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Ethanolic Extract (ethanolic + extract)
Selected AbstractsSUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE SELECTIVITY TO FRACTIONATE PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM THE DRY ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PROPOLISJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2010LOSIANE C. PAVIANI ABSTRACT The global yield and composition of extracts obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction from a dry ethanolic extract of propolis were measured in order to determine the possibility of using SC-CO2 to fractionate components of interest present in these extracts. The global yield extraction was measured, and also the concentrations of the following phenolic compounds in the resulting supercritical fluid extracts (SFEs): 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (known as artepillin C), 3-prenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (p- coumaric acid) and 4-methoxy-3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (kaempferide), of which artepillin C was the target component of greatest interest. The results showed extraction yields between 3.82 (at 150 bar) and 13.07% (at 350 bar), which could be highly correlated with the density of the SC-CO2 at a constant temperature of 60C. The resulting concentrations in the SFE indicated that the selectivity of the carbon dioxide could be manipulated, and it was more selective at lower pressures, although with lower extraction yields. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Supercritical fluid extraction is an interesting process for the production of natural extracts because it is a clean process, and extractions using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the solvent have been gaining attention in recent years. This study presented important aspects with respect to the fractionation of a dry ethanolic extract of propolis using supercritical carbon dioxide, and it is important to explore the potential applications of propolis extracts and the biological properties of its fractions in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, such as in dental hygiene products, wound healing creams and antibacterial soaps. [source] Antipyretic and analgesic activities of Caesalpinia bonducella seed kernel extractPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005P. Archana Abstract Ethanolic extract (70%) of Caesalpinia bonducella seed kernel has been subjected for its antipyretic and antinociceptive activities in adult albino rats or mice of either sex at 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg orally. The extract demonstrated marked antipyretic activity against Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The extract had significant central analgesic activity in hot plate and tail flick methods. It also exhibited marked peripheral analgesic effect in both acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice and Randall-Selitto assay in rats. It also significantly inhibited the formalin-induced hind paw licking in mice. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia bonducella seed kernel possesses potent antipyretic and antinociceptive activities and thus, validates its use in the treatment of pain and pyretic disorders. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of certain bioactive plant extracts on clinical isolates of ,-lactamase producing methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureusJOURNAL OF BASIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2005Farrukh Aqil Ethanolic extracts and some fractions from 10 Indian medicinal plants, known for antibacterial activity, were investigated for their ability to inhibit clinical isolates of ,-lactamase producing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). Synergistic interaction of plant extracts with certain antibiotics was also evaluated. The MRSA test strains were found to be multi-drug resistant and also exhibited high level of resistance to common ,-lactam antibiotics. These strains produced ,-lactamases, which hydrolyze one or other ,-lactam antibiotics, tested. The extract of the plants from Camellia sinensis (leaves), Delonix regia (flowers), Holarrhena antidysenterica (bark), Lawsonia inermis (leaves), Punica granatum (rind), Terminalia chebula (fruits) and Terminalia belerica (fruits) showed a broad-spectrum of antibacterial activity with an inhibition zone size of 11 mm to 27 mm, against all the test bacteria. The extracts from the leaves of Ocimum sanctum showed better activity against the three MRSA strains. On the other hand, extracts from Allium sativum (bulb) and Citrus sinensis (rind) exhibited little or no activity, against MRSA strains. The antibacterial potency of crude extracts was determined in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by the tube dilution method. MIC values, of the plant extracts, ranged from 1.3 to 8.2 mg/ml, against the test bacteria. Further, the extracts from Punica granatum and Delonix regia were fractionated in benzene, acetone and methanol. Antibacterial activity was observed in acetone as well as in the methanol fractions. In vitro synergistic interaction of crude extracts from Camellia sinensis, Lawsonia inermis, Punica granatum, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia belerica was detected with tetracycline. Moreover, the extract from Camellia sinensis also showed synergism with ampicillin. TLC of the above extracts revealed the presence of major phytocompounds, like alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols and saponins. TLC-bioautography indicated phenols and flavonoids as major active compounds. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Extracts of various species of Epilobium inhibit proliferation of human prostate cellsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2003Annabella Vitalone This study examined whether various species of Epilobium, a phytotherapeutic agent used in folk medicine as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, may have an antiproliferative effect in PZ-HPV-7 human prostatic epithelial cells in-vitro. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) test, [methyl- 3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA and flow cytometry analysis were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Ethanolic extracts of E. spicatum, E. rosmarinifolium and E. tetragonum inhibited DNA synthesis in PZ-HPV-7 cells. While at high concentrations all extracts were cytotoxic, DNA synthesis was also decreased at levels that caused no or little cytotoxicity. Treatment of cells with Epilobium extracts did not result in a formation of DNA fragments (evaluated by the TUNEL assay) or chromatin condensation (assessed by Hoechst staining). Flow cytometry analysis indicated that Epilobium extracts inhibit the progression of the cell cycle from the G0/G1 phase. These results suggest that extracts of Epilobium inhibit proliferation of human PZ-HPV-7 cells in-vitro by affecting progression of the cell cycle. This study provides some initial biological plausibility for the use of Epilobium extracts in benign prostatic hyperplasia. [source] In vitro fungitoxic activity of Larrea divaricata cav. extractsLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004E.N. Quiroga Abstract Aims:, To evaluate the fungitoxic activity of Larrea divaricata Cav. extract and one of its components against yeasts and fungi. This activity was compared with the action of ketoconazole, a known synthetic antimycotic. Methods and Results:, Antifungal activity of Larrea divaricata extract and of a fraction (Fr. B) purified by thin layer chromatography, was investigated using different methodologies. Both exhibited strong activity against the majority of the assayed fungi. Only Fusarium oxysporum and Schizophyllum commune growth was not affected with the assayed conditions. The fungitoxic and cytotoxic activity of the ethanolic extract and ketoconazole were compared. Conclusions:, Ethanolic extracts of L. divaricata Cav. produce growth inhibition of several fungi. One of its constituents with the same activity was purified and identified as a glycoside of a flavanone. A comparison with the action of ketoconazole, which is currently used as antimycotic and can cause adverse health effects was made. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Our data suggest that L. divaricata extract contains, at least, one compound of phenolic nature, with fungitoxic potency against yeasts and fungi. [source] Effects of Clinacanthus siamensis leaf extract on influenza virus infectionMICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Mali Wirotesangthong ABSTRACT Ethanolic extracts of 20 medicinal plants were screened for influenza virus NA inhibition and in vitro antiviral activities using MDCK cells in an MTT assay. The vaccine proteins of influenza virus A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1), mouse-adapted influenza virus A/Guizhou/54/89 (A/G)(H3N2) and mouse-adapted influenza virus B/Ibaraki/2/85 (B/I) were used in the NA inhibition assay, and mouse-adapted influenza viruses A/PR/8/34 (H1N1), A/G and B/I were used in the in vitro antiviral assay. The results of the in vitro antiviral assay indicated that the A/G virus was the most susceptible and an extract of the leaf of CS possessed the highest in vitro anti-A/G virus activity (41.98%). Therefore, the A/G virus and the CS extract were selected for studying in vivo anti-influenza virus activity. BALB/c mice were treated with CS extract (100 mg/kg per day, 5 times) orally from 4 hr before to 4 days after infection. CS extract elicited significant production of anti-influenza virus IgG1 antibody in BAW and increased mouse weight compared to oseltamivir (0.1 mg/kg per day) on day 19 or water on days 17,19 of infection. Moreover, CS extract produced a higher anti-influenza virus IgA antibody level in BAW compared to oseltamivir, and a tendency towards an increase in anti-influenza virus IgA compared to water was shown. The results suggest that CS extract has a protective effect against influenza virus infection. [source] Cooperative antitumor effects of vitamin D3 derivatives and rosemary preparations in a mouse model of myeloid leukemiaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 12 2006Hagar Sharabani Abstract 1,,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3) is a powerful differentiation agent, which has potential for treatment of myeloid leukemias and other types of cancer, but the calcemia produced by pharmacologically active doses precludes the use of this agent in the clinic. We have shown that carnosic acid, the major rosemary polyphenol, enhances the differentiating and antiproliferative effects of low concentrations of 1,25D3 in human myeloid leukemia cell lines (HL60, U937). Here we translated these findings to in vivo conditions using a syngeneic mouse leukemia tumor model. To this end, we first demonstrated that as in HL60 cells, differentiation of WEHI-3B D, murine myelomonocytic leukemia cells induced by 1 nM 1,25D3 or its low-calcemic analog, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-5,6-trans-cholecalciferol (Ro25-4020), can be synergistically potentiated by carnosic acid (10 ,M) or the carnosic acid-rich ethanolic extract of rosemary leaves. This effect was accompanied by cell cycle arrest in G0+G1 phase and a marked inhibition of cell growth. In the in vivo studies, i.p. injections of 2 ,g Ro25-4020 in Balb/c mice bearing WEHI-3B D, tumors produced a significant delay in tumor appearance and reduction in tumor size, without significant toxicity. Another analog, 1,25-dihydroxy-16,23Z-diene-20-epi-26,27-hexafluoro-19-nor-cholecalciferol (Ro26-3884) administered at the same dose was less effective than Ro25-4020 and profoundly toxic. Importantly, combined treatment with 1% dry rosemary extract (mixed with food) and 1 ,g Ro25-4020 resulted in a strong cooperative antitumor effect, without inducing hypercalcemia. These results indicate for the first time that a plant polyphenolic preparation and a vitamin D derivative can cooperate not only in inducing leukemia cell differentiation in vitro, but also in the antileukemic activity in vivo. These data may suggest novel protocols for chemoprevention or differentiation therapy of myeloid leukemia. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Salvianolic acid B attenuates VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression in TNF-,-treated human aortic endothelial cellsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2001Yung-Hsiang Chen Abstract Attachment to, and migration of leukocytes into the vessel wall is an early event in atherogenesis. Expression of cell adhesion molecules by the arterial endothelium may play a major role in atherosclerosis. It has been suggested that antioxidants inhibit the expression of adhesion molecules and may thus attenuate the processes leading to atherosclerosis. In the present study, the effects of a potent water-soluble antioxidant, salvianolic acid B (Sal B), and an aqueous ethanolic extract (SME), both derived from a Chinese herb, Salvia miltiorrhiza, on the expression of endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecules by tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,)-treated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were investigated. When pretreated with SME (50 and 100 ,g/ml), the TNF-,-induced expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was notably attenuated (77.2,±,3.2% and 80.0,±,2.2%, respectively); and with Sal B (1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 ,g/ml), 84.5,±,1.9%, 78.8,±,1.2%, 58.9,±,0.4%, 58.7,±,0.9%, and 57.4,±,0.3%, respectively. Dose-dependent lowering of expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was also seen with SME or Sal B. In contrast, the expression of endothelial cell selectin (E-selectin) was not affected. SME (50 ,g/ml) or Sal B (5 ,g/ml) significantly reduced the binding of the human monocytic cell line, U937, to TNF-,-stimulated HAECs (45.7,±,2.5% and 55.8,±,1.2%, respectively). SME or Sal B significantly inhibited TNF-,-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-,B) in HAECs (0.36- and 0.48-fold, respectively). These results demonstrate that SME and Sal B have anti-inflammatory properties and may explain their anti-atherosclerotic properties. This new mechanism of action of Sal B and SME, in addition to their previously reported inhibition of LDL, may help explain their efficacy in the treatment of atherosclerosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 82:512,521, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE SELECTIVITY TO FRACTIONATE PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM THE DRY ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PROPOLISJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2010LOSIANE C. PAVIANI ABSTRACT The global yield and composition of extracts obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction from a dry ethanolic extract of propolis were measured in order to determine the possibility of using SC-CO2 to fractionate components of interest present in these extracts. The global yield extraction was measured, and also the concentrations of the following phenolic compounds in the resulting supercritical fluid extracts (SFEs): 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (known as artepillin C), 3-prenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (p- coumaric acid) and 4-methoxy-3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (kaempferide), of which artepillin C was the target component of greatest interest. The results showed extraction yields between 3.82 (at 150 bar) and 13.07% (at 350 bar), which could be highly correlated with the density of the SC-CO2 at a constant temperature of 60C. The resulting concentrations in the SFE indicated that the selectivity of the carbon dioxide could be manipulated, and it was more selective at lower pressures, although with lower extraction yields. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Supercritical fluid extraction is an interesting process for the production of natural extracts because it is a clean process, and extractions using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the solvent have been gaining attention in recent years. This study presented important aspects with respect to the fractionation of a dry ethanolic extract of propolis using supercritical carbon dioxide, and it is important to explore the potential applications of propolis extracts and the biological properties of its fractions in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, such as in dental hygiene products, wound healing creams and antibacterial soaps. [source] Antioxidative Activity and Safety of 50% Ethanolic Red Bean Extract (Phaseolus radiatus L. var. Aurea)JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003S.-T. Chou ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the antioxidative activities of 50% ethanolic extract from red bean (Phaseolus radiatus L. var. Aurea). The antioxidative activities, including ,,,-diphenyl-,-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging effects, Fe2+ -chelating ability, and reducing power, were studied in vitro. The antioxidative activity was found to increase with the concentration of the extract to a certain extent and then level off as the concentration further increased. Compared with commercial antioxidants, the red bean extract showed less scavenging effect on the DPPH radical and less reducing power than ,-Tocopherol and BHT, but better Fe2+ -chelating ability. No mutagenic effect toward any tester strains was found in the 50% ethanolic extract of red bean. [source] Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-oedematous effects of Lafoensia pacari extract and ellagic acidJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 9 2006Alexandre P. Rogerio Lafoensia pacari St. Hil. (Lythraceae) is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation. Previously, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect that the ethanolic extract of L. pacari has in Toxocara canis infection (a model of systemic eosinophilia). In this study, we tested the antiinflammatory activity of the same L. pacari extract in mice injected intraperitoneally with ,-glucan present in fraction 1 (F1) of the Histoplasma capsulatum cell wall (a model of acute eosinophilic inflammation). We also determined the anti-oedematous, analgesic and anti-pyretic effects of L. pacari extract in carrageenan-induced paw oedema, acetic acid writhing and LPS-induced fever, respectively. L. pacari extract significantly inhibited leucocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity induced by ,-glucan. In addition, the L. pacari extract presented significant analgesic, anti-oedematous and anti-pyretic effects. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the L. pacari extract in the F1 model led us to identify ellagic acid. As did the extract, ellagic acid presented anti-inflammatory, anti-oedematous and analgesic effects. However, ellagic acid had no anti-pyretic effect, suggesting that other compounds present in the plant stem are responsible for this effect. Nevertheless, our results demonstrate potential therapeutic effects of L. pacari extract and ellagic acid, providing new prospects for the development of drugs to treat pain, oedema and inflammation. [source] Antibacterial, antiviral, antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties of Brackenridgea zanguebarica (Ochnaceae)JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 8 2006Maren Möller Brackenridgea zanguebarica is a small tree that is used in traditional African medicine as a type of cure-all for many diseases, including the treatment of wounds. The yellow bark of B. zanguebarica was used for the preparation of an ethanolic extract, which was tested in various concentrations against eleven bacteria, Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and different human tumour cell lines. The extract that contains different polyphenolic substances like calodenin B. Cell growth inhibition, assessed via MTT-assay, was found in all tested human cell lines with IC50 values (concentration of extract that reduced cell viability by 50%) between 33 ,g dry extract/mL for HL-60 human myeloid leukaemia cells and 93 ,g dry extract/mL for HaCaT human keratinocytes. Staining with Annexin-V-FLUOS and JC-1 followed by subsequent analysis via flow cytometry revealed significant apoptosis-inducing properties. Analysis of caspase activity using a fluorogenic caspase-3 substrate showed a significant caspase activity in Jurkat T-cells after incubation with the extract. The bark extract had a pronounced activity against free HSV-1 and a strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive strains (MICs: 6,24 ,g dry extract/mL), which are often involved in skin infections. Additionally, no irritating properties of the extract could be observed in hen-egg test chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) assay. These findings give a rationale for the traditional use of B. zanguebarica and are a basis for further analysis of the plant's components, their biological activity, and its use in modern phytotherapy. [source] Modulatory effects of Aloe vera leaf gel extract on oxidative stress in rats treated with streptozotocinJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2005S. Rajasekaran Oxidative stress is currently suggested as a mechanism underlying diabetes and diabetic-related complications. Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between radical-generating and radical-scavenging systems. Many secondary plant metabolites have been reported to possess antioxidant activity. This study was designed to evaluate the potential antioxidative activity of the ethanolic extract from Aloe vera leaf gel in the plasma and pancreas of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Glibenclamide was used as a standard reference drug. Oral administration of ethanolic extract at a concentration of 300 mg kg,1 body weight for 21 days resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides and alpha-tocopherol and significant improvement in ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione and insulin in the plasma of diabetic rats. Similarly, the treatment also resulted in a significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and significant improvement in reduced glutathione in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats when compared with untreated diabetic rats. The ethanolic extract appeared to be more effective than glibenclamide in controlling oxidative stress. Thus, this study confirms the ethnopharmacological use of Aloe vera in ameliorating the oxidative stress found in diabetes. [source] Free radical scavengers, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Acaena magellanicaJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2002Gabriela Egly Feresin Extracts of the whole plant Acaena magellanica (Rosaceae) were assessed for anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activity in animal models. At 600 mg kg,1, the global ethanolic extract (GEE), dichloromethane (DCM) and defatted methanol (MeOH) fractions showed a mild anti-inflammatory effect in the carrageenan-induced guinea-pig paw oedema. The GEE, DCM and defatted MeOH fractions significantly reduced inflammation by 43.2, 40.5 and 42.1%, respectively. The GEE did not showed any significant antipyretic activity in doses up to 600 mg kg,1. A 20% w/v infusion administered orally at 16 mL kg,1 presented analgesic effect in the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test in mice. The GEE and MeOH extract of A. magellanica showed free radical scavenging activity in the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl decolouration assay. Assay-guided isolation led to quercetin, Q-3- O -,-D-glucoside, Q-3- O -,-D-galactoside, ellagic acid and catechin as the free radical scavengers. The saponins tormentic acid 28- O -,-D-galactopyranoside and 28- O -,-D-glucopyranoside were isolated from the polar extract. The structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. [source] Mechanisms involved in the relaxant action of the ethanolic extract of propolis in the guinea-pig trachea in-vitroJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2002Niraldo Paulino This study examines the mechanisms by which the standardised ethanolic extract of propolis induces relaxation of the guinea-pig trachea in-vitro. In guinea-pig trachea with or without epithelium and contracted by histamine, the propolis extract caused reproducible and graded relaxation, with a mean EC50 value of 3.8 or 10.5 ,g mL,1 and Emax of 100%, respectively. The propolis extract-induced relaxation was markedly reduced (26 ± 9 and 96 ± 3%) when guinea-pig tracheas were exposed to Krebs solution containing elevated K+ in the medium (40 or 80 mM). Pre-incubation of guinea-pig tracheas with tetraethylamonium (100 mM) or with 4-aminopyridine (10 mM) reduced the propolis extract-induced relaxation by 31±10% and 28 ± 2%. Likewise, apamin (0.1 ,M), charybdotoxin (0.1 ,M) or iberiotoxin (0.1 ,M) caused marked inhibition of propolis extract-mediated relaxation in guinea-pig trachea (percentage of inhibition: 65 ± 3%, 60 ± 5% and 65 ± 9%, respectively). Also, glibenclamide (1 ,M) inhibited the relaxant response caused by the propolis extract by 57 ± 4%. ,-Conotoxin GIVA (0.1 ,M) or capsaicin (1 ,M) produced small but significant inhibition (30 ± 5% or 47 ± 7%, respectively) of the propolis extract-induced relaxation. The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) antagonist D- P -CI-Phe6, Leu17[VIP] porcine (0.1 ,M) inhibited relaxation by 55 ± 5%, while propranolol (1 ,M) induced a parallel rightward displacement (about 20 fold) of the propolis extract concentration-response curve. Finally, the propolis extract-induced relaxation was inhibited by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NG -nitroarginine (L-NOArg, 100 ,M) (48 ± 6%), and by the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue (10 ,M) (37 ± 6%), while the more selective soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H -[1,2,4]oxadiazolol[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 1 ,M) produced only a parallel (about 3 fold) rightward displacement of the propolis extract concentration-response curve. Collectively, these results support the notion that the propolis extract-mediated relaxation in the guinea-pig trachea involves the release of nitric oxide, probably from sensory neurons, besides the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and activation of Ca2+ - and ATP-sensitive K+channels. Furthermore, the stimulation of ,2 -adrenergic and VIP receptors also seems to account for its relaxant action. [source] Large-scale submerged fermentation of Antrodia cinnamomea for anti-hepatoma activityJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 13 2008Jih-Hung Pan Abstract BACKGROUND: Submerged cultivation of Antrodia cinnamomea was carried out for manufacturing the fermentation product with anti-hepatoma activity. The fermentation process was optimized for different parameters at shake flask level to obtain products with high inhibition potency against Hep G2 hepatoma cells. Scale-up of the fermentation process was then achieved from 250 mL shake flask to 5 L, 500 L and 5-ton fermenters. RESULTS: Glucose and malt extract were found to be the best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The initial pH of 5.0 and an operating temperature of 22 °C were the best for a product with lowest IC50 value. A shorter cultivation time was required when the scale of fermentation increased from 5 L to 5 tons. The reducing sugar and solids contents of the broth filtrate were correlated exponentially with the IC50 of the ethanolic extract of mycelium for hepatoma cells, and the level of ergosterol in the mycelium extract follows the same profile as the increase in Hep G2 cells inhibition. CONCLUSION: When Antrodia cinnamomea is cultured in a 5-ton fermenter, 4 weeks are required for the fermentation product to reach the highest anti-hepatoma activity. The solid and reducing sugar contents of the broth filtrate as well as the ergosterol content in the ethanol extract of mycelium can serve as the marker during fermentation for manufacturing product with anti-hepatoma activity. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract from the bark of Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosanaJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 8 2008Palanisamy Marimuthu Abstract BACKGROUND:Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana (Taiwan hinoki) is an endemic conifer in Taiwan and the purpose of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of various fractions obtained from the bark of this plant material. The ethanolic extract of the bark was sequentially separated into three fractions, including n -hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol soluble fractions, by liquid,liquid partition. Then the antioxidant activities of crude extract and three fractions along with 13 subfractions obtained from the ethyl acetate (EA) soluble fraction were tested for several antioxidant assays. RESULTS: The total phenolic content of the samples varied from 27.71 to 102.86 mg GAE g,1 dry weight for fractions, and from 49.94 to 206.46 mg GAE g,1 for subfractions (where GAE is milligrams of gallic acid per gram of extract). The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) ranged from 0.15 to 0.26 mmol L,1 Trolox equivalents. The EA soluble fraction was found to be the best antioxidant-rich fraction in terms of DPPH and reducing power assays. With further data analysis it was found that there was a positive correlation between the total phenolic content of extracts and TEAC is R2 = 0.61. CONCLUSION: Results from various antioxidant assays showed that the EA fraction possessed strong antioxidant activity. This would provide additional information about the antioxidant activity of bark extract of this plant species. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] In vitro fungitoxic activity of Larrea divaricata cav. extractsLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004E.N. Quiroga Abstract Aims:, To evaluate the fungitoxic activity of Larrea divaricata Cav. extract and one of its components against yeasts and fungi. This activity was compared with the action of ketoconazole, a known synthetic antimycotic. Methods and Results:, Antifungal activity of Larrea divaricata extract and of a fraction (Fr. B) purified by thin layer chromatography, was investigated using different methodologies. Both exhibited strong activity against the majority of the assayed fungi. Only Fusarium oxysporum and Schizophyllum commune growth was not affected with the assayed conditions. The fungitoxic and cytotoxic activity of the ethanolic extract and ketoconazole were compared. Conclusions:, Ethanolic extracts of L. divaricata Cav. produce growth inhibition of several fungi. One of its constituents with the same activity was purified and identified as a glycoside of a flavanone. A comparison with the action of ketoconazole, which is currently used as antimycotic and can cause adverse health effects was made. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Our data suggest that L. divaricata extract contains, at least, one compound of phenolic nature, with fungitoxic potency against yeasts and fungi. [source] Regulation of insulin action by an extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. in primary human skeletal muscle culture: A proteomics approach,PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 9 2010Indu Kheterpal Abstract An ethanolic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. (PMI 5011) has been observed to decrease glucose and insulin levels in animal models and enhance cellular signaling in cultured cells. To determine the mechanism of action of PMI-5011, we have measured changes in protein expression in human primary skeletal muscle culture (HSMC) from subjects with Type 2 diabetes. After obtaining skeletal muscle biopsies, HSMCs were initiated, grown to confluence, and exposed to 10,µg/mL PMI 5011 overnight. Two-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis was used to separate proteins, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used to identify differentially regulated proteins. Additionally, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm candidate proteins identified. These data demonstrate that a well characterized botanical extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. significantly modulates proteins involved in regulating inflammatory pathways, particularly the NF,B complex system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of crocus sativus L. (saffron) stigma and its constituents, crocin and safranal, on morphine withdrawal syndrome in micePHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2010Hossein Hosseinzadeh Abstract Crocus sativus L. has been shown to interact with the opioid system. Thus, the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of stigma and its constituents were evaluated on morphine-withdrawal syndrome in mice. Dependence was induced using subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of morphine for 3 days. On day 4, morphine was injected 0.5,h prior the interaperitoneal (i.p.) injections of the extracts, crocin, safranal, clonidine (0.3,mg/kg) or normal saline. Naloxone was injected (5,mg/kg i.p.) 2,h after the final dose of morphine and the number of episodes of jumping during 30,mm was considered as the intensity of the withdrawal syndrome. Clonidine, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of saffron reduced the jumping activity. Safranal was injected (s.c.) 30,mm prior and 1 and 2,h after the injection of morphine. It potentiated some signs of withdrawal syndrome. The aqueous extract decreased the movement in all of the doses (80, 160, 320,mg/kg) and the ethanolic extract decreased it in the dose of 800,mg/kg in open field test. But crocin and the dose of 400,mg/kg ethanolic extract showed no effect on activity in this test. It is concluded that the extracts and crocin may have interaction with the opioid system to reduce withdrawal syndrome. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Antipyretic and analgesic activities of Caesalpinia bonducella seed kernel extractPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005P. Archana Abstract Ethanolic extract (70%) of Caesalpinia bonducella seed kernel has been subjected for its antipyretic and antinociceptive activities in adult albino rats or mice of either sex at 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg orally. The extract demonstrated marked antipyretic activity against Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The extract had significant central analgesic activity in hot plate and tail flick methods. It also exhibited marked peripheral analgesic effect in both acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice and Randall-Selitto assay in rats. It also significantly inhibited the formalin-induced hind paw licking in mice. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia bonducella seed kernel possesses potent antipyretic and antinociceptive activities and thus, validates its use in the treatment of pain and pyretic disorders. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract from Spiranthera odoratissima A. St. Hillaire (Manacá) rootsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 12 2004L. G. Matos Abstract Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, the tail flick test and carrageenan-induced peritonitis were used to study the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the crude ethanolic extract from Spiranthera odoratissima roots. Pentobarbital-induced sleeping time was used to study the central depressant effect of the extract. The ethanolic extract caused a dose dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and leukocyte migration, and produced a significant, dose-related increase in the duration of sleep. The results suggest that Spiranthera odoratissima roots contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and central depressant actions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The evaluation of the radioprotective effect of chyavanaprasha (an ayurvedic rasayana drug) in mice exposed to lethal dose of , -radiation: a preliminary studyPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 1 2004Ganesh Chandra Jagetia Abstract The effect of various doses of 50% ethanolic extract of chyavanaprasha (an Ayurvedic rejuvenating herbal preparation) was studied on the survival of mice exposed to 10 Gy of , -radiation. Treatment with chyavanaprasha, consecutively for ,ve days before irradiation, delayed symptoms of radiation sickness and onset of mortality when compared with the non-drug treated irradiated controls. All doses of chyavanaprasha provided a signi,cant protection against gastrointestinal (GI) death (death of animals within 10 days after exposure to radiation), however, highest protection against GI death was observed for 15 mg/kg chyavanaprasha. Chyavanaprasha also provided a signi,cant protection against the bone marrow death after 10 to 40 mg/kg. However, the best protection was seen for 15 mg/kg, where the highest number of survivors was observed at the end of 30 days post-irradiation. The drug was non-toxic up to a dose of 6 g/kg b. wt., the highest drug dose that could be tested. Our study demonstrates that chyavanaprasha can provide good radioprotection at a very low non-toxic dose. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Treatment of mice with a herbal preparation (Mentat) protects against radiation-induced mortalityPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 8 2003Ganesh Chandra Jagetia Abstract The effect of various doses (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 100, 120 and 160 mg/kg b. wt.) of 50% ethanolic extract of mentat (a herbal preparation) was studied on the survival of mice exposed to 10 Gy of , -radiation. Treatment of mice with different doses of mentat consecutively for ,ve days before irradiation delayed the onset of mortality and reduced the symptoms of radiation sickness when compared with the non-drug treated irradiated controls. Most of the doses of mentat provided protection against the gastrointestinal (GI) death, however, the highest protection against GI death was observed for 80 mg/kg mentat. This was also true for bone marrow deaths, where the highest number of survivors were observed at 30 days post-irradiation in this group (i.e. 80 mg/kg) when compared with the other doses of mentat. The evaluation of acute toxicity showed that mentat was non-toxic up to a dose of 1.5 g/kg b. wt., where no drug-induced mortality was observed. The LD50 dose of mentat was found to be 1.75 g/kg b. wt. Our study demonstrates that mentat can provide good radioprotection at a dose of 80 mg/kg, which is far below its toxic dose. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A comparative study of different crude extracts of Ocimum sanctum on noise stressPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2002R. Archana Abstract Our previous studies have shown that the ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum (OS) leaves was effective in alleviating the noise stress induced changes. Hence in this study, we have investigated the effectiveness of different types of crude OS extracts on some of the stress parameters after noies stress. The results of this study has shown that the active pinciple responsible for antistressor effect of ethanolic extract is also present in cold homogenised leaf extract of OS also. Hot extracts slightly decrease the potency of the active principle in normalizing corticosteroid level. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Paraoxonases role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseasesBIOFACTORS, Issue 1 2009Mira Rosenblat Abstract Increased oxidative stress is a characteristic of patients with high risk for atherosclerosis development (hypercholesterolemic, hypertensive, diabetic), and the above phenomenon was shown to be associated with attenuated antioxidative status. The increased oxidative stress in atherosclerotic patients is present in their blood, as well as in their arterial wall cells, including macrophages, the hallmark of foam cells formation during early atherogenesis. Serum high density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated paraoxonase 1 (PON1) reduces oxidative stress in lipoproteins, in macrophages, and in the atherosclerotic lesion, whereas paraoxonase 2 (PON2, which is present in tissues, but not in serum) acts as an antioxidant at the cellular and not humoral level. Both PON1 and PON2 protect against atherosclerosis development, and this phenomenon could be related to their antioxidative properties. The use of nutritional antioxidants such as vitamin E, carotenoids (lycopene and ,-carotene), and mainly polyphenols (such as those present in red wine, licorice root ethanolic extract, or in pomegranate) by atherosclerotic animals and also by cardiovascular patients, leads to a reduction in oxidative stress and to the attenuation of atherosclerosis development. These latter phenomena could be related to the nutritional antioxidants-induced increase in HDL PON1 activity (effects on gene expression, on preventing enzyme inactivation, and on increasing PON1 stability through its binding to HDL), as well as an increase in macrophage PON2 activation (at the gene expression level). © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. [source] Azaanthraquinone inhibits respiration and in vitro growth of long slender bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma congolenseCELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION, Issue 3 2002Andrew Jonathan Nok Abstract An ethanolic extract of Mitracarpus scaber was found to possess in vitro and in vivo trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma congolense. At a dosage of 50,mg kg,1 day,1 in normal saline for 5 days, the extract cured Balbc mice infected with T. congolense without any relapse. The isolated active component benz(g)isoquinoline 5,10 dione (Azaanthraquinone) (AQ) purified from the extract was found to inhibit glucose-dependent cellular respiration and glycerol-3-phosphate-dependent mitochondrial O2 assimilation of the long bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma congolense. On account of the pattern of inhibition, the target could be the mitochondrial electron transport system composed of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH). The azaanthraquinone specifically inhibited the reduced coenzyme Q1 -dependent O2 uptake of the mitochondria with respect to ubiquinone. The susceptible site could be due to ubiquinone redox system which links the two enzyme activities. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Furofuran Lignans from Cuscuta chinensisCHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2001Sheng-Xi Xiang Abstract Three furofuran lignans named neocuscutasides A, B and C were obtained from the ethanolic extract of the dried seeds of Cuscuta chinensis and their structures were characterized by chemical and spectroscopic methods. [source] Antibacterial activity of plant extracts from northwestern ArgentinaJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007J.R. Soberón Abstract Aims:, To determine the antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of northwestern Argentinian plants used in folk medicine. To compare the mentioned activities with those of five commercial antibiotics. To identify the compounds responsible for the antibacterial activity. Methods and Results:, Plant extracts were prepared according to traditional uses in northwestern Argentina. Antibacterial activity was assayed by agar dilution in Petri dishes and broth dilution in 96-well plates. Lethal dose 50 (LD50) was determined by the Artemia salina assay. Phytochemical analysis was performed by sample adsorption on silica gel, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), bioautography and UV-visible spectra. The results showed that Tripodanthus acutifolius aqueous extracts have lower minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) (502 and 506 ,g of extracted material (EM) per ml for infusion and decoction, respectively) than cefotaxim MIC (640 ,g ml,1) against Acinetobacterfreundii (303). These data were lower than their LD50. Tripodanthus acutifolius tincture showed lower MIC (110 ,g of EM per ml) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) (220 ,g of EM per ml) than cefotaxim (MIC and MBC of 320 ,g ml,1) for Pseudomonasaeruginosa. This extract also showed a MIC/MBC of 110/220 ,g of EM per ml, lower than oxacillin (MIC/MBC of 160/220 ,g ml,1) for Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). The cytotoxicity of all extracts were compared with that of commercial antibiotics. Rutin (3,3,,4,,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone 3- , -rhamnosilglucoside), iso -quercitrin (3,3,,4,,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone 3- , -glucoside) and a terpene would be partially responsible for the antibacterial activity of T. acutifolius infusion. Conclusions:,Tripodanthus acutifolius extracts had the ability to inhibit bacterial growth. The antibacterial activity differs with the applied extractive method, and it could be partially attributed to glycoflavonoids. This paper contributes to the knowledge of antibacterial capacity of plants from northwestern Argentina. Significance and Impact of the Study:, These antibacterial activities support further studies to discover new chemical structures that can contribute to alleviate or cure some illnesses. [source] Assessment of the dyeing properties of pigments from Monascus purpureusJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 9 2005Diana De Santis Abstract Monascus purpureus C322 was cultivated on well-established production media to yield prevailingly red or orange pigment-rich ethanolic extracts. Once these extracts had been diluted by an overall factor of 50, they were used as such to dye raw wool standard specimens differently premordanted using alum or stannic chloride. Independently of the mordant used, the specimens dyed with the red pigment-rich extracts showed a pale red colour tending to pink, whereas the specimens dyed with the orange pigment-rich extracts exhibited a more definite orange colour. By carrying out a few colourfastness standard tests (manual washing at 40 °C, acid and basic perspiration and hot pressing), stannic chloride-premordanted wool specimens dyed with the red pigment-rich extracts were found to be less resistant to acid and basic perspiration than their orange counterparts. Since the production of the orange pigment-rich ethanolic extracts appeared to be more cost-effective than that of their red counterparts, the former might support the present demand for colorants of natural origin in the textile sector. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source] | ||||||||||||||||