Scaber Extract Research Articles

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Mitracarpus scaber extracts for the treatment of infectious disease: synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory efficacy

Objective: Due to the need for better treatments for infectious disorders, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of Mitracarpus scaber (M.scaber) extracts were assessed in this study. Methods: AgNPs were synthesized from 0.1M AgNO3 solution using M.scaber aqueous and ethanolic extracts as capping and reducing agents. FTIR, UV-VIS, FESEM and XRD studies were used to analyze the generated AgNPs. The Agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate their antibacterial activity against E. coli, while egg albumin and carrageenan-induced paw oedema assays were used to measure the anti-inflammatory activity of silver nanoparticles of aqueous and ethanol extracts of M.scaber (A.AgNPs and E.AgNPs). Result: The formation of A.AgNPs and E.AgNPs at λ max = 425 nm and 410 nm, respectively, were demonstrated by UV–vis spectroscopy. The XRD pattern showed that the crystalline phase of silver and the generation of A.AgNPs and E.AgNPs were well aligned. Agglomerated A.AgNPs and E.AgNPs with particle sizes ranging from 5 to 20 nm were seen in the FESEM micrograph. The antibacterial activity result showed that, in a dose-dependent manner, A.AgNPs had a significantly (P<0.05) higher antibacterial activity against E.coli than E.AgNPs.The anti-inflammatory activity result showed that, following the fourth hour of the experimental setup, 100 mg/kg of A.AgNPs with peak effect (24.46 % inhibition) and 50 mg/kg of E.AgNPs with peak effect (18.11 % inhibition) produced the greatest inhibition of oedema development caused by carrageenan and egg albumin injection respectively. Conclusion: The present work, therefore, concludes that A.AgNPs and E.AgNPs have potential value in the management of infectious diseases.

Assessing the therapeutic potential of Elephantopus scaber extract in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway

Elephantopus scaber, globally acknowledged for its edible and medicinal uses, remains underexplored despite the identification of active compounds. This research explores Elephantopus scaber extract's therapeutic capabilities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Initial in vitro screenings using the MTT assay revealed that ethanol extract (EEES) inhibited HCC cell proliferation while exhibiting low toxicity to normal cells. Further explorations showed EEES induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and inhibited cell metastasis. A bioinformatics analysis using a network pharmacology approach identified the PI3K/Akt pathway as a key modulation for EEES's anti-HCC activities, validated through western blot analysis. In animal studies, EEES demonstrated the ability to inhibit HCC tumor growth in vivo with a high level of safety. In summary, our research positions Elephantopus scaber as a potent herb with anti-HCC activities and remarkable safety, offering promising prospects for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases, including HCC.

Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber) crude extract induces polyploidy in shallot root (Allium cepa war ascalonium (L))

This study investigates the impact of induction time and concentration of Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber) crude extract on the effectiveness of polyploidy in shallot root (Allium cepa var ascalonium (L). Several parameters were observed, including the mitotic index of cells, the type of polyploidy, percentages of polyploidy cells, and the morphological changes in the polyploid shallot root (Allium cepa var ascalonium (L)) cell. Variations in the concentration of Elephantopus scaber extract were used namely 0% (control), 10%, 20%, and 30% in 100 ml of distilled water. The response variable was the percentages mitotic index formed. Control variables were the type of onion, the size of the onion, the extracted E. scaber variety, the extract volume, and the environmental conditions of the experiment. All parts of Tapak Liman as extracted using the water crude extraction method on all aspects of Tapak Liman. Red onion cell root preparations were squashed and dyed using hematoxylin dyes. The data obtained were mitotic index, % of polyploidy cell counts, polyploidy types, and morphological changes in the polyploid cell onion roots. Data are presented in tabular and graphical form and interpreted using quantitative descriptive and qualitative descriptive methods. From the research results, the best concentration to induce polyploidy in shallot root was 30% of Tapak Liman extract with a polyploid cell percentage of 58.65%. The best polyploid was 45 hours, with the percentage of polyploid-induced cells being 37.1%. The best combination of concentration and length of induction of crude extract of Tapak Liman was a concentration of 30% 45 hours induction time resulting in 87,35% polyploid cells.

배, 맥아, 대추, 익모초, 황금 및 이들 혼합물의 생리활성

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory, trypsin activity, and antioxidant effects of 11 kinds of plant extracts to discover materials for developing optimal mixtures that improve inflammation and help digestion. Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (ZJ), Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (LJ), Scutellaria baicalensis (SB), Platycodon grandiflorum, and Aster scaber extracts had excellent anti-inflammatory effects by reducing excessive nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-α content in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The malt (MA), Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai (PP), Raphanus sativus L., Platycodon grandiflorum extracts among the 11 kinds of plant extracts had high trypsin activity. The antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was examined by the DPPH radical scavenging activity, and the SB, PE, JU, and MA extracts had high antioxidant activity. Therefore, PP, MA, ZJ, LJ, and SB were selected to develop optimal mixtures that improve inflammation and help digestion. The extract of plant mixture containing PP, MA, ZJ, LJ, and SB in the ratio 1:1:2:1:2 (w/w) significantly inhibited NO production than the extract of PP, MA, ZJ, LJ, and SB, respectively, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the mixture extract was significantly higher than the extract of PP, MA, ZJ, and LJ, respectively.

A Study on Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Hepatoprotective Efficacy of Elephantopus scaber L.

Elephantopus scaber is an herb widely used in folk remedies in Vietnam, especially in the treatment of liver disease. However, scientific studies evaluating the activity and ability to treat the disease in a scientific way are still very limited. This study evaluated the antibacterial, antioxidant, acute toxicity and hepatoprotective efficacy of E. scaber extracts. The extracts restricted the growth of 6 types of bacteria, being particularly most effective against E. coli. It was found that the E. scaber leaves extract was more efficient than root, stem, flower, and whole plant extracts. DPPH assay showed that the flower extract had the highest antioxidant activity (EC50 = 60.29 µg/mL). The E. scaber extracts (>5000 mg/kg) also did not cause acute toxicity in mice. Additionally, the extracts effectively protected and recovered mice liver cells damaged by CCl4. The reduction of mice liver enzyme levels (AST and ALT) was similar between the extracts and silymarin. This hepatoprotective efficiency was also illustrated by the morphology and histology of the mice liver cells. The extracts healed mice liver cells by recovering the cell diameter, reducing inflammation swelling and increasing Hb concentration.

Bioactivity effect of Elephantopus scaber Linn. extracts against Spodoptera litura and the soil microbial community

This study investigates the biopesticidal effects of Elephantopus scaber Linn. extract on mortality of Spodoptera litura, Plutella xylostella, and non-target organisms and investigate the impact on S. litura protein levels and soil microbial community structure. The experiment was performed using a completely randomized design. Methanol extracts from E. scaber leaves, at concentrations of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, and 12%, were tested for bioactivity against the 2nd-instar larva of S. litura, P. xylostella, and earthworms. Mortality rates of the larvae and worms were observed. The collected data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by probit and descriptive analysis. The results showed that methanol extracts of E. scaber (12%) influenced the highest mortality rates for both S. litura (93.35%) and P. xylostella (96.65%) with LC50 and LC80 of S. litura was 1.867 and 4.763; for P. xylostella were 4.488 and 7.92, respectively. However, the application of E. scaber biopesticide also influences earthworms’ mortality rate. The 6% E. scaber extract resulted in 60% death of earthworms during a 20-days period. In addition, higher concentrations of E. scaber extracts resulted in lower molecular weights and levels of S. litura proteins. The diversity and density of the soil microbial community also decreased by 6% concentration.

Effects of Elephantopus scaber extract on growth, proximate composition, immunity, intestinal microbiota and resistance of the GIFT strain of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus to Streptococcus agalactiae

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Elephantopus scaber extract on the GIFT (genetic improvement of farmed tilapia) strain of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. A total of 800 tilapia with an initial body weight of 1.34 ± 0.09 g each were randomly divided into five groups. The tilapia in the control group (E0 group) were fed on a basal diet only. Meanwhile, tilapia in the four experimental groups were fed on a basal diet supplemented with 1 g/kg (E1 group), 3 g/kg (E2 group), 5 g/kg (E3 group), and 7 g/kg (E4 group) of E. scaber extract for 10 weeks. Results showed that the survival rate was higher in the experimental groups than in the control group. Compared with the control group, some growth parameters (FW, WGR, SGR, VSI, and HSI) were significantly improved in the E1 group and E2 group. The crude lipid content in the dorsal muscle and liver was lower in the E1 group than in the control group. After E. scaber extract supplementation, activities of immunity-related enzymes (ACP, AKP, T-AOC, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and LZM) in plasma, liver, spleen and head kidney, and expressions of immunity-related genes (IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and CCL-3) in liver, spleen and head kidney showed various degrees of improvement, while MDA content and Hsp70 expression level were decreased. The survival rate of tilapia increased in all the supplementation groups after Streptococcus agalactiae treatment. E. scaber extract addition changed the species composition, abundance, and diversity of intestinal microbiota in tilapia. These results demonstrate that E. scaber extract supplementation in diet can improve the growth, immunity, and disease resistance of GIFT against S. agalactiae. E. scaber extract supplementation can also change intestinal microbiota and reduce crude lipid content in dorsal muscle and liver. The above indicators show that the optimal dose of E. scaber extract for GIFT is 1 g/kg.

Semisynthesis and Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Germacrane-Type Sesquiterpene Lactones from Elephantopus scaber

Two series of germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones were produced by semisynthetic modulation of scaberol C, which was prepared by a standard chemical transformation from an Elephantopus scaber extract. Their inhibition activities against non-small-cell lung cancer cells were screened, and preliminary structure-activity relationships were also established. Among them, monomeric analog 1u and dimeric analog 3d exhibited superior anti-non-small-cell lung cancer cytotoxic potencies with IC50 values of 4.3 and 0.7 μM against A549 cells, respectively, and were more active than cisplatin and the standard sesquiterpene lactones, parthenolide and scabertopin. Further studies revealed that compounds 1u and 3d cause G2/M phase arrest and induce apoptosis through the activation of mitochondrial pathways in A549 cells. Collectively, the results obtained suggest that compounds 1u and 3d are promising anti-non-small-cell lung cancer lead compounds.

THE EFFECT OF ELEPHANTOPUS SCABER EXTRACT ON HISTOPATOLOGY OF AORTA SECTION IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS WITH HYPERCHOLESTROLEMIA DIET MODEL

Abstract Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemic effect of Elephantosus scaber on histopatology of Sprague-Dawley rat's aorta with hypercholesterolemia diet model. Design and method: This is an Experimental study with post test only control group design. Twenty-one (21) Sprague-Dawley rats of about 2–3 months old, weighing between 150–200 g body weight, were used for the study with incidental sampling. The rats were divided into three groups (3) of seven animals in each cage. First group (G1) was the normal control administered standard meal. Positive control group (G2) and Treatment group (G3) were administered with high fat diet. Administration of 400 mg/kg body weight of Elephantopus scaber extract was given to the third group in 7–11 weeks after induced by high fat diet. Termination was done after last feed administration. Aorta section was done with Hematoxylin eosin stain. Data analysis used Kruskal-wallis followed by Mann-Whitney test. Results: Proximate measurement was carried out on the Sprague-Dawley rat's aorta section with the following results: wall thickness in normal control group 85.19 ± 8.35 mm; positive control group 95.78 ± 17.64 mm and treatment group 80.50 ± 8.41 mm. Data analysis of Kruskal-Wallis was obtained P = 0.018, a > P. The results obtained from the analysis of Mann-Whitney test are significant difference between normal control group (G1) and positive control group (G2). And non-significant difference between normal control group (G1) and treatment group (G3). Conclusions: Elephantosus scaber extract has antihypercholesterolemic potential effect that could reduce atherosclerosis on histopatology of aorta section in Sprague-Dawley rats with hypercholesterolemia diet model.

Targeted isolation of cytotoxic germacranolide sesquiterpenes from Elephantopus scaber L. using small molecule accurate recognition technology

Small molecule accurate recognition technology (SMART) is an emerging method for the rapid structural prediction of major constituents from crude extracts and fractions. In the present study, a targeted isolation of an Elephantopus scaber extract by SMART resulted in the obtention of 15 new (1–15) and five known germacranolide sesquiterpenes (16–20). Their structures were assigned by extensively analyzing HRESIMS, NMR, X-ray crystallographic analyses, modified Mosher’s method results, and quantum chemical calculate electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. All germacranolide sesquiterpenes were screened to determine their inhibitory effects with two hepatoma cell lines (HepG2 and Hep3B), and compounds 14, 16, 18, 19 and 20 showed significant cytotoxic activities against the HepG2 (IC50, 3.3–9.9 μM) and Hep3B (IC50, 4.5–8.6 μM) cell lines. Further study suggested that 18 can induce the apoptosis of hepatoma cells via mitochondrial dysfunction.

Analysis Activity of Elephantopus scaber Leaves Extract Against Quantitative Changes of Lymphocytes Cells in BALB/c Mice After Induction of DMBA and Estrogen

The carcinogenic compounds such as DMBA known for having the ability to promote the DNA damage that affects the growth regulator genes. Therefore, uncontrolled cell growth will occur and change the immune system. Elephantopus scaber extract is considered as an alternative way of handling breast cancer since it capable to affect the work of the immune system. Hence, this study aims to determine the effect of E. scaber extract on quantitative changes of CD4 + , CD8 + T cells and proinflammatory cytokines CD4 + IFN-γ + and CD4 + TNF-α + after induction of DMBA and estrogen. In vivo experiments were carried out by using 5-6 weeks old of female mice BALB/c strain. The extract of E. scaber leaf powder was obtained from Material Medica Batu, Malang. The experimental animals were divided into five groups such as negative control group (K-), positive control group (K+), mice treated with E. scaber extract for a week (group 1), mice treated with E. scaber extract for 2 weeks (group 2), and mice treated with E. scaber extract for 3 weeks (group 3). Induction of DMBA and estrogen was conducted by injection of DMBA (7.12 dimetylbenz (α) anthracene) 0.56 mg.kgBW -1 and estradiol hormone 0.0504 mg.kgBW -1 . Mice were treated with E. scaber extract with a dose of 50 mg.kgBW -1 . Lymphocytes were isolated from spleen and observed the CD4 + , CD8 + T cells and proinflammatory cytokines CD4 + IFN-γ + and CD4 + TNF-α + T cells through flow cytometry analysis. One-way ANOVA (p <0.05) and SPSS were used to analyze this data. The results showed that the induction of DMBA and estradiol hormone affected mice fur loss. It also decreased the immune system by lowering the number of CD4 and CD8 T cells. However, E. scaber extracts increased the number of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α. Furthermore, the DMBA and estradiol induction also promoted the number of CD4 + IFN-γ + in the first week, but decreased the number of CD4 + IFN-γ + at weeks 2 and 3, then increase the number of CD4 + IFN-γ + . So, the treatment of E. scaber extracts demonstrated the ability to restore the homeostasis of the immune system in the first and second weeks. Keywords: CD4 + , CD8 + , DMBA, estrogen, E.scaber, IFN-γ + , TNF-α +

Effects of elephant's foot (Elephantopus scaber) extract on growth performance, immune response, and disease resistance of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings

Medicinal plant has been applied as an alternative strategy for antibiotics and chemotherapeutics for controlling the outbreak of diseases in tilapia farming. In this study, five doses of Elephantopus scaber extract (ESE) were added to the basal diet at 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 g kg−1 feed of Nile tilapia fingerlings (13.92 ± 0.06 g initial weight) in triplicate. After 4- and 8- weeks post-feeding, fish were sampled to determine the effects of the ESE supplemented on fish's growth performance, humoral, and skin mucus immune response. After 8 weeks post-feeding, a challenge test against Streptococcus agalactiae was carried out using 10 fish from each tank. Fish fed ESE showed significantly increased serum lysozyme (SL), serum peroxidase (SP), alternative complement (ACH50), phagocytosis (PI), and respiratory burst (RB) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The skin mucus lysozyme (SMLA) and skin peroxidase (SMPA) were stimulated in fish fed ESE diets. Dietary inclusion of ESE significantly (P < 0.05) promoted final body weight (FW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR); while a reduction in feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in fish fed 5 g kg−1 ESE, after 8 weeks post-feeding. The challenge study indicated that the relative percent survival (RSP) was 38.10%, 76.19%, 66.67%, and 47.62% in Diet 2, Diet 3, Diet 4, and Diet 5, respectively. Among the supplemented groups, dietary of 5 g kg−1 ESE showed significantly higher RPS and the highest resistance to S. agalactiae in comparison with other groups. In conclusion, supplementation of ESE (5 g kg−1) enhanced the humoral and mucosal immunity, promoted growth performance, and improved disease resistance of Nile tilapia against Streptococcus agalactiae.

The Effect of E. scaber Extract to TNF-α and TGF-β on Mice under Carcinogen Treatment

Carcinogen compounds are the compounds that cause DNA damage and trigger cancer. TNF-α and TGF-β are cytokines produced by immune cells and serve to maintain body homeostasis. Elephantopus scaber is a plant that prevents the cancer progression, and improve the body's immune system, so this study was conducted to determine the effect of E. scaber extract on TNF-α and TGF-β after the administration of carcinogen compounds. The study was conducted by administering the carcinogen compound DMBA with a dosage of 0.56 mg kg -1 BW and estradiol with a dose of 0.0504 mg kg -1 BW which was given alternately for 8 weeks to the Mus musculus test animals. The study was conducted in 3 groups: K- (the normal group of mice), K + (a carcinogen-induced group of mice), and P (a group of carcinogen-induced mice and E. scaber extract). The treatment was done in 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks. Immune cells were isolated from splenocytes and performed immunostaining for flow cytometry analysis. The computed relative amount is TNF-α produced by macrophages CD11b and TGF-β produced by Treg CD4CD25. The relative number of cells was analyzed by two-way ANOVA and advanced Tukey test with 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). The results showed no significant differences in the number of cytokines TNF-α and TGF-β in both the carcinogen-induced mice group and the mice group was given the extract of Elephantopus scaber for 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks. Keywords: Carcinogen, Elephantopus scaber , TNF-α, TGF-β

야생 및 재배 참취 에탄올 추출물의 항산화성

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functionality of ethanol extract of Aster scaber by analyzing anti-oxidant components and anti-oxidant activities, which was grown in wild and culture field. The yields of Aster scaber ethanol extracts were high after blanching treatment. The polyphenol content of dried Aster scaber grown in wild was 35.59 mg/g, which was higher than that of Aster scaber grown in culture field. The electron donating ability in all Aster scaber extracts were increased with increase in extract concentration, and the electron donating ability was the highest in extracts of the dried Aster scaber after blanching. The SOD-like activity of Aster scaber was the highest in its extract grown in wild field. In addition, the SOD-like activities of extracts of the dired Aster scaber after blanching were highest among the extracts of cultivated Aster scaber. The nitrite scavenging ability of extracts was increased at pH 1.2, and those was the highest in wild fresh Aster scaber. The inhibition effects on xanthine oxidase and tyrosinase were increased with increase in extract concentration, and the inhibition effects of extracts of Aster scaber in wild field were higher than those grown in culture field. Therefore, the consumption of Aster scaber would provide beneficiary effects due to its antioxidant activities and prevention of aging. The development of various processed food using Aster scaber will promote the consumption and its values.

참취 추출물을 첨가한 국수의 품질 특성

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of A. scaber noodle added with A. scaber extract solution or powder. The weight of cooked noodle and noodle added with A. scaber extract solution was higher than those of the non-added noodle (control) and dried A. scaber powder added noodle. As the amount of A. scaber extract solution or powder was increased, the water absorption rate of noodle was decreased. As the amount of A. scaber solution or powder was increased, the ‘L’ values of noodles were decreased. Since the ‘a’ values of all noodles were negative and the ‘b’ values of all noodles were positive, the color of all noodles were determined to be yellow green. The pH of noodles were 5 to 6 in control noodles and noodles with A. scaber powder. The pH of noodle added A. scaber extract solution was lower than those of others. As amount of A. scaber extract solution or powder was increased, the elasticity of all noodles was decreased. The chewiness of noodles was the highest in noodle added A. scaber extract powder. The quality of noodle added A. scaber extract solution was the excellent among the all other noodles. This result showed that, the quality characteristics and palatability of noodle added A. scaber extract solution or powder was higher than those of control noodle.

참취의 재배 및 건조 방법에 따른 열수 추출물의 항산화 활성

This study was conducted in order to analyze the polyphenol contents and antioxidant activities of hot-water extracts of Aster scaber in the wild field and cultivated field, and through the drying methods for the comparison on the quality characteristics of Aster scaber, according to cultivation and drying methods, and the development of functional materials. The extraction yield was higher in the Aster scaber cultivated field than those of the Aster scaber in the wild field, and high from the dried Aster scaber. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of Aster scaber hot-water extracts from the wild field were higher than those in the cultivated field. The total polyphenol contents were high in the extract of blanched and dried Aster scaber, and the flavonoid content was high in the non-treated Aster scaber. The electron donating ability (EDA) values of Aster scaber hot-water extracts were increased along with the increase of extract concentration, while the EDA of the blanched and dried Aster scaber extracts was higher than the other extracts. Furthermore, the SOD-like activity was increased by the extract concentration, and was high in the extract of the non-treated Aster scaber. The nitrite scavenging ability in pH 1.2 was high in the non-treated, blanched, dried, and natural dried Aster scaber. The xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities were increased through the increase of extract concentrations, and higher in the hot-water extract from Aster scaber in the wild field (WRA) than those in the other extracts. The inhibition of tyrosinase and reduction of power were increased by the increased extract concentration, and high in the extracts of blanched and dried Aster scaber. The reduced power was higher in the Aster scaber hot-water extracts of cultivated field, and was higher in the extracts of blanched and dried Aster scaber than those in the extracts dried through the use of other drying methods. Aster scaber has a high content of polyphenol and flavonoid, and antioxidant activities, which were developed as functional materials.

Prevention of Biodeterioration of Crude Oil in Tanks Using Anti-Microbial Agents

The potential use of antimicrobial agents such as ethanol and extract from locally sourced Mitracarpus scaber for the prevention of biodeterioration of crude oil in storage was investigated in this study. Five crude oil samples under various treatment conditions (containing antimicrobial agents) and a control (without antimicrobial agents) were monitored for seven weeks for biodeterioration indicating parameters such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total hydrocarbon content (THC), total microbial count (TMC) and pH. Results obtained for the control experiment indicated biodeterioration of the crude oil sample. This was evident from the variation in the values of BOD, THC, TMC and pH indicating the presence of microbial activity. Results obtained also showed that biodeterioration was mitigated when antimicrobial agents were introduced to the crude oil samples as seen in the stability in the values of BOD, THC, TMC and pH. Of all the samples analysed, sample D containing 100 mL of Mitracarpus scaber extract performed best as evident from the almost constant values of BOD, THC, TMC and pH, indicating the absence of microbial activity.

Dose-response effects of Elephantopus scaber methanolic extract on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

AimA decoction of Elephantopus scaber (Asteraceae) root is used to treat liver disorders in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine. The study was designed to examine the dose response effects of E. scaber methanolic extract on rats exposed to N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) induced hepatotoxicity (0.02% NDEA in water five days per week, per oral) in preventive and curative models. MethodsIn preventive groups, NDEA was administered for six weeks. Daily doses of E. scaber methanolic extract (200 and 100 mg·kg-1) started one week before the onset of NDEA intoxication and continued for six weeks. In curative animals, NDEA was administered for six weeks followed by treatment with the methanolic n-hexane extract of E. scaber (200 and 100 mg·kg-1) for ten days. ResultsE. scaber extract treatment significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the levels of AST, ALT, and MDA in both experimental groups. The extract also enhanced the antioxidant enzyme and protein levels in rats intoxicated with NDEA. Treatment with the extract dose dependently protected the liver from NDEA-induced hepatotoxicity with normal hepatocytes and uniform sinusoids, but in some areas showed degenerating hepatic cells in both treatment groups. ConclusionE. scaber methanolic extract dose dependently prevented and reversed the hepatotoxicity induced by NDEA in both experimental models.

Hepatoprotective properties in the rat of Mitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae).

The effect of Mitracarpus scaber on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver damage in the rat has been evaluated. Results showed that treatment with Mitracarpus scaber decoction resulted in significant hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced liver injury both in-vivo and in-vitro. In-vivo, Mitracarpus scaber pretreatment reduced levels of serum glutamate-oxalate-transaminase (P < 0.01 for 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg(-1)) and serum glutamate-pyruvate-transaminase (P < 0.05 for 250 mg kg(-1) and P < 0.01 for 1000 mg kg(-1)) previously increased by administration of CCl4. In-vitro results indicated that addition to the culture medium of Mitracarpus scaber extracts significantly reduced glutamate-oxalate-transaminase (P < 0.05 for 100 microg mL(-1) and P < 0.01 for 10 and 1000 microg mL(-1)) and lactate dehydrogenase activity (P < 0.05 for 10 microg mL(-1)). Mitracarpus treatment also resulted in a good ( > 93%) survival rate for the CCl4-intoxicated hepatocytes as demonstrated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Moreover, as in the in-vitro assay, Mitracarpus scaber had radical-scavenging properties, shown by its reaction with the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (EC50, the extract concentration resulting in a 50% reduction in the absorbance of DPPH blank solution, = 41.64+/-1.5 microg mL(-1)). The results of this study showed that Mitracarpus scaber had antihepatotoxic potential, a finding which supports the validity of traditional usage of this drug in Mali for the treatment of liver diseases.

Paeonia japonica,Houttuynia cordata, andAster scaberWater Extracts Induce Nitric Oxide and Cytokine Production by Lipopolysaccharide-Activated Macrophages

Natural products are increasingly recognized as potential targets for drug discovery and development. We previously reported that Paeonia japonica, Houttuynia cordata, and Aster scaber enhanced macrophage activation both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study we investigated the immunomodulating effects of these plants on lipopolysacharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. An aqueous extract of each plant was administered to female BALB/c mice every other day for 4 weeks. Peritoneal macrophages were then collected and incubated to examine the immunoreactivity of macrophages against LPS at different time points. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthetase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inhibitory factor kappaB alpha (IkappaBalpha) proteins and the production of NO metabolite (nitrite), prostaglandin (PG) E(2), and the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were determined in the activated macrophages treated with extracts from each plant individually or combined. High levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were produced by A. scaber-, P. japonica-, and H. cordata-treated macrophages following 24 hours of LPS stimulation. P. japonica, H. cordata, and A. scaber treatment also induced the production of nitrate by LPS-treated macrophages. Induction of iNOS mRNA and protein was also different in each group. PGE(2) secretion was up-regulated by all extract-treated macrophages at early time points; however, no significant differences were observed between the groups by 8 hours post-LPS stimulation. Treatment with A. scaber extract resulted in the highest levels of IkappaBalpha degradation. Our findings illustrate that the natural plant products P. japonica, H. cordata, and A. scaber may enhance immune function by modulating ex vivo pro-inflammatory cytokine and NO production as well as the expression of iNOS and COX-2.