Total phenolic, monomeric anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of Berberis commutata Eichler fruits / Contenido fenólico total, antocianinas monoméricas y actividad antioxidante de los frutos de Berberis commutata Eichler

Background: Berberis commutata Eichler is a berry that grows in the Peruvian Andes and has been consumed in the Andes of South America since ancient times. The edible fruits have an intense purple color and are rich in anthocyanins and phenolic compounds that are available from February until May each year. The color of the fruits is a soft purple dye for natural fibers, and many birds use them as food. Objective: This study quantified the total phenolic, monomeric anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of Berberis commutata Eichler berries. Methods: The total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric assay. Monomeric anthocyanin content was determined by the method is pH differential, and the antioxidant activity was measured using the Brand-Williams method. Results: The total phenolic content was 7,490 ± 0.85 mg GAE/100g, and the monomeric anthocyanin content was 70 ± 0.03 mg/100g. The antioxidant activity of the berries showed a tendency to increase with B. commutata extract concentration; an EC50 of 0.91 mg/mL was calculated, indicating a high antioxidant power. Conclusion: Our results showed that B. commutata E. has both high total phenolic content and monomeric anthocyanins comparable to other superfruits and high antioxidant activity, which means that it is possible to use this berberis species as a functional food.

Introducción: Berberis commutata Eichleres una baya que crece en los Andes peruanos. Los frutos comestibles tienen un intenso color púrpura rico en antocianinas y componentes fenólicos que están disponibles desde febrero hasta mayo de cada año. El color de sus frutos se utiliza como un suave colorante púrpura para las fibras naturales y muchas aves los utilizan como alimento. Sin embargo, desde la antigüedad los frutos de esta especie han sido consumidas en los Andes de Sudamérica. Objetivo: Este estudio cuantificó el contenido fenólico total, antocianinas monoméricas y la actividad antioxidante usando el método del radical DPPH de las bayas de Berberis commutata Eichler. Método: El contenido fenólico total se midió a través del ensayo colorimétrico de Folin-Ciocalteu, el contenido de antocianinas monoméricas se determinó mediante el método del pH diferencial y la actividad antioxidante se midió con el método de Brand-Williams. Resultados: El contenido fenólico total fue de 7,490 ± 0.85 mg GAE/100g y el contenido de antocianinas monoméricas fue de 70 ± 0.03 mg/100g. La actividad antioxidante de las bayas mostró una tendencia a aumentar con la concentración del extracto de B. commutata, se calculó un EC50 de 0.91 mg/mL que indica un alto poder antioxidante. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados mostraron que B. commutata E. tiene tanto un alto contenido fenólico total, así como antocianinas monoméricas comparables con otras superfrutas y una elevada actividad antioxidante, lo que significa que es posible utilizar esta especie de berberis como alimento funcional.

Mechanism of Berberis atrocarpa anthocyanin against Alzheimer's disease based on network pharmacology and experimental verification / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of Berberis atrocarpa Schneid. anthocyanin against Alzheimer's disease(AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking technology, and in vitro experiments. Databases were used to screen out the potential targets of the active components of B. atrocarpa and the targets related to AD. STRING database and Cytoscape 3.9.0 were adopted to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network and carry out topological analysis of the common targets. Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on the target using the DAVID 6.8 database. Molecular docking was conducted to the active components and targets related to the nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) pathway. Finally, lipopolysaccharide(LPS) was used to induce BV2 cells to establish the model of AD neuroinflammation for in vitro experimental validation. In this study, 426 potential targets of active components of B. atrocarpa and 329 drug-disease common targets were obtained, and 14 key targets were screened out by PPI network. A total of 623 items and 112 items were obtained by GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, respectively. Molecular docking results showed that NF-κB, NF-κB inhibitor(IκB), TLR4, and myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyD88) had good binding abilities to the active components, and malvidin-3-O-glucoside had the strongest binding ability. Compared with the model group, the concentration of nitric oxide(NO) decreased at different doses of malvidin-3-O-glucoside without affecting the cell survival rate. Meanwhile, malvidin-3-O-glucoside down-regulated the protein expressions of NF-κB, IκB, TLR4, and MyD88. This study uses network pharmacology and experimental verification to preliminarily reveal that B. atrocarpa anthocyanin can inhibit LPS-induced neuroinflammation by regulating the NF-κB/TLR4 signaling pathway, thereby achieving the effect against AD, which provides a theoretical basis for the study of its pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism.

Efecto de la suplementación del medio de incubación con extracto de Berberis microphylla (calafate) sobre la funcionalidad espermática en semen bovino descongelado / Effect of supplementation of incubation medium with Berberis microphylla (calafate) extract on sperm functionality in thawed bovine semen

RESUMEN: En el semen criopreservado, los procesos de congelación/descongelación y posterior manipulación, dañan las células espermáticas provocando disminución de la capacidad fecundante de los espermatozoides descongelados. Estos procesos han sido asociados con el estado de estrés oxidativo (EO) inducido por altos niveles de especies reactivas de oxígeno (EROS), causando daño a la función y estructura espermática. Los espermatozoides descongelados pueden ser protegidos de este daño, con la adición de antioxidantes (AO) al medio de incubación. El fruto de Calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst.) posee una alta capacidad antioxidante, lo que hace interesante investigar el efecto de sus componentes antioxidantes en estos procesos biotecnológicos especialmente postdescongelación. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la suplementación de extracto liofilizado de fruto de Calafate (ELC), sobre la calidad espermática post-descongelación. Previamente se caracterizó el ELC, determinando la actividad antioxidante y metabolitos como fenoles y antocianinas; posteriormente, espermatozoides de bovino descongelados fueron incubados en un medio base suplementado con diferentes concentraciones de ELC. Post-incubación se evaluó la motilidad progresiva; la viabilidad e integridad de la membrana plasmática (SYBR14- PI) y acrosomal (FITC-PNA/PI) y la peroxidación lipídica (BODIPY) por citometría de flujo. La caracterización de ELC demostró que tanto la actividad antioxidante como los fenoles y antocianinas incrementan concomitante con el aumento de la concentración de ELC. La adición de ELC al medio de incubación, dependiendo de la concentración y tiempo de incubación, sería eficaz en proteger la motilidad, viabilidad e integridad de la membrana plasmática y disminuir la lipoperoxidación en los espermatozoides de bovino descongelados.

SUMMARY: In cryopreserved semen, the freezing/thawing process following of manipulation, damage the sperm cell, decreasing the fertilizing capacity of the thawed sperm; being one of the main factors of this damage the oxidative stress. The sperm once thawed can be protected from this damage, with the addition of antioxidants to the incubation medium. The Calafate fruit (Berberis microphylla G. Forst.) has a high antioxidant capacity, making it an interesting resource for investigating the effect of its antioxidant components on biotechnological processes. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of supplementation of Calafate fruit lyophilized extract (ELC) on sperm quality. The lyophilized extract of the Calafate fruit was characterized, determining the antioxidant activity and metabolites such as phenols and anthocyanins; subsequently, thawed bovine sperm were incubated in a medium supplemented with different concentrations of ELC. Post-incubation, progressive motility was evaluated. By flow cytometry, the viability and integrity of the plasma (SYBR14-PI), and acrosomal (FITC-PNA / PI), as well as lipid peroxidation (BODIPY), was determined. The characterization of Calafate fruits lyophilized extract indicated that antioxidant activity, phenols and anthocyanins increased concomitantly with the increase of dose extract used. The addition of ELC to the incubation medium, depending on the concentration and incubation time, would be effective to protect motility, viability and integrity of the plasma membrane and decreased lipid peroxidation in thawed bovine sperm.

Investigation of the metabolites of five major constituents from Berberis amurensis in normal and pseudo germ-free rats / 中国天然药物

Berberis amurensis (Berberidaceae) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which is often used to treat hypertension, inflammation, dysentery and enteritis. It contains alkaloids, mainly including berberine, berbamine, magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine and palmatine. Berberis amurensis extracts (BAEs) is often orally taken. Oral herbs might be metabolized by intestinal bacteria in the small intestine. However, the interaction between the herb and the gut microbiota is still unknown. In the current study, UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with Metabolitepilot and Peakview software was used to identify the metabolites of BAEs in anti-biotic cocktail induced pseudo germ-free rats and normal rats. As a result, a total of 46 metabolites in normal rats were detected and its main metabolic pathways include demethylation, dehydrogenation, methylation, hydroxylation, sulfation and glucuronidation. Only 29 metabolites existed in pseudo germ-free rats. Dehydrogenated metabolites (M29, M30, M34 and M36), methylated metabolites (M33, M41 and M46) and other metabolites were not detected in pseudo germ-free rats. The result implied that the intestinal bacteria have an influence on the metabolism of BAEs. Furthermore, this investigation might contribute to the understanding of the metabolism of BAEs, and further promote its clinical application.

Determination of six compounds in Berberidis Cortex and comparative study of its different species / 中国中药杂志

In order to clarify the characteristic components of Berberidis Cortex,the preparative liquid chromatography and spectral analysis methods were used to separate and identify the unknown components in the water extract of Berberidis Cortex. Two compounds were isolated and identified as bufotenidine and ferulic acid 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. They were both isolated for the first time from Berberidis Cortex and Berberis. In addition,an HPLC method was successfully established for simultaneously determination of six compounds in Berberidis Cortex,and chemometric methods were used to study the chemical differences among three main species of Berberidis Cortex. The results suggested that jatrorrhizine and bufotenidine are the main difference compounds among the three species.Compared with B. kansuensis and B. diaphana,B. vernae contains significantly more jatrorrhizine(P<0. 01),and the content of bufotenidine in B. vernae was significantly higher than that in B. kansuensis(P<0. 05). Considering these results,further research is necessary to reveal the pharmacological activities of bufotenidine and the pharmacodynamic differences between the three species. The results could provide a reference for quality control,the basic research on effective substances,and development of Berberidis Cortex.

Evaluación de la actividad inmunomoduladora de extractos metanólicos y de alcaloides de Berberis darwinii H. (Berberidaceae) / Evaluation of the immunomodulatory activity of methanolic extracts and alkaloids of Berberis darwinii H. (Berberidaceae)

Berberis darwinii Hook es una especie que habita el sur de Chile y la Patagonia, utilizada por la etnia mapuche para el tratamiento de procesos inflamatorios, estados febriles y dolor de estomacal. El propósito del siguiente estudio fue evaluar in vitro las propiedades del extracto total y de alcaloides de raíz de B. darwinii sobre viabilidad celular y la translocación del factor nuclear NF-kB en línea celular RAW 264.7. Se observó que los extractos no afectan negativamente la viabilidad en las células e inhibieron la translocación del factor nuclear NF-kB asociado a la modulación de la inflamación solo frente al extracto total. Estos resultados indicarían que B. darwinii podría inhibir algunos mecanismos específicos de la defensa celular al modular la translocación de NF- kB.

Berberis darwinii Hook is a species that inhabits southern Chile and Patagonia, used by the Mapuche ethnic group for the treatment of inflammatory processes, febrile states and stomach pain. The purpose of the following study was to evaluate in vitro the properties of the total extract and alkaloids of the root of B. darwinii on cell viability and the translocation of the nuclear factor NF-kB in cell line RAW 264.7. It was observed that the extracts did not negatively affect the viability in the cells and inhibited the translocation of the nuclear factor NF-kB associated with the modulation of inflammation only against the total extract. These results indicate that B. darwinii could inhibit some specific mechanisms of cell defense by modulating the translocation of NF-kB.

Efecto del extracto de alcaloides de Berberis darwinii Hook sobre respuestas celulares innatas en fagocitos murinos / Effect of the extract of Berberis darwinii Hook alkaloids on innate cellular responses in murine phagocytes

Berberis darwinii Hook es una especie que habita el sur de Chile y la Patagonia. Siendo utilizada por la etnia mapuche para el tratamiento de procesos inflamatorios, estados febriles, y dolor estomacal. El propósito del siguiente estudio fue evaluar in vitro las propiedades del extracto de alcaloides de raíz de B. darwinii sobre respuestas celulares en monocitos desde sangre periférica de rata. Los resultados de la cuantificación del extracto muestran una concentración de alcaloides totales de 1,67 mg/g y la caracterización por HPLC- MS determinó la presencia de berberina y palmatina. In vitro se observó que los extractos disminuyeron la capacidad de adhesión y la actividad fagocítica de los monocitos e inhibieron la translocación del factor nuclear NF-κB asociado a la modulación de la inflamación, pero no así la producción de anión superóxido. Estos resultados indicarían que los alcaloides totales de B. darwinii inhiben algunos mecanismos específicos de defensa celular.

Berberis darwinii Hook is a species that inhabits southern Chile and Patagonia. This is being used by the Mapuche ethnic group for the treatment of inflammatory processes, febrile states, and stomach pain. The purpose of the following study was to evaluate in vitro the properties of an alkaloid extract of B. darwinii root on cellular responses in monocytes from the rat peripheral blood. The results of the quantification of the extract showed a total alkaloid concentration of 1.67 mg/g and the characterization by HPLC-MS determined the presence of berberine and palmatine. In vitro, it was observed that the extracts decreased the adhesion capacity and phagocytic activity of the monocytes and inhibited the translocation of the nuclear factor NF-κB associated with the modulation of inflammation, but not the production of superoxide anion. These results indicate that the total alkaloids of B. darwinii inhibit some specific mechanisms of cellular defense.

Diversity and Bioactive Potential of Culturable Fungal Endophytes of Medicinal Shrub Berberis aristata DC.: A First Report

Bioactive natural compounds, isolated from fungal endophytes, play a promising role in the search for novel drugs. They are an inspiring source for researchers due to their enormous structural diversity and complexity. During the present study fungal endophytes were isolated from a well-known medicinal shrub, Berberis aristata DC. and were explored for their antagonistic and antioxidant potential. B. aristata, an important medicinal shrub with remarkable pharmacological properties, is native to Northern Himalayan region. A total of 131 endophytic fungal isolates belonging to eighteen species and nine genera were obtained from three hundred and thirty surface sterilized segments of different tissues of B. aristata. The isolated fungi were classified on the basis of morphological and molecular analysis. Diversity and species richness was found to be higher in leaf tissues as compared to root and stem. Antibacterial activity demonstrated that the crude ethyl acetate extract of 80% isolates exhibited significant results against one or more bacterial pathogens. Ethyl acetate extract of Alternaria macrospora was found to have potential antibacterial activity. Significant antioxidant activity was also found in crude ethyl acetate extracts of Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus flavus. Similarly, antagonistic activity of the fungal endophytes revealed that all antagonists possessed inhibition potential against more than one fungal pathogen. This study is an important step towards tapping endophytic fungal diversity for bioactive metabolites which could be a step forward towards development of novel therapeutic agents.

Beneficial Effect of Berberis amurensis Rupr. on Penile Erection / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate whether the methanol extract of Berberis amurensis Rupr. (BAR) augments penile erection using in vitro and in vivo experiments.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The ex vivo study used corpus cavernosum strips prepared from adult male New Zealand White rabbits. In in vivo studies for intracavernous pressure (ICP), blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and increase of peak ICP were continuously monitored during electrical stimulation of Sprague-Dawley rats.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Preconstricted with phenylephrine (PE) in isolated endotheliumintact rabbit corus cavernosum, BAR relaxed penile smooth muscle in a dose-dependent manner, which was inhibited by pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazole-[4,3-α]-quinoxalin-1-one, a soluble guanylyl cclase inhibitor. BAR significantly relaxed penile smooth muscles dose-dependently in ex vivo, and this was inhibited by pretreatment with L-NAME H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazole-[4,3-α]-quinoxalin-1-one. BAR-induced relaxation was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with tetraethylammonium (TEA, P<0.01), a nonselective K channel blocker, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, P<0.01), a voltage-dependent K channel blocker, and charybdotoxin (P<0.01), a large and intermediate conductance Ca sensitive-K channel blocker, respectively. BAR induced an increase in peak ICP, ICP/MAP ratio and area under the curve dose dependently.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BAR augments penile erection via the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate system and Ca sensitive-K (BK and IK) channels in the corpus cavernosum.</p>

Medicinal value of the Berberis genus as hypoglycemic agent / Valor medicinal del género Berberis como agente hipoglicemiante

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common chronic disease whose prevalence is currently increasing worldwide. Nowadays, the main antidiabetic agent used is metformin. However, between 10 and 30 percent of patients undergoing metformin therapy have nonspecific gastric alterations as an undesired secondary effect. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic alternatives is especially useful, where plant- derived products emerge as an excellent phytochemical resource. The objective of this review is to present and discuss the state of the art of current research conducted on the Berberis gender with hypoglycemic activity, which is normally used in alternative medicine therapy for the treatment of T2DM, and its possible mechanisms of action described in literature.

La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) es una enfermedad crónica común, cuya prevalencia está actualmente aumentando en todo el mundo. Al presente, el principal fármaco antidiabético utilizado es la metformina. Sin embargo, entre un 10 y 30 por ciento de los pacientes tratados presentan como efecto no deseado de alteraciones gástricas inespecíficas. Por lo tanto, la búsqueda de nuevas alternativas terapéuticas es de gran utilidad, en donde los productos derivados de plantas emergen como un excelente recurso fitoquímico. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar y discutir sobre el estado del arte de investigaciones realizadas en las especies del género Berberis con actividad hipoglicemiante, las cuales son normalmente utilizadas en medicina alternativa como terapia para el tratamiento de DM, y sus posibles mecanismos de acción descritos en la literatura.

[Effects of alcoholic and aqueous extract of barberry, jujube and saffron petals on serum level of adiponectin and lipid profile in diabetic rats]

Adiponectin is a protein hormone secreted from adipose tissue that can affect diabetes progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in serum levels of adiponectin in diabetic rats treated with alcoholic and aqueous extracts of three medicinal plants, jujube [Ziziphus jujuba], barberry [Berberis vulgaris] and saffron [Crocus sativus]. In this study, streptozocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with two doses of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the herbs, 25 and 100 mg/kg respectively, for 21 days. After the treatment period, the levels of adiponectin, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were measured and the results were analyzed using one way ANOVA test. In all the diabetic groups receiving extracts, serum levels of fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and VLDL [very low density lipoprotein], showed a significant decrease [P<0.05]. Serum level of HDL [high density lipoprotein] increased significantly only in the group receiving jujube [P<0.05], whereas adiponectin level was significantly increased in all the treated groups. Given the role of adiponectin in regulating lipid metabolism, and the increased level of adiponectin in the treated diabetic groups, it can be said that the extracts regulate glucose and lipid metabolism by changes in adiponectin level. Further studies are recommended to confirm these findings

Identification of isoquinoline alkaloids from Berberis microphylla by HPLC ESI-MS/MS / Identificación de alcaloides isoquinolínicos en Berberis microphylla G. Forst mediante CLAE IES-MS/MS

Berberis microphylla (G. Forst) is a native plant growing in Patagonia. In recent years Patagonia Berberis are becoming important due to their interesting biological properties related to their alkaloids content. The aim of this study was determine the distribution and proportion of isoquinoline alkaloids in leaves, stems and roots of B. microphylla collected in two different climatic zones from Chilean Patagonia. Using by HPLC ESI-MS/MS isocorydine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, reticuline, scoulerine, tetrahydroberberine and thalifendine were detected for the first time in this specie, and the presence of allocryptopine, berberine, calafatine and protopine, previously isolated in B. microphylla was corroborated. The alkaloids profile showed differences of compounds in samples collected in two climatic zones, where more compounds were detected in plants from Lago Deseado than Cerro Sombrero. Furthermore, a greater number of alkaloids were found in stem and root extracts and berberine and thalifendine were detected in higher proportion in these structures.

Berberis microphylla (G. Forst) es un arbusto nativo que crece en la Patagonia. Actualmente, esta planta ha sido foco de estudio dada las propiedades biológicas que presenta, atribuidas principalmente al contenido de alcaloides. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la distribución y proporción de alcaloides isoquinolínicos en hojas, tallos y raíces de B. microphylla colectadas en dos zonas climáticas de la Patagonia chilena. Mediante CLAE IES-MS/MS se informa por primera vez la presencia de isocoridina jatrorrizina, palmatina, reticulina, escoulerina, tetrahidroberberina y talifendina en esta especie y se confirma la presencia de allocriptopina, berberina, calafatina y protopina, identificados previamente en B. microphylla. El perfil de alcaloides mostró diferencias en la presencia de compuestos en las muestras colectas en las dos zonas climáticas, observándose un mayor número de compuestos en plantas provenientes de Lago Deseado. Además, un mayor número de compuestos se identificó en extractos de tallos y raíces donde berberina y talifendina fueron detectados en mayor proporción.

Los extractos acuoso y metanólico de Berberis darwinii H. (Berberidaceae) inhiben respuestas celulares innatas en monocitos humanos tratados in vitro / Aqueous and methanol extracts of Berberis darwinii H. (Berberidaceae) inhibit innate celular responses in human monocytes in vitro treated

Berberis darwinii H is a native plant of South America, popularly referred to Michay. This species has historically been used by indigenous cultures of Chile as medicinal herb. To preliminarily assess their anti-inflammatory effects was investigated the aqueous and methanolic root extract this plant in human monocytes. The results indicated that the extracts inhibit the production of superoxide anion, the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1-beta (IL-1beta) in monocytes activated with lipopolysaccharide. This result suggests the existence of compounds with potential anti-inflammatory action in these extracts.

Berberis darwinii H. es una planta nativa de América del Sur, conocida popularmente como Michay. Esta especie ha sido históricamente utilizada por las culturas indígenas de Chile como hierba medicinal. Con el fin de evaluar preliminarmente sus efectos anti-inflamatorios, se investigaron dos tipos de extractos; metanólico y acuoso, preparados a partir de la raíz de esta planta. Los resultados indican que estos extractos inhiben la producción de anión superóxido, la expresión del factor de necrosis tumoral-alfa (TNF-alfa) y de interleucina-1beta, (IL-1beta) en monocitos activados con lipopolisacárido. Estos resultados sugieren la existencia de compuestos con potencial acción antiinflamatoria en esta planta.

A new herbs traceability method based on DNA barcoding-origin-morphology analysis--an example from an adulterant of 'Heiguogouqi' / 中国中药杂志

The fruit of Lycium ruthenicum is a common folk medicine in China. Now it is popular for its antioxidative effect and other medical functions. The adulterants of the herb confuse consumers. In order to identify a new adulterant of L. ruthenicum, a research was performed based on NCBI Nucleotide Database ITS Sequence, combined analysis of the origin and morphology of the adulterant to traceable varieties. Total genomic DNA was isolated from the materials, and nuclear DNA ITS sequences were amplified and sequenced; DNA fragments were collated and matched by using ContingExpress. Similarity identification of BLAST analysis was performed. Besides, the distribution of plant origin and morphology were considered to further identification and verification. Families and genera were identified by molecular identification method. The adulterant was identified as plant belonging to Berberis. Origin analysis narrowed the range of sample identification. Seven different kinds of plants in Berberis were potential sources of the sample. Adulterants variety was traced by morphological analysis. The united molecular identification-origin-morphology research proves to be a preceding way to medical herbs traceability with time-saving and economic advantages and the results showed the new adulterant of L. ruthenicum was B. kaschgarica. The main differences between B. kaschgarica and L. ruthenicum are as follows: in terms of the traits, the surface of B. kaschgarica is smooth and crispy, and that of L. ruthenicum is shrinkage, solid and hard. In microscopic characteristics, epicarp cells of B. aschgarica thickening like a string of beads, stone cells as the rectangle, and the stone cell walls of L. ruthenicum is wavy, obvious grain layer. In molecular sequences, the length of ITS sequence of B. kaschgarica is 606 bp, L. ruthenicum is 654 bp, the similarity of the two sequences is 53.32%.

Estudio fitoquímico cualitativo, actividad anticonvulsivante del extracto acuoso de las partes aéreas de Barberis boliviana lechler (Ch'eqche) en un modelo experimental inducido químicamente por por pentilentetrazol en animales de experimentación / Qualitative phytochemical study, anticonvulsant activity of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Barberis boliviana lechler (Ch'eqche) in an experimental model chemically induced by pentylenetetrazole in experimental animals

El uso de plantas para el tratamiento de las convulsiones es amplia en diversas culturas, pero en muchos casos no se cuenta con un respaldo científico, es el propósito de la presente investigación realizar el análisis frtoquímico cualitativo, la evaluación de la actividad anticonvulsivante y toxicidad aguda del extracto acuoso de las partes aéreas de Berberís boliviana L. "Ch'eqche" en animales de experimentación. Para evaluar la actividad anticonvulsivante se empleó el modelo de convulsión química inducida por pentilentetrazol (PTZ 85 mglkg v.i.p.), usando como metodología un cuasiexperimental. Se utilizó 5 grupos de 6 ratones Bald/c/CNPB; grupo 1 (control), grupo 2 (diazepam 1mglkg) y grupo 3, 4, 5 (400, 800 y 1200 mg/kg de extracto acuoso). El tratamiento fue por v.i.p 30 minutos antes de la inducción de las convulsiones. Se midió el período de latencia para la primera convulsión clónica, la duración de las convulsiones, número de convulsiones que duran por lo menos 3 segundos y la protección frente a la mortalidad. Para la prueba de toxicidad aguda por v.o se utilizaron 12 ratones albinos, para la primera fase a dosis de (10, 100 y 1000 mglkg de extracto acuoso) y 3 ratones por grupo, para la segunda fase a dosis de (1600, 2900 y 5000 mglkg de extracto acuoso) y un ratón por grupo. Resultados: Se evidenció la presencia de compuestos fenólicos, alcaloides, taninos, cumarinas, quinonas, lactonas, glicósidos, aminoácidos, saponinas, flavonoides y resinas. Se observó que los extracto acuoso de las partes aéreas de Berberís boliviana L.(Ch'eqche) a las dosis de 400, 800 y 1200 mg/kg incrementaron el período de latencia en 60,67%, 73,13% y 88,70%, disminuyeron la duración de las convulsiones en 21,85%, 45,23% y 52,22%, disminuyeron el número de convulsiones que duran por lo menos 3 segundos en 36,11%, 66,67% y 80,56%; con respecto al grupo control y la protección frente a la mortalidad fue de 33,3%, 50,0% y 100,0% (ANOVA p<0,05). El valor de la DL50 del extracto acuoso por el método de Lorke es mayor a 5000 mg/kg. Conclusiones: Se caracterizaron los metabolitos secundarios de la especie Berberís boliviana L. (Ch'eqche), se demostró la actividad anticonvulsivante a la dosis de 1200 mg/kg del extracto frente a convulsiones clónicas, presentando valores próximos al del diazepam y un 100% de protección frente a los efectos letales del agente convulsivante PTZ. La DL50 del extracto acuoso por vía oral es mayor a 5000 mg/kg.

High fat diet induced insulin resistance and elevated retinol binding protein 4 in female rats; treatment and protection with Berberis vulgaris extract and vitamin A

This research was conducted to investigate two main aims; the first aim was to find if there is a relationship between insulin resistance [IR] and retinol binding protein 4 [RBP4]. The second aim was to use berberis vulgaris extract and vitamin A as protective and/or curative agents against insulin resistance. IR was developed by feeding the female rats a high fat diet [HFD] for six weeks then treating or protecting them with b. vulgaris extract [0.2 g/Kg body weight] or vitamin A [12.8 Micro g/Kg/day] for two weeks. HFD intake elevated insulin level and RBP4 expression that associated with hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Co-administration of vitamin A and B. vulgaris extracts reduced blood glucose level, insulin, body weight and RBP4 expression before, during and after HFD. Furthermore, vitamin A reduced the blood glucose, triglycerides [TG] and cholesterol levels. IR syndrome associated with the RBP4 alteration that gives high indication about the role of RBP4 expression in the IR progression and development. Furthermore, the treatment with vitamin A and/or b. vulgaris alleviated the IR syndrome through the action on RBP4 and Insulin secretion. On the other hand, vitamin A must be avoided for the predisposed IR and prediabetic patients

comparative study of hypolipidemic activities of the extracts of Melissa officinalis and Berberis vulgaris in rats

Hyperlipidemia is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by an excess of lipids in the bloodstream. Given previous studies on barberry and Melissa officinalis extracts, this study aims at comparing hypolipidemic activities of Melissa officiizalis extract and Berberis vulgaris. For the purpose of this study, 64 Wistar rats were selected and divided into 8 groups [n=8]. The control group was administered with ordinary diet; the sham group was administered with high-fat diet and intraperitoneally 0.2 ml/dl of the extract solvent [normal saline]; and similarly, experimental groups received minimal, moderate and maximum dosages of barberry and Melissa officinalis extracts. The treatment groups was given high-fat diet for 21 days. After this period, blood samples were taken and the gathered data were analyzed using SPSS software. The amount of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL were increased in the model group compared to the control group, whereas the same substances were decreased significantly in the group receiving the extract compared to the model group [p<0.05]. Hypolipidemic properties of alcohol extracts of Melissa officinalis are more effective than those of Berberis vulgaris. Moreover, it should be noted that it is rather the antioxidant properties of Melissa officinalis and their effects on the increase in thyroid hormones as well as the presence of alkaloid compounds, such as berberine in Berberis vulgaris, that inhibits cholesterol synthesis and enables its excretion

Protective effects of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L., Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea chenault, Elaeagnus angustifolia L. and Launaea acanthodes [boiss.] O. kuntze against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats

Data suggest that V. arctostaphylos, B. thunbergii var. atropurpurea, E. angustifolia and L. acanthodes may prevent gastric ulcers induced by Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]. To explore the ulcer-protective potential of these plants in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Saline, hydro-alcoholic extract of each plant [100, 400, 800 mg/kg] and omeprazole [30 mg/kg] were gavaged to the groups of animals for 4 consecutive days. Gastric ulcers were induced by the onetime gavage of indomethacin [30 mg/kg, p.o.]. On the fifth day, each group was pretreated with physiological saline as control, extract [100, 400 or 800 mg/kg, p.o.] or omeprazole [30 mg/kg, p.o.] 30 min before the indomethacin administration. The animals were killed 6 h after the indomethacin administration. The stomachs were removed, opened along the greater curvature and washed in physiological saline. A person unaware of the type of treatment received by the animals examined the stomachs under a 3-fold magnifier. The areas and lengths of hemorrhagic lesions induced by indomethacin were measured using a dial caliper and the sum of measurements for each animal was referred to as the ulcer index. All extracts reduced the ulcer index significantly compared to the control group [p <0.05]. These plants prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcers in rats. The efficacy and potency of the gastro-protective effect of L. acanthodes appears to be higher than the other 3 plants

Antibacterial activity of local herbs collected from Murree [Pakistan] against multi-drug resistant klebsiella pneumonae, E. coli and methyciline resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Exploring healing power in plants emerged in prehistory of human civilization. Sustaining good health has been achieved over the millions of years by use of plant products in various traditional sockets. A major contribution of medicinal plants to health care systems is their limitless possession of bioactive components that stimulate explicit physiological actions. Luckily Pakistan is blessed with huge reservoir of plants with medicinal potential and some of them; we focused in this study for their medicinal importance. In this study we checked the antibacterial activity inherent in Ricinus communis, Solanum nigrum, Dodonaea viscose and Berberis lyceum extracts for multidrug resistance bacterial strains Klebsiella pneumonae, E. coli and methyciline resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA showed sensitivity for Ricinus communis. Multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumonae was sensitive with Pine roxburgii and Ricinus communis but weakly susceptible for Solanum nigrum. Multidrug resistant E. coli was resistant to all plant extracts. Treatment of severe infections caused by the bacterial strains used in this study with Ricinus communis, Pine roxburgii and Solanum nigrum can lower the undesired side effects of synthetic medicine and also reduce the economic burden

Efecto redox de diferentes extractos herbales sobre biomoléculas: lípidos de membrana y tioles proteícos / Redox effect of different herbal extracts on biomolecules: membrane lipids and protein thiols

Las plantas poseen diferentes tipos de antioxidantes, entre ellos compuestos polifenólicos y azufrados; entre estos últimos, GSH y cisteína, principales antioxidantes no enzimáticos de la célula animal. La capacidad antioxidante de los preparados herbales depende de numerosas variables, entre ellas, la parte de la planta seleccionada y el proceso de extracción. En este trabajo se analizó la actividad antioxidante de diferentes extractos herbales de los cuales se recibió sólo los nombres que mencionamos a continuación: Gel Aloe Vera, Phytopol Calafate, Phytopol Equisetum, Phytopol Murtilla, Phytopol Abedul, Phytopol Caléndula, Phytopol Romero, Phytopol Matico y Phytopol Avellano. Como sistema biológico, se utilizaron microsomas hepáticos de rata y como sistema pro-oxidante, Cu2+/ascorbato. Se ensayó la capacidad de los extractos de prevenir la lipoperoxidación microsómica y la disminución de los tioles microsómicos, ambos fenómenos inducidos por el sistema Cu2+/ascorbato. Se evaluó además, la capacidad de quelar iones Cu2+ mediante el cambio del espectro de absorbancia de este ion y la capacidad de inhibir la actividad de la GSH-transferásica microsómica, enzima cuya forma activa es el dímero -S-S-.Los resultados mostraron gran diversidad en los efectos antioxidantes ensayados y falta de correlación entre las actividades antioxidantes y la concentración de polifenoles totales de los extractos. Por ejemplo, Phytopol matico que contenía la mayor concentración de polifenoles, no fue el mejor antilipoperoxidante, pero si en las otras actividades medidas. Estos resultados indicarían diversidad en la calidad y cantidad de los antioxidantes presentes en cada uno de los extractos. Esta diversidad nos parece que apoya el uso de extractos polivalentes como estrategia terapéutica asociada a enfermedades que reconocidamente, están asociadas a estrés oxidativo.