Triterpenoids from an aqueous extract of the Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa seeds / 药学学报

Four new triterpenoids, together with six known analogues, were isolated from an aqueous extract of the Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa seeds, by multiple column chromatographic separation methods using stationary phases of macroporous adsorption resin, MCI resin, normal phase silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and Toyopearl HW-40C as well as preparative thin-layer chromatography and reversed-phase HPLC. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data analysis, the new structures were trivially named jujubaceanothoside A (1), 23-epijujuboside A (2), and jujubosides J and K (3 and 4), while the known analogues were identified as jujubosides A-C (5-7) and II (8), alphitolic acid (9), and betulinic acid (10). The structure of 1 was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

Ecological Suitability Regionalization of Ziziphus jujuba / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To analyze the main factors affecting the <italic>Ziziphus jujuba</italic> distribution and expand the understanding of its distribution and the corresponding influencing factors by comparing the distribution sites of <italic>Z. jujuba</italic> predicted by models with those recorded in the literature. Method:More than 200 distribution sites of <italic>Z. jujuba</italic> accompanied by 55 environmental factors were obtained from literature and specimen review. The environmental factors that affect the distribution of <italic>Z. jujuba</italic> were explored by maximum entropy （MaxEnt） model， and the potential distribution areas of <italic>Z. jujuba</italic> in China were analyzed by ArcGIS， followed by the verification of the main environmental factors using receiver-operating characteristic （ROC） curve and Jackknife method. Result:The area under the curve （AUC） values for the test data and training data were both greater than 0.9， which perfectly satisfied the standard， indicating that the research results were accurate and reliable. Conclusion:The annual average temperature， the average temperature in May， the average temperature in the warmest season， vegetation type， soil type， average temperature in June， average temperature in September， and average temperature in August are proved to be the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of <italic>Z. jujuba</italic>， which can be found almost all over China， except for Heilongjiang and Tibet. <italic>Z. jujuba</italic> is most suitable to be planted in southeastern Sichuan， Chongqing， southern Gansu， Ningxia， most areas of central Shaanxi， eastern and southwestern Shanxi， Henan， eastern and northern Hubei， northern and eastern Anhui， Shandong， Hebei， Beijing， Tianjin， western Liaoning， and Zhejiang. As revealed by literature review， the most suitable growing areas of <italic>Z. jujuba</italic> are southeastern Sichuan， central Shaanxi， southwestern Shanxi， western and northern Henan， Shandong， and southwestern and eastern Hebei.

Contents Determination of Spinosin and Jujub oside A in the Seads of Ziziphus jujuba and Its Quality Grading Standard / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To establish a method for simultaneous determination of spinosin and jujuboside A in the seads of Ziziphus jujuba， and to investigate its quality grading standard. METHODS： HPLC-ELSD method was adopted. The separation was carried out on Inertsil ODS-SP column with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-water （gradient elution） at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The column temperature was 30 ℃， the temperature of drift tube was 90 ℃， the flow of carrier gas was 2.9 L/min and injection volume was 20 μL. The thickness， width， length and 100-grain quality of the medicinal materials were used as indicators to investigate the appearance traits. SPSS 22.0 software was used to analyze the correlation of the contents of spinosin and jujuboside A， its appearance traits with the quality constant of TCM， and establish a quality classification standard for the seads of Z. jujuba. RESULTS： The linear range of spinosin and jujuboside A were 1.03-6.18 μg/mL （r＝0.999 7）， 1.05-6.30 μg/mL （r＝0.999 8）； the limits of quantitation were 0.171， 0.174 μg/mL， respectively； the limits of detection were 0.052， 0.053 μg/mL， respectively. RSDs of precision， stability and reproducibility tests were all lower 2％. The recoveries were 99.01％-102.97％ （RSD＝1.39％， n＝6）， 97.94％-101.03％ （RSD＝1.13％， n＝6）， respectively. Correlation analysis results showed that the length， width， 100-grain quality spinosin content and jujuboside A content of the medicinal materials were positively correlated with the quality constant of TCM. The results of quality classification for 30 batches of medicinal materials showed that S1-S4 and S7-S12 were first-class products； S5， S6， S13-S17 and S20-S30 were second-class products； S18 and S19 were third-class products. CONCLUSIONS： Established content determination method is simple， precision， accurate and stable， and can be used for simultaneous determination of spinosin and jujuboside A in the seads of Z. jujuba. Established quality grading standard of the seads of Z. jujuba can be used to evaluate the quality.

Phytochemical Screening and Anti-diarrheal Activity of the Pulp and Seed Extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana in Rats

In the present study, attempt was made to evaluate the phytochemical composition and anti-diarrheal activity of the seed and pulp extract of Ziziphus mauritania. The anti-diarrheal activity of the crude seed and pulp were evaluated using castor oil induced diarrheal model, charcoal meal test and anti-fluid accumulation test in rats. The result of phytochemical test indicated that tannins, flavonoids, saponin, cyanogenic glycosides, and terpenoids were present in both seed and pulp. In the castor oil induced model both the seed and pulp extract significantly prolonged diarrheal onset was observed in treated rats compared to the negative control. Similarly, in the fluid accumulation test, the extract of the seed and pulp produced a significant decline in volume of intestinal contents. Results from the charcoal meal test revealed that all the extract produced a significant anti-motility effect. Based on the findings of this work, the pulp extract of this plant possess anti-diarrheal properties and validates its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhea

Antibacterial and Antiplasmodial Activities of Tannins Extracted from Zizyphus mauritiana in Mali

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate tannins extracted from Ziziphus mauritiana as source of potential antimalarial and antimicrobial agents in Mali.Place and Duration of Study: Collection of plant materials, tannins extraction, antibacterial activity evaluation were done at University od Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali and antiplasmodial activity assessment at Department of Microbiology and Immunology, WeillCornell Medicine, New York, United States of America between September 2013 and February 2014Methods: We extracted tannins from leaves of Z. mauritiana collectedaround Bamako, Mali. Antiplasmodialactivity was evaluated against 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) and Dd2 (chloroquine-resistant) strains of Plasmodium falciparumusing the fluorescence based SYBR® green I method. Antibacterial activity of tannins was evaluated by disc diffusion method againststrains of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhi, Streptococcus andStaphylococcus aureus donated by the National Research Institute in Public Health in Mali and collected from infected patients suffering from different diseases.Results: Tannins extracts from leaves of Z. mauritiana showed moderate antiplasmodial activity against 3D7 P. falciparum (46.9±1.12 ?g/mL) and against Dd2 P. falciparum strains (67.8±2.39?g/mL). They showed also an antibacterial activity on different bacterial strains showing important inhibition zones. Conclusion: Tannins extractedfrom Z. mauritiana demonstrated good antiplasmodial and antibacterial activities.These data confirm the potential use of tannins as a key element in antimalarial and antibacterial drug development.

Inhibitory activities of extracts of Rumex dentatus, Commelina benghalensis, Ajuga bracteosa, Ziziphus mauritiana as well as their compounds of gallic acid and emodin against dengue virus

Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effects against dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) by five different fractions (extracted by methanol, ethanol, benzene, chloroform and n-hexane) of Rumex dentatus, Commelina benghalensis, Ajuga bracteosa and Ziziphus mauritiana, as well as their constituents (gallic acid, emodin, and isovanillic acid).Methods:All the samples were tested for cytotoxicity on baby hamster kidney cells by MTT assay and for anti-DENV-2 activity by plaque reduction neutralization assay using two DENV-2 doses (45 and 90 plaque- forming units or PFU).Results:All the samples except isovanillic acid exhibited significant prophylactic effects against DENV-2 infectivity (without cytotoxicity) when administered to cells before infection, but were not effective when given 6 h post-infection. The methanol extract of Rumex dentatus demonstrated the highest antiviral efficacy by inhibiting DENV-2 replication, with ICConclusions:The highly potent activities of the extracts and constituent compounds of these plants against DENV-2 infectivity highlight their potential as targets for further research to identify novel antiviral agents against dengue.

Inhibitory activities of extracts of Rumex dentatus, Commelina benghalensis, Ajuga bracteosa, Ziziphus mauritiana as well as their compounds of gallic acid and emodin against dengue virus

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effects against dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) by five different fractions (extracted by methanol, ethanol, benzene, chloroform and n-hexane) of Rumex dentatus, Commelina benghalensis, Ajuga bracteosa and Ziziphus mauritiana, as well as their constituents (gallic acid, emodin, and isovanillic acid). Methods: All the samples were tested for cytotoxicity on baby hamster kidney cells by MTT assay and for anti-DENV-2 activity by plaque reduction neutralization assay using two DENV-2 doses (45 and 90 plaque- forming units or PFU). Results: All the samples except isovanillic acid exhibited significant prophylactic effects against DENV-2 infectivity (without cytotoxicity) when administered to cells before infection, but were not effective when given 6 h post-infection. The methanol extract of Rumex dentatus demonstrated the highest antiviral efficacy by inhibiting DENV-2 replication, with IC

Growth inhibitory effect of phenolic extracts of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. in dengue vector Aedes aegypti (L) in parent and F1 generation

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the lethal and emergence inhibitory effect of alkaloid, phenolic and terpenoid extracts of Ziziphus jujuba (Rhamnaceae) against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), and to explore the effect of the most effective fraction on developmental and biochemical parameters of the dengue vector.@*METHODS@#The fourth instar larvae of Ae. aegypti were exposed to alkaloid, phenolic and terpenoid extracts from Z. jujuba leaves to test their toxicity and emergence inhibitory effects. Phenolic extract, being the most effective was further tested against the mosquitoes for their growth inhibitory effect supported by biochemical changes in the parent and F1 generation.@*RESULTS@#While the different secondary metabolite fractions i.e., alkaloid, phenolics and terpenoid caused mortality at larval and pupal stages, the LC value was the lowest for phenolic fraction. Further study carried out with the phenolic fraction revealed that it affected growth by decreasing adult life span, fertility and fecundity of the mosquitoes. The reduction in growth was also accompanied by decrease in carbohydrate and lipid levels.@*CONCLUSIONS@#It is concluded that the phenolic extract of the leaves of Z. jujuba is a potential candidate for control of Aedes mosquitoes.

Growth inhibitory effect of phenolic extracts of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. in dengue vector Aedes aegypti (L) in parent and F1 generation

Objective To evaluate the lethal and emergence inhibitory effect of alkaloid, phenolic and terpenoid extracts of Ziziphus jujuba (Rhamnaceae) against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), and to explore the effect of the most effective fraction on developmental and biochemical parameters of the dengue vector. Methods The fourth instar larvae of Ae. aegypti were exposed to alkaloid, phenolic and terpenoid extracts from Z. jujuba leaves to test their toxicity and emergence inhibitory effects. Phenolic extract, being the most effective was further tested against the mosquitoes for their growth inhibitory effect supported by biochemical changes in the parent and F1 generation. Results While the different secondary metabolite fractions i.e., alkaloid, phenolics and terpenoid caused mortality at larval and pupal stages, the LC

Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphus jujuba on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in male rat (Rattus norvegicus) / Efeitos do extrato hidroalcoólico de Ziziphus jujuba na colite ulcerativa induzida pelo ácido acético em rato macho (Rattus norvegicus)

Objective: To investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphus jujuba on the histopathological, tissue oxidative stress and inflammation plus to antioxidant pathways of colon tissue in rat with induced Ulcerative colitis. Materials and methods: Ulcerative colitis was induced in 80 rats those divided into 8 equal groups. Group 1 and 2 were negative controls receiving 1 mL/day of normal saline in enema and oral; group 3 and 4 as positive control 1 and 2 received 10 mg/kg of intra-colonic asacol and oral mesalazine; groups 5 and 6 received 20% and 40% of hydroalcoholic extract of Z. jujuba trans-rectally; group 7 and 8 received 1500 and 3000 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of Z. jujuba orally, respectively. After 7 days, animals were evaluated for colon tissue histopathology, levels of malondialdehyde and IL-1ß, and activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and myeloperoxidase in colon tissue. Results: Hydroalcoholic extract of Z. jujuba in both forms of trans-rectal and oral administration especially in the higher doses could result into a more healing effect in damaged colonic tissue, more reduce glutathione peroxidase and IL-1ß; level. Also, these two doses (gel 40% and oral 3000 mg/kg) could more decrease the myeloperoxidase activity and stimulate superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Also, gel 40% in transrectal administration was more potent than administration 3000 mg/kg in oral. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that Z. jujube may be considered as a treatment of choice for Ulcerative colitis especially in gel form and also in dose-dependent pattern.

Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos do extrato hidroalcoólico de Ziziphus jujuba no estresse oxidativo em tecido ao nível histopatológico e na inflamação, juntamente com as vias antioxidantes em tecido de cólon em ratos com colite ulcerativa induzida. Materiais e métodos: Induzimos colite ulcerativa em 80 ratos, divididos em 8 grupos iguais. Os grupos 1 e 2 eram controles negativos que receberam 1 mL/dia de salina normal em enema e por via oral; os grupos 3 e 4 eram controles positivos para 1 e 2 e receberam 10 mg/kg de asacol por via intracolônica e mesalazina oral; os grupos 5 e 6 receberam gel a 20% e 40% de extrato hidroalcoólico de Z. jujuba por via trans-retal; os grupos 7 e 8 receberam 1500 e 3000 mg/kg de extrato hidroalcoólico de Z. jujuba por via oral, respectivamente. Transcorridos 7 dias, os animais foram avaliados para histopatologia de tecido de cólon, níveis de malonildialdeído e IL-1ß, e atividades de superóxido dismutase, glutátion peroxidase e mieloperoxidase no tecido colônico. Resultados: O uso do extrato hidroalcoólico de Z. jujuba, tanto na forma transretal como oral, e em especial nas doses mais altas, resultou em um efeito de cicatrização mais intensa no tecido colônico lesionado, e em maior redução nos níveis de glutátion peroxidase IL-1ß. Além disso, essas duas doses (gel a 40% e 3000 mg/kg por via oral) diminuíram ainda mais a atividade de mieloperoxidase e estimularam as atividades de superóxido dismutase e glutátion peroxidase. Outro achado do estudo foi que o gel a 40% por administração trans-retal se mostrou mais potente do que a administração oral de 3000 mg/kg. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que Z. jujuba pode ser considerado como tratamento de escolha para colite ulcerativa, sobretudo em forma de gel e também em um padrão proporcional à dose administrada.

Evaluation of Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Three Leaf Extracts of Ziziphus spina-christi (Sedr) Grown in Jordan.

Aims: The primary aims of this study were to evaluate the total phenolic content and In vitro antioxidant activity of three different leaves extracts (methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous) of Ziziphus spins-christi grown in Jordan. Methods: Total phenolic content of the methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Ziziphus spins-christi was determined spectrometrically according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure. The antioxidant activities of the leaves extracts of this plant at different concentrations were determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and reducing power methods. All the analyzes was made with the use of UV-Visible spectrophotometer, and ascorbic acid was used as a standard antioxidant. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biological Science, Al-Bayt University, Al Mafraq, Jordan. Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, from April 2015 to December 2015. Results: The total phenolic content was ranged between 11.8 to 52.5 mg/g expressed in terms of Gallic acid equivalent (mg of GAE/g extract). In vitro antioxidant activity of the plant extracts revealed that all the extracts showed good antioxidant power with IC50 values of 21.4, 24.2 and 54.3 μg/mL for methanolic, aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively. The reducing power of the extracts was found to be concentration dependent. The results of this study revealed that, the methanolic extract of leaves showed the highest phenolic concentration and largest antioxidant activity. Conclusion: From this study it may be concluded that Z. spina-christi leaves could have potential source of antioxidants for pharmaceutical drug preparations.

Hypnotic effects of a novel anti-insomnia formula on Drosophila insomnia model / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the biological effects of the six-herb mixture Anti-Insomia Formula (AIF) extract using caffeine-induced insomnia Drosophila model and short-sleep mutants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Caffeineinduced insomnia wild-type Drosophila and short-sleep mutant flies minisleep (mns) and Hyperkinetic(Y) (Hk(Y)) were used to assess the hypnotic effects of the AIF in vivo. The night time activity, the amount of night time sleep and the number of sleep bouts were determined using Drosophila activity monitoring system. Sleep was defined as any period of uninterrupted behavioral immobility (0 count per minute) lasting > 5 min. Night time sleep was calculated by summing up the sleep time in the dark period. Number of sleep bouts was calculated by counting the number of sleep episodes in the dark period.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>AIF at the dosage of 50 mg/mL, effectively attenuated caffeine-induced wakefulness (P<0.01) in wild-type Canton-S flies as indicated by the reduction of the sleep bouts, night time activities and increase of the amount of night time sleep. AIF also significantly reduced sleeping time of short-sleep Hk(Y) mutant flies (P<0.01). However, AIF did not produce similar effect in mns mutants.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AIF might be able to rescue the abnormal condition caused by mutated modulatory subunit of the tetrameric potassium channel, but not rescuing the abnormal nerve firing caused by Shaker gene mutation. This study provides the scientific evidence to support the use of AIF in Chinese medicine for promoting sleep quality in insomnia.</p>

Anti-infective, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of Ziziphus oxyphylla and Cedrela serrata

Objective: To search for the most active antimicrobial and antioxidant sub-fractions related to traditional use of Ziziphus oxyphylla (Z. oxyphylla) and Cedrela serrata (C. serrata) in Pakistan against infectious and liver diseases. Methods: Factions of different polarity were tested in vitro for their antiprotozoal, antimalarial, antibacterial and antifungal activity against different pathogens. Cytotoxicity on MRC-5 cell lines (human lung fibroblasts) as well as, in vitro radical scavenging activity was evaluated using the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical assay. Results: The highest antiprotozoal activity was observed for the CHCl3 fractions of Z. oxyphylla roots and leaves, and C. serrata bark. The CHCl3 and EtOAc fractions of Z. oxyphylla roots, the CHCl3 fraction of Z. oxyphylla leaves, the EtOAc and the residual MeOH: H2O fraction of C. serrata bark showed antibacterial activity against Staphylo-coccus aureus. The same residual MeOH: H2O fraction of C. serrata bark was active against Candida albicans. The highest antioxidant activity was observed for the more hydrophilic EtOAc fractions of Z. oxyphylla leaves, C. serrata bark and leaves, and the residual MeOH:H2O fraction of C. serrata bark. Conclusions: This study supports at least in part the traditional uses of these plants for antimicrobial purposes and against liver diseases.

Anti-infective, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of Ziziphus oxyphylla and Cedrela serrata

Objective To search for the most active antimicrobial and antioxidant sub-fractions related to traditional use of Ziziphus oxyphylla (Z. oxyphylla) and Cedrela serrata (C. serrata) in Pakistan against infectious and liver diseases. Methods Factions of different polarity were tested in vitro for their antiprotozoal, antimalarial, antibacterial and antifungal activity against different pathogens. Cytotoxicity on MRC-5 cell lines (human lung fibroblasts) as well as, in vitro radical scavenging activity was evaluated using the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical assay. Results The highest antiprotozoal activity was observed for the CHCl

Screening for the Active Ingredients of Ziziphus jujuba with Neuroprotective Effects and Their Mechanisms of Action / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To conduct screening for the active ingredients of Ziziphus jujuba with neuroprotective effect and to il-luminate their mechanisms of action preliminarily. METHODS:After neuron-like cells (PC12 cells) were respectively cultured in the ingredient of Z. jujuba with polysaccharide enriched(1 mg/ml),that with polysaccharide removed(1 mg/ml),7 kinds of flavo-noid ingredients of Z. jujuba(catechin,procyanidine B2,epicatechin,hyperoside,rutin,quercetin-3-β-D-glucoside and kaempfer-ol-3-O-rutinoside,represented by A,B,C,D,E,F,G,all at the concentrations of 3,13,30 μmol/L)and 2 kinds of nucleoside ingredients of Z. jujuba (cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate,both at the concentrations of 3, 13,30 μmol/L)for 24 h,tert-butyl hydroperoxide(tBHP,150 μmol/L)was used to act on PC12 cells for 3 h to induce oxidative cellular damage,and MTT assay was employed to detect the survival rate of PC12 cells. The PC12 cells transfected with reporter gene plasmid(pARE-Luc)were cultured as above for 24 h,luciferase(Luc)assay was used to detect the transcriptional levels of the antioxidant response element(ARE)of all groups of cells(reflected as the activity of Luc)so as to investigate the anti-injury mechanism. RESULTS:The ingredient of Z. jujuba with polysaccharide enriched could significantly increase the survival rate of PC12 cells to which oxidative damage was caused and the transcriptional level of ARE in the transfected cells. Among the flavonoid ingredients of Z. jujuba, A(30 μmol/L),B(3-30 μmol/L)and C(10-30 μmol/L)could significantly increased the survival rate of the cells,and A(30 μmol/L),B(3-30 μmol/L),C(30 μmol/L),E(30 μmol/L)and F(3-30 μmol/L)could obviously in-creased the activation level of ARE in the transfected cells. However,the nucleoside ingredients of Z. jujuba including cyclic ade-nosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate had no obvious effect of increasing the survival rate of PC12 cells to which oxidative damage was caused or activating the transcription of ARE in the transfected cells. CONCLUSIONS:The polysac-charide and flavonoid ingredients of Z. jujuba may be the active ingredients which account for the neuroprotective effect against oxi-dative cellular damage,and their mechanisms of action may be related to the activation of ARE transcription.

Predição de modelos sobre a cinética de secagem de folhas de Ziziphus joazeiro Mart / Prediction models in the kinetics of drying leaves of Ziziphus joazeiro Mart

RESUMO: Esta pesquisa objetivou estudar, experimentalmente, a cinética de secagem de folhas de juazeiro (Ziziphus joazeiro Mart.) sob camada delgada em estufa com circulação forçada de ar utilizando temperaturas de 40, 50 e 60 ºC e velocidade do ar de 0,5, 1,0 e 1,5 m.s-1 conforme planejamento fatorial (22 + 3) e posterior ajuste das equações matemáticas aos dados experimentais, verificando assim aquele que melhor representa o fenômeno de secagem. Foi determinado o teor de água inicial das folhas utilizando o método padrão da estufa, em triplicatas. Para cada tratamento de secagem foram utilizados em torno de 150 g de folhas. Para o ajuste utilizou-se análise de regressão não linear, pelo método Quasi-Newton, por meio do programa computacional Statistica 5.0®, em que os valores dos parâmetros das equações foram estimados em função da temperatura e da velocidade do ar de secagem. A equação que melhor representou o processo de secagem do juazeiro para a faixa de temperatura de 40 a 60 ºC foi a de Midilli. Os resultados mostraram que com o acréscimo da temperatura ocorre maior redução no tempo de secagem.

ABSTRACT: This research aimed to study experimentally the kinetics of drying leaves of Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. in thin layer in an oven with forced air using the temperatures of 40, 50 and 60 ºC and the air velocity of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m s-1 according to the factorial design (22 + 3) and subsequent adjustment of the experimental data in different models, and we select the one that best represents the phenomenon of drying. We determined the initial water content of the leaves by the standard oven method, in triplicates. For each drying treatment, we used approximately 150g of leaves. For adjustment, we used the non-linear regression analysis, through the Quasi-Newton method, using the software Statistica 5.0 ®, in which the parameter values of the equations were determined for the temperature and velocity of the drying air. The equation that best represented the drying process of the Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. for the temperature range of 40-60 ºC was the Midilli equation. The results showed that there is a greater reduction in drying time with increasing temperature.

Phytochemical and biological investigations of methanol extract of leaves of ziziphus mauritiana lam / Investigaciones fitoquímicas y biológicas de extractos metanólicos de hojas de ziziphus mauritiana lam

Seven compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated as y-fagarine (1), beta-sitosterol (2), stigmasterol (3), alfa-amyrin (4), lupeol (5), beta-amyrin (6) and betulin (7) by extensive spectroscopic studies and by co-TLC with authentic samples. This is the first report of isolation of compounds 1-7 from this plant species. The extractives from leaves were investigated for thrombolytic, membrane stabilizing, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal and analgesic potentials along with sleep inducing property on animal model. The thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing activities were assessed by using human erythrocyte comparing with standard streptokinase and acetylsalicylic acid, respectively. The methanolic extract reduced frequency of diarrheal faeces when compared to the standard loperamide. In castor oil induced diarrhea in mice a dose dependent decrease of gastrointestinal transits were observed. In radiant heat tail-flick method the methanol extract showed moderate antinociceptive activity, compared to standard morphine.

Siete compuestos fueron aislados del extracto metanólico de hojas de Ziziphus mauritiana. Las estructuras de los compuestos aislados fueron identificadas como y-fagarina (1), beta-sitosterol (2), estigmasterol (3), alfa-amirina (4), lupeol (5), beta-amirina (6) y betulina (7 ) por medio de extensivos estudios espectroscópicos y por co-TLC con muestras auténticas. Este es el primer informe de aislamiento de los compuestos 1-7 a partir de esta especie vegetal. Los extractos de las hojas fueron investigados por efectos trombolíticos, estabilizadores de membrana, antimicrobianos, antidiarreicos y potenciales analgésicos junto a la propiedad de inducir sueño en el modelo animal. Las actividades trombolíticos y la estabilización de la membrana se evaluaron mediante el uso de eritrocitos humanos comparando con estreptoquinasa estándar y el ácido acetilsalicílico, respectivamente. El extracto metanólico redujo la frecuencia de las heces diarreicas en comparación con el estándar de loperamida. En la inducción por aceite de ricino de diarrea en ratones, se observó una disminución dosis dependiente de los tránsitos gastrointestinales. En el método del coletazo producido por calor radiante, el extracto metabólico mostró una actividad antinociceptiva moderada, en comparación con la morfina estándar.

Advance in Modern Research and Development ofZiziphus Jujuba / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

The fruit of Ziziphus jujuba was known as fine quality in the Shennong's Herbal. It is sweet in taste and mild in property with the effect of regulating the middle, invigorating the spleen, assisting twelve meridians, harmonizing stomach-qi, unclogging nine orifices, and moderating hundreds of herbs. In recent years, the efficacies of Ziziphus jujuba have been widely studied with considerable meaningful achievements. In this article, main research progresses in recent ten years were reviewed, which included resources, chemical components and pharmacological effects of Ziziphus jujuba. The research and development of medication, health care product and food with Ziziphus jujuba as its main ingredient were summarized for further references in related studies.

Bioatividade dos extratos aquosos de plantas às larvas da mosca-das-frutas, Ceratitis capitata (Wied. ) / Bioactivity of aqueous extracts of plants to the fruit fly larvae, Ceratitis capitata (Wied. )

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a toxicidade dos extratos aquosos de plantas às larvas recém-eclodidas de Ceratitis capitata. Folhas de algodão-de-seda (Calotropis procera), citronela (Cymbopogon nardus), juazeiro (Ziziphus joazeiro), pinha (Annona squamosa),pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas), noni (Morinda citrifolia) e tingui (Magoniapubescens) foram coletadas, secas e moídas em moinho de facas até a obtenção de um pó. Tais pós foram adiciona dos em água destilada para a preparação dos extratos aquosos (10%, p/v). As suspensões contendo os compostos hidrossolúveis foram filtradas, a fim de se conseguir os extratos que foram adicionados à dieta artificial das larvas da mosca. À dieta controle, adicionou-se somente água destilada. Os ensaios foram realizados em DIC, com quatro tratamentos e um controle. Todos os tratamentos foram constituídos por 10 repetições, cada uma com 10 larvas recém-eclodidas de C. capitata. Foram avaliadas a mortalidade larval e a eficiência de controle (E%) dos extratos aquosos às larvas. Os extratos de juazeiro, tingui e pinhão-manso são os mais tóxicos e eficientes no controle das larvas de C. capitata, causando elevadas mortalidades.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of aqueous plant extracts to neonate larvae of Ceratitis capitata. Silk cotton (Calotropis procera), citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus), joazeiro (Ziziphus joazeiro),sugar apple (Annona squamosa), jatropha (Jatropha curcas), noni (Morinda citrifolia) and tingui (Magonia pubescens) were collected, dried, and milled in a knife mill in order to obtain a powder. These powders were added in distilled water to prepare aqueous extracts (10%, w/v). The suspension containing the hydrosoluble compounds was filtered to get the extracts, which were added to the artificial diet of fruit fly larvae. Only distilled water was added in the control diet. Assays were carried out in DIC, with four treatments (aqueous extracts) and one control. All treatments consisted of 10 repetitions, each containing 10 newly hatched larvae ofC. capitata. Larval mortality and control efficiency (E%) of aqueous extracts to the larvae were evaluated. The joazeiro, tingui and jatropha extracts are the most toxic and effective in controlling larvae of C. capitata, causing high mortality.(AU)

Effects of Ziziphus jujuba fruit extracts on cytochrome P450 (CYP1A2) activity in rats / 中国天然药物

Drug-drug interactions have become a serious problem in the clinic, since plant-based medicines are extensively used. The present study investigated the effects of Ziziphus jujuba fruit (ZJ) extract on the pharmacokinetics of phenacetin, a typical substrate of a cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP 1A2, in rats. The rats were pretreated with the water extract (1.0 g · kg(-1)) or the ethanolic extract (3.6 g · kg(-1)) of ZJ for 10 days, and the pharmacokinetics of phenacetin was investigated after intravenous administration. In an in vitro assay, acetaminophen formation in the hepatic microsomes of ZJ-treated rats was investigated to assess CYP1A2 activity. Our results demonstrated that the treatment with the water and ethanolic extracts of ZJ decreased the plasma concentration of phenacetin and increased the plasma concentration of acetaminophen, resulting in a 43.2% and 15.5% reduction in the AUC0-120 of phenacetin, respectively, and a 53.2% and 64.9% increase in the AUC0-120 of acetaminophen, respectively after intravenous administration. The water or ethanolic extract of ZJ significantly increased the clearance of phenacetin and acetaminophen formation in hepatic microsomes. In conclusion, ZJ extracts displayed effects on the pharmacokinetics of phenacetin and increased the CYP1A2 activity in rats. Therefore, precaution on drug-drug interactions should be taken when ZJ is co-administered with drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, which may result in decreased concentrations of these drugs.