Extraction Of Pa Research Articles

Periplaneta Americana (L.) extract activates the ERK/CREB/BDNF pathway to promote post-stroke neuroregeneration and recovery of neurological functions in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevancePeriplaneta americana (L.) (PA) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years for the effect of invigorating blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Modern pharmacological research shown that PA extract exhibits promising effects in promoting wound healing and regeneration, as well as in brain diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). However, whether it is effective for neuroregeneration and neurological function recovery after stroke still unknown. Aim of the studyThis study aims to investigate the potential effect of PA extract to promote brain remodeling through the activation of endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis, in addition, preliminary exploration of its regulatory mechanism. MethodsFirstly, BrdU proliferation assay and immunofluorescence (IF) staining were used to evaluate the effect of PA extract on the neurogenesis and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, the effects of PA extract on brain injury in stroke rats were assessed by TTC and HE. While mNSS score, adhesive removal test, rota-rod test, and morris water maze test were used to assess the impact of PA extract on neurological function in post-stroke rats. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of PA extract regulation were explored by RNA-Seq and western blotting. ResultsThe number of BrdU+ cells in C17.2 cells, NSCs and BMECs dramatically increased, as well as the expression of astrocyte marker protein GFAP and neuronal marker protein Tuj-1 in C17.2 and NSCs. Moreover, PA extract also increased the number of BrdU+DCX+, BrdU+GFAP+, BrdU+CD31+ cells in the SGZ area of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model (tMCAO) rats. TTC and HE staining revealed that PA extract significantly reduced the infarction volume and ameliorated the pathological damage. Behavioral tests demonstrated that treatment with PA extract reduced the mNSS score and the time required to remove adhesive tape, while increasing the time spent on the rotarod. Additionally, in the morris water maze test, the frequency of crossing platform and the time spent in the platform quadrant increased. Finally, RNA-Seq and Western blot revealed that PA extract increased the expression of p-ERK, p-CREB and BDNF. Importantly, PA extract mediated proliferation and differentiation of C17.2 and NSCs reversed by the ERK inhibitor SCH772984 and the BDNF inhibitor ANA-12, respectively. ConclusionOur study demonstrated that PA extract promoted neurogenesis and angiogenesis by activating the CREB/ERK signaling pathway and upregulating BDNF expression, thereby recovering neurological dysfunction in post-stroke.

Biochemical Analyses of Bioactive Extracts from Plants Native to Lampedusa, Sicily Minor Island.

Major threats to the human lifespan include cancer, infectious diseases, diabetes, mental degenerative conditions and also reduced agricultural productivity due to climate changes, together with new and more devastating plant diseases. From all of this, the need arises to find new biopesticides and new medicines. Plants and microorganisms are the most important sources for isolating new metabolites. Lampedusa Island host a rich contingent of endemic species and subspecies. Seven plant species spontaneously growing in Lampedusa, i.e., Atriplex halimus L. (Ap), Daucus lopadusanus Tineo (Dl), Echinops spinosus Fiori (Es) Glaucium flavum Crantz (Gf) Hypericum aegypticum L: (Ha), Periploca angustifolia Labill (Pa), and Prasium majus L. (Pm) were collected, assessed for their metabolite content, and evaluated for potential applications in agriculture and medicine. The HPLC-MS analysis of n-hexane (HE) and CH2Cl2 (MC) extracts and the residual aqueous phases (WR) showed the presence of several metabolites in both organic extracts. Crude HE and MC extracts from Dl and He significantly inhibited butyrylcholinesterase, as did WR from the extraction of Dl and Pa. HE and MC extracts showed a significant toxicity towards hepatocarcinoma Huh7, while Dl, Ha and Er HE extracts were the most potently cytotoxic to ileocecal colorectal adenocarcinoma HCT-8 cell lines. Most extracts showed antiviral activity. At the lowest concentration tested (1.56 μg/mL), Dl, Gf and Ap MC extracts inhibited betacoronavirus HCoV-OC43 infection by> 2 fold, while the n-hexane extract of Pm was the most potent. In addition, at 1.56 μg/mL, potent inhibition (>10 fold) of dengue virus was detected for Dl, Er, and Pm HE extracts, while Pa and Ap MC extracts dampened infections to undetectable levels. Regarding to phytotoxicity, MC extracts from Er, Ap and Pm were more effective in inhibiting tomato rootlet elongation; the same first two extracts also inhibited seed cress germination while its radicle elongation, due to high sensitivity, was affected by all the extracts. Es and Gf MC extracts also inhibited seed germination of Phelipanche ramosa. Thus, we have uncovered that many of these Lampedusa plants displayed promising biopesticide, antiviral, and biological properties.

Pluchea indica tea-leaf extracts exert anti-cancer activity by inducing ROS-mediated cytotoxicity on breast and cervical cancer cells

PurposeThe study aimed to disclose the anti-cancer activity of Pluchea indica tea leaves by evaluating the cytotoxicity on breast and cervical cancer cells, compared with non-cancer cells.Design/methodology/approachTwo P. indica extracts were prepared using two solvents, namely hot water (PA) and ethanol (PE). MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) and clonogenic assays were applied to determine cytotoxic effect of both extracts toward cancer cells from human breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7) and cervix (SiHa, HeLa and C-33A) and also non-cancer Vero cells. Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA)-staining assay was used to quantify the intracellular level of the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Correlation between the quantity of compounds present and the cytotoxicity of the extracts was analyzed by Pearson's method and a possible class of bioactive compounds was proposed based on the highest correlation coefficient (r).FindingsSignificant reduction in cell viability and proliferation capability was observed in all cancer cells after treatment with either PA or PE extract albeit PE was more effective. Lower toxicity was detected in Vero cells, indicating the selectivity and safety of extracts. The intracellular ROS level was augmented in treated cancer cells which were inversely correlated to cell viability, suggesting the cancer toxicity was likely induced by intracellular oxidative stress. As flavonoids were found abundantly in the extracts and flavonoids' content was the most related to the activity (r = 0.815), it was hypothesized that the flavonoids might play crucial roles in cancer cytotoxicity.Originality/valueP. indica tea-leaf extracts can be a good source of promising anti-cancer agents with reduced side effects for breast and cervical cancer treatment.

Suppressive effects of processed aconite root on dexamethasone-induced muscle ring finger protein-1 expression and its active ingredients

Processed aconite root (PA), the tuberous root of Aconitum carmichaelii prepared by autoclaving, is a crude drug used in Japanese traditional Kampo medicine and traditional Chinese medicine for the symptoms of kidney deficiency, that is related to the muscle atrophy in modern medicine. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of PA on muscle atrophy and to find its active ingredients using dexamethasone-induced muscle ring finger protein-1 (MuRF1) mRNA expression in murine myoblast C2C12 cells. Dexamethasone-induced MuRF1 expression was significantly suppressed by methanol-soluble part of boiling water extract of PA in a concentration-dependent manner with its IC50 value of 1.5 mg/ml. By the activity-guided fractionations of PA extract using the partition between organic solvents and its aqueous solution, the activity of PA did not transfer into the fraction containing aconitine-type diterpenoid alkaloids but into BuOH layer. Then, we found higenamine and salsolinol as the active ingredients in PA. Higenamine and salsolinol significantly suppressed dexamethasone-induced MuRF1 expression, and their IC50 values were 0.49 and 50 µM, respectively. The contents of higenamine and salsolinol in the decoctions of commercially available fourteen PA products are 0.12 and 14 µg/ml as the average values, and varied with the coefficient of variation (CV) values of 97 and 63%, respectively. Higenamine also significantly suppressed dexamethasone-induced mRNA expressions of muscle atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx)/atrogin1, casitas B-lineage lymphoma-b (Cbl-b), troponin, branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase 2 (BCAT2), and Bcl-2 binding and pro-apoptotic protein3 (Bnip3). Although the quality control of PA is regulated by the contents of diterpene alkaloids, salsolinol and higenamine can be used as the marker compounds to certificate the pharmacological activities of PA.Graphical abstract

WITHDRAWN: Rapid identification of chemical constituents in Physalis alkengi L. var. franchetii by UHPLC-ESI-Q-Obritrap MS/MS

Abstract Physalis alkengi L. var. franchetii (PA) is a type of edible and medicinal plant in Solanaceae. Its chemical components mainly include steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, amino acids, and phenolic acids. Comprehensive component identification is essential for elucidation of its pharmacological mechanism and quality control. However, its complex chemical composition has caused certain difficulties in the analysis of this traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish a method for rapid classification and identification of chemical components in PA. In this study, the samples were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). The UHPLC system used a C18 column to separate the total extract of PA. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile, and the PA extract was analyzed by gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. In both the positive and negative ion modes, the fragment information was obtained and compared with those of the characteristic fragmentations and neutral losses described in the literature. Mass Frontier™ simulates its fragmentation to quickly identify the target compounds. The mzVault, mzCloud, and ChemSpider databases were utilized to fully analyze the chemical composition in PA. Finally, we successfully screened out 112 chemical components, including 49 steroids, 9 alkaloids, 4 carboxylic acids and derivatives, 8 amino acids, 7 flavonoids, 4 phenols and phenolic acids, 16 phenylpropanoids, 6 terpenoids, 2 piperazines, 1 antibiotic, and 5 others. This study comprehensively analyzed the chemical composition of PA and provides scientific basis and data support for further pharmacodynamic substance studies of PA.

INSECTICIDAL JOINT ACTION OF TERNARY EXTRACT MIXTURES OF FOUR SPECIES OF TROPICAL PLANTS AGAINST Plutella xylostella AND Crocidolomia pavonana

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, and the cabbage head caterpillar (CHC), Crocidolomia pavonana, were two main pests of cruciferous vegetable crops. Among the viable alternative ingredients that could be utilized to control those two pests were eco-friendly botanical insecticides. This study was conducted to evaluate the joint action of ternary extract mixtures of four tropical plant species, i.e. Piper aduncum (Pa), Piper retrofractum (Pr), Sapindus rarak (Sr), and Tephrosia vogelii (Tv), against DBM and CHC. Results of leaf-residue feeding bioassays showed that based on co-toxicity ratio at both LC50 and LC levels, ternary mixtures of Pa extract with Sr and Tv extracts at concentration ratios of 1:5:1, 1:5:2, and 2:5:1 indicated synergistic joint action on DBM larvae. A mixture of Pa, Sr and Tv extracts at a ratio of 2:5:1 was also synergistic to CHC at both LC level but antagonistic at the LC 95 50 95 and LC 95 levels. This mixture at the 1:5:1 ratio was synergistic on CHC at the LC level whereas at the 1:5:2 ratio was antagonistic to CHC at both LC levels. Furthermore, ternary mixtures of Pr extract with Sr and Tv extracts at the three concentration ratios were synergistic to CHC. Thus, ternary mixtures of Pa or Pr extract with Sr and Tv extracts at appropriate concentration ratios are potential alternatives for the control of DBM and CHC.

INSECTICIDAL JOINT ACTION OF TERNARY EXTRACT MIXTURES OF FOUR SPECIES OF TROPICAL PLANTS AGAINST Plutella xylostella AND Crocidolomia pavonana

Insecticidal joint action of ternary extract mixtures of four species of tropical plants against Plutella xylostella andCrocidolomia pavonana. The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, and the cabbage head caterpillar (CHC),Crocidolomia pavonana, were two main pests of cruciferous vegetable crops. Among the viable alternative ingredients thatcould be utilized to control those two pests were eco-friendly botanical insecticides. This study was conducted to evaluatethe joint action of ternary extract mixtures of four tropical plant species, i.e. Piper aduncum (Pa), Piper retrofractum (Pr),Sapindus rarak (Sr), and Tephrosia vogelii (Tv), against DBM and CHC. Results of leaf-residue feeding bioassays showedthat based on co-toxicity ratio at both LC 50 and LC levels, ternary mixtures of Pa extract with Sr and Tv extracts at concentrationratios of 1:5:1, 1:5:2, and 2:5:1 indicated synergistic joint action on DBM larvae. A mixture of Pa, Sr and Tv extracts at a ratio of2:5:1 was also synergistic to CHC at both LC level but antagonistic at the LC 95 50 95 and LC 95 levels. This mixture at the 1:5:1 ratio was synergistic on CHC at the LC level whereas at the 1:5:2 ratio was antagonistic to CHC at both LC levels. Furthermore, ternary mixtures of Pr extract with Sr and Tv extracts at the three concentration ratios were synergistic to CHC. Thus, ternary mixtures of Pa or Pr extract with Sr and Tv extracts at appropriate concentration ratios are potential alternatives for the control of DBM and CHC.

Determination of the Antimicrobial Property of Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng.) Crude Aqueous Leaf Extract against Throat Pathogens using Broth and Checkerboard Dilution Methods

Objective. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial property of oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) crude leaf extract against pathogens that infect the throat, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans using the broth and checkerboard dilution methods. Methods. This study employed an experimental study design using broth dilution method for the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Streptococcus  pyogenes ATCC 19615, and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against Candida albicans ATCC 14053 of P. amboinicus crude extract (PA extract). Checkerboard dilution method was then used for determination of the synergy between PA extract and the standard antimicrobials. Results. In vitro growth inhibition of S. pyogenes (MIC 0.13 g/mL) and C. albicans (MIC 0.03 g/mL) was exhibited by the PA extract. The highest concentration of PA extract used in this study was not sufficient to demonstrate bactericidal and fungicidal activity (MBC >0.25 g/mL, MFC >0.25 g/mL). Results of checkerboard dilution method revealed that PA extract when combined with either penicillin (for S. pyogenes) or nystatin (for C. albicans) demonstrated indifference. Conclusion. The crude extract of Plectranthus amboinicus has the capability to inhibit the growth of both S. pyogenes  and C. albicans. This demonstrates its potential use in the treatment of throat infections caused by these organisms.

Chemical Characterization and Antiradical Properties of Pyroligneous Acid from a Preserved Bamboo, Guadua angustifolia Kunth

HIGHLIGHTS Chemical characterization of PA extracts has high content of phenolic compounds. PA extracts from G. angustifolia may be used in the pharmaceutical industry and agriculture. A total of 66 compounds with approximate match percentage ≥ 89% were identified. The PA extracts showed a high content of antioxidant properties.

Experimental Study on Anti Scorpion Venom potential of Paravatadi Agada of Ayurveda in Indian Red Scorpion Venom (Mesobuthus tamulus)

Background: Scorpion sting is a frequent event in tropical and subtropical countries. The objective of this study is to evaluate Efficacy of Paravatadi Agada on Indian Red Scorpion Venom (Mesobuthus Tamulus). Materials and Methods: PA was prepared as per textual reference. Water soluble extract of PA was obtained using Soxhlet apparatus. Swiss albino mice of 20-30gm were used. Lypholised venom sample of Mesobuthus tamales and Lyophilized monovalent enzymerefined immunoglobuline anti scorpion venom serum (ASV) was used. Using lethal dose of scorpion venom (25.12 μg/g), venom neutralising property of PA extract (300mg/kg), ASV(1mg) intra-peritoneally and PA(31mg/mice) orally. The parameter used were Mean survival time, protection fold and percentage survival of animals over the period of 24 hrs. Histopathological examinations of all mice were done. Result: Maximum protection fold is seen in ASV treated group which is 10.03 with 83.33 % survival but water soluble extract of PA also showed some protective effect against scorpion venom 7.68 with 50 % survival rate. Histopathological examination showed that PA extract, ASV and PA treated group showed less effect of scorpion venom on Heart, Liver and Kidney compared to control group in which sever histopathological manifestations are detected. Conclusion : The protection fold and survival percentage of extract of PA was better than Powder form of PA but less than ASV but enough significant in view of availability, safety, ease in method of preparation and cost effectiveness compared to ASV.

Single or Combined Dietary Supply of Psidium guajava and Phyllanthus amarus Extracts Differentially Modulate Immune Responses and Liver Proteome in Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hyphophthalmus).

Guava Psidium guajava L (Pg) and bhumi amla Phyllanthus amarus Schum. et Thonn (Pa) are well-known plants in traditional medicine. However, the capacity of these plants for improving the immune system of aquatic species has received less attention so far. This study aimed to investigate the effects of single supply or mixture of Pg and Pa extracts on immune responses, disease resistance and liver proteome profiles in striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Fish were fed diets including basal diet 0% or one of three doses of each plant extract, either alone or in mixture, 0.08, 0.2, or 0.5% Pg, Pa or mixture (Pg:Pa, v/v) for 6 weeks. The immune parameters (respiratory burst activity (RBA); nitric oxide synthase (NOS), total immunoglobulin, lysozyme, and complement activities) were examined at W3, W6 post-feeding, and after challenge test. The growth parameters and the challenge test with Edwardsiella ictaluri were done at W6. The liver proteome profiles were analyzed in W6 at 0.08 and 0.5% of each extract. The results showed that extract-based diets significantly improved growth parameters in the Pg0.2 group compared to control. The cellular immune responses in spleen and the humoral immune responses in plasma were significantly improved in a dose and time-dependent manner. Diets supplemented with single Pg and Pa extracts, and to lesser extent to combined extracts, could significantly decrease the mortality of striped catfish following bacterial infection compared to control. The proteomic results indicated that some pathways related to immune responses, antioxidant and lipid metabolism were enriched in liver at W6. Several proteins (i.e., CD8B, HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1, PDIA3, CASP8, TUBA1C, CCKAR, GNAS, GRIN2D, PLCG1, PRKCA, SLC25A5, VDAC2, ACTN4, GNAI2, LCK, CARD9, NLRP12, and NLRP3) were synergistically upregulated in mixture of Pg and Pa-based diets compared to control and single dietary treatments. Taken together, the results revealed that single Pg and Pa extracts at 0.2 and 0.5% and their mixture at 0.08 and 0.5% have the potential to modulate the immune mechanisms and disease resistance of striped catfish. Moreover, the combination of Pg and Pa in diets suggested positive synergistic effects liver proteome profile related to immune system processes.

Neoline is the active ingredient of processed aconite root against murine peripheral neuropathic pain model, and its pharmacokinetics in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceProcessed aconite root (PA), the root of Aconitum carmichaeli (Ranunculaceae), is a crude drug used in traditional Chinese or Japanese kampo medicine to treat pain associated with coldness. In our previous study, PA and its active ingredient, neoline, alleviated oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in mice. Aim of the studyThe present study investigated the effects of PA on a murine peripheral neuropathy model induced by intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel and partial ligation of the sciatic nerve (Seltzer model), and identified its active ingredients. Materials and methodsPA powder (1 g/kg/day) was orally administered, and either neoline or benzoylmesaconine (10 mg/kg/day) was subcutaneously injected into the murine model. Mechanical hyperalgesia was evaluated via the von Frey filament method. PA extract was orally administered to rats; blood samples were chronologically collected, and the plasma concentrations of Aconitum alkaloids were measured. The contents of Aconitum alkaloids in commercial PA products were also measured. ResultsPA extract and neoline significantly attenuated the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by either paclitaxel or partial ligation of the sciatic nerve in mice. In the plasma samples of rats treated with PA extract, higher concentrations of benzoylmesaconine and neoline were apparent among Aconitum alkaloids. The contents of benzoylmesaconine and neoline varied among PA products with different processing procedures. Subcutaneous injection of benzoylmesaconine did not attenuate the hyperalgesia induced by each paclitaxel, partial ligation of the sciatic nerve, or oxaliplatin in mice. ConclusionsThe present results indicate that PA and its active ingredient, neoline, are promising agents for the alleviation of neuropathic pain. Neoline can be used as a marker compound to determine the quality of the PA products for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Two-particle azimuthal harmonics in pA collisions

We compute two-particle production in pA collisions and extract azimuthal harmonics, using the dilute-dense formalism in the Color Glass Condensate framework. The multiple scatterings of the partons inside the projectile proton on the dense gluons inside the target nucleus are expressed in terms of Wilson lines. They generate interesting correlations, which can be partly responsible for the signals of collectivity measured at RHIC and at the LHC. Most notably, while gluon Wilson loops yield vanishing odd harmonics, quark Wilson loops can generate sizable odd harmonics for two particle correlations. By taking both quark and gluon channels into account, we find that the overall second and third harmonics lie rather close to the recent PHENIX data at RHIC.

Development of Graphene Oxide Composite Aerogel with Proanthocyanidins with Hemostatic Properties As a Delivery System.

The graphene aerogels' potential for use as both a hemostatic agent and dermal delivery system has scarcely been investigated. In this study, we used a sol-gel process for generating dry and stable composite aerogels based on graphene oxide (GO) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Furthermore, we incorporated natural extract of País grape seed (SD) and skin (SK), rich in proanthocyanidins (PAs or condensed tannins). The effect of the incorporation of the grape extracts was investigated in relation to the aerogels' structure, coagulation performance and the release of the extracts. The results demonstrated that they have a porous structure and low density, capable of absorbing water and blood. The incorporation of 12% (w/w) of PA extracts into the aerogel increased the negative zeta potential of the material by 33% (-18.3 ± 1.3 mV), and the coagulation time was reduced by 37% and 28% during the first 30 and 60 s of contact between the aerogel and whole blood, respectively. The release of extracts from the GO-PVA-SD and GO-PVA-SK aerogels was prolonged to 3 h with 20%, probably due to the existence of strong binding between PAs andGO-PVA, both characterized by the presence of aromatic and hydroxyl groups that can form noncovalent bonds but are strong and stable enough to avoid a greater release into the medium. This study provides a new GO-based aerogel, which has a great potential use in the field of dermal delivery, wound healing and/or the treatment of trauma bleeding.

Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Crude Extracts and Fractions from Phyllanthus amarus.

Background: Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus) has been used as a medicinal plant for the prevention and treatment of chronic ailments such as diabetes, hepatitis, and cancer. Methods: The physicochemical properties, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of crude extracts and fractions from P. amarus were determined using spectrophotometric method. Results: The P. amarus methanol (PAM) extract had lower levels of residual moisture (7.40%) and water activity (0.24) and higher contents of saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins (1657.86 mg escin equivalents, 250.45 mg gallic acid equivalents, 274.73 mg rutin equivalents and 61.22 mg catechin equivalents per g dried extract, respectively) than those of the P. amarus water (PAW) extract. The antioxidant activity of PAM extract was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the PAW extract, PAM fractions, and phyllanthin (known as a major compound in the P. amarus). Higher cytotoxic activity of PAM extract based on MTT assay on different cell lines including MiaPaCa-2 (pancreas), HT29 (colon), A2780 (ovarian), H460 (lung), A431 (skin), Du145 (prostate), BE2-C (neuroblastoma), MCF-7 (breast), MCF-10A (normal breast), and U87, SJ-G2, SMA (glioblastoma) was observed in comparison to the PAW extract and PAM fractions. The cytotoxic potential of the PAW extract (200 μg/mL), based on the CCK-8 assay on a pancreatic cancer cell line (MiaCaPa2) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of gemcitabine (50 nM) and a saponin-enriched extract from quillajia bark at 200 μg/mL (a commercial product), but was significantly higher than that of phyllanthin at 2 μg/mL. Conclusions: The results achieved from this study reveal that the PA extracts are a potential source for the development of natural antioxidant products and/or novel anticancer drugs.

Trace-Level Extraction Behavior of Actinide Elements by Aliphatic Alcohol Extractants in Mineral Acids: Insights into the Trace Solution Chemistry of Protactinium

ABSTRACTThe extraction of actinide elements thorium, protactinium (Pa), uranium, neptunium, and americium by aliphatic alcohols (1-octanol, 2-ethyl-hexanol, and 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanol) was investigated with solvent extraction and extraction chromatographic techniques from hydrochloric and nitric acid solutions. These systems provide the potential for low-cost, high quality methods for the isolation of Pa from complex matrices. Acid dependency experiments demonstrate the selective extraction of protactinium from hydrochloric and nitric acids, relative to the other actinides explored. Experiments were conducted to elucidate the equilibrium chemical stoichiometry of the protactinium complex that underlies this unique extraction behavior. Slope analysis with respect to the alcohol concentration infers a stoichiometric relationship of 2:1 for the alcohol extractant to the protactinium ion. Slope analysis with respect to the chloride ion (when [H+] = 0.1, 1, and 4 M) suggests that the stoichiometric identity of the protactinium chloro-complexes depends on the [H+] (0.1 M to 4 M). Extraction of Pa increases as the Pa:Cl ratio increases from 1:2, at low acid concentration, to 1:6 at high acid concentration. With respect to the nitrate ion (when [H+] = 1 and 4 M), the stoichiometric relationship was determined to be 2:1 nitrate to protactinium throughout the range investigated. The sum of these findings and observations contribute to a deeper understanding of the unique chemistry of protactinium compared to the other members of the actinide group.

Processed aconite root and its active ingredient neoline may alleviate oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathic pain

Ethnopharmacological relevanceProcessed aconite root (PA, the root of Aconitum carmichaeli, Ranunculaceae) is a crude drug used in traditional Chinese or Japanese kampo medicine to generate heat in the body and to treat pain associated with coldness. Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a platinum-based anticancer drug that frequently causes acute and chronic peripheral neuropathies, including cold and mechanical hyperalgesia. Aim of the studyWe investigated the effects of PA on L-OHP-induced peripheral neuropathies and identified the active ingredient within PA extract. Materials and methodsL-OHP was intraperitoneally injected into mice, and PA boiled water extract was orally administered. Cold and mechanical hyperalgesia were evaluated using the acetone test and the von Frey filament method, respectively. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were isolated from normal mice and cultured with L-OHP with or without PA extract. Cell viability and neurite elongation were evaluated. ResultsPA extract significantly attenuated cold and mechanical hyperalgesia induced by L-OHP in mice. In cultured DRG neurons, L-OHP reduced cell viability and neurite elongation in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with PA extract significantly alleviated the L-OHP-induced reduction of neurite elongation, while the cytotoxicity of L-OHP was not affected. Using activity-guided fractionation, we isolated neoline from PA extract as the active ingredient. Neoline significantly alleviated L-OHP-induced reduction of neurite elongation in cultured DRG neurons in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, subcutaneous injection of neoline attenuated cold and mechanical hyperalgesia in L-OHP-treated mice. PA extract and neoline did not show sedation and motor impairment. ConclusionsThe present study indicates that PA and its active ingredient neoline are promising agents to alleviate L-OHP-induced neuropathic pain.

Neodymium isotope analyses after combined extraction of actinide and lanthanide elements from seawater and deep‐sea coral aragonite

AbstractIsotopes of the actinide elements protactinium (Pa), thorium (Th), and uranium (U), and the lanthanide element neodymium (Nd) are often used as complementary tracers of modern and past oceanic processes. The extraction of such elements from low abundance matrices, such as seawater and carbonate, is however labor‐intensive and requires significant amounts of sample material. We here present a combined method for the extraction of Pa, Th, and Nd from 5 to 10 L seawater samples, and of U, Th, and Nd from &lt;1 g carbonate samples. Neodymium is collected in the respective wash fractions of Pa‐Th and U‐Th anion exchange chromatographies. Regardless of the original sample matrix, Nd is extracted during a two‐stage ion chromatography, followed by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) analysis as NdO+. Using this combined procedure, we obtained results for Nd isotopic compositions on two GEOTRACES consensus samples from Bermuda Atlantic Time Series (BATS), which are within error identical to results for separately sampled and processed dedicated Nd samples (εNd = −9.20 ± 0.21 and −13.11 ± 0.21 for 15 and 2000 m water depths, respectively; intercalibration results from 14 laboratories: εNd = −9.19 ± 0.57 and −13.14 ± 0.57). Furthermore, Nd isotope results for an in‐house coral reference material are identical within analytical uncertainty for dedicated Nd chemistry and after collection of Nd from U‐Th anion exchange chromatography. Our procedure does not require major adaptations to independently used ion exchange chromatographies for U‐Pa‐Th and Nd, and can hence be readily implemented for a wide range of applications.

Potential osteogenic activity of ethanolic extract and oxoflavidin isolated from Pholidota articulata Lindley

Ethnopharmacological relevancePholidota articulata Lindley (PA) locally known as Hadjojen (bone jointer) belongs to family Orchidaceae is used for healing fractures in folklore tradition of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Himalaya, India. Bone is a dynamic organ and is constantly being remodeled in order to facilitate growth and repair. This process requires the involvement of bone forming osteoblast and bone resorbing osteoclast cells, which function in generating and mineralizing bone, giving strength and rigidity to the skeletal system. Present study was aimed to determine the therapeutic potential of ethanolic extract of PA and its isolated compound oxoflavidin, by characterizing their fracture healing properties. Materials and methodsOvariectomized (Ovx) estrogen deficient adult female Balb/c mice were used for in vivo evaluation of osteogenic or bone healing potential of ethanolic extract of PA. Further, its isolated compounds were tested for their osteogenic efficacy using alkaline phosphatase assay and mineralization assay in vitro in mice calvarial osteoblasts. ResultsThe ethanolic extract of PA exhibited significant restoration of trabecular micro-architecture in both femoral and tibial bones. Additionally, treatment with PA extract led to better bone quality and devoid of any uterine estrogenicity in ovariectomized estrogen deficient mice. One of the isolated compound, oxoflavidin enhanced ALP activity (a marker of osteoblast differentiation), mineral nodule formation and mRNA levels of osteogenic markers like BMP-2, Type 1 Collagen, RUNX-2 and osteocalcin. ConclusionThese results warrant that ethanolic extract of PA and it’s pure compound oxoflavidin have fracture healing properties. The extract and oxoflavidin exhibit a strong threapeutical potential for the treatment and management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Antihyperglycemic effects of Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. leaf extract.

Background:Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading chronic diseases worldwide. In patients with poor glycemic control, high blood glucose level may lead to other life-threatening complications. Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. (PA) leaves are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes.Objective:This study evaluated the effect of crude extract from PA leaves on blood glucose level and the hypoglycemic mechanisms.Materials and Methods:Thirty healthy volunteers were asked to drink PA tea (test-group) or hot water (control group) 15 min after glucose loading (75 g) in a standard oral glucose tolerance test. To study hypoglycemic mechanisms, PA leaves were extracted using two different methods. Method 1; dried PA leaves were extracted with distilled water at 90°C for 15 min, and method 2; dried PA leaves were extracted with 95% ethanol. Both PA extracts were tested for α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition, insulin stimulation, and glucose uptake stimulation.Results:The average of blood glucose level in the control group was 5.55 ± 0.98 mmol/l, while in PA treated group was 6.16 ± 0.79 mmol/l which were statistically different (P < 0.001). The results of antihyperglycemic mechanism showed that PA extracts, prepared both methods, could inhibit α-glucosidase enzyme and induce insulin production in rat pancreatic cell (RINm5F) in dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05).Conclusions:The knowledge gained from this research can be used as a basis for a new drug discovery for the treatment of diabetes.