Potentilla Fulgens Research Articles

Analysis of Genomic DNAs from Nine Rosaceae Species Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of genomic DNA was used to determine genetic relationships and species identification of nine plants from three subfamilies of Rosaceae. Genomic DNA was extracted, and the SERS spectra were obtained by using a nanosilver collosol at an excitation wavelength of 785 nm. Adenine and ribodesose were the active sites of genomic DNAs in the silver surface-enhanced Raman spectra. The strong peak at 714 cm(-1) was assigned to the stretching vibration of adenine, the strong peak at 1011cm(-1) contributed to the stretching vibration of the deoxyribose and the scissoring vibrations of cytosine, and the strong peak at 625 cm(-1) is the stretching vibration of glycosidic bond and the scissoring vibrations of guanine. The three-dimensional plot of the first, second, and third principal components showed that the nine species could be classified into three categories (three subfamilies), consistent with the traditional classification. The model of the hierarchical cluster combined with the principal component of the second derivative was more reasonable. The results of the cluster analysis showed that apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) and cherry (Prunus seudocerasus Lindl.) were clustered into one category (Prunoideae); firethorn (Firethorn fortuneana Li.), loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.), apple (Malus pumila Mill.), and crabapple (Malus hallianna Koehne.) were clustered into a second category (Pomoideae); and potentilla (Potentilla fulgens Wall.), rose (Rosa chinensis Jacd.), and strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis Duchesne.) were clustered into a third category (Rosoideae). These classifications were in accordance with the traditional classification with a correction rate of clustering of 100%. The correct rate of species identification was 100%. These five main results indicate that the genetic relationship and species identification of nine Rosaceae species could be determined by using SERS spectra of their genomic DNAs.

Effects of Potentilla Fulgens as Prophylactic Agent in Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

El objetivo fue investigar los efectos protectores de Potentilla fulgens sobre la lesion por isquemia-reperfusion en ratas albinas Wistar (n= 30) con un peso de 180 g. En el grupo 1, los animales fueron sometidos a laparotomia simulada sin lesion por isquemia-reperfusion. En el Grupo 2, los animales fueron sometidos a laparotomia y oclusion de las arteria mesenterica superior durante 30 min seguido de 20 min de reperfusion sin pretratamiento. El grupo Potentilla fulgens recibio 400 mg/kg/dia de P. fulgens por via intraperitoneal 5 dias antes de la lesion por isquemia-reperfusion. Hubo diferencias significativas entre el grupo de grupo con isquemia-reperfusion y el tratado con Potentilla fulgens (p<0,0001). En el analisis estadistico del nivel de malondialdehido (MDA), los datos se obtuvieron despues de una medicion respectiva en todos los grupos. Los grupos Potentilla fulgens y con isquemia-reperfusion tuvieron una disminucion significativade MDA (p<0,0001). En el periodo despues de la isquemia-reperfusion, se observo inmunorreactividad del marcador PCNA en los nucleos de las celulas de las criptas y vellosidades. En el grupo de isquemia-reperfusion, la inmunoreactividad a PCNA fue bastante avanzada y se extendio a lo largo de la parte media de los plieges intestinales. Tambien aumento el numero de nucleos positivos a TUNEL. En el grupo isquemia-reperfusion tratado con P. fulgens, el epitelio intestinal mostro pocos nucleos inmunorreactivos a PCNA; nucleos positivos a TUNEL se observaron en el lumen intestinal y la mucosa, cerca de las celulas caliciformes diferenciadas. Demostramos que el extracto de P. fulgens disminuye significativamente lesiones de la mucosa intestinal causadas por la isquemia-reperfusion.

Neuroprotective effects of Potentilla fulgens on spinal cord injury in rats: an immunohistochemical analysis.

This examination was performed to research the advantage of the antioxidant impact of Potentilla fulgens on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. In the SCI model of this examination, the tolerably serious lesion was performed at the L1-L2 spinal segmental level. SCI animals were given P. fulgens 400 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally. At 7 days post-lesion, exploratory rats were executed after intraperitoneal administration 7 ketamine HCL (0.15 mL/100 g body weight). Spinal cord specimens were taken for histological examination or assurance of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and myelope- roxidase (MPO) action. SCI caused a remarkable decline in spinal cord GSH content, trailed by noteworthy increments in MDA levels and MPO action. Degenerative changes in some multipolar and bipolar nerve cells and pyknotic changes in the nuclei of glial cells were likewise noticed. Remarkable development was seen in cells and vascular structures of P. fulgens treated groups when contrasted with untreated groups. Potentilla fulgens application may influence angiogenetic impro- vement in vein endothelial cells, reduce inflammatory cell aggregation by influ- encing cytokine system and may make apoptotic nerve cells and neuroprotective component in glial cells.

Induction of Apoptosis and Reduction of Endogenous Glutathione Level by the Ethyl-Acetate Soluble Fraction of the Methanol Extract of the Roots of Potentilla fulgens in Cancer Cells

Potentilla fulgens root traditionally used as a folk remedy in Meghalaya, India. However, systematic evaluation of its anticancer efficacy was limited. We investigated the anticancer potentials of the various extracts prepared by partitioning of the methanol extract of the root with the aim to discover major contributing factors from the most effective fractions. Methanol extract of P. fulgens roots (PRE) was prepared by maceration which was subsequently fractionated into hexane, ethyl-acetate (EA) and n-butanol soluble fractions. Various assays (clonogenic assay, Flow cytometry analysis, western blot, semiquantitative RT-PCR and the level of endogenous glutathione) were used to evaluate different parameters, such as Cell survivability, PARP-1 proteolysis, expression pattern of anti-apoptotic and γ-glutamyl-cysteine synthetase heavy subunit (GCSC) genes in both MCF-7 and U87 cancer cell lines. Since the EA-fraction showed most efficient growth inhibitory effect, it was further purified and a total of nine compounds and some monomeric and dimeric flavan-3-ols were identified and characterized. Three compounds viz., epicatechin (EC), gallic acid (GA) and ursolic acid (UA) were taken on the basis of their higher yield and 10 μg/ml of each was mixed together. The concentration used in this study for PRE, EA- and Hex-fraction was 100 μg/ml, which was higher than the IC50 value. Apoptotic cell death in the PRE, EA-fraction and EC+GA+UA treated cancer cell cultures was significantly greater than in normal cells due to suppression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 following treatment. Depletion of glutathione by downregulating GCSC was also observed. Induction of apoptosis and lowering the level of glutathione are considered to be positive activity for an anticancer agent. Therefore, modulation of GSH concentration in tumor cells by PRE and its EA-fraction opened up the possibility of a new therapeutic approach because these plant products are not harmful to normal cells and may regulate the tumor cellular response to different anticancer treatments. Thus, it would be interesting to examine efficacy of these plant products or EA-fraction in human cancer treatment.

Bioinspired Nanotheranostic Agents: Synthesis, Surface Functionalization, and Antioxidant Potential.

Bioinspired synthesis of nanomaterials is highly advantageous as a natural and cost-effective resource. Development of noble metal nanotheranostic agents was achieved through bioinspired synthetic routes. These biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by various analytical techniques including absorption spectroscopy, FTIR and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). A large number of medicinal plants were screened, among which Potentilla fulgens (PF, vajradanti) and Camellia sinensis (CS, green tea) were found to produce nanomaterials with higher yields. Plant (PF and CS) mediated metallic nanoparticles had added advantage of metal reduction and simultaneous phytochemical capping over chemically synthesized procedures, which require multiple reagents. Antioxidant potential of the nanomaterials was determined by in vitro antioxidant assays confirming substantial antioxidant properties, which was due to the presence of phytochemicals on the nanoparticle surface. Flavonoids and catechins on the nanomaterial surface served as the supplier of hydroxyl groups for further derivatization. The surface of the nanoparticles was engineered by conjugating imaging and therapeutic moieties, resulting in the formation of theranostic nanoagents. The multimodal agents were characterized and the extent of drug loading was determined to validate the efficacy of those nanoconjugates. These bioinspired multimodal nanoprobes can serve as essential diagnostic and therapeutic tools in ongoing biomedical research.

Bio-synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Potentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook. and its therapeutic evaluation as anticancer and antimicrobial agent.

The present study aims to develop an easy and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extracts from the medicinal plant, Potentilla fulgens and evaluation of its anticancer and antimicrobial properties. The various parts of P. fulgens were screened and the root extract was found to have the highest potential for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The root extracts were able to quickly reduce Ag(+) to Ag(0) and stabilized the nanoparticles. The synthesis of nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Visible spectrophotometry and further characterized using Zeta sizer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Electron microscopic study showed that the size of the nanoparticle was in the range of 10 to 15 nm and spherical in shape. The studies of phytochemical analysis of nanoparticles indicated that the adsorbed components on the surface of nanoparticles were mainly flavonoid in nature. Furthermore, nanoparticles were evaluated as cytotoxic against various cancer cell lines and 0.2 to 12 μg/mL nanoparticles showed good toxicity. The IC50 value of nanoparticles was found to be 4.91 and 8.23 μg/mL against MCF-7 and U-87 cell lines, respectively. Additionally, the apoptotic effect of synthesized nanoparticles on normal and cancer cells was studied using trypan blue assay and flow-cytometric analysis. The results indicate the synthesized nanoparticle ability to kill cancer cells compared to normal cells. The nanoparticles also exhibited comparable antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Amylolytic activity and its parametric optimization of an endophytic bacterium Bacillus subtilis with an ethno-medicinal origin

AbstractAmylolytic enzymes are a starch hydrolyzing important group of industrial enzymes with a multi-dimensional utility. In the present study, endophytic bacteria were isolated from Potentilla fulgens Wall. and screened for their amylolytic activity. Out of total 13 endophytic bacteria isolated, 3 of them showed positive results for amylolytic activity, i.e. production of halo zone against blue background in starch-containing media. The most promising isolate was identified as Bacillus subtilis subsp. inaquosorum PR

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of Potentilla fulgens roots by NMR, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation with time-of-flight MS, electrospray ionisation MS/MS and HPLC/UV.

Potentilla fulgens is a commonly used folk medicine by natives of northeast India, Nepal and Bhutan and is rich in polyphenolic and triterpene constituents. To identify chemomarkers in the roots of P. fulgens by an interplay of (13)C-NMR, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation with time-of-flight (MALDI/TOF) MS, electrospray ionisation (ESI) MS/MS and HPLC/UV. The (13)C-NMR spectrum of crude methanolic extract was recorded in deuterated dimethyl sulphoxide. For MALDI/TOF/MS analysis, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid was used as the matrix. For determination of chemical constituents, two independent simple isocratic HPLC/UV methods for monomeric/oligomeric flavanols and triterpene acids were developed and validated. The (13)C-NMR spectrum of the methanolic extract indicated the presence of B-type oligomeric polyphenolics containing mainly epicatechin/catechin (epicat/cat) and epiafzelechin/afzelechin (epiafz/afz) as the monomeric units. Several isobaric monomeric and oligomeric flavanols and triterpenoids were tentatively identified by MALDI/TOF/MS and ESI/MS/MS. Fourteen compounds (four monomeric and five dimeric flavanols and five triterpene acids) were isolated using repeated column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC, and were quantitated using HPLC/UV. It is evident from these analyses that roots of P. fulgens contain flavans, including oligomeric flavanols, as major constituents followed by triterpene acids. The methods described can be applied to other Potentilla species to identify their constituents.

Ultrastructures of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using endophytic fungi

Three endophytic fungi Aspergillus tamarii PFL2, Aspergillus niger PFR6 and Penicllium ochrochloron PFR8 isolated from an ethno-medicinal plant Potentilla fulgens L. were used for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic analysis were performed to study the structural morphology of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. The electron microscopy study revealed the formation of spherical nanosized silver particles with different sizes. The nanoparticles synthesized using the fungus A. tamarii PFL2 was found to have the smallest average particle size (3.5±3nm) as compared to the nanoparticles biosynthesized using other two fungi A. niger PFR6 and P. ochrochloron PFR8 which produced average particle sizes of 8.7±6nm and 7.7±4.3nm, respectively. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) technique in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy was used for the elemental analysis of the nanoparticles. The selected area diffraction pattern recorded from single particle in the aggregates of nanoparticles revealed that the silver particles are crystalline in nature.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial potency of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by using an endophytic fungus, Cryptosporiopsis ericae PS4

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with an average particle size of 5.5 ± 3.1 nm were biosynthesized using an endophytic fungus Cryptosporiopsis ericae PS4 isolated from the ethno-medicinal plant Potentilla fulgens L. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), selective area electron diffraction (SAED), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy analysis. Antimicrobial efficacy of the AgNPs was analyzed singly and in combination with the antibiotic/antifungal agent chloramphenicol/fluconazole, against five pathogenic microorganisms--Staphylococcus aureus MTCC96, Salmonella enteric MTCC735, Escherichia coli MTCC730, Enterococcus faecalis MTCC2729, and Candida albicans MTCC 183. The activity of AgNPs on the growth and morphology of the microorganisms was studied in solid and liquid growth media employing various susceptibility assays. These studies demonstrated that concentrations of AgNPs alone between 10 and 25 μM reduced the growth rates of the tested bacteria and fungus and revealed bactericidal/fungicidal activity of the AgNPs by delaying the exponential and stationary phases. Examination using SEM showed pits and ruptures in bacterial cells indicating fragmented cell membrane and severe cell damage in those cultures treated with AgNPs. These experimental findings suggest that the biosynthesized AgNPs may be a potential antimicrobial agent.

Invitro anti-mutagenic potential of potentilla fulgens: A western himalayan plant

Invitro anti-mutagenic potential of different extracts/fractions of Potentilla fulgens has been made by an Ames histidine reversion assay using TA98 and TA100 tester strains of Salmonella typhimurium against the direct-acting mutagens, 4-Nitro-O-phenylenediamine (NPD) and Sodium azide. P. fulgens has been used in traditional system of medicine as anti-hyperglycemic, hypoglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic agent. Results indicated that n-butanol and water fractions showed strong inhibition activity against the mutagens (NPD, Sodium azide) in both co-incubation as well as pre-incubation treatments in TA98 and TA100 tester strains.

Evaluation of safety and protective effects of Potentilla fulgens root extract in experimentally induced diarrhea in mice.

Aim:The roots of Potentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook. (Rosaceae) have been used in the indigenous system of medicine in Northeast India to treat diarrhea. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and protective effects of P. fulgens root extract in experimentally induced diarrhea in mice.Materials and Methods:The protective effects of P. fulgens root extract was investigated against experimentally induced diarrhea in mice, using four experimental models, that is the measurement of fecal output, castor oil model, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) enteropooling assay, and gastrointestinal transit test. The safety assessment of root extract was done in mice on the basis of general signs and symptoms of toxicity, food water intake and mortality of animals following their treatment with various doses of extract (100-3200 mg/kg). In addition, the serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, cholesterol and total protein of experimental mice were also monitored to assess the toxicity of root extract.Results:In the safety assessment studies, P. fulgens root extract did not showed any visible signs of toxicity, but mortality was observed in a single animal at 3200 mg/kg dose of extract. The extract also did not showed any adverse effects on the studied serum parameters of experimental animals. In the antidiarrheal tests, administration of 800 mg/kg dose of extract to mice showed 50% protection from diarrhea evoked by castor oil. In addition, the extract also showed 29.27% reduction in PGE2-induced intestinal secretion as compared with 30.31% recorded for loperamide, a standard antidiarrheal drug.Conclusions:The results of this study indicate that P. fulgens root extract possesses significant antidiarrheal properties. Therefore, the roots of this plant can be an effective traditional medicine for protection from diarrhea.

Two new stereoisomeric antioxidant triterpenes from Potentilla fulgens

The roots of Potentilla fulgens have been used for a long time as a folk remedy for many ailments without having information on its pharmacological action. Of the various extracts prepared by partitioning of the methanol extract, the ethyl acetate fraction was found to possess better antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. The degree of reduction in cloning efficiencies of MCF-7 cell lines was more with ethyl acetate than with hexane fraction of the root-extract. Hence, this fraction was further purified and nine compounds, including two new ursane type triterpenoids Fulgic acid A (4) and Fulgic acid B (5), were identified and characterized. Other compounds were identified as ursolic acid, euscaphic acid, corosolic acid, epicatechin, catechin, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and gallic acid. Chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, especially ESIHRMS and 2D NMR techniques. The new compounds showed good antioxidant activity and therefore this plant can be a source of natural antioxidants.

Evidence of apoptosis in Raillietina echinobothrida induced by methanolic extracts of three traditional medicinal plants of Northeast India

The therapeutic benefits of medicinal plants in terms of anthelmintic properties are known since time immemorial in India, particularly among natives of the Northeast India. However, only sporadic and scarce reports on scientific validation of these plants are available. The present study was conducted on the cestode Raillietina echinobothrida, to establish whether the anthelmintic activity of Potentilla fulgens, Alpinia nigra and Millettia pachycarpa was mediated by apoptosis or not. Light microscopic observation following MTT assay revealed the highest percentage of inhibition of viability among the worms by methanol extract of M. pachycarpa (89.33%), followed by A. nigra (65%) and P. fulgens (37%). Ultrastructural observations revealed swelling of mitochondria, disruption of mitochondrial membrane, vacuolization of mitochondria, appearance of apoptotic bodies in the cytoplasm, disintegration of nuclear membrane and nucleolus were very common throughout the tegument. DAPI stained specimens showed typical morphology of apoptosis, like nuclear condensation and fragmentation in the extracts treated parasites. A decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential was also recorded in the treated groups. Confirmatory TUNEL assay and DNA fragmentation assay of the extracts treated parasites also confirmed the apoptotic nature of cell death and is concluded to be responsible for paralysis and death of the parasite.

Quality control standardization of the roots of Potentilla fulgens Wall.: A potent medicinal plant of the Western Himalayas and North-eastern India

Background & aimsPotentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook. (PF) (Family: Rosaceae) is a shrub growing at high altitudes (1800-4350 m ASL) of the Western Himalayas. Traditionally, the roots of the plant are used to treat diabetes, peptic ulcers, diarrhoea, anthelmintic and cancer. The objective of the present study is to scientifically develop a standard monograph for PF on the basis of the pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. MethodsThe quality control standardization was performed as per the standard methods provided in World Health Organization for standardization of medicinal plants and Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. ResultsMorphologically, the roots are cylindrical, elongated and tapering towards the end, dark brown and astringent to bitter in taste. Histologically, the matured root showed the formation of secondary growth with wood formation. Physicochemical standards quantified are foreign organic matter (1.50%), loss on drying (14.43%), total ash (8.60%), acid insoluble ash (3.02%), water soluble ash (1.37%), alcohol soluble extractive (30.80%), water soluble extractive (18.40%), foaming index (142.85), swelling index (5.5), haemolytic index (89.47) and pesticide residue content was also estimated. The powdered drug characterization showed the presence of lignified xylem vessels with annular and reticulate thickenings, bordered pit tracheids, simple, druse type calcium oxalate crystals, compound starch grains and slender shaped fibres. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of polyphenolics (phenolics, tannins, flavonoids), steroids, saponins, sugars, and amino acids. Quantification of phytoconstituents in the extract was done spectrophotometrically which includes total phenolics (177.4 mg/g tannic acid equivalent, TAE), tannins (115.3 mg/g TAE), flavonoids (21.4 mg/g rutin equivalent, RE), flavonols (5.7 mg/g RE), saponins (41.2 mg/g diosgenin equivalent, DE), sapogenins (20.3 mg/g DE) and carbohydrates (52.6 mg/gD-fructose equivalent). Quantification of epicatechin in the root extract by HPTLC analysis was also carried out and was found to be 9.52% (w/w). ConclusionIn conclusion, the present study will provide necessary information for the proper identification of the crude drugs.

α-Glucosidase inhibitory terpenoids from Potentilla fulgens and their quantitative estimation by validated HPLC method

Potentilla fulgens is used extensively in traditional system of medicine and as a food additive for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and other ailments. The present study was aimed to isolate and identify the constituents with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The methanolic extract demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase. Fractionation and purification by silica gel column chromatography and HPLC led to the isolation of five terpenes, namely, hyptadienic acid, tormentic acid, rosamultic acid, 2α,19α-dihydroxy-3-oxo-12-ursen-28-oic acid β-d-glucopyranoside ester and kajiichigoside F1 for the first time from this plant. Among these hyptadienic acid, which is an A-ring contracted triterpenoid, was found to be the most potent against α-glucosidase. This suggests that the A-ring contracted triterpenes may serve as a class of triterpenes with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Also, identification of enzyme inhibitory activity of these constituents explains the traditional use of P. fulgens in the management/treatment of diabetes. Quantitative estimation of the compounds was performed using HPLC and the method was validated.

Gastroprotective activity of ethanolic root extract of Potentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook

Ethnopharmacological relevancePotentilla fulgens (Wall.) ex Hook. (Rosaceae) is a potent medicinal plant of the Western Himalayas, known under the name “Himalayan Cinquefoil or Bajradanti”, and has been used traditionally to treat ailments including peptic ulcers, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, diabetes and cancer. ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to scientifically evaluate the gastric-ulcer protective effect of P. fulgens ethanolic root extract (EPF) on experimental rats. Material and methodsThe gastroprotective activity of EPF was evaluated on four gastric-ulcer models such as pyloric ligation (PL), ethanol (EtOH), cold restrain stress (CRS) and aspirin (ASP)-induced gastric ulcers. The gastric acid obtained from 4h PL-induced gastric ulcer rats was determined for total volume content, pH and total acid–pepsin output. Total carbohydrates and protein ratio, expressed as index of mucin activity, and DNA content were estimated in the gastric juice and gastric mucosal tissue. The microvascular permeability, H+K+–ATPase activity, gastric mucus and histamine content were also determined. The levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) and malondialdehyde in the stomach tissue (mucosal scrapings) were quantified. A histopathological study of the stomach was evaluated using eosin–haematoxylin stain. ResultsEPF (200–400mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant protection against acute gastric-ulcer induced by EtOH, PL and CRS (400mg/kg, p.o.), but was found to be ineffective against ASP-induced ulcerogens. The effect of EPF on gastric juice studies in 4h PL rats significantly produced an increased level in gastric pH, whereas the effect on gastric volume and acid–pepsin output was observed to decrease significantly. However, EPF was found to have no significant effect on the defensive factors, thus revealing its antisecretory property by inhibiting the aggressive factors. EPF, significantly decreased the histamine level, inhibited the H+K+–ATPase activity and prevented the microvascular injury caused by ethanol in the rat stomach. Moreover, it was also observed to have antioxidant effects by producing a significant increase in the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH and decreased the LPO activity. Histopathological studies showed that EPF significantly prevented gastric lesions caused by ethanol. ConclusionsThe present study showed that EPF has potent gastroprotective and antisecretory effects, thus justifying the traditional usage of this herb to treat gastric ulcers.

Niche characteristics of dominant species in Napahai wetland plant communities under different disturbance regimes

2011年5、7、10月在纳帕海湖滨湿地选择3种不同人为干扰生境类型,每个干扰生境布设3个固定样方,对湖滨湿地植物群落中主要种群的空间生态位和季节特征进行研究.结果表明:在3种干扰水平维度上,春、夏、秋3个季节湖滨湿地植物生态位宽度指数前4位由大到小变化的顺序分别是:春季:绵毛酸模叶蓼(0.9731) >华扁穗草(0.8040) >平车前(0.6468) >毛果弹裂碎米荠(0.5021);夏季:平车前(0.8674) >荠(0.8581) >华扁穗草(0.8440) >绵毛酸模叶蓼(0.7814);秋季:华扁穗草(0.9698) >绵毛酸模叶蓼(0.7730) >平车前(0.6650) >西南委陵菜(0.6647).因此,湖滨湿地植物的生态位宽度在不同干扰水平上会随着季节的变化出现显著的改变.同样,生态位重叠和生态位分化随着季节的变化也会发生明显的改变,其中春、秋季的生态位重叠程度低,分化程度高,且春季较秋季略强,而夏季的生态位重叠程度高且分化程度低.这些结果为揭示纳帕海湖滨湿地植物群落格局与动态及人为干扰影响生物多样性的生态过程提供了基础资料,同时为进一步深入研究不同人为干扰下湖滨湿地植物群落中主要种群敏感性反应的规律提供了科学依据.;This study investigated the spatial and seasonal niche characteristics of the dominant wetland plants in Napahai wetand.Under each disturbance regime,three plots were selected in 2011,and the data were collected in May,July,and October of the year.The results showed that there was a seasonal variation in species niche values under three different disturbance regimes.In spring,the order of the variation in niche breadth (from the highest to the lowest) is Polygonum lapathifolium (0.9731) >Blysmus sinocompressus (0.8040) >Plantago depressa(0.6468) >Cardamine impatiens (0.5021).In summer,the order is changed into Plantago depressa(0.8674) >Cardamine impatiens (0.8581) >Blysmus sinocompressus (0.8440) >Polygonum lapathifolium (0.7814).In fall,the order is Blysmus sinocompressus (0.9698) >Polygonum lapathifolium (0.7730) >Plantago depressa (0.6650) >Potentilla fulgens (0.6647).Similarly,niche overlap and niche differentiation also alter remarkably with seasons.The lowest niche overlap and the highest niche differentiation occur in spring and fall,whereas the highest niche overlap and the lowest niche differentiation occur in summer.Our results provide important information in regard to plant community composition,structure,dynamics,and diversity in Napahai wetland under different disturbance regimes,and help the understanding of the sensitivity of varying wetland plants in responses to different disturbances.

Ultrastructural and Biochemical Alterations in Rats Exposed to Crude Extract of Carex baccans and Potentilla fulgens

The use of plants as a source of medicine is an important component of the health care system in rural India. Carex baccans (Cyperaceae) and Potentilla fulgens (Rosaceae) have been known since ancient times in northeast India for their antitumor, antidiabetic, and antihelmintic properties. The present study was designed to determine the subacute toxicity profile of the root tuber extract of C. baccans and root-peel extract of P. fulgens in Wistar rats. The subacute oral toxicity was conducted using sublethal doses of 40, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 400 mgkg-1 body weights. Surface topographical and ultrastructural observations of liver and intestinal microvilli showed remarkable deformation and disruption, accompanied by quantitative changes in the liver enzymes, i.e., aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in comparison to those of the control group. Apoptotic cell death was observed in the liver cells of rats exposed to both of the plant extracts. A significant increase in splenic lymphocyte count was also observed in rats exposed to the highest concentration of both extracts. The results showed that consumption of the plant extracts at higher doses may cause toxicological effect if treatment continues for a long time.

Electron microscopic observations on the alterations of tegumental surface of Raillietina echinobothrida treated with root‐peel extract of Potentilla fulgens

Potentilla fulgens, a member of the family Rosaceae, has been known since ancient times in Northeast India for its antiparasitic, antitumour and antidiabetic properties. The crude ethanolic extract of the plant was assayed against Raillietina echinobothrida, the intestinal cestode parasite of domestic fowl to authenticate the putative anthelmintic efficacy and cestocidal potential in particular of the plant. Treatment of the worm in-vitro with 25, 50 and 100 mg of crude extract per ml of phosphate buffered saline caused paralysis leading to death taking 4.02-4.20, 3.05-3.75 and 2.05-2.83 h respectively. Scanning electron microscopic observations on treated worms revealed deformation of surface architecture, particularly in scolex and surface microtriches. Severe distortion and disorganization of the tegumental and subtegumental layer along with cytoplasmic organelle was also observed under transmission electron microscope. The possible use of the plant as a potential anthelmintic against cestode parasite is discussed.