Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Seeds of Phalaris canariensis.

Chloroform extract (ALC) from the seeds of Phalaris canariensis were assayed for antiinflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced oedema, cotton pellets-induced granuloma, histamine-induced inflammation, croton oil-induced oedema, activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), adjuvant-induced arthritis, quantification of TNFα, IL-1ß, PGE2 and LTB4 and nitric oxide (NO) assay. ALC exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in different chemically-induced edemas in a dose dependent manner. In the chronic model cotton pellets-induced granuloma showed decreased formation of granuloma tissue. Also caused inhibition of ear inflammation edema and influx of polymorphonuclear cells, as evidence by a decrease in ear thickness and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and inhibit mediators of inflammation as TNFα, IL-1ß, PGE2 and LTB4. When RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with ALC together with LPS a significant inhibition of NO production was detected. These data provide evidence for antiinflammatory effect of P. canariensis by mechanisms that involve a reduced neutrophil influx and decreased production of inflammatory cytokines.

Evaluation of the wound healing properties of Acalypha langiana in diabetic rats.

Acalypha langinia is a well-known plant in the traditional medicine. Based on its traditional use, this plant was selected for evaluation of its wound healing potential. Topical application twice a day for 7 days of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.5% sterile solution of aqueous extract from leaves of A. langinia significantly increased the healing process.

Cytotoxic Constituents from Daphnia pulex.

Activity-guided fractionation of the methanol extract of Daphnia pulex. (Leydig) using the MTT assay and P-388, A549, KB, and HT-29 cell lines permitted the isolation of four known glyceroglycolipid compounds: (2S.)-1-O.-(7Z.,10Z.,13Z.)-hexadecatrienoyl-2-O.-(7Z.,10Z.)-hexadecadienoyl-3-O.-ß.-D-galactopyranosyl-sn.-glycerol, (2S.)-1-O.-(7Z.,10Z.)-hexadecadienoyl-2-O.-(7Z.,10Z.)-hexadecadienoyl-3-O.-ß.-D-galactopyranosyl-sn.-glycerol, (2S.)-1-O.-(7Z.,10Z.)-hexadecadienolyl-2-O.-linolenoyl-3-O.-ß.-D-galactopyranosyl-sn.-glycerol, and (2S.)-1-O.-(9Z., 12Z.)-octadecadienoyl-2-O.-(7Z.,10Z.)-hexadecadienoyl-3-O.-(α.-D-galactopyranosyl(1-6)-ß.-D-galactopyranosyl-sn.-glycerol. All the isolates were found to be moderately cytotoxic (ED50 < 4 µg/ml) toward P-388, A549, KB, and HT-29 cell lines.

Identification of benzophenanthridine alkaloids from Bocconia arborea by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A methanol extract of the bark of Bocconia arborea was fractionated on silica gel and the fractions analysed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Several benzophenanthridine alkaloids were identified including dihydrosanguinarine, oxysanguinarine, 11-acetonyldihydrochelerythrine, dihydrochelerythrine, chelerythrine, chelerythridimerine and angoline as the principal constituents. The results show that the direct GC-MS analysis of these alkaloids is possible with a clear distinction between the compounds. The technique is shown to be a valuable tool and an alternative technique to classical phytochemical procedures permitting the fast analysis of alkaloids mixtures.

Effect of Cirsium pascuarense on blood glucose levels of normoglycaemic and alloxan-diabetic mice.

Blood glucose levels of normal and alloxan-treated diabetic mice were determined after i.p. administration of various doses of the hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts of Cirsium pascuarense. From the data obtained, it is concluded that the i.p. administration of 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg of hexane extract of this plant produced a significant hypoglycaemic effect in normal as well as in diabetic mice. In addition, the extracts altered glucose tolerance in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Chloroform and methanol extracts did not produce any significant change in blood glucose levels.

[Hypoglycemic activity of Bouvardia terniflora, Brickellia veronicaefolia, and Parmentiera edulis]. / Actividad hipoglucemiante de Bouvardia terniflora, Brickellia veronicaefolia y Parmentiera edulis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of the hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts of Bouvardia terniflora, Brickelia veronicaefolia and Parmentiera edulis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice were administered these plant extracts (intraperitoneal 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg). RESULTS: The administration of 300 mg/kg of chloroform extracts from P. edulis and B. terniflora and hexane from B. veronicaefolia to diabetic mice decreased the blood glucose levels in 43.75, 58.56 and 72.13%, respectively. These extracts administered to normal mice reduced blood glucose levels in 29.61, 33.42 and 39.84%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The hypoglycemic effect of these plant extracts used in traditional medicine for diabetes treatment is confirmed.

Parasympathomimetic activity of salpantiol. A new cyclitol from Salpianthus arenarius.

A new cyclitol was isolated using the flowers of the Salpianthus arenarius, and its chemical structure was determined (2-methoxy-5hydroxymethyl cyclopentane-1,3,4-triol). The contractile effects of acetylcholine (Ach), Atropine, Pilocarpine, Adrenaline and Cyclitol were studied in rat ileum. Such cyclitol proves to have parasympathomimetic activity.

Litorine: a new macrolide antimicrobial isolated from Littorina aspera.

A new macrolide, namely litorine, has been isolated from Littorina aspera. The structure of the new macrolide was determined by spectrometric methods. Litorine is active in vitro against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Microsporum canis.

Diuretic activity of Mexican equisetum.

Chloroform extracts of Equisetum fluviatile, E. hiemale var. affine, E. giganteum and E. myriochaetum were studied to determine diuretic activity in CD1 strain mice using hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone and furosemide as standard drugs for comparison. It was found that the most active plant was E. hiemale var. affine, followed by E. fluviatile, E. giganteum and E. myriochaetum, producing an effect similar to that of hydrochlorothiazide in relation to the excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride.