Can the aqueous decoction of mango flowers be used as an antiulcer agent?

This study was designed to determine the effect of Mangifera indica flowers decoction, on the acute and subacute models of induced ulcer in mice and rats. A single oral administration of the aqueous decoction (AD) from M. indica up to a dose of 5 g/kg, p.o. did not produce any signs or symptom of toxicity in the treated animals. The oral pre-treatment with AD (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) in rats with gastric lesions induced by ethanol, decreased the gastric lesions from 89.0+/-6.71 (control group) to 9.25+/-2.75, 4.50+/-3.30 and 0, respectively. Pretreatment with AD (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) to mice with HCl/ethanol- or stress-induced gastric lesions resulted in a dose-dependent significant decrease of lesion index. In the piroxicam-induced gastric lesions, the gastroprotective effect of AD was reducing with the increase of the AD dose. In the pylorus-ligature, AD (p.o.) significantly decreased the acid output indicating the antisecretory property involved in the gastroprotective effect of M. indica. Treatment with AD during 14 consecutive days significantly accelerated the healing process in subacute gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid in rats. Pretreatment with N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), an inhibitor of NO-synthase, did not abolish the gastroprotective effects (99% with saline versus 80% with l-NAME) of AD against ethanol-induced gastric lesions. Pretreatment with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a blocker of endogenous sulphydryl group, significantly abolished the protective effects of AD against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers (95% with saline versus 47% with NEM). Phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroids, triterpenes, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Estimation of the global polyphenol content in the AD was performed by Folin-Ciocalteu method and showed approximately 53% of total phenolic on this extract. These findings indicate the potential gastroprotective and ulcer-healing properties of aqueous decoction of M. indica flowers and further support its popular use in gastrointestinal disorders in Caribbean.

Ethnobotanical survey of the medicinal flora used by the Caribs of Guatemala.

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among the Carib population of Guatemala in 1988-1989. In general terms, the sample surveyed possessed a relatively good standard of living. Results indicated that health services were utilized by the population, and that domestic medicine, mainly plants (96.9%) was used by 15% of the population. One hundred and nineteen plants used for medicinal purposes were collected, of which 102 (85.7%) could be identified; a list of these together with the information provided for each plant is presented. The most frequently reported plants used as medicine are: Acalypha arvensis, Cassia alata, Cymbopogon citratus, Melampodium divaricatum. Momordica charantia, Neurolaena lobata, Ocimum basilicum, Petiveria alliacea and Solanum nigrescens. Most of these plants are found in the region, but some are brought from the Highlands or outside of the country, such as Malva parviflora, Matricaria chamomilla, Peumus boldus, Pimpinella anisum, Rosmarinus officinalis and Tagetes lucida. This survey demonstrated that the Carib population of Guatemala has survived in a transcultural environment of African and native Amerindian beliefs.

Anticandidal activity of plants used for the treatment of vaginitis in Guatemala and clinical trial of a Solanum nigrescens preparation.

An ethnobotanical survey detected 71 plants used for the treatment of vaginitis by traditional healers, health promoters and midwives. Extracts prepared by maceration of plants in 50% methanol were impregnated on absorbent paper disks and placed over plates with Candida albicans. Eight (11.3%) of these plants showed some degree of inhibition. Solanum nigrescens was chosen for further studies. A cream containing a 50% ethanolic maceration was applied daily to the vagina of female guinea pigs for 15 days and observed for another 15 days. Since no inflammatory changes were observed, this preparation was used for clinical trials. Two groups of 50 non-pregnant women with confirmed C. albicans vaginitis were treated for 15 days, one group with intra-vaginal suppositories containing S. nigrescens maceration and the other with nystatin suppositories. By statistical analysis it was demonstrated that both groups behaved in a similar beneficial way suggesting that this plant may be effective for the treatment of candidal vaginitis.

Screening of antimicrobial activity of plants popularly used in Guatemala for the treatment of dermatomucosal diseases.

Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted among traditional healers and local market vendors; about 200 plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of dermatomucosal diseases were detected. By literature review and according to local availability, 89 plants were selected for in vitro screening for antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms usually causing skin and mucosal infections. Ethanolic macerations were prepared and impregnated in absorbent paper; once dried, these were applied over standardized inocula of Candida albicans, Escherichia, coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. After incubation, inhibition zones were measured, demonstrating that 28 of the plants exhibited some in vitro inhibition of the tested microorganisms.

Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala.

Through ethnobotanical surveys in Guatemala, about 250 plants were identified for use in the treatment of urinary ailments. From 67 of these, aqueous extracts were prepared to investigate their oral diuretic activity in albino rats after a dose equivalent to 1 g/kg of dried plant material. The trials demonstrated that in 33 cases urinary excretion was not significantly increased (less than 90%), in 20 cases intermediate activity was seen (90-189%) and in 14 cases high diuretic activity was noted (greater than 189%). Control treatment increased urine output an average of 36% while 25 mg/kg hydrochlorothiazide treatment increased urine output by 286%. In a select group of the most used local plants, ethanol extracts were tested for their effect on urinary excretion of uric acid and electrolytes. Of these, three plants significantly increased uric acid excretion as did the reference drug, probenecid, 25 mg/kg.