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Traditional Use (traditional + use)
Selected AbstractsEdible insects: Traditional knowledge or western phobia?ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2009Alan L. YEN Abstract With an increasing human population and environmental degradation, the world faces a major problem in providing adequate animal based proteins. Many traditional societies have used or still use insects as a protein source, while westernized societies are reluctant to use insects, despite being the major consumers of animal proteins. We now need to consider insects as a source of food for humans in a manner that acknowledges both the role of entomophagy in indigenous societies and the need for westernized societies to reduce the size of their environmental footprint with regard to food production. The situation on continents such as Africa, Asia, and Central and South America has some parallels to Australia in that there are two forces in operation: the sustainable traditional use of edible insects and the "westernization" of these societies leading to a movement away from entomophagy. However, the potential to reach a compromise is greater in these continents because entomophagy is already accepted. The major challenges will be establishing sustainable production systems that include food safety and security as well as environmental protection. Whether this will happen or not will depend upon: (i) a major change in attitude in westernized societies towards entomophagy; (ii) pressure to conserve remaining habitats in a sustainable manner; (iii) economic impetus to develop food production systems that include insects; and (iv) an acknowledgement that achieving adequate nutrition on a global basis will involve different diets in much of the developed world. [source] REDUCTIONS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI, COLIFORMS, AEROBIC PLATE COUNTS AND CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI BY A SMALL-SCALE, HIGH-PRESSURE SYSTEM DEVISED TO CLEAN A MINIATURIZED POULTRY GIBLETS TRANSPORT SYSTEMJOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 4 2009OMAR A. OYARZABAL ABSTRACT The efficacy of using direct high-pressure hot water (60C, 140F) and a quaternary ammonium compound to clean the inside of stainless steel pipe used to transport chicken giblets was evaluated. The giblets were collected from a commercial processing plant and were inoculated with Campylobacter jejuni. The cleaning system was effective in reducing the numbers of inoculated C. jejuni and naturally occurring mesotrophic bacteria (aerobic plate counts) on the inside surface of the stainless steel pipe used to transport the giblets. However, the decreases in naturally occurring Escherichia coli and coliforms were not significant. These results suggest that additional improvements are needed to better disinfect the piping system used to transport giblets to reduce the potential for cross-contamination with C. jejuni and E. coli. The devised cleaning system could be optimized to reduce the use of chemical agents, the cleaning time and the cost of cleaning pipes in poultry processing facilities. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS These experiments suggest that the traditional use of hot water and quaternary ammonium compounds to clean the inside of the piping system used to transport chicken giblets may not be sufficient to reduce the contamination with Campylobacter jejuni and mesotrophic bacteria (aerobic plate count). Poultry processors should be aware of the limitations of cleaning closed piping systems and develop and test high-pressure systems to thoroughly clean the pipes used to transport giblets after processing to avoid potential sources of cross-contamination with C. jejuni and mesotrophic bacteria. [source] Antidiabetic activity of Croton klozchianus in rats and direct stimulation of insulin secretion in-vitroJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2008R. Govindarajan Croton klozchianus is a relatively uninvestigated species with no pharmacological or phytochemical reports available, although it has been used clinically by Ayurvedic physicians to treat diabetes. We have investigated this use by studying the insulin secretion and antidiabetic activity of C. klozchianus. Treatment of diabetic rats with aerial parts of C. klozchianus extract (CK, 100 and 300 mg kg,1 body weight) for three weeks showed significant reduction in blood glucose (45.8% after 14 days for 300 mg kg,1). C. klozchianus extract caused a significant concentration-dependent increase in insulin secretion (8-fold at 2 mg mL,1 for cells challenged with 20 mm glucose) from MIN6 cells grown as monolayers and as pseudoislets, indicating that the antidiabetic activity may have been as a result of increased insulin secretion. It also had a role on the lipid profile of the rats by causing reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing high density lipoprotein significantly. The results obtained gave some scientific support to the traditional use of the plant as a treatment for diabetes. [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] Bronchodilatory effects of the aqueous extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum and gypenosides III and VIII in anaesthetized guinea-pigsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 8 2005Clara Circosta The bronchodilatory activity of the aqueous extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino leaves was investigated in anaesthetized guinea-pigs and compared with two of its isolated gypenosides (III and VIII). The results showed that the intravenous administration of the decoction of G. pentaphyllum (2.5, 5 or 10 mg kg,1) decreased bronchial resistance in basal conditions and significantly (P<0.01) reduced (68% inhibition) the bronchoconstrictor action of histamine. Furthermore, the extract antagonized (80% inhibition) the bronchoconstrictor response induced by the antigen in sensitized guinea-pigs. Gypenosides III (0.7 mg kg,1, i.v.) and VIII (0.3 mg kg,1, i.v.) caused a similar protective effect in both experimental models used; however, the duration and the intensity of the action was less than that of the extract containing corresponding quantities of gypenosides III and VIII. This study confirmed the validity of the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory disorders. [source] Hypoglycaemic effect of Calamintha officinalis Moench. in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic ratsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2004A. Lemhadri The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a water extract from the aerial parts of Calamintha officinalis Moench., after either a single dose or daily oral administration for 15 days, on plasma blood glucose concentrations and basal insulin levels in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ diabetic rats). The results clearly demonstrated the hypoglycaemic effect of this plant extract in both normal and STZ diabetic rats. In addition, no changes were observed in basal plasma insulin concentrations after treatment with this plant in normal or STZ diabetic rats, indicating that the underlying mechanism of the plant's pharmacological action seems to be independent of insulin secretion. We conclude that the aqueous C. officinalis extract exhibits a significant hypoglycaemic effect in normal and STZ diabetic rats without affecting basal plasma insulin concentrations, and supports, therefore, its traditional use by the Moroccan population. [source] Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of traditional Thai herbal remedies for aphthous ulcersPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2010Chantana Mekseepralard Abstract Four medicinal plants (Quercus infectoria, Kaempferia galanga, Coptis chinensis and Glycyrrhiza uralensis) as well as one traditional Thai treatment for aphthous ulcers based on these four plants were tested for antimicrobial activity. MIC values for a range of bacteria and Candida albicans were determined, with both type strains and clinical isolates being used. Antioxidant activity was determined using the ABTS radical scavenging assay. Among the four plants, Q. infectoria showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with an MIC of 0.41,mg/mL, while C. chinensis showed antifungal activity against C. albicans with an MIC of 6.25,mg/mL. Activity was also shown against a range of other organisms including Salmonella typhi, Serratia marcescens, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis. The antimicrobial activity of the traditional aphthous ulcer preparation (a powder) was comparable to that for the individual plant extracts, however, incorporation of the powder into a gel formulation resulted in the loss of almost all activity. All extracts, with the exception of K. galanga, also showed good antioxidant activity. This study supports the traditional use of these plants and suggests that they may also be useful in the treatment of other infections. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Studies on spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities of Calendula officinalis flowersPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2006Samra Bashir Abstract The aqueous-ethanol extract of Calendula officinalis flowers (Co.Cr) was studied for its possible spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects in isolated gut preparations. In rabbit jejunum, Co.Cr caused a dose-dependent (0.03,3.0 mg/mL) relaxation of spontaneous and K+-induced contractions, suggestive of calcium channel blockade (CCB). In a few preparations, a mild non-reproducible spasmogenic effect was observed at lower doses, followed by relaxation. The CCB effect was confirmed when pretreatment of the jejunum preparations with Co.Cr produced a dose-dependent rightward shift in the Ca++ dose-response curves, similar to that of verapamil. Activity-directed fractionation revealed that the spasmolytic activity of the plant was concentrated in its organic fractions. The aqueous fraction exhibited a marked atropine sensitive spasmogenic effect but was found to be devoid of any spasmolytic effect. These data indicate that the crude extract of Calendula officinalis flowers contains both spasmolytic and spasmogenic constituents, exhibiting these effects through calcium channel blocking and cholinergic activities and this study provides a scientific base for its traditional use in abdominal cramps and constipation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous,methanol extract of Artemisia vulgarisPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2005Anwarul Hassan Gilani Abstract The effect of a crude extract of the aerial parts of Artemisia vulgaris (Av.Cr) was investigated against D -galactosamine (D -GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced hepatitis in mice. Co-administration of D -GalN (700 mg[sol ]kg) and LPS (1 µg[sol ]kg) significantly (p < 0.05) raised the plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in mice in the toxin group compared with the values in the control group. Pre-treatment of mice with different doses of Av.Cr (150,600 mg[sol ]kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the toxin-induced rise in plasma ALT and AST. The hepatoprotective effect was further verified by histopathology of the liver, which showed improved architecture, absence of parenchyma congestion, decreased cellular swelling and apoptotic cells, compared with the findings in the toxin group of animals. These findings scientifically validated the traditional use of Artemisia vulgaris for various liver disorders. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Further studies on the clinical ef,cacy of Solanum xanthocarpum and Solanum trilobatum in bronchial asthmaPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2004S. Govindan Abstract The clinical ef,cacy of two herbs S. xanthocarpum and S. trilobatum in a dose of 300 mg tds for 3 days was investigated in mild to moderate bronchial asthma. Their effect was compared with standard bronchodilator drugs, salbutamol (4 mg) and deriphylline (200 mg). The respiratory function was assessed by measuring the peak expiratory ,ow rate (PEFR) using a mini peak ,ow meter. In addition, improvement in lung function was assessed by physical examination (rhonchi and crepitation) and other symptoms such as cough, breathlessness and sputum. S. xanthocarpum and S. trilobatum produced a progressive improvement in the ventilatory function of asthmatic individuals over 3 days. The scores for rhonchi, cough, breathlessness and sputum were decreased by these drug treatments. The improvement in PEFR and the reduction in other symptom scores clearly indicate a bronchodilator effect, a decrease of oedema and secretions in the airway lumen. The response to these herbs can be considered to be equivalent to that of deriphylline but less than salbutamol. No untoward effects were reported during the study. The present study further con,rms the traditional use of these herbs in bronchial asthma. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Phytochemistry and preliminary biological evaluation of Cyathostemma argenteum, a malaysian plant used traditionally for the treatment of breast cancerPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 7 2004i Khamis Abstract Bioassay guided fractionation of the roots of Cyathostemma argenteum using the brine shrimp resulted in the isolation of two uncommon ,avanones, 2,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy,avanone 1 and 2,5-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy,avanone 2 while the stem bark yielded the related compounds 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy,avone 3 and 5-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy,avone 4. The alkaloids liriodenine 5 and discretamine 6 as well as benzyl benzoate 7 were isolated from the roots and 6 was also isolated from the stembark. In cytotoxicity tests using four human breast cancer cell lines, 1 and 2 were weakly toxic to MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 19.6 and 19.0 µm, respectively) but showed little activity against MCF-7 cells resistant to doxorubicin or against two oestrogen receptor-de,cient cell lines. Compound 5, but not 6 and 7, was moderately cytotoxic against all four cell lines. These results are discussed in the context of the traditional use of C. argenteum in the treatment of breast cancer. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Antispasmodic activity of extracts and compounds of Acalypha phleoides Cav.,PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2004Adela Astudillo Abstract The aerial parts of Acalypha phleoides are usually prescribed in the Mexican traditional medicine for a variety of gastrointestinal complaints. The MeOH,CHCl3 (1:1) extract of the aerial part of A. phleoides showed an inhibitory effect on the gastrointestinal propulsion of a charcoal meal in mice. In isolated guinea-pig ileum, this extract produced a concentration dependent inhibition of the contractions induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine, but it was unable to inhibit the contractions elicited by acetylcholine, histamine, KCl and BaCl2. This extract produced also a concentration dependent inhibition of the spontaneous pendular movement of the isolated rabbit jejunum. This inhibitory activity was partially blocked by propranolol. The essential oil, obtained from the aerial part of this plant, was more potent than the MeOH,CHCl3 (1:1) extract in inhibiting the spontan-eous pendular movement of the rabbit jejunum. Thymol, camphor and , -terpinene were identi,ed from the essential oil by GC-MS. These monoterpenes showed antispasmodic activity in the rabbit jejunum preparation, thymol was the most active compound, followed by camphor and , -terpinene. Thymol and camphor in high concentrations also showed tracheal relaxant properties, but , -terpinene did not. These in vivo and in vitro results tend to support the traditional use of A. phleoides as an antispasmodic agent. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Pharmacological effects of extracts from Valeriana adscendens Trel.PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2003Abstract Methanolic and aqueous extracts from Valeriana adscendens (Valerianaceae), that previously demonstrated neuroleptic-like properties, were studied for their effects on GABA uptake and amino acid neurotransmitter levels. The methanolic estract showed a significant effect in inhibiting GABA uptake and in decreasing the intracellular content of amino acid neurotransmitters in crude synaptosomes of rat. The data obtained could explain the neuroleptic activity of methanolic extract of the plant and confirm its traditional use. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Antibacterial activity of Harungana madagascariensis leaf extractsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2002A. S. Okoli Abstract Aqueous extracts of the leaf of Harungana madagascariensis were analysed phytochemically and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against strains of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Glycosides, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids were detected in the plant material. B. subtilis, E. coli and S. typhi, but not Ps. aeruginosa, showed susceptibility at MICs of 2.0 and 15.6,mg/mL; and MBCs of 2.0,3.9,mg/mL and 15.6,31.3,mg/mL, respectively, for the cold and hot extracts. Staph. aureus showed susceptibility only to the hot extract. Concentrations of 2.5,10.0,mg/mL of the cold extract killed over 7 log10 of the test bacterial population within 30,60,min of exposure. The hot extract needed higher concentrations and longer treatment to achieve similar levels of bacterial cell killing. The results provide a rationalization for the traditional use of H. madagascariensis leaf extracts for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A preliminary evaluation of the sustainability of cassowary (Aves: Casuariidae) capture and trade in Papua New GuineaANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 2 2004Arlyne Johnson Wildlife capture and trade for traditional use in Papua New Guinea has led to the extirpation of cassowary in some areas and increasing pressure for trade from areas where they remain. We tested a village-based monitoring programme to evaluate sustainability of wildlife capture and trade by households in the Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area. We monitored the type and number of wildlife species captured and traded. For the most heavily traded species, dwarf cassowary, we compared estimated annual offtake of live cassowary to maximum sustainable offtake and also compared change in hunter effort over time. We found that live offtake rates of 0.06,0.07/km2 were unsustainable in one village catchment and on the threshold of unsustainable use in another. Extirpation of cassowary will probably occur in the management area unless the location or quantity of the harvest can be restricted and the husbandry of captive birds improved. Results indicate that village monitoring of cassowary offtake is feasible when done in collaboration with outside, trained observers. Such monitoring should be encouraged as a means for landowners and management agencies to collectively evaluate the sustainability of the cassowary harvest in Papua New Guinea. This study provides an example of how scientists working with local communities in tropical forests can contribute to systematic monitoring and evaluation of wildlife offtake for sustainable use. [source] Expression of a plant-derived peptide harboring water-cleaning and antimicrobial activitiesBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 1 2003M. Suarez Abstract Drinking water is currently a scarce world resource, the preparation of which requires complex treatments that include clarification of suspended particles and disinfection. Seed extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam., a tropical tree, have been proposed as an environment-friendly alternative, due to their traditional use for the clarification of drinking water. However, the precise nature of the active components of the extract and whether they may be produced in recombinant form are unknown. Here we show that recombinant or synthetic forms of a cationic seed polypeptide mediate efficient sedimentation of suspended mineral particles and bacteria. Unexpectedly, the polypeptide was also found to possesses a bactericidal activity capable of disinfecting heavily contaminated water. Furthermore, the polypeptide has been shown to efficiently kill several pathogenic bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant isolates of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Legionella species. Thus, this polypeptide displays the unprecedented feature of combining water purification and disinfectant properties. Identification of an active principle derived from the seed extracts points to a range of potential for drinking water treatment or skin and mucosal disinfection in clinical settings. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 81: 13,20, 2003. [source] Rational Design of Solid Catalysts for the Selective Use of Glycerol as a Natural Organic Building BlockCHEMSUSCHEM CHEMISTRY AND SUSTAINABILITY, ENERGY & MATERIALS, Issue 7 2008François Jérôme Dr. Abstract Glycerol is the main co-product of the vegetable oils industry (especially biodiesel). With the rapid development of oleochemistry, the production of glycerol is rapidly increasing and chemists are trying to find new applications of glycerol to encourage a better industrial development of vegetable oils. In this Review, attention is focused on the selective use of glycerol as a safe organic building block for organic chemistry. An overview is given of the different heterogeneous catalytic routes developed by chemists for the successful and environmentally friendly use of glycerol in sustainable organic chemistry. In particular, the effects of different catalyst structural parameters are discussed to clearly highlight how catalysis can help organic chemists to overcome the drawbacks stemming from the use of glycerol as a safe organic building block. It is shown that heterogeneous catalysis offers efficient routes for bypassing the traditional use of highly toxic and expensive epichlorohydrin, 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol, or glycidol, which are usually used as a glyceryl donor in organic chemistry. [source] Cosmeceuticals Containing Herbs: Fact, Fiction, and FutureDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2005Carl Thornfeldt MD Background. Modern medicine is rooted in ethnobotanical traditions using indigenous flora to treat symptoms of human diseases or to improve specific aspects of the body condition. Herbal medicine is now used by over half of the American population. Yet the American medical community generally lacks knowledge of the function, metabolism, interaction, adverse reactions, and preparation of herbal products. Objective. Because over 60 botanicals are marketed in cosmeceutical formulations, dermatologists need to obtain working knowledge of the major botanicals. The preparation, traditional uses, mechanisms of action, human clinical data, adverse reactions, and interactions all impact herbal efficacy and are discussed below. Method. English-language medical journal and symposium searches. Results. The most important botanicals pertaining to dermatologic uses, such as cosmeceuticals, include teas, soy, pomegranate, date, grape seed, Pycnogenol, horse chestnut, German chamomile, curcumin, comfrey, allantoin, and aloe. All are documented to treat dermatologic conditions. Only green and black tea, soy, pomegranate, and date have published clinical trials for the treatment of parameters of extrinsic aging. Conclusions. Preparation of botanical-based cosmeceuticals is complex. Very few of these products are supported by evidence-based science. CARL THORNFELDT, MD, FAAD, HAS INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS. [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] The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), phytochemical and therapeutic profileJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2009Dr Pulok K. Mukherjee Abstract ObjectivesNelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae), also known as sacred lotus, is a well known medicinal plant. This article reviews the traditional uses, phytochemistry and therapeutic reports on different parts of N. nucifera viz. the seeds, rhizomes, leaves and flowers. This review also describes various compounds isolated from different parts of this plant and the therapeutic benefits derived from those phytoconstituents. Key findings There are several therapeutic benefits of this plant for which different parts are used. The extracts of rhizomes, seeds, flowers and leaves have been reported to have varied therapeutic potential. Several bioactive compounds have been derived from these plant parts belonging to different chemical groups, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoid, vitamins etc., which all have their own therapeutic impact. Thus, the pharmacological effects and various active ingredients of different parts of N. nucifera are well understood. Summary In this review we explore the current pharmaceutical, phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge about this well known plant species as well as several emerging aspects for research on N. nucifera. [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] 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] In vitro anti- Helicobacter pylori potential of methanol extract of Allium ascalonicum Linn. (Liliaceae) leaf: susceptibility and effect on urease activityPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2004Bolanle A. Adeniyi Abstract The crude methanol extract of the leaf of Allium ascalonicum was screened in vitro against ,ve strains of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) (ATCC 24376, UCH 97001, UCH 97009, UCH 98026 and UCH 99039) for antibacterial activity by the agar diffusion method in Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with de,brinated horse blood. All the strains were inhibited by the extract to varying degrees. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extract against all the tested strains ranged from 6.25 to 12.5 mg/mL. The effects of increasing concentrations of the extract on the urease activity of three of the Helicobacter pylori strains were investigated further. The results showed that increasing the concentration of the extract decreased the urease activity of all the strains tested. Phytochemical screening of the plant showed that it contains alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and saponins. The anti-Hp activity observed is discussed in relation to the chemical constituents reportedly isolated from these plants and their traditional uses. The result of this work suggests that Allium ascalonicum has some therapeutic potential against Helicobacter pylori infection, which could be explored for patients with gastroduodenal disorders. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of the Aqueous Extract of Acacia karroo Stem Bark in Experimental AnimalsBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Adeolu A. Adedapo The extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced significantly the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract showed a good analgesic effect characterized by a significant reduction in the number of writhes with two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) used when compared to the untreated control group. In the tail immersion test, the extract at the doses used (100 and 200 mg/kg) increased reaction time to pain after 30 min. of oral administration of the extract. Indomethacin at 10 mg/kg served as reference drug in all these tests. The results gave a scientific basis to the traditional uses of Acacia karroo mainly for wound poultices, eye treatments and cold remedies. [source] | ||||||||||||||||