Justicia pectoralis: a study of the basis for its use as a hallucinogenic snuff ingredient

Eco-friendly extraction and simultaneous determination of two coumarins in Justicia pectoralis (Acanthaceae)

Abstract Justicia pectoralis (Acanthaceae) is employed in folk medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and sedative effects and to treat respiratory diseases. It is known for properties of its coumarins, 1,2-benzopyrone and umbelliferone. A green, simple, fast, and inexpensive ultrasound-assisted extractive (UAE) method for extracting umbelliferone and 1,2-benzopyrone from Justicia pectoralis was optimized. Additionally, a HPLC analytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of both coumarins. The Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology were used to evaluate the UAE process. Ethanol concentration, extraction time, plant-to-solvent ratio were the independent variables studied and the coumarin content was the dependent one. The HPLC-UV/VIS method was validated in terms of recovery, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness, proving to be valuable for the quality control of Justicia pectoralis extract and in the development of its herbal products. Results show that the optimal UAE conditions were: ethanol concentration of 15% (w/w), extraction time of 34 min and plant-to-solvent ratio of 0.1 g/mL. The predicted values of coumarin contents (22.16 µg/mL - umbelliferone and 163.86 µg/mL - benzopyrone) were determined under the optimal UAE conditions and proved that UAE is an efficient and eco-friendly extractive process for the production of aerial part extracts from Justicia pectoralis.

Organic Extract of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. Leaf Inhibits Interferon-γ Secretion and Has Bacteriostatic Activity against Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae

Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae) leaves currently found in the Brazilian north-east are widely used to treat diabetes, menstrual pains, asthma, and other disorders. This work aimed to identify the phytochemical characterization and biological activities of J. pectoralis leaf extracts. The plant material was ground and the crude extracts were obtained with water or acetone: water (7:3 v/v), yielding aqueous (JPA), and organic (JPO) extracts. Phytochemical characterization was performed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay and trypan blue (TB) exclusion assay in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), BALB/c splenocytes, and neoplastic cells (TOLEDO, K562, DU-145, and PANC-1) at 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the microdilution test to obtain the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Cytokines, IFN-γ, and IL-17A from culture supernatants of BALB/c mice splenocytes were measured by sandwich ELISA. In the TLC analysis, both JPA and JPO extracts presented coumarin and flavonoids. In addition, HPLC was able to identify coumarin, apigenin, and ellagic acid in both extracts. JPO IC₅₀ was 57.59 ± 1.03 μg/mL (MTT) and 69.44 ± 8.08 μg/mL (TB) in TOLEDO. MIC value of JPO against Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae was 500 μg/mL. JPO (100 μg/mL) significantly inhibited IFN-γ levels (p=0.03). J. pectoralis is a potential candidate to be further investigated as an IFN-γ inhibitory agent and against Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

New World Tryptamine Hallucinogens and the Neuroscience of Ayahuasca

New World indigenous peoples are noted for their sophisticated use of psychedelic plants in shamanic and ethnomedical practices. The use of psychedelic plant preparations among New World tribes is far more prevalent than in the Old World. Yet, although these preparations are botanically diverse, almost all are chemically similar in that their active principles are tryptamine derivatives, either DMT or related constituents. Part 1 of this paper provides an ethnopharmacological overview of the major tryptamine-containing New World hallucinogens. Part 2 focuses on ayahuasca and its effects on the human brain. Using complementary neurophysiological and neuroimaging techniques, we have identified brain areas involved in the cognitive effects induced by this complex botanical preparation. Initial SPECT data showed that ayahuasca modulated activity in higher order association areas of the brain. Increased blood perfusion was observed mainly in anterior brain regions encompassing the frontomedial and anterior cingulate cortices of the frontal lobes, and in the medial regions of the temporal lobes. On the other hand, applying spectral analysis and source location techniques to cortical electrical signals, we found changes in neuronal activity that predominated in more posterior sensory-selective areas of the brain. Now, using functional connectivity analysis of brain oscillations we have been able to reconcile these seemingly contradictory findings. By measuring transfer entropy, a metric based on information theory, we have shown that ayahuasca temporarily modifies the ordinary flow of information within the brain. We propose a model in which ayahuasca reduces top-down constraints and facilitates bottom-up information transfer. By simultaneously enhancing endogenous cortical excitability and reducing higher-order cognitive control, ayahuasca temporarily disrupts neural hierarchies allowing inner exploration and a new outlook on reality.

New World Tryptamine Hallucinogens and the Neuroscience of Ayahuasca

New World indigenous peoples are noted for their sophisticated use of psychedelic plants in shamanic and ethnomedical practices. The use of psychedelic plant preparations among New World tribes is far more prevalent than in the Old World. Yet, although these preparations are botanically diverse, almost all are chemically similar in that their active principles are tryptamine derivatives, either DMT or related constituents. Part 1 of this paper provides an ethnopharmacological overview of the major tryptamine-containing New WorldNew World hallucinogensHallucinogens .

Anxiolytic-like effects of standardized extract of Justicia pectoralis (SEJP) in mice: Involvement of GABA/benzodiazepine in receptor

Justicia pectoralis (Acanthaceae) is used as an antiinflammatory, antimicrobial and bronchodilator, and its extract exerts an anxiolytic-like effect profile in animal models. This work presents the behavioral effects of an aqueous standardized extract of Justicia pectoralis (SEJP) in animal models, such as the elevated plus maze (EPM), light/dark, open field, rota rod and pentobarbital sleep time. The extract was administered intragastrically to male mice at single doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, while diazepam 1 or 2 mg/kg was used as a standard drug and flumazenil 2.5 mg/kg was used to evaluate the participation of benzodiazepinic receptors. The results showed that, similar to diazepam (1 mg/kg), SEJP significantly modified all the observed parameters in the EPM test, without altering the general motor activity in the open field, rota rod and pentobarbital sleep time tests. Flumazenil reversed not only the diazepam effect but also the SEJP effect. In the same way, all doses of SEJP increased the time of permanence in the light box in the light/dark test. The results showed that SEJP presented an anxiolytic-like effect, disproving sedative effects.

Ethnomedicines used in Trinidad and Tobago for urinary problems and diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

This paper is based on ethnobotanical interviews conducted from 1996-2000 in Trinidad and Tobago with thirty male and female respondents.

METHODS

A non-experimental validation was conducted on the plants used for urinary problems and diabetes mellitus: This is a preliminary step to establish that the plants used are safe or effective, to help direct clinical trials, and to inform Caribbean physicians of the plants' known properties to avoid counter-prescribing.

RESULTS

The following plants are used to treat diabetes: Antigonon leptopus, Bidens alba, Bidens pilosa, Bixa orellana, Bontia daphnoides, Carica papaya, Catharanthus roseus, Cocos nucifera, Gomphrena globosa, Laportea aestuans, Momordica charantia, Morus alba, Phyllanthus urinaria and Spiranthes acaulis. Apium graviolens is used as a heart tonic and for low blood pressure. Bixa orellana, Bontia daphnoides, Cuscuta americana and Gomphrena globosa are used for jaundice. The following plants are used for hypertension: Aloe vera, Annona muricata, Artocarpus altilis, Bixa orellana, Bidens alba, Bidens pilosa, Bonta daphnoides, Carica papaya, Cecropia peltata, Citrus paradisi, Cola nitida, Crescentia cujete, Gomphrena globosa, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Kalanchoe pinnata, Morus alba, Nopalea cochinellifera, Ocimum campechianum, Passiflora quadrangularis, Persea americana and Tamarindus indicus. The plants used for kidney problems are Theobroma cacao, Chamaesyce hirta, Flemingia strobilifera, Peperomia rotundifolia, Petiveria alliacea, Nopalea cochinellifera, Apium graveolens, Cynodon dactylon, Eleusine indica, Gomphrena globosa, Pityrogramma calomelanos and Vetiveria zizanioides. Plants are also used for gall stones and for cooling.

CONCLUSION

Chamaesyce hirta, Cissus verticillata, Kalanchoe pinnata, Peperomia spp., Portulaca oleraceae, Scoparia dulcis, and Zea mays have sufficient evidence to support their traditional use for urinary problems, "cooling" and high cholesterol. Eggplant extract as a hypocholesterolemic agent has some support but needs more study. The plants used for hypertension, jaundice and diabetes that may be safe and justify more formal evaluation are Annona squamosa, Aloe vera, Apium graveolens, Bidens alba, Carica papaya, Catharanthus roseus, Cecropia peltata, Citrus paradisi, Hibsicus sabdariffa, Momordica charantia, Morus alba, Persea americana, Phyllanthus urinaria, Tamarindus indicus and Tournefortia hirsutissima. Several of the plants are used for more than one condition and further trials should take this into account.

Medicinal and ethnoveterinary remedies of hunters in Trinidad

BACKGROUND

Ethnomedicines are used by hunters for themselves and their hunting dogs in Trinidad. Plants are used for snakebites, scorpion stings, for injuries and mange of dogs and to facilitate hunting success.

RESULTS

Plants used include Piper hispidum, Pithecelobium unguis-cati, Bauhinia excisa, Bauhinia cumanensis, Cecropia peltata, Aframomum melegueta, Aristolochia rugosa, Aristolochia trilobata, Jatropha curcas, Jatropha gossypifolia, Nicotiana tabacum, Vernonia scorpioides, Petiveria alliacea, Renealmia alpinia, Justicia secunda, Phyllanthus urinaria,Phyllanthus niruri,Momordica charantia, Xiphidium caeruleum, Ottonia ovata, Lepianthes peltata, Capsicum frutescens, Costus scaber, Dendropanax arboreus, Siparuma guianensis, Syngonium podophyllum, Monstera dubia, Solanum species, Eclipta prostrata, Spiranthes acaulis, Croton gossypifolius, Barleria lupulina, Cola nitida, Acrocomia ierensis (tentative ID).

CONCLUSION

Plant use is based on odour, and plant morphological characteristics and is embedded in a complex cultural context based on indigenous Amerindian beliefs. It is suggested that the medicinal plants exerted a physiological action on the hunter or his dog. Some of the plants mentioned contain chemicals that may explain the ethnomedicinal and ethnoveterinary use. For instance some of the plants influence the immune system or are effective against internal and external parasites. Plant baths may contribute to the health and well being of the hunting dogs.

Medicinal plant inventory of Kuna Indians: Part 1

Results of an ethnopharmacognostic survey of 90 plants used by the Kuna Indians of San Blas Islands, who live in Ailigandí, are listed. Results of a literature search are also reported, including medical uses, known constituents and pharmacological effects.

Constituents of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. 2. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of simple coumarins, 3-phenylpropionic acids and their hydroxy and methoxy derivatives

The analysis of extracts from the South American plant Justicia pectoralis Jacq. permitted the identification, among other compounds, of coumarin, dihydrocoumarin, umbelliferone and 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS); the acids and phenolic compounds were derivatized with diazomethane. GC/MS of simple coumarins, phenylpropionic acids and their hydroxylated isomers was performed after derivatization through methylation and trimethylsilylation; these results may be useful for the identification and quantification of these compounds in other biological materials.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors in South American hallucinogenic plants Part 2: Constituents of orally-active Myristicaceous hallucinogens

Alkaloid constituents in Myristicaceous bark and leaf samples and in purportedly hallucinogenic preparations derived from Myristicaceous sources were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using TLC, GC, alkaloid precipitation tests and GC/MS. Fourteen of the 27 bark and leaf samples analyzed contained detectable amounts of alkaloids. The major bases were N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and/or 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT); much smaller amounts of tryptamine and/or N-methyl-tryptamine (NMT) were also usually present. beta-Carbolines were not detected in the bark or leaf samples. Considerable variation in alkaloid profiles was found, extending to different collections of the same species. Fourteen of the 20 Virola samples contained alkaloids; none of the 6 Iryanthera species had detectable alkaloids. Osteophloem platyspermum contained an indolic base, identified as N-methyl-tryptophan methyl ester. Seven samples of an orally-ingested drug made from Virola spp. were analyzed. All except one contained substantial amounts of tryptamines; the types and proportions of tryptamines present varied greatly between samples. Samples of Yanomama snuff including various admixtures were analyzed and all components but one contained tryptamines. The drug samples having the highest concentrations of alkaloids contained 15-20 mg/g dry wt while the Myristicaceous bark and leaf samples had much lower concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 0.25 mg/g dry wt. beta-Carbolines were detected as trace constituents in only two of the Myristicaceous drug samples. Four Myristicaceous paste samples were bioassayed in self-experiments. Two of the samples were devoid of detectable hallucinogenic or physiological activity, while some degree of oral activity was detected in two other samples. The activity of a number of tryptamine derivatives as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) was investigated using an in vitro enzyme assay. Activity was measured using single compounds and mixtures of compounds and the results were compared to the activity of samples of orally-ingested Myristicaceous pastes. Tryptamine derivatives had significantly less MAOI activity than the activity of beta-carboline derivatives measured in a previous study. Some structural correlations for MAOI activity were found for the tryptamine derivatives. Samples of orally-ingested Myristicaceous pastes were assayed for MAOI activity. The inhibition elicited by the paste samples was closely matched by mixtures of tryptamine standards having comparable proportions and concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)