Peruvian Medicinal Plants Research Articles

Application of the Extracts of Uncaria tomentosa in Endodontics and Oral Medicine: Scoping Review.

Background: The main purpose of endodontic treatment is to eliminate the bacteria that are responsible for the contamination and infection of the internal surfaces in order to resolve any pulp or periapical pathology. In fact, some bacteria, such as Enterococcus faecalis, can escape the action of root canal irrigants by aggregating into a biofilm and penetrating deeply into the dentinal tubules. Uncaria tomentosa is a plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family and also commonly known as cat’s claw due to the shape and position of the spines; it is a traditional Peruvian medicinal plant of Amazonian origin. Applications in the dental field have been described both in the prevention and treatment of stomatitis and as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent; it has also been investigated as an additive in irrigants and specifically as gels in endodontic cements. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize all the scientific evidence on the possible applications of Uncaria tomentosa extracts in endodontics and, more generally, in oral medicine, in order to understand whether the active ingredients extracted from Uncaria tomentosa can bring a real advantage in endodontics, in the reduction of endodontic failures and in the onset of recurrent endodontic lesions. Methods: The scoping review was carried out strictly following the PRISMA-ScR checklist; the search was carried out on five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, EBSCO and Web of Science) and a register (Cochrane library). Results: The research produced a number of bibliographic sources totaling 2104. With the removal of duplicates, 670 were obtained; potentially eligible articles amounted to 23, of which only seven in vitro studies (four microbiological studies), five clinical studies (three randomized trials) and a case report were included. Conclusions: From the data in the literature, it can be stated that the active ingredients present in Uncaria tomentosa could represent an interesting product to be used in the endodontic field, both in endocanalary cements and as a gel.

Chemical Composition and Assessment of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Essential oil from Clinopodium sericeum, a Peruvian Medicinal Plant

Clinopodium sericeum is widely used in Peruvian folk medicine in the form of infusion to treat stomach distress, indigestion and antiflu. In this study, the essential oil from C. sericeum was obtained by hydrodistillation, analyzed by GC and GC/MS, and 73 compounds were identified. Major components of the oil were b-germacrene-D (15%), b-caryophyllene (13.8%), and sabinene (11.2%). Furthermore, we assessed the in vitro biological activities displayed by the oil obtained from the aerial parts of C. sericeum, namely the antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. The antioxidant activities of the essential oil were evaluated by FRAP, CUPRAC, ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The essential oil displays antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains (MIC 50-200 µg/mL) in a dose-range close to standard antibiotics. Such activity may be related to the presence of terpene compounds. The antiproliferative activity of the essential oil was measured in vitro using the MTT colorimetric assay in healthy non-tumorigenic cells (HEK-293) and in three human cancer cell lines (T24, DU-145, and MCF-7). The calculated IC50 values were around 0.2 mg/mL. Since the essential oil was almost devoid of antioxidant activity, its anti-proliferative action is unlikely related to oxidative stress and relies on other unknown mechanisms.

Efficient Separation of Phytochemicals from Muehlenbeckia volcanica (Benth.) Endl. by Polarity-Stepwise Elution Counter-Current Chromatography and Their Antioxidant, Antiglycation, and Aldose Reductase Inhibition Potentials.

Muehlenbeckia volcanica (Benth.) Endl. (M. volcanica), native to South America, is a traditional Peruvian medicinal plant that has multi-therapeutic properties; however, no phytochemicals have been identified from it yet. In this study, a five-step polarity-stepwise elution counter-current chromatography (CCC) was developed using methanol/water (1:5, v/v) as the stationary phase and different ratios of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol as mobile phases to separate the compounds from the 70% methanol extract of M. volcanica, by which six compounds with a wide range of polarities were separated in a single run of CCC and were identified as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, 4,4′-dihydroxy-3,3′-imino-di-benzoic acid, rutin, quercitrin, and quercetin. Then, two compounds from the fractions of stepwise elution CCC were separated using conventional high-speed CCC, pH-zone-refining CCC, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, and identified as shikimic acid and miquelianin. These compounds are reported from M. volcanica for the first time. Notably, except for shikimic acid, all other compounds showed anti-diabetic potentials via antioxidant, antiglycation, and aldose reductase inhibition. The results suggest that the polarity-stepwise elution CCC can be used to efficiently separate or fractionate compounds with a wide range of polarities from natural products. Moreover, M. volcanica and its bioactive compounds are potent anti-diabetic agents.

Peruvian Medicinal Plants and Cosmopolitan Plants with Potential use in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases and COVID-19

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, responsible for COVID-19, has caused more than 157 million infections and more than 3.2 million deaths. A short-term solution is the production of vaccines that confer temporary or permanent immunity. However, the genetic variants of the virus, with greater contagion and lethality capacity, the economic limitations of many countries in the world to acquire vaccines, the limited and controversial effectiveness of the drugs tested, the logistical problems of conservation and distribution of vaccines, among others, lead to proposing and developing other alternatives. One of these alternatives is the use of medicinal plants, especially those plants traditionally used in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases, both in Peru and the world, without risks or collateral problems for the human being and validated with phytochemical and ethnopharmacological studies. The flora of Peru is particularly rich in these species and even more so in endemic species, potentially useful against SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this review is to highlight some Peruvian medicinal plants and species introduced and commercialized in Peru (Cosmopolitan species) potentially useful in the treatment of respiratory diseases and COVID-19.

Diversity of endophytic plant-growth microorganisms from Gentianella weberbaueri and Valeriana pycnantha, highland Peruvian medicinal plants

Microbial diversity in Peruvian mountain areas is poorly know, specially endophytic microorganisms of medicinal native plants from the Cordillera Blanca. So, nine bacterial and six fungal species were isolated from Gentianella weberbaueri and Valeriana pycnantha. According to 16S rDNA analysis, bacterial strains belong to genera Rahnella, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Rouxiella, and Bacillus; while ITS analysis showed that fungi belong to Pyrenochaeta, Scleroconidioma, Cryptococcus, and Plenodomus genera. Rahnella sp. GT24B and P. trivialis VT20B solubilized tricalcium phosphate and produced siderophores at 10 and 24 °C. Five bacteria strains produced indol-3-acetic acid (IAA) at 10 and 24 °C, where Rahnella sp. VT19B showed more production at 10 °C than 24 °C. Rahnella sp. GT24B, Serratia sp. VT28B, and Rahnella sp. GT25B inhibited Fusarium oxysporum growth up to 100, 78 and 74 %, respectively. R. inusitata VT25B and B. licheniformis GT10B showed high cellulolytic and proteolytic activities. On the other hand, only a few fungi moderately inhibited growth of F. oxysporum, and produced siderophores and cellulases. Most of bacteria inoculated on Medicago sativa “alfalfa” and Triticum aestivum “wheat” seeds got better root development, especially Rahnella sp. GT24B, Rouxiella sp.VT24B, Serratia sp. VT28B, and Rahnella sp. VT34B. Finally, this study is the first report of endophytic microorganisms associated to wild medicinal high-mountain Peruvian plants and it show a valuable microbial diversity and its possible role in promoting growth of crops and wild medicinal plants.

Structural Characterization and Anti-infective Activity of 9,10-Seco-29-norcycloartane Glycosides Isolated from the Flowers of the Peruvian Medicinal Plant Cordia lutea.

Six new secocycloartane glycosides (1-6) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the flowers of Cordia lutea Lam. on the basis of bioassay-guided fractionation. Their structures were determined by the application of NMR and MS data analyses together with X-ray crystallographic analyses for compounds 1 and 2. Compounds 1-6 represent the first examples of 9,10-seco-29-norcycloartane glycosides. These compounds showed significant in vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity, and no activity against either Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Significant activity was observed for 5 and 6 against Staphylococcus aureus. All compounds displayed weak cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells. The in vitro antileishmanial and antiplasmodial activities of 1-6 were also evaluated.

Aldose Reductase, Protein Glycation Inhibitory and Antioxidant of Peruvian Medicinal Plants: the Case of Tanacetum parthenium L. and Its Constituents.

Diabetes complications, including peripheral neuropathy, cataracts, impaired wound healing, vascular damage, arterial wall stiffening and retinopathy diseases, are among the most predominant health problems facing the world’s population today. The 22 Peruvian plant extracts were screened for their potential inhibitory activity against rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR) and DPPH radical scavenging. Among them, we have found that Tanacetum parthenium L. (TP) has the RLAR, AGEs and DPPH radical scavenging activities. We used for screening of active components in TP against RLAR and DPPH for the first time by ultrafiltration (UF) and DPPH. Compounds in TP were isolated by Sephadex column chromatography and their structures were established by MS and NMR spectroscopic analyses. Among the isolated compounds, ferulic acid, apigenin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin, chrysosplenol, and kaempferol showed potent inhibition with IC50 values of 1.11–3.20 and 6.44–16.23 μM for RLAR and DPPH radical scavenging. Furthermore, these compounds suppressed sorbitol accumulation in rat lenses and ferulic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and luteolin have AGEs inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 3.43–6.73 μM. In summary, our study provides interesting plants for further study with respect to the treatment and prevention of diabetic complication of Peruvian plant and can provide the scientific base of the traditional uses.

Plagiochiline A Inhibits Cytokinetic Abscission and Induces Cell Death.

We previously reported on the isolation and biological activities of plagiochiline A (1), a 2,3-secoaromadendrane-type sesquiterpenoid from the Peruvian medicinal plant, Plagiochila disticha. This compound was found to have antiproliferative effects on a variety of solid tumor cell lines, as well as several leukemia cell lines. Other researchers have also noted the cytotoxicity of plagiochiline A (isolated from different plant species), but there are no prior reports regarding the mechanism for this bioactivity. Here, we have evaluated the effects of plagiochiline A on cell cycle progression in DU145 prostate cancer cells. A cell cycle analysis indicated that plagiochiline A caused a significant increase in the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase when compared with control cells. When cells were stained and observed by fluorescence microscopy to examine progress through the mitotic phase, we found a significant increase in the proportion of cells with features of late cytokinesis (cells connected by intercellular bridges) in the plagiochiline A-treated samples. These results suggest that plagiochiline A inhibits cell division by preventing completion of cytokinesis, particularly at the final abscission stage. We also determined that plagiochiline A reduces DU145 cell survival in clonogenic assays and that it induces substantial cell death in these cells.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of The Flavonoid Fraction of Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling (SAGE) on Leukocytes of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the flavonoid fraction of Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling on leukocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Plants of the species Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling were collected and then different flavonoid fractions were extracted by column and thin layer chromatography. The superoxide anion production was evaluated by means of the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium assay technique in neutrophils obtained from the blood of patients with RA, divided into three groups: negative control, which consisted of neutrophils (5x105 cells); positive control, made up of PMA (phorbol myristate acetate)-activated neutrophils (150 ng/mL), and the treatments, comprised of neutrophils activated and treated with different concentrations of the flavonoid fraction LM8 (60, 120, and 180 ug/mL). The expression of pro- inflammatory genes was studied by RTqPCR in mononuclear leukocytes obtained from patients with RA, divided into three groups: negative control, which consisted of mononuclear leukocytes (5x105 cells); positive control, made up of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) (150 ug/ml)-activated mononuclear leukocytes, and the treatment, comprised of mononuclear leukocytes activated and treated with the flavonoid fraction LM8 (120 ug/mL). Several flavonoid fractions were purified, with fraction LM8 showing the best immunomodulating effect. Said fraction diminished the superoxide anion production dependent on concentration. On the other hand, it diminished the expression of TNFα, IL8, and IL17 in mononuclear leukocytes. These results are encouraging in terms of the immunomodulating effect of this Peruvian medicinal plant and justify the continuation of their study for a potential clinical application.

Drug Discovery from Peruvian Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Psychosis

BackgroundSchizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects approximately 1% of the population. The main symptom is psychosis in which thought and emotions are impaired. Current pharmacological treatments for schizophrenia are partially effective and its long term intake causes side effects. In Peru, native communities since ancient times have considered the psychosis like “madness” and they have treated it using preparations from natural products. The Peruvian traditional medicine is a potential source of drugs because its effectiveness, possible low side effects and they could be acting on different molecular mechanisms compared to the current drugs on the market.AimIn this work, as a part of drug discovery process, we tested compounds‐containing fractions from four ethanolic extracts (EEs) on psychosis animal model, mammalian cells and receptors altered in mental diseases.MethodsWe carried out the separation of compounds‐containing fractions from EEs 1, 2, 3 and 4 based on solubility using medium pressure liquid chromatography. The selection of each fraction was based on thin layer chromatography profile. These fractions were tested in mice treated with MK‐801 (N‐methyl D‐aspartate receptor antagonist) to induce psychosis‐like symptoms. We used the open field test (OFT) to measure the hyperactivity over a period of time and prepulse inhibition (PPI) test to measure the startle response. Cytotoxicity assays were performed in mammalian cells to determine the IC50 using the sulforhodamine B method. Moreover, we determined for the EEs, functional and binding assays on a panel of receptors altered in mental diseases.ResultsFour compounds‐containing fractions (A, B, C and D) were obtained for each EE. In behavioural tests, the fraction A, C and D of EE1, the fraction A and B of EE2 suppressed psychosis‐like symptoms in OFT (p <0.001) and PPI test. Fraction C and D of EE3 only showed an effect on PPI test and all fractions of EE4 were not active neither in the OFT nor in the PPI test. The IC50 for each EE was >0. 01563mg/ml. Finally, functional and binding assays indicates that the four EEs have an effect on serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, adenosine receptors.ConclusionWe obtained potential antipsychotic compounds‐containing fractions as initial stage of drug discovery from four EE of medicinal plants used for the treatment psychotic‐like symptoms. The four EE has an effect on receptors altered in this disease suggesting an effect on signalling pathways altered in psychosis. Therefore, purification and structure elucidation of the active(s) molecule(s) will help us to better understanding of the molecular mechanism by which they are doing their antipsychotic effect.Support or Funding InformationNational Council of science of technology (CONCYTEC) through CIENCIACTIVA and Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia.

Screening of twenty four Peruvian medicinal plants for yeast α-glucosidase inhibitory activity

Screening of twenty four Peruvian medicinal plants for yeast α-glucosidase inhibitory activity

Antibacterial activity of five Peruvian medicinal plants against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ObjectiveTo evaluate the susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) in vitro to the ethanolic extracts obtained from five different Peruvian medicinal plants. MethodsThe plants were chopped and soaked in absolute ethanol (1:2, w/v). The antibacterial activity of compounds against P. aeruginosa was evaluated using the cup-plate agar diffusion method. ResultsThe extracts from Maytenus macrocarpa (“Chuchuhuasi”), Dracontium loretense Krause (“Jergon Sacha”), Tabebuia impetiginosa (“Tahuari”), Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn (eucalyptus), Uncaria tomentosa (“Uña de gato”) exhibited favorable antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa. The inhibitory effect of the extracts on the strains of P. aeruginosa tested demonstrated that Tabebuia impetiginosa and Maytenus macrocarpa possess higher antibacterial activity. ConclusionsThe results of the present study scientifically validate the inhibitory capacity of the five medicinal plants attributed by their common use in folk medicine and contribute towards the development of new treatment options based on natural products.

Antiproliferative activity and phenotypic modification induced by selected Peruvian medicinal plants on human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe high incidence of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Peru and the wide use of medicinal plants in this country led us to study the activity against HCC cells in vitro of somes species used locally against liver and digestive disorders. Materials and methodsEthnopharmacological survey: Medicinal plant species with a strong convergence of use for liver and digestive diseases were collected fresh in the wild or on markets, in two places of Peru: Chiclayo (Lambayeque department, Chiclayo province) and Huaraz (Ancash department, Huaraz province). Altogether 51 species were collected and 61 ethanol extracts were prepared to be tested.Biological assessment: All extracts were first assessed against the HCC cell line Hep3B according a 3-step multi-parametric phenotypic assay. It included 1) the evaluation of phenotypic changes on cells by light microscopy, 2) the measurement of the antiproliferative activity and 3) the analysis of the cytoskeleton and mitosis by immunofluorescence. Best extracts were further assessed against other HCC cell lines HepG2, PLC/PRF/5 and SNU-182 and their toxicity measured in vitro on primary human hepatocytes. ResultsEthnopharmacological survey: Some of the species collected had a high reputation spreading over the surveyed locations for treating liver problems, i.e. Baccharis genistelloides, Bejaria aestuans, Centaurium pulchellum, Desmodium molliculum, Dipsacus fullonum, Equisetum bogotense, Gentianella spp., Krameria lapacea, Otholobium spp., Schkuhria pinnata, Taraxacum officinale.Hep3B evaluation: Fourteen extracts from 13 species (Achyrocline alata, Ambrosia arborescens, Baccharis latifolia, Hypericum laricifolium, Krameria lappacea, Niphidium crassifolium, Ophryosporus chilca, Orthrosanthus chimboracensis, Otholobium pubescens, Passiflora ligularis, Perezia coerulescens, Perezia multiflora and Schkuhria pinnata) showed a significant antiproliferative activity against Hep3B cells (IC50≤ 50µg/mL). This was associated with a lack of toxicity on primary human hepatocytes in vitro. Immunofluorescence experiments on Hep3B cells showed that crude extracts of Schkuhria pinnata and Orthrosanthus chimboracensis could block Hep3B cells in mitosis with an original phenotype. Crude extracts of Perezia coerulescens, Perezia multiflora, Achyrocline alata, Ophryosporus chilca, Otholobium pubescens and Hypericum laricifolium could modify the overall microtubule cytoskeletal dynamics of Hep3B cells in interphase by an original mechanism. ConclusionsOur method allowed us to select 9 extracts which displayed antiproliferative activities associated with original cellular phenotypes on Hep3B cells, regarding known microtubule-targeting drugs. Both chemical and cellular studies are ongoing in order to elucidate natural compounds and cellular mechanisms responsible of the activities described.

Actividad antiestafilocóccica y antibiopelícula de los extractos de Juglans netropica DIELS, Piper lineatum RUIZ&PAV. Y Terminalia catappa L.

En este estudio, se investigó la actividad antiestafilocóccica in-vitro de los extractos etanólicos e hidroalcohólicos de 3 plantas medicinales peruanas: Juglans neotropica Diels (corteza), Piper lineatum Ruiz & Pav. (hojas) y Terminalia catappa L. (hojas); recolectadas en las regiones de Amazonas y Cajamarca, en el Perú. La actividad antiestafilocóccica se evaluó mediante el método de microdilución. Los microorganismos utilizados fueron las bacterias Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 y Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228. Los extractos investigados presentaron actividad significativa frente a ambas bacterias, con una Concentración Mínima Inhibitoria (CMI) de 125 a 500 μg/mL para Staphylococcus aureus, teniendo mayor actividad el extracto etanólico de Juglans neotropica Diels, y de 250 a 500 μg/mL para Staphylococcus epidermidis, teniendo mayor actividad el extracto hidroalcohólico de Piper lineatum Ruiz & Pav. El análisis fitoquímico confirmó la presencia de compuestos terpénicos, flavonoides y alcaloides en los 6 extractos estudiados. La determinación de la Concentración Mínima Inhibitoria de Biopelícula (CMIB) se efectuó por el método de microdilución en placa modificado, utilizando cepas clínicas de Staphylococcus aureus y Staphylococcus epidermidis productoras de biopelícula. Solamente los extractos etanólicos e hidroalcohólicos de las hojas de Piper lineatum L. poseen actividad significativa con CMIB de 500 μg/mL para ambas cepas. Los extractos etanólicos e hidroalcohólicos de Piper lineatum L. pueden ser buenos candidatos para la búsqueda de metabolitos que sirvan para combatir infecciones asociadas a biopelículas de Staphylococcus aureus y Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Proving that Traditional Knowledge Works: The antibacterial activity of Northern Peruvian medicinal plants

Bacterial infections and inflammation are among the ailments treated by traditional healers. The World Health Organization has expressed high interest in Traditional Medicine (TM), and it is important to demonstrate scientifically that the remedies employed in folk medicine are indeed therapeutically active. In order to evaluate the antibacterial activity of species used in traditional medicine in Northern Peru, 525 plant samples of at least 405 species were tested in simple agar-bioassays for antibacterial activity under simple laboratory conditions in a private clinic in Trujillo, Peru. Antibacterial activity was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus Rosenbach 1884 Escherichia coli (Migula 1895) Castellani & Chalmers 1919, Salmonella enterica Typhi (ex Kauffmann & Edwards 1952) Le Minor & Popoff 1987 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Schröter 1872) Migula 1900. The aim of the study was to scientifically test whether plants used in TM for the treatment of infections showed antibacterial activity, and to delineate a number of candidates for further in-depth study of their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and toxicity. One-hundred-ninety-three ethanolic extracts and 31 water extracts were active against S. aureus. In twenty-one cases only the water extract showed activity. None of the aqueous extracts were active against the other three bacteria, with the activity of the ethanolic extracts also much reduced, as only 36 showed any activity against E. coli, and 3 each against S. enterica Typhi and P. aeruginosa. Two-hundred twenty-five extracts came from species that are traditionally employed against bacterial infections. One-hundred sixty-six (73.8%) of these were active against at least one bacterium. Of the three-hundred extracts from plants without traditional antibacterial use, only 96 (32%) showed any activity Plants used for respiratory disorders, inflammation/infection, wounds, diarrhea, and to prevent post partum infections were efficacious in 70-88% of the tests. Plants used for “kidney inflammation” had a much lower efficacy against bacteria, and fell within the range of species that are traditionally used to treat other bodily disorders. Resumen Infecciones bacterianas e inflamación se encuentran entre las enfermedades tratadas por curanderos tradicionales. La Organización Mundial de Salud se ha expresada como altamente interesada en la Medicina Tradicional, y es importante demostrar científicamente que los remedios usados en la medicina popular de veras son terapéuticamente activos. En este trabajo evaluamos la propiedad antibacteriana de 525 muestras de plantas medicinales del Perú septentrional de mínimo 405 especies contra Staphylococcus aureus Rosebach 1884 Escherichia coli (Migula 1895) Castellani & Chalmers 1919, Salmonella enterica Typhi (ex Kauffmann & Edwards 1952) Le Minor & Popoff 1987 e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Schröter 1872) Migula 1900, usando un método de difusión en agar bajo de condiciones simples de laboratorio en Trujillo, Perú. La meta de este estudio fue de científicamente probar si plantas usadas en la Medicina Tradicional para tratar infecciones mostraron actividad antibacteriana, y para delinear candidatos para estudios futuros de Concentración Inhibitoria Mínima y toxicidad. Ciento noventa y tres extractos etanolicos y 31 extractos en agua mostraron actividad en contra de S. aureus. En 21 casos solo los extractos acuosos fueron eficaces. Ninguno de los extractos acuosos tuvo actividad contra las otras bacterias, y solo 36 de los etanolicos mostraron eficaz contra E. coli, y 3 en cada caso contra S. enterica Typhi e P. aeruginosa. Doscientos veinticinco extractos pertenecieron a especies tradicionalmente usadas como antibacterianas. De estos 73.8% fueron activos. De los 300 extractos de plantas no tradicionalmente usadas contra bacterias, solo 32% tuvieron un efecto positive. Plantas usadas para el tratamiento de infecciones respiratorias, inflamación/infección, heridas, diarrea e infecciones después del parto fueron eficaces en 70-88% de los casos. Plantas usadas para inflamaciones de los riñones y otros desordenes tuvieron una eficaz mucho mas baja en contra de bacterias.

Abstract 2486: A possible mechanism for plagiochiline A activity: Inhibition of cytokinesis

Abstract We recently reported on the isolation of plagiochiline A, a 2,3-secoaromadendrane-type sesquiterpenoid, from the Peruvian medicinal plant Plagiochila distichia. This compound was found to have antiproliferative activity against a variety of solid tumor cell lines, including those derived from prostate, colon, breast, lung, and cervical cancers, as well as several leukemia cell lines. Other researchers have also noted the cytotoxicity of plagiochiline A (isolated from other plant species), but the mechanism for this activity was unknown. Here, we describe new research where we have investigated the mechanism of plagiochiline A using a variety of experimental techniques. First of all, we evaluated cell cycle parameters in DU145 prostate cancer cells treated for 24 h with 4 µg/mL (11.4 µM) plagiochiline A using flow cytometry based analysis of propidium iodide-stained cells. We found that plagiochiline A caused a statistically significant increase in the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase compared to vehicle-treated cells (41.7% compared to 24.8%, based on three independent experiments). We next examined similarly treated cells stained with DAPI (a DNA intercalator) and anti-tubulin antibodies (microtubule marker) using fluorescence microscopy to evaluate the mitotic status of the cells. These experiments revealed a large number of binucleate cells, many of which had intercellular bridges evident, specifically in the plagiochiline A-treated samples. Only a few cells were observed in earlier stages of mitosis, suggesting that the accumulation of cells in G2/M is due to a defect in cytokinesis. We are currently carrying out additional research in order to test this hypothesis. We also plan to determine the effects on cells following longer treatments with plagiochiline A and to investigate possible molecular target(s) of plagiochiline A. Although many anti-mitotic compounds are in current use as anticancer agents, there are apparently only a few agents in development that specifically target cytokinesis. Therefore, we anticipate that this research may ultimately lead to novel anticancer agents and new tools to study cytokinesis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2486.

Cytotoxic and Anti-infective Sesquiterpenes Present inPlagiochila disticha(Plagiochilaceae) andAmbrosia peruviana(Asteraceae)

A pharmacological screening of the ethanol extract and fractions of two Peruvian medicinal plants, Plagiochila disticha and Ambrosia peruviana, led to the isolation and characterization of three ENT-2,3-secoaromadendrane-type sesquiterpenoids, named plagiochiline A ( 1), I ( 2), and R ( 3), as well as of two pseudoguaianolids, damsin ( 4) and confertin ( 5), which exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against a panel of human tumor cell lines. Compounds 1, 4, and 5 were also investigated for their in vitro antileishmanial, trypanocidal, and antituberculosis activity against Leishmania amazonensis axenic amastigotes and Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes, as well as against MDR and sensitive strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively.

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of selected Peruvian medicinal plants

The increasing evidence that oxidative stress is involved in several serious inflammatory and degenerative human diseases has escalated interest in the research of antioxidant activity of naturally occurring molecules in food and biological systems [1]. It has been proved that a great number of aromatic, spicy and medicinal plants contain chemical compounds exhibiting antioxidant activity [2]. In this study we investigated the antioxidant properties of 18 Peruvian medicinal plants selected by their traditional medicinal uses in Coronel Portillo Province of Ucayali Department, Peru. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of medicinal plants was evaluated by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity assays. Total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids were also determined for all plant species studied, in order to evaluate their contribution to antioxidant activity. Considering results of ORAC and DPPH tests, Calycophyllum spruceanum (8438µmol TE/g extract, EC50 5.34µg/ml), Caesalpinia spinosa (7362µmol TE/g extract, EC50 3.50µg/ml) and Naucleopsis glabra (8310µmol TE/g extract, EC50 5.45µg/ml) performed the strongest antioxidant properties from all species tested. The total phenolic content has a significant correlation with the antioxidant activity of investigated plant extracts; nevertheless flavonoids seem not to be the main group of metabolites responsible for the effect. The results of our study indicate that Calycophyllum spruceanum, Caesalpinia spinosa and Naucleopsis glabra are the most perspective species for further phytochemical research focused on determination of compounds responsible for their antioxidative properties. Acknowledgements: This research was supported by Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CIGA 20085001) and MSM 6046070901.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Malaysian Uncaria longiflora var. pteropoda

Uncaria is a genus of woody climbers from the Rubiaceae family which can be found in many parts of the world. Many Uncaria species are used as traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. The most popular and extensively studied species is the Peruvian medicinal plant Uncaria tomentosa known as Cat's Claw which has been marketed in the form of various medicinal products [1]. In Malaysia, the plants of the genus are generally known as „gambir“ or „kekait“ and are used to treat various diseases including diarrhea, dysentery and rheumatism [2]. However, not much has been reported on their biological activities. In this study, the methanolic extracts of a local Uncaria species, U. longiflora var. pteropoda (Miq.) Ridsdale was evaluated for its antioxidant, radical-scavenging and antimicrobial potential. The leaves and stems extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant potential than vitamin E and quercetin (>90% inhibition) and showed strong radical-scavenging properties with IC50 values of 8–10µg/ml, comparable to vitamin C. In the antimicrobial assay, both leaves and stems extracts displayed good inhibition against Gram-positive bacteria and were found to inhibit Candida albicans with MIC values of <1.0µg/ml, comparable to cyclohexamide. Phytochemical screening of the extract and TLC screening of fractions revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins. This study provides evidence for the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of U. longiflora. However, further studies are required to identify compounds responsible for these activities.

Antioxidant activity of selected Peruvian medicinal plants used in Calleria District

Antioxidant activity of selected Peruvian medicinal plants used in Calleria District