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PubMed2001

Inhibitory effect of betel quid on the volatility of methyl mercaptan.

Betel quid, a popular natural masticatory in Taiwan, is mainly composed of fresh areca fruit, Piper betle (leaf or inflorescence), and slaked lime paste. People say that halitosis disappears during betel quid chewing. In this study, the removal of mouth odor during betel quid chewing was discussed by using a model system which measured its inhibition on the volatility of methyl mercaptan. Results showed that crude extracts of betel quid (the mixture of areca fruit, Piper betle, and slaked lime paste) and extracts of the mixture of areca fruit and slaked lime paste exhibited marked effects on the volatility of methyl mercaptan, and the inhibition function increased when increasing amounts of slaked lime paste were added. The same condition (increased inhibition) was also found by replacing the slaked lime paste with alkaline salts (calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or sodium hydroxide). Areca fruit, the major ingredient of betel quid, contained abundant phenolics. However, the crude phenolic extract of areca fruit did not show any inhibitory activity on the volatility of methyl mercaptan. Great inhibitory activity occurred only when the crude phenolic extract of areca fruit was treated with alkali. Further studies by using gel filtration determined that the effect probably came from the oxidative polymerization of phenolics of areca fruit after alkaline treatment.

Areca↗
PubMed2002

Effect of piperine on the inhibition of lung metastasis induced B16F-10 melanoma cells in mice.

The effect of piperine on the inhibition of lung metastasis induced by B16F-10 melanoma cells was studied in C57BL/6 mice. Simultaneous administration of the compound with tumor induction produced a significant reduction (95.2%) in tumor nodule formation. Increased lung collagen hydroxyproline (22.37 microg/mg protein) in the metastasized lungs of the control animals compared to normal animals (0.95 microg/mg protein) was significantly reduced (2.59 microg/mg protein) in the piperine-treated animals. The high amount of uronic acid (355.83 microg/100 mg tissue) in the metastasized control animals was significantly reduced (65 microg/100 mg tissue) in the animals treated with piperine. Lung hexosamine content was also significantly reduced in the piperine-treated animals (0.98 mg/100 mg lyophilized tissue) compared to the untreated tumor-bearing animals (4.2 mg/100 mg lyophilized tissue). The elevated levels of serum sialic acid and serum gamma glutamyl transpeptidase activity in the untreated control animals was significantly reduced in the animals treated with piperine. The piperine-treated animals even survived the experiment (90 days). Histopathology of the lung tissue also correlated with the lifespan of the drug-treated animals. Our results demonstrate the antimetastatic activity of piperine, an alkaloid present in plants such as Piper nigrum and Piper longum.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1999

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of Central American medicinal plants.

The in vitro antiplasmodial activities of 14 plant species traditionally used in Central America for the treatment of malaria or fever were evaluated. Lipophilic extracts of Piper hispidum, Siparuna andina, S. pauciflora, S. tonduziana, and Xylopia cf. frutescens, proved to be active against both a chloroquine-sensitive and a resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum. IC50 values ranged between 3.0 microg/ml and 21.9 microg/ml; however, moderate cytotoxicity of active extracts was observed. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of Piper hispidum yielded 2',4, 6'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxydihydrochalcone (asebogenin) as an active compound.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Evaluation of the liver protective potential of piperine, an active principle of black and long peppers.

Piperine, an active alkaloidal constituent of the extract obtained from Piper longum and Piper nigrum, was evaluated for its antihepatotoxic potential in order to validate its use in traditional therapeutic formulations. This plant principle exerted a significant protection against tert-butyl hydroperoxide and carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity by reducing both in vitro and in vivo lipid peroxidation, enzymatic leakage of GPT and AP, and by preventing the depletion of GSH and total thiols in the intoxicated mice. Silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug was tested simultaneously for comparison. Piperine showed a lower hepatoprotective potency than silymarin.

Alkaloids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of fatigue in and care needs of Turkish women with breast cancer.

Using Piper's Integrated Fatigue Model, this research project was planned to determine the level of fatigue experienced by Turkish women with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy, to discover the factors affecting fatigue, and to provide a reference by means of which an effective nursing care for such patients could be planned. In assessing the level of fatigue and factors affecting it, a patient information form, the Piper Fatigue Scale, and the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist were used. The reliability tests performed afterwards showed that the scales are appropriate tools for use in Turkish women with breast cancer. Before treatment, psychological symptoms' distress was higher than physical symptoms' distress. However, following treatment, the latter was found to be closer to the former. When pretreatment and posttreatment physical and psychological symptoms were compared, it was noticed that fatigue, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, constipation, depression, and loss of hope for the future were among the symptoms observed to increase the most in the posttreatment period. Different from the other studies, we determined that all of the patients experienced fatigue 7 to 10 days after the chemotherapy cycle and the sensory/affective fatigue scores were high. Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experienced a moderate level of fatigue, which was influenced by level of income, stage of disease, and symptoms related to chemotherapy, showing compliance with similar studies. Following up patients individually and keeping the treatment-related symptoms under control were noticed to help prevent fatigue.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2000

Efficacy of kava extract for treating anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Synthetic anxiolytic drugs are effective for treating anxiety, but they are burdened with adverse effects. Constraints on resources and time often render therapies such as psychologic interventions impracticable. Thus, an effective oral medication with few adverse effects would be a welcome addition to the therapeutic repertoire. This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed at assessing the evidence for or against the efficacy of kava extract as a symptomatic treatment for anxiety. Systematic literature searches were performed in the computerized databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, AMED, CISCOM, and the Cochrane Library (all from their respective inception to June 1998). The search terms used were kava, kawa, kavain, Piper methysticum, and Rauschpfeffer (German term for Piper methysticum). Experts on the subject were contacted to provide further information. There were no restrictions regarding the language of publication. Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of oral kava extract for the treatment of anxiety were included. All publications were blinded before assessment by a person not involved in the study. Data were extracted in a standardized, predefined fashion independently by the two reviewers. The methodologic quality of all trials was assessed. Superiority of kava extract over placebo was suggested by all seven reviewed trials. The meta-analysis of three trials suggests a significant difference in the reduction of the total score on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety in favor of kava extract (weighted mean difference, 9.69; 95% confidence interval, 3.54-15.83). These data imply that kava extract is superior to placebo as a symptomatic treatment for anxiety. Therefore, kava extract is an herbal treatment option for anxiety that is worthy of consideration.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Preliminary studies of the antifungal activities of some medicinal plants against Basidiobolus and some other pathogenic fungi.

The antifungal activities of extracts of 10 medicinal plants collected from south-eastern parts of Nigeria were tested against seven pathogenic fungi using the broth dilution and agar plate methods. All the extracts at 1:10 dilution inhibited the growth of Basidiobolus haptosporus and B. ranarum but did not inhibit that of Aspergillus fumigatus, Geotrichum candidum and Candida albicans. While extracts from Piper guineense, Ocimum gratissimum, Moringa oleifera and Erythrophleum suaveolens inhibited the growth of Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes, those from Fatropha curcas, Mitracarpus villosus, Azadirachta indica and Gongronema latifolium failed to do so at 1:10 dilution. Extract from Piper sp. was also able to inhibit the growth of B. haptosporus at a concentration as low as 1:80 dilution followed by those of Ocimum and Rauvolfia spp. at 1:40 dilution. These results indicate possible use of certain plant extracts in the treatment of subcutaneous phycomycosis in humans and animals.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2006

The relationship of sick leave benefits, employment patterns, and individual characteristics to radiation therapy-related fatigue.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship among sick leave benefits, employment patterns, individual characteristics, and fatigue in patients receiving radiation therapy. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal design. SETTING: A community hospital radiation oncology department. SAMPLE: 77 patients receiving radiation therapy to the breast, chest, head and neck, pelvis, or prostate. All were employed at the time of diagnosis. METHODS: The Piper Integrated Fatigue Model guided the study. The Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), Brief Fatigue Inventory, and a single-item scale were used to measure five dimensions of subjective fatigue. Sick leave, employment, individual characteristics, and fatigue were measured at baseline, weekly during treatment, and at one month post-treatment. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Employment patterns, availability of sick leave benefits, and fatigue. FINDINGS: Mean total fatigue scores on the PFS ranged from 0-4.77 at baseline (mean = 0.46, SD = 0.93), 0-8.77 at the completion of treatment (mean = 2.84, SD = 2.40), and 0-4.82 at one month post-treatment (mean = 0.77, SD = 1.20). Side effects, education, living situation, age, treatment site, and work were associated with fatigue along the trajectory of radiation therapy. Study participants who were working at the end of radiation had lower fatigue scores than those who were not. Availability of sick leave benefits was associated with employment patterns during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Work may have benefits during radiation therapy but may be affected by radiation therapy-related fatigue. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Management of treatment side effects, including fatigue, may help patients remain in the workforce during radiation.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Randomized controlled trial of an educational intervention for managing fatigue in women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a psychoeducational intervention in improving cancer-related fatigue. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial involved 109 women commencing adjuvant chemotherapy for stage I or II breast cancer in five chemotherapy treatment centers. Intervention group patients received an individualized fatigue education and support program delivered in the clinic and by phone over three 10- to 20-minute sessions 1 week apart. Instruments included a numeric rating scale assessing confidence with managing fatigue; 11-point numeric rating scales measuring fatigue at worst, average, and best; the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue and Piper Fatigue Scales; the Cancer Self-Efficacy Scale; the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30; and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. For each outcome, separate analyses of covariance of change scores between baseline (T1) and the three follow-up time points (T2, T3, and T4) were conducted, controlling for the variable's corresponding baseline value. RESULTS: Compared with the intervention group, mean difference scores between the baseline (T1) and immediate after the test (T2) assessments increased significantly more for the control group for worst and average fatigue, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue, and Piper fatigue severity and interference measures. These differences were not observed between baseline and T3 and T4 assessments. No significant differences were identified for any pre- or post-test change scores for confidence with managing fatigue, cancer self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, or quality of life. CONCLUSION: Preparatory education and support has the potential to assist women to cope with cancer-related fatigue in the short term. However, further research is needed to identify ways to improve the potency and sustainability of psychoeducational interventions for managing cancer-related fatigue.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Tyrosinase inhibitory activity of Bangladeshi indigenous medicinal plants.

The tyrosinase-inhibitory activity of 15 kinds of Bangladeshi medicinal plants was evaluated. Methanol extracts were prepared for screening tests, and other kinds of extracts were also studied for those with high activity. Swertia chirata, Piper nigrum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Piper longam and Ocimum americanum were screened as highly inhibiting samples. Methanol was found to be the most efficient solvent for extracting the active compounds. The 50% tyrosinase-inhibitory concentration of the Glycyrrhiza glabra methanol extract was 21.2 microg/ml.

Bangladesh↗
PubMed1989

Disappearance of hemicellulosic monosaccharides and alkali-soluble phenolic compounds of normal and brown midrib sorghum x sudangrasses fed to heifers and sheep.

Eight yearling Holstein heifers (330 kg) were utilized in two 4 x 4 Latin squares. Diets were normal and brown midrib genotypes of Redlan x Greenleaf and Redlan x Piper varieties of ensiled first-cutting sorghum-sudangrass harvested at early head stage of maturity. Composition of hemicellulosic monosaccharides and alkali-soluble lignin phenolic compounds in feeds and corresponding digestibilities were estimated. Arabinose, xylose, and uronic acids were more digestible in brown midrib genotypes than in normal genotypes. p-Coumaric acid disappearance was higher in heifers consuming normal genotypes than in those on brown midrib mutants. In a second experiment, four Suffolk wethers with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulae were utilized in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Diets were second-cutting sorghum-sudangrass harvested at prehead stage of maturity as baled hay. Digestibilities were determined in the same manner as for heifers. Brown midrib genotypes had higher hemicellulosic monosaccharides, galactose, and uronic acids than did normal genotypes. Xylose content of the brown midrib mutant of Redlan x Piper was higher than that of the corresponding normal genotype. Total tract galactose digestibility was higher in brown midrib genotypes than in normal genotypes. Total tract hemicellulose digestibility (estimated by summing fractional digestibilities of hemicellulosic monosaccharides) was higher in brown midrib mutants than in normal genotypes.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2002

Eculizumab (Alexion).

Eculizumab (5G1.1), a humanized monoclonal antibody that prevents the cleavage of human complement component C5 into its pro-inflammatory components, is under development by Alexion as a potential treatment for several chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and nephritis [190673], [292328]. In January 2002, a phase IIb trial was initiated for RA [437814]. This trial was ongoing in April 2002, at which time, eculizumab was also in phase II trials for the treatment of membranous nephritis and lupus nephritis, and in earlier stage clinical trials for dermatomyositis and pemphigoid [446377]. The company is also developing a single-chain version of this antibody, pexelizumab, for use in acute cardiovascular indications [188760]. In October 2000, eculizumab was granted Orphan Drug status by the FDA for the treatment of dermatomyositis [385057]. In February 2002, the product received Orphan Drug designation for its use in patients with membranous nephritis [440583]. In September 2001, analysts at US Bancorp Piper Jaffray predicted eculizumab's launch for dermatomyositis and pemphigus in 2003, RA and nephritis in 2004, and chronic heart failure (CHF) after 2006 [426537]. In March 2002, analysts at US Bancorp Piper Jaffray predicted that the product would have peak worldwide sales in RA of US $175 million and US $400 million for nephritis. Sales for the RA indication are predicted to reach US $35 million in 2006, rising to US $110 million in 2008, and US $10 million in 2006, rising to US $50 million in 2008, in the US and the rest of the world, respectively. For the nephritis/other indication(s), sales are pegged at US $50 million in 2006, rising to US $200 million in 2008, and US $15 million in 2006, rising to US $100 million in 2008, again in the US and the rest of the world, respectively [446992].

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Effects of piperine on gastric acid secretion in albino rats.

Piperine, the pungent principle in Piper nigrum and Piper guinensis was studied for its effect on gastric acid secretion in white albino rats. Increasing the dose from 20 mg kg(-1) weight to 142 mg kg(-1) body weight produced dose dependent increases in gastric acid secretion. When compared with control basal acid secretion, these increases were significant (P<0.05). 20 mg kg(-1) produced a 22.2% (n=7) increase, while the highest dose employed in this study (142 mg kg(-1)) produced 334.6% (n=7) increase in the gastric acid secretion. Piperine was however about 40 times less effective than histamine in increasing gastric acid secretion. The effect of piperine was significantly antagonized by cimetidine (1 mg kg(-1), n=6) but not by atropine (1 mg kg(-1), n=6). Any involvement of cholinergic receptors in the observed piperine-induced increase in gastric acid secretion is thus excluded. There is however an indication that stimulation of histamine H2 receptors by piperine is likely to be involved in the increased acidity induced by piperine.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed2004

Antioxidant properties of Aller-7, a novel polyherbal formulation for allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis, a frequently occurring immunological disorder affecting men, women and children worldwide, is a state of hypersensitivity that occurs when the body overreacts to a substance such as pollen, mold, mites or dust. Allergic rhinitis exerts inflammatory response and irritation of the nasal mucosal membranes leading to sneezing; stuffy/runny nose; nasal congestion; and itchy, watery and swollen eyes. A novel, safe polyherbal formulation (Aller-7/NR-A2) has been developed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis using a unique combination of extracts from seven medicinal plants including Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Albizia lebbeck, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale and Piper longum. In this study, the antioxidant efficacy of Aller-7 was investigated by various assays including hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, superoxide anion scavenging assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis-ethyl-benzothiozoline-sulphonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. The protective effect of Aller-7 on free radical-induced lysis of red blood cells and inhibition of nitric oxide release by Aller-7 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages were determined. Aller-7 exhibited concentration-dependent scavenging activities toward biochemically generated hydroxyl radicals (IC50 741.73 microg/ml); superoxide anion (IC50 24.65 microg/ml by phenazine methosulfate-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide [PMS-NADH] assay and IC50 4.27 microg/ml by riboflavin/nitroblue tetrazolium [NBT] light assay), nitric oxide (IC50 16.34 microg/ml); 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical (IC50 5.62 microg/ml); and 2,2-azinobis-ethyl-benzothiozoline-sulphonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS) radical (IC50 7.35 microg/ml). Aller-7 inhibited free radical-induced hemolysis in the concentration range of 20-80 microg/ml. Aller-7 also significantly inhibited nitric oxide release from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages. These results demonstrate that Aller-7 is a potent scavenger of free radicals and that it may serve.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Anti-inflammatory activities of Aller-7, a novel polyherbal formulation for allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is an immunological disorder and an inflammatory response of nasal mucosal membranes. Allergic rhinitis, a state of hypersensitivity, occurs when the body overreacts to a substance such as pollens or dust. A novel, safe polyherbal formulation (Aller-7/NR-A2) has been developed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis using a unique combination of extracts from seven medicinal plants including Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Albizia lebbeck, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale and Piper longum. Since inflammation is an integral mechanistic component of allergy, the present study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of Aller-7 in various in vivo models. The efficacy of Aller-7 was investigated in compound 48/80-induced paw edema both in Balb/c mice and Swiss Albino mice, carrageenan-induced paw edema in Wistar Albino rats and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar Albino rats. The trypsin inhibitory activity of Aller-7 was also determined and compared with ovomucoid. At a dose of 250 mg/kg, Aller-7 demonstrated 62.55% inhibition against compound 48/80-induced paw edema in Balb/c mice, while under the same conditions prednisolone at an oral dose of 14 mg/kg exhibited 44.7% inhibition. Aller-7 significantly inhibited compound 48/80-induced paw edema at all three doses of 175, 225 or 275 mg/kg in Swiss Albino mice, while the most potent effect was observed at 225 mg/kg. Aller-7 (120 mg/kg, p.o.) demonstrated 31.3% inhibition against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in Wistar Albino rats, while ibuprofen (50 mg/kg, p.o.) exerted 68.1% inhibition. Aller-7 also exhibited a dose-dependent (150-350 mg/kg) anti-inflammatory effect against Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar Albino rats and an approximately 63% inhibitory effect was observed at a dose of 350 mg/kg. The trypsin inhibitory activity of Aller-7 was determined, using ovomucoid as a positive control. Ovomucoid and Aller-7 demonstrated IC50 concentrations at 1.5 and 9.0 microg/ml, respectively. These results demonstrate that this novel polyherbal formulation is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can ameliorate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Fatigue in patients with cancer receiving interferon alpha.

Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom of patients with cancer. The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of fatigue over time in patients with cancer receiving treatment with interferon alpha. Piper's Integrated Fatigue Model guided this study. A descriptive repeated-measures design was used. A convenience sample of 30 patients with malignant melanoma was drawn from a comprehensive cancer center in Southern California. Two instruments were used in data collection, the Symptom Distress Scale and the Piper Fatigue Scale. Study findings revealed descriptive data on patients' perceptions of the causes and remedies for fatigue while receiving active treatment for cancer. The pattern of fatigue was consistent over the five points of time during treatment, with the most extreme fatigue scores in the affective domain, followed by the sensory, temporal, total fatigue, and fatigue severity scores. The patterns and dimensions of fatigue provide implications for care of patients receiving interferon alpha, and for further investigation in the area of fatigue as a critical aspect of quality of life.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1997

Effect of betel quid on catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells.

Health damage and environmental pollution are serious problems caused by betel quid chewing in Taiwan. Many people acquire the habit of chewing betel quid due to its physiological effects, including increased stamina and a general feeling of well-being. In this study, a sympathetic model system of adrenal chromaffin cells and sensory evaluation were used to examine the physiological effects of betel quid and the interaction of all the ingredients (areca fruit, Piper betle inflorescence and red time paste) in betel quid. Physiological effects of cardioacceleration, a slightly drunk feeling, sweating and salivation occurred during the chewing of betel quid (a mixture of areca fruit, Piper betle inflorescence and red lime paste) and a mixture of areca fruit and red lime paste. Both induced much more basal catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells than did other ingredients and combinations of ingredients. It was evident that the responses in the sympathetic model system were closely correlated with the physiological feeling of well-being. The inhibitory effects of all the chewing juices on catecholamine secretion evoked by carbachol and a high concentration of potassium (high K+) showed that they perhaps affected the calcium influx through voltage-sensitive channels or the steps involved in secretion after calcium entry to stimulate basal catecholamine secretion from chromaffin cells.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1998

Effectiveness of megestrol acetate in patients with advanced cancer: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of megestrol acetate at a lower dose than previously investigated on the symptoms of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: A total of 84 patients with advanced, solid tumours not responsive to hormone therapy were enrolled in this double-blind, crossover study. During phase 1, patients were randomly assigned to receive megestrol acetate (160 mg 3 times daily) for 10 days or placebo. During phase 2, after a 2-day washout period, patients received the alternate treatment for 10 days. Patients underwent daily assessments of activity, nausea, appetite and well-being by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS). In addition, nutritional status (weight, tricep skinfold measure, arm muscle circumference), energy intake, fatigue (Piper Fatigue Scale) and quality of life (Functional Living Index-Cancer [FLIC]) were assessed. RESULTS: Among the 53 evaluable patients megestrol acetate resulted in a significant improvement in appetite (p = 0.005), activity (p = 0.007) and well-being (p = 0.03). There was no significant change in the intensity of nausea, nutritional parameters, energy intake or FLIC scores. There was a significant improvement in 2 of the 3 factors measured by the Piper Fatigue Scale and in the overall fatigue score. Upon completion of the study, while still blind to the treatment condition, 30 patients indicated that they felt better overall after megestrol, 15 said they felt better after placebo, and 10 indicated no preference (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment with megestrol acetate results in rapid and significant improvement of symptoms in terminally ill patients at lower doses than previously reported. The effects are not secondary to nutritional changes. The FLIC quality-of-life questionnaire was unable to detect these changes.

Adult↗