Antibacterial properties of essential oils from six medicinal plants

The essential oils obtained from six medicinal plants namely Vitex sp. (Kyaung-ban), Zingiber officinale (gyin), Cymbopogon citratus (sabalin), Curcuma longa (nanwin), Piper nigrum (ngayokekoung) and Coleus aromaticus (ziyarywethtu) were tested on 20 strains of bacteria. The bacteria comprised of 9 strains of Escherichia coli, 8 strains of Salmonella, and one strain each of Proteus morganii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella sonnei. It was observed that Cymbopogon citratus and Coleus aromaticus were active on most bacteria tested.

Investigation of antibacterial activity of three traditional medicine formulations

Three Traditional Medicine Formulations which are widely used by local people were investigated for antibacterial activity using 14 species of bacteria. The bacteria include one specie each of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Vibrio cholerae; two species each of Proteus, Salmonella and Staphylococcus and 4 species of Shigellae. The formulations were Ah-bein-nyin, Heleikdasonna and Nandwin-nganzay which contain herbs and chemicals and have been used as antipyretic or in the treatment of urinary disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and cardiovascular disorders. Fifty per cent alcoholic extract of these drugs were found to possess some antibacterial activity on certain bacteria. Moreover, extracts from 7 plants namely, Saxifraga ligulata (Wall) (Nat-hsay-gamone), Capparis sepiaria (Sugaut-net), Holoptelea integrifolia (Pyauk-seik), Zizyphus oenoplia (Baung-bet), Hygrophila spinosa (Su-padaung), Mitrahyna perviflora (Htain-they) and unidentified sp. (Thetyin-kadoe) were also tested on the above bacteria. It was observed that Saxifraga ligulata, Capparis sepiaria and Zizyphus oenoplia showed antibacterial activity on some bacteria.

The effect of some medicinal plants on uterine smooth muscle

Some selected plants reputed for use in menstrual disorders were scientifically investigated for their efficacy. Pllant aqueous extracts were preliminarily screened for the efficacy on rat's uterine smooth muscle. The effects of aqueous extracts of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (Kyeik-hman), Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Hinnu-nwe-subauk) and Averrhoa carambola Linn. (Zaung-yah) were tested in vitro using isolated rat's uterus smooth muscle. Kyeik-hman, Hinnu-nwe-subauk and Zaung-yah whole plant aqueous extracts significantly induced contraction on the uterine smooth muscle.

Experimental screening for anti-peptic ulcer activity of some Myanmar traditional medicine formulations

Four Myanmar traditional medicine formulations (TMFs), namely TMF-02, TMF-03A, TMF-03B and TMF-08, locally claimed to be useful in treating dyspepsia, were screened for anti-peptic ulcer activity employing two experimental in vivo test models in rats. Only TMF-02, TMF-03B and TMF-08 markedly reduced ulcer severity to the ulcer indices of 17.4, 15.6 and 14.5 respectively. These effects were comparable to cimetidine (13.8), while that of the negative control was 35.Measuring gastric juice acidity in rats employing pyloric ligation confirmed that these three drugs did reduce gastric acidity, particularly diminishing the free acid one-third and shifting gastric pH from 6 to 7.

Direct relaxant effect of some plant extracts on isolated tissue models

The effects of two different extracts of three medicinal plants namely Piper betle L. (Kun), Coleus aromaticus Benth. (Ziyar-ywet-htu) and Ageratum conyzoides L. (Khway-thay-pan) leaves on the smooth muscles of guinea pig and rat were tested invitro using isolated segments of trachea, intestine and uterus. The extracts inhibited the contractions of guinea pig tracheal muscle induced by carbachol and histamine stimulation. The alcoholic extracts also inhibited the spontaneous movement of huinea pig ileum induced by histamine stimulation. Furthermore, the alcoholic extracts inhibited the contractions of rat uterus induced by 5-HT stimulation. These data suggest that the alcoholic extracts have antihistaminic and anti 5-hydroxytryptamine effects and the active principle may probably resides in the saponin glycoside component.

Identification and anatomical characterisation of Yardan zeet

An indigenous medicinal plant growing in Myeik, Tanintharyi division whose bitter fruit commonly known as Yardan zeet is very similar to the vernacular name of the Chinese drug "Yadanzi" the ripe bitter fruit of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. Due to the similarity in the common names, the specific name of Yardan zeet plant obtained from Myeik, was identified taxonomically. Yardan zeet fruit available in Yangon market as antidysenteric drug was also identified by comparing the macroscopic features and microscopic characters with that of the identified Yardan zeet from Myeik. Yandan zeet plant growing in Myeik was identified as Brucea javanica (L.) Merr., belonging to the family Simaroubaceae. The macroscopic features and microscopic characters of Myeik and market Yardan zeet fruits were identical. the findings from this study reveals that Yardan zeet fruits are of the same species as the Chinese drug "Yadanzi" the bitter fruit of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr., Simaroubaceae.

Identification of cultivated Chounggyah Plant and comparative pharmacognostic studies with market sample

Chounggyah plant cultivated in the herbal garden of Traditional Medicine Hospital, Mandalay was identified to be Vernonia elaeaginifolia DC. Comparative pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical studies revealed that cultivated and market Chounggyah are not identical.

Chemical composition of home-based fluids commonly used in Myanmar

Rehydration measure should be instituted as early as possible when lifethreatening dehydration state due to diarrhoea or severe fever is suspected or detected. Home-based fluids are usually given under such circumstance and thus chemical compositions of syrups (m=9), soft drinks (n=5), fresh fruit juices (n=3) and plant decoctions (n=7) were analysed by using published methods and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. High concentrations of total sugars (8.67 to 34.87 g/100ml) and free reducing sugars, mainly as glucose and fructose (1.97 to 21.49) g/ 100ml) were detected in syrups and soft drinds. Potassium was found to be rich in plant decoctions (34.08 to 273.10 mg/100ml) and sodium in soups (140.0 to 475.0 mg/100ml). Soft drinks were found to be acidic (pH = 2.76 to 3.63) whereas soups and plant decoctions have pH values 5.29 to 8.91. Colours used in syrups and soft drinks were found to be permitted dyes.

Blood sugar lowering effect of Momordica charantia L. fruit (kyethingha thee) in rabbit model

In Myanmar, diabetes mellitus can be counted as a single health problem occuring at all ages as reported by various workers. Momordica charantia L. fruit (Kyethingha thee) has been reported to possess antidiabetic activity in experimental animal model by various workers. The plant is widely distributed and also cultivated in Myanmar for its edible fruits. Therefore, it was thought that, if it will be worthwhile to investigate and confirm experimentally, whether the fruit grown in Myanmar possess similar hypoglycemic activity. Blood glucose levels of adrenaline-induced diabetic rabbits were determined after oral administration of expressed fruit juice (10 ml/kg) which was approximately equivalent to 400 mg/kg of the substance singificantly inhibited the hyperglycemic blood glucose level on adrenaline-diabetic rabbits at 2 hr.

Bronchodilating activity of some traditional medicine formulations on the in vitro tracheal ring test model

The efficacy of seven reputed bronchodilating traditional medicine formulations were studied on the in vitro model of tracheal chain preparation using rabbit and guinea-pig. A new carbachol-induced model was introduced and comparison of its eficacy with normal preparation showed more promising results. Three formulations were found to produce significant relaxation as much as 127 12 Percent and 108 18 Percent in rabbit and guinea-pig models respectively.

Screening of some medicinal plants reputed for anthelminthic activity on in vitro test models

Thirty three medicinal plants, traditionally claimed to be useful for purging human intestinal roundworms were evaluated experimentally for their anthelminthic action against Ascaris summ in vitro. On the basis of producing muscle paralysis of the worm within predetermined experimental periods, seventeen of the plants tested were found to possess anthelminthic activity. Urginea indica and Ananas sativa were most effective and a fungus, Hydnum repanda also showed good activity.

Study of inhibitory effects of some traditional medicine formulations on adrenaline-induced hyperglycaemia in animal models

Traditional medicine formulations TMF-27, TMF-28 and TMF-32 have been used traditionally to treat diabetes in Myanmar. Blood Glucose levels of adrenaline-induced diabetic rabbits were determined after oral administration of maximum dose of the traditional medicine formulations TMF-27 TMF-28 and TMF-32 and their watey extracts respectively. From the data obtained, it was concluded that the oral administration of 1.6 g/kg TMFs did not produce inhibition of hypergly-caemic effect in rabbits. Only the water soluble extract of TMF-32 inhibited the hyperglycaemic blood glucose level on adrenaline-diabetic rabbits (p<0.05) ans rats (p<0.05).

Pharmacognostical identification of market pwaygaing leaf

Pwaygaing leaflets sold in the market for its medicinal value as purgative and laxative drug and also as one of the ingredients in many of the traditional medicine formulations (TMFs) was pharmacognostically identified to be Cassia angustifolia Vahl.

Botanical identification and chemical investigation of Kyet-Thahin

KYET-THANHIN an indigenous Myanmar medicinal plant, whose leaves is being claimed by local people to be effective in jaundice, was identified to be Sauropus albicans Blume. Phytochemically , it consists of flavonoid compound as a major chemical constituents.

Quantitative determination of senna ingredient from Traditional Medicine Formulations TMF-09, TMF-10 and TMF-12

Quantitative determination of a major plant ingredient Senna contained in Myanmar Traditional Medicine formulations (TMFs)- namely TMF-09, TMF-10 and TMF-12 were estimated by following Schedule XIII and XIV of Wallis (1953). Quantitative microscopic work conducted at the Pharmacognosy Laboratory of the Pharmacology Research Division, could quantify the proportion of Senna ingredient, from the above three TMFs.

Pharmacognostical and pharmacological study on TAW-KYET-THUN reputed for anthelminthic action

TAW-KYET-THUN, an indigenious Myanmar medicine plant whose bulb is being claimed by the country-folks to be effective in purging intestinal roundworms, was identified to be Urginea indica Kunth. Phytochemically, it consists of steroidal and flavonoid glycosides. On the in vitro test model of Asxaris suum the 50 per cent alcoholic bulb extract indicated its anthelminthic efficacy by significantly immobilizing the parasite within 4-6 hours, with respect to both the frequency and the magnitude of motility of the worm; however, an initial stimulatory action on the parasite was observed, a situation which is undesirable. Acute toxicity of the bulb extract tested on mice showed the LD 50s to be 52(41-66) mg/kg when administered intraperitoneally, and 680 (555-833) mg/kg, orally.

Chemical aspects of locally produced oral rehydration honey salts

Oral rehydration honey salts developed by Department of Traditional Medicine, Ministry of Health, replacing glucose with honey was investigated for its chemical aspects, comparing with standard oral rehydration salts. Three physico-chemical test parameters pH, electrolytes and total reducing sugar contents were tested. pH value of honey salts solution was found to be very similar with standard oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution. There were slight increases in electrolyte concentrations and total reducing sugar contents of honey salts when compared with standard ORS. Results obtained were discussed and recommandation proposed for therapeutic effectiveness of oral rehydration honey mixture preparation.

In-vitro testing of various indeginous plant extracts on human pathogenic bacteria

Differentt parts and different extracts of twenty-six plants were tested against fourteen pathogenic bacteria for general screening. Out of these, thireen plants showed an inhibitory activity against at least one test-bacteria, though there was a variation regarding the size of zones of inhibition. The thirteen plants showing zones of inhibition were Artemisia vulgaris, Brucea sumatrana, Coptis teeta, Yin-bya (unindentified yet), Euphorbia hirta, Hiptage madablota, Lawsonia alba, Myristica fragrans, Pithecolobium dulce, Pterocarpus santalinus, Quisqualis indica, Stephenia hernandifolia, and Symplocos santalinus, Quisqualis indica, Stephenia hernandifolia, and Symplocos paniculata. The antimicrobial spectrum and bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect of the plants were also determined.

Hypotensive property of Plantago major Linn

50 per cent water-alcohol soluble extract of Plantago major Linn, from Rangoon, Kalaw and Taunggyi was tested for hypotensive action on anaesthetized normotensive dogs. Early trials with the water-alcohol soluble extract in a dose of 125 mg/kg given intravenously was found to produce a fall in arterial blood pressure of 20-40 mm Hg. Further fractionation of the extract was carried out and screened for hypotensivity activity. The fraction designated F -7 produced a fall in the arterial blood pressure which was sustained up to 1 hr.