Antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Plantago ovata ethanolic extract in rats / Atividade antiulcerogênica e antioxidante do extrato etanólico de Plantago ovata em ratos

This study aimed to determine the antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) seed ethanolic extract in rats. We assessed the antioxidant potential using free radical scavenging on DPPH, ß-carotene bleaching activity, ferric reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In the antiulcerogenic study, pre-treatment with Plantago ovata seeds ethanolic extract (POE) (400 mg/kg b.wt) significantly protected against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by decreasing the ulcer index value and preserving the integrity of the gastric mucosa. The oxidative stress status in the stomach tissues showed a significant increase in the antioxidant enzyme levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation during pre-treatment with POE. In conclusion, the POE protects against gastric ulcer due to its antioxidant potential and presence of bioactive molecules.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar as atividades antiulcerogênica e antioxidante das sementes de Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) em ratos. O potencial antioxidante foi avaliado utilizando o método do sequestro do radical livre DPPH, autooxidação do ß-caroteno, poder redutor de ferro e atividade de sequestro do radical hidroxila. No estudo antiulcerogênico, o pré-tratamento com o extrato etanólico das sementes de Plantago ovata (POE) (400 mg/Kg b.wt) reduziu a úlcera gástrica induzida pelo etanol em ratos, diminuindo o valor do índice de úlcera e preservando a integridade da mucosa gástrica. O estudo do estresse oxidativo nos tecidos estomacais mostrou um aumento significativo dos níveis das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase, com uma diminuição significativa da peroxidação lipídica enquanto pré-tratamento com POE. Em conclusão, o POE protege contra úlcera gástrica devido aos seus potenciais antioxidantes e à presença de moléculas bioativas.

Effectiveness of different methods for the extraction of principle actives and phytochemicals content in medicinal herbals / Efectividad de diferentes métodos para la extracción de principios activos y contenido de fitoquímicos en hierbas medicinales

In this present study, we investigated the influence of various extraction methods including maceration, sonication, infusion, decoction, and microwave extraction, on the chemical and biological potential of phytochemicals extracted from three medicinal plants (Ageratum conyzoides, Plantago majorand Arctium lappa L). The results were subsequently analyzed by variance analysis. Our results suggested that sonication is the most effective extraction method among the five methods tested herein, for the extraction of phytochemicals that have a high antioxidant potential and high phenolic content. The three plants employed for this study had a high concentration of flavonoids and phenolics which was compatible with the chemosystematics of the species. All the samples possessed a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of less than 6. Interestingly, a maximum reaction time of approximately 20 min was noted for the complexation of AlCl3 with the flavonoids present in the phytochemical extract during analyses of the kinetic parameters. We finally identified that the Ageratum conyzoides extract, prepared by sonication, possessed a significant pharmacological potential against hepatocarcinoma tumour cells, whose result can guide further studies for its therapeutic efficacy.

En el presente estudio, investigamos la influencia de varios métodos de extracción, incluyendo maceración, sonicación, infusión, decocción y extracción por microondas, sobre el potencial químico y biológico de los fitoquímicos extraídos de tres plantas medicinales (Ageratum conyzoides, Plantago majory Arctium lappa L). Los resultados se analizaron posteriormente mediante análisis de varianza. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la sonicación es el método de extracción más eficaz entre los cinco métodos aquí probados, para la extracción de fitoquímicos que tienen un alto potencial antioxidante y un alto contenido fenólico. Las tres plantas empleadas para este estudio tenían una alta concentración de flavonoides y fenólicos que era compatible con la quimiosistemática de las especies. Todas las muestras poseían un factor de protección solar (SPF) menor a 6. Curiosamente, se observó un tiempo máximo de reacción de aproximadamente 20 min para la complejación de AlCl3con los flavonoides presentes en el extracto fitoquímico durante los análisis de los parámetros cinéticos. Finalmente, identificamos que el extracto de Ageratum conyzoides, elaborado por sonicación, posee un importante potencial farmacológico frente a las células tumorales del hepatocarcinoma, cuyo resultado puede orientar nuevos estudios sobre su eficacia terapéutica.

Profiling of antioxidant potential and phytoconstituents of Plantago coronopus / Avaliação do potencial antioxidante e perfil fitoquímico do Plantago coronopus

Abstract The halophyte species Plantago coronopus has several described ethnomedicinal uses, but few reported biological activities. This work carried out for the first time a comparative analysis of P. coronopus organs in terms of phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of organic and water extracts from roots, leaves and flowers. The leaves contents in selected nutrients, namely amino acids and minerals, are also described. Roots (ethyl acetate and methanol extracts) had the highest radical scavenging activity (RSA) towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, while leaves (hexane extract) had higher RSA on nitric oxide radical and iron chelating ability. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified eighteen phenolics from which salicylic acid and epicatechin are here firstly described in Plantago species. Leaves had mineral levels similar to those of most vegetables, proving to be a good source for elements like calcium, sodium, iron and magnesium, and also for several of the essential amino acids justifying it use as food. Our results, especially those regarding the phenolics composition, can explain the main traditional uses given to this plantain and, altogether, emphasize the potential of P. coronopus as a source of bioactive molecules particularly useful for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.

Resumo A espécie halófita Plantago coronopus tem vários usos etnomedicinais já descritos, mas em relação à bioatividade a informação é escassa. Este trabalho efetuou, pela primeira vez, uma análise comparativa dos órgãos de P. coronopus em termos de compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante de extratos orgânicos e aquosos provenientes das raízes, folhas e flores da planta, bem como o conteúdo de determinados nutrientes, aminoácidos e minerais, nas folhas da planta. As raízes (extratos de acetato de etila e metanol) apresentaram a maior atividade de captação para os radicais 1,1-difenil-2-picril hidrazil (DPPH) e 2,2'-azino-bis(3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfónico) (ABTS), enquanto as folhas (extrato de hexano) mostraram maior atividade captadora para o radical óxido nítrico bem como maior capacidade quelante do ferro. A análise por cromatografia liquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) identificou dezoito compostos fenólicos e, destes, o ácido salicílico e a epicatequina são aqui descritos pela primeira vez em espécies de Plantago. As folhas desta planta halófita mostraram ainda conter minerais em níveis semelhantes aos da maioria dos vegetais, provando ser uma boa fonte de elementos como o cálcio, sódio, ferro e magnésio, bem como de vários dos aminoácidos essenciais o que justifica seu uso na alimentação. Os resultados, particularmente aqueles relacionados à composição fenólica, podem justificar os principais usos medicinais atribuídos a esta espécie e, na sua totalidade, demonstram o potencial de P. coronopus como fonte de moléculas bioativas particularmente úteis na prevenção de doenças relacionadas com estresse oxidativo.

Efeito cicatrizante do extrato de plantago tomentosa em cadelas submetidas a ovariohisterectomia / Cicatrization effect of Plantago tomentosa extract on dogs submitted to ovariohysterectomy

A utilização terapêutica de plantas medicinais ocorre desde a antiguidade de forma tradicional. O estudo da cicatrização e o tratamento de feridas cutâneas são de grande importância na medicina veterinária devido à alta frequência de lesões sofridas por animais. Existem diferentes espécies de plantas que possuem propriedades cicatrizantes, dentre elas cita-se a Plantago, cujo nome popular é Tanchagem, que apresenta indicações anti-inflamatória e cicatrizante. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do extrato etanólico das folhas secas de Plantago tomentosa Lam. no processo de cicatrização pós-operatória em cães. Foram utilizadas 12 cadelas submetidas a ovariohisterectomia, divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de 6 animais: Grupo Controle (GC) e Grupo Tanchagem (GT). O GT apresentou melhor efetividade em relação ao GC durante um acompanhamento de quatorze dias.

The therapeutic use of medicinal plants has traditionally occurred in antiquity. The study of wound healing and the treatment of cutaneous wounds are of great importance in veterinary medicine due to the high frequency of injuries suffered by animals. There are different plant species that have cicatrizing properties, among them the Plantago, whose popular name is Tanchagem, has anti-inflammatory and healing indications. The present study had as objective to evaluate the effect of the ethanol extract of the dry leaves of Plantago tomentosa Lam. in the process of postoperative cicatrization in dogs. Twelve dogs submitted to ovariohysterectomy were randomly divided into two groups of six animals: Control Group (CG) and Group Treatment (GT). The GT showed better effectiveness in relation to the CG during a fourteen-day follow-up.

Efecto inhibitorio del extracto de manzanilla (Matricaria Chamomilla), extracto de llantén (Plantago major L) y la combinación del extracto de manzanilla y llantén comparado con la clorhexidina sobre cepa de Porphyromona gingivalis / Inhibitory effect of chamomile extract (Matricaria Chamomilla), plantain extract (Plantago major L) and the combination of chamomile and plantain extract compared with chlorhexidine on Porphyromona gingivalis strain

En la Enfermedad Periodontal el uso de terapias convencionales junto con las complementarias, proporcionan una mayor recuperación de las condiciones periodontales; el mundo moderno está retomando el empleo de la medicina natural para curar o aliviar ciertas enfermedades, no solamente por ser un medio más saludable, eficaz y accesible para la mayor parte de la sociedad, sino porque también brinda un amplio campo para el estudio y la investigación, bajo la perspectiva de que lo empírico tenga un sustento científico. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo demostrar mediante un estudio in ­ vitro el efecto inhibitorio del extracto de manzanilla (matricaria chamomilla), extracto de llantén ( plantágo major l.) y la combinación del extracto de manzanilla y llantén sobre cepa de Porphyromona gingivalis. Éste estudio se realizó en 30 cultivos bacterianos, colocando en su interior discos blancos estériles embebidos de cada extracto, tomando como control positivo la Clorhexidina al 0,12% y agua destilada como control negativo. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio reflejaron un efecto positivo de inhibición de los tres extractos frente a Porphyromona gingivalis; demostrando así su potencial inhibitorio en la medición de sus halos de inhibición, obteniendo un promedio de efectividad de 10,20mm para el extracto de manzanilla, el extracto de llantén obtuvo 12,47mm, y la combinación del extracto de manzanilla y llantén un promedio de 16,57mm, siendo mayor el efecto inhibitorio para la combinación de extracto de manzanilla y llantén seguido al halo inhibitorio de la sustancia de control Clorhexidina al 0.12% de 17,50mm; resultando éstos dos últimos estadísticamente similares entre sí, determinados por la prueba de análisis Kruskall Wallis.

Usos y costumbres sobre hierbas medicinales en barrios periurbanos del sudeste de la ciudad de Salta, Argentina / Uses and customs on medicinal herbs in periurban neighborhoods ofsoutheastern Salta City, Argentina

Desde la medicina oficial se desconoce y subestima el uso de otras formas de atención, por lo que este trabajo tiene como objetivos caracterizar el conocimiento sobre uso de hierbas medicinales en la zona sudeste de la ciudad de Salta; identificar cuáles se utilizan para tratar problemas de salud; y valorar su frecuencia de uso. Se realizó una investigación cuali-cuantitativa, entrevistando a informantes claves y grupos focales. Se confeccionaron listas de hierbas medicinales, y sus usos se categorizaron por problemas de salud. Se realizó una encuesta sobre frecuencia de usos medicinales. Se mencionaron 59 hierbas medicinales con una media de 2,3 usos por planta. Con un "Nivel de importancia Significativo" se encuentran quimpe, tusca, paico, coca, molle, ruda y hediondilla. El "coqueo" se encontró en 54% de las familias. El 52% utiliza alguna hierba para afecciones gastrointestinales, el 45% para problemas de la piel, el 40 % para afecciones respiratorias, el 33% para "empacho" y 17% para problemas renales, sin diferencias significativas en los usos por grupo etáreo. La población tiene amplio conocimiento sobre hierbas medicinales. La medicina formal debe legitimar estos conocimientos e incluirlos en su práctica.

Traditional health professionals underestimate and fail to recognize the use of other forms of health care, therefore this research has the objective of characterizing knowledge about the use of medicinal herbs in the southeastern area of Salta city; to identify which herbs are used to treat health problems; and to assess its frequency of use. Qualitative and quantitative research was conducted by interviewing key informants and focus groups. Lists of medicinal herbs and uses were created and categorized by health problems. Finally, a closed survey on frequency of use was carried out. Fifty-nine herbs were mentioned with an average of 2.3 uses per plant. quimpe, tusca , paico, coca, molle, ruda and hediondillawere herbs marked as “with a Significant Level of Impotanse”. The use of coca was found in 54% of the families interviewed. Fifty-two percent used some herb for gastrointestinal disorders, 45% for skin problems, 40% for respiratory conditions, 33% for indigestion and 17% for kidney problems, with no significant differences in uses according toage groups. Population has a good knowledge of medicinal herbs. Formal medicine should legitimize this knowledge and include it in its practice.

Efecto antiulceroso del extracto hidroalcohólico de Plantago lanceolata (llantén menor) sobre la úlcera gástrica inducida en ratas / Anti-ulcer effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Plantago lanceolata (plantain minor) on gastric ulcer induced in rats

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto antiulceroso del extracto hidroalcohólico de Plantago lanceolata L. (llantén menor) en animales de experimentación. Metodología: Es un estudio de tipo experimental, en donde se indujo las úlceras gástricas con indometacina a dosis única de 80 mg/kg vía subcutanea. Se realizó el análisis fitoquímico cualitativo para la determinación de metabolitos secundarios. Para la determinación del efecto antiulceroso se formaron 06 grupos: grupo control solución salina fisiológica a 4 mL/kg, grupo indometacina (I), y cuatro grupos experimentales indometacina más extracto a 200 y 400 mg/kg, omeprazol a 20 mg/kg y ranitidina a 100 mg/kg respectivamente. Se administraron los extractos y medicamentos estándar a las 24, 12 y una hora antes de la inducción de la úlcera gástrica. Se realizó el examen macroscópico y microscópico de las mucosas gástricas de todas las ratas determinándose el porcentaje de inhibición antiulceroso. Resultados: El extracto hidroalcohólico a la dosis de 200 y 400 mg/kg presentó efecto antiulceroso en los indicadores evaluados de hiperemia, edema, úlcera y hemorragias siendo estadísticamente significativos y un porcentaje de inhibición de 83,1 % y 98,9 % respectivamente en comparación al omeprazol (67,4 %) y Ranitidina (44,9 %). A nivel microscópico no se evidenciaron alteraciones histológicas significativas. Conclusiones: El extracto hidroalcohólico de Plantago lanceolata L. (llantén menor) presenta flavonoides, compuestos fenólicos, alcaloides, triterpenos y/o esteroides y presentó efecto antiulceroso a las dosis evaluadas en el modelo empleado sin signos de toxicidad aguda.

Anticoccidial effects of the Plantago asiatica extract on experimental Eimeria tenella infection / 한국실험동물학회지

Anticoccidial effects of the Plantago asiatica extract (PAE) were evaluated in chickens following oral infection with Eimeria (E.) tenella. This study was conducted on the 3-day-old chickens (n=30). Those animals were divided with 3 groups; PAE 0.1% treated/infected (n=10), PAE untreated/infected (n=10) and non-infected control (n=10). Chickens were fed a standard diet supplemented with or without PAE for 1 week prior to infection with E. tenella (10,000 sporulated oocysts per chicken). The effects of PAE on E. tenella infection were assessed by two parameters; fecal oocysts shedding and body weights gain. The PAE-fed chickens produced significantly reduced fecal oocysts (P<0.05) when compared to the E. tenella-infected group fed standard diet. Also, PAE-based diet, improved body weight loss caused by E. tenella infection. Our data demonstrated that PAE had remarkable anticoccidial activities against E. tenella. This finding might have implications for the development of anticoccidial drug. This study is the first to demonstrate anticoccidial effect of PAE on Eimeria parasites.

Evaluation of two Brazilian indigenous plants for phytostabilization and phytoremediation of copper-contaminated soils / Avaliação de duas plantas nativas brasileiras para fitoestabilização e fitorremediação de solos contaminados com cobre

Abstract Indigenous plants have been grown naturally and vigorously in copper contaminated soils. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the phytoremediation ability of two indigenous plants naturally grown in two vineyard soils copper contaminated, and in a copper mining waste. However, it was evaluated the macro and micronutrient uptake and the potential of phytoremediation. So, a greenhouse study was carried out with Bidens pilosa and Plantago lanceolata in samples of vineyard soils (Inceptisol and Mollisol) copper contaminated, and in a copper mining waste. Plant growth, macro and micronutrient up take, tolerance index (TI), translocation factor (TF), metal extraction ratio (MER), bioaccumulation factor (BCF), plant effective number of the shoots (PENs), and plant effective number of the total plant (PENt) were analyzed. Both plants grown in vineyard soils showed high phytomass production and TI. P. lanceolata plants cultivated in the Inceptisol showed the highest copper concentrations in the shoots (142 mg kg–1), roots (964 mg kg–1) and entire plants (1,106 mg kg–1). High levels of copper were phytoaccumulated from the Inceptisol by B. pilosa and P. lanceolata with 3,500 and 2,200 g ha–1 respectively. Both B. pilosa and P. lanceolata plants showed characteristics of high copper hyperaccumulator. Results showed that both species play an important role in the natural copper phytoaccumulation in both vineyard soils contaminated with copper, being important to its phytoremediation.

Resumo Plantas nativas crescem naturalmente e vigorosamente em solos contaminados com cobre. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a capacidade de fitorremediação de duas plantas nativas, naturalmente encontradas em dois solos de vitivinicultura contaminados com cobre, e em rejeito de mineração de cobre. Foram avaliados os teores de macro e micronutrientes nos tecidos das plantas, e o potencial de fitorremediação. Assim, um estudo em casa de vegetação foi realizado com plantas de Bidens pilosa e Plantago lanceolata, com amostras de dois solos de vitivinicultura (Neossolos e Cambissolos) contaminados com cobre, e com rejeito de mineração de cobre. O crescimento das plantas, teores de macro e micronutrientes nos tecidos, índice de tolerância (TI), fator de translocação (TF), taxa de extração do metal (MER), fator de bioacumulação (BCF), número efetivo dos plantas da parte aérea (PENs) e número efetivo de plantas inteiras (PENt) foram analisados. Ambas as espécies cultivadas em solos vitivinicultura mostraram elevada produção de fitomassa e os TI. P. lanceolata cultivadas no Neossolo mostraram as concentrações de cobre mais elevados na parte aérea (142 mg kg–1), nas raízes (964 mg kg–1) e nas plantas inteiras (1.106 mg kg–1). Altos níveis de cobre foram fitoacumulados pelas plantas B. pilosa e P. lanceolata com 3.500 e 2.200 g ha–1, respectivamente, quando cultivadas em Neossolo. Ambas as espécies apresentaram características hiperacumuladoras de cobre. Os resultados mostraram que estas espécies desempenham um papel importante na fitoacumulação de cobre naturalmente em ambos os solos de vitivinicultura contaminados com cobre, sendo importantes para a fitorremediação.

Identification of plantaginis semen based on ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences / 中国中药杂志

In order to evaluate the efficiency of ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences used as DNA barcodes to distinguish Plantaginis Semen from its adulterants, we collected 71 samples of Plantaginis Semen and its adulterants. The ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences were aligned through Clustal W, and the genetic distances were calculated by kimura 2-parameter (K2P) model and the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) phylogenetic trees were constructed using MEGA 5.1. The results indicated that the ITS2 sequence lengths of Plantago asiatica and P. depressa were 199 bp and 200 bp, respectively; the maximum intra-specific K2P distance were lower than the minimum inter-specific K2P distance; the NJ tree based on ITS2 sequence indicated that Plantaginis Semen and its adulterants could be distinguished clearly. The sequence lengths of psbA-trnH of both P. asiatica and P. depressa were 340 bp; the maximum intra-specific K2P distances were lower than the minimum inter-specific K2P distance; the NJ tree based on psbA-trnH sequence showed that Plantaginis Semen can be distinguished clearly from its adulterants except for P. major. Therefore, ITS2 sequences can be used as an ideal DNA barcode to distinguish Plantaginis Semen from its adulterants.

Estudo da ação antimicrobiana conjunta de extratos aquosos de Tansagem (Plantago major l, Plantaginaceae) e Romã (Punica granatum l, Punicaceae) e interferência dos mesmos na ação da amoxicilina in vitr / Study of the joint antimicrobial action of aqueous extracts of broadleaf plantain (Plantago major l, Plantaginaceae) and Pomegranate (Punica granatum l, Punicaceae) and their interference in the in vitro activity of amoxicillin

O uso de plantas medicinais no tratamento de doenças (fitoterapia) é uma prática de diversos povos, sendo realizada desde a Antiguidade. Diversos estudos são realizados para determinar a eficácia dessas plantas, sendo desconhecida a existência de interações e interferências na combinação das mesmas, quer seja benéfica, quer cause algum dano para o organismo. A fim de descobrir a existência dessas interações ou a interferência na ação do antibiótico amoxicilina testou-se Punica granatum e Plantago major contra as bactérias Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli. A matéria prima foi obtida nas regiões de Montes Claros e Curvelo e seus extratos aquosos foi obtido através da decocção. A Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) dos extratos foi determinada pela técnica de microdiluição em caldo. Para o teste de interferência realizou-se o teste de disco-difusão. No teste de microdiluição em caldo, Punica granatum apresentou CIM de 6,25% contra o S. aureus e de 25% contra E. coli. O extrato de Plantago major não apresentou atividade contra as bactérias. O teste de disco-difusão confirmou a existência de interações, sendo apenas quatro resultados significativos (Amoxicilina + Plantago major Pura (PgP), Amoxicilina + Plantago major Diluição 1 (PgD1) e Amoxicilia + Plantago major Diluição 2 (PgD2) contra E. coli e Amoxicilina + PgP contra S. aureus). Conclui-se que existe interação dos extratos entre si e dos extratos com a amoxicilina, o que também pode acontecer com outros antibióticos e gerar riscos para a população. Portanto é indispensável à realização de testes que complementem essa pesquisa oferecendo mais informação à população para segurança na utilização de plantas medicinais. informações à população assegurando sua segurança na utilização de plantas medicinais.

The use of medicinal plants in treating diseases (herbal medicine) is a practice of many peoples, being done since ancient times. Several studies are conducted to determine the effectiveness of these plants, but the existence of interactions and interference with their combined use, whether beneficial or detrimental to the body, are unknown. In order to discover the existence of these interactions or interferences in the activity of the antibiotic amoxicillin, we tested in this research Punica granatum and Plantago major against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The raw material was obtained in the regions of Montes Claros and Curvelo, and their aqueous extracts were obtained from decoction. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined by the broth microdilution technique. For interference, we performed the disk diffusion test. In the broth microdilution test, Punica granatum had MICs of 6.25% against S.aureus and 25% against E. coli. The Plantago major extract showed no activity against the bacteria. The disk diffusion test confirmed the existence of interactions and only four significant results (amoxicillin + pure Punica granatum (PgP), amoxicillin + Punica granatum dilution 1 (PgD1) and amoxicillin + Punica granatum dilution 2 (PgD2) against E. coli and amoxicillin + PgP against S. aureus). We conclude, as a result, that there really is interaction between the extracts themselves and between the extracts and amoxicillin, which can also occur with other antibiotics and cause some risk to the population. Therefore, it is essential to carry out tests to complement this research, providing more information to the public and ensuring the safety in the use of medicinal plants.

Cardioprotective effect of root extract of Picrorhiza kurroa (Royle Ex Benth) against isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Normal rats pre-treated with P. kurroa (200 mg/kg) alone did not showed significant change, however, isoproterenol (ISP) administration resulted in hemodynamic and left ventricular dysfunction, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation. Such cardiac dysfunction was significantly prevented by P. kurroa root extract pre-treatment. Pre-treatment significantly attenuated the ISP-induced oxidative stress by restoring myocardial superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase enzymes except reduced glutathione content. P. kurroa pre-treatment markedly attenuated the ISP-induced rise in lipid peroxidation, thereby prevented leakage of myocyte creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase enzymes. The results suggest that P. kurroa root extract possesses significant cardioprotective effect, which may be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-peroxidative, and myocardial preservative properties.

Antiulcer effects and mechanism study of Veronicastrum axillare on ethanol induced gastric ulcer rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the antiulcer effects and the mechanism of Veronicastrum axillare (Sieb. et Zucc) Yamazaki (VAY) on ethanol induced gastric ulcer rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 48 healthy SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, i.e., the normal group, the model group, the ranitidine group, the high dose VAY group, the medium dose VAY group, and the low dose VAY group, 8 in each group. Rats in the normal group and the model group were administered with normal saline respectively. Rats in the ranitidine group were administered with 0.18% ranitidine suspension (at the daily dose of 0.027 g/kg) by gastrogavage. Those in the high dose VAY group, the medium dose VAY group, and the low dose VAY group were administered with VAY at the daily dose of 2.8 g/kg, 1.4 g/kg, and 0.7 g/kg by gastrogavage, once daily for 14 consecutive days. The gastric ulcer model was established using absolute ethanol after the last gastrogavage. The ulcer index and the ulcer inhibitory rate were compared. The concentrations of malonyldialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the serum and the homogenate of the gastric mucosa tissue were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group, the gastric ulcer index in the rest groups obviously decreased (P < 0.01). The ulcer index was dose-dependent with VAY (P < 0.01), with the highest gastric ulcer index shown in the high dose VAY group (P < 0.01). Compared with the normal group, the concentrations of MDA and NO significantly increased in the serum and the gastric mucosa tissue, the activity of SOD and the EGF content in the gastric mucosa tissue of rats in the model group significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the MDA concentrations in the serum and the gastric mucosa tissue decreased, the serum NO content increased, the NO content in the gastric mucosa tissue decreased, the serum SOD activity increased, the EGF content in the gastric mucosa tissue increased in the rest groups, all showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The water extract of VAY had significant effects on ethanol induced gastric ulcer. Its mechanisms might lie in reducing the generation of free radicals, promoting the oxygen free radical clearance, restraining lipid peroxidation, regulating and controlling the in vivo contents of NO and EGF.</p>

[Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Kazeroon, Iran: identification, distribution and traditional usage]

Kazeroon, with about 4060 km[2], is situated in the west of Shiraz [Fars province]. This region is an important area which shows a great plant biodiversity. Also this ancient region is one of the most important human migration roads in Iran and so traditional usage of medicinal plant is a familiar therapeutic way for native people. The traditional usages of the medicinal plants of region were focused and therefore some beneficial information was gathered using native people questioning. Medicinal plant flora of region was studied during 2007-2009. All ancient villages were discovered using various geographical maps and then the vernacular information of plants and their usages were collected from well experienced people and finally the collected plants were identified scientifically. 91 species [87 genera and 39 families] were reported from the rangelands around the Kazeroon. Lamiaceae, with 11 species, and Asteraceae with 9 species were the largest families respectively, and Plantago [Plantaginaceae] with 3 species was the largest genus in the medicinal flora of area. Medicinal plant species are used mainly in remediation of Digestive, Blood Transfer and Urinary system diseases respectively. Studied region shows high degree of species richness and its people are familiar with medicinal plants use. Therefore these traditional and local medicinal usage information of plants are more important and useful for future farmacological investigations

Plant Extracts as an Alternative to Control Leucoptera coffeella (Guérin-Mèneville) (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae)

We evaluated the effects of crude extracts from the plantain Plantago lanceolata and the bitter gourd Momordica charantia on the oviposition preference and development of the coffee leaf miner Leucoptera coffeella Guérin-Mèneville & Perrottet under laboratory and/or greenhouse conditions. The ovicidal effects of these extracts were also studied in a greenhouse. Plantago lanceolata and M. charantia extracts also underwent fractionation directed by oviposition tests with the coffee leaf miner. The extracts of both plants reduced L. coffeella oviposition and egg hatching, apparently as a result of action of plant metabolites on the embryo. Adults originating from eggs treated with the extracts exhibited similar survival rates, but a higher female/male ratio. Fecundity was reduced for females obtained from eggs treated with the M. charantia extract. Partial chemical analysis indicated that both extracts produced polar fractions that reduced the oviposition of L. coffeella on coffee leaves under laboratory conditions. The extracts of P. lanceolata and M. charantia have potential for use in the development of new products to control the coffee leaf miner.

Evaluación del efecto citoprotector gástrico y efecto hepatoprotector del extracto seco hidroalcohólico al 70% de Plantago major L. (Llantén) en animales de experimentación / Evaluation of the gastric cytoprotective effect and hepatoprotective effect of the 70% hydroalcoholic dry extract of Plantago major L. (Plantain) in experimental animals

Se realizó un estudio cuasi experimental de series cronológicas con repetición del estímulo y diseño con un grupo control y sin pre prueba. En el presente trabajo se evaluó el efecto citoprotector gástrico mediante la determinación del índice de inhibición ulcerogénica y estudio histopatológico en el modelo experimental de inducción de úlcera gástrica por etanol absoluto, realizadas con ratas albinas machos de la raza Holtzman, agrupadas en 5 grupos experimentales, a los cuales se les administró diferentes tratamientos respetivamente: suero fisiológico (1 ml), Omeprazol (20mg/kg), Sucralfato (400mg/kg), Extracto 1 (600mg/kg) y Extracto 11 (800 mg/Kg), luego de 1 hora se procedió a administrar etanol absoluto, y después de 1 hora se les extrajo los estómagos para los cortes histológicos y lecturas correspondientes. El tratamiento con el extracto a la dosis de 800 mg/Kg demostró ser un buen citoprotector gástrico por inhibir la formación de ulceras en un 100 %, similar al patrón Sucralfato (97.66%), a diferencia del patrón Omeprazol que inhibió en un 73.31%, estos datos coincidieron con el pertinente estudio histopatológico. Así también se evalúo el efecto hepatoprotector mediante el estudio histopatológico y la determinación de transaminasas (GOT y GTP), fosfatasa alcalina y bilirrubinas en el modelo experimental de intoxicación hepática por tetracloruro de carbono, con ratas albinas machos de la raza Holtzman en 6 grupos experimentales: blanco (suero fisiológico 1 mL), control (CCI4 0.5ml/kg), patrón (Silimarina 100 mg/kg) y el extracto a las dosis de 400, 600 y 800 mg/Kg. Cinco días previos al inicio de la intoxicación se administró el suero fisiológico, Silimarina, y las dosis del extracto, y luego durante 5 semanas (2 veces por semana), dos dosis por día: 2 horas antes y 2 horas después de la administración del tetracloruro de carbono. A la sexta semana se realizó la toma de muestra para las pruebas bioquímicas y se extrajo los hígados para el estudio histopatológico. En los resultados obtenidos se demostró que el extracto a las dosis de 600 y 800 mg/Kg tiene efecto hepatoprotector porque los niveles de transaminasas (GOT y GTP), fosfatasa alcalina y bilirrubinas se mantuvieron dentro de los parámetros normales, además el estudio histopatológico pudo corroborar estos resultados. Los resultados fueron sometidos a un análisis estadístico, para lo cual se aplicó el programa estadístico SPSS con un intervalo de confianza del 95%.

Study on absorption ingredients of Plantaginis semen by in vitro everted intestinal sac method / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a method for quick investigating the absorption ingredients of Plantaginis semen and guiding the index selection for its quality control.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The absorption of three concentrations of Plantaginis semem was investigated with the in vitro everted intestinal sac (VEIS) model The intestinal sac contents of jejunum and ileum were collected at different time and geniposidic acid was detected by HPLC and LC-MS(n) as the representative marker.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Six ingredients could be detected. At different concentrations of Plantaginis semen, geniposidic acid tested by VEIS showed that there was a good linear correlation between the drug absorption from the medium across the intestinal epithelium into the sac contents in various intestines section. The absorption of the gut sacs from 0 to 90 min manifested a significant time-dependent manner. The Ka of geniposidic acid in the jejunum and ileum increased along with the raised dosage of the Plantaginis Semen (P < 0.05), which indicated a passive absorption manner.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This method can be used as a tool to investigate the absorption ingredients of Plantaginis Semen. Comparing with the jejunum, the ileum can provide more absorption information faster. The optimal incubation time in intestinal sac was 90 min.</p>

Potencial alelopático de extratos aquosos de Melissa officinalis L. e Mentha x villosa L. na germinação e vigor de sementes de Plantago major L. / Allelopathic effect of extracts of Melissa officinallis L. and Mentha x villosa L. on seed germination and vigor of Plantago major L.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito dos extratos aquosos de hortelã e melissa na germinação e vigor de sementes de tanchagem. O experimento foi conduzido no Departamento de Fitotecnia da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, no mês de abril de 2011. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos (testemunha, 25 por cento, 50 por cento, 75 por cento e 100 por cento do extrato aquoso de hortelã e melissa) e quatro repetições. Os extratos foram preparados utilizando a parte aérea das plantas, na proporção de 100g de planta para 1 L de água destilada. Foram utilizadas 50 sementes de tanchagem em cada caixa gerbox, previamente umedecido com os extratos aquosos (correspondentes aos tratamentos), estas foram levadas para germinar em câmara de germinação, em temperatura de 20°C, fotoperíodo de 16 horas luz e 8 horas escuro, por 14 dias. Durante esse tempo foram feitas às contagens diárias das sementes germinadas para calcular o índice de velocidade de germinação e ao final dos 14 dias foi calculada a porcentagem de germinação. Sementes de tanchagem não submetidas aos extratos aquosos de melissa e hortelã apresentaram-se mais vigorosas quando comparado com as concentrações, evidenciando o potencial alelopático de melissa e hortelã sobre a sua qualidade fisiológica.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of Melissa officinallis and Mentha x villosa for the germination and vigor of Plantago major seeds. The experiment was conducted at the Plant Science Department, Federal University of Viçosa, in April 2011. The design was a completely randomized design with five treatments (control, 25 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent and 100 percent of the aqueous extract of Mentha x villosa and Melissa Officinallis) and four replications. The extracts were prepared utulizando the shoots of plants at the rate of 100g of plant to 1 L of distilled water. We used 50 Plantago major seeds in each box incubator and these were subsequently placed in a germination chamber. 14 days during the counting of germinated seeds per day to calculate the index of germination speed and the end of 14 days was the germination percentage. Plantago major seeds not subjected to aqueous extracts of lemon balm and mint showed higher values in the variables studied when compared to other concentrations, showing the allelopathic potencial of Melissa officinallis and Mentha x villosa on the development of plantain, determined by germinating.

Chemical constituents from Lagotis brevituba / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study on the chemical consitituents of Lagotis brevituba.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The chemical consitituents were isolated by silica gel column chromatography, polyamide column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Eight compounds were isolated and they were identified as beta-sitosterol (1), succinic acid (2), luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside (3), uracil (4), apigenin (5), chrysoeriol (6), chrysoeriol-7-O-beta-D-glucoside (7), and apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside (8).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compound 4-8 were isolated from L. brevituba for the first time, and among them, compound 7 and 8 were isolated from genus Lagotis for the first time.</p>

Notes on oil sources for the bee genus Caenonomada(Hymenoptera, Apidae, Tapinotaspidini) / Notas sobre fontes de óleos florais do gênero Caenonomada (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Tapinotaspidini)

It is reported for the first time oil collecting by bees of the genus Caenonomada on flowers of Plantaginaceae. Females of Caenonomada unicalcarata were observed collecting oil on flowers of Angelonia cornigera, and males and females of Caenonomada bruneri and C. aff. unicalcarata were observed on flowers of Angelonia and Monopera (Plantaginaceae). The record of Caenonomada on Plantaginaceae suggests the use of trichomatic oil glands as a primitive condition in the tribe Tapinotaspidini.

Pela primeira vez é reportado a coleta de óleo por Caenonomada em Plantaginaceae. Fêmeas de Caenonomada unicalcarata foram observadas coletando óleo em flores de Angelonia cornigera, e fêmeas e machos de Caenonomada bruneri e Caenonomada aff. unicalcarata em flores de Angelonia e Monopera (Plantaginaceae). O registro de Caenonomada em Plantaginaceae sugere uma condição mais primitiva para o uso de glândulas tricomáticas de óleo na tribo Tapinotaspidini.