Justicia Pectoralis Research Articles

Evaluation of Gastroprotective Activity of the Methanolic Extract of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae).

Justicia pectoralis Jacq. is traditionally applied in folk medicine in Brazil and in several Latin American countries. The leaves are used in tea form, especially in the treatment of respiratory disorders, acting as an expectorant. It also has activity in gastrointestinal disorders, and it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sedative, and estrogenic, among others. To investigate the gastroprotective activity of the methanol extract of the leaves of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (MEJP) in different experimental models of gastric ulcers. The adult leaves of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. were collected and cultivated in beds, with an approximate spacing of 40 × 40 cm, organic fertilization, irrigation with potable water and without shelter from light. The MEJP was prepared from the dried and pulverized leaves and concentrated under reduced pressure in a rotary evaporator. For the experimental model of gastric ulcer, Swiss male albino mice were used. The inputs used in the experiment were MEJP at three different concentrations (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.), cimetidine (50 mg/kg p.o.), indomethacin (50 mg/kg s.c.) and vehicle (10 mL/kg p.o.). MEJP (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) demonstrated gastroprotective activity, with levels of protection of 45.65%, 44.80% and 40.22%, respectively, compared to the control (vehicle). Compared with cimetidine (48.29%), MEJP showed similar gastroprotective activity. This study demonstrated the gastroprotective activity of MEJP and contributes to validate the traditional use the species for gastric disorders and provides a pharmacological basis for its clinical potential.

Medicinal plants, biodiversity, and local communities. A study of a peasant community in Venezuela

ObjectiveThe main objective of this research was to record ethnobotanical data on the use and exploitation of medicinal plants, highlighting their importance for the biodiversity, culture, and tradition of a peasant community in Venezuela.Sample/methodThe study involved a population of 120 individuals, from which a sample size of 34 people was calculated using the formula for finite populations. A simple random sampling technique was employed, and all the participants were administered the TRAMIL (Traditions Medicine in Island) survey.Statistical analysisThe ethnopharmacological table was constructed, and descriptive statistics were used for analysis.ResultsA total of 116 species of medicinal plants were documented to treat various health conditions. The informants reflected through their responses that they used medicinal plants in the first instance to address a health condition, employing varied forms of plant preparation, which include decoction (65.16%), raw consumption (16.77%), maceration (8.38%), and infusion (7.09%). The most commonly used plant parts are leaves, flowers, fruits, bark, peels, roots, and bulbs, while the most commonly used botanical families are Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Rutaceae, Malvaceae, Verbenaceae, Acanthaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbaceae. On the other hand, the species with the highest TRAMIL Significant Use Level were Oregano orejón (Coleus amboinicus Lour.) (68.29), Malojillo [Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf.] (60.97), Tua (Jatropha gossypiifolia L.) (34.15), Colombiana [Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers.] (34.15), Poleo [Micromeria brownei (Sw.) Benth.] (29.27), Pasote (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.) (29.27), Llantén (Plantago major L.) (26.83), Te negro [Phyla stoechadifolia (L.) Small] (26.83), Yerbabuena (Mentha sp.) (21.85), and Curia (Justicia pectoralis Jacq.) (21.95).ConclusionThe community of El Onoto de El Valle de Tucutunemo, Aragua State, Venezuela has a notable utilization of medicinal plant species in their instance to treat different health conditions, with the predominant focus on treating flu and stomach ailments. It is important to emphasize that all individuals approached through various data collection instruments reported using medicinal plants, both individually and within their families, spanning a wide range of ages from children to the elderly. This reflects that the use of medicinal plants is part of their cultural heritage and ancestral roots.

A polyherbal formulation containing Justicia pectoralis Jacq., Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC., and Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. helped reducing symptom intensity during and after Covid-19 infection: A retrospective, uncontrolled observational study

ObjectivesTo retrospectively describe a local experience with a polyherbal formulation on reducing the symptoms of Covid-19 and the need for hospitalization. The formulation contained three species traditionally used for respiratory symptoms: Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae, “chambá” or “tilo”), Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. (Asteraceae, “macela”), and Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (Asteraceae, “erva-botão” or “bhringraj”, synonym Eclipta alba L.). DesignObservational, retrospective study. MethodsMore than 2000 adults with suspected Covid-19 received a polyherbal formulation with J. pectoralis, A. satureioides, and E. prostrata. About 20% of them were contacted by phone in an observational, retrospective study to assess the effects on symptom relief and hospitalizations. Two hundred patients were included. The identities and concentrations of the main compounds in the three species were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ResultsParticipants reported substantial improvement in the following symptoms: weakness, pain, cough, headache, dysgeusia, anosmia, fever, dyspnea, odynophagia, diarrhea, chest pain, and conjunctivitis. The need for hospitalization was not significantly lower than the one found in the Brazilian population with Covid-19. The main compounds in the species were: quercetin, luteolin, and 3-O-methylquercetin in A. satureioides; umbelliferone and coumarin in J. pectoralis; and demethylwedelolactone and wedelolactone in E. prostrata. ConclusionsA polyherbal formulation containing J. pectoralis, A. satureioides, and E. prostrata helped relieving symptoms of Covid-19 but did not reduce the need for hospitalization.

Potential of chambá (Justicia Pectoralis Jacq.) leaves extracts as a source of bioactive compounds and natural antimicrobial agent

This study aimed to produce different chambá (Justicia pectoralis Jacq.) extracts, determinate their biocompounds and antimicrobial activity against several foodborne bacterias. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared using the decoction and maceration method, respectively, and were submitted to cytotoxicity analysis. The samples were submitted to bioactive compound analysis and antimicrobial tests. The effects of the extract on the bacterial cell structures were visualized using Transmission Electron Microscope. Between the samples, the aqueous extract presented higher levels of umbelliferone (8.99 mg/g), total phenolic compounds (17.7 g AGE/100g) and antioxidant activity (765.3 μM TE/g) compared hydroalcoholic extracts. All extracts presented antimicrobial activity against Gram-Positive bacteria group, being the aqueous sample the one most effective presenting the lowest values for minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MIB) concentrations for all microorganisms evaluated, highlighting its action against Staphyloccocus aureaus (MIC = 0.84 and MIB = 1). The bactericidal action of the aqueous extract against the bacteria was observed by the microphotographs with evidenced by a rupture of the bacterial cell wall caused by the exposition to phenolics presented in the extract. Thus, this research demonstrated that beyond being a source of phenolics, chambá presents great potential as a new natural antimicrobial agent, which reinforces the development of more studies to evaluate its effective application in food systems.

Overview of the Justicia Genus: Insights into Its Chemical Diversity and Biological Potential.

The genus Justicia has more than 600 species distributed in both hemispheres, in the tropics and temperate regions, and it is used in the treatment of numerous pathologies. This study presents a review of the biological activities of plant extracts and isolated chemical constituents of Justicia (ACANTHACEAE), identified in the period from May 2011 to August 2022. We analyzed over 176 articles with various biological activities and chemical compound descriptions present in the 29 species of Justicia. These have a variety of applications, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial, with alkaloids and flavonoids (e.g., naringenin) the most frequently identified secondary metabolites. The most observed species were Justicia gendarussa Burm., Justicia procumbens L., Justicia adhatoda L., Justicia spicigera Schltdl, and Justicia pectoralis Jacq. The frontier molecular orbitals carried out using density functional theory (M062X and basis set 6-311++G(d,p) indicate reactive sites for naringenin compound and a chemical reaction on phytomedicine activity. The energy gap (206.99 kcal/mol) and dimer solid state packing point to chemical stability. Due to the wide variety of pharmacological uses of these species, this review points toward the development of new phytomedicines.

Chemical characterization, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of Justicia pectoralis Jacq and Croton jacobinensis Baill extracts

In this research, aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Justicia pectoralis Jacq and Croton Jacobinensis Baill were characterized. The UPLC-QTOF-MSE analysis was performed on the extracts identified, predominantly, flavonoids, tannins and acids. The extracts did not indicate toxicity in human epithelial cells. C. jacobinensis presented a concentration of phenolics 60.5% higher than J. pectoralis in all scenarios evaluated and, for both samples, the hydroalcoholic extract at 70% exhibited the best efficiency in the extraction (14501.3 and 32521.5 mg GAE 100 g-1 for J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis, respectively). The antioxidant activity presented a positive correlation with the concentration of phenolics, being 1.186,1 and 1.507,9 μM of Trolox for J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis at 70% of ethanol; however, it was not verified statistical difference between the ethanolic solutions (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial activity of J. pectoralis extracts was highlighted once was the most effective against gram-positive bacteria. The results suggest that both J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis extracts present the potential to be applied as natural additives due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and safety. Thus, it is suggesting the development of studies that could investigate the interaction of these plant extracts with food matrices is required.

Variations in biomass and coumarin content of Justicia pectoralis Jacq.: Influence of season, harvest frequency and shade level

Coumarin and umbelliferone are the active principles of Justicia pectoralis, a native Brazilian medicinal plant that is threatened by overexploitation and habitat fragmentation. Considering that its cultivation under appropriate conditions would be more sustainable than wild collection, here we examined how season, developmental stage, harvesting frequency, and light intensity affect the agronomical characteristics and chemical profile of a high-yield J. pectoralis genotype. Plants were propagated from cuttings, transplanted to experimental plots, and grown on under full sunlight or 50% and 80% shading. Plants were harvested after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of growth, or pruned at these time points in a manner that allowed their regrowth over further 3 months. Chemical analysis of extracts from the aerial parts was performed by UPLC and HPLC. Cultivation under full sunlight or 50% shade promoted plant growth and production of coumarins the most effectively. Accumulation of coumarin and fresh and dry biomass were maximal in 12-month-old plants harvested in the summer, when the temperature was high, rainfall abundant, and flowering had terminated. The highest levels of umbelliferone were detected in 6-month-old flowering plants harvested in the winter, when the temperature was low and rainfall limited. The capacity of plants to accumulate biomass and coumarins did not decline with successive pruning and regrowth; hence, the genotype could be exploited in a continuous and systematic manner without frequent replanting. The results presented herein contribute to the large-scale cultivation of J. pectoralis and preparation of phytomedicines of quality.

English

Cough is a common pediatric complaint, resulting in frequent doctor&rsquo;s office or hospital visits. In Brazil, the leaves of chamb&aacute; (Justicia pectoralis) have been used extensively in herbal preparations for the treatment of many respiratory problems such as cough, bronchitis, and asthma. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of chamb&aacute; syrup for the treatment of cough and respiratory symptoms in children. Between November 2017 and February 2018, patients aged 1 to 12 years with respiratory symptoms and cough, and onset of symptoms greater than 48 h were enrolled in this trial. Participants were randomized to receive either chamb&aacute; syrup in three daily doses or placebo. Effectiveness was assessed through a questionnaire, to measure the intensity of cough and respiratory symptoms, before the intervention and 48 h after, using Likert scale responses. A total of 114 children, 56 in the chamb&aacute; group and 58 in the placebo group, participated in the study. After 48 h, there was a significant reduction in frequency of cough, severity of cough, severity of nasal congestion, and in improvement in the ability to sleep for both the child and caregiver in the chamb&aacute; group (p&lt; .0001 for all variables); for participants in the placebo group, there were no significant differences after intervention, in comparison with baseline. In this study population, chamb&aacute; syrup was effective in the treatment of cough and respiratory symptoms, providing an overall improvement of symptoms when compared to placebo, as well as improving the ability to sleep. Key words: Cough, clinical trial, pediatrics, Justicia pectoralis. &nbsp

Assessing the safety of using the dry extract of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae) during pregnancy of Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceJusticia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae), popularly known as tilo, chambá and anador, is widely used in folk medicine in Latin American countries as a sedative, anti-anxiety, reducing menopause symptoms and in the treatment of pathologies of the respiratory tract. Although J. pectoralis is widely used by the female population, there are no studies on the safety of using this species during pregnancy. Aim of this studyTo evaluate the effects of prenatal treatment with dry extract from the aerial parts of J. pectoralis on maternal and developmental toxicity in Wistar rats. Material and methodsPregnant Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were treated from gestational day (GD) 0–20 with the vehicle (control group) or with the dry extract of J. pectoralis at doses of 300, 600 or 1200 mg/kg. During pregnancy, clinical signs of toxicity, maternal weight, feed and water intake were evaluated. On GD 21, rats were anesthetized and intracardiac blood was collected to evaluate biochemical parameters. During cesarean section, reproductive performance parameters were recorded. The liver, kidneys, uterus and ovaries were removed for histopathological analysis. Fetuses were examined for possible malformations and/or skeletal and visceral variations. ResultsTreatment with dry extract of J. pectoralis did not alter weight gain, feed intake or biochemical and maternal reproductive performance parameters There were also no significant histopathological changes in the maternal organs, as well as external, skeletal and visceral malformations in the fetuses. ConclusionOral administration of J. pectoralis dry extract during pregnancy did not induce maternal toxicity or embryotoxic and teratogenic effects.

COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy?

BackgroundCurrent recommendations for the self-management of SARS-Cov-2 disease (COVID-19) include self-isolation, rest, hydration, and the use of NSAID in case of high fever only. It is expected that many patients will add other symptomatic/adjuvant treatments, such as herbal medicines.AimsTo provide a benefits/risks assessment of selected herbal medicines traditionally indicated for “respiratory diseases” within the current frame of the COVID-19 pandemic as an adjuvant treatment.MethodThe plant selection was primarily based on species listed by the WHO and EMA, but some other herbal remedies were considered due to their widespread use in respiratory conditions. Preclinical and clinical data on their efficacy and safety were collected from authoritative sources. The target population were adults with early and mild flu symptoms without underlying conditions. These were evaluated according to a modified PrOACT-URL method with paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine as reference drugs. The benefits/risks balance of the treatments was classified as positive, promising, negative, and unknown.ResultsA total of 39 herbal medicines were identified as very likely to appeal to the COVID-19 patient. According to our method, the benefits/risks assessment of the herbal medicines was found to be positive in 5 cases (Althaea officinalis, Commiphora molmol, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedera helix, and Sambucus nigra), promising in 12 cases (Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, Justicia pectoralis, Magnolia officinalis, Mikania glomerata, Pelargonium sidoides, Pimpinella anisum, Salix sp, Zingiber officinale), and unknown for the rest. On the same grounds, only ibuprofen resulted promising, but we could not find compelling evidence to endorse the use of paracetamol and/or codeine.ConclusionsOur work suggests that several herbal medicines have safety margins superior to those of reference drugs and enough levels of evidence to start a clinical discussion about their potential use as adjuvants in the treatment of early/mild common flu in otherwise healthy adults within the context of COVID-19. While these herbal medicines will not cure or prevent the flu, they may both improve general patient well-being and offer them an opportunity to personalize the therapeutic approaches.

Toxicidade e atividade antibacteriana de plantas medicinais utilizadas no tratamento de doenças respiratórias: revisão integrativa

Objetivo: realizar um levantamento bibliográfico sobre o perfil de toxicidade e a atividade antibacteriana de plantas medicinais utilizadas no tratamento de doenças respiratórias, de forma a destacar as principais espécies e os constituintes químicos, além de correlacioná-los com a atividade biológica das plantas encontradas. Metodologia: o estudo trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, na qual as bases de dados estabelecidas para a pesquisa foram PubMed, BVS e Science Direct. Os descritores utilizados foram Plantas medicinais, Doenças respiratórias, Fitoterapia, Toxicidade e Antibacteriano e o recorte temporal definido foi dos últimos 10 anos, a partir de 2010. Resultados e Discussão: a amostra final foi composta por 11 artigos e os resultados obtidos foram apresentados em relação as espécies medicinais utilizadas para o tratamento de doenças respiratórias, com a fitoquímica da espécie e os compostos responsáveis pela atividade biológica, além da descrição do perfil de toxicidade e a atividade antibacteriana das plantas citadas nos artigos. Apenas os estudos que abordavam sobre as espécies Pelargonium sidoides, Justicia pectoralis e Luffa operculata apresentaram estudos de toxicidade e dados sobre a atividade antibacteriana. Em vista disso, essas plantas exibiram prevalência de inibição frente às bactérias gram-positivas, como Streptococcus pyogenes, e nos testes toxicológicos efetuados não foi evidenciada toxicidade. Conclusão: faz-se necessário a realização de mais pesquisas com as espécies vegetais relatadas, pois observou-se uma escassez de estudos clínicos e também é imprescindível que sejam efetuados estudos de toxicidade com as plantas que não abordaram essa temática.

Produção de biomassa e teor foliar de nutrientes em Justicia pectoralis Jacq. com diferentes tipos de adubação

O objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar diferentes fontes de adubação no crescimento da planta, acúmulo de nutrientes nas folhas de Justicia pectoralis Jacq. visando ao aprimoramento na produção de biomassa. Os tratamentos consistiram de três diferentes adubações: orgânica, química e organomineral, mais a testemunha (sem adubação), dispostos num delineamento em blocos casualizados, com 18 repetições por tratamento em quatro blocos. Aos 100, 120, 150 e 180 dias após o transplante foram determinadas a altura e diâmetro. Na última avaliação as plantas foram colhidas manualmente. Avaliou-se a biomassa da parte aérea (g) e o teor de nutrientes foliares. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos a análise de variância. A análise de regressão foi utilizada para os dados biométricos das plantas e para a concentração mineral as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p&lt;0,05). Houve influência positiva das diferentes adubações sobre o crescimento da planta em altura, diâmetro e biomassa seca, sendo que a adubação organomineral proporcionou maior desenvolvimento da planta. As plantas de J. pectoralis apresentam diferentes teores de nutrientes em seus tecidos foliares, com a seguinte ordem de acúmulo para os macronutrientes (g Kg-1): N &gt; Ca &gt; K &gt; Mg &gt; P &gt; S; e para os micronutrientes (mg Kg-1): Fe &gt; B &gt; Mn &gt; Zn &gt; Cu. Por se tratar de uma planta com diversidade de metabólitos secundários e pertencentes à flora do Bioma Cerrado, ainda são necessárias pesquisas científicas que possibilitem a produção em escale evitando o extrativismo e perda de material genético.

Obtención y rendimiento del extracto etanólico de dos plantas medicinales

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; En el presente trabajo de investigación se evaluó el porcentaje de rendimiento de la extracción etanólica de las plantas medicinales Alegría (Scutellaria incarnata) y Amansatoros (Justicia pectoralis), al aplicar dos métodos de maceración con y sin agitación, con el material vegetal entero y molido, además de realizarse pruebas en diferentes tiempos de maceración (6, 12, 24, 48 y 92 horas) hasta llegar a la estabilización de la extracción. Para el análisis de los datos se empleó un modelo de análisis estadístico correspondiente a un diseño experimental en bloques completos al azar con arreglo factorial (Anova), con el fin de determinar los valores estadísticos más relevantes en el proceso de extracción, de acuerdo con el factor tiempo, el método empleado y el tamaño de partícula. Tanto para la planta Alegría como para Amansatoros los resultados indican que, en la obtención del extracto etanólico, el mejor tiempo fue de 48 horas, con el uso de material molido y la aplicación de agitación. Estas condiciones permitieron obtener rendimientos del 37.000 y 37.600% para el extracto etanólico de Amansatoros y Alegría, respectivamente.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Eco-friendly extraction and simultaneous determination of two coumarins in Justicia pectoralis (Acanthaceae)

Abstract Justicia pectoralis (Acanthaceae) is employed in folk medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and sedative effects and to treat respiratory diseases. It is known for properties of its coumarins, 1,2-benzopyrone and umbelliferone. A green, simple, fast, and inexpensive ultrasound-assisted extractive (UAE) method for extracting umbelliferone and 1,2-benzopyrone from Justicia pectoralis was optimized. Additionally, a HPLC analytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of both coumarins. The Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology were used to evaluate the UAE process. Ethanol concentration, extraction time, plant-to-solvent ratio were the independent variables studied and the coumarin content was the dependent one. The HPLC-UV/VIS method was validated in terms of recovery, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness, proving to be valuable for the quality control of Justicia pectoralis extract and in the development of its herbal products. Results show that the optimal UAE conditions were: ethanol concentration of 15% (w/w), extraction time of 34 min and plant-to-solvent ratio of 0.1 g/mL. The predicted values of coumarin contents (22.16 µg/mL - umbelliferone and 163.86 µg/mL - benzopyrone) were determined under the optimal UAE conditions and proved that UAE is an efficient and eco-friendly extractive process for the production of aerial part extracts from Justicia pectoralis.

Fitoterápicos candidatos a combater sintomas da COVID-19 e seus possíveis mecanismos de ação

The respiratory system supplies oxygen and promotes the elimination of carbon dioxide for the maintenance of tissues and metabolic reactions. The new coronavirus (Sars-CoV 2) mainly affects the respiratory system and causes symptoms such as: fever, dry cough, muscle fatigue, sputum production, shortness of breath, throat irritation, headache, myalgia or arthralgia, chills, nausea or vomiting , nasal congestion, diarrhea, hemoptysis and conjunctival congestion. Although it has caused many deaths worldwide, there is still no effective treatment for the disease. However, other alternatives are being sought to treat the symptoms caused by the virus. The literature review of the present study aimed to identify herbal medicines with the potential to treat and / or alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19, as well as to describe its possible mechanisms of action. Seven genera of plants used for conditions that affect the respiratory system were selected: Allium sativum L.; Echinacea angustifolia D. C., Echinacea purpurea (L.) e Echinacea pallida; Eucalyptus globulus Labill. e Eucalyptus citriodora; Glycyrrhiza glabra L. e Glycyrrhiza uralensis; Illicium verum Hooker.; Justicia pectoralis Jacq.; Mikania glomerata Spreng. The properties of the species addressed demonstrate that they are plants with potential for use in the treatment of symptoms of COVID-19.

Antimicrobial activity of microcapsules with aqueous extract of chambá (Justicia pectoralis Jacq)

To ensure the antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extract of chamba, it is essential to protect its bioactive compounds. The objective was to preserve its characteristics, aiming to provide the food industry with a natural antimicrobial. Three microcapsule formulations made with maltodextrin and cyclodextrin were developed, both including the aqueous extract of chamba leaves dried through lyophilization. The aqueous extract was initially submitted to in vivo toxicity analysis using zebrafish and the microcapsules were characterized through studies of morphology, hygroscopicity, water solubility, particle size, zeta potential, color determination, microencapsulation efficiency and antimicrobial activity. The aqueous extract of chamba was not considered to be toxic. The microcapsules had irregular shapes, with sizes varying from 0.58 to 1.15 μm. Solubility values ranged from 74.69 to 76.8% and hygroscopicity varied from 2.07 to 4.34%. Additionally, it obtained efficient encapsulation of the phenolic compounds, showing antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli, with its use being an alternative as a natural antimicrobial agent.

Estudio etnobotánico y evaluación citotóxica de extractos etanólicos de plantas de uso medicinal en Tlalchi, Ixhuacán de los Reyes, Veracruz, México

Las plantas medicinales son especies vegetales que contienen sustancias empleadas con propósitos terapéuticos y pueden servir de precursores para la síntesis de nuevos fármacos. En el presente trabajo se realizó un estudio etnobotánico y toxicológico de plantas de uso medicinal de Tlalchi, Ixhuacán de los Reyes en el estado de Veracruz, México. Se registraron 22 especies distribuidas en 17 familias, destacando Asteraceae con el mayor número de frecuencia. Las especies seleccionadas fueron Solanum nigrum, Bidens pilosa, Tithonia diversifolia, Commelina diffusa, Justicia pectoralis, y Aldama dentata. Se realizó un análisis fitoquímico preliminar de las mismas, donde se obtuvo la presencia de alcaloides, flavonoides, triterpenos y saponinas. Solanum nigrum tuvo mayor toxicidad de 51.72 µg/mL. Esta última especie tuvo toxicidad en la línea celular HeLa, obteniendo una reducción del 50% de viabilidad celular a partir de las 24 h. S. nigrum podría ser un potencial agente anti-proliferativo en este tipo de células.

Organic Extract of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. Leaf Inhibits Interferon-γ Secretion and Has Bacteriostatic Activity against Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae) leaves currently found in the Brazilian north-east are widely used to treat diabetes, menstrual pains, asthma, and other disorders. This work aimed to identify the phytochemical characterization and biological activities of J. pectoralis leaf extracts. The plant material was ground and the crude extracts were obtained with water or acetone: water (7:3 v/v), yielding aqueous (JPA), and organic (JPO) extracts. Phytochemical characterization was performed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay and trypan blue (TB) exclusion assay in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), BALB/c splenocytes, and neoplastic cells (TOLEDO, K562, DU-145, and PANC-1) at 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the microdilution test to obtain the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Cytokines, IFN-γ, and IL-17A from culture supernatants of BALB/c mice splenocytes were measured by sandwich ELISA. In the TLC analysis, both JPA and JPO extracts presented coumarin and flavonoids. In addition, HPLC was able to identify coumarin, apigenin, and ellagic acid in both extracts. JPO IC50 was 57.59 ± 1.03 μg/mL (MTT) and 69.44 ± 8.08 μg/mL (TB) in TOLEDO. MIC value of JPO against Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae was 500 μg/mL. JPO (100 μg/mL) significantly inhibited IFN-γ levels (p=0.03). J. pectoralis is a potential candidate to be further investigated as an IFN-γ inhibitory agent and against Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Inhibitory effects of a standardized extract of Justicia pectoralis in an experimental rat model of airway hyper-responsiveness

Justicia pectoralis is a plant useful for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Here, we studied the antiasthmatic properties of a standardized extract of J. pectoralis (Jp). Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rats were actively challenged with saline or OVA to study airway hyper-responsiveness after oral treatment with saline or Jp. The ability of Jp to inhibit hyper-reactivity was evaluated in isolated trachea mounted in isolated organ bath chamber. Using KCl or carbachol as contractile agents, tracheal rings of OVA-challenged rats contracted with higher magnitude than trachea of rats challenged with saline. Such hyper-responsive phenotype of OVA-challenged tissues decreased with Jp administration. In Ca+ -free medium, Jp or its major constituent coumarin inhibited preferentially the contractions induced by Ca2+ addition in tissues of OVA-challenged rats stimulated with KCl or acetylcholine. In tissues depleted of their internal Ca+ stores in the presence of thapsigargin, Jp inhibited the contraction induced by capacitative Ca2+ entry. By gavage, Jp abolished the increase caused by challenge with OVA on the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the bronchoalveolar fluid and also impaired the changes in gene expression of canonical transient receptor proteins. Jp has antiasthmatic properties in an experimental model that reproduces tracheal hyper-reactivity.

Action of medicinal plant extracts on juveniles ofMeloidogyne incognitarace 2

Phytonematodes are parasites that seriously affect crops worldwide, compromising agricultural production and sometimes preventing the use of many cultivated areas. The search for alternative control measures to replace conventional nematicides is a global concern, and explains research into natural substances due to their being efficient and environmentally friendly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant extracts from the false daisy (Eclipta alba), basil (Ocimum basilicum), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), citronella (Cymbopogon winteranus), water willow (Justicia pectoralis), comfrey (Symphytum officinalle), cuban mint (Mentha x vilosa), pink root (Spigelia anthelmia), epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides) and wild mint (Mentha arvensis) on motility and mortality in juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita race 2. Extracts, obtained from dried leaves under infusion or macerated in water, were diluted and spread onto Petri dishes to which were added 50 second-stage juveniles (J2). After remaining for 48 hours in the extracts, all the J2, both mobile and immobile, were counted and then transferred to water, where after 24 hours, the percentage of dead J2 was determined. Any still active J2 were inoculated into ‘Santa Clara’ tomato seedlings in a greenhouse so as to evaluate their infectivity. The macerated extracts of the medicinal plants, except for the citronella, cuban mint and wild mint, showed high nematicide activity, with over 70% of the J2 dead. Total mortality was seen with the extracts of pink root, false daisy and epazote. The absence of galls in the root system of the inoculated tomato plants confirmed the toxic effect of these extracts.