Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Methanol Extract of Ficus pumila L. in Mice

Evaluation of anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of solvent fraction of the roots of Echinops kebericho Mesfin (Asteraceae) in mice model

OBJECTIVE

The present study was aimed at investigating the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the solvent fractions of the roots of Echinops kebericho Mesfin in rodent models of pain and inflammation.

METHODS

Successive maceration was used as a method of extraction using solvents of increasing polarity: methanol and water. Ethyl acetate, chloroform and distilled water were used as solvents of the fraction process. Swiss albino mice models were used in acetic acid induced writhing, hot plate, carrageenan induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma to assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The test groups received different doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) of the three fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous). The positive control groups received ASA (150 mg/kg) for the writing test, morphine (10 mg/kg) for the hot plate method, diclofenac Na for carrageenan-induced paw edema, and dexamethasone (10 mg/kg) for granuloma, while the negative control group received distilled water.

RESULTS

EA fraction at all test doses employed (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) showed statistically significant (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001 respectively) analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in a dose-dependent manner. The AQ fraction on the other hand produced statistically significant (p<0.05, p<0.012) analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, while the CH fraction exhibited statistically significant (p<0.05) analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity at the dose of 400 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, the data obtained from the present study elucidated that the solvent fractions of the study plant possessed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and were recommended for further investigations.

In Vivo and In Silico Analgesic Activity of Ficus populifolia Extract Containing 2-O-β-D-(3',4',6'-Tri-acetyl)-glucopyranosyl-3-methyl Pentanoic Acid

Natural product-based structural templates have immensely shaped small molecule drug discovery, and new biogenic natural products have randomly provided the leads and molecular targets in anti-analgesic activity spheres. Pain relief achieved through opiates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been under constant scrutiny owing to their tolerance, dependency, and other organs toxicities and tissue damage, including harm to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and renal tissues. A new, 3',4',6'-triacetylated-glucoside, 2-O-β-D-(3',4',6'-tri-acetyl)-glucopyranosyl-3-methyl pentanoic acid was obtained from Ficus populifolia, and characterized through a detailed NMR spectroscopic analysis, i.e., ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-DEPT-135, and the 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) correlations. The product was in silico investigated for its analgesic prowess, COX-2 binding feasibility and scores, drug likeliness, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties, possible biosystem's toxicity using the Discovery Studio^®, and other molecular studies computational software programs. The glycosidic product showed strong potential as an analgesic agent. However, an in vivo evaluation, though at strong levels of pain-relieving action, was estimated on the compound's extract owing to the quantity and yield issues of the glycosidic product. Nonetheless, the F. populifolia extract showed the analgesic potency in eight-week-old male mice on day seven of the administration of the extract's dose in acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate methods. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing for all the treated groups decreased significantly (p < 0.0001), as compared to the control group (n = 6) by 62.9%, 67.9%, and 70.9% of a dose of 100 mg/kg (n = 6), 200 mg/kg (n = 6), and 400 mg/kg (n = 6), respectively. Similarly, using the analgesia meter, the reaction time to pain sensation increased significantly (p < 0.0001), as compared to the control (n = 6). The findings indicated peripheral and central-nervous-system-mediated analgesic action of the product obtained from the corresponding extract.

Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Methanolic Leaf and Root Extracts of Gomphocarpus purpurascens A. Rich (Asclepiadaceae) in Mice

Background

Regardless of the availability of drugs many people still experienced pain and inflammation because current medications often trigger potentially serious adverse effects. A range of medicinal plants with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties have been widely used by traditional healers. Among them, Gomphocarpus purpurascens is one however there are no experimental studies that support this traditional use.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 80% methanolic leaf and root extracts of G. purpurascens.

Methods

Air-dried leaves and roots of G. purpurascens were extracted with 80% methanol and an acute oral toxicity study was conducted for the 80% methanolic extract of G. purpurascens according to OECD guideline version eighteen. Preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of different constituents was carried out. The hot plate method was used to evaluate centrally mediated analgesic activity while peripheral analgesic activity was tested by an acetic acid-induced writhing test. Carrageenan-induced paw edema test and formalin-induced pedal edema test were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity.

Results

Dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing test was observed in mice by 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg of root extract with respective values of 16.6%, 68.9%, and 83%. In the hot plate method, the root extract at doses of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed a significant (p < 0.05) analgesic effect. Maximum anti-inflammatory effects by all doses of leaf extracts were observed from 2-4hr post-induction in carrageenan-induced paw edema; and all tested doses of the extract inhibited the formalin-induced inflammation significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.01). The presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, anthraquinone, steroids, and phenols might be responsible for these activities.

Conclusion

This study shows that the extract had potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity which supports the traditional claim.

A novel gedunin-2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex improves anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of gedunin in rodents

Gedunin is a bioactive compound, obtained from Entandrophragma angolense (EA), which has limited therapeutic usefulness due to poor aqueous solubility and first-pass effects. Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides that form complexes with poorly soluble compounds, thus enhancing their pharmacological activity. In this article, we evaluated the pharmacological activities of gedunin-2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex (GCD) in rodents. The antinociceptive activity of GCD (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) and Gedunin (50mg/kg) was tested in acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in carrageenan-induced paw oedema and air pouch inflammation models in rats. Leucocytes counts, Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) level, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, and myeloperoxidase enzyme activities were assessed in the air pouch exudate. The GCD (200mg/kg) significantly decreased writhing response, reduced licking duration and decreased oedema compared with gedunin and control. Exudate volume and leucocyte count were significantly reduced by GCD (200 mg/kg), it decreased myeloperoxidase activity and inhibited TNF-α release. The carrageenan-induced GSH depletion, increased malondialdehyde and nitrite levels were significantly reversed by GCD (200 mg/kg) relative to gedunin and control.  The GCD complex demonstrated significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities relative to gedunin alone via mechanisms associated with inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation in rodents.

Ficus pumila L. improves the prognosis of patients infected with HTLV-1, an RNA virus

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 was isolated as the retrovirus to be identified in humans. Here, we focused on Ficus pumila L. as a factor that be effective against human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. The significant and novel findings is that symptoms of patients with drinking Ficus pumila L. extracts did not worsen despite a lack of aggressive pharmacotherapy against adult T-cell leukemia, a human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-associated myelopathy, or T-cell leukemia virus type 1 uveitis. Twenty-eight of the 194 inpatients who underwent showed high levels of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1.

Among human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-infected patients, those who were administered Ficus pumila L. extracts had no human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-related symptoms, while those who were not administered Ficus pumila L. extracts had human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-related diseases and a significantly poorer prognosis. This suggests that the Ficus pumila L. extracts may show some utility against virus infection.

Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of 80% Methanol Root Extract of Echinops kebericho M. (Asteraceae)

Background

Pain and inflammation are the major devastating health problems commonly treated with traditional medicinal plants in Ethiopia. Echinops kebericho M. (Asteraceae) is the one which is frequently used to treat pain and inflammation by traditional healers in Ethiopian folk medicine. However, the plant has not been scientifically evaluated for its traditionally claimed use. The present study aimed at the investigation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 80% methanol root extract of Echinops kebericho M. in mice model.

Methods

Successive maceration was used as a method of extraction using solvents of increasing polarity: methanol and water. After extraction of the roots with 80% hydro methanol, the crude extract was evaluated for its peripheral and central analgesic activities using acetic acid-induced writhing test and hot plate method, respectively, while its anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan- and formalin-induced paw edema. The extract was evaluated at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. The positive control groups were treated with ASA 150 mg/kg for writhing test, morphine 10 mg/kg for hot plat method, indomethacin 25 mg/kg and diclofenac 10 mg/kg for paw edema tests and vehicle, distilled water (10 mL/kg) treated mice were assigned as negative controls. All treatment administrations were performed orally.

Results

E. kebericho extract at all test doses showed statistically significant antinociceptive activity in both chemicals-induced peripheral and thermal-induced central pain in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001). The greater analgesic activity was observed by the maximum dose of the extract (400 mg/kg) in both acetic acids-induced writhing test (57.84%) and hot plate method (69.40%). The effect of the extract was also statistically significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) in both carrageenan and formalin-induced paw edema in dose dependent manner. Greater edema inhibition was observed by the highest dose (400 mg/kg) in both observations with the respective percentage values of 70.00% and 79.87%, respectively.

Conclusion

In general, the data obtained from the present study elucidated that the extract possessed a significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and recommended for further studies.

Aqueous extract from Madhuca indica bark protects cells from oxidative stress caused by electron beam radiation: in vitro, in vivo and in silico approach

In an endeavor to find the novel natural radioprotector to secure normal cells surrounding cancerous cell during radiation exposure, Madhuca indica (M. indica) aqueous stem bark extract was evaluated for radioprotective activity using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models. M. indica extract exhibited concentration dependent protective effect on electron beam radiation (EBR) induced damage to pBR322 DNA; the highest protection was achieved at 150 μg concentrations. Similarly, M. indica extract (400 mg/kg) administrated to mice prior to irradiation protected DNA from the radiation damage, which was confirmed by inhibiting comet parameters. The study showed a significant increase in the levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels. The study also revealed that administration of M. Indica at the different dose to mice significantly reduced EBR induced MDA, sialic acid and nitric acid levels. Further extract prevented histophatological changes of skin and liver. In contrast, protein-protein interaction studies were performed to find the hub protein, involved in radiation-induced DNA damage. Among 437 proteins that are found expressed during radiation, p53 was found to be a master protein regulating the whole pathway. Molecular interaction between p53 and M. indica extract was predicted by quantitative structure-activity relationship and ADMET properties. Biomolecules such as quercetin, myricetin, and 7-hydroxyflavone were found to be promising inhibitors of p53 protein and may help in the protection of EBR induced DNA damage during cancer treatment.

Emex spinosa (L.) Campd. ethyl acetate fractions effects on inflammation and oxidative stress markers in carrageenan induced paw oedema in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Emex spinosa (L.) Campd. (E. spinosa) locally known as "hillaioua" has always been used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation and pain. It is still being exploited by pharmaceutical companies for its potential remedial effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, the effects of E. spinosa (L.) Campd. against acute inflammation, pain and oxidative damage were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total phenols and flavonoids were evaluated. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities the E. spinosa ethyl acetate fractions of the aerial (Es EtOAc-AP) and underground (Es EtOAc-R) parts were assessed on carrageenan-induced paw oedema (100 mg/kg BW) and acetic acid-induced writhing response (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg BW), respectively. The E. spinosa fractions effects on oxidative stress markers and inflammatory parameters were determined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to identify various chemical components.

RESULTS

The ethyl acetate fractions were shown to be the most active thanks to their phenolic and flavonoid contents richness. Intraperitoneal administration of E. spinosa ethyl acetate fractions at 100 mg/kg BW, one hour before carrageenan injection, significantly inhibited the oedema formation by 89.31% and 97.7% for the aerial and underground parts respectively when compared to the reference drug "dexamethasone" (51.9%). Besides, a significant increase (p ≤ 0.001) of the dermal antioxidant enzymes (the superoxide dismutase (SOD)), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was observed five hours after carrageenan administration. The best restoration was obtained with Es EtOAc-R (82.04%, 93.55% and 93.55% respectively for SOD, CAT and GPx activities). Moreover, EtOAc-fractions treated mice proved their ability to restore both of CRP and fibrinogen (p < 0.001). In addition, E. spinosa EtOAc-fractions attenuated abdominal contractions (p < 0.05) by 71.69% and 82.41% for the aerial part and roots respectively at 150 mg/kg BW against 100% for dichlofenac sodium used as standard drug. The phytochemical analysis of Es EtOAc-AP and Es EtOAc-R by GC-MS may explain the obtained results. The analysis of the fractions demonstrated the presence of palmitic and linoleic acids known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic capacities.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings explain the traditional use of E. spinosa in folk medicine and suggest that E. spinosa fractions could be a promising herbal drug.

A role of Ficus species in the management of diabetes mellitus: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common global health concerns, with a rapidly increasing incidence. A variety of medicinal plants, particularly those belonging to the genus Ficus (Moraceae), and their active compounds have been used to treat diabetes and related chronic disorders since ancient times.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this review is to provide information regarding traditional and scientific knowledge of Ficus species with antidiabetic activity to researchers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted to obtain information about the antidiabetic properties of Ficus from the electronic databases. Common and scientific names of various Ficus species were used as keywords for the search, along with the terms antidiabetic, hypoglycemic and diabetes.

RESULTS

Among the assorted species of Ficus that were included in our search, F. benghalensis, F. carica, F. glomerata, F. glumosa, F. racemosa, and F. religiosa exhibited remarkable antidiabetic properties with various mechanisms of action. Moreover, Ficus species are versatile sources of bioactive metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, coumarins, triterpenoids, sterols and vitamin E. These extracts and isolated compounds significantly have enhanced insulin secretion and subsequently reduced blood glucose level in various in vivo studies.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes the antidiabetic potentials of the genus Ficus, including pharmacological studies with mechanisms of action as well as ethnobotanical uses. This review can help inform future scientific research towards the development of novel antidiabetic drugs.

An undercovered health threat in Turkey: transdermal methanol intoxication

Methanol is a clear, colorless solvent used in antifreeze solutions, varnishes, cologne, copying machine fluids, perfume, spirit, paint, and fuel. Even small amounts of ingested methanol can cause acute permanent neurological dysfunction and irreversible blindness. Although there are many reports of methanol poisoning due to suicidal or accidental ingestion, reports of transdermal absorption are rare. We present a 68-year-old man with transdermal methanol intoxication applied to our hospital's emergency department with weakness, loss of vision, and altered state of consciousness.

A preliminary report on oral glucose tolerance and antinociceptive activity tests conducted with methanol extract of Xanthosoma violaceum aerial parts

Background

Xanthosoma violaceum is commonly observed in fallow areas of Bangladesh but almost no scientific studies exist on this plant. Rural people consume the plant on a frequent basis. The objective of this study was to scientifically analyze the antinociceptive property of methanol extract of aerial parts of the plant along with antihyperglycemic activity.

Methods

Antihyperglycemic activity was measured by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Antinociceptive activity was determined by observed decreases in abdominal constrictions in intraperitoneally administered acetic acid-induced pain model in mice.

Results

Administration of methanol extract of aerial parts led to dose-dependent and significant reductions in blood glucose levels in glucose-loaded mice. At doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg per kg body weight, the extract reduced blood sugar levels by 19.3, 23.2, 31.8, and 47.1%, respectively compared to control animals. By comparison, a standard antihyperglycemic drug, glibenclamide, when administered at a dose of 10 mg per kg body weight, reduced blood glucose level by 48.9%. In antinociceptive activity tests, the extract at the above four doses reduced the number of abdominal constrictions by 41.4, 44.8, 48.3, and 55.2%, respectively. A standard pain relieving (antinociceptive) drug, aspirin, reduced the number of writhings by 31.0 and 51.7%, respectively, when administered at doses of 200 and 400 mg per kg body weight.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report on oral glucose tolerance and antinociceptive activity evaluation of aerial parts of the plant. Since the plant is widely available in Bangladesh, the aerial parts can be a readily available source for particularly the rural population for lowering blood sugar in diabetic patients and for alleviating pain.

Luteolin-phospholipid complex: preparation, characterization and biological evaluation

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to develop novel carrier system incorporating luteolin, a poorly soluble biologically active plant active.

METHODS

We investigated a lipid-based drug delivery system to enhance dissolution and absorption profile of luteolin. Luteolin was complexed with phospholipids, and the preparation was characterized. The formulation was evaluated for physicochemical properties, in-vitro solubility or release studies. In vivo anti-inflammatory action of luteolin and its phospholipid complex was evaluated by using carrageenan and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate as inducers.

KEY FINDINGS

The prepared luteolin-phospholipid complex (LPC) showed drug loading of about 72.64% with average particle size of 152.6 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal studies confirm formation of complex. The solubility of luteolin as LPC was about 2.5 times higher than the solubility of pure luteolin in water. In the diffusion study, LPC showed 95.12% of drug release at the end of 2 h. Animal studies demonstrated significant differences in response of LPC and luteolin.

CONCLUSION

LPC was successfully prepared by optimizing the process parameters. The resultant delivery system improved bioavailability and efficacy of luteolin and in the future may become an efficient tool for administration of luteolin.

Bilateral total optic atrophy due to transdermal methanol intoxication

In this case report, we document a 54-year-old woman with total bilateral optic nerve atrophy after local application of methanol containing spirit. Almost all the reported cases of methanol intoxication in the literature are caused by oral ingestion. In this rare case, we present transdermal absorption of methanol that may cause irreversible blindness in addition to intracerebral lesions.