Effects of Urtica dioica Seeds on Oxidative/ Nitrosative Stress Levels and Myeloperoxidase Activity in Muscle Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Abstract The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preventive effects of Urtica dioica (UD) on muscle ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. A total of 27 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups as the control group (1), I/R + saline group (2), and I/R+UD group (3). Group 1 did not receive any treatment. Group 2 was administered a total of 2mL/kg saline (1mL/kg before ischemia and 1 mL/kg after reperfusion), and group 3 was given a total of 2mL of UD (1mL/kg before ischemia and 1mL/kg after reperfusion) as treatment. Saline and UD were administered via intraesophageal canula once a day for five days. At the end of five days, all the rats were exposed to muscle ischemia for 60 min followed by 60 min of reperfusion of the bilateral hindlimbs induced using a tourniquet. Muscle tissue histopathologies were evaluated by light microscopy. Furthermore, oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrotyrosine (3-NT), nitric oxide (NO), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) as an inflammatory marker in tissue samples were measured. UD treatment significantly decreased oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarker levels and MPO (p<0.05). We established that UD treatment could alleviate muscle injury induced by muscle I/R in rats by inhibiting the inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress

Caracterização química, atividade antimicrobiana e toxicidade dos óleos essenciais da Pimenta dioica L. (pimenta da Jamaica) e Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck (laranja doce) / Chemical characterization, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity of the essential oils of Pimenta dioica L. and Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck (laranja doce)

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou a toxicidade e a atividade antimicrobiana frente a Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureus dos óleos essenciais de Pimenta dioica Lindl. e Citrus sinensis L. Os óleos essenciais (OE) foram extraídos por hidrodestilação, com caracterização química através de cromatografía gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas (CG-EM). Os parâmetros físico-químicos foram determinados de acordo com a Farmacopeia Brasileira. O ensaio de toxicidade seguiu o bioensaio com Artemia salina Leach, os OE aprovados neste ensaio seguiram para avaliação das suas propriedades biológicas. A atividade antimicrobiana seguiu a metodologia descrita pelo Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute utilizando o método de difusão de disco, diluição em caldo para concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e posterior concentração bactericida mínima para avaliar a ação dos OE frente a Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureus. Ambos os OE apresentaram toxicidade baixa, e assim foram avaliados quanto as propriedades biológicas antimicrobianas. Ambos os OE apresentaram potenciais bactericidas frente aos microrganismos testados, exibindo resultados satisfatórios para a ação deles. Os resultados indicam que os OE avaliados são compostos por substâncias que propiciam e incentivam sua aplicação em virtude de seus potenciais para atividade biológicas moluscicida e antimicrobiana.

SUMMARY This study evaluated the toxicity and antimicrobial activity in the face of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus of essential oils of Pimenta dioica Lindl. and Citrus sinensis L. The essential oils (EO) were extracted by hydrodistillation, with chemical characterization by gas chromatography coupled and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Physicochemical parameters were determined according to the Brazilian Pharmacopeia. The toxicity test followed the bioassay with Artemia salina Leach, the EO approved in this assay followed to evaluate its biological properties. The antimicrobial activity followed the methodology described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute using the disc diffusion method, broth dilution for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and subsequent minimum bactericide concentration for to evaluate the action of EO against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Both OE showed low toxicity, and thus were evaluated for the biological antimicrobial properties. Both OE presented bactericidal potential against the microorganisms tested, showing satisfactory results for their action. The results indicate that the evaluated OE are composed of substances that provide and encourage their application due to their potentials for biological molluscicide and antimicrobial activity.

Composição química e atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial dos frutos da Pimenta dioica / Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oil from fruits of Pimenta dioica

RESUMO Neste estudo descrevemos a extração, composição química e a atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial extraído dos frutos da Pimenta dioica. Para isso, extraímos o óleo por hidrodestilação; identificamos os compostos por cromatografía gasosa acoplada ao espectrómetro de massa (CG/EM); quantificamos o componente majoritário por espectrometria UV-vis e voltametria; e determinamos a atividade antibacteriana contra Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Serratia odorifera pelo método de difusão em disco. Os resultados mostraram que o óleo é composto em sua maioria por eugenol e sua quantidade está em, aproximadamente, 78,15%, cuja classe predominante foi a dos monoterpenos. Além disso, as bactérias testadas com o óleo essencial apresentaram halos de inibição, variando de 11 a 21 mm. Portanto, o óleo é um potencial agente antibacteriano.

SUMMARY In this study we describe the extraction, chemical composition, and antibacterial activity of the essential oil extracted from fruits of Pimenta dioica. For this, we extracted the oil by hydrodistillation; we identified the compounds by Gas Chromatography coupled to the Mass Spectrometer (CG/MS); we quantified the major component by vis-UV Spectrometry and Voltammetry; and we determined the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia odorifera, using the disk diffusion method. The results showed that the oil is composed mostly of eugenol and its quantity is approximately 78.15%, whose predominant class was that of monoterpenes. In addition, the bacteria tested with the essential oil showed inhibition halos, ranging from 11 to 21 mm. Therefore, the oil is a potential antibacterial agent.

Chemical composition and biological activity of the essential oil of the fruits Pimenta dioica against formae speciales of fungus Fusarium oxysporum / Composición química y actividad biológica del aceite esencial de los frutos Pimenta dioica contraformae speciales del hongo Fusarium oxysporum

SUMMARY We determined the chemical composition and explored the hypothesis that the essential oil of the fruits of Pimenta dioica inhibits the mycelial development of fungi Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae, F. subglutinans f. sp. ananas, F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum e F. oxysporum f. sp. Cubense. To do this, we extracted the oil by hydrodistillation, identified its components by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and determined the fungal activity against five special forms of Fusarium species. The results showed that the oil had 76.88% of eugenol and inhibited the mycelial development of fungi up to 97.78% in an average of 7.2 days. Therefore, oil is a potential natural fungicide.

RESUMEN Determinamos la composición química y exploramos la hipótesis de que el aceite esencial de los frutos de Pimenta dioica inhibe el desarrollo micelial de los hongos Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae, F. subglutinans f. sp. ananas, F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum e F. oxysporum f. sp. Cubense. Para hacer esto, extrajimos el aceite por hidrodestilación, identificamos sus componentes por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (GC-EM) y determinamos la actividad fúngica contra cinco formas especiales de especies de Fusarium. Los resultados mostraron que el aceite tenía 76,88% de eugenol e inhibió el desarrollo micelial de hongos hasta 97,78% en un promedio de 7,2 días. Por lo tanto, el aceite es un potencial fungicida natural.

Protective effects of Urtica dioica L. seed extract on liver tissue injury and antioxidant capacity in irradiated rats

Radiotherapy is often used for the treatment of cancer. However, it causes some side effects in patients. This study aimed to determine the hepatoprotective effects of Urtica dioica L. seed-extract (UDSE) in radiation-induced liver injury. Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8): control(C) group: no action was taken; radiation (R) group: irradiation was administrated at 5Gy single-fraction, radiation with UDSE(R+UDSE) group: irradiation was administrated at 5 Gy single-fraction and animals were fed pellets with 30 mL UDSE/kg; UDSE group: animals were fed pellets with 30 mL UDSE/kg. All of the experiments were performed in all of the groups over 10 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced-glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide-dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px), aspartate-transaminase (AST), and alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) activities were determined. Histopathological findings were also evaluated in liver tissues. SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities and GSH levels in the serum and liver were significantly increased, while MDA levels decreased in the R+UDSE group compared with the R group (P<0.05). Moreover, AST and ALT serum activities in the R+UDSE group were lower than those in the R group (P<0.05). In addition, radiation induced degenerative/necrotic changes in the R group were significantly compensated in the R+UDSE group. The results showed that radiation increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity, as well as degeneration in the liver. However, UDSE attenuated these degenerative changes.

Toxicity and molluscicidal activity of the essential oil Pimenta dioica against the snail Biomphalaria glabrata / Toxicidad y actividad molusccidal del aceite esencial Pimenta dioica contra el caracol Biomphalaria glabrata

This work evaluated the toxicity and molluscicidal effect of the oil extracted from Pimenta dioica leaves against the snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818). For this, the essential oil was extracted quantitatively by hydrodistillation. Then quantifications of its components were performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (CG-MS) and the toxicity and molluscicidal activity were tested, respectively, against Artemia salina and snails Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818). The lethal concentration (LC50) was calculated from the Reed-Muench & Pizzi methods, respectively, for toxicity and molluscicide testing. The results of the chromatographic analysis showed that the oil contains 85.67% eugenol (major constituent) and 0.88% linalool (minor component). In the toxicity evaluation, the oil was considered highly toxic with a LC50 of 14.13 mg∙L-1, in a 95% confidence interval, while the molluscicidal activity presented a lethal concentration (LC50) of 18.62. mg∙L-1 at a 95% confidence interval. Therefore, the oil is active against the snail Biomphalaria glabrata.

Este trabajo evaluó la toxicidad y el efecto molusquicida del aceite extraído de las hojas de Pimenta dioica contra el caracol Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818). Para esto, el aceite esencial se extrajo cuantitativamente por hidrodestilación. Luego se realizaron cuantificaciones de sus componentes mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (CG-MS) y se analizaron la toxicidad y la actividad molusquicida, respectivamente, contra Artemia salina y los caracoles Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818). La concentración letal (CL50) se calculó a partir de los métodos de Reed-Muench y Pizzi, respectivamente, para pruebas de toxicidad y molusquicidas. Los resultados del análisis cromatográfico mostraron que el aceite contiene un 85,67% de eugenol (constituyente principal) y un 0,88% de linalool (componente secundario). En la evaluación de toxicidad, el aceite se consideró altamente tóxico con una CL50 de 14.13 mg∙L-1, en un intervalo de confianza del 95%, mientras que la actividad molusquicida presentó una concentración letal (CL50) de 18.62. mg∙L-1 en un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Por lo tanto, el aceite es activo contra el caracol Biomphalaria glabrata.

Isolation and Characterisation of Endophytic Strain Paenibacillus polymyxa SR19 from Urtica dioica and the Study of Their Effect against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp Tomato

In an attempt to obtain biological control agents for fusariose wilt, a total of 54 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated from the root of plants Urtica dioica and screened for in vitro antagonist activity against Fusarium oxysporum. Among the 54 bacterial isolates, 27 isolates exhibited more than 60% inhibition of mycelia growth of Fusarium oxysporum. The strain R19 which exhibited the most obvious antagonistic activity was selected for greenhouse studies. The SR19 had no pathogenicity and was identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa based on its phenotypical and biochemical properties as well as its 16S rRNA gene sequence. Growth chamber studies resulted in statistically significant increases in inoculating tomato seedling with the endophytic strain SR19 which in turn resulted in improving plant seedling stand by 32% and increasing fresh weights of root and fresh weight of aerial biomass of plants over the untreated pathogen control by 6.95 g and 7.96 g, respectively. Strain SR19 is a potential biological control agent that may contribute to the protection of tomato plants against fusariose wilt.

Isolation and Biochemical Characterisation of Endophytic Bacillus spp from Urtica dioica and Study of Their Antagonistic Effect against Phytopathogens

Endophytic bacteria have been isolated from the roots of Urtica dioica. A total of 54 endophytic bacteria were isolated from the underground parts using suitable surface sterilisation protocol. Three isolates R45a; R45b; R21a were tested for antagonism effect against Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora parasitica in dual culture method. Significant inhibitory effects on mecylial radial growth have been revealed with a percentage superior or equal to 75%. These strains were Gram-positive rods. Cultures on nutrient agar showed irregular, entirely cream coloured colonies that are strictly aerobic and capable of forming endospore. They belong probably to the genus of Bacillus spp.

The healing effects of herbal preparations from Sambucus ebulus and Urtica dioica in full-thickness wound models

Objective:To investigate the healing effects of two herbal preparations.Methods:For this purpose,106 wistar rats were divided into 9 groups including a control,eucerine,phenytoin,Urtica dioica (U.dioica) (2％),U.dioica (5％),Sambucus ebulus (S.ebulus) (2％),S.ebulus (5％),combination (2％),and combination (5％)groups.The control group remained untreated,the cucerin and phenytoin groups were considered as the negative and positive controls respectively,and the remaining groups received different concentrations of the ointments.Full thic kness wounds were made.The healing process of the wounds was investigated on day 7,14 and 21 of the experiment.Several factors including the number of fibroblasts,new vessel formation (angiogenesis),thickness of the granulomatous tissues (GT),and the overlying epithelium were analyzed.Results:Among the studied groups,all of the treatment groups were significantly different from the control,euccrin,and phenytoin groups in a positive manner with regard to all studied factors (P ≤ 0.05).However,the best results were observed with the S.ebulus (2％) and the combination 2％ groups (P ≤ 0.05).Conclusions:Topical ointments prepared from the extracts of U.dioica and S.ebulus and their combination possess strong wound healing properties.It is postulated that a synergistic effect may exist between the two extracts since the combination 2％ showed better results than the sole extracts.

The healing effects of herbal preparations from Sambucus ebulus and Urtica dioica in full-thickness wound models

Objective To investigate the healing effects of two herbal preparations. Methods For this purpose, 106 wistar rats were divided into 9 groups including a control, eucerine, phenytoin, Urtica dioica (U. dioica) (2%), U. dioica (5%), Sambucus ebulus (S. ebulus) (2%), S. ebulus (5%), combination (2%), and combination (5%) groups. The control group remained untreated, the eucerin and phenytoin groups were considered as the negative and positive controls respectively, and the remaining groups received different concentrations of the ointments. Full thickness wounds were made. The healing process of the wounds was investigated on day 7, 14 and 21 of the experiment. Several factors including the number of fibroblasts, new vessel formation (angiogenesis), thickness of the granulomatous tissues (GT), and the overlying epithelium were analyzed. Results Among the studied groups, all of the treatment groups were significantly different from the control, eucerin, and phenytoin groups in a positive manner with regard to all studied factors (P ≤ 0.05). However, the best results were observed with the S. ebulus (2%) and the combination 2% groups (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions Topical ointments prepared from the extracts of U. dioica and S. ebulus and their combination possess strong wound healing properties. It is postulated that a synergistic effect may exist between the two extracts since the combination 2% showed better results than the sole extracts.

Anatomía Floral de Peristethium leptostachyum (Loranthaceae) / Floral anatomy of Peristethium leptostachyum (Loranthaceae)

ResumenPeristethium leptostachyum es una especie hemiparásita de la familia Loranthaceae, distribuida en Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Perú, Venezuela y Panamá. Previamente tratada como Struthanthus leptostachyus, la especie fuerecientemente fue reubicada en Peristethium junto con otras que previamente estaban en los géneros Cladocolea y Struthanthus. La decisión de reconocer a Peristethium como género es controversial y fue tomada con base en caracteres de la inflorescencia y de la flor; en tanto que la monofilia de los tres géneros nombrados es incierta. En esta investigación se estudió la morfoanatomía de flores e inflorescencias de Peristethium leptostachyum, detallando la estructura del androceo y gineceo, así como los procesos de microgametogénesis y megagametogénesis; adicionalmente se realizaron comparaciones con especies afines y precisiones en relación con las diagnosis previas. Se recolectaron flores en diversas fases de desarrollo en Santa María (Boyacá-Colombia), se prepararon y analizaron bajo microscopio secciones histológicas teñidas con astrabluefucsina, además de disecciones bajo estereomicroscopio. Los resultados mostraron que P. leptostachyum comparte caracteres inflorenciales con Cladocolea (inflorescencia determinada, flor terminal ebracteada), pero también con Struthanthus (pares de tríadas a lo largo del eje, brácteas caducas y flores actinomorfas). Las flores de P. Leptostachyum de Santa María son claramente hermafroditas, con androceos y gineceos totalmente desarrollados; lo cual contradice la descripción hecha por Kuijt que reporta una condición dioica para esta especie. El androceo resultó afín al de Struthanthus vulgaris, con tapetum glandular y microsporogénesis simultánea; en contraste, Cladocolea loniceroides presenta tapetum periplasmodial y microesporogénesis sucesiva. El gineceo de P. leptostachyum, al igual que en Cladocolea, Struthanthus y Phthirusa, es unilocular con mamelón y tejido arquesporial orientado hacia el estilo, el cual es sólido y con tejido amilífero. P. leptostachyum es afín a Cladocolea loniceroides y difiere de Struthanthus vulgaris por presentar varios sacos embrionarios y pelvis (hipostasa) no lignificada. La presencia de un canal estilar sólido se propone como sinapomorfía de la tribu Psittacanthinae. Dado que P. Leptostachyum comparte caracteres anatómicos florales tanto con Cladocolea como con Strutanthus, la relación entre estos tres géneros no queda resuelta, se requieren estudios filogenéticos para establecer esta relación y poner a prueba las hipótesis de monofilia de cada uno de ellos.

AbstractPeristethium leptostachyum is a hemiparasite species of the family Loranthaceae, distributed in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Panama. Previously treated as Struthanthus leptostachyus, the species was recently transferred to Peristethium together with other species of Cladocolea and Struthanthus. The present research describes the inflorescence and floral morphoanatomy of Peristethium leptostachyum, detailing the structure of the androecium and gynoecium and the processes of microgametogenesis and megagametogenesis, thus allowing comparison with Struthanthus and Cladocolea. Flowering material was collected in February and August 2012, in Santa María, Boyacá, Colombia. Histological sections were prepared and stained with astrablue-fuchsin and floral dissections were performed under a stereomicroscope. Peristethium leptostachyum shares inflorescence characters with Cladocolea (determinate inflorescence, ebracteate terminal flower), but also with Struthanthus (pairs of triads along the axis, deciduous bracts and actinomorphic flowers). The flowers of P. leptostachyum from Santa María are clearly hermaphrodites with androecium and gynoecium fully developed. This observation contradicts the description by Kuijt who reported this species to be dioecious. The androecium was observed to be similar to that of Struthanthus vulgaris, with a glandular tapetum and simultaneous microsporogenesis; in contrast, Cladocolea loniceroides has a periplasmodial tapetum and successive microsporogenesis. The gynoecium of P. leptostachyum, like that of Cladocolea, Struthanthus and Phthirusa, has a unilocular ovary with a mamelon and arquesporial tissue isoriented towards the style, which in turn is solid and amyliferous. Peristethium leptostachyum is similar to Cladocolea loniceroides and differs from Strutanthus vulgaris in presenting multiple embryo sacs and an unlignified pelvis (hipostase). The presence of a solid stylar canal is proposed as a synapomorphy of the tribe Psittacanthinae. Given that P. leptostachyum shares characters with both Cladocolea and Struthanthus generic placement cannot be clearly determined on the basis of anatomical evidence. Phylogenetic studies that include representative species of all three genera are desirable to test hypotheses of monophyly. The sexual system observed here in P. leptostachyum is different from that reported by Kuijt and more studies are needed to identify the factors (geographic, ecological, etc.) that influence this variation. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (1): 341-352. Epub 2016 March 01.

Chemical constituents of Myripnois dioica / 中国中药杂志

To study the chemical constituents of the aerial parts of Myripnois dioica. Twelve compounds were separated from the 95% ethanol extract of M. dioica by using various chromatographic techniques. Their stuctures were identified on the basis of their physicochemical properties and spectral data as 8-desoxyurospermal A(1), zaluzanin C(2), dehydrozaluzanin C(3), glucozaluzanin C(4), macrocliniside B(5), macrocliniside I(6), taraxinic acid-14-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(7), ainsliaside B(8), apigenin(9), luteolin(10), apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(11), and luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(12). Except for compound 8, the other compounds were isolated from this genus for the first time. Compound 8 was found to decrease blood glucose level properly in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

Study on the Quality Standard of Root of Urtica dioica and Different Harvest Periods / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the quality standard of root of Urtica dioica and investigate the sample’s content in different harvest periods. METHODS:TLC was conducted to identify the scopoletin in the root of U. dioica with the developing agent of hexane-dichloromethane- ethyl acetate- formic acid (6∶10∶7∶1.2,V/V/V/V);alcohol-hot dipping was used to determine the con-tent;and the root of U. dioica in different harvest periods were comparatively researched. RESULTS:The lactone thin-layer chro-matogram feature was obvious,alcohol-hot dipping showed the contents of root of u. dioica was relatively high(RSD≤1%),the ex-tract content of root of U. dioica was the highest from late fall to early spring,and the stage was suitable excavation period. CON-CLUSIONS:The established quality standard can be used for accurately qualitative and quantitative,and studying different harvest periods is conducive to effectively control the quality of root of U. dioica.

Isolation of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase from Young Leaves of Phytolacca dioica L.

Aims: Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) catalyses a key reaction by which inorganic carbon is assimilated into organic carbon found in the biosphere. The present study was aimed to isolate this enzyme from leaves of Phytolacca dioica L. Study Design: In this work, first crude extracts from leaves at different stages of development were assayed to isolate this enzyme, then young leaves of P. dioica were used considering high value of specific activity. Methodology: Classical methods for protein isolation have been used to characterise RubisCO from P. dioica leaves. Results: RubisCO was isolated from young leaves by gel-filtration. The pure RubisCO showed two predominant bands (56- and 15-kDa) by SDS-PAGE. N-terminal sequences data on large (56 kDa) and Small (15 kDa) subunits obtained by automatic Edman degradation show a high percentage of identity with large and small subunit of other RubisCo enzymes. Moreover, the N-terminal amino acid sequence obtained by Edman degradation of the expressed large subunit (56 kDa) corresponds to the traduced one found by the analysis of the chloroplast genome of P. dioica (access number AFU65422). Conclusion: The data on RubisCO from young leaves of Phytolacca dioica L. (RubisCO-Pd), obtained in the present work, could be used as the starting point for biological characterization of this enzyme.

Effect of nettle (Urtica dioica) extract on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in male rabbits

To investigate the antioxidant effect of an orally administered ethanol extract of nettle (Urtica dioica) and its protective role in preventing or ameliorating oxidative stress as a major factor in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in male rabbits. Methods: Twenty rabbits were divided into 4 equal groups: (G1) control group, (G2) gentamicin treated group (100 mg/kg), (G3) nettle treated group (100 mg/kg), (G4) combination treated group with both gentamicin (100 mg/kg) and nettle (100 mg/kg) for 10 days. The antioxidant properties of nettle were evaluated using different antioxidant tests, such as determination of glutathione and malondialdehyde levels and total phenolic content analysis. Results: Biochemical and histopathological study revealed that gentamicin caused nephrotoxicity observed clearly in the histopathological section of the kidney in the gentamicin treated group. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were biochemical indicators for nephrotoxicity which increased significantly in gentamicin treated group; other groups have no significant change in these two parameters. Nettle extract protected the rabbits from alteration in the level of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine when given after inducing of gentamicin nephrotoxicity. The nettle treated group showed a great effect as an antioxidant factor by increasing the glutathione level and reducing malondialdehyde level. No significant changes in biochemical parameters and no renal histopathological changes observed in the groups treated with nettle extract, which meant nettle had powerful antioxidant activity. Conclusions: Therefore, it can be assumed that the nephroprotective effect shown by nettle in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity can reserve intracellular levels of biological pathways and supportively enhance excretion of toxic levels of gentamicin.

Análisis fitoquímico de Jatropha dioica y determinación de su efectoantioxidante y quimioprotector sobre el potencial genotóxico deciclofosfamida, daunorrubicina y metilmetanosulfonato evaluadomediante el ensayo cometa / Phytochemical analysis of Jatropha dioica and determination of its antioxidant and chemopreventive effect on the genotoxic potential of cyclophosphamide, daunorubicin and methyl methane-sulfonate evaluated by the comet assay

Dragon ́s blood root (Jatropha dioica) underwent a phytochemical screening showing the presence of flavonoids and terpenes responsible for the antioxidant potential observed in DPPH model for the decoction, aqueous and methanolic extracts. The chemoprotective effect of the root decoction was evaluated in liver, kidney and bone marrow cells of mice using the comet assay. Mutagens were administered via IP: cyclophosphamide (CCF) 50 mg/kg, daunorubicin (DAU) 10 mg/kg, and metyl metanesulfonate (MMS) 40 mg/kg, were co-administered with three doses of decoction 3.72 ml/kg, 10.71 ml/kg, and 21.42 ml/kg orally. Animals were sacrificed at 3, 9, 15 and 21 h after inoculation. The chemoprotective effect decreased DNA breaks at 3 hours in all organs, and longer against CCF and DAU, this effect probably being related to the antioxidant capacity of the decoction.

La raíz de Sangre de Drago (Jatropha dioica) se sometió a un tamizaje fitoquímico destacando la presencia de flavonoides y terpenos, posibles responsables del efecto antioxidante observado en el modelo de DPPH para la decocción, extracto acuoso y metanólico de la raíz. El efecto quimioprotector de la decocción, se evaluó en células hepáticas, renales y de médula ósea de ratón, mediante el ensayo cometa. Los mutágenos administrados vía I.P.: ciclofosfamida (CCF) 50 mg/kg, daunorrubicina (DAU) 10 mg/kg y metilmetanosulfonato (MMS) 40 mg/kg, se co-administraron con tres dosis de decocción 3,72 ml/kg, 10,71 ml/kg y 21,42 ml/kg, vía oral. Los animales fueron sacrificados a las 3, 9, 15 y 21 h posteriores a la aplicación. El efecto quimioprotector disminuyó las rupturas del DNA a las 3 horas en todos los órganos con los tres mutágenos, y permaneció por más tiempo frente a CCF y DAU, dicho efecto está relacionado con la capacidad antioxidante de la decocción.

Estimation of ursolic acid from Urtica dioica L. using validated HPTLC method.

Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae, leaves) is commonly used in traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of a wide range of disorders. The present work emphasizes on a validated HPTLC method for estimation of ursolic acid from U. dioica leaves and its available formulation. Chromatographic separation was achieved on silica gel 60 F254 TLC plate with toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (7:3:0.1, v/v/v) as a mobile phase. Detection of ursolic acid was carried out by derivatizing the plate with Liebermann Burchard reagent at 110°C for 10 min. Camag TLC scanner 4 equipped with winCATS software was used for densitometric scanning at 366 nm. The accuracy of the method was checked by conducting various validation parameters according to ICH guidelines. The method was found applicable to evaluate the impact of regional variation on ursolic acid content in U. dioica leaves. The research also highlights estimation of ursolic acid from a marketed herbal formulation of U. dioica leaves. The described HPTLC method was found useful for quantitation of bioactive marker ursolic acid and can be used as a routine quality control tool for the assessment of botanicals.

Antibacterial efficacy of Pimenta dioica (Linn.) Merill and Anacardium occidentale L. against drug resistant urinary tract pathogens.

The aim of the present study was to determine antibacterial effect of leaf and bark extracts of Pimenta dioica (Linn.) Merill (Myrtaceae) and Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae) against drug resistant clinical isolates of urinary tract infection viz., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Agar well diffusion method was employed to assess inhibitory activity of leaf and bark extracts. Among extracts, bark extract of P. dioica and leaf extract of A. occidentale exhibited high inhibitory activity. The bark extract of P. dioica showed high inhibition of clinical isolates than other extracts. Among bacteria, E. faecalis and K. pneumoniae were inhibited to high and least extent respectively. The inhibitory potential of extracts could be attributed to the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites. Isolation of inhibitory principles from crude extracts and their inhibitory activity against UTI pathogens are to be carried out.

The preventive and treatment effect of urtica dioica on astrocyte density in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of hippocampus in STZ induced diabetic rats / Efecto preventivo y del tratamiento de urtica dioica sobre la densidad de astrocitos en los subcampos CA1 y CA3 del hipocampo en ratas con diabetes inducida por STZ

Several animal model studies have shown that Diabetes mellitus can affect on the activity of hippocampus astrocytes, but these studies reported controversial findings. This study was done to evaluate the preventive and treatment effect of Urtica dioica (U. dioica) on astrocytes density in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of hippocampus of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Twenty-eight male albino Wistar rats were randomly allocated equally into control, diabetic, U. dioica treatment and U. dioica preventive groups. Hyperglycemia was induced by STZ (80 mg/kg/BW). One week after injection of the streptozotocin, animals in treatment group were received hydroalcoholic extract of U. dioica (100 mg/kg/BW /day) for 4 weeks by intraperitoneally. In preventive group, diabetic rats were received 100 mg/kg/BW/ daily hydroalcoholic extract of U. dioica for 5 days before STZ injection. Then, animals were sacrificed and coronal sections were taken from the right dorsal hippocampus, stained with PTAH. The area densities of the astrocytes were measured. The number of astrocytes in CA1 of controls, diabetic treatment and preventive groups was 19.00+/-5.5, 17.14+/-6.4, 21+/-8.1 and 16.48+/-3.2, respectively. The densities of astrocytes in CA3 of controls, diabetic, treatment and preventive groups were 25.45+/-7.60, 21.54+/-7.5, 23.75+/-5.6 and 19.89+/-3.8, respectively. The density of astrocytes in diabetic rats reduced in comparison with controls (P<0.05). In CA1 and CA3, in spite of preventive administration, treatment of diabetic rats with U. dioica significantly increased the astrocytes. This study showed that treatment with U. dioica extract can help compensate for the CA1 and CA3 subfields of hippocampus astrocytes in diabetic rats.

Varios estudios en modelos animales han mostrado que la diabetes mellitus puede afectar la actividad de los astrocitos del hipocampo, pero estos resultados son controvertidos. Este estudio se realizó para evaluar el efecto preventivo y de tratamiento de la Urtica dioica (U. dioica) en la densidad de los astrocitos en los subcampos CA1 y CA3 del hipocampo en ratas diabéticas inducidas por estreptozotocina (STZ). Veintiocho ratas Wistar albinas macho fueron asignadas al azar por igual en grupos control, diabético, con tratamiento U. dioica y preventivo con U.dioica. La hiperglucemia se indujo por STZ (80 mg/kg/peso corporal). Una semana después, los animales del grupo tratamiento recibieron el extracto hidroalcohólico de U. dioica (100 mg/kg/peso corporal/día) durante 4 semanas vía intraperitoneal. El grupo preventivo, recibió 100 mg/kg/peso corporal/día de extracto hidroalcohólico U. dioica durante 5 días antes de la inyección de STZ. Los animales fueron sacrificados, se tomaron secciones coronales del hipocampo dorsal derecho y se tiñeron con PTAH. Fueron medidas las densidades de área de los astrocitos. El número de astrocitos en CA1 de los grupos de ratas control, diabéticas, con tratamiento de U. dioica y preventivo con U. dioica fue 19,00+/-5,5, 17,14+/-6,4, 21+/-8,1 y 16,48+/-3,2, respectivamente. Las densidades de los astrocitos en CA3 de los grupos de ratas control, diabéticas, con tratamiento de U. dioica y preventivo con U. dioica fue 25,45+/-7,60, 21,54+/-7,5, 23,75+/-5,6 y 19,89+/-3,8, respectivamente. La densidad de los astrocitos en las ratas diabéticas se redujo en comparación con los controles (P <0,05). En CA1 y CA3, a pesar de la administración preventiva, sólo el tratamiento de ratas diabéticas con U. dioica aumentó significativamente los astrocitos. Este estudio mostró que el tratamiento con extracto de U. dioica puede ayudar a compensar los astrocitos de los subcampos CA1 y CA3 del hipocampo en ratas diabéticas.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of flowers of Wendlandia thyrsoidea, Olea dioica, Lagerstroemia speciosa and Bombax malabaricum.

Flowers of higher plants have been used for centuries for several purposes such as medicine, food and garnishing food in many parts of the world. In the present study, we have determined the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanol extract of flowers of Wendlandia thyrsoidea (Roemer & Schultes) Steudel (Rubiaceae), Olea dioica Roxb. (Oleaceae), Lagerstroemia speciosa L. (Lythraceae) and Bombax malabaricum DC. (Bombacaceae). Antioxidant efficacy of various concentrations of flower extracts was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and Ferric reducing assay. Antimicrobial activity was determined against four bacteria and two fungi by agar well diffusion method. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and Aluminium chloride colorimetric estimation methods respectively. The DPPH free radical scavenging effect of flower extracts was concentration dependent and was higher in case of extract of L. speciosa followed by W. thyrsoidea, B. malabaricum and O. dioica. In ferric reducing assay, it was shown that the absorbance of reaction mixture at 700nm increased on increasing the concentrations of flower extracts indicating reducing power of extracts. The reducing ability was also highest in L. speciosa extract. Extract of L. speciosa displayed marked inhibitory activity against bacteria and fungi than other flower extracts. Gram positive bacteria have shown more susceptibility than Gram negative bacteria. Among fungi, C. neoformans was more inhibited than C. albicans. Extracts of B. malabaricum and O. dioica were not effective against C. albicans. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were higher in L. speciosa and O. dioica respectively. A positive correlation has been observed between total phenolic content of flower extracts and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The flowers can be employed as a remedy for treatment of infectious diseases and oxidative damage. Further, isolation of active components from flower extracts and their biological activity determinations are under progress.