scholarly journals Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Sclerochloa dura (Poaceae)

2014 ◽  
Vol 79 (7) ◽  
pp. 779-791
Author(s):  
Syed Bukhari ◽  
Astrid Feuerherm ◽  
Fayssal Boulfrad ◽  
Bojan Zlatkovic ◽  
Berit Johansen ◽  
...  

The plant Sclerochloa dura is traditionally used in South-East Serbia to treat menstrual disorders characterized by pain and excessive bleeding. According to subjects? statements, a reduction in bleeding and pain is experienced shortly after oral intake. The focus of this investigation was to determine the inhibitory effects of the plant on the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade alongwith the spectrophotometric determination of antioxidant capacity. The AA release assay was performed using the human fibroblastlike synoviocyte cell line SW982 to determine the AA release and hence phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity. The crude extract and subsequent fractions of S. dura inhibit IL-1 induced release of AA in a time- and dose-dependent manner in SW982 cells. The IC50 for the crude extract is 1.5 mg/mL at 4 h and 24 h of stimulation. Treating the cells with 0.22, 0.11 and 0.06 mg/mL of methanolic fraction resulted in 97%, 91%, and 63% inhibition of AA-release, respectively. One milligram of the crude extract contained 34.78 ?g pyrocatechol equivalent phenolic content, 22.80 ?g quercetin equivalent flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of 70.11 ?g ?-tocopherol equivalents. Strong inhibitory effects of the S. dura extracts on AA cascade may explain the reported pain- and discomfort relieving effects.

Genetics ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 162 (4) ◽  
pp. 1631-1639
Author(s):  
Yo Suzuki ◽  
Gail A Morris ◽  
Min Han ◽  
William B Wood

Abstract The signaling pathway initiated by the TGF-β family member DBL-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans controls body shape in a dose-dependent manner. Loss-of-function (lf) mutations in the dbl-1 gene cause a short, small body (Sma phenotype), whereas overexpression of dbl-1 causes a long body (Lon phenotype). To understand the cellular mechanisms underlying these phenotypes, we have isolated suppressors of the Sma phenotype resulting from a dbl-1(lf) mutation. Two of these suppressors are mutations in the lon-3 gene, of which four additional alleles are known. We show that lon-3 encodes a collagen that is a component of the C. elegans cuticle. Genetic and reporter-gene expression analyses suggest that lon-3 is involved in determination of body shape and is post-transcriptionally regulated by the dbl-1 pathway. These results support the possibility that TGF-β signaling controls C. elegans body shape by regulating cuticle composition.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-156
Author(s):  
Somrudee NAKINCHAT ◽  
Voravuth SOMSAK

The emergence and spread of antimalarial drug resistance of Plasmodium parasites, as well as hypoglycemia, during malaria infection, and subsequent death, are critical problems in malaria-endemic areas. Hence, finding new compounds, especially plant extracts having antimalarial and anti-hypoglycemic activities, are urgently needed. The present study aimed to investigate the antimalarial and anti-hypoglycemic effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in Plasmodium berghei infection in mice. Aqueous crude extract of M. oleifera leaves was freshly prepared and used for an efficacy test in vivo. Groups of ICR mice (5 mice in each) were infected with 1´107 infected red blood cells of P. berghei ANKA by intraperitoneal injection and given the extract orally with doses of 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for 4 consecutive days. Parasitemia and plasma glucose levels were subsequently measured. The results showed that M. oleifera leaf extract presented significant (p < 0.001) inhibition of parasitemia in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, this extract exerted anti-hypoglycemia effects in infected mice in a dose-dependent manner. The highest degrees of activity were found at a dose of 1000 mg/kg of the extract. Additionally, no effect on plasma glucose was found in normal mice treated with this extract. It can be concluded that aqueous crude extract of M. oleifera leaves exerted antimalarial and anti-hypoglycemic effects in P. berghei infection in mice.


Marine Drugs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 370
Author(s):  
Jie Li ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Yuyao Li ◽  
Zuisu Yang ◽  
Huoxi Jin

Collagen is a promising biomaterial used in the beauty and biomedical industries. In this study, the physicochemical characterization, antioxidant activities, and protective effects against H2O2-induced injury of collagen isolated from Acaudina molpadioides were investigated. The amino acid composition analysis showed that the collagen was rich in glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), and glutamic acid (Glu), but poor in tyrosine (Tyr) and phenylalanine (Phe). Zeta potential analysis revealed that the isoelectric point (pI) of collagen from Acaudina molpadioides was about 4.25. It possessed moderate scavenging activities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the collagen was able to effectively improve cell viability and morphology, inhibit the production of Malondialdehyde (MDA), and increase the activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px) in cultured RAW264.7 cells, resulting in a protective effect against H2O2-induced injury. Overall, the results showed that collagen extracted from A. molpadioides has promising prospects in the beauty and cosmetics industries.


2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (11) ◽  
pp. 1934578X0600101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre C. Djemgou ◽  
Donatien Gatsing ◽  
Marguérite Tchuendem ◽  
Bonaventure T. Ngadjui ◽  
Pierre Tane ◽  
...  

Phytochemical and biological investigation of the leaves of Cassia petersiana afforded two new chromones (1, 2), in addition, to the known glyceryl-1-hexacosanoate (3) and stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (4). The structures of the compounds were determined by comprehensive NMR studies, including DEPT, COSY, HMQC, HMBC and IR spectroscopy and MS. 1–4 were investigated against different types of cell lines, including solid tumor cells (Hep-G2, and MCF-7 cells) and leukemia (1301) cells for their cytotoxic effects. 1–3 possessed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect against Hep-G2 cells, but in relatively high concentrations; 4 was the most cytotoxic with the lowest IC50 value of 82.7 μM. The calculated IC50 values against MCF-7 cells were 112.2 μM, 143.7 μM, 68.1 μM, and 114.3 μM for 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The alteration in the macrophage proliferation index, using Raw 264.7 cells, was monitored. 1 and 3 were the highest stimulators of macrophage proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, whereas 2 and 4 showed a peak point of stimulation at 20 μM. The effect of these compounds on pre-induced NO was explored. 1–4 inhibited the LPS-induced NO, with inhibition percentages of 80.5%, 89.3%, 82.1%, and 92.1%, respectively, at a concentration of 20 μM. The antioxidant capacity of 1–4, using the DPPH assay was also investigated. 1–3 possessed weak scavenging activity; while 4 had an effective SC50 value as low as 36 μM. These results indicated that 4 possessed the highest anti-tumor, immunoproliferative, macrophage proliferation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 384
Author(s):  
Irfan Hamid ◽  
Khalid Hussain Janbaz

<p class="Abstract">The study was conducted to provide the ethnopharmacological bases of the crude extract of seed pods of <em>Ceratonia siliqua</em> in the gastrointestinal spasm, diarrhea and emesis. In segregated rabbit jejunum, it showed dose-dependent (0.01-10 mg/mL) relaxation of spontaneous as well as carbachol (1 µM)-induced contraction. Pre-treatment of segregated rat ileum with <em>C. siliqua</em>, significantly (p&lt;0.0001) suppressed the carbachol (1 µM)-induced contraction similar to atropine (1 µM). These results indicated that <em>C. siliqua</em> possesses spasmolytic activity through possible blockage of muscarinic receptor in jejunum preparations. Furthermore, the crude extract inhibited the castor oil-induced diarrhea, charcoal meal propulsion in mice and copper sulfate-induced retches in chicks in a dose-dependent manner (100, 200, 300 mg/kg). These in vitro and in vivo results indicate that <em>C. siliqua</em> possesses the spasmolytic and antidiarrheal activities mediated possibly through blockage of muscarinic receptors. Thus, this study provides a rationale for its folkloric use.</p><p><strong>Video Clip of Methodology</strong>:</p><p>12 min 42 sec   <a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/BQGWdIZqpsY">Full Screen</a>   <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQGWdIZqpsY">Alternate</a></p>


2009 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 2230-2238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Qun Ma ◽  
Chao Liu ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Na Xie ◽  
Jun Gu ◽  
...  

Recent evidences indicate the existence of a putative novel phosphatidylinositol (PI)-linked D1 dopamine receptor that mediates excellent anti-Parkinsonian but less severe dyskinesia action. To further understand the basic physiological function of this receptor in brain, the effects of a PI-linked D1 dopamine receptor-selective agonist 6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1-(3-methylphenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine (SKF83959) on high-voltage activated (HVA) Ca2+ currents in primary cultured striatal neurons were investigated by whole cell patch-clamp technique. The results indicated that stimulation by SKF83959 induced an inhibition of HVA Ca2+ currents in a dose-dependent manner in substance-P (SP)-immunoreactive striatal neurons. Application of D1 receptor, but not D2, α1 adrenergic, 5-HT receptor, or cholinoceptor antagonist prevented SKF83959-induced reduction, indicating that a D1 receptor-mediated event assumed via PI-linked D1 receptor. SKF83959-induced inhibitory modulation was mediated by activation of phospholipase C (PLC), mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores and activation of calcineurin. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects were attenuated significantly by the L-type calcium channel antagonist nifedipine, suggesting that L-type calcium channels involved in the regulation induced by SKF83959. These findings may help to further understand the functional role of the PI-linked dopamine receptor in brain.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1400900
Author(s):  
Prasit Sirwannalert ◽  
Ryusho Kariya ◽  
Ikuko Suzu ◽  
Seiji Okada

The purposes of this study were to investigate the inhibitory effects of Salacia reticulata Tul. root extract on cellular oxidants and melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells. Cells treated with non-toxic doses of S. reticulata root extract were investigated for their effects on melanogenesis, cellular tyrosinase activity and cellular oxidant scavenging activity. The results indicated that S. reticulata extract inhibited melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-induced or UV-irradiated B16 melanoma cells in a dose dependent manner. Additionally, the extract also exhibited anti-cellular oxidants in UV-induced radical melanoma cells. Altogether, these results suggested that S. reticulata root extract has roles in suppression of melanogenesis and oxidant inhibition. S. reticulata root extract may be a potential source for the development of pharmaceutical products for treatment of skin hyperpigmentation disorders.


2006 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 1313-1321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Won-Bo Wang ◽  
Hsin-Chih Lai ◽  
Po-Ren Hsueh ◽  
Robin Y.-Y. Chiou ◽  
Shwu-Bin Lin ◽  
...  

Resveratrol (3,5,4-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a phytoalexin compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The effect of resveratrol on swarming and virulence factor expression of Proteus mirabilis, an important pathogen infecting the urinary tract, was determined on swarming agar plates with and without the compound. Bacteria harvested at different times were assayed for cell length and the production of flagella, haemolysin and urease. Resveratrol inhibited P. mirabilis swarming and virulence factor expression in a dose-dependent manner. Resveratrol significantly inhibited swarming at 15 μg ml−1, and completely inhibited swarming at 60 μg ml−1. Inhibition of swarming and virulence factor expression was mediated through RsbA, a His-containing phosphotransmitter of the bacterial two-component signalling system possibly involved in quorum sensing. Complementation of an rsbA-defective mutant with the rsbA gene restored its responsiveness to resveratrol. The compound also inhibited the ability of P. mirabilis to invade human urothelial cells. These findings suggest that resveratrol has potential to be developed as an antimicrobial agent against P. mirabilis infection.


Parasitology ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 120 (6) ◽  
pp. 547-551 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. BILLKER ◽  
A. J. MILLER ◽  
R. E. SINDEN

Malarial gametocytes circulate in the peripheral blood of the vertebrate host as developmentally arrested intra-erythrocytic cells, which only resume development into gametes when ingested into the bloodmeal of the female mosquito vector. The ensuing development encompasses sexual reproduction and mediates parasite transmission to the insect. In vitro the induction of gametogenesis requires a drop in temperature and either a pH increase from physiological blood pH (ca pH 7·4) to about pH 8·0, or the presence of a gametocyte-activating factor recently identified as xanthurenic acid (XA). However, it is unclear whether either the pH increase or XA act as natural triggers in the mosquito bloodmeal. We here use pH-sensitive microelectrodes to determine bloodmeal pH in intact mosquitoes. Measurements taken in the first 30 min after ingestion, when malarial gametogenesis is induced in vivo, revealed small pH increases from 7·40 (mouse blood) to 7·52 in Aedes aegypti and to 7·58 in Anophěles stephensi. However, bloodmeal pH was clearly suboptimal if compared to values required to induce gametogenesis in vitro. Xanthurenic acid is shown to extend the pH-range of exflagellation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner to values that we have observed in the bloodmeal, suggesting that in vivo malarial gametogenesis could be further regulated by both these factors.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerd Larsson-Nyrén ◽  
Janove Sehlin

In order to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the stimulatory effect of perchlorate (ClO4−) on insulin secretion, we have investigated the interaction between this chaotropic anion and the organic calcium antagonist nifedipine. This drug, known as a blocker of L-type calcium channels, was chosen as a tool to test the idea that ClO4− acts on insulin secretion by stimulating the gating of voltage-controlled Ca2+ channels. ClO4− amplified the stimulatory effect of D-glucose on insulin release from perfused pancreas (first and second phases) as well as from isolated islets incubated in static incubations for 60 min. This indicates that ClO4− amplifies physiologically regulated insulin secretion. Nifedipine reduced D-glucose-induced (20 mM) insulin release in a dose-dependent manner with half-maximum effect at about 0.8 μM and apparent maximum effect at 5 μM nifedipine. In the presence of 20 mM D-glucose, the inhibitory effects of 0.5, 1 or 5 μM nifedipine were only slightly, if at all, counteracted by perchlorate. When 12 mM ClO4− and 20 mM D-glucose were combined, calculation of the specific effect of ClO4− revealed that nifedipine produced almost maximum inhibition already at 0.05 μM. Thus, the perchlorate-induced amplification of D-glucose-stimulated insulin release shows higher sensitivity to nifedipine than the D-glucose-effect as such. This supports the hypothesis that perchlorate primarily affects the voltage-sensitive L-type calcium channel in the β-cell.


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