Prokinetic and laxative activities of Lepidium sativum seed extract with species and tissue selective gut stimulatory actions

Effects of natural products on functional constipation: analysis of active ingredient and mechanism

Constipation is a prevalent clinical ailment of the gastrointestinal system, yet its pathogenesis remains ambiguous. Despite the availability of numerous treatment modalities, they are insufficient in resolving the issue for patients. This work conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature pertaining to the utilization of natural products for the treatment of constipation, with a focus on the efficacy of natural products in treating constipation, and to provide a comprehensive summary of their underlying mechanisms of action. Upon conducting a thorough review of the extant literature, we found that natural products can effectively treat constipation as modern synthetic drugs and compounded drugs with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) effects, rich in fiber and mucus, and the effects of increasing the tension of the ileum and gastrointestinal tract muscle, mediating signaling pathways, cytokine, excitability of the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, and regulating the homeostasis of intestinal flora. However, there is a wide variety of natural products, and there are still relatively few studies; the composition of natural products is complex, and the mechanism of action of natural products cannot be clarified. In the future, we need to further improve the detailed mechanism of natural products for the treatment of constipation.

Nutritional, health benefits and toxicity of underutilized garden cress seeds and its functional food products: a review

Garden cress seed is a potential source of macro and micronutrients including essential fatty acids and amino acids as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The seed also provides appreciable amount of health-protective bioactive compounds used to treat diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, bone fracture, asthma, constipation and some forms of cancer. Besides,, it is used to develop functional foods of therapeutic value in food manufacturing industries and traditional food preparations. Even though, it is known for its superior health benefits, provision of essential nutrients, and wider application in functional food development it is among the most underutilized crop in the world. Additionally, majority of studies conducted on garden cress seeds are mainly animal trials and hence needs to conduct studies on human. Therefore, the aim of this review paper is to provide up to date research evidence on the nutrient composition and therapeutic use of underutilized garden cress seeds and its functional food products, promising for the prevention of non-communicable and communicable diseases.

Graphical Abstract

Evidence for Health-Promoting Properties of Lepidium sativum L.: An Updated Comprehensive Review

Lepidium sativum L. is a common herb distributed worldwide, used as a food ingredient and therapeutic agent in traditional medicine for treating health-related disorders. L. sativum and its extracts have been described to possess numerous biological activities including antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, anticancer, and numerous health-promoting effects in in vivo and in vitro studies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the findings describing important biological functions and therapeutic effects of L. sativum in various cell lines and animal models. In this review, the English-language articles were gathered from electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar with no time limit applied to any database. The search terms used in this review include, "Lepidium sativum L." and/or "chemical composition", "health benefits", "antimicrobial", "antioxidant", "anticancer", "diuretic", "nephro-protection", "antidiarrheal", "antidiabetic", "anti-asthmatic", "neuroprotection", "metabolic", "bone fracture", and "reproductive performance". Additional and eligible studies were collected from reference lists of appropriate articles. The information presented will be helpful to attract more interest toward medicinal plants by defining and developing novel clinical applications and new drug formulations in the future. Pre-clinical studies showed that L. sativum possesses potent health-promoting effects involving various molecular mechanisms. Taken all together, data suggested that identified herbal plants such as L. sativum, can be exploited as nutritional and therapeutic agents to combat various ailments. Despite much research in this field, further comprehensive in vitro/in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to identify the mechanisms underlying the biological and therapeutic activities of L. sativum.

Pharmacological Validation for the Folklore Use of Ipomoea nil against Asthma: In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation

Oxidative stress is the key factor that strengthens free radical generation which stimulates lung inflammation. The aim was to explore antioxidant, bronchodilatory along with anti-asthmatic potential of folkloric plants and the aqueous methanolic crude extract of Ipomoea nil (In.Cr) seeds which may demonstrate as more potent, economically affordable, having an improved antioxidant profile and providing evidence as exclusive therapeutic agents in respiratory pharmacology. In vitro antioxidant temperament was executed by DPPH, TFC, TPC and HPLC in addition to enzyme inhibition (cholinesterase) analysis; a bronchodilator assay on rabbit’s trachea as well as in vivo OVA-induced allergic asthmatic activity was performed on mice. In vitro analysis of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) expressed as % inhibition 86.28 ± 0.25 with IC50 17.22 ± 0.56 mol/L, TPC 115.5 ± 1.02 mg GAE/g of dry sample, TFC 50.44 ± 1.06 mg QE/g dry weight of sample, inhibition in cholinesterase levels for acetyl and butyryl with IC50 (0.60 ± 0.67 and 1.5 ± 0.04 mol/L) in comparison with standard 0.06 ± 0.002 and 0.30 ± 0.003, respectively, while HPLC characterization of In.Cr confirmed the existence with identification as well as quantification of various polyphenolics and flavonoids i.e., gallic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and others. However, oral gavage of In.Cr at different doses in rabbits showed a better brochodilation profile as compared to carbachol and K+-induced bronchospasm. More significant (p < 0.01) reduction in OVA-induced allergic hyper-responses i.e., inflammatory cells grade, antibody IgE as well as altered IFN-α in airways were observed at three different doses of In.Cr. It can be concluded that sound mechanistic basis i.e., the existence of antioxidants: various phenolic and flavonoids, calcium antagonist(s) as well as enzymes’ inhibition profile, validates folkloric consumptions of this traditionally used plant to treat ailments of respiration.

Nutraceutical Profiling, Bioactive Composition, and Biological Applications of Lepidium sativum L

The roots, leaves, and seeds of Lepidium sativum L., popularly known as Garden cress in different regions, have high economic importance; although, the crop is particularly cultivated for the seeds. In traditional medicine, this plant has been reported to possess various biological activities. This review is aimed at providing updated and critical scientific information about the traditional, nutritional, phytochemical, and biological activities of L. sativum. In addition, the geographic distribution is also reviewed. The comprehensive literature search was carried out with the help of different search engines PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. This review highlighted the importance of L. sativum as an edible herb that possesses a wide range of therapeutic properties along with high nutritional values. Preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo) displayed anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, gastrointestinal, and fracture/bone healing activities of L. sativum and support the clinical importance of plant-derived bioactive compounds for the treatment of different diseases. Screening of literature revealed that L. sativum species and their bioactive compounds may be a significant source for new drug compounds and also could be used against malnutrition. Further clinical trials are needed to effectively assess the actual potential of the species and its bioactive compounds.

Herb-drug interaction: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-hypertensive drug amlodipine besylate in presence of lepidium sativum and curcuma longa

1. Effects of Lepidium sativum and Curcuma longa were investigated on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antihypertensive drug (amlodipine).2. Hypertensive rats were treated with amlodipine, Lepidium sativum, Lepidium sativum + amlodipine, Curcuma longa, and Curcuma longa + amlodipine; and their blood pressures were measured. Amlodipine in plasma samples was analysed using UPLC-TQD. Product ions of amlodipine were monitored at m/z 409.18 > 238 and 409.18 > 294; and of nitrendipine at m/z 361.16 > 315.1 and 361.16 > 329.10.3. Lepidium sativum + amlodipine treatment showed highest reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Mean anti-hypertensive effect of Lepidium sativum and Curcuma longa was similar to amlodipine. Mean SBPs (1-24 h) of amlodipine, Lepidium sativum, Lepidium sativum + amlodipine, Curcuma longa, and Curcuma longa + amlodipine treated animals were found as 149.5 ± 2.4 mmHg, 151.6 ± 1.09 mmHg, and 141.8 ± 2.5 mmHg, 154.9 ± 2.2 mmHg and 144.4 ± 2.6 mmHg (p-values ≪0.05); respectively. Lepidium sativum and Curcuma longa significantly increased amlodipine C_max by 83% (p-value 0.018) and 53% (p-value 0.035); and AUC_0-t by 48% (p-value >0.05) and 56% (p-value 0.033); respectively.4. Results of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies are in agreement. Lepidium sativum and Curcuma longa augment antihypertensive effect of amlodipine, which is also supported by pharmacokinetic observations.

Development and characterization of fish gelatin-based biodegradable film enriched with Lepidium sativum extract as active packaging for cheese preservation

The physical and functional properties of gelatin-based films enriched with organic extracts from Lepidium sativum seeds were studied. Gelatin was extracted from the skin of dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and the functional gelatin-based films were used to preserve cheese during chilled storage. Ethanol extract (LSE3) and gelatin-based film enriched with LSE3 at 20 μg/mL showed high antioxidant potential using various complementary methods. No significant difference was measured in the mechanical parameters of the enriched films in terms of thickness, tensile strength and elongation at break. LSE3 incorporation at the highest level slighltly decreased the film L∗ value from 90.30 ± 0.10 to 88.10 ± 0.12, while the b∗ value increased from 0.91 ± 0.07 to 8.89 ± 0.12. Wrapping the cheese with gelatin-based film enriched with 20 μg LSE3/mL reduced the syneresis by 40% and stabilized the color, peroxidation and bacteria growth as compared to the unwrapped sample after 6 days of storage. In addition, cheese wrapped with the active gelatin-based film showed the lowest changes in texture parameters. Overall results suggest the use of the enriched gelatin film as active packaging material to preserve cheese quality.

Antioxidant activity and laxative effects of tannin-enriched extract of Ecklonia cava in loperamide-induced constipation of SD rats

To investigate the role of tannin-enriched extracts of Ecklonia cava (TEE) on the regulation of oxidative balance and laxative activity in chronic constipation, we investigated alterations after exposure to TEE, on constipation phenotypes, muscarinic cholinergic regulation, and oxidative stress responses in the transverse colons of SD rats with loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation. This extract contains high levels of total condensed tannin content (326.5 mg/g), and exhibited high inhibitory activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. TEE treatment induced significant improvements in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) phosphorylation in primary smooth muscles of rat intestine cells (pRISMCs) and transverse colon of constipation model. Also, Lop+TEE treated groups showed alleviated outcomes for the following: most stool parameters, gastrointestinal transit, and intestine length were remarkably recovered; a similar recovery pattern was observed in the histopathological structure, mucin secretion, water channel expression and gastrointestinal hormones secretion in the transverse colon; expressions of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors M2/M3 (mAChR M2/M3) and their mediators on muscarinic cholinergic regulation were significantly recovered. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that TEE stimulates oxidative stress modulation and muscarinic cholinergic regulation when exerting its laxative effects in chronic constipation models.

Effective amelioration of hepatic inflammation and insulin response in high fat diet-fed rats via regulating AKT/mTOR signaling: Role of Lepidium sativum seed extracts

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Obesity-induced insulin resistance and chronic inflammation appears to be the most frequent cause of diabetes and its related metabolic complications; in this way a new therapeutic approaches are needed to prevent the chronic obesity and insulin resistance. Lepidium sativum has been extensively used in traditional alternative medicine for cough, skin disease, liver disorder, diuretic, gastrointestinal problems, hair loss treatment, milk secretion during lactation as well as antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of Lepidium sativum have been observed by previous studies, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we investigated the beneficial effect of Lepidium sativum ethanol and aqueous seed extracts on obesity, oxidative, inflammatory, and insulin sensitivity changes in the liver tissue of high fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. The bioactive constituents responsible for these activities have been identified for both extracts using HPLC and GC-MS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were fed HFD for 10 weeks. The obese rats were treated orally with the Lepidium sativum ethanol extracts (LSEE) at dose 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (BW) and Lepidium sativum aqueous extracts (LSAE) at dose 200 mg/kg BW daily for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The findings of the present study pointed out a significant increase in the hepatic transaminases, lipid profile, leptin, and hepatic oxidative stress with decreased antioxidant capacity of HFD-fed rats. Consistent with this depiction; we determined the up-regulation of liver inflammatory markers with a significant down-regulation of insulin signaling components phospho-insulin receptor (p-IR), p-AKT, p-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and p-p70S6K after consumption of HFD for 10 weeks that indicates a deterioration of insulin sensitivity. Interestingly, the phytochemical screening of LSEE and LSAE exhibited positive results for phenolic, flavonoid, lipid, and some bioactive components as well as the in vitro antioxidant activity of both extracts clearly demonstrated their high antioxidant activities. Notably, LSEE and LSAE displayed a wide range of biological features including anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Both extracts significantly decreased high glucose, leptin, lipid profile, liver enzymes levels, and body weight. We also found that LSEE and LSAE significantly alleviated lipid peroxidation and restored the antioxidant enzymes to normal levels. In parallel, the intracellular phosphorylation of classical markers of insulin signaling cascade p-IR/p-AKT/p-mTOR/p-p70S6K was up-regulated in the hepatic tissues of LSEE and LSAE-treated groups.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that LSEE and LSAE might be one promising dietary supplementation that could safely and effectively prevent the early metabolic alterations and weight gain caused by HFD further regulate the activation of insulin signaling pathway beside their powerful antioxidant and low-toxicity properties.

A Panoramic Review on Lepidium sativum L. Bioactives as Prospective Therapeutics

BACKGROUND

Lepidium sativum (L. sativum), an annual herb belonging to family Brassicaceae is commonly known as Garden cress of Egyptian origin but now a day's cultivated worldwide. The plant material and its constituents are used in various traditional and folk medicines for the treatment of various liver diseases and other ailments.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to gather comprehensive information on L. sativum's bioactive constituents, and it's antioxidant, hepato-protective and anticancer activity.

METHOD

Systematic exploration for research evidences were carried out using well-structured and focused review question and presented data in the tabular form for readers' convenience.

RESULTS

The comprehensive literature survey was conducted, and we found that specific studies on L. Sativum and its bioactive compounds had been carried out to date. We explored the unique and selective effect of L. Sativum and its bioactive constituents to combat oxidative stress and hepatic carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

The present article appraised that L. sativum extract has a potential therapeutic effect against liver toxicity and hepato-carcinoma. Graphical Abstract.

Aerial parts of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) as functional vegetables with gastrointestinal prokinetic efficacy in vivo

Lepidium meyenii Walp. (maca) has been utilized in the Andean region because of its edibleness and medicinal value. The aerial parts of maca (APM) were analyzed for protein, total sugar, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals and its characteristic active ingredients at five different growth stages. The results showed the high protein, total sugar, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, and calcium contents of APM. All 17 amino acids and the characteristic active ingredients, namely, macamide, glucosinolates, adenosine, and total saponins, were detected. We examined the effects of maca plant powders on gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion and the levels of serum motilin and gastrin in atropine-treated mice. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) was investigated to identify the potential active material in APM. The results revealed that both maca plant powders and BITC can promote the gastrointestinal prokinetic efficacy. Thus, APM feature potential as new functional vegetable sources.

Ethnomedicinal uses of plants for the treatment of malaria in Soon Valley, Khushab, Pakistan

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

To best of our knowledge this is the first quantitative ethno-medicinal study with the aim of documenting the indigenous knowledge and practices of using plants for malarial therapy in Soon Valley, Khushab, Pakistan. In this Valley, malaria is among the major public health problems but, until now, the population still mostly relies on herbal medicine for treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethno-medicinal data were documented from 63 informants by using semi-structured questionnaires and interviewing the informants about their knowledge of plants regarding malaria and related symptoms. Documented data were evaluated using the quantitative ethno-botanical indices of frequency citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), percentage of respondents having knowledge (PRK) and Jaccard index (JI).

RESULTS

A total of 70 plant species belonging to 62 genera and 34 families were recorded as anti-malarial in the study area. Solanaceae was found to be the most cited family with 7 species, followed by Fabaceae, Rutaceae and Lamiaceae with 5 species each. Ocimum americanum and Solanum incanum were the species with the highest relative frequency of citation (RFC =0.25 each) and percentage of respondents having knowledge (PRK =25.4% each), followed by Grewia tenax (RFC =0.23, PRK =23.8%), which indicates that these plants are the best species with anti-malarial properties. The most highly cited life form was found to be herbs (56%). The dominant plant part used in preparations were leaves (49%). The main mode of utilization was decoction (47%) followed by infusion (29%). In comparison, maximum similarity index is found in our study with JI (16.83) followed by (13.13). Similarity percentage of plants uses ranges from 0.81 to 16.83 while dissimilarity percentage varies from 0% to 17.65%.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge seven plant species, viz. Withania coagulans, Fagonia cretica, Carthamus oxyacantha, Ehretia obtusifolia, Helianthus annuus, Olea ferruginea and Vitex trifolia, are reported from this region for the first time for the treatment of malaria. This first ethno-medicinal study highlights potential sources for the development of new antimalarial drugs from indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants found in the Soon Valley, Pakistan. Such investigations could be a subject for in vitro and in vivo anti-plasmodial screening to develop new plant-based antimalarial drugs and can also be evaluated for other biological activities and novel drug discoveries.

Diamondback Moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) Exhibits Oviposition and Larval Feeding Preferences Among Crops, Wild plants, and Ornamentals as Host Plants

Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is an agricultural pest with high reproductive potential, widespread distribution, and high resistance to different types of insecticides. Although diamondback moth is a common research subject, questions remain regarding its spatial and temporal host plant usage patterns and preferences within agroecosystems. We examined the adult oviposition and larval feeding preferences of the diamondback moth to assess the potential of alternate host plants as either reservoirs or trap crops. Adult females and third and fourth instars were offered multiple plant species within the plant family Brassicaceae to examine contact preferences and larval ingestion rates. Adult oviposition and larval feeding preferences were identical, with garden cress (Lepidium sativum) (L.) highly preferred, followed by wintercress (Barbarea vulgaris) (L.) and black mustard (Brassica nigra) (L.). Ingestion rates varied among tested plants, with the lowest rate on black mustard and highest on aubretia (Aubretia deltoidea) (L.). Highly preferred plant species were determined to be unfavorable for larval growth and potentially lethal to neonates, suggesting their possible use as trap crops. Understanding ovipositional and larval feeding preferences of diamondback moth can also aid in the development of more accurate monitoring and control strategies for this pest.

Protective effect of Lepidium sativum seed extract against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in human liver cells (HepG2)

CONTEXT

Garden cress [Lepidium sativum (Brassicaceae)] has been widely used to treat a number of ailments in traditional medicine. The pharmacological and preventive potential of Lepidium sativum, such as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antihypertensive, anti-ashthamatic, anticancer, and anti-oxidant, are well known.

OBJECTIVE

The present investigation was designed to study the protective effects of chloroform extract of Lepidium sativum seed (LSE) against oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in human liver cells (HepG2).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cytotoxicity of LSE and H2O2 was identified by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), neutral red uptake (NRU) assays, and morphological changes in HepG2. The cells were pre-exposed to biologically safe concentrations (5-25 μg/ml) of LSE for 24 h, and then cytotoxic (0.25 mM) concentration of H2O2 was added. After 24 h of the exposures, cell viability by MTT, NRU assays, and morphological changes in HepG2 were evaluated. Further, protective effects of LSE on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels induced by H2O2 were studied.

RESULTS

Pre-exposure of LSE significantly attenuated the loss of cell viability up to 48% at 25 µg/ml concentration against H2O2 (LD50 value = 2.5 mM). Results also showed that LSE at 25 µg/ml concentration significantly inhibited the induction of ROS generation (45%) and LPO (56%), and increases the MMP (55%) and GSH levels (46%).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The study suggests the cytoprotective effects of LSE against H2O2-induced toxicity in HepG2. The results also demonstrate the anti-oxidative nature of LSE.

Prokinetic activity of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch flowers extract and its possible mechanism of action in rats

The peach tree, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, is widely cultivated in China, and its flowers have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat gut motility disorders. But few studies have explored the pharmacological effect of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch flowers on gastrointestinal motility. In this study, the activities of different extracts from Prunus persica (L.) Batsch flowers on the smooth muscle contractions were evaluated using isolated colon model, and the ethyl acetate extract (EAE) showed the strongest effects in vitro. EAE (10(-8)-10(-5) g/mL) caused a concentration-dependent stimulatory effect in rat colonic tissue. Additionally, ketotifen (100 µM), cimetidine (10 µM), and pyrilamine (1 µM) produced a significant inhibition of contractions caused by EAE. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and toluidine blue staining revealed increased numbers of mast cells in the EAE group, and EAE increased histamine release from the colonic tissues. These data indicate that EAE has significant prokinetic activity and acts by a mechanism that mainly involves mast cell degranulation. Our study provides a pharmacological basis for the use of an extract of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch flowers in the treatment of gut motility disorders.

Two new acylated flavonol glycosides from the seeds of Lepidium sativum

Two new acylated flavonol glycosides named kaempferol-3-O-(2-O-sinapoyl)-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1) and quercetin-3-O-(6-O-benzoyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-D-galactopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), were isolated together with six known compounds from the seeds of L. sativum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. In vitro 1 and 2 inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, with IC50 values of 25.36 and 25.08 µM, respectively.

Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Carissa carandas in constipation and diarrhea

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Carissa carandas Linn. commonly known as "Karaunda" (Apocynaceae) is a popular medicinal herb widely distributed in different parts of Pakistan. In addition to other medicinal uses, Carissa carandas is popular in indigenous system of medicine for its medicinal use in gut motility disorders like, constipation and diarrhea.

OBJECTIVE

This study was planned to provide pharmacological basis to the medicinal use of Carissa carandas in constipation and diarrhea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The crude extract of the leaves of Carissa carandas (Cc.Cr) was prepared in methanol and its fractionation was carried out with ethylacetate, petroleum ether and n-butanol. In-vivo studies were conducted on mice, while isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum preparations were used for the in-vitro experiments. The spasmogenic and spasmolytic responses of gut tissues were recorded using isotonic transducers coupled with PowerLab data acquisition system.

RESULTS

The HPLC fingerprints of Cc.Cr, its petroleum (Cc.Pef), ethylacetate (Cc.Eaf) and n-butanol (Cc.Baf) fractions showed the presence of oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. Oral administration of Cc.Cr to mice increased fecal output at lower doses (30 and 50 mg/kg), while it showed protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea at higher doses (300 and 600 mg/kg). In isolated guinea-pig ileum and rabbit jejunum, Cc.Cr and Cc.Baf exhibited stimulatory effect at 0.003-3 mg/ml, which was partially sensitive to atropine or pyrillamine or partially/fully sensitive to atropine+pyrillamine, followed by relaxation at higher tested concentrations, being more potent in rabbit tissues. The ethylacetate fraction (0.1-5 mg/ml) exhibited fully atropine-sensitive contractions in both guinea-pig and rabbit tissues, being more potent in guinea-pig while more efficacious in rabbit tissues. However, the petroleum fraction (0.003-1.0 mg/ml) showed only spasmolytic activity in spontaneously contracting rabbit tissues, similar to nifedipine. In guinea-tissue, Cc.Pef did not cause any stimulant effect. When studied against high K(+) (80 mM)-induced contraction, the crude extract and its fractions caused a dose-dependent inhibition, with the following order of potency: Cc.Pef>Cc.Eaf>Cc.Cr≥Cc.Baf, similar to nifedipine indicating Ca(++) channel antagonist like activity, which was further confirmed when the plant extract displaced Ca(++) curves to the right with suppression of maximum effect similar to that of nifedipine.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the crude extract of Carissa carandas possesses a gut-stimulatory effect mediated primarily through the activation of muscarinic and histaminergic receptors while its spasmolytic effect was mediated possibly through Ca(++) antagonist pathway. Thus, this study provides a clear evidence for the dual effectiveness of Carissa carandas in constipation and diarrhea, thus validating its medicinal use.

Lepidium sativum Linn.: a current addition to the family of mucilage and its applications

Mucilage from the last decades has been found to be very attractive, interesting and useful in development of desired pharmaceutical dosage forms. Various applications of plant based mucilage have a wide potentiality in drug formulations. Lepidium sativum Linn. (family: Brassicaceae) is one of the mucilage containing fast growing, edible annual herb. Its various parts (roots, leaves and seeds) have been used to treat various human ailments. It mainly contains alkaloids, saponins, anthracene glycosides, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, flavanoids, and sterols as chief phytochemical constituents. Its seed extracts have been screened for various biological activities like hypotensive, anti-microbial, bronchodilator, hypoglycemic and allelopathic, whereas its seed coat mucilage has been isolated using different methods to make it effective excipient of desired functionality as a part of pharmaceutical applications. Through keen references of reported work on Lepidium sativum Linn., in this review, we have focused on its seed coat mucilage isolation methods, chemical constituents, pharmacological profile and versatile application of Lepidium sativum Linn.

Promising effect of Magliasa, a traditional Iranian formula, on experimental colitis on the basis of biochemical and cellular findings

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of Magliasa, a traditional Iranian formula, on experimental colitis.

METHODS: After botanical authentication of herbal ingredients, formulation of Magliasa, quantitative determination of total glucosinolates and total phenolic content, and analysis of the thin layer chromatography profile were performed. Colitis was then induced in male rats by instillation of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in all groups, aside from the Sham group. The experimental groups consisted of: the Sham group that received only normal saline; the Mag-50, Mag-100 and Mag-200 groups, which received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg per day of Magliasa, respectively; the control group, which received vehicle water orally; the infliximab group, which received infliximab (5 mg/kg per day, subcutaneously); and the Dexa group, which received dexamethasone (1 mg/kg per day, orally). After completing the treatment period (2 wk), the rats were sacrificed, the colon was removed, its macroscopic and microscopic changes were recorded, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), total antioxidant capacity, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed in colon homogenate.

RESULTS: The mean value of total glucosinolates in one gram of Magliasa was 19 ± 1 μmol. The mean value of the total phenolic content was 293.8 ± 17.6 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 gram of Magliasa. Macroscopic scores were significantly decreased in Mag-100 (1.80 ± 0.58, P = 0.019) and Mag-200 (1.20 ± 0.20, P = 0.001) compared to the control group (3.40 ± 0.24), although some inflammation and hyperemia were evident. Treatment of rats by dexamethasone (0.33 ± 0.21, P < 0.001) and infliximab (0.83 ± 0.31, P < 0.001) remarkably attenuated scores where mild hyperemia was observed macroscopically. In comparison to the control group (4.00 ± 0.32), only Mag-200 (1.60 ± 0.40) showed a significant decrease in colonic histopathological scores (P = 0.005). Minimal mucosal inflammation was observed in the Dexa group (0.67 ± 0.21, P < 0.001). The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and MPO were significantly lower in all groups compared to the controls (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in LPO was seen in the Mag-200 (3.27 ± 0.77, P = 0.01) and Dexa (3.44 ± 0.22, P = 0.011) groups in comparison to the control group (6.43 ± 0.61). Only dexamethasone caused a significant increase in antioxidant power in comparison to the control group (346.73 ± 9.9 vs 228.33 ± 2.75, P < 0.001). Infliximab and different doses of Magliasa did not show any remarkable increase in antioxidant capacity (P > 0.05). The effect of Magliasa in all of mentioned parameters, except antioxidant capacity, was dose dependent.

CONCLUSION: The effects of Magliasa in TNBS-induced colitis are encouraging and warrant clinical trials for further confirmation.

Species differences in the antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities of Lepidium sativum and insight into underlying mechanisms

The aim of this study was to see if the crude extract of Lepidium sativum (Ls.Cr) exhibits species specificity in its antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities along with insight into the underlying mechanisms using the in-vivo and in-vitro experiments. Ls.Cr inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice at doses (300 and 1000 mg/kg) three times higher dose than for rats. In isolated rat ileum and jejunum, Ls.Cr completely inhibited carbachol (CCh), low K⁺ (25 mM) and high K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contractions, while in guinea-pig tissues, Ls.Cr caused complete inhibition of only CCh-induced contraction. In rabbit tissues, Ls.Cr completely inhibited CCh and low K⁺-induced contractions sensitive to K⁺ channel antagonists. Pretreatment of guinea-pig and rat tissues with Ls.Cr caused a rightward shift in CCh-induced contractions in a pattern similar to dicyclomine, while in rabbit and rat tissues, Ls.Cr shifted isoprenaline curves to the left similar to papaverine. These data indicate that the antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities of L. sativum are species dependent, mediating its antispasmodic effect through combinations of multiple pathways including activation of K⁺ channels, and inhibition of muscarinic receptors, Ca⁺⁺ channels and PDE enzyme. Rat tissues showed the highest potency. Based on the results, we recommend using multiple species to know the real pharmacological profile of medicinal products.

The protective effects of ginsenoside Rg1 against hypertension target-organ damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND

Although a number of medicines are available for the management of hypertension, the organ damage induced by hypertension is not resolved. The aim of this study was to investigate the protection of ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) against vascular remodeling and organ damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

METHODS

Male SHR were treated with 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg Rg1 through intraperitoneal injection per day for 1 month. SHR or Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) receiving vehicle (saline) was used as control. Blood pressure detection and pathological stain, transmission electron microscope, immunohistochemical assay were used to elucidate the protection of Rg1.

RESULTS

Blood pressures were not different between control SHR rats and Rg1 treated SHR rats, but Rg1 improved the aortic outward remodeling by lowering the lumen diameter and reducing the media thickness according the histopathological and ultrastructural detections. Rg1 also protected the retinal vessels against inward remodeling detected by immunohistochemical assay. Furthermore, Rg1 attenuated the target heart and kidney damage with improvement on cardiac and glomerular structure.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that Rg1 held beneficial effects on vascular structure and further protected against the organ-damage induced by hypertension. These findings also paved a novel and promising approach to the treatment of hypertensive complications.

Species and tissue-specificity of prokinetic, laxative and spasmodic effects of Fumaria parviflora

Background

Fumaria parviflora Linn. (Fumariaceae), is a small branched annual herb found in many parts of the world including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. This study was designed to provide pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Fumaria parviflora in gut motility disorders.

Methods

The in-vivo prokinetic and laxative assays were conducted in mice. Isolated intestinal preparations (ileum and jejunum) from different animal species (mouse, guinea-pig and rabbit) were separately suspended in tissue baths containing Tyrode's solution bubbled with carbogen and maintained at 37°C. The spasmogenic responses were recorded using isotonic transducers coupled with PowerLab data acquisition system.

Results

The aqueous-methanol extract of Fumaria parviflora (Fp.Cr), which tested positive for the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and anthraquinones showed partially atropine-sensitive prokinetic and laxative activities in the in-vivo in mice at 30 and 100 mg/kg. In the in-vitro studies, Fp.Cr (0.01-1 mg/ml) caused a concentration-dependent atropine-sensitive stimulatory effect both in mouse tissues (jejunum and ileum), and rabbit jejunum but had no effect in rabbit ileum. In guinea-pig tissues (ileum and jejunum), the crude extract showed a concentration-dependent stimulatory effect with higher efficacy in ileum and the effect was partially blocked by atropine, indicating the involvement of more than one types of gut-stimulant components (atropine-sensitive and insensitive). This could be a plausible reason for the greater efficacy of Fp.Cr in gut preparations of guinea-pig than in rabbit or mouse.

Conclusions

This study shows the prokinetic, laxative and spasmodic effects of the plant extract partially mediated through cholinergic pathways with species and tissue-selectivity, and provides a sound rationale for the medicinal use of Fumaria parviflora in gut motility disorders such as, indigestion and constipation. This study also suggests using different species to know better picture of pharmacological profile of the test material.

Pharmacological Basis for the Medicinal Use of Lepidium sativum in Airways Disorders

Lepidium sativum is widely used in folk medicine for treatment of hyperactive airways disorders, such as asthma, bronchitis and cough. The crude extract of Lepidium sativum (Ls.Cr) inhibited carbachol (CCh, 1 μM-) and K(+) (80 mM-) induced contractions in a pattern similar to that of dicyclomine. Ls.Cr at 0.03 mg/mL produced a rightward parallel shift of CCh curves, followed by nonparallel shift at higher concentration (0.1 mg/mL), suppressing maximum response, similar to that caused by dicyclomine. Pretreatment of tissues with Ls.Cr (0.1-0.3 mg/mL) shifted Ca(++) concentration-response curves (CRCs) to right, as produced by verapamil. Ls.Cr at low concentrations (0.03-0.1 mg/mL) caused leftward shift of isoprenaline-induced inhibitory CRCs, like that caused by rolipram, a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. These results indicate that bronchodilatory effect of Lepidium sativum is mediated through a combination of anticholinergic, Ca(++) antagonist and PDE inhibitory pathways, which provides sound mechanistic background for its medicinal use in the overactive airways disorders.

Cadmium at high dose perturbs growth, photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism while at low dose it up regulates sulfur assimilation and antioxidant machinery in garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.)

Metal contamination of soils has become a worldwide problem and great environmental threat, as these metals accumulate in soils and plants in excess, and enter the food chain. Increased cadmium (Cd) uptake from contaminated soils leads to altered plant metabolism and limits the crop productivity. The experimental crop, Lepidium sativum L. (Garden Cress, Family: Brassicaceae) is a medicinally and economically important plant. An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of different concentrations of Cd (0, 25, 50 or 100 mg kg(-1) soil) on the performance of L. sativum. Cd accumulation in roots and leaves (roots>leaves) increased with the increaseing Cd concentration in soil. High Cd concentration (100mg Cd kg(-1) soil) inhibited the leaf area and plant dry mass and significant decline in net photosynthetic rate (P(N)), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO(2) (Ci), chlorophyll (Chl a, Chl b, total Chl) content, carbonic anhydrase (CA; E.C. 4.2.1.1) activity, nitrate reductase (NR; E.C. 1.6.6.1) activity and nitrogen (N) content was also observed. However, ATP-sulfurylase (ATP-S; EC. 2.7.7.4) activity, sulfur (S) content and activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD; E.C. 1.15.1.1); catalase (CAT; E.C. 1.11.1.6); ascorbate peroxidase (APX; E.C. 1.11.1.11) and glutathione reductase (GR; E.C. 1.6.4.2) and glutathione (GSH) content were increased. Specifically, the decrease in NR activity and N content showed that Cd affects N metabolism negatively; whereas, the increase in ATP-S activity and S content suggests the up-regulation of S assimilation pathway for possible Cd tolerance in coordination with enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes and GSH. High Cd concentration (100mg Cd kg(-1) soil) perturbs the L. sativum growth by interfering with the photosynthetic machinery and disrupting the coordination between carbon, N and S metabolism. On the other hand, at low Cd concentration (25mg Cd kg(-1) soil) co-ordination of S and N metabolism complemented to the antioxidant machinery to protect the growth and photosynthesis of L. sativum plants.