Longifolia Extract Research Articles

Antifungal activity of plant extracts against Colletotrichum musae, the post harvest anthracnose pathogen of banana cv. Martaman

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to determine the antifungal activities of different solvent extracts of common plants in vitro and in vivo against banana anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum musae (Berk & M.A. Curtis) Arx, and to investigate its effects on the pathogen and identify the bio active component(s). Design/methodology/approach – Extracts were obtained from leaves, tender shoots, rhizomes, bulbs, seeds and fruits of 42 naturally growing plant species following hot sequential extraction. Preliminary screening of the solvent extracts was done based on the inhibition of radial mycelial growth of C. musae following poison food technique and conidial germination inhibition by cavity slide technique. The selected extracts were assessed for their effect on harvested banana in reducing anthracnose during storage. The active components in the bio-active fractions of plant extract were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Findings – Methanol extracted a larger quantity of material (between 6.9 and 12.5 per cent) than hexane or chloroform, and all its extracts were active against the test pathogen with mycelial growth inhibition ranging from 13.70 to 88.89 per cent. Zingiber officinale rhizome extract as well as Polyalthia longifolia and Clerodendrum inerme leaf extracts exhibited more than 80 per cent inhibition of mycelial growth. Total inhibition of spore germination of C. musae was recorded in Z. officinale and P. longifolia extracts at 0.3 per cent w/v and 0.5 per cent w/v concentration, respectively, while only 68 per cent spore inhibition was recorded in C. inerme at 0.5 per cent w/v concentration. Of the three plant species, Z. officinale had the best antifungal activity (18.0 per cent disease incidence; 2.2 disease severity scale) when banana fruits were dipped in the extract at a concentration of 0.5 per cent w/v at 5 days of storage in ambient condition (80-82 per cent R.H., 27 ± 1°C). The bio-active compounds in the extract of Z. officinale were identified as alpha-curcumene and zingerone. Originality/value – Based on the antifungal activity, plant extract of Z. officinale can be used as an effective alternative to chemicals in controlling anthracnose pathogen in harvested banana.

PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS OF WATER-ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF MENTHA LONGIFOLIA L

The article represents data about qualitative and quantitative composition of phenolic compounds in water-ethanol extract of perspective clone of Mentha longifolia L. of NBE-NSC selection. Phenolic substances content in water-ethanol extract amounted to 3003.3 mg/100g. 13 components were determined in the extract. The extract contains caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid isomers, rosmarinic acid and glycosides of luteolin. Rosmarinic acid (50.2%) prevails among phenolic substances of Mentha longifolia extract. The conclusion is that the use of this extract is possible to create products with high biological value

Investigating the Double-Peak Phenomenon in Oral Pharmacokinetics of Eurycoma longifolia quassinoids in Lipid-Based Solid Dispersion

α(21)-Epoxyeurycomanone (EP) and eurycomanone (EN), the polar quassinoids of Eurycoma longifolia extract (TAF2) formulated as a lipid-based solid dispersion (TAF2-SD) to increase sperm count for oligospermic infertility, displayed improvement of oral pharmacokinetics and bioavailability in rats over the non-formulated TAF2 extract. The plasma concentration-time curves of the quassinoids in both preparations displayed double-peak phenomenon, similarly observed in BCS Class 3 drugs that are highly hydrophilic and of low phospholipid membrane permeability, which therefore prompted investigation of the contributing factors. The results following the oral co-administration of TAF2-SD with the gastrointestinal transit markers indicated that less than 50% w/w of EP and EN were absorbed in the rat small intestine prior to 2.5 h, the gastric emptying time of 50% w/w theophylline marker absorption. More than 70% w/w of the quassinoids were absorbed in the colon after 8 h, the detection of 50% w/w sulfapyridine, the hydrolyzed metabolite of sulfasalazine marker. The non-formulated TAF2 extract at 0.028 ppm and its major quassinoid, EN at 0.005 ppm reduced acetylcholine-and histamine-induced contractions of the guinea pig ileum, suggesting that the muscle relaxant effect contributed to the delay in gastric-emptying and absorption in the intestine. In conclusion, the formulated quassinoids improved the oral bioavailability without changing the double-peak pharmacokinetic profile, and reduced gut motility causing delayed gastric emptying and intestinal absorption.

The in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer activities of a standardized quassinoids composition from Eurycoma longifolia on LNCaP human prostate cancer cells.

Quassinoids are a group of diterpenoids found in plants from the Simaroubaceae family. They are also the major bioactive compounds found in Eurycoma longifolia which is commonly used as traditional medicine in South East Asia to treat various ailments including sexual dysfunction and infertility. These uses are attributed to its ability to improve testosterone level in men. Chronic consumption of E. longifolia extracts has been reported to increase testosterone level in men and animal model but its effect on prostate growth remains unknown. Therefore, the present study investigates the effects of a standardized total quassinoids composition (SQ40) containing 40% of the total quassinoids found in E. longifolia on LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line. SQ40 inhibited LNCaP cell growth at IC50 value of 5.97 μg/mL while the IC50 on RWPE-1 human prostate normal cells was 59.26 μg/mL. SQ40 also inhibited 5α-dihydrotestosterone-stimulated growth in LNCaP cells dose-dependently. The inhibitory effect of SQ40 in anchorage-independent growth of LNCaP cells was also demonstrated using soft agar assay. SQ40 suppressed LNCaP cell growth via G0/G1 phase arrest which was accompanied by the down-regulation of CDK4, CDK2, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin D3 and up-regulation of p21Waf1/Cip1 protein levels. SQ40 at higher concentrations or longer treatment duration can cause G2M growth arrest leading to apoptotic cell death as demonstrated by the detection of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage in LNCaP cells. Moreover, SQ40 also inhibited androgen receptor translocation to nucleus which is important for the transactivation of its target gene, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and resulted in a significant reduction of PSA secretion after the treatment. In addition, intraperitoneal injection of 5 and 10 mg/kg of SQ40 also significantly suppressed the LNCaP tumor growth on mouse xenograft model. Results from the present study suggest that the standardized total quassinoids composition from E. longifolia promotes anti-prostate cancer activities in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells.

Diuretic Activity and Acute Toxicity of Combination Eurycoma longifolia Extract and Irbesartan

“ Pasak bumi ” ( Eurycoma longifolia Jack.) has been used traditionally for aphrodisiac , antimalaria, activit ies as anticancer, antidiabetic , and antihypertension. E. longifolia can be used with synthetic hypertensive drugs like irbesartan. This study was to investigate the diuretic effect of E . longifolia extract and its combination with irbesartan in normal rats, determinate the LD 50 value and the toxic effect that influence the organ weight and histopathology of mice. Aqueous extracts of E. longifolia ( 40 mg/kgBB ) and its combination with irbesartan (20, 40, 80 mg/kgBB) were administered orally to experimental rats strain Sprague Dawley . The con c entration of sodium and potassium from urine were measured with AAS. The data was analy z ed with ANOVA one way. The acute toxicity test was determinated by Weil method. The dose of combination E. longifolia extract - irbesartan were 1000 mg, 2000 mg, 4000 mg and 8000 mg/kg. T he observation was carried out in 14 day including clinical signs, percentages of death and histopatology of mice organs. The result showed that all of tested group have significant diuretic activity (p<0.05) compar ed with control group, there ’s no significant difference between single dose extract of E.longifolia (40 mg/kgBB ) and irbesartan (40 mg/kgBB) but the combination of both have lower activity. The combination of E. longifolia extract with irbesartan have LD 50 value 23 . 951 g/kg ( categorized as non toxic compound ). The result of histopathological showed that there ’re no significant pathologic effects in the kidney, liver and heart. Keyword s : A cute toxicity , d iuretic, E. l ongifolia , irbesartan, herb-drug interaction

Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography for the Quantification of Eurycomanone in &lt;i&gt;Eurycoma longifolia&lt;/i&gt; Jack (Simaroubaceae) Extracts and their Commercial Products

Purpose: To develop a reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of eurycomanone in E. longifolia Jack (Simaroubaceae) aqueous root extract and their commercial products. Methods: Analysis was carried out using reverse phase HPLC at 254 nm and a gradient mobile phase that comprised of acetonitrile and 0.1 % formic acid. Flow rate was 1 ml/min and separation was done using Phenomenex, Luna C18 column (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 µm). Validation tests were performed in order to demonstrate the linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method. Results: Linearity was in the range 0.1 – 50.0 µg/ml (R 2 = 0.9999). Precision, as relative standard deviation of retention time and peak area of reference compound was 10 peaks, which indicate the suitability of the method for the analysis of extracts prepared in organic solvents as well. Conclusion: The proposed method shows good linearity, precision, accuracy and high sensitivity. The method can be applied in the routine quantification of eurycomanone for quality control of E. longifolia extracts and commercial products.

Antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of Mentha longifolia L. and hydroalcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora Boiss. plants against important human pathogens

ObjectiveTo determine the potential antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts from Mentha longifolia L. (M. longifolia) and hydroalcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Z. multiflora) against important human pathogens. MethodsPseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella dysenteriae, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumonia), Enterobacter cloacae, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Staphylococcus aureus were kinds of pathogenic bacteria to determine the antibacterial effect of aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of M. longifolia and hydroalcoholic extract of Z. multiflora using broth microdiluation method. ResultsThe lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for K. pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.25 and 2.5 mg/mL) were observed by the hydroalcoholic extract of Z. multiflora and the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for K. pneumonia and Serratia marcescens (2.5 and 5 mg/mL) were observed by the aqueous extracts of M. longifolia. ConclusionsIn conclusion, it seems that Z. multiflora and M. longifolia extracts could inhibit the growth of all of the mentioned bacteria.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of root and stem extracts of wild Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali)

Eurycoma longifolia Jack is a well-known traditional plant of Malaysia. It is popularly recognised as ‘Tongkat Ali’. The present study deals with the preliminary phytochemical screening and determination of antimicrobial activity of methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of the stem and root of E. longifolia. The extracts were tested against two gram positive bacteria, three gram negative bacteria and one fungus by the disc diffusion method at various concentrations (12.5–200μg/μl). The results revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, protein and cardiac glycosides in the extracts. Stem extracts were found to be a rich source of phytochemicals as compared to the root extracts. All the extracts exhibited dose dependent antimicrobial activity, however, highest antibacterial activity was observed against gram positive bacteria by both stem and root extracts. Nevertheless, stem extracts were more potent than root extracts against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. Merely, ethyl acetate extract of the stem showed moderate activity against gram negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and high activity against fungus, Aspergillus niger. The preliminary studies on E. longifolia extracts exhibited their antimicrobial potential which could be exploited further as future antimicrobials for pharmaceutical treatment, natural therapies, food preservation and cosmetic applications.

Effects of a Proprietary Freeze‐Dried Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Physta) and Polygonum minus on Sexual Performance and Well‐Being in Men: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study

Background. Physta is a proprietary product containing a freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia (tongkat ali), which is traditionally used as an energy enhancer and aphrodisiac. We aim to evaluate a 300 mg combination of Physta and Polygonum minus, an antioxidant, with regard to sexual performance and well-being in men. Methods. Men that aged 40–65 years were screened for this 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Outcome measures included validated questionnaires that aimed to evaluate erectile function, satisfaction with intervention, sexual intercourse performance, erectile hardness, mood, and overall quality of life. Results. 12 subjects in the active group and 14 in the placebo group completed the study. Significant improvements were noted in scores for the Sexual Intercourse Attempt diary, Erection Hardness Scale, Sexual Health Inventory of Men, and Aging Male Symptom scale (P < 0.05 for all). Three adverse events were reported in the active group and four in the placebo group, none of which were attributed to study product. Laboratory evaluations, including liver and kidney function testing, showed no clinically significant abnormality. Conclusion. Supplementation for twelve weeks with Polygonum minus and the proprietary Eurycoma longifolia extract, Physta, was well tolerated and more effective than placebo in enhancing sexual performance in healthy volunteers.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Mentha longifolia in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages: Reduction of nitric oxide production through inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase

Mentha longifolia is an aromatic plant used in flavoring and preserving foods and as an anti-inflammatory folk medicine remedy. The present study assessed the effects of M. longifolia extracts, including essential oil and crude methanol extract and its fractions (ethyl acetate, butanol and hexane), on nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774A.1 cells using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The cytotoxic effects of the extracts on the cells were examined and non-cytotoxic concentrations (<0.2 mg/ml) were used to examine their effects on NO production and iNOS mRNA expression. Only the hexane fraction that contained high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds at concentrations from 0.05–0.20 mg/ml significantly reduced NO production in LPS-stimulated cells (p < 0.001). Real-time PCR analysis indicated the ability of this fraction at the same concentrations to significantly decrease iNOS as well as TNFα mRNA expression in the cells (p < 0.001). All extracts were able to scavenge NO radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. At concentrations greater than 0.2 mg/ml, total radicals were 100% scavenged. In conclusion, M. longifolia possibly reduces NO secretion in macrophages by scavenging NO and inhibiting iNOS mRNA expression, and also decreases TNFα pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, thus showing its usefulness in the inflammatory disease process.

Standardized quassinoid-rich Eurycoma longifolia extract improved spermatogenesis and fertility in male rats via the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEurycoma longifolia Jack, a small Simaroubaceae tree, known locally as ‘Tongkat Ali’ is popularly used as a sexual tonic in traditional medicine for aphrodisiac activity and improvement of fertility and male libido. Aim of the studyTo investigate the effects of the standardized bioactive fraction of E. longifolia and its chemical constituents on the male fertility and the mechanisms of action involved. Material and methodsThe powdered roots of E. longifolia were extracted separately with methanol and water. The organic extract upon further fractionation on HP 20 resin and elution with the methanol/water mixture afforded four fractions (F1–F4). These fractions, together with the crude aqueous (W) and organic extracts were standardized following their respective major quassinoid content and profile. The effects of the fractions on the rat spermatogenesis were compared with that of the aqueous extract (W) to determine the bioactive fraction. The effects of the bioactive fraction on the sperm count and quality, the histological morphometric changes on the spermatogenesis cycle, fertility and hormonal changes of plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen in the animals upon oral administration were determined. The effects of the bioactive quassinoids on the testosterone release from the isolated testicular interstitial cells rich in Leydig cells, were also described. ResultsThe male rats orally administered with 25mg/kg of F2 and 250mg/kg of W, significantly increased the sperm concentration when compared with that of the control animals (P<0.05). High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that 25mg/kg of F2 and 250mg/kg of W were almost similar in concentration of eurycomanone, the major and most potent quassinoid. Microscopic morphometrical analysis of the rat testis following treatment with F2, showed significant increase in the number of spermatocytes and round spermatids at Stage VII of the spermatogenesis cycle when compared to that of the control (P<0.05). The estimated spermatozoa production rate and the number of Leydig cells were also elevated (P<0.001). The fertility index, fecundity index and the pup litter size delivered from the females after mating with the males treated with F2 were increased. The plasma testosterone level of the animals given 25mg/kg of F2 orally was significantly different at day-26 (p<0.05) and day-52 (P<0.01) from those of control but was not different at day-104. The testicular testosterone also peaked in the animals treated with 25mg/kg F2 and was higher than that in the plasma. The plasma LH and FSH levels of the rats treated with 25mg/kg of F2 were higher than those of the control (P<0.001). In contrast, the plasma estrogen level was significantly lower than that of the untreated control. Amongst the isolated quassinoids of F2, eurycomanone and 13α(21)-dihydroeurycomaone significantly increased the testosterone level from the Leydig cells of the testicular interstitial cells cultured in vitro (P<0.05). ConclusionThe standardised extract F2 of E. longifolia and its major quassinoids especially eurycomanone improved the rat spermatogenesis by affecting the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and the potential efficacy may be worthy of further investigation.

Modulation of cell surface hydrophobicity and attachment of bacteria to abiotic surfaces and shrimp by Malaysian herb extracts.

The use of simple crude water extracts of common herbs to reduce bacterial attachment may be a cost-effective way to control bacterial foodborne pathogens, particularly in developing countries. The ability of water extracts of three common Malaysian herbs (Andrographis paniculata, Eurycoma longifolia, and Garcinia atroviridis) to modulate hydrophobicity and attachment to surfaces of five food-related bacterial strains (Bacillus cereus ATCC 14576, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) were determined. The bacterial attachment to hydrocarbon assay was used to determine bacterial hydrophobicity. Staining and direct microscopic counts were used to determine attachment of bacteria to glass and stainless steel. Plating on selective media was used to determine attachment of bacteria to shrimp. All extracts were capable of either significantly ( P < 0.05) increasing or decreasing bacterial surface hydrophobicity, depending on the herb extract and bacteria combination. Bacterial attachment to all surfaces was either significantly (P < 0.05) increased or decreased, depending on the herb extract and bacteria combination. Overall, hydrophobicity did not show a significant correlation (P > 0.05) to bacterial attachment. For specific combinations of bacteria, surface material, and plant extract, significant correlations (R > 0.80) between hydrophobicity and attachment were observed. The highest of these was observed for S. aureus attachment to stainless steel and glass after treatment with the E. longifolia extract (R = 0.99, P < 0.01). The crude water herb extracts in this study were shown to have the potential to modulate specific bacterial and surface interactions and may, with further work, be useful for the simple and practical control of foodborne pathogens.

LC–MS/MS-based metabolites of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) in Malaysia (Perak and Pahang)

A number of three LC–MS/MS hybrid systems (QTof, TripleTof and QTrap) has been used to profile small metabolites ( m/ z 100–1000) and to detect the targeted metabolites such as quassinoids, alkaloids, triterpene and biphenylneolignans from the aqueous extracts of Eurycoma longifolia. The metabolite profiles of small molecules showed four significant clusters in the principle component analysis for the aqueous extracts of E. longifolia, which had been collected from different geographical terrains (Perak and Pahang) and processed at different extraction temperatures (35 °C and 100 °C). A small peptide of leucine ( m/ z 679) and a new hydroxyl methyl β-carboline propionic acid have been identified to differentiate E. longifolia extracts that prepared at 35 °C and 100 °C, respectively. From the targeted metabolites identification, it was found that 3,4ɛ-dihydroeurycomanone (quassinoids) and eurylene (squalene-type triterpene) could only be detected in the Pahang extract, whereas canthin-6-one-3N-oxide could only be detected in the Perak extract. Overall, quassinoids were present in the highest concentration, particularly eurycomanone and its derivatives compared to the other groups of metabolites. However, the concentration of canthin-6-one and β-carboline alkaloids was significantly increased when the roots of the plant samples were extracted at 100 °C.

Effect ofRheedia longifoliaLeaf Extract and Fractions on the P2X7ReceptorIn Vitro: Novel Antagonists?

Recently, the P2X(7) receptor has been reported to be associated with chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Because Rheedia longifolia extract has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, we evaluated the in vitro inhibitory potential of methanol extract and fractions from its leaves on the P2X(7) purinergic receptor. The activity of P2X(7) was studied with a dye uptake assay and with the whole-cell patch clamp technique in mouse peritoneal macrophages treated with methanol extract of R. longifolia leaves and fractions. The dye uptake was evaluated by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The R. longifolia extract and some fractions showed an inhibitory effect on the P2X(7) purinergic receptor in a dose-dependent manner. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most potent inhibitory effects. The methanol extract and the butanol fraction showed the same inhibitory effects, despite their lower potency compared with the other fractions. The R. longifolia extract and some of its fractions may be anti-inflammatory because of their inhibitory effect on the P2X(7) receptor. Further investigation is needed to determine the pattern of inhibition and selectivity. Chromatographic analysis indicated the presence of bisflavonoids in the methanol extract fractions. A member of this chemical family is the most probable active compound responsible for the P2X(7) inhibitory effects present in the R. Longifolia extract and fractions.

A Mint Purified Extract Protects Human Keratinocytes from Short-Term, Chemically Induced Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is strictly correlated to the pathogenesis of many diseases, and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, or adequately integrated, is currently considered to be a protective and preventive factor. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of a 1 h preincubation with the highest nontoxic dose of a characterized Mentha longifolia extract (80 μg/mL) in protecting human keratinocytes (NCTC2544) from chemically induced oxidative stress (500 μM H2O2 for 2, 16, and 24 h). As reference synthetic pure compounds rosmarinic acid (360.31 μg/mL), a major mint phenolic constituent, and resveratrol (31.95 mg/mL), a well-known antioxidant, were used. Cellular viability was significantly protected by mint, which limited protein and DNA damage, decreased lipid peroxidation, and preserved glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity in the shorter phases of oxidative stress induction, in extents comparable to or better than those of pure compounds. These data suggest that mint use as only a flavoring has to be revised, taking into consideration its enrichment in foodstuff and cosmetics.

Screening of selected medicinal plants for urease inhibitory activity.

In this study, we have investigated antiurease activity of eleven Et-OH and five Me-OH extracts of medicinal plants collected from the State of Kashmir. Selection of the plants was made on the basis of their uses by local people and herbalists for the treatment of different ailments including stomach problems. In the study Et-OH extracts of Sussuria lappa, Malva parviflora, Solanum nigrum, and Melia azadirachta were found inactive or showed low activity at final of concentration 200μg/ 5ml. While Et-OH extracts of Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Aristolachia bracteata, Eucalyptus globules, Adhatoda zeylanica, Cuscuta reflexa and Mentha longifolia showed stronger action against urease activity. The IC50 values for these extracts were 33.33*, 94.24, 68.62, 66.91, 83.33, 89.19 and 57.47*μg/ 5ml. Among Me-OH extracts, Achillea millefolium and Aristolachia bracteata demonstrated stronger antiurease activity IC50=60.29* and 58.73*μg/5ml. Mentha longifolia, Solanum nigrum and Melia azadirachta showed no action against urease activity at 200μg/ 5ml. Results of this study illustrate that most of the studied extracts exhibited reasonable antiurease activity, however, ethanolic extracts of Taraxacum officinale, Mentha longifolia and methanolic extracts of Achillea millefolium and Aristolachia bracteata showed significant inhibition potential. Our findings may help to explain the beneficial effects of these plant extracts against stomach infection associated with pathogenic strains of H. pylori. The crude extracts may be purified for the isolation of compounds with antiurease activity. These results also validate the traditional use of these herbs for the treatment of stomach infection.

Activity of Eurycoma longifolia root extract against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro

The habitats of Eurycoma longifolia Jack, a slender tree, are jungles in Malaysia and Indonesia. It belongs to the family Simaroubaceae and is a source of quassinoids with anabolic, antimalarial and cytostatic activity. In this study, conducted during 2008 in Mae Sot, Thailand, a standardized extract of E. longifolia containing three major quassinoids, eurycomanone (1), 13,21-dihydroeurycomanone (2) and 13alpha(21)-epoxyeurycomanone (3) was evaluated for antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum and its activity has been compared with that of artemisinin, using 38 fresh parasite isolates and assessment of inhibition of schizont maturation. The IC(50), IC(90) and IC(99) values for artemisinin were 4.30, 45.48 and 310.97 microg/l, and those for the root extract from E. longifolia 14.72, 139.65 and 874.15 microg/l respectively. The GMCOC for artemisinin was 337.81 mug/l, and for the plant extract it was 807.41 microg/l. The log-concentration probit regressions were parallel. The inhibitory activity of the E. longifolia extract was higher than that expected from the three quassinoids isolated from the plant, suggesting synergism between the quassinoids or the presence of other unidentified compounds.

A new herbal combination, Etana, for enhancing erectile function: an efficacy and safety study in animals

We present herein a new herbal combination called Etana that is composed of five herbal extracts including Panax quinquelotius (Ginseng), Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali), Epimedium grandiflorum (Horny goat weed), Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) and flower pollen extracts. Most of the above-mentioned extracts have a long historical and traditional use for erectile dysfunction (ED). On the basis of the mechanism of action of each of the above, a combination is introduced to overcome several physiological or induced factors of ED. This study was conducted to show an enhancement of erectile function in male rats. The animals were observed for 3 h after each administration for penile erection, genital grooming and copulation mounting, and the penile erection index (PEI) was calculated. The maximum response was observed at the concentration of 7.5 mg kg(-1) of Etana. At a 7.5 mg kg(-1) single dose, the percentage of responding rats was 53+/-7 with a PEI of 337+/-72 compared with 17+/-6 with a PEI of 30+/-10 for control animals. This PEI was significantly (P<0.001) higher than each single component and than the sum of any two herbal components of Etana. When compared with sildenafil citrate, Etana induced more pronounced PEI than 0.36 mg kg(-1), but similar to 0.71 mg kg(-1) of sildenafil. Furthermore, full acute and sub-acute toxicity studies showed no toxic effects of Etana. In conclusion, this study describes a new and safe combination of herbal components that enhance erectile function in male rats. Clinical studies are warranted for evaluating Etana's significance in ED.

Antimicrobial efficacies of methanol extract of Asteracantha longifolia, Ipomoea aquatica and Enhydra fluctuans against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus

Present experiment was executed to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of Asteracantha longifolia, Ipomoea aquatica and Enhydra fluctuans leaf extracts on four pathogenic bacterial strains, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus. Methanol extract of herbs were used at four different concentrations for examining the antibacterial efficacy on bacterial strains using agar-cup-diffusion assay and measuring the diameter (mm) of the clear zone around the cup. The mean values of the clear zone in S. aureus were 1.17 to 3.85, 1.02 to 1.45 and 1.14 to 2.58 times greater in A. longifolia, I. aquatica and E. fluctuans, respectively compared to that of the remaining bacteria. This results obviously implied that the methanol extract of three types of herbs have a highest antimicrobial efficacy against the S. aureus over P. aeruginosa, E. coli and M. luteus. Though, no clear zone was found in the methanol extract of the A. longifolia and E. fluctuans againstP. aeruginosa, but the mean values of the clear zone of the I. aquatica extract exhibited 7.4 mm in P. aeruginosa and showed 28 to 118%, 12 to 96% and 200 to 250% higher than that of the remaining two herb extracts. Therefore, it may be concluded that A. longifolia andE. fluctuans herbs have no activity against the P. aeruginosa, whereas I. aquatica exerted a higher magnitude of antimicrobial activity against the tested four types of bacterial species than that of the rest two herb extracts due to compositional variation in the active biomolecules of three herbs.

Screening for Anti-Inflammatory Activity of 12Arnica(Asteraceae) Species Assessed by Inhibition of NF-κB and Release of Human Neutrophil Elastase

Several species in the genus Arnica have been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory-related disorders. Extracts of twelve Arnica species and two species closely related to arnica ( Layia hieracioides and Madia sativa) were investigated for inhibition of human neutrophil elastase release and inhibition of transcription factor NF-kappaB. Statistical analyses reveal significant differences in inhibitory capacities between extracts. Sesquiterpene lactones of the helenanolide type, of which some are known inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase release and NF-kappaB, are present in large amounts in the very active extracts of A. montana and A. chamissonis. Furthermore, A. longifolia, which has previously not been investigated, shows a high activity similar to that of A. montana and A. chamissonis in both bioassays. Sesquiterpene lactones of the xanthalongin type are present in large amounts in A. longifolia and other active extracts and would be interesting to evaluate further. COX-2:cyclooxygenase 2 EMSA:electrophoretic mobility shift assay fMLP: N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine HaCaT:human keratinocyte HNE:human neutrophil elastase IkappaB:inhibitory subunit of kappaB iNOS:inducible nitric oxide synthase NF-kappaB:nuclear factor kappaB PAF:platelet activating factor STL:sesquiterpene lactone TNF-alpha:tumor necrosis factor alpha.