Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Zanthoxylum armatum in gut, airways and cardiovascular disorders

A review on pharmacological activities and phytochemical constituents of Zanthoxylum armatum DC

Zanthoxylum armatum, a versatile plant known for its extensive pharmacological and phytochemical properties, has been traditionally utilised in various cultures for medicinal purposes. It is a widely recognised medicinal plant of the Rutaceae family, indigenous to Korea, China, Japan, and Pakistan, and thrives particularly in subtropical and temperate regions globally. Various parts of the plant hold medicinal significance: the seeds serve as a spice, condiment, and tonic; the wood finds application in dental care, crafting walking sticks, and timber; the fruit is utilised for oil extraction, water purification, and as an odontalgic, stomachic, and stimulant; the bark is valued as a tonic; while branches and thorns are utilised for their stimulant, stomachic, and odontalgic properties. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including lignans, alkaloids, sterols, coumarins, phenolics, terpenoids, flavonoids, benzenoids, glycosides, alkenic acids, amino acids, fatty acids, armamide, L-sesamin, L-asarin, L-planinin, limonene, methyl cinnamate, linalool, linayl acetate, geraniol methyl cinnamate, citral, linalool and sabines. This review aims to comprehensively cover the pharmacological and phytochemical properties of Z. armatum, serving as a foundation for future research and potential applications.

Ex vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches to unveil the mechanisms underlying vasorelaxation effect of Mentha Longifolia (L.) in porcine coronary artery

OBJECTIVE

Mentha (M.) longifolia (L.) is traditionally used for various ailments. The current study was intended to explore the underlying vasorelaxation mechanisms of M. longifolia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Aqueous-methanol extract from the aerial parts of M. longifolia was prepared and subjected to activity-guided fractionation. The vasorelaxant activity was performed using porcine coronary arteries with intact and denuded endothelium. In-vitro PDE inhibitory activity of the active fraction was carried out using the radio-enzymatic assay. The active fraction was also subjected to GCMS. Docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies were also performed RESULT: We had observed that aqueous-methanolic extract induced relaxation in the coronary artery in a dose-dependent manner when the endothelium was intact and denuded. n-butanol fraction (MLB) has produced a maximum effect, and it was selected for mechanistic studies. MLB has significantly enhanced the relaxation produced by cAMP and cGMP, elevating atrial natriuretic peptide, sodium nitroprusside, isoproterenol, and forskolin. The pre-treatment with MLB inhibited the contractile response produced by KCl, U46619, and CaCl₂ in without endothelium rings. MLB has non-selectively inhibited the PDE isoforms. GCMS analysis of MLB has revealed the presence of menthol, thymol, and carvacrol in the active fraction. Docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies have indicated that thymol can be a competitive inhibitor for PDE1.

CONCLUSION

It is postulated that an n-butanol fraction of Mentha longifolia produced endothelium-independent relaxation due to increased levels of cAMP and cGMP caused by the inhibition of various PDEs.

Antihypertensive and Vasorelaxant Effects of Citrus aurantifolia Linn. Fruit: Proposed Mechanisms

Background

Citrus aurantifolia Linn. fruit, a natural dietary item, has long been used traditionally to treat hypertension in Pakistan. The current research work aims to explore the effect on blood pressure and its mechanisms.

Methods

The aqueous methanol extract of plant fruit was used to evaluate hypotensive/antihypertensive, vasorelaxation, and safety profiles. Moreover, the in vitro inhibitory effect of AMECA on phosphodiesterase was also evaluated.

Results

In hypotensive studies, extracts of Citrus aurantifolia fruit exhibited a concentration-dependent reduction in SBP, DBP, MAP, and heart rate. A similar effect has been observed on anesthetized rats, but the effects exerted by the extract were not altered significantly in the presence of L-NAME, atropine, captopril, and propranolol. Moreover, in coronary arteries, the extract significantly potentiated relaxations induced by cGMP- and cAMP-dependent relaxing agonists. When exposed to PDEs, the extract concentration dependently subdued cGMP-hydrolyzing activity of different PDEs with IC50 values of 40-130 μg/mL.

Conclusion

It is conceivable that extracts obtained from Citrus aurantifolia fruit produced hypotensive and antihypertensive effects in rats. The extract elicited endothelium-independent vasorelaxation, possibly by acting directly on smooth muscles of the coronary artery and by increasing cGMP and cAMP via nonselective inhibition of vascular PDEs.

Butyrlycholine esterase inhibitory activity and effects of extracts (fruit, bark and leaf) from Zanthoxylum armatum DC in gut, airways and vascular smooth muscles

BACKGROUND

Fruit, bark and leaves of Zanthoxylum armatum DC are popular remedies for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders in the subcontinent traditional practices. The aim of the study was to individually probe the profile of methanol extracts from three different parts of Zanthoxylum armatum.

METHODS

The ex-vivo muscle relaxant effects of extracts were assessed in the isolated intestine, trachea and thoracic aortic rings and were compared with the positive controls and CRC were constructed. The anti-diarrheal effect of extracts was evaluated in mice by inducing diarrhea with castor oil. The extracts were also studied for acute toxicity and butyrylcholine esterase inhibition.

RESULTS

The extracts from fruit, bark and leaves of Z. armatum showed inhibitory effect against the butyrylcholine esterase enzyme with percent inhibition of 50.75 ± 1.23, 82.57 ± 1.33, and 37.52 ± 1.11respectively, compared to standard serine (IC₅₀: 0.04 ± 0.001 μmol/L). The fruit and bark extracts provided 75, and 52% diarrheal protection, compared to verapamil (96%). In isolated rabbit jejunum strips, increasing addition of the extracts inhibited the spontaneous and high K⁺ precontractions with EC₅₀ values of 0.71 and 3 mg/mL for fruit, EC₅₀ values of 0.61 and 0.5 mg/mL for bark, EC₅₀ 0.81 and 3.1 mg/mL for leaves, like verapamil. The extracts induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of the carbachol (1 μM) and high K⁺ (80 mM) precontractions with EC₅₀ values of 2.4 and 0.9 mg/mL for fruit, EC₅₀ values of 1.2 and 3 for leaves. The bark extract was equipotent against both contractions with EC₅₀ 3.1 and 0.7 mg/mL, respectively. In the aortic rings, the fruit extract completely relaxed the phenylephrine (1 μM)-induced contractions with (EC₅₀ value = 0.8 mg/ml) and a partial inhibition of high K⁺ induced contractions. The leaves extract completely relaxed the aortic contractions with (EC₅₀ values = 1.0 and 8.5 mg/ml). The extracts caused no acute toxicity up to 3 g/kg dose.

CONCLUSIONS

The experiments revealed that the extracts of aerial parts of Z. armatum have antidiarrheal properties in vivo and showed spasmolytic effect in intestinal and tracheal preparations with possible mechanism involving the blockage of Ca⁺⁺ channels. These experiments provide enough justification for use of this plant in ethnomedicine in diarrhea, gut and bronchial spasms.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Zanthoxylum armatum

The first complete chloroplast genome sequences of Zanthoxylum armatum were reported in this study. The cpDNA of Z. armatum is 158,579 bp in length, contains a large single copy region (LSC) of 85,780 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 17,598 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 27,598 bp. The genome contains 133 genes, including 88 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The overall GC content of the whole genome is 38.5%. Phylogenetic analysis of 18 chloroplast genomes within the family Rutaceae suggests that Z. armatum is closely related to Zanthoxylum schinifolium.

Tambulin is a major active compound of a methanolic extract of fruits of Zanthoxylum armatum DC causing endothelium-independent relaxations in porcine coronary artery rings via the cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP relaxing pathways

BACKGROUND

Zanthoxylum armatum DC (Z. armatum), belonging to Rutaceae family, has been traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases such as hypertension, abdominal pain, headache, fever, high altitude sickness, diarrhea, dysentery, and as a tonic, condiment, and an anthelmintic treatment.

HYPOTHESIS

The present study aims to evaluate the vasorelaxant effect of a methanolic extract of the fruits of Z. armatum, isolate the active components and characterize the underlying mechanism.

STUDY DESIGN

A methanolic extract of fruits of Z. armatum was prepared and its vasorelaxant effect was studied using porcine coronary artery rings. Thereafter, the methanolic extract was analyzed, and a major compound was isolated and its structure elucidated (tambulin). Different pharmacological tools were used to characterize the vasorelaxant effect of tambulin.

RESULTS

The methanolic extract and the isolated tambulin caused similar endothelium-independent relaxations of porcine coronary artery rings with and without endothelium indicating a direct relaxing effect at the vascular smooth muscle. Tambulin did not affect the relaxation curves to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators, bradykinin and the calcium ionophore A23187 in rings with endothelium. Tambulin (1 µM) slightly but significantly shifted leftwards the concentration-relaxation curve to the endothelium-independent vasodilators, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), forskolin (FC) and isoproterenol but not those to soluble guanylyl cyclase activators (YC-1 and BAY 41-2272) and K⁺ channel openers (levcromakalim and 1-EBIO). Pretreatment with tambulin inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, contractions to KCl, serotonin (5-HT), CaCl₂ and U46619 in coronary artery rings without endothelium. Both the protein kinase A (H-89, 10 µM) and the protein kinase G (Rp-8-br-cyclic GMPS, 30 µM) inhibitors significantly reduced relaxations to tambulin in coronary artery rings without endothelium.

CONCLUSION

The present findings indicate that tambulin isolated from Z. armatum (fruits) is a major active principle inducing vasorelaxation through a direct effect at the vascular smooth muscle and involving both the cyclic AMP and/or cyclic GMP relaxing pathways.

Zanthoxylum armatum DC.: Current knowledge, gaps and opportunities in Nepal

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zanthoxylum armatum DC. possesses several medicinal properties and has been commonly used in different indigenous medicinal practices to cure several diseases because of its stomachic, carminative and anthelmintic properties.

AIM

This review paper aims to provide an update on and analysis of information about the ecology, uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, trade opportunities, policy gaps for the commercialization of this species forming a basis for further scientific innovations MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information was gathered through a search of different books, journals, articles, annual reports, proceedings and web-based materials.

RESULT

Alkaloids, sterols, phenolics, lignins coumarins, terpenoids and flavonoids have been identified from leaves, fruits, stem, bark and seeds. Its trade value is also very high with its manifold applications in Ayurveda, allopathy, general pharmacy, and other industries. Antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, hepato-protective, insecticidal/larvicidal effects are of particular relevance.

CONCLUSION

It is one of the prioritized medicinal plants for economic development in Nepal. Owing to its diverse applications, the species can be developed as an important commodity for alleviation of poverty in rural areas. The various ethno-pharmacological applications of Zanthoxylum armatum have been verified by several related researches. More extensive study on the individual specific phyto-component can lead to novel innovations for the well-being of mankind.

In vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effect of extracts of Melia azedarach, Zanthoxylum alatum, and Tanacetum nubigenum

BACKGROUND

To investigate the antidiabetic effect of Himalayan Medicinal plants from India viz. Melia azedarach (Family: Meliaceae), Zanthoxylum alatum (Family: Rutaceae), Tanacetum nubigenum (Family: Asteraceae) using in-vitro as well as in-vivo approaches.

METHODS

Their effects were examined on stimulation of glucose uptake by C2C12 cultured cell line, inhibitory effect on human recombinant Protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP-1B) and followed by the hypoglycaemic activity of extracts in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.

RESULTS

All prepared extracts had been found to enrich with polyphenolic, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones and saponins type of compounds. n-Butanol fraction of Zanthoxylum alatum showed maximum PTP-1B inhibition (61.9%) whereas ethanol extract of Tanacetum nubigenum showed strong stimulation of glucose uptake (+61.2%) in C2Cl2 myotubes. In STZ induced Sprague-Dawley rats, significant decrease in blood glucose level was observed in ethanol extract of Melia azaderach treated group as 14.8% (p < 0.01) whereas in the ethanol extract of Tanacetum nubigenum treated group, it was observed as 15.5% (p < 0.01) compare to metformin which showed 26.8% (p < 0.01) lowering of blood glucose in the same time duration of 5 h study.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that these plants have a significant therapeutic value in type-2-diabetes mellitus and related complications thus supporting their traditional uses in Indian traditional system of medicine.

Two new phenolic glycosides from the stem of Zanthoxylum armatum DC

Two new phenolic glycoside, 2-methoxy-4-hydroxylphenyl-1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1″ → 6')-β-D-glucopyranoside. (1) and threo-3-methoxy-5-hydroxy-phenylpropanetriol-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), were isolated from the stems of Zanthoxylum armatum. The compounds 1 and 2 showed weak scavenging activity in DPPH free radical assay with IC₅₀ values of 323 and 114 mM, respectively.

Antispasmodic, bronchodilator, vasorelaxant and cardiosuppressant effects of Buxus papillosa

Background

The present research was carried out to investigate pharmacological properties of Buxus papillosa C.K. Schneid. (Buxaceae).

Methods

Buxus papillosa extracts of leaves (BpL), stem (BpS), roots (BpR) and BpL fractions: hexane (BpL-H), aqueous (BpL-A) also plant constituent, cyclomicrobuxine effect were studied in jejunum, atria, aorta and tracheal preparations from rabbit and guine-peg.

Results

Ca⁺⁺ antagonistic effect of BpS, BpR, BpL-H, BpL-A and cyclomicrobuxine were conclusively suggested, when spontaneous contractions of rabbit jejunal preparation was relaxed along with subsequent relaxation of potassium chloride (80 mM) induced contractions. Ca⁺⁺ antagonistic effect was further confirmed, when a prominent right shift like that of verapamil was observed in Ca⁺⁺ concentration-response curves, drawn in a tissue pretreated with BpL (0.3–1.0 mg/mL). In rabbit tracheal tissues BpL, BpS, BpR, BpL-H and BpL-A produced a prominent relaxation in contractions induced by potassium chloride (80 mM) and carbachol (1 μm). When tested in rabbit aortic rings, BpL, BpS, BpR, BpL-H and BpL-A showed concentration-dependent (0.1–3.0 mg/mL) vasorelaxant effect against phenylephrine (1 μM) and high K⁺-induced contractions. In isolated guinea-pig right atria, BpL, BpS, BpR, BpL-H and BpL-A suppressed atrial force of spontaneous contractions, with BpL-A being most potent.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that Buxus papillosa possesses gut, airways and cardiovascular inhibitory actions.

Anticancer properties and enhancement of therapeutic potential of cisplatin by leaf extract of Zanthoxylum armatum DC

Background

Clinical use of chemotherapeutic drug, cisplatin is limited by its toxicity and drug resistance. Therefore, efforts continue for the discovery of novel combination therapies with cisplatin, to increase efficacy and reduce its toxicity. Here, we screened 16 medicinal plant extracts from Northeast part of India and found that leaf extract of Zanthoxylumarmatum DC. (ZALE) induced cytotoxicity as well as an effect on the increasing of the efficiency of chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin, mitomycin C and camptothecin). This work shows detail molecular mechanism of anti-cancer activity of ZALE and its potential for combined treatment regimens to enhance the apoptotic response of chemotherapeutic drugs.

Results

ZALE induced cytotoxicity, nuclear blebbing and DNA fragmentation in HeLA cells suggesting apoptosis induction in human cervical cell line. However, the apoptosis induced was independent of caspase 3 activation and poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Further, ZALE activated Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway as revealed by increased phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK), p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Inhibition of ERK activation but not p38 or JNK completely blocked the ZALE induced apoptosis suggesting an ERK dependent apoptosis. Moreover, ZALE generated DNA double strand breaks as suggested by the induction γH2AX foci formation. Interestingly, pretreatment of certain cancer cell lines with ZALE, sensitized the cancer cells to cisplatin and other chemotherapeutic drugs. Enhanced caspase activation was observed in the synergistic interaction among chemotherapeutic drugs and ZALE.

Conclusion

Purification and identification of the bio-active molecules from the ZALE or as a complementary treatment for a sequential treatment of ZALE with chemotherapeutic drugs might be a new challenger to open a new therapeutic window for the novel anti-cancer treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40659-015-0037-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Natural Products Useful in Respiratory Disorders: Focus on Side-Effect Neutralizing Combinations

This review summarizes literature related to medicinal plants reputed in traditional medical systems for treatment of asthma and coughs. The plants that are pharmacologically investigated for their effectiveness in such conditions, along with respective experimental protocol details, are also discussed. Some of plant origin compounds, which are considered useful as antitussive and antiasthmatic agents, are described as well. Chrysoeriol, a constituent of Aspalathus linearis (Fabaceae) was observed to be selective for relaxant effect in airways (through K⁺ channel activation), compared with other smooth muscles. We reported that Hypericum perforatum (Hyperieaceae), Andropogon muricatus (Poaceae), Juniper excelsa (Coniferae) and Nepeta cataria (Lamiaceae) exhibit bronchodilatory action, mediated through combination of Ca⁺⁺ antagonist and phospohodiesrase inhibitory mechanisms, which scientifically explains their medicinal use in asthma. Hyocyamus niger (Solanaceae), Artemisia vulgaris (Compositae), Fumaria parviflora (Fumariaceae) and Terminalia bellerica (Combretaceae) caused bronchodilation via dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca⁺⁺ influx. Acorus calamus (Araceae), Carum roxburghianum (Apiaceae), Lens culinaris (Fabaceae) and Lepidium sativum (Cruciferae) mediate bronchodilatation through multiple pathways: anticholinergic and inhibition of Ca⁺⁺ channels and PDE enzyme(s). In conclusion, this review presents an analysis of different novel combinations of pharmacological activities in medicinal plants with side effect-neutralizing/synergistic potential, setting new trends in the therapeutic options for hyperactive respiratory disorders such as asthma and cough. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Scientific basis for use of Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. fruit in gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular ailments

Background

Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. has been used conventionally by many communities in the Himalayan region for the management of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and vascular complications. Set against this background, this study was carried out to justify the scientific basis to validate folkloric uses of fruits of Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. (Pp.Cr) in traditional systems of medicine.

Methods

The crude ethanol extract of fruits of Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. (Pp.Cr) was tested in vitro on isolated rabbit jejunum, tracheal, and aorta preparations. The responses of tissues were recorded using isotonic transducers coupled with a PowerLab data acquisition system.

Results

The Pp.Cr on application (0.01–5.0 mg/ml) to isolated rabbit jejunum preparation exhibited relaxation through decrease in magnitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions. The Pp.Cr also exerted a relaxant (0.01–5.0 mg/ml) effect on K+(80 mM) induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations and caused shifting of the Ca2+ curves (1.0–3.0 mg/ml) toward right in a manner similar to that of verapamil (3μM), possibly suggesting presence of Ca2+ channel blocking activity. Subsequently, Pp.Cr in a concentration-dependent fashion (0.01–10.0 mg/ml) caused relaxation of CCh (1μM) and K+ (80 mM) induced contractions in isolated rabbit tracheal preparations in a manner comparable to that of dicyclomine, suggesting that the observed relaxant effect is likely to be mediated through antimuscarinic and/or Ca2+ channel blocking activities. Moreover, when evaluated against isolated rabbit aortic preparations, the Pp.Cr in concentrations up to 10 mg/ml exhibited a contractile response that was found to be abolished subsequent to pretreatment of isolated tissue preparation with cyproheptadine (1μM), phentolamine (1μM), and losartan (1μM), suggesting that Pp.Cr may have some α-adrenergic, muscarinic, serotonergic, and angiotensin II activities.

Conclusions

The aqueous ethanolic extract of Pyrus pashia (Pp.Cr) exhibited spasmolytic, bronchodilator, and vaso-constrictive activities possibly through different mechanisms. The spasmolytic and bronchodilator activities are likely to be mediated through blockade of Ca2+ channels, while vasoconstrictive activity may be due to presence of a α-adrenergic, muscarinic, serotonergic, and angiotensin II agonistic component.

Bioactive Lignans from Zanthoxylum alatum Roxb. stem bark with cytotoxic potential

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zanthoxylum alatum is used in traditional medicinal systems for number of disorders like cholera, diabetes, cough, diarrhea, fever, headache, microbial infections, toothache, inflammation and cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate Zanthoxylum alatum stem bark for its cytotoxic potential and to isolate the bioactive constituents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cytotoxicity of the different extracts and isolated compounds was studied on lung carcinoma cell line (A549) and pancreatic carcinoma cell line (MIA-PaCa) using MTT assay. Isolation of compounds from most active extract (petroleum ether) was done on silica gel column. Structure elucidation was done by using various spectrophotometric techniques like UV, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and mass spectroscopy. The type of cell death caused by most active compound C was explored by fluorescence microscopy using the acridine orange/ethidium bromide method.

RESULT

Petroleum ether extract of plant has shown significant cytotoxic potential. Three lignans sesamin (A), kobusin (B), and 4'O demethyl magnolin (C) has been isolated. All lignans showed cytotoxic activities in different ranges. Compound C was the novel bioactive compound from a plant source and found to be most active. In apoptosis study, treatment caused typical apoptotic morphological changes. It enhances the apoptosis at IC50 dose (21.72 µg/mL) however showing necrotic cell death at higher dose after 24h on MIA-PaCa cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Petroleum ether extract (60-80 °C) of Zanthoxylum alatum has cytotoxic potential. The lignans isolated from the petroleum ether extract were responsible for the cytotoxic potential of the extract. 4'O demethyl magnolin was novel compound from Zanthoxylum alatum. Hence the Zanthoxylum alatum can be further explored for the development of anticancer drug.

Antispasmodic and antidiarrheal activities of rhizomes of Polygonatum verticillatum maneuvered predominately through activation of K⁺ channels: Components identification through TLC

Polygonatum verticillatum has traditionally been used for various purposes. The present study was aimed to validate the antispasmodic and antidiarrheal properties of crude methanolic extract of rhizomes of P. verticillatum (PR). Isolated rabbit jejunum preparations were suspended in tissue baths to measure the isotonic responses using Power Lab data acquisition system for the antispasmodic activity of PR, while the antidiarrheal activity was conducted in vivo in mice. PR caused complete relaxation of the spontaneous contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum preparations in a dose-dependent mode. A complete inhibition was observed against low potassium (K(+); 25 mM)-induced contractions, while the plant extract partially inhibited the high K(+)(80 mM)-induced contractions. From a mechanistic point of view, the spasmolytic effect of PR against low K(+)was antagonized by glibenclamide similar to the effect of cromakalim, thus showing the presence of constituents in PR mediating spasmolytic activity predominantly through the activation of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K(+)channels. When tested against castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice, oral administration of the plant extract manifested marked antidiarrheal activity at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg similar to loperamide. This study provided a pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of PR in abdominal colic and diarrhea.

Pharmacological studies on Hypericum perforatum fractions and constituents

CONTEXT

 This study describes the antispasmodic, bronchodilator, and cardiovascular-modulatory activities of Hypericum perforatum Linn. (Hypericaceae) fractions and constituents.

AIM OF STUDY

 Pharmacological investigation of H. perforatum fractions and active principles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 H. perforatum extract fractions [petroleum spirit (HpPet), chloroform (HpCHCl(3)), ethyl acetate (HpEtAc), and aqueous (HpAq)] and its compounds (hyperforin, hypericin, and hyperoside) were studied in various isolated tissue preparations.

RESULTS

 In rabbit jejunum, HpCHCl(3), HpEtAc and HpAq, like papaverine, inhibited both spontaneous and K(+) (80 mM)-induced contractions at similar concentrations, whereas HpPet was relatively potent against K(+), as verapamil. All fractions caused rightward of Ca(2+) concentration-response curves (CRCs), similar to verapamil. HpCHCl(3), HpEtAc, and HpAq shifted isoprenaline-inhibitory CRCs to left, like papaverine, while HpPet was devoid of any such effect, as verapamil. In guinea-pig trachea, HpCHCl(3), HpEtAc, and HpAq equipotently relaxed carbachol and K(+)-induced contractions and shifted the isoprenaline-curves to the left, whereas HpPet was more effective against K(+), without potentiating isoprenaline effect. When tested in rabbit aorta, all fractions exhibited vasoconstrictor and vasodilator effects, except HpEtAc, which did not produce vasoconstriction. In guinea-pig atria HpCHCl(3), HpEtAc, and HpAq initially caused cardiac stimulation, followed by inhibition, similar to papaverine, whereas HpPet, like verapamil, caused only cardiac suppression. Hyperforin, hypericin, and hyperoside showed a similar pattern of spasmolytic effect to verapamil.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

 Thus, all tested fractions of H. perforatum exhibit a combination of Ca(2+) antagonist and phosphodiesterase-inhibition, except petroleum spirit which was devoid of later mechanism. The compounds tested showed only Ca(2+) channel blocking effect.

2-Undecanone Rich Leaf Essential Oil from Zanthoxylum armatum

The leaf essential oils of Zanthoxylum armatum DC (Rutaceae) from Kumaon, India, extracted by hydrodistillation, were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major classes of compounds found in the leaf oils were acyclic and menthane monoterpenoids as well as simple alcohols, aldehydes and ketones. The high proportion of non-terpenic acyclic ketones, notably 2-undecanone and 2-tridecanone, and the low abundance of undec-10-en-1-al and p-phellandren-8-ol make the composition entirely new. Other constituents present in significant amounts were oxygenated monoterpenes, which include 1,8-cineole, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, and α-terpineol, and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons represented mainly by trans-caryophyllene, α-humulene and germacrene D. On the contrary, the oil distilled from the leaves on the second day of distillation was characterized by a high content of 2-tridecanone (27.1%) and trans-caryophyllene (7.4%), as compared with 3.5% and 4.6%, respectively, for the fresh leaves; a slight decrease in pH of the distillate was also significant. Moreover, the presence of a high 2-undecanone content followed by 2-tridecanone is being reported for the first time for Z. armatum from this region. In terms of molecular diversity, the simple acyclic ketones dominate the essential oils as compared with linalool that was reported in several previous studies on Z. armatum. Therefore, the two acyclic ketones may be utilized to establish the origin and authenticity of the material.