Gut and airways relaxant effects of Carum roxburghianum

Evaluation of Anti-arthritic and in-vitro Anti-inflammatory activity of Vaisvanara Churna

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Vaisvanara Churna used traditionally for the treatment of Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis), Shotaprasamana (Anti-inflammatory) and as Saraka (Laxative).

AIM

Aim of the study is to evaluate anti arthritic activity and in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of Vaisvanara Churna in experimental animals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Vaisvanara Churna (100-500 μg/ml) was evaluated by using membrane stabilization methods. Anti arthritic activity was evaluated by using 0.1 ml of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) injected into sub plantar surface of left hind paw of each wistar rat on day 1 followed by treatment with Vaisvanara Churna at various dose levels (450, 900, and 1800 mg/kg b.w) and standard drug Prednisolone (5 mg/kg) for 21 days. The following parameters namely change in the body weight of animals, paw volume, ankle joint thickness were measured at 0, 3, 8, 17 & 21 day intervals and radiographic changes were assessed. In addition to this, response to painful stimuli by application of forced pressure was measured by using Pressure Application Measurement (PAM) method.

RESULTS

In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity Vaisvanara Churna exhibited dose dependent membrane stabilizing activity. Treatment with Vaisvanara Churna showed significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of paw edema, reduction in ankle joint thickness and increase in the body weight of wistar albino rats was observed. There is a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the latency of limb withdrawal response, reduction in the organ indices (spleen and thymus) were noted.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that Vaisvanara Churna possesses in vitro anti inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential and supports its folklore use in the treatment of arthritis.

Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple): bioactive compounds, nutritional profile, nutraceutical properties and potential food applications: a review

Herbal remedies and related foods provide healing properties for a range of diseases, resulting in a higher standard of living. Bitter apple is extremely beneficial due to its bioactive and nutraceutical compounds. Increasing awareness among consumers across the world about this unique fruit’s properties may provide huge opportunities for the supplier of herbal products as well as their use in the food industry. It has significant applications in the field of food technology. This review focused on the important features of bitter apple mainly, bioactive compounds, their mode of action, medical applications, chemical characteristics, chemical compounds, and the latest research on the pharmacological interventions of bitter apple extracts. This review also highlights the potential use of bitter apples in the food industry as well as their application in nanotechnology for the formation of nanoparticles.

Graphical Abstract

Use of Natural Products in Asthma Treatment

Asthma, a disease classified as a chronic inflammatory disorder induced by airway inflammation, is triggered by a genetic predisposition or antigen sensitization. Drugs currently used as therapies present disadvantages such as high cost and side effects, which compromise the treatment compliance. Alternatively, traditional medicine has reported the use of natural products as alternative or complementary treatment. The aim of this review was to summarize the knowledge reported in the literature about the use of natural products for asthma treatment. The search strategy included scientific studies published between January 2006 and December 2017, using the keywords "asthma," "treatment," and "natural products." The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) studies that aimed at elucidating the antiasthmatic activity of natural-based compounds or extracts using laboratory experiments (in vitro and/or in vivo); and (ii) studies that suggested the use of natural products in asthma treatment by elucidation of its chemical composition. Studies that (i) did not report experimental data and (ii) manuscripts in languages other than English were excluded. Based on the findings from the literature search, aspects related to asthma physiopathology, epidemiology, and conventional treatment were discussed. Then, several studies reporting the effectiveness of natural products in the asthma treatment were presented, highlighting plants as the main source. Moreover, natural products from animals and microorganisms were also discussed and their high potential in the antiasthmatic therapy was emphasized. This review highlighted the importance of natural products as an alternative and/or complementary treatment source for asthma treatment, since they present reduced side effects and comparable effectiveness as the drugs currently used on treatment protocols.

Natural Antispasmodics: Source, Stereochemical Configuration, and Biological Activity

Natural products with antispasmodic activity have been used in traditional medicine to alleviate different illnesses since the remote past. We searched the literature and compiled the antispasmodic activity of 248 natural compounds isolated from terrestrial plants. In this review, we summarized all the natural products reported with antispasmodic activity until the end of 2017. We also provided chemical information about their extraction as well as the model used to test their activities. Results showed that members of the Lamiaceae and Asteraceae families had the highest number of isolated compounds with antispasmodic activity. Moreover, monoterpenoids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and alkaloids were the chemical groups with the highest number of antispasmodic compounds. Lastly, a structural comparison of natural versus synthetic compounds was discussed.

Antispasmodic, bronchodilator, vasorelaxant and cardiosuppressant effects of Buxus papillosa

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

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

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

Insight into the bronchodilator activity of Vitex negundo

CONTEXT

Vitex negundo Linn. (Verbenaceae) is traditionally used in hyperactive respiratory disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of Vitex negundo in hyperactive respiratory disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Crude extract of V. negundo leaves was obtained. For in vivo bronchodilatory activity in anesthetized rats, different doses (1, 3, 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg) of the crude extract of V. negundo (Vn.Cr) were tested. The underlying mechanisms were studied in isolated guinea pig tracheal strips, suspended in organ baths at 37 °C.

RESULTS

Intravenous doses of the crude extract of Vn.Cr showed dose-dependent bronchodilatory effect (9-50%) against carbachol (CCh; 100 µg/kg)-induced bronchoconstriction, similar to aminophylline. In isolated guinea-pig tracheal strips, Vn.Crrelaxed CCh (1 µM) and high K(+) pre-contractions with respective EC50 values of 0.72 (0.48-1.10; n = 5) and 3.38 mg/mL (1.84-6.21; n = 4), similar to papaverine. Diltiazem also relaxed both contractions with more potency against high K(+) pre-contraction (p < 0.05). Pre-incubation of the tracheal strips with Vn.Cr potentiated the isoprenaline inhibitory concentration response curves (CRCs), similar to papaverine.

DISCUSSION

The inhibitory effect against CCh and high K(+) suggests involvement of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitory pathway(s), in addition to an inhibitory effect on Ca(++) entry. This finding was further strengthened when pre-treatment of the tracheal strips potentiated the isoprenaline CRCs.

CONCLUSION

RESULTS suggest Vn.Cr possesses a combination of papaverine-like PDE inhibitor and diltiazem-like Ca(++) entry blocking constituents, which partly explain its bronchodilatory effect, thus validating its medicinal importance in asthma.

Carum induced hypothyroidism: an interesting observation and an experiment

Carum carvi is a widely available herb that has been used as a food additive and as a medication in traditional medicine for many years. Its potential biological effects include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and antispasmodic activities. We report a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma who were under treatment with levothyroxine and experienced an elevated TSH level by ingestion of Carum carvi. TSH level was increased to 60.3 mIU/L with no change in levothyroxine dosage and decreased to normal range after discontinuation of the Carum carvi. Observing this dramatic change in TSH level by carum ingestion, carum carvi capsules was produced and one of the researcher tried the medication on herself with a dose of 40 mg/kg/day. She had a history of hypothyroidism and was taking 100 ugr/day of levothyroxine. TSH was markedly increased 2 weeks after ingestion of Carum carvi and returned to normal range 5 months after discontinuation of it. This case report shows the effect of consumption of Carum carvi in increasing TSH level in hypothyroid patients treating with levothyroxine. The exact mechanism of action of carum carvi remains unknown.

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad (bitter apple fruit): a review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, traditional uses and nutritional potential

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad is a valuable cucurbit plant, widely distributed in the desert areas of the world. Citrullus colocynthis fruits are usually recognized for its wide range of medicinal uses as well as pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential. This review aims to appraise the published information on the ethnobotanical knowledge, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, nutraceutical potential and safety studies of Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit, with critical analysis on the gaps and potential for future studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature survey was performed by searching the scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ACS as well as published books.

RESULTS

The plant has been reported to possess a wide range of traditional medicinal uses including in diabetes, leprosy, common cold, cough, asthma, bronchitis, jaundice, joint pain, cancer, toothache, wound, mastitis, and in gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion, constipation, dysentery, gastroenteritis, colic pain and different microbial infections. Several bioactive chemical constituents from fruits were recorded, such as, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, fatty acids and essential oils. The isolation and identification of curcurbitacins A, B, C, D, E, I, J, K, and L and Colocynthosides A, and B were also reported. The fruit of Citrullus colocynthis has been studied extensively for its wide range of biological activities, which include antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, insecticide, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. The plant was also shown to be rich in nutritional value with high protein contents and important minerals as well as edible quality of seed oil.

CONCLUSION

It is evident from the literature that Citrullus colocynthis possesses a wide range of medicinal uses and has been well studied for its antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, while its therapeutic potential for gut, airways and cardiovascular disorders remains to be explored. Critical analysis revealed that the plant has the huge potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical application, with some indications for the presence of synergistic and /or side effects neutralizing combinations of activities.