Chemical constituents from Xanthii Fructus / 中国中药杂志

This study was carried out to investigate the chemical constituents from Xanthii Fructus(the fruits of Xanthium sibiricum). The compounds were separated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 and ODS chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Base on HR-ESI-MS, NMR and other spectral data, their structures were identified. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced macrophage RAW264.7 as a screening model. A total of twenty-one compounds were isolated from the EtOAc fraction of 95% ethanol extract and identified as uracil(1), thymine(2), uridine(3), indole-3-carbaldehyde(4), indole-3-carboxylic acid(5), 2'-O-methyluridine(6), guanosine(7), 2,4(1H,3H)-quinazolinedione(8), 3-hydroxy-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)indolin-2-one(9), nicotinamide(10), N-acetyl-L-phenylalaninol(11), heliolactam(12), terresoxazine(13), caudatin(14), qingyangshengenin(15), caudatin-3-O-β-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside(16), caudatin-3-O-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside(17), caudatin-3-O-α-L-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside(18), qinyangshengenin-3-O-β-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside(19), qinyangshengenin-3-O-β-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-digitoxopyranoside(20), rostratamine-3-O-β-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside(21). Compounds 5-21 are obtained from genus Xanthium for the first time. Compounds 12 and 13 indirectly exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells with IC_(50) values of(15.45±0.56) and(20.14±0.78) μmol·L~(-1), respectively.

Evaluación del efecto antiinflamatorio y analgésico de la asociación de los extractos de Xanthium spinosum L. y Urtica urens L. en modelo murino / Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of the association of extracts of Xanthium spinosum L. and Urtica urens L. in the murine model

La elevada incidencia de los efectos adversos provocados por el uso crónico de antiinflamatorios, ha dirigido la búsqueda de terapias alternativas o coadyuvantes basadas en la utilización de plantas medicinales. En Bolivia las especies vegetales Xanthium spinosum L. y Urtica urens L. son empleadas tradicionalmente en procesos inflamatorios. En este trabajo se investiga el efecto antiinflamatorio y analgésico de diferentes tipos de extractos: extracto acuoso, etanólico, diclorometanico, etéreo de las especies vegetales Xanthium spinosum L. y Urtica urens L. y la asociación de los extractos acuosos y etanólicos de las mismas especies vegetales, en modelos murino. Los mayores efectos de inhibición de la inflamación a una dosis de 1,5 g/kg de peso corporal se registraron a las siete horas del proceso inflamatorio para los extractos acuoso (64,8%) y etanólico (68,7%) de X. spinosum L.; el porcentaje de inhibición para el extracto acuoso y etanólico de U. urens L. fue de 57% y 51,5% respectivamente. La inhibición de la algesia fue observada en los extractos diclorometánico y etanólico de ambas especies, llegando a un máximo de inhibición de 72,8% con el extracto etanólico de U. urens L. La evaluación de la asociación de extractos acuosos de ambas especies, a una dosis de 0,75 g/kg de peso corporal de cada extracto, mostro un efecto antiinflamatorio con un porcentaje de inhibición de la inflamación de 68,95% y un porcentaje de inhibición de la algesia de 54,8%; en tanto que la asociación de los extractos etanólicos de estas especies mostró sólo efecto antiinflamatorio.

The high incidence of adverse effects caused by the chronic use of anti-inflammatory drugs has led to the search for alternative therapies or coadjuvants based on the use of medicinal plants. In Bolivia, the plant species Xanthium spinosum L. and Urtica urens L. are traditionally used in inflammatory processes. In this work the antiinflammatory and analgesic effect of different types of extracts is investigated: aqueous, ethanolic, dichloromethane, ethereal extract of the plant species Xanthium spinosum L. and Urtica urens L. and the association of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the same plant species, in murine models. The highest effects of inhibition of inflammation at a dose of 1.5 g/kg of body weight were recorded seven hours after the inflammatory process for the aqueous (64.8%) and ethanolic (68.7%) extracts of X. spinosum L .; the percentage of inhibition for the aqueous and ethanolic extract of U. urens L. was 57% and 51.5% respectively. The inhibition of algesia was observed in the dichloromethane and ethanolic extracts of both species, reaching a maximum of 72.8% inhibition with the ethanolic extract of U. urens L. The evaluation of the association of aqueous extracts of both species, at a dose of 0.75 g/kg of body weight of each extract, showed an anti-inflammatory effect with a percentage of inhibition of inflammation of 68.95% and a percentage of inhibition of algesia of 54.8%; whereas the association of the ethanolic extracts of these species showed only anti-inflammatory effect.

Anti-hemolytic, Anti-lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Properties and Acute Toxicity of Xanthium strumarium Leaves Extracts

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of different extracts prepared from the leaves of Xanthium strumarium. Polyphenols and flavonoids contents in all extracts were determined by spectrophotometric assays, antioxidant and antiradical capacities of the extracts were assayed using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, reducing power, β-carotene and anti-hemolytic assay. In addition, the in vivo antioxidant activity of three concentrations of leaves crude extract was investigated. Antioxidant activity of the crude extract was examined using anti-hemolytic assay and the determination of Glutathione and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and catalase activity. In vitro antioxidant assays showed that crude extract and its fractions have strong effects in scavenging DPPH and reducing power. These activities decreased in the following order: ethyl acetate extract (EAE) > aqueous extract (AqE) > crude extract (CrE) > chloroform extract (ChE). The β-carotene bleaching assay showed that the CrE had the highest antioxidant activity followed by the EAE, AqE and the ChE. However, the anti-hemolytic test demonstrated that the ChE was the most effective in protecting red blood cells, followed by the EAE, AqE and the CrE. Three concentrations of leaves crude extract were tested for the in vivo antioxidant assays, and anti-hemolytic Catalase activity and the content of both MDA and Glutathione (GSH) were estimated. Among these tests, X. strumarium crude extract exhibited a potent inhibition of lipid peroxidation. It was concluded that X. strumarium extracts contain high phenolic content and have powerful antioxidant capacity in vitro and in vivo. These extracts were found to be safe with no toxic effects. These findings support the traditional use of this plant as an anti-inflammatory remedy.

A new dimeric xanthanolide from fruits of Xanthium chinense / 中国中药杂志

Through the methods of polyamide resin， Sephadex LH-20， ODS column chromatography and preparative HPLC etc.， 7 compounds were isolated from the 70% ethanol extract of the fruits of Xanthium chinense. Based on ESI-MS and NMR data， the structures of these compounds were identified as pungiolide O(1)， grasshopper ketone(2)， icariside F₂(3)， 7-[(β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxymethy]-8，8-dimethyl-4，8-dihydrobenzo[1，4]thiazine-3，5-dione(4)，(6R，9S)-3-oxo-α-ionol β-D-glucopyranoside(5)， cryptochlorogenic acid methyl ester(6)， and chlorogenic acid methyl ester(7). Among them， compound 1 is a new compound.

Study on lignans from Xanthii Fructus / 中国中药杂志

This project is to investigate lignans from the dried fruits of Xanthium sibiricum (Xanthii Fructus). The chemical constituents were extract by 70% ethanol and isolated by silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20, MCI column chromatography. Based on comparison of their spectral data with those reported in literature, they were elucidated as (-)-pinoresinol (1), balanophonin A (2), diospyrosin (3), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (4), 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-1-propanol (5), (-)-simulanol (6), (-)-7R,8S-dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (7), chushizisin E (8), dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (9), 7R,8S-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), erythro-1,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanediol (11), leptolepisol D (12), 8-O-4' neolignan 4-O-β-glucopyranoside (13), (-)-1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-2-{2-methoxy-4-[1-(E)-propen-3-ol]phenoxyl}-propane-3-ol(14), 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy)-phenyl-2-[4-(1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)-2-methoxy]-phenoxy-1,3-propandiol (15), threo-dihydroxy dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (16), (-)-(2R)-1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-2-{2-methoxy-4-[(E)-formylviny1]phenoxyl} propane-3-ol (17). Compound 2-17 were isolated from the genus Xanthium for the first time. Compound 1 were isolated form Xanthii Fructus for the first time.

Applicability of small molecule biomarkers of nephrotoxicity in evaluating toxicity of traditional Chinese medicines / 药物评价研究

Objective To evaluate the applicability of small molecular markers of nephrotoxicity that in prediction of drug toxicity.Method Extracts of five kinds of traditional Chinese medicines (Tripterygium wilfordii,Strychni semen,Aristolochiafangchi,Rhei Radix et Rhizoma,and Xanthium sibiricum) that had known as nephrotoxicity were ig given to rats to establish renal injury models,and the blood samples were collected after administration for 1 and 7 d.Then blood samples were analyzed by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS for five kinds of small molecule biomarkers-thymidine,lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC 16:1),LPC (18:4),LPC (20:5),and LPC (22:5).The support vector machine (SVM) prediction model was established to determine the toxicity.The levels of Cr and BUN in serum were determined by automatic biochemical analyzer.The rats in each group were sacrificed after blood collection,and the kidneys were taken for HE staining.Result No toxicity was observed in the control group,and the biochemical test results showed no renal injury after mentioned five kinds Chinese herbs were given for 1 d,while SVM model of nephrotoxicity had been found abnormal.After administration for 7 d,the results of SVM model show renal toxicity,which were consistent with biochemical and pathological examination.Conclusion Metabonomics combined with the earlier established SVM model enabled prediction of drug nephrotoxicity more sensitively,quickly and \ccurately,and it is of great significance for the discovery of drug toxicity as well as the prevention and treatment of drug-induced renal injuries in clinic.

Chemical constituents from fruits of Xanthium sibiricum / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the fruits of Xanthium sibiricum. Methods: The constituents were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, ODS reverse phase column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, MCI gel CHP 20P, and HPLC methods. The structures were identified by HR-ESI-MS and spectral analysis methods. Results: Fourteen compounds were isolated from the fruits of X. sibiricum and the structures were identified as xanthiazone (1), 2-hydroxy-xanthiside (2), uridine (3), indole-3-carbaldehyde (4), naphthisoxazol A (5), aminobenzene propanamide (6), N-benzoyl-2-aminoethyl β-D- glucopyranoside (7), ω-hydroxypropioguaiacone (8), arbutin (9), icariside D1 (10), lcariside F2 (11), (+)-erythro- guaiacylglycerol-8-O-4'-(coniferyl alcohol) ether (12), (-)-threo-guaiacylglycerol-8-O-4'-(coniferyl alcohol) ether (13), and coniferine (14). Conclusion: Compounds 3-14 are obtained from the fruits of X. sibiricum for the first time.

Analysis of Volatile Compositions in Xanthium Sibiricum Patr. Before and After Processing by HS-SPME-GC-MS / 中国药师

Objective:To analyze the changes of chemical compositions and relative contents of volatile constituents in raw Xanthi-um sibiricum Patr. and fried Xanthium sibiricum Patr. Methods: Headspace solid phase micro extraction ( HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ( GC-MS) was used to study the volatile components in raw and fried products of Xanthium sibir-icum Patr. . A peak area normalization method was applied to calculate the relative percentage content of each composition. Results:Totally 26 and 27 kinds of compounds were isolated and identified respectively from raw and fried xanthium including 19 species and re-spectively accounting for 68. 69% and 90. 08% of the total volatile components. In the raw products, the components with high con-tents were camphor (15. 3%), eucalyptus oil alcohol (9. 6%) and borneol (6. 89%), while in the fried products, those were men-thol (24. 09%), borneol (18. 48%) and eucalyptol (7. 19%). Conclusion:The relative contents of components with effects on rhi-nitis in the fried products are obviously higher than those in the raw products. HS-SPME-GC-MS can be used to detect the volatile com-positions and their relative contents in the raw products and fried products of Xanthium sibiricum Patr. . From the changes of volatile components, theoretical basis can be laid for the components with certain efficacy in raw and fried Xanthium sibiricum Patr. , and scien-tific basis can be provided for their further study and comprehensive utilization.

Comprehensive evaluation and risk control measures of Xanthii Fructus / 中国中药杂志

By retrieving domestic and foreign literatures, the authors provided a systematic review for effects of Xanthii Fructus, toxicity recorded in ancient/current literatures and relevant toxicological experience, and summarized clinical characteristics of clinical cases related to Xanthii Fructus and influencing factors. In addition to liver and kidney injuries as the major side effects of Xanthii Fructus, neurotoxicity and cardio-toxicity of Xanthii Fructus were also common clinical adverse events. However, there have been a few animal experimental studies so far. Oral administration and external application with Xanthii Fructus have often caused skin reactions, even such severe cases as exfoliative dermatitis. The authors suggested standardizing the clinical medication, avoiding to use untreated prescriptions and unprocessed herbs, ensuring the effective and safety use of Xanthii Fructus in strict accordance with the recommended dosage and usage in pharmacopeia, paying attention to the accumulation of safety signals, strengthening studies on toxic substance, toxicity mechanism, and synergy and attenuation effects.

Study on chemical constituents from whole herbs of Xanthium mongolicum / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents in the whole herbs of Xanthium mongolicum. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by chromatography on silica gel column and HPLC, and their structures were elucidated by spectral analysis. Results: Seventeen compounds were isolated and identified as lasidiol p-methoxybenzoat (1), β-selinene (2), xanthatin (3), xanthinosin (4), luteone (5), daucosterol (6), 4β,5β-epoxy xanthatin-1α,4α-endoperoxide (7), (6S,9R)-vomifoliol (8), dehydrovomifoliol (9), 3(Z)-hexenyl-β-D-glycoside (10), 4-oxo-bedfordia acid (11), 11α,13-dihydro-8-epi-xanfbut (12), scopolin (13), pinoresinol (14), β-sitosterol (15), quercetin (16), and methyl p-hydroxybenzonate (17). Conclusion: The compounds 2, 8, 9, 10, and 17 are isolated from the plants of Xanthium L. for the first time and the compounds 1, 5, 7, 11 and 13 are isolated from the whole herbs of X. mongolicum for the first time.

Phytochemical Screening, In-vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Leaves, Stems and Roots of Xanthium strumarium L., (Compositae).

Introduction: Many diseases are associated with oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Current research is directed towards finding naturally occurring antioxidants of plant origin. Xanthium strumarium L. a cocklebur or bur weed is a reputed medicine in Europe, China, Indo-china, Malaysia and America. It is used in treatment of common disease such as hemicrania, leucoderma, biliousness, poisonous bites of insects, epilepsy, long standing malaria, relieving constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting etc. The present research deals with phytochemical screening and in-vitro evaluation of antioxidant activities of the various extracts of leaves, stems and roots of X. strumarium L. Method: Successive extracts of leaves, stems and roots was subjected for phytochemical screening. Various extracts of leaves, stems and roots were screened in-vitro for total antioxidant potential. Inhibition of oxygen derived free radicals, viz., assay for free radical scavenging of nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, the antioxidant capacity by phosphomolybdenum, reducing power ability and determination of phenolic and flavonoids content in the extracts of leaves, stems and roots were performed. DPPH scavenging activity or the Hydrogen donating capacity was quantified in presence of stable DPPH radical on the basis of Blois method. NO scavenging activity was performed in the presence of nitric oxide generated from sodium nitroprusside using ascorbic acid as standard in both methods. The phenolic content was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and flavonoid content was determined by aluminium chloride. Result: The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, sterols, flavonoids, alkaloids and phenolic compounds in the extracts. The scavenging activity was found to be dose dependent. The reducing capacity serves as significant indicator of antioxidant activity. The reducing power increased with the increasing concentration of sample. The 100mg powder of leaves yielded 0.069, 0.523, 1.620 mg/g phenolic content and 0.17, 0.45, 0.95 mg/g flavonoid content with solvents such as petroleum ether (60º-80ºc), chloroform, and ethanol respectively. Similarly, in case of stems and roots the phenolic content yielded 0.063, 0.324, 1.324 mg/g and 0.040, 0.159, 0.41 mg/g and flavonoids content 0.00, 0.11, 0.23 mg/g and 0.00, 0.05, 0.18 mg/g respectively, using quercetin as standard. Conclusion: The present study provides evidence that X. strumarium L., is a potential source of antioxidants and the extracts have constituents which were capable of showing antioxidant activity and the said in-vitro antioxidant activity may also be due to the presence of antioxidant principles present in the extracts like flavonoid and phenolic compounds. So the folklore use of X. strumarium L. has been proved in present research work. These findings confirm the great interest of the herb whose phytochemistry and phytopharmacology should be investigated further in order to detect possible phytotherapeutic uses in the prevention of ageing related diseases, cardiovascular disorders and Alzheimer disease.

Effects of extraction methods of phenolic compounds from Xanthium strumarium L. and their antioxidant activity / Efeito de métodos de extração de compostos fenólicos de Xanthium strumarium L. e suas atividades antioxidantes

Foram avaliados os efeitos de métodos de extração e de solventes sobre o rendimento de extrato, conteúdo de fenólicos totais, atividade antioxidante, e composição dos compostos fenólicos de Xanthium strumarium L. A atividade antioxidante foi determinada pelo método do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazila (DPPH), e a composição dos compostos fenólicos foi determinada por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência e por espectrometria de massas com ionização por electrospray. Todos os resultados foram afetados pelo método de extração e, principalmente pelo solvente utilizado, sendo que os melhores resultados foram obtidos com o solvente metanol. Os extratos metanólico e etanólico apresentaram forte ação antioxidante e os principais compostos fenólicos encontrados nos extratos foram os ácidos ferúlico e clorogênico.

The effect of extraction methods and solvents on overall yield, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and the composition of the phenolic compounds in Xanthium strumarium extracts were studied. The antioxidant activity was determined by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), and the composition of the phenolic compounds was determined by HPLC-DAD and LC/MS. All results were affected by the extraction method, especially by the solvent used, and the best results were obtained with the methanol extract. The methanolic and ethanolic extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity, and the chlorogenic and ferulic acids were the most abundant phenolic compounds in the extracts.

Chemical constituents from Xanthii Fructus / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents of Xanthii Fructus. Methods: The compounds were isolated and purified by chromatography on silica gel, ODS, and Sephadex LH-20 columns, and their structures were determined according to physicochemical properties and spectral analyses. Results: Fifteen compounds were obtained and identified as loliolide (1), (3S, 5R, 6S, 7E)-5, 6-epoxy-3-hydroxy-7-megastigmene-9-one (2), 7α-hydroxy-β-sitosterol (stigmast-5-ene-3β, 7α-diol) (3), stigmast-4-ene-3β, 6α-diol (4), 6'-palmitoxyl-β-daucosterin (5), β-sitosterol (6), daucosterol (7), balanophonin (8), pinoresinol (9), xanthatin (10), xanthinosin (11), xanthienopyran (12), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (13), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-transcinnamaldehyde (14), and quercetin (15). Conclusion: Compounds 1-5 are obtained from the plants in Xanthium L. for the first time, and compound 8 is isolated from this plant for the first time.

Effects of Xanthium stramarium and Psoralea corylifolia Extracts Combined with UVA1 Irradiation on the Cell Proliferation and TGF-beta1 Expression of Keloid Fibroblasts

BACKGROUND: Xanthium stramarium (XAS) and Psoralea corylifolia (PSC), phototoxic oriental medicinal plants, has been used in traditional medicines in Asian countries. OBJECTIVE: The effects of highly purified XAS or PSC extract combined with ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) irradiation on cell proliferation and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) expression of the keloid fibroblast were being investigated to define potential therapeutic uses for keloid treatments. METHODS: The keloid fibroblasts were treated with XAS or PSC alone or in the combination with UVA1 irradiation. The cell viability, apoptosis, and expression of TGF-beta1 and collagen I were investigated. RESULTS: XAS and PSC in combination with UVA1 irradiation suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts. Furthermore, the XAS and PSC in combination with UVA1 irradiation inhibited TGF-beta1 expression and collagen synthesis in keloid fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: These findings may open up the possibility of clinically used XAS or PSC in combination with UVA1 irradiation for keloid treatments.

Effects of Xanthium stramarium and Psoralea corylifolia Extracts Combined with UVA1 Irradiation on the Cell Proliferation and TGF-beta1 Expression of Keloid Fibroblasts

BACKGROUND: Xanthium stramarium (XAS) and Psoralea corylifolia (PSC), phototoxic oriental medicinal plants, has been used in traditional medicines in Asian countries. OBJECTIVE: The effects of highly purified XAS or PSC extract combined with ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) irradiation on cell proliferation and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) expression of the keloid fibroblast were being investigated to define potential therapeutic uses for keloid treatments. METHODS: The keloid fibroblasts were treated with XAS or PSC alone or in the combination with UVA1 irradiation. The cell viability, apoptosis, and expression of TGF-beta1 and collagen I were investigated. RESULTS: XAS and PSC in combination with UVA1 irradiation suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts. Furthermore, the XAS and PSC in combination with UVA1 irradiation inhibited TGF-beta1 expression and collagen synthesis in keloid fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: These findings may open up the possibility of clinically used XAS or PSC in combination with UVA1 irradiation for keloid treatments.

In vivo and in vitro genotoxicity studies of aqueous extract of Xanthium spinosum

The use of plants as a source of palliative or cure for pathological conditions is quite common worldwide. Xanthium spinosum (Asteraceae), popularly known in Brazil as 'espinho de carneiro', is an annual weed from South America, which has been used by empiric medicine to treat neoplasias. Owing to the extensive use of the above-mentioned plant and to the lack of reports about the real effects of its infusion, current study evaluated the genotoxic potential of its aqueous extract at concentrations 0.02 g L-1, 0.1 g L-1 and 0.2 g L-1 by fish micronucleus test and by comet human leukocytes assay. The micronucleus test featured at least 50 cells with micronuclei to every 2,000 cells scored, as a mutagenic parameter. The comet assay was used as a parameter for assessing the level of cell damage and the damage index. Since no significant changes in strain cells exposed to the aqueous extract in the comet and micronucleus assays were reported, it seems that no genotoxicity evidence is extant at the concentrations and in the assays performed.

Em diversos lugares do mundo a utilização de plantas como fonte paliativa ou de cura para determinadas condições patológicas é bastante comum. No Brasil, essa prática não se torna diferente devido à ampla biodiversidade da fauna e flora presentes no País. Nesse contexto, surge a Xanthium spinosum (Asteraceae), conhecida popularmente como "espinho-de-carneiro", um arbusto anual introduzido na América do Sul, o qual tem sido utilizado empiricamente no tratamento de neoplasias. Sabendo do extensivo uso dessa planta em contrapartida com nenhum estudo reportando os reais efeitos de sua infusão, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a genotoxicidade do extrato aquoso nas concentrações de 0,02 g L-1, 0,1 g L-1 e 0,2 g L-1, através do ensaio do micronúcleo písceo e do ensaio cometa em leucócitos de sangue humano. O ensaio do micronúcleo tem como parâmetro mutagênico a presença de no mínimo 50 células com micronúcleo em uma contagem de 2.000 células por amostra, enquanto o ensaio cometa utiliza como parâmetro o nível de dano e o índice de dano. Os resultados mostram que não foi possível observar mudanças significativas nas células expostas ao extrato aquoso, em ambos os testes, o que sugere não existir evidência de genotoxicidade nas concentrações utilizadas no ensaio.

Plantas que causam alterações mecânicas ou traumáticas em ruminantes e equinos, com ênfase em Stipa spp. (Gramineae) / Plants that cause mechanic or traumatic alterations in ruminants and horses, with emphasis on Stipa spp. (Gamineae)

Many plants cause mechanical injury in horses and ruminants, as those that cause traumatism on skin and mucosa, and those that cause lesions in the digestive system, including esophagus obstruction, rumen overload, and intestinal obstruction. In this paper, plants causing mechanical injury to ruminants and horses in Brazil are reviewed, and an outbreak in sheep of mechanical injury of the skin by Stipa sp. in Uruguay is reported. The sheep, mainly lambs, showed large number of fruits of Stipa sp. in the wool, some of them penetrating the skin, panniculus adiposus, and cutaneous trunci muscle, causing multifocal dermatitis and panniculitis.

Várias plantas podem provocar algum tipo de injúria mecânica. Entre elas as que causam traumatismo da pele ou mucosas, e as que causam alterações do sistema digestório, incluindo obstrução esofágica, sobrecarga ruminal e obstrução intestinal. Neste trabalho são revisadas algumas plantas que causam essas alterações e é descrito um surto de injúria mecânica causada por Stipa spp. (flechilha) em ovinos no Uruguai. Os animais, principalmente os cordeiros, apresentavam grande quantidade dos frutos de flechilha incrustadas na lã e alguns desses se introduziam na pele, panículo adiposo e músculo cutâneo do tronco causando dermatite e paniculite multifocal difusa.

Plantas que causam alterações mecânicas ou traumáticas em ruminantes e equinos, com ênfase em Stipa spp. (Gramineae) / Plants that cause mechanic or traumatic alterations in ruminants and horses, with emphasis on Stipa spp. (Gamineae)

Many plants cause mechanical injury in horses and ruminants, as those that cause traumatism on skin and mucosa, and those that cause lesions in the digestive system, including esophagus obstruction, rumen overload, and intestinal obstruction. In this paper, plants causing mechanical injury to ruminants and horses in Brazil are reviewed, and an outbreak in sheep of mechanical injury of the skin by Stipa sp. in Uruguay is reported. The sheep, mainly lambs, showed large number of fruits of Stipa sp. in the wool, some of them penetrating the skin, panniculus adiposus, and cutaneous trunci muscle, causing multifocal dermatitis and panniculitis.

Várias plantas podem provocar algum tipo de injúria mecânica. Entre elas as que causam traumatismo da pele ou mucosas, e as que causam alterações do sistema digestório, incluindo obstrução esofágica, sobrecarga ruminal e obstrução intestinal. Neste trabalho são revisadas algumas plantas que causam essas alterações e é descrito um surto de injúria mecânica causada por Stipa spp. (flechilha) em ovinos no Uruguai. Os animais, principalmente os cordeiros, apresentavam grande quantidade dos frutos de flechilha incrustadas na lã e alguns desses se introduziam na pele, panículo adiposo e músculo cutâneo do tronco causando dermatite e paniculite multifocal difusa.

Control de Calidad del Xanthium spinosum, planta medicinal expendida en la ciudad de La Paz, Bolivia / Quality control of Xanthiu spinosum, a medicinal plant that is expended in the city of La Paz, Bolivia

Xanthium spinosum L. especie vegetal conocida comunmente en la ciudad de La Paz con el nombre "amor seco" es una especie autóctona de Sud América, es utilizada en la medicina tradicional principalmente por sus propiedades coleréticas hepáticas, laxantes suaves, cicatrizante de heridas, antiinflamatorio y diurético. Este trabajo tuvo como finalidad establecer los parámetros de calidad e identificación de esta especie, para ello se ha realizado el análisis micrográfico de hojas y tallos que es una característica diagnóstica y de identidad, los principales elementos encontrados son fragmentos de tricomas pluricelulares, vasos asociados a tejido, parénquima con estomas, fibras lignificadas y parénquima cortical. El análisis farmacognóstico muestra un contenido humedad de 7,78%, cenizas totales de 18,31%, cenizas ácidas 5,97%, elementos extraños 0,584% e índice de hinchamiento 19,46 ml. El análisis químico cualitativo muestra una mayor presencia de flavonoides y taninos, además de alcaloides y saponinas en menor proporción. La evaluación preliminar microbiológica muestra que las unidades formadoras de colonias (ufc) están dentro de los límites establecidos por la APHA. (AU)

Prácticas agrícolas para el cultivo de Xanthium strumarium L (guizazo de caballo) con fines terapéuticos / Agricultural practices for the culture of Xanthium strumanium L (guizazo de caballo) with therapeutic aims

Xanthium strumarium (guizazo de caballo) se encuentra entre las plantas con antividad antimitótica. OBJETIVOS: determinar en esta especie los aspectos agrícolas que garanticen el adecuado material vegetal. MÉTODOS: se realizaron estudios durante 2007-2009, donde se evaluaron dos fechas de siembra: junio y julio; dos distancias de siembra 90 x 30 cm y 90 x 50 cm y dos momentos de cosecha: 3 meses de edad (parte aérea y raíces) en plantas que presentaban estado de floración-fructificación y 4 meses de edad (solo raíces) en plantas en fructificación. Las semillas, obtenidas de areales silvestres, se sembraron en parcelas, 3 repeticiones en cada caso. Se evaluó la altura de las plantas en el momento de la cosecha, se seleccionaron 10 plantas/parcelas y se cosecharon 39 plantas/parcelas en la distancia de 90 x 30 cm y 24 plantas en la distancia de 90 x 50 cm, en el caso del follaje se evaluaron los rendimientos de 10 plantas/parcelas en cada caso. RESULTADOS: se observó que bajo cultivo la altura de las plantas fueron mayores en las que se sembraron en junio, con distancia de 90 x 30 cm, en tanto que en las de julio se comportaron de forma similar, independientemente a las distancias de siembra empleadas y en correspondencia con ello los rendimientos resultaron iguales; sin embargo, cuando se quieren cosechar también las raíces, es preferible hacer la cosecha a los 3 meses de edad y, en este caso, los mayores valores se presentaron en las siembras de julio, con distancia de 90 x 30 cm. CONCLUSIÓN: para el aprovechamiento de la planta con doble propósito: parte aérea y raíces, pues en ambas se ha encontrado la actividad antimitótica, la siembra se debe realizar entre junio y julio a la distancia de 90 x 30 cm y recolectarse el material a la edad de 3 meses

Xanthium strumarium (guizazo de caballo) is among the plants with antimitotic activity. OBJECTIVES: to determine in this species the agricultural features to guarantee the appropriate plant material. METHODS: during 2007-2009 studies were conducted to assess to sow dates: June and July; two sow distances 90 x 30 cm and 90 x 50 cm at two sow periods: three months of age (aerial parts and roots) in plants with a flowering-fructification states and four months of age (only roots) in plants in fructification process. Seeds obtained from wild aerial plants were sowed in plots, three repetitions in each case. The plants height was assessed at the harvest moment, choosing 10 plants/lots and 39 plants/lots were growed at a 90 x 30 cm distance and 24 plants at the 90 x 50 cm distance, in the case of foliage the yields of 10 plants/lots were assessed in each case. RESULTS: there was that at culture the plants heights were higher in those sowed in June at a 90 x 30 cm distance while those sowed in July behaved in a similar way independently of the sow distances used and in correspondence with it, the yields were similar; however, when we desire to grow also the roots, it is preferable to grow at three months of age, and in this case, the higher values were in sows of July at a 90 x 30 cm distance. CONCLUSION: for the plant exploitation with a double aim: aerial parts and roots, since in both there is antimitotic activity, sow must to be performed between June and July at a 90 x 30 cm distance and to harvest the material at three months age