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Alcohol Extract (alcohol + extract)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	76%

Selected Abstracts

Estrogenic activity of Nigella damascena extracts, evaluated using a recombinant yeast screen

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2002
E. Agradi
Abstract We used the yeast estrogen screen (YES) containing a human estrogen receptor to evaluate the estrogenic activity of extracts obtained from Nigella damascena seeds. Alcohol extracts obtained by direct extraction of seeds showed a low estrogenic activity, while the alcohol extract obtained after extraction with solvents of increasing polarity showed a strong estrogenic activity. This suggests the presence in Nigella of polar components whose activity can be clearly demonstrated after previous elimination of interacting apolar components that may mask the activity of more polar components. The response of both alcohol fractions follow a bell-shaped curve indicating a concentration-dependent relationship. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Salutary effects of Corydalis yanhusuo extract on cardiac hypertrophy due to pressure overload in rats

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 8 2007
Chengping Wen
We have evaluated the effects of an alcohol extract from the rhizome of Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. (CY), a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, on pressure-overloaded cardiac hypertrophy induced by transverse abdominal aorta constriction (TAAC) in rats. Rats were given vehicle or CY extract (200 or 50 mg kg,1 per day) from the second week after induction of pressure overload, for a period of 7 weeks. Haemodynamic parameters, relative heart weight and myocyte cross-sectional area were measured in each group. We also estimated left ventricular (LV) collagen volume fraction (CVF) using Masson trichrome staining, and type I collagen expression by Western blot assay. Chronic TAAC caused notable cardiac hypertrophy and heart dysfunction. Significant collagen deposition and greater type I collagen expression were found in model control rats. These changes were not significantly reversed after treatment with 50 mgkg,1 CY, whereas 200 mgkg,1 significantly improved heart function and prevented cardiac hypertrophy, with parallel reductions in myocardial fibrosis, as evidenced by reduced LV CVF and reduced levels of type I collagen. In conclusion, chronic treatment of rats with CY extract attenuated development of cardiac hypertrophy. [source]

Phosphoglyceride crystal deposition disease

PATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 12 2000
Katsutoshi Miura
An extremely rare phosphoglyceride deposition disease is reported. A healthy 62-year-old Japanese woman suffered from tumors that repeatedly appeared in injured soft tissues for more than 20 years. No immunologic disorders or abnormal laboratory data were found. Histology showed foreign body granulomas consisting of macrophages surrounding yellowish-white crystals. The crystals were weakly positive by von Kossa's method, were dissolved in 30% acetic acid with gas, and were easily dissolved in 0.1 N NaOH or potassium hydroxide, losing their crystal structure. Using a scanning electron microscopy X-ray microanalyzer, phosphorus and calcium peaks were detected. Phosphoglycerides were detected by microscopic infrared spectrophotometry and microsampling mass spectrometry. The gold hydroxamic acid method for detecting phosphoglyceride showed strong positive staining in the crystals. Based on the above analyses, the deposited crystals were regarded as phosphoglyceride, which bound calcium as a counter ion. The crystals tended to be deposited at sites of injury, where macrophages had accumulated. The patient had received many injections of a medicine made from alcohol extract from bovine liver. We suspect that this medicine was related to the cause of the deposition as the deposition repeatedly appeared at the site of the injections. [source]

Antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of infusions from leaves and inflorescences of Achillea collina Becker ex Rchb.

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009
Annamaria Giorgi
Abstract Plants are the main source of molecules with antioxidant and radical scavenging properties that aid the natural defence systems of cells and may be involved in the preservation of human health, particularly preventing all the physiopathological conditions where oxidative damage is a hallmark. Achillea collina Becker ex Rchb. is a medicinal plant of the Achillea millefolium aggregate (yarrow) traditionally used, particularly in mountain areas, as an infusion or alcohol extract for its digestive, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and wound healing properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant capacity and cytoprotective activity against oxidative stress of infusions obtained from the leaves and inflorescences of Achillea collina Becker ex Rchb., assessed by chemical (free radical scavenging activity by DPPH and Folin Ciocalteu assay) and biological assays (in vitro model of cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in PC12 cells line). Infusions of leaves had the highest antioxidant properties and cytoprotective activity. The antioxidant capacity was significantly correlated with the total phenolic content but not with the cytoprotective profile. Achillea collina Becker ex Rchb. has good antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, suggesting further investigations on its chemical composition and potential health value, particularly for traditionally prepared infusions of leaves. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Hypoglycaemic activity of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 1 2006
S. P. Dhanabal
Abstract The antidiabetic activity of various subfractions of the alcohol extract of the bark of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The effect of these extracts on lipid profile and liver function tests were also assessed to evaluate their activity in controlling diabetes related metabolic alterations. The parameters measured were plasma glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, SGOT and SGPT. The results indicate the effective role of Pterocarpus marsupium on the above mentioned parameters indicating that Pterocarpus marsupium can also control the diabetes related metabolic alterations apart from controlling the glucose levels. Among the fractions tested the butanol subfraction was found to be more active in comparison with other subfractions. It can be concluded that the butanol subfraction of the alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium exhibits significant antidiabetic activity and corrects the metabolic alterations in diabetic rats and this activity may resemble insulin-like properties. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Estrogenic activity of Nigella damascena extracts, evaluated using a recombinant yeast screen

Contraceptive effects of Phyllanthus amarus in female mice

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2001
Mandava V. Rao
Abstract Antifertility effects of an alcohol extract of the whole plant, Phyllanthus amarus at a dose of 100,mg/kg body weight for 30 days orally was investigated in cyclic adult female mice. The results revealed no significant change in absolute body and organ weights in extract-fed animals, indicating no alteration in general metabolic status. Further, feeding had no effect on haematological and clinical biochemical tests reflecting its non-toxicity. Similarly, uterine and ovarian biochemical tests showed no change except in 3, and 17, hydroxy steroid dehydrgenase (HSDs) levels, probably affecting hormonal conversions in the latter. Cohabited females with normal male mice were unable to become pregnant as their cyclicity was affected. These factors are related to a change in the hormonal milieu that governs female reproductive function. Upon withdrawal of feeding for 45 days, these effects were reversible. Thus this extract manifests a definite contraceptive effect in female mice. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Feeding Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. soybean products: effects on disease resistance (furunculosis), and lysozyme and IgM levels in the intestinal mucosa

AQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 2 2000
Krogdahl
Two trials were initiated to investigate the consequences of including various soybean products in diets for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. on (1) mortality following infection by Aeromonas salmonicida ssp. salmonicida during a cohabitation challenge, and (2) the lysozyme and IgM content of the intestinal mucosa. Groups of salmon were fed control diets containing fishmeal as the sole protein source (Contr1 and Contr2, respectively), soy concentrate-containing diets (SoyConc1 and SoyConc2, respectively), or diets containing either solvent-extracted soybean meal (SoyMeal, trial 1) or soybean molasses (SoyMol, trial 2), an alcohol extract of soybean meal. Both SoyMeal and SoyMol caused enteritis-like changes in the distal intestine, which were not observed in fish fed the Contr1, Contr2, SoyConc1, or SoyConc2 diets. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in mortality between feeding groups following the A.s. salmonicida challenge: these differences were greatest in fish fed SoyMeal (65.6%), least in fish fed SoyConc1 (60.5%), and intermediate in the fish fed the Contr1 diet (62.9%). The SoyMol diet caused significantly (P < 0.0001) increased levels of both lysozyme and IgM in the mid and distal intestinal mucosa. It is concluded that components of soybean meal and soybean molasses cause an inflammatory response in the distal intestine that may lead to increased susceptibility to furunculosis. [source]

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AND CHEMICAL CONSTITUTIONS OF OLEA EUROPAEA L. LEAF EXTRACTS

JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 3 2010
MIHRIBAN KORUKLUOGLU
ABSTRACT The in vitro antimicrobial activity of aqueous, acetone, diethyl ether and ethyl alcohol extracts of olive leaves (Olea europaea L.) was studied. The aqueous extract of olive leaves had no antibacterial effect against the test microorganisms, whereas acetone extract showed inhibitory effect on Salmonella enteritidis, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activities of some phenolic compounds against microorganisms were tested. The most effective compound was found to be oleuropein while syringic acid was found ineffective. The characterization of phenolic compounds in different extracts determined by high performance liquid chromatography-air pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry detector (HPLC-APCI-MSD GC-MS) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The acetone and the ethyl alcohol extracts had the most and the least oleuropein content, respectively. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS In recent years the extracts of many plant species have become popular, and attempts to characterize their bioactive principles have gained speed for many pharmaceutical and food-processing applications. Especially, antimicrobial properties of plants have revived as a consequence of current problems associated with the use of chemical preservatives. Because of consumers' negative perspectives of synthetic preservatives, attention is shifting toward natural alternatives. The findings suggest that olive leaf extracts and their phenolic compounds have good potential as antibacterial substances in food preservation as they may be more acceptable to consumers and the regulatory agencies in comparison with synthetic chemical compounds. [source]

Immunomodulatory effect of extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Family Malvaceae) in a mouse model

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2008
Titilayo O. Fakeye
Abstract The immunomodulatory activity of water and alcohol extracts (including its fractions) of the dried calyx of the plant was evaluated in mice. The ability of the extracts to inhibit or enhance the production of two cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- ,) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), respectively, implicated as proinflammatory and antiinflammatory interleukins were also evaluated. The extracts at doses of 50 mg/kg were found to possess higher immunostimulatory activities in comparison with levamisole (positive control), with significant effects when compared with the vehicle-treated group (p < 0.01). Increased activity was observed with increase in doses of the 50% ethanol and absolute ethanol extracts. The insoluble fraction exhibited a significant dose-dependent immunostimulatory activity (p < 0.05), while the residual water-soluble fraction exhibited activity at 100 mg/kg body weight. The production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- ,), was low in all the extract groups tested, while the production of interleukin 10 (IL-10) was high compared with the control. The production of IL-10 was high in 300 mg/kg aqueous extract. The insoluble fraction exhibited a profound dose-dependent immunostimulatory activity higher than the positive control at 100 mg/kg. This study established the immunoenhancing properties of the extracts of this plant confirming that the immunomodulatory activity is cell mediated and humoral. The insoluble fraction could find use as an immunostimulatory agent in humans. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Analgesic studies on total alkaloids and alcohol extracts of Eclipta alba (Linn.) Hassk.

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2004
Mahesh Sawant
Abstract A variety of analgesics are used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain in different disease states. A narcotic or a non-narcotic analgesic that does not cause respiratory depression and addiction is needed. In Ayurveda a large number of indigenous drugs have been mentioned possessing analgesic properties (e.g. Guggul, Erand, Rasna, Bhringaraj, Methika, Palandu and Prasikayavani). The present experimental research work was undertaken to determine the analgesic activity of the total ethanol extract of Eclipta alba, and also the isolated alkaloids of Eclipta alba in albino mice by using standard experimental models such as the tail clip method, the tail ,ick method and the acetic acid induced writhing response. The results from this study show that both the ethanol extract as well as the total alkaloids produce good analgesic activity in all the different models of analgesia used. The total alkaloidal fraction was the most ef,cacious in all models tested. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Antibacterial activity of medicinal plant extracts against periodontopathic bacteria

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2003
L. Iauk
Abstract This study was performed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Althaea of,cinalis L. roots, Arnica montana L. ,owers, Calendula of,cinalis L. ,owers, Hamamelis virginiana L. leaves, Illicium verum Hook. fruits and Melissa of,cinalis L. leaves, against anaerobic and facultative aerobic periodontal bacteria: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella spp., Fusobacterium nucleatum, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Veilonella parvula, Eikenella corrodens, Peptostreptococcus micros and Actinomyces odontolyticus. The methanol extracts of H. virginiana and A. montana and, to a lesser extent, A. of,cinalis were shown to possess an inhibiting activity (MIC , 2048 mg/L) against many of the species tested. In comparison, M. of,cinalis and C. of,cinalis extracts had a lower inhibiting activity (MIC , 2048 mg/L) against all the tested species with the exception of Prevotella sp. Illicium verum methanol extract was not very active though it had a particular good activity against E. corrodens. The results suggest the use of the alcohol extracts of H. virginiana, A. montana and A. of,cinalis for topical medications in periodontal prophylactics. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Chemistry and antioxidative factors in rosemary and sage

BIOFACTORS, Issue 1-4 2000
Chi-Tang Ho
Rosemary and sage are common spices used in food. In our recent search of cancer chemopreventive agents from spices, the alcohol extracts of rosemary and sage showed strong antumorigenic activities. Rosemary and sage extracts contain active antioxidative factors such as phenolic diterpenes, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Here we discuss chromatographic methods used to separate and purify compounds from these spices and MS and NMR spectrometry to identify the isolated compounds. Several new compounds isolated from sage were determined to be 6-O-caffeoyl-,-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 , 1)-,-glucopyranoside, 1-O-caffeoyl-,-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 , 6)-,-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-p-hydroxybenzoyl-,-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 , 6)-,-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-(3-methyl-2,3,4-trihydroxybutyl)-6-O-feruloyl-,-D-glucopyranoside, 4-hydroxyacetophenone 4-O-[5-O-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-,-D-apiofrunosyl]-(1 , 2)-,-D-glucopyranoside and 1-O-[2-hydroxy-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl]-6-O-trans-caffeoyl-,-D-glucopyranoside. [source]