Isolation and identification of chemical constituents from aerial parts of Glycyrrhiza uralensis / 中国中药杂志

The present study investigated the chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The ethanol extract of the aerial parts of G. uralensis was separated and purified by different column chromatographies such as macroporous resin, silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20, and through preparative HPLC and recrystallization. Thirteen compounds were isolated and identified as(2S)-6-[(Z)-3-hydroxymethyl-2-butenyl]-5,7,3'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxy-dihydroflavanone(1),(2S)-8-[(E)-3-hydroxymethyl-2-butenyl]-5,7,3',5'-tetrahydroxy-dihydroflavanone(2), α,α'-dihydro-5,4'-dihydroxy-3-acetoxy-2-isopentenylstilbene(3), 6-prenylquercetin(4), 6-prenylquercetin-3-methyl ether(5), formononetin(6), 3,3'-dimethylquercetin(7), chrysoeriol(8), diosmetin(9),(10E,12Z,14E)-9,16-dioxooctadec-10,12,14-trienoic acid(10), 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-6-prenyl-dihydroflavanone(11), naringenin(12), dibutylphthalate(13). Compounds 1-3 are new compounds, and compounds 10 and 13 are isolated from aerial parts of this plant for the first time.

Caracterização físico-química de diferentes variedades de folha de Manihot utilizadas na produção de maniva cozida / Physical-chemical characterization of different varieties of Manihot leaf used in the production of cooked maniva

A mandioca é uma planta dicotiledônia da família Euphorbiaceae e gênero Manihot. Além da importância da raiz da mandioca como alimento, as folhas (ou parte aérea), dependendo da espécie, são ricas em proteínas, vitaminas B1, B2, C, β-caroteno e minerais, utilizadas como componente principal no preparo da “Maniçoba”, estando muito presente na cultura gastronômica paraense, que vem ganhando destaque a nível nacional. Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar a caracterização físico-química de folhas de mandioca, macaxeira e maniçobeira utilizadas na produção da maniva cozida. As análises foram de acordo com a IN Nº1 da ADEPARA de 05/06/2016, sendo estas de umidade, cinzas, proteínas, lipídeos e fibras, todas pelos métodos da AOAC. Percebeu-se a que boa parte se adequou aos parâmetros estabelecidos por lei e que a inserção de novas variantes pode trazer benefícios ao consumidor.

Antioxidant activity and phenol content of extracts of bark, stems, and young and mature leaves from Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg / Atividade antioxidante e teor de polifenóis de extratos de cascas (súber), caule, folhas jovens e folhas maduras de Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg (Murta)

Abstract Phenolic compounds are a group of plant secondary metabolites known to have a variety of bioactivities, including the ability to function as antioxidants. Because of the side effects of the use of synthetic substances, the search for natural and less toxic compounds has increased significantly. This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and phenol content of hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts of the bark (suber) and stems as well as the young and mature leaves of Blepharocalyx salicifolius. The extracts were obtained by extraction with organic solvents and subsequent fractionation by chromatographic partition coefficient. Preliminary tests for the presence of antioxidants were performed using bioautography in thin-layer chromatography. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, and the phenol content of the extracts was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu technique. The results showed that 9 of the 12 extracts evaluated displayed very strong antioxidant activity and three displayed moderate activity. Aqueous extracts of the young leaves and bark and the ethyl acetate extract of the young leaves showed the highest levels of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC). A correlation was observed between TPC and antioxidant activity index (AAI) with a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.7999. Thus, the high phenol content of B. salicifolius extracts and its correlation with antioxidant activity provide substrates for further studies.

Resumo Os polifenóis são um grupo de metabólitos secundários vegetais que possuem uma variedade de bioatividades conhecidas, dentre elas a capacidade de funcionar como antioxidantes. Devido aos efeitos colaterais do uso excessivo de substâncias sintéticas, a busca por compostos naturais e menos tóxicos têm aumentado significativamente. Esse estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a atividade antioxidante e o teor de polifenóis dos extratos hexânicos, acetato de etila e aquosos de cascas (súber), caules, folhas jovens e folhas maduras de Blepharocalyx salicifolius. Os extratos foram obtidos por meio de extração com solventes orgânicos e subsequente fracionamento em cromatografia por coeficiente de partição. Testes preliminares da presença de compostos com atividade antioxidante foram realizados por meio de bioautografia em cromatografia de camada delgada. Os extratos foram submetidos ao teste da capacidade sequestrante do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) para quantificação da atividade antioxidante e submetidos ao teste com o reagente de Folin-Ciocalteu para quantificação dos polifenóis. Os resultados mostraram que dos 12 extratos avaliados, 9 apresentaram atividade antioxidante muito forte e 3 atividade moderada. Os extratos aquosos de folhas jovens e cascas e o extrato acetato de etila de folhas jovens apresentaram os maiores índices de atividade antioxidante e teor de polifenóis (TPC). A correlação entre TPC e o índice de atividade antioxidante (AAI) observada foi de r2 = 0,7999. Dessa forma, ficou evidenciado o elevado teor de polifenóis e sua correlação com a atividade antioxidante nos extratos de B. salicifolius, fornecendo subsídios para novos estudos.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Salvia plebeia R. Br extract in vitro and in ovalbumin-induced mouse model

BACKGROUND: Asthma is an increasing global health problem, and novel strategies to prevent or ameliorate the condition are needed. Here, the effects of 80 % ethanol extracts of Salvia plebeia R. Br. (SE) on an induced inflammatory response were investigated RESULTS: Salvia plebeia R. Br. inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, as well as nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. NO and pro-inflammatory cytokine production was suppressed more effectively by SE of the aerial parts (SE-A) than of the roots (SE-R) of S. plebeia. In BEAS-2B cells, both SE-A and SE-R inhibited the increase in production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. We also investigated the antiasthmatic effects of SE in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced BALB/c mouse model. SE-A treatment significantly reduced the number of airway eosinophils, IL-4 and IL-13 levels, mucus production, and inflammatory infiltration, as compared with the corresponding levels in the untreated, OVA-induced mice, and had similar effects to dexamethasone CONCLUSIONS: Salvia plebeia ethanol extract ameliorated the induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 and BEAS-2B cells, with more effective inhibition noted for SE-A than for SE-R. SE-A treatment was effective in improving the histopathological changes in the lungs of asthma model mice via modulation of eosinophils and Th2 cytokines. These results suggest that SE-A can be considered as a therapeutic agent that can potentially relieve asthma

MOLLUSCICIDAL AND LARVICIDAL ACTIVITIES OF Atriplex inflata AERIAL PARTS AGAINST THE MOLLUSK Galba truncatula, INTERMEDIATE HOST OF Fasciola hepatica / Atividade moluscicida e larvicida das partes aéreas de Atriplex inflata contra o molusco Galba truncatula, hospedeiro intermediário da Fasciola hepatica

Fasciolosis is a widespread parasitosis of farm live-stock in many developing countries. For this reason, it is necessary to search for new substances against parasitic diseases caused by flukes. Indeed, a wide variety of terrestrial plants have been subjected to chemical and pharmacological screening in order to discover their potential for human medicinal use. The molluscicidal and larvicidal activities of Atriplex inflata were tested on Galba truncatula and Fasciola hepatica larval stages infecting this snail in Tunisia. Phytochemical tests were conducted on extracts in order to establish a meaningful relationship with molluscicidal and larvicidal activities. The molluscicidal activity was evaluated by subjecting snails to sample aqueous solutions. Accordingly, hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and methanol-water (8:2, v-v) were used as extraction solvents. As a result, hexane and ethyl acetate extracts showed potent activity, according to the World Health Organization, giving LC50 = 7.59 mg/L and 6.69 mg/L for hexane extracts of leaves and fruits, respectively. Ethyl acetate extracts gave LC50 = 5.90 mg/L and 7.32 mg/L for leaves and fruits, successively. Molluscicidal activities of powders were less potent on snails, but active according to the World Health Organization. Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts from leaves and fruits gave potent larvicidal activities with a delay rate exceeding 45.50% (45.50- 98.92%). Phytochemical tests showed that these activities may be attributed to the presence of triterpenoids and/or sterols.

Fasciolose é uma parasitose generalizada que ocorre em animais de fazendas em muitos países em desenvolvimento. Por esta razão, é necessária a busca de novas substâncias contra as doenças parasitárias causadas por vermes. De fato, uma grande variedade de plantas terrestres foi objeto de testes farmacológicos e químicos a fim de descobrir o seu potencial para utilização em terapêutica humana. As atividades moluscicida e larvicida de Atriplex inflata foram testadas contra estágios larvários de Galba truncatula e Fasciola hepatica infectando este caracol na Tunísia. Testes fitoquímicos foram realizados com extratos a fim de estabelecer uma relação significativa com as atividades moluscicida e larvicida. A atividade moluscicida foi avaliada submetendo os caracóis a soluções aquosas. Conforme o caso, hexano, acetato de etilo, metanol e metanol-água (8:2, v-v) foram utilizados como solventes de extração. Como resultado, hexano e extratos de acetato apresentaram atividades potentes de acordo com a Organização Mundial de Saúde, resultando em LC50 = 7,59 mg/L e 6,69 mg/L para extratos de hexano de folhas e frutos, respectivamente. Extratos de acetato de etilo resultaram em LC50 = 5,90 mg/L e 7,32 mg/L para as folhas e frutos sucessivamente. Atividades moluscicidas das substâncias sob a forma de pó foram menos potentes em caracóis, mas ativas de acordo com a Organização Mundial de Saúde. Hexano e extratos de acetato de folhas e frutos apresentaram atividade larvicida potente, com uma taxa de atraso superior a 45,50% (45,50-98,92%). Testes fitoquímicos mostraram que estas atividades podem ser atribuídas à presença de triterpenóides e/ou esteróis.

Relaxant effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of Ruta graveolens on isolated rat tracheal rings

BACKGROUND: Ruta graveolens L. (R. graveolens) is a medicinal plant employed in non-traditional medicines that has various therapeutic properties, including anthelmintic, and vasodilatory actions, among others. We evaluated the trachea-relaxant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of R. graveolens against potassium chloride (KCl)- and carbachol-induced contraction of rat tracheal rings in an isolated organ bath. RESULTS: The results showed that the airway smooth muscle contraction induced by the depolarizing agent (KCl) and cholinergic agonist (carbachol) was markedly reduced by R. graveolens in a concentration-dependent manner, with maximum values of 109 ± 7.9 % and 118 ± 2.6 %, respectively (changes in tension expressed as positive percentages of change in proportion to maximum contraction), at the concentration of 45 µg/mL (half-maximal inhibitory concentration IC50: 35.5 µg/mL and 27.8 µg/mL for KCl- and carbachol-induced contraction, respectively). Additionally, the presence of R. graveolens produced rightward parallel displacement of carbachol dose-response curves and reduced over 35 % of the maximum smooth muscle contraction. CONCLUSIONS: The hydroalcoholic extract of R. graveolens exhibited relaxant activity on rat tracheal rings. The results suggest that the trachea-relaxant effect is mediated by a non-competitive antagonistic mechanism. More detailed studies are needed to identify the target of the inhibition, and to determine more precisely the pharmacological mechanisms involved in the observed biological effects.

Investigations of anticholinestrase and antioxidant potentials of methanolic extract, subsequent fractions, crude saponins and flavonoids isolated from Isodon rugosus

BACKGROUND: Based on the ethnomedicinal uses and the effective outcomes of natural products in various diseases, this study was designed to evaluate Isodon rugosus as possible remedy in oxidative stress, alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Acetylecholinestrase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities of crude methanolic extract (Ir.Cr), resultant fractions (n-hexane (Ir.Hex), chloroform (Ir.Cf), ethyl acetate (Ir.EtAc), aqueous (Ir.Aq)), flavonoids (Ir.Flv) and crude saponins (Ir.Sp) of I. rugosus were investigated using Ellman's spectrophotometric method. Antioxidant potential of I. rugosus was determined using DPPH, H2O2 and ABTS free radicals scavenging assays. Total phenolic and flavonoids contents of plant extracts were determined and expressed in mg GAE/g dry weight and mg RTE/g of dry sample respectively. RESULTS: Among different fractions Ir.Flv and Ir.Cf exhibited highest inhibitory activity against AChE (87.44 ± 0.51, 83.73 ± 0.64%) and BChE (82.53 ± 0.71, 88.55 ± 0.77%) enzymes at 1 mg/ml with IC50 values of 45, 50 for AChE and 40, 70 µg/ml for BChE respectively. Activity of these fractions were comparable to galanthamine causing 96.00 ± 0.30 and 88.61 ± 0.43% inhibition of AChE and BChE at 1 mg/ml concentration with IC50 values of 20 and 47 µg/ml respectively. In antioxidant assays, Ir.Flv, Ir.Cf, and Ir.EtAc demonstrated highest radicals scavenging activities in DPPH and H2O2 assays which were comparable to ascorbic acid. Ir.Flv was found most potent with IC50 of 19 and 24 µg/ml against DPPH and H2O2 radicals respectively. Whereas antioxidant activates of plant samples against ABTS free radicals was moderate. Ir.Cf, Ir.EtAc and Ir.Cr showed high phenolic and flavonoid contents and concentrations of these compounds in different fractions correlated well to their antioxidant and anticholinestrase activities. CONCLUSION: It may be inferred from the current investigations that the Ir.Sp, Ir.Flv and various fractions of I. rugosus are good sources of anticholinesterase and antioxidant compounds. Different fractions can be subjected to activity guided isolation of bioactive compounds effective in neurological disorders.

Phytochemical and toxicological investigations of crude methanolic extracts, subsequent fractions and crude saponins of Isodon rugosus

BACKGROUND: Isodon rugosus is used traditionally in the management of hypertension, rheumatism, tooth-ache and pyrexia. Present study was arranged to investigate I. rugosus for phytoconstituents, phytotoxic and cytotoxic activities to explore its toxicological, pharmacological potentials and to rationalize its ethnomedicinal uses. Briefly, qualitative phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts were carried out for the existence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, oils, glycosides, anthraquinones, terpenoids, sterols and tannins. Plant crude methanolic extract (Ir.Cr), its subsequent fractions; n-hexane (Ir.Hex), chloroform (Ir.Chf), ethyl acetate (Ir.EtAc), aqueous (Ir.Aq) and saponins (Ir.Sp) in different concentrations were tested for phytotoxic and cytotoxic activities using radish seeds and brine shrimps (Artemia salina) respectively. The phytotoxic activity was determined by percent root length inhibition (RLI) and percent seeds germination inhibition (SGI) while the cytotoxicity was obtained with percent lethality of the brine shrimps. RESULTS: Ir.Cr was tested positive for the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, oils, terpenoids, saponins, tannins and anthraquinones. Among different fractions Ir.Sp, Ir.Chf, Ir.EtAc, and Ir.Cr were most effective causing 93.55, 89.32, 81.32 and 58.68% inhibition of seeds in phytotoxicity assay, with IC50 values of 0.1, 0.1, 0.1 and 52 µg/ml respectively. Similarly, among all the tested samples, Ir.Sp exhibited the highest phytotoxic effect causing 91.33% root length inhibition with IC50 of 0.1 µg/ml. Ir.Sp and Ir.Chf were most effective against brine shrimps showing 92.23 and 76.67% lethality with LC50 values of 10 and 12 µg/ml respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It may be inferred from the current investigations that I. rugosus contains different secondary metabolites and is a potential source for the isolation of natural anticancer and herbicidal drug molecules. Different fractions exhibited phytotoxic and cytotoxic activities, thus providing pharmacological basis for ethnomedicinal uses of this plant.

Antiepileptic potential of Anisomeles indica (Linn.) Kuntze aerial parts in pentylenetetrazole-induced experimental convulsions in Wistar rats.

The chloroform (4.20% w/w), ethyl acetate (4.23% w/w) and aqueous decoction (12.11% w/w) extracts of the aerial parts of A. indica were screened for the antiepileptic activity against maximal electroshock (MES) model and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) models at  doses of 200, 400 mg/kg, po once. Phenytoin and diazepam (25 and 2 mg/kg, ip) were used as standard drugs in MES and PTZ model, respectively. Further, ethyl acetate extract (active extract) was fractionated into flavonoid and tannin fraction, which were subsequently evaluated for the antiepileptic potential against both MES and PTZ models at a dose of 50 mg/kg, po. Pretreatment with ethyl acetate extract 200, 400 mg/kg, po, for 1 week showed significant antiepileptic activity against PTZ induced convulsions only. Isolated flavonoid fraction showed more potent antiepileptic activity as compared to ethyl acetate extract, without any neurotoxic effect. However, tannin fraction did not produce antiepileptic activity against PTZ induced convulsions. It may be concluded that the flavonoids fraction of ethyl acetate extract of aerial parts of A. indica, but not the aqueous decoction has antiepileptic potential, without producing neurotoxic effects.

Análisis multivariable y variabilidad química de los metabolitos volátiles presentes en las partes aéreas y la resina de Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana & Planch. de Soledad (Atlántico, Colombia) / Multivariate analysis and chemical variability of the volatile metabolites present in the aerial parts and the resin of Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana & Planch from Soledad (Atlántico, Colombia)

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical compositions of the volatile fractions from the immature fruits, leaves, branches, stem bark and resin of Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana & Planch. by SDE-GC/MS and their relationship through the multivariate statistical analysis. The most abundant constituents found in the volatile fractions were: (a). Fruits – 3-hydroxy-mint furanone (6.7 percent), mint furanone (6.4 percent), carvone (5.3 percent), limonene (4.2 percent), trans-carveol (4.1), limonene-1,2-diol (3.8 percent), limonene dioxide derivative (3.7 percent), 2-hydroperoxide-2S,4R-p-mentha-6,8-diene (3.4 percent) and caryophyllene oxide (3.0 percent); (b). Leaves – germacrene D (20.7 percent), -caryophyllene (18.0 percent), viridiflorol (8.0 percent), limonene (6.6 percent), linalool (6.5 percent) and dendrolasin (5.3 percent); (c). Branches – mint furanone (43.9 percent), iso-mint furanone (6.8 percent), 3-hydroxy mint furanone (6.2 percent); (d.) Stem bark – mint furanone (44.6 percent), 3-hydroxy-mint furanone (16.2 percent), iso-mint furanone (6.4 percent); and, (e.) Resin – limonene (23.2 percent), mint furanone (15.9 percent), mint furanone derivative (14.8 percent), pulegone (12.1 percent), 3-hydroxy-mint furanone (8.6 percent), and menthofuran (6.2 percent). The principal component analysis (70 percent of related information) and cluster analysis applied to the data allowed to find 3 groups: I. – fruits; II. – leaves; and, III. – resin, stem bark and branches; the latter group showed a close compositional relationship. Thus, the volatile fractions in the branches and stem bark were represented by benzofuranoids compounds (60-69 percent); in the leaves by sesquiterpenoids (60 percent); in the fruits by monoterpenoids (54 percent); and, in the resin by benzofuranoids (48 percent) and monoterpenoids (42 percent).

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las composiciones químicas de las fracciones volátiles de los frutos inmaduros, hojas, ramas, corteza del tallo y resina de Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana & Planch. mediante SDE-GC/MS y su relación a través de análisis estadístico multivariable. Los constituyentes más abundantes encontrados en las fracciones volátiles fueron: (a). Frutos – 3-hidroxi-mentofuranona (6.7 por ciento), mentofuranona (6.4 por ciento), carvona (5.3 por ciento), limoneno (4.2 por ciento), trans-carveol (4.1 por ciento), limonen-1,2-diol (3.8 por ciento), derivado de dióxido de limoneno (3.7 por ciento), 2-hidroperóxido-2S,4R-p-menta-6,8-dieno (3.4 por ciento) y óxido de cariofileno (3.0 por ciento); (b). Hojas – germacreno D (20.7 por ciento), trans--cariofileno (18.0 por ciento), viridiflorol (8.0 por ciento), limoneno (6.6 por ciento), linalol (6.5 por ciento) y dendrolasina (5.3 por ciento); (c). Ramas – mentofuranona (43.9 por ciento), iso-mentofuranona (6.8 por ciento), 3-hidroxi-mentofuranona (6.2 por ciento); (d.) Corteza del tallo – mentofuranona (44.6 por ciento), 3-hidroxi-mentofuranona (16.2 por ciento), iso-mentofuranona (6.4 por ciento); y, (e.) Resina – limoneno (23.2 por ciento), mentofuranona (15.9 por ciento), mentofuranona derivado (14.8 por ciento), pulegona (12.1 por ciento), 3-hidroxi-mentofuranona (8.6 por ciento) y mentofurano (6.2 por ciento). El análisis de componentes principales (70 por ciento de información relacionada) y de conglomerado, aplicado a los datos permitió encontrar 3 grupos: I. – frutos; II. – hojas; y, III. – resina, corteza del tallo y ramas; este último grupo mostró estrecha relación composicional. Así, las fracciones volátiles estuvieron representadas por compuestos benzofuranoides (60-69 por ciento) en las ramas y corteza del tallo; por sesquiterpenoides (60 por ciento) en las hojas; por monoterpenoides (54 por ciento) en los frutos; y, por benzofuranoides (48 por ciento) y monoterpenoides...

Prevention of CCL[4]-induced oxidative damage in adrenal gland by digera murica ta extract in rat

Digera muricata [L.] Mart, is a weed and commonly found in waste places, road sides and in maize fields during the summer season. It possesses antioxidant capacity and is locally used for various disorders such as inflammation, urination, as refrigerant, aperient and in sexual anomalies. In this study antioxidant potential of Digera muricata methanol extract [DMME] and n-hexane extract [DMHE] was evaluated against CCl[4]-induced oxidative stress in adrenal gland of Sprague-Dawley male rats. 42 rats were equally divided into 7 groups of 6 rats in each. Group I remained untreated, while Group II treated with vehicles. Group III received only CC1[4] [1 ml/kg b.w., 10% in olive oil] once a week for 16 weeks. Group IV and VI received DMME and DMHE at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. along with CC1[4]. Animals of Group V and VII administered with DMME and DMHE alone at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. once a week for 16 weeks. Lipid peroxidation significantly increased while activities of antioxidant enzymes [CAT, SOD, GST, GSR and GSH-Px] were reduced in adrenal gland samples by the administration of CC14. Glutathione [GSH] concentration was significantly decreased whereas DNA fragmentation% and AgNORs count was increased in adrenal gland by CC1[4] administration. Treatment of rat by both the extracts [DMME, DMHE] and CC1[4] increased the glutathione level and activities of antioxidant enzymes while reduced the lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation percent and AgNORs count in adrenal gland. These results indicate that Digera muricata extract is able to ameliorate oxidative stress in adrenal gland induced by CC1[4] in rat

Evaluation of the estrogenic effects of dietary perinatal Trifolium pratense

This study was designed to investigate the potential estrogenic effects of perinatal dietary phytoestrogens on the rat uterus. Pregnant rats were divided to three groups provided the following diets: (1) rat chow, (2) rat chow with 7.5% Trifolium (T.) pratense, or (3) rat chow supplemented with 17beta-estradiol (0.5 mg/kg). The dams in each group were kept on the same diet during pregnancy and lactation. Female offspring were euthanized on day 21 at which time body and organ weights were recorded and tissue samples were taken for histology. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and progesterone receptor (PR) levels. Our results revealed estrogen-like biological effects of perinatal T. pratense exposure. Relative uterus and ovary weights in the experimental groups were increased compared to control. The number of uterine glands and luminal epithelium heights were also increased. However, there were no statistically significant changes detected in the immunostaining intensity of ERalpha and PR between the groups.

[Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of salvia macrochlamys boiss. and kotschy, from West Azarbayjan Province]

In the Flora Iranica this genus is represented by fifthy-eight species, seventheen of which are endemic. The genus Salvia are known for medicinal value, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Investigation on essential oil of Salvia macrochlamys and antibacterial activity assessment. The aerial parts of S. macrochlamys were collected during the flowering stage from Marmishuo Hill in West-Azarbayjan Province, in July 2006 and were hydrodistilled for 3 hours, using a Clevenger-type apparatus to yield 0.35% [w/w] of yellowish oil and analyzed with GC and GC/MS. The constituents of the essential oil were identified by comparison of their mass spectra and retention indices [RI] with those given in the literature and authentic samples. Antibacterial activities of the essential oil were investigated according to the disc diffusion method and MIC value. Thirty-four compounds were characterized in the essential oil of S. macrochlamys, representing 97.6% of the oil, of which beta-Caryophyllene [32.7%], 1, 8-Cineol [18.9%], were found to be the major components. The oil of S. macrochlamys showed high antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The oil of S. macrochlamys consists of monoterpen [44.4%] and sequiterpens [52.0%]. The antibacterial avtivity can be attributed to 1, 8-Cineol

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Artemisia abrotanum Linn

Artemisia abrotanum Linn, belonging to family Asteraceae commonly known as [Southernwood] in Tamil. Hence, this species has not been scientifically evaluated; the present study was aimed to bring this plant under a suitable pharmacognostical scheme. This paper deals with the pharmacognostical studies carried out on the aerial parts of Artemisia abrotanum for identification and differentiation of the plant from other species of Artemisia

Free serum testosterone level in male rats treated with tribulus alatus extracts

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Tribulus alatus extracts on free serum testosterone in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Free serum testosterone level was measured in male rats treated with alcoholic extracts of the aerial part without fruits, fruits of Tribulus alatus and their fractions. RESULTS: All tested extracts showed significant increase in the level of free serum testosterone when compared to that of corresponding control, p < 0.05. Statistical comparison of all groups revealed that the maximum level was found in groups treated with chloroformic and ethanolic fractions of fruits extract. CONCLUSION: Tribulus alatus extract appears to possess aphrodisiac activity due to its androgen increasing property.