Effect of Matricaria aurea [Loefl.] Shultz-Bip. hydroalcoholic extract on acetic acid-induced acute colitis in rats

Matricaria aurea is found abundant in Iran and has large similarities in constituents especially essential oils, flavones and flavonoides as well as traditional uses to the main species; Matricaria recutita L. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and spasmolytic properties of the main species suggest that this plant may have beneficial effects on inflammatory bowel diseases so the present study was carried out. Hydroalcoholic extract of plant with doses of 200, 400, 800 mg/kg were administered orally [p.o.] for 5 days and rectally [i.r.] [400 and 800 mg/kg] at 15 and 2 hr before ulcer induction. To induce colitis, 2 ml of acetic acid 4% was instilled intra-colonically to separate groups of male Wistar rats [n= 6]. Normal saline [2 ml], prednisolone [4 mg/kg] and hydrocortisone acetate [20 mg/kg] enema were administered to control and reference groups respectively. The tissue injures were assessed macroscopically and histopathologically. Greater doses of extract [400 and 800 mg/kg] reduced colon weight/length ratio [P< 0.01] and the highest test dose [800 mg/kg p.o. or i.r.] was effective to decrease tissue damage parameters including ulcer severity, area and index [P< 0.01] as well as inflammation severity and extent, crypt damage and total colitis index [P< 0.01] significantly. It is concluded that Matricaria aurea extract was effective to protect against acute colitis in acetic acid model and this effect was more significant with the greater doses administered orally or rectally. Further studies are warranted to ascertain the mechanisms that are involved and the responsible active constituents

Microencapsulation of matricine by a dehydrating liquid and assessment of its retention

Matricine of flowers of cultivated Matricaria chamomilla L. was isolated and identified by TLC, IR, UV and 1H-NMR and quantified by HPLC. One of the lopophylic materials of this plant [matricine] has been used as antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. Retention of matricine by microencapsulation technique was one of the objectives of this study. Encapsulation was carried out by cold dehydrating liquid method and effects of the various process parameters on retention of the matricine were evaluated. To achieve high retention values it was necessary to employ low core to shell material ratio, high solid concentration, high viscosity of the emulsion continuous phase, the use of absolute ethanol as desiccant, short contact times between capsules and desiccant, and low air pressure in the formation of microcapsules. Results suggested that the process might be much more efficient if continuous coextrusion of the emulsion and desiccant were used

Two new valepotriates from the roots of valeriana sisymbriifolia

A dicholoromethane extract of the roots of Valeriana sisymbriifolia Vahl. afforded a new valepotriate. I- alpha -aceisovaltrate and a new valepotriatehydrine, acetoxydesiovaleroxy-1- alpha -acetoxy-isovaleroxy isovaltratehydrine together with a known compound, valtrate. Structural assignments of the compounds were based on spectroscopic methods [UV, IR, MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR]