Plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of respiratory diseases. 1. Screening of 68 plants against gram-positive bacteria

Pharmacology, toxicology and homeopathy of Luffa operculata (L.) Cogniaux (Cucurbitaceae): Integrative review

Scientific evidence on the pharmacological and toxicological effects of Luffa operculata has been produced on a smaller scale, even though the species: (i) is edible; (ii) widely recognized in folk medicine for treating sinusitis and inducing abortion; (iii) and the basis of allopathic and homeopathic medicines. In this sense, the objective of this review is to characterize the pharmacological, toxicological and clinical profile of products based on L. operculata. After consulting 14 databases, as well as a free search on Google/Google Scholar and checking references, 85 studies were selected that met our eligibility criteria. After analysis and synthesis, we found that the products have a wide range of pharmacological activities in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. The toxicological spectrum is also alarming in different segments such as: cytogenotoxicity, tissue toxicity, (sub-) acute, reproductive, neuro- and phytotoxicity. The intensity of the pharmacological and toxicological effects is variable, and seems to be conditioned by various factors (examples: plant organ, polarity of the extracting solvent, quantity, experimental model and route of administration). Clinical data show that the products have satisfactory efficacy, tolerability and safety in the treatment of upper airway diseases (especially rhinitis and sinusitis). Finally, we hope that the presentation of toxicological information in this review can guide the safe and rational use of L. operculata in folk medicine. It may also serve as scientific evidence for exploring the pharmacological potential of the species, avoiding its side effects.

A U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) overview of Pan American botanicals used in dietary supplements and herbal medicines

The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a nonprofit, scientific, standard-setting organization, and world leader in establishing quality, purity, and testing standards for medicines, foods, and dietary supplements. USP quality standards are used in more than 140 countries and are legally recognized by more than 40 countries. Currently, there is renewed interest in herbal medicines globally, and health policies are being implemented worldwide for the use of complementary and traditional medicine. In response, USP has developed a robust body of monographs that can be used to guide industry and regulators in ensuring the quality and safety of botanical ingredients used in dietary supplements and herbal medicines. Throughout the Pan American regions, there is a strong tradition of using botanicals as herbal medicines and, as in other regions, a growing desire for botanical dietary supplements. This underscores the need for public quality standards to ensure quality, reduce the flow of substandard and adulterated products, and ensure public health and safety. In April 2022, USP launched the Pan America Botanical Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines Expert Panel, with experts representing 12 different countries. The Expert Panel's work focuses on developing quality control standards for the most important botanical ingredients used in the respective countries, ingredients that are also of global importance. This article provides an overview of the state of botanical dietary supplements and herbal medicines in different Pan American regions with a focus on the regulatory status of herbal products, the development of national quality and research initiatives, and policies related to agriculture conservation and sustainability, among other topics.

Antibacterial Activity and Untargeted Metabolomics Profiling of Acalypha arvensis Poepp

The search for potent antimicrobial compounds is critical in the face of growing antibiotic resistance. This study explores Acalypha arvensis Poepp. (A. arvensis), a Caribbean plant traditionally used for disease treatment. The dried plant powder was subjected to successive extractions using different solvents: hexane (F1), dichloromethane (F2), methanol (F3), a 50:50 mixture of methanol and water (F4), and water (F5). Additionally, a parallel extraction was conducted using a 50:50 mixture of methanol and chloroform (F6). All the fractions were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity, and the F6 fraction was characterized using untargeted metabolomics using SPME-GC×GC-TOFMS. The extracts of A. arvensis F3, F4, and F5 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (5 mg/mL), MRSA BA22038 (5 mg/mL), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (10 mg/mL), and fraction F6 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (2 mg/mL), Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (20 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (10 mg/mL), Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 (10 mg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus 024 (2 mg/mL), and Staphylococcus aureus 003 (2 mg/mL). Metabolomic analysis of F6 revealed 2861 peaks with 58 identified compounds through SPME and 3654 peaks with 29 identified compounds through derivatization. The compounds included methyl ester fatty acids, ethyl ester fatty acids, terpenes, ketones, sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids. This study represents the first exploration of A. arvensis metabolomics and its antimicrobial potential, providing valuable insights for plant classification, phytochemical research, and drug discovery.

Medicinal Plants for Viral Respiratory Diseases: A Systematic Review on Persian Medicine

Introduction

Many medicinal plants have been introduced in Persian medicine references for various respiratory disorders. Considering the growing interest in herbal medicines, this review aimed to introduce medicinal herbs recommended by Persian Medicine (PM) references for respiratory diseases and to discuss their activity against respiratory viruses.

Methods

The medicinal plants recommended for respiratory disorders were extracted from the main PM textbooks. Subsequently, their activity against respiratory viruses was systematically investigated via queries of scientific databases.

Results

Searching PM references for medicinal plants used in the management of respiratory disorders yielded 45 results. Of them, 18 possess antiviral activity against respiratory viruses. There were 29 in vitro studies (including studies on human cell lines) and 5 in vivo studies.

Conclusion

This research demonstrated that many of the medicinal plants mentioned for the respiratory diseases in PM have considerable activity against respiratory viruses. However, human studies regarding the reported medicinal plants are scarce.

Ellagitannin, Phenols, and Flavonoids as Antibacterials from Acalypha arvensis (Euphorbiaceae)

There is a significant need to gain access to new and better antibacterial agents. Acalypha arvensis, a plant from the Euphorbiaceae family, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat infectious diseases. This manuscript reports the isolation, characterization, and antibacterial screening of 8 natural products extracted from maceration of aerial parts of Acalypha arvensis. Specifically, three extracts were assessed (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol), in which antibacterial activity was evaluated against diverse bacterial strains. The ethanolic extract showed the best activity against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, which supports the medicinal properties attributed to this plant. The chromatographic fractions AaR4 and AaR5 were the most bioactive, in which the ellagitannin natural product known as corilagin (1) was identified for the first time in this plant. Therefore, it can be said that this is the main chemical responsible for the observed antibacterial activity. However, we also identified chlorogenic acid (2), rutin (3), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (4), caffeic acid (5), among others (6–8). Hence, this plant can be considered to be a good alternative to treat health-related issues caused by various bacteria.

Pharmacological validation of Solanum mammosum L. as an anti-infective agent: Role of solamargine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fungal and bacterial infections remain a major problem worldwide, requiring the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Solanum mammosum L. (Solanaceae) ("teta de vaca") is used in traditional medicine in Peru to treat fungal infections and respiratory disorders via topical application. However, the mechanism of action remains unknown, particularly in light of its chemical composition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antifungal activity of TDV was determined against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans using bioautography-TLC-HRMS to rapidly identify the active compounds. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the fruit crude extract and the active compound was determined to precisely evaluate the antifungal activity. Additionally, the effects of the most active compound on the formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and pyocyanin production were evaluated. Finally, a LC-HRMS profile and a molecular network of TDV extract were created to characterize the metabolites in the fruits' ethanolic extract.

RESULTS

Bioautography-TLC-HRMS followed by isolation and confirmation of the structure of the active compound by 1D and 2D NMR allowed the identification solamargine as the main compound responsible for the anti-Trichophyton mentagrophytes (MIC = 64 μg mL^-1) and anti-Candida albicans (MIC = 64 μg mL^-1) activities. In addition, solamargine led to a significant reduction of about 20% of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation. This effect was observed at a very low concentration (1.6 μg mL^-1) and remained fairly consistent regardless of the concentration. In addition, solamargine reduced pyocyanin production by about 20% at concentrations of 12.5 and 50 μg mL^-1. Furthermore, the LC-HRMS profiling of TDV allowed us to annotate seven known compounds that were analyzed through a molecular network.

CONCLUSIONS

Solamargine has been shown to be the most active compound against T. mentoagrophytes and C. albicans in vitro. In addition, our data show that this compound affects significantly P. aeruginosa pyocyanin production and biofilm formation in our conditions. Altogether, these results might explain the traditional use of S. mammosum fruits to treat a variety of fungal infections and respiratory disorders.

Activity of Tagetes minuta Linnaeus (Asteraceae) essential oil against L3 Anisakis larvae type 1

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate in vitro effects of Tagetes minuta L. essential oil (TEO) on L3 Anisakis larvae type 1.

METHODS

In order to evaluate the potential use of Tagetes minuta essential oil against L3 Anisakis larvae three different media were tested: 1) a saline solution (SS); 2) an industrial marinating solution (MS); 3) sunflower seeds oil (SO). For each media and concentrations of TEO (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 5.0% v/v), 20 parasites were introduced into plastic Petri dishes (diameter 90 mm) and maintained at room temperature. As controls, larvae were maintained without TEO under identical experimental conditions in SS, MS and SO. A total of 900 larvae were tested. The normalized mean viability, LT100, LT50 and the percentage of inactivation at 24 h were calculated.

RESULTS

In vitro tests revealed a complete inactivation of parasites in saline solution after 2 h with 5% and 1% of TEO. In marinating solution, a complete inactivation of parasites was observed after 4 h at all concentrations used. A slower activity for all TEO concentration was reported in SO.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained, showing a strong activity against Anisakis larvae, confirm TEO as a larvicidal agent in the treatment of human anisakidosis and in the industrial marinating process.

Location, Partitioning Behavior, and Interaction of Capsaicin with Lipid Bilayer Membrane: Study Using Its Intrinsic Fluorescence

Capsaicin is an ingredient of a wide variety of red peppers, and it has various pharmacological and biological applications. The present study explores the interaction of capsaicin with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) lipid bilayer membrane by monitoring various photophysical parameters using its intrinsic fluorescence. In order to have a clearer understanding of the photophysical responses of capsaicin, studies involving (i) its solvation behavior in different solvents, (ii) the partition coefficient of capsaicin in different thermotropic phase states of lipid bilayer membrane, and (iii) its location inside lipid bilayer membrane have been carried out. Capsaicin has a reasonably high partition coefficient for DMPC liposome membrane, in both solid gel (2.8 ± 0.1 × 10(5)) and liquid crystalline (2.6 ± 0.1 × 10(5)) phases. Fluorescence quenching study using cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as quencher suggests that the phenolic group of capsaicin molecule is generally present near the headgroup region and hydrophobic tail present inside hydrophobic core region of the lipid bilayer membrane. The intrinsic fluorescence intensity and lifetime of capsaicin sensitively respond to the temperature dependent phase changes of liposome membrane. Above 15 mol %, capsaicin in the aqueous liposome suspension medium lowers the thermotropic phase transition temperature by about 3 °C, and above 30 mol %, the integrity of the membrane is significantly lost.

A pharmacological and phytochemical overview on Satureja

CONTEXT

Satureja (Lamiaceae) species are used as flavoring compounds in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because of its sweetness and simple cultivation characteristics. They have traditionally been used as muscle pain relievers, tonic, and carminative agents to treat stomach and intestinal disorders such as cramps, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea, due to their considerable phytochemical characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

This review evaluates some information published since 1989 on Satureja genus from a systematic perspective in terms of its pharmacological and phytochemical characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to March 2014. "Satureja" was used as a research term without narrowing or limiting research elements. After obtaining all reports from database (a total number is about 637), the papers were carefully analyzed in order to find data related to the topic of this review.

RESULTS

In this review, 453 reports were used which were published between 1989 and 2014. The study was compiled into two sections (Pharmacology and Phytochemistry). In the pharmacology section, more than 50 different activities were studied. In the second section, in addition to other compounds and inorganic substances, volatiles, phenolic acids, and flavonoids were discussed.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

According to our contemporary information, Satureja species have been evaluated for their wide range of biological activities. However, a small part of these studies have been carried out on the active principles. Therefore, in the future, more studies should be carried out to identify responsible phytochemicals for the various activities.

The globalization of traditional medicine in northern peru: from shamanism to molecules

Northern Peru represents the center of the Andean "health axis," with roots going back to traditional practices of Cupisnique culture (1000 BC). For more than a decade of research, semistructured interviews were conducted with healers, collectors, and sellers of medicinal plants. In addition, bioassays were carried out to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of plants found. Most of the 510 species encountered were native to Peru (83%). Fifty percent of the plants used in colonial times have disappeared from the pharmacopoeia. Market vendors specialized either on common and exotic plants, plants for common ailments, and plants only used by healers or on plants with magical purposes. Over 974 preparations with up to 29 different ingredients were used to treat 164 health conditions. Almost 65% of the medicinal plants were applied in these mixtures. Antibacterial activity was confirmed in most plants used for infections. Twenty-four percent of the aqueous extracts and 76% of the ethanolic extracts showed toxicity. Traditional preparation methods take this into account when choosing the appropriate solvent for the preparation of a remedy. The increasing demand for medicinal species did not increase the cultivation of medicinal plants. Most species are wild collected, causing doubts about the sustainability of trade.

Identification of single-copy orthologous genes between Physalis and Solanum lycopersicum and analysis of genetic diversity in Physalis using molecular markers

The genus Physalis includes a number of commercially important edible and ornamental species. Its high nutritional value and potential medicinal properties leads to the increased commercial interest in the products of this genus worldwide. However, lack of molecular markers prevents the detailed study of genetics and phylogeny in Physalis, which limits the progress of breeding. In the present study, we compared the DNA sequences between Physalis and tomato, and attempted to analyze genetic diversity in Physalis using tomato markers. Blasting 23180 DNA sequences derived from Physalis against the International Tomato Annotation Group (ITAG) Release2.3 Predicted CDS (SL2.40) discovered 3356 single-copy orthologous genes between them. A total of 38 accessions from at least six species of Physalis were subjected to genetic diversity analysis using 97 tomato markers and 25 SSR markers derived from P. peruviana. Majority (73.2%) of tomato markers could amplify DNA fragments from at least one accession of Physalis. Diversity in Physalis at molecular level was also detected. The average Nei's genetic distance between accessions was 0.3806 with a range of 0.2865 to 0.7091. These results indicated Physalis and tomato had similarity at both molecular marker and DNA sequence levels. Therefore, the molecular markers developed in tomato can be used in genetic study in Physalis.

An antimicrobial evaluation of plants used for the treatment of respiratory infections in rural Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Abundant availability of medicinal plants in the study area offers low cost health care, but scientific validation is needed in order to lend credibility to the traditional use against respiratory infections.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study focussed on determining the antimicrobial efficacies of 30 plant species (independently and in various combinations) used for respiratory related infections in rural Maputaland.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were undertaken on dichloromethane-methanol (CH(2)Cl(2): MeOH) and aqueous extracts, as well as the hydro-distilled essential oils (for aromatic plants). Selected plant parts were assessed for antimicrobial activity against a range of respiratory pathogens i.e. Cryptococcus neoformans (ATCC 14116), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13883), Moraxella catarrhalis (ATCC 23246), Mycobacterium smegmatis (ATCC 14468) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). The sum of the fractional inhibitory concentrations (∑FIC) was determined for plants traditionally used in combination. Isobolograms represent MIC values for a selection of interactions where two plants were combined in various ratios.

RESULTS

The most antimicrobially active aqueous extracts were that of Ozoroa obovata and Sclerocarya birrea (0.10 mg/ml) while organic extracts from Parinari capensis subsp. incohata and Tetradenia riparia demonstrated the most noteworthy (0.03 mg/ml) activity. Although both Lippia javanica and Eucalyptus grandis were by far the most popular plants traditionally used for respiratory infections, the antimicrobial activity was mostly only moderate. Furthermore, the traditional use in a 1:1 combination did not display strong antimicrobial interactions, but isobolograms demonstrate (against some test organisms) that when combined in various ratios, predominant additive interactions are evident where E. grandis was present in larger proportions. The combination of E. grandis with O. obovata demonstrated synergism against both C. neoformans and K. pneumoniae, with ∑FIC values of 0.34 and 0.28 respectively. Various ratios of these two plants also demonstrated a predominantly synergistic profile.

CONCLUSION

Although this in vitro study supports the traditional use of some plants independently and in combination for the treatment of respiratory ailments in rural Maputaland, results demonstrate that the traditional selection of plants in higher frequency do not necessarily correlate with higher antimicrobial efficacy.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial and spasmolytic properties of Poliomintha longiflora and Lippia graveolens essential oils

In the present study, we reported a comparative analysis of the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of the essential oils obtained from 2 Mexican oreganos, Poliomintha longiflora and Lippia graveolens. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiles of the oils showed high amounts of oxygenated monoterpenes, mainly carvacrol (%[mg/100 g dry matter]) (18.36 [459.0] in P. longiflora and 13.48 [164.7] in L. graveolens). In addition, these oils contained marked quantities of p-cymene (14.09 [352.2] and 7.46 [37.3], respectively), β-caryophyllene oxide, β-caryophyllene, and carvacrol acetate. Headspace analyses of the leaves of both species using different coated fibers revealed that γ-terpinene, eucalyptol, and p-cymene were the principal light volatile components. Chromatographic fingerprints and a suitable analytical method for quantifying the main components of both essences were established using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as analytical tool. The essential oils of both species were not toxic in the acute toxicity studies in mice performed according to the Lorke procedure (DL(50) > 5000 mg/kg). The oils and the major constituents, carvacrol and p-cymene, displayed a moderate in vitro antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 128 to 512 μg/mL. In addition, these samples demonstrated a marginal antispasmodic activity in vivo and provoked a concentration-dependent inhibition of the carbachol- and histamine-induced contractions using the isolated guinea-pig ileum preparation. In particular, p-cymene exerts good selective inhibitory activity on the carbachol-induced contractions (IC(50) = 9.85 μg/mL).

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The analytical methods using GC-MS and HPLC techniques will be useful for establishing quality control as well as preclinical pharmacological and toxicological parameters of the crude drug P. longiflora, which is widely used as substitute of L. graveolens for medicinal and flavorings purposes. This overall information will be also useful for elaborating scientific and pharmacopoeic monographs of this very Mexican medicinal plant.

Plants used for treating respiratory infections in rural Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional remedies are frequently used in treating various respiratory ailments, and are very important in the primary health care of the people living in rural Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Novel information gathered from surveys like the present study is important in preserving indigenous knowledge.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the knowledge that the lay people of a rural community in northern Maputaland have about medicinal plants used in the vicinity to treat respiratory infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Interviews were conducted among 80 homestead inhabitants, using structured questionnaires where convenience sampling was used. The focus was on plants used in treating respiratory infections. Some of the main topics discussed during the interviews were vernacular plant names, plant parts used, harvested amounts, preparation methods, dosage forms and quantities, use of plants in combination as well as the related symptomatic relief associated with respiratory infections.

RESULTS

The study documented 30 plant species (18 families) which are used to treat respiratory infections by the rural people in the study area. Decoctions made with these plants are mostly taken orally, combined with the use of steaming. To the best of our knowledge, Acanthospermum glabratum, Aloe marlothii, Krauseola mosambicina, Ozoroa obovata, Parinari capensis and Plectranthus neochilus are recorded for the first time globally as medicinal plants used for treating respiratory infections and related symptoms. The indigenous aromatic shrub, Lippia javanica was by far the most frequently used plant species, followed by Eucalyptus grandis (an exotic), Tetradenia riparia and then Senecio serratulloides. Twenty-four different plant combinations were used where the most frequently used combination encountered was Eucalyptus grandis with Lippia javanica.

CONCLUSION

The large number of different plant species traditionally used against respiratory infections supports previous research on the importance of traditional medicine in the primary health care of this remote area. The finding of new vernacular plant names and plant uses in the current survey shows the importance of the documentation of such ethnobotanical knowledge.

Ethnopharmacological survey among migrants living in the Southeast Atlantic Forest of Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil

BACKGROUND

Understanding how people of diverse cultural backgrounds have traditionally used plants and animals as medicinal substances during displacements is one of the most important objectives of ethnopharmacological studies. An ethnopharmacological survey conducted among migrants living in the Southeast Atlantic Forest remnants (Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil) is presented herein.

METHODS

Ethnographical methods were used to select and interview the migrants, and botanical and zoological techniques were employed to collect the indicated resources.

RESULTS

We interviewed five migrants who described knowledge on 12 animals and 85 plants. Only 78 plants were present in Diadema, they belong to 37 taxonomic families; 68 were used exclusively for medicinal purposes, whereas 10 were reported to be toxic and/or presented some restriction of use. These taxa were grouped into 12 therapeutic categories (e.g., gastrointestinal disturbances, inflammatory processes or respiratory problems) based on the 41 individual complaints cited by the migrants. While the twelve animal species were used by the migrants to treat nine complaints; these were divided into six categories, the largest of which related to respiratory problems. None of the animal species and only 57 of the 78 plant species analysed in the present study were previously reported in the pharmacological literature; the popular knowledge concurred with academic findings for 30 of the plants. The seven plants [Impatiens hawkeri W. Bull., Artemisia canphorata Vill., Equisetum arvensis L., Senna pendula (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, Zea mays L., Fevillea passiflora Vell. and Croton fuscescens Spreng)] and the two animals (Atta sexdens and Periplaneta americana) that showed maintenance of use among migrants during their displacement in Brazilian territory, have not been studied by pharmacologists yet.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, they should be highlighted and focused in further pharmacology and phytochemical studies, since the persistence of their uses can be indicative of bioactive potentials.

Antimicrobial activity of the extracts and physalin D from Physalis alkekengi and evaluation of antioxidant potential of physalin D

Physalis alkekengi L. (Solanaceae) is a popular plant in traditional European and Chinese folk medicine, and it has been reported to have many ethnopharmacological properties including antifungal, anti-cough, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and febricide activities. Some active components from Physalis species have been investigated. However, no antimicrobial activity studies on extracts and physalins of P. alkekengi have been carried out. In this study, we attempted to identify the possible antimicrobial activities of the methanol extract from aerial parts of P. alkekengi and the dichloromethane extract from calyces of the plant. The extracts were tested against five Gram-positive and five Gram-negative bacteria and five Candida species by using disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The extracts were fractionated to isolate physalins using chromatographic techniques, and physalin D was isolated from the extracts. The structure of the compound was elucidated on the basis of (1)H-NMR spectroscopic study, and confirmed by comparison with a reference sample and literature data. Results indicated that all the extracts and physalin D were characterized by antibacterial action, especially against Gram-positive bacteria, with MIC values between 32 and 128 microg/mL. The methanol extract had moderate activity against fungi at MICs ranging from 128 to 512 microg/mL, but the dichloromethane extract and physalin D had low activity against fungi at MICs ranging from 256 to 512 microg/mL. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of physalin D was evaluated by qualitative DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical and TBA (thiobarbituric acid) assays. Physalin D showed low antioxidant activity with an IC(50) value of >or= 10 +/- 2.1.

Brazilian flora extracts as source of novel antileishmanial and antifungal compounds

Natural products have long been providing important drug leads for infectious diseases. Leishmaniasis is a protozoan parasitic disease found mainly in developing countries, and it has toxic therapies with few alternatives. Fungal infections have been the main cause of death in immunocompromised patients and new drugs are urgently needed. In this work, a total of 16 plant species belonging to 11 families, selected on an ethnopharmacological basis, were analyzed in vitro against Leishmania (L.) chagasi, Leishmania (L.) amazonensis, Candida krusei, and C. parapsilosis. Of these plant species, seven showed antifungal activity against C. krusei, five showed antileishmanial activity against L. chagasi and four against L. amazonensis, among them species of genus Plectranthus. Our findings confirm the traditional therapeutic use of these plants in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory disorders and also offer insights into the isolation of active and novel drug prototypes, especially those used against neglected diseases as Leishmaniasis.

In-vitro bioactivity of Venda medicinal plants used in the treatment of respiratory conditions

Infectious diseases, especially those affecting the respiratory tract, represent a critical problem to health. Crude methanol and water extracts of 10 Venda plants reported to be used ethnomedically in the treatment of respiratory conditions were assessed for their antimicrobial activity against standard strains and clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Haemophilis influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium smegmatis using the disc diffusion assay. Four of the 10 plants tested possessed antimicrobial activity, but no activity against K. pneumoniae was observed. Minimum inhibitory concentrations, as determined by the broth microdilution assay, showed three plants, Securidaca longepedunculata, Syzygium cordatum, and Tabernaemontana elegans, to possess MICs ≤ 1 mg/mL. Phytochemical screening, performed by separation on thin layer chromatography using a variety of mobile phases and visualization with spray reagents as well as UV light showed various classes of compounds in the active extracts. Some of these have been associated with antioxidant activity, as confirmed in this study. Moreover, these extracts showed toxicity in vitro to lymphocytes. Although three plant species with significant antimicrobial activity were identified, there is a need for further scientific evaluation regarding identification of the bioactive constituents, as well as their toxicity.

Ixocarpalactone A isolated from the Mexican tomatillo shows potent antiproliferative and apoptotic activity in colon cancer cells

Physalis philadelphica Lam, commonly known as a tomatillo, is a staple of the Mesoamerican cuisine. In our laboratory, an ethyl acetate-soluble extract and four withanolides [ixocarpalactone A (IxoA), ixocarpalactone B, philadelphicalactone B, and withaphysacarpin] were isolated. Studies conducted on Hepa-1c1c7 hepatoma cells revealed that withanolides were potent inducers of quinone reductase, suggesting possible cancer chemoprotective activity. Here we evaluated the antiproliferative properties of the withanolides in SW480 human colon cancer cells. IxoA, which is present in the edible part of the tomatillo, was selected for further evaluation. SW480 cells treated with IxoA showed cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, up-regulation of hyper-phosphorylated retinoblastoma, and down-regulation of E2F-1 and DP-1. On the basis of flow cytometry analysis, ethidium bromide/acridine orange, and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, it was found that IxoA induces apoptosis in SW480 cells. Moreover, increased concentrations of the pro-apoptotic protein, BIM/BOD, were found by western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Morphological examination revealed vacuole formation in cells treated with IxoA, and Oil Red O staining showed that the vacuole content was nonlipid. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry demonstrated increased concentrations of mucin 3 in IxoA-treated SW480 cells. These findings suggest that chemicals present in tomatillos (e.g. IxoA) may have cancer chemopreventive properties.

Ethnopharmacological studies of antimicrobial remedies in the south of Brazil

This study reports the antimicrobial evaluation of the species most commonly used in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the southernmost state of Brazil, for treating conditions likely to be associated with microorganisms. A four-stage process of documentation and evaluation was conducted: (a). review of RS ethnobotanical studies; (b). analysis of traditional uses; (c). literature survey on phytochemical and pharmacological data; (d). microbiological screening of selected plants. From the 149 species initially identified, 49 were cited as being used for microbial associated conditions in at least two other regions in RS, and 18 were further selected for screening. The crude methanol extract of these 18 plants were evaluated against seven microorganisms using the diffusion agar test. Extracts from Chaptalia nutans, Cordia monosperma, Echinodorus grandiflorus, Eugenia uniflora, Leonurus sibiricus, Luehea divaricata, Malva sylvestris, Ocotea odorifera, Parapiptadenia rigida, Pluchea sagittalis, Psidium cattleyanum and Senna neglecta were active against at least one microorganism. Although preliminary, these results are useful for rationalizing the use of medicinal plants in established systems of traditional medicine in primary health care.

Lippia: traditional uses, chemistry and pharmacology: a review

The chemical composition, pharmacological activity and traditional uses of 52 species attributed to the genus Lippia (Verbenaceae) as used in the South and Central America, and Tropical Africa, were revised and compared. A survey of the available literature shows that these species are used mostly for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders and as seasoning. Additionally, some of these Lippia species showed antimalarial, spasmolitic, sedative, hypotensive and, anti-inflammatory activities. Generally, the essential oil or the phenolic compounds (flavonoids) from these plant extracts are assumed to be the active principles.

Antimicrobial activity of three Mexican Gnaphalium species

The antibacterial activity of the hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the flowers, leaves and stems of Gnaphalium oxyphyllum var. oxyphyllum, G. liebmannii var. monticola and G. viscosum was investigated. The hexane extracts showed in all cases the higher inhibitions, G. oxyphyllum flower extract exhibiting the wider spectrum of activity.

Biphasic membrane effects of capsaicin, an active component in Capsicum species

Capsaicin, an active component in Capsicum species, not only stimulates sensory afferent neurons but also inhibits bacterial growth and platelet aggregation. To address the pharmacological mechanism of non-neuronal actions, the effects of capsaicin and its structural analog (N-vanillylnonanamide) on membrane fluidity were studied by measuring fluorescence polarization of liposomes prepared with different phospholipids and cholesterol. Capsaicin and the analog changed membrane fluidity over the concentration range of 50-500 microM differentially with varying concentrations and membrane lipid composition. They showed biphasic effects on 100 mol% 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes and 40 mol% cholesterol-containing 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes to fluidize and rigidify both liposomal membranes at low and high concentrations, respectively. Changes in membrane fluidity occurred at concentrations corresponding to their reported antibacterial and antiplatelet concentrations. Antibacterial (geraniol and lidocaine) and antiplatelet reference compounds (4-ethylphenol and benzyl alcohol) concentration-dependently fluidized membranes, while not showing biphasic effects. Comparing the potency to fluidize membranes, capsaicin was almost comparable to geraniol and 4-ethylphenol, and more active than lidocaine and benzyl alcohol. The membrane effects of capsaicinoids are responsible for their non-neuronal antibacterial and antiplatelet actions, although they are not the simple membrane fluidizers.

Antimicrobial evaluation of certain plants used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of respiratory diseases

Eighteen crude extracts, including six hexanic, six chloroformic and six methanolic from six different plant species used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of respiratory infections, were evaluated for potential antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. The minimal inhibitory concentration was determined for each extract using a two-fold dilution assay. The results showed that 16 crude extracts (89%) exhibited antimicrobial activity against at least one of the microorganisms tested at concentrations of 5 mg/ml or below. The extracts from Gnaphalium oxyphyllum, Gnaphalium americanum, and Crescentia alata possessed strong antimicrobial activity against the pathogens tested.

Antimicrobial activity of flavonoids in medicinal plants from Tafí del Valle (Tucumán, Argentina)

Preliminary studies of flavonoids have been realised in five native species from Tafí del Valle (Tucumán, Argentina) used in popular medicine. Most of compounds detected were flavonoids mono and dihydroxylated in B ring. Screening for antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms has been realised with Lippia turbinata, Satureja parvifolia, Sambucus peruviana, Verbena officinalis and Chenopodium graveolens. The total extracts of flavonoids of each plant were tested and four species studied showed antimicrobial activity.

Antibacterial activity of some folklore medicinal plants used by tribals in Western Ghats of India

A series of 30 Indian folklore medicinal plants used by tribal healers to treat infections, were screened for antibacterial properties at 10 mg/ml concentration by using disc diffusion method against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Twenty plant species showed activity against one or more species of bacteria used in this assay; among them the leaf extracts of Cassia occidentalis and Cassia auriculata exhibited significant broad spectrum activity against B. subtilis and S. aureus. Ten plant species were not found active against all tested bacteria. These results were compared with results obtained using standard antibiotics, chloramphenicol (30 microg/disc) and streptomycin (30 microg/disc) which served as a reference for inhibition zone diameter.

The antimicrobial properties of chile peppers (Capsicum species) and their uses in Mayan medicine

A survey of the Mayan pharmacopoeia revealed that tissues of Capsicum species (Solanaceae) are included in a number of herbal remedies for a variety of ailments of probable microbial origin. Using a filter disk assay, plain and heated aqueous extracts from fresh Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum chinese, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum pubescens varieties were tested for their antimicrobial effects with fifteen bacterial species and one yeast species. Two pungent compounds found in Capsicum species (capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) were also tested for their anti-microbial effects. The plain and heated extracts were found to exhibit varying degrees of inhibition against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium tetani, and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Antigonorrhoeal activity of plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases

Plants popularly used in Guatemala for the treatment of gonorrhoea were macerated in 50% alcohol and the tincture tested for in vitro activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae using strains isolated from symptomatic patients and confirmed by standard bacteriological procedures. From 46 plants investigated, 13 (28.3%) showed evident inhibition zones (> 9 mm), seven (15.2%) showed small activity (6.1-8.9 mm) and 26 (56.5%) showed no activity; nine of these plants inhibited five strains of N. gonorrhoea freshly isolated. The most active plants of American origin were: bark of Bixa orellana fruits of Parmentiera edulis, leaf of Diphysa robinioides, Eupatorium odoratum, Gliricidia sepium, Physalis angulata, Piper aduncum and Prosopis juliflora, root of Casimiroa edulis, and whole Clematis dioica.

Medicinal plants from Riau province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Part 2: Antibacterial and antifungal activity

Antibacterial assays of 114 species listed in Part 1 showed that 82% of the extracts tested were active against Staphylococcus aureus, while 35% were active against Escherichia coli. Antifungal activity was less dramatic: 19% of the extracts inhibited Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while 20% inhibited Fusarium oxysporum. Our survey of relevant literature indicates that less than 30% of these Angiosperm species have previously been assayed for any form of antimicrobial activity.

Plants used for stress-related ailments in traditional Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho medicine. Part 1: Plants used for headaches

The usage and indications of possible therapeutic and harmful effects of 96 plants reported to be used for headaches in traditional Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho medicine are reviewed. Although few pharmacological studies have been undertaken on the plants used, related usage by other ethnic groups and known properties in related plants indicate significant possible analgesic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic or sedative properties. Observations made by healers indicate an acute awareness of some of the potentially toxic compounds likely to be found in the plants. Most of the medicines are snuffed or inhaled. Both the routes of administration and the plants used merit further investigation.

Plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of dermatophytic infections. 2. Evaluation of antifungal activity of seven American plants

From 52 plants screened for antifungal activity, 26 (50%) were active against dermatophytes. This paper reports further evaluation of seven American plants against four pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton rubrum), the part showing most activity, the best solvent and, in three cases, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the fungus in pure culture. Antifungal activity was confirmed in all of the plants, but not all parts; the most active parts were the bark and leaves. The most active species were Byrsonima crassifolia, Cassia grandis, Gliricidia sepium and Malpighia glabra. Diphysa robinioides, Rhizophora mangle and Cassia occidentalis were less active. The most susceptible fungi were E. floccosum and T. rubrum; A. flavus was not susceptible. Ethanol was usually the best solvent and the MIC of C. grandis, C. occidentalis and D. robinioides was 50 micrograms/ml.

Plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. 3. Confirmation of activity against enterobacteria of 16 plants

Ethnobotanical surveys and literature review identified 408 plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The screening of 84 showed that 34 inhibit one or more enterobacteria; 16 of these were selected for further investigation. Extracts were obtained with three solvents of different polarity (n-hexane, acetone and alcohol) and the in vitro activity was demonstrated against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis and Shigella flexneri. The activity of nine ethanolic extracts against enterobacteria, particularly Acalypha guatemalensis, Diphysa robinioides, Lippia dulcis, Psidium guajava and Spondias purpurea was confirmed. The plants with antibacterial activity are discussed.

Ethnobotanical survey of the medicinal flora used by the Caribs of Guatemala

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among the Carib population of Guatemala in 1988-1989. In general terms, the sample surveyed possessed a relatively good standard of living. Results indicated that health services were utilized by the population, and that domestic medicine, mainly plants (96.9%) was used by 15% of the population. One hundred and nineteen plants used for medicinal purposes were collected, of which 102 (85.7%) could be identified; a list of these together with the information provided for each plant is presented. The most frequently reported plants used as medicine are: Acalypha arvensis, Cassia alata, Cymbopogon citratus, Melampodium divaricatum. Momordica charantia, Neurolaena lobata, Ocimum basilicum, Petiveria alliacea and Solanum nigrescens. Most of these plants are found in the region, but some are brought from the Highlands or outside of the country, such as Malva parviflora, Matricaria chamomilla, Peumus boldus, Pimpinella anisum, Rosmarinus officinalis and Tagetes lucida. This survey demonstrated that the Carib population of Guatemala has survived in a transcultural environment of African and native Amerindian beliefs.