An evaluation of the activity related to inflammation of four plants used in Thailand to treat arthritis

Identification of Major Bioactive Anti-inflammatory Compounds of Derris scandens Stem Using RAW 264.7 Cells and HPLC-UV Analysis

Derris scandens (DS) is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties, specifically its analgesic effects, which significantly alleviate muscle pain. The chemical constituents of DS stem include various isoflavone derivatives. However, there is currently a lack of specified anti-inflammatory chemical markers and analytical methods for quality control. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of DS and its constituents using the RAW 264.7 cell model. The expression of inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) was examined using quantitative RT-PCR. An high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV detection method was developed to quantitatively analyze genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-glucopyranoside, genistein, derrisisoflavone A, lupalbigenin, and 6,8-diprenylgenistein in DS stem. The developed HPLC-UV method demonstrated high sensitivity with limits of detection and quantification ranging from 0.01 to 0.06 µg/mL and 0.03 to 0.18 µg/mL, respectively. The accuracy of the method ranged from 93.3 to 109.6%. Furthermore, the repeatability and reproducibility of the method were suitable, as indicated by the relative standard deviations of ≤ 3.02% and ≤ 6.22%, respectively. The DS extract notably inhibited NO production, exhibiting effects comparable to those of 500 µM diclofenac, and substantially suppressed the expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and 5-LOX of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced genes. As to the pure isoflavone derivatives, the order of NO production inhibition was found to be genistein > lupalbigenin > derrisisoflavone A > 6,8-diprenylgenistein > genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-glucopyranoside. Genistein, derrisisoflavone A, and 6,8-diprenylgenistein significantly suppressed the upregulation of all LPS-induced genes. Consequently, these compounds are recommended as anti-inflammatory markers for the quantitative chemical analysis of DS.

Wound healing and photoprotection properties of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. extracts standardized in verbascoside

Acanthus spp. have been documented in traditional Thai herbal medicine and are applicable for the treatment of inflamed skin with wound healing property. Nonetheless, the scientific evidence necessary to prove the herb's doctrine has not yet been revealed. Verbascoside-rich extracts of the herbal medicine A. ebracteatus Vahl., were therefore prepared. The extracts and verbascoside were examined for their wound healing abilities using a scratch assay with fibroblasts. The anti-inflammatory effect suppressing MMP-9 was assessed in cocultures of keratinocyte (HaCaT cells) and fibroblasts. The extracts significantly improved wound healing compared with the control (p < 0.001). The wound healing effect of the extracts significantly (p < 0.01) increased with increasing verbascoside content. It should be noted that the extract was significantly (p < 0.05) better than verbascoside at the same test concentration. The extracts were capable of protecting cocultures of HaCaT cells and fibroblasts from photodamage. The extracts significantly (p < 0.001) suppressed cellular MMP-9 secretion following UV exposure, showing a better effect than that of verbascoside (p < 0.01). A. ebracteatus extract is promising for wound healing and photoprotection, and a prominent source of verbascoside. Verbascoside-rich A. ebracteatus could be utilized for the development of innovative skin-care products.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Derris scandens extract on narrowband-ultraviolet B exposed HaCaT human keratinocytes

Narrowband-ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) has been used to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis. Chronic use of NB-UVB might cause skin inflammation and lead to skin cancer. In Thailand, Derris Scandens (Roxb.) Benth. is used as an alternative medicine to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for low back pain and osteoarthritis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of Derris scandens extract (DSE) on pre- and post exposed NB-UVB human keratinocytes (HaCaT). The results indicated that DSE could not protect HaCaT from cell morphology changes or DNA fragmentation and could not recover cell proliferation ability from the NB-UVB effects. DSE treatment reduced the expression of genes related to inflammation, collagen degradation, and carcinogenesis, such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, COX-2, MMP-1, MMP-9, and Bax. These results indicated the potential use of DSE as a topical preparation against NB-UVB-induced inflammation, anti-aging, and prevention of skin cancer from phototherapy.

A review of the ethnomedicinal uses, chemistry, and pharmacological properties of the genus Acanthus (Acanthaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Acanthus genus belongs to the Acanthaceae family, and its species are distributed in all continents, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Several traditional applications are referred to, but few scientific studies validate them. Despite this, studies in animal models corroborate some of its uses in folk medicine, such as anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive, which encourages the research on plants of this genus.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To our knowledge, this document is the first comprehensive review study that provides information on the geographic distribution, botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activities of some Acanthus species to understand the correlation between traditional uses, phytochemical, and pharmacological activities, providing perspectives for future studies.

RESULTS

In traditional medicine, Acanthus species are mainly used for diseases of respiratory, nervous and reproductive system, gastrointestinal and urinary tract, and skin illness. The most used species are A. montanus, A. ilicifolius, and A. ebracteatus. Chemical compounds (125) from different chemical classes were isolated and identified in seven species, mainly from A. ilicifolius, about 80, followed by A. ebracteatus and A. montanus, appearing with a slightly lower number with fewer phytochemical profile studies. Isolated phytoconstituents have been mainly alkaloids, phenylpropanoid glycosides, and phenylethanoids. In addition, aliphatic glycosides, flavonoids, lignan glycosides, megastigmane derivatives, triterpenoids, steroids, fatty acids, alcohols, hydroxybenzoic acids, simple phenols were also cited. Scientific studies from Acanthus species extracts and their phytoconstituents support their ethnomedical uses. Antimicrobial activity that is the most studied, followed by the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, underlie many Acanthus species activities. A. dioscoridis, A. ebracteatus, A. hirsutus, A. ilicifolius, A. mollis, A. montanus, and A. polystachyus have studies on these activities, A. ilicifolius being the one with the most publications. Most studies were essentially performed in vitro. However, the anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties have been studied in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Acanthus species have remarkable phytoconstituents with different biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, and leishmanicidal, supporting traditional uses of some species. However, many others remain unexplored. Future studies should focus on these species, especially pharmacological properties, toxicity, and action mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive report on Acanthus genus plants, evidencing their therapeutic potential and prospects for discovering new safe and effective drugs from Acanthus species.

Effects of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. extract and verbascoside on human dermal papilla and murine macrophage

Androgenic alopecia is a common type of hair loss, usually caused by testosterone metabolism generating dihydrotestosterone and hair follicular micro-inflammation. These processes induce dermal papilla cells to undergo apoptosis. Currently approved effective medications for alopecia are Finasteride, an oral 5α-reductase inhibitor, Minoxidil, a topical hair growth promoter, and Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory agent, all of which, however, have several adverse side effects. In our study, we showed the bioactivity of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. (AE) extract performed by 95% ethanol, and verbascoside (VB), a biomarker of AE extract. Both AE extract and VB were studied for their effects on dermal papilla cell viability and the cell cycle by using MTT assay and flow cytometry. The effect of an anti-inflammatory activity of AE extract and VB on IL-1β, NO, and TNF-α, released from LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells, and IL-1α and IL-6 released from irradiated dermal papilla cells were detected using ELISA technique. The preventive effect on dermal papilla cell apoptosis induced by testosterone was determined by MTT assay. In controlled in vitro assays it was found that AE extract and VB at various concentrations induced dermal papilla cell proliferation which was indicated by an increase in the number of cells in the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle. AE extract at 250 µg/mL concentration or VB at 62.50 µg/mL concentration prevented cell apoptosis induced by testosterone at a statistically significant level. In addition, both AE extract and VB greatly inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from RAW 264.7 and dermal papilla cells. The release of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO from RAW 264.7 cells, as well as IL-1α and IL-6 from dermal papilla cells, was also diminished by AE extract 250 µg/mL and VB 125 µg/mL. Our results indicate that AE extract and VB are promising ingredients for anti-hair loss applications. However, further clinical study is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of AE extract and VB as treatment for actual hair loss.

Integrated Strategy From In Vitro, In Situ, In Vivo to In Silico for Predicting Active Constituents and Exploring Molecular Mechanisms of Tongfengding Capsule for Treating Gout by Inhibiting Inflammatory Responses

The study of screening active constituents from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is important for explicating the mechanism of action of TCM and further evaluating the safety and efficacy effectively. However, detecting and identifying the active constituents from complicated biological samples still remain a challenge. Here, a practical, quick, and novel integrated strategy from in vitro, in situ, in vivo to in silico for rapidly screening the active constituents was developed. Firstly, the chemical profile of TCM in vitro was identified using UPLC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap HRMS. Secondly, the in situ intestinal perfusion with venous sampling (IPVS) method was used to investigate the intestinal absorption components. Thirdly, after intragastric administration of the TCM extract, the in vivo absorbed prototype components were detected and identified. Finally, the target network pharmacology approach was applied to explore the potential targets and possible mechanisms of the absorbed components from TCM. The reliability and availability of this approach was demonstrated using Tongfengding capsule (TFDC) as an example of herbal medicine. A total of 141 compounds were detected and identified in TFDC, and among them, 64 components were absorbed into the plasma. Then, a total of 35 absorbed bioactive components and 50 related targets shared commonly by compounds and gout were integrated via target network pharmacology analysis. Ultimately, the effects of the absorbed components on metabolism pathways were verified by experiments. These results demonstrated that this original method may provide a practical tool for screening bioactive compounds from TCM treating particular diseases. Furthermore, it also can clarify the potential mechanism of action of TCM and rationalize the application of TFDC as an effective herbal therapy for gout.

Medicinal plants utilized in Thai Traditional Medicine for diabetes treatment: Ethnobotanical surveys, scientific evidence and phytochemicals

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetes mellitus remains the most lethal metabolic disease of contemporaneous times and despite the therapeutic arsenal currently available, research on new antidiabetic agents remains a priority. In recent years, the revitalization of Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) became a clear priority for the Thai government, and many efforts have been undertaken to accelerate research on herbal medicines and their use in medical services in various hospitals. Additionally, and particularly in rural areas, treatment of diabetes and associated symptomatology frequently relies on herbal preparations recommended by practitioners of TTM. In the current work, medicinal plants used in Thailand for treating diabetes, as well as their hypoglycaemic pharmacological evidences and potential therapeutic use for diabetes-related complications were reviewed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnopharmacological information on the plant materials used in TTM for diabetes treatment was collected through literature search in a range of scientific databases using the search terms: diabetes, folk medicine, Thailand medicinal plants, traditional medicine. Information regarding scientific evidence on the antidiabetic effects of surveyed species was obtained considering not only the most common taxonomic designation, but also taxonomic synonyms, and including the keywords 'diabetes' and 'hypoglycaemic effect'.

RESULTS

A total of 183 species known to be used for diabetes management in TTM were reviewed, with 30% of them still lacking experimental evidences to support claims regarding the mechanisms and phytochemicals underlying their antidiabetic properties. Moreover, a total of 46 bioactives displaying effective antidiabetic effects have been isolated from 24 species, their underlying mechanism(s) of action being fully or partially disclosed.

CONCLUSIONS

We deliver the most extensive survey dealing with the ethnomedicinal knowledge of Thai medicinal plants utilized on diabetes management. We are certain that the current review will spark further research on Thai plants for the development of new standardized phytomedicines through drug discovery programmes.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Acanthus Ebracteatus, Barleria Lupulina and Clinacanthus Nutans: a systematic review

This appraisal is comprised of the inflammatory studies that have been conducted on Clinacanthus nutans, Acanthus ebracteatus, and Barleria lupulina. The review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the supporting and contradictory evidence on each plants' anti-inflammatory properties, whilst addressing the gaps in the current literature. The databases used to obtain relevant studies were Google Scholar, ResearchGate, PubMed and Nusearch (University of Nottingham). A total of 13 articles were selected for this review. A. ebracteatus was found to suppress neutrophil migration and weakly inhibits chronic inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, B. lupulina and C. nutans were shown to possess very similar anti-inflammatory properties. The studies on C. nutans indicated that its anti-inflammatory effect is strongly related to the inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Moreover, several phytoconstituents isolated from B. lupulina were shown to activate the anti-inflammatory Nrf2 pathway. Overall, all the studies have provided evidence to support the use of these plants as anti-inflammatory herbal remedies. However, their exact mechanism of action and the responsible phytoconstituents are yet to be established.

Three isoflavones from Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth and their cancer chemopreventive activity and in vitro antiproliferative effects

Three undescribed isoflavones, derriscandenon A, B, and C, together with seven known isoflavones were isolated and structurally characterized during a study of the chemical constituents in the leaves of Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth (Leguminosae, Fabaceae) collected in Bangladesh. The inhibitory activity of the compounds against activation of Epstein-Barr virus antigen (EBV-EA) by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbo-13-acetate (TPA) was measured to identify possible chemopreventive agents. Mild inhibitory effects (IC₅₀ 278-290 mol ratio/32 pmol TPA) against EBV-EA induction compared with curcumin (IC₅₀ 341 mol ratio/32 pmol TPA) were observed for four known compounds (lupalbigenin, isopalbigenin, glyurallin, and isangustone A). Next, we focused on antitumor effects and investigated cell viability, cell proliferation, and mitochondria membrane potential by using an MTT assay, a live cell monitoring system, and fluorescence staining. Of the seven isoflavones tested for cell viability, a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed for four isoflavones (derriscandenon B and C, derrubone, and glyurallin) in KB cells and two compounds (derriscandenon B and isochandaisone) in NALM6-MSH+ cells. In addition, the proliferation of KB cells was significantly inhibited by these four compounds at a concentration of 5 μM. The mitochondria membrane potentials of KB cells treated with derriscandenon C, derrubone, and glyurallin at the IC₅₀ concentration were decreased by about 55%, whereas undescribed compound derriscandenon B had no effect. Our results show that some of the compounds isolated from D. scandens may be suitable as seed compounds for cancer prevention and therapy.

Synergistic Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn. and Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. Extracts and Their Potential as a Treatment for Xerosis Cutis

BACKGROUND

A common health condition among older persons is xerosis cutis. Topical corticosteroid treatments are -associated with side effects. There is an unmet need for her-bal treatment alternatives. Coccinia grandis, Clerodendrum inerme and Acanthus ebracteatus are used to treat skin con-ditions in Thai traditional medicine. This study aimed to investigate their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, synergistic properties as well as their cytotoxicity.

METHODS

-Ethanolic herbal extracts were used to perform minimal -inhibitory (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays on common skin pathogens. Synergistic anti-microbial activity was evaluated by a chequerboard assay. Antioxidant and synergistic properties were assessed by a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Cytotoxicity was tested on normal adult human primary epidermal keratinocytes.

RESULTS

All extracts showed an inhibitory effect on growth of all microorganisms tested. MIC and MBC values ranged from 0.0625 to 32 mg/mL and from 0.0625 to >256 mg/mL, respectively. A. ebracteatus extract markedly demonstrated bactericidal activity against an methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain. Additive antimicrobial activity was observed (fractional inhibitory concentration index values: 0.75-1). All extracts possessed antioxidant properties (IC50 values: 0.12-0.25 mg/L). However, antagonism was observed with paired extract combinations (combination index values: 1.025-1.455). The cell viability assay confirmed that herbal extracts were not cytotoxic.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide early findings of pharmacological activities to support a novel choice of herbal combinations as potential local skin treatment options for xerosis cutis.

Facile and Fast Detection of Genistein in Derris scandens by Square Wave Voltammetry using a Cobalt(II) Phthalocyanine-Modified Screen-Printed Electrochemical Sensor

Background:

Recently, Derris scandens, a Thai herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory activity, is widely used as beverage and supplementary food. When the traditional medicine is a choice for health therapy, the simple and reliable equipment is required to control the suitable consuming amount of the active component.

Objective:

To develop the electrochemical sensor for genistein determination in Derris scandens with high sensitivity and rapid operation.

Methods:

An in-house screen-printed electrochemical sensor consisting of a three-electrode system was developed for genistein determination. A silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) reference electrode, a carbon counter electrode and a carbon working electrode were prepared on a 0.3-mm-thick plastic substrate by the screen-printing technique using conductive ink. The dimensions of each sensor were 2.5×1.0 cm. Only 50 µL of sample solution was required on this device for the determination of genistein concentration by rapid response square wave voltammetry.

Results:

The oxidation peak of genistein appeared with good response in acidic media at a peak potential of 0.6 V. Moreover, the signal was enhanced by modifying the conductive carbon ink with cobalt( II) phthalocyanine. Under the optimized conditions, the linear range was found to be 2.5-150 µM and the detection limit was 1.5 µM. Moreover, the small volume extraction was successfully developed without any further pre-concentration. This proposed method was applied to determine genistein in Derris scandens with satisfying results.

Conclusion:

The proposed method is promising as an alternative method for genistein determination with facile and fast analysis.

In vitro protective effects of plants frequently used traditionally in cancer prevention in Thai traditional medicine: An ethnopharmacological study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thai traditional medicine (TTM) has been used widely in cancer management in Thailand. Although several Thai medicinal plants were screened for pharmacological activities related to cancer treatment, such evidence still suffers from the lack of linking with TTM knowledge.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To document knowledge and species used in cancer prevention in TTM and to preliminary investigate pharmacological activities related to the documented knowledge of twenty-six herbal drugs used in cancer/mareng prevention.

METHODS

Fieldwork gathering data on TTM concept and herbal medicines used in cancer prevention was performed with TTM practitioners across Thailand. Later, water and ethanol extracts from twenty-six herbal drugs mentioned as being used in cancer prevention were screened for their protective effect against tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced cell death in HepG2 cells. Then active extracts were investigated for their effects on NQO1 activity, glutathione level, and safety in normal rat hepatocytes.

RESULTS

The fieldwork helped in the development of TTM cancer prevention strategy and possible experimental models to test the pharmacological activities of selected medicinal plants. Fifteen plant extracts showed significant protective effect by restoring the cell viability to 40-59.3%, which were comparable or better than the positive control EGCG. Among them, ethanol extracts from S. rugata and T. laurifolia showed the most promising chemopreventive properties by significantly increased NQO1 activity, restored GSH level from oxidative damage, as well as showed non-toxic effect in normal rat hepatocytes.

CONCLUSION

TTM knowledge in cancer prevention was documented and used in the planning of pharmacological experiment to study herbal medicines, especially in cancer, inflammation, and other chronic diseases. The proposed strategy should be applied to in vivo and clinical studies in order to further confirm the validity of such a strategy. Other traditional medical systems that use integrated approaches could also apply our strategy to develop evidence that supports a more rational uses in traditional medicine.

Animal Models of Inflammation for Screening of Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Implications for the Discovery and Development of Phytopharmaceuticals

Inflammation is one of the common events in the majority of acute as well as chronic debilitating diseases and represent a chief cause of morbidity in today's era of modern lifestyle. If unchecked, inflammation leads to development of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis along with pulmonary, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation involves a complex network of many mediators, a variety of cells, and execution of multiple pathways. Current therapy for inflammatory diseases is limited to the steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The chronic use of these drugs is reported to cause severe adverse effects like gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal abnormalities. There is a massive need to explore new anti-inflammatory agents with selective action and lesser toxicity. Plants and isolated phytoconstituents are promising and interesting sources of new anti-inflammatories. However, drug development from natural sources has been linked with hurdles like the complex nature of extracts, difficulties in isolation of pure phytoconstituents, and the yield of isolated compounds in minute quantities that is insufficient for subsequent lead development. Although various in-vivo and in-vitro models for anti-inflammatory drug development are available, judicious selection of appropriate animal models is a vital step in the early phase of drug development. Systematic evaluation of phytoconstituents can facilitate the identification and development of potential anti-inflammatory leads from natural sources. The present review describes various techniques of anti-inflammatory drug screening with its advantages and limitations, elaboration on biological targets of phytoconstituents in inflammation and biomarkers for the prediction of adverse effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. The systematic approach proposed through present article for anti-inflammatory drug screening can rationalize the identification of novel phytoconstituents at the initial stage of drug screening programs.

In vitro evaluation of anti-epidermoid cancer activity of Acanthus ebracteatus protein hydrolysate and their effects on apoptosis and cellular proteins

Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. is commonly consumed with the aim of curing cancer, inflammatory conditions and skin diseases in traditional Thai medicine. It is known to contain various phytochemicals; however, very little is known about the effects of A. ebracteatus protein hydrolysate on cancer cells, including its molecular mechanisms. The present study therefore investigated the anti-cancer activity of A. ebracteatus protein hydrolysates against epidermoid cancer of the skin cell line A431. Their effects on the apoptosis pathway and expression of proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation or cell cycle were also investigated. Crude extract of protein hydrolysate, partially purified peptides and purified peptides extracted from the aerial part of A. ebracteatus were administered to the A431 cells. The cytotoxicity effects were then determined using an MTT assay. As a result, A. ebracteatus protein hydrolysate significantly inhibited A431 cells with half inhibitory concentration equals to 425.9 ng protein/ml. By performing Annexin V assay, the partially purified peptides of A. ebracteatus were demonstrated to enhance the apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that the partially purified peptides of A. ebracteatus increased protein expression levels of RelA (p65) and Cyclin D1 proteins. However, A. ebracteatus did not increase the expression levels of p53-serine 15 phosphorylation (Ser15P).

Acanthus ebracteatus leaf extract provides neuronal cell protection against oxidative stress injury induced by glutamate

BACKGROUND

Acanthus ebracteatus (AE), an herb native to Asia, has been recognized in traditional folk medicine not only for its antioxidant properties and various pharmacological activities but also as an ingredient of longevity formulas. However, its anti-neurodegenerative potential is not yet clearly known. This work aimed to evaluate the protective effect of AE leaf extract against glutamate-induced oxidative damage in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells, a neurodegenerative model system due to a reduction in glutathione levels and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS).

METHODS

Cell viability, apoptosis, and ROS assays were performed to assess the protective effect of AE leaf extract against glutamate-induced oxidative toxicity in HT22 cells. The antioxidant capacity of AE was evaluated using in vitro radical scavenging assays. The subcellular localization of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and the mRNA and protein levels of genes associated with the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant system were determined to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of AE leaf extract.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that AE leaf extract is capable of attenuating the intracellular ROS generation and HT22 cell death induced by glutamate in a concentration-dependent manner. Co-treatment of glutamate with the extract significantly reduced apoptotic cell death via inhibition of AIF nuclear translocation. The increases in Nrf2 levels in the nucleus and gene expression levels of antioxidant-related downstream genes under Nrf2 control were found to be significant in cells treated with the extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that AE leaf extract possesses neuroprotective activity against glutamate-induced oxidative injury and may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Understanding cancer and its treatment in Thai traditional medicine: An ethnopharmacological-anthropological investigation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thai traditional medicine (TTM) is widely practiced in Thailand and continues to gain importance in cancer management, but little is known about the TTM practitioners' emic concepts and practice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

With this study we firstly aim to document the practice of cancer treatment and prevention by TTM practitioners and, secondly, to evaluate how such traditional concepts and practices are correlated with biomedical ones. This in turn can form the basis for developing novel strategies for designing pharmacological experiments and longer term strategies to develop TTM practice.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with 33 TTM practitioners were performed in five provinces in different regions of Thailand. The following information were recorded; basic information of informants, descriptions of cancer (mareng in Thai), causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Plants used in the treatment and prevention of mareng were also collected.

RESULTS

Using an in depth ethnographic approach four representative case studies to assist in a better understanding of the characteristics of mareng, its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are reported here. Five characteristics of mareng - waste accumulation (khong sia), chronic illnesses (krasai), inflammation (kan aksep), bad blood (luead) and lymph (namlueang), and the imbalance of four basic elements (dhātu si) - have been identified. Explanatory models of cancer in TTM were linked with biomedical concepts and relevant pharmacological actions. Traditional uses and available scientific evidence of medicinal plants mentioned in the case studies for the treatment or prevention of mareng are presented and discussed.

CONCLUSION

Here for the first time five main characteristics of cancer based on Thai traditional medical concepts are analysed. Our findings are relevant not only for the planning of clinical studies or pharmacological experiment in the search for novel compounds for cancer treatment and prevention, but also for the integration of Thai traditional medicine in cancer care.

A review on medicinal uses, analytical techniques and pharmacological activities of Strychnos nux-vomica Linn.: A concise report

The purpose of this review is to provide comprehensive and relevant information on the utilization and pharmacological activities of Strychnos nux-vomica Linn. (Loganiaceae), used for the treatment of various diseases. Strychnos nux-vomica is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia and its dried seeds are used for the treatment of neurodisorders, arthritis and vomiting. The different use of this plant as herbal remedy in Chinese medicine is also reported in the literature. Strychnine and brucine are major pharmacologically active phytoconstituents of Strychnos nux-vomica, which are central nervous stimulant, but also found to be poisonous at high dosage. Owing to its diversity of phytoconstituents, it is used for treatment of various disorders. Pharmacologically it has been validated for its effect on inflammation, microbial infections, gastrointestinal problem, nervous system, bones cells, cardiovascular systems, cancer and blood glucose level. It also has antioxidant activity and antifeedant activity. Informations about Strychnos nux-vomica, compiled in the present review article could be useful to the researchers for the scientific validation of its traditional claim in the future.

Efficacy and safety of Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. for musculoskeletal pain treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. has been used as active ingredient in Thai traditional medicine recipes for pain treatment. Dry stem powder and ethanolic extract also recommended in Thailand National List of Essential Medicines (NLEMs) for musculoskeletal pain treatment as herbal medicine. However, no summarization of clinical effect and safety has been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to determine the clinical effects and safety of D. scandens for musculoskeletal pain treatment compared with standard regimen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

METHODS

International and Thai databases were searched from inception through August 2015. Comparative randomized controlled trials investigating oral D. scandens for musculoskeletal pain were included. Outcomes of interest included level of pain and adverse event. Mean changes of the outcomes from baseline were compared between D. scandens and NSAIDs by calculating mean difference.

RESULTS

From 42 articles identified, 4 studies involving a total of 414 patients were included for efficacy analysis. The effects of oral D. scandens on reducing pain score were no different from those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at any time points (3, 7, 14 days and overall). The overall pain reduction in the D. scandens group was not inferior to treatment with NSAIDs (weighted mean difference 0.06; 95% CI: -0.20, 0.31) without evident of heterogeneity (I²=0.00%, p=0.768). When compared, the adverse events (AEs) of D. scandens showed no different relative risk with NSAIDs. The major adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms.

CONCLUSION

D. scandens may be considered as an alternative for musculoskeletal pain reduction.

Effects of the Ayurved Siriraj Wattana recipe on functional and phenotypic characterization of cytokine-induced killer cells and dendritic cells in vitro

Background

Ayurved Siriraj Wattana recipe (AVS073), has been prescribed as tonic, to increase appetite, and for pain relief. It also exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating and anti-cancer activities. However, the immunomodulatory effects on antigen-presenting cells and effector T cells remained elusive. We thus aimed to study the effects of AVS073 on differentiation, maturation, functions and proportions of CIK cells and monocyte-derived DCs.

Methods

CIK cells and monocyte-derived DCs were treated with AVS073, followed by the assessment of T-helper (Th) phenotypes using real-time RT-PCR and flow cytometry.

Results

AVS073 promoted Th1 phenotype in CD3⁺CD56⁺ subset of CIK cells through increasing STAT4, T-bet, and interferon-γ. AVS073 inhibited Th2 phenotype through decreasing STAT6. AVS073 inhibited Treg phenotype through decreasing STAT5A, STAT5B and IDO. AVS073 promoted Th17 phenotype through increasing STAT3, RORC and IL-17. AVS073 treatment of mDCs resulted in increasing Th1-prone cytokine (IL-12) and Th17-prone cytokines (IL-6 and IL-23).

Conclusions

AVS073 upregulated Th1 and Th17, but downregulated Th2 and Treg phenotypes within CD3⁺CD56⁺ cells. The treatment of mDCs drove Th1 and Th17-polarizations.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1480-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

An Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay for Genistein 7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-glucopyranoside Determination in Derris scandens using a Polyclonal Antibody

INTRODUCTION

Genistein 7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-glucopyranoside (GTG) is a major bioactive compound in Derris scandens. It is responsible for anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. There are many commercial products of D. scandens available in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantitative analysis of GTG in plant material and derived products using a polyclonal antibody.

METHODS

An immunogen was synthesised by conjugating GTG with a carrier protein. The polyclonal antibody against GTG (GTG-PAb) was produced in New Zealand white rabbits. The ELISA method was validated for specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision and correlation with HPLC.

RESULTS

The polyclonal antibody was specific to GTG and genistin within the range of compounds tested. The GTG ELISA was applied in the range 0.04-10.00 μg/mL with a limit of detection of 0.03 μg/mL. The recovery of GTG in spiked Derris scandens extracts ranged from 100.7 to 107.0%, with a coefficient of variation less than 7.0%. The intra- and inter-assay variations were less than 5.0%. The ELISA showed a good correlation with HPLC-UV analysis for GTG determination in samples, with a coefficient of determination (r² ) of 0.9880.

CONCLUSION

An ELISA was established for GTG determination in Derris scandens. The GTG-PAb can react with GTG and genistin, but genistin has not been found in the plant. Therefore, the ELISA can be used for high throughput quality control of GTG content in D. scandens and its products. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Potent Antiproliferative Effect on Liver Cancer of Medicinal Plants Selected from the Thai/Lanna Medicinal Plant Recipe Database "MANOSROI III"

Thai/Lanna medicinal plant recipes have been used for the treatment of several diseases including liver cancer. In this study, methanolic extracts (MEs) of 23 plants were tested for antiproliferative activity on human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2) by the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Nine MEs with potent antiproliferative activity (IC50 < 100 µg/mL) were obtained and further semipurified by liquid/liquid partition extraction. The semipurified fractions were tested for the antiproliferative and antioxidative activities. ME of Stemona collinsae and the semipurified extract and methanol-water fraction (MF) of Gloriosa superba gave the highest antiproliferative activity on HepG2 which were 4.79- and 50.07-fold cisplatin, respectively. The semipurified fractions showed an increased antiproliferative activity. MF of Caesalpinia sappan and HF of Senna alata showed the highest free radical scavenging and metal chelating activities, respectively. The compound in n-hexane fraction (HF) of Ventilago denticulata which showed an increase in antiproliferative activity comparing to its ME was isolated and identified as emodin. This study has demonstrated the potential of the ME from S. collinsae, MF from G. superba, and emodin isolated from V. denticulata, for further development as an antiliver cancer agent.

Molecular characterization of an endophytic Phomopsisliquidambaris CBR-15 from Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. and impact of culture media on biosynthesis of antimicrobial metabolites

An endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambaris CBR-15, was isolated from Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. (Asclepiadaceae) and identified by its characteristic culture morphology and molecular analysis of the ITS region of rDNA and intervening 5.8S rRNA gene. The impact of different culture media on biosynthesis of antimicrobial metabolites was tested by disc diffusion assay. Polyketide synthase gene (PKS) of the endophytic fungus was investigated using three pairs of degenerate primers LC1-LC2c, LC3-LC5c and KS3-KS4c by PCR. TLC-bioautography method was employed to detect the antimicrobial metabolites. Antimicrobial metabolites fractionated with ethyl acetate extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against the test bacteria and fungi. Biosynthesis of antimicrobial metabolites was optimum as depicted by zone of inhibition from ethyl acetate extract cultured in potato dextrose broth. Strain CBR-15 was identified as Phomopsisliquidambaris and PKS genes of the fungus were amplified with LC3-LC5c and KS3-KS4c sets of degenerate primers. These findings suggest that endophytic P.liquidambaris CBR-15 harbor iterative type I fungal PKS gene domain which indicates the biosynthetic potential of endophytic fungi as producers of natural antimicrobial metabolites. The study also demonstrates the utilization and optimization of different culture media which best supports for the biosynthesis of the antimicrobial metabolites from P.liquidambaris.

Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz, an important Asian traditional medicine: from traditional uses to scientific data for its commercial exploitation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Oroxylum indicum\ (L.) Kurz has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine in Asia in ethnomedicinal systems for the prevention and treatment of several diseases, such as jaundice, arthritic and rheumatic problems, gastric ulcers, tumors, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and diarrhea and dysentery, among others. The present review provides scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic potency of the plant for ethnomedicinal uses and identifies gaps for future research to facilitate commercial exploitation.

METHODS

This review is based on available information on traditional uses and phytochemical, pharmacological, clinical and toxicity data for Oroxylum indicum that was collected from electronic (SciFinder, PubMed, Science Direct, and ACS, among others) and library searches.

KEY FINDING

A variety of traditional medicinal uses of Oroxylum indicum in different Southeast and South Asian countries have been reported in books describing the uses of these plants. Phytochemical investigations of the different parts of the plant resulted in identification of approximately 111 compounds, among which flavonoids, naphthalenoids and cyclohexylethanoids are the predominant groups. The crude extracts and their isolates exhibit a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities involving antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anticancer, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities. Flavonoids are the major constituents of all parts of the plant. From a toxicity perspective, only aqueous and ethanolic extracts of stem bark, root bark and fruits have been assessed and found to be safe. The major flavonoids of the stem bark, such as baicalein, chrysin and oroxylin A, were reported for the first time as natural flavonoids with potent inhibitory activity against endoprotease enzymes and proprotein convertases, which play a key role in the growth of cancer and in viral and bacterial infections. Flavonoids are the active components of bioactive extracts. Several Ayurvedic medicines have been formulated either singly using this plant or along with other herbs for the treatment of different diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacological results have supported some traditional medicinal uses of Oroxylum indicum. Several extracts and their isolates have been reported to exhibit interesting pharmacological properties. These components could be useful as sources of modern medicines following future detailed studies to elucidate their underlying mechanisms, toxicity, synergistic effects and clinical trials. Attention should also be focused on pharmacological studies investigating the traditional uses of the plant, which have not been yet addressed, as well as clinical studies investigating commercial Ayurvedic medicines and other ethnomedicinal preparations in human subjects based on this plant to confirm the safety and quality of the preparations.

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and chondroprotective activities of Cryptolepis buchanani extract: in vitro and in vivo studies

Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. & Schult. is widely used in folk medicine in Southeast Asia for treating muscle tension and arthritis. This study aimed to investigate an analgesic activity of the methanol extract of C. buchanani (CBE) in acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice, and to examine its anti-inflammatory activity in ethyl phenylpropiolate- (EPP-) induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. Its effects on cartilage degradation induced by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in porcine cartilage explant culture were also determined. This study demonstrated that CBE significantly reduced acetic acid-induced writhing response. It also inhibited edema formation in both EPP-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema models. In cartilage explant culture, CBE significantly reduced the sulfated glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronan released into culture media while it reserved the uronic acid and collagen within the cartilage tissues. It also suppressed the matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity with no effect on cell viability. In conclusion, CBE shows analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and chondroprotective effects in this preliminary study. Therefore, CBE may be useful as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis.

Cytoprotective and anti-diabetic effects of Derris reticulata aqueous extract

The current study was aimed to investigate pancreatic protective and anti-diabetic activities of the aqueous extract of Derris reticulata stem. First, we evaluated a cytoprotective potential of D. reticulata extract on alloxan-induced damage in vitro. Treatment with D. reticulata extract at the doses of 250 and 500 μg/ml significantly increased cell viability of the pancreatic β-cell line RINm5F after exposure of alloxan. The anti-hyperglycemic activity of D. reticulata extract was further studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. A significant reduction in blood glucose level along with an increase in body weight was observed in diabetic rats treated with D. reticulata extract at 250 mg/kg body weight for 15 days. Serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels were also significantly decreased compared to diabetic control rats. In accordance with in vitro cytoprotective effect, histopathological examination revealed that pancreatic islet cells of the extract-treated diabetic rat were less damage than those of the untreated diabetic group. In order to find another possible mechanism of action underling hypoglycemic activity, the effect on glucose absorption was examined using everted sac jejunum. The results showed that D. reticulata extract suppressed glucose absorption from small intestine. To corroborate safety use of D. reticulata extract, acute oral toxicity was also conducted in rats. Our results showed that none of the tested doses (250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg) induced signs of toxicity or mortality after administration of the extract. The results suggested that D. reticulata extract possess anti-diabetic activity, which resulting from its pancreatic cytoprotective effect and inhibition of intestinal glucose absorption.

Protective effect of AVS073, a polyherbal formula, against UVA-induced melanogenesis through a redox mechanism involving glutathione-related antioxidant defense

Background

Ayurved Siriraj Brand Wattana formula (AVS073), a Thai herbal formula, has traditionally been used for health promotion and prevention of age-related problems. Ultraviolet A (UVA) is recognized to play a vital role in stimulation of melanin synthesis responsible for abnormal skin pigmentation possibly mediated by photooxidative stress. We thus aimed to study the inhibitory effect of AVS073 extracts on UVA-induced melanogenesis via a redox mechanism involving glutathione (GSH) synthesis and glutathione S-transferase (GST) using human melanoma (G361) cell culture.

Methods

The standardization of AVS073 extracts was carried out by TLC and UHPLC to obtain fingerprinting profiles of the formula, which identified several phenolic compounds including gallic acid (GA) in the formula. Antimelanogenic actions of AVS073 (up to 60 μg/ml) and GA (up to 10 μg/ml) were investigated by measuring tyrosinase activity and mRNA as well as melanin level in G361 cells irradiated with UVA. Moreover, antioxidant actions of the herbal formula and GA were determined by evaluating oxidant formation and modulation of GSH-related antioxidant defenses including GSH content, GST activity and mRNA level of γ-glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic (γ-GCLC) and modifier (γ-GCLM) subunit and GST.

Results

AVS073 extracts and GA, used as a reference compound, suppressed UVA-augmented tyrosinase activity and mRNA and melanin formation. In addition, pretreatment with AVS073 and GA was able to inhibit cellular oxidative stress, GSH depletion, GST inactivation and downregulation of γ-GCLC, γ-GCLM and GST mRNA in G361 cells exposed to UVA radiation.

Conclusions

AVS073 formula exerted antimelanogenic effects possibly through improving the redox state by upregulation of GSH and GST. Moreover, pharmacological activity of the polyherbal formula would be attributed to combined action of different phenolic compounds present in the formula.

Purification of a novel peptide derived from Mytilus coruscus and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of its bioactive properties

Excess oxidant can promote inflammatory responses. Moreover, chronic inflammation accompanied by oxidative stress is connected various steps involved in many diseases. From the aspect, we investigated an antioxidant peptide to prevent inflammatory response against oxidant overexpression. To prepare the peptide, eight proteases were employed for enzymatic hydrolysis, and the antioxidant properties of the hydrolysates were investigated using free radical scavenging activity by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry. Papain hydrolysates, which showed clearly superior free radical scavenging activity, were further purified using consecutive chromatographic methods. Finally, a novel antioxidant peptide was obtained, and the sequence was identified as Ser-Leu-Pro-Ile-Gly-Leu-Met-Ile-Ala-Met at N-terminal. Oral administration of the peptide to mice effectively inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay, and we also confirmed the antioxidative enzyme activities in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) assays. This is the first report of an antioxidant peptide derived from the hydrolysate of Mytilus coruscus, and also these results suggest that the peptide possesses potent antioxidant activity, and potential to enhance anti-inflammatory response.

Antioxidant activity and ultrastructural changes in gastric cancer cell lines induced by Northeastern Thai edible folk plant extracts

Background

Phytochemical products have a critical role in the drug discovery process. This promising possibility, however, necessitates the need to confirm their scientific verification before use. Hence, this study aims to evaluate (1) the antioxidant activity, (2) cytotoxicity potential, and (3) the effect on ultrastructural alteration in gastric cancer cell lines through exposure to fractions of three local Northeastern Thai edible plants.

Methods

Plants, Syzygium gratum, Justicia gangetica and Limnocharis flava were extracted with ethyl acetate, and each crude extract analysed for their total phenolics content by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Their antioxidant activity was assessed using the ABTS system. The extracts were then assayed for cytotoxicity on two gastric cancer cell lines Kato-III and NUGC-4, and compared with Hs27 fibroblasts as a control using the MTT assay. The cell viability (%), IC₅₀ values, as well as the ultrastructural alterations were evaluated after treatment with one way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

The total phenolic values of the ethyl acetate extracts were well correlated with the antioxidant capacity, with extracted product of S. gratum displaying the highest level of antioxidant activity (a 10-fold greater response) over J. gangetica and L. flava respectively. Exposure of S. gratum and J. gangetica extracts to normal cell lines (Hs27) resulted in marginal cytotoxicity effects. However, through a dose-dependent assay S. gratum and J. gangetica extracts produced cytotoxicological effects in just over 75 percent of Kato-III and NUGC-4 cell lines. In addition, apoptotic characteristic was shown under TEM in both cancer cell lines with these two extracts, whereas characteristics of autophagy was found in cell lines after post exposure to extracts from L. flava.

Conclusions

From these three plants, S. gratum had the highest contents of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. All of them found to contain compound(s) with cytotoxicity in vitro on cancer cells but not on normal cell lines as resolved in tissue culture and ultrastructural analysis. This is the first report to show the effect on cellular alteration as apoptosis of an ethyl acetate extract of S. gratum and J. gangetica. Further studies are now focused on individual isolates and their function, prioritizing on S. gratum and J. gangetica for the development of novel therapeutics and combatants against cancer.

Anti-inflammatory activity of root bark and stem bark of Shyonaka

Background:

Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum Vent.; Bignoniaceae) root bark is one of the ingredients of dashamoola (a group of 10 roots), and is used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic action in a number of compound formulations in Ayurveda.

Aim:

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) recommends using the stem bark instead of root bark.

Material and Methods:

An attempt has been made to study the anti-inflammatory activity of both root bark and stem bark kashaya (decoction) experimentally.

Conclusion

Results showed significant anti-inflammatory activity of root bark and stem bark decoction.

Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. ethanol extract enhancement of the efficacy of the collagen scaffold in wound closure: a study in a full-thickness-wound mouse model

Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. is a Thai herb that is effective in wound healing. We sought to quantitatively determine whether or not the combined application of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. and a collagen scaffold will increase wound closure and angiogenesis. Balb/c mice (body weight: 22-25 g) were anesthetized with sodium thiopental. The dorsal skin incision measuring 1.5 × 1.5 cm was made and then deepened using scissors to produce a full-thickness incision down to the level of the panniculus carnosus. The size of the wound was approximately 10% of the total body surface area. The collagen sheet was implanted onto the wound. Animals were divided into 4 major groups as follows: wound with normal saline (W-NSS), wound treated with 0.3 g/kg BW of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. extract (W-AE (0.3 g/kg.bw)), wound implanted with collagen scaffold (W-Coll), and wound implanted with collagen scaffold and treated with 0.3 g/kg BW of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. (W-Coll-AE combination). On day 14, the W-Coll-AE group showed decreased wound areas and increased capillary vascularity (CV) when compared to the other 3 groups, W-NSS, W-AE0.3, and W-Coll. In the present study, the combination of AE0.3 with collagen showed the best effect on skin angiogenesis and promoted wound closure with less neutrophil infiltration.

Effects of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl on tumor angiogenesis and on tumor growth in nude mice implanted with cervical cancer

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the crude extract of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl (AE) on tumor growth and angiogenesis by utilizing a tumor model in which nude mice were implanted with cervical cancer cells containing human papillomavirus 16 DNA (HPV-16 DNA).

Materials and methods

The growth-inhibitory effect of AE was investigated in four different cell types: CaSki (HPV-16 positive), HeLa (HPV-18 positive), hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2), and human dermal fibroblast cells (HDFs). The cell viabilities and IC₅₀ values of AE were determined in cells incubated with AE for different lengths of time. To conduct studies in vivo, female BALB/c nude mice (aged 6–7 weeks, weighing 20–25 g) were used. A cervical cancer-derived cell line (CaSki) with integrated HPV-16 DNA was injected subcutaneously (1 × 10⁷ cells/200 μL) in the middle dorsum of each animal (HPV group). One week after injection, mice were fed orally with AE crude extract at either 300 or 3000 mg/kg body weight/day for 14 or 28 days (HPV-AE groups). Tumor microvasculature and capillary vascularity were determined using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Tumor tissue was collected from each mouse to evaluate tumor histology and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunostaining.

Results

The time-response curves of AE and the dose-dependent effect of AE on growth inhibition were determined. After a 48-hour incubation period, the IC₅₀ of AE in CaSki was discovered to be significantly different from that of HDFs (P < 0.05). A microvascular network was observed around the tumor area in the HPV group on days 21 and 35. Tumor capillary vascularity in the HPV group was significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.001). High-dose treatment of AE extract (HPV-3000AE group) significantly attenuated the increase in VEGF expression and tumor angiogenesis in mice that received either the 14- or 28-day treatment period (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our novel findings demonstrated that AE crude extract could inhibit cervical cancer growth, VEGF expression, and angiogenesis in a CaSki-cell transplant model in mice.

Preparative isolation, fast centrifugal partition chromatography purification and biological activity of cajaflavanone from Derris ferruginea stems

INTRODUCTION

The Derris genus is known to contain flavonoid derivatives, including prenylated flavanones and isoflavonoids such as rotenoids, which are generally associated with significant biological activity.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an efficient preparative isolation procedure for bioactive cajaflavanone.

METHODOLOGY

Fast centrifugal partition chromatography (FCPC) was optimised to purify cajaflavanone from Derris ferruginea stems in a single step as compared to fractionation from the cyclohexane extract by successive conventional solid-liquid chromatography procedures. The purification yield, purity, time and solvent consumption per procedure are described. The anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-leishmanial, anti-plasmodial, anti-oxidant activities and the inhibition of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) by cajaflavanone accumulation are described.

RESULTS

FCPC enabled cajaflavanone purification in a single separation step, yielding sufficient quantities to perform in vitro biological screening. Interestingly, cajaflavanone had an inhibitory effect on the formation of AGEs, without displaying any in vitro anti-oxidant activity.

CONCLUSION

A simple and efficient procedure, in comparison with other preparative methods, for bioactive cajaflavone purification has been developed using FCPC.

Medicinal plants used in the management of chronic joint pains in Machakos and Makueni counties, Kenya

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional medicines play an important role in the management of chronically painful and debilitating joint conditions, particularly in the rural Africa. However, their potential use as sources of medicines has not been fully exploited. The present study was carried to find the medicinal plants traditionally used to manage chronic joint pains in Machakos and Makueni counties in Kenya.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To obtain this ethnobotanical information, 30 consenting traditional herbal medical practitioners were interviewed exclusively on medicinal plant use in the management of chronic joint pains, in a pre-planned workshop.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In this survey, a total of 37 plants belonging to 32 genera and 23 families were cited as being important for treatment of chronic joint pains. The most commonly cited plant species were Pavetta crassipes K. Schum, Strychnos henningsii Gilg., Carissa spinarum L., Fagaropsis hildebrandtii (Engl.) Milve-Redh. and Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. Acacia mellifera (Vahl) Benth., Amaranthus albus L., Balanites glabra Mildbr. & Schltr., Grewia fallax K. Schum., Lactuca capensis, Launaea cornuta (Oliv. & Hiern) O. Jeffrey, Lippia kituiensis Vatke, Pappea capensis Eckl. & Zeyh. and Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. are documented for the first time as being important in the management of chronic joint pains.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study show that a variety of medicinal plants are used in the management of chronic joint pains and the main mode of administration is oral.

A Review on the Taxonomy, Ethnobotany, Chemistry and Pharmacology of Oroxylum indicum Vent

Oroxylum indicum Vent. (O. indicum) is a tree commonly called Indian trumpet tree found in tropical countries, such as India, Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia. The chemical constituents obtained from different parts of plant include baicalein-7-O-diglucoside (Oroxylin B), baicalein-7-O-glucoside, chrysin, apegenin, prunetin, sitosterol, oroxindin, biochanin-A, ellagic acid, baicalein and its 6- and 7-glucuronides, scutellarein, tetuin, antraquinone and aloe-emodin. Various parts of the plant are used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for the treatment of different ailments such as cancer, diarrhea, fever, ulcer and jaundice. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have indicated its antiinflammatory, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, photocytotoxic, antiproliferative, antiarthritic, antimicrobial, antimutagenic and immunostimulant properties. Exhaustive literature survey reveals that there are some activities which are still not proven scientifically. This article is an attempt to compile an up-to-date and comprehensive review on O. indicum covering its traditional and folk medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Traditionally used Thai medicinal plants: in vitro anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant activities

AIMS OF THE STUDY

In order to assess traditional Thai claims about the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and to select plants for future phytochemical research, nine plant species with anti-inflammatory uses were selected from Thai textbooks and assessed for their in vitro anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant activities.

METHODS

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitory effects in stably transfected HeLa cells were determined by luciferase assay, and effects on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1beta, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha in primary monocytes were assessed by ELISA. Cytotoxic activities were examined against HeLa cells, human leukaemia CCRF-CEM cells and the multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 subline using the MTT and XTT tests. However, a redox status has been linked with both inflammation and cancer, antioxidant effects were also assessed using the DPPH, lipid-peroxidation, and Folin-Ciocalteau methods.

RESULTS

Among all the nine species, Gynura pseudochina var. hispida and Oroxylum indicum showed the most promising NF-kappaB inhibitory effects with the lowest IC(50) values (41.96 and 47.45 microg/ml, respectively). Muehlenbeckia platyclada did not inhibit the NF-kappaB activation but effectively inhibited the release of IL-6, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha with IC(50) values ranging between 0.28 and 8.67 microg/ml. Pouzolzia indica was the most cytotoxic against CCRF-CEM cells and the multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 cells (9.75% and 10.48% viability, at 10 microg/ml, respectively). Rhinacanthus nasutus was the most potent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells (IC(50) 3.63 microg/ml) and showed specific cytotoxicity against the multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 cells (18.72% viability at 10 microg/ml, p<0.0001 when compared to its cytotoxicity against CCRF-CEM cells). Moreover, Oroxylum indicum showed a high level of antioxidant activity by inhibiting lipid-peroxidation (IC(50) 0.08 microg/ml).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides in vitro evidence for the use of the Thai plants, most importantly Gynura pseudochina var. hispida, Oroxylum indicum and Muehlenbeckia platyclada as Thai anti-inflammatory remedies and these plants are now a priority for further phytochemical research.

Stigma closure and re-opening in Oroxylum indicum (Bignoniaceae): Causes and consequences

The study of plant responses to touch, particularly the responses of leaves, stems, and roots, has a long history. By contrast, floral responses are relatively unexplored. Stigma closure is common in the Bignoniaceae, but the factors influencing it are not well understood. We investigated factors influencing stigma closure and reopening and its effects on pollen receipt in seven Oroxylum indicum trees near Hat Yai, Thailand. The effects of pressure, conspecific and heterospecific pollen, and pollen load (the amount of pollen deposited) on stigma behavior were examined in 270 flowers (of the total 430 flowers evaluated in the entire study). Pressure alone resulted in faster closure than did conspecific pollination and faster reopening than did heterospecific pollination. Stigmas never reopened after conspecific pollination. Pollen load had no effect on stigma behavior. Stigmas discriminated between conspecific and foreign pollen; they reopened only after pollination with the latter. A manipulative experiment revealed that stigma closure did not affect the number of conspecific pollen grains received. We also counted pollen tubes in styles that were either hand-supplemented with outcross conspecific pollen or open-pollinated. Pollen tube numbers were highest after light pollination (∼900 grains), indicating that interference among pollen grains may occur after pollination with very heavy loads (>6000 grains). Possible fitness consequences of these responses are discussed.