Leea Macrophylla Research Articles

Antioxidative and neuroprotective effects of Leea macrophylla methanol root extracts on diazepam-induced memory impairment in amnesic Wistar albino rat

BackgroundA neurological disorder is becoming one of the major health problems worldwide. Synthetic drugs for neurological disorders often produce unwanted effects while traditional plant- derived drugs offer a unique strategy in combating the neurological diseases. This study investigated how the antioxidative properties of Leea macrophylla root extracts integratively help as neuroprotective and antiamnesic in animal model.MethodsLeea macrophylla root methanol extract (LM) was assessed by open field test, hole cross test, elevated plus maze test and thiopental sodium induced sleeping time test for screening neuropharmacological effect on Wistar albino rats using the LM at 100 & 200 mg/kg body weight. Antiamnesic effect of LM was studied on diazepam induced anterograde amnesia in Wistar albino rats. Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate whether the learning and memory of rats are impaired by amnesia produced by diazepam. The antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and oxidative biomarkers malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, advanced oxidation protein product from the hippocampus of decapitated animals were measured to assess the antioxidative potential of the extract.ResultsLM was found to show significant (p <0.05) reduction in locomotor activity and increase in the duration of sleeping of animals. Morris water maze test showed that animals treated with LM significantly (p <0.05) decreased the mean escape latency compared to animals in diazepam group. LM was also found to reduce the content of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and advanced oxidation protein product and to increase the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in hippocampus.ConclusionOur studies suggest that antioxidative capacity of LM in hippocampus may augment the antiamnesic effects in anterograde amnesia.

Systematic investigation of ethanolic extract from Leea macrophylla: Implications in wound healing

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLeea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. (Leeaceae) commonly known as Hastikarnapalasa is mainly distributed throughout the tropical parts of India. Traditionally, the plant is found to be effective against guinea worm, ringworm and is applied to sores and wounds. Aim of the studyThe present study aims to validate traditional wound healing claim of Leea macrophylla scientifically. Material and methodsBox–Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the extraction process. The optimized root tuber extract of Leea macrophylla was standardized with chlorogenic acid by HPLC for the first time. Both oral and topical routes were selected as administrative means for the wound healing study using excision and incision wound model. For topical treatment bioadhesive gel was formulated and characterized for mechanical and physical characteristics by texture profile analysis (TPA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect on wound healing was also assessed by evaluating antioxidant enzymes viz. glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), free radicals lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory marker myeloperoxidase (MPO), collagen markers hydroxyproline, hexosamine and hexuronic acid along with the histopathological examination. Furthermore, the effect on the level of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin -6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined. The expression of cell proliferation nuclear marker Ki-67 was also analyzed by Western blot analysis. ResultsWith mesh openings Sieve no. 20, semi polar nature of solvent (92.5:7.5 ethanol-water blend) and extraction time of 18h, substantially greater extraction efficiency (29%) and phenolic yield (181.54mg/g) were obtained. The content of chlorogenic acid in ethanol extracts of Leea macrophylla was obtained as 9.01% w/w. In incision model, oral treatment with 500mg/kg ethanolic extract increased wound breaking strength by 23.41% while bioadhesive gel (5% w/v) showed a higher increase of 44.68%. Topical application produced complete wound contraction in 20 days against 22 days taken by oral treatment. Topical treatment also produced a significant (p<0.05) increase in antioxidants glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase whereas the level of enzymes lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide and inflammatory markers myeloperoxidase were reduced. Further advantageous effects were reflected by significantly (p<0.05) increased levels of hydroxyproline, hexosamine and hexuronic acid. Favorable effects on the level of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor – α and growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor were also observed. The wound healing potential of Leea macrophylla was further supported by its ability to promote cell proliferation during wound healing as demonstrated by Western blot analysis of proliferation marker Ki-67. ConclusionThe study justified traditional use of Leea macrophylla in wound healing and demonstrated that the bioadhesive gel of ethanolic extract produced faster and more significant healing as compared to oral treatment.

Phytochemical standardization, antioxidant, and antibacterial evaluations of Leea macrophylla: A wild edible plant

In Ayurveda, Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. (Leeaceae) is indicated in worm infestation, dermatopathies, wounds, inflammation, and in symptoms of diabetes. The present study aims to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of ethanolic extract and its different fractions of Leea macrophylla root tubers using phytochemical profiling which is still unexplored. Quantitative estimations of different phytoconstituents along with characterization of ethanol extract using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were performed using chlorogenic acid as a marker compound for the first time. The extract and its successive fractions were also evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity using different models. The extract was further tested against a few Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for its antibacterial activity. Phytochemical screening and quantitative estimations revealed the extract to be rich in alkaloid, flavonoid, phenols, and tannins, whereas chlorogenic acid quantified by HPLC in ethanol extract was 9.01% w/w. The results also indicated potential antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which was more prominent in the extract followed by its butanol fraction.

The Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Antithrombosis

Blood stasis syndrome (BSS) or blood stagnation is often understood in terms of hematological disorders such as thrombosis, congestion, hemorrhage, and local ischemia (microclots). In reality, BSS or thrombosis is considered to be closely related to senile diseases such as atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, and stroke, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, hyperuricemia, and various inflammatory conditions. Therefore, more studies have been undertaken to focus on preventing thrombosis for the treatment of those thrombotic diseases. It is well known that the complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) such as traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have a long history for treating thrombosis or BBS. This special issue is focused on the evidence-based research of the CAMs in antithrombotic therapies and therefore brings more attention from readers and researchers on complementary and alternative therapies for thrombosis. The formation of thrombosis is highly complex. Understanding the molecular functions of thrombosis network is helpful for predicting potential targets for the treatment of thrombosis. X. Kong et al. retrieved pathways and reaction information related to thrombosis from the Reactome database (a peer-reviewed pathway database), then split the complex into separate single proteins, reconnected splitting proteins and detected the relations between the proteins with reacting directions, and finally mapped the integrative and comprehensive molecular network of thrombosis by combining platelet signaling, the coagulation cascade, and natural clot dissolution systems. Moreover, the topological characteristics of the network including the centralities of nodes, network modules, and network robustness were analyzed. However, further pharmaceutical experiments are necessary for eventual validation of network results. In order to reveal the antiatherosclerotic molecular mechanisms of Astragaloside IV (AsIV) from Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus), H. Qin et al. investigated the effects of AsIV on blood lipids, CD40-CD40L signal system, and SDF-1/CXCR4 biological axis in high-fat diet ApoE−/− mice. Their results proved that AsIV can alleviate the extent of atherosclerosis in aorta of ApoE−/− mice. And AsIV can significantly downregulate PAC-1, CD40L, and CXCR4 expression on platelet surface in blood, as well as mRNA and protein level of SDF-1, CXCR4 in thoracic aorta of the model mice. On the other hand, AsIV could downregulate TG, TC, and LDL-C levels and upregulate HDL-C levels in model mice's blood. Therefore, they made a conclusion that the protective effects of AsIV in atherosclerotic injury may be related to regulating blood lipids, CD40-CD40L system, and SDF-1/CXCR4 biological axis. Safflower Yellow Injection (SYI) has been reported for the treatment of acute cerebral infarction. L.-J. Li et al. investigated the effects of SYI on the patients with acute cerebral infarction. Their results indicated that the scores of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale significantly decreased in the SYI treated group (after treatment for 7 and 14 d) as compared to the control group (placebo injection). Furthermore, the hemorheological index including index of red blood cell (RBC) deformation and aggregation were significantly different before and after treating with SYI. Meanwhile, the value of prothrombin time (PT) increased, and the value of fibrinogen (FIB) decreased in the SYI treated group. In addition, the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the SYI group decreased as compared to the control group. The data suggests that SYI therapy may be beneficial for the patients with acute cerebral infarction. In another study, S. Mahmud et al. investigated the antithrombotic properties (clot lysis effects) of cold methanol extracts of five Bangladeshi plants in vitro. Seven secondary metabolites including alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, saponins, phlobatannins, and cardiac glycosides were identified in the experimental extracts by phytochemical screening. Among those herbal extracts, Leea macrophylla showed the most prominent antithrombotic effects, while Andrographis paniculata possessed moderate activity. Moreover, in silico docking simulation showed that glycosides molecule fit the best to the activation of tissue plasminogen activator, which suggested that glycosides of these plants are to be the major components contributing to the observed thrombolytic effects. There is considerable interest in the role of natural products and their bioactive components in the prevention and treatment of thrombosis related disorders. In the review paper by C. Chen et al., the mechanisms of thrombus formation were briefly described on three aspects including coagulation system, platelet activation and aggregation, and change of blood flow conditions. And the natural products for antithrombosis by anticoagulation (inhibition of tissue factors and the coagulation pathways), antiplatelet aggregation (inhibition of platelet membrane receptors functions and granules secretion, impacting on nucleotide and arachidonic acid systems), and fibrinolysis were summarized, respectively. It is believed that advances in the understanding of both the mechanisms of thrombus formation and the antithrombotic functions of CAMs will provide new insights to promote human health by preventing or treating thrombotic disorders. Feng-Qing Yang Chun-Su Yuan Swee Ngin Tan Jian-Li Gao

Wild edible tuber and root plants available in bastar region of Chhattisgarh

Natural forest is the source of supplies of various plants of tuberous and roots importance that provides carbohydrates and some minerals and are often important ingredients in traditional medicines. They used as drought and famine foods, not only because they survive in low rainfall periods, but can also be an important source of water. Looking to the importance of wild tuberous crop in the tribal dominating region of the State an ethno botanical study was conducted to document and compile the wild edible tubers that had been observed and investigated in Central part of Bastar region of Chhattisgarh State. So that their importance, traditional uses could be realized. A total of 22 wild edible tubers were identified and recorded as food sources during the study period were Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, Asparagus racemosus, Chlorophytum borivilianum, Colocasia esculenta,Costus speciosus, Curculigo orchioides, Curcuma amada, Curcuma angustifolia, Curcuma caesia, Dendrocalamus strictus, Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea bulbifera, Dioscorea hispida, Dioscorea oppositifolia, Dioscorea pentaphylla, Dioscorea bulbifera var. pulchella, Hibiscus rugosus, Ipomoea batatas, Leea macrophylla, Pueraria tuberosa, Scirpus grossus, Urginea indica . Dioscorea or commonly known as yam was reported to be one of the major food sources in Bastar region. It was noticed that Dioscorea available as major tuber crops and highly utilized tuber species. The majority of villagers used Dioscorea in many ways in their life such as for food, medicinal purposes and fish poison. The 22 edible tuberous and root plants were belongs to the 13 families out of which Dioscoreaceae, Zingiberaceae, Liliaceae and Araceae had more than one identified plants whereas the families like Costaceae, Asparagaceae, Hypoxidaceae, Poaceae, Leeaceae, Fabaceae, Cyperaceae, Malvaceae, Convolvulaceae had only one edible tuber plant during period of study. The wild tubers are the dietary food and of seasonal resources of the tribals in forest dominating areas. Although the popularity of these wild tubers has declined, it is considered that special attention should be given to them in order to maintain and improve this important source of food supply in the area. This paper dealt with the wild edible tubers plant utilized by the tribal's of Bastar for their sustenance. The wild edible tubers plant of Bastar illustrated and documented for their utilization pattern.

On Pandanus leram and the other botanical binomials of Sir William Jones

AbstractSix binomials coined by Sir William Jones are discussed, and confirmed as attributable to his authorship; their current status is given—still recognised are Pandanus leram and Valeriana jatamansi (though application of the latter remains unclear); Andropogon jwarancusa is still recognised in the genus Cymbopogon; Kaempferia bhuchampac and Nerium septaparna are illegitimate renamings for K. rotunda and Echites scholaris respectively; Aquilicia samudraca is an earlier name for Leea macrophylla.

Potential anti-inflammatory effect of Leea macrophylla Roxb. leaves: A wild edible plant

Leea macrophylla (Leeaceae) is a wild edible plant with ethomedicinal importance as anti-inflammatory agent. However, no systematic studies on its anti-inflammatory activity and mechanisms have been reported. Present study was undertaken to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract of L. macrophylla leaves. Phytochemical investigation revealed presence of sterols, triterpenoids and ascorbic acid in extract. Methanol extract inhibited lipopolysaccharide stimulated production of inflammatory mediators viz. prostaglandin E2, tumor necrotic factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β in vitro in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Additionally, the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of this extract was evaluated by using carrageenan induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma assays in experimental rats. Oral administration of extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) exhibited dose dependant inhibition of carrageenan induced inflammation (p<0.05) and the reduction of the granuloma tissue formation (p<0.05-0.01). The extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally) exhibited significant central and peripheral analgesic activity in hot-plate test (p<0.01) and acetic acid induced writhing test (p<0.05-0.01) respectively in experimental mice. Treatment with extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally) significantly reduced the yeast provoked elevated body temperature (p<0.05-0.01) in experimental rats. These results confirmed the traditional anti-inflammatory indication of L. macrophylla leaves.

Phytochemical Screening and Anti-microbial Activity Studies on &lt;i&gt;Leea macrophylla&lt;/i&gt; Seed Extracts

Seed extracts of medicinal plants Leea macrophylla were investigated for phytochemical as well as antibacterial screening. Phytochemical studies of the plant extracts revealed the presence of phenolic, saponin, glycosides, carbohydrate and protein types of compounds. The antibacterial effects of the plant extracts were also tested against several human multi-drug resistant pathogens, including one gram positive and three gram negative bacterial species and one fungal species using the disc-diffusion assay. All the plant extracts showed potent anti-microbial effects against gram positive micro-organism (inhibition zone 7-19 mm) whereas none of the extracts produced any potent anti-microbial effects against gram negative bacteria. Furthermore, it has been shown that the extracts exhibit antifungal activities against candida albicans except the extract n-hexane.Keywords: Leea macrophylla; Phytochemical screening; Anti-microbial activity.© 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i2.13213 J. Sci. Res. 5 (2), 399-405 (2013)

Report of Association of Mycoflora with Leaves And Stems of Leea Macrophylla Roxb. Ex Harnem from Bangladesh

Fifteen species of fungi belonging to ten genera were found to be associated with Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Harnem. The species are Alternaria tenuissima (Kunze ex Pers.) Wiltshire, Aspergillus flavus Link, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger van Tiegh, Chaetomium Kunze, Colletotrichum musae (Berk. &amp; Curt.) Arx, Colletotrichum dematium (Pres. Ex Fr.) Grove, Curvularia pallescens Boedijn,, Fusarium moniliforme Shelden, Fusarium sp., Melasmia Lev, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp., Trichoderma harzianum Pers. and Trichoderma viride Pers. This is the first record of association of the fungi with Leea macrophylla from Bangladesh. All the identified fungi were tested for their pathogenic potentiality. Colletotrichum dematium, Curvularia pallescens, and Fusarium sp. produced symptoms on artificially inoculated leaves of Leea macrophylla. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i2.12972 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 2, 257-262, 2012

Whole Leea macrophylla ethanolic extract normalizes kidney deposits and recovers renal impairments in an ethylene glycol–induced urolithiasis model of rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antilithiatic effect of the whole Leea macrophylla (L. macrophylla) Roxb (Leeaceae) ethanol extract in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis model of rats. MethodsForty two seven weeks old male wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two major groups namely: preventive (n=18) and therapeutic (n=24). Preventive group was further subdivided into 3 groups of 6 rats namely: preventive control (PC), preventive lithiatic control (PLC) and preventive lithiatic L. macrophylla (PLLM). Similarly, therapeutic group was also subdivided into 4 groups of 6 rats namely: therapeutic control (TC), therapeutic lithiatic control (TLC), therapeutic lithitatic L. macrophylla (TLLM) and therapeutic lithiatic cystone (TLCYS). The lithiasis was induced by 0.75% (v/v) ethylene glycol in the drinking water of all groups except the PC and TC groups. The urinary ionic parameters such as calcium, inorganic phosphate, oxalate, magnesium & creatinine and renal morphology were altered by ethylene glycol, which were partially recovered by 14 d preventive and almost fully recovered by 28 d therapeutic intervention trials with L. macrophylla extract (500 mg/kg BW daily). ResultsSignificant difference on recovery was observed between preventive and therapeutic interventional trials. Anti-urolithiatic effect of cystone was significantly (P<0.001) higher than extracts. L. macrophylla extract was found nontoxic in the acute toxicity test. ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrated very promising anti-urolithiatic effect of L. macrophylla extract with preventive and therapeutic treatments in this experimental condition.

A survey of medicinal plants used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in two northern districts of Bangladesh

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating disease leading to chronic pain, disability and often joint destruction, deformity and loss of function. The estimated prevalence of the disease is 1–2% worldwide and approaches 5% in women over age 55. Modern medicines can only alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the disease but cannot cure the disease. On the other hand, alternative medicine practitioners (AMPs) of various countries claim to cure this diseases with formulations prepared from a single or a combination of medicinal plants. RA is widely prevalent in Bangladesh and is present in both rural as well as urban segments of the country's population. The objective of the present study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey amongst the AMPs of two northern districts of Bangladesh, namely Dinajpur and Panchagarh to collect information on medicinal plants used for treatment of RA. Interviews with AMPs were done with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and plant species pointed out by them were collected and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. A total of 17 plant species were found to be used by the AMPs to treat RA. These species included (with family name given in parenthesis) Aerva sanguinolenta (Amaranthaceae), Crinum asiaticum (Amaryllidaceae), Hemidesmus indicus (Apocynaceae), Scindapsus officinalis (Araceae), Carica papaya (Caricaceae), Gloriosa superba (Colchicaceae), Costus speciosus (Costaceae), Erythrina variegata (Fabaceae), Tinospora crispa (Menispermaceae), Mimosa pudica (Mimosaceae), Piper chaba (Piperaceae), Piper cubeba (Piperaceae), Bacopa monnieri (Scrophulariaceae), Smilax china (Smilacaceae), Smilax macrophylla (Smilacaceae), Leea macrophylla (Vitaceae), and Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae). Due to loss of natural habitat, a number of the above plants are rapidly becoming endangered. It is imperative to conduct scientific studies on these plants towards finding a better cure for RA.

Avancée de l’imagerie moléculaire dans la maladie d’Alzheimer

Leea macrophylla (Leeaceae) is a wild edible plant with ethomedicinal importance as anti-inflammatory agent. However, no systematic studies on its anti-inflammatory activity and mechanisms have been reported. Present study was undertaken to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract of L. macrophylla leaves. Phytochemical investigation revealed presence of sterols, triterpenoids and ascorbic acid in extract. Methanol extract inhibited lipopolysaccharide stimulated production of inflammatory mediators viz. prostaglandin E2, tumor necrotic factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β in vitro in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Additionally, the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of this extract was evaluated by using carrageenan induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma assays in experimental rats. Oral administration of extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) exhibited dose dependant inhibition of carrageenan induced inflammation (p < 0.05) and the reduction of the granuloma tissue formation (p < 0.05–0.01). The extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally) exhibited significant central and peripheral analgesic activity in hot-plate test (p < 0.01) and acetic acid induced writhing test (p < 0.05–0.01) respectively in experimental mice. Treatment with extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally) significantly reduced the yeast provoked elevated body temperature (p < 0.05–0.01) in experimental rats. These results confirmed the traditional anti-inflammatory indication of L. macrophylla leaves.