Gastroprotective effect of Cissus sicyoides (Vitaceae): involvement of microcirculation, endogenous sulfhydryls and nitric oxide

Evaluation of bioactive compounds, phytochemicals profile and antioxidant potential of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of some traditional fruit tree leaves used in Brazilian folk medicine

The aim of this study was to analyze eight selected species of leaves, used in the traditional medicine of the Northeast region of Brazil obtained from several fruit trees (grageru, soursop, jambolanum, passion fruit, insulin, nogueira, pedra ume kaá and stévia), regarding their polyphenols contents and antioxidant activity. Condensed and hydrolysable tannins, phenolics and flavonoids contents were determined and the antioxidant activities measured by ABTS, FRAP and ORAC assays. Organic acids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD system. Phenolic compounds of aqueous and ethanolic extracts were determined by UHPLC-DAD-MS. The results revealed high contents of total phenolics (13.34 ± 0.19 - 127.65 ± 0.21 mg.g^-1 of GAE:QE (2:1) of sample) and flavonoids (12.30 ± 0.42 - 71.79 ± 0.00 mg.g^-1 QE of sample). The ABTS results exhibited extraordinary activity in the extracts (74.48 ± 6.23 - 1487.33 ± 2.67 µmol Trolox.g^-1 of sample). Acids quinic, tartaric, citric, gallic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, ferulic and vanillic along with naringenin, rutin, vanillin, catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol were the most important compounds. Thus, these leaves extracts may be considered as sources of phenolics compounds having a high potential as natural antioxidants. In addition, the polyphenols present in these leaves have many beneficial effects and can also be used in medicinal and nutraceuticals products with enhanced bioactivities.

Methanolic Extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus (Caesalpiniaceae) Stem Bark Suppresses Ethanol/Indomethacin-Induced Chronic Gastric Injury in Rats

Distemonanthus benthamianus (Caesalpiniaceae) is a plant from the Cameroon pharmacopoeia very widely used in the treatment of many pathologies among which are gastrointestinal disorders. The main purpose of this study was to assess the healing properties of gastric ulcer from the methanolic extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus and its mechanisms of action. The healing properties of gastric ulcers (chronic ulcer model induced by ethanol and indomethacin) were evaluated in vivo in adult male rats, while the mechanisms of action were evaluated in vitro by anti-inflammatory assay (protein denaturation, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase assays) and immunomodulatory assay (ROS production (using technical chemiluminescence), cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) production (using ELISA), proliferation of T cells (using liquid scintillation counter), and cytotoxicity (using MTT assay)). The methanolic extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus inhibited protein denaturation (75.63%) and the activities of cyclooxygenase (78.92%) and 5-lipoxygenase (81.54%). The extract also significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited intracellular and extracellular ROS production and T cell proliferation and reduced significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 production. At all doses (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg), the extract significantly reduces the ulceration index and the area of ulceration and significantly increases the mass of gastric mucus. In addition, the extract significantly decreases the level of MDA, significantly increases the activities of catalase and glutathione, and then improves the hematological parameters in sick animals. Histological micrographs show that in the presence of the extract, there is advanced reepithelialization with recovery of the ulcerated epithelium. Thus, the extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus has healing properties against gastric ulcers which are associated with its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects.

First phytochemical study and biological activity of the leaves ethanolic extract from Cissus spinosa Cambess

AIMS: The objective of this study was to identify the phytochemical profile and to evaluate the biological effects of the crude ethanolic extract (EE) and the ethanolic fraction (EF) of leaves of the species Cissus spinosa Cambess, after oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in mice.METHODS: Phytochemical profile was performed detecting functional groups and, analysis of total flavonoids and phenols concentration, as well as the antiradical activity in EE and EF. The phytochemical characterization was done for the identification of flavonoids present in the leaves of the plant. In the biochemical tests, hematological parameters, glucose and total cholesterol dosages in plasma, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and lipid damage marker were evaluated in different tissues (liver, kidney and heart), besides genotoxic and immunological analyzes. The animals received 15 days of treatment, via gavage, with EE (50 mg kg-1) or EF (50 mg kg-1) and on the 15th day, an intraperitoneal injection of CP (100 mg kg-1) or saline (0.9%). After 24 h the last treatment, the animals were anesthetized for blood withdrawal, sacrificed and removal of the organs.RESULTS: In the phytochemical analyzes, the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols was identified, the latter presented a higher concentration for EF. Eight flavonoids were identified - Rutin, Quercetin-3-β-D-glucoside, Quercitrin, Taxifolin, Quercetin, Canferol, Luteolin and Apigenin. In the biochemical analyzes, in general, EE showed a better antioxidant action against oxidative damages, hypoglycemic and antitilipemic action when comparing with EF, probably due to the synergism caused by flavonoids. It was observed the reduction and an increase of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, due to the action of antioxidant compounds and alkaloids present in the plant, also considering the question of the seasonal period that directly interferes in the production of these compounds. In the immunological analysis, the extracts did not stimulate the spontaneous production of oxygen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO•). CONCLUSIONS: Other studies, such as the variation of the chemical composition of the plant by local seasonality, hypoglycemic and antilipemic action, should be carried out to better delineate the biological action present in this plant.

Cissus sicyoides: Pharmacological Mechanisms Involved in the Anti-Inflammatory and Antidiarrheal Activities

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological mechanisms involved in anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal actions of hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves of Cissus sicyoides (HECS). The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by oral administration of HECS against acute model of edema induced by xylene, and the mechanisms of action were analysed by involvement of arachidonic acid (AA) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). The antidiarrheal effect of HECS was observed and we analyzed the motility and accumulation of intestinal fluid. We also analyzed the antidiarrheal mechanisms of action of HECS by evaluating the role of the opioid receptor, α₂ adrenergic receptor, muscarinic receptor, nitric oxide (NO) and PGE₂. The oral administration of HECS inhibited the edema induced by xylene and AA and was also able to significantly decrease the levels of PGE₂. The extract also exhibited significant anti-diarrheal activity by reducing motility and intestinal fluid accumulation. This extract significantly reduced intestinal transit stimulated by muscarinic agonist and intestinal secretion induced by PGE₂. Our data demonstrate that the mechanism of action involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of HECS is related to PGE₂. The antidiarrheal effect of this extract may be mediated by inhibition of contraction by acting on the intestinal smooth muscle and/or intestinal transit.

Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson and C.E. Jarvis (Vitaceae): Its identification and usage in the sources from 16th to 19th century

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson and C.E. Jarvis is best known for its hypoglycaemic and anti-lipemic action. In Brazilian ethnopharmacy it is called "plant-insulin" and used mostly against diabetes, as well as in abscesses, haemorrhage and epilepsy. In the present paper we study the past significance of this plant recorded between 1571 and 1829 both in ethnic (Mexico, Haiti) and official (European) pharmacies.

AIM OF THE STUDY

(1) We are able to identify Carolus Sanctus and Lupulus Mechiocanus from Renaissance and later sources as Cissus verticillata. The specific identity of its historical herbal stock has not been proposed yet. (2) The identification we propose enables us to extract a number of historical ethnopharmacological usages from historical texts, not mentioned so far. (3) We try to find links between historical and present popular usages of C. verticillata.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The identity of Carolo Sancto and Lupulus Mechiocanus as Cissus verticillata has been proposed on the grounds of: (1) analysis of pre-Linnaean synonymic polynomials, (2) critical evaluation of old illustrations in botanical and pharmaceutical works, compared to living plants, (3) comparison of morphological, anatomical and histochemical characters of C. verticillata with old pharmacognostical descriptions of the plant and the herbal stock which it delivered.

RESULTS

We have recognised the specific identity on the basis of: (1) subsequent botanical works published between 1574 and 1763; (2) Hans Sloane׳s herbarium specimen No. BM589925; (3) morphology and organoleptic characteristics of the bark and roots published in the 16th and 17th century which are confirmable in living plants. Cissus verticillata was discovered by Nicolás Monardes in Mexico in 1571 and first published in Europe under the name Carolo Sancto in 1574. In European pharmacy the plant was also called Lupulus Mechiocanus. In official European pharmacy the root (Radix Caroli Sancti=Rad. Indica, later its sole bark) was appreciated for its action to teeth and gums when chewed. Internal usages (ascribed initially to this medicament) were gradually discarded in the late 1700s. Roots were met in the European trade until 1795.

CONCLUSIONS

Cissus verticillata is common in Americas and could have been imported to Europe since the 16th century. Complete plants were not seen knowingly in European pharmacy; taxonomical investigation of this species developed independently. Ethnopharmacological usages described between 1582 and 1829 were not adopted in Europe with the exception of two recommendations: "weakness of the stomach" and fevers. Gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory actions were re-discovered in the 2000s. Two other historical usages: antiepileptic and styptic, are observed in today׳s ethnomedicine of Brazil.

Design of cissus-alginate microbeads revealing mucoprotection properties in anti-inflammatory therapy

Cissus gum has been employed as polymer with sodium alginate in the formulation of diclofenac microbeads and the in vivo mucoprotective properties of the polymer in anti-inflammatory therapy assessed in rats with carrageenan-induced paw edema in comparison to diclofenac powder and commercial diclofenac tablet. A full 2(3) factorial experimental design has been used to investigate the influence of concentration of cissus gum (X1); concentration of calcium acetate (X2) and stirring speed (X3) on properties of the microbeads. Optimized small discrete microbeads with size of 1.22±0.10 mm, entrapment efficiency of 84.6% and t80 of 15.2±3.5 h were obtained at ratio of cissus gum:alginate (1:1), low concentration of calcium acetate (5% w/v) and high stirring speed (400 rpm). In vivo studies showed that the ranking of percent inhibition of inflammation after 3h was diclofenac powder>commercial tablet=cissus>alginate. Histological damage score and parietal cell density were lower while crypt depth and mucosal width were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the groups administered with the diclofenac microbeads than those administered with diclofenac powder and commercial tablet, suggesting the mucoprotective property of the gum. Thus, cissus gum could be suitable as polymer in the formulation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ensuring sustained release while reducing gastric side effects.

Gastroprotective effects (in rodents) of a flavonoid rich fraction obtained from Syngonanthus macrolepsis

Objectives

Syngonanthus macrolepis, popularly known in Brazil as ‘sempre-vivas’, is a plant from the family Eriocaulaceae, it is found in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. The species contains a variety of constituents, including flavonoids with gastroprotective effect. In this work, a flavonoid-rich fraction (Sm-FRF) obtained from scapes of S. macrolepis was investigated for preventing gastric ulceration in mice and rats.

Methods

The activity was evaluated in models of induced gastric ulcer (absolute ethanol, stress, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pylorus ligation). The cytoprotective mechanisms of the Sm-FRF in relation to sulfhydryl (SH) groups, nitric oxide (NO) and antioxidant enzymes were also evaluated.

Key findings

The Sm-FRF (100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced gastric injury in all models, and did not alter gastric juice parameters after pylorus ligation.

Conclusions

The results indicate significant gastroprotective activity for the Sm-FRF, which probably involves the participation of both SH groups and the antioxidant system. Both are integral parts of the gastrointestinal mucosa's cytoprotective mechanisms against aggressive factors.

Gastroprotective activity of Cenostigma macrophyllum Tul. var. acuminata Teles Freire leaves on experimental ulcer models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cenostigma macrophyllum Tul. var. acuminata Teles Freire (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae), popularly known in Brazil as "caneleiro", is widely used in folk medicine against gastrointestinal diseases. In previous studies, the ethanol extract of leaves from Cenostigma macrophyllum Tul. var. acuminata Teles Freire had shown antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and antiulcerogenic activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to assess the gastroprotective effect of the hydroalcoholic fraction of leaves of Cenostigma macrophyllum Tul. var. acuminata Teles Freire (Cm-FHA), as well as to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were used for the evaluation of the acute toxicity, and mice and rats to study the gastroprotective activity. The potential gastroprotective of Cm-FHA was assessed on different gastric ulcer models in rodents, such as absolute ethanol, HCl/ethanol, ischemia-reperfusion, cold restraint stress and indomethacin. The participation of prostaglandins, NO-synthase pathway and ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) in gastroprotective activity of Cm-FHA were evaluated after treatment with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin), a NO-synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) and a KATP channel blocker (glibenclamide 5mg/kg), respectively. Likewise, the catalase activity was determinated in order to assess the possible participation of antioxidant mechanisms.

RESULTS

No signs of acute toxicity was observed after oral acute administration of Cm-FHA, considering the analyzed parameters. Likewise, Cm-FHA promoted a protective effect against gastric ulcers induced by absolute ethanol (lesion inhibition by 40% at both 100 and 200mg/kg), HCl/ethanol (lesion inhibition by 50 or 48% at 100 or 200mg/kg, respectively), ischemia-reperfusion (lesion inhibition by 49 or 90% at 100 or 200mg/kg, respectively) and cold restraint stress (lesion inhibition by 63 or 76% at 100 or 200mg/kg, respectively), as well as a increase of catalase activity was observed. Otherwise, Cm-FHA was not able to protect gastric mucosa against indomethacin-induced lesions. Nitric oxide release, the of KATP channels opening and antioxidant activity are the possibly involved in the Cm-FHA-induced gastroprotective activity.

CONCLUSION

This study corroborates the folk medicine use of Cenostigma macrophyllum for treatment of gastric ulcers, as well as reinforces this species as a valuable source of promising natural drugs with gastroprotective activity.

Natural stilbenoids: distribution in the plant kingdom and chemotaxonomic interest in Vitaceae

Stilbenoids, a family of polyphenols known for the complexity of their structure and for their diverse biological activities, occur with a limited but heterogeneous distribution in the plant kingdom. The most prominent stilbene containing plant family, the Vitaceae, represented by the famous wine producing grape vines Vitis vinifera L., is one of the richest sources of novel stilbenes currently known, together with other families, such as Dipterocarpaceae, Gnetaceae and Fabaceae. This review focuses on the distribution of stilbenes and 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives in the plant kingdom, the chemical structure of stilbenes in the Vitaceae family and their taxonomic implication.

Dietary intervention with narrow-leaved cattail rhizome flour (Typha angustifolia L.) prevents intestinal inflammation in the trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid model of rat colitis

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the intestinal epithelium that is driven by the intestinal immune system, oxidative stress and the loss of tolerance to the luminal microbiota. The use of dietary products containing ingredients such as fibres and carbohydrates and/or antioxidant compounds have been used as a therapeutic strategy for intestinal diseases because these products are considered effective in the modulation of the immune system and colonic microbiota. We investigated the beneficial effects of cattail rhizome flour (Typha angustifolia L.) in the trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) model of rat colitis. In addition, we investigated the effects of cattail rhizome flour on the intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of prednisolone, which is a reference drug that is used for treatment of human IBD.

Methods

The present study included the preparation of flour from rhizomes of cattail (Typha angustifolia L.); an evaluation of the qualitative phytochemical profile of cattail rhizomes; an evaluation of the efficacy of cattail rhizome flour in TNBS-induced rat colitis; an evaluation of the synergistic effects of cattail rhizome flour on the intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of prednisolone; and macroscopic, clinical, biochemical, histopathological and microbiological studies to assess the healing effects of cattail rhizome flour and its synergistic effects in TNBS-induced rat colitis. The data were analysed by ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and χ² tests.

Results

We tested several concentrations of cattail rhizome flour and found that dietary supplementation with 10% cattail rhizome flour showed the best effects at reducing the extension of the lesion, the colon weight ratio, adherences to adjacent organs and diarrhoea. These effects were related to inhibition of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activities and an attenuation of glutathione (GSH) depletion. The 10% cattail rhizome flour was as effective as prednisolone, and no synergistic effects were observed. Saponins, flavonoids and coumarins were detected in the rhizome flour. No changes were observed in the total number of lactic bacteria after dietary supplementation with cattail rhizome flour.

Conclusions

Dietary supplementation with 10% cattail rhizome flour and its combination with prednisolone prevent TNBS-induced colonic damage in rats, but no synergistic effects were observed. The prevention of TNBS-induced colon damage was associated with an improvement in intestinal oxidative stress, which likely resulted from the antioxidant properties of the active compounds detected in the cattail rhizome. This protective effect was not related to an improvement in lactic bacteria counts.

Mechanisms of Gastroprotective Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Jasminum sambac against HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats

Jasminum sambac is used in folk medicine as the treatment of many diseases. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of ethanolic extracts of J. sambac leaves against acidified ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Seven groups of rats were orally pre-treated with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as normal group, CMC as ulcer group, 20 mg/kg of omeprazole as positive group, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of extract as the experimental groups, respectively. An hour later, CMC was given orally to normal group and acidified ethanol solution was given orally to the ulcer control, positive control, and the experimental groups. The rats were sacrificed after an hour later. Acidity of gastric content, the gastric wall mucus, ulcer areas, and histology and immunohistochemistry of the gastric wall were assessed. Gastric homogenates were determined for prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), superoxide dismutase (SOD), andmalondialdehyde (MDA) content. Ulcer group exhibited significantly severe mucosal injury as compared with omeprazole or extract which shows significant protection towards gastric mucosal injury the plant promotes ulcer protection as it shows significant reduction of ulcer area grossly, and histology showed marked reduction of edema and leucocytes infiltration of submucosal layer compared with ulcer group. Immunohistochemistry showed overexpression of Hsp70 protein and downexpression of Bax protein in rats pretreated with extract. Significant increased in the pH, mucus of gastric content and high levels of PGE₂, SOD and reduced amount of MDA was observed.

Spices, herbal xenobiotics and the stomach: Friends or foes?

Spices and herbal remedies have been used since ancient times to treat a variety of disorders. It has been experimentally demonstrated that spices, herbs, and their extracts possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, lipid-lowering, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antimutagenic and anticancer activities, besides their gastroprotective and anti-ulcer activities. Despite a number of reports on the toxicity of herbs and spices, they are generally accepted as safer alternatives to conventional therapy against gastric ulcers. To this end, it is also believed, that excessive consumption of spices may favor the pathogenesis of gastric and duodenal ulcer and some studies have substantiated this common perception. Based on various in vivo experiments and clinical studies, on the effects of spices and herbs on gastric ulcers, it has indeed been shown that certain spices do possess remarkable anti-ulcer properties mediated by antisecretory, cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-Helicobacter pylori effects and mechanisms regulated by nitric oxide, prostaglandins, non-protein sulfhydryl molecules and epidermal growth factor expression. Accordingly, their consumption may attenuate and help prevent peptic ulcer disease. In the present review, the beneficial effects of spices and herbal nutritive components on the gastric mucosa are discussed against the paradigm of their deleterious potential.