Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Folk Medicine (folk + medicine)
Selected AbstractsTropaeolum tuberosum (Mashua) reduces testicular function: effect of different treatment timesANDROLOGIA, Issue 6 2008I. Cárdenas-Valencia Summary Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavon, along with other several species, is an edible-tuber crop that grows in the Andean region. Folk medicine describes the use of mashua to reduce reproductive function in men. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of mashua (1 g kg,1) on sperm production in rats during 7, 12, 21 and 42 days of treatment. The following parameters were assessed: reproductive organ weights, spermatid count and daily sperm production (DSP), sperm count in epididymis and sperm transit and serum testosterone levels. Freeze-dried extract of mashua had 3.7 g 100 g,1 of benzyl glucosinolate. Mashua-treated rats showed a reduction in testicular spermatid number and DSP from day 12 to day 42; meanwhile, the effect of mashua was noted in epididymal sperm count after 12 and 42 days of treatment. In addition, epididymal sperm transit time was delayed at day 7 and it was accelerated on days 12 and 21 of treatment. No differences in serum testosterone levels were found between rats treated with vehicle and mashua after 42 days of treatment. Finally, mashua reduces testicular function after one spermatogenic cycle by reducing spermatid and sperm number, DSP and epididymal sperm transit time. [source] Contact allergy to ,bible leaf' used in folk medicineCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2008Nathalie Lucidarme No abstract is available for this article. [source] Capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry characterisation of secondary metabolites from the antihyperglycaemic plant Genista teneraELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 11 2006Emma L. Edwards Abstract Genista tenera is endemic to the Portuguese island of Madeira, where an infusion of the aerial parts of the plant is used in folk medicine as an antidiabetic agent. Consequently the medicinal properties of the secondary metabolites of this plant have been the subject of an ongoing study. A recently reported LC-MS method using a 100,min separation allowed identification of five flavonoid components in an extract of the aerial parts of this plant. In order to obtain additional information on the range and complexity of the plant's secondary metabolite components a CE-MS method has been developed and applied for the analysis of an extract of G.,tenera. Twenty-six different components are distinguished in an analysis time of only 10,min. Results demonstrate that CE-MS/MS rapidly generates data complementary to those obtainable by LC-MS/MS and is particularly suited to the analysis of plant metabolites where concentration is not limiting. [source] Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Indian spices against common foodborne pathogensINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 8 2007Papachan Karur Sofia Summary The present study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of six Indian spice extracts, namely clove, cinnamon, mustard, garlic, ginger and mint. All of these have been traditionally used in folk medicine, and are still used in the alternative system of health care. The antimicrobial activity of these commonly used Indian spices was tested against three potent foodborne pathogens, namely Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, which are responsible for many health-related problems. These were tested using paper disc diffusion method, cup method and dilution method (qualitative). The results showed that the extracts of clove, cinnamon and mustard had good inhibitory action at 1% concentration, while garlic showed medium activity. At 3% concentration, complete bactericidal effect was achieved. Ginger and mint showed negligible antibacterial activity against these pathogens at the same concentration. [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] Tunisian radish extract (Raphanus sativus) enhances the antioxidant status and protects against oxidative stress induced by zearalenone in Balb/c miceJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Jalila Ben Salah-Abbčs Abstract Radish (Raphanus sativus) is a food plant known worldwide. From antiquity it has been used in folk medicine as a natural drug against many toxicants. Zearalenone (zen) is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin present in corn and food mixture for farm animals and it is hepatotoxic, hematotoxic, immunotoxic, nephrotoxic and genotoxic. The objectives of the present study were to assess the biological activity of radish extract and to evaluate the protective role of radish extract against the toxicity of zen in female Balb/c mice. Animals were divided into seven groups and treated orally for 10 days as follows: a control, an olive oil group, groups treated with radish extract alone (5, 10 and 15 mg kg,1 b.w.), a group treated with zen (40 mg kg,1 b.w.) and a group treated with zen plus the lowest dose of radish extract. The results indicate that radish extract improved the antioxidant status and had no significant effects on hematological and biochemical parameters tested or histology of the liver and kidney. Treatment with zen results in a significant increase in ALT, AST, ALP, BILT, BILD, CRE accompanied with significant changes in most of hematological parameters and the antioxidant enzyme activities, co-treatment of zen and the radish extract results in a significant reestablishment of hematological, serum biochemical parameters, and the histology of the liver and kidney. These findings suggest that radish extract is safe and can be overcome or, at least, significantly diminish zen effects. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Leaf Extract on Glucose Uptake in Rat HepatocytesJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 5 2009Fang-Chi Cheng ABSTRACT:, People in oriental countries, including Japan and Taiwan, boil guava leaves (Psidium guajava L.) in water and drink the extract as a folk medicine for diabetes. The present study investigated the enhancement of aqueous guava leaf extract on glucose uptake in rat clone 9 hepatocytes and searched for the active compound. The extract was eluted with MeOH-H2O solutions through Diaion, Sephadex, and MCI-gel columns to separate into fractions with different polarities. The uptake test of 2-[1- 14C] deoxy-D-glucose in rat clone 9 hepatocytes was performed to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of these fractions. The active compound was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results revealed that phenolics are the principal component of the extract, that high polarity fractions of the guava leaf extract are enhancers to glucose uptake in rat clone 9 hepatocytes, and that quercetin is the major active compound. We suggest that quercetin in the aqueous extract of guava leaves promotes glucose uptake in liver cells, and contributes to the alleviation of hypoglycemia in diabetes as a consequence. [source] Antioxidant Activity of Crude Extract, Alkaloid Fraction, and Flavonoid Fraction from Boldo (Peumus boldus Molina) LeavesJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 5 2004N. Quezada ABSTRACT: Boldo is an endemic plant from Chile widely used in folk medicine, whose biological (mainly antioxidant) activity has been attributed to the presence of the alkaloid boldine. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of the flavonoid and other crude fractions from boldo leaves to the antioxidant activity of extracts. The main constituent in the flavonoid fraction was also isolated. The antioxidant activity and reducing power of crude boldo extract and fractions were measured and compared with natural and synthetic antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of boldo leaf extracts came mainly from the flavonoid fraction (44.1%) followed by the alkaloid fraction (15.6%), with catechin and boldine being the main contributors of the antioxidant activity of these 2 fractions (60.9% and 35.6% of the total activity, respectively). On the basis of these results, we propose to use catechin and boldine as markers for the antioxidant activity of boldo leaves. Tailor-made antioxidants to be used in foods can be prepared by enriching these 2 fractions. [source] Structures, Components and Functions of Secretory Tissues in Houttuynia cordataJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2007Xi-Lu Ni Abstract Houttuynia cordata Thunb., traditionally used as a therapeutic plant in folk medicine, has shown antioxidant and anticancer activities. The species, as a core component of paleoherbs, is normally characterized based on the presence of different types of secretory tissue: oil cells, three types of secretory cells and glandular hairs. The aim of this work was to study the structural, componential, and the functional characteristics of the secretory tissues in both the floral and vegetative parts. The results indicate that oil cells and secretory cells are distributed in all organs of the plant, while glandular hairs are situated on the aerial stems and leaves. Both oil cells and glandular hairs initiate from the protoderm, but their developmental processes are different. Although three types of secretory cells initiate from different primary meristems, the developmental patterns of different secretory cells are the same. Also, although the origins of secretory cells are different from oil cells, their early developmental processes are the same. Histochemical results show that oil cells, secretory cells and glandular hairs produce flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, lipids, aldehyde and ketone-compounds. In addition, there are terpenoids and pectic-like substances in oil cells, alkaloids in secretory cells of aerial stems, and terpenoids and alkaloids in glandular hairs. These compounds play very important roles in protecting plants from being eaten by herbivores (herbivory) and infected by microbial pathogens. The oil cell and secretory cell, as unicellular secretory tissues, are intermediates between the primitive surface glandular and secretory cavity and canal during the evolution of secretory structures. [source] Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil from Eremanthus erythropappus leavesJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008Orlando V. Sousa The chemical composition of the essential oil from air-dried leaves of Eremanthus erythropappus was studied. The main compounds were ,-pinene (23.24%), ,-caryophyllene (22.92%), ,-myrcene (10.03%) and germacrene D (9.40%). The essential oil had an LD50 of 2.90 gkg,1 in mice. Doses of 200 and 400 mgkg,1 inhibited 10.69% and 27.06% of acetic-acid-induced writhing in mice, respectively. In the formalin-induced nociception test in mice, the essential oil inhibited the first phase of paw licking by 29.13% (400 mgkg,1) and the second phase by 32.74% (200 mgkg,1) and 37.55% (400 mgkg,1). In the hot-plate test in mice, doses of 200 mgkg,1 and 400 mgkg,1 significantly increased the reaction time after 30, 60 and 90 min of treatment. Doses of 200 and 400 mgkg,1 inhibited carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats by 15.18% and 36.61%, respectively. Doses of 200 and 400 mgkg,1 administered 4 h before intra-pleural injection of carrageenan significantly reduced exudate volume (by 20.20% and 48.70%, respectively) and leucocyte mobilization (by 5.88% and 17.29%, respectively). These results demonstrate that E. erythropappus has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting the use of this plant in folk medicine. [source] Anti-angiogenic, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Lonicera japonica extractJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008Hye-Jung Yoo This study aimed to elucidate some novel pharmacological activities of Lonicera japonica (Caprifoliaceae), which is widely used in Oriental folk medicine. The ethanolic extract of L. japonica (LJ) dose dependently inhibited chick chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis. The antinociceptive activity of LJ was assessed using the acetic acid-induced constriction model in mice. LJ showed anti-inflammatory activity in two in-vivo models: the vascular permeability and air pouch models. LJ suppressed the production of nitric oxide via down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. However, LJ was unable to suppress induction of cyclooxygenase-2 in the stimulated macrophage cells. LJ decreased the reactive oxygen species level in the stimulated macrophage cells. In brief, the flowers of L. japonica possess potent anti-angiogenic and antinociceptive activities, in addition to anti-inflammatory activity, which partly supports its therapeutic efficacy. [source] An extract of Lannea microcarpa: composition, activity and evaluation of cutaneous irritation in cell cultures and reconstituted human epidermisJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 7 2006P. Picerno Lannea microcarpa (Anacardiaceae) is a tropical tree used in African folk medicine and commercial dermopharmaceutical formulations. Fractionation and analysis of its polar extract allowed the identification of 4,-methoxy-myricetin 3- O -,- l -rhamnopyranoside, myricetin 3- O -,- l -rhamnopyranoside, myricetin 3- O -,- d -glucopyranoside, vitexin, isovitexin, gallic acid and epi-catechin, as the major constituents. In-vivo assay (the croton oil ear test in mice) showed that the extract had significant anti-inflammatory effect (ID50 = 900 ,g cm2) but ten times lower than that of indometacin (ID50 = 93 ,g cm2), the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used as reference. Cytotoxicity and cutaneous irritation of the extract and its constituents were investigated. The crude extract and its major components did not affect cell viability in-vitro either in three different cultures (J774.A1, WEHI-164 and HEK-293) of cells grown in monolayers or in the reconstituted human epidermis (RHE, 3D model), nor did they cause release of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1,) or histomorphological modification of RHE. [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] Sensitivity to ,-adrenoceptor agonists of adipocytes from rats treated with an aqueous extract of Croton cajucara BenthJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2003Dora Maria Grassi-Kassisse ABSTRACT Aqueous extracts of Croton cajucara bark are used in folk medicine to treat hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders and as a coadjuvant in weight-loss programs. We examined the effect of treating rats for 15 days with a 5% aqueous extract of C. cajucara on body weight and food intake. The epididymal adipose pads were removed and the lipolytic responses of isolated adipocytes to isoprenaline, noradrenaline (norepinephrine), BRL37344 and adrenaline (epinephrine) were analysed in the absence or presence of metoprolol or ICI118,551. Treated rats had a significantly lower weight gain than control rats, with no difference in food and liquid intake, epididymal fat-pad weight or basal glycerol release. The sensitivity of the lipolytic response to isoprenaline and adrenaline was significantly higher in adipocytes from treated rats. The sensitivity to noradrenaline or BRL37344 was unaltered. Metoprolol shifted the dose-response curves to noradrenaline to the right in adipocytes from control and treated rats; the dose-response curve to isoprenaline in adipocytes from control rats was also shifted to the right. In adipocytes from treated rats, the dose-response curve to isoprenaline was unaltered by metoprolol but was shifted to the right by ICI118,551, a ,2 -adrenoceptor antagonist. We conclude that in adipocytes from treated rats there is an increase in the lipolytic response to non-selective agonists (isoprenaline and adrenaline) mediated by ,2 -adrenoceptors, with no alteration in the responses mediated by ,1 -adrenoceptors (noradrenaline) or ,3 -adrenoceptors (BRL37344). This effect could increase the role of adrenaline as an endogenous stimulator of lipolysis. [source] Chemical Characterization and Biological Activity of Macfadyena unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae)JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2000D. S. DUARTE Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) has been widely used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antimalarial and antivenereal. The purpose of this study was to chemically characterize the main plant components, and to evaluate the biological properties of some of the fractions derived from leaves (MACb) and liana (MACa) of this plant. Chemical characterization allowed the identification of the compounds corymboside, vicenin-2, quercitrin, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid, lupeol, ,-sitosterol, ,-sitosterylglucoside, allantoin and lapachol. The biological screening of fractions and/or purified substances derived from fractions revealed antitumoral and antitrypanosomal activities in fractions MACa/lapachol and MACb/MACb21, respectively. The anti-lipoxygenase and anti-cyclooxygenase effect seen in fractions MACa and MACb showed a partial correlation with the anti-inflammatory property attributed to this plant. [source] The illness beliefs, perceptions, and practices of Filipino Americans with hypertensionJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 3 2008Director, FAANP (Professor, Family Nurse Practitioner, Felicitas A. Dela Cruz RN, Nursing Programs), Second Careers Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the illness beliefs, perceptions, and practices of Filipino Americans (FAs) with hypertension (HTN) to reveal their explanatory models (EMs) of the illness. Data sources: Audiotapes and transcripts of focus group interviews and observational notes were subjected to content analysis. Medical records and related empirical studies provided supporting data. Conclusions: In general, the EMs of FAs with HTN correspond to the biomedical model in relation to causes, consequences, and treatment of HTN. However, in spite of this biomedical knowledge, FAs with HTN have difficulty maintaining the required lifestyle changes and adhering to the medication regimen to control their illness. Implications for practice: It is important for NPs to assess the EMs of FAs with HTN, including their use of traditional folk remedies and practitioners of folk medicine. The challenge is to provide cardiovascular health promotion and education in a culturally sensitive, congruent, and tailored manner to FAs with HTN to help them control their illness. [source] Antifungal activity of Thymus oils and their major compoundsJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 1 2004C Pina-Vaz ABSTRACT The increasing recognition and importance of fungal infections, the difficulties encountered in their treatment and the increase in resistance to antifungals have stimulated the search for therapeutic alternatives. Essential oils have been used empirically. The essential oils of Thymus (Thymus vulgaris, T. zygis subspecies zygis and T. mastichina subspecies mastichina) have often been used in folk medicine. The aim of the present study was to evaluate objectively the antifungal activity of Thymus oils according to classical bacteriological methodologies , determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal lethal concentration (MLC) , as well as flow cytometric evaluation. The effect of essential oils upon germ tube formation, an important virulence factor, was also studied. The mechanism of action was studied by flow cytometry, after staining with propidium iodide. The chemical composition of the essential oils was investigated by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The antifungal activity of the major components (carvacrol, thymol, p -cymene and 1,8-cineole) and also possible interactions between them were also investigated. The essential oils of T. vulgaris and T. zygis showed similar antifungal activity, which was greater than T. mastichina. MIC and MLC values were similar for all the compounds tested. At MIC values of the essential oils, propidium iodide rapidly penetrated the majority of the yeast cells, indicating that the fungicidal effect resulted primarily from an extensive lesion of the cell membrane. Concentrations below the MIC values significantly inhibited germ tube formation. This study describes the potent antifungal activity of the essential oils of Thymus on Candida spp., warranting future therapeutical trials on mucocutaneous candidosis. [source] Chemical composition and antioxidant and radical-scavenging activities of Periploca laevigata root bark extractsJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 5 2009Hajji Mohamed Abstract BACKGROUND: The root powder of Periploca laevigata is used for preparing soft drinks and as an aromatic in Tunisia. The infusion or decoction of its root bark has widespread use in folk medicine. The plant is used to treat digestive disorders and hypertensive effects as well as other health problems. RESULTS: The antioxidant activities of extracts of P. laevigata root bark obtained with solvents of different polarity were investigated using assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity, ferric-reducing capacity, ,-carotene-bleaching ability, hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition. The methanol extract, with the highest amount of total phenolics and flavonoids, showed the highest antioxidant activities in all assays, followed by the water extract. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to determine the composition of the water and methanol extracts. Thirty-four compounds were identified in the methanol extract, with proflavine (516.2 g kg,1 dry matter (DM)) and 4-methoxysalicylaldehyde (198.3 g kg,1 DM) being the most abundant. Sixteen compounds were identified in the water extract, of which 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethylene glycol (351.2 g kg,1 DM) was the main component. CONCLUSION: As far as is known, this is the first report on the chemical composition and biological activities of phenolic extracts from P. laevigata. The results of the study indicate that the root bark of this plant might be a good candidate for further investigation in developing new antioxidants. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Primates in traditional folk medicine: a world overviewMAMMAL REVIEW, Issue 2 2010Rômulo R. N. ALVES ABSTRACT 1Almost 50% of primate species are in danger of becoming extinct, according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. This is partly because of their consumption by humans. The reasons for hunting vary by region. One pretext is the medicinal or magical value of products derived from these animals. 2In this paper, we provide an overview of the global use of primates in traditional folk medicines as well as identifying the species used as remedies associated with folk beliefs. Some important questions relating to the conservation of primates are addressed. 3Our results revealed that at least 101 species of primates, which belong to 38 genera and 10 families, were used in traditional folk practices and in magic,religious rituals throughout the world. 4Of the 101 species of primates recorded in our review, 12 species were classified as Critically Endangered, 23 as Endangered, 22 as Vulnerable, seven as Near Threatened, 36 as Least Concern and one as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List. All species were also included in The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Appendices I or II, although the reasons for their inclusion were not necessarily related to their medicinal use. 5The widespread utilization of primates in traditional medicine is evidence of the importance of understanding such uses in the context of primate conservation as well as the need for considering socio-cultural factors when establishing management plans concerning the sustainable use of these mammals. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: In vitro and in vivo effects of the Mongolian drug Amu-ru 7 on Helicobacter pylori growth and viabilityMICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 9 2010Cui Lan Bai ABSTRACT Amu-ru 7, a Mongolian folk medicine, is used to treat digestive diseases such as gastritis and gastric and duodenal ulcers. We examined the effect of Amu-ru 7 on the growth and viability of Helicobacter pylori in vivo and in vitro. By the agar dilution method, the MIC of Amu-ru 7 for H. pylori strains was shown to be 100,200 ,g/mL with a MIC90 of 200 ,g/mL. Two hundred micrograms per milliliter of Amu-ru 7 exhibited potent bactericidal activity against H. pylori in the stationary phase of growth 6 hr after treatment. Amu-ru 7 inhibited the growth of both AMPC-resistant and CAM-resistant strains, and also had a combined effect with AMPC on AMPC-resistant strain 403. The Amu-ru 7 inhibited biofilm formation by H. pylori and induced morphological changes, such as bleb-like formation and shortening of the cell. Although colonization of the stomach of the Mongolian gerbil by H. pylori was not cured by treatment with Amu-ru 7, both the mean number of H. pylori colonized and the colonization rate were decreased in Amu-ru 7 treated gerbils. These results suggest the effectiveness Amu-ru 7 as an adjunct therapy for eradication therapies consisting of a PPI combined with antibiotics. [source] Isolation and characterisation of selected germander diterpenoids from authenticated Teucrium chamaedrys and T. canadense by HPLC, HPLC-MS and NMRPHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 4 2006P. Ramnathan Sundaresan Abstract Teucrium species, such as germander, are rich in neo -clerodane diterpenoids and have been used in traditional folk medicine for their stimulant, diuretic, antipyretic and antiseptic properties. However, the furano neo -clerodane diterpenoids present in germander have been implicated in the in vivo hepatotoxicity of this botanical. In this study, authenticated germander (Teucrium chamaedrys L. and Teucrium canadense L.) was used as the source material. Methanol extracts of powdered plant material were prepared and analysed by HPLC using Synergi® Max-RP columns with monitoring at 220 nm. Limited amounts of teucrin A and other diterpenoid standards were analysed on a Synergi Max-RP column in order to determine their retention times and to generate calibration curves. The same standards were subjected to concurrent mass spectral analysis. Teucrin A and diterpenoids such as dihydroteugin, teuflin, teuflidin and teucvidin were tentatively identified in the plant extracts by HPLC-MS and 1H-NMR experiments. For the isolation of teucrium diterpenoids on a semipreparative scale, a solid-phase extraction method was developed for the first time using styrene divinylbenzene and strata-X sorbents for teucrin A and teuflin, respectively. Semi-preparative HPLC of the methanol extract of the powdered aerial parts of Teucrium plants was carried out on a semipreparative Synergi Max-RP column with photodiode array detection in order to confirm the identities of some diterpenoids by HPLC-MS and NMR. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Identification of the alkaloids of Galipea officinalis by gas chromatography,mass spectrometryPHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 5 2001Ingrid Jacquemond-Collet Abstract Galipea officinalis Hancock, a Venezuelan shrubby tree which is acclaimed in folk medicine for its many healing properties, is the only species of the genus to contain tetrahydroquinoline alkaloids. A GC-MS method has been developed in order to analyse the essential oil, hexane and chloroform extracts of the trunk bark of this plant, without prior derivatisation of the alkaloidal components. A study of the MS fragmentation patterns of the components permitted the identification of five new minor quinoline alkaloids together with the known alkaloids. In addition, the method could also be used for the characterisation of alkaloids within the genus Galipea. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Antiulcerogenic activity of the essential oil of Baccharis dracunculifolia on different experimental models in ratsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2009Juliane Jose Massignani Abstract Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae), a native plant from Brazil, commonly known as ,Alecrimdo-campo' is widely used in folk medicine to treat inflammation, hepatic disorders and stomach ulcers, and it is the most important botanical source of Southeastern Brazilian propolis, known as green propolis. Its essential oil is composed of non-oxygenated and oxygenated terpenes. In this work, the effects of the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of B. dracunculifolia on gastric ulcers were evaluated. The antiulcer assays were undertaken using the following protocols in rats: nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced ulcer, ethanol-induced ulcer, stress-induced ulcer, and determination of gastric secretion using ligated pylorus. The treatment in the doses of 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg of B. dracunculifolia essential oil significantly diminished the lesion index, the total lesion area and the percentage of lesions in comparison with both positive and negative control groups. With regard to the model of gastric secretion a reduction of gastric juice volume and total acidity was observed, as well as an increase in the gastric pH. No sign of toxicity was observed in the acute toxicity study. Considering the results, it is suggested that the essential oil of B. dracunculifolia could probably be a good therapeutic agent for the development of new phytotherapeutic medicine for the treatment of gastric ulcer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Genotoxicity of Achillea millefolium essential oil in diploid cells of Aspergillus nidulansPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009Juliane Rocha de Sant'Anna Abstract The essential oil of Achillea millefolium is commonly used in folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases and has been demonstrated previously to exert an in vitro antimicrobial activity against human pathogens. Current study investigates the genotoxic activity of A. millefolium oil. The oil's major constituents are: chamazulene (42.15%), sabinene (19.72%), terpin-4-ol (5.22%), , -caryophyllene (4.44%) and eucalyptol (3.10%), comprising 74.63% of the total. The oil's genotoxic evaluation was performed at concentrations of 0.13 µL/mL, 0.19 µL/mL and 0.25 µL/mL with a heterozygous diploid strain of Aspergillus nidulans, named A757//UT448, with green conidia. A statistically significant increasing number of yellow and white mitotic recombinants, per colony, of the diploid strain was reported after oil treatment with 0.19 µL/mL and 0.25 µL/mL concentrations. The genotoxicity of the oil was associated with the induction of mitotic non-disjunction or crossing-over by oil. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberinePHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 8 2008Mohsen Imanshahidi Abstract Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L. family Berberidaceae) is well known in Iran and various parts of this plant including its root, bark, leaf and fruit have been used as folk medicine. The two decades of research has demonstrated different pharmacological and therapeutic effects of B. vulgaris and its isoquinoline alkaloids (particularly berberine). Studies carried out on the chemical composition of the plant show that the most important constituents of this plant are isoquinoline alkaloids such as berberine, berbamine and palmatine. Berberine represents one of the most studied among the naturally occurring protoberberine alkaloids. In addition to B. vulgaris (barberry), berberine is present in many other plants and is used for the treatment of different diseases. This article reviews the traditional uses and pharmacological effects of total extract and the most active ingredient of B. vulgaris (berberine). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Soymida febrifuga leaf extractsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 7 2008Boreddy Srinivas Reddy Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of hexane (LH), methanol (LM) and aqueous (LA) extracts of Soymida febrifuga (Maliaceae) leaves, which is a traditional folk medicine in India. No pharmacological evaluation of this plant (except antiplasmodial activity) has been reported to date. Antioxidant activity of different extracts was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging activity, taking total phenolic content (TPC) as an index. Antimicrobial activity was tested against six bacterial and five fungal strains using the agar hole diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC) were determined for all the test organisms against the extracts. The results showed that the methanol and aqueous extracts of leaf had a higher antioxidant activity and total phenolic content than the hexane extract. The antioxidant activity and TPC of the extracts were highly correlated. Extracts also showed several degrees of antimicrobial activity against different microbes. The methanol extract was more potent against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida tropicana. The lowest MIC values obtained for LM, LA and LH were 78, 156, 625 µg/mL against A. fumigatus, C. tropicana and C. albicans, respectively. Hence, this study confirms that Soymida febrifuga leaves possess potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities of Sideritis perfoliata subsp. perfoliata (Lamiaceae)PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008Maria-Thiresia Charami Abstract Sideritis perfoliata L. subsp. perfoliata is a plant widely used in folk medicine in Greece since antiquity because of its antiinflammatory, antirheumatic, antiulcer, digestive and vasoprotective properties. Phytochemical investigations of the polar extracts afforded four flavonoid glycosides, four phenylpropanoic glycosides, caffeic acid and one iridoid, ajugoside. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in the aetiology of several inflammatory processes. In the present study polar fractions and isolated compounds from S. perfoliata subsp. perfoliata were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using DPPH spectrophotometric and TBA lipid peroxidation assays, as well as for their antiinflammatory activity using the soybean lipoxygenase bioassay. All extracts and isolated compounds showed significant antioxidant and inhibitory activity against soybean lipoxygenase. These findings give support to the ethnopharmacological use of the plant in the treatment of several inflammatory ailments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of Cyclamen repandum S. et S.PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 7 2007E. Speroni Abstract According to folk medicine some species belonging to the genus Cyclamen were used for their biological activities. Early investigation of the different species of the genus resulted in the isolation of triterpenic saponins. No phytochemical and biological data are available on C. repandum. As part of a series of phytochemical investigations for bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, Cyclamen repandum S. et S. was investigated. The present study sought to find the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of C. repandum tubers in rats and mice. A preliminary screening was conducted with three different extracts in the tests used, particularly the paw edema and the writhing tests. Subsequently some saponins isolated from the ME extract, the more effective one, have been identified. This paper also describes the results of fractionation and bioassay guided chemical studies. Chemical investigation of the active extract afforded the isolation and characterization of six triterpenic saponins. The possible antiinflammatory and analgesic properties were investigated as the saponin content of the fractions allows to speculate on such aspect. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Phytochemical, pharmacological and ethnobotanical studies in mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.; Zingiberaceae)PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2007Shakeel Ahmad Jatoi Abstract Curcuma amada Roxb. is an important species known as mango ginger due to its characteristic raw-mango aroma. It has a long history of traditional uses ranging from folk medicine to several culinary preparations. The phytochemical, pharmacological and ethnobotanical studies of C. amada are reviewed. The rhizome is rich in essential oils, and more than 130 chemical constituents with biomedical significance have been isolated from it. Its antibacterial, insecticidal, antifungal and antioxidant properties have been investigated. The conservation of indigenous knowledge by proper documentation is suggested. The chemotaxonomy, allelopathy and genetic diversity of C. amada have not yet been explored, and many such studies are possible. This review was compiled to provide consolidated information covering different aspects of the plant, to provide a basis on which to plan future studies and to promote sustainable use of C. amada. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of spray dried powders of two South Brazilian Passiflora speciesPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2006Flávio H. Reginatto Abstract The Passiflora extracts have been used in folk medicine because of its reputed sedative and anxiolytic properties. The present study aimed to compare the potential anxiolytic activity of two Passiflora spray-dried powders obtained from P. alata and P. edulis, known in Brazil as ,maracujá'. Male adult Swiss rats were treated with 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of spray-dried powders p.o. and anxiolytic activity was evaluated using the elevated plus-maze test. The spray-dried powders showed anxiolytic activity in doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg. Our results support the potential anxiolytic effect of Passiflora spray-dried powders (P. alata and P. edulis). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||