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Parra-Naranjo A, Delgado-Montemayor C, Salazar-Aranda R, Waksman-Minsky N. Bioactivity of the Genus Turnera: A Review of the Last 10 Years. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1573. [PMID: 38004438 PMCID: PMC10675026 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Turnera is a genus of plants whose biological activity has been widely studied. The importance of this genus, particularly Turnera diffusa, as a source of treatment for various conditions is evidenced by the large number of new studies that have evaluated its biological activity. Accordingly, the objective of this review was to compile the information published in the last ten years concerning the biological activities reported for Turnera spp. The present work includes 92 publications that evaluate 29 bioactivities and toxicological and genotoxic information on five species of this genus. Among the pharmacological effects reported, the antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and aphrodisiac activities seem more promising. Phytochemicals and standardized plant extracts could offer alternative therapeutic remedies for various diseases. Although several flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, monoterpenoids, triterpenoids, and fatty acids have been isolated for Turnera plants, future research should focus on the identification of the main active principles responsible for these pharmacological activities, as well as to perform clinical trials to support the laboratory results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Noemí Waksman-Minsky
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico; (A.P.-N.); (C.D.-M.); (R.S.-A.)
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Fisseha N, Hammeso WW, Nureye D. Anticonvulsant Activity of Hydro Alcoholic Extract and Solvent Fractions of Biophytum umbraculum Welw. Syn (Oxalidaceae) Root in Mice. J Exp Pharmacol 2022; 14:291-299. [PMID: 36299703 PMCID: PMC9590341 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s374890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scientists and researchers continue to focus on medicinal plants as a potential source of lead chemicals in the search for and development of new antiepileptic medicines. Biophytum umbraculum Welw. Syn is used to treat epilepsy in Ethiopian traditional medicine. The anticonvulsant effect of Biophytum umbraculum Welw. Syn hydroalcoholic extract and solvent fractions was evaluated in this study since the claim has not been thoroughly explored. Methods The plant’s root was extracted using the maceration procedure, with aqueous, butanol, and chloroform as solvents. The maximum electroshock and pentylenetetrazol model tests were used to assess anticonvulsant activity. Mice were divided into five groups (n = 6) at random. The test groups received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract and solvent fraction, respectively. For the maximum electric shock test, the positive control groups received 25 mg/kg phenytoin and 200 mg/kg valproate for the pentylenetetrazol test. The negative control was given 10 mL/kg of pure water or 2% Tween 80. Results There were no signs of toxicity in the hydroalcoholic extract or solvent extraction. When compared to the negative control, the hydro-alcoholic extract had a significant anticonvulsant effect in both the maximum electric shock test and the pentylenetetrazol test. In both cases, the butanol component had a comparable impact. In the pentylenetetrazol test, the chloroform fraction had a significant anticonvulsant effect when compared to the control at dosages of MB200 and MB400. Flavonoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, and saponins were found in both the hydroalcoholic and solvent fractions of the plant extract. Conclusion The plant appears to have promising anticonvulsant properties, and it might be used to generate novel anti-epileptic drugs, according to this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebeyi Fisseha
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, South West, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Nebeyi Fisseha, Tel +251913214835, Email
| | - Workineh Woldeselassie Hammeso
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, South West, Ethiopia
| | - Dejen Nureye
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, South West, Ethiopia
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Reza MS, Jashimuddin M, Ahmed J, Abeer M, Naznin NE, Jafrin S, Haque ME, Barek MA, Ud Daula AFMS. Pharmacological investigation of analgesic and antipyretic activities of methanol extract of the whole part of Aeginetia indica. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 271:113915. [PMID: 33567308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Aeginetia indica (Linn.), commonly known as aankuri bankuri, guan-jen-huang, forest ghost flower, dok din daeng, dapong tubo; is a root parasitic plant of the Orobanchaceae family native to South and South-East Asian region. Different parts of the plant are traditionally used to treat fever, pain, inflammation, arthritis, cough, diabetes, and chronic liver disease. Local practitioners often recommend this plant as a folk remedy for dermal swelling, painful menstrual periods, wounds, and knee pain. However, the antipyretic and analgesic activity of A. indica have never been investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study was aimed to evaluate the analgesic and antipyretic potential of Aeginetia indica plant extract to verify its effectiveness as reported in traditional uses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preliminary phytochemical analysis of Aeginetia indica crude extract was performed using previously established methods and antioxidant capacity was determined by phosphomolybdenum assay. In vivo analgesic activity of Aeginetia indica methanol extract (AiME) was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin-induced paw licking test, and hot plate test model. The antipyretic activity was studied in Baker's yeast induced pyrexia model. RESULTS Phytochemicals screening revealed cardiac glycosides, saponins, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids in the crude extract of Aeginetia indica. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were recorded as 101 ± 1.1 mg GAE/g of the extract and 35 ± 0.8 mg QE/g of the extract, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity observed in phosphomolybdenum assay was 68.3 ± 1.3 mg ascorbic acid equivalent per gram of the extract. AiME showed significant dose-dependent analgesic activity against acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking, and hot plate pain model. A higher dose of A. indica (200 mg/kg) produced significant (P < 0.001) inhibition of writhing by 69% whereas, standard aspirin showed maximum 85.6% inhibition. AiME at all doses showed a significant (P < 0.001) decrease of paw licking time in both early neurogenic and late inflammatory pain phase of formalin-induced licking test. In the hot plate test, AiME at a 200 mg/kg dose produced antinociceptive activity (55.18%) higher than the standard ketorolac (49.88%) at 1 h. However, after 2 h, ketorolac showed a maximum effect of 62.66% and AiME 200 mg/kg showed a 60.24% effect. A significant (P < 0.001) reduction of rectal temperature (4.54 °F↓) was recorded for AiME 200 mg/kg, which was higher than the standard paracetamol (3.86 F°↓) after 24 h of treatment. CONCLUSION The in vivo investigational studies' results demonstrated promising analgesic and antipyretic activities of A. indica, which supported the claim of its folk uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sharif Reza
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Jashimuddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Jamiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Muhammad Abeer
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Nura Ershad Naznin
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Sarah Jafrin
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Enamul Haque
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Abdul Barek
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - A F M Shahid Ud Daula
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
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Khan A, Akram M, Thiruvengadam M, Daniyal M, Zakki SA, Munir N, Zainab R, Heydari M, Mosavat SH, Rebezov M, Shariati MA. Anti-anxiety properties of selected medicinal plants. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 23:1041-1060. [PMID: 33480339 DOI: 10.2174/1389201022666210122125131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Exploration of new drugs targeting anxiety treatment is a major concern worldwide. Medicinal plants are being used as a potential source of novel drugs for anxiety disorders. The objective of this review is to provide information about the healing outcomes of anxiety treatment with natural products. Valeriana officinalis, Citrus aurantium, Commelina benghalensis, Achyranthes aspera, Mimosa pudica, Achillea millefolium, Nymphaea alba, Leonurus cardiac, Camellia sinensis, Turnera aphrodisiaca, Crataegus oxyacantha and Piper methysticum showed promising effects on anxiety in animal models. In clinical studies, passion flower, kava, valerian, St John's wort, and ashwagandha showed the most positive results. More studies are needed for the exploration of the anti-anxiety of medicinal plants. In drugs derived from natural sources have explored many components that are playing an essential role in curing anxiety disorders and associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmatullah Khan
- Department of Eastern Medicine, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Akram
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad. Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Daniyal
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Drug Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha. China
| | - Shahbaz Ahmad Zakki
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 9300194. Japan
| | - Naveed Munir
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad. Pakistan
| | - Rida Zainab
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad. Pakistan
| | - Mojtaba Heydari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz. Iran
| | - Seyed Hamdollah Mosavat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz. Iran
| | - Maksim Rebezov
- V.M.Gorbatov Federal Research Center for Food System of Russian Academy of Science, Moscow. Russian Federation
| | - Mohammad Ali Shariati
- K.G.Razumovsky Moscow State University of technologies and management (the First Cossack University), Moscow109004. Russian Federation
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Anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of Tamarindus indica Linn. (Fabaceae): a narrative review. Integr Med Res 2019; 8:181-186. [PMID: 31453087 PMCID: PMC6704379 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is one of the causes of a number of non-infectious diseases in the world. Over the years, Tamarindus indica has played fundamental roles in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug. It is a commercialized biocompatible medicinal plant species with a wide range of therapeutic window and with suggested LD50 greater than 5000 mg kg−1 body weight when administered to the Wistar rats. This review examined the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential and mechanism of various extracts from T. indica pulp, leaves, seeds, stem bark, and roots. The preclinical studies provided strong pharmacological evidence for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the different parts of T. indica and this may be attributed to the various bioactive compounds in it including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, and steroids. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the extracts from the different parts of T. indica may be due to its ability to inhibit a number of biological processes including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), 5-lipoxygenase biosynthesis, and tumor necrosis factor-α. The analgesic activity of T. indica may also be through the activation of the opioidergic mechanism at both the peripheral and central levels. Although further pre-clinical studies still need to be conducted, these results demonstrated that T. indica has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and hence provides justification for its use in traditional medicine to treat body pain and other inflammatory related diseases including arthritis and offers a basis for future clinical studies and possible drug development.
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Plant-Derived Supplements for Sexual Health and Problems, Part 2: Further Evidence for Specific Herbal Effects. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-019-00204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Xiao X, Wang X, Gui X, Chen L, Huang B. Natural Flavonoids as Promising Analgesic Candidates: A Systematic Review. Chem Biodivers 2016; 13:1427-1440. [PMID: 27449823 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201600060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Due to the chemical structural diversity and various analgesic mechanisms, an increasing number of studies indicated that some flavonoids from medicinal plants could be promising candidates for new natural analgesic drugs, which attract high interests of advanced users and academic researchers. The aim of this systematic review is to report flavonoids and its derivatives as new analgesic candidates based on the pharmacological evidences. Sixty-four papers were found concerning the potential analgesic activity of 46 flavonoids. In this case, the evidence for analgesic activity of flavonoids and total flavonoids was investigated. Meanwhile, the corresponding analgesic mechanism of flavonoids was discussed by generalizing and analyzing the current publications. Based on this review, the conclusion can be drawn that some flavonoids are promising candidates for painful conditions and deserve particular attention in further research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China.,School of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350108, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Gui
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China.,School of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350108, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Lu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Baokang Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
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Parkash O, Kumar D, Kumar S. Screening of Methanol Extract and Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Abies webbiana Lindl. for Neuropharmacological Activities. Indian J Pharm Sci 2015; 77:536-41. [PMID: 26798167 PMCID: PMC4700705 DOI: 10.4103/0250-474x.169039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Revised: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a long traditional of use of Abies webbiana Lindl. (Talispatra; family-Pinaceae) in the treatment of mental disorders, the plant has not been investigated systematically to validate its traditional claims. Thus, the present investigation was undertaken with an objective to investigate neuropharmacological activities of methanol extract of Abies webbiana aerial parts and its ethyl acetate fraction. Properly identified aerial parts were defatted with petroleum ether and then extracted with methanol in a Soxhlet apparatus. Ethyl acetate fraction was prepared by partitioning methanol extract with ethyl acetate using standard procedure. In acute toxicity study, no mortality was observed in animals after oral administration of 2 g/kg dose of methanol extract. The methanol extract (200 or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) and ethyl acetate fraction (25 or 50 mg/kg, p.o.) were evaluated for antianxiety, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, sedative, antistress and analgesic activities using well established models. The methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Abies webbiana aerial parts exhibited significant antianxiety, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, sedative, antistress and analgesic activities with respect to control. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed presence of flavonoids in bioactive ethyl acetate fraction of Abies webbiana aerial parts. It is finally concluded that flavonoids are the bioactive constituents responsible for most of neuropharmacological activities of Abies webbiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Parkash
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala-147 002, India
| | - D. Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala-147 002, India
| | - S. Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala-147 002, India
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Islam MH, Ahmad IZ, Salman MT. Neuroprotective effects of Nigella sativa extracts during germination on central nervous system. Pharmacogn Mag 2015; 11:S182-9. [PMID: 26109765 PMCID: PMC4461959 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.157729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Nigella sativa Linn. which has many acclaimed medicinal properties is an indigenous herbaceous plant and belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, which grows in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Pakistan and India. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effects of N. sativa seed extracts of different germination phases on the central nervous system (CNS) responses in experimental animals. Materials and Methods: Anxiolytic, locomotor activity of extracts (1 g/kg of body weight) was evaluated in both stressed and unstressed animal models and antiepileptic effect was evaluated by maximal electroshock seizure model keeping diazepam (20 mg/kg) as a positive control. Antidepressant effect was evaluated by forced swim test and tail suspension test keeping imipramine (15 mg/kg) as a positive control. Results: All tested extracts of N. sativa during different phases of germination (especially 5th day germination phase) showed significant (P < 0.001) anxiolytic effect in comparison to control. Diazepam reduced locomotor activity in control (unstressed) rats but did not show affect in stressed rats while N. sativa extracts from germination phases significantly (P < 0.001) reduced locomotor activity in unstressed as well as stressed animals. All the extracts of N. sativa from different germination phases exhibited significant (P < 0.001) reduction in various phases of epileptic seizure on comparison with the reference standard (diazepam). During antidepressant test, N. sativa extracts exhibited a slight reduction in the immobility of rats. Conclusion: During germination, especially in 5th day germination extract, N. sativa showed significant CNS depressant activity as compared to whole seeds that possibly may be due higher content of secondary metabolites produced during germination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hayatul Islam
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Dasauli, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Iffat Zareen Ahmad
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Dasauli, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohammad Tariq Salman
- Department of Pharmacology, Era's Lucknow Medical College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Randhawa K, Kumar D, Jamwal A, Kumar S. Screening of antidepressant activity and estimation of quercetin from Coccinia indica using TLC densitometry. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2015; 53:1867-1874. [PMID: 25845639 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1025289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Coccinia indica Naud (Cucurbitaceae) has been traditionally used for the treatment of depression but these claims have not been validated. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to investigate antidepressant activity of various extracts and fractions of C. indica aerial parts, and to estimate content of quercetin in the plant using TLC densitometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Coccinia indica aerial parts were successively extracted using solvents in increasing order of polarity, namely n-hexane, chloroform, methanol, and water. Various extracts were evaluated for antidepressant activity at doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg, p.o., upon acute administration in mice using the forced swim test (FST). The bioactive extract was partitioned successively using solvents in increasing order of polarity, namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. All fractions were also screened for antidepressant activity at doses of 25 or 50 mg/kg, p.o., upon acute administration in mice. RESULTS The methanol extract significantly reduced the duration of immobility in FST at dose of 400 mg/kg without affecting locomotor activity in open field test, thus, confirmed its antidepressant activity, which was statistically equivalent to the standard drug (imipramine, 15 mg/kg, i.p.). Ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) exhibited antidepressant activity at 50 mg/kg. Comparative TLC fingerprint studies confirmed the presence of quercetin in methanol extract and EAF. Quercetin was used as a chemical marker to standardize C. indica aerial parts using the validated TLC densitometric method, and the content of quercetin was found to be 0.00172% w/w. CONCLUSIONS The present studies scientifically validated traditional claims of C. indica for antidepressant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kudrat Randhawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University , Patiala, Punjab , India
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Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R, Chillemi E, Di Giannantonio M, Schifano F, Cellek S. Sexual enhancement products for sale online: raising awareness of the psychoactive effects of yohimbine, maca, horny goat weed, and Ginkgo biloba. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:841798. [PMID: 25025070 PMCID: PMC4082836 DOI: 10.1155/2014/841798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of unlicensed food and herbal supplements to enhance sexual functions is drastically increasing. This phenomenon, combined with the availability of these products over the Internet, represents a challenge from a clinical and a public health perspective. METHODS A comprehensive multilingual assessment of websites, drug fora, and other online resources was carried out between February and July 2013 with exploratory qualitative searches including 203 websites. Additional searches were conducted using the Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN). Once the active constitutes of the products were identified, a comprehensive literature search was carried out using PsycInfo and PubMed. RESULTS The most common sexual enhancement products available on the Internet were identified. Their active ingredients included yohimbine, maca, horny goat weed and Ginkgo biloba. These four substances were reported with the occurrence of adverse events and the induction of psychological symptoms, such as mood changes, anxiety, and hallucinations as well as addictive behaviours. CONCLUSIONS Uncontrolled availability of sexual enhancement products that contain potentially harmful substances is a major public health concern. The possible impact on population health, particularly among subjects with psychiatric disorders, usually at risk for sexual dysfunction, may be significant. This new trend needs to be extensively studied and monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Corazza
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University “G. d'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Rita Santacroce
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University “G. d'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Eleonora Chillemi
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University “G. d'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Schifano
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
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Szewczyk K, Zidorn C. Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and bioactivity of the genus Turnera (Passifloraceae) with a focus on damiana--Turnera diffusa. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 152:424-43. [PMID: 24468305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Half a dozen of the currently accepted 135 Turnera species are used in traditional medicine, most notably Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. which is one of the most highly appreciated plant aphrodisiacs. Other traditional uses of Turnera L. species include the treatment of anaemia, bronchitis, cough, diabetes, fever, fungal disease, gastrointestinal complaints, pain, pulmonary and respiratory diseases, skin disorders, and women׳s health problems. Additionally, Turnera species are used as abortives, expectorants, and laxatives. PHYTOCHEMISTRY Flavonoids (22 different compounds), maltol glucoside, phenolics, cyanogenic glycosides (7 different compounds), monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, the polyterpene ficaprenol-11, fatty acids, and caffeine have been found in the genus Turnera. BIOACTIVITY Bioactivities experimentally proven for members of the genus Turnera encompass antianxiety, antiaromatase, antibacterial including antimycobacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, adapatogenic, antiobesity, antispasmodic, cytotoxic, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and aphrodisiac activities. Most of these activities have so far been investigated only in chemical, cell based, or animal assays. In contrast, the antiobesity activity was also investigated in a study on healthy human subjects and with a herbal preparation containing among other ingredients Turnera diffusa leaves. Moreover, the enhancement of female sexual function was assessed in humans; again the product contained besides Turnera diffusa other potentially bioactive ingredients. However, with only few exceptions, most of the traditional uses and the experimentally verified bioactivities can currently not be related to a particular compound or compound class. A notable exception is the flavonoid apigenin, which was identified animal experiments as the antinociceptive principle of Turnera diffusa. CONCLUSION In this review, the current knowledge on ethnobotanical uses of members of the genus Turnera, the secondary metabolites reported from Turnera, and experimentally documented bioactivities from Turnera extracts and pure compounds derived from Turnera extracts are compiled. Moreover, some of the most interesting avenues for future research projects are being discussed briefly. These include in particular the aphrodisiac activity of Turnera diffusa and the antibiotic activity potentiating effect of Turnera ulmifolia L. against aminoglycoside resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Szewczyk
- Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1 St, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Christian Zidorn
- Institut für Pharmazie der Universität Innsbruck, Abteilung Pharmakognosie, Innrain 80/82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Swami US, Lande AA, Ghadge PM, Adkar PP, Ambavade SD. Pharmacological evaluation of Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. & Fern. for anxiolytic activity and effect on brain GABA level. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13596-013-0145-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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16
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Objective assessment of sperm motion characteristics of Malpura ram lambs raised under intensive management system in semiarid tropical environment. Trop Anim Health Prod 2009; 42:653-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-009-9472-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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