Costus root aqueous extract modulates rat liver toxicity, DNA damage, injury, proliferation alterations induced by plant growth regulator Ethephon

Ethephon (Ethrel®) is an ethylene-based plant growth regulator that used in agriculture and it has direct and indirect effects on human health, direct effect via its inhalation during usage in agriculture and indirect effect through the diet (Fruits and vegetables) that is sprayed with it. The current study aimed to examine the possible modifying effects of costus (Saussurea lappa) root aqueous extract against Ethephon induced liver toxicity, injury, DNA fragmentation and PCNA alterations in male rats. Fifty adult male rats were divided into 5 groups (1st, control; 2nd, Costus; 3rd, Ethephon; 4th, Post treated Ethephon with costus; 5th, self-healing Ethephon). Current results revealed that; a significant increase in aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), liver injury, DNA damage and PCNA expressions in Ethephon group when compared with control group. In contrast; a significant decrease in albumin and total proteins in Ethephon group when compared with control group. Treatment of rats with costus after Ethephon improved these alterations as compared with Ethephon self-healing. So, it could be concluded that costus root extract worth to be considered as a natural substance for ameliorating the hepatic toxicity induced by plant growth regulator Ethephon.

Cytological and biochemical studies during the progression of alloxan-induced diabetes and possible protection of an aqueous leaf extract of Costus afer / 中国天然药物

Some plants have proven efficacy in the management of diabetes mellitus, of which Costus afer is one. This study was designed to evaluate the cytological and biochemical properties, and comparative ameliorating effects, of an aqueous extract of Costus afer Ker Gawl. (Costaceae) leaf and glibenclamide (GBM), in liver, kidney, and pancreatic injury induced by alloxan. Thirty male albino rats were divided into six weight-matched groups. Group one served as the negative control (non-induced and non-treated, control), while groups 2-6 were alloxan-induced diabetic groups. Group 2 served as a positive control (induced and non-treated, IC), groups 3-5 were treated with different doses of the extract (375, 750, and 1,125 mg/kg body weight) and glibenclamide, respectively. Body weight, absolute and relative organ weights, food and fluid intake, levels of serum glucose and liver enzymes and kidney parameters were calculated and compared. Hepatocytes, renal tubules, and pancreatic cells of diabetic rats, in diabetic non-treated and treated rats were harvested and examined histopathologically. There was dose dependent amelioration on the injuries induced by alloxan on both hepatocytes, renal tubules, and pancreatic cells after treatment with Costus afer. The glucose level was reduced significantly in the Costus afer treated diabetic rats compared with the non-treated diabetic group. Costus afer leaves seem to be effective against diabetic cell injury induced in rat liver, kidney, and pancreas.

Triagem fitoquímica e atividade antioxidante de Costus spicatus (Jacq. ) S. w / Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Costus spicatus (Jacq. ) Sw

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o perfil fitoquímico e a atividade antioxidante comparando-se os resultados obtidos entre diferentes órgãos da Costus spicatus. Foram utilizados caules, folhas e flores da Costus spicatus, colhidos na Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, no município de Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ. Os diferentes órgãos foram avaliados quanto ao perfil fitoquímico e atividade antioxidante nas frações hexânica, acetato de etila e butanólica. Os resultados obtidos comprovaram a presença de Triterpenos e Esteróides (Lieberman-Burchard), Flavonóides (Shinoda), Saponinas (Índice de espuma), Alcalóides (Drangendorff) e Taninos (Cloreto Férrico). Foi demonstrada a atividade antioxidante potencial. Concluiu-se que a Costus spicatus apresentou todas as classes de metabólitos pesquisadas, dentre as quais, algumas possuem atividade biológica já conhecida, fazendo-se necessária a realização de estudos quantitativos e pesquisas que demonstrem seus efeitos farmacológicos, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and the antioxidant activity comparing the results between different organs of Costus spicatus. We used the stems, leaves and flowers of Costus spicatus harvested at the State University of Norte Fluminense "Darcy Ribeiro" in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The different organs were evaluated for antioxidant activity and phytochemical profile in the hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions. The results obtained proved the presence of triterpenes and steroids (Liebermann-Burchard), flavonoids (Shinoda), saponins (foaming index), alkaloids (Dragendorff) and tannins (ferric chloride). We demonstrated the potential antioxidant activity. We concluded that Costus spicatus presented all classes of metabolites studied, among which some already have their biological activity known by the literature, being necessary the performance of quantitative and research studies that demonstrate their pharmacological effects, thus contributing to the development of new drugs.

Avaliação In vitro da atividade antimicrobiana e moduladora dos extratos etanólico e hexânico de bulbo de Costus arabicus / In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity and modulating the ethanol and hexane extracts of Costus arabicus bulb

Neste estudo, extratos etanólicos e hexânicos de bulbo de Costus arabicus foram utilizados com o objetivo de avaliar a atividade antibacteriana, antifúngica e moduladora da resistencia de antibacterianos e antifúnicos contra cepas bactecterianas de Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e cepas fúngicas de Candida Albicans. Candida Krusei, Candida Tropicalis. A atividade antibacteriana e modulatória foi determinada por microdiluição. A inibição do crescimento das bactérias e fungos testados com extrato foi ≥1024. A atividade de alguns antibióticos e antifúngicos foi reforçada sinergicamente quando estes extratos foram associados em concentrações subinibitórias com antimicrobianos. Portanto, sugerimos que os extratos etanólicos e hexânicos de bulbo de Costus arabicus podem ser utilizados como fonte de produtos naturais com o objetivo de modificar a resistência desses microorganismos aos antimicrobianos.

In this study, ethanol and hexane extracts of the bulbs from Costus Arabicus were assayed to antibacterial, antifungal and modulatory activity against antibacterial and antifungal drugs using bacterial and fungal strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, C. krusei and C. tropicalis. The antimicrobial and modulatory activity was evaluated by microdilution method. The activity of some antimicrobial drugs was synergistically enhanced when sub-inhibitory concentrations of these extracts were associated with antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, we suggest that ethanol and hexane extracts of bulbs from Costus Arabicus can be used as a source of natural products in order to modify the resistance of these microorganisms to antimicrobials, demonstrating an interesting strategy to combat drug-resistant infectious agents.

Aspectos Estruturais e Fitoquímicos de partes vegetativas de Costus spicatus (Jacq. ) Sw. (Costaceae) / Structural and Phytochemical aspect from vegetative part of Costus spicatus (Jacq. ) Sw (Costaceae)

As folhas de Costus spicatus são amplamente empregadas na medicina popular para o tratamento de várias doenças entre elas: malária, hepatite e doença do aparelho urinário. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar aspectos da anatomia dos órgãos vegetativos (folhas, caules, raízes e rizomas) associados à triagem fitoquímica visando contribuir com informações relevantes para o desenvolvimento de estudos taxonômicos e farmacológicos. A análise anatômica por meio da microscopia óptica e de varredura evidenciou folha anfi-hipoestomática, com estômatos e tricomas tectores filamentosos simples. O mesofilo é constituído por parênquima clorofiliano, que se divide em duas regiões intercaladas por cordão de fibras e feixes vasculares. O caule é do tipo atactostélico como no rizoma. A raiz é poliarca. Os testes histoquímicos indicaram a presença de amido, proteínas estruturais, alcaloides, cristais de oxalato de cálcio. A prospecção química com extratos hidroalcoólico e aquoso constatou a presença de saponinas, taninos, alcaloides, compostos fenólicos e heterosídeos cianogênicos.

The leaves of Costus spicatus are widely employed in folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases, including: malaria, hepatitis and urinary tract disease. The purpose of this paper was to identify aspects of the anatomy of vegetative organs (leaves, stems, roots and rhizomes) associated with phytochemical screening to contribute with relevant information for the development of taxonomic and pharmacological studies. The anatomic analysis through optical microscopy and scanning showed amphistomatic leaves with tetracitic type stomats and simple filamentous tector trichomes. Mesophyll is constituted by a chlorophyllian parenchyma, which is divided into two regions intersected by a strand of fibers and vascular bundles. The stem is atactostelic, such as for the rhizome. The root is polyarc. The histochemical tests indicated the presence of structural proteins, alkaloids, and calcium oxalate crystals. Chemical prospecting with hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts attested the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds and heterosides as cyanogenic glucosides.

[Effect of water extract of Costus Indian or sea-qust on pathogenic fungi for the respiratory system in human to exhibit the miracle scientific in the Sunah]

The plant extracts are one of methods which use them since antiquity in alternative medicine and still until now. This extracts are developing by the progress of science and technology where some materials extracted from plants, to be effective against disease-causing microorganisms, because they contain essential oils and essences, alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes and organic acids .In addition that materials are used to make many pharmaceutical drugs. This study aims to identify the effect of water extracts for Costus Indian and sea-Qust on some fungi and yeast pathogens for the respiratory system of humans and to demonstrate the scientific in prophet's Sunah where the prophet [PBUH] said [Cupping and marine Costus are the best of your remedies] and also he said [Use this Indian wood, because it contains seven types of cures, among them a cure for pleurisy]. That importance which appeared in the prophet's guidance for treating to Costus is revealed by this study, especially as the water extracts are shown highly effective against Aspergilus niger, A. fluvus and Candida albicans tested, it exhibit this effect in all the extracts treatment, cold or hot when used for private high concentrations of them. As a result, the extract of sea-Qust on a hot treatment is demonstrated an effective on the fungus A. niger, and the Costus cold for both types of Costus was a highly effective from a hot treatment for A. flavus. Also, the growth rate of Candida albicans have been affected by all treatments of Costus extract

Actividad diurética de una decocción de Costus pictus D Don / Diuretic activity from a Costus pictus D Don decoction

INTRODUCCIÓN: Costus pictus D Don (caña mexicana) es una especie cultivada como ornamental en Cuba y la decocción de sus hojas se emplea tradicionalmente para afecciones urinarias como infecciones, litiasis y cólicos renales. OBJETIVO: evaluar la actividad diurética de la decocción de hojas de C. pictus. MÉTODOS: se elaboró una decocción con hojas secas al 30 por ciento y se administró a ratas machos Wistar a dosis de 200, 400 y 800 mg de sólidos totales/kg. El volumen fue completado con solución salina fisiológica para lograr una sobrecarga hidrosalina con un volumen total de administración constante de 40 mL/kg, tanto para los grupos tratados como para el control positivo (furosemida, 20 mg/kg) y control negativo (cloruro de sodio, 0,9 por ciento). Se midieron los volúmenes de orina excretados a ½, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 y 6 h y se determinaron las concentraciones de electrolitos (Na+ y K+) en la orina total colectada. RESULTADOS: se observó acción diurética dependiente de la dosis en la decocción del C. pictus con mejores resultados a dosis de 800 mg/kg. Los niveles de sodio y potasio eliminados en orina fueron significativamente mayores a los del grupo control negativo, lo que nos hace pensar en un comportamiento similar a la furosemida, a pesar de que nunca se llega a superar su efecto. La actividad diurética fue mayor en el último nivel de dosis (800 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONES: los resultados obtenidos permiten concluir que la decocción al 30 por ciento de hojas secas de C. pictus presentó efecto diurético dosis dependiente

INTRODUCTION: Costus pictus D Don (Mexican cane) is a species cultivated as ornamental in Cuba and decoction of leaves is traditionally used for urinary affections including infections, lithiasis and renal colitis. OBJECTIVE: to assess the diuretic activity from the C pictus leaves decoction. METHODS: a decoction with 30 percent dry leaves was made and given to Wistar male rats at 200, 400 and 800 mg doses of total solids/kg. Volume was completed with saline solution to achieve a hydrosaline overload with a total volume of constant administration of 40 mL/kg for treatment group and for the positive control (20 mg/kg Furosemide) and the negative control (0,9 percent sodium chloride ). Urine volume released were measured at half an hour, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours and electrolytes concentrations (Na+ and K+) were assessed in total collected urine. RESULTS: there was a diuretic action depending on dose in C. pictus decoction with better results using the 800 mg/kg dose. The sodium and potassium levels released in urine were higher than those of negative control group thus, we think about a similar behavior to Furosemide, despite its effect never is surmountable. The diuretic activity was higher in the last dose level (800 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: results achieved allow us to conclude that the 30 percent decoction of dry leaves of C pictus had a dose-dependent diuretic effect

Tamizaje fitoquímico, actividad analgésica y antiinflamatoria de decocción de Costus pictus D Don / Phytochemical screening, analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of Costus pictus D Don decoction

Introducción: Costus pictus D Don (caña mexicana) es una especie cultivada como ornamental y la decocción de hojas y tallos frescos se emplea tradicionalmente para afecciones urinarias, como infecciones, litiasis y cólicos renales en Cuba. Objetivos: identificar los principales grupos de metabolitos secundarios y validar la actividad analgésica y antiinflamatoria de la decocción de hojas y tallos frescos de C. pictus. Métodos: se identificaron los principales grupos de metabolitos secundarios presentes en la decocción mediante un tamizaje fitoquímico. Se evaluó en los modelos farmacológicos de granuloma inducido por algodón en ratas, retorcimientos inducidos por ácido acético 0,75 por ciento (0,1 mL/10 g intraperitoneal) y retirada de la cola inmersa en agua a 55 °C en ratones; las dosis administradas, por vía oral, fueron equivalentes a 0,5; 1 y 5 g de material vegetal fresco/kg de peso corporal. Resultados: la decocción mostró presencia de flavonoides, compuestos fenólicos, compuestos lactónicos y cumarinas, saponinas y azúcares reductores. Inhibió significativamente la respuesta dolorosa en ambos modelos, pero no tuvo efecto antiinflamatorio en el granuloma provocado por algodón. Conclusiones: los resultados contribuyen a validar el uso tradicional de la decocción de hojas y tallos frescos de C. pictus para aliviar el dolor por causa de afecciones renales

Introduction: Costus pictus D Don (Mexican reed) is a species for decorative purposes and the decoction of leaves and fresh stems is traditionally used for urinary disorders like infections, lithiasis and renal colic in Cuba. Objectives: to identify the main groups of secondary metabolites and to validate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of a decoction of fresh leaves and stems from C. pictus. Methods: the main groups of secondary metabolites present in the decoction were identified by a phytochemical screening. The decoction was evaluated in pharmacological models of cotton-induced granulomas in rats; 0,75 por ciento acetic acid-induced cramps (0.1 mL/10 g intraperitoneal) and removal of the tail submerged into water at 55 °C in mice; the orally administered doses were 0.5; 1 and 5 g of fresh vegetable material/kg of body weight. Results: the decoction disclosed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, lactonic compounds and coumarins, saponins, and reducing sugars. It significantly reduced the painful response both models, but there was no antinflammatory effect on cotton-induced granuloma. Conclusions: the results contributed to validate the traditional use of C. pictus fresh leaves and stems in order to relieve the pain caused by renal diseases

Studies on chemical constituents of two plants from Costus / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the chemical constituents of Costus speciosus and C. tonkinensis (Zingiberaceae) distributed in Yunnan province.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Chromatography and spectral analyses were used to isolate the constituents and elucidate their structure.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Six compounds were isolated from the rhizome of C. speciosus and elucidated as diosgenin(1), prosapogenin B of dioscin(2), diosgenone(3), cycloartanol(4), 25-en-cycloartenol(5) and octacosanoic acid(6). Four compounds were isolated from the rhizome of Costus tonkinensis and elucidated as tetracosanoic acid(7), succinic acid(8), beta-sitosterol(9) and daucosterin(10).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compounds of 3-6 were obtained from C. speciosus for the first time and compounds of 7-10 were obtained from C. tonkinensis for the first time too.</p>