Radical Scavenging and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Pectin from Cissampelos pareira Linn.

Cissampelos pareira Linn. (C. pareira) has been used as a medicinal herb for treating fever and analgesic by Indian and Thai people. This experimental research investigates the scavenging ability of C. pareira pectin from leaves of variable concentrations on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) free radicals, its anti-inflammatory property on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells, and the cell viability. The experimental results show that the DPPH and NO scavenging performances of C. pareira pectin are positively correlated to the pectin concentrations, with corresponding half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50)of 0.54 and 0.52 mg/ml. Meanwhile, the NO production in the LPS-stimulated macrophage cells is inversely correlated to the pectin concentrations. The cell viability in the LPS-stimulated macrophage cells is positively correlated to the C. pareira pectin concentrations, given the non-cytotoxicity of the extract compound. In essence, the inhibition of free radicals and the suppression of activated macrophages point to the usefulness of C. pareira pectin in functional dietary products and herb-based pharmaceuticals.

A Potential Concept In The Management of Tumors With Modulation of Prostaglandin, Nitric Oxide and Antioxidants

Prostaglandins (PGs), nitric oxide (NO), free radicals and chronic inflammation play a major role in tumorogenesis. We have foundin vivothat PGs suppress antibody production; reduce serum iron, and modulate bone marrow function. Tumors are associated with immunosuppression and anemia. We have hypothesized that the over-production of PGs is responsible for immunosuppression and anemia in conditions associated with increased production of PG such as tumor, and that PG inhibitors might help reversing immunosuppression and anemia, and play a role in eradication and prevention of tumors. This is supported by reports that demonstrate the immunosuppressive effects of PGs in tumors. PG inhibitors have also been shown to be crucial in the prevention of tumors such as esophageal and colon cancers. Others and we have found that high NO production was encountered in patients with cancer while antioxidants are decreased. Evidence supports the efficacy of PG inhibition in malignancies, and the concept of PG inhibition, NO modulation, anti-oxidants, immunotherapy with antibody or immune cells, and anti-inflammatory agents when used in the prevention and management of malignancies are discussed.

Uber die Wellenlängen-Abhängigkeit der Photo-Eliminierung des Biphenyl-Systems aus cis-Bis(phenyl)platin(II)-Verbindungen / On the Wavelength Dependence of the Photoelimination of the Biphenyl System from cis -Bis(phenyl)platinum (II) Compounds

Excitation of the compounds cis -{Pt[P(n-C4H9)3]2(4-XC6H4)2} with radiation o f the wavelengths 287.5 and 312.0 nm resulted in the reductive elimination of the substituted biphenyls 4-XC6H4-C6H4X-(4) (X=CF3,CH3,C(CH3)3,OCH3), whereas they are photostable towards irradiation of 253.5 nm. It is demonstrated that the elimination is a regiospecific pericyclic reaction at platinum; no free radicals are involved.

Studies in polymerization XIV. The solid-state polymerization of acrylic and methacrylic acids

Crystalline acrylic and methacrylic acids can be polymerized by ultra-violet irradiation a t temperatures not far removed from their melting points. In both cases the reaction proceeds in such a way as to give non-crystalline and disoriented polymer. Irradiation of methacrylic acid under these conditions gives a measurable free radical concentration, whereas no free radicals are detectable by electron spin resonance in irradiated acrylic acid. The production of observable free radicals in methacrylic acid crystals is very temperature dependent, decreasing with reduction in temperature. The polymerizations have been studied in some detail by observing the changes in the optical retardation of thin single crystals while undergoing reaction. In this way a post-irradiation reaction was observed with methacrylic acid but not with acrylic acid samples. The most striking observations were those obtained when the crystals were subjected to small mechanical compressive stresses, when the polymerization reaction was generally retarded or stopped. To account for the results obtained it is suggested that the polymerization reaction takes place in association with crystal dislocations. The effect of mechanical stress is considered to arise from the displacement of dislocations. Two possible mechanisms, depending on the properties of crystal dislocations, have been suggested. Although more experimental data are required it is thought that the observed pressure effect will be of considerable importance in the elucidation of the details of the polymerization.

FREE RADICALS BY MASS SPECTROMETRY: XV. THE: MERCURY-PHOTOSENSITIZED DECOMPOSITION OF FORMIC ACID, ACETIC ACID, AND METHYL FORMATE

The Hg(3P1) photosensitized decomposition of formic acid proceeds by two intramolecular rearrangement reactions, leading respectively to H2O and CO, and to H2 and CO2. No free radicals are produced. The decomposition reactions of methyl formate and of acetic acid proceed predominantly by the formation of free radicals, but intramolecular rearrangements also occur to a significant extent. For both these latter compounds the evidence suggests the occurrence of two modes of dissociation into free radicals:[Formula: see text]No evidence for the alternative mode of dissociation[Formula: see text]was found.