Rates, patterns, and predictors of complementary medicine use among patients with musculoskeletal diseases

AIM

To investigate the extent of complementary medicine (CM) use and the most common therapies utilized by Jordanian patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases.

METHODS

A semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey of outpatient orthopedic and rheumatology patients at an academic medical center in Amman, Jordan between January and September 2020.

RESULTS

A convenience sample of 1001 patients was interviewed (82% females). Pearson's chi-square comparisons showed that nutritional CM was used by 43.4% of patients, while 29.8% used physical CM, and 16% used both. Almost all used the nutritional or physical CM in addition to their prescribed treatment. Nutritional form use was significantly higher among females, older age groups, married people, and those who worked (p < .05). Physical form use was statistically more prevalent in older age groups and those with a higher level of education (p < .05). Family income and urban residence were not significantly associated with the use of either form of CM therapy. Olive oil was the most frequently reported nutritional type (22.9%), and cupping was the most reported physical type (41.6%). Recommendations to use CM came primarily from family members or friends (64% of nutritional CM users and 59% of physical CM users). A physician or pharmacist was cited more frequently with physical CM (24% versus 8% for the nutritional form). In contrast, media sources were cited more for nutritional than physical form (28% versus 7%). Over half of the patients believed they received the desired effect from CM. Surprisingly, only 9.5% of the patients admitted to discussing their CM use with their physician.

CONCLUSION

CM use is prevalent among Jordanian patients with MSK disorders. Most patients rely on family and friends for recommendations, and they rarely inform their physician of the CM use. Physicians should routinely inquire about CM to provide patients with information regarding their benefits and risks.

Gaz Alafi: A Traditional Dessert in the Middle East With Anticancer, Immunomodulatory, and Antimicrobial Activities

Background

From the earliest times, manna has been widely used as a tasty local sweet or folk medicine. The type of manna being investigated in the present study is called Gaz-alafi, a mixture of insect and Quercus brantii leaves secretions from oak forests in the north of Iraq and west of Iran.

Methods

Aqueous and ethanol extracts were prepared as decoction. Various phytochemical tests were conducted to analyze manna composition, including total phenolic contents using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and LC-MS. Gallic acid and catechin were detected in both extracts, in addition to tiliroside presence in ethanol extract, which added more value to the phenolic content of ethanol extract. Cytotoxic activities of Gaz alafi were evaluated against breast cancer cell lines and compared to normal cell lines and doxorubicin using the MTT assay. Antimicrobial properties were assessed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans using the dilution method of the micro-titer plate. Serum levels of IFN-γ, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured using ELISA. The effect of extracts on splenocyte proliferation was evaluated using the lymphocytes proliferation assay. Macrophage function was evaluated using the nitro blue tetrazolium assay, whereas pinocytosis was evaluated using the neutral red uptake assay. Ten days after tumor inoculation, changes in tumor size, survival rates, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine were measured.

Results

The growth of cancer cells was inhibited by Gaz alafi ethanol extract. An alteration in IFN- γ, IL-2, and IL-4 levels toward antiproliferation immune response were reported for both extracts. The aqueous extract efficiently stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytosis, and pinocytosis, followed by the ethanol extracts with moderate activity. After treating the mice with ethanol extracts, a significant reduction in tumor size and several undetected tumors were recorded.

Conclusions

Gaz alafi extracts (aqueous and ethanol) are promising sources for anticancer and immunostimulatory agents. Further studies are needed to fully identify the chemical composition of Gaz alafi extracts.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferation Activities of Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora): An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Aloysia citrodora (Verbenaceae) is traditionally used to treat various diseases, including bronchitis, insomnia, anxiety, digestive, and heart problems. In this study, this plant’s antioxidant and anti-proliferation effects were evaluated. In addition to volatiles extraction, different solvent extracts were prepared. The GC-MS, LC-MS analysis and the Foline-Ciocalteu (F-C) method were used to investigate the phytochemical components of the plant. MTT assay was used to measure the antiproliferative ability for each extract. Antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In in vivo anti-proliferation experiments, Balb/C mice were inoculated with tumor cells and IP-injected with ethyl acetate extract of A. citrodora. After treatment, a significant reduction in tumor size (57.97%) and undetected tumors (44.44%) were obtained in treated mice, demonstrating the antiproliferative efficacy of the ethyl acetate extract. Besides, ethanol extract revealed the most potent radical scavenging effect. The findings of this study displayed that A. citrodora has promising cytotoxic and antioxidant activities. Still, further testing is required to investigate the extract’s chemical composition to understand its mechanisms of action.

Aroma Profiles Analysis of Two Populations of Salvia palaestina Benth. Collected from Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian Zones in Jordan

The volatile principles emitted from different aerial organs of two S. palaestina Benth. populations (Mediterranean (Med) and Irano-Turanian (IrT)) growing wild in Jordan were extracted by Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) and analysed by GC/MS technique. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominated stems (59.38%, 49.67%) and leaves (93.28%, 32.39%) emissions from Med and IrT zones, respectively while monoterpene hydrocarbons had the major contribution to the aroma of pre-flowering buds (78.62%, 74.96%), opened flowers (76.12%, 59.99%) and petals (69.57%, 54.28%) and were mostly represented by sabinene (in Med zone) and ociemene isomers (Z & E) in IrT zone. Multivariate analysis classified the two populations into two different clusters based on their origin and indicated the occurrence of two ecotypes of this species. Different organs from the same collection site showed emission profiles of similar chemical composition.

Ethanol Extract of Achillea fragrantissima Enhances Angiogenesis through Stimulation of VEGF Production

OBJECTIVE

Achillea fragrantissima L. (Asteraceae) is a traditionally used medicinal herb in the rural communities of Jordan.

METHODS

The present study evaluated the efficacy of the ethanol extract of this species on angiogenesis in both, ex vivo using rat aortic ring assay and in vivo using rat excision wound model.

RESULTS

In concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/ml, the ethanol extract showed angiogenic stimulatory effect and significantly increased length of capillary protrusions around aorta rings of about 60% in comparison to those of untreated aorta rings. In MCF-7 cells, the ethanol extract of A. fragrantissima stimulates the production of VEGF in a dose-dependent manner. 1% and 5% of ethanol extract of A. fragrantissima containing vaseline based ointment was applied on rat excision wounds for six days and was found to be effective in wound healing and maturation of the scar. Both preparations resulted in better wound healing when compared to the untreated control group and vaseline-treated group. This effect was comparable to that induced by MEBO, the positive control.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that A. fragrantissima has a pro-angiogenic effect, which may act through the VEGF signaling pathway.

Characterization of Chemical Components in Organs Emissions of Two Salvia dominica L. Populations from Jordan

The current investigation reports the chemical composition of volatile organic compounds emitted from the different aerial organs of two populations of Salvia dominica L. from Jordan collected from Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian bio-geographical zones. Oxygenated monoterpenes dominated the emission profiles of most organs from the two populations but with variable qualitative and quantitative differences. Mediterranean samples contained higher content of oxygenated monoterpenes (stems: 88.37%, leaves 89.95%, pre-flowering buds 67.14%, fully opened flowers 79.43%, sepals 90.93% and petals 92.25%) as compared to those from Irano-Turanian origin (range 39.85% to 75.06%). trans-Sabinene hydrate dominated the emission profiles of all organs from Irano-Turanian zone (range 38.54% to 73.24%) in addition to the stem, sepal and petal samples from the Mediterranean zone (51.37% to 86.98%). The other organs from the Mediterranean zone were dominated by α-terpenyl acetate (27.66-54.87%). Cluster and Principle Component statistical analysis classified the two populations into two clusters based on their origin. The current study evidenced the different VOCs composition in the two populations, that was mainly related to climatic and environmental conditions and suggested the presence of two ecotypes of S. dominica L.in Jordan.

Aroma Profile of Two Populations of Salvia verbenaca Collected from Two Bio-Geographical Zones from Jordan

The aroma emitted from the different organs of two Salvia verbenaca L. populations from Jordan were extracted by Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) and then analyzed by GC/MS. The emission profile of the stem, leaf and sepal samples from the Mediterranean zone (Al-Salt) was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (68.0 %, 33.7 %, and 42.2 %, respectively). The emission profile of flowering parts including pre-flowering buds, fully expanded flowers and petals was dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes (58.6 %, 59.3 % and 87.1 %, respectively). The major constituent detected in these organs was trans-sabinene hydrate acetate (range 14.5 %-87.0 %). On the other hand, samples collected from Irano-Turanian zone showed different emission patterns. While the stems, leaves and petal emissions were dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (54.9 %, 76.8 % and 52.6 %, respectively), monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated the emission profiles of the pre-flowering buds (75.1 %) and fully expanded flowers (73.6 %). Petals emissions were characterized by high concentrations of oxygenated monoterpenes (58.8 %). Notably, trans-sabinene hydrate dominated most organs emissions except for leaves (range 20.0 %-58.8 %). Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) revealed two different clusters related to the two different geographical zones. The current investigation revealed two ecotypes of S. verbenaca that could result in two different chemotypes. Trans-sabinene hydrate acetate and trans-sabinene hydrate are suggested compounds for identifying these two chemotypes.

Chemodiversity and Antiproliferative Activity of the Essential Oil of Schinus molle Growing in Jordan

The leaves and unripe and fully-grown fruits of Schinus molle were collected from three geographical regions of Jordan: Amman (the Mediterranean), Madaba (Irano-Turanean), and Sahab (Saharo-Arabian). The hydrodistilled volatile oils of fresh and dried leaves and fruits were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The actual composition of the emitted volatiles was determined using Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME). α- and β-Phellandrenes were the major components in all the analyzed samples. Quantitative differences were observed in the obtained essential oils (0.62-5.25 %). Additionally, cluster analysis was performed. Biologically, the antiproliferative activity of the essential oil, ethanol, and water extracts of the fruits and leaves was screened on Caco2, HCT116, MCF7, and T47D cell lines. The essential oil and ethanol extracts exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth with IC₅₀ ranging between 21 and 65 μg/mL. The water extract did not exhibit any antiproliferative activity against the investigated cell lines.

Antiobesity and antihyperglycaemic effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris extracts: in vitro and in vivo evaluations

CONTEXT

Adiantum capillus-veneris L. (Adiantaceae) hypocholesterolemic activity is therapeutically praised.

OBJECTIVES

Pharmacological modulation of pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase (PL) and α-amylase/α-glucosidase by A. capillus-veneris are evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using positive controls (acarbose, orlistat, guar gum, atorvastatin, glipizide and metformin) as appropriate, crude aqueous extracts (AEs) of A. capillus-veneris aerial parts were tested via a combination of in vitro enzymatic (0.24-100 mg/mL), acute in vivo carbohydrate tolerance tests (125, 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight [b.wt]) and chronic in vivo studies (500 mg/kg b.wt) in high cholesterol diet (HCD) fed Wistar rats.

RESULTS

Like acarbose, A. capillus-veneris as well as chlorogenic acid, with respective IC₅₀ values (mg/mL) of 0.8 ± 0.0 and 0.2 ± 0.0, were identified as in vitro potent dual inhibitors of α-amylase/α-glucosidase. Unlike guar gum, A. capillus-veneris had no glucose diffusion hindrance capacity. Equivalent to orlistat, A. capillus-veneris and its phytoconstituents inhibited PL in vitro with an ascending order of PL- IC₅₀ values (μg/mL): ferulic acid; 0.48 ± 0.06 < ellagic acid; 13.53 ± 1.83 < chlorogenic acid; 38.4 ± 2.8 < A. capillus-veneris; 1600 ± 100. Incomparable to acarbose or metformin and glipizide, A. capillus-veneris (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt) lacked antihyperglycaemic efficacies in acute starch- or glucose-evoked postprandial hyperglycaemia increments in normoglycaemic overnight fasting rats. Superior to atorvastatin; A. capillus-veneris exerted significant antiobesity (p < 0.001) with marked triacylglycerol-reducing capacities (p < 0.001) in comparison to rats fed with HCD for 10 weeks.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

A. capillus-veneris, modulating pancreatic digestive enzymes, may be advocated as a combinatorial diabesity prevention/phytotherapy agent.

Composition, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of the Essential Oils from Fresh and Air-Dried Aerial Parts of Pallenis spinosa

This study was performed to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of fresh (F-PSEO) and air-dried (D-PSEO) Pallenis spinosa. The composition of the oils was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry, the antioxidant activity by free radical scavenging and metal chelating assays, and their cytotoxicity by a flow cytometry analysis. The primary components in both oils were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygentated sesquiterpenes. F-PSEO contained 36 different compounds; α-cadinol (16.48%), germacra-1(10),5-diene-3,4-diol (14.45%), γ-cadinene (12.03%), and α-muurolol (9.89%) were the principal components. D-PSEO contained 53 molecules; α-cadinol (19.26%), δ-cadinene (13.93%), α-muurolol (12.88%), and germacra-1(10),5-diene-3,4-diol (8.41%) constituted the highest percentages. Although both oils exhibited a weak radical scavenging and chelating activity, compared to α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, D-PSEO showed a 2-fold greater antioxidant activity than F-PSEO. Furthermore, low doses of F-PSEO were able to inhibit the growth of leukemic (HL-60, K562, and Jurkat) and solid tumor cells (MCF-7, HepG2, HT-1080, and Caco-2) with an IC₅₀ range of 0.25 - 0.66 μg/ml and 0.50 - 2.35 μg/ml, respectively. F-PSEO showed a ca. 2 - 3-fold stronger cytotoxicity against the tested cells than D-PSEO. The potent growth inhibitory effect of the plant essential oil encourages further studies to characterize the molecular mechanisms of its cytotoxicity.

Phytochemical and Biological Evaluations of Arum hygrophilum Boiss. (Araceae)

Background:

Arum hygrophilum is a traditional medicinal plant indigenous to Jordan. The present study explores its phytochemistry, antioxidative, antidiabesity, and antiproliferative potentialities.

Materials and Methods:

Column chromatography and HPLC-MS analysis were used for its phytochemical evaluation. Using leaf crude water and ethanol extracts, the antioxidative capacities, their modulation of pancreatic β-cell proliferation, and insulin secretion as well as glucose diffusion and enzymatic bioassays were evaluated.

Results:

Three flavonoids (luteolin, isoorientin, and vitexin) and β-sitosterol have been isolated and their structures determined. HPLC-MS analysis of the ethanol extract further revealed the presence of caffeic, ferulic, gallic, and rosmarinic acids and quercetine-3-O-rhamnoside. The ethanol extract exhibited DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging and antioxidative capacities. A. hygrophilum (1), vitexin (2), and rosmarinic acid (3) inhibited pancreatic lipase (PL) dose dependently with PL-IC₅₀ (µg/mL) values in an ascending order: (3); 51.28 ± 7.55 < (2); 260.9 ± 21.1 < (1); 1720 ± 10. Comparable to GLP-1-enhanced β-cell proliferation in 2-day treatment wells, a dose-dependent augmentation of BrdU incorporation was obtained with the A. hygrophilum aqueous extract (AE) (0.5 and 1 mg/mL, with respective 1.33- and 1.41-folds, P < 0.001). A. hygrophilum AE was identified as an inhibitor of α-amylase/α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ value of 30.5 ± 2.1 mg/mL but lacked antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer cell lines (HT29, HCT116, and SW620) and insulinotropic effects in β-cell line MIN6.

Conclusion:

A. hygrophilum extracts inhibited gastrointestinal enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid digestion and absorption.

SUMMARY

Phytochemical evaluation of Arum hygrophilum recovered flavonoids (luteolin, isoorientin and vitexin) and β-sitosterol

HPLC-MS analysis of its antioxidative ethanol extract further revealed the presence of caffeic-, ferulic-, gallic- and rosmarinic acids and quercetine-3-O-rhamnoside

A. hygrophilum inhibited α-amylase/α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase dose-dependently

A. hygrophilum augmented β-cell proliferation dose dependently, but it lacked antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer cell lines (HT29, HCT116, and SW620) and insulinotropic effects in β-cell line MIN6

Abbreviations used: ABTS: 2,2’-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid, AE: Aqueous Extract, ANOVA: Analysis Of Variance, AUC: Area Under Curve, BrdU: 5-Bromo-2’-Deoxyuridine, DPPH: 2,2-Diphenyl -1-Pycriylhydrazyl, ELISA: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, GLP1: Glucagon Like Peptide 1, GSIS: Glucose Stimulated Insulin Secretion, HPLC-MS: High Performance Liquid Chromatography –Mass Spectrometry, IC50: 50% Inhibitory Concentration, KRH: Krebs/Ringer/Hepes, MTT: 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide, OGTT: Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, ORAC: Oxygen Radical Antioxidant Capacity, OSTT: Oral Starch Tolerance Test, PL: Pancreatic Lipase, SEM: Standard Error Of The Mean, SRB: Sulforhodamine B, TEAC: Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity, TLC: Thin Layer Chromatography

The use of medicinal herbs in gynecological and pregnancy-related disorders by Jordanian women: a review of folkloric practice vs. evidence-based pharmacology

Context National statistical reports in Jordan indicate a decrease in the total fertility rate along with a parallel increase in contraceptive use. The folkloric use of medicinal herbs in gynecological disorders has been growing in Jordan, despite of deficient reports on the evidence-based safety and efficacy of these practices. Objective The aim of this comprehensive article is to review medicinal plants with claimed ethnonpharmacological usage in various gynecological and pregnancy-related issues in Jordan, and to assess their evidence-based pharmacological studies as well as their phytochemistry. Methods The published literature was surveyed using Google Scholar entering the terms "ethnopharmacology AND Jordan AND infertility AND gynecology OR gestation". We included ethnopharmacological surveys in Jordan with available full-text. Results Twelve articles were reviewed. Plant species which are commonly used for female gynecological issues such as Artemisia monosperma Del. and A. herba-alba Asso. (Asteraceae) have been found to exert an antifertility effect. Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae) and Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) had antifertility effects in male rats, but Nigella sativa oil L. (Ranunculaceae) and Cinnamon zeylanicum J. Presl (Lauraceae) were found to enhance it. Conclusion Using plants for gynecological disorders is a common practice in Jordan. Many of them, whether utilised for gynecological or non-gynecological conditions equally, were found to have detrimental effects on female or male fertility. Thus, couples planning pregnancy should be discouraged from the consumption of these herbs. Further local studies are warranted to confirm the appreciable beneficial pharmacological effects and safety of these plants.

Composition and Biological Activity of Volatile Oil from Salvia judaica and S. multicaulis from Jordan

The aim of this work was to determine the composition of the hydro-distilled essential oil of Salvia judaica Boiss. and S. multicaulis Vahl. (Lamiaceae) from Jordan by GC and GC-MS and to report the actual composition of their fresh leaves and flowers using SPME (Solid Phase Micro-Extraction). Their dual alpha-amylase/alpha glucosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities as well as their anti-proliferative potential were screened. The aroma profile of the leaves, flowers, and flowers at pre-flowering stages of S. judaica, obtained through SPME was composed of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (87.7 %, 71.8 %, and 86.2 %, respectively) while the hydro-distilled oil of the dry leaves was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (50.8%). Fresh leaves of S. multicaulis were rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (58.1%), while monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated the blooming flowers (57.2%) and the flowers at the pre-flowering stage (64.7%). The hydro-distilled oil of the dry leaves was rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (77.6%). With doxorubicin as a positive control, no anti-proliferative activity was observed against colorectal cancer cell lines HT29, HCT116, and SW620 using SRB assay for either Salvia spp. In vitro enzymatic starch digestion was evaluated with Acarbose (IC50: 0.2± 0.0 μg /mL) as the reference drug. The respective IC50 (mg/mL) values of S. judaica and S. multicaulis aqueous extracts were 4.9 ± 0.4 and 10.3 ± 0.9. Modulation of pancreatic lipase activity (PL) was determined by colorimetry and compared with Orlistat (IC50: 0.11 ± 0.0 μg/mL). PL-IC50 values (μg/mL) obtained for S. judaica and S. multicaulis were 108.5±6.4 and 31.8 ± 0.8, respectively.

Composition and Biological Activity of Volatile Oil from Salviajudaica and S. multicaulis from Jordan

The aim of this work was to determine the composition of the hydro-distilled essential oil of Salvia judaica Boiss. and S. multicaulis Vahl. (Lamiaceae) from Jordan by GC and GC-MS and to report the actual composition of their fresh leaves and flowers using SPME (Solid Phase Micro-Extraction).Their dual alpha-amylase/alpha glucosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities as well as their anti-proliferative potential were screened. The aroma profile of the leaves, flowers, and flowers at pre-flowering stages of S. judaica, obtained through SPME was composed of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (87.7 %, 71.8 %, and 86.2 %, respectively) while the hydro-distilled oil of the dry leaves was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (50.8%). Fresh leaves of S. multicaulis were rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (58.1%), while monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated the blooming flowers (57.2%) and the flowers at the pre-flowering stage (64.7%). The hydro-distilled oil of the dry leaves was rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (77.6%). With doxorubicin as a positive control, no anti-proliferative activity was observed against colorectal cancer cell lines HT29, HCT116, and SW620 using SRB assay for either Salvia spp. In vitro enzymatic starch digestion was evaluated with Acarbose (IC50: 0.2 ± 0.0 µg /mL) as the reference drug. The respective IC50 (mg/mL) values of S. judaica and S. multicaulis aqueous extracts were 4.9 ± 0.4 and 10.3 ± 0.9. Modulation of pancreatic lipase activity (PL) was determined by colorimetry and compared with Orlistat (IC50 : 0.11 ± 0.0 µg/mL). PL-IC50 values (µg/mL) obtained for S. judaica and S. multicaulis were 108.5±6.4 and 31.8 ± 0.8, respectively.

In vitro and in vivo comparison of the biological activities of two traditionally and widely used Arum species from Jordan: Arum dioscoridis Sibth & Sm. and Arum palaestinum Boiss

Arum dioscoridis and A. palaestinum (Araceae) are indigenous plant species in Jordan. HPLC-MS analysis of A. dioscoridis revealed the presence of apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside, vitexin, isoorientin, esculin, and caffeic and ferulic acids. Both Arum spp., influenced gastrointestinal carbohydrate and lipid digestion and absorption. Orlistat inhibited dose dependently and highly substantially pancreatic lipase (PL) in vitro. Similar to orlistat, Arum species aqueous extracts (AEs), apigenin, caffeic acid and esculin exhibited a concentration related PL inhibition. Comparable to acarbose, dual inhibition of α-amylase/α-glucosidase was observed for both Arum species. Like guar gum, A. dioscoridis AE minimised substantially area under 24 h glucose curve. Acute starch-induced postprandial hyperglycaemia in overnight fasting rats was highly significantly (p < 0.001) decreased by A. dioscoridis AE. A. palaestinum could not perform effectively in either starch- or glucose-fed fasting rats. No antiproliferative effects against colorectal cancer cell lines HT29, HCT116 and SW620 were detected for tested Arum spp.

Mechanistic studies of antiproliferative effects of Salvia triloba and Salvia dominica (Lamiaceae) on breast cancer cell lines (MCF7 and T47D)

Ethanol extracts obtained from two Salvia species, S. triloba and S. dominica, collected from the flora of Jordan, were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against MCF7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines by the sulforhodamine B assay. The ethanol extracts were biologically active with IC50 values of (29.89 ±0.92) and (38.91 ±2.44) μg/mL for S. triloba against MCF7 and T47D cells, respectively, and (5.83 ±0.51) and (12.83 ±0.64) μg/mL for S. dominica against MCF7 and T47D cells, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis and the annexinV-propidium iodide (PI) assay revealed apoptosismediated, and to a lesser extent necrosis-induced, cell death by the S. triloba and S. dominica ethanolic extracts in T47D cells. The mechanism of apoptosis was further investigated by determining the levels of p53, p21/WAF1, FasL (Fas ligand), and sFas (Fas/APO-1). The extract from S. triloba induced a more pronounced enrichment in cytoplasmic mono- and oligonucleosomes than that from S. dominica (p < 0:05) in T47D cells. In response to the extract from S. dominica, but not from S. triloba, the proapoptotic efficacy was specifically regulated by p21. Extracts from both Salvia spp. did not enhance p53 levels, and apoptosis induced by them was not caspase-8- or sFas/FasL-dependent. Thus, our findings indicate that S. triloba and S. dominica ethanolic extracts may be useful in breast cancer management/treatment via proapoptotic cytotoxic mechanisms.

In vitro Inhibitory Effects of Limonium contortirameum and L. virgatum Extracts from Sardinia on α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase and Pancreatic Lipase

Pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase (PL), α-amylase and α-glucosidase are interesting pharmacological targets for the management of dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and obesity-diabetes. Limonium spp (Plumbaginaceae) are endemic to Sardinia, Italy. Comparable with acarbose, aqueous extracts (AE) of L. contortirameum and L. virgatum, and their phytoconstituent gallic acid concentration gradients (mg/mL) were identified as in vitro potent ( p<0.001, n=3) and efficacious dual inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase with respective IC50 (mg/mL) values of 0.6 ± 0.1, 1.2 ± 0.1 and 0.15 ± 0.02. Equivalent to orlistat (PL IC50 of 0.114 ± 0.004 μg/mL), L. contortirameum, L. virgatum AE and their phytoprinciple gallic acid inhibited PL substantially ( p<0.001, n=3) in a dose-dependent manner in vitro with PL- IC50 (μg/mL) of 920.4 ± 105.2, 593.1 ± 56.8 and 8.4 ± 0.9, respectively. LC-MS analysis of extracts revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds in their aglycon and glycoside forms. These are catechins, flavones, epigallocatechins and flavonols. Flavonoid- and polyphenol-rich L contortirameum and L. virgatum, modulating gastrointestinal carbohydrate and lipid digestion and absorption, may be advocated as candidates for obesity-diabetes prevention and phytotherapy.

In vitro inhibitory effects of Limonium contortirameum and L. virgatum extracts from sardinia on alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase

Pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase (PL), alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase are interesting pharmacological targets for the management of dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and obesity-diabetes. Limonium spp (Plumbaginaceae) are endemic to Sardinia, Italy. Comparable with acarbose, aqueous extracts (AE) of L. contortirameum and L. virgatum, and their phytoconstituent gallic acid concentration gradients (mg/mL) were identified as in vitro potent (p<0.001, n=3) and efficacious dual inhibitors of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase with respective IC50 (mg/mL) values of 0.6 +/- 0.1, 1.2 +/- 0.1 and 0.15 +/- 0.02. Equivalent to orlistat (PL IC50 of 0.114 +/- 0.004 microg/mL), L. contortirameum, L. virgatum AE and their phytoprinciple gallic acid inhibited PL substantially (p<0.001, n=3) in a dose-dependent manner in vitro with PL- IC50 (microg/mL) of 920.4 +/- 105.2, 593.1 +/- 56.8 and 8.4 +/- 0.9, respectively. LC-MS analysis of extracts revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds in their aglycon and glycoside forms. These are catechins, flavones, epigallocatechins and flavonols. Flavonoid- and polyphenol-rich L contortirameum and L. virgatum, modulating gastrointestinal carbohydrate and lipid digestion and absorption, may be advocated as candidates for obesity-diabetes prevention and phytotherapy.

Preparation, Physicochemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation of some Hesperidin Metal Complexes

The ability of hesperidin (HP) to form complexes with five metals; cobalt, nickel, zinc, calcium and magnesium was investigated. The complexation was studied using U.V spectroscopic titration, in methanol as well as aqueous buffer solutions (physiological conditions). Potential complexes were studied by IR and NMR spectroscopy, melting point and their solubility were also evaluated. The interaction of HP and its metal complexes with DNA was investigated by U.V spectroscopy. HP and its potential complexes were also tested for their ability to inhibit alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes. The results indicated that HP can form 1:1 complexes with cobalt, nickel and zinc in methanolic solution but not in aqueous buffers. Both HP and its metal complexes were found to intercalate DNA, at physiological condition, with preference to GC rich sequences. HP-metal complexes appeared to have higher affinity towards poly A DNA than the free HP. Neither HP nor its complexes exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Candida albicans. Results showed that HP has little inhibitory action on glucosidase and amylase enzymes with no obvious effect of complexation on the behavior of free HP. In conclusion HP was shown to form 1:complexes with the studied metal in methanol but not in aqueous buffer solutions. In presence of DNA however, complex formation in aqueous solutions seem to be encouraged with differential effect between the complexes and free HP.

Pharmacological and phytochemical appraisal of selected medicinal plants from jordan with claimed antidiabetic activities

Plant species have long been regarded as possessing the principal ingredients used in widely disseminated ethnomedical practices. Different surveys showed that medicinal plant species used by the inhabitants of Jordan for the traditional treatment of diabetes are inadequately screened for their therapeutic/preventive potential and phytochemical findings. In this review, traditional herbal medicine pursued indigenously with its methods of preparation and its active constituents are listed. Studies of random screening for selective antidiabetic bioactivity and plausible mechanisms of action of local species, domesticated greens, or wild plants are briefly discussed. Recommended future directives incurring the design and conduct of comprehensive trials are pointed out to validate the usefulness of these active plants or bioactive secondary metabolites either alone or in combination with existing conventional therapies.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among Jordanian patients with chronic diseases

PURPOSE

This study explores the prevalence of herbal medicine use in a cohort of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), dyslipidemia and hypertension (HTN) in Jordan.

METHODS

The study took the form of a cross-sectional survey of patients attending the outpatient departments at The Jordan University Hospital (JUH), in Amman. The method was based on semi-structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 700 CKD, dyslipidemia and hypertension patients were interviewed. Of the participants, 7.6% (n = 53) reported using herbs. Most of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) users were older than 50 years of age (n = 42; 79.3%) and predominantly female (54.1%, n = 29). The majority of patients in this group had hypertension (n = 44, 83.0%), followed by dyslipidemia (n = 32, 60.4%). The most common herbal product to be used was Hibiscus sabdariffa (22.5%).

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that there is an appreciable prevalence of herbal use among patients with CKD, dyslipidemia and hypertension in Jordan.

Chemical and biological study on the essential oil of Artemisia caerulescens L. ssp. densiflora (Viv.)

Artemisia caerulescens L. ssp. densiflora (Viv.) is a wild shrub that grows in the archipelago of La Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy. The antifungal activity of the volatile oil of this sub-species has not been evaluated earlier. This study aimed to identify the main components of the essential oil of A. caerulescens L. ssp. densiflora and to investigate its antifungal activity. Identification of the different components of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from A. caerulescens L. ssp. densiflora was done by both techniques: GC-MS and NMR analyses ((1)H, (13)C, HSQC-NMR). Antifungal activity was evaluated by agar disc diffusion technique against environmental isolates of fungal strains: two yeasts (Rhodotorula spp., Candida spp.), three moulds (Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp.) and a mixture of moulds. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil yielded 42 compounds, out of which, 26 compounds were identified. The main compound was identified as terpinen-4-ol (22%) followed by p-cymene (7.6%) and α-terpineol (3.02%). The significant inhibition spectrum of the essential oil of A. caerulescens L. ssp. densiflora can be considered as an alternative to common disinfectants.

Evaluation of the hypocholesterolemic effect and phytochemical screening of the hydroethanolic extract of Crataegus aronia from Jordan

Chemical screening of the leaves and flowers of Crataegus aronia resulted in the isolation of hyperoside, quercetin, rutin and beta-sitosterol for the first time from this plant. The effects of the hydroethanolic extract of C. aronia (CAHE) on hypercholesterolemic rats were investigated. The rats, treated orally for four weeks with 400 mg/kg/day CAHE, exhibited significant decreases in serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The results were compared with those obtained after oral administration of atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day). Furthermore, 10-week daily co-administration of a high cholesterol diet and CAHE (200 mg/kg/day) prevented the increase in TC and LDL. These observations indicate that CAHE has a hypocholesterolemic effect.

Evaluation of the Hypocholesterolemic Effect and Phytochemical Screening of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Crataegus Aronia from Jordan

Chemical screening of the leaves and flowers of Crataegus aronia resulted in the isolation of hyperoside, quercetin, rutin and β-sitosterol for the first time from this plant. The effects of the hydroethanolic extract of C. aronia (CAHE) on hypercholesterolemic rats were investigated. The rats, treated orally for four weeks with 400 mg/kg/day CAHE, exhibited significant decreases in serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The results were compared with those obtained after oral administration of atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day). Furthermore, 10-week daily co-administration of a high cholesterol diet and CAHE (200 mg/kg/day) prevented the increase in TC and LDL. These observations indicate that CAHE has a hypocholesterolemic effect.

Determination of the antibiofilm, antiadhesive, and anti-MRSA activities of seven Salvia species

Background:

Several Salvia species are indigenous to Jordan and are widely used as beverages and spices and for their medicinal properties. The objective of the study was to establish the antimicrobial activities, including the antiadhesive and antibiofilm effects of seven different Salvia species.

Materials and Methods:

Methods used for planktonic culture included agar diffusion, broth microdilution, and minimal biocidal concentration determination while viable count was used for the determination of the antibiofilm and antiadhesion activities. Overnight cultures of reference strains of Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus and clinical strains of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were used as test microorganisms.

Results:

An antimicrobial activity toward planktonic cultures demonstrated a significant bacteriocidal activity (≥4 log cycle reduction) for the S. triloba extract against S. aureus including MRSA. Its volatile oil exhibited an antimicrobial activity covering all tested microorganisms with the exception of P. aeruginosa. S. triloba extract and volatile oil were successful in preventing and controlling the biofilm, demonstrating antiadhesion and antibiofilm activities, respectively.

Conclusion:

These reported activities for S. triloba extract and volatile oil allows their listing as potential antibiofilm and anti-MRSA natural agents. This might suggest their use as an antiseptic in the prophylaxis and treatment of S. aureus-associated skin infections. The antimicrobial activity of the other tested Salvia species was negligible.

Evaluation of the acute antihyperglycemic effects of four selected indigenous plants from Jordan used in traditional medicine

CONTEXT

Eryngium creticum Lam. (Umbelliferae), Geranium graveolens L.Her.exn Ait (Geraniaceae), Paronychia argentea Lam. (Caryophyllaceae), and Varthemia iphionoides Boiss (Compositae) have traditionally been used as antidiabetic phytomedicines. However, their alleged benefits and mechanisms remain elusive.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of these plants on in vitro and in vivo enzymatic starch digestion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro enzymatic starch digestion with acarbose or (1-50 or 100 mg/ml) plants aqueous extracts was assayed using α-amylase and α-amyloglucosidase. Oral starch tolerance tests and oral glucose tolerance tests were determined for the plant extracts at concentrations 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight. Blood glucose levels in rats treated with plant extracts or drugs (acarbose or metformin and glipizide) were measured at -30, 0, 45, 90, and 135 min.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In vitro, acarbose, and water extracts of G. graveolens and V. iphionoides exerted significant dose-dependent dual inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with respective IC₅₀s of 1.2 μg/ml, 84.7, and 65.2 mg/ml. Comparable in vivo acute postprandial antihyperglycemic efficacies were obtained for G. graveolens and V. iphionoides in starch-fed rats. E. creticum exhibited substantial acute antihyperglycemic activities in starch-treated rats, despite lacking any favorable in vitro effectiveness. However, P. argentea lacked any inhibitory efficacy. None of the plant extracts qualified for improving the glucose tolerance in fasted rats on glucose loading.

CONCLUSION

G. graveolens and V. iphionoides can be considered as potential candidates for therapeutic modulation of impaired fasting glycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and type 2 diabetes.

Plants used for the treatment of diabetes in Jordan: a review of scientific evidence

CONTEXT

Diabetes is a serious disease which has reached epidemic proportions in many parts of the world. Despite the tremendous developments in medicinal chemistry, traditional medicine is still a common practice for the treatment of diabetes.

OBJECTIVES

In Jordanian traditional medicine, 69 plant species are used by diabetic patients to reduce glucose levels in blood. The aim of the present study is to report these plants and link their traditional use with scientific evidence confirming their claimed activity. The plant part(s) used, method(s) of preparation, common Arabic names, and other ethnopharmacological uses are also listed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature and databases (SciFinder, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scirus) have been thoroughly investigated and the plants used have been grouped according to the reported scientific evidence.

RESULTS

Results showed that 40 plants have been reported to possess hypoglycemic activities in in vivo/in vitro experiments. Five plant species did not exhibit in vivo hypoglycemic activity, while 24 plants had not been studied for such an activity. Twenty plants had been screened for their α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.

DISCUSSION

The reported in vivo and in vitro hypoglycemic as well as α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of these plants are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Additional in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to test the hypoglycemic activity of the plants with claimed antidiabetic activity which has not yet been evaluated. Identification of the active ingredients of potent plants might generate lead compounds in drug discovery and development.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among Jordanian patients with diabetes

PURPOSE

This study explores the prevalence, type, frequency, purpose and pattern of herbal preparation use as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in a cohort of patients with diabetes in Jordan.

METHOD

The study took the form of a cross-sectional survey of patients attending the outpatient departments at The National Centre for Diabetes, Endocrine and Genetics (NCDEG), in Amman. The method was based on semi-structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 1000 diabetes patients were interviewed. Of the participants, 16.6% (n=166) reported using herbs. Most of CAM users were in the age group 51-60 years (n=73, 44.0%) and predominantly female (59.6%). 139 of the CAM users (83.7%) had at least obtained a high school degree. The most common herbal product to be used was green tea (20.5%).

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that there is an appreciable prevalence of herbal use among patients with diabetes in Jordan.

In vitro and in vivo acute antihyperglycemic effects of five selected indigenous plants from Jordan used in traditional medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Achillea santolina L., Pistacia atlantica Desf, Rheum ribes L., Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach and Teucrium polium L. have traditionally been used as herbal antidiabetic medicines. However their alleged benefits and mechanisms remain elusive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of water extracts of these plants in in vitro and in vivo experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro enzymatic starch digestion with aqueous extracts from plants at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml was assayed using α-amylase and α-amyloglucosidase. Acarbose was used as control and glucose liberation was determined by glucose oxidase method. Oral starch tolerance test (OSTT) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were determined for the plant extracts at concentrations 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt. on Sprague-Dawley rats. Blood glucose levels in rats treated with plant extracts and drugs (acarbose or metformin and glipizide) were measured at -30, 0, 45, 90 and 135 min.

RESULTS

Compared to acarbose (IC(50)=1.2 μg/ml), water extracts of Pistacia atlantica, Rheum ribes and Sarcopoterium spinosum exerted significant dose dependent dual inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase in in vitro enzymatic starch digestion bioassay, with IC(50)s; 46.98, 58.9 and 49.9 mg/ml, respectively. Comparable in vivo results were obtained for starch-fed rats, exhibiting significant acute postprandial antihyperglycemic efficacies. While Achillea santolina and Teucrium polium extracts lacked any favourable in vitro anti-α-amylase and anti-α-glucosidase effect, other modes of action can possibly explain their substantial acute antihyperglycemic activities in starch-treated rats. Except for Pistacia atlantica extracts, none of the investigated extracts qualified for improving the glucose intolerance in fasted rats on glucose loading.

CONCLUSIONS

Pistacia atlantica, Rheum ribes and Sarcopoterium spinosum can be considered as potential candidates for amelioration/management of type 2 diabetes.

Volatile oil composition and antiproliferative activity of Laurus nobilis, Origanum syriacum, Origanum vulgare, and Salvia triloba against human breast adenocarcinoma cells

Medicinal plants and culinary herbs have gained importance in the last decade as cytotoxic and antitumor agents. We hypothesized that some of the commonly used spices with reported antimicrobial activity might have antiproliferative activity. In the present study, selected spices used in Jordan were chemically analyzed and investigated for their antiproliferative activity to the adenocarcinoma of breast cell line (MCF7). The composition of the essential oils of Laurus nobilis L, Origanum syriacum L, Origanum vulgare L, and Salvia triloba L was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antiproliferative activities of the hydrodistilled volatile oils and the crude ethanol and water extracts were evaluated using the sulphorhodamine B assay. 1,8-Cineol was the major constituent in the hydrodistilled oils of both plants, L nobilis and S triloba, with concentrations of 40.91% and 45.16%, respectively. The major constituent of O syriacum was the carvacrol (47.10%), whereas that of O vulgare was trans-sabinene hydrate (27.19%). The ethanol crude extracts of O syriacum, L nobilis, and S triloba showed antiproliferative activity to MCF7 with IC(50) values 6.40, 24.49, and 25.25 microg/mL, respectively. However, none of the hydrodistilled essential oils of the tested plant species or their aqueous extracts demonstrated cytotoxic activity.

The use of herbal preparations as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in a sample of patients with cancer in Jordan

PURPOSE

This study sought to describe the type, frequency, purpose and pattern of herbal preparation use as complementary medicine in a sample of patients with cancer in Jordan.

METHOD

The study took the form of a cross-sectional survey of patients attending the outpatient departments at King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC), a specialist cancer centre in Amman. The method was based on using a semi-structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 1138 patients with cancer were interviewed, out of which 404 (35.5%) reported using botanicals based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) primarily bought form Jordan (85.1%) and used in the crude form as infusions (73.3%). Only 6.8% used herbal products in a dosage form. Most of CAM users were above 40 years of age (63.1%). Recommendation of a friend was the main factor that prompted them to use CAM (41.8%).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that CAM use is common among patients with cancer in Jordan.

Relaxant effect of ethanol extract of Carum carvi on dispersed intestinal smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig

The present study investigates the direct effects of Carum carvi L. (Apiaceae) ethanol extract on dispersed intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMC) of guinea pigs. Effects of the plant extract on SMC and of acetylcholine (Ach) on extract pretreated SMC were measured by micrometric scanning technique. Three different extract concentrations (2.5 mg/mL, 250 mug/mL, and 25 mug/mL) were used. Ethanol extract of C. carvi reduced significantly the response of dispersed SMC to Ach. Pretreatment of SMC with the highest concentration of C. carvi ethanol extract (2.5 mg/mL) has significantly inhibited the response of SMC to Ach. The data obtained indicate a dose-dependent inhibition of the contraction induced by Ach. This response may explain, in part, the beneficial effect of caraway in relieving gastrointestinal symptoms associated with dyspepsia.

Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors from Aerial Parts of Ruta Chalepensis Grown in Jordan

From the aerial parts of Ruta chalepensis L., grown in Jordan, two furanocoumarins (bergapten and chalepensin), one flavonoid glycoside (rutin) as well as several minor compounds have been isolated. The structural elucidation of these compounds was established based on spectral data (UV, IR, MS, 1 H-NMR and 13 C-NMR). In Jordan, R. chalepensis is recommended for the treatment of rheumatism, mental disorders and menstrual problems. Fresh and dried leaves are used as flavoring agent in food and beverages. Antiplatelet activities of the crude methanolic and ethylacetate extracts in addition to the three isolated major compounds were measured by the aggrometric method according to Beretz and Casenave. Optical aggregometer connected to dual channel recorder was used for measuring aggregation. Both, ethylacetate and methanol extracts inhibited ADP- induced platelet aggregation (ADP-IA) of human blood. However, only ethylacetate extract was able to induce 50% inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation (Co-IA) platelet rich plasma. Bergapten was more active against ADP-IA compared to chalepensin while the latter was more active against Co-IA compared to bergapten.

Multiresidue pesticide analysis of the medicinal plantOriganum syriacum

Origanum syriacum is a medicinal plant widely used in Jordan both as a folk remedy and in the food and beverage industry. As the plant can be treated with pesticides during commercial production, three different methods for pesticide multiresidue analysis of this plant have been evaluated. One method based on soxhlet extraction followed by acetonitrile/petroleum ether (PE) partitioning was found to be particularly suitable. Extracts were cleaned-up using a Florisil column. Mean recoveries of pesticides from spiked herbal samples were 74-119%, with coefficients of variation between 1.0 and 23.6%. The limits of detection were in the range 0.0008-0.5 mg kg(-1). The method was used for the determination of pesticide residues in O. syriacum samples purchased from the local market. Seven out of eight samples contained detectable levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), folpet, dicofol, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hecachlorocyclohexane (HCH), quintozene, transchlordane and vinclozolin.

Combining docking, scoring and molecular field analyses to probe influenza neuraminidase-ligand interactions

In this project, several docking conditions, scoring functions and corresponding protein-aligned molecular field analysis (CoMFA) models were evaluated for a diverse set of neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors. To this end, a group of inhibitors were docked into the active site of NA. The docked structures were utilized to construct a corresponding protein-aligned CoMFA models by employing probe-based (H+, OH, CH3) energy grids and genetic partial least squares (G/PLS) statistical analysis. A total of 16 different docking configurations were evaluated, of which some succeeded in producing self-consistent and predictive CoMFA models. However, the best model coincided with docking the ionized ligands into the hydrated form of the binding site via PLP1 scoring function (r2LOO=0.735, r2PRESS against 24 test compounds=0.828). The highest-ranking CoMFA models were employed to probe NA-ligand interactions. Further validation by comparison with a co-crystallized ligand-NA crystallographic structure was performed. This combination of docking/scoring/CoMFA modeling provided interesting insights into the binding of different NA inhibitors.

Evaluation of the wound healing effect of some Jordanian traditional medicinal plants formulated in Pluronic F127 using mice (Mus musculus)

The wound healing effect of the aqueous extracts of Inula viscosa, Ajuga chia, Rubia taenifolia and Parieteria diffusa, and the oil of Laurus nobilis, dispersed in water, were examined. The 10% (w/w) Pluronic F127 (PF127) was added to the applied preparations, in order to modify the aqueous extracts viscosity, and to stabilize the oil dispersion. A full thickness wound was made in the dorsal area of the mice. The wounds were treated with the different preparations with 12h intervals for four times in two successive days. For 16 days, the wounds were visually observed, photographically documented and the wound area was measured. After day 16, the animals were sacrificed and the histology of the wound area was examined. The best wound healing activity was observed with the extract of Inula viscosa, followed by Parieteria diffusa, Laurus nobilis, Ajuga chia and the least active extract was that of Rubia taenifolia.

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of selected plant extracts by rapid XTT colorimetry and bacterial enumeration

The aim of this study was to screen and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of indigenous Jordanian plant extracts, dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide, using the rapid XTT assay and viable count methods. XTT rapid assay was used for the initial screening of antimicrobial activity for the plant extracts. Antimicrobial activity of potentially active plant extracts was further assessed using the "viable plate count" method. Four degrees of antimicrobial activity (high, moderate, weak and inactive) against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively, were recorded. The plant extracts of Hypericum triquetrifolium, Ballota undulata, Ruta chalepensis, Ononis natrix, Paronychia argentea and Marrubium vulgare had shown promising antimicrobial activity. This study showed that while both XTT and viable count methods are comparable when estimating the overall antimicrobial activity of experimental substances, there is no strong linear correlation between the two methods.

Studies on the in vivo hypoglycemic activities of two medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes in Jordanian traditional medicine following intranasal administration

The claimed hypoglycemic activities of Paronychia argentea Lam. (Caryophyllaceae) and Teucrium polium L. (Labiatae), two traditionally widely used medicinal plants in Jordan were evaluated using normoglycemic and alloxan induced hyperglycemic rabbits by intranasal administration of the plant crude extracts (10%) in a vehicle containing 5% (w/w) Pluronic F127. No significant difference was observed between the extract treated and non-treated control animals receiving only water.

Antiplatelet activity of Varthemia iphionoides

Aqueous and alcoholic extracts, volatile oil and four flavonoids, xanthomicrol (1), kumatokenin (2), jaceidin (3) and 3, 3'-di-O-methylquercetin (4), isolated from Varthemia iphionoides were investigated for their in vitro anti-platelet activity. Aqueous extract and compounds (1), (2) and (4) showed anti-platelet activity. Volatile oil and the alcoholic extract did not exhibit any anti-platelet activity. Structures of the isolated compounds (1)-(4) were determined by spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, MS, (1)H-NMR).

Studies on the in vitro and in vivo hypoglycemic activities of some medicinal plants used in treatment of diabetes in Jordanian traditional medicine

Ferula persica, Paronychia argentea, and Pistacia atlantica are three of the plants widely recommended by the herbalists and used for their hypoglycemic activity in Jordan. Aqueous extracts of these plants were tested in vitro for their alpha amylase inhibitory activity and in vivo for their hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic and streptozocin-induced hyperglycemic rats. Although the three plants were advocated for their hypoglycemic effects in Jordanian traditional herbal medicine; none of them showed significant hypoglycemic activity compared to the untreated animals. Paronychia argentea and Pistacia atlantica showed significant alpha amylase inhibitory activity while Ferula persica did not demonstrate any alpha amylase inhibitory activity. The main conclusion of this work was the concern over the unjustified claims of the uses of some herbal medicine in Jordan and possibly in other countries.

Alpha amylase inhibitory activitv of some plant extracts with hyporrlycemic activity

Thirteen plant species which are claimed to have anti-diabetic activity (based on folk medicine and/or scientific reports) were tested for alpha amylase inhibitory activity. Two of the screened plants exhibited significant (more than 80%) alpha amylase inhibitory activity. lC50 of these plants was estimated based on the dried crude extract and found to be 0.08, and 0.2 mg/ml for Aloe vera and Paronychia argentea respectively. In A. vera the activity was most likely due to cinnamic acid derivatives. In P. argentea the activity was attributed to flavonoid components. These findings support the hypoglycemic activity of these species and give insight about the potential mechanism of their hypoglycemic activity.

Investigation of the active constituents of Portulaca oleraceae L. (Portulacaceae) growing in Jordan

The phytochemical analysis of the fresh aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae), growing in Jordan, using conventional chromatographic procedures resulted in the isolation of Beta-sitosterol, Beta-sitosterol-glucoside, N,N'-dicyclohexylurea, and allantoin. The last three compounds were isolated for the first time from this plant. The structure elucidation of these compounds was attained by the use of spectral data (UV, IR, MS, 1H-, 13C- and 2D-NMR), X-ray crystallography and by comparison with authentic samples.