Hepatoprotective activity of Sapindus mukorossi and Rheum emodi extracts: In vitro and in vivo studies

Ethno-medicinal uses, ecology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and conservation approaches for Himalayan Rhubarb species

Rheum L. is an important genus of the family Polygonaceae comprised of nearly 60 herbaceous species distributed across the world. The members of Rheum genus are extensively used in curing several ailments, like wound healing, blood purification, menstruation problems, indigestion, headaches, chest pain, dysentery, stomachaches, fractured and broken bones, etc. The crude extracts and drugs derived from Rehum species possess anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-SARS activity, and wound-healing properties. However, all the information on this genus is scattered and a systematic review of Rheum species is not available. The present study highlighted major distribution points, secondary metabolites, and pharmacological properties of Rheum species. A total of 144 unique compounds were recorded from Rheum genus, of them 24 were Stilbenes. This study further scientifically re-examines all published literature and explores market potential and pharmacology along with recommendations for the conservation of these high-value species.

Comparative evaluation of Sapindus Mukorossi extract with 17% EDTA on smear layer removal in various parts of the tooth root

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of an experimental root canal irrigant and 17% Ethylene-di-amine tetra acetic acid for removal of the smear layer in the coronal, middle and apical portions of the root canal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety human single rooted maxillary and mandibular teeth were selected for this study. The teeth were randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group as follows: Group A (Ethanolic extract of Sapindus Mukorossi), Group B (17% EDTA), and Group C (Distilled water). The root canals of all three groups were prepared with stainless steel K-files by means of the standard step-back technique and irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypo chloride. The teeth were decoronated, following the irrigation and divided longitudinally into two-halves and visualized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the amount of smear layer present utilizing the three-point score system. The observations were noted both before and after the treatment. Nonparametric tests were applied for the comparison and p-value ⩽ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

It was evident from that smear layer was completely removed in coronal portion of 27 out of 30 teeth in-group A. For middle and apical areas of group A, 24 and 19 teeth showed complete smear layer removal. In-group B it was found that there were 24, 21, and 3 teeth at coronal, middle and apical, areas respectively where smear layer were completely absent. Intra group comparison showed a significant difference (p = 0.002) in smear layer removal was found for group A at coronal, middle and apical thirds. Similarly, a significant difference (p = 0.001) was also found for group B; however heavy smear layer was found among the three parts of the canal for group C.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethanolic extract of Sapindus Mukorossi have higher effectiveness in removing the smear layer from the root canal in comparison to 17% EDTA.

Phytochemical investigation of Ludwigia adscendens subsp. diffusa aerial parts in context of its biological activity

Ludwigia adscendens subsp. diffusa (Onagraceae), an important aquatic herb widely distributed in the Nile River and canals in Egypt. The goal of the current study is to investigate the phytochemical composition of L. adscendens aerial parts n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions and screening of its biological activities. Phytochemical investigation of L. adscendens resulted in the isolation and purification of eleven compounds belonging to flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, and oligosaccharides, of which one compound was identified as new using different spectroscopic techniques. Compound 2 was identified as a new compound namely, 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranoside (1 → 4) α-L-rhamnopyranoside]-23-O-feruloyl-hederagenin-28-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1 → 2) β-D-glucopyranoside], along with other 10 well know compounds. Furthermore, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and cytotoxic activities of n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions were investigated in vitro, revealing that ethyl acetate fraction was the most active as antidiabetic (IC₅₀ = 62.3 µg/mL), hepatoprotective (IC₅₀ = 80.75 µg/mL), and cytotoxic against human prostate cancer cell line (IC₅₀ = 52.2 µg/mL). Collectively, L. adscendens aerial part is rich with a myriad of phytochemicals with potential health benefits.

Prospect of The Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) as Natural Product Used to an Herbal Medicine

Black pepper ( Piper nigrum L.) is a popular spice that is grown as tropical and subtropical plant throughout the world. The leaf, flower, fruit, and root are the most important elements of the plant. Asexual or vegetative propagation is becoming highly popular, although the sexual approach is still used for pepper vine cultivation. For mass production of the pepper plant, in vitro culture is also used. The bioactive components contained in them are extremely important because of their therapeutic potential against a number of diseases. They are usually classed as functional foods because, in addition to providing basic nutrition, provide physiological benefits and help to avoid chronic illness. The main component of black pepper is piperine. It has a complex phyto-chemistry includes: Volatile oil, alkaloids, and oleoresins. Because of its free-radical scavenging properties, black pepper and its active components can be prevention and control of tumor growth. Piperine, which can bind and inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the sickness, is present in black pepper and has antibacterial and antiviral effects. Piperine, a key alkaloid component of black pepper, it also helps to cognitive brain function, nutritional absorption, and gastrointestinal health. Black pepper is known as the “King of Spices” as well as the “King of Medicinal Agents,” since it includes a wide variety of bioactive compounds with nutraceutical and pharmacological applications. An overview of the most common applications for black pepper, along with a strong evidence is present in this review.

Hepatoprotective effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Cichorium intybus in a rat model of obstructive cholestasis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Obstructive cholestasis increases the levels of oxidants and inflammatory mediators, leading to liver damage. Previous studies have found that Cichorium intybus possesses anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of C. intybus leaves were assessed in a rat model of obstructive cholestasis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6 rats per group): sham-operated, control [bile duct ligation (BDL) + vehicle)] and BDL + extract treatment (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, i.p.) groups. Rats received treatments for 7 consecutive days. On the eighth day, prothrombin time (PT); serum albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase and total and direct bilirubin levels and total antioxidant and paraoxonase activities were measured using colorimetric methods. In addition, tumour necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The hydroalcoholic extract of C. intybus significantly decreased PT and the serum levels of AST, ALT, TNF-α and NO compared with the control group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the serum albumin levels were increased in the extract-treated groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The hydroalcoholic extract of C. intybus protects the liver against injury induced by obstructive cholestasis.

Human pulp tissue dissolution ability of different extracts of Sapindus mukorossi: An in vitro study

Objective

Due to the many negative properties of sodium hypochlorite used in current root canal treatment, interest in biocompatible natural agents is increasing day by day. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether various extract solutions of Sapindus mukorossi have dissolution effects on human pulp tissues.

Methods

Primarily powder extracts were obtained by extracting fruit shells of S. mukorossi in different solvents (ethanol, methanol, buthanol and distilled water). The test solutions were prepared and randomly separated into six groups with 10 samples in each group: ethanol extract, methanol extract, butanol extract, distilled water extract of S. mukorossi, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and the control group. Among these, S. mukorossi extracts were separated into two subgroups, depending on their concentration level (50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL). The pulp tissues of freshly extracted human molars were used for dissolution test. The weights of the pulpal tissues were measured and recorded for two times after the samples were placed in the solutions. Statistical analysis for all descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS 22 (P < 0.05).

Results

Our results showed that maximum percent yield of preparation was obtained in methanol extract of S. mukorossi. Among all of the groups, the best dissolution capacity was seen in the NaOCl group (positive control group). Among S. mukorossi groups, the best tissue solvent solution was found in SMM group at 50 µg/mL and SMB group at 100 µg/mL.

Conclusion

The different extracts of S. mukorossi had a capacity to dissolve pulp tissue but this capacity was less than NaOCl. Therefore, further studies will enable the creation of a commercial solution for clinical use by increasing the effectiveness of S. mukorossi while combining it with other endodontic irrigation solutions.

Chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of piperine with nitrones. A cycloadditive route to aminoalcohols

The chemoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between piperine and nitrones and further transformation of the cycloadducts to novel acyclic 1,3-amino alcohols.

The Phenological Growth Stages of Sapindus mukorossi According to BBCH Scale

Sapindus mukorossi is a native tree in southern China that has multiple useful functions, including high landscaping, ecological, esthetic, and economic values. More importantly, its fruits are being rapidly developed as raw materials for bioenergy and saponin production in southern China. To provide a standardized phenological description of the species, this study firstly used the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) scale. In total, eight principal stages—i.e., bud, leaf and shoot development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturity, senescence and beginning of dormancy—and 58 secondary stages were described. It ranges from vegetative bud dormancy to the onset of the next beginning of the dormancy, using a two-digit numerical coding system. In addition to the descriptions, we provide photographic images of some major developmental stages to standardize morphological characteristics and the phenological observation of S. mukorossi. This study will be an asset for biological researches and cultivation management in Sapindus, and will provide valuable information for other fruit trees.

Effect of graded levels of soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder on reproductive performance in broiler breeders

Objective

This study investigated the effects of soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder (SSP) on serum hormone level, egg quality, semen characteristics and reproductive performance of broiler breeders fed with a maize-soybean meal based diet.

Methods

Ninety six female and twenty four male CARIBRO-VISHAL broiler breeders, 38-week old, were individually caged and randomly allocated to four treatment groups (24 female breeders/treatment and 6 male breeders/treatment): an un-supplemented control (T1) and three groups with 0.0176% SSP (group T2), 0.026% SSP (group T3) and 0.0528% SSP (group T4), to have supplementary saponin at 0, 50, 75, and 150 ppm, respectively, for 42 days.

Results

The results indicated that serum (p<0.001) and seminal plasma (p<0.05) testosterone level, semen volume (p<0.001), mass motility (p<0.001), and live spermatozoa count (p<0.001) was increased in groups T3 and T4 compared to T2 and control groups. Compared with control group, total sperm count was increased (p<0.001) and dead spermatozoa count was decreased (p<0.001) in SSP supplemented groups. Supplementation of SSP did not affected the quality of egg lay. Compared with control group, fertility (p<0.01) and hatchability (total eggs set and fertile eggs set) (p<0.001) were significantly improved in SSP supplemented groups with the highest improvement in T3 treatment group. Embryonic death was decreased (p< 0.001) in SSP supplemented groups compared to control; lowest embryonic death was recorded in T3 treatment group.

Conclusion

Thus, it was concluded that dietary supplementation of 0.026% SSP (saponin equivalent 75 ppm) improved the reproductive performance of broiler breeders.

Preventing and Mitigating Alcohol Toxicity: A Review on Protective Substances

This review covers three fundamental aspects of alcohol consumption and research efforts around the prevention and mitigation of its toxic effects in the human body. First, the sociocultural aspects of alcohol consumption are analysed, including drinking habits and strategies to combat intoxication. Second, we briefly introduce the biochemical aspects of ethanol metabolism and the biochemical pathways leading to its degradation, particularly the activation of toxic response pathways. Finally, we review current evidence and research efforts for finding compounds and substances able to prevent and mitigate the toxic effects of alcohol when over-indulgence has occurred. The toxic effects appear as a time-evolution process based on the stage of intoxication. We explore different compounds and formulations traditionally used to combat alcohol toxicity, as well as state-of-the-art research in the topic for novel molecules and formulations. Although we aimed to categorise which compounds are more effective for a particular level of alcohol intoxication, it is impossible to fully prevent or mitigate toxicity effects by only the compounds in isolation, further research is required to establish the long-term prevention and mitigation from the clinical point of view.

Rheum australe, an endangered high-value medicinal herb of North Western Himalayas: a review of its botany, ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Rheum australe (Himalayan Rhubarb) is a multipurpose, endemic and endangered medicinal herb of North Western Himalayas. It finds extensive use as a medicinal herb since antiquity in different traditional systems of medicine to cure a wide range of ailments related to the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, respiratory and skeletal systems as well as to treat various infectious diseases. The remedying properties of this plant species are ascribed to a set of diverse bioactive secondary metabolite constituents, particularly anthraquinones (emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, aloe-emodin and rhein) and stilbenoids (piceatannol, resveratrol), besides dietary flavonoids known for their putative health benefits. Recent studies demonstrate the pharmacological efficacy of some of these metabolites and/or their derivatives as lead molecules for the treatment of various human diseases. Present review comprehensively covers the literature available on R. australe from 1980 to early 2018. The review provides up-to-date information available on its botany for easy identification of the plant, and origin and historical perspective detailing its trade and commerce. Distribution, therapeutic potential in relation to traditional uses and pharmacology, phytochemistry and general biosynthesis of major chemical constituents are also discussed. Additionally, efficient and reproducible in vitro propagation studies holding vital significance in preserving the natural germplasm of the plant and for its industrial exploitation have also been highlighted. The review presents a detailed perspective for future studies to conserve and sustainably make use of this endangered plant species at a commercial scale.

Hydromethanolic extract of Rehum emodi exhibits significant antimicrobial activity against acute gastroenteriti bacterial strains

Rehum emodi is an important medicinal herbal and has been reported to exhibit tremendous pharmacological potential. The present study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of hydromethanolic extract of rhizome of Rehum emodi against the acute gastroenteriti bacterial strains. The antimicrobial activity was determined by micro-dilution method. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay and cytotoxicity by MTT assay. Phytochemical analysis was carried out by LC/MS analysis. The results of the present study showed that hydromethanolic extract of rhizome of Rehum emodi (REE) exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against the gastroenteriti bacterial strains. The MIC values ranged from 25 μg/ml to 125 μg/ml. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the REE was evaluated against the human breast cell line FR-2 and it was observed that REE exerted minimal cytotoxic effects on these cells with an IC₅₀ of 250 μg/ml indicating that this extract is non-toxic to human cells. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several secondery metabolites such as anthroquinones (anthrone, emodin, aloe emodin and rhein) flavonoids (quercetin, and naringenin) and phenolics (sinapinic acid and gallic acid) which could potentially be responsible for the activity of the extract. In conclusion REE could potentially prove to be useful in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis.

Piperine and Its Various Physicochemical and Biological Aspects: A Review

Piper nigrumL. is examined as the king of species worldwide by virtue of its principle piperine. In Ayurveda, since from the ancient times, it is known as “Yogvahi”. It is one of the important alkaloids of Pepper fruits (Family Piperaceae) and has been found to have numerous medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, antithyroid, antitumor, antiasthmatic activity and also have significant role as fertility enhancer. The present review discusses the biosynthetic pathway, extraction process, chemistry and various analytical methods of piperine. It also describes the structural modification of piperine and its various effects on biological system. The utility of piperine as a bioenhancer for certain antibacterial- antibiotics and a potent inhibitor of drug metabolism are also discussed. Thus, review provides knowledgeable erudition on the piperine which paves way for further work.

Regeneration of soapnut tree through somatic embryogenesis and assessment of genetic fidelity through ISSR and RAPD markers

Somatic embryogenic system was developed in Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. using rachis as explants from a mature tree. Explants showed callus initiation on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with TDZ (1-Phenyl-3-(1, 2, 3-thiadiazol-5-yl) urea), zeatin or 6-benzylaminopurine. Induction of somatic embryogenesis was achieved on both MS basal medium and MS medium supplemented with 8.88 µM 6-benzylaminopurine. Hundred percent embryogenesis was observed on MS medium supplemented with 8.88 µM 6-benzylaminopurine with maximum intensity of embryogenesis (51.92 ± 0.40 a). Maximum maturation of somatic embryos (92.86 ± 0.34 a) was observed on induction medium supplemented with 0.0378 µM abscisic and treated for 21 days. Germination of somatic embryos was maximum (77.33 ± 0.58 a) on MS medium supplemented with 8.88 µM 6-benzylaminopurine. In vitro raised plantlets were hardened, acclimatized and transferred to the field. Survival frequency of plantlets was 80 % in field conditions. The genetic fidelity of in vitro regenerated plants was also evaluated and compared with mother plant using random amplified polymorphic DNA and inter simple sequence repeat. Both markers showed similarity in molecular profile of mother plant and in vitro regenerated plants.

Development of an efficient callus proliferation system for Rheum coreanum Nakai, a rare medicinal plant growing in Democratic People's Republic of Korea

A clonal mass propagation to obtain mountainous sources of Rheum coreanum Nakai, a rare medicinal plant in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was established by rhizome tissue culture. Whole plants were selected and collected as a vigorous individual free from blights and harmful insects among wild plants of R. coreanum grown on the top of Mt. Langrim (1.540 m above the sea) situated at the northern extremity of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Induction of the callus was determined using four organs separated from the whole plant and different plant growth regulators. The callus was successfully induced from rhizome explant on MS medium containing 2.4-D (0.2–0.3 mg/l). In the MS medium supplemented with a combination of BAP (2 mg/l) and NAA (0.2 mg/l), single NAA (0.5 mg/l), or IBA (0.5 mg/l), a higher number of shoot, root and plantlets was achieved. The survival rate on the mountainous region of the plantlets successfully acclimatized (100%) in greenhouse reached 95%, and yields of crude drug and contents of active principles were higher than those obtained by sexual and vegetative propagation. This first report of R. coreanum tissue culture provides an opportunity to control extinction threats and an efficient callus proliferation system for growing resources rapidly on a large scale.

E. N. Fabrication of a versatile chitosan nanocomposite hydrogel impregnated with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using Sapindus mukorossi: characterization and applications

A biological and eco-friendly method has been adopted for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, which can be used for a number of applications.

Effects of Free Anthraquinones Extract from the Rhubarb on Cell Proliferation and Accumulation of Extracellular Matrix in High Glucose Cultured-Mesangial Cells

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage failure of the kidney, but the efficacy of currently available strategies for the prevention of DN remains unsatisfactory. In this study, we investigated the effects of free anthraquinones (FARs) extract, which was extracted from the rhubarb and purified by macroporous resin DM130 with gradient mixtures of ethanol/water as the lelution solvents, in high glucose-cultured glomerular mesangial cells (MCs). The cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8 assay, the levels of TGF-β₁, CTGF, ColIV and FN proteins in the supernatant of MCs were measured by ELISA assays, and the mRNA levels of these four genes were detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that the increased proliferation of MCs, the mRNA levels and protein expression of TGF-β₁, CTGF, ColIV and FN induced by high glucose were inhibited after the treatment with the FARs extract. This indicated that FARs extract could inhibit cell proliferation and the expression of main extracellular matrix induced by high glucose in MCs. The FARs extract exhibited potential values for prophylaxis and therapy of DN.

Somatic Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration in Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. from Leaf-Derived Callus Induced with 6-Benzylaminopurine

A somatic embryogenesis system was developed for Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. from leaf explants obtained from fresh flushes of a mature tree. Callus was induced from the midrib region of leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or 6-benzylaminopurine. Callus induction and somatic embryogenesis was significantly influenced by the size, physiological age, and orientation of leaf explants on the culture medium and plant growth regulators. Adaxial-side-up orientation of leaf explants significantly promoted embryogenesis in comparison with abaxial-side-up orientation. Maximum number of somatic embryos was induced on MS medium supplemented with 8.88 μM 6-benzylaminopurine. Scanning electron microscopy of embryogenic callus revealed somatic embryo origin and the development of globular-, heart-, and cotyledonary-stage somatic embryos. The frequency of maturation as well as germination of somatic embryos was higher on MS medium containing 8.88 μM 6-benzylaminopurine than on medium without 6-benzylaminopurine. Plantlets which developed from somatic embryos were acclimatized successfully with 90 % survival.

Isolating the metabolic pathways involved in the hepatoprotective effect of Muntingia calabura against CCl4-induced liver injury using LC/MS Q-TOF

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Muntingia calabura L. has been used in Southeast Asia and tropical America as antipyretic, antiseptic, analgesic, antispasmodic and liver tonic. This study aims to determine the acute toxicity and the metabolic pathways involved in the hepatoprotective mechanism of M. calabura.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CCl4-induced hepatotoxic rat model was developed and a dose dependent effect of M. calabura was conducted. Body weight, food and water consumption were measured every day and rats were sacrificed to collect the serum samples at the end of the 10-days treatment. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry quadrapole time of flight (LC/MS-QTOF) combined with principal component analysis (PCA) were used to determine differentially expressed metabolites due to treatment with CCl4 and M. calabura extracts. Metabolomics Pathway Analysis (MetPA) was used for analysis and visualization of pathways involved.

RESULTS

Body weight, food and water consumption were significantly decreased and histopathological study revealed steatosis in CCl4-induced rats. PCA score plots show distinct separation in the metabolite profiles of the normal group, CCl4-treated group and extract of M. calabura (MCME) pre-treated groups. Biomarkers network reconstruction using MetPA had identified 2 major pathways which were involved in the protective mechanism of MCME. These include the (i) biosynthesis of the primary bile acid, (ii) metabolism of arachidonic acid.

CONCLUSION

This study has successfully isolated 2 major pathways involved in the hepatoprotecive effect of MCME against CCl4-induced liver injury using the LC/MS Q-TOF metabolomics approach. The involvement of archidonic acid and purine metabolism in hepatoprotection has not been reported previously and may provide new therapeutic targets and/or options for the treatment of liver injury.

Assessment of conventional and novel extraction techniques on extraction efficiency of five anthraquinones from Rheum emodi

Rheum emodi is principally known to consist 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinones (DHAQs) that find immense use in the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic industries and in herbal medication and food sector. The aim of this study was to compare non-conventional and classical methods for extraction of anthraquinones from R. emodi. Optimisation of the extraction parameters for various methods was done and their extraction efficiency was evaluated. In preliminary screening experiments, choice of solvent and solid : solvent ratio was optimised. Comparison of extraction efficiency for classical methods like maceration, heat-reflux, soxhletion and non-conventional methods like ultra-sonication and sublimation was done for five DHAQs - aloe emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion using HPLC-UV and fluorescence detection in native and acid hydrolysed samples. It was observed that ethanol was the best solvent for extraction of anthraquinones with a solid : solvent ratio of 1:20. A prior acid hydrolysis led to significant increase in anthraquinone extraction. Among the extraction methods heat reflux for 45 min was the most prominent extraction method with highest recovery of the DHAQs. In ultrasonic assisted extraction, an increase in the anthraquinone extraction was seen till 45 min after which the concentration declined. A novel, solvent-free, green and selective method of extraction by sublimation was found to be effective for extraction of anthraquinones.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of piperic acid triazolyl derivatives as potent anti-inflammatory agents

Nineteen novel piperine based triazoles have been synthesized using click chemistry approach and were tested for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The most active compounds were evaluated for in vitro TNF-α expression. Compounds 3g and 3f were found to show significant in vivo inhibition of inflammation, 80.40% and 76.71%, respectively after 5 h in comparison to piperine (54.72%) and the standard drug indomethacin (77.02%) without causing any damage to the stomach. Compounds 3g and 3f suppressed TNF-α level by 73.73% and 70.64%, respectively and protein expression of COX-2, NF-κB and TNF-α more than indomethacin. Moreover, the compound 3g was found to show significant analgesic activity of 54.09% which was comparable with the indomethacin (57.43%).

Pharmacological effects of Sapindus mukorossi

Sapindus mukorossi is an extremely valuable medicinal plant, distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia. The aim of present review is to form a short compilation of the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of this multipurpose tree. The main phytoconstituents isolated and identified from different parts of this plant are triterpenoidal saponins of oleanane, dammarane and tirucullane type. The structure and chemical names of all the types of triterpenoidal saponins reported in Sapindus mukorossi are included in this review. Many research studies have been conducted to prove the plant's potential as being spermicidal, contraceptive, hepatoprotective, emetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-protozoal. The present review highlights some of the salient pharmacological uses of Sapindus mukorossi.

Evaluation of protective effect of Sapindus mukorossi saponin fraction on CCl(4)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats

Aim

This investigation aimed to assess the hepatoprotective effect of saponin fraction isolated from the fruit pericarp of Sapindus mukorossi on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity.

Methods

Fruit of S. mukorossi was collected and authenticated, and dried pericarp powder subjected to extraction with cold ethanol (70%) by maceration followed by isolation of total saponin fraction. Hepatoprotective activity was demonstrated in the CCl₄-damaged primary monolayer culture. In in vivo studies, pretreatment with total saponin fraction (50,100 and 150 mg/kg per os once a day for 4 days before CCl₄ introduction and continued afterward for 3 days) attenuated the CCl₄-induced acute increase in serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase activities and considerably reduced histopathological alterations. Further, saponin fraction reduced thiopentone-induced (4 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) sleeping time in rats.

Results

Saponin fraction pretreatment improves bromsulphalein clearance and also increases cellular viability. Saponin administration replenished depleted hepatic glutathione and superoxide dismutase by improving the antioxidant status of the liver and liver function enzymes. These effects substantiate protection of cellular phospholipids from peroxidative damage induced by highly reactive toxic intermediate radicals formed during biotransformation of CCl₄.

Conclusion

The above findings lead to the conclusion that the saponin fraction of S. mukorossi has a protective capability both in vitro on primary hepatocyte cultures and in vivo in a rat model of CCl₄-mediated liver injury. Hence, we suggest that the inclusion of this S. mukorossi fruit pericarp in the management of liver disorders is justified.

Rheum australe D. Don: a review of its botany, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rheum australe D. Don (Polygonaceae) has been commonly used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments related to the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, respiratory and skeletal systems as well as to infectious diseases.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To provide the up-to-date information that is available on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Rheum australe. Additionally, to highlight the possible uses of this species to treat different diseases and to provide a basis for future research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present review covers the literature available from 1980 to 2011. The information was collected from scientific journals, books, theses and reports via a library and electronic search (Google Scholar, Web of Science and ScienceDirect).

RESULTS

Ethnomedical uses of Rheum australe have been recorded from China, India, Nepal and Pakistan for 57 different types of ailments. The phytochemical studies have shown the presence of many secondary metabolites belonging to anthraquinones, stilbenes, anthrones, oxantrone ethers and esters, chromones, flavonoids, carbohydrate, lignans, phenols and sterols. Crude extracts and isolated compounds from Rheum australe show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, hepatoprotective and immune-enhancing activities, as well as a usefulness for improving renal function.

CONCLUSION

Rheum australe has been widely used source of medicine for years without any adverse effects. Many studies have provided evidence for various traditional uses. However, there is a need for additional studies of the isolated compounds to validate the traditional uses in human models. The present review on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and toxicity has provided preliminary information for further studies and commercial exploitations of the plant.

Phytoconstituents and therapeutic uses of Rheum emodi wall. ex Meissn

Rhubarb (Rheum emodi, family Polygonaceae) has been traditionally used as diuretic, liver stimulant, purgative/cathartic, stomachic, anticholesterolaemic, antitumour, antiseptic and tonic. A number of anthraquinone derivatives including emodin, aloe-emodin, physcion, chrysophanol, rhein, emodin glycoside and chrysophanol glycoside occur as the main chemical constituents. In the past few years, new components such as sulfemodin 8-O-β-d-glucoside, revandchinone-1, revandchinone-2, revandchinone-3, revandchinone-4, 6-methyl-rhein and 6-methyl aloe-emodin have been reported from the same species. Anthraquinone derivatives show evidence of antifungal, anti-microbial, anti-Parkinson’s, anti-proliferative, immuno-enhancing, antiviral and antioxidant activities. This review covers published work on botany, chemistry and therapeutic uses of different components from rhubarb.

Molluscicidal activity of Sapindus mukorossi and Terminalia chebula against the freshwater snail Lymnaea acuminata

The molluscicidal activity of Sapindus mukorossi and Terminalia chebula fruit powder against the vector snail Lymnaea acuminata was time and concentration dependent. The molluscicidal activity of T. chebula fruit powder (96 h LC(50):93.59 mg L(-1)) was more pronounced than that of S. mukorossi fruit powder (96 h LC(50):119.57 mg L(-1)). Ethanolic extracts of S. mukorossi and T. chebula fruit powder were more toxic than their other organic solvent extracts. The molluscicidal activity of ethanolic extract of S. mukorossi fruit powder (24h LC(50):2.75 mg L(-1)) was more effective than the ethanolic extract of T. chebula fruit powder (24h LC(50):124.06 mg L(-1)). The 96 h LC(50) of column-purified fraction of S. mukorossi fruit powder was 5.43 mg L(-1) whereas those of T. chebula fruit powder was 7.49 mg L(-1). Column, thin layer and high performance liquid chromatography analysis demonstrates that the active molluscicidal component in S. mukorossi and T. chebula is saponin (96 h LC(50):1.31 mg L(-1)) and tannic acid (96 h LC(50):1.64 mg L(-1)), respectively. These plants may be used as potent source of molluscicides against the snail L. acuminata.

Hepatoprotective activity of dried- and fermented-processed virgin coconut oil

The present study aims to determine the hepatoprotective effect of MARDI-produced virgin coconut oils, prepared by dried- or fermented-processed methods, using the paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. Liver injury induced by 3 g/kg paracetamol increased the liver weight per 100 g bodyweight indicating liver damage. Histological observation also confirms liver damage indicated by the presence of inflammations and necrosis on the respective liver section. Interestingly, pretreatment of the rats with 10, but not 1 and 5, mL/kg of both VCOs significantly (P < .05) reduced the liver damage caused by the administration of paracetamol, which is further confirmed by the histological findings. In conclusion, VCO possessed hepatoprotective effect that requires further in-depth study.

Protective activity of Jiang-Zhi-Li-Gan against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in mice

The administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) to mice produced hepatotoxicity, showing a significant increase in the serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Mice pretreated with Jiang-Zhi-Li-Gan (JZLG, 100-900 mg/kg, p.o.), a domestic remedy for liver disease in Rui-Jin Hospital, showed a significant decrease in serum ALT and AST levels when compared to the group treated with CCl(4) alone. The standard drug, bifendate (200 mg/kg, p.o.), also exhibited similar results. In the acute toxicity study, JZLG did not show any mortality up to a dose of 32 g/kg body weight. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that JZLG seems to possess hepatoprotective activity in mice. These results support the use of this prescription against chemical hepatic injury.