Labisia Pumila Var Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Polyphenols from Labisia pumila Leaves Extract

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) represent a class of pharmaceutical agents that are frequently misused and misconstrued within the medical landscape. While demonstrably efficacious in providing transient pain relief, NSAIDs do not effectively address the fundamental etiology of pain and are associated with a spectrum of potential adverse effects. Labisia pumila var alata also known as "Kacip Fatimah" has been traditionally used which is attributed to its antioxidant properties. Nonetheless, little attempt has been made to examine its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. This study determined the molecular interactions and inhibitory activity profiles of L. pumila methanolic extract (LPE) against the corresponding enzymes via in chemico and in silico approaches. In chemico analysis was done on antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory properties of L. pumila. The findings indicated that LPE exhibit the potent anti-inflammatory activity. Through high-performance liquid chromatography, it was shown that LPE had the highest gallic acid concentration at 10.74 ± 2.23 mg/mL. LPE did not exhibit cytotoxicity up to 100 µg/mL and displayed optimal protective against UVB-irradiation at 50 µg/mL towards HSF1184 Fibroblast cell line. LPE exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity as it inhibited elastase and COX-2. Molecular docking studies indicated that gallic acid has a good affinity for collagenase (˗5.68 kcal/mol), elastase (˗4.88 kcal/mol) and COX 2 (˗4.91 kcal/mol). These findings collectively suggested that L. pumila extract has significant potential for the formulation of the natural anti-inflammatory remedies which offer a safer alternative treatment for pain relief, especially for long-term use replacing the conventional NSAIDs medicines.

Chemical Fingerprint Using FTIR and HPLC as Qualitative Analysis in the Study of Propagation of Labisia pumila Var. Alata

Labisia pumila, known as kacip fatimah is a traditional herbs widely used for women. The herb was used as a post partum medicine to help contract the birth channel. From previous research, 120 clones of Labisia pumila var. alata was collected from three different locations and 30 clones of the herbs was found having high yielding of total phenolic content (TPC). In this study, one clone from each location was selected for further analyses, which are TA14 from Kuala Berang, TSA13 from Kemaman and DA20 from Gua Musang. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) associated with second derivative infrared spectroscopy was applied to identify the chemical fingerprint of each clone of Labisia pumila. This analytical method is highly rapid and effective for analysis of medicinal herbs. Second derivative IR spectroscopy could enhance the spectral resolution by amplifying tiny differences in the IR spectrum. In this method, the whole chemical property of the sample can be revealed and shown in the IR spectrum. A total of ten absorption peaks were obviously present in the IR spectra which can be used to characterize the species. The IR spectra shows the presence of broader peak at frequencies of range 3266 – 3338 cm-1 which attributable to the alcohol group. This study also attempts to develop HPLC fingerprint of the selected clones. Observation on HPLC spectra shows the presence of one distinct peak at retention time of 12.30, 12.99 and 12.93 min, respectively in each clone. This compound will be characterized and will be used as reference compound in quality assessment in plant breeding

Teratogenic potential of traditional Malaysian vegetables (ulam) in the zebrafish model

PurposeTraditional Malaysian vegetables, also known as ulam, are believed to have healing properties among the local community. Ulam is commonly reported to have high antioxidant content which makes it a popular food. The purpose of this paper is to determine the teratogenic potential of eight ulam, using zebrafish model. The tested ulam were Cosmos caudatus, Gynura procumbens, Labisia pumila var. alata, Phaleria macrocarpa, Polygonum minus, Piper sarmentosum, Premna foetida and Sauropus androgynous.Design/methodology/approachMethanol extract of ulam was prepared using the maceration method. Various concentrations of extracts were tested against fish embryo short-term toxicity test. The lethal concentration (LC50) and teratogenic effect of the ulam were determined.FindingsAmong all tested species, L. pumila, P. foetida and S. androgynous showed 100% lethal effect towards zebrafish embryos at concentrations of 10 µg/mL, 1,000 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL, respectively. The three ulam have exhibited teratogenic effect on zebrafish embryos after 72 h post-fertilization. L. pumila had induced yolk sac edema at 1.0 µg/mL for normalized measurement of 108.3 ± 2.0% (which is higher than negative control, p < 0.05, median = 110.7%), while P. foetida had induced pericardial edema at 100 µg/mL for normalized measurement of 124.0 ± 4.6% (which is higher than negative control, p < 0.05, median = 124.3%). On the other hand, S. androgynus induced curve trunk at 30 µg/mL for the presence of 70.9 ± 4.2%.Originality/valueThe teratogenic effect of L. pumila, P. foetida and S. androgynous suggests the possible disruption in the embryogenesis in zebrafish, namely Notch, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and retinoic acid pathways. The results of ulam gave possible implications and insights on the cancer pathways involved, which could be a useful target for cancer research. This is the first report on teratogenicity evaluation of Malaysian ulam showing relationship to cancer pathways by using zebrafish embryo model.

Anti-Uterine Fibroid Effect of Standardized Labisia Pumila Var. Alata Extracts In Vitro and in Human Uterine Fibroid Cancer Xenograft Model

Uterine fibroids are a common type of solid tumor presenting in women of reproductive age. There are very few alternative treatment available from conventional treatment involving surgeries. Labisia pumila var. alata or locally known as 'Kacip Fatimah' was widely used as traditional medicine in Malaysia. This plant has been used to maintain a healthy female reproductive system. The present study aimed to evaluate anti fibroid potential of L. pumila extracts through in vitro apoptosis activity against uterine leiomyoma cells (SK-UT-1) and in uterine leiomyoma xenograft model. Evaluation of bioactive markers content were also carried out. Apoptotic induction of the extracts was determined by morphological examination of AO/PI dual staining assay by flourescent microscopy and flow cytometry analysis on Annexin V-FITC/PI stained cells. In vivo study was done in immune-compromised mouse xenograft model. HPLC analysis was employed to quantify marker compounds. Morphological analysis showed L. pumila induced apoptosis in a dose dependent manner against SK-UT-1 cells. In vivo study indicated that L. pumila significantly suppressed the growth of uterine fibroid tumor. All tested extracts contain bioactive marker of gallic acid and cafeic acid. This work provide significant data of the potential of L. pumila in management of uterine fibroids.<br />.

Estrogenic phytochemical from Labisia pumila (Myrsinaceae) with selectivity towards estrogen receptor alpha and beta subtypes

Labisia pumila var. alata (Myrsinaceae) or “Kacip fatimah” is a famous Malay traditional herb used for the maintenance of women's health. The extracts of L.pumila displayed estrogenic activity in rats. Nonetheless, the estrogenic bioactives were not identified. The aim of the study is to identify estrogenic compounds contributing to the established estrogenic activity. Bioactivity-guided-isolation method guided the isolation of pure bioactives. The hexane extract was subjected to a series of silica gel flash and open column chromatography with increasing amount of ethyl acetate in hexane or methanol in chloroform. Each fraction or pure compounds were evaluated on it's estrogen receptor (ER) binding activity with the fluorescence polarization competitive ERα and ERβ binding assay kit. Cytotoxic assay using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay method was used to establish the cytotoxic activity of the compounds. Four alkyl resorcinols and a dimeric 1,4-benzoquinone, namely belamcandol B (1), 5-pentadec-10′-(Z)-enyl resorcinol (2), 1,3-dihydroxy-5-pentadecylbenzene (3), 5-(heptadec-12′-(Z)-enyl) resorcinol (4) and demethylbelamcandaquinone B (5) were identified with selective binding affinities towards either ERα or ERβ exhibiting selectivity ratio from 0.15–11.9. Alkyl resorcinols (2)–(4) exhibited cytotoxic activity towards HL60 cells with IC50 values from 19.5–22.0 μM. Structural differences between compounds influence the binding affinities to ER subtypes. Further study is needed to establish the agonist or antagonist effect of these compounds on various tissues and to identify if these compounds exert cytotoxic activity through the ERs. When consuming L.pumila as a complementary medicine, careful consideration regarding it's estrogenic compound content should be given due consideration.

Minerals and heavy metals in Labisia pumila var. alata folia of Selected Geographic Origins

Labisia pumila var. alata leaves (LP) with a long history of use folk remedy and endemic to the Malay Archipelago, is now supplied worldwide as ingredient of functional foods and beverages. Minerals and heavy metal concentrations in Labisia pumila var. alata folium (LP) of selected geographic origin based on microwave-assisted sample digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were determined.n Fifteen elements comprising minerals (Ba, Ca, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, Rb and Zn) and heavy metals (As, Cd and Pb) were analyzed with an inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The highest nutrient concentration was measured in LP from Tilu Mountain (Cu, Na, K, Mg and Zn). The highest values of Ba, Ca, Co, Cr and Fe were detected in LP from Raub. Ni and Rb were highest in LP from Cibeundey Village. As was highest in LP from Raub (0.04 ± 0.00 mg/kg). The highest Pb contents were in LP from Tilu Mountain (2.90 ± 0.10 mg/kg) and LP from Halimunan-Salak Mountain (3.12 ± 0.03 mg/kg), all of which were well within the permissible limits as specified by the U.S. FDA for edible plant parts. n

Effects of Labisia pumila var alata extracts on the lipid profile, serum antioxidant status and abdominal aorta of high-cholesterol diet rats

BackgroundPrevious studies on Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) have showed that it could inhibit low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and provide protection on myocardial infarction in rats. Hypothesis/PurposeWe hypothesized that LPva extracts can modulate the lipid profiles and serum antioxidant status of hypercholesterolemic rats. In the present study, we investigated the effects of aqueous and 80% ethanol extracts of LPva on atherogenic and serum antioxidant parameters as well as changes in abdominal aorta of high-cholesterol diet rats. MethodsThe major components of the extracts, gallic acid, flavonoids and alkyl resorcinols were analyzed by using a validated reversed phase HPLC method. The rats were induced to hypercholesterolemic status with daily intake of 2% cholesterol for a duration of 8 weeks. Three different doses (100, 200 and 400mg/kg) of the extracts were administered daily on the 4th week onwards. The rats were then sacrificed and the blood was collected via abdominal aorta and serum was separated by centrifugation for biochemical analysis. Part of the aorta tissues were excised immediately for histopathological examination. ResultsThe serum of LPva treated rats showed significant reduction in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and the abdominal aorta showed a significant decrease of atheroma lesions in treated rats. Serum lipid profiles of treated rats showed a decrease in total cholesterol, total triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels as compared to control group. The atherogenic indices in treated rats were significantly improved along with an increasing level of serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The extracts also exhibited significant increase of antioxidant enzymes and decrease of MDA as a product of lipid peroxidation. ConclusionLPva extracts can reduce the risk of dyslipidemia by improving the serum lipid profiles and modulating serum antioxidants.

Protective effects of Labisia pumila var. alata on biochemical and histopathological alterations of cardiac muscle cells in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction rats.

The study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of the standardized aqueous and 80% ethanol extracts of Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. The extracts were administered to Wistar rats orally for 28 days with three doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight) prior to ISO (85 mg/kg)-induced MI in two doses on day 29 and 30. The sera and hearts were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis after the rats were sacrificed 48 h after the first induction. The main components of the extracts, gallic acid, alkylresorcinols and flavonoids were identified and quantitatively analyzed in the extracts by using a validated reversed phase HPLC method. The extracts showed significant protective effects as pretreated rats showed a significant dose-dependent decrease (p < 0.05) in cardiac enzyme activities, i.e., cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), when compared with ISO-control rats. There were significant rises (p < 0.05) in the activity of oxidase enzymes, i.e., glutathione peroxide (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of the pretreated rats, when compared with ISO-control group. Histopathological examination showed an improvement in membrane cell integrity in pre-treated rats compared to untreated rats. The major components of LPva extracts can be used as their biomarkers and contributed to the cardioprotective effects against ISO-induced MI rats.

Time and dose-dependent effects of Labisia pumila on the bone strength of postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model.

BackgroundPost-menopausal osteoporosis has long been treated and prevented by estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Despite its effectiveness, ERT is associated with serious adverse effects. Labisia pumila var. alata (LP) is a herb with potential as an alternative agent to ERT due to its phytoestrogenic, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects on bone. This study aimed to determine the effects of LP supplementation on bone biomechanical strength of postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model.MethodsNinety-six female Sprague–Dawley rats aged 4 to 5 months old were randomly divided into six groups; six rats in the baseline group (BL) and eighteen rats in each group of; Sham- operated (Sham), ovariectomised control (OVXC) and ovariectomised with daily oral gavages of Premarin at 64.5 μg/kg (ERT), LP at 20 mg/kg (LP20) and LP at 100 mg/kg (LP100) respectively. These groups were subdivided into three, six and nine weeks of treatment periods. Rats in BL group were euthanized before the start of the study, while other rats were euthanized after completion of their treatments. Femora were dissected out for biomechanical strength analysis using Instron Universal Model 5848 Micro Tester.ResultsOVXC group showed deterioration in the bone biomechanical strength with time. Both ERT and LP supplemented rats showed improvements in bone strength parameters such as maximum load, displacement, stiffness, stress, and Young Modulus. The most improved bone strength was seen in rats given LP at the dose of 100 mg/kg for nine weeks.ConclusionLP supplementation at 100 mg/kg was more effective than ERT in reversing ovariectomy-induced bone biomechanical changes.

English

Xanthine oxidase (XO) is an enzyme that catalyzes the metabolism of hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid. XO also serves as an important biological source of free radicals that contribute to oxidative damage involved in many pathological processes. Antioxidant effects of several Primulaceae species have been reported but their XO inhibitory activity has not been investigated. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the XO inhibitory and free radical scavenging activities of Primulaceae species and to correlate these activities with their total phenolic contents (TPC). A total of 129 extracts of different plant parts of twelve Primulaceae species were assayed for XO inhibition spectrophotometrically at 290 nm using allopurinol as a positive control. The antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and TPC of the extracts were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the TPC of the extracts showed moderate positive correlations with XO inhibition (r=0.31, p<0.05) and DPPH antioxidant activity (r=0.31, p<0.05) for all of the dichloromethane extracts. Amongst the extracts tested, the dichloromethane extract of the roots of Labisia pumila var. alata showed the strongest inhibitory effects for XO (IC50 4.8 μg/mL) and DPPH free radical capacity (IC50 1.7 μg/mL). The results suggested that Primulaceae species, particularly the dichloromethane extract of L. pumila var. alata roots, are the potential source of useful leads for the development of XO inhibitors.

Time and dose-dependent effects of Labisia pumila on bone oxidative status of postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis can be associated with oxidative stress and deterioration of antioxidant enzymes. It is mainly treated with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Although effective, ERT may cause adverse effects such as breast cancer and pulmonary embolism. Labisia pumila var. alata (LP), a herb used traditionally for women’s health was found to protect against estrogen-deficient osteoporosis. An extensive study was conducted in a postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model using several LP doses and duration of treatments to determine if anti-oxidative mechanisms were involved in its bone protective effects. Ninety-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups; baseline group (BL), sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomised control (OVXC), ovariectomised (OVX) and given 64.5 μg/kg of Premarin (ERT), ovariectomised and given 20 mg/kg of LP (LP20) and ovariectomised and given 100 mg/kg of LP (LP100). The groups were further subdivided to receive their respective treatments via daily oral gavages for three, six or nine weeks of treatment periods. Following euthanization, the femora were dissected out for bone oxidative measurements which include superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results: The SOD levels of the sham-operated and all the treatment groups were significantly higher than the OVX groups at all treatment periods. The GPx level of ERT and LP100 groups at the 9th week of treatment were significantly higher than the baseline and OVX groups. MDA level of the OVX group was significantly higher than all the other groups at weeks 6 and 9. The LP20 and LP100 groups at the 9th week of treatment had significantly lower MDA levels than the ERT group. There were no significant differences between LP20 and LP100 for all parameters. Thus, LP supplementations at both doses, which showed the best results at 9 weeks, may reduce oxidative stress which in turn may prevent bone loss via its anti-oxidative property.

Efficacy and safety of Labisia pumila var alata water extract among pre- and postmenopausal women.

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of Labisia pumila var alata (L. pumila) water extract for improving quality of life, cardiovascular and hormonal balance. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, 16-week study in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women aged 40-60 years was conducted in Kelantan, Malaysia. The subjects were randomized to 400 mg propriety extract of L. pumila or placebo. A Women's Health Questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the data. A total of 197 subjects (L. pumila: n=102 and placebo: n=95) were analyzed. Subjects in the herbal group showed improved memory/concentration, vasomotor symptoms, menstrual symptoms, and sleep problems by 8.3%, 15.9%, 11.8%, and 31.0%, respectively. The greatest improvement was observed for the question: "I get frightened or panic feelings for apparently no reason at all" with a 53% decrease as compared with placebo. Improvements were also seen in the cardiovascular parameters, and the safety profiles were normal. Postmenopausal women supplemented with L. pumila showed no changes in gynecological relevant hormones luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and 17β-Estradiol. Water extract of L. pumila was shown to be safe and effective for improving several parameters of quality of life and cardiovascular risks factors (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]).

Fractionation of Labisia Pumila using Solid-Phase Extraction for Extraction of Gallic Acid

Phenolics are the most ample secondary metabolites of plants and have drawn increasing attention in their applications in health supplement and functional cosmetic. This is due to their strong antioxidant properties and their marked effects in the inhibition of several oxidative stress associated metabolic disorder such as cancer and aging. In Labisia pumila, gallic acid (3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoic acid) was found to be one of the most abundant secondary metabolite. It has been proposed as a biomarker in cosmetic and food supplement applications. In this research the identification and isolation of gallic acid were carried out. Different sorbent of solid-phase extraction (SPE) column were used for the fractionation of Labisia pumila var Alata water extract and the amount of gallic acid present in the fractions were quantified. The aim is to identify the better sorbent-solvent combination in SPE that result in higher recovery of gallic acid from Labisia pumila var Alata water extract. A range of solvent mixtures of 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% methanol (Me Oh)-water was used. Gallic acid was successfully extracted and identified from Labisia pumila. From this discovery, C18 silica reversed phase solid phase extraction column could extracts highest gallic acid from Labisia pumila var Alata water extract. Retention of analyte from the sample from second elution using 80% methanol-water Solvent may be used as the best method to extract the compound from Labisia Pumila var Alata since it has been reported to have various bioactivities such as high antioxidant activity and cytotoxic against many diseases. Using C18 silica reversed phase in SPE as a fractionation and extraction of gallic acid from Labisia pumila var Alata can be achieved for application purpose or future studies.

The effects of Labisia pumila on postmenopausal osteoporotic rat model: Dose and time-dependent micro-CT analysis.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is best treated and prevented by estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Although effective, ERT may cause breast cancer, uterine cancer and cardiovascular problems. Labisia pumila var. alata (LP), a herb with phytoestrogenic, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects has potential as an ERT alternative. This study aimed to evaluate micro-CT analysis on the effects of LP supplementation on the trabecular microarchitecture of postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model. Micro-CT is an effective tool in detecting changes in trabecular bone structure and providing a three dimensional information which may replace other conventional bone analysis methods. Ninety-six female Sprague-Dawley rats (4 to 5 months old) were randomly divided into six groups of baseline group (BL) Sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomised control (OVXC), ovariectomised with 64.5 μg/kg of Premarin (ERT), ovariectomised with 20 mg/kg of LP (LP20) and ovariectomised with 100 mg/kg of LP at (LP100). The vehicle (deionized water), Premarin and LP were given via daily oral gavages for three, six and nine weeks of treatment periods. Rats in BL group were euthanized before the start of the study, while other rats were euthanized after completion of their treatments. Femora were dissected out and trabecular bone microarchitecture analysed with micro-CT. Micro-CT analysis of OVXC rats revealed significant osteoporotic changes in connectivity density, trabecular bone volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation and trabecular number. Both ERT and LP were able to reverse all the OVX-induced bone changes with the best results seen with 100 mg/kg of LP for nine weeks duration of treatment. Micro-CT provides accurate and reliable information on trabecular bone parameters which aid in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. LP supplementation at 100 mg/kg was more effective than ERT in reversing ovariectomy-induced bone changes. Further studies are required to explore the potential of LP as ERT alternative in the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Labisia pumila regulates bone-related genes expressions in postmenopausal osteoporosis model.

BackgroundLabisia Pumila var. alata (LPva) has shown potential as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in prevention of estrogen-deficient osteoporosis. In earlier studies using postmenopausal model, LPva was able to reverse the ovariectomy-induced changes in biochemical markers, bone calcium, bone histomorphometric parameters and biomechanical strength. The mechanism behind these protective effects is unclear but LPva may have regulated factors that regulate bone remodeling. The aim of this study is to determine the bone-protective mechanism of LPva by measuring the expressions of several factors involved in bone formative and resorptive activities namely Osteoprotegerin (OPG), Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa-B Ligand (RANKL), Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (MCSF) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2).MethodsThirty-two female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomized control (OVXC), ovariectomized with Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) and ovariectomized with ERT (Premarin®) (ERT). The LPva and ERT were administered via daily oral gavages at doses of 17.5 mg/kg and 64.5 μg/kg, respectively. Following two months of treatment, the rats were euthanized and the gene expressions of BMP-2, OPG, RANKL and MCSF in the femoral bones were measured using a branch - DNA technique.ResultsThe RANKL gene expression was increased while the OPG and BMP-2 gene expressions were reduced in the OVXC group compared to the SHAM group. There were no significant changes in the MCSF gene expressions among the groups. Treatment with either LPva or ERT was able to prevent these ovariectomy-induced changes in the gene expressions in ovariectomized rats with similar efficacy.ConclusionLPva may protect bone against estrogen deficiency-induced changes by regulating the RANKL, OPG and BMP-2 gene expressions.

Standardization and Preliminary Anti-Angiogenic Study of Labisia Pumila

Labisia pumila var. alata (Myrinaceae) locally known as Kacip Fatimah is widely used as traditional medicine in Malaysia. Standardization of herbal preparations is vital to maintain quality, efficacy and safety. This study aims to obtain the phytochemical profile of L. pumila and to study the anti-angiogenic effect of the ethanolic, 50% ethanolic and water extracts of the whole plant. The standardization was done according to the WHO guidelines. Three testing parameters tested including identity (microscopic and TLC profiling), purity (foreign matter, total ash, insoluble acid ash, moisture content and content of extractable matter) and chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis (HPLC, UV-Vis and FT-IR profiling). The rat aortic ring assay was performed to investigate the anti-angiogenic effect of the extracts. Identity of the plant was confirmed by comparing the results with the Malaysian Herbal Monograph Vol.1 (MHM). The purity test results showed studied parameters fall within the normal range of the MHM. HPLC chromatography showed the presence of gallic acid at the retention time of 6.9 min. The maxima absorbance of UV-Vis was at 270nm and the main FT-IR bands vibration were obtained at 3335, 1604 and 1042 cm. The anti-angiogenic test showed 100% inhibition of microvessels outgrowth in the ethanolic and 50% ethanolic extracts at 100 μg/ml whereas the water extract showed 32% inhibition. The rat aortic rings test showed a possible anti-angiogenic effect which may have interesting applications in the treatment of angiogenesis related disorders.

Reduced photoinhibition under low irradiance enhanced Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila Benth) secondary metabolites, phenyl alanine lyase and antioxidant activity.

A randomized complete block design experiment was designed to characterize the relationship between production of total flavonoids and phenolics, anthocyanin, photosynthesis, maximum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), electron transfer rate (Fm/Fo), phenyl alanine lyase activity (PAL) and antioxidant (DPPH) in Labisia pumila var. alata, under four levels of irradiance (225, 500, 625 and 900 μmol/m2/s) for 16 weeks. As irradiance levels increased from 225 to 900 μmol/m2/s, the production of plant secondary metabolites (total flavonoids, phenolics and antocyanin) was found to decrease steadily. Production of total flavonoids and phenolics reached their peaks under 225 followed by 500, 625 and 900 μmol/m2/s irradiances. Significant positive correlation of production of total phenolics, flavonoids and antocyanin content with Fv/Fm, Fm/Fo and photosynthesis indicated up-regulation of carbon-based secondary metabolites (CBSM) under reduced photoinhibition on the under low light levels condition. At the lowest irradiance levels, Labisia pumila extracts also exhibited a significantly higher antioxidant activity (DPPH) than under high irradiance. The improved antioxidative activity under low light levels might be due to high availability of total flavonoids, phenolics and anthocyanin content in the plant extract. It was also found that an increase in the production of CBSM was due to high PAL activity under low light, probably signifying more availability of phenylalanine (Phe) under this condition.

Labisia pumila protects the bone of estrogen-deficient rat model: A histomorphometric study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLabisia pumila var. alata (LP) is a phytoestrogenic herb with potential as an alternative to Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. LP has been reported to produce similar effects to ERT on the bone markers, but could not match ERT in terms of maintaining the bone calcium in postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model. This study aimed to examine in detail the effects of LP on the bone of postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model using bone histomorphometry. Materials and methodsThirty two female rats were randomly divided into groups of: Sham operated (Sham), ovariectomized control (OVXC), ovariectomized with Labisia pumila var. alata (LP) and ovariectomized with ERT (Premarin®) (ERT). The LP and ERT were administered through the route of oral gavage daily at the dose of 17.5mg/kg and 64.5μg/kg respectively. Following 2 months of treatment, rats were euthanized and the left femurs were dissected out and prepared for bone histomorphometry. ResultsHistomorphometric analysis revealed osteoporotic changes for the ovariectomized rats. Supplementation of LP to ovariectomized rats could prevent these osteoporotic changes, as effective as ERT. ConclusionThis confirmed that LP has potential as an alternative to ERT for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Effects of selected medicinal plants on human low-density lipoprotein oxidation, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and human platelet aggregation

The effects of the methanol extracts of 20 selected medicinal plants on free radical scavenging capacity, human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) peroxidation and platelet aggregation were investigated. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay with LDL as the oxidation substrate. The antiplatelet activity in human whole blood was investigated using an electrical impedance method. The total phenolic contents (TPC) of the extracts were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method. Among the extracts, Phyllanthus amarus and Labisia pumila var. alata possessed potent radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 3.4 and 5.7 µg/ml, respectively. The extracts ofZingiber officinale, Curcuma xanthorrhiza and Curcuma domestica showed strong inhibition of LDL peroxidation with IC50 values ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 µg/ml. The extract of Z. officinalewas the most effective sample against platelet aggregation caused by arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) with IC50 values of 10.9 and 7.7 µg/ml, respectively. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the TPC of the extracts showed significant positive correlations with DPPH scavenging activity (r = 0.846) and LDL antioxidant activity (r= 0.639) and moderate positive correlations with antiplatelet activities (AA-induced, r = 0.51; ADP-induced, r = 0.40; collagen-induced, r = 0.44). The antioxidant and antiplatelet activities of the plant extracts could partly be due to their TPC. Key words: Medicinal plants, LDL antioxidant activity, antiplatelet activity, DPPH scavenging capacity, total phenolic contents.

Labisia pumila extract down-regulates hydroxysteroid (11-beta) dehydrogenase 1 expression and corticosterone levels in ovariectomized rats

We evaluated the effects of a standardized Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) extract on body weight change, hydroxysteroid (11-beta) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1) expressions and corticosterone (CORT) level in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The decoction of LPva has been used for generations among Malay women in Malaysia to maintain a healthy reproductive system.Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley OVX rats were treated orally with LPva extract (10, 20 or 50 mg/kg/day) or estrogen replacement (ERT) for 30 days. Sham operated rats were used as controls. Compared to untreated OVX rats, LPva-treated rats showed less weight gain and had significantly down-regulated HSD11B1 mRNA in liver tissues. HSD11B1 mRNA in adipose tissues increased by 55% (p < 0.05) in OVX rats but normalized in rats treated with LPva. Similarly, there was significant down-regulation (p < 0.05) of protein levels of HSD11B1 in both liver and adipose tissue of LPva and ERT groups, and CORT levels were significantly reduced in both groups of rats. This is the first study ever conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of LPva in relation to weight gain caused by estrogen insufficiency. Results implied that the bioactive components in LPva extract affect not only HSD11B1 expressions in both adipose and liver tissues but also decrease circulating CORT. The extract should be explored for its potential use as a natural remedy for weight management.