Folk Medicinal Plant Research Articles

AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF RASA PANCHAKA (ATTRIBUTES) OF FOLK MEDICINAL PLANT Andrographis Macrobotrys Nees

Background and Objective: Folk medicinal plants are densely found in India which needs to be thorough-ly studied and documented. Andrographis Macrobotrys (Nees) is an erect, stout herb of Acanthaceae fami-ly is used in the treatment of snake bite, diarrhea, muscle pain, fever, jaundice, liver disorders and skin dis-ease by the tribes of Kerala. According to the principles of Ayurveda, basis for use of drug is by analysing its Rasapanchaka (attributes) namely rasa (taste), guna (qualities), vipaka (taste after digestion), virya (po-tency), and prabhava (special action). Hence assessment of Rasapanchaka is necessary for thorough knowledge of the drug. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka and prabha-va of Andrographis Macrobotrys Nees. Methods: Rasa of whole plant was assessed by direct perception by administering test drug to 25 volun-teers. Virya was assessed by exothermic and endothermic reaction of the drug with water in different con-centrations. Vipaka, guna and prabhava were determined through animal experimental study by adminis-tering drug to 12 Wistar Albino rats. Result and Conclusion: The assessment of study on rasapanchaka reveals that test drug possess Tiktha (bitter) rasa, Kashaya (astringent) anurasa, laghu (light), ruksha (dry), ushna (hot) guna, katu (pungent) vipaka, sheetha (cold) virya, pachana (digestive), lekhana (scraping) karma (action).

Biochemical profile and bioactive potential of thirteen wild folk medicinal plants from Balochistan, Pakistan.

The recent focus is on the analysis of biological activities of extracts from thirteen folk medicinal plants from arid and semi-arid zones of Balochistan, Pakistan. Only a small proportion of them have been scientifically analyzed. Therefore the present investigation explores the biochemical and bioactive potential of different plant parts. Superoxide dismutase was detected maximum in Fagonia indica, (184.7±5.17 units/g), ascorbate peroxidase in Tribulus pentandrus (947.5±12.5 units/g), catalase and peroxidase were higher in Peganum harmala (555.0±5.0 and 2597.8±0.4 units/g, respectively). Maximum esterase and α-amylase activity was found in Zygophyllum fabago (14.3±0.44 and 140±18.8 mg/g, respectively). Flavonoid content was high in T. pentandrus (666.1±49 μg/ml). The highest total phenolic content and tannin was revealed in F. olivieri (72125±425 and 37050±1900 μM/g, respectively). The highest value of ascorbic acid was depicted in F. bruguieri (F.b.N) (448±1.5 μg/g). Total soluble proteins and reducing sugars were detected higher in P. harmala (372.3±54 and 5.9±0.1 mg/g, respectively). The maximum total antioxidant capacity was depicted in Tetraena simplex (16.9±0.01 μM/g). The highest value of lycopene and total carotenoids exhibited in T. terrestris (7.44±0.2 and 35.5±0.0 mg/g, respectively). Chlorophyll contents were found maximum in T. pentandrus var. pterophorus (549.1±9.9, 154.3±10, and 703.4±20.2 ug/g, respectively). All taxa exhibited anti-inflammatory activity and anti-diabetic potential. Z. eurypterum seeds exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory potential (96%), along with other taxa indicated (96–76%) activity when compared with the standard drug diclofenac sodium (79%). Seeds of T. pentandrus (85%) exhibited the highest anti-diabetic activity. The other taxa also exhibited inhibitory activity of α-amylase ranging from (85–69%) compared with Metformin (67%) standard drug. Phytochemical screening revealed that selected taxa proved to be the potential source of natural antioxidants and could further be explored for in-vivo studies and utilized in pharmaceutical industries as potent therapeutic agents validating their ethno-pharmacological uses.

Anti-migration and Anti-invasion Abilities of Methanolic Leaves Extract of Clerodendrum Inerme on Lung Cancer Cells

Background: Clerodendrum inerme is a folk medicinal plant used in the treatment of various illnesses such as a cough, scrofulous infection, venereal infection, skin diseases and tumors. It exhibited many pharmacological effects including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-oxidant and anticancer properties. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of methanolic extract of C. inerme leaves on migration, invasion and adhesion activities on human lung adenocarcinoma. Materials and methods: Cytotoxicity, cell motility, migration, invasion and adhesion abilities were detected by MTT, wound healing, trans-well mobilization, modified Boyden chamber and cell adhesion assay, respectively. Results: The results demonstrated that up to 400 μg/mL methanolic leaves extract has low toxicity on A549 cells showing more than 50% cell viability. At non-cytotoxic and sub-toxic doses (200 and 400 μg/mL) of methanolic leave extract significantly suppressed cell motility, migration, invasion and cell adhesion compared with the untreated control. Conclusion: These results suggested that methanolic leaves extract of C. inerme inhibited migration, invasion and adhesion of A549 cells. These findings showed new therapeutic potential for C. inerme in anti-metastatic therapy.

Ducrosia spp., Rare Plants with Promising Phytochemical and Pharmacological Characteristics: An Updated Review.

The rare genus Ducrosia (Apiaceae family) consists of six species, which are mainly native to Asia, specifically to Iran and Iraq. The aerial parts of D. anethifolia, as the most common species, have been traditionally consumed to relieve headache, backache and colic pain, and have also been used as an anxiolytic, an antidepressant, and for treating insomnia. The antispasmodic and carminative effects of D. assadii, and the analgesic activity of D. flabellifolia, along with the insecticidal activities and use as a remedy of skin infections of D. ismaelis, have been previously documented. Among the 49 non-volatile secondary metabolites identified from D. anethifolia and D. ismaelis, 17 linear furanocoumarins and 8 flavonoids have been characterized. The essential oil compositions of four species, including D. anethifolia, D. assadii, D. flabellifolia and D. ismaelis, have been analyzed, whereby aldehyde hydrocarbons, including decanal (10.1–74.0%) and dodecanal (7.2–33.41%), and α-pinene (4.0–70.3%), were identified as the main aroma constituents. From the species of the genus, the bioactivities of D. anethifolia, as well as D. ismaelis, D. assadii and D. flabellifolia, have been previously investigated. Except one clinical trial, all the pharmacological data are derived from preclinical tests, predominantly focusing on antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities in vitro, and neuroprotective, antidiabetic and analgesic effects in vivo. Considering the vast ethnobotanical uses of the plants in Iranian folk medicine, the phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of un-investigated species might be promising. Furthermore, due to extensive consumption of the Ducrosia genus, more scientific data are needed to support the safety and efficacy of these plants.

Anti-inflammatory norhopanes from the root bark of Fagaropsis angolensis (Engl.) H.M.Gardner

Two new norhopane derivatives namely 3β,6β,22-trihydroxy-7β,11α-di[(4-hydroxybenzoyl)oxy]-21αH-24-norhopa-4(23)-ene (1) and 3β,6β,22-trihydroxy-7β-[(4-hydroxybenzoyl)oxy]-21αH-24-norhopa-4(23)-ene (2) together with two previously reported compounds, including a norhopane, 3β,6β,11α-trihydroxy-7β-[(4-hydroxybenzoyl)oxy]-24-norhopa-4(23),17(21)-diene (3) and a norneohopane, (21αH)-24-norneohopa-4(23), 22(29)-diene-3β,6β,7β-triol 7-caffeate (4) were isolated from the root bark of Fagaropsis angolensis. Elucidation of their structures was achieved by spectroscopic (NMR, IR and UV) and spectrometric (HRESIMS) data and by comparison of these data with those of related compounds in the literature. Compounds 1–4 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the levels of cytokines, IL-1β, IL-2, GM-CSF and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). All tested compounds decreased secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α. Compounds 2 and 4 caused significant decrease of the production of IL-2, GM-CSF and TNF-α compared to the reference drug, ibuprofen. These findings showed that the root barks of F. angolensis are rich source of norhopane derivatives and further provide a scientific rationale of using this plant in Kenyan folk medicine to relieve pain.

Assessment of total phenolic content and antioxidant potentiality of selected Indian folk medicinal plants by spectrophotometric method

Natural antioxidant capacity of five important folk medicinal plants measured in vitro. Total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoid content (FC) and free radical scavenging capacity of ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Lippia alba (LA), Annona squamosa (AS), Hyptis suaveolens (HS), Commiphora wightii (CW) and Milletia pinnata (MP) was assessed using spectrophotometric method. Folin ciocalteu and aluminium chloride method employed to optimise TPC and FC. Free radical scavenging potentiality of leaf extracts was assessed using Ferrous ion chelation (FIC), 2, 2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) scavenging, Hydroxyl (OH•) radical scavenging (HRS) and Superoxide (O- 2) radical scavenging (SRS) methods. Results revealed that the TPC (96.22±5.85 to 519.23±34.90 ?g GAE/gm dry weight) were found significant in aqueous extracts from all the plants except AS (p<0.05). For FC (?g QCE/gm dry weight), ethanol was found optimum for LA (463.94±6.49), CW (289.99±2.70) and MP (347.47±4.50) whereas, aqueous was found more appropriate for rest two plants were found significant instead of ethanol and methanol (all p<0.05). The lowest IC50 (?g/ml) were recorded from A. squamosa (27.72±8.95), H. suaveolens (27.78±0.88), C. wightii (27.18±0.16) and M. pinnata (27.30±0.03). All plants have reflected a high antioxidant capacity; however, the highest antioxidant activity was reported from ethanolic extract of H. suaveolens followed by L. alba, A. squamosa, C. wightii and M. pinnata. Hence, these studies show that all folk medicinal plants contain potential antioxidant bioactive compounds.

Characterization of the complete plastid genome sequence of Breynia fruticosa (L.) Müll.Arg. (Phyllanthaceae), a traditional Chinese medicine plant

Breynia fruticosa (L.) Müll.Arg. is a well-known folk medicinal plant and found abundantly in South China. The complete chloroplast genome of B. fruticosa reported firstly here was 155,630 bp in length, including a large single-copy region with 85,065 bp (LSC), a small single-copy region with 19,441 bp (SSC) and a pair of inverted repeats with 25, 562 bp (IRa and IRb). The plastome was comprised of 112 distinct genes, with 78 protein coding genes, four ribosomal RNA genes and 30 transfer RNA genes. The overall GC content of B. fruticose chloroplast genome was 36.7%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that B. fruticosa was closely related to Glochidion fruticosa.

FOLK THERAPIES IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS B

Hepatitis B is a fairly serious disease caused by the HBV virus and has a fairly rapid spread of it. When infected with this virus, patients often have some symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue. The number of people infected with this virus in the world in general and in Vietnam is at an alarming rate, which is considered to be an infectious disease that affects the liver and often happens silently, with few obvious symptoms. Clearly, it is difficult for doctors to detect the disease. As the disease progresses to the chronic stage, patients are at high risk for conditions such as cirrhosis, and even life-threatening liver cancer. The virus is transmitted through a variety of routes including blood sugar and unsafe sex and the disease can also be transmitted from mother to infant. Although there is a hepatitis B vaccine now, there are still many patients with the disease. In addition to Western medicine treatment, many herbal remedies for hepatitis B are also effective. The use of folk medicinal plants is also encouraged by its quite effective effect. The essence of these ingredients will slowly penetrate the liver cells and promote their ability to treat as well as help treat the damage caused by hepatitis B, while enhancing function and activity of the liver. The article discusses the advantages of this treatment as well as the natural ingredients so it is quite safe, does not cause side effects even when applied for a long time. These medicinal herbs are quite easy to find, often available around us, so save a lot of money for patients. Therefore, this is the recommended treatment for patients in the early stages, the symptoms are still simple.

Vitex negundo Linn.: phytochemical composition, nutritional analysis, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity

Vitex negundo (VN) is a widely used plant in folk medicine, namely for the treatment of jaundice, wounds, body ache, toothache, asthma, eye pain, and migraine. These effects have been increasingly attributed to its chemical composition. Here, we assessed the VN chemical and nutritional composition and biological activity, with particular emphasis on antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. VN methanol and hexane extracts revealed the presence of important phytochemical, such as terpenoids, polyphenol, steroids, saponins, phenolic compound and flavonoids. Total phenolic content of VN methanol extract from bark was 1082.473 mg/g GAE and that of leaves was 1382.984 mg/g GAE. The total flavonoids content in VN methanol extract from VN bark was 127.744 mg/g QE and that of leaves was 123.776 mg/g QE. VN methanol extract from bark exhibited high antioxidant effects (IC50=38.47 ppm). The content (%) of ash, moisture, crude fiber, crude protein and fat in VN leaves was, respectively, 7.86%, 18.35%, 6.52%, 9.687% and 6.19%. VN leaves methanol extract revealed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition halos being, respectively, 13 mm and 14 mm, and the MBC values were found to be 1.562 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively. Similarly, VN bark methanol extract led to inhibition halos of 18 mm and 15 mm for B. subtilis and S. aureus, respectively, and the MBC values were found to be 2.372 mg/mL and 0.245 mg/mL. GC-MS analysis of the VN bark methanol extract revealed that monoolein was the major compounds, with an area of 0.57%. Thus, our results encourage the potential use of VN as a medicinal product, with high protein contents, and prominent antioxidant and anti-bacterial effects.

Unmasking the Many Faces of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia L.): A Fresh Look on its Phytochemical and Medicinal Properties.

Plants have been used to treat health disorders and prevent diseases since antiquity in all civilizations including the Indian and Chinse. Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants in Indian folk medicine and is commonly known as the "Heart-leaved Moonseed" or "Guduchi". Giloy is a perennial shrubby creeper of the Menispermaceae family. It is native to the tropical areas of India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Sothern Eastern Asia, Africa, and Australia. It attracted attention in the last few decades because its roots, stems, and leaves are used in folk medicine treating several disorders. To reveal its potential, we reviewed the literature on this plant over the last five decades using several search engines. Giloy is recommended in diabetes, stomachache, jaundice, urinary problems, skin ailments, and prolonged diarrhea and dysentery. The medicinal properties of T. cordifolia extracts were attributed to its phytochemical content including steroids, alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, and glycosides. In this review, we summarized the phytochemical content of T. cordifolia and its medicinal properties with special emphasis on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities. We aimed to provide natural product researchers with a full picture of the potential applications of this plant in the development of food additives and nutraceuticals.

Halk Hekimliğinde Holistik/Bütüncül Yaklaşım: Üzerlik Otu (Peganum Harmala) Örneği

Üzerlik otu (peganum harmala) tarihin çeşitli dönemlerinde özellikle hastalık tedavilerinde ve geleneksel olarak nazardan korunmak için kullanılan bir bitkidir. Bu yazıda, çeşitli kültürlerden ve özellikle Anadolu'dan örnekler verilerek, üzerlik bitkisinin (otunun) halk hekimliğinde kullanımı başta olmak üzere, halk kültüründeki farklı kullanım alanlarının değerlendirmesi yapılmaktadır. Holistik yaklaşım, tedavi pratiklerini öncelikle ruh ve beden bütünlüğünde inceler. Halk hekimliği alanı, bu alandaki uygulamaları şifalı bitkiler ve dinsel-büyüsel pratikler olmak üzere iki alanda sınıflandırır. Ancak, üzerlik otu hem şifalı bitkiler içinde hem de inanca dayalı uygulamalar kapsamında özel bir örnektir. Bu nedenle bu yazıda üzerlik otunun halk hekimliğindeki kullanımı holistik yaklaşım çerçevesinde değerlendirilmektedir. Hastalık sağaltma ve nazardan korunma dışında farklı kültürlerde üzerlik otunun zararlı böceklerden korunma, süs eşyası olarak kullanılma, tütsü olarak yakılma gibi amaçlarla kullanıldığı da gözlenmektedir. Halk hekimliği ve etnobotanik araştırmaları üzerlik bitkisinin sağlık alanındaki kullanımına ilişkin önemli bilgiler vermektedir. Bu çalışmada Ankara'ya bağlı ilçelerin köyleri/mahalleleri başta olmak üzere yaptığımız saha araştırmaları verilerinden yola çıkarak ilişkili bilim dallarının araştırmaları ile Anadolu'da günümüzdeki kullanımları ve yaygınlığı konusundaki veriler sunulmaktadır.

Chemical constituents with cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activity in Hypericum sampsonii and the antitumor potential under the view of cancer-related inflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceChronic inflammation has an important role in the development of cancers. Hypericum sampsonii, known as “Yuanbao Cao”, is mainly distributed in the southwest of China. As a folk medicinal plant, “Yuanbao Cao” is traditionally used for treatment of various inflammation-related diseases including swelling, burns, arthritis, and dermatitis, etc. The plant is a promising anticancer herb. However, there is no research on the antitumor potential of this plant from the view of cancer-related inflammation strategy. Aim of the studyTo explore the H. sampsonii in relation to cancer-related chemical constituents with anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity in cancer-related inflammation. Materials and methodsThe chemical constituents of H. sampsonii were isolated by repeated chromatography techniques, and their structures were identified mainly by spectroscopic methods and compared to published data. The chemical profile of the herb was analyzed using HPLC. The cytotoxicities of compounds against five cancer cell lines: human melanoma cell (A375), human breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231), human gastric cancer cell (SGC-7901), human colon cancer cell (SiHa), and human bone marrow neuroblastoma cell (SHSY–5Y), were tested using MTT assay; their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by inhibition on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7, THP-1 and BV-2 microglial cells. ResultsTwenty-five compounds, including four phenols (1–4), two anthraquinonoids (5 and 6), six xanthones (7–12), one benzophenone (13), one phloroglucinol (14), nine flavonoids (15–23), one sterol (24) and one alkaloid (25), were isolated from the EtOH extract of H. sampsonii. Of them, compounds 3, 4, 6, 7, 10–14, 17, 19, 22 and 23 were reported in H. sampsonii for the first time. HPLC analysis showed that flavonoids were the main constituents in the herb. MTT assay revealed that compounds 1, 2, 5–14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22 and 25 had selective cytotoxic activities (IC50: 7.52–158.90 μM) against tested cancer cells, in which compound 5, 6, 13 and 14 displayed high activities against A375, MDA-MB-231, SiHa and SHSY-5Y. In the screening experiment of anti-inflammatory activity, most compounds (1–2, 5–23) showed considerable high anti-inflammatory activities (IC50: 10.59–42.75 μM), in which compounds 5, 6, 13, 14, and 15 exhibited high anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7, THP-1 and BV-2 microglial cells. ConclusionsCompounds 3, 4, 6, 7, 10–14, 17, 19, 22 and 23 were isolated for the first time from H. sampsonii. Compound 5, 6, 13 and 14 displayed high cytotoxic activities against the tested cancer cell lines. Compounds (1–2, 5–23) showed anti-inflammatory activities, of them, compounds 5, 6, 13, 14 and 15 exhibited the high activity. From the view of cancer-related inflammation point, not only the compounds with high cytotoxicity, but those compounds with anti-inflammatory activities, especially the flavonoids, contribute to the antitumor potential of H. sampsonii. The results and viewpoint of present study provide a different insight to better understand the antitumor potential of H. sampsonii, and may also promote the reasonable usage of this folk medical herb.

Treatment with Momordica charantia Fractions Disrupts Energy Metabolism and Elevated Reactive Oxygen Species’ Generation in Human Lung and Breast Cancer Cell Lines

The mechanism of action of mitochondrial targeted anti‐cancer drugs relies on their ability to disrupt the energy producing systems of cancer cell mitochondria. Momordica charantia (MC), an acclaimed anticancer plant in folk medicine, is here investigated for the probable mechanism by which it kills cancer cells. The ethyl acetate (D3), n‐hexane (D4) and dichloromethane (D5) fractions were obtained from the Crude Water‐Soluble extract (CWSE) of MC via solvent partitioning and then administered on MDA‐MB 436 and A549 cells at 100 and 125 μg/mL for 24 h. Cytofluorometric techniques, using TMRM and H2DCF‐DA as fluorescent probes were employed to assess the effect of MC on mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation respectively, while ATP levels were measured using the luciferin‐luciferase reaction. Mean respiring cell numbers obtained from Dot graphs and Histograms were further analyzed, yielding significant (P<0.05) MMP depressions only at 125μg/mL in both MDA‐MB 436 (43.08±2.33) and A549 (24.84±2.51) cells treated with D3 in comparison with untreated cells (175.8±6.13 and 131.7±11.21 respectively). In the same vein, only MDA‐MB 436 cells treated with D3 and D5 at 100 and 125 μg/mL significantly elevated ROS levels in comparison with untreated (100.0±2.16) cells; the highest generation being 332.1±3.20, seen in D3‐treated cells at 125 μg/mL. Furthermore, all fractions (D3‐D5) tested on A549 cells at 100μg/mL and 125μg/mL generated significantly higher levels of ROS compared with the untreated (42±4.50) group. The highest observed levels of generated ROS were seen at 125μg/mL in the D5‐treated cells (536±4.00). For intracellular ATP generation, significant (P<0.05) depletion was observed in both MDA‐MB 436 cells [only at 125μg/mL of D3 (80.63±4.70) compared with the control group (106.7±5.69)] and A549 cells [D3 at 125 μg/mL (43.68±0.13) < D5 at 125 μg/mL (52.56±4.16) < D3 at 100 μg/mL (59.84±5.39) compared with the control group (98.57±0.66)]. On the whole, this study suggests that the tested fractions of MC induced a mitochondrial‐dependent cell death in selected cancer cell lines.Support or Funding InformationOrganization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)

Terminalia catappa L. infusion accelerates the healing process of gastric ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTerminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae), known as “amendoeira da praia” in Brazil, has been recognized as a medicinal plant in folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and other inflammatory conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the preventive and healing effects of the infusion of leaves of T. catappa (ILTC) against gastric lesions caused by ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury and characterize its mechanism of action in the gastric mucosa of rats. Materials and methodsDifferent doses (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) of ILTC were orally administered as acute and subacute treatments against I/R-induced gastric lesion in rats. After treatment, the stomach of rats was collected to measure the lesion area, redox parameters malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) and inflammatory parameters myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMPs 2 and 9) were assessed by zymography method to clarify the mechanisms of the healing acceleration promoted by ILTC. ResultsPretreatment with ILTC (100 mg/kg) was effective in preventing the aggravation of lesions in the acute model by reducing MPO activity by 38% relative to control group, despite the lack of clarity of this action at the macroscopical level at the lesion area (p < 0.05). After three days of treatment with ILTC (30 and 100 mg/kg), this infusion significantly reduced the lesion area by 95% and 89%, respectively, compared the control (p < 0.05). The gastric healing effect of all doses of ILTC was followed by a reduction in MPO activity (decrease by 70–78%). Compared to the negative control, an improvement in gastric healing owing to treatment with ILTC was observed and this was followed by an increase in MMP-2 (20–47%) (p < 0.05). ConclusionThree days of treatment with ILTC could accelerate the healing process in I/R-induced lesions in rats. By decreasing MPO levels, ILTC enabled the action of MMP-2, which led to tissue recovery in the gastric mucosa.

Effects of Beta-Carboline Alkaloids of Peganum Harmala on Induced Rat Ileum Contractions

Peganum harmala L., Zygophyllaceae popularly known as Wild Syrian rue, a well-known plant in folk medicine for many pharmacological uses including antispasmodic activity. Chemical composition of the plant showed that the most important constituents of this plant are betacarboline alkaloids such as harmalol, harmaline, and harmine. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the effects of these three major harmala alkaloids on induced rat ileum contractions, induced by acetylcholine, BaCl2 and KCl. Of these three harmala alkaloids, harmalol and harmaline produced a concentration-dependent spasmolytic activity, which was found to be reversible (i.e. disappeared after tissue wash-up. Both alkaloids inhibited acetylcholine and KCl-induced ileum contractions but BaCl2 -induced contractions were only inhibited by harmalol but not harmaline. Harmine did not show any inhibitory activity.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ЭЛЕМЕНТНОГО СОСТАВА РАСТЕНИЯ CHAMERION ANGUSTIFOLIUM И ЕГО ПИЩЕВОЙ ЦЕННОСТИ ДЛЯ ЧЕЛОВЕКА

Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub., the family Onagraceae (kipreyny), is an herbaceous plant that grows abundant in the wild of Eurasia and North America, since the 16th century widely used in fresh and dried form as a medicinal plant in folk medicine, and in fermented form for the preparation of infusions (tea drinks). It is known from scientific publications that 61 elements have been found in the mineral component of this plant, the content of which depends on the area of its growth. At the same time, most works provide results of determination of gross content of elements, on the basis of which many researchers refer to Ch. angustifolium to a possible source of vital human elements. It does not take into account that many of these elements cannot be fully absorbed by the body during digestion. During this work by means of a mass spectrometry method with the inductive and connected plasma (ISP-MS) the maintenance of 25 the elements, most important for the person was studied (Al, B, V, Fe, I, K, Cd, Ca, Co, Si, Li, Mg, Mn, Cu, As, Na, Ni, Sn, Hg, Pb, Se, Sr, P, Cr, Zn). These elements are converted into a water-soluble form in the conventional method of preparing a tea beverage from dry veg-etable raw materials - Ch leaves. angustifolium collected in 2018 in the wild in the territory of the Nizhnevartovsky district of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District - Ugra, as well as comparison of the obtained results with reference values of standards of adequate daily consumption of human elements. As a result, Ch was found to be in the leaves. angustifolium the most important elements for human nutrition are manganese and magnesium, contained in the amount of 3.3%/g and 1.1%/g (respectively) of daily consumption of these elements by adults. This plant raw material is not toxic to humans since the known daily level of human toxicity in Ch leaves. angustifolium as defined will primarily be achieved by manganese (0.33%/g) and potassium (0.22%/g). The remaining elements reach less than 0.1% of the known daily toxicity level, or have no toxic effect on humans at all when ingested with food.

Chamomile: A Review

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is common composite spices and herbs that used worldwide. They contain flavonoids and hydroxycinnamates that are potentially beneficial to human health. They are used as home spices, health foods, and herb teas and their extracts are used in some pharmaceutical preparations. It is a highly favored and much used medicinal plant in folk and traditional medicine. This article briefly reviews the medicinal uses along with botany and cultivation techniques. Since chamomile is a rich source of natural products, details on chemical constituents of essential oil and plant parts as well as their pharmacological properties are included. Chamomile is used mainly as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, also antispasmodic and mildly sudorific. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. There are few adverse effects in children. However, children who are allergic to ragweed, asters, and chrysanthemums should use chamomile with caution. Researchers indicated that the pharmacological effect of German chamomile is mainly connected with its essential oils. Environmental conditions and stresses can alter active substances of chamomile. This review focuses on Extraction, uses, and Chemical constituent with their activity of Chamomile.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL OINTMENTS FROM EUPATORIUM GLANDULOSUM HORT. EX KUNTH

Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of an ointment prepared from alcohol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform extracts of Eupatorium glandulosum Hort. ex Kunth.&#x0D; Methods: The dried plant materials of E. glandulosum were individually extracted using alcohol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform by Soxhlet method. These three different types of extracts were used for the preparation of ointment and evaluated for the phytochemicals, pH, homogeneity, spreadability, tube extrudability, stability, and antimicrobial activity. The activity of prepared ointments was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis and the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ointments of plant extracts was performed by cup plate methods. The most effective antimicrobial ointment was determined by comparing the results of the zone of inhibition of all the ointments of each solvent extract.&#x0D; Results: The antimicrobial activity of optimized formulation was showed significant activity against the tested bacterial pathogens.&#x0D; Conclusion: The present study confirmed the antimicrobial activity of the formulations. Furthermore, it can use as a potential dosage form for clinical utility. The results are the justification for the use of the plant in folk medicine.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

The protective effects of Thalictrum minus L. on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury.

Thalictrum minus L., a Mongolian folk medicinal plant, was applied for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infection, tuberculosis and lung inflammation. The present work aims to elucidate the protective effects of Thalictrum minus L.(TML) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury and the underlying mechanisms. The mice model of acute lung injury was induced by LPS via endotracheal drip, and TML (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) were administered orally 1 h prior to LPS. The efficacy and molecular mechanisms in the presence or absence of TML were investigated. We demonstrated that treatment with TML aqueous extract protected the mice from acute lung injury induced by LPS administration. TML significantly inhibited weight loss in mice, decreased the lung wet to dry weight (W/D) ratios and attenuated lung histopathological changes, such as infiltration of inflammatory cells and coagulation, pulmonary edema. Furthermore, we found that TML markedly reduced the LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), decreased nitric oxide (NO), and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and effectively ameliorated LPS-induced increased total protein, leukocyte and macrophages in BALF. In addition, TML pronouncedly suppressed the activation of the MAPKs p38-NLRP3/caspase-1 and COX2, increased the expression of p-AMPK-Nrf2, and suppressed the expression of KEAP, apoptotic-related protein as well as autophagy. These results suggested that TML ameliorated LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines and reducing oxidative damage associated with the MAPKs p38-NLRP3/caspase-1 and COX2 signaling pathways, AMPK-Nrf2/KEAP signaling pathways, as well as apoptosis and autophagy.

Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from Ethanolic Extracts of Leaves of Annona muricata: A Green Nanobiotechnology Approach

Introduction: The biological green synthesis of nanoparticles via nanobiotechnology processes have a significant potential to boost nanoparticles production without the use of harsh, toxic, and expensive chemicals commonly used in conventional physical and chemical processes. Annona muricata, a tropical plant belonging to family Annonaceae is one of the most used plants in folk medicine because of its many medicinal uses and therefore presents a strong candidate for use in green synthesis.&#x0D; Aims: The aim of this study was to optimize a method for the synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) from ethanolic extracts of leaves of Annona muricata as well as to characterize the green synthesized AgNPs.&#x0D; Methodology: AgNPs were synthesized from Annona muricata leaves using AgNO3 solution. The AgNPs were characterized using spectroscopy and microscopy techniques.&#x0D; Results: The formed AgNPs had an absorption maximum at 429 nm using UV–Visible spectroscopy and were stable under different pH, temperature, and storage conditions. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed the different functional groups responsible for the synthesis and stabilization of the AgNPs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a spherical nature of the synthesized AgNPs. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis showed presence of Ag, O, and Cl with Ag having the highest composition at 60%. X-Ray Diffraction and Dynamic Light Scattering revealed a crystalline nature of AgNPs with an average size of 87.36 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.16 respectively. Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis further confirmed the crystalline and spherical nature of the AgNPs.&#x0D; Conclusion: In this article, an efficient, eco-friendly and low-cost method for the synthesis and recovery of stable AgNPs using Annona muricata leaves ethanolic extracts as both a reducing and capping agent has been reported for the first time. The synthesized AgNPs could be promising candidates for many biomedical, clinical, engineering, and polymer applications.