leaf cell tolerance to dehydration, which was negatively correlated with RGR (R2 &gt; 0.87). The slowest-growing, G. officinale, had high leaf tolerance to cell dehydration due to low ΨTLP and πo, but displayed a narrow hydraulic safety margin. The leaves of the fast-growing C. spinosum were sensitive to leaf dehydration but exhibited a surprisingly wide stem hydraulic safety margin. G. fragrans had intermediate traits. Our results showed that dry forest seedling growth in similar environments can exhibit distinct carbon growth strategies as well as contrasting water-use strategies, primarily as they relate to drought resistance, due to variation in root development and leaf cell resistance to dehydration. Our study thus provides an approach to estimate species performance under drought conditions.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL SCREENING; IDENTIFICATION OF ANTICANCER, ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PRINCIPLES BY FRACTIONATION AND GC- MS PROFILING OF FRUITS OF GUAIACUM OFFICINALE L.

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The present work is an attempt to find out biological potential of various extracts and ethanol fractions of Guaiacum officinale L. Sequential extraction was performed with different solvents. One of the active extracts (ethanol) was fractionated by column chromatography and the other (n-hexane) was profiled by GC-MS. The antimicrobial potential was tested against pathogenic bacteria by a well diffusion process and only one strain (S. aureus) displayed a significant resistance against different samples. For the cytotoxic effect, MTT assay was used on normal (BHK) and cancerous (HepG2) cell lines. n-Hexane, chloroform and ethanol extracts showed IC50 at 3.38, 3.56 and 2.607 mg/ml respectively. Furthermore, two fractions (i.e. F=2 and 3) fractions showed significant IC50 at 74.9 and 130.8 μg/ml respectively compared to the standard (Cisplatin, IC50 =16 μg/ml). No toxic effect was experienced against the normal cell line, showing it is safe in cancer therapy. The DPPH analysis revealed a significant antioxidant potential of the plant like n-hexane, chloroform and ethanol represented 68.67%, 73.00% and 77.67% RSA respectively, whereas F=1 to F=7 along with ascorbic acid showed moderate to less antioxidant effect, i.e. 55.93%, 68.56%, 50.19%, 9.64%, 28.40%, 12.63%, 32.54%, and 81.53%, correspondingly. Based on the above findings, it is highly recommended for further purification, isolation and identification of biomolecules from fruits of G. officinale as a possible extension of the present project.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Variation of Secondary Metabolite Contents and Activities against Bovine Diarrheal Pathogens among Zygophyllaceae Species in Benin and Implications for Conservation.

Balanites aegyptiaca is a wild plant species largely used in folk medicine and a priority fruit tree in West Africa. In Benin, its overexploitation for ethnoveterinary uses could lead to its rarity or extinction in the long term. In this study, we evaluate the possibilities of its substitution by other Zygophyllaceae species. This study was based on optimal defense theory, which distinguished 2 categories of plants: K-strategist species and r-strategist species. Phytochemical screening was carried out based on aqueous extracts of the leafy stems of B. aegyptiaca and Guaiacum officinale (K-strategist species) and Tribulus terrestris and Kallstroemia pubescens (r-strategist species) for the identification of chemical compounds. The phenolic compounds were quantified by quercetin and vanillin methods. The extracts were tested against 5 bacterial strains responsible for severe diarrhea in bovines. Our results indicated the presence of many phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponosides, and tannins. The diversity in secondary metabolites is higher for r-strategist than K-strategist species. The contents of total polyphenols ranged from 4.82 ± 0.05 to 41.84 mg GAE/g of extract. The flavonoid contents varied from 30.64 ± 0.35 to 57.11 ± 0.13 mg QE/g of extract and those of the tannins from 0.04 ± 0.00 to 0.06 ± 0.01 mg PE/mL. The sensitivity of the bacterial strains showed a significant dependence on the extracts. Of the species, K.pubescens showed a bactericidal activity on the majority of strains tested and thus could be a potential substitute for B.aegyptiaca in the treatment of infectious diarrhea.

Studies on Tracheary Element of Several Native Cycad Species in Australia and Two American Plants

Studies on Tracheary Element of Several Native Cycad Species in Australia and Two American Plants

Evaluating the impact of roads on the diversity pattern and density of trees to improve the conservation of species.

Roadside trees alter biotic and abiotic factors of plants diversity in an ecosystem. Rows of plants grow along the roadside due to the interplay between the arrival of propagule and seedling establishment, which depends on the road's specifications, land pattern, and road administration and protection practices. A field study was conducted to measure the roadside tree diversity in the city of Karachi (Pakistan). A total of 180 plots, divided into three primary road groups, were surveyed. The highest quantity of tree biomass per unit area was found on wide roads, followed by medium roads. On narrow roads, the least biomass was detected. A single species or a limited number of species dominated the tree community. Conocarpus erectus was the most dominant non-native species on all types of sidewalks or roadsides, followed by Guaiacum officinale. A total of 76 species (32 non-natives and 44 natives) that were selectively spread along the roadsides of the city were studied. There was a significant difference in phylogenetic diversity (PD), phylogenetic mean pairwise distance (MPD), and phylogenetic mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD) among wide, medium, and narrow roads. Management practices have a significant positive correlation with diversity indices. Our study identified patterns of diversity in roadside trees in Karachi. It provides the basis for future planning for plant protection, such as the protection of plant species, the maintenance of plant habitats, and the coordination of plant management in Karachi.

High-Throughput MicroRNA and mRNA Sequencing Reveals that MicroRNAs may be Involved in Peroxidase-Mediated Cold Tolerance in Potato

Low-temperature is one of the most severe abiotic stresses affecting the potato production as the cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum) is frost sensitive. MicroRNAs have been identified in response to low-temperature stress in plants. Here, via high throughput sequencing, we described the profiling of low-temperature stress response to miRNA and mRNA in potato. Two small RNA and six mRNA libraries were constructed and sequenced. Exactly 294 known and 211 novel microRNAs were identified, 24 microRNAs had the higher expression quantity in Treatment group (EG) than in Control group (CG), and 80 microRNAs had the lower expression in EG than CG. A total of 3298 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, with 1629 up-regulated and 1669 down-regulated. The metabolism pathway of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (ko00940) is the common KEGG pathway in differentially expressed miRNA and mRNA. In this pathway, StuPOD13654 and StuPOD32147 are peroxidase which mainly catalyzes the coniferyl and sinapyl alcohol to form guaiac wood lignin monomer and syringyl lignin monomer, which are controlled by stu-novel-miR28211 and stu-novel-miR43095. These indicated that microRNAs may play essential roles in the low-temperature tolerance of potato.

GC-MS Analysis and Molecular Docking of Bioactive Components from Leaves of Guaiacum officinale for Anti-inflammatory Activity

Present study was an attempt to investigate the bioactive components present in the leaves of Guaiacum officinale using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis and study the anti-inflammatory potential of those constituents using molecular docking studies. GC-MS analysis was done by standard protocol using the equipment JEOL GC MATE II. The identification of components was based on NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Version-11 library as well as comparison of their retention indices. The molecular docking studies were done using the commercial docking software MCULE, 1-click docking. GCMS analysis of the alcoholic extract showed the presence of ten compounds at different retention times. The phytoconstituent 8,11,14- eicosatrienoic acid was present at high concentration with % peak area of 43.3 at a retention time of 19.43 min followed by 5,7-dihydroxy- 8-methoxy flavone (Wogonin) at a retention time of 17.73. All 10 compounds obtained from GC-MS analysis and diclofenac were used as the ligands in this study, with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), phospholipase A2 and interleukin receptor as the molecular targets. in silico Docking studies revealed that the flavanoid Wogonin is having highest binding potential indicated by least docking score of -8.2, -8 and -6.9 kcal/mol on COX-2, phospholipase A2 and interleukin receptor respectively.

Ectopic expression of an antisense BpCCoAOMT gene from Betula platyphylla Suk. affects growth and development of tobacco due to lignin content reduction

Lignin is an aromatic polymer and macromolecular organic material and is one of the major components of plant cellular walls. It provides mechanical support for plants and protection against pathogen invasion. Caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) is recognized to be involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism and lignin synthesis, and plays an important role in precursor synthesis of G-lignin units. In this study, a gene encoding CCoAOMT (Genbank ID: AY860952) was isolated from birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.). The predicted BpCCoAOMT polypeptide had high affinity with CCoAOMT from other species. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results revealed that BpCCoAOMT is most highly expressed in young stems. To study its function in vivo, antisense BpCCoAOMT complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) was transformed into tobacco (SR-1) by the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method. The expression of NtCCoOAMT in antisense BpCCoAOMT transgenic tobacco was down-regulated and total lignin content of transgenic plants decreased by 39% compared to control plants. Maule reagent was used to distinguish lilac lignin and guaiac wood lignin in situ, which enables S-lignin to exhibit a specific red response. Results revealed that all transgenic tobacco plants were dark brown, while controls were dark red. This indicated that S-lignin content in the xylem was reduced. Compared to wild-type (WT) plants, transgenic tobacco plants had delayed flowering and some had slender stems, curling, and easy lodging. This indicates that the decrease in lignin content interferes with the normal growth of plants.

ANTIDIABETIC EFFECT OF GUAIACUM OFFICINALE

Introduction: Diabetes is the most genetically transmitted disease all over theworld. It badly affects the vital organs and manifest the reduction of pancreatic amylase andlipase. Objectives: This study has been designed to investigate the role of Guaiacum officinaleextract in controlling of diabetes in streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetes male albino(Wistar) rats. Study Design: Experimental. Setting: Baqai Medical University. Period: January2017- June 2017. Method: Bark extract of Guaiacum officinale (500mg/kg) was administeredto STZ induced rat. Glibenclamide (GLB) was used as standard drug. The approach of thestudy was to observe the effect of Guaiacum officinale on pancreatic amylase and lipase and itstissue architecture by histopathology. Rats were divided in four groups i-e control, STZ treated,STZ + GLB treated and STZ +extract treated group. Results: Guaiacum officinale significantlyimprove the level of pancreatic amylase and lipase as compared to the STZ induced group.Similarly the pancreatic architecture was significantly affected by STZ alone. These changeswere considerably reversed by Guaiacum officinale and GLB. Conclusion: It was concludedthat Guaiacum officinale herb useful to cure the diabetes and it is effective in protecting pancreasfrom diabetes induced damages.

Total Phenolic Contents and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Guaiacum officinale L. Extracts

Total Phenolic Contents and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Guaiacum officinale L. Extracts

A brief pictorial and historical introduction to guaiacum - from a putative cure for syphilis to an actual screening method for colorectal cancer.

Having re-emerged on a global scale during the last few decades, with an estimated incidence in adults of 10.6 million cases in 2008 2, syphilis (Lues venerea), a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum, was first mentioned in European medical writings in the 1490s, as a consequence of the return of Columbus's crew to Europe in 1492 and the later epidemic during the French invasion of Naples in 1495. While the presence of the disease in the Old World prior to Columbus's voyages has long been at the heart of a heated palaeopathological debate 3, reconstructing the historical presentations and evolutionary history of the disease and its treatment can be achieved both via analysis of ancient human remains as well as consultation of literary and artistic sources 4, 5. With respect to the latter, we would like to highlight an engraving by Philip Galle (1537–1612), reproducing the artist Jan van der Straet's (1523–1605) painting, dating back to the late 16th century, of a scene depicting a wealthy man receiving treatment for syphilis by means of Guaiacum officinale (Figure 1). From a pharmacological perspective, this denotes the immense reputation that this plant acquired as a putative cure for syphilis in the course of the 16th century. It was the first drug administered to treat syphilis in Europe, after being first imported in 1508 from the Dominican Republic. Its use became widespread due to its alleged miraculous effects, much discussed by physicians and prominent victims, such as the humanist Ulrich von Hutten (1488–1523) 6. The then widespread belief that remedies could be found where their target diseases originated is likely to have facilitated its entrance into the European pharmacopoeia. Guaiacum treatment requirements were diarrhoea induced by enemas and profuse sweating by resting for 40 days in a dark and hot room, following a strict fasting therapy. Guaiacum was administered externally in ointments and internally in potions. As with other remedies that were not effective in the way they were proclaimed to be, guaiacum eventually fell into disuse. Historical records state that 21 tons of guaiacum reached Seville between 1568 and 1608, while by the 18th century guaiacum imports disappeared from Spanish trade records 7. It was not until 1864, with Izaac Van Deen's (1805–1869) discovery of guaiacum's property of detecting blood in the urine and faeces, by making use of the pseudoperoxidase action of the heme in haemoglobin, which oxidizes guaiac acid to guaiac blue, that its medicinal use was rehabilitated. Today, the guaiac-based faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or guaiac test (a modified method according to Greegor) is used for the biochemical detection of macroscopically invisible blood in the stool 8. The newest generation of guaiac tests provides excellent sensitivity and specificity. FOBT screening is currently recommended by most screening guidelines as it has proved to reduce colorectal cancer mortality 9. This shows that even ancient misconceived medications can make their way back into clinical practice eventually contributing to the advancement of medicine. There are no competing interests to declare. The authors wish to thank the Mäxi Foundation for supporting this research.

Lignans from guaiac resin decrease nitric oxide production in interleukin 1β-treated hepatocytes.

Guaiac resin, extracted from the heartwood of Guaiacum officinale L. or G. sanctum L., is speculated to have anti-inflammatory effects. Lignans were purified from guaiac resin (also known as gum guaiacum) by monitoring the nitric oxide (NO) production in rat hepatocytes treated with an inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Six lignans were purified from guaiac resin and identified as: dehydroguaiaretic acid (1), (+)-trans-1,2-dihydrodehydroguaiaretic acid (2), furoguaiaoxidin (3), meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (4), furoguaiacin (i.e., α-guaiaconic acid) (5), and nectandrin B (6). To our knowledge, this is the first time that 1 has been isolated from guaiac resin as a non-derivative. Compounds 2 and 6 were first found in guaiac resin. Compound 3 was first isolated from a natural source as a non-derivative. Furthermore, 1-6 significantly suppressed NO production in IL-1β-treated hepatocytes. Because anti-inflammatory compounds suppress NO production, this system is often used to measure the anti-inflammatory effects of Kampo drugs and herbal constituents. The NO-suppressing activity of the six lignans isolated in this study indicates that guaiac resin has anti-inflammatory effects and that these lignans may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of guaiac resin.

Tree size comparison of some important street trees growing at different sites of Karachi City, Pakistan

The importance of trees in urban environment is now widely recognized as they cleanse the particulate air pollution and help to make cities and towns more agreeable places to dwell upon. A detailed survey was conducted to study the size of Alstonia scholaris, Azadirachta indica, Bombax ceiba, Cassia fistula, Eucalyptus sp., Ficus benghalensis, Ficus religiosa and Guaiacum officinale trees in the urban environment of Karachi, Pakistan. Results showed a wide range of variation in tree diameter breast height (17.12-65.50 cm) at M. A. Jinnah Road, University Road (near Hassan Square), North Nazimabad and Karachi University Campus, respectively. A. indica, Eucalyptus sp., and F. benghalensis showed less dbh (tree diameter breast height) at M. A. Jinnah Road as compared to University Road (near Hassan Square), North Nazimabad and Karachi University Campus, respectively. G. officinale growing at University Road (near Hassan Square) showed ess tree dbh as compared to M. A. Jinnah Road and Karachi University campus. Similarly, the tree size of B. ceiba and A. scholaris was recorded less at Nazimabad as compared to M. A. Jinnah Road, University Road (near Hassan Square) and Karachi University Campus, respectively. C. fistula growing at North Nazimabad site showed low tree dbh as compared to University Road (near Hassan Square) site. A. scholaris growing at Karachi University Campus site showed highest dbh value as compared to all studied sites. The tree size of G. officinale was recorded highest at M. A. Jinnah Road as compared to North Nazimabad, University Road (near Hassan Square) and Karachi University Campus, respectively. Whereas, Eucalyptus sp. and F. benghalensis recorded highest dbh at North Nazimabad site as compared to M. A. Jinnah Road, University Road (near Hassan Square) and Karachi University Campus, respectively. More research is needed on these trees for healthy environment of city. The present study recommends for the complete documentation of tree species growing in city. Such information will be useful to identify characteristics that can be used to select tree species that are better suited for planting on other areas of the city. These findings can be helpful for arboriculturists, environmental scientists and town planners when working on plantation in the selected area.Keywords: Circumference, diameter at breast height, size, roadside tree, urban environment, Pakistan

Changes in diversity and composition of flora along a corridor of different land uses in Karachi over 20 years: Causes and implications

Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has been extensively planting few species along the streets over the last few decades. However, the suitability of the species was not properly studied before planting them in Karachi. This is evident from the fact that many species were profusely planted in Karachi during different decades, which were later removed for various reasons. For instance, Eucalyptus was extensively planted during 1980s and 1990s along the streets in Karachi, which was later removed due to their fast growing roots and shoots that damaged many civic services. Therefore, the current study investigates (i) the changes in taxonomic diversity and the composition of the species growing along a major roadway of different land uses in Karachi, (ii) causes and implications due to the changes in their diversity and composition. This study reveals that monoculture plantings were commonly practiced in Karachi. Currently, Conocarpus erectus is the most frequent species, which alone has 83.55% individuals on the street under study. Earlier, the same street was extensively planted with Eucalyptus and Guaiacum officinale. In 1993, the street under study was represented by 32.04% native plants and 67.96% exotic plants from 67 different species. Currently, the same street is represented by 53 species. The target-based 10:20:30 heuristic guidelines and non-target based Shannon and Inverse Simpson Diversity indices have been applied to analyze the flora of the street. Inverse Species Diversity index of the plants along the corridor has declined substantially from 8.75 to 1.41 over the last two decades that shows an increase in monotonous landscaping along the street under study, which make them vulnerable to diseases and pests. The changes in species richness along different land uses have also been analyzed.

Seed dispersal turns an experimental plantation on degraded land into a novel forest in urban northern Puerto Rico

Planting tree species with desirable traits may catalyze forest regeneration in increasingly common degraded lands by restoring soil properties and attracting seed dispersers. We sampled forest regeneration in an experimental plantation of Albizia lebbek, an introduced N-fixing species, on a degraded pasture in northern Puerto Rico, 27years after its establishment. We hypothesized that the abundance of animal-dispersed tree species within this unmanaged plantation would be (1) greater than in adjacent pastures; (2) higher at distances closer to secondary forest; and (3) increased over the 20years since floristic surveys were last conducted in the site. We sampled forest structure and tree species composition, and compared the abundance of animal-dispersed tree species on plots located within the adjacent pasture and the A. lebbek plantation, within the plantation in plots distanced at 10, 35, and 60m from secondary forest, and within the plantation at 7 vs. 27years after plantation establishment. We found higher abundance of animal-dispersed tree species in the A. lebbek plantation than in the pasture. Distance from secondary forest had no effect on the abundance of animal-dispersed species. The abundance of animal-dispersed species increased by 14% between 7 and 27years after plantation establishment. In all, these results indicate that A. lebbek trees facilitated the establishment of native animal-dispersed species by shading out tall grasses and acting as perches for animals throughout the plantation. We found that A. lebbek lost its dominance in the site to another introduced N-fixing species, Leucaena leucocephala, possibly due to unfavorable traits such as susceptibility to pathogens. Our findings document a transition from an experimental plantation to a novel urban forest that harbors an array of native tree species, largely due to the dispersal of seeds by animals. A noteworthy example is the presence of Guaiacum officinale, an animal-dispersed and endangered tree species native to the dry forests of southern Puerto Rico. Our results highlight how monocultures of introduced tree species with desirable traits can catalyze the regeneration of native tree species in chronically degraded lands.

Anti-rheumatoid and anti-oxidant activity of homeopathic Guaiacum officinale in an animal model

Homeopathy is a popular form of complementary and alternative medicine. Guaiacum extract is said to be useful for pain and inflammation, but there appears to be no scientific evidence to support this. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-rheumatic and anti-oxidant activity of homeopathic preparations of Guaiacum officinale (Gua) on experimental animal model. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was induced in male albino rats by Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) at a dose of (0.25mg heat killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis/ml of emulsion). Gua mother tincture (MT) (prepared from the latex part of the plant) (MT), Gua 30cc and 200cc were purchased commercially from King Company, Kolkata, India. Male albino Wistar rats (130±10g) were divided into 6 groups: Sham control; Arthritis control; Standard treatment indomethacin(0.25mg100g(-1) p.o.×5 alternative days), Gua MT (1mlkg(-1) p.o.×5 days) treated; Gua (30c 1mlkg(-1) p.o.×5 days) treated; Gua (200c; 1mlkg(-1) p.o.×5 days) treated. Anti-rheumatic activity was examined through physical, urinary, serum parameters. All the results were expressed in terms of mean±SEM (statistical error of mean n=6) at each dose level. The level of significance was determined through one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), p<0.05 was considered significant. It was observed that body weight, ankle and knee diameter, urinary parameters (hydroxyproline (OH-P), glucosamine, calcium (Ca(2)(+)), creatinine (CRE), phosphate (PO4(3)(-))), serum ACP (acid phosphatase)/ALP (alkaline phosphatase)/Ca(2+)/CRE/PO4(3-)/gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)/Lipid peroxidation (LPO)/Glutathione (GSH)/Superoxide dismutase (SOD)/Catalase, serum GGT, serum interleukins like IL-1β/CINC-1/PGE2/TNF-α/IL-6, IL-12/IL-4/IL-6 levels were significantly affected. After treatment with Guaiacum in all 3 regimes was associated with normalization of these parameters compared to control group. These findings suggest that homeopathic G. officinale possesses anti-rheumatic and anti-oxidant activity in experimental animal and these activities may be more significant in higher potencies.

Anti HIV-1 Activity of the Crude Extracts of Guaiacum officinale L. (Zygophyllaceae)

Aim: Jamaica is rich in medicinal plants. Guaiacum officinale is the “National Flower”, with reported uses in folk medicine for the treatment of various conditions including inflammation. In our search for plants with anticancer and anti-infective properties, we evaluated Guaiacum officinale for activity against HIV-1. Methodology: The leaf, seed and twig extracts of G. officinale were screened for anti HIV-1 properties in primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) infected with the reference HIV-1 BaL strain. Results: All the tested extracts inhibited HIV-1 p24 production by infected cells, with EC50 concentrations of 22.35μg/ml, 23.42μg/ml and 25.04μg/ml, respectively for the leaf, seed and twig extracts. As comparison, Betulinic acid had an EC50 value of 27.50μg/ml. The tested extracts had IC50/EC50 selectivity index (SI) values of ≥ 3, which compared favorably to Betulinic acid SI value of 1.09. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that extracts of G. officinale may provide leads for the discovery of new drug agents against HIV-1. Short Research Article European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(4): 483-489, 2014 484