Investigations of Acacia modesta Wall. leaves for in vitro anti-diabetic, proliferative and cytotoxic effects

ABSTRACT The leaves of Acacia modesta Wall. have been shown to possess diverse pharmacological properties. Therefore, we aimed at evaluating anti-diabetic, cytotoxic and proliferative effects of extracts of Acacia modesta Wall. leaves. After evaluating the primary and secondary metabolites, anti-diabetic activity of various extracts was assessed by α-amylase inhibition, glucose uptake by yeast cells and non-enzymatic glycosylation of hemoglobin assay. Cytotoxicity and proliferative potential was assessed by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and short term proliferation assays, respectively, using human liver carcinoma cell line, HepG2. Among other extracts, chloroform extract exhibited 34.16% inhibition of α-amylase, 90.65% inhibition of hemoglobin glycosylation and 94.75% glucose uptake employing α-amylase inhibition, non-enzymatic glycosylation of hemoglobin and glucose uptake by yeast cells assays, respectively. Moreover, extracts exhibited no significant effects on HepG2 cell viability and proliferation. So, this data suggested that chloroform extract of leaves of Acacia modesta Wall., exhibited higher anti-hyperglycemic activity in comparison to extracts in other solvents, while no extract demonstrated cytotoxic and proliferation effects when tested using HepG2 cell line

Human papilloma virus and oral lesions in gutka eating subjects in Karachi.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of HPV in eaters of Gutka (betel, areca, lime and tobacco concoction), presenting with oral lesions. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Ziauddin University Research Laboratory, from February to July 2010. METHODOLOGY: Subjects munching Gutka fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Samples were collected in the form of 20 - 40 ml oral rinse from 262 subjects who were habitual eaters of Gutka after an informed consent. Gentle brushings from the lesion were taken from subjects with the help of a brush at the other end of dental floss and the oral rinse was stored at 4°C until DNA extraction. DNA was extracted and PCR was performed using HPV consensus primers Gp5+/Gp6+. Oral cavity was examined for the presence of ulcer, trismus, sub-mucosal fibrosis, leukoplakia and/or warts. RESULTS: Out of 262 subjects, 42 were females and 220 males with an average age of 27± 10 years. HPV was positive in 47 subjects (17.9%). HPV frequency was 2.7% greater in chewers with more than 10 years of habit compared to less than 10 years. Examination of oral cavity showed 78% presenting with more than one complaint including oral ulcers (25%), rough mucosa (62%), sub-mucosal fibrosis (24%), leukoplakia (20%) and erythroplakia (10.6%). Highest frequency of HPV was observed in erythroplakia (25%). Association between presence of symptoms and HPV shows an ODDS RATIO: ad/bc= 4982/430=11.6. CONCLUSION: Oral lesions caused by constant exposure to Gutka are associated with high frequency of HPV infection, which may be a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. People should be educated about the consequences of Gutka abuse.

Oral mucosal disorders associated with habitual gutka usage: a review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the oral mucosal disorders associated with habitual gutka consumption. METHODS: Databases were searched from 1956 to June 2009 using the following terms: "gutka," "gutkha," "ghutka," "guttkha," "smokeless tobacco," "areca nut," "betel nut," "slaked lime," "dental," "oral," "periodontal," "inflammation," "submucous fibrosis," "carcinoma," and "cancer." The eligibility criteria included: human and experimental studies, use of control subjects, and articles published in English. Unpublished data were not sought. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included. Three studies associated gutka consumption with periodontal inflammation (ORs 1.64 [CI 1.2-2.1], 2.20 [CI 1.1-4.9], and 3.56 [CI 1.9-5.5]). Five studies showed a direct relationship between gutka usage and oral submucous fibrosis (ORs 1.65 [CI 1.2-2.3], 2.33 [CI 1.9-4.5], 2.98 [CI 1.5-3.9], 3.56 [CI 1.3-4.7], and 5.08 [CI 3.7-6.4]). An increased frequency of gutka usage was associated with malignant transformations in oral submucous fibrosis by 2 studies (ORs 4.59 [CI 2-5.6] and 18 [CI 5.8-61.6]). Two studies showed an extension of oral submucous fibrosis into the hypopharynx and esophagus in gutka users (ORs 4.59 [CI 2-5.6] and 33 [CI 2.2-46.6]). CONCLUSIONS: Habitual gutka usage is associated with severe oral mucosal disorders, and the consequences may extend beyond the oral cavity.

A prospective community-population-registry based cohort study of the association between betel-quid chewing and cardiovascular disease in men in Taiwan (KCIS no. 19).

BACKGROUND: Betel-quid chewing, a recognized risk factor for oral cancer, was shown to be a contributory cause of metabolic syndrome in humans, which implies a greater likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) among those with the betel habit. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of betel chewing on the risk of developing overt CVD. DESIGN: We used the prospective cohort data derived from a community-population-registry-based integrated screening program to quantify the effect of betel-quid chewing on the incidence of newly diagnosed CVD by classifying the study population into either exposed or nonexposed groups according to chewing status at baseline. We then followed the group free of CVD at recruitment for 2.72 y (SD=1.52 y) to learn of new cardiovascular events. Proportional hazards regression modeling was used to estimate the magnitude of the effect of betel-quid chewing on CVD. RESULTS: After control for age and education level, ever chewers had a 23% (95% CI: 11%, 37%) greater risk of developing CVD than did never chewers; ever chewers were still at greater risk of developing CVD by 24% (95% CI: 11%, 39%) after further adjustment for age, education, and other significant confounders. Significant dose-response relations were found for betel-quid chewing (P<0.05, trend test) after adjustment for other significant variables. CONCLUSION: The habit of chewing betel nut was shown to have independent dose effects to predict increases in the risk of CVD in men, with the use of a prospective community-population-registry-based cohort study.

Tumoración subcutánea en pie tras traumatismo con espina de acacia / Subcutaneous tumor in foot after trauma with acacia thorn

No disponible

Final report of the safety assessment of Acacia catechu gum, Acacia concinna fruit extract, Acacia dealbata leaf extract, Acacia dealbata leaf wax, Acacia decurrens extract, Acacia farnesiana extract, Acacia farnesiana flower wax, Acacia farnesiana gum, Acacia senegal extract, Acacia senegal gum, and Acacia senegal gum extract.

These ingredients are derived from various species of the acacia plant. Only material derived from Acacia senegal are in current use according to industry data. The concentration at which these ingredients are reported to be used ranges from 9% in mascara to 0.0001% in tonics, dressings, and other hair-grooming aids. Gum arabic is a technical name for Acacia Senegal Gum. Gum arabic is comprised of various sugars and glucuronic acid residues in a long chain of galactosyl units with branched oligosaccharides. Gum arabic is generally recognized as safe as a direct food additive. Little information is available to characterize the extracts of other Acacia plant parts or material from other species. Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract was generally described as containing saponins, alkaloids, and malic acid with parabens and potassium sorbate added as preservatives. Cosmetic ingredient functions have been reported for Acacia Decurrens Extract (astringent; skin-conditioning agent--occlusive) and Acacia Farnesiana Extract (astringent), but not for the other Acacias included in this review. Toxicity data on gum arabic indicates little or no acute, short-term, or subchronic toxicity. Gum arabic is negative in several genotoxicity assays, is not a reproductive or developmental toxin, and is not carcinogenic when given intraperitoneally or orally. Clinical testing indicated some evidence of skin sensitization with gum arabic. The extensive safety test data on gum arabic supports the safety of Acacia Senegal Gum and Acacia Senegal Gum Extract, and it was concluded that these two ingredients are safe as used in cosmetic formulations. It was not possible, however, to relate the data on gum arabic to the crude Acacias and their extracts from species other than Acacia senegal. Therefore, the available data were considered insufficient to support the safety of Acacia Catechu Gum, Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract, Acacia Dealbata Leaf Extract, Acacia Dealbata Leaf Wax, Acacia Decurrens Extract, Acacia Farnesiana Extract, Acacia Farnesiana Flower Wax, Acacia Farnesiana Gum, and Acacia Senegal Extract in cosmetic products. The additional data needed to complete the safety assessment for these ingredients include (1) concentration of use; (2) identify the specific chemical constituents, and clarify the relationship between crude Acacias and their extracts and the Acacias and their extracts that are used as cosmetic ingredients; (3) data on contaminants, particularly relating to the presence of pesticide residues, and a determination of whether Acacia melanoxylon is used in cosmetics and whether acamelin (a quinone) and melacacidin (a flavin) are present in the Acacias that are being used; (4) skin sensitization study (i.e., dose response to be determined); (5) contact urticaria study at use concentration; and (6) ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrum; if there is significant absorbance in the UVA or UVB range, then a photosensitization study may be needed. It was also noted that other data may be needed after clarification of the chemical constituents of the Acacia-derived ingredients.

Factors affecting variations in exposure to infections by Leishmania donovani in eastern Sudan.

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Gedaref state, eastern Sudan to investigate the prevalence of positive leishmanin skin tests and environmental factors related to Leishmania donovani infection. A total of 3835 people living in 11 villages in 3 regions were screened. Soil types and tree densities were determined in 33 villages inhabited by 44 different tribes. The highest rates of positive skin tests were in Rahad region (33.9%), Atbara (21.6%) and Gedaref (10.6%), with an average of 21.1% for the state. Risk of infection by L. donovani varied significantly between different tribes. Higher densities of Acacia and Balanites spp. trees were in Masaleet villages, suggesting that the relatively high risk of L. donovani exposure in this tribe is due to environmental factors.

Asma ocupacional por polvo de acacia / Ocupational asthma by gum guar

Fundamento: Trabajador de la industria farmacéutica que refiere rinitis y asma con la manipulación de los compuestos carbonato cálcico, polvo de acacia y talco, que emplea para la realización del recubrimiento de las grageas de Mycostatin®. Los síntomas desaparecen durante los fines de semana y las vacaciones. Métodos: Se realiza pricktest con extracto de polvo de acacia (10 mg/ml) con resultado positivo. Se lleva a cabo el test de provocación nasal con extracto de polvo de acacia (10 mg/ml) a una dilución 1/10, desencadenándose de forma inmediata síntomas nasales y poniéndose de manifiesto en la rinomanometría un descenso de más del 50 por ciento en el valor del flujo total nasal e incrementándose en 10 veces la resistencia total. Se determina la IgE específica mediante método HY-TEC-EIA, obteniéndose un RAST igual a 3.1 kU/l (clase 2). Mediante la técnica de SDS-PAGE Immunoblotting se determina una banda proteica fijadora de IgE de 20 kDa. Conclusiones: Mediante el estudio realizado se demuestra la existencia de un mecanismo mediado por IgE como desencadenante de los síntomas del paciente al exponerse al polvo de acacia. Con el cambio de puesto de trabajo, el paciente se encuentra asintomático. (AU)

A study on the toxicology of Acacia nilotica.

The potential toxicity of Acacia nilotica was investigated in rats maintained on 2% and 8% acacia diet for 2 and 4 weeks. A significant reduction in body weight in all acacia-fed groups and a significant decrease in the levels of hemoglobin, serum total protein and total cholesterol in animals fed 8% acacia diet for up to 4 weeks were observed. These effects were, however, reversed one week after treatment termination. No significant changes in serum parameters of hepatic and renal functions, fasting glucose and triglycerides were observed. Further, no deaths among treated animals and no significant histopathological changes in liver sections were noted. It is concluded that A. nilotica, at 2% and 8% levels, has a low toxicity potential.