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| | 1. |
2009 Aug 3 |
Screening of Tanzanian Medicinal Plants against Plasmodium falciparum and Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Maregesi S, Van Miert S, Pannecouque C, Feiz Haddad MH, Hermans N, Wright CW, Vlietinck AJ, Apers S, Pieters L
Planta Med. 2009 Aug 3; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Medicinal plants used to treat infectious diseases in Bunda district, Tanzania, were screened for activity against PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1, III (B) strain) and Type 2 (HIV-2, ROD strain). Antiplasmodial activity was observed for the 80 % MeOH extract of ORMOCARPUM KIRKII (root; MIC = 31.25 microg/mL), COMBRETUM ADENOGONIUM (leaves), EUPHORBIA TIRUCALLI (root), HARRISONIA ABYSSINICA (root), RHYNCHOSIA SUBLOBATA (root), SESBANIA SESBAN (root), TITHONIA DIVERSIFOLIA (leaves), and VERNONIA CINERASCENS (leaves; MIC value of 62.5 microg/mL). With regard to HIV, 80 % MeOH extracts of BARLERIA ERANTHEMOIDES (root) , COMBRETUM ADENOGONIUM (leaves and stem bark), ELAEODEDRON SCHLECHTERANUM (stem bark and root bark) , LANNEA SCHWEINFURTHII (stem bark) , TERMINALIA MOLLIS (stem bark and root bark) , ACACIA TORTILIS (stem bark), FICUS CYCAMORUS (stem bark) and INDIGOFERA COLUTEA (shoot), as well as H (2)O extracts from BARLERIA ERANTHEMOIDES (root) , COMBRETUM ADENOGONIUM (leaves and stem bark), and TERMINALIA MOLLIS (stem bark and root bark) exhibited IC (50) values below 10 microg/mL against HIV-1 (III (B) strain). The highest anti-HIV-1 activity value was obtained for the B. ERANTHEMOIDES 80 % MeOH root extract (IC (50) value 2.1 microg/mL). Only a few extracts were active against HIV-2, such as the 80 % MeOH extract from LANNEA SCHWEINFURTHII (stem bark) and ELAEODEDRON SCHLECHTERANUM (root bark), showing IC (50) values < 10 microg/mL.
[Pubmed: 19653145]
| | 2. |
2009 Sep 15 |
Traditional antimalarial phytotherapy remedies in herbal markets in southern Ghana.
Asase A, Oppong-Mensah G
J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Sep 15; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Although traditional antimalarial plant remedies in herbal markets are a very important component of the health care system in Ghana this has not been previously studied to allow for the formulation of effective strategy for malaria control in Ghana. AIM OF STUDY: The main objective of the present study was to collect and analyse data on the antimalarial plant remedies in herbal markets in southern Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Herborists were interviewed using a validated questionnaire and species of plants were identified using a combination of field photo guides, local names and voucher specimens. RESULTS: A total of 71 herborists (95.8% female) were interviewed. There were potential correlations between different parameters and variables such as ethnic groups, type of vendor and age-groups. The study revealed 29 species of plants belonging to 22 families being sold for the treatment of malaria. The detailed use of these plants is documented. The most frequently mentioned species of plants were Morinda lucida Benth., Indigofera sp. and Nauclea latifolia Sm. The majority (82.8%) of the plant materials were sold in the dried state and 6.9% were sold in fresh state. About 76.2% of the herbal remedies were sold throughout the year while 23.8% were scarce in the dry season. The cost of treatment of malaria using the herbal remedies ranged from 1 to 2 United States Dollars (USD). CONCLUSION: Standardization of names and authentication of plant materials using organoleptic, phytochemical and DNA barcoding techniques as well as further research on efficacy, safety and dosage prescriptions for both fresh and dried plant materials being sold for the treatment of malaria in southern Ghana are needed.
[Pubmed: 19761827]
| | 3. |
2009 Oct 27 |
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid from Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) Mitigates 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate-induced Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Responses of Tumor Promotion Cascade in Mouse Skin.
Rahman S, Ansari RA, Rehman H, Parvez S, Raisuddin S
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Oct 27; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a phenolic antioxidant found in the leaves and twigs of the evergreen desert shrub, Larrea tridentata (Sesse and Moc. ex DC) Coville (creosote bush). It has a long history of traditional medicinal use by the Native Americans and Mexicans. The modulatory effects of topically applied NDGA was studied on acute inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in mouse skin induced by stage I tumor promoting agent, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Double TPA treatment adversely altered many of the marker responses of stage I skin tumor promotion cascade. Pretreatment of NDGA in TPA-treated mice mitigated cutaneous lipid peroxidation and inhibited production of hydrogen peroxide. NDGA treatment also restored reduced glutathione level and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Elevated activities of myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase and skin edema formation in TPA-treated mice were also lowered by NDGA indicating a restrained inflammatory response. Furthermore, results of histological study demonstrated inhibitory effect of NDGA on cellular inflammatory responses. This study provides a direct evidence of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of NDGA against TPA-induced cutaneous inflammation and oxidative stress corroborating its chemopreventive potential against skin cancer.
[Pubmed: 19861506]
| | 4. |
2009 Aug 20 |
Mutagenic Activity of Indigofera truxillensis and I. suffruticosa Aerial Parts.
Calvo TR, Cardoso CR, da Silva Moura AC, Dos Santos LC, Colus IM, Vilegas W, Varanda EA
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Aug 20; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Indigofera truxillensis and I. suffruticosa, are used as a source of indigo dye and to treat several diseases. The mutagenic activity of the methanolic extracts from aerial parts, glycerolipid, flavonoid and alkaloid fractions of the extract were evaluated by means of Salmonella/microsome assays using TA100, TA98, TA102 and TA97a strains. The methanolic extract of I. truxillensis showed mutagenic activity in the TA98 strain without S9 while glycerolipid fraction was devoid of activity. The flavonoid and alkaloid fractions of both plants showed mutagenicity. Chemical analysis of flavonoid fractions of I. truxillensis and I. suffruticosa resulted in the identification of kaempferol, quercetin and their derivatives. The alkaloid fraction of both the species contained indigo and indirubin and indigo was found mainly responsible for the mutagenic activity.
[Pubmed: 19696193]
| | 5. |
2009 Nov 27 |
Vogesella mureinivorans sp. nov., a peptidoglycan-degrading bacterium from lake water.
Jørgensen NO, Brandt KK, Nybroe O, Hansen M
Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 2009 Nov 27; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
A novel, non-pigmented, rod-shaped, Gram-negative strain was isolated from mesotrophic lake water in Zealand, Denmark. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the bacterium, designated strain 389T, indicated that the strain belonged to the Vogesella genus and formed a monophyletic group with V. perlucida DS-28T (99.1 % nucleotide similarity); it was less related to V. indigofera ATCC 19706T (96.9 % similarity) and V. lacus (96.8 % similarity). Hybridization of DNA from strain 389T and V. perlucida demonstrated a reassociation of 50.6 +/- 9.6%. The DNA G+C content of strain 389T was 61.2 mol%. Fatty acid profile of the strain differed from the other Vogesella strains by a high content of C16:1omega7c + C15:0 iso 2OH (71.6%) and a lower content of C16:0. Strain 389T was capable of degrading peptidoglycan and had chitinase and lysozyme activities, possibly associated with the degradation of peptidoglycan, and had capacity for degradation of several other polymer compounds. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain 389T represents a new species for which we propose the name Vogesella mureinivorans sp. nov.. The type strain is 389T (= DSM 21247T = LMG 25302T).
[Pubmed: 19946047]
| | 6. |
2008 Dec 17 |
Byrsonima fagifolia Niedenzu Apolar Compounds with Antitubercular Activity.
Higuchi CT, Sannomiya M, Pavan FR, Leite SR, Sato DN, Franzblau SG, Sacramento LV, Vilegas W, Leite CQ
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2008 Dec 17; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Bioassay-guided fractionation of the chloroform extract of Byrsonima fagifolia leaves led to the isolation of active antitubercular compounds alkane dotriacontane (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration-MIC, 62.5 mug ml(-1)), triterpenoids as bassic acid (MIC = 2.5 mug ml(-1)), alpha-amyrin acetate (MIC = 62.5 mug ml(-1)), a mixture of lupeol, alpha- and beta-amyrin (MIC = 31.5 mug ml(-1)) and a mixture of lupeol, and acetates of alpha- and beta-amyrin (MIC = 31.5 mug ml(-1)). The antimycobacterial activity was determined by the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA) and the structures of promising compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis. This investigation constitutes the first report of a chemical and antitubercular study of apolar compounds from B. fagifolia Niedenzu (IK).
[Pubmed: 19091782]
| | 7. |
2010 Aug |
Antimycobacterial activity of Indigofera suffruticosa with activation potential of the innate immune system.
de A Carli CB, Quilles MB, Maia DC, Lopes FC, Santos R, Pavan FR, Fujimura Leite CQ, Calvo TR, Vilegas W, Carlos IZ
Pharm Biol. 2010 Aug;48(8):878-82.
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for over 8 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) annually. Natural products may play important roles in the chemotherapy of TB. The antimycobacterial activity and the innate immune response of methanol (METH) and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of Indigofera suffruticosa Miller (Fabaceae) were evaluated. We observed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for METH and DCM extracts were 125 and 1000 microg/mL, respectively. However, they were able to induce the innate immune response through the production of high levels of NO and TNF-alpha (p < 0.001) by peritoneal exudate cells (PECs). These results suggest that I. suffruticosa extracts may have an important immunological role in the control of TB once macrophage activity is induced by them.
[Pubmed: 20673174]
| | 8. |
2010 Dec 3 |
Rhizobium vallis sp. nov., isolated from nodules of three leguminous species grown in Yunnan province of China.
Wang F, Wang E, Wu LJ, Sui XH, Li Y, Chen WX
Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 2010 Dec 3; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Four bacterial strains isolated from root nodules of Phaseolus vulgaris, Mimosa pudica and Indigofera spicata plants grown in Yunnan province of China were identified as a lineage within the genus Rhizobium according to the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence, most similar with R. lusitanum P1-7(T) (99.1% sequence similarity) and R. rhizogenes IAM13570(T) (99.0%). These strains also formed a distinctive group from the reference strains for defined Rhizobium species in a polyphasic approach, including the phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene and housekeeping genes (recA, atpD, glnII), DNA-DNA hybridization, BOX-PCR fingerprinting, phenotypic characterization, SDS-PAGE of whole cell proteins, and cellular fatty acid profiles. All the data obtained in this study suggested that these strains represented a novel species within Rhizobium, for which the name Rhizobium vallis sp. nov., is proposed. The DNA (G+C) mol% of this species varied between 60.9 and 61.2 (T(m)). The type strain of R. vallis is CCBAU 65647(T) (=LMG 25295(T) =HAMBI 3073(T)), that had DNA (G+C) mol% of 60.9 and could form effective nodules on Phaseolus vulgaris.
[Pubmed: 21131504]
| | 9. |
2010 Nov 13 |
Flavonol glycosides from the leaves of Indigofera zollingeriana.
Hisaeda A, Matsunami K, Otsuka H, Takeda Y
J Nat Med. 2010 Nov 13; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Two new flavonol glycosides were isolated from the 1-butanol (1-BuOH)-soluble fraction of a methanol (MeOH) extract of the leaves of Indigofera zollingeriana, along with four flavonol glycosides and three known megastigmane glucosides. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses as kaempferol 3-O-β-D: -(2″-O-β-D: -apiofuranosyl)glucopyranoside 7-O-α-L: -rhamnopyranoside and 3-O-β-D: -(2″-O-β-D: -apiofuranosyl, 6″-O-α-L: -rhamnopyranosyl)glucopyranoside 7-O-α-L: -rhamnopyranoside.
[Pubmed: 21076882]
| | 10. |
2010 Nov 11 |
Urease inhibitors from Indigofera gerardiana Wall.
Tariq SA, Ahmad MN, Obaidullah, Khan A, Choudhary MI, Ahmad W, Ahmad M
J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2010 Nov 11; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Three new phloroglucinol type compounds Indigoferin-A (1), Indigoferin-B (2) and Indigoferin-C (3), along with a known compound β-sitosterol were isolated from the Indegofera gerardiana Wall. The structures of Indigoferin-A (1), Indigoferin-B (2), and Indigoferin-C (3) were deduced on the basis of spectroscopic techniques (EI-MS, HREI-MS, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, HMQC, and HMBC). The urease inhibition studies on all the four compounds have also been carried out.
[Pubmed: 21067437]
| | 11. |
2010 Jul |
In vitro testing for genotoxicity of indigo naturalis assessed by micronucleus test.
Dominici L, Cerbone B, Villarini M, Fatigoni C, Moretti M
Nat Prod Commun. 2010 Jul;5(7):1039-42.
Abstract
In the field of cosmetic dyes, used for coloring the hair and skin, there is a clear tendency to replace the widely used synthetic dyes by natural colorants, such as henna and mixtures of henna with indigo. The aim of this study was to estimate the genotoxicity of water and DMSO solutions of indigo naturalis (prepared from Indigofera tinctoria leaves) using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay in the human metabolically active HepG2 cell line. The cytotoxic effects of indigo solutions were first assessed by propidium iodide and fluorescein-diacetate simultaneous staining. For both solutions, cytotoxicity was always under 10%. Data obtained in the CBMN assay (for all concentrations tested) indicated that the frequency of MN (micronuclei) in exposed cells was no higher than the control. Both the water and DMSO solutions showed the same behavior. These results indicate that indigo naturalis exhibits neither cytotoxicity, nor genotoxicity for all concentrations tested, which may justify excluding indigofera and its components from the list of carcinogenic agents.
[Pubmed: 20734936]
| | 12. |
2011 Jan 11 |
Inhibitory effects of Indigofera aspalathoides on 20-methylcholanthrene-induced chemical carcinogenesis in rats
Kumar, Karrunakaran, Rao, Balasubramanian
J Carcinog 2011 Jan 11;10. published online before print
Abstract
The anticancer and antioxidant effects of the aqueous extract of Indigofera aspalathoides on 20-methylcholanthrene (20-MCA) induced fibrosarcoma were investigated in male albino rats.
[Pubmed: 21297921]
| | 13. |
2011 May |
Extinction Risk and Diversification Are Linked in a Plant
Biodiversity Hotspot
Davies, Smith, Bellstedt, Boatwright, Bytebier, Cowling, Forest, Harmon, Muasya, Schrire, Steenkamp, van der Bank, Savolainen
PLoS Biol 2011 May;9(5).
Abstract
Plant extinction risks in the Cape, South Africa differ from those for
vertebrates worldwide, with young and fast-evolving plant lineages marching
towards extinction at the fastest rate, but independently of human effects.
[Pubmed: 21629678]
| | 14. |
2011 May 31 |
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Is a Fast and Reliable Platform for Identification and Ecological Studies of Species from Family Rhizobiaceae
Ferreira, Sánchez-Juanes, García-Fraile, Rivas, Mateos, Martínez-Molina, González-Buitrago, Velázquez
PLoS One 2011 May 31;6(5). published online before print
Abstract
Family Rhizobiaceae includes fast growing bacteria currently arranged into three genera, Rhizobium, Ensifer and Shinella, that contain pathogenic, symbiotic and saprophytic species. The identification of these species is not possible on the basis of physiological or biochemical traits and should be based on sequencing of several genes. Therefore alternative methods are necessary for rapid and reliable identification of members from family Rhizobiaceae. In this work we evaluated the suitability of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for this purpose. Firstly, we evaluated the capability of this methodology to differentiate among species of family Rhizobiaceae including those closely related and then we extended the database of MALDI Biotyper 2.0 including the type strains of 56 species from genera Rhizobium, Ensifer and Shinella. Secondly, we evaluated the identification potential of this methodology by using several strains isolated from different sources previously identified on the basis of their rrs, recA and atpD gene sequences. The 100% of these strains were correctly identified showing that MALDI-TOF MS is an excellent tool for identification of fast growing rhizobia applicable to large populations of isolates in ecological and taxonomic studies.
[Pubmed: 21655291]
| | 15. |
2011 |
Predictive Analyses of Biological Effects of Natural Products: From Plant Extracts to Biomolecular Laboratory and Computer Modeling
Gambari
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2011;2011.
Abstract
Year by year, the characterization of the biological activity of natural products is becoming more competitive and complex, with the involvement in this research area of experts belonging to different scientific fields, including chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and bioinformatics. These fields are becoming of great interest for several high-impact scientific journals, including eCAM. The available literature in general, and a survey of reviews and original articles recently published, establishes that natural products, including extracts from medicinal plants and essential oils, retain interesting therapeutic activities, including antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic and differentiating properties. In this commentary, we focus attention on interest in networks based on complementary activation and comparative evaluation of different experimental strategies applied to the discovery and characterization of bioactive natural products. A representative flow chart is shown in the paper.
[Pubmed: 19752166]
| | 16. |
2011 Jul 28 |
Oviposition and Embryotoxicity of Indigofera suffruticosa on Early Development of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).
Vieira JR, Leite RM, Lima IR, Navarro Ddo A, Bianco EM, Leite SP
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:741638. Epub 2011 Jul 28.
Abstract
Aqueous extract of Indigofera suffruticosa leaves obtained by infusion was used to evaluate the oviposition, its effect on development of eggs and larvae, and morphological changes in larvae of Aedes aegypti. The bioassays were carried out with aqueous extract in different concentrations on eggs, larvae, and female mosquitoes, and the morphological changes were observed in midgut of larvae. The extract showed repellent activity on A. aegypti mosquitoes, reducing significantly the egg laying by females with control substrate (343 (185-406)) compared with the treated substrate (88 (13-210)). No eclosion of A. aegypti eggs at different concentrations studied was observed. The controleclodedin 35%. At concentration of 250 μg/mL, 93.3% of larvae remained in the second instar of development and at concentrations of 500, 750, and 1000 μg/mL the inhibitory effect was lower with percentages of 20%, 53.3%, and 46.6%, respectively. Morphological changes like disruption on the peritrophic envelope (PE), discontinued underlying epithelium, increased gut lumen, and segments with hypertrophic aspects were observed in anterior region of medium midgut of larvae of A. aegypti. The results showed repellent activity, specific embryotoxicity, and general growth retardation in A. aegypti by medium containing aqueous extract of I. suffruticosa leaves.
[Pubmed: 21822443]
| | 17. |
2011 Aug 26 |
Symbiotic Effectiveness of Rhizobial Mutualists Varies in Interactions with Native Australian Legume Genera
Thrall, Laine, Broadhurst, Bagnall, Brockwell
PLoS One 2011 Aug 26;6(8). published online before print
Abstract
Interactions between plants and beneficial soil organisms (e.g. rhizobial bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi) are models for investigating the ecological impacts of such associations in plant communities, and the evolution and maintenance of variation in mutualisms (e.g. host specificity and the level of benefits provided). With relatively few exceptions, variation in symbiotic effectiveness across wild host species is largely unexplored.
[Pubmed: 21887270]
| | 18. |
2011 May 05 |
Acquisition of physical dormancy and ontogeny of the micropyle--water-gap complex in developing seeds of Geranium carolinianum (Geraniaceae).
Gama-Arachchige NS, Baskin JM, Geneve RL, Baskin CC
Ann. Bot. 2011 Jul;108(1):51-64. Epub 2011 May 05.
Abstract
The 'hinged valve gap' has been previously identified as the initial site of water entry (i.e. water gap) in physically dormant (PY) seeds of Geranium carolinianum (Geraniaceae). However, neither the ontogeny of the hinged valve gap nor acquisition of PY by seeds of Geraniaceae has been studied previously. The aims of the present study were to investigate the physiological events related to acquisition of PY and the ontogeny of the hinged valve gap and seed coat of G. carolinianum.
[Pubmed: 21546433]
| | 19. |
2011 May 11 |
Indigofera suffruticosa Mill as new source of healing agent: Involvement of prostaglandin and mucus and heat shock proteins.
Luiz-Ferreira A, Cola M, Barbastefano V, Farias-Silva E, Calvo TR, de Almeida AB, Pellizzon CH, Hiruma-Lima CA, Vilegas W, Souza-Brito AR
J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Sep 1;137(1):192-8. Epub 2011 May 11.
Abstract
Indigofera suffruticosa is specie typical of the "Cerrado" or Brazilian savannah; it is a member of the Fabaceae family - in folkmedicine is used for gastric disorders, infection and inflammation.
[Pubmed: 21600972]
| | 20. |
2011 Jun 22 |
In vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of Indigofera cassioides Rottl. Ex. DC.
Kumar RS, Rajkapoor B, Perumal P
Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2011 May;4(5):379-85. Epub 2011 Jun 22.
Abstract
To evaluate the antitumor, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of methanolic leaf extract of Indigofera cassioides (MEIC) against transplantable tumors and human cancer cell lines.
[Pubmed: 21771681]
| | 21. |
2011 Mar 23 |
Experimental poisoning of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) with Indigofera suffruticosa.
Salvador IS, Medeiros RM, Pessoa CR, Oliveira DM, Duarte AL, Fighera RA, Riet-Correa F
Toxicon. 2011 May;57(6):927-31. Epub 2011 Mar 23.
Abstract
Indigofera suffruticosa causes hemolytic anemia and hemoglobinuria in cattle. The plant was administered to six groups of two guinea pigs each, at the daily dose of 10 g/kg body weight, for periods of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 15 days. The guinea pigs progressively developed reduced hematocrits and hemoglobin concentrations, and finally presented anemia, without hemoglobinuria. Urine passed by guinea pigs that had ingested the plant for more than 24 h acquired a turquoise blue pigmentation 8-10 h after urination. It is suggested that the anemia is caused by the aniline contained in I. suffruticosa.
[Pubmed: 21396390]
| | 22. |
2011 |
Antitumor and cytotoxic activities of methanol extract of Indigofera linnaei Ali.
Kumar RS, Rajkapoor B, Perumal P
Asian Pac. J. Cancer Prev. 2011;12(3):613-8.
Abstract
Methanol extract of Indigofera linnaei (MEIL) was investigated for antitumor, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities against transplantable tumors and human cancer cell lines. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated in HeLa, Hep-2, HepG-2, MCF-7, HT-29, Vero and NIH 3T3 cells by MTT assay and in vivo antitumor activity with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and Dalton's ascites lymphoma (DLA) tumor-bearing mice. Activity was measured by monitoring the mean survival time, effect on hematological parameters, antioxidant enzyme levels and solid tumor volume. The extract exhibited strong in vitro cytotoxicity against all the tested cancer cell lines, but it was found to be safe with normal cells. MEIL at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg, significantly increase the mean survival time (P<0.001), exerted a protective effect on the hemopoietic system, demonstrated in vivo antioxidant activity and significantly reduce solid tumor volume (P<0.01). These results show a significant antitumor and cytotoxic effect of MEIL against EAC, DLA and human cancer cell lines and support the ethnomedical use of Indigofera linnaei.
[Pubmed: 21627353]
| | 23. |
2011 Jan 01 |
Immunostimulatory and cytotoxic activities of Indigofera suffruticosa (Fabaceae).
Lopes FC, Calvo TR, Colombo LL, Vilegas W, Carlos IZ
Nat Prod Res. 2011 Jan 1;:1-11. Epub 2011 Jan 01.
Abstract
One of the major disadvantages of the current cancer therapy is the suppression of the immune system. Brazilian flora is considered one of the most diverse in the world and many plants were found to contain active constituents that can be valuable sources of new drugs. The plant Indigofera suffruticosa was studied to determine its potential to stimulate the immune system and also to be effective against tumour cells. We investigated the effects of the alkaloidal fraction and the pure alkaloid indigo obtained from I. suffruticosa on macrophage activation by measuring nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production. Cytotoxic activity was also evaluated against the two tumour murine cells lines, LM2 (breast adenocarcinoma) and LP07 (lung adenocarcinoma). The alkaloidal fraction induced a high NO production and a moderated TNF-α release. The pure indigo demonstrated an elevated NO and TNF-α production. The fraction and the pure compound also exhibited cytotoxic activity against both adenocarcinoma cell lines and indigo showed the strongest cytotoxic activity with IC(50) value of 0.89 µg mL(-1) against LM2 and 1.44 µg mL(-1) against LP07. Our results presented the immunostimulatory and cytotoxic activity of I. suffruticosa, enhancing macrophage function and therefore contributing to the host defence against tumours.
[Pubmed: 21656418]
| | 24. |
2010 Oct |
[Chemical constituents of Indigofera pseudotinctoria].
Wen E, Liang H
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2010 Oct;35(20):2708-11.
Abstract
To study the chemical constituents in the roots of Indigofera pseudotinctoria.
[Pubmed: 21246824]
| | 25. |
2010 Oct |
[United Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken design to control formation of indirubin in process of preparing indigo naturalis].
Liu Z, Su Z, Yang M, Zou W
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2010 Oct;35(19):2551-5.
Abstract
To screen the factors that affect indirubin-generated significantly in the process of preparing indigo naturalis, optimize level combination and determine the optimum technology for indirubin-generated.
[Pubmed: 21174763]
| | 26. |
2010 |
Indigofera aspalathoides protection against 20-methylcholanthrene-induced experimental fibrosarcoma growth after transplantation in rats - role of xenobiotic drug metabolizing enzymes.
Kumar SS, Karrunakaran CM, Rao MR, Balasubramanian MP
Asian Pac. J. Cancer Prev. 2010;11(6):1833-8.
Abstract
A large number of active principles from traditional medicinal plants have been reported to have chemopreventive properties. In the present study, therapeutic efficacy of an aqueous extract of Indigofera aspalathoides against growth of transplanted experimental fibrosarcomas in Wistar strain male albino rats was tested. Tumors which appeared about six weeks after implantation were highly localized and were maintained by serial transplantation. Rats were divided into four groups. Group I served as normal control animals. Group II were fibrosarcoma bearing animals. Group III were animals with fibrosarcoma treated with Indigofera aspalathoides aqueous extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg. b. w. per day for 30 days. Group IV animals were treated with aqueous extract of Indigofera aspalathoides alone. Reduction in tumor weight was noted in Group III as compared to II. The levels of cytochrome C in liver and kidney, the levels of cytochrome P450 and cytochrome b5 in liver microsomes, phase I biotransformation enzymes NADPH-cytochrome P450, NADPH-cytochrome b5, and aniline hydroxylase, and the phase II enzymes glutathione-S-transferase and UDP glucuronyl transferase indicated that their modulation played a role in the therapeutic efficacy of Indigofera aspalathoides against experimental fibrosarcoma.
[Pubmed: 21338242]
| | 27. |
2011 Oct 1 |
Identification of Novel Anti-inflammatory Agents from Ayurvedic Medicine for Prevention of Chronic Diseases
Aggarwal, Prasad, Reuter, Kannappan, Yadev, Park, Kim, Gupta, Phromnoi, Sundaram, Prasad, Chaturvedi, Sung
Curr Drug Targets 2011 Oct 1;12(11):1595-1653.
Abstract
Inflammation, although first characterized by Cornelius Celsus, a physician in first Century Rome, it was Rudolf Virchow, a German physician in nineteenth century who suggested a link between inflammation and cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, pulmonary diseases, neurological diseases and other chronic diseases. Extensive research within last three decades has confirmed these observations and identified the molecular basis for most chronic diseases and for the associated inflammation. The transcription factor, Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-κB) that controls over 500 different gene products, has emerged as major mediator of inflammation. Thus agents that can inhibit NF-κB and diminish chronic inflammation have potential to prevent or delay the onset of the chronic diseases and further even treat them. In an attempt to identify novel anti-inflammatory agents which are safe and effective, in contrast to high throughput screen, we have turned to “reverse pharmacology” or “bed to benchside” approach. We found that Ayurveda, a science of long life, almost 6000 years old, can serve as a “goldmine” for novel anti-inflammatory agents used for centuries to treat chronic diseases. The current review is an attempt to provide description of various Ayurvedic plants currently used for treatment, their active chemical components, and the inflammatory pathways that they inhibit.
[Pubmed: 21561421]
| | 28. |
2011 Oct 19 |
Ethnomedicinal and ecological status of plants in Garhwal Himalaya, India.
Kumar M, Seikha MA, Bussmann RW
J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2011 Oct 19;7(1):32. Epub 2011 Oct 19.
Abstract
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The northern part of India harbours a great diversity of medicinal plants due to its distinct geography and ecological marginal conditions. The traditional medical systems of northern India are part of a time tested culture and honored still by people today. These traditional systems have been curing complex disease for more than 3,000 years. With rapidly growing demand for these medicinal plants, most of the plant populations have been depleted, indicating a lack of ecological knowledge among communities using the plants. Thus, an attempt was made in this study to focus on the ecological status of ethnomedicinal plants, to determine their availability in the growing sites, and to inform the communities about the sustainable exploitation of medicinal plants in the wild. METHODS: The ecological information regarding ethnomedicinal plants was collected in three different climatic regions (tropical, sub-tropical and temperate) for species composition in different forest layers. The ecological information was assessed using the quadrate sampling method. A total of 25 quadrats, 10 x 10 m were laid out at random in order to sample trees and shrubs, and 40 quadrats of 1 x 1 m for herbaceous plants. In each climatic region, three vegetation sites were selected for ecological information; the mean values of density, basal cover, and the importance value index from all sites of each region were used to interpret the final data. Ethnomedicinal uses were collected from informants of adjacent villages. About 10% of inhabitants (older, experienced men and women) were interviewed about their use of medicinal plants. A consensus analysis of medicinal plant use between the different populations was conducted. RESULTS: Across the different climatic regions a total of 57 species of plants were reported: 14 tree species, 10 shrub species, and 33 herb species. In the tropical and sub-tropical regions, Acacia catechu was the dominant tree while Ougeinia oojeinensis in the tropical region and Terminalia belerica in the sub-tropical region were least dominant reported. In the temperate region, Quercus leucotrichophora was the dominant tree and Pyrus pashia the least dominant trees. A total of 10 shrubs were recorded in all three regions: Adhatoda vasica was common species in the tropical and sub-tropical regions however, Rhus parviflora was common species in the sub-tropical and temperate regions. Among the 33 herbs, Sida cordifolia was dominant in the tropical and sub-tropical regions, while Barleria prionitis the least dominant in tropical and Phyllanthus amarus in the sub-tropical region. In temperate region, Vernonia anthelmintica was dominant and Imperata cylindrica least dominant. The consensus survey indicated that the inhabitants have a high level of agreement regarding the usages of single plants. The index value was high (1.0) for warts, vomiting, carminative, pain, boils and antiseptic uses, and lowest index value (0.33) was found for bronchitis. CONCLUSION: The medicinal plants treated various ailments. These included diarrhea, dysentery, bronchitis, menstrual disorders, gonorrhea, pulmonary affections, migraines, leprosy. The ecological studies showed that the tree density and total basal cover increased from the tropical region to sub-tropical and temperate regions. The species composition changed with climatic conditions. Among the localities used for data collection in each climatic region, many had very poor vegetation cover. The herbaceous layer decreased with increasing altitude, which might be an indication that communities at higher elevations were harvesting more herbaceous medicinal plants, due to the lack of basic health care facilities. Therefore, special attention needs to be given to the conservation of medicinal plants in order to ensure their long-term availability to the local inhabitants. Data on the use of individual species of medicinal plants is needed to provide an in-depth assessment of the plants availability in order to design conservation strategies to protect individual species.
[Pubmed: 22011477]
| | 29. |
2011 Aug 11 |
Cossidae of the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen)
Borth, Ivinskis, Saldaitis, Yakovlev
Zookeys 2011 Aug 11;(122):45-69. published online before print
Abstract
The faunistic composition of the family Cossidae (Lepidoptera) of the Socotra Archipelago is revised. Five species are recognized, including two new species (Mormogystia brandstetteri and Meharia hackeri), and dubious identifications and records are discussed. Adults and genitalia are illustrated and bionomic details, DNA barcodes and a synonymic checklist for Socotran cossids are provided. A review of their distribution reveals that at least 80 percent of Socotra’s cossids are unique to the archipelago, which is renowned for its endemism. A checklist listing all the species from generas Meharia, Mormogystia, Aethalopteryx, Azygophleps, as well as the synonymy and distribution is provided.
[Pubmed: 21998527]
| | 30. |
2011 Oct 8 |
Traditional healers and laypeople: A qualitative and quantitative approach to local knowledge on medicinal plants in Muda (Mozambique).
Bruschi P, Morganti M, Mancini M, Signorini MA
J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Oct 8; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Through this study, relevant information was gathered on the knowledge about medicinal remedies in some rural communities of Muda (central Mozambique). The use of 198 different medicinal plants has been recorded and a significant number of medicinal species and uses new for Africa and particularly for Mozambique has been detected. Our investigation appears to be the first comparing knowledge about medicinal plants between laypeople and traditional healers and also between the two kinds of healers (curandeiros and profetas). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ethnobotanical data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 67 informants: 9 curandeiros (traditional healers believed to be guided by spirits), 12 profetas (independent Pentecostal churches "prophets" healing both souls and bodies) and 46 untrained lay villagers. Data were entered in a ata base and processed, also by means of suitable quantitative indexes. RESULTS: A total of 546 citations were recorded for 198 different ethnospecies (i.e. basic ethno-taxonomical units). The species with the highest cultural value (estimated with Cultural Importance index) resulted to be Ximenia caffra (CI=0.224), Zanha golungensis (CI=0.194) Vernonia colorata (CI=0.149) and Ozoroa reticulata and Holarrhena pubescens (both with CI=0.134). Eight out of the 162 identified plants mentioned by the informants were not previously recorded as medicinal plants in Africa: Cissus bathyrhakodes, Clematis viridiflora, Combretum goetzei, Dioscorea cochleari-apiculata, Grewia pachycalyx, Indigofera antunesiana, Ipomoea consimilis, Tricliceras longipedunculatum. More than half of the species reported by our informants and already known as medicinal in Africa resulted to be newly documented for Mozambique. Comparing the mean number of species known by each informant group, statistically significant differences were observed both between curandeiros and laypeople and between profetas and laypeople. No significant differences emerged instead between curandeiros and profetas. Yet, even laypeople proved to hold a quite high knowledge about medicinal remedies, women in particular, use several different plants to heal common diseases of the whole family, mostly for children and female health problems. CONCLUSIONS: The high number of plants and uses recorded demonstrates that in the study area ethnobotanical knowledge is still quite rich and alive. The finding of many medicinal plants and uses new for Mozambique or even Africa shows the importance of recording this knowledge before it vanishes-also as a basis for further investigations on possible pharmacological properties of local plants. The lack of health infrastructures in Muda results in the need for lay villagers of acquiring and developing a rather high degree of knowledge about plants remedies; in a different interaction between healers and lay villagers, compared to urban areas; ultimately, in a different distribution and wider spread of traditional knowledge on medicinal plants.
[Pubmed: 22008876]
| | 31. |
2011 Sep |
Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis Due to Oral Use of Blue Dyes
Sener, Kose, Kartal, Safali
Korean J Intern Med 2011 Sep;26(3):360-363.
Abstract
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is a rare severe pustular cutaneous adverse reaction characterized by a rapid clinical course with typical histological findings. It is accompanied by fever and acute eruption of non-follicular pustules overlying erythrodermic skin. The causative agents are most frequently antibacterial drugs. We present a patient with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis caused by methylene blue and indigotin dyes.
[Pubmed: 22016599]
| | 32. |
2011 Dec 1 |
Insights into the Maya Blue Technology: Greenish Pellets from the Ancient City of La Blanca.
Doménech A, Doménech-Carbó MT, Vidal-Lorenzo C, de Agredos-Pascual ML
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 2011 Dec 1; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Historic Chemistry: The discovery of a set of greenish pellets from ancient plaster at the La Blanca archaeological site (Guatemala) provides evidence that the Maya people used a material akin to Maya Blue also outside of pottery, murals, sculptures or religious context. Obviously, the Maya people developed different preparative strategies to obtain inorganic-organic hybrid materials.
[Pubmed: 22134877]
| | 33. |
2012 |
Exploring the Links between Ethnobotany, Local Therapeutic Practices, and Protected Areas in Santa Catarina Coastline, Brazil
Zank, Hanazaki
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2012;2012.
Abstract
We investigated the knowledge of medicinal plants in two areas proposed for the creation of protected areas for sustainable use in the city of Imbituba (SC). In this study, we analyzed the influence of gender, form of learning, and modern medicine on medicinal plant knowledge while also reflecting on the relationship of this knowledge to in situ conservation. Data collection was conducted through structured interviews, free listings, guided tours, and collection of botanical material. 197 species of medicinal plants belonging to 70 botanical families were recorded. Gender and the form of learning were factors that significantly influenced the similarity of the knowledge of medicinal plants among the informants. We also observed the existence of a therapeutic pluralism among key informants. Local medicinal plant knowledge emphasizes the importance of strategies to create protected areas of sustainable use as a way to ensure the maintenance of traditional lifestyles and associated local knowledge.
[Pubmed: 22203874]
| | 34. |
2011 Aug |
A review on herbal antiasthmatics
Mali, Dhake
Orient Pharm Exp Med 2011 Aug;11(2):77-90.
Abstract
In traditional systems of medicine, many plants have been documented to be useful for the treatment of various respiratory disorders including asthma. In the last two decades the use of medicinal plants and natural products has been increased dramatically all over the world. Current synthetic drugs used in pharmacotherapy of asthma are unable to act at all the stages and targets of asthma. However some herbal alternatives employed in asthma are proven to provide symptomatic relief and assist in the inhibition of disease progression also. The herbs have shown interesting results in various target specific biological activities such as bronchodilation, mast cell stabilization, anti-anaphylactic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-allergic, immunomodulatory and inhibition of mediators such as leukotrienes, lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase, platelet activating, phosphodiesterase and cytokine, in the treatment of asthma. This paper is an attempt to classify these pharmacological and clinical findings based on their possible mechanism of action reported. It also signifies the need for development of polyherbal formulations containing various herbs acting at particular sites of the pathophysiological cascade of asthma for prophylaxis as well as for the treatment of asthma.
[Pubmed: 22207824]
| | 35. |
2011 Dec |
Spatial Guilds in the Serengeti Food Web Revealed by a Bayesian Group Model
Baskerville, Dobson, Bedford, Allesina, Anderson, Pascual
PLoS Comput Biol 2011 Dec;7(12).
Abstract
Food webs, networks of feeding relationships in an ecosystem, provide fundamental insights into mechanisms that determine ecosystem stability and persistence. A standard approach in food-web analysis, and network analysis in general, has been to identify compartments, or modules, defined by many links within compartments and few links between them. This approach can identify large habitat boundaries in the network but may fail to identify other important structures. Empirical analyses of food webs have been further limited by low-resolution data for primary producers. In this paper, we present a Bayesian computational method for identifying group structure using a flexible definition that can describe both functional trophic roles and standard compartments. We apply this method to a newly compiled plant-mammal food web from the Serengeti ecosystem that includes high taxonomic resolution at the plant level, allowing a simultaneous examination of the signature of both habitat and trophic roles in network structure. We find that groups at the plant level reflect habitat structure, coupled at higher trophic levels by groups of herbivores, which are in turn coupled by carnivore groups. Thus the group structure of the Serengeti web represents a mixture of trophic guild structure and spatial pattern, in contrast to the standard compartments typically identified. The network topology supports recent ideas on spatial coupling and energy channels in ecosystems that have been proposed as important for persistence. Furthermore, our Bayesian approach provides a powerful, flexible framework for the study of network structure, and we believe it will prove instrumental in a variety of biological contexts.
[Pubmed: 22219719]
| | 36. |
2011 Dec |
Inhibitory effect of Suaeda asparagoides (Miq.) extract on the motility of rat gastric antrum is mediated by β-adrenoceptor
Endale, Song, Rhee, Liu, Kim, Kwon, Park, Chung, Kim
Lab Anim Res 2011 Dec;27(4):317-325.
Abstract
Suaeda asparagoides (Miq.) has long been used as a Korean folk herbal medicine for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. However, reports on its pharmacological activity on gastrointestinal motility are scarce. The present study investigated the effects of Suaeda asparagoides water fraction of the extract (SAWF) on antral motility in vitro. Muscle strips from rat gastric antrum were set up in an organ bath in a circular orientation. SAWF (100 µg/mL) inhibited the spontaneous contraction of antral circular muscle strips. These inhibitory effects were not significantly affected by tetrodotoxin (1 µM), Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (100 µM), 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (10 µM), ryanodine (10 µM) and phentolamine (10 µM). SAWF-induced inhibition was mostly restored by cyclopiazonic acid (10 µM). Furthermore, the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, propranolol (10 µM), abolished SAWF-induced inhibition. These results suggest that SAWF may exert its activity on gastrointestinal smooth muscle via â-adrenergic receptors and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase.
[Pubmed: 22232640]
| | 37. |
2012 Jan 30 |
Checklist of vascular plants of the Department of Ñeembucú, Paraguay
Egea, Peña-Chocarro, Espada, Knapp
PhytoKeys 2012 Jan 30;(9):15-179. published online before print
Abstract
The Department of Ñeembucú is one of the least well-documented areas of eastern Paraguay, and the flora is composed of a mixture of forest and Chaco elements. Regions like Ñeembucú are often considered of lower diversity and interest that more forested regions; this results from both actual species richness figures and from under-collecting due to perception as uninteresting. We present here a checklist of the vascular plants of Ñeembucú, which includes 676 taxa (including infraspecific taxa and collections identified only to genus) in 100 families and 374 genera. Four hundred and thirty nine (439) of these are new records for Ñeembucú and of these, 4 are new published records for Paraguay. Synonyms, distribution details within Paraguay and a voucher specimen or literature record are provided for each taxon, and a brief analysis of the diversity and importance of the flora is presented.
[Pubmed: 22371688]
| | 38. |
2012 |
A pharmacological appraisal of medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential
Khan, Najmi, Akhtar, Aqil, Mujeeb, Pillai
J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2012;4(1):27-42.
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a complicated metabolic disorder that has gravely troubled the human health and quality of life. Conventional agents are being used to control diabetes along with lifestyle management. However, they are not entirely effective and no one has ever been reported to have fully recovered from diabetes. Numerous medicinal plants have been used for the management of diabetes mellitus in various traditional systems of medicine worldwide as they are a great source of biological constituents and many of them are known to be effective against diabetes. Medicinal plants with antihyperglycemic activities are being more desired, owing to lesser side-effects and low cost. This review focuses on the various plants that have been reported to be effective in diabetes. A record of various medicinal plants with their established antidiabetic and other health benefits has been reported. These include Allium sativa, Eugenia jambolana, Panax ginseng, Gymnema sylvestre, Momrodica charantia, Ocimum sanctum, Phyllanthus amarus, Pterocarpus marsupium, Trigonella foenum graecum and Tinospora cordifolia. All of them have shown a certain degree of antidiabetic activity by different mechanisms of action.
[Pubmed: 22368396]
| | 39. |
2012 Mar 2 |
Flavonoid Glycosides Isolated from Unique Legume Plant Extracts as Novel Inhibitors of Xanthine Oxidase
Spanou, Veskoukis, Kerasioti, Kontou, Angelis, Aligiannis, Skaltsounis, Kouretas
PLoS One 2012 Mar 2;7(3). published online before print
Abstract
Legumes and the polyphenolic compounds present in them have gained a lot of interest due to their beneficial health implications. Dietary polyphenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, exert antioxidant properties and are potent inhibitors of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity. XO is the main contributor of free radicals during exercise but it is also involved in pathogenesis of several diseases such as vascular disorders, cancer and gout. In order to discover new natural, dietary XO inhibitors, some polyphenolic fractions and pure compounds isolated from two legume plant extracts were tested for their effects on XO activity. The fractions isolated from both Vicia faba and Lotus edulis plant extracts were potent inhibitors of XO with IC50 values range from 40–135 µg/mL and 55–260 µg/mL, respectively. All the pure polyphenolic compounds inhibited XO and their Ki values ranged from 13–767 µM. Ten of the compounds followed the non competitive inhibitory model whereas one of them was a competitive inhibitor. These findings indicate that flavonoid isolates from legume plant extracts are novel, natural XO inhibitors. Their mode of action is under investigation in order to examine their potential in drug design for diseases related to overwhelming XO action.
[Pubmed: 22396752]
| | 40. |
2012 Apr 25 |
Poisoning by Indigofera lespedezioides in horses.
Lima EF, Riet-Correa F, Gardner DR, Barros SS, Medeiros RM, Soares MP, Riet-Correa G
Toxicon. 2012 Apr 25; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Poisoning by Indigofera lespedezioides is reported in horses in the state of Roraima, northern Brazil. The main clinical signs are anorexia, sleepiness, unsteady gait, severe ataxia, weakness, stumbling, and progressive weight loss. To induce the disease experimentally, a 7-year-old horse was introduced in a small paddock invaded by the plant. The first nervous signs were observed 44 days from the start of grazing. The animal was euthanized on day 59. No significant gross lesions were observed upon necropsies of the experimental horse as well as one spontaneously affected horse. Upon histologic examination neuronal lipofuscinosis was observed in the brain, cerebellum, and spinal cord. Wallerian-type degeneration was observed on some mesencephalic tracts. Neuronal and axonal degeneration and lipofuscinosis were observed on electron microscopy examination. Indospicine was detected in four samples of I. lespedezioides with concentrations ranging from 63 to 1178 μg/g whereas nitro toxins could be detected in only one of the samples at a concentration of 2.5 mg/g. In conclusion, poisoning by I. lespedezioides is very similar to those poisonings by Indigofera linnaei and Indigoferahendecaphylla. Based on the preponderance of indospince and lack of nitro toxins in the samples it is proposed that indospicine is the toxic compound responsible for the poisoning.
[Pubmed: 22560887]
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