ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate spasmolytic mechanisms of aqueous and methanolic extracts from Distemonanthus benthamianus trunk-bark. Methods: Spasmolytic activities of extracts were evaluated in vitro on spontaneous and potassium chloride-induced jejunum contractions, or against cholinergic [acetylcholine (0.3μmol/L)] stimulations. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of both extracts was performed in reference to standard compounds. Results: Extracts developed concentration-dependent inhibitory activities. The methanolic extract, which revealed better activity, produced spasmolytic and myorelaxant effects at concentrations of 0.01-0.30 mg/mL with EC50 of 0.06 and 0.09 mg/mL (95％ CI: 0.03-0.3 mg/mL), respectively. Its anticholinergic effect was obtained at the same concentrations with EC50 of 0.11 mg/mL (95％ CI:0.03-0.3 mg/mL). Chromatograms showed the presence of gallic acid in both extracts, rutin being only detected in the aqueous extract. Conclusions: Distemonanthus benthamianus extracts exhibit verapamil and atropine-like activities, thus highlighting calcium channels and muscarinic receptors blocking potentials, which may be conveyed by some phenolic compounds. These results confirm the antidiarrheal activity of Distemonanthus benthamianus extracts.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate Ficus asperifolia (Moraceae) (F. asperifolia) effecting on regular estrus cycle of Wistar rats. Methods: Air-dried fruits of F. asperifolia were extracted using water. Prior to the test, vaginal smear was monitored daily for a 3-week period to select females with normal (regular) estrous cycle. Those with regular estrus cycle weighing between 150-170 g were randomized into three sets of 15 animals each. Each set was then divided into three groups:Group 1 (control) was orally administered with distilled water (10 mL/kg body weight) once a day for 1 week starting from the proestrus stage. Groups 2 and 3 were respectively treated with 100 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the plant aqueous extract. The two other sets of 15 animals each were similarly treated as the first set for 3 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. Estrus cycle pattern was monitored before and during plant extract application whereas lipid profile, ovary, uterus and liver growth indices were determined at the end of each treatment. Results: F. asperifolia did not disrupt (0%) the order of appearance of normal estrus cycle stages, namely, proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus. Short-term treatment (1 week duration) exhibited high frequency of appearance of proestrus and estrus stages while mid- (3 weeks) and long-term (6 weeks) treatments revealed constancy in the frequency of all stages irrespective to animal groups. The plasma and organ lipid profile, as well as ovary, uterus and liver growth remained unchanged when compared to distilled water-treated animals. Following long-term administration of plant extract (6 weeks), no adverse effect was noticed. Conclusions: Our data partially support the use of F. asperifolia in common medicine.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the prosexual activity of two compounds isolated from the hexane extract of the dried roots of Mondia whitei in rats. Methods: β-sitosterol and the mixture of α and β-amyrin acetate were isolated and characterised using several reagents, chromatography, mass spectrometry and physical analysis (RMN, 1H and 13C). Sexually inexperienced adult male rats were orally treated with these compounds at doses of 0mg/kg (control), 10mg/kg or 50mg/kg. 1h after the treatment, mount and intromission latencies and frequencies, penile erection, ejaculation latency and post-ejaculatory interval were measured for 60 minutes. Results: β-sitosterol and the mixture of α and β-amyrin acetate significantly increased the mount frequency (p0.05) when compared to control. The two purified compounds were efficient at the lower dose (10 mg/kg b.w) with β-sitosterol being the most potent. Conclusion:Results of the present work give added value to the aphrodisiac property of Mondia whitei and further justify its popular use as a sex stimulant.