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Depressant and anticonvulsant properties of the root decoction of Afrormosia laxiflora (Leguminosae).

The lyophilized root decoction of Afrormosia laxiflora (Leguminosae), claimed to be beneficial in epilepsy and psychosis, was screened for depressant and anticonvulsant activities using in vivo models. The root decoction, 150-300 mg/kg, showed significant inhibition of motor activity in mice, indicating depressant actions. Similarly, doses of 150-300 mg/kg of this extract significantly diminished the duration of convulsive symptoms, and increased the seizure latency, in both picrotoxin- and electroshock-induced seizures when compared with controls. The results suggest possible beneficial effects of the plant's root and also offer a rational explanation for its folklore usage in epilepsy and related disorders.

Animals↗

[Pharmacy as a means of propagating the Lutherian doctrine of justification].

Pharmacy serving to propagate the Lutherian doctrine of justification: "Christus as a pharmacist" is an interconfessional, but confessionally differentiated symbolic motif (Sinnbildmotiv) of Christian folklore art in German-speaking countries. The article investigates the sociocultural conditions and prerequisites (German bible translation, religion and confession, piety, pharmacy, chymiatry, chemistry, apothecary training and status) for transfering the old metaphor and idea of Christ as a physician to the new vision of Christ as a apothecary who prepares and dispenses his heavenly medicine all by himself. In the early 17th century (especially in the 1610's) these requirements were fulfilled, so that the oldest known witness to this motif transfer (picturing the so-called Heilandsruf of Matthew 11, 28), a genre picture of 1619, will be the first pictural version of this motif in general. It was created by the protestant Painter Mich(a)el Herr of Nuremberg. In the abstract and reduced form of a devotional picture this motif then became widespread in churches and vicarages, in monasteries and their apothecaries as well as in private houses (with small altars: Herrgottswinkel). The oldest yet known examples are works from around 1630. For the first time during the Thirty Year's War, it served in this form for propagating the Lutherian justification doctrine (now referring to Jesaja 55, 1), saying that the belief in Christ is enough to be released from all sins (sola fide). Around 1650, as a reaction to that, a catholic version of the devotional picture was created, claiming and picturing that in contrast eucharist is the highest and real, healing medium' of Christ to redemption. All pictures of this version avoid quoting Jesaja 55, 1, whereas all protestant pictures quote this verse from the Bible word-for-word.

Germany↗

The poor, the Black, and the marginalized as the source of cadavers in United States anatomical education.

When the practice of hands-on anatomical dissection became popular in United States medical education in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, demand for cadavers exceeded the supply. Slave bodies and thefts by grave robbers met this demand. Members of the public were aware that graves were being robbed and countered with various protective measures. Since the deterrence of grave robbing took time and money, those elements of society who were least economically and socially advantaged were the most vulnerable. Enslaved and free African Americans, immigrants, and the poor were frequently the target of grave robbing. The politically powerful tolerated this behavior except when it affected their own burial sites. Slave owners sold the bodies of their deceased chattel to medical schools for anatomic dissection. Stories of the "night doctors" buying and stealing bodies became part of African American folklore traditions. The physical and documentary evidence demonstrates the disproportionate use of the bodies of the poor, the Black, and the marginalized in furthering the medical education of white elites.

Anatomy↗

Evaluation of the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. stem-bark aqueous extract in mice and rats.

In order to appraise some of the ethnomedical uses of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst., subspecies caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro [family: Anacardiaceae], the present study was undertaken to investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties of the plant's stem-bark aqueous extract in experimental models of pain, inflammation and diabetes mellitus. The analgesic effect of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract was evaluated in mice, while its anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects were investigated in rats. Diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg p. o.) and chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p. o.) were used respectively as reference analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic agents for comparison. Like diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg p. o.), Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 100-800 mg/kg p. o.) produced dose-dependent, significant protection (p < 0.05-0.001) against electrical heat-induced pain. The plant extract (SBE, 25-800 mg/kg p. o.) also produced dose- and time-related, sustained and significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation of the rat hind paw oedema. However, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the plant's extract were found to be approximately 10-15 times less than that of diclofenac. In one set of experiments involving hypoglycaemic/antidiabetic evaluation of the plant's extract, graded doses of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 25-800 mg/kg p. o.) were separately administered to groups of fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. In another set of experiments, a single dose of the plant's aqueous extract (SBE, 800 mg/kg p. o.) was used. The hypoglycaemic effect of this single dose of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 800 mg/kg p. o.) was compared with that of chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p. o.) in both fasted normal and fasted streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic rats. Following acute treatment, relatively moderate to high doses of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 25-800 mg/kg p. o.) produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. Chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p. o.) also produced significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of the fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. Administration of the single dose of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 800 mg/kg p. o.) significantly reduced (p < 0.01-0.001) the blood glucose levels of both fasted normal (normoglycaemic) and fasted STZ-treated, diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study indicate that Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties. These experimental findings lend pharmacological support to the suggested folkloric uses of the plant's stem-bark in the management and/or control of pain, inflammatory conditions, and adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa.

Anacardiaceae↗

Analgesic, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Pedaliaceae) secondary root aqueous extract.

South Africa is blessed with a rich floral biodiversity of medicinally useful plants. One such plant is Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Family: Pedaliaceae). H. procumbens is widely used in South African traditional medicine for the treatment, management and/or control of a variety of human ailments. In the present study, the analgesic effect of H. procumbens secondary root aqueous extract was evaluated in mice, using the 'hot-plate' and 'acetic acid' test methods; while the antiinflammatory and antidiabetic effects of the plant's secondary root extract were investigated in rats. Fresh egg albumin-induced pedal oedema and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus were used as experimental test models of inflammation and diabetes Diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg i.p.) was used as a reference analgesic and antiinflammatory agent for comparison. Chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p.o.) was used as a reference hypoglycaemic agent for comparison. H. procumbens root aqueous extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced significant (p < 0.05-0.001) analgesic effects against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain stimuli in mice. H. procumbens root extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) also produced dose-related, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) of the fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation of the rat hind paw oedema. Furthermore, the plant extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study indicate that H. procumbens root aqueous extract possesses analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties, and lend pharmacological support to the suggested folklore uses of Harpagophytum procumbens root in the management and/or control of painful, arthritic and other inflammatory conditions, as well as for adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa.

Acetic Acid↗

The effect of annatto on insulin binding properties in the dog.

Various plants are used in Caribbean folklore for the treatment of a variety of illnesses including diabetes mellitus. Preliminary investigations of several crude plant extracts have indicated that the annatto (Bixa orellana), among others, does in fact exhibit hypoglycaemic properties. This present investigation sought to isolate the hypoglycaemic principle(s) from the crude extract and to determine the mechanism of action. Purification experiments employing thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulted in an oil-soluble, partially purified annatto extract. The latter caused a decrease in blood glucose level of 5.62+/-0.13 (n=34) mmol/dL versus 6.31+/-0.12 (n=34) for the control (p<0.01) 1 h after administration. This hypoglycaemia persisted for an additional hour when the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on dogs treated with annatto and compared with the control. Plasma insulin levels measured at 1.0 h showed that there was an increase in plasma insulin levels of 59.57+/-8.3 microIU/mL for the annatto treated dogs versus 40.95+/-5.46 microIU/mL for the control (p<0.05), this elevation persisted throughout the duration of the OGTT which followed. Insulin receptor studies, using a modification of the method of Gambhir et al. done on mononuclear leucocytes and erythrocytes obtained from blood taken 1 h after administration showed that there was an increase in the percentage receptor binding when compared with the control. Insulin affinity results showed that there was an increase of 1.8+/-0.2x10(8) m-1 (n=12) in mononuclear leucocytes for the annatto treated dogs versus 1.2+/-0.2x10(8) m-1 for the control (p<0.05). In the enythrocytes, there was also an increase in affinity from 1.2+/-0.2x10(8) m-1 to 2.3+/-0.2x10(8) m-1 for the control and treated animals, respectively. In conclusion, it can be stated that annatto is responsible for the hypoglycaemic episodes seen in the dogs which was mediated by an increase in plasma insulin concentration as well as an increase in insulin binding on the insulin receptor due to elevated affinity of the ligand for the receptor.

Animals↗

Analgesic and anticonvulsant properties of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) (Fabaceae) fruit aqueous extract in mice.

Previous studies in our laboratories and elsewhere have shown that the fruit of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) (family: Fabaceae) is widely used in African traditional medicine for the management and/or control of an array of human ailments, including schistosomiasis, asthma, epilepsy, hypertension and so on. The present study was designed to investigate the analgesic and anticonvulsant effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) fruit aqueous extract (TTE) in mice. Morphine (MPN, 10 mg/kg i.p.), diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg i.p.), phenobarbitone (20 mg/kg i.p.) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) were used, respectively, as reference analgesic and anticonvulsant agents for comparison. T. tetraptera fruit aqueous extract (TTE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant (p < 0.05-0.001) analgesic effects against thermally and chemically induced pain in mice. Like the standard anticonvulsant agents (phenobarbitone and diazepam) used, T. tetraptera fruit aqueous extract (TTE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) delayed the onset of, and antagonized, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. Aqueous extract of the fruit (TTE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) also profoundly antagonized picrotoxin (PCT)-induced seizures, but only partially and weakly antagonized bicuculline (BCL)-induced seizures. However, the results of this experimental animal study indicate that Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) fruit aqueous extract (TTE) possesses analgesic and anticonvulsant properties. These findings lend pharmacological support to the suggested folkloric uses of the plant's fruit in the management and/or control of painful, arthritic inflammatory conditions, as well as for the management and/or control of epilepsy and childhood convulsions in some tropical African countries.

Acetic Acid↗

Studies on hepatoprotective, antispasmodic and calcium antagonist activities of the aqueous-methanol extract of Achillea millefolium.

The crude extract of Achillea millefolium (Am.Cr) was studied for its possible hepatoprotective effect against d-galactosamine (d-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced hepatitis in mice and antispasmodic effect in isolated gut preparations to rationalize some of the folklore uses. Co-administration of d-GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (25 microg/kg) produced 100% mortality in mice. Pre-treatment of animals with Am.Cr (300 mg/kg) reduced the mortality to 40%. Co-administration of d-GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (1 microg/kg) significantly raised the plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels compared with values in the control group (p < 0.05). Pre-treatment of mice with Am.Cr (150-600 mg/kg) significantly prevented the toxins induced rise in plasma ALT and AST (p < 0.05). The hepatoprotective effect of Am.Cr was further verified by histopathology of the liver, which showed improved architecture, absence of parenchymal congestion, decreased cellular swelling and apoptotic cells, compared with the toxin group of animals. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, Am.Cr caused a concentration-dependent (0.3-10 mg/mL) relaxation of both spontaneous and K(+)-induced contractions as well as shifting the Ca(++) concentration-response curves (CRCs) to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil. These results indicate that the crude extract of Achillea millefolium exhibits a hepatoprotective effect, which may be partly attributed to its observed calcium channel blocking activity.

Achillea↗

Analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of ethanol extract of Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) rhizomes (Zingiberaceae) in mice and rats.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of Zingiber officinale dried rhizomes ethanol extract (ZOE) in mice and rats. The analgesic effect of ZOE was evaluated by 'hot-plate' and 'acetic acid' analgesic test methods in mice; while the antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of the plant extract were investigated in rats, using fresh egg albumin-induced pedal oedema, and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus models. Morphine (MPN, 10 mg/kg), diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg) and chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg) were used as reference drugs for comparison. ZOE (50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant (p < 0.05-0.001) analgesic effects against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain in mice. The plant extract (ZOE, 50-800 mg/kg p.o.) also significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) inhibited fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation, and caused dose-related, significant (p < 0.05-0.001) hypoglycaemia in normal (normoglycaemic) and diabetic rats. The findings of this experimental animal study indicate that Zingiber officinale rhizomes ethanol extract possesses analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties; and thus lend pharmacological support to folkloric, ethnomedical uses of ginger in the treatment and/or management of painful, arthritic inflammatory conditions, as well as in the management and/or control of type 2 diabetes mellitus in some rural Africa communities.

Analgesics↗

Commercial valerian interactions with [3H]Flunitrazepam and [3H]MK-801 binding to rat synaptic membranes.

Valeriana officinalis extracts are used in folkloric medicine for their sedative, hypnotic and tranquilizer effects. Using [3H]flunitrazepam binding as an indicator, the interactions of commercial Valerian extracts with GABA(A) receptors were examined. There was considerable fluctuation among the different extracts, some mildly enhanced [3H]flunitrazepam binding, others had no effect and others had inhibitory effects, independent of standardization by valerenic acid. Central depression can also be accomplished by a reduction of excitatory transmission. Valerian extracts had modest inhibitory effects on [3H]MK-801 binding, an indicator of NMDA-Valerian interactions. Spectral analyses (UV region) did not show marked differences among the different extracts. The inhibitory effects of one of the extracts on [3H]flunitrazepam binding was somewhat stable, while on [3H]MK-801 binding the inhibitory effects were lost within months. These results suggest that particular care should be taken in analysing and interpreting results from commercial Valerian preparations.

Animals↗

Evaluation of wound healing activity of some herbal formulations.

The wound healing activity of two herbal formulations (Himax ointment and lotion) containing Indradaru extract, i.e. Arjuna bark (Terminalia arjuna, Family-Combretaceae), extract was evaluated for its wound healing potential in two types of wound models in rats (i) excision wound model and (ii) incision wound model. Both the formulations responded significantly in both the wound models tested. The results were also comparable to that of the standard drug nitrofurazone used as a standard drug for comparison in this present investigation. The results were also comparable in terms of wound contracting ability, epithelization period, tensile strength and regeneration of tissues at the wound area. Thus, this investigation con fi rms the use of the Himax ointment and lotion containing Terminalia arjuna extract as a wound-healing agent as known from folklore medicine.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Glucose lowering efficacy of Ficus racemosa bark extract in normal and alloxan diabetic rats.

The glucose-lowering efficacy of a methanol extract of the stem bark of Ficus racemosa Linn. (MEBFR) (Family Moraceae) was evaluated both in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The MEBFR at the doses examined (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) exhibited significant hypoglycaemic activity in both experimental animal models when compared with the control group. The activity was also comparable to that of the effect produced by a standard antidiabetic agent, glibenclamide 10 mg/kg. The present investigation established pharmacological evidence to support the folklore claim that it is an antidiabetic agent.

Animals↗

Glutathione S-transferase catalyzes the isomerization of (R)-2-hydroxymenthofuran to mintlactones.

(R)-(+)-Menthofuran is the proximate toxic metabolite of pulegone, the major constituent of the pennyroyal oil, that contributes significantly to the hepatotoxicity resulting from ingestion of this folklore abortifacient pennyroyal oil. Recently, menthofuran was shown to be metabolized by cytochrome P450 to form (R)-2-hydroxymenthofuran. In this paper it is demonstrated that glutathione S-transferase (GST) catalyzes the tautomerization of 2-hydroxymenthofuran to mintlactone and isomintlactone, apparently without the formation of stable glutathione (GSH) conjugates. The reaction strictly required GSH; S-methyl GSH, which binds to the active site and leaves the active site Tyr-9 partly ionized, did not support GST-catalyzed isomerization. It was also determined that the tautomerization reaction requires the active site tyrosine, Tyr-9. The rat GSTA1-1 mutant (Y9F), with the active site tyrosine replaced with phenylalanine, demonstrated no catalytic activity. Rat cytosolic GST A1-1, in the presence of GSH, tautomerized 2-hydroxymenthofuran with apparent K(M) and V(max) values of 110 microM and 190 nmol/min/nmol GST, respectively. However, the site-directed mutant (F220Y), in which Tyr-9 and GSH in the binary complex [GST. GSH] have lower pK(a)s, exhibited K(M) and V(max) values of 97 microM and 280 nmol/min/nmol GST, respectively. Similarly, human liver cytosol catalyzed the tautomerization of 2-hydroxymenthofuran in a GST-dependent reaction. The mechanism most consistent with the data is a general-base catalyzed isomerization with GS(-) serving to deprotonate the substrate to initiate the reaction.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

In vitro inhibitory effects of Daphne oleoides ssp. oleoides on inflammatory cytokines and activity-guided isolation of active constituents.

Aerial parts of Daphne oleoides Schreber ssp. oleoides (Thymelaeaceae) are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lumbago in Turkish folk medicine. In order to evaluate folkloric utilization, in vitro inhibitory effects of the ethyl acetate extract and fractions obtained from this extract on interleukin 1 (IL-1alpha, IL-1beta) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) biosynthesis were studied. Through chemical isolation techniques and activity-guided fractionation process, seventeen compounds were isolated and their structures were elucidated (numbered 1-17). Diterpenoids genkwadaphnin (3) and 1,2-dehydrodaphnetoxin (6) and a coumarin derivative daphnetin (9) showed potent inhibitory activity and were found to be the main active ingredients. Furthermore, gnidilatin (4), gnidilatin-20 palmitate (5), genkwadaphnin-20-palmitate (7) and gnidicin-20-palmitate (8), having diterpenoid structure, and eudesmine (12), wikstromol (13) and matairesinol (14), having lignan structure, were determined to possess moderate inhibitory activity and may have a contributory role in the effect of the remedy.

Acetates↗

Esculetin prevents liver damage induced by paracetamol and CCL4.

Esculetin, a phenolic compound found in Cichorium intybus and Bougainvllra spectabillis was investigated for its possible protective effect against paracetamol and CCl4-induced hepatic damage. Paracetamol produced 100% mortality at the dose of 1 g kg-1 in mice while pre-treatment of animals with esculetin (6 mg kg-1) reduced the death rate to 40%. Oral administration of paracetamol (640 mg kg-1) produced liver damage in rats as manifested by the rise in serum enzyme levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aminotransferases (AST and ALT). Pre-treatment of rats with esculetin (6 mg kg-1) prevented the paracetamol-induced rise in serum enzymes. The hepatotoxic dose of CCl4 (1.5 ml kg-1; orally) also raised serum ALP, AST and ALT levels. The same dose of esculetin (6 mg kg-1) was able to prevent the CCl4-induced rise in serum enzymes. Esculetin also prevented CCl4-induced prolongation in pentobarbital sleeping time confirming hepatoprotectivity. These results indicate that esculetin possesses anti-hepatotoxic activity and the presence of this compound in Cichorium intybus and Bougainvllra spectabillis may explain the folkloric use of these plants in liver damage.

Acetaminophen↗

Saladerra - a culture-bound misfortune syndrome in the Peruvian Amazon.

As the result of a field study of an urban, Mestizo spiritualist healer in the Peruvian Amazon, the author presents data on a new, culture-bound disorder, called saladerra. Characterized by an acute anxiety reaction with little or no somatization, the syndrome is perceived by patients to take the form of constant and continuing misfortune and bad luck. The paper presents a clinical description of saladerra, examines folkloric references to the origin of the complex, discusses the epidemiological significance of the syndrome, and sets it occurrence within the context of changing urbanization. Case histories of ten patients treated by one folk healer are presented in detail. Aspects of the spiritualist belief system, Septrionismo, used by the healer to treat the disorder are described, as well as his specific therapeutic modalities.

Adult↗

"Mater puerorum'. A medieval naming for an enigmatic children's disease.

The pediatric clinical entity called "Mater Puerorum' appears first in the latin translation of Rhazes' "Practica Puerorum' and in his "Continens'. His descriptions of the disease could give some likeness either to a diagnosis of night terrors, or of hyperpyretic convulsions, or of a slight form of epilepsy. Mater Puerorum is afterwards described by most pediatric authors till the Renaissance period without much originality. Rhazes being one of their main sources anyway. Mater Puerorum has been considered by Still and Radbill as a synonym for hysterical fits in children. Going back to the Arabic original naming: Ummu's Sibyan, we venture another etymology based on Babylonian-Judeo-Arabic demonology. The "Mother of the Children' could be the female demon Karina--or Lilith--which is said to come to plague the children at night. The naming Mater Puerorum could thus be ascribed to a folklore origin, rather than to hysteria.

Child↗

Myths of mid-winter depression.

An investigation was conducted into the effect of a major Alaskan annual winter festival upon the rates of crisis data. Analysis of rates of suicide, attempted suicide, family disturbance calls, crisis calls, and mental health admissions indicated no significant effect of the festival. Statewide statistics over several years indicate that demands for depression-related services appear to peak in either the summer or the fall. These results do not support the widely held belief that depression is more common during the winter in the North or that mid-winter festivals help to promote psychological well-being. It is concluded that the pervasiveness of such myths may lead to misdiagnosis or mistreatment, and that other folklore should be examined for its validity.

Alaska↗