Spigelia Anthelmia Research Articles

In vitro effects of <i>Spigelia anthelmia</i> extracts on experimentally isolated guinea pig ileum

This experiment was undertaken to determine the in vitro effects of aqueous extracts of Spigelia anthelmia L (a local anthelmintic plant) on experimentally isolated guinea pig ileum, with a view to establishing its likely anthelmintic effect on nematodes. The extract induced concentrationdependent contractile responses similar to that produced by acetylcholine on isolated guinea pig ileum. The contractions produced by the extract were antagonised by atropine but not by mepyramine. It was concluded that the anthelmintic mechanism of action of Spigelia anthelmia is most probably due to paralysis of the worms.

Anthelmintic efficacy of extracts ofSpigelia anthelmiaLinn on experimentalNippostrongylus braziliensisin rats

Spigelia anthelmia Linn is used as a herb and is a common annual weed of cultivation in open re-growths, on unused land in towns as well as on road sides. The plant can grow to approximately 30 cm in height. The aim of this study was to screen extracts of Spigelia anthelmia for their anthelmintic activity against an experimental Nippostrongylus braziliensis infection in rats. Acute oral toxicity occurred at a dose of 1,140mg/kg, while anthelmintic trials against Nippostrongylus braziliensis in rats using the aqueous fraction showed a progressive decrease in worm count with increasing dose (10, 13, 16, 20 and 25 mg per kg body weight) (p < 0.05). At 25 mg per kg body weight, the worm count was significantly lower than that at 10mg per kg body weight (p < 0.05).

English

&nbsp; Alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroid, terpenoid, flavonoids, phlobatannin and cardic glycoside distribution in ten medicinal plants belonging to different families were assessed and compared. The medicinal plants investigated were&nbsp;Cleome nutidosperma, Emilia coccinea, Euphorbia heterophylla, Physalis angulata, Richardia bransitensis, Scopania dulcis, Sida acuta, Spigelia anthelmia, Stachytarpheta cayennensis&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tridax procumbens. All the plants were found to contain alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids except for the absence of tannins in&nbsp;S. acuta&nbsp;and flavonoids in&nbsp;S. cayennsis&nbsp;&nbsp;respectively. The significance of the plants in traditional medicine and the importance of the distribution of these chemical constituents were discussed with respect to the role of these plants in ethnomedicine in Nigeria. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Medicinal plants, ethnomedicine, phytochemical constituents.

Neuromuscular effects and acute toxicity of an ethyl acetate extract of Spigelia anthelmia Linn.

An ethyl acetate extract of Spigelia anthelmia (EASa), with validated anthelmintic activity, was evaluated for its acute toxicity and general effects in albino Swiss mice and for neuromuscular relaxant activity in the frog sciatic-gastrocnemius and rectus abdominis preparation. The extract induced a dose-related myotonia and muscular paralysis of rapid onset at higher doses. The calculated LD50 after oral and intraperitoneal administration was 345.9 [241.4–484.7] mg/kg and 60.8 [47.4–80] mg/kg, respectively. In broilers, intramuscullar injection of EASa-induced spastic paralysis qualitatively similar to that obtained after succinylcholine administration and contrasting to the flaccid paralysis induced by d-tubocurarine. The contraction elicited by direct stimulation of the gastrocnemius was blocked by EASa by 54.3±4.7% (IC50 = 21.4 [11.2–35.8] μg/ml) and the twitches evoked by stimulation of the sciatic nerve were blocked by 69.1±7.4% (IC50 = 17.9 [4.5–34.23] μg/ml). EASa also blocked acetylcholine-induced contractions in the frog rectus abdominis by 58.6±7.4% (IC50 = 7.4 [1.7–15.28] μg/ml) but did not decrease tonic contractions induced by a high-potassium Ringer solution. In summary, the ethyl acetate extract of Spigelia anthelmia induces tonic paralysis in vivo, and decreases amplitudes of twitches and increases tonus of skeletal muscle in vitro.

Neuromuscular effects and acute toxicity of an ethyl acetate extract of Spigelia anthelmia Linn.

An ethyl acetate extract of Spigelia anthelmia (EASa), with validated anthelmintic activity, was evaluated for its acute toxicity and general effects in albino Swiss mice and for neuromuscular relaxant activity in the frog sciatic-gastrocnemius and rectus abdominis preparation. The extract induced a dose-related myotonia and muscular paralysis of rapid onset at higher doses. The calculated LD 50 after oral and intraperitoneal administration was 345.9 [241.4–484.7] mg/kg and 60.8 [47.4–80] mg/kg, respectively. In broilers, intramuscullar injection of EASa-induced spastic paralysis qualitatively similar to that obtained after succinylcholine administration and contrasting to the flaccid paralysis induced by d-tubocurarine. The contraction elicited by direct stimulation of the gastrocnemius was blocked by EASa by 54.3±4.7% (IC 50 = 21.4 [11.2–35.8] μg/ml) and the twitches evoked by stimulation of the sciatic nerve were blocked by 69.1±7.4% (IC 50 = 17.9 [4.5–34.23] μg/ml). EASa also blocked acetylcholine-induced contractions in the frog rectus abdominis by 58.6±7.4% (IC 50 = 7.4 [1.7–15.28] μg/ml) but did not decrease tonic contractions induced by a high-potassium Ringer solution. In summary, the ethyl acetate extract of Spigelia anthelmia induces tonic paralysis in vivo, and decreases amplitudes of twitches and increases tonus of skeletal muscle in vitro.

Ovicidal and larvicidal activity in vitro of Spigelia anthelmia Linn. extracts on Haemonchus contortus

The rapid development of anthelmintic resistance, associated with the high cost of the available anthelmintic drugs, had limited the success of gastrointestinal nematodiasis control in sheep and goats and thus awakened interest in the study of medicinal plants as alternative sources of anthelmintics. Spigelia anthelmia extracts obtained with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate or methanol, were tested on Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae via egg hatch and larval development tests. The extracts were evaluated at five concentrations: 3.1, 6.2, 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg ml −1. At 50.0 mg ml −1, the ethyl acetate extract inhibited 100% of the egg hatching and 81.2% of the larval development. In a similar way the methanolic extract inhibited 97.4% of the egg hatching and 84.4% of larval development. These results suggest that utilization of S. anthelmia extracts may be useful in the control of sheep and goats gastrointestinal nematodes.

Ovicidal and larvicidal activity in vitro of Spigelia anthelmia Linn. extracts on Haemonchus contortus

The rapid development of anthelmintic resistance, associated with the high cost of the available anthelmintic drugs, had limited the success of gastrointestinal nematodiasis control in sheep and goats and thus awakened interest in the study of medicinal plants as alternative sources of anthelmintics. Spigelia anthelmia extracts obtained with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate or methanol, were tested on Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae via egg hatch and larval development tests. The extracts were evaluated at five concentrations: 3.1, 6.2, 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg ml −1 . At 50.0 mg ml −1 , the ethyl acetate extract inhibited 100% of the egg hatching and 81.2% of the larval development. In a similar way the methanolic extract inhibited 97.4% of the egg hatching and 84.4% of larval development. These results suggest that utilization of S. anthelmia extracts may be useful in the control of sheep and goats gastrointestinal nematodes.

Chemical investigation of Spigelia anthelmia Linn. used in Brazilian folk medicine as anthelmintic

An ethanol extract of aerial parts of Spigelia anthelmia was submitted to vacuum column chromatography being eluted with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. The four extracts were assayed for anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus, the main nematode in caprines. The ethyl acetate extract showed the strongest anthelmintic activity and the chemical study of this extract revealed as main constituents the alkaloid spiganthine and 3,7-dihydroxy-3',4'- dimethoxyflavone.

Minor constituents of Spigelia anthelmia and their cardiac activities

A more detailed phytochemical analysis of extracts of the aerial parts of Spigelia anthelmia L. (Loganiaceae) yielded 20 structurally related new compounds besides spiganthine and ryanodine. Structure elucidation was achieved mainly by spectroscopic methods. The compounds were tested on their cardiac and on their insect antifeedant activities.

Soil solarization for weed control in carrot

Soil solarization is a technique used for weed and plant disease control in regions with high levels of solar radiation. The effect of solarization (0, 3, 6, and 9 weeks) upon weed populations, carrot (Daucus carota L. cv. Brasília) yield and nematode infestation in carrot roots was studied in São Luís (2º35' S; 44º10' W), MA, Brazil, using transparent polyethylene films (100 and 150 mm of thickness). The maximum temperature at 5 cm of depth was about 10ºC warmer in solarized soil than in control plots. In the study 20 weed types were recorded. Solarization reduced weed biomass and density in about 50% of weed species, including Cyperus spp., Chamaecrista nictans var. paraguariensis (Chod &amp; Hassl.) Irwin &amp; Barneby, Marsypianthes chamaedrys (Vahl) O. Kuntze, Mitracarpus sp., Mollugo verticillata L., Sebastiania corniculata M. Arg., and Spigelia anthelmia L. Approximately 40% of species in the weed flora were not affected by soil mulching. Furthermore, seed germination of Commelina benghalensis L. was increased by soil solarization. Marketable yield of carrots was greater in solarized soil than in the unsolarized one. It was concluded that solarization for nine weeks increases carrot yield and is effective for controlling more than half of the weed species recorded. Mulching was not effective for controlling root-knot nematodes in carrot.

Secondary Pollen Presentation and a Curious Rupture of the Style in Spigelia (Spigeliaceae, Gentianales)

Abstract: In the genus Spigelia (Spigeliaceae, Gentianales) we report for the first time the phenomenon of secondary pollen presentation. In Spigelia anthelmia, S. marilandica, and S. splen‐dens a deposition mechanism as found in some members of the Rubiaceae could be observed in living material. In Spigelia longi‐flora, S. sellowiana, and S. speciosa we can expect this mechanism from observation of pollen load on the style seen in herbarium material (K). Some time after anthesis the pistil shows curious behaviour in that the upper part of the style detaches from the lower part at a histologically differentiated area. In the allo‐gamous Spigelia splendens this may promote prezygotic selection. We hypothesize that in the autogamous Spigelia anthelmia this event selects for the fittest male gametophytes by competition of the pollen tubes counteracting possible inbreeding depression caused by continual self‐fertilisation. The fastest growing pollen tubes, which reach the lower style before detaching, are able to penetrate the ovules. Many germinated pollen grains whose pollen tubes grow slowly remain on the upper detached part of the style. Obviously Spigelia onthelmia accepts a lower seed set in favour of increased fitness of the progeny. Within the genus Spigelia, distributed in tropical and subtropical America, Spigelia anthelmia is the only species found on other continents. It is a successful pioneer plant and weed in tropical Africa and Asia, perhaps due to its “strategy of controlled autogamy”.

Spiganthine, the cardioactive principle of Spigelia anthelmia.

Spiganthine [1] was isolated as the main cardioactive principle from medicinally used extracts of Spigelia anthelmia. Its structure was established by spectroscopic methods. The biological effect of spiganthine is characterized by a delay in contraction development of the heart muscle.

Influence of different tillage methods and pre-emergence herbicides on weed control in cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

In the early and late cropping seasons of 1983, three different methods of tillage (minimum tillage, conventional tillage, and tilled and ridged) were evaluated for their influence on the performance of some pre-emergence herbicides used during the production of cowpea. Four varieties of cowpea (Ife Brown, H 144-1, TVx 3236, and Black-eyed bean) were planted in the early season while five varieties (Ife Brown, H 144-1, TVx 3236, H64/3 and Vita-5) were planted in the late season. A single spray application of 3·0 kg/ha alachlor, 3·0 kg/ha metobromuron + metolachlor and 3·5 kg/ha metolachlor was carried out one day before planting. Cyanazine at 3·0 kg/ha was included in the late season trial. The plots were either minimally tilled, conventionally tilled or tilled and ridged at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ife. Results showed that the performance of all three herbicides used in the early season, as measured by weed control and grain yields, was best on the conventionally tilled, while the performance of the four herbicides in the late season was best on tilled and ridged plots. Metobromuron + metolachlor performed consistently better than each of the other herbicides irrespective of the method of tillage during both seasons. Conventional tillage enhanced the performance of metobromuron + metolachlor over minimum tillage plots and tilled and ridged plots in the early season; however, in the late season, the performance of metobromuron + metolachlor was best on tilled and ridged plots. Alachlor did not effectively control competing weeds in both seasons but did not injure any cowpea line. On the other hand, cyanazine did not control weeds effectively but was phytotoxic to Ife Brown variety of cowpea. In both seasons, the control of the broad-leaved weeds Ageratum conyzoides, Amaranthus spp., Euphorbia heterophylla, Ipomoea spp., Spigelia anthelmia, Synedrella nodiflora and Talinum triangulare was not adequate. The control of the grassy weeds Brachiaria deflexa, Cynodon dactylon, Imperata cylindrica and Eleusine indica was, however, effective.

Cardiotone Wirkstoffe ausSpigelia anthelmia1

From the upper parts of SPIGELIA ANTHELMIA L. besides some widely distributed phenolcarboxylic acids and flavonoids two volatile alkaloids have been isolated and identified as isoquinoline and an iridoid compound of the actinidine type. In the water extract choline, benzoylcholine and 3,3-dimethyl-acryloylcholine could be identified. Preliminary pharmacological investigations revealed that the alkaloids are involved in the cardiotonic activity of the plant.

Ueber Spigelia Anthelmia

Archiv der PharmazieVolume 131, Issue 1 p. 53-53 Monatsbericht Ueber Spigelia Anthelmia A. O., A. O.Search for more papers by this author A. O., A. O.Search for more papers by this author First published: 1855 https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.18551310126AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume131, Issue11855Pages 53-53 RelatedInformation