Protective Effects of Danmu Extract Syrup on Acute Lung Injury Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice through Endothelial Barrier Repair / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of Danmu Extract Syrup (DMS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and explore the mechanism.@*METHODS@#Seventy-two male Balb/C mice were randomly divided into 6 groups according to a random number table (n=12), including control (normal saline), LPS (5 mg/kg), LPS+DMS 2.5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 10 mL/kg, and LPS+Dexamethasone (DXM, 5 mg/kg) groups. After pretreatment with DMS and DXM, the ALI mice model was induced by LPS, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected to determine protein concentration, cell counts and inflammatory cytokines. The lung tissues of mice were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) of lung tissue was calculated. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1 β in BALF of mice were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of Claudin-5, vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and Akt were detected by Western blot analysis.@*RESULTS@#DMS pre-treatment significantly ameliorated lung histopathological changes. Compared with the LPS group, the W/D ratio and protein contents in BALF were obviously reduced after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The number of cells in BALF and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity decreased significantly after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). DMS pre-treatment decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β (P<0.01). Meanwhile, DMS activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway and reversed the expressions of Claudin-5, VE-cadherin and VEGF (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#DMS attenuated LPS-induced ALI in mice through repairing endothelial barrier. It might be a potential therapeutic drug for LPS-induced lung injury.

Optimization of ethanol precipitation process of Nauclea officinalis extract based on concept of quality by design(QbD) / 中国中药杂志

The ethanol precipitation process of Nauclea officinalis extract was optimized based on the concept of quality by design(QbD). Single factor tests were carried out to determine the levels of test factors. The ethanol volume fraction, pre-ethanol precipitation drug concentration, and ethanol precipitation time were taken as critical process parameters(CPPs). With the comprehensive scores of strictosamide transfer rate and solid removal rate as the critical quality attributes(CQAs), Box-Behnken design was employed to establish the mathematical models and space design between CPPs and CQAs, and the obtained optimal operating space was validated. The optimal operating space included ethanol volume fraction of 65%-70%, pre-ethanol precipitation drug concentration of 22-27 mg·mL~(-1), and ethanol precipitation time of 12 h. Based on the concept of QbD, this study adopted the design space to optimize the ethanol precipitation process of N. officinalis extract, which provided a reliable theoretical basis for the quality control in the production process of N. officinalis preparations. Moroever, this study provided a reference value for guiding the research and industrial production of traditional Chinese medicines.

In vivo and In vitro Anti-inflammatory and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Methonolic Extract of Different Parts from Nauclea vanderguchtii De Wild (Rubiaceae)

Aims: Nauclea vanderguchtii (N. vanderguchtii) species belongs to the family Rubiaceae and it is widely used in traditional Cameroonian medicine against inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism and gastric disorders. The present study was aimed to evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of a methanol extracts of leaves, stems, roots and barks with multiparametric analyses through in vitro assays and an in vivo model. Methodology: Leaves, stems, barks and roots of N. vanderguchtii were air-dried and a methanolic extract was further obtained. Red blood cell membrane stabilization and protein denaturation were carried out as screening assays for anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, following by Diphenyl picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’- azino-bis – (3 - ethylbenzothiazoline -6- sulfonique (ABTS) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power ( FRAP) antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory capacity of leaves and stems methanolic extract was evaluated in vivo by carrageenan-induced oedema. Results: Each part of Nauclea vanderguchtii, effectively and significantly stabilized red blood cell membrane. The methanol leaves extract exhibited better effect (53.12%), followed by stems (50.55%), barks (50.98%) and roots (49.6%) compare to an ibuprofen (51.16%), a standard reference drug. Those extracts also inhibited the denaturation of the egg albumin (P ? .05; P ? .01). Methanol stem and leaves extracts from plant were the effective scavengers of ABTS - radical (95.92 ± 0.37%), DPPH - radical (91.12 ± 0.13%). FRAP of methanolic extract was concentration-dependent. Moreover, methanol leaves extract of Nauclea vanderguchtii, significantly (P<.01) prevented paw edema with the maxima 58.97% (200 mg / kg). Conclusion: This study shows that N. vanderguchtii extracts possess significant anti-inflammatory and antiradical activities. These activities are more pronounced in leaves than other parts of plant and justify the traditional use.

In vitro anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and in vivo anti-arthritic properties of stem bark extracts from Nauclea pobeguinii (Rubiaceae) in rats

Objective: To explore the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-arthritic activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii stem bark.Methods: For in vitro assays, the production of reactive oxygen species (chemiluminescence technique), the proliferation of T cells (liquid scintillation counter method), as well as the inhibition of cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, protein denaturation, and free radicals [DPPH, ABTS and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition methods] were evaluated. For in vivo assays, a polyarthritis model was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant in rats. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii stem bark were administered orally at 150 and 300 mg/kg. After 28 days of treatment, the total blood was taken to quantify the hematological parameters and the serum was used to evaluate the biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, phenylalnine ammonialyase, and proteins) and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and NO), and then the knee joint was removed for histological analysis. Results: The extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii significantly reduced the production of intra- and extracellular reactive oxygen species and decreased T cell proliferation. They had an inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and protein denaturation, and both extracts had antioxidant capacity on DPPH, ABTS and NO. Both extracts alleviated joint inflammation and pain sensitivity after complete Freund's adjuvant injection, reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, NO and malondialdehyde levels, increased protein concentration, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione activity, and restored the cytoarchitecture of the joint after complete Freund's adjuvant injection. Conclusions: The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-arthritic properties.

In vitro anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and in vivo anti-arthritic properties of stem bark extracts from Nauclea pobeguinii (Rubiaceae) in rats

Objective: To explore the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-arthritic activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii stem bark. Methods: For in vitro assays, the production of reactive oxygen species (chemiluminescence technique), the proliferation of T cells (liquid scintillation counter method), as well as the inhibition of cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, protein denaturation, and free radicals [DPPH, ABTS and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition methods] were evaluated. For in vivo assays, a polyarthritis model was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant in rats. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii stem bark were administered orally at 150 and 300 mg/kg. After 28 days of treatment, the total blood was taken to quantify the hematological parameters and the serum was used to evaluate the biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, phenylalnine ammonialyase, and proteins) and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and NO), and then the knee joint was removed for histological analysis. Results: The extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii significantly reduced the production of intra- and extracellular reactive oxygen species and decreased T cell proliferation. They had an inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and protein denaturation, and both extracts had antioxidant capacity on DPPH, ABTS and NO. Both extracts alleviated joint inflammation and pain sensitivity after complete Freund's adjuvant injection, reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, NO and malondialdehyde levels, increased protein concentration, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione activity, and restored the cytoarchitecture of the joint after complete Freund's adjuvant injection. Conclusions: The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-arthritic properties.

Effect Of Nauclea Orientalis (bakmi) In The Form Of Parisheka Sweda And Yoga Vasti In The Treatment Of Grudhrasi (sciatica)

Authentic texts describe Grudhrasi under Vata Roga. One of its main clinical features is a pain that radiates from Sphik Pradesha (buttocks) to Pada (foot). It can be corelated with sciatica. Piyusharnava, describes that Parisheka Sweda using Nauclea orientalis (Bakmi) as a treatment for Katigaha (Lumbago). Vasti Karma using N. orientalis (Bakmi) is in practice and Vasti is the best treatment for Vata Roga. Seventy-five patients suffering from Grudhrasi (sciatica) were treated with Parisheka Sweda, Vasti and combined therapy. Parisheka Sweda was carried out for a period of seven days. Vasti was performed as Yoga Vasti. Both therapies were carried out in combined therapy group; namely, Parisheka Sweda followed by Yoga Vasti. All three groups showed statistically significant reduction in all the symptoms but there was no statistical difference between groups. Parisheka Sweda and Yoga Vasti using Nauclea orientalis (Bakmi) can be recommended as an effective treatment for Grudhrasi (sciatica).

Nauclea latifolia (Rubiaceae) Stem-bark Hydromethanolic Extract Abrogates a Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor - Induced Multifocal Toxicity in Albino Rats

Objective: Nauclea latifolia (Rubiaceae) stem-bark enjoys wide patronage in ethnomedicine due to multiplicity of usage. Acute and subacute hematological and biochemical toxicity studies are available in literature but none underpins its ameliorative effect with a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDAC), valproic acid (VPA) which mediates multifocal toxicity in different histological milieu. Methods: Subacute exposure of experimental albino rats with a high dose of valproic acid (500 mg/kg) was executed orally one hour before post-treatment with Nauclea latifolia stem-bark (NLS) extract in three doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) and with another group of rats with reference drug, vinpocetine, 25 mg/kg daily for 28 consecutive days after which hematological and biochemical analyses were executed. The liver, kidney and lungs were abstracted for histopathological evaluation. Results: The HDAC inhibitor, Valproic acids induced multifocal biochemical insults on liver function enzymes, lipid profiles, electrolytes and kidney function which were dose- dependently and significantly (P < 0.05 – 0.001) abrogated by the varying doses of administered NLS extract. On the histology the NLS extract effects corroborated the biochemical study in the liver and kidney. The NLS did not demonstrate significant toxicological impingement on the hematology and did not alter VPA-induced histomorphological injury in the lungs cytoarchitecture. The reference drug, vinpocetine was unresponsive to VPA-induced alteration in all the tissues investigated in the administered posology. Conclusion: The NLS extract was effective in abrogating toxicological insults in the liver and kidney but not in the lungs. Further studies are required to understand the mechanism of pharmacological effects of NLS extract and the differential in tissue response.

Study on HPLC Fingerprints of Nauclea officinalis Extract Syrup and Content Determination of 9 Components / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To establish HPLC fingerprints of Nauclea officinalis extract syrup， and to determine the contents of 9 components. METHODS： HPLC method was adopted. The determination was performed on Diamonsil C18（2）column with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1％ phosphoric acid solution （gradient elution） at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 240 nm， and column temperature was 30 ℃. The sample size was 10 μL. Using strictosamide as reference， HPLC chromatograms of 20 batches of N. officinalis extract syrup were drawn. The similarity of HPLC chromatograms were evaluated by using TCM Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System （2004A edition） to confirm common peaks. The contents of 9 components were determined by standard curves. RESULTS： There were 26 common peaks in 20 batches of HPLC chromatograms， and the similarity was higher than 0.98. Compared with mixed control， 9 chemical components were identified， such as 3，4-dihydroxybenzoic acid， neochlorogenic acid， loganic acid， chlorogenic acid， cryptochlorogenic acid， swertioside， pumiloside， strictosamide and vincosamide. The linear range of 9 components were 17.24-275.84， 7.56-120.96， 15.40-246.40， 7.84-125.44， 8.64-138.24， 7.96-127.36， 8.40-134.40， 48.56-776.96， 4.16-66.56 μg/mL（all r≥0. 999）， respectively. The limits of detection were 0.043 1， 0.126 0， 0.038 5， 0.130 7， 0.144 0， 0.066 3， 0.070 0， 0.012 1， 0.052 0 μg/mL， respectively. The limits of quantitation were 0.215 5， 0.189 0， 0.077 0， 0.196 0， 0.288 0， 0.132 7， 0.105 0， 0.097 6， 0.138 7 μg/mL， respectively. RSDs of precision， stability and reproducibility tests were all lower than 2.0％ （n＝6）. Average recoveries were 99.6％、106.3％、100.1％、102.0％、98.4％、100.0％、99.3％、100.6％ and 101.2％， and RSDs were 1.20％、0.24％、0.59％、1.00％、0.73％、1.30％、1.10％、1.80％、1.90％（n＝6）. CONCLUSIONS： Established HPLC fingerprints and quantitative determination method of N. officinalis extract syrup are accurate， specific and sensitive. It can provides reference for quality control of N. officinalis extract syrup.

Study on Quality Standard for the Leaves of Nauclea officinalis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To establish the quality standard for the leaves of Nauclea officinalis. METHODS:Microscopic identi-fication and TLC methods were used for qualitative identification of N. officinalis. The moisture and ash of medicinal materials were determined. HPLC method was adopted to determine the content of strictosamide in medicinal materials. The determination was per-formed on Lichrospher C18 column with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid solution(gradient elution)at the flow rate of 1 mL/min,injection volume was 10 μL. The detection wavelength was set at 226 nm,and the column temperature was 30 ℃. RESULTS:Microscopic identification of the leaves of N. officinalis had strong characteristics,and TLC sports were clear and well-separated without interference from negative control. The linear range of strictosamide were 0.0105-0.21 mg/mL(r=0.9995);RSDs of precision,stability and reproducibility tests were all lower than 2.0%. Average recoveries were 96.25-101.82%(RSD=1.86%,n=9). Total ash of medicinal materials was 5.27%-6.44%,acid insoluble ash was 0.23%-0.36%,water content was 9.48%-11.46%,strictosamide was 0.124%-1.003%. CONCLUSIONS:Established standard can be used for quality evaluation of N. officinalis.

Chemical constituents from stems and leaves of Nauclea officinalis / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from stems and leaves of Nauclea officinalis. Methods: The chemical constituents from N. officinalis were separated and purified by silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatographies, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by physicochemical properties, spectroscopic analysis, as well as comparisons with the data in literature. Results: Eighteen compounds were isolated from 85% ethanol extract from N. officinalis, and identified as dihydroactinidiolide (1), loliolide (2), 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenol (3), 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (4), methyl-2,4-dihydroxy- 3,6-dimethyl-benzoate (5), p-methoxy cinnamic acid (6), caffeic acid methyl ester (7), ethyl caffeate (8), methyl isoferulate (9), ethyl ferulate (10), secoxyloganin (11), secologanoside (12), 1H-indole-3-aldehyde (13), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronorharman-1-one (14), vinmajine I (15), 19-O-methyl-3,14-dihydroangustoline (16), naucleidinal (17), and strictosamide (18). Conclusion: Compounds 1-15 were isolated from the genus Nauclea Linn. for the first time.

Alkaloids from stems of Nauclea officinalis / 中草药

Objective: To study the alkaloids from the stems of Nauclea officinalis. Methods: The chemical constituents were separated and purified by silica gel, ODS column chromatography, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were determined by UV, MS, and NMR spectroscopic analyses. Results: Thirteen compounds were isolated from the stems of N. officinalis, the structures were identified as 3-R-3,4-dihydroangustoline (1), blumenol A (2), naucleofficine D (3), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline (4), 3-S-3,4-dihydroangustoline (5), latifoliamide D (6), latifoliamide B (7), angustoline (8), 3,14-dihydroangustine (9), 3,14,18,19- tetrahydroangustine (10), 6'-acetyl-strictosamide (11), vincosamide (12), and strictosamide (13). Conclusion: Compounds 2 and 4 are obtained from the plants of Nauclea L. for the first time. Compounds 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10 are obtained from N. officinalis for the first time.

Antimicrobial activities of stembark and wood extracts from Nauclea subdita against pathogenic microorganisms

Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Nauclea subdita (Korth) Steud against six pathogenic microorganisms. Methodology and results: Young and matured trees of N. subdita were cut and separated into bark and wood parts, respectively, prior to extraction process. Phytochemical screening tests, antimicrobial activity, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined. Preliminary screening for phytochemical components showed that both young and matured tree had similar constituents. Extracts from matured tree showed more potency in terms of the zones of inhibition sizes than the young tree. Extract of N. subdita was more potent to both marine bacteria, Vibrio parahaemoliticus and V. alginolyticus, while Candida albican and Aspergillus niger were resistant to it. The sensitivity test showed that 500 µg/mL is the optimum concentration for extract of bottom sapwood of mature tree to act as bactericidal. Conclusion, significance and impact study: The results from this study suggest that N. subdita bark and wood extracts may serve as potential source of antimicrobial agents for future development in medicine applications.

Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of plants used in Western Sudan

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the traditional antidiabetic uses of some indigenous Sudanese plants on streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats. METHODS: Diabetic rats were treated with a 400 mg/kg dose of aqueous extracts of five plant species orally for 2 h (acute) or 14 days (chronic). In acute model blood glucose levels were monitored at specific intervals. In the chronic model blood samples were collected from overnight fasted diabetic rats on day 15 to estimate blood glucose level. And the body weight, serum lipid profile and activities of liver and kidney enzymes were measured. Histopathological observations of liver sections were also studied. RESULTS: In the case of acute treatment, aqueous extracts of Tinospora bakis (T. bakis), Nauclea latifolia (N. latifolia) and Randia nilotica (R. nilotica) at 400 mg/kg significantly lowered (P < 0.05) blood glucose levels in diabetic rats whereas, chronic treatment of diabetic rats with 400 mg/kg of T. bakis, N. latifolia, R. nilotica and Mitragyna inremis proved to have significant (P < 0.05) antihyperglycemic effect and have the capacity to correct the metabolic disturbances associated with diabetes. Histopathological studies showed that the aqueous extracts of these four plants reinforced the healing of liver. However, Striga hermonthica aqueous extract did not exert any antihyperglycemic effect to diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that T. bakis, N. latifolia, R. nilotica and Mitragyna inremis have therapeutic value in diabetes and related complications and thus supporting the traditional uses of these plants in Sudanese traditional medicine.

Preliminary study: Neurobehavioural Effects of Nauclea latifolia and Emilia Sonchifolia in Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei berghei.

This study was designed to examine the effects of ethanolic leaf extracts of Nauclea latifolia and Emilia sonchifolia on anxiety, fear and locomotion in mice infected with plasmodium berghei berghei. Thirty male Swiss albino mice weighing between 26-30g divided into five groups with six mice in each group. Group 1 served as the Control group and was treated with 0.2ml of normal saline, Group 2 served as the parasitized non-treated, Group 3, was parasitized and treated with Coartem®, Group 4 was parasitized then treated with Emilia sonchifolia, Group 5 was parasitized and treated with Nauclea latifolia and Group 6 was parasitized and treated with a combination of Nauclea latifolia and Emilia sonchifolia respectively. The mice were passaged with the parasite intraperitoneally and then administered extract orally using an orogavage cannula for a duration of 5 days. Behavioural tests were performed pretreatment (day 6 after parasite passage) and posttreatment (day 11). The results obtained showed that grooming frequency and stretch attend frequency were significantly (p<0.001) lower in groups 3-5 compared with the Control group. The combined extract treatment in group 5 was significantly (p<0.001) reduced compared with the parasitized non treated group. Line crossing duration was significantly (p<0.001) lower in groups 2 and 4 but significantly higher in groups 3 and 5 compared with the control group. This preliminary study consolidates the view of herbal practitioners that the extract is effective in reducing anxiety and fear and enhances increases locomotion in plasmodium berghei infected mice.

Antiulcerogenic Activity of Kigelia africana, Nauclea latifolia and Staudtia stipitata on Induce Ulcer in Albino Rats.

Aim: Ethanolic extracts of Kigelia africana, Nauclea latifolia and Staudtia stipitata were investigated for their phytochemical constituents and antiulcerogenic potential on aspirin induced ulcer in albino rats at 150mg/kg, 300mg/kg, and 450mg/kg body weights. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, between June 2009 and August 2010. Methodology: Ulcer was induced by administering aspirin (200mg/kg body weight) orally to albino rats. Phytochemical screening of leaf extracts was done using standard methods after ethanolic extraction had been concluded. Biochemical parameters showing the effects of ethanolic extracts of the different leaves used in treating ulcer were tested using standard methods. Result: The extracts gave positive results to saponin, tannins, phylobatannins, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides. K. africana at a concentration of 450 mg/kg body weight gave the best results with a significant decrease in ulcer index (0.67±0.16) on aspirin-induced ulcerogenic animals compared to 3.0 for the reference drug (Cimetidine at 300mg/kg) and control with 1.67±0.27, while the leaf extracts of S. stipitata showed the least efficacy. Conclusion: This study contributes to the search for potent and locally available plant materials for managing ulcer disease caused by non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs.

Potential Effect of Some Local Antimalarial Herbs on Reproductive Functions of Male Albino Rat.

In this study, stem bark extracts of Cylicodiscus gabunensis, Nauclea latifolia and Araliopsis soyauxii were investigated for possible adverse effects on male reproductive organs and sex hormones of male albino rats of about eleven weeks weighing between 120-180g. The total of twenty eight rats were divided into seven groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G) with four rats in each group. Two levels of each plant extract 125mg/kg body weight (BW) and 225 mg/kg BW (low and high dose) were administered to the rats by oral intubation. Group A served as the control and were fed with normal commercial feed only, group B and C were fed with 125 and 225mg/kg BW of C. gabunensis, group D and E were fed with 125 and 225mg/kg BW of N. latifolia while F and G were fed with 125 and 225mg/kg BW of A. soyauxii. The results of the phytochemical screening showed significant differences (p<0.05) in the bioactive components of the three plants. The results obtained on the reproductive organs showed no significant effect (p>0.05) on organ weight (testes and epididymides) semen pH, sperm count and sperm head abnormality among the different groups but there were differences (p<0.05) in sperm motility and sperm viability in the different groups of the rat. On the hormonal analysis, the sex hormones under this study were generally decreased (p<0.05) as the concentration of each extract

Antioxidant Enzymes Activity and Hormonal Changes Following Administration of Ethanolic Leaves Extracts of Nauclea latifolia and Gongronema latifolium in Streptozotocin Induced-Diabetic Rats.

Aim of the Study: To evaluate the effects of ethanolic leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium (G.L) and Nauclea latifolia (N.L) on antioxidant enzymes activity (GPx, SOD and CAT) and hormonal status (T3, T4, Insulin, c-peptide) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Material and Methods: Thirty six (36) albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 150-250g were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats each. Groups 1, 2 and 3 received 400mg/kg body weight (b.w) of G.L, N.L and 200mg/kg b.w each of G.L and N.L respectively while group 4 received 5 iu/kg b.w of insulin subcutaneously daily for 21 days, Groups 5 and 6 served as controls (diabetic and Normal) and received placebo. Fasting blood glucose was determined at the start of the experiment and thereafter at 72 hours interval and at the end of experimental period. The animals were sacrificed and sera preparations were used for antioxidant enzymes and hormonal assays. Results: Blood glucose in diabetic animals decreased significantly (P=.05) by 66.34%, 18.12%, 67.73% and 86.62% of initial values upon treatment with G.l, N.l, G.I plus N.I and insulin respectively. There was only a 24.44% decrease in the diabetic control. A significant decrease (P=.05) in insulin and T3 levels was observed in the diabetesinduced rats (65 and 85% respectively) compared to NC. The levels of the hormones where however significantly increased (P=.05) on treatment of the diabetic animals with G.l, N.l, G.I plus N.I and insulin. Whereas a significant decrease (P=.05) was observed in T4 level of DC rats compared to the NC, treatment with the leaf extracts and insulin did not result in any elevation of the hormone relative to DC. The C-peptide levels for all groups were much lower than the corresponding insulin levels, suggesting a type 1 diabetes in the diabetes-induced rats. A significant decrease (P=.05) in activity was observed for GPx and SOD in the DC group relative to NC. A combination of G.l and N.l gave a much higher reversal in activity (P<.01) when compared to treatments with individual leaf extracts. There was a significant increase (P=.05) in CAT activity in the DC animals relative to NC. This was potentiated in all treatment groups with the combination group showing a synergy in its potentiating effect. Conclusion: There was a reversal in the level of the hormones and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes towards normal control, and comparable to the reversals by treatment with insulin, on treatment of the diabetic animals with the leaves extracts especially in combination. The results taken together indicate a synergy that makes the combination of the two plants extracts a potent antidiabetic remedy.

Phytochemical, Physicochemical and Chromatographic Profiling in Quality Control Systems for Select Herbal Medicines (Conavir and Niprd-AM1).

Background: Conavir, an immunostimulant from aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata (AP) and Niprd-AM1, an antimalarial from roots of Nauclea latifolia (NL), are dry water extracts for capsulation. AP and NL have been in use in Asia and Africa for centuries. Purpose: The study aimed to ascertain the criteria for quality assured production of Conavir and Niprd-AM1. Experimental Details: Procedures of World Health Organization (WHO) were applied to evaluate quality parameters of AP/ Conavir and NL/ Niprd-AM1. Results and Discussion: Conavir is granular, greenish brown, intensely bitter and practically odourless. Tests on AP and Conavir revealed alkaloids, saponins, tannins and terpenoids, but cardiac and cyanogenic glycosides (considered toxic) were not detected. Normal phase TLC of AP and Conavir yielded 5 principal spots each, while the reverse phase TLC yielded 6. HPLC fingerprints of AP, Conavir and a reference standard were reproducible but differed from each other. The GC-MS data of Conavir were consistent with the phytochemical profile of AP. Effect of storage suggested that both AP and Conavir were stable for up to 21 months or more. Niprd-AM1 is granular, yellowish brown and faintly aromatic, with an exciting bitter taste. Both NL and Niprd-AM1 contained alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and terpenoids, but cardiac and cyanogenic glycosides were not detected. Normal phase TLC of NL yielded 9 principal spots, while Niprd-AM1 yielded 5, but the reverse phase TLC yielded 9 for each. HPLC fingerprints of NL, Niprd- AM1 and a reference standard were reproducible but differed from each other. The GCMS data of Niprd-AM1 were consistent with the phytochemical profile of NL. Most of the quality variables of NL and Niprd-AM1 remained unchanged up to the 39th month of storage. Conclusion: The results are consistent with NIPRD’s intention to file for the registration of Conavir and Niprd-AM1 for use in Nigeria.

Alkaloidal constituents of Nauclea officinalis / 中草药

Objective To investigate the alkaloidal constituents of Nauclea officinalis, an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial traditional Chinese herb. Methods The alkaloids were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH20, and C-18 ODS column chromatography repeatedly, and their structures were identified by spectral analysis. Results Eleven alkaloids were isolated from the stems of N. officinalis and their structures were identified as angustoline (Ⅰ), 19-O-ethylangustoline (Ⅱ), 3-S-3, 4-dihydroangustoline (Ⅲ), 3-R-3, 4-dihydroangustoline (Ⅳ), naucleamide A (Ⅴ), strictosamide (Ⅵ), vincosamide (Ⅶ), 6′-acetyl-strictosamide (Ⅷ), 2′-acetyl-strictosamide (Ⅸ), pumiloside (Ⅹ), 3-epi-pumiloside (Ⅺ). Conclusion Compounds Ⅰ-Ⅺ are isolated from this plant for the first time.