Folk Medicinal Plant Research Articles

Essential oil composition and total metabolite content of a chemotype of Ajuga reptans L. (Lamiaceae) collected in Central Italy

In this work, an interesting application of phytochemistry for ethnopharmacological purposes was reported. In particular, the total phytochemical analysis of a single sample of Ajuga reptans L. (Lamiaceae) collected in Central Italy was carried out in order to provide a rationale for the use of this plant in folk medicine. This analysis was conducted on the volatile oil fraction by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and on the polar one by means of classical column chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance and MS. Thirty-nine volatile components were identified in the essential oil whereas 32 compounds were identified in the polar fraction. All of these are known to exert several beneficial medicinal activities and no potentially toxic compounds were identified such as the neo-clerodane diterpenoids, commonly evidenced in the entire genus. This study could provide a phytochemical rationale for the possible ethnopharmacological use of this specific species.

Chromatographic separation, determination and identification of ecdysteroids: Focus on Maral root (Rhaponticum carthamoides, Leuzea carthamoides).

The review presents general principles for choosing optimal conditions for ecdysteroid separation, identification, and isolation using HPLC/TLC techniques in RP, NP-HILIC or NP modes. Analytics of ecdyteroids pose a still insufficiently resolved problem. Plant-derived ecdysteroids are a point of interest of pharmaceutical industry and sport medicine due to their postulated adaptogenic and anabolic properties. In insects, ecdysteroids regulate larval transformation. Maral root (Rhaponticum carthamoides, Leuzea carthamoides), traditional Siberian folk-medicine plant used as stimulant to boost overall health and fitness, is a particularly rich source of a wide variety of phytoecdysteroids. The similarity of molecular structures of ecdysteroids present in its extracts together with high content of unrelated compounds of similar chromatographic characteristics makes optimization of separation, identification and isolation of ecdysteroids a difficult analytical task. In that respect, two-dimensional separations, two-dimensional separations, 2D HPLC or 2D TLC, could be of use. For identification, the hyphenated techniques are particularly important. Thus, comprehensive overview of MS spectral parameters of ecdysteroids is provided. Described principles could easily be applied for separation of ecdysteroids in extracts from other sources. They are also useful for development of separation procedures for isolation of ecysteroids in preparative-scale applications.

Microscopic characterization and HPTLC of the leaves, stems and roots of Fadogia agrestis – an African folk medicinal plant

Fadogia agrestis Schweinf. ex Hiern (Vangueria agrestis (Schweinf. ex Hiern) Lantz), Rubiaceae, is an African traditional medicinal plant also used as a dietary supplement in the US. The present paper is the first report of the pharmacognostic study of the leaf, stem and root of F. agrestis by microscopy, HPTLC and total phenolic/flavonoid content analyses. Noteworthy microscopic features that can help in identification and quality control are septate and lignified non-glandular trichomes on leaf and stem epidermises, paracytic stomata on leaf abaxial epidermis, numerous cells containing yellow substances of presumably phenolic compounds in leaf and stem, calcium oxalate druses and prismatic crystals in leaf and styloids in stem, primary phloem fibers in stem, brachysclereids in stem and root, spherical starch grains in root, and vessels with vestured pits and simple perforated end walls. In addition to microscopy, a total phenolic/flavonoid content determination and an HPTLC method were also developed for rapid chemical fingerprint analyses of Fadogia samples and dietary supplements.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Entandrophragma over the 50years from 1967 to 2018: a 'golden' overview.

For centuries, the genus Entandrophragma (Meliaceae), endemic to Africa, has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several illnesses. This review deals with large range of phytochemicals from the genus Entandrophragma and their pharmacological potentials covering the period from 1967 to 2018. Phytochemical investigations of the genus Entandrophragma led to the report of about 166 secondary metabolites which have been thoroughly summarized herein including some of their semisynthetic derivatives obtained from chemical transformations as well as their biological activities in the medicinal and agricultural domains. The limonoids or meliacins and their precursor called protolimonoids (protomeliacins) reported so far represent almost 69.28% of the total secondary metabolites obtained from the genus, and they display the most potent biological activities. Collectively, both classes of metabolites constitute the markers of Entandrophragma. However, squalene-type triterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids were reported only from the species E.cylindricum and therefore could be its chemotaxonomic markers. The pharmacological investigations of the extracts of some species exhibited interesting results which support the traditional uses of these Entandrophragma plants in folk medicine. Some compounds revealed promising antiplasmodial and anti-inflammatory activities and deserve therefore further attention for new drug discovery.

Isolation, characterization, and biological evaluation of a potent anti-malarial drimane sesquiterpene from Warburgia salutaris stem bark

BackgroundMalaria continues to be a global burden as the efficacy of most commercial anti-malarial drugs has been compromised by the evolution of parasite resistance. With the urgent need created for the development of alternative and more efficient anti-malarial drugs, this study focused on the evaluation of anti-malarial agents of the Warburgia salutaris stem bark.MethodsThe stem bark was extracted with dichloromethane followed by silica gel column chromatography that led to the isolation of iso-mukaadial acetate, a drimanoid sesquiterpene. This compound was characterized by spectroscopic analysis (1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and MS), and its structure was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. In vitro anti-plasmodial activity was investigated using a chloroquine sensitive NF54 Plasmodium falciparum strain. Cytotoxicity was measured using the MTT assay on HEK239 and HEPG2 cell lines. Chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei was used to infect Sprague–Dawley rats for in vivo studies. The W. salutaris crude extract and iso-mukaadial acetate were administered orally at 0.5; 1.5, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, chloroquine was used as the reference drug. Determination of percentage parasitaemia, haematological parameters, and rat body weights was done throughout the experimental study period.ResultsThe crude extract and iso-mukaadial acetate showed very good activity on the inhibition of parasite growth (IC50 0.01 ± 0.30 µg/ml) and (IC50 0.44 ± 0.10 µg/ml), respectively, with iso-mukaadial acetate having cytotoxicity activity of 36.7 ± 0.8 and 119.2 ± 8.8 (µg/ml) on HEK293 and HEPG2 cells, respectively. The crude extract and iso-mukaadial acetate reduced percentage parasitaemia in a dose-dependent manner in comparison to the control. There were no significant differences in the haematological parameters in all the experimental groups in comparison to control group. This study proves that W. salutaris contains components (including iso-mukaadial acetate) that exhibit anti-malarial activity. This study scientifically validates the use of this plant in folk medicine.ConclusionsThis study proves that Warburgia salutaris contains components (including iso-mukaadial acetate) that exhibit anti-malarial activity and scientifically validates the use of this plant in folk medicine.

Integration of traditional herbal medicines among the indigenous communities in Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu, India

BackgroundEthnobotanical studies are recognized as effective methods of finding locally important plants for discovery of crude drugs. Siddha medicinal system is prevailed in south Indian states principally in Tamil Nadu and gaining recognition as alternative medicine among the indigenous communities for their primary healthcare needs. ObjectivesThe study was aimed to explore and document folk medicinal plant knowledge among the local people in Puliyankudi village of Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and methodsAn ethnobotanical study was carried out during February 2016 to January 2017 among the local people in study area. Traditional healers, traders, local vendors and local people who are practicing herbal medicines were approached for documentation of folk medicinal uses. Acquired results were further analyzed with descriptive statistical methods such as use value (UV) and informant consensus factor (ICF). ResultsDuring the survey, a total 116 plant species from 49 families and 103 genera were recorded to treat 73 types of ailments. Among the plant parts used for preparation of medicine, leaves (73 reports) are often used and predominant method of preparation of medicine is paste (56 reports). Limonia acidissima was reported by all the interviewed informants with an UV of 0.98 and kidney problems have highest ICF value of 0.91. ConclusionPlants with highest use values in the study indicates possible occurrence of valuable metabolites and should be investigated for associated pharmacological activities which leads to development of potential new drugs to treat various ailments.

Cirsimarin, a flavone glucoside from the aerial part of Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense (Regel) Kitam. ex Ohwi, suppresses the JAK/STAT and IRF-3 signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense (Regel) Kitam. ex Ohwi (C. ussuriense) is known as “Dae-Gye” or “Korean milk thistle”. C. ussuriense have long been used as a folk medicinal plant for inflammatory diseases such as hepatitis, nephritis, and mastitis in Korea, China, and Japan. To reveal the anti-inflammatory components of C. ussuriense, we isolated three flavone glycosides (linarin, cirsimarin, and hispidulin-7-O-neohesperidoside) from the aerial part of C. ussuriense and evaluated their inhibitory effects on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators in macrophages. We also investigated the involving molecular mechanisms of cirsimarin. Among three flavone glycosides, cirsimarin showed vastly superior inhibitory potency in LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Cirsimarin concentration-dependently inhibited LPS-induced inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the protein and mRNA levels in macrophages. Cirsimarin suppressed the production and mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 and bone marrow-derived macrophages. Moreover, molecular data presented that cirsimarin down-regulated the phosphorylation of Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcriptions (STATs) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear translocation of interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-3. Collectively, cirsimarin may be an active ingredient responsible for anti-inflammatory effects of C. ussuriense and it may act as a promising therapeutic against inflammatory diseases by suppressing the JAK/STAT and IRF-3 signaling pathway.

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Micromeria pulegium (Rochel) Benth Extract in Human Lymphocytes and Gr-M Melanoma Cells in vitro

Micromeria pulegium (Rochel) Benth. is an endemic species of Lamiacea family that includes frequently used plants in culinary and folk medicine. As cytotoxic potential of some species of Micromeria genus has been confirmed, this study aimed to test unknown antiproliferative and genotoxic potential of M. pulegium, endemic bh species, aqueous leaf extract in normal (human lymphocytes) and cancer (human melanoma GR-M) cells in order to protect small populations of native M. pulegium populations or promote its controlled micropropagation or cultivation. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay was applied for human lymphocyte cultures, while trypan blue exclusion assay was used for evaluation of cytotoxicity in human GR-M melanoma cells. Results demonstrate no genotoxic effects up to concentration of 0.2 mg/ml in human lymphocyte in vitro but significant reduction of cell viability in human GR-M melanoma cell line cultures treated with 0.3 mg/ml of Micromeria extract.

A screening of plants used in Colombian traditional medicine revealed the anti-inflammatory potential of Physalis angulata calyces.

The use of natural products by communities from the Colombian Caribbean region to treat health issues, together with biodiversity and geographical features, constitute a great scenery to develop new therapies based on ethnopharmacological heritage. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of 10 commonly used plants in Colombian folk medicine, evaluating their effect on nitric oxide (NO) production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The most active plant was evaluated in vivo using 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema, along with its effect on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in vitro. The extract of Physalis angulata L. calyces showed the highest activity. This extract was fractionated and its dichloromethane fraction (DF) was the most active in vitro, inhibiting the production of NO, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 (CCL2). In vivo, DF showed a significant inhibition of ear edema and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, with evident reduction of the leukocyte infiltration into tissue. Our results support the ethnopharmacological use of the selected plants in folk medicine. P. angulata dichloromethane fraction represents a promising source of pharmacological compounds with great potential therapeutic use to treat inflammatory illness.

The Effects of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Juice on the Prevention of Stroke by Promoting Production of Nitric Oxide through the Brain of the Spontaneously Hypertensive Stroke Prone (SHRSP) Rats

Morinda citrifolia (Noni) is a traditional folk medicinal plant and has a long history of use as a food and medicine. In order to reveal the effects of Noni fruit juice (NFJ) on stroke prevention, we performed experiments using spontaneously hypertensive stroke prone (SHRSP) rats. NFJ did not change rat body weight, food intake, and water intake. However, both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significantly decreased after NFJ treatment in SHRSP rats. Furthermore, NFJ significantly increased the survival rate, urinary nitric oxide (NO) concentration was significantly higher in the NFJ group, and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation levels increased in the brain after NFJ treatment. Two pathways regulate eNOS phosphorylation: the insulin-dependent pathway and the insulin-independent pathway. For the insulin-dependent pathway, phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and protein kinase B (Akt) did not change in the NFJ group. For the insulin-independent pathway, expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, liver kinase B 1 (LKB1), and silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) significantly increased in the brain of SHRSP rats after NFJ treatment. These data suggested that NFJ prevented stroke by improved blood circulation, increased NO production, and elevated eNOS phosphorylation by stimulating the insulin-independent pathway (Sirt1-LKB1-AMPK-eNOS).

Gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities integrated to chemical composition of Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão - A conservationist proposal for the species

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMyracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Aroeira-do-Sertão), Anacardiaceae, is one of the most used plants in folk medicine in Northeastern Brazil as an anti-inflammatory, healing and antiulcer. This species is threatened with extinction due to anthropogenic exploitation. The importance of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of a conservationist model of replacement of the M. urundeuva adult tree (inner bark) for its under developing plants (shoots) in order to ensure the preservation of this species, but also to ensure sufficient raw material for pharmaceutical purposes. Aim of the studyTo characterize chemically and assess the gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of the fluid extracts from M. urundeuva innebark (adult plant) as well as stem and leaves of shoots (young plant). Materials and methodsThe fluid extracts were prepared by maceration-percolation with hydroalcoholic solution according to the methodology described in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. These extracts were cleaned-up through solid phase extraction (SPE) and chemically characterized by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS). Gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts (700 or 1000 mg/kg) were assessed on ethanol-induced gastric lesions and Croton oil-induced ear edema in rats, respectively. The extracts were evaluated for cytotoxicity in vitro. ResultsThe UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis evidenced the presence of chalcones, flavonoids and tannins. Gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities achieved with fluid extracts from the stems and leaves was similar to inner bark. The fluid extracts were not toxic. ConclusionIt is possible to replace the inner bark of the adult tree for the stems and leaves from the shoots as raw material to be used in the preparation of its the phytotherapeutics. Therefore, this finding may help in the implementation of public policies that ensure the conservation of the species along with its sustainable use for pharmaceutical purposes.

NERIUM OLEANDER: IT’S APPLICATION IN BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCE: A REVIEW

Nerium oleander is an important medicinal plant in Indian folk medicine. It is a potentially lethal plant in many cases and poisoning is reported in tropical and subtropical parts of the world as well as a number of suicidal cases are also prevalent in South Asian countries, especially in India and Sri Lanka. All parts of the plant are toxic and contain a variety of cardiac glycosides which includes neriin, oleandrin, cardenolides, gentiobiosyl and odoroside. This plant species also produce secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids and steroids which have pharmacological applications. The important pharmacological activities are antibacterial, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, immunopotential, anti-pyretic, antioxidant, antifungal, anticancer and anti-HIV activity. This review describes the evidence-based information regarding pharmacological activity as well as phytochemicals of this plant.

Chemical characterisation of Piper amalago (Piperaceae) essential oil by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with rapid-scanning quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC×GC/qMS) and their antilithiasic activity and acute toxicity.

Piper amalago has a distribution from Mexico to Brazil; their aerial parts have been used in folk medicine to treat diuretic and kidney diseases. The purpose of this study was to obtain a deeper understanding of the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) extracted from both the leaves and stems of P. amalago, compare them, and evaluate their antilithiasic activity and acute toxicity. Extraction was performed by hydrodistillation, whereas chemical characterisation by two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with rapid-scanning quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC×GC/qMS). The antilithiasic activity was evaluated by the effect of the EOs on calcium oxalate crystallisation in vitro. The turbidity index and the number of crystals formed were determined and used as an estimative of the activity. In the acute toxicity assay, the effects of a single oral dose of the EOs in Wistar rats were determined. General behaviour, adverse effects, and mortality were determined. A total of 322 compounds were identified in the EOs. The sesquiterpenes displayed the highest contribution in leaves EOs among which included bicyclogermacrene and δ-cadinene. Sesquiterpenes and oxygenated sesquiterpenes displayed the highest contribution in EOs from stems, among which included bicyclogermacrene and α-cadinol. The EOs demonstrated an excellent action on the crystals growth inhibition, and the oral dose tested did not induce significant changes in the parameters for acute toxicity. The oils have a high chemical complexity, and there are differences between their compositions, which could explain the observed differences in antilithiasic activity. The findings support the use of this plant in folk medicine to treat kidney diseases.

Allelopathic effect of the ethanol extract and fractions of the aerial parts of Lippia alba (Verbenaceae)

Lippia alba, belonging to the Verbenaceae family, is one of the most commonly utilized medicinal plants in folk medicine. The allelopathic activity was assessed using seeds of Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Allium cepa (onion) by assessing the growth of the radicle and hypocotyl. The tests showed allelopathic efficiency in inhibiting the growth of lettuce and onion seeds. The best results for allelopathic activity were presented by the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of the fresh plant, which inhibited radicle (23.04–100% lettuce and 64.17–66.36% onion) and hypocotyl (16.77–100% lettuce and 65.10–69.43% onion) formation, and as well as the DCM fraction of the dry plant, which also inhibited radicle (30.74–82.83% lettuce and 63.50–93.67% onion) and hypocotyl (24.12–70% lettuce and 69.07–79.95% onion) formation. Based on these results, it was found that the aerial parts of L. alba are rich in bioactive substances, suggesting the possibility of using of L. alba as a natural herbicide.

In vitro and in silico evaluation of Centaurea saligna (K.Koch) Wagenitz—An endemic folk medicinal plant

Centaurea saligna (K.Koch) Wagenitz is an endemic plant used in Turkish folk medicine as antibacterial, tonic, astringent, choleretic, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, and antipyretic. This study attempts for the first time to assess the possible enzyme inhibitory potential, antioxidant activity, and determine the phytochemical profile of the ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts of C. saligna. The water extract had the highest phenolic content (30.18 mg GAE/g extract) and the most potent oxidant scavenging activity ((120.53, 111.90, 68.43, and 157.88 mg TE/g extract, for CUPRAC [cupric reducing antioxidant capacity], FRAP [ferric reducing antioxidant power], DPPH [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl], and ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid] assays respectively)). The water extract (4.16 mg KAE/g extract) also inhibited tyrosinase and contained high level of catechin (214 μg/g extract). Ethyl acetate extract showed potent inhibitory capacity against cholinesterases (2.22 and 2.21 mg GALAE/g extract for acetyl and butyryl cholinesterase, respectively) and α-glucosidase (23.80 mmol ACAE/g extract). High concentration of apigenin (2472 μg/g extract) was identified in the ethyl acetate extract. In silico studies showed that apigenin binds to the enzymatic pocket of α-glucosidase and is stabilised by a network of hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking. Data collected in the present study advocates the need for further investigation geared towards validation of C. saligna for the management of complications related to the target enzymes, such as diabetes type II, Alzheimer’s disease, and epidermal hyperpigmentation.

Evaluation of the anthelminthic potential of Duranta erecta L. (Verbenaceae) fruits used in Nigerian ethnomedicine as a vermifuge

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDuranta erecta L. fruits have been reported to have in vitro anthelminthic properties. People living in the tropical South-Eastern part of Nigeria use the plant in folk medicine for the treatment of malaria, abscesses and as a vermifuge. Although there are a few reports about its in vitro anthelminthic activity against different worm categories, scientific reports regarding its in vivo anthelminthic activity are limited. Aim of the studyThis study was designed with the aim of determining the potential of the plant as an anthelminthic and to verify the claims made by its local users. Materials and methodsAcute toxicity of the plant extract was determined using Lorke's method. Anthelminthic activity was investigated using adult male albino mice experimentally infected with Heligmosomoides bakeri infective L3. Graded ascending doses of the plant extract and Albendazole respectively were orally administered to the mice in the infected groups. Corprological and haematological parameters were recorded within the study period. Twenty-eight (28) days post-infection, all infected mice were humanely sacrificed and the Post-Mortem Adult Worm Burden (WB) was estimated and recorded. ResultsThe results showed that the extract had an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg BW and therefore was not acutely toxic for oral use. It also showed that the plant extract was unable to eliminate the faecal egg output or adult worms in the gastrointestinal tract of infected animals even at the high doses used in the study. This was in contrast to Albendazole which significantly (p < .05) reduced faecal egg counts and worm burdens by 71% and 92% respectively in treated mice. Following infection, there was anaemia in all infected groups seen from results of erythrocytic parameters. Treatment with the plant extract, regardless of the dose, was unable to effectively reverse the effect of parasite infection on erythrocytic parameters. However, treatment with Albendazole positively reversed the anaemia, restoring the mice to pre-infection values by the end of the experiment. The results showed significant (p < .05) increase in WBC counts across all groups following infection with the parasite. Treatment with the plant extract and Albendazole respectively, significantly (p < .05) reduced the WBC counts to near pre-infection values in most treatment groups. ConclusionAs a result of the poor anthelminthic effects recorded in the study, it is therefore recommended that Duranta erecta L. fruits be explored for its other useful effects rather than as an anthelminthic.

Antimicrobial Constituents from Leaves of Dolichandrone spathacea and Their Relevance to Traditional Use

AbstractFive new compounds, three iridoid glycosides (1-3) and two triterpenoid saponins (4, 5), along with thirty-two known compounds were isolated from the methanolic extract of the leaves of Dolichandrone spathacea. This traditional medicinal plant is widely used in Asia and India as antiseptic, for bronchitis and thrush treatment, and the methanolic extract has been shown to possess antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The new iridoids were esterified derivatives of 6-ajugol and 6-catalpol, and the new saponins were glucosides of two polyhydroxy triterpenes with ursan skeleton. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments and HR-ESI-MS analysis, and from comparison with the literature. This study aimed at investigating extracts and isolated compounds for their antimicrobial activities against bacterial and yeast strains, in order to validate the uses of the plant in folk medicine. The 6-O-esterified iridoids had weaker antibacterial activity; verbascoside and p-methoxycinnamic acid, the major compounds of the methanol extract, possessed strong antibacterial activity, which could account for the traditional antiseptic and anti-infectious uses of the leaves of D. spathacea.

Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. is an Outstanding Food Medicine: Review of Phytochemical and Pharmacological Activities.

Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. (Lamiaceae) is a valued medicinal plant in traditional folk medicine. Many pharmacological studies have demonstrated the ability of this plant to exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotection, antigenotoxic, antiplasmodial, cytotoxic, cardioactive, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory activies. This review is a comprehensive summary of the presently available chemical, pharmacological investigations as well as the traditional and therapeutic uses of this plant. Important and different experimental data have been addressed along with a review of all phytochemicals identified in this plant, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oils. O. stamineus has wide traditional and pharmacological uses in various pathophysiological conditions. Therefore, it is an attractive subject for further experimental and clinical investigations.

A Review of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Characteristics of Moringa oleifera.

Moringa oleifera is a valued medicinal plant in traditional folk medicine. Many pharmacological studies have shown the ability of this plant to exhibit analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anticancer, antioxidant, nootropic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, anti-ulcer, cardiovascular, anti-obesity, antiepileptic, antiasthmatic, antidiabetic, anti-urolithiatic, diuretic, local anesthetic, anti-allergic, anthelmintic, wound healing, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antidiarrheal properties. This review is a comprehensive summary of the phytochemical and pharmacological activities as well as the traditional and therapeutic uses of this plant. M. oleifera has wide traditional and pharmacological uses in various pathophysiological conditions. We will review the various properties of M. oleifera (drumstick tree) and focus on its various medicinal properties. We think that it is an attractive subject for further experimental and clinical investigations.

Effects of Antrodia camphorata and Panax ginseng supplementation on anti-fatigue properties in mice.

Antrodia camphorata and Panax ginseng are well-known medicinal plants in Taiwan folk and traditional Chinese medicine, which have been reported for multifunctional bioactivities. However, there is limited evidence that a fixed combination formula of these two plant extracts is effective for the exercise improvement or anti-fatigue. We aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of the mix formulation of these two herbal medicines (AG formulation) on fatigue and ergogenic functions following physiological challenge. Male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice from four groups (n=10 per group) were orally administered AG formulation for 4 weeks at 0.984, 2.952 and 5.904 g/kg/day, which were designated the Vehicle, AG-1X, AG-3X and AG-6X groups, respectively. The anti-fatigue activity and exercise performance were evaluated using exhaustive swimming time, forelimb grip strength, and levels of serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatine kinase (CK) after a swimming exercise. The exhaustive swimming time of the 1X, 3X or 6X AG group was significantly longer than that of the Vehicle group, and the forelimb grip strength of the 1X, 3X or 6X AG group was also significantly higher than that of the Vehicle group. AG supplementation also produced decreases in serum lactate, ammonia, BUN and CK activity after the swimming test, as well as increases in glucose. Therefore, the AG complex could be a potential formulation with an anti-fatigue pharmacological effect.