Neurotrophic Factor Mediated Neurorestorative Effect of Pongamia pinnata Against Transient Cerebral Hypoperfusion and Reperfusion in Rats: Preliminary Histological and Molecular Level Evidence / Efecto Neurorestaurador Mediado por Factor Neurotrófico de Pongamia pinnata Contra la Hipoperfusión y Reperfusión Cerebral Transitoria en Ratas: Evidencia Preliminar de un Estudio a Nivel Histológico y Molecular

SUMMARY: Stroke is the leading cause of acquired physical disability in adults and second leading cause of mortality throughout the world. Treatment strategies to curb the effects of stroke would be of great benefit. Pongamia pinnata is a recent attraction in medicine, owing to its abundant medicinal benefits with minimal side effects. The present study aimed to examine acute and subacute effect of Pongamia pinnata leaf extract on transient cerebral hypoperfusion and reperfusion (tCHR) in Wistar rats. 24 adult Wistar rats (12 each for acute and subacute study) were divided in to four groups each viz normal control group, tCHR + NS group, tCHR + 200mg/kg bw and tCHR + 400mg/kg bw groups. Cerebral ischemia induction was carried out by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and reperfusion. Ethanolic extract of Pongamia pinnata leaves were orally administered for 7 days and 21 days after the surgical procedure for acute and subacute study respectively. Behavioural analysis, histological assessment, and estimation of mRNA levels of HIF-1, GDNF, BDNF and NF-kB were performed. In both acute and subacute study, there was significant improvement in the beam walking assay, neuronal count, decreased neuronal damage in histological sections and higher mRNA expression of BDNF and GDNF in the treatment groups. There was no significant difference in the expression of HIF1 and NF-kB. Thus, Pongamia pinnata has excellent neurorestorative property reversing many of the effects of ischemic stroke induced by tCHR in rats with the underlying mechanism being an improvement in the expression of neurotrophic factors GDNF and BDNF.

El ataque cerebrovascular es la principal causa de discapacidad física adquirida en adultos y la segunda causa de mortalidad en todo el mundo. Las estrategias de tratamiento para frenar los efectos del ataque cerebrovascular serían de gran beneficio. Pongamia pinnata es una atracción reciente en la medicina, debido a sus abundantes beneficios medicinales con mínimos efectos secundarios. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo examinar el efecto agudo y subagudo del extracto de hoja de Pongamia pinnata sobre la hipoperfusión y reperfusión cerebral transitoria (tCHR) en ratas Wistar. Se dividieron 24 ratas Wistar adultas (12 cada una para el estudio agudo y subagudo) en cuatro grupos, el grupo control normal, el grupo tCHR + NS, los grupos tCHR + 200 mg/kg de peso corporal y tCHR + 400 mg/kg de peso corporal. La inducción de la isquemia cerebral se llevó a cabo mediante oclusión y reperfusión bilateral de la arteria carótida común. El extracto etanólico de hojas de Pongamia pinnata se administró por vía oral durante 7 días y 21 días después del procedimiento quirúrgico para estudio agudo y subagudo respectivamente. Se realizaron análisis de comportamiento, evaluación histológica y estimación de los niveles de ARNm de HIF-1, GDNF, BDNF y NF-kB. Tanto en el estudio agudo como en el subagudo, hubo una mejora significativa en el ensayo de desplazamiento del haz, el recuento neuronal, una disminución del daño neuronal en las secciones histológicas y una mayor expresión de ARNm de BDNF y GDNF en los grupos con tratamiento. No hubo diferencias significativas en la expresión de HIF1 y NF-kB. Por lo tanto, Pongamia pinnata tiene una excelente propiedad neurorestauradora que revierte muchos de los efectos del ataque cerebrovascular isquémico inducido por tCHR en ratas, siendo el mecanismo subyacente una mejora en la expresión de los factores neurotróficos GDNF y BDNF.

Investigation of metabolism of HN-1 isolated from Millettia pachyloba in vivo and in vitro / 中国中药杂志

Ultra-fast performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry( UFLC-MS/MS) was used to study the anti-inflammatory active ingredient of Millettia pachyloba,6-methoxy-8,8-dimethyl-3-( 2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4 H,8 H-pyrano[2,3-f]chromen-4-one( HN-1),in liver microsomes of rats,mice,rhesus monkeys,Beagle dogs and humans metabolic stability,and compare the metabolic differences between different species. The metabolic phenotype in human liver microsomes was determined by chemical inhibitor method. Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS detection method,the in vitro metabolites of various liver microsomes were preliminarily inferred by comparing the samples incubated for 0 min and 60 min in vitro. The metabolites of HN-1 in SD rats were presumed by comparing feces,urine,plasma blanks and samples after administration. The results showed that the metabolism of HN-1 in various liver microsomes was stable,and the metabolic properties of dog and human liver microsomes were the closest. It is mainly catabolized by CYP1 A1,CYP2 D6 and CYP3 A4 isoenzymes in human liver microsomes. The metabolites of HN-1 in vitro and in vivo,including 3 in vitro metabolites and5 in vivo metabolites,were preliminarily estimated. The results laid the foundation for further pharmacological studies of HN-1.

Progress in molecular biology of a semi-mangrove, Millettia pinnata / 生物工程学报

Millettia pinnata L. is a leguminous tree with great potential in biodiesel applications and also a typical semi-mangrove. In this review, we presented several aspects about the recent research progress in molecular biology of M. pinnata. We descrived several types of molecular markers used to assess the genetic diversity and phylogeny of this species, genome and transcriptome analyses based on high-throughput sequencing platform accomplished for this species, and several gene and genomic sequences of this species isolated for further research. Finally, based on the current research progress, we proposed some orientations for future molecular biology research on M. pinnata.

Isoflavones and flavans from Millettia nitida var. hirsutissima / 中国中药杂志

The current study to separate and identify constituents from Millettia nitida var. hirsutissima. The compounds from Millettia nitida var. hirsutissima were isolated by means of various chromatographic techniques such as column chromatography over ODS and Sephadex LH-20, preparative HPLC, and the structures of these isolated compounds were identified through spectroscopic analyses. Nine isoflavonoids and two flavans were isolated and identified as 5-O-methy genistein (1), 7-hydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavone (2), ononin (3), catechin (4), formononetin (5), genistein (6), calycosin (7), (-)-gallocatechin (8), sissotrin (9), wistin (10), daidzin (11). Compounds 1, 2, 9 are obtained from the genus Millettia for the first time,and compounds 4, 8 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Study on intestinal absorption of formononetin in Millettia nitita var. hirsutissima in rats / 中国中药杂志

To use the single-pass intestine perfusion (SPIP) model and HPLC to determine the concentration of formononetin, the effect of quality concentrations of formononetin, different intestinal segments and P-glycoprotein inhibitor on intestinal absorption of formononetin, in order to observe the intestinal absorption mechanism of formononetin from Millettia nitita var. hirsutissima in rats. The experimental results showed that the qulaity concentration of formononetin in the perfusate had no significant effect on the absorption rate constant (K(a)) and the apparent absorption coefficient (P(app)); K(a) and P(app) of formononetin in duodenum, jejunum and ileum showed no significant difference. However, K(a) was significantly higher than that in colon (P < 0.05), with significant difference between that in intestinum tenue and colon. P-glycoprotein inhibitor verapamil showed significant difference in K(a) and P(app) in intestinal segments (P < 0.05). This indicated that the absorption mechanism of formononein in rat intestinal tracts passive diffusion, without any saturated absorption. Formononein is absorbed well in all intestines. Their absorption windows were mainly concentrated in the intestinum tenue, without specific absorption sites. Formononein may be the substrate of P-glycoprotein.

Effect of Pongamia pinnata root flavonoids on the quality of ulcer healing and expression of EGF and TGF-alpha in the rat model of gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects and mechanisms of Pongamia pinnata root flavonoids (PRF) on the experimental gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid and to study the mechanism of PRF on the quality of ulcer healing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The models were established by acetic acid erosion, the quality of ulcer healing of PRF on the model of gastric ulcer were observed. The contents of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in serum were determined by radioimmunoassay. The expression of EGF and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) were detected by immunohistochemistry (SP).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PRF significantly inhibited ulcerative formation induced by acetic acid (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). PRF could significantly increase the EGF and TGF-alpha (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) expression of para-ulcer mucosa tissue and improve the EGF contents in blood serum (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PRF increases the contents of EGF in serum and the expression of EGF and TGF-alpha in the tissue around gastric ulcer which might be one of possible mechanisms that PRF improves quality of ulcer healing.</p>

In vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity cycloart-23-ene-3β,-25-diol (B2) isolated from Pongamia pinnata (L. Pierre)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the in-vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of cycloart-23-ene-3β, 25-diol (called as B2) isolated from stem bark of Pongamia pinnata.@*METHODS@#In vitro antioxidant activity of B2 was determined by methods for determination of DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, metal chelating and nitric oxide radical scavenging at the doses of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μg/mL, respectively. β-tocopherol with same concentration was used as a standard antioxidant. In vitro antimicrobial activity of B2 was determined by cup plate method in different concentration range of 10-100 μg/mL.@*RESULTS@#The results indicated that dose dependent % reduction against DPPH radical, reducing power, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, metal chelating, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and nitric oxide radical scavenging by B2 and β-tocopherol.@*CONCLUSIONS@#It is concluded that cycloart 23-ene-3β, 25 diol (B2) showed dose dependent antioxidant activity. B2 showed more DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power, superoxide scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, metal chelating scavenging, hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity than β-tocopherol and in case of antimicrobial activity B2 exhibited broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and strong activity against yeast type of fungi.

Isoflavones from Millettia nitida var. hirsutissima / 药学学报

To study the chemical constituents of Millettia nitida var. hirsutissima, the constituents were isolated by chromatographic techniques, and structures were identified by spectroscopic methods. Eight isoflavones were isolated and identified, including a new compound, hirsutissimiside F (1), and seven known compounds, formononetin (2), ononin (3), odoratin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), lanceolarin (5), afromosin (6), sphaerobioside (7), and hirsutissimiside B (8). Compounds 3, 4, 5 and 7 were isolated from the genus Millettia for the first time, 2 was obtained from this plant for the first time.

In Vitro Screening of Anti-lice Activity of Pongamia pinnata Leaves

Growing patterns of pediculocidal drug resistance towards head louse laid the foundation for research in exploring novel anti-lice agents from medicinal plants. In the present study, various extracts of Pongamia pinnata leaves were tested against the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis. A filter paper diffusion method was conducted for determining the potential pediculocidal and ovicidal activity of chloroform, petroleum ether, methanol, and water extracts of P. pinnata leaves. The findings revealed that petroleum ether extracts possess excellent anti-lice activity with values ranging between 50.3% and 100% where as chloroform and methanol extracts showed moderate pediculocidal effects. The chloroform and methanol extracts were also successful in inhibiting nymph emergence and the petroleum ether extract was the most effective with a complete inhibition of emergence. Water extract was devoid of both pediculocidal and ovicidal activities. All the results were well comparable with benzoyl benzoate (25% w/v). These results showed the prospect of using P. pinnata leave extracts against P. humanus capitis in difficult situations of emergence of resistance to synthetic anti-lice agents.

Constituents of Millettia nitida var. hirsutissima / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To separate effective constituents from Millettia nitida var. hirsutissima.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Compounds were isolated by chromatography methods, structures were identified by spectroscopic means.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Eight flavonoids (1-8) and two triterpenes (9-10) were isolated from this plant. They were identified as calycosin (1), genistin (2), gliricidin (3), 8-O-methylretusin (4), afromosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), lanceolarin (6), soliquiritigenin (7), symplocoside (8), lupeol (9), 3beta-friedelanol (10).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The compounds (1-10) were obtained from M. nitida var. hirsutissima for the first time. The 13C-NMR dada of 1 were correct assignment on the basis of 2D-NMR spectral analysis.</p>

Macroinvertebrate colonization and breakdown of leaves in an astatic pond in south India.

Macroinvertebrate colonization and breakdown of Pongamia pinnata and Morinda tinctoria leaves were studied in an astatic pond in Madura College, Madurai. Morinda tinctoria leaves broke down fasterthan the leaves of P. pinnata. Breakdown capacities of astatic pond cannot be attributed to colonization of macroinvertebrates. Instead, microbial processing, and abiotic fragmentation are suggested as factors controlling breakdown rates. Tanypus sp (midgelarva) was abundant in leaf bags during the experimental period. This midge-larva appeared to use litter accumulations as a microhabitat that provided shelter and a rich supply of food in the form of organic matter Their abundance and regular occurrence of two leaves suggest that midge larvae enhance leaf fragmentation and possibly mediate the incorporation of organic matter in pond sediments once the plant tissue is sufficiently macerated.

Effect of ethanolic extract of root of Pongamia pinnata (L) pierre on oxidative stress, behavioral and histopathological alterations induced by cerebral ischemia--reperfusion and long-term hypoperfusion in rats.

Possible effect of an ethanolic root extract of Pongamia pinnata (L) Pierre (P. pinnata) on oxidant-antioxidant status and histopathological changes in acute ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat forebrain have been investigated. Further, its effect was also assessed on long-term cerebral hypoperfusion-induced changes in anxiety, cognitive and histopathological parameters. Cerebral post-ischemic reperfusion is known to be associated with generation of free radicals. In the present study, bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 30 min followed by 45 min reperfusion produced increases in lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a fall in the total tissue sulfhydryl (T-SH) levels. The ethanolic extract of roots of P. pinnata (50 mg kg(-1), po for 5 days) attenuated the ischemia-reperfusion-induced increase in lipid peroxidation, SOD activity and a fall in T-SH levels. The extract also ameliorated histopathological changes and inflammatory cell infiltration in the frontoparietal region of the rat brain. The extract (50 mg kg(-1), po for 15 days) was also found to alleviate the long-term hypoperfusion-induced anxiety and listlessness (open field paradigm). There was an improvement of learning and memory deficits (Morris' water maze testing). It also attenuated reactive changes in forebrain histology like gliosis, lymphocytic infiltration, astrocytosis and cellular edema. Results suggest protective role of P. pinnata in ischemia-reperfusion injury and cerebrovascular insufficiency states.

Isoflavones from vine stem of Millettia dielsiana / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the chemical constituents of vine stem of Millettia dielsiana.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Various chromatographic techniques were employed for the isolation and purification of the chemical constituents. The structures were elucidated by chemical and spectral analyses.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Seven isoflavones were isolated and identified as 6-methoxycalpogonium isoflavone A (1), durmillone (2), ichthynone (3), jamaicin (4), toxicarol isoflavone (5), barbigerone (6), genistein (7) respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compound 5 was isolated from the genus and Compounds 1-6 were isolated from the plant for the first time.</p>

Screening of effective fraction on experimental gastric ulcer from Pongamia pinnata roots / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of extract from Pongamia pinnata roots on experimental gastric ulcer and screen the effective fraction.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The models of gastric mucosa damage were induced by absolute alcohol in rats and reserpine in mice to observed the effect of ethyl alcohol extract from P. pinnata roots (PRE) and different parts on experimental gastric ulcer.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>PRE, acetic ether extract and n-butanol extract could significantly inhibit the gastric mucosa damage induced by absolute alcohol in rats and reserpine in mice. In absolute alcohol models the gastric ulcer rates of inhibition were 86.4%, 85.4%, 11.5%, respectively. In reserpine models the gastric ulcer rates of inhibition were 37.8%, 33.8%, 19.7%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PRE, acetic ether extract and n-butanol extract could significantly inhibit the gastric mucosa damage induced by absolute alcohol in rats and reserpine in mice. Acetic ether extract from P. pinnata roots has the best effect on experimental gastric ulcer.</p>

Chemical constituents of isoflavones from vine stems of Millettia nitita var. hirsutissima / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the chemical constituents from the vine stems of isoflavones of Millettia nitita var. hirsutissima.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Chromatographic methods were used to isolate compounds, and spectroscopic methods were used to elucidate the structures.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Four isoflavones were isolated and identified: 3'-O-methylorobol (1), genistein (2), biochanin A (3), afromosin (4).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>All Compounds were obtained from the plant for the first time.</p>

Metabolic responses of tropical trees to ozone pollution.

Plants fumigated with 40ppbv, 80ppbv and 120ppbv concentrations of O3 exhibited significant reduction in total chlorophyll content, RuBP carboxylase activity and net photosynthesis. The reduction in total chlorophyll activity ranged from 12 to 36% in Bauhinia variegata, 11 to 35% in Ficus infectoria and 3 to 26% in Pongamia pinnata on fumigation with O3, while the RuBP carboxylase activity was reduced by 10 to 32% in Bauhinia variegata, 10 to 23% in Ficus infectoria and 9 to 15% in Pongamia pinnata. The net photosynthesis was also reduced by 6 to 26% in B. variegata, 16 to 39% in F. infectoria and 7 to 31% in P. pinnata on fumigation with 03. The relative higher sensitivity of tropical trees to O3 suggests that the ambient air quality standards in tropical tree areas need to be stringent to prevent vegetation from air pollution.

Evaluation of Pongamia pinnata root extract on gastric ulcers and mucosal offensive and defensive factors in rats.

Effect of methanolic extract of P. Pinnata roots (PPRM) was studied against various experimental gastric ulcer models and offensive and defensive gastric mucosal factors in rats. An initial dose-response study using 12.5-50 mg/kg P. Pinnata root extract, when given orally in two divided dose for 4 days + 5th full dose on the day of experiment 60 min before the experiment, indicated 25 mg/kg as an optimal regimen and was used for further study. PPRM showed significant protection against aspirin and 4 hr PL, but not against ethanol-induced gastric ulceration. It showed tendency to decrease acetic acid-induced ulcer after 10 days treatment. Ulcer protective effect of PPRM was due to augmentation of mucosal defensive factors like mucin secretion, life span of mucosal cells, mucosal cell glycoproteins, cell proliferation and prevention of lipid per oxidation rather than on the offensive acid-pepsin secretion.

Protective effect of Pongamia pinnata flowers against cisplatin and gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Ethanolic extract of flowers of Pongamia pinnata was studied for its protective effect against cisplatin and gentamicin induced renal injury in rats. When the extract (300 & 600 mg kg(-1)) was administered orally for 10 days following cisplatin (5 mg kg(-1) i.p.) on day 5, toxicity of cisplatin, as measured by loss of body weight, elevated blood urea and serum creatinine declined significantly. Similarly in gentamicin (40 mg kg(-1) s.c.) induced renal injury, the extract (600 mg kg(-1)) normalized the raised blood urea and serum creatinine levels. Reversal of cisplatin and gentamicin renal cell damage as induced by tubular necrosis ie, marked congestion of the glomeruli with glomerular atrophy, degeneration of tubular epithelial cells with casts in the tubular lumen and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the interstitium was confirmed on histopathological examination. In the preventive regimen, co-administration of the extract with gentamicin significantly prevented the renal injury both functionally and histologically. Ethanolic extract of flowers had a marked nitric oxide free radical scavenging effect, suggesting an antioxidative property. Two flavonoids, known for their antioxidant activity viz. kaempferol and 3, 5, 6, 7, 8-pentamethoxy flavone were isolated from the extract. The results suggested that the flowers of Pongamia pinnata had a protective effect against cisplatin and gentamicin induced renal injury through antioxidant property.

Effects of Korean Traditional Medicine on Murine Hematopoiesis (1) - Regulation of Hematopoietic Cytokine Expression - / 대한면역학회지

The Korean traditional medicinal (KTM) herbs such as Angelicae gigantis, Rehmannia glutinosa, Paeoniae lactiflora, Cnidii officinale, Salviae miltiorrhizae, and Millettia reticulata, and prescribed formula Samultang, and Bohyultang improve the function of the hematopoietic system and nourishing the body to promote health. However, there are limited scientific background on the mode of action of these medicine. To understand the diverse actions following traditional medicine stimulation, we determined the production of hematopoietic cytokine, thrombopoietin, stem cell factor, and interleukin-3 (IL-3) in KlM treated bone marrow cells. When bone marrow cells were treated with KTM, the expression of hematopoietic cytokine were increased in RT-PCR and ELISA analysis. Furthermore, when the bone marrow cells were separated into adherent celis and suspension cells and were treated with KTM, we found the increase of TPO gene expressions in suspension cells. Meanwhile, other hematopoietic cytokine gene expression in bone marrow cells was higher as whole than when adherent cells and suspension cells was separated. Therefore, we could know the interaction of two cells that increases the cytokine expression. These results suggest that KTM has hematopoietic effects through increasing the production of cytokine.