Extract Of Piper Sarmentosum Research Articles

Effects of Piper sarmentosum extract supplementation on growth performances and rumen fermentation and microflora characteristics in goats.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of diet Piper sarmentosum extract (PSE) on the growth performance, antioxidant properties, rumen fermentation and microflora in goats. Forty Hainan black goats with similar body weight were divided into four groups with supplementation of PSE in the concentrate at 0, 300, 600 and 1,200mg/kg, respectively, and fed for 56days. Results showed that average daily gain (ADG) was higher and feed intake/body gain (F/G) was lower in goats fed with PSE at 300mg/kg (p<.05). The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the serum of goats differed among treatments and were greatest linearly when PSE was added at 1,200mg/kg (p<.05). The level ofmalondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum of goats differed among treatments and was lowest linearly when PSE was added at 1,200mg/kg (p<.05). The level of protozoal protein in the rumen of goats differed among treatments and was lowest linearly when PSE was added at 1,200mg/kg (p<.05). The concentrations of ruminal acetic acid and valeric acid and the ratio of acetate to propionate were reduced with PSE supplementation (p<.05). Protozoa, fungi, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes contents differed among treatments and were lowest linearly when PSE was added at 1,200mg/kg (p<.05). Thus, supplementation of PSE at 300-1,200mg/kg to goat concentrate is recommended for improving antioxidative ability and rumen efficiency and reducing protozoal content of goat.

Evaluation of Piper sarmentosum extract’s corrosion inhibitive effects and adsorption characteristics for the corrosion protection of mild steel in 0.5 M HCl

The current study is focused on the inhibitive effects and adsorption characteristics of Piper sarmentosum extract (PSE) to mitigate the corrosion of mild steel in 0.5 M HCl medium. In addition, the study involved the analysis of the antioxidant activity of Piper sarmentosum. The applicability of PSE as a corrosion inhibitor was tested by employing electrochemical techniques namely; potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and electrochemical noise measurement (ENM). Mild steel’s corroding nature was investigated at 303–333 K temperature range to acquire the influence of temperature on corrosion. It was revealed that the Piper sarmentosum extract operated as a mixed type corrosion inhibitor yielding highest inhibition efficiency of 92.18% with the incorporation of 1000 ppm. In view of SEM analysis, mild steel panel treated with PSE showed a significantly improved surface condition, i.e., a much smoother surface morphology.

THE EFFECT OF PIPER SARMENTOSUM AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON BUCCAL ULCER HEALING

Oral ulcer is a lesion with multifactorial causes and occurs worldwide. The lesion usually resolved within 14 days, but the pain may have an impact on the quality of patient’s life. Therefore, having a natural derived remedy that can reduce healing time would be a great advantage. This study aims to investigate histological sections of buccal ulcer on rats treated with aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum (AEPS). Glacial acetic acid was used to induce buccal ulcer on male Sprague Dawley rats. Control group received normal saline while the experimental group received AEPS for treatment. On certain days of post-ulcer induction, buccal ulcer tissue samples were harvested, sectioned and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). Histological slides were examined for inflammation and scored. The inflammation severity reduced from day 2 to day 12. In the experimental group there was a statistically significant differences of inflammation score, particularly on day 2 with a score of (2.8 + 0.2). Neutrophils were less in the experimental group and the tissue debris clearance was faster compared to control group. Full reepithelization was observed on both treated tissue sections on day 12 with less severe inflammation. Topical application of AEPS is proven to have anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the number of neutrophils during inflammation phase of oral ulcer healing. Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, oral ulcer, ulcer healing

Development of Bio-formulations of Piper sarmentosum Extracts Against Bacterial Rice Diseases

Development of Bio-formulations of Piper sarmentosum Extracts Against Bacterial Rice Diseases

Herbicidal activities of compounds isolated from the medicinal plant Piper sarmentosum

The discovery of novel natural herbicides is crucial to address increased weed resistance and environmental issues. In our previous screening for naturally occurring plant-derived herbicides, the ethanol extract of Piper sarmentosum leaves and stems possessed herbicidal activity against Echinochloa crusgalli and Amaranthus retroflexus. Here, four known compounds were isolated from the extracts by bioassay-guided fractionation. They were characterized as sarmentosine, sarmentine, piperine and pellitorine based on their spectral data. Phytotoxic analyses revealed that sarmentosine and sarmentine were more phytotoxic against E. crusgalli and A. retroflexus, inhibiting the shoot and root growth process in a concentration-dependent manner. The greenhouse herbicidal activity assay showed that sarmentine and sarmentosine could effectively control E. crusgalli and A. retroflexus at 5-mg/mL concentrations, resulting in inhibition rates of more than 80%. The weed-controlling spectrum test indicated that sarmentosine could effectively control barnyard grass (E. crusgalli), feather fingergrass (Chloris virgata), morning glory (Pharbitis nil), redroot pigweed (A. retroflexus) and Chinese jute (Abutilon theophrasti). In particular, sarmentosine exhibited synergistic effects against E. crusgalli and A. retroflexus when it was applied in combination with propanil (a commercial herbicide). This is the first report of the herbicidal activity of the natural amine alkaloid sarmentosine and its synergistic effects. These findings warrant further investigations of P. sarmentosum to produce amine alkaloid-based weed control agents.

Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Piper sarmentosum Leaves Extract Against Selected Pathogens

The controversial usage of antiseptic in treating wound infections had become a huge issue over the years due to its minimal effectiveness and high toxicity level that are harmful to humans. Hence, numerous studies had been carried out to determine other possible approaches including herbal remedies. The alarming situation had led us to study on Piper sarmentosum and its antimicrobial activity against selected pathogens. In present study, methanol extract of Piper sarmentosum leaves were prepared to investigate the presence of phytochemical compounds. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of crude methanolic extract was evaluated using disc diffusion and microdilution broth methods. The study demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of leaves extract against Staphylococcus aureus (7 mm) and Escherichia coli (6.5 mm). However, no zone of inhibition was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Meanwhile, the MIC values for Staphylococcus aureus was 6.25 mg/mL whilst Escherichia coli was 12.5 mg/mL. In addition, the phytochemical screening results revealed that the extract contained glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolics. In conclusion, methanolic extract of Piper sarmentosum leaves has the potential as a new, effective alternative towards current drugs that are available for skin-associated infection. The findings from this study are crucial in providing latest information of the plant’s additional values that can be incorporated as a baseline for current and future studies as well as in investigating other possible plants that are beneficial for health purposes, particularly for combating skin-associated infection. DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/JSKM-2019-1701-09

Antihypertensive Effect of Piper sarmentosum in L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats

Hypertension is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and has been associated with about 13% of global deaths worldwide. Oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability contribute to the development of endothelial dysfunction and subsequently hypertension. Nɷ-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) inhibits NO synthesis; leading to hypertension. Piper sarmentosum (PS) is an herb with antioxidant, antiatherosclerosis and antiinflammation properties. PS also stimulated NO production by endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum (AEPS) on blood pressure, oxidative stress and the level of nitric oxide in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Hypertension was induced by oral administration of L-NAME (100 mg/L) in drinking water for four weeks. The rats were concurrently treated with AEPS by oral gavage in serial doses (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day). Blood pressure was measured using non-invasive tail-cuff method at baseline and fortnightly thereafter. Serum level of NO and an oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured at baseline and at the end of treatment. The results showed that treatment with three different doses of AEPS successfully reduced systolic blood pressure (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05) and mean arterial pressure (p<0.05) in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Treatment with AEPS also reduced MDA level (p<0.001) and increased serum NO (p<0.001) in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. The findings showed that AEPS decreased blood pressure by protecting against oxidative stress and increasing NO in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.

In vitro activity of Piper sarmentosum ethanol leaf extract against &lt;i&gt;Toxoplasma gondii&lt;/i&gt; tachyzoites

Purpose: To evaluate the activity of the ethanol leaf extract of Piper sarmentosum against toxoplasmosis.Methods: An in vitro anti-Toxoplasma study was conducted using Vero cells as a host for T. gondii. Clindamycin used as the reference drug. Light microscopy technique was used to study the in situ antiparasitic activity of T. gondii. Non-toxic concentrations of the ethanol extract for Vero cells were determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) cell proliferation. The presence of Toxoplasma gondii was observed by Giemsa staining.Results: The results showed that significant (p &lt; 0.05) anti-toxoplasma activity of the ethanol extract, though lower than that of clindamycin (control drug), was achieved, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 12.4 and 7.2 μg/mL for the extract and reference drug, respectively. After 24 hours of exposure to the extract, the inoculated Vero cells showed lower parasitemia and no remarkable morphological changes.Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the ethanol extract of P. sarmentosum leaves are active against toxoplasmosis in vitro. However, further studies are required to determine the therapeutic significance of these findings in vivo.Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Piper sarmentosum, Vero cell, Toxoplasmosis, Antiparasitic

Piper sarmentosum Roxb. produces antidepressant-like effects in rodents, associated with activation of the CREB-BDNF-ERK signaling pathway and reversal of HPA axis hyperactivity

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThere are many plants of genus Piper which have been reported to induce antidepressant-like effects, Piper sarmentosum (PS) is one of them. PS is a Chinese herbal medicine and a traditional edible vegetable. Materials and methodsIn the present study, the antidepressant-like effects of PS extracts and the ethyl acetate fraction of PS extracts (PSY) were assessed using the open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST) in mice. Furthermore, we applied a 4 consecutive weeks of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) as a model of depression in rats, followed by a sucrose preference test. Then we examined the possible mechanisms of this action. The activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis was evaluated by detecting the serum corticosterone (CORT) concentrations, and the protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the phosphorylated form CREB and ERK1/2 were detected by qRT-PCR or Western blot. ResultsThe results showed that PS extracts (100, 200mg/kg) and PSY (12.5, 25, 50mg/kg) treatment produced antidepressant-like effects in mice similar to fluoxetine (20mg/kg), indicated by the reduced immobility time in the FST and TST, while both had no influence on the locomotor activity in the OFT. PSY treatment significantly increased sucrose preference and reduced serum CORT levels in CUMS rats. Moreover, PSY up-regulated BDNF protein levels, and increased CREB and ERK phosphorylation levels in the hippocampus on CUMS rats. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the antidepressant-like effects of PS extracts and PSY are mediated, at least in part, by modulating HPA axis, BDNF, CREB and ERK phosphorylation and expression in the hippocampus.

Piper sarmentosum Effects on 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Enzyme in Serum and Bone in Rat Model of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is one of the common causes of secondary osteoporosis. Piper sarmentosum (Ps) extract possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we determined the correlation between the effects of Ps leaf water extract with the regulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type 1 enzyme activity in serum and bone of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporotic rats. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped into following: G1: sham-operated group administered with intramuscular vehicle olive oil and vehicle normal saline orally; G2: adrenalectomized (adrx) control group given intramuscular dexamethasone (120 μg/kg/day) and vehicle normal saline orally; G3: adrx group given intramuscular dexamethasone (120 μg/kg/day) and water extract of Piper sarmentosum (125 mg/kg/day) orally. After two months, the femur and serum were taken for ELISA analysis. Results showed that Ps leaf water extract significantly reduced the femur corticosterone concentration (p < 0.05). This suggests that Ps leaf water extract was able to prevent bone loss due to long-term glucocorticoid therapy by acting locally on the bone cells by increasing the dehydrogenase action of 11β-HSD type 1. Thus, Ps may have the potential to be used as an alternative medicine against osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture in patients on long-term glucocorticoid treatment.

In vivo effect of Piper sarmentosum methanolic extract on stress-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

IntroductionPiper sarmentosum (Piperaceae) is traditionally used by Asians to treat numerous common ailments including asthma, fever and gastritis. The aim of the research was to determine and compare the effects of Piper sarmentosum (PS) with omeprazole (OMZ) on gastric parameters in rats exposed to restraint stress.Material and methodsThe methanolic extract of PS was prepared in the dose of 500 mg/kg. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were assigned to 4 equal sized groups: two control groups and two treated groups which were supplemented with either PS or OMZ orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg body weight respectively. After 28 days of treatment, one control group, the PS and OMZ group were subjected to a single exposure of water-immersion restraint stress for 3.5 h. After the last exposure to stress, the stomach was excised for evaluation of the parameters.ResultsOral supplementation of PS was as effective in preventing the formation of gastric lesion when compared with OMZ (p < 0.05). The increased gastric acidity and MDA due to stress was also reduced with supplementation of PS and OMZ. Only PS had the ability to reduce prostaglandin E2 loss (p = 0.0067) and have the ability to down regulate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression (p = 0.01) with stress exposure.ConclusionsPiper sarmentosum possesses a similar protective effect against stress-induced gastric lesions as omeprazole. The protective effect was associated with decreased lipid peroxidation, increased prostaglandin E2, reduction in gastric acidity and reduction in COX-2 mRNA expression which was altered by stress.

Anticoccidial effect of Piper sarmentosum extracts in experimental coccidiosis in broiler chickens.

To study the anticoccidial effect of Piper sarmentosum extracts (PSE) in experimental broiler coccidiosis, 270 one-day-old Wenchang broiler chickens were randomly assigned to six groups, each with three replicates (n = 15). The six groups were blank control group (BC), negative control group (NC), positive control group (PC), and another three PSE addition groups. Chickens in three control groups were fed a basal diet without PSE supplementation. Chickens in the three PSE addition groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with PSE at 100 (T100), 200 (T200), and 300 (T300) mg/kg of feed, respectively. At 15days of age, chickens in group NC, PC, and three PSE addition groups were challenged with an oral dose of 1 × 10(5) Eimeria tenella oocysts each chick. Chickens in group PC were fed with diclazuril solution in water for 5days after 48h with oocysts inoculation. The results showed that PSE and diclazuril improved growth performance and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased oocysts per gram in inoculated broiler chickens. PSE and diclazuril significantly (P < 0.05) decreased nitric oxide at 6 and 9days post-inoculation relative to the NC group, respectively. At 6 and 9days post-inoculation, PSE supplementation at 200mg/kg in the diet increased concentration of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) (P < 0.05). PSE supplementation at 200mg/kg in the diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased mRNA expressions of IFN-γ and IL-2 in the cecum of chickens at 9days post-inoculation relative to the BC and NC group. The current results showed the anticoccidial properties, and beneficial effect on intestinal mucosa damage of PSE in broiler chickens that had been challenged by coccidiosis.

Chemical composition of Piper sarmentosum extracts and antibacterial activity against the plant pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas fuscovaginae and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

Piper sarmentosum is a cultivated plant that also grows wildly in the South East Asian region. It is well known for its medicinal properties and a variety of active chemical constituents. The control potential of the plant extract against bacterial leaf blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae and sheath brown rot of rice caused by Pseudomonas fuscovaginae was evaluated. The aqueous methanol extracts of fruits and leaves of P. sarmentosum were chemically analyzed using gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS). The results gave the highest best matches of 28 compounds (80.2% of total extracts) in the leaf extract and 24 compounds (89.1% of total extracts) in the fruit extract. The flavonoid fraction 4H-pyran-4-one,2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl- (DDMP) was found to be the major component which constitutes a complex natural product that has been of recent medicinal interest. The extract of the fruit had IC50 of 28.08 and 8.41 mg ml−1 against P. fuscovaginae and X. oryzae, respectively, while the leaf extract had IC50 of 10.42 and 24.69 mg ml−1 against P. fuscovaginae and X. oryzae, respectively.

Piper sarmentosum is comparable to glycyrrhizic acid in reducing visceral fat deposition in adrenalectomised rats given dexamethasone.

Visceral obesity may be due to the dysregulation of cortisol production or metabolism that lead to metabolic disease. In adipose tissue, the enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 regulates cortisol metabolism (11beta-HSD1). A previous study showed an increase in the visceral fat deposition in adrenalectomised rats given intramuscular dexamethasone. Glycyrrhizic acid (GCA) has been shown to reduce fat deposition because it is a known potent inhibitor of the 11beta-HSD1 enzyme. Piper sarmentosum (PS) is an edible medicinal plant commonly used in Asia as traditional medicine for treating diabetes, hypertension and joint pains. In this study, we determined the effects of PS extract on the disposition and morphology of perirenal adipocytes of adrenalectomised rats given intramuscular dexamethasone. A total of 21 male Spraque Dawley rats were adrenalectomised and given intramuscular dexamethasone, 120 μg/kg/day. These rats were further divided into three groups: adrenalectomised control (ADR+Dexa; n=7), GCA-treated (ADR+Dexa+GCA; dose=240 mg/kg/day; n=7) and PS-treated (ADR+Dexa+PS; dose=125 mg/kg/day; n=7) groups. The various treatments were given via gastric gavage following 2 weeks of adrenalectomy. Treatment with PS extract for 8 weeks showed decreased deposition of perirenal adipocytes which was similar to the GCA-treated group. However, PS-treated rats had thinner adipocyte membrane compared with that of the GCA-treated group. In conclusion, PS extract decreased perirenal fat deposition and reduced the diameter of the adipocyte membrane. However, the mechanisms of action needed further study.

Flavonoids of Piper sarmentosum and its cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress.

Abnormalities in endothelial cell structure and function may lead to diseases such as thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis. Previous studies have shown a relationship between a diet rich in flavonoid and a reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Piper sarmentosum (PS) is a plant with high flavonoid content and it possesses antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the flavonoids present in aqueous extract of PS (AEPS) and its cytoprotective effects in oxidative stress-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). AEPS contained high total phenolic content (91.02 ± 0.02 mg QE/g DM) and total flavonoid content (48.57 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g DM). Screening using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique showed the presence of rutin and vitexin as the main flavonoids in AEPS. HUVEC were exposed to 180 µM H2O2 and treated with various concentrations of rutin or vitexin (10 to 400 µM) for 24 hours. Both rutin and vitexin at the concentration of 150-400 µM significantly increased the viability of H2O2-induced HUVEC as denoted by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Therefore rutin and vitexin as the main flavonoids present in PS may be involved in the protective effects of PS against oxidative stress.

Effect of methanolic extract of Piper sarmentosum leaves on neointimal foam cell infiltration in rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet.

Previous research has shown the beneficial effects of aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum (P.s) on atherosclerosis. The first stage in atherosclerosis is the formation of foam cell. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the methanol extract of P.s on fatty streaks by calculating neointimal foam cell infiltration in rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet. Thirty six male New Zealand white rabbits were divided equally into six groups: (i) C: control group fed normal rabbit chow; (ii) CH: cholesterol diet (1 % cholesterol); (iii) PM1: 1 % cholesterol with methanol extract of P.s (62.5 mg/kg); (iv) PM2: 1 % cholesterol with methanol extract of P.s (125 mg/kg); (v) PM3: 1 % cholesterol with methanol extract of P.s (250 mg/kg); (vi) SMV group fed 1 % cholesterol supplemented with Simvistatin drug (1.2 mg/kg). All animals were treated for 10 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the rabbits were fasted and sacrificed and the aortic tissues were collected for histological studies to measure the area of the neointimal foam cell infiltration using software. The thickening of intima ratio of atherosclerosis and morphological changes by scanning electron microscope were measured. The results showed that the atherosclerotic group had significantly bigger area of fatty streak compared to the control group. The area of fatty streak in the abdominal aorta was significantly reduced in the treatment groups which were similar with the SMV group. Similarly, there was a reduction in the number of foam cell in the treatment groups compared to the atherosclerotic group as seen under scanning microscope. In conclusion, histological study demonstrated that the methanol extract of the P.s could reduce the neointimal foam cell infiltration in the lumen of the aorta and the atherosclerotic lesion.

Piper sarmentosum inhibits ICAM-1 and Nox4 gene expression in oxidative stress-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells

BackgroundAqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum (AEPS) is known to possess antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic activities but the mechanism responsible for it remains unclear. In early part of atherosclerosis, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) induces the expression of cellular adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin. NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is the predominant source of superoxide in the endothelial cells whereas superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are the antioxidant enzymes responsible for inactivating reactive oxygen species. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of AEPS on the gene expression of NF-κB, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, Nox4, SOD1, CAT and GPx in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).MethodsHUVECs were divided into four groups:- control; treatment with 180 μM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); treatment with 150 μg/mL AEPS and concomitant treatment with AEPS and H2O2 for 24 hours. Total RNA was extracted from all the groups of HUVEC using TRI reagent. Subsequently, qPCR was carried out to determine the mRNA expression of NF-κB, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, Nox4, SOD1, CAT and GPx. The specificity of the reactions was verified using melting curve analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis.ResultsWhen stimulated with H2O2, HUVECs expressed higher level of ICAM-1 (1.3-fold) and Nox4 (1.2-fold) mRNA expression. However, AEPS treatment led to a reduction in the mRNA expression of ICAM-1 (p < 0.01) and Nox4 (p < 0.05) in the H2O2-induced HUVECs. AEPS also upregulated the mRNA expression of SOD1 (p < 0.05), CAT (p < 0.01) and GPx (p < 0.05) in oxidative stress-induced HUVECs. There was no significant change in the mRNA expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin.ConclusionThe expressional suppression of ICAM-1 and Nox4 and induction of antioxidant enzymes might be an important component of the vascular protective effect of AEPS.

Changes in the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and c-reactive protein following administration of aqueous extract of piper sarmentosum on experimental rabbits fed with cholesterol diet.

BackgroundInflammation process plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum (P.s) on inflammatory markers like vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP).MethodsForty two male New Zealand white rabbits were divided equally into seven groups; (i) C- control group fed normal rabbit chow (ii) CH- cholesterol diet (1%cholesterol) (iii) X1- 1% cholesterol with water extract of P.s (62.5 mg/kg) (iv) X2- 1% cholesterol with water extract of P.s (125 mg/kg (v) X3- 1% cholesterol with water extract of P.s (250 mg/kg) (vi) X4- 1% cholesterol with water extract of P.s (500 mg/kg) and (vii) SMV group fed with 1% cholesterol supplemented with simvistatin drug (1.2 mg/kg). All animals were treated for 10 weeks. Blood serum was taken for observing the inflammatory markers at the beginning and end of the experiment.ResultsRabbits fed with 1% cholesterol diet (CH) showed significant increase in the level of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and CRP compared to the C group. The levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and CRP in the 1% cholesterol group and supplemented with P.s (500 mg/kg) were significantly reduced compared to the cholesterol group. Similar results were also reported with simvistatin group.ConclusionThese results suggest that the supplementation of Piper sarmentosum extract could inhibit inflammatory markers which in turn could prevent atherosclerosis.

Piper sarmentosum enhances fracture healing in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats: a radiological study

INTRODUCTION:Osteoporotic fractures are common during osteoporotic states. Piper sarmentosum extract is known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.OBJECTIVES:To observe the radiological changes in fracture calluses following administration of a Piper sarmentosum extract during an estrogen-deficient state.METHODS:A total of 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups: (i) the sham-operated group; (ii) the ovariectomized-control group; (iii) the ovariectomized + estrogen-replacement therapy (ovariectomized-control + estrogen replacement therapy) group, which was supplemented with estrogen (100 µg/kg/day); and (iv) the ovariectomized + Piper sarmentosum (ovariectomized + Piper sarmentosum) group, which was supplemented with a water-based Piper sarmentosum extract (125 mg/kg). Six weeks after an ovariectomy, the right femora were fractured at the mid-diaphysis, and a K-wire was inserted. Each group of rats received their respective treatment for 6 weeks. Following sacrifice, the right femora were subjected to radiological assessment.RESULTS:The mean axial callus volume was significantly higher in the ovariectomized-control group (68.2±11.74 mm3) than in the sham-operated, estrogen-replacement-therapy and Piper sarmentosum groups (20.4±4.05, 22.4±4.14 and 17.5±3.68 mm3, respectively). The median callus scores for the sham-operated, estrogen-replacement-therapy and Piper sarmentosum groups had median (range, minimum - maximum value) as 1.0 (0 - 2), 1.0 (1 - 2) and 1.0 (1 - 2), respectively, which were significantly lower than the ovariectomized-control group score of 2.0 (2 - 3). The median fracture scores for the sham-operated, estrogen-replacement-therapy and Piper sarmentosum groups were 3.0 (3 - 4), 3.0 (2 - 3) and 3.0 (2 - 3), respectively, which were significantly higher than the ovariectomized-control group score of 2.0 (1 - 2) (p<0.05).CONCLUSION:The Piper sarmentosum extract improved fracture healing, as assessed by the reduced callus volumes and reduced callus scores. This extract is beneficial for fractures in osteoporotic states.

Phytochemical investigations of Piper sarmentosum and Zanthoxyllum gilletii

In the course of our work on anti-inflammatory herbs we investigated extracts of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. (syn. Piper lolot C. DC; Piperaceae) and Zanthoxyllum gilletii (De Wild.) Waterman (syn. Fagara macrophylla (Oliv.) Engl.; Rutaceae). Extracts of Piper sarmentosum are used in traditional Thai and Chinese medicine for the treatment of toothache, oedemas, fever, common cold and rheumatism. [1] In African and traditional Chinese medicine Zanthoxyllum gilletii is applied for the treatment of rheumatism, headache, stomach-ache, and toothache. [2] The dichloromethane extracts of these plants were subjected to phytochemical analysis by combining different chromatographic means like LC, SPE and prep HPLC. A variety of secondary constituents could be isolated and was structurally elucidated using UV, 1D (1H, 13C) and 2D NMR (DQF-COSY, HMBC, HSQC) experiments and mass spectroscopy. From Piper sarmentosum extracts of both, herba and radix et caulis, were prepared. Among the isolated compounds pyrrole and pyrrolidine amides, phenolic compounds, and a new ester of 3-(4′-methoxy-phenyl)-propionic acid were identified. The investigation of the dichloromethane extract of the bark of Zanthoxyllum gilletii revealed the presence of aromatic amides like pyrrole amide (e.g. fagaramide), alkylamides, lignans (e.g. sesamin) and coumarins.