Evaluation of Sedative and Hypnotic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Scoparia dulcis Linn

Sclareol antagonizes the sedative effect of diazepam in thiopental sodium-induced sleeping animals: In vivo and in silico studies

BACKGROUND

Sclareol (SCL), a labdane diterpene compound found in Salvia sclarea L., exhibited therapeutic effects. This study investigated the potential interaction between SCL and diazepam (DZP) in modulating sedation in the thiopental sodium-induced sleeping animal model, supported by in-silico molecular docking analysis.

METHODS

The control, sclareol (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), and the reference drugs [diazepam: 3 mg/kg and Caffeine (CAF): 10 mg/kg] were used in male albino mice. Then, sodium thiopental (40 mg/kg, i.p.) was administrated to induce sleep. The latent period, percentage of sleep incidence and modulation of latency were measured. Further, homology modeling of human γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was conducted examine the binding mode of GABA interaction with SCL, DZP, and CAF compounds RESULTS: SCL (low dose) slightly increased the sleep latency, while the higher dose significantly prolonged sleep latency. DZP, a GABAA receptor agonist, exhibited strong sleep-inducing properties, reducing sleep latency, and increasing sleeping time. Caffeine (CAF) administration prolonged sleep latency and reduced sleeping time, consistent with its stimulant effects. The combination treatments involving SCL, DZP, and CAF showed mixed effects on sleep parameters. The molecular docking revealed good binding affinities of SCL, DZP, and CAF for GABAA receptor subunits A2 and A5.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlighted the complex interplay between SCL, DZP, and CAF in regulating sleep behaviors and provided insights into potential combination therapies for sleep disorders.

Quercetin increases the antidepressant-like effects of sclareol and antagonizes diazepam in thiopental sodium-induced sleeping mice: A possible GABAergic transmission intervention

Quercetin is the most common polyphenolic flavonoid present in fruits and vegetables demonstrating versatile health-promoting effects. This study aimed to examine the effects of quercetin (QR) and sclareol (SCL) on the thiopental sodium (TS)-induced sleeping and forced swimming test (FST) mouse models. SCL (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) or QR (50 mg/kg, p.o.) and/or diazepam (DZP) (3 mg/kg, i.p.) were employed. After 30 min of TS induction, individual or combined effects on the animals were checked. In the FST test, the animals were subjected to forced swimming after 30 min of administration of the test and/or controls for 5 min. In this case, immobility time was measured. In silico studies were conducted to evaluate the involvement of GABA receptors. SCL (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly increased the latency and decreased sleeping time compared to the control in the TS-induced sleeping time study. DZP (3 mg/kg) showed a sedative-like effect in animals in both sleeping and FST studies. QR (50 mg/kg) exhibited a similar pattern of activity as SCL. However, its effects were more prominent than those of SCL groups. SCL (10 mg/kg) altered the DZP-3-mediated effects. SCL-10 co-treated with QR-50 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the latency and decreased sleep time and immobility time, suggesting possible synergistic antidepressant-like effects. In silico studies revealed that SCL and QR demonstrated better binding affinities with GABAA receptor, especially α2, α3, and α5 subunits. Both compounds also exhibited good ADMET and drug-like properties. In animal studies, the both compounds worked synergistically to provide antidepressant-like effects in a slightly different fashion. As a conclusion, the combined administration of SCL and QR may be used in upcoming neurological clinical trials, according to in vivo and in silico findings. However, additional investigation is necessary to verify this behavior and clarify the potential mechanism of action.

Neuropharmacological Effects of Chassalia curviflora (Rubiaceae) Leaves in Swiss Albino Mice Model

The current study aimed to investigate the neuropharmacological properties of ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate leaf extracts of Chassalia curviflora (C. curviflora) in mouse models. The neuropharmacological properties of this plant were studied on Swiss albino mice at dosages of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight in thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time test, and at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight in other tests. The extracts caused a marked reduction in the initiation and sleep length (P<0.05) in studies on thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg and a significant decrease (P<0.05) was found in terms of unconstrained locomotor and explorative activities in both hole crossing and open field tests at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg. Furthermore, the extracts increased sleeping time with a dosage-dependent onset of action. The hole-board test extracts also reduced the number of head dips at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg (P<0.05). It was found in this study that C. curviflora had the best neuropharmacological properties at a dosage of 200 ml/kg. Our findings also showed that all of the extracts from C. curviflora were experimentally active in an in vivo model. The study results suggested that the leaves had strong anti-depressant and hypnotic CNS properties that might be exploited for neuropharmacological adjuvant therapy in conventional medicine. However, pharmacological studies are warranted to explore the active substances and the mode of action.

Deciphering the Pharmacological Potentials of Methanol Extract of Sterculia foetida Seeds Using Experimental and Computational Approaches

The edible herb Sterculia foetida L. has potential nutraceutical and medicinal effects. The present study is performed to assess the possible antidiabetic, neuropharmacological, and antidiarrheal activity of the methanolic extract of S. foetida seeds (MESF) through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. When compared to standard acarbose, the results of the antidiabetic study provided strong proof that the glucose level in the MESF was gradually decreased by inhibiting the function of α-amylase enzymes. The sedative potential of MESF (200 and 400 mg/kg) was determined by employing open field, hole cross, and thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time tests, which revealed significant reductions in locomotor performance and increased sleep duration following MESF treatment. In addition, mice treated with MESF exhibited superior exploration during elevated plus maze and hole board tests. MESF also showed good antidiarrheal activity in castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal motility tests. Previously isolated compounds (captan, 1-azuleneethanol, acetate, and tetraconazole) exhibited good binding affinity in docking studies and drug-likeliness properties in absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion/toxicity (ADME/T), and toxicological studies. Collectively, these results indicate the bioactivity of S. foetida, which represents a potential candidate in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Ethnopharmacological-Based Validation of Polyalthia suberosa Leaf Extract in Neurological, Hyperalgesic, and Hyperactive Gut Disorders Using Animal Models

Polyalthia suberosa (Roxb.) is a plant used to cure coughs, dysentery, fevers, joint aches, rheumatic pain, inflammation, and a variety of skin diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ethyl acetate extract of Polyalthia suberosa (P. suberosa) leaves and their effects on mice for neuropharmacological, analgesic, and antidiarrheal activities. For neurological studies, the hole cross, hole board, open field, and thiopental sodium-induced sleep duration measurement methodologies were used. The castor oil-induced diarrhea inhibition test was used to assess antidiarrheal action, and the acetic acid-induced writhing inhibition test was used to determine analgesic effectiveness. The extract was given in doses of 250 and 500 mg kg⁻¹ body weight. As a standard drug, diazepam at a dosage of 3 mg kg⁻¹ was used. The extract was also given to groups, and sleep time was measured and recorded. The onset of the anxiolytic effect of the extract at both doses was found to be significant (p < 0.001), and sleep time increased to 273 minutes. For assessing analgesic activity, the extract along with standard diclofenac was administered and found to be 55.02 percent and 64.33 percent, respectively, for the extracts, and diclofenac was found to be 67.44 percent (p < 0.001). For antidiarrheal activity, it was compared with the standard drug, loperamide. The decrease for plant extracts was 50.07 percent and 70.06 percent at 250 mg kg⁻¹ and 500 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, whereas it was 85.01 percent for loperamide (3 mg kg⁻¹) (p < 0.00). In this study, it was found that ethyl acetate extract of Polyalthia suberosa leaves had strong CNS depressant, analgesic, and antidiarrheal activities, which indicates that it may be used in contemporary medicine.

Medicinal plants used in traditional Mayan medicine for the treatment of central nervous system disorders: An overview

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

For thousands of years, different cultural groups have used and transformed natural resources for medicinal purposes focused on psychological or neurological conditions. Some of these are recognized as central nervous system (CNS) disorders and diseases, whereas other ethnopsychiatric interpretations are explained in culture-specific terms. In traditional Mayan medicine, several herbs have been part of treatments and rituals focused on cultural and ethnomedical concepts.

AIM OF REVIEW

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the medicinal plants used in Mesoamerica by traditional healers and Mayan groups to CNS disorders and associate the traditional use with demonstrated pharmacological evidence to establish a solid foundation for directing future research.

METHODS

A systematic search for primary sources of plant use reports for traditional CNS-related remedies of Mesoamerica were obtained from library catalogs, thesis and scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar; and Science Direct), and entered in a database with data analyzed in terms of the usage frequency, use by ethnic groups, plant endemism, and pharmacological investigation.

RESULTS

A total of 155 plants used for ethnopsychiatric conditions in Mesoamerica by Mayan groups were found, encompassing 127 native species. Of these, only 49 native species have reported in vitro or in vivo pharmacological analyses. The most commonly reported ethnopsychiatric conditions are related to anxiety, depression, memory loss, epilepsy, and insomnia. The extent of the scientific evidence available to understand the pharmacological application for their use against CNS disorders varied between different plant species, with the most prominent evidence shown by Annona cherimola, Justicia pectoralis, J. spicigera, Mimosa pudica, Persea americana, Petiveria alliacea, Piper amalago, Psidium guajava, Tagetes erecta and T. lucida.

CONCLUSION

Available pharmacological data suggest that different plant species used in traditional Mayan medicine may target the CNS, mainly related to GABA, serotonin, acetylcholine, or neuroprotective pathways. However, more research is required, given the limited data regarding mechanism of action at the preclinical in vivo level, identification of active compounds, scarce number of clinical studies, and the dearth of peer-reviewed studies.

Serotonergic and noradrenergic response of ethanol extract; opioidergic response of ethyl acetate extract of Dicranopteris linearis L. leaf

Background

Dicranopteris linearis L. is among the popular tribal plants used for various ailments, although many of its pharmacological potentials have not been investigated yet. The neuropharmacological potentials of the leaf, including sedative-anxiolytic potential, were previously studied however, the antidepressant activity was yet to be examined. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the serotonergic, noradrenergic and opioidergic response of D. linearis leaf extracts.

Methods

The plant leaf was extracted in three solvents- water (DLAQ), ethanol (DLET) and ethyl acetate (DLEA) and applied each in 200 and 400 mg.kg− 1 per body weight of Swiss Albino mice. Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) were conducted to evaluate antidepressant potential. In FST, latency and duration of immobility, swimming and climbing time were recorded. In TST, immobility, swinging, curling and pedaling were observed. Alongside, preliminary screening through acute toxicity study and pentobarbitone induced sleep test were performed.

Results

Both in FST and TST, the duration of immobility was reduced by the standard imipramine and DLET 200 and 400. In FST, DLEA 200 and 400 increased the climbing time suggesting noradrenergic mechanism of action and decreased the swimming time suggesting deficit of serotoninergic mechanism of action. Interestingly, DLET increased both the parameters presenting a dual action. However, in TST, DLEA decreased immobility but increased swinging and curling response which indicated its opioidergic mechanism. On the other hand, DLET proved to mediate through serotonin and/or NA reuptake mechanism by having decreased curling time.

Conclusion

Among the three extracts, the ethanol extract proved to be more potent. DLET mimicked the standard imipramine in all parameters except for the curling behavior. The result thus suggests D. linearis as a potent antidepressant agent however, recommends its medicinal use after further investigation to identify bioactive compounds.

A review on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the herb Scoparia dulcis L. for the potential treatment of metabolic syndrome

This review discusses the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Scoparia dulcis L. (S. dulcis) plants. So far, approximately 160 compounds have been identified from S. dulcis, among which 115 compounds may be related to the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Extracts of S. dulcis have effects of reducing fasting blood glucose level, increasing the plasma insulin level, and stimulating insulin secretion to treat diabetes. They also produce antihyperlipidemic effects by increasing serum high-density lipoprotein levels, the anti-atherogenic index of plasma, and HMG-CoA reductase activity. The chemical composition of glutinol and glutinone, isolated from S. dulcis, provide potential anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can also reduce total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol to provide the anti-atherosclerotic effect. S. dulcis exerts anti-arthritic properties through its effect on cytokine levels, significantly reducing IFN-γ and IL-6 levels and elevating IL-10 levels. The extracts carry out hepatoprotective effect by preventing the descent of the antioxidative enzymes of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Therefore, S. dulcis provides new potential for medicine given its numerous therapeutic properties and can be promoted as a complementary or alternative therapy for patients with chronic conditions.

This review discusses the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of S. dulcis plants. S. dulcis provides new potential for medicine and can be promoted as a complementary or alternative therapy for patients with chronic conditions.

In Vivo Neuropharmacological Potential of Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer and In-Silico Study against β-Amyloid Precursor Protein

Medicinal plants possess a surplus of novel and biologically active secondary metabolites that are responsible for counteracting diseases. Traditionally, Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer is used to treat mental disorders. The present research was designed to explore phytochemicals from the ethanol leaf extract of Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer to identify the potential pharmacophore(s) in the treatment of neurological disorders. The chemical compounds of the experimental plant were identified through GC-MS analysis. In-vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using different methods. Furthermore, in-vivo neurological activity was assessed in Swiss-albino mice. Computer-aided analysis was appraised to determine the best-fit phytoconstituent of a total of fifteen identified compounds in the experimental plant extract against beta-amyloid precursor protein. The experimental extract revealed fifteen compounds in GC-MS analysis and the highest content was 9, 12, 15-octadecatrienoic acid (z,z,z). The extract showed potent antioxidant activity in in-vitro assays. Furthermore, in in-vivo neurological assays, the extract disclosed significant (p < 0.05) neurological activity. The most favorable phytochemicals as neurological agents were selected via ADMET profiling, and molecular docking was studied with beta-amyloid precursor protein. In the computer-aided study, 1, 5-diphenyl-2h-1, 2, 4-triazoline-3-thione (Pub Chem CID: 2802516) was more active than other identified compounds with strong binding affinity to beta-amyloid precursor protein. The present in vivo and in silico studies revealed neuropharmacological features of G. tetrandra leaf extract as a natural agent against neurological disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease.

Evaluation of neurobehavioral activities of ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava Linn leaves in mice model

Background

The complementary and alternative medicines have particular importance in treating various comorbid conditions including anxiety and depression which prevalence will be raised to the second highest risk of morbidity, triggering a noteworthy socioeconomic burden. Ethanolic extract of leaves of Psidium guajava Linn (EEPG) was investigated to evaluate the anxiolytic and anti-depressant activity into two different doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of body weight) on Swiss Albino male mice utilizing experimental paradigms of anxiety and depression. The extract was also subjected to phytochemical screening.

Results

Phytochemicals screening showed the presence of numerous types of active constituents in extract, for example, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and steroids. The experimental results revealed that in case of anxiolytic activity tests, a statistical significant (p < 0.05 vs group I) effect is observed in EPMT model, hole cross model, light and dark model in both doses, whereas in hole-board model, marble burying model tests, a statistical considerable effect is observed only at the dose of 400 mg/kg although at the dose of 200 mg/kg, anxiolytic effect is also expressed and in case of anti-depressant activity test, the statistical significant effect is observed only at the dose of 400 mg/kg. All the results are comparable with the effect of standard drugs used.

Conclusions

Taken together, the present research work evidences the anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects of EEPG, but further investigation needed to find out the underlying mechanism of action and to isolate and purify the specific components that are responsible for aforementioned activities.

Antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipyretic, and thrombolytic profiling of methanol extract of the aerial part of Piper nigrum: In vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches

Piper nigrum L. also called black pepper is popular for its numerous uses. The present research is designed to investigate the pharmacological potential of methanol extract of Piper nigrum (MEPN). The antidepressant investigation was performed by using both in vivo forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) methods while the anxiolytic research by hole-board test (HBT) method. Again, the antipyretic analysis was conducted through yeast-induced pyrexia method, whereas clot lysis activity was employed by the thrombolytic method. Furthermore, in silico studies followed by molecular docking analysis of several secondary metabolites, pass prediction, and ADME/T were evaluated with AutoDock Vina, Discovery Studio 2020, UCSF Chimera software PASS online, and ADME/T online tools. The plant extract demonstrated dose-dependent potentiality in antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipyretic, and thrombolytic activities. Induction of MEPN produced a significant (p < .5, p < .001) increase of mobility in FST and TST, and increased the head dipping and decreased the latency of time (p < .01, p < .001) in HBT. MEPN 400 (mg/kg; b.w.; p.o.) lowered the rectal temperature of yeast-induced pyrexia substantially (p < .001). Besides, MEPN produced promising (p < .001) clot lysis activity. In the computational approach, among all the proteins, a docking score was found ranging from -1.0 to -7.90 kcal/mol. Besides, all the compounds were found safe in ADME/T study. The results of our scientific research validate the suitability of this plant as an alternative source of novel therapeutics.

Estrogenic Effect of Scoparia dulcis (Linn) Extract in Mice Uterus and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies of Certain Compounds with Human Estrogen Receptors

Background:

Scoparia dulcis Linn. is reported to be used by women of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India for treating menstrual disorders. Scoparia dulcis contains compounds that bind with estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) evidenced by increased PCNA in endometrial epithelium.

Methods:

Crude extract was orally administered at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight/day to the female mice (60–70 days old) in five different groups. Each group containing six females included: (I) cyclic control, (II) cyclic extract treated, (III) Ovariectomized (OVX)-vehicle treated (Control), (IV) OVX-E2 treated (V) OVX- extract treated. Extract was administered for eight days to the cyclic groups and three days to the OVX groups. PCNA was detected immunohistochemically in uterine tissues and signals were analyzed by Image J software (NIH, USA). Compounds were separated by GC-MS and identified using NIST. In silico molecular docking studies was performed with human estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the best interacting compound was done using gromacs.

Results:

The results showed cell proliferation in the uterine endometrium evidenced by PCNA. Two phytocompounds, Octadecanoic acid and methyl stearate showed binding affinity with ERα and ERβ.

Conclusion:

Scoparia dulcis contains compounds having binding affinity with ERα and ERβ. The present study is the first report on compounds from Scoparia dulcis showing binding affinity with human estrogen receptors which may have biological effect on female reproduction.

Sedative and Anxiolytic Activities of Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.: An Experimental Assessment in Mice

Ethnobotanical field surveys revealed the use of fruits of Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. for treating diabetes, burns, bronchial asthma, constipation, kidney stones, and rheumatic pains and as a sedative in Turkish folk medicine. This study aimed to verify the efficacy of the fruits of O. ficus indica experimentally and to define components responsible for the activity using bioassay-guided procedures. The crude methanolic extract of the fruits was sequentially fractionated into five subextracts: n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water. Further experiments were carried out on the most active subextract, that is, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) subextract, which was further subjected to fractionation through successive column chromatographic applications on Sephadex LH-20. For activity assessment, each extract or fraction was submitted to bioassay systems; traction test, fireplace test, hole-board test, elevated plus-maze test, and open-field test were used for sedative and anxiolytic effects, and a thiopental-induced sleeping test was used for the hypnotic effect. Among the subextracts obtained from the methanolic extract, the EtOAc subextract showed significant sedative and anxiolytic effects in the bioassay systems. From the EtOAc subextract, major components were isolated, and their structures were determined as isorhamnetin, isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside using spectral techniques. In conclusion, this study confirmed the claimed use of the plant against anxiety in Turkish folk medicine.

Evaluation of phytochemical constituents and sedative-hypnotic activity of the methanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata in mice

Background and Aim

Sedative drugs mostly cause dose-dependent depression of the central nervous system which results in hypnosis and anesthesia possibly; however, these agents are associated with some side effects ranging respiratory, digestive, immune system dysfunctions, tolerance, cognitive function deterioration, and physical dependence; hence, investigations of newer and safer agents are, therefore, imperative. The current study was aimed at investigating the sedative-hypnotic (S-H) effects of the methanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata in mice.

Materials and Methods

Phytochemical screening of the leaf extract was conducted, and S-H activity of the plant extract was evaluated. Twenty Swiss Albino mice were randomly divided into four groups of five mice each. The mice in Groups A and B were injected with the extract intraperitoneally (IP) at the dose rate of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively, those in Group C were injected with xylazine at the dose rate of 10 mg/kg, while Group D mice received distilled water at the dose rate of 2 ml/kg. All the four experimental groups were injected with ketamine (IP) at the dose rate of 100 mg/kg after 30 min.

Results

Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugars, steroids and triterpenes, saponins, tannins, condensed tannins, and flavonoids, while anthraquinones, anthracene derivatives, and alkaloids were absent. Results from the S-H evaluation show no significant difference (p≥0.05) on the onset of sleep time between the four experimental groups; however, statistically significant difference (p≤0.05) was recorded in the sleep duration time between the groups treated with only ketamine and the other experimental groups pre-treated with either the extract or xylazine before ketamine administration. The group pre-treated with a high dose of the plant extract (200 mg/kg) and the treated with ketamine after 30 min exhibited longer sleeping duration time. The plant extract, xylazine and ketamine, sedated the mice for some period of time after arousal from sleep.

Conclusion

Our finding suggests that methanol leaf extract of F. exasperata possesses S-H potential that may require further scientific investigations.

In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation of Pharmacological Potentials of Secondary Bioactive Metabolites of Dalbergia candenatensis Leaves

Background. Dalbergia species has wide range of secondary metabolites and is traditionally used in treatment of painful micturition, swelling, and leprosy and as blood tonic. The study evaluates membrane stabilizing, anticoagulant, analgesic, cytotoxic, subacute anti-inflammatory, and depression potentials of D. candenatensis leaves metabolites. Methods. Membrane stabilizing activity was evaluated by hypotonic induced hemolysis assay, whereas anticoagulant activity is done through extrinsic pathway by measuring prothrombin time. Analgesic action, cytotoxic effect, and subacute anti-inflammatory activity were determined by acetic acid induced writhing model, brine shrimp lethality bioassay, and formaldehyde induced model, respectively. Depression activity was measured by the Open Field, Hole Cross, Hole Board, and thiopentone induced sleeping time measuring methods. Results. D. candenatensis contains phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin, quantified as 416.25 mg, 330.00 mg, and 432.22 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/100 g of dry extract, respectively. Extract showed maximum inhibition of writhe, hemolysis, and edema, approximate to 57.14%, 36.62%, and 34.1%, respectively. LC₅₀ value for nauplii was 151.499 μg/ml. Mean prothrombin time was approximate to 31.0 ± 2.31 seconds at 1.0 mg/ml. Extract showed depression activity, and maximum sleeping time was noted to be about 141 minutes. Conclusion. D. candenatensis leaves show dose dependent membrane stabilizing, anticoagulant, depression, analgesic, moderate cytotoxic, and subacute anti-inflammatory activities.

Medicinal Plants from North and Central America and the Caribbean Considered Toxic for Humans: The Other Side of the Coin

The consumption of medicinal plants has notably increased over the past two decades. People consider herbal products as safe because of their natural origin, without taking into consideration whether these plants contain a toxic principle. This represents a serious health problem. A bibliographic search was carried out using published scientific material on native plants from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, which describe the ethnobotanical and toxicological information of medicinal plants empirically considered to be toxic. A total of 216 medicinal plants belonging to 77 families have been reported as toxic. Of these plants, 76 had been studied, and 140 plants lacked studies regarding their toxicological effects. The toxicity of 16 plants species has been reported in clinical cases, particularly in children. From these plants, deaths have been reported with the consumption of Chenopodium ambrosioides, Argemone mexicana, and Thevetia peruviana. In most of the cases, the principle of the plant responsible for the toxicity is unknown. There is limited information about the toxicity of medicinal plants used in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. More toxicological studies are necessary to contribute information about the safe use of the medicinal plants cited in this review.

In vivo sedative activity of methanolic extract of Stericulia villosa Roxb. leaves

Background

This plant is very popular ingredient of local made drinks during hot summer. After drinking this drink people feels fresh, relaxed and can enjoy sound sleep. Present study was aimed to assess the sedative properties of a plant Sterculia villosa leaves. Therefore, we tried to find out the methanolic extract from the leaves of Sterculia villosa leaves having any sedative activity or not.

Methods

The extract were subjected to various in vivo methods like hole cross test, open field test, elevated plus-maze (EPM) test, thiopental sodium induced sleeping time test. Diazepam was used as the standard drug.

Results

From the study, it is clear that the extract has excellent CNS depressant activity by reducing locomotors activity of mice in every cases of hole cross test, open field test, elevated plus-maze (EPM) test compared to the standard diazepam. In addition, the extract prolong the sleeping time (230 min) with quick onset of action (9 min) in contrast to the standard and control group.

Conclusions

From the present study it can be conclude that the extract posses significant a sedative property that may lead to new drug development and further investigation is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms and to isolate the active principles.

Antidiabetic Properties, Bioactive Constituents, and Other Therapeutic Effects of Scoparia dulcis

This review discusses the antidiabetic activities of Scoparia dulcis as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in relation to the diabetes and its complications. Ethnomedical applications of the herb have been identified as treatment for jaundice, stomach problems, skin disease, fever, and kidney stones, reproductory issues, and piles. Evidence has been demonstrated through scientific studies as to the antidiabetic effects of crude extracts of S. dulcis as well as its bioactive constituents. The primary mechanisms of action of antidiabetic activity of the plant and its bioactive constituents are through α-glucosidase inhibition, curbing of PPAR-γ and increased secretion of insulin. Scoparic acid A, scoparic acid D, scutellarein, apigenin, luteolin, coixol, and glutinol are some of the compounds which have been identified as responsible for these mechanisms of action. S. dulcis has also been shown to exhibit analgesic, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, sedative, hypnotic, antiulcer, antisickling, and antimicrobial activities. Given this evidence, it may be concluded that S. dulcis could be promoted among the masses as an alternative and complementary therapy for diabetes, provided further scientific studies on the toxicological and pharmacological aspects are carried out through either in vivo or clinical means.