Investigation of the possible protective effect of Smilax fluminensis steud. leaf in mice subjected to oxidative stress by paracetamol

Paracetamol (PCM) is a drug widely used by the population as an antipyretic and analgesic. If administered in high doses it can cause liver damage, leading to hepatoxicity. The genus Smilax, found in temperate and tropical regions, is traditionally used by the population through the extract of leaves and roots for several conditions, such as in the treatment of syphilis, diabetes, asthma and as a diuretic action. Through this, Smilax fluminensis leaf extracts were used to evaluate the protective effect against oxidative stress induced by a high dose of PCM in mice that received the drug and after receiving treatment with crude extract and fractions. Plasma analysis was performed using as partate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol, in addition to biochemical techniques such as catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (ASA), substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and carbonylated proteins (CARBONYL) of liver, brain and kidneys. Fraction 1 of the extract was the most promising, decreasing the plasma levels of AST and ALT, the levels of CAT and GST of the liver, together with GSH and in the renal and brain tissue there was a decrease in carbonylated proteins (PCM + F1 versus PCM ). Besides, fraction 1 proved to be hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic. It is concluded that fraction 1 of Smilax fluminensis leaves has good antioxidant activity in the face of the damage caused by the high dose of paracetamol.

Spectrum-effect relationship between UPLC fingerprint of Smilax china and anti-pelvic inflammation in rats / 中国中药杂志

To study the correlation between ultra high performance liquid chromatography( UPLC) fingerprint of Smilax china and its anti-pelvic inflammatory effect,and to explore the pharmacodynamic material basis of S. china against pelvic inflammatory disease.UPLC fingerprints of 10 batches of S. china from different habitats were established,and the values of SOD,MDA,TNF-α,and IL-6 in rats with pelvic inflammation were measured. The weight of each single pharmacodynamics index to the total efficacy was determined by analytic hierarchy process,and the contribution of each peak in fingerprints to the each single pharmacodynamics index and total efficacy was analyzed by the grey relational analysis. Then the structures of chemical constituents at the identified peaks were confirmed by comparing with the reference substance. The 27 common characteristic peaks of UPLC fingerprints were all related to the anti-pelvic inflammation effect of S. china,of which 13 peaks were identified as peak 2( 3,5-dihydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid-3-O-glucoside),peak 3( chlorogenic acid),peak 5( 2,7,4-trihydroxydihydroflavone-5-O-glucoside),peak 6( 7,4-dihydroxydihydroflavonol-5-O-glucoside),peak 7( taxifolin-7-O-glucoside),peak 9( taxifolin),peak 10( polydatin),peak 11( oxyresveratrol),peak 12( astilbin),peak15( resveratrol),peak 16( quercitrin),peak 18( engeletin) and peak 24( kaempferol). The correlation degree of 21 peaks and the total efficacy was greater than 0. 8,and the top 10 ranked by correlation degree were as follows: peak 1,3,7,19,18,17,4,11,16,and 21. The results showed that the anti-pelvic inflammation effect of S. china was achieved by the combined action of pharmacodynamic substances. In order to control the quality of S. china and its prepared slices more effectively,the index components of content detection should be selected reasonably.

Remedios homeopáticos que cubren el mayor número de síntomas de la migraña con aura / Homeopathic remedies that cover the largest number of symptoms of migraine with aura

Introducción. La migraña se encuentra dentro de las cinco patologías más prevalentes en el mundo. Es considerada altamente incapacitante -de acuerdo a los datos reportados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS)- y tiene una alta repercusión a nivel familiar, académico, laboral y económico. Adicionalmente, genera un impacto económico negativo en los sistemas de salud por el elevado uso de los servicios médicos debidos a su habitual recurrencia. Objetivo: Identificar los diez remedios homeopáticos que cubren el mayor número de síntomas en los pacientes que presentan el cuadro clínico de migraña con aura. Metodología: Se dividió el presente trabajo en tres fases: una primera fase correspondió a la revisión de la literatura de estudios que evaluaban las auras más frecuentes en las crisis migrañosas (para esto se realizó una revisión en las bases de datos de Medline y Cochrane). La fase dos consistió en la selección de las auras y síntomas más frecuentes en los pacientes durante las crisis migrañosas para llevarlas al lenguaje repertorial. Y por último, se realizó la repertorización a través del software RADAR (Opus) con el propósito de seleccionar los 10 medicamentos homeopáticos con mayor número de síntomas. Resultados: Las aura más frecuente de acuerdo a los 3 estudios seleccionados en la revisión de literatura fueron de tipo visual y sensorial, seguidos en una menor frecuencia de las auras de percepción. Éstas últimas no se pudieron repertorizar en el programa debido a que no se encontraron reportadas. Se determinó que los 10 remedios que cubrieron el mayor número de síntomas fueron Natrum Muriaticum, Sulphur, Gelsemium sempervirens, Sepia, Sarsaparrilla, Lachesis, Podophilinum, Cyclamen, Arsenicum Album, y Belladona. Sin embargo, el único remedio que se ajustó a las características clínicas de migraña definidas por la Clasificación Internacional de las Cefaleas, versión beta, ICHD-III (beta) fue Sarsaparrilla. Conclusiones: Se identificó que las auras más frecuentes en migraña son las de tipo visual y sensorial. Además, se determinó que la mayoría de los remedios homeopáticos no se ajustaron a la definición clínica establecida internacionalmente por la ICHD-III.

Axillary bud and pericycle involved in the thickening process of the rhizophore nodes in Smilax species / Gema axilar e periciclo envolvidos no processo de espessamento nodal do rizóforo em espécies de Smilax

AbstractThe species of the genus Smilax, popularly known as sarsaparilla, are widely used in folk medicine due to the antirheumatic properties of its underground structures. Smilax fluminensis and S. syphilitica occur in forested areas and form thickened stems called rhizophores from which adventitious roots grow. To provide information for more accurate identification of the commercialised product and for elucidating the process of stem thickening, a morphology and anatomy study of the underground organs of the two species was conducted. The adventitious roots differ in colour and diameter depending on the stage of development. They are white and have a larger diameter in the early stages of development, but as they grow, the adventitious roots become brown and have a smaller diameter due to the disintegration of the epidermis and virtually the entire cortex. In brown roots, the covering function is then performed by the lignified endodermis and the remaining walls of the cells from the last parenchyma cortical layer. These results are similar to those found in studies of other Smilax and suggest that the anatomy of the roots can be useful for identifying fraud in commercialised materials. The thickening process of the nodal regions of the rhizophores in both species involves the activity of axillary buds and pericyclic layers.

ResumoAs espécies de Smilax, conhecidas popularmente como salsaparrilha, são amplamente utilizadas na medicina tradicional devido às propriedades antirreumáticas das estruturas subterrâneas. Smilax fluminensis e S. syphilitica ocorrem em áreas florestais e formam caules espessados denominados rizóforos a partir dos quais são emitidas raízes adventícias. Com o intuito de fornecer informações para a identificação mais precisa do material comercializado e no entendimento do processo de espessamento do caule, foi realizado o estudo morfológico e anatômico dos órgãos subterrâneos das duas espécies. As raízes adventícias apresentam diferenças na coloração e no diâmetro dependendo da fase de desenvolvimento. As raízes nas fases iniciais do desenvolvimento são brancas e possuem diâmetro maior, porém com o desenvolvimento, devido à desintegração da epiderme e de praticamente todo o córtex, as raízes tornam-se marrons e de diâmetro menor. Nas raízes marrons, a função de revestimento passa a ser exercida pela endoderme lignificada e pelas paredes remanescentes das células da penúltima camada cortical. Os resultados são semelhantes aos encontrados nos estudos de outras Smilax e sugerem que a anatomia das raízes pode ser útil na identificação de fraudes em materiais comercializados. O processo de espessamento das regiões nodais dos rizóforos nas duas espécies envolve a atividade das gemas axilares e de camadas pericíclicas.

Antiobesity effects of the water-soluble fraction of the ethanol extract of Smilax china L. leaf in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Several medicinal properties of Smilax china L. have been studied including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. However, the antiobesity activity and mechanism by which the water-soluble fraction of this plant mediates its effects are not clear. In the present study, we investigated the lipolytic actions of the water-soluble fraction of Smilax china L. leaf ethanol extract (wsSCLE) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. MATERIALS/METHODS: The wsSCLE was identified by measuring the total polyphenol and flavonoid content. The wsSCLE was evaluated for its effects on cell viability, lipid accumulation, glycerol, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) contents. In addition, western blot analysis was used to evaluate the effects on protein kinase A (PKA), PKA substrates (PKAs), and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). For the lipid accumulation assay, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with different doses of wsSCLE for 9 days starting 2 days post-confluence. In other cell experiments, mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated for 24 h with wsSCLE. RESULTS: Results showed that treatment with wsSCLE at 0.05, 0.1, and 0.25 mg/mL had no effect on cell morphology and viability. Without evidence of toxicity, wsSCLE treatment decreased lipid accumulation compared with the untreated adipocyte controls as shown by the lower absorbance of Oil Red O stain. The wsSCLE significantly induced glycerol release and cAMP production in mature 3T3-L1 cells. Furthermore, protein levels of phosphorylated PKA, PKAs, and HSL significantly increased following wsSCLE treatment. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the potential antiobesity activity of wsSCLE is at least in part due to the stimulation of cAMP-PKA-HSL signaling. In addition, the wsSCLE-stimulated lipolysis induced by the signaling is mediated via activation of the beta-adrenergic receptor.

Study on scavenging activity to DPPH free radical of different polarity components in Guizhou Miao medicine "bod zangd dak" / 中国中药杂志

The paper is aimed to search more natural plant antioxidants and further research and develop new medicinal plant resources in Guizhou. The Guizhou special miao medicine "bod zangd dak" was extracted with 60% ethanol. The antioxidant activity of the different polarity components separated from the extract was tested by DPPH method with ascorbic acid as positive control. The results showed that the IC50 of the different polarity components was as following: ascorbic acid (0.033 4 g x L(-1)) < ethyl acetate components (0.052 3 g x L(-1)) < total tannins components (0.054 9 g x L(-1)) < 60% ethanol extraction components (0.076 7 g x L(-1)) < butanol extraction components (0.110 g x L(-1)) < water-soluble polysaccharides components (0.168 g x L(-1)) < water extraction components (0.174 g x L(-1)) < water components after extraction (0.226 g x L(-1)) < total polysaccharides components (0.645 g x L(-1)). It is concluded that the different polarity components have different free radical scavenging activity and that provides a scientific basis for further search of the active ingredients and the activive mechanism.

Smilax china L. rhizome extract inhibits nuclear factor-κB and induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the antitumor effects and associated mechanisms of extract of the Smilax china L. rhizome (SCR) on ovarian cancer cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ovarian cancer cells A2780 were treated with different concentrations of SCR extract (SCRE), and compared with controls. Effects on cell growth were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay; proliferation effects by EdU incorporation assay; cell cycle by propidium iodide staining; apoptosis by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide; cellular distribution of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by immunofluorescence; protein levels of NF-κB, caspase-3, poly-adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP)-1, anti-X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-XL), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and AKT by Western blotting; and effects of SCRE combined with cisplatin or adriamycin on A2780 cells by CCK-8 assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SCRE suppressed A2780 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05,P<0.01), arrested cells in G2/M phase and induced apoptosis by activating caspase-3, PARP and Bax. SCRE treatment also correlated with inhibition of NF-κB and downregulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, cIAP-1, XIAP and AKT. SCRE can promote chemosensitivity to cisplatin and adriamycin in A2780 cells (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SCR effectively inhibits NF-κB, induces apoptosis and reduces chemoresistance to cisplatin and adriamycin in ovarian cancer cells, which might be its molecular basis for treating ovarian cancer.</p>

Efecto de la concentración de saponinas en la actividad hemolítica de extractos de ocho plantas de uso medicinal en Guatemala / Efecto de la concentración de saponinas en la actividad hemolítica de extractos de ocho plantas de uso medicinal en Guatemala

Las plantas se han utilizado desde tiempos antiguos para el tratamiento de todo tipo de afecciones, considerándose en el tiempo actual como una alternativa para la medicina tradicional natural que está fuera del alcance de la población en países como el nuestro. La presente investigación tuvo como principal objetivo determinar la actividad hemolítica in vitro de ocho plantas de uso medicinal en Guatemala (Byrsonima crassifolia, Bixa orellana, Lippia graveolens, Litsea guatemalensis, Petiveria alliacea, Phlebodium pseudoaureum, Smilax domingensis, Solanum nigrescens). Estudios previos han demostrado que estas plantas contienen saponinas, las cuales son un grupo de glucósidos solubles en agua y que contienen características tensoactiva, hemolíticas y citotóxicas (Bruneton, 2001). Se comprobó la presencia de saponinas en las ocho plantas estudiadas, por medio de pruebas cualitativas iniciando con la prueba de espuma. Posteriormente se realizó la identificación por medio de análisis cromatográfico, comparándose con estándares de saponinas esteroidales. La cuantificación de las mismas se realizó por medio de espectrofotometría obteniéndose para Byrsonima crassifolia 1.78%±0.222%, Bixa orellana 0.80%±0.04%, Lippia graveolens 0.21%±0.06%, Litsea guatemalensis 3.19%±0.10%, Petiveria alliacea 0.92%±0.04%, Phlebodium pseudoaureum 1.06%±0.05%, Smilax domingensis 0.21%±0.006% y Solanum nigrescens 1.42%±0.007%. La actividad hemolítica de los extractos de las plantas determinada cualitativamente en agar sangre, no se presentó en ninguno de los extractos estudiados, al compararla con un estándar de saponinas que presentó un halo de hemólisis de 4mm de diámetro. Así mismo se realizó otro ensayo cualitativo en tubo, el cual demostró la presencia de hemólisis en cinco de las ocho plantas de estudio, la cuales son Bixa orellana, Byrsonima crassifolia, Petiveria alliacea, Phlebodium pseudoaureum y Smilax domingensis La cuantificación de la hemólisis de los extractos en estudio, se realizó por medio de espectrofotometría a dos diferentes temperaturas, 25°C y 37°C y a diferentes concentraciones, en donde se obtuvo un mayor porcentaje de actividad hemolítica con los extractos de Solanum nigrescens, Petiveria alliacea y Bixa orellana. También se demostró que la hemólisis aumenta mientras aumenta la concentración del extracto. Se calculó para cada extracto la concentración a la cual ocurre el 50% de hemólisis (CH50), para establecer diferencias de hemólisis a dos temperaturas: 25°C y 37°C obteniendo una correlación entre la concentración de los extractos y la actividad hemolítica. A 25°C solamente Bixa orellana, Petiveria alliacea y Solanum nigrescens tienen importante actividad hemolítica; mientras que a 37°C tienen improtancia Bixa orellana, Litsea guatemalensis, Petiveria alliacea y Solanum nigrescens. En este estudio, la actividad hemolítica de las saponinas de las plantas pudo ser comprobada, sin embargo no ha sido específica por lo que es importante profundizar en el tema dentro de los límites de la lisis y la toxicidad a los eritrocitos, ya que son plantas de uso popular medicinal.

Study of the mechanisms underlying increased glucose absorption in Smilax china L. leaf extract-treated HepG2 cells / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown that treatment with Smilax china L. leaf extract (SCLE) produces antidiabetic effects due to alpha-glucosidase inhibition. In this study, we examined the mechanism underlying these antidiabetic effects by examining glucose uptake in HepG2 cells cultured with SCLE. METHODS: Glucose uptake and glucokinase activity were examined using an assay kit. Expression of glucose transporter (GLUT)-2, GLUT-4, and HNF-1alpha was measured by RT-PCR or western blot. RESULTS: Treatment with SCLE resulted in enhanced glucose uptake in HepG2 cells, and this effect was especially pronounced when cells were cultured in an insulin-free medium. SCLE induced an increase in expression of GLUT-2 but not GLUT-4. The increase in the levels of HNF-1alpha, a GLUT-2 transcription factor, in total protein extract and nuclear fraction suggest that the effects of SCLE may occur at the level of GLUT-2 transcription. In addition, by measuring the change in glucokinase activity following SCLE treatment, we confirmed that SCLE stimulates glucose utilization by direct activation of this enzyme. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the potential antidiabetic activity of SCLE is due at least in part to stimulation of glucose uptake and an increase in glucokinase activity, and that SCLE-stimulated glucose uptake is mediated through enhancement of GLUT-2 expression by inducing expression of its transcription factor, HNF-1alpha.

Effect of Smilax china bioactive fraction on tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-4 contents in uterine tissue of rats with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the mechanism that mediates the therapeutic effect of the bioactive fraction of Baqia (Smilax china) on chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy rats were randomized into CPID model group, sham-operated group, normal control group, Jingangteng capsule group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose Baqia groups. Rat models of CPID were established by inducing chemical burns of the uterus and corresponding treatments were administered. After 14 days of treatment, the rat uterus was observed for swelling and inhibition rate, and the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the uterine tissues were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The bioactive fraction of Baqia at the 3 doses obviously reduced the inflammatory cells in the endometrium, promoted epithelial cell proliferation, and ameliorated congestion and edema of the serosa. High and medium doses of Baqia bioactive fraction significantly decreased uterus swelling rate of the rats (P<0.01). All the 3 doses of the Baqia bioactive fraction obviously decreased uterine TNF-α content (P<0.01) and significantly increased uterine IL-4 expression level (P<0.05), and IL-4 up-regulation was especially obvious in high and medium dose groups (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Baqia bioactive fraction can ameliorate uterine swelling, lower uterine TNF-α and increase IL-4 expressions in rats with CPID, which may be a pharmacological mechanism underlying its therapeutic effect on CPID and cervical adhesion.</p>

Phenylpropanoids and diphenylethene compounds from roots and rhizomes of Smilax scobinicaulis / 中国中药杂志

The chemical constituents were separated and purified from the roots and rhizomes of Smilax scobinicaulis by various chromatographic methods including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20. Their structures were obtained and identified as resveratrol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), resveratrol (2), 8-viniferin (3), ethyl caffeate (4), 1-0-caffeoylglycerol (5), 1-O-p-coumaroylglycerol (6), 1-0-feruloylglycerol (7), grossamide (8), moracin M (9) on the analysis of spectroscopic data. Compound 1 was a new compound and compounds 3-5, 8,9 were separated from this plant for the first time.

Comparison of antioxidant, alpha-glucosidase inhibition and anti-inflammatory activities of the leaf and root extracts of Smilax china L / 한국영양학회지

This study was conducted in order to compare the biological activities of leaf and root water extracts of Smilax china L. (SC) by measuring the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, anti-oxidant activity, inhibitory effect on alpha-glucosidase, and anti-inflammatory gene expression. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of SC leaf (SCLE) and root (SCRE) water extracts were 127.93 mg GAE/g and 39.50 mg GAE/g and 41.99 mg QE/g and 1.25 mg QE/g, respectively. The anti-oxidative activities of SCLE and SCRE were measured using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activity assay and reducing power assay. Both SCLE and SCRE scavenged radicals in a concentration-dependent manner, and SCLE showed stronger radical scavenging activity and reducing power than SCRE; however, both SCLE and SCRE exhibited lower activities than ascorbic acid. Compared to the anti-diabetic drug acarbose, which was used as a positive control, SCLE and SCRE exhibited low alpha-glucosidase inhibition activities; nevertheless, the activity of SCLE was 3.7 fold higher than that of SCRE. Finally, SCLE caused significantly decreased expression of the LPS-induced cytokines, iNOS, and COX-2 mRNA in RAW264.7 cells, indicating anti-inflammatory activity. These results indicate that SCLE might be a potential candidate as an anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Study on antioxidative, antidiabetic and antiobesity activity of solvent fractions of smilax china L. leaf extract / 한국영양학회지

Smilax china L., a native plant found in Asian countries, has several medicinal properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Although the root of the plant is commonly used as traditional herbal medicine in Korea and China, the medicinal properties of the leaves have not gained the same attention. In this study, we analyzed the antioxidant activity, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory effect and lipid accumulation inhibition effect of Smilax china L. leaf water extract (SCLE) and its solvent fractions. SCLE was fractionated by using a series of organic solvents, including ethylacetate (EA) and n-butanol (BuOH). The EA fraction had the highest total polyphenol content (440.20 +/- 12.67 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (215.14 +/- 24.83 mg QE/g). The radical scavenging activity IC50 values of the EA fraction for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) were 0.022 mg/mL and 0.13 mg/mL, respectively. Further, SOD-like activity and reducing power values of the EA fraction were higher than those of the other fractions. However, both the alpha-glucosidase and lipid accumulation inhibition assays showed that the BuOH fraction (83.35 +/- 4.18% at 1 mg/mL) and water extract (11.27 +/- 2.67%) were more effective than the EA fraction (64.13 +/- 6.35%, and 45.66 +/- 7.20%). These results provide new insights into the potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects of Smilax china L. leaf.

Content detemination of total tannin in Smilax glabra with reddish brown and off-white colored cross section / 中国中药杂志

There are two types of decoction of Smilax glabra due to its reddish brown or off-white colored cross section. These two kinds of decoction were found that they have large difference in anti-inflammatory effects and chemical constituents in the preliminary experiments. Comparing and analyzing the content of total tannin in these two kinds of decoction of S. glabra from 28 areas by UV-Vis spectrophotometry were first used to provide some experimental and theoretical development and utilization of this medicinal resource and quality control. Also, the sample recovery test required in Chinese Pharmacopoeia was improved by adding tannic acid instead of gallic acid to samples.

Pharmaceutical screening of the effective fraction from Smilax for treatment of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the effective fraction of Smilax for treatment of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID) by pharmacodynamic screening as the basis for further development of sarsaparilla preparations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The chemical fractions of Smilax were administered intragastrically in rat models of CPID induced by injecting phenol mucilage into the uterus to observe the therapeutic effects. The anti-inflammatory effects of different extract fractions from Smilax were tested in mice with xylene-induced ear edema and in rats with cotton-ball-induced granuloma.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>High-dose ethyl acetate extract of Smilax could obviously inhibit uterus inflammation in rats with CPID, showing also strong anti-inflammatory effects against ear edema in mice and granuloma in rats (P<0.01). The moderate dose of ethyl acetate extract also obviously ameliorated the inflammation. Both the ethyl acetate extract fraction and the total extract fraction of Smilax showed anti-inflammatory effects, while the former produced strong effects while the latter has only weak actions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The ethyl acetate extract fraction of Smilax is the effective fraction to produce anti-inflammatory and anti-CPID effects.</p>

Aerial organ anatomy of Smilax syphilitica (Smilacaceae)

Smilax L. in Brazil is represented by 32 taxa and it is a taxonomically difficult genus because the plants are dioecious and show wide phenotypic variation. The analysis and use of leaf anatomy characters is recognized as a frequently successful taxonomic method to distinguish between individual taxon, when floral material is absent or minute differences in flowers and foliage exist such as in Smilax. The aim of this study was to characterize the anatomical features of the aerial organs in Smilax syphilitica collected from the Atlantic Rainforest, in Santa Teresa-ES and the Smilax aff. syphilitica from the Amazon Rainforest, in Manaus, Brazil. For this, a total of three samples of Smilax were collected per site. Sample leaves and stems were fixed with FAA 50, embedded in historesin, sectioned on a rotary microtome, stained and mounted in synthetic resin. Additionally, histochemical tests were performed and cuticle ornamentation was analyzed with standard scanning electron microscopy. S. syphilitica and S. aff. syphilitica differed in cuticle ornamentation, epidermal cell arrangement and wall thickness, stomata type and orientation, calcium oxalate crystal type, and position of stem thorns. Leaf blades of S. syphilitica from the Amazon Rainforest have a network of rounded ridges on both sides, while in S. aff. syphilitica, these ridges are parallel and the spaces between them are filled with numerous membranous platelets. Viewed from the front, the epidermal cells of S. syphilitica have sinuous walls (even more pronounced in samples from the Amazon); while in S. aff. syphilitica, these cells are also sinuous but elongated in the cross-section of the blade and arranged in parallel. Stomata of S. syphilitica are paracytic, whereas in S. aff. syphilitica, are both paracytic and anisocytic, and their polar axes are directed towards the mid-vein. Calcium oxalate crystals in S. syphilitica are prisms, whereas in S. aff. syphilitica, crystal sand. Thorns occur in nodes and internodes in S. syphilitica but only in internodes in S. aff. syphilitica. These features have proven to be of diagnostic value and may support a separation into two species, but future studies are needed to confirm that S. aff. syphilitica is indeed a new taxon.

Smilax L. en Brasil está representado por 32 táxones y es un género difícil en lo que respecta a su taxonomía porque las plantas son diocas y presentan mucha variación fenotípica. El análisis y uso de los caracteres anatómicos de la hoja es reconocido frecuentemente como un exitoso método taxonómico para distinguir entre los táxones individuales cuando las flores están ausentes o hay diminutas diferencias. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar los rasgos anatómicos de los órganos aéreos en Smilax syphilitica recolectados en el Bosque Atlántico en Santa Teresa- ES y de Smilax aff. syphilitica del Amazonas, Manaus, Brasil. Un total de tres muestras fueron recolectadas por sitio. Las muestras fueron fijadas en FAA 50, sumergidas en historesina, seccionadas en un micrótomo rotatorio, teñidas y montadas en resina sintética. Se hicieron pruebas histoquímicas y la ornamentación de la cutícula fue analizada con microscopía electrónica de barrido estándar. S. syphilitica y difirieron en la ornamentación de la cutícula, la disposición de células epidérmicas y el grosor de la pared, tipo y orientación de estomas, tipo de cristal de oxalato de calcio y la posición de las espinas del tallo. Estas características han probado ser de valor diagnóstico y pueden apoyar la separación de dos especies, pero se necesitan futuros estudios para confirmar que S. S. aff. syphiliticaaff. syphilitica es un nuevo taxon.

Germination and seedling morphology of four South American Smilax (Smilacaceae)

Species of Smilax, also known as greenbrier, are widely distributed in Brazil and their commercial trades are carried out by the extractivism of native species. We the aim to provide information about the germination and development of seedlings in four Smilax species, different experiments were developed under controlled conditions. We evaluated two germination treatments: temperature (30ºC and 20-30ºC) and light (presence/ absence), and for few cases the tetrazolium treatment was applied. A different treatment response was observed among the studied species. Light had a significant influence in S. brasiliensis, with the highest germination rates at 20-30ºC in dark conditions. S. campestris showed significant differences among temperature treatments, but not to light; while S. cissoides showed high germination rates (66-78%), independently of treatment. However, S. polyantha had low germination rates (19-24%). After one year, the expanded leaves showed different characteristics among the studied species. Leaves of S. brasiliensis were ovate, coriaceous, three main veins and prickle-like structures only on the midrib on abaxial face. S. campestris leaves were oblong, coriaceous and prickle-like structures were located at the leaf midrib and margin. S. cissoides had ovate-elliptic, membranaceous leaves, with three main veins with prickle-like structures on the abaxial face. S. polyantha leaves showed ovateelliptic, coriaceous leaves, with three main veins, translucent secondary veins and no prickle-like structures. A seedling identification key was elaborated based on morphological characteristics.

Comparison of anti-inflammatory effect and analysis of astilbin red and white transverse section Smilax glabra in 28 collection sites / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Astilbin in 28 Smilax glabra (red and white cross-section) from different sources was determined by HPLC. Pharmacodynamics and component of S. glabra was investigated through inflammation experiment (penetration type).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The analysis was performed on a Hypersil ODS2 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) with the mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0. 1% acetic acid aqueous (21: 79) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelength was 291 nm, and the column temperature was 25 degrees C. Anti-inflammatory effect was compared from two type cross-section of Smilax glabra in capillary permeability experiment.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Linear correlation was good in the range of 0.003 379-4.004 microg, and the average recoveries were 100.1%, 101.9%, 99.3%, respectively. The content of astilbin in white and red transverse section were 0.19%-2.46% and 2.10%-5.92%, respectively. Anti-inflammatory efficiency of sectioned red and white were were 21% and 32%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Astilbin content and anti-inflammatory effect is significantly different between red and white transverse section of S. glabra, the content of astilbin is not positively related with anti-inflammatory effect.</p>

Antioxidant constituents from Smilax riparia / 中国中药杂志

By repeated column chromatography, including silica gel, toyopearl HW-40 and preparative HPLC, thirteen compounds (1-13) were isolated and purified from Smilax riparia. On the basis of spectral data analysis, the structures of isolated compounds were elucidated as 5-methoxy-[6]-gingerol (1), dehydroabietic acid (2), pteryxin (3), 2-methylphenyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzonic acid (5), isovanillin (6), vanillic acid (7), p-hydroxycinnamic acid (8), p-hydroxycinnamic methyl ester (9), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (10), ferulic acid methyl ester (11), benzoic acid (12) and 5-hydroxy-methyl-2-furalclehyde (13). Compounds 1-4 and 8-12 were isolated from this genus for the first time. All compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Compounds 1 and 5-11 showed antioxidant activities on DPPH method.

Valoración de la respuesta hematopoyética en ratones wistar tras la administración de extracto de Moringa Oleífera, Cassia Grandis y la combinación de Smilax Dominguensis y Smilax Regelli / Evaluation of the hematopoietic response in Wistar mice after the administration of Moringa Oleifera extract, Cassia Grandis and the combination of Smilax Dominguensis and Smilax Regelli

La presente investigación se refiere a la valoración de la respuesta hematopoyética en los ratones wistar tras la administración de los extractos utilizados tradicionalmente como antianémicos: Moringa oleífera, Cassia grandis, y la combinación de plantas Smilax dominguensis y Smilax regelli. Este estudio estuvo orientado a comprobar que dichas especies estimulan el proceso hematopoyético, pero no la producción de hemoglobina.