Variation in root morphology,enhancement in anti-oxidative enzyme responses and improved arbutin and bergenin levels in Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. raised in vitro via EMS and gamma irradiations

Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) - Plant cells develop defence mechanisms in response to mutagen stress which leads to modulation of certain metabolic and defensive pathways. Owing to...     

Zingiber officinale Roscoe rhizome extract alleviates neuropathic pain by inhibiting neuroinflammation in mice

BackgroundCurrent therapies for neuropathic pain are generally symptomatic and possess several side effects, limiting their prolonged usage.Hypothesis/PurposeThus, it is urgent to develop novel and safe candidates for the management of this chronical condition. For this purpose, we investigated the analgesic effect of a standardized extract from Zingiber officinale Roscoe rhizomes (ZOE) obtained by CO₂ supercritical extraction, in a mice model of peripheral neuropathy. We also explored the mechanism of action of ZOE and its main constituents using an in vitro model of neuroinflammation.MethodsPeripheral mono-neuropathy was induced in mice, by spared nerve injury (SNI). The analgesic effect of ZOE after oral administration was assessed by measuring mechanical and thermal allodynia in SNI mice. The mechanism of action of ZOE and its main constituents were investigated using spinal cords samples and in an in vitro model of neuroinflammation by ELISA, western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques.ResultsOral administration of ZOE 200 mg kg⁻¹ ameliorated mechanical and thermal allodynia in SNI mice, with a rapid and a long-lasting effect. ZOE did not alter locomotor activity. In BV2 cells and spinal cord samples, ZOE, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol reduced pERK levels, whereas ZOE and terpene fraction reduced HDAC1 protein levels, inhibited NF-κB signalling activation and decreased IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 release. ZOE and each tested constituent had a positive effect on inflammation-impaired SH-SY5Y cell viability.ConclusionsThe oral administration of ZOE attenuated SNI-induced neuropathic pain symptoms by reducing spinal neuroinflammation, suggesting ZOE as a novel and interesting candidate for the management of neuropathic pain.     

Molecular analyses of genetic variability in the populations of Bergenia ciliata in Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

Bergenia ciliata is an important medicinal plant species of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Genetic variability and population genetic structure of B. ciliata sampled from IHR was studied using two single primer amplification reaction (SPAR) methods (DAMD: Directed Amplification of Minisatellite region DNA; ISSR: Inter Simple Sequence Repeats). To provide a reasonable scientific basis for management and conservation of B. ciliata populations in IHR, genetic diversity analysis of 11 populations with 24 SPAR markers (15 ISSR and 9 DAMD) revealed significantly high level of (90.03%) polymorphism at species level. However, genetic variability was low at population level and KUL and BWS populations showed maximum while SHM population revealed least genetic diversity among the 11 populations. Analysis of molecular variance revealed highest percentage of variation (73%) within populations, followed by 17% among populations and least (10%) among the Himalayan regions. Clustering pattern obtained from UPGMA dendrogram was supported by STRUCTURE and principal coordinate analysis, segregating all the 11 natural populations of B. ciliata into two genetic clusters: Eastern and Western Himalayan populations. The clustering patterns of all the three statistical methods indicated that populations of B. ciliata have structured in response to the local micro-climates of the habitats in IHR, and therefore, it can be concluded that genetic variability is in congruence with the geographical diversity.     

Anti-hepatoma activity in mice of a polysaccharide from the rhizome of Anemone raddeana

A neutral polysaccharide fraction (ARP) prepared from the rhizome of Anemone raddeana was tested for its anticancer activity in H22 tumor-bearing mice by oral administration. ARP could not only significantly inhibit the growth of H22 transplantable tumor, but also remarkably promote splenocytes proliferation, NK cell and CTL activity, as well as serum IL-2 and TNF-α production in tumor-bearing mice. In addition, ARP treatment to tumor bearing mice had no toxicity to body weight, the liver and kidney. Moreover it could reverse the hematological parameters induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to near normal. The above results suggested that the antitumor activity of ARP might be achieved by improving immune response, and they could act as antitumor agent with immunomodulatory activity.     

Evaluation of anti-diarrheal activity of Cleome viscosa L. extract in rats.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a methanol extract of the entire plant Cleome viscosa L. (CVME) (Family; Capparidaceae) for its anti-diarrheal potential against some of the experimental models of diarrhea in rats. CVME showed significant inhibitory activity against castor-oil-induced diarrhea and PGE2 induced enteropooling in rats. The extract also showed a significant reduction in gastrointestinal motility in the charcoal meal test in rats. The results obtained establish the efficacy and substantiate the folklore claim as an anti-diarrheal agent.     

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Vernonia cinerea Less. extract in rats.

The methanol extract of the whole plant of Vernonia cinerea Less. was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory activity in acute (carrageenin, histamine and serotonin induced rat paw edema) and a chronic model (cotton pouch induced granuloma). The methanol extract (250 and 500 mg/kg(-1) p.o.) exhibited significant activity (p < 0.001) against all phlogistic agents used in a dose dependant manner. In the chronic model (cotton pouch granuloma method) the methanol extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. All these effects were compared with standard drug phenylbutazone (100 mg/kg(-1) p.o.).     

Genetic variability and population structure of Bergenia ciliata (Saxifragaceae) in the Western Himalaya inferred from DAMD and ISSR markers

Genetic variability and population structure of Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb., commonly known as “Pashanbheda” (Stone-breaker), collected from the Western Himalayan region of India were estimated using two DNA fingerprinting methods viz., directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR). The cumulative data analysis of DAMD and ISSR markers for 74 accessions from eight populations showed 86.1% polymorphism. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed highest percentage of variation within individuals of populations (73.6%) and 21.7% among populations. STRUCTURE and PCoA analyses on the hierarchical partitioning of genetic diversity showed strong admixture of individuals among the eight assumed geographical populations of B. ciliata. The data suggests that high genetic flow is one of the major factors responsible for low genetic differentiation. Preservation of genetic diversity of B. ciliata is important, both to promote adaptability of the populations to changing environment as well as to preserve a large gene pool for future prospection. The present study using DAMD and ISSR markers, therefore, provide the means of rapid characterization of accessions within the populations, and thus enable the selection of appropriate accessions for further utilization in conservation and prospection programmes.     

Radioprotective effect of rhizome extract of Zingiber montanum in Rattus norvegicus

The present study aims at determining the ability of 60% ethanol extract of the rhizome of Zingiber montanum (J. K?nig) A. Dietr. to protect bone marrow cells in vivo from radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations. Albino rats (Rattus norvegicus, 2n = 42) were used to carry out investigations on the radioprotective properties of Z. montanum. Acute toxicity of the extract was determined, and a suitable injectable dose was selected for intra-peritoneal administration. The LD(50) of the extract calculated for 72 h was 2.9 g/kg, and the calculated LD(10) dose was 1.7 g/kg. The calculated maximum tolerated dose of the rhizome extract was 1.3 g/kg. Rats were divided into 12 groups (with or without the administration of extract) and exposed to different radiation doses from 1 to 5 Gy. Whole-body irradiation of rats showed a significant dose-dependent increase in different types of chromosomal aberrations. The most common chromosomal aberrations were breaks, fragments, gaps, rings, endoreduplications and dicentric chromosomes. Ethanol extract of rhizome at a dose of 0.5 g/kg did not show any significant increase in chromosomal aberrations in unirradiated animals as compared to that of the control group. Intra-peritoneal administration of the extract at a dose of 0.5 g/kg considerably reduced the frequency of the aberrations stated above in irradiated animals with DMF value of 1.36 at 1 to 5 Gy dose range of gamma radiation. The incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes due to the radiation exposure was considerably reduced in extract-treated groups of animals with DMFs 1.34 and 1.17, respectively, as compared to that of the extract-untreated groups. Our results suggest that rhizome extract of Z. montanum may have a potential in protecting normal hematopoietic cells from radiation-induced damage.     

The rhizome of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. extract induces apoptosis in human lung cancer cells

Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. has been used to treat several diseases including cancers in folk medicine. However, the mechanisms responsible for T. tschonoskii extract-induced apoptosis are not clear. This study was mainly undertaken to identify the major biochemical changes in a lung cancer cell line upon treatment with an T. tschonoskii extract (TTME), and to investigate the functional relationship between these changes. The n-butanol extract was used to evaluate the mechanism of induction of apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cells and its effects on mitochondrial function and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The n-butanol extract of T. tschonoskii has cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and morphological effects on the lung cancer cell line. T. tschonoskii mainly leads to apoptosis of cancer cells with a concomitant increase in the release of cytochrome c and a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner. A rapid increase in the level of intracellular ROS and an accumulation of cells in the G2/M and S phase of the cell cycle were also observed in treated cells. These observations suggest that the n-butanol extract of T. tschonoskii has promising anticancer activities, which could be useful in cancer treatment.     

Chemoprotective activity of an extract of Phyllanthus amarus against cyclophosphamide induced toxicity in mice.

The effect of 75% methanolic extract of the plant Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus) was studied against cyclophosphamide (CTX) induced toxicity in mice. Administration of CTX (25 mg/kg b.wt, i.p.) for 14 days produced significant myelosuppression as seen from the decreased WBC count and bone marrow cellularity. Administration of P. amarus extract at doses 250 and 750 mg/kg b.wt significantly reduced the myelosuppression and improved the WBC count, bone marrow cellularity as well as the number of maturing monocytes. CTX treatment also reduced the activity of glutathione system and increased the activity of phase I enzyme that metabolize CTX to its toxic side products. P. amarus administration was found to decrease the activity of phase I enzyme. Administration of P. amarus also increased the cellular glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), thereby decreasing the effect of toxic metabolites of CTX on the cells. Administration of P. amarus did not reduce the tumor reducing activity of CTX. In fact, there was a synergistic action of CTX and P. amarus in reducing the solid tumors in mice. Results indicated that administration of P. amarus can significantly reduce the toxic side effects of CTX and is not interfering with the antitumor efficiency of CTX.     

Impact of Alpinia galanga rhizome extract on Bactrocera dorsalis population

The Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is one of the most economically damaging pests and generally is controlled by insecticides. This research was done by evaluate the impact of rhizomes of Alpinia galanga extract on population of B. dorsalis. The rhizome of A. galanga was extracted by Soxhlet's apparatus using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and 95% ethanol as separated solvent system. Various concentrations of all crude extracts were trailed by Topical spray application with adult B. dorsalis, completely randomized designs, 5 replicates. The results showed hexane crude extract gave the highest control efficiency to adult B. dorsalis which the 24 hours-LC50 values was 4,866.06 +/- 184.52 ppm (hexane), 24,156.66 +/- 880.33 ppm (dichloromethane), 16,744.73 +/- 641.27 ppm (ethyl acetate) and 6,337.54 +/- 145.42 ppm (95% ethanol). Thus, this extract may an alternative way for control this insect pest in the future.     

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Alstonia macrophylla Wall ex A. DC. leaf extract.

Methanolic extract of dried leaves of Alstonia macrophylla Wall ex A. DC. and its fractions were investigated for its anti-inflammatory activity. The extract at a concentration of 200 mg kg(-1) and 400 mg kg(-1), p.o. and its fractions at 25 mg kg(-1) and 50 mg kg(-1), p.o. showed the significant dose dependent antiinflammatory activity in carrageenan and dextran-induced rats hind paw edema (acute models) as well as in cotton pellet-induced granuloma (chronic model) in rats. Anti-inflammatory activity of the tested extract and its fractions was comparable with that of the standard drug Indomethacin (10 mg kg(-1)).     

Antistress activity of ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus Willd roots in mice

Ethanolic extract of the roots of A. racemosus improved the stress tolerance in chemical writhing test and swimming endurance test at all the doses as compared to stress control group. Restraint stress induced elevation of blood glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly lowered by pretreatment with extract. Moreover, stress induced variations in levels of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, protein and glutathione content in mouse brain were significantly ameliorated by pretreatment with extract. The extract attenuated the elevated weight of adrenal glands and increased the reduced weight of the spleen during stress. In conclusion, the results suggest antistress property of Asparagus racemosus in different model of stress.     

石菖蒲根茎甲醇提取物对谷蠹的生物活性

采用冷浸法和溶剂萃取法,研究石菖蒲(Acorus gramineus Soland)根茎甲醇提取物对谷蠹Rhizopertha dominica(Fabricius)成虫的生物活性。结果表明,石菖蒲甲醇提取物以石油醚萃取物的生物活性最强,水层次之。石油醚萃取物对谷蠹具有较高的触杀、熏蒸、种群抑制活性和防治效果,并具有一定的驱避活性。药膜法触杀处理72h后对谷蠹的LC50和LC95分别为8.30μg/cm2,51.75μg/cm2。药纸熏蒸法6.25μL/L处理120h后对谷蠹的校正死亡率为94.25%。饲料拌药法250mg/kg处理对谷蠹的防效与5mg/kg马拉硫磷效果相当,且对F1代的种群抑制效果显著高于5mg/kg马拉硫磷处理。     

Evaluation of methanolic extract of Ficus platyphylla on gastrointestinal activity

Methanolic extract of Ficus platyphylla was tested on isolated rabbit jejunum, rat duodenum and gastrointestinal motility in mice. The extract showed a biphasic effect on isolated smooth muscle. Lower concentration of extract caused contraction, while higher concentrations produced relaxation. The contractile phase was attenuated by atropine, while relaxant phase attenuated histamine induced contraction of guinea pig ileum. The extract also exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of gastrointestinal motility. Acute toxicity test in mice established LD50 value (i.p.) of the extract to be 2000 mg/kg. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract gave positive test for flavonoids, tannins and saponins.     

Radioprotective activity of Polyalthia longifolia standardized extract against X-ray radiation injury in mice

The radioprotective effect of Polyalthia longifolia was studied in mice. P. longifolia treatment showed improvement in mice survival compared to 100% mortality in the irradiated mice. Significant increases in hemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts were observed in the animals pretreated with leaf extract. Pre-irradiation administration of P. longifolia leaf extract also increased the CFU counts of the spleen colony and increased the relative spleen size. A dose-dependent decrease in lipid peroxidation levels was observed in the animals pretreated with P. longifolia. However, although the animals pretreated with P. longifolia exhibited a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, the values remained below normal in both liver and the intestine. Pre-irradiation administration of P. longifolia also resulted in the regeneration of the mucosal crypts and villi of the intestine. Moreover, pretreatment with P. longifolia leaf extract also showed restoration of the normal liver cell structure and a significant reduction in the elevated levels of ALT, AST and bilirubin. These results suggested the radioprotective ability of P. longifolia leaf extract, which is significant for future investigation for human applications in developing efficient, economically viable, non-toxic natural and clinically acceptable novel radioprotectors.     

Biocontrol activity of the extract prepared from Zingiber zerumbet for the management of rhizome rot in Zingiber officinale caused by Pythium myriotylum

Zingiber zerumbet Smith or wild ginger is remarkable for its inherent resistance to Pythium spp., which cause soft rot disease in Zingiber officinale Rosc. In the present study, various concentrations of extract prepared from Z. zerumbet were screened for its activity against Pythium myriotylum. Microscopic observation of P. myriotylum in presence of Z. zerumbet extract has confirmed the complete lysis of pathogen within 10 h. However, the same treatment with Z. officinale extract was found to have partial antifungal effect even after 24 h due to inability of its metabolites to prevent the growth of P. myriotylum. Due to the antifungal activity, extract from Z. zerumbet was subjected to GC–MS and LC-QTOF-MS which has identified Zerumbone with m/z 219 as the major compound. Further, in vivo study and the subsequent microscopic analysis have confirmed the applicability of extract from Z. zerumbet as a phytomedicine to control rhizome rot in ginger.     

Evaluation of antihyperlipidemic activity of ethanolic extract of Cassia auriculata flowers

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for development of coronary artery disease. Cassia auriculata is traditionally used in India for medicinal purposes. In this study, effect of ethanolic extract of Cassia auriculata flowers (Et-CAF) was investigated in Triton WR1339-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Treatment with the Et-CAF (450 mg/kg b.wt) significantly reduced the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL) levels and significantly increased the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level associated with reduction of atherogenic index in hyperlipidemic rats. However, there was no change in the serum lipid profile of normal rats treated with Et-CAF alone. The results suggest that Et-CAF has a beneficial effect in treating hyperlipidemia and may serve as a potential drug for prevention of hyperlipidemic atherosclerosis.     

Antiulcerogenic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Annona muricata Linnaeus in mice

Annona muricata Linnaeus, popularly known as “graviola” and also called soursop, is a species typical of countries with a tropical climate, and it is used in folk medicine as an anticancer, analgesic and antispasmodic agent. The aim of the present study was to validate the gastroprotective activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of A. muricata (HEAM) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action for this effect. Gastric lesions were induced in mice by absolute ethanol, acidified ethanol or indomethacin. Before, the animals were pretreated with saline, omeprazole or HEAM orally at doses of 50–400 mg/kg. To determine the mechanism of action of the extract, we investigated, using specific inhibitors, the involvement of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins (PGEs), ATP-dependent K⁺ channels and α2-noradrenergic receptors. HEAM showed significant antiulcer activity against lesions induced by absolute ethanol, acidified ethanol or indomethacin, which was mediated by endogenous gastric prostaglandins.