Oleander Extract Research Articles

Bioactivity of crude extracts of Nerium oleander Linn. extracted in polar and non polar solvents

Today, the world is gradually turning to herbal formulations, which are known to be effective against a large repertoire of diseases and ailments. More importantly, they are not known to cause any notable derogatory effects and are readily available at affordable prices. The present study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of crude extracts of Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae) Linn. Crude extracts from different parts (root, stem and leaf) of the plant were extracted using polar (Water and Methanol) and Non-polar (Petroleum ether) solvents and were screened for antibacterial activity by „Disc Diffusion Assay‟ against three Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Agrobacterium tumifaciens) and two Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis). Minimum inhibitory concentration, Minimum bactericidal concentration and total activity of extracts against each sensitive pathogen have also been evaluated. Mean and Standard Deviation have also been calcultated. B. subtilis found to be the most susceptible organism followed by K. pneumoniae, S. aureus and E. coli. Pet ether extract of root (IZ=24 mm, MIC=0.078 mg/ml, MBC=0.039 mg/ml, TA=141.02 ml/g) and stem (IZ=20 mm, MIC=0.156 mg/ml, MBC= 0.078 mg/ml, TA= 16.02 ml/g) showed the best antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae respectively. Methanolic and water extract of leaf, stem and root, Pet ether extract of stem, Methanolic and water extract of stem and Pet ether extract of root and stem also showed very good activities against B. subtilis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae and A. tumifaciens respectively. The range of MIC and MBC was found to be 1.25-0.078 mg/ml and 0.625-0.039 mg/ml respectively. Results reveal the great antimicrobial potency of tested extracts.

Mosquitocidal efficacy of medicinal plant, Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae), leaf and flower extracts against malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae

ObjectiveTo assess the larvicidal efficacy of five different extracts of Nerium oleander L. (N. oleander) against malaria mosquitoes, Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi), to combat disease. MethodsThe acetone, benzene, petroleum ether, chloroform, and aqueous extracts from leaves and flowers of N. oleander were subjected to distillation process in a Clevenger type glass apparatus model soxhlet. Larvicidal bioassays were performed to determine their LC50 and LC90 values, regression equation, and 95% confidence with lower and upper limits were calculated using probit analysis. Mortality effect was recorded after 24 h. ResultsThe data indicated that there were significant differences in the lethality (LC50, LC90) values of An. stephensi mosquito larvae among most of the various extracts with their controls. The order of potency with five different concentrations of flower extracts was benzene>chloroform> acetone>petroleum>water. The order of potency with similarly five different concentrations of leaf extracts was chloroform>petroleum>benzene>water>acetone. ConclusionsIt was concluded that there was an overall lethal effect of N. oleander extracts against mosquito, An. stephensi larvae which could be manipulated to develop a safe and effective larvicide.

Determination of in Vitro Antiviral Activity of Nerium Oleander Distillate against to Parainfluenza-3 Virus

Chemical extract of Nerium oleander (NO) is identified as in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. However, there is no any study about antiviral effect of NO distillate (NOD). The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro effects of NOD alone and combined with acyclovir on Parainfluenza-3 (PI-3) virus. Lyophilized NOD was dissolved at concentration of 10 mg/mL with distillated water and filtered. The thiazolyl blue test was used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of the NOD, and acyclovir. NOD did not cause cytotoxicity against to MDBK cells up to 10 mg/mL concentrations while acyclovir did not cause cytotoxicity up to 0.97 µg/mL. NOD (10 mg/mL), acyclovir (0.97 µg/mL) and NOD + acyclovir were treated with 100 TCID50 diluted PI-3 in 96-well plates. Antiviral activity of NOD was statistically (P 0.05). In conclusion, it is referred that NOD has antiviral effect and it can be evaluated in the treatment of PI-3 in future.

Bidirectional (Negative/Positive) Interference of Oleandrin and Oleander Extract on a Relatively New LOCI Digoxin Assay Using Vista 1500 Analyzer

Oleander interferes with serum digoxin measurements using various immunoassays. The potential interference of oleander and its active ingredient, oleandrin, with a relatively new homogenous sequential chemiluminescent digoxin assay based on luminescent oxygen channeling technology (LOCI digoxin assay, Siemens Diagnostics) has not been previously reported. Aliquots of a digoxin-free serum pool were supplemented with increasing concentrations of oleandrin, or with oleander extract, followed by measuring the apparent digoxin concentrations using the LOCI digoxin assay using Vista 1500 analyzer. Mice were fed oleandrin or oleander extract, and their blood digoxin levels at 1 and 2 h were measured with the LOCI digoxin assay. In addition, two digoxin serum pools were prepared by combining sera of patients receiving digoxin; aliquots of both pools were supplemented with oleandrin or oleander extract and digoxin concentrations were again measured. Attempts to overcome this interference were made by measuring free digoxin concentration using a third digoxin pool. Significant apparent digoxin concentrations were observed after supplementing aliquots of the drug-free serum pool with oleandrin or oleander extract. Mice fed with oleandrin or oleander extract also showed apparent digoxin levels 1 and 2 h after feeding. Digoxin values were also falsely lower or elevated (bidirectional interference) when aliquots of digoxin serum pools were further supplemented with oleandrin or oleander extract depending on concentration; this interference was not eliminated by free digoxin monitoring. Oleandrin interferes with LOCI digoxin assay.

Bidirectional (Negative/Positive) Interference of Oleandrin and Oleander Extract on a Relatively New LOCI Digoxin Assay

Oleander interferes with serum digoxin measurements using a number of immunoassays. The potential interference of oleander and its active ingredient oleandrin with a relatively new homogenous sequential chemiluminescent digoxin assay based on luminescent oxygen channeling technology (LOCI digoxin assay, Siemens Diagnostics) has not been reported. …

A Hydroalcoholic Extract from the Leaves of Nerium oleander Inhibits Glycolysis and Induces Selective Killing of Lung Cancer Cells

Recent evidence suggests that cardiac glycosides might be used for the treatment of cancer. The ornamental shrub Nerium oleander has been used in traditional medicine for treating several disorders including cancer, and extracts from the leaves of this plant have already entered phase I clinical trials. In this communication, we have prepared a hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Nerium oleander (containing 4.75 ± 0.32 % of cardenolides) and have assessed its cytotoxic activity in A549 lung cancer cells vs. MRC5 nonmalignant lung fibroblasts. The results showed that the cytotoxicity of the Nerium oleander extract against the cancer cell line was significantly higher than that against the nonmalignant cell line, with a potency and selectivity similar to those of the anticancer drug cisplatin. Pretreatment of A549 cells with the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and catalase slightly prevented the cytotoxicity of the extract, therefore suggesting that the formation of reactive oxygen species participates in its cytotoxic activity but does not play a major role. Nerium oleander extract-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage (gamma-H2AX focus formation) were slightly higher in cells lacking BRCA2 (deficient in homologous recombination repair) than in parental cells; this indicates that the induction of DNA damage may also play a role in the cytotoxicity of the extract. Nerium oleander extract induced a marked inhibition of glycolysis (glucose consumption and lactate production) in A549 cells, comparable to that of the glycolysis inhibitor dichloroacetate (currently in clinical development for cancer therapy). Because platinum compounds are widely used in the treatment of lung cancer, we tested the cytotoxicity of several combinations of cisplatin with the extract and found a moderate synergism when Nerium oleander extract was administered after cisplatin but a moderate antagonism when it was added before cisplatin. Our results suggest that extracts from Nerium oleander might induce anticancer effects in patients with lung cancer and support their possible advancement into phase II clinical trials for the treatment of this type of cancer.

Abstract 5554: PBI-05204, a supercritical CO2 extract of Nerium oleander, inhibits the growth of human pancreatic cancer in a Panc-1 orthotopic model by down-regulation of PI3k/mTOR pathways.

Abstract Recent studies have suggested that cardiac glycosides (CGs), such as oleandrin, have an ability to inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cells, including those from pancreatic, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate, colon and breast cancers. However, the inhibitory effect of oleandrin or extracts containing this CG on the growth of human pancreatic cancer xenografts has not been assessed. In this study, the anticancer activity and related pharmacology of the botanical drug PBI-05204, a supercritical CO2 extract of Nerium oleander, was examined in a human pancreatic Panc-1 orthotopic mouse model. Five out of 7 (70%) of control mice exhibited tumor growth measurable by imaging. In contrast, only one out of seven mice treated for 6 weeks with PBI-05204 (40 mg/kg) exhibited a measureable orthotropic tumor. At 20 mg/kg, the average tumor weight (51 ± 58 mg) in mice treated with PBI-05204 was markedly reduced from that in control (134 ± 99 mg). In contrast, gemcitabine (80 mg/kg) did not appear to inhibit the proliferation of this particular tumor. Histopathological examination of serial sections from each pancreas showed that the pancreas of 3/6 mice treated with PBI-05204 (40 mg/kg) were normal while the other 3/6 had tumor sizes less than 4 mm3 (control range: 55 to 500 mm3). Ki-67 staining was substantially reduced in pancreatic tumors treated with PBI-05204 (20 mg/kg) compared to that of control, suggesting that PBI-05204 indeed inhibited the proliferation of Panc-1 tumor cells. Mechanistically, tissue proteomic array analyses suggest that PBI-05204 suppresses the expression of phosphorylation of Src, Akt, S6, 4EPB1, and VEGF in a conc.-dependent manner. The effects of PBI-05204 on suppression of these proteins were further confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of pancreatic tumor tissues and Western blotting of tissue lysates. To delineate whether PBI-05204 also regulated these important oncogenic pathways in Panc-1 cells in vitro, Panc-1 cells were treated with PBI-05204 (0.3 to 1.2 μg/ml) for 24 hrs and subjected to examination of signaling protein expression. The cellular expression of these important signaling proteins was also markedly reduced by PBI-05204 in a conc.-dependent manner while proliferation of Panc-1 cells was notably reduced. Taken together, these results suggest that PBI-05204 exerts potent anticancer activity in this human pancreatic cancer Panc-1 orthotropic mouse model that may, in turn, be mediated by down-regulation of PI3k/Akt and mTOR pathways. Given the observed PBI-05204 mediated reduction in tumor growth of human Panc-1 tumor cells, we are currently determining whether pancreatic tumor cells are able to continue growing when drug treatment is discontinued. The results will be presented at the annual meeting. This study was supported in part by Phoenix Biotechnology, Inc. Citation Format: Yong Pan, Sun-Jin Kim, Patrea Rhea, Carrie Cartwright, Ho Jeong Lee, Crandell Addington, Mihai Gagea, Robert A. Newman, Peiying Yang. PBI-05204, a supercritical CO2 extract of Nerium oleander, inhibits the growth of human pancreatic cancer in a Panc-1 orthotopic model by down-regulation of PI3k/mTOR pathways. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5554. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5554

Abstract 2248: Anti-leukemic activities of alcoholic extracts of two traditional Indian medicinal plants.

Abstract Background: In recent years there has been a re-awakening of interest in the identification of Medicinal plants and their derivatives for the treatment of human diseases including cancer. The present work aims to investigate the in-vitro activity of two plants used in traditional Indian medicine - Zingiber Officinale Rose(Rhizome) and Nerium Oleander L(Leaves) against a human leukemic cell line. Method: The plants were extracted with methanol and ethanol using soxalate apparatus. In-vitro anti-cancer activity was screened against leukemic cell line K562 using the SRB and MTT assay. Apoptosis and DNA fragmentation were characterized by PI staining flow cytometry and Gel electrophoresis, respectively. Results: Notable cancer cell growth inhibition was observed for extracts from Zingiber Officinale Rose and Nerium Oleander L with IC50 values ranging between 10 -28 μg/ml. Furthermore, treatment of cells with both the extracts was shown to produce cell cycle arrest and DNA damage indicating that the observed cytotoxicity was mediated via apoptosis. Conclusion: Extracts of Ginger and Oleander has anti-cancer activity against the K572 cell line in an in-vitro system. Based upon this initial screening work reported here, further studies aimed at the identification of active components of these extracts are planned. The activity of these agents against cell lines developed from actual patient samples are also planned. Citation Format: Hemant Malhotra, Bharti Malhotra, Shipra Bhargava, Om Singh Rathode, Pratibha Sharma, Ashwin Mathur, Sandeep Jasuja, Shubha V. Chiplunkar. Anti-leukemic activities of alcoholic extracts of two traditional Indian medicinal plants. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2248. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2248

Evaluation of leaf aqueous extract and synthesized silver nanoparticles using Nerium oleander against Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae)

Green nanoparticle synthesis has been achieved using environmentally acceptable plant extract and ecofriendly reducing and capping agents. The present study was carried out to establish the larvicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaf extract of Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae) against the first to fourth instar larvae and pupae of malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae). Nanoparticles are being used in many commercial applications. It was found that aqueous silver ions can be reduced by the aqueous extract of the plant parts to generate extremely stable silver nanoparticles in water. The results were recorded from UV-Vis spectrum, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy analysis. The production of the AgNPs synthesized using leaf extract of N. oleander was evaluated through a UV-Vis spectrophotometer in a wavelength range of 200 to 700nm. This revealed a peak at 440nm in N. oleander leaf extracts, indicating the production of AgNPs. The FTIR spectra of AgNPs exhibited prominent peaks at 509.12cm(-1) (C-H bend alkenes), 1,077.05cm(-1) (C-O stretch alcohols), 1,600.63cm(-1) (N-H bend amines), 2,736.49 and 2,479.04cm(-1) (O-H stretch carboxylic acids), and 3,415.31cm(-1) (N-H stretching due to amines group). An SEM micrograph showed 20-35-nm-size aggregates of spherical- and cubic-shaped nanoparticles. EDX showed the complete chemical composition of the synthesized nanoparticles of silver. Larvicidal activity of aqueous leaf extract of N. oleander and synthesized AgNPs was carried out against Anopheles stephensi, and the results showed that the highest larval mortality was found in the synthesized AgNPs against the first to fourth instar larvae and pupae of Anopheles stephensi with the following values: LC(50) of instar larvae 20.60, 24.90, 28.22, and 33.99ppm; LC(90) of instar larvae 41.62, 50.33, 57.78, and 68.41ppm; and LC(50) and LC(90) of pupae 39.55 and 79.10ppm, respectively. The aqueous leaf extract exhibited larval toxicity against the first to fourth instar larvae and pupae of Anopheles stephensi with the following values: LC(50) of instar larvae 232.90, 273.71, 318.94, and 369.96ppm; LC(90) of instar larvae 455.95, 563.10, 639.86, and 730.30ppm; and LC(50) and LC(90) of pupae 426.01 and 805.13ppm, respectively. The chi-square value was significant at p < 0.05 level. The possible larvicidal activity may be due to penetration of nanoparticles through a membrane. The results could suggest that the use of plant N. oleander to synthesize silver nanoparticles is a rapid, environmentally safer, and greener approach for mosquito control. This could lead us to a new possibility in vector-control strategy.

Nerium oleander derived cardiac glycoside oleandrin is a novel inhibitor of HIV infectivity

We evaluated the effectiveness of Anvirzel™, an aqueous extract of Nerium oleander on HIV infection of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Oleandrin, the principle cardiac glycoside (CG) in Anvirzel™ has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer properties but its efficacy against HIV is unknown. Treatment with Anvirzel™ significantly reduced the infectivity of virus produced from infected cells without any change in the total amount of virus produced. This is in contrast to treatment with AZT, a potent inhibitor of HIV replication that has been shown to significantly reduce virus production. Relative to untreated cultures, virus in cultures treated with oleandrin had significantly reduced expression of the envelope protein gp120, the sole determinant of virus infectivity, suggesting a novel mechanism underlying the impaired infectivity. These results support the potential utility of the Nerium oleander aqueous extract, containing the CG oleandrin as a novel candidate anti-HIV therapeutic.

Food consumption and utilization by Tribolium confusum du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae and their susceptibility to the acetone extract of Nerium oleander L. (Apocynaceae) leaves in relation to three types of flour

The nutritional indices of Tribolium confusum larvae reared on wheat, barley and corn flour and their susceptibility to acetone extracts of Nerium oleander leaves were studied. In addition, the concentrations of total protein, carbohydrate and lipid in the flours and the larvae reared on them were also determined. Although the lowest consumption index and relative growth rate (RGR) were obtained in larvae reared on corn flour, these showed the highest weight gain. No significant difference was apparent between the three types of flour in terms of digestibility, or between the RGR of larvae reared on barley and corn flour. In contrast, the RGR of larvae reared on wheat flour was significantly higher than that for those reared on barley and corn flour. The highest food utilization, in terms of the efficiency of conversion of ingested and digested food into biomass, was reached in larvae reared on corn flour. Larvae reared on wheat and corn flour had the highest and lowest total protein contents, respectively, while larvae reared on corn and barley flour had the highest and lowest total lipid contents, respectively. On the other hand, no relationship was evident between larval and flour total carbohydrate content. The present study showed that larvae reared on corn flour were more tolerant to acetone extracts of N. oleander leaves than those reared on wheat or barley flour. The relationship between the total protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents in the flour and the larval nutritional indices, and also the susceptibility of larvae to the botanical extract, were discussed.

EFFECT OF NERIUM OLEANDER POISONING ON BLOOD OF MALE GUINEAPIGS

Haematological changes were studied in 36 adult male guineapigs during the period from July to December 1994. These animals were divided into six equal groups (A to F), each group consisting of six animals. Each animal of group B to F was administered with a single oral dose of crude watery extract of sheath oleander @ 300, 450, 600, 750 and 900 mg / kg body weight, respectively, whereas animals of group A which served as control. After administration of crude watery extract of 1/2, 6 and 72 hours a significant increase of in total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC) and haemoglobin (Hb). The maximum increase on TEC, TLC and Hb as 35, 51 and 14%, respectively, @ 750 mg / kg body weight at 6 hr of administration of crude watery extract and the minimum value of TEC, TLC and Hb as 16, 27 and 4%, respectively, with the dose rate of 300 mg / kg body weight at the same time. The elevated haematological parameters returned to normal level within 7 days of administration.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander against CCl4–induced liver injury in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of methanolic flower extract of Nerium oleander against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. MethodsIn vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander (MENO–F) was evaluated by various assays, including reducing power, lipid peroxidation, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals and metal chelation. The hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activity of MENO-F were evaluated against CCl4–induced hepatic damage in rats. The MENO-F at dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were administered orally once daily for seven days. Serum enzymatic levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin were estimated along with estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver tissues. Further histopathological examination of the liver sections was carried out to support the induction of hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotective efficacy. ResultsThe extract showed potent activities on reducing power, lipid peroxide, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and metal chelation. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin were found to be restored towards normalization significantly by the MENO-F in a dose dependent manner with maximum hepatoprotection at 400 mg/kg dose level. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of hepatoprotection. Elevated level of SOD and decreased level of MDA further strengthen the hepatoprotective observations. ConclusionsThe results of the present study strongly reveal that MENO-F has potent antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in experimental animals.

Toxic effects of Nerium oleander aqueous leaf extract on haematological parameters and histopathological changes of the lungs and heart in rabbits

Oleander is an evergreen plant with leathery leaves and fragrant funnel-shaped flowers that comes in various colours from pink to red, white, peach and yellow and is a well-known poisonous plant containing numerous toxic complexes. Oleandrin and neriine are the most significant compounds of the toxin, which are cardiac glycosides. The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of aqueous oleander leaf extract on haematological parameters and histopathological changes in the heart and lungs of New Zealand White rabbits. For this purpose, animals in the treatment group were treated with sub-lethal dose of aqueous oleander leaf extract over 28 days. At the end of the dosing period, blood samples were collected from all animals, and the effects of oleander exposure on blood parameters were studied. Following euthanization of all rabbits, tissue samples from heart and lungs were collected and processed. Analysis of the haematological data revealed significant increases (p < 0.05) in the red and white blood cell counts and in haemoglobin concentration. However, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in platelet count in treated rabbits compared to the control group. Microscopical examination showed interstitial pneumonia in the lungs and degeneration and necrosis of muscles fibres in the heart. In conclusion, our results showed that oleander extract had toxico-pathologic effects on lung and heart tissues and on haematological indices.

Antidiabetic Activity Evaluation of Glimepiride and Nerium oleander Extract on Insulin, Glucose Levels and Some Liver Enzymes Activities in Experimental Diabetic Rat Model

The present study is aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of sulfonylurea drug glimepiride in comparison with Nerium oleander plant extract on insulin, glucose levels and some liver enzymes activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were rendered diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 50 mg kg(-1) body weight streptozotocin. Rats with serum glucose levels > 200 mg dL(-1) were subdivided into three sub-groups: the first sub-group were remained without treatment and considered as diabetics. The second and third subgroups were orally administered 0.1 mg kg(-1) body weight/day glimepiride and 250 mg kg(-1) body weight/day Nerium oleander, respectively for 4 weeks. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed hypoinsulinemia and hyperglycemia compared to controls. Strong negative correlation (r = -0.8) was found between serum insulin and glucose levels in diabetic rats. This correlation was +0.4 and -0.3 in glimepiride and Nerium olender-treated rats, respectively implying that glimepiride and plant extract improved insulin and glucose levels with the former was more efficient. The activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats compared to controls. Treatment of diabetic rats with glimepiride or Nerium oleander extract also improved liver enzymes activities.

In vitro and in vivo neuroprotective activity of the cardiac glycoside oleandrin from Nerium oleander in brain slice‐based stroke models

The principal active constituent of the botanical drug candidate PBI-05204, a supercritical CO(2) extract of Nerium oleander, is the cardiac glycoside oleandrin. PBI-05204 shows potent anticancer activity and is currently in phase I clinical trial as a treatment for patients with solid tumors. We have previously shown that neriifolin, which is structurally related to oleandrin, provides robust neuroprotection in brain slice and whole animal models of ischemic injury. However, neriifolin itself is not a suitable drug development candidate and the FDA-approved cardiac glycoside digoxin does not cross the blood-brain barrier. We report here that both oleandrin as well as the full PBI-05204 extract can also provide significant neuroprotection to neural tissues damaged by oxygen and glucose deprivation as occurs in ischemic stroke. Critically, we show that the neuroprotective activity of PBI-05204 is maintained for several hours of delay of administration after oxygen and glucose deprivation treatment. We provide evidence that the neuroprotective activity of PBI-05204 is mediated through oleandrin and/or other cardiac glycoside constituents, but that additional, non-cardiac glycoside components of PBI-05204 may also contribute to the observed neuroprotective activity. Finally, we show directly that both oleandrin and the protective activity of PBI-05204 are blood brain barrier penetrant in a novel model for in vivo neuroprotection. Together, these findings suggest clinical potential for PBI-05204 in the treatment of ischemic stroke and prevention of associated neuronal death.

Some Central Nervous System Activities of Nerium Oleander Linn (Kaner) Flower Extract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the activity of 50 % hydroalcohol flower extract of Nerium oleander Linn. on the central nervous system (CNS) of mice.Methods: The effect of the 50 % hydroalcohol extract of N. oleander flowers at dosage levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. on the locomotor activity of mice was measured with an actophotometer while muscle relaxant activity was evaluated on rotarod apparatus. Also, the anticonvulsant activity of the extract in mice (following maximal electroshock and pentyleneterazol-induced convulsion) as well as the potentiation of pentobarbital-induced sleep were determined using standard procedures. Diazepam was used as the reference standard.Result: The extract (at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced (p < 0.01) spontaneous locomotor activity and also potentiated pentobarbital-induced sleep. At the higher dose (200 mg/kg) the extract showed 66 % protection against electroshock-induced convulsions while the lower dose (100 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsions.Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Nerium oleander flowers has anticonvulsant activity in an experimental animal model.Keywords: Nerium oleander extract, CNS depression, Locomotor activity, Anticonvulsant activity.

Acromyrmex octospinosus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) management. Part 1: Effects of TRAMIL's insecticidal plant extracts

Leaf-cutting ants are considered to be one of the most important pest species of the New World. Until now, control strategies against these leaf-cutting ants have mainly been synthetic chemicals. The aim of the present study was to test the action of several plant extracts quoted as an example by TRAMIL participative surveys for their insecticidal properties on adult major workers of Acromyrmex octospinosus. Three tests were used to that end: contact toxicity, repellent test and ingestion bioassay. Six traditional plant uses recommended by interviewed people in surveys were tested: (1) maceration of Mammea americana fresh crushed seeds; (2) decoction of Nerium oleander fresh leaves; (3) Nerium oleander dried leaf water juice; (4) decoction of Nicotiana tabacum dried leaves; (5) Trichillia pallida dried leaf water juice; (6) decoction of Rollinia mucosa dried seeds. Two plant extracts with contact toxicity (Mammea americana and Nicotiana tabacum), six plant extracts with repellent activity and four plant extracts with ingestion toxicity (Mammea americana, Nicotiana tabacum and both extracts of Nerium oleander) were found. The data presented in this study showed that plant extracts cited by TRAMIL ethnopharmacological surveys have the potential to control the leaf-cutting ant, Acromyrmex octospinosus. In particular, the Mammea americana extract, with its natural low repellent effect and its high toxicity by ingestion, and Nerium oleander extracts, with their natural delay action, are possibly the best extracts for the control of these ants.

Inhibitory Effects of Nerium oleander L. and Its Compounds, Rutin and Quercetin, on Parthenium hysterophorus L.

Aqueous and methanol extracts of Nerium oleander L. leaves inhibited seed germination (Germination Percentage, Germination Speed, Germination Value and Peak Value) and early growth (root hair formation, root & shoot lengths of seedlings) of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in a concentration dependent manner. Methanol extracts of white flowered variety showed higher inhibition compared to that of pink flowered variety (at 1:40 dilution of the stock, inhibition was 60% and 23.4% with white and pink, respectively) and had ~5 fold higher levels of Rutin. Rutin and its aglycoside, Quercetin, when mixed with soil affected seed germination, root and shoot lengths of P. hysterophorus, though the effects varied at varying concentrations. These results demonstrate that N. oleander extracts, Rutin and Quercetin are inhibitory to P.hysterophorus.SDS-PAGE analysis of P.hysterophorus seedlings grown in presence of N. oleander aqueous extracts showed an additional prominent band of 42.66 kDa protein.

In Vivo Toxicity Study of Nerium oleander's Leaves and Flowers Aqueous Extracts in Mice (Cytogenetic, Biochemical and Hematological Study)

The present research was carried out to assess the toxic effect of oral administration of the aqueous extract of Nerium oleander leaves and flowers daily at doses of (25) mg/kg body weight for four weeks in mice. The toxicity of this plant parts was determined after two and four weeks by measuring the parameters of cytogenetic (mitotic index, micronucleus %), and serum levels of the hematological (RBC, Hb, WBC) and biochemical (GOT, GPT, ALT, AST) indexes in comparison with that of the control (normal saline), also clinical signs were determined. The results showed a significant decrease in mitotic index while an obvious raise was seen in micronucleus percentage in comparison with that of the control after the two periods of administration. More over significant marked changes was seen in the level of all the hematological and biochemical parameters when compared with the control. In addition to that, diarrhea with some organ lesions were also observed.