Antifungal, antibiofilm, and antiproliferative activities of Guapira graciliflora Mart

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antifungal, antibiofilm and antiproliferative activities of the extract from the leaves of Guapira graciliflora Mart. The phytochemical characterization of the extract was performed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the extract and its fractions was evaluated using the broth microdilution method against species of Candida. The inhibition of C. albicans biofilm was evaluated based on the number of colony-forming units (CFU) and metabolic activity (MTT). The antiproliferative activity of the extract and its fraction was evaluated in the presence of human tumor and non-tumor cells, and the cytotoxicity of the extract was determined on the RAW 264.7 macrophage line - both using the sulforhodamine B method. The phytochemical characterization indicated the presence of the flavonoids rutin and kaempferol. The extract and the methanol fraction exhibited moderate antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata, and strong activity against C. dubliniensis. In the biofilms at 24 and 48 hours, the concentration of 12500 µg/mL of the extract was the most effective at reducing the number of CFU s/mL (44.4% and 42.9%, respectively) and the metabolic activity of C. albicans cells (34.6% and 52%, respectively). The extract and its fractions had no antiproliferative effect on the tumor lines tested, with mean activity (log GI50) equal to or greater than 1.71 µg/mL. Macrophage cell viability remained higher than 80% for concentrations of the extract of up to 62.5 µg/mL. G. graciliflora has flavonoids in its chemical composition and demonstrates potential antifungal and antibiofilm activity, with no evidence of a significant change in the viability of human tumor and non-tumor cell lines.

Comparative study on morpho-anatomy of leaf, stem and root of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) and its adulterant plants

ABSTRACT Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa L.- Nyctaginaceae) is a promising drug to rejuvenate new cells in the body. It is well known in Ayurvedic medicine and locally called Tambadivasu. Superficially it is similar to other species of Boerhaavia and species of Trianthema and Sesuvium. Due to the minute morphological differences, the above plants are erroneously used in medicine as Punarnava, and at times on purpose as an adulterant. Therefore, it is necessary to highlight the anatomical features of Punarnava for proper identification of the medicinal plant species for local people and for scientific research. Due to the ambiguity in local names and similar apparent appearance, market samples of Punarnava are often adulterated with various species of Trianthema and Sesuvium. These adulterated samples contain neither the Punarnavine alkaloid, nor does it possess anisocytic stomata but possess paracytic stomata. Comparative study of stem anatomy showed two main characteristic differences. First, plenty of starch grains can be seen in both the ground parenchymatous tissues present in between successive cambia and xylem parenchyma of Punarnava which is not observed in species of Trianthema, and second, the phloem around the xylem of Punarnava root has semi-circular or eccentric patches, while that of Trianthema only has narrow strips. This study is focused on comparative SEM study of leaf morphologies and anatomy of leaf, stem, and root of Boerhaavia diffusa L., Trianthema portulacastrum L. and Sesuvium portulacastrum L.

Punarnavine, an alkaloid isolated from ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. reverses depression-like behaviour in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress.

Punarnavine (20 and 40 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) per se administered orally for 14 successive days significantly decreased immobility periods of both unstressed and stressed mice in forced swim test. These drugs also significantly decreased sucrose preference in both stressed and unstressed mice as compared to their respective controls, indicating significant antidepressant-like activity. The drugs did not show any significant effect on locomotor activity of mice. The alkaloid also significantly decreased monoamine oxidase (MAO-A) activity, malondialdehyde levels in both unstressed and stressed mice; and significantly reversed the stress-induced decrease in reduced glutathione and catalase activity. It also significantly attenuated the stress-induced increase in plasma nitrite and corticosterone levels. Thus, punarnavine showed antidepressant-like activity in unstressed and stressed mice probably through inhibition of brain MAO-A activity, decrease in plasma nitrite levels and due to its antioxidant activity. In addition, punarnavine also showed antidepressant-like activity in stressed mice possibly through decrease in plasma corticosterone levels.

Behavioural and neuroendocrine effects of aqueous extract of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. in mice using tail suspension and forced swim tests – A preliminary study.

The present study was done to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of B. diffusa on depression in mice using behavioral models such as tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). The extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, po) was administered for 14 successive days to Swiss young albino mice. On 14th day, 60 min after administration, mice were subjected to TST and FST. The administration of aqueous extract of B. diffusa (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, po) significantly decreased immobility period in both TST and FST, indicating significant antidepressant-like activity. The lowest dose (50 mg/kg) of the extract decreased the immobility period most significantly in FST, showing most potent antidepressant-like action. The efficacy of the extract (50 mg/kg) was comparable to fluoxetine (20 mg/kg). The extract did not show any significant effect on locomotor activity. The extract showed significant monoamine oxidase -A inhibitory activity. There was no significant effect of the extract on plasma corticosterone levels. Prazosin (α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), sulpiride (selective D2-receptor antagonist), baclofen (GABAB agonist), and p-CPA (tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor) significantly attenuated the extract-induced antidepressant-like effect, when tested in TST. The extract might produce antidepressant-like effect by interaction with α1-adrenoceptors, dopamine-D2 receptors, serotonergic, and GABAB receptors. Thus, aqueous extract of B. diffusa showed significant antidepressant-like activity in mice probably through involvement of monoaminergic and GABAergic systems.

Efeito da aplicação de maravilha (Mirabilis jalapa L. ), primavera (Bougainvillea spectabilis L. ) e isolados de Trichoderma na produção de alface / Effect of four o'clock flowers (Mirabilis jalapa L. ), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis L. ) and Trichoderma spp. isolates in production of lettuce

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar o efeito de extratos foliares de primavera (Bougainvillea spetabilis L.) e maravilha (Mirabilis jalapa L.) e de Trichoderma spp., isoladamente ou em combinação, no manejo de viroses e na produção de alface. Os ensaios foram conduzidos em área de produção de hortaliças folhosas no município de Pinhalzinho/SP. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados, com dez tratamentos comparados com controle químico convencional. Foram observadas reduções de 18 por cento e 32 por cento na população de bactérias da rizosfera nas plantas de alface tratadas com o isolado IB18/22 e extrato de primavera + isolados de Trichoderma spp., respectivamente. Verificou-se que o extrato de maravilha estimulou o aumento do número de UFC/g da população de fungos. Entretanto, não houve diferença significativa na massa fresca da parte aérea e, apesar da pressão de inóculo e da alta densidade populacional de insetos vetores de vírus no local, não foi constatada a ocorrência de viroses, com exceção do espessamento de nervuras, que ocorreu em menor número em plantas tratadas, comparadas as do controle. Economicamente, houve 27,8 por cento de lucratividade e margem bruta de 38,5 por cento, indicando a viabilidade do uso de ferramentas de base ecológica no cultivo de alface. Além disso, os produtos usados são de fácil aquisição, seguros em termos de aplicação, meio ambiente e para o consumidor.

The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of leaf extracts of bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spetabilis L.) and of four o'clock flowers (Mirabilis jalapa L.) plants and Trichoderma spp., alone or in combination, on viruses management and lettuce production. The tests were conducted in a producing area in Pinhalzinho-SP. The experimental design was randomized blocks with ten treatments in comparison with conventional chemical control. Reductions of 18 percent and 32 percent in the bacterial population of the lettuce rhizosphere treated with IB18/22 isolate and bougainvillea extract + Trichoderma spp. isolates, respectivelly, were observed. Four o'clock plant leaf extract stimulated growth of CFU / g number of fungi population. However, no significant change in fresh mass and size of lettuce was observed, and despite the inoculum pressure and high population density of virus vector insects in place, the occurrence of viruses was not found, except for big-vein syndrome which was higher in control than in treated plants. Economically, 27.8 percent net profit and 38.5 percent gross profit margin were verified, indicating that the use of ecological tools in lettuce crops is feasible. Moreover, the products are easy to obtain, safe to apply and safe for environment and human consumption.

Evaluación de la actividad antidiarreica y antibacteriana de los extractos de la semilla de palto (Persea americana) y buganvilla (Bougainvillea glabra) / Evaluation of the antidiarrheal and antibacterial activity of the extracts of the avocado seed (Persea americana) and bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra)

La incidencia de pacientes con diarreas de etiología bacteriana en nuestro país se ha incrementado en los últimos años y la medicina tradicional utiliza diferentes plantas medicinales para tratar estas infecciones, entre las cuales se encuentran la Bougainvillea glabra, también conocida como buganvilla, y la Persea americana, conocida como palto. Estas plantas se encuentran principalmente en zonas templadas y cálidas de toda Bolivia. La parte utilizada de buganvilla son las hojas que se utilizan como antiinflamatorias, antidiarreicas y para reducir la acidez del estómago; y las de semilla de palto se usan como antidiarreicas. En el presente estudio se evaluó la actividad antibacteriana y antidiarreica de los extractos de B. glabra y P. americana frente a cepas ATCC de Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae y Salmonella typhimurium. La actividad antibacteriana fue evaluada mediante la prueba de sensibilidad por la técnica de difusión en doble capa; la prueba de la actividad antidiarreica fue evaluada a través de pruebas por inducción bacteriana que producen diarrea en ratas de la cepa Winstar. Los resultados muestran que el extracto etanólico de las hojas de buganvilla presenta actividad antibacteriana y antidiarreica a una concentración de 0.763 gr/Kg peso, contra Escherichia coli y el extracto de la semilla de palto a una concentración de 0.688 gr/kg peso, contra Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae y Salmonella typhimurium. Así también se determinó que los compuestos responsables de la actividad antibacteriana y antidiarreica son principalmente taninos y flavonoides, presentes tanto en hojas de buganvilla y semilla de palto.

Actividad hepatoprotectora del extracto acuoso seco de Boerhavia erecta L(tostón) en ratas / Hepatoprotective action of dry aqueous extract from Boerhavia erecta L (toston) in rats

INTRODUCCIÓN: estudios in vitro con extracto acuoso de partes aéreas secas de Boerhavia erecta L. y la línea celular de hepatoma humano PLC/PRF/5, mostraron supresión en la formación de antígeno de superficie de hepatitis B (HbsAg) en células hepáticas y actividad inhibitoria del antígeno en suero humano contaminado con antígeno de superficie de hepatitis B. OBJETIVOS: determinar el efecto hepatoprotector in vivo del extracto acuoso de B. erecta. MÉTODOS: se utilizaron ratas Wistar machos tratadas con dosis de 250 y 500 mg de extracto seco/kg durante 5 d por vía intragástrica, con inducción de daño hepático el ultimo día, con 1 mL/kg de una mezcla 1:1 de tetracloruro de carbono y aceite de oliva; transcurridas 24 h se extrajo sangre para las determinaciones de actividad enzimática de alanino aminotransferasa y la eutanasia de los animales para el estudio histológico del hígado. RESULTADOS: el extracto ocasionó una disminución significativa en los valores de actividad enzimática de alanino aminotransferasa del suero de ratas tratadas y una protección de 100 por ciento del parénquima de los animales tratados con la dosis de 500 mg/kg de peso corporal de extracto de B. erecta. CONCLUSIONES: se demostró el efecto hepatoprotector in vivo del extracto acuoso de B. erecta frente al daño inducido por tetracloruro de carbono.

INTRODUCTION: several in vitro studies of the aqueous extract from Boerhavia erecta L. and the human hepatome cell line PLC/PRF/5 showed suppression in the formation of hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and the inhibitory action of the antigen present in human serum contaminated with hepatitis B surface antigen. OBJECTIVES: to determine the in vivo hepatoprotective effect of the aqueous extract from B. erecta. METHODS: male Wistar rats were treated with 250 and 500mg of dry extract per kg intragastrically for 5 days, with induced hepatic damage on the last day, using 1 ml/kg of a 1:1 mixture of carbon tetrachloride and olive oil; after 24 hours, blood samples were taken to determine enzymatic activity of alanine-aminotransferase and for the euthanasia of the rats in order to perform the histological study of their livers. RESULTS: the extract caused significant reduction in the enzymatic activity of alanine-aminotransferase from treated rat sera and provided complete protection to the parenchyma of those animals which were administered 500 mg/kg dose. CONCLUSIONS: the in vivo hepatoprotective effect of B. erecta aqueous extract was shown against carbon tetrachloride-induced damage.

Antioxidant status in polycystic end-staged renal diseased patients and antihemolytic effect of Boerhaavia diffusa.

Chronic renal failure (CRF) induces anaemia by shortening the life-span of erythrocytes, due to an increase in oxidative stress, which is considered to be one of the major risk factors in CRF patients undergoing hemodialysis. In the present study, the antioxidant status of the end-staged renal disease (ESRD) patients was investigated. The antihemolytic activity of Boerhaavia diffusa on the erythrocytes of the patients was also studied. Protein, lipid peroxides (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were measured in the hemolysate from 55 polycystic ESRD patients (Group II) and compared with normal subjects (Group I). The antioxidant status was found to be significantly reduced in the patients as compared to normal healthy volunteers, due to increased oxidative stress. Also, aqueous extract of B. diffusa showed a significant antihemolytic activity on the erythrocytes of the polycystic ESRD patients.  

Estudio de secado por aspersión hasta escala de banco del extracto acuoso de Boerhaavia erecta L / Study of spray drying of water extract from Boerhaavia erecta L

Introducción: la utilización de los extractos obtenidos a partir de las plantas se difunde cada vez más en la industria farmacéutica para la fabricación de numerosos productos. Para su obtención en forma de polvo, se emplea el secado por aspersión por ser un método de secado que preserva los componentes naturales presentes en estos productos. La presencia de compuestos como los azúcares impide que estos productos puedan ser secados por aspersión sin que se adhieran a las superficies internas del equipo, lo que produce bajo rendimiento en su recuperación. El uso de aditivos inertes como almidón, ciclodextrinas, lactosa y maltodextrina, favorece la recuperación del producto, porque actúan como coadyuvantes del secado. Objetivos: determinar la concentración de aditivo que permite alcanzar el mayor rendimiento en el secado del extracto acuoso de Boerhaavia erecta L. Métodos: se estudió la influencia del uso de diferentes aditivos sobre el rendimiento en el proceso de secado por aspersión. Resultados: se logró obtener a escala de banco un extracto seco que cumple con los requisitos de calidad fisicoquímicos y microbiológicos, con un rendimiento superior a 90 por ciento. Conclusiones: la presencia de aditivos en el proceso de secado del extracto de B. erecta eleva el rendimiento y se obtuvo un producto que cumple con los requisitos de calidad establecidos.

Introduction: the use of plant extracts increasingly extends in the pharmaceutical industry for the manufacture of many products. To obtain them in powder form, the spray drying is employed because it is a method that preserves the natural components of these products. The presence of compounds like sugars makes the spray drying of these products difficult since they adhere to the internal surface of the equipment and this brings about low rate of product recovery. Use of inert additives such as starch, cyclodextrines, lactose and maltodextrine favors recovery of product because they act as drying coadjuvants. Objectives: to determine the additive concentration that allows reaching the highest performance in drying water extract from Boerhaavia erecta L. Methods: the influence of several additives on the performance of the spray drying process was researched. Results: it was possible to obtain at the test bed dry extract that fulfils the physical, chemical and microbiological quality requirements, with over 90 percent performance. Conclusions: the presence of additives in the process of B. erecta extract drying increases the performance and the final product fulfils the set quality requirements.

Cloning and expression of antiviral/ribosome-inactivating protein from Bougainvillea xbuttiana.

A full-length cDNA encoding ribosome-inactivating/antiviral protein (RIP/AVP)from the leaves of Bougainvillea x buttiana was isolated.The cDNA consisted of 1364 nucleotides with an open reading frame (ORF)of 960 nucleotides encoding a 35.49 kDa protein of 319 amino acids.The deduced amino acid sequence has a putative active domain conserved in RIPs/AVPs and shows a varying phylogenetic relationship to the RIPs from other plant species.The deduced protein has been designated BBAP1 (Bougainvillea x buttiana antiviral protein1).The ORF was cloned into an expression vector and expressed in E.coli as a fusion protein of approximately 78 kDa.The cleaved and purified recombinant BBAP1 exhibited ribosome-inhibiting rRNA N-glycosidase activity,and imparted a high level of resistance against the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV).

comparative study of the aerial parts of punarnava [Trianthema portulacastrum Linn.] commonly used in traditional medicine and its adulterator boerhaavia diffusa Linn

The aerial part of Trianthema portulacastrum Linn, [white variety] is used in Unani Medicine to treat inflammation, asthma, dropsy, bronchitis, ascites, orchitis, and migraine. The practitioners of Ayurveda and Unani also employ it for diuretic action. Even involuntarily, Trianthema portulacastrum may be adulterated by Boerhaavia diffusa. The morphoanatomic features having diagnostic value for the identification of both species in their state of crude drug are evaluated. The important parameters are also studied as qualitative ash analysis for inorganic constituents, qualitative analysts of different extractives for organic chemical constituents, successive extractive values, thin layer chromatography of different extracts, total ash, acid insoluble and water soluble ash and their analysis have been performed

Ocorrência de Passalora bougainvilleae (Muntañola) Castañeda & Braun associado à Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. em Boa Vista, Roraima / Repot of Passalora bougainvilleae (Muntañola) Castañeda & Braun associated with Bougainvillea spectablis Willd. in Boa Vista, Roraima

O fungo Passalora bougainvilleae é relatado, pela primeira vez, na região de Boa Vista, Roraima, associado a manchas foliares na planta ornamental Bougainvillea spectabilis. As características do fungo são conidióforos agregados em fascículos, emergindo de um estroma subcuticular na face abaxial de lesões velhas. Os conidióforos são lisos, retos, de coloração marrom, não ramificados, maioria asseptados, medindo de 26-57µm x 4µm. Células conidiogênicas terminais de proliferação simpodial com cicatrizes escuras e pouco espessas. Os conídios são solitários, marrom claro, obclavados, retos a ligeiramente curvos, medindo de 32-70 µm x 4-5 µm, maioria com 3 septos, apresentando um hilo truncado e ápice obtuso.

The fungi Passalora bougainvilleae is reported, for the first time, Boa Vista, Roraima state, causing leaf spots on ornamental specie Bougainvillea spectabilis. The fungi characteristics are conidiophores hypophyllous in fascicles arising from the upper cells of a stroma subcuticular at old spots. The conidiphores are smooth, straight, pale brown, non-branched, mostly aseptate, 26-57µm x 4µm. Conidiogenous cells terminal, sympodial with black and thin scars. Conidia solitary, pale brown, obclavate, straight to slightly flexuous, 32-70 µm x 4-5 µm, 3 septate, rounded at apex, truncate at base, with a conspicuous hilum.

A dehydrorotenoid produced by callus tissue culture and wild plant roots of Boerhaavia coccinea

Calli cultures were established from leaves and stem of B. coccinea plantlet produced in vitro and analysed for isoflavonoid content. The quantification of 6,9,11-trihydroxy-6a,12a-dehydrorotenoid isolated from the roots of Boerhaavia coccinea P. Miller collected from its natural environment, and the same metabolite produced in callus tissue culture of the same plant are described in this paper. The rotinary quantitative HPLC analysis indicated that callus culture produced the same isoflavonoid compound found in the roots of intact wild growing plant. The amount of the secondary metabolite produced in vitro was 955.35 µg/g of dry cell weight, 2.5 times more than the highest amount concentration produced by the wild growing plant in its natural environment.

Cultura de calos foram estabelecidos de folhas e galhos finos de plântula de B. coccinea produzida in vitro e analisada para isoflavonóide. A quantificação do 6,9,11-triidroxi-6a,12a-desidro-rotenóide isolado das raízes de B. coccinea P Miller, coletada em seu habitat natural, e do mesmo rotenóide produzido na cultura de células estão descritos neste artigo. A análise rotineira em CLAE mostrou que a cultura de calos produziu o mesmo isoflavonóide encontrado nas raízes da planta do campo. A quantidade do metabólito secundário produzido in vitro foi de 955.35 µg/g de massa seca de callus, atingindo uma concentração de 2,5 vezes maior do que a quantidade do metabólito produzido pela planta em seu meio ambiente natural.

Caracterización farmacognóstica de Boerhavia erecta L. (tostón) / Pharmacognostic characterization of Boerhavia erecta L. (tostón)

Boerhavia erecta L. conocida popularmente como tostón, es utilizada para curar varias afecciones, pero en años recientes, científicos han tratado de demostrar su actividad hepatoprotectora o antihepatotóxica, pues es la de mayor interés. Este fue el motivo para emprender el estudio de la droga seca y así obtener una materia prima de origen vegetal estandarizada; también se determinaron los parámetros de calidad para muestras de procedencia silvestre. Se realizó además el estudio de conservación del material vegetal, resultaron los frascos de vidrio y los sobres de polietileno como los mejores durante el período evaluado. Estos resultados permiten proponer las especificaciones de calidad de esta especie, requisito indispensable para su comercialización.

Boerhavia erecta L., commonly known as tostón, is used to cure different affections, but in recent years, scientists have tried to show its hepatoprotective or antihepatotoxic activity, which is of more interest. This was the reason to conduct the study of the dry drug to attain a standardized raw material of vegetal origin. The quality parameters for samples of wild origin were determined. The raw material conservation study was also undertaken, and the crystal flasks and the polyethylene envelopes proved to be the best during the period evaluated. These results allowed proposing the quality specifications of this species, an indispensable requirement for its commercialization.

Evaluación del potencial genotóxico de Boerhavia erecta L / Evaluation of the genotoxic potential of Boerhavia erecta L

Se evaluó la actividad mutagénica de un extracto acuoso de follaje liofilizado de Boerhavia erecta L. Se emplearon 2 pruebas: de Ames e inducción de micronúcleos en médula ósea de ratón. En el ensayo de Ames, los resultados fueron negativos en todas las cepas probadas de Salmonella typhimurium: TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98 y TA 100, con un protocolo de incorporación en placa y concentraciones hasta 5 mg de liofilizado/placa. En el ensayo de micronúcleos, se hicieron 2 administraciones orales a razón de 10 mL/kg, separadas 24 h, con sacrificio 24 h después de la última aplicación. Las dosis fueron 500, 1 000 y 2 000 mg de liofilizado/kg. No se observaron variaciones en la relación entre eritrocitos policromáticos y eritrocitos normocromáticos, indicador de toxicidad medular. Tampoco se encontraron alteraciones significativas en la frecuencia de eritrocitos policromáticos micronucleados entre los distintos grupos de tratamiento. Se comprobó que el extracto acuoso de follaje liofilizado de B erecta no parece inducir efectos mutagénicos en los 2 sistemas de ensayo donde se evaluó

The mutagenic activity of an aqueous extract of freeze-dried foliage of Boerhavia erecta L. was evaluated. 2 tests were used: Ames' test and micronucleus induction in mouse bone marrow. In Ames' test, the results were negative in all the tested strains of Salmonella typhimurium : TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98 and TA 100, with a protocol of incorporation to plaque and concentrations up to 5 mg of freeze-dried/plaque. In the micronucleus test, 2 oral doses of 10 mL/kg were administrated separated by 24 hours, with sacrifice 24 hours after the last application. The doses were 500, 1 000 and 2 000 mg of freeze-dried/kg. No variations were observed in the relation between polychromatic erythrocytes and normochromatic erythrocytes, an indicator of medullary toxicity. No significant alterations were observed in the frequency of the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes among the different treatment groups. It was proved that the aqueous extract of freeze-dried foliage of B. Erecta does not seem to induce mutagenic effects in the two assay systems where it was assessed.

Antioxidant effect of Boerhavia diffusa L. in tissues of alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Administration of B. diffusa leaf extract (BLEt; 200 mg/kg) for 4 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in thiobarbutric acid reactive substances and hydroperoxides, with a significant increase in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione--S-transferase in liver and kidney of alloxan induced diabetic rats. The results suggest that BLEt has remarkable antidiabetic activity and can improve antioxidant status in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Evaluación del extracto acuoso liofilizado de Boerhavia erecta L. sobre la transmisión colinérgica e histaminérgica / Evaluation of the frozen-dried aqueous extract from Boerhavia erecta L. on the cholinegic and histaminergic transmission

Se evaluó el extracto acuoso liofilizado de Boerhavia erecta L. sobre la transmisión colinérgica e histaminérgica, se emplearon cobayos Hartley para la extracción de porciones de íleon que fueron estimulados con histamina y acetilcolina con y sin la presencia del extracto, también se provocó un previo bloqueo de los receptores histaminérgicos y colinérgicos presentes en el órgano para después estimular el mismo con el extracto de B. erecta. En todos los casos se determinó la amplitud de las contracciones del órgano; los registros se realizaron mediante un transductor isotónico acoplado a un polígrafo Nihon Kodhen. El extracto acuoso liofilizado de B. erecta a concentraciones entre 0,1 mg/mL y 1 mg/mL no presentó actividad antimuscarínica y si mostró efecto antihistamínico in vitro. El extracto de B. erecta a concentraciones entre 1 y 10 mg/mL administrada de forma conjunta con acetilcolina 3x10-3 M provocó una contracción mayor que las inducidas por la B. erecta administrada de forma independiente y menor que la provocada por la acetilcolina, un comportamiento similar se obtuvo tras la administración conjunta de B. erecta e histamina 10-5 M. Cuando los receptores muscarínicos e histamínicos fueron bloqueados con atropina y difenhidramina respectivamente y posteriormente se añadió B. erecta, las contracciones provocadas por esta última fueron menores que las provocadas por el extracto sin previo bloqueo de los receptores. Estos resultados indicaron que el extracto acuoso de B. erecta. tiene tanto efecto agonista como antagonista para la histamina en dependencia de la concentración a la que se utilice y no presenta actividad antimuscarínica

Inhibitory effect of the plant Boerhavia diffusa l. against the dermatophytic fungus Microsporum fulvum.

Antifungal activity (reduction in colony diameter) of various extracts (pt. ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol and aqueous) of aerial and root parts of Boerhavia diffusa (Nictaginaceae) was screened against dermatophytic fungi Microsporum fulvum. Statistically significant increase has been recorded in the % inhibition of the target fungal species with increasing test concentrations (1000-5000 ppm) of chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol extracts of the root. The maximum % inhibition observed in various solvent extracts of root was about 26% (chloroform), 46% (ethyl alcohol) and 57% (ethyl acetate) at 5000 ppm concentration with time exposure of 10 days. The colony diameter of the target mycelial colony decreased with increasing supplementation of the phytoextract, showing the presence of significant amount of some antifungal phytochemical moiety.

Chemopreventive action of Boerhaavia diffusa on DMBA-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice.

Boerhaavia diffusa, Linn (Fam: Nyctagenaceae), is widely used for the treatment of Jaundice in various parts of India. In the present study, cancer chemopreventive property of B. diffusa was evaluated on 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced skin papillomagenesis in male Swiss albino mice (6-7 weeks old). A single topical application of 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (50 microg/50 microl of acetone), followed 2 weeks later by repeated application of croton oil (1% in acetone three times a week) and continued till the end of the experiment exhibited 100% tumor incidence. In contrast, mice treated topically on the shaven backs with the Boerhaavia diffusa extract at either the peri-initiational phase (i.e. 7 days before and 7 days after the application of DMBA; Group II), post initiational phase (i.e. from the day of start of croton oil treatment and continued till the end of the experiment; Group III) or continuously at the peri- and post-initiational stages (i.e. 7 days prior to DMBA application and continued till the end of the experiment; Group IV), a significant reduction in the values of tumor incidence (Group II - 65%; Group III - 30%; Group IV - 25%), average number of tumors per tumor bearing mouse (Group II - 2.8; Group III - 0.75; Group IV - 0.35) and papillomas per papilloma bearing mouse (Group II - 3.1; Group III - 2.5; Group IV - 1.2) were observed.

Antifungal activity of Boerhavia diffusa against some dermatophytic species of Microsporum.

Various extracts petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol) of aerial and root parts of Boerhavia diffusa was sereened for Antitungal activity (Inhibition in sporulation) against dermatophytic fungi Microsporum gypseum, M. fulvum and M. canis by using broth dilution method. Extracts of aerial part not show any noticeable antifungal activity. Ethyl acetate extract of root part of the plant was found to be most effective of against target fungal species. The maximum inhibition of mycelial growth was observed for M. gypseum (78.83%) followed by M. fulvum (62.33%) and M. canis (42.30%) of ethyl acetate in the test concentration of 1000 microg/ml 24 hours of incubation. The sporulation of target fungal species decreases with increasing supplementation of phytoextract, confirms the presence of some antifungal phytochemical moiety in roots of the plant.