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Anti-inflammatory activity of Maytenus senegalensis root extracts and of maytenoic acid.

Maytenus senegalensis (Lam.) Excell (Celastraceae) root extracts were investigated for their topical anti-inflammatory properties by measuring the inhibition of the Croton oil-induced ear oedema in mice. The highest anti-inflammatory activity was detected in the chloroform extract, which reduced the oedematous response with a potency similar to that of the NSAID reference drug indomethacin (ID(50)=84 and 93 microg/cm(2), respectively). Fractionation of the chloroform and of the hexane extracts led to the isolation of maytenoic acid (1), which exhibited a dose-dependent antiphlogistic effect (ID(50)=0.11 micromol/cm(2)) twice that of indomethacin (ID(50)=0.26 micromol/cm(2)) and only three times lower than that of hydrocortisone (ID(50)=0.04 micromol/cm(2)).

Animals↗

Syntrophomonas erecta subsp. sporosyntropha subsp. nov., a spore-forming bacterium that degrades short chain fatty acids in co-culture with methanogens.

Two obligate anaerobic bacterial strains (5-3-Z(T) and Y4-1) were isolated from river sediment and rice field mud, respectively. They degraded straight-chain fatty acids with 4-8 carbon atoms in syntrophic association with methanogens, however, neither tested branch-chain fatty acids nor could benzoate be degraded. The strains formed spores when cocultured with methanogens on butyrate, or when grew on butyrate plus dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in pure culture. The cells were slightly curved rods with Gram-negative cell wall structure, and contained small amount of poly beta-hydroxyalkanoate. The strains could not degrade butyrate alone, nor could use fumarate, sulfate, thiosulfate, sulfur or nitrate as electron acceptors except DMSO for butyrate degradation. The generation time of strain 5-3-Z(T) was about 12h when growing on crotonate at 37 degrees C. The growth of the new strains occurred in the range of pH 5.5-8.4, and of temperature 20-48 degrees C, and at NaCl concentration of 0-700 mM. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 5-3-Z(T) was 40.6mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene similarity showed the two strains to be a member of species Syntrophomonas erecta (98.4-98.9% sequence similarity), however they differed from the existing strains in both phenotypic and genetic characteristics. Therefore, a new subspecies of S. erecta, S. erecta subsp. sporosyntropha was proposed. The type strain was 5-3-Z(T) (=CGMCC1.5032(T)=JCM13344(T)).

Anaerobiosis↗

Differential inhibition of lipolysis by 2-bromopalmitic acid and 4-bromocrotonic acid in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Two inhibitors of fatty acid oxidation, 2-bromopalmitic acid (Br-C16) and 4-bromocrotonic acid (Br-C4) were examined for their effect on lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Both agents inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the rate of oxidation of exogenously added [1-14C]palmitate with similar time-courses, reaching a plateau at 3-9 h. While Br-C16 at 50 microM and 100 microM inhibited palmitate oxidation by approximately 40% and 60%, respectively, pretreatment with both concentrations inhibited lipolysis in washed cells in an almost identical manner. The magnitude of inhibition increased with time of pretreatment. On the other hand, like inhibition of fatty acid oxidation, inhibition of lipolysis by Br-C4 pretreatment was dose-dependent with maximal inhibition reached after 3 h pretreatment. The finding that isoproterenol- and dibutyryl cAMP-stimulated lipolysis were similarly suppressed by either Br-C4 or Br-C16 pretreatment, suggesting that a step distal to cAMP formation was involved. In addition, while the inhibitory effect of Br-C16 was not significantly influenced, the inhibition of lipolysis caused by Br-C4 was attenuated by pretreating cells with crotonic acid, octanoate, or palmitate. The longer chain-length of the fatty acids the cells were exposed, the stronger attenuation of the inhibition caused by Br-C4 was observed. Moreover, whereas pretreatment with Br-C16 was without effect, pretreatment with Br-C4 significantly decreased hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) activity in cell extracts, albeit to an extent much smaller than its inhibitory effect on lipolysis. In conclusion, these results indicate that irreversible inhibition of lipolysis by Br-C16 or Br-C4 cannot be attributed to their effect on fatty acid oxidation. Some factor capable of modulating HSL activity seems to be involved.

3T3 Cells↗

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to mu- and delta-opioid receptor mRNA block the enhanced effects of opioids during intestinal inflammation.

Intestinal inflammation enhances the inhibitory effects of mu- and delta-opioids in the gut, possibly related to an increased receptor expression. We evaluated the effects of opioids after intraperitoneal administration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to mu- and/or delta-opioid receptor mRNA. Inflammation was induced in mice by intragastric administration of croton oil; gastrointestinal transit was assessed with charcoal and permeability with [51Cr]etylenediaminetetraacetate ([51Cr]EDTA). Baseline values were unaltered after antisense oligodeoxynucleotides. In controls, antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to mu-opioid receptor mRNA decreased the antitransit effects of morphine (27%) and [N-MePhe3D-Pro4]morphiceptin (PL017) (26%), and the reduction was significantly greater during inflammation (50% and 47%). A similar effect was observed on permeability (control: 41-21% decrease; inflamed: 66-45%). In both assays, antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to delta-opioid receptor mRNA also reduced the effects of [D-Pen2,5]enkephalin (DPDPE) in a higher percentage during inflammation (43-32% controls, 60-49% inflamed). We show that antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to mu- and/or delta-opioid receptor mRNA are efficiently blocking the intestinal effects of opioids during inflammation, suggesting that an increased transcription of these receptors in the gut mediates the enhanced effects of opioids during inflammation.

Animals↗

High-temperature gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with glass capillary columns for the screening of natural products.

High-temperature high resolution gas chromatography (HT-HRGC) and HT-HRGC coupled to mass spectrometry (HT-HRGC-MS) are powerful but relatively unexplored tools for the analysis of crude extracts and fractions of natural products. To illustrate the scope of the technique the direct characterization of several compounds, present in crude extracts of leaves and stems of Croton hemiargyreus Muell. Arg. var. hemiargyreus was undertaken, without derivatization or clean-up procedures. Both practical aspects and limitations of HT-HRGC and HT-HRGC-MS were evaluated resulting in a simple, straightforward and extremely powerful technique for the analysis of complex mixtures.

Biological Products↗

Anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgesic activity of esculetin in vivo.

Esculetin determined a reduction in oedema and granulocyte infiltration in the Croton oil ear test in vivo. The drug was able to inhibit Acethylcholine-writhing test and showed a LD50 of 1450 mg/kg i.p. and greater than 2000 mg/kg by mouth. In our experimental conditions, esculetin has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

Acetylcholine↗

Anti-inflammatory activity of benzopyrones that are inhibitors of cyclo- and lipo-oxygenase.

The anti-inflammatory activity of three benzo-pyrones with prevalent lipooxigenase-inhibitory activity was studied using the Croton oil ear test in mice, in comparison with nordihydroguaieretic acid (NDGA) and indomethacin. Kaempferol, quercetin and NDGA possess a strong and prolonged anti-inflammatory effect, whereas the action of indomethacin appears relevant, but not long-lasting. In contrast the anti-inflammatory activity of esculetin is rather weak, but persistent.

Animals↗

Influence of protein phosphatase inhibitors on HL60 cells death induction by dehydrocrotonin.

Oxidative stress can be involved in several cellular responses, such as differentiation, apoptosis and necrosis. Dehydrocrotonin (DCTN, diterpene lactone) from Croton cajucara, Brazilian medicinal plant, slightly induced NBT-reducing activity. In presence of protein phosphatase inhibitors significant differentiation of HL60 cells was observed. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that apoptosis was induced when the cells were treated with okadaic acid (OKA) and plus trans-dehydrocrotonin (t-DCTN) this effect was two-fold increased. Unlike, when the cells were treated only with t-DCTN, necrosis was observed. On the other hand, the necrosis induced by t-DCTN could be due to oxidative stress, revealed by increase of GSH content. Therefore, this differentiation pathway involves the modulation of protein phosphatases and this inhibition promotes the t-DCTN action on apoptosis induction.

Annexin A5↗

The involvement of 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors in two models of gastrointestinal transit in mice.

Our aim was to study the involvement of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(3) and 5-HT(4) receptors in two models of gastrointestinal transit (GIT) in mice: the 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)-induced diarrhea and intestinal inflammation produced by an irritant agent, croton oil (CO). 5-HTP (10 mg/kg) produced diarrhea that was significantly inhibited after pretreatment with ondansetron (5-HT(3) antagonist) or RS 39604 (5-HT(4) antagonist) (1-5 mg/kg). The GIT speed was increased after CO and 5-HTP administration. 5-HT(3-4) antagonists decreased GIT after 5-HTP-treatment but not after CO-treatment. Our results show that 5-HT(3) and 5-HT(4) receptors are involved in 5-HTP-induced diarrhea. This may be the reason why 5-HT(3-4) antagonists could be useful in the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea. 5-HT(3-4) antagonists were not effective in the modifications of GIT; nevertheless, they could be useful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases because some symptoms as abdominal pain, discomfort or abnormal bowel function are modulated via 5-HT(3).

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

Anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective effects of Ligustrum robustum.

Aqueous extract of processed leaves of Ligustrum robustum could dose-dependently scavenge superoxide radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and prevent AAPH-induced hemolysis of red blood cells. In comparison with green tea, oolong tea and black tea, processed leaves of L. robustum exhibited comparable antioxidant potency in scavenging superoxide radicals and in preventing red blood cell hemolysis. By activity-guided fractionation, a glycoside-rich fraction named fraction B2 was separated and demonstrated to possess strong antioxidant effect. It was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective activities. A single oral dose of fraction B2 at 0.5 g/kg could provide 51.5% inhibition on the vascular permeability change induced by intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid, but it could not inhibit croton oil-induced ear edema. On the other hand, fraction B2 exhibited moderate hepato-protective effect. Intragastric application of fraction B2 at 1.25, 2.5 or 5 g/kg 6 h after carbon tetrachloride administration could reduce the elevations of serum levels of aminotransferases (AST and ALT). Also, liver integrity was preserved, as liver sections from rats post-treated with fraction B2 showed a milder degree of fatty accumulation and necrosis. These results offer partial support to the traditional uses of the leaves of L. robustum as Ku-Ding-Cha.

Acetic Acid↗

Anti-inflammatory and immunological effects of Centaurea cyanus flower-heads.

Centaurea cyanus flower-heads are used in European phytotherapy for the treatment of minor ocular inflammations. Different pharmacological experiments (inhibition of carrageenan, zymosan and croton oil-induced oedemas, inhibition of plasma haemolytic activity, induction of anaphylatoxin activity) showed that polysaccharides extracted from C. cyanus flower-heads had anti-inflammatory properties and interfered with complement. Moreover, these polysaccharides were found to be mainly composed of galacturonic acid, arabinose, glucose, rhamnose and galactose.

Anaphylatoxins↗

Anti-inflammatory effects of fangchinoline and tetrandrine.

Fangchinoline and tetrandrine are the major alkaloids from Stephania tetrandrae S. Moore which has been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in oriental countries including Korea. Both fangchinoline and tetrandrine showed anti-inflammatory effects on mouse ear edema induced by croton oil. In addition, the effects of fangchinoline and tetrandrine on cyclooxygenase, murine interleukin-5 (mIL-5) and human interleukin-6 (hIL-6) were examined in vitro to investigate the anti-inflammatory action mechanisms. One hundred micromolar of fangchinoline showed 35% of inhibition on cyclooxygenase, but the same concentration of tetrandrine did not show any inhibition. On the other hand, 12.5 microM of tetrandrine exhibited 95% of inhibition on mIL-5 activity, while fangchinoline did not show any effects. However, 4 microM of fangchinoline and 6 microM of tetrandrine showed 63 and 86% of inhibitions on hIL-6 activity, respectively. These results suggest that biochemical mechanisms of fangchinoline and tetrandrine on anti-inflammation are significantly different even though they are similar in chemical structure.

Alkaloids↗

Epstein-Barr virus early antigen induction in nasopharyngeal hybrid cells by Chinese medicinal herbs.

The effects of Chinese medicinal herbal drugs (CMH; Daphne genkwa, Wikstroemia indica, Croton oil) were studied for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) early antigen (EA) induction in established nasopharyngeal hybrid cells. Both ether and water extracts of CMH were found to have inducing activity. However water extracts of the same herbs were not as strong as that of other extracts. The EA positive-cell rate was from 18.2 to 42.2% in ether extracts and 1.0 to 3.8% in water extracts at 10 microgram/ml of the concentration. N-Butyrate alone showed a 40.2% positive rate and in the both treatment of water extracts, a combination effects was seen in induction of the EBV-EA. This in vitro system for the induction of EBV-EA was thought to be useful to determine what is the causal factors for activation of EBV in vivo.

Animals↗

The antiinflammatory activity of Icacina trichantha tuber.

Five fractions (hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate, methanol and water) of Icacina trichantha tuber were obtained by gradient solvent extraction and tested for their ability to inhibit the Croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. The most active fraction was the chloroform one which significantly inhibited ear edema in a dose-dependent manner, showing an ID50 (dose giving 50% edema inhibition) of 107 micrograms/cm2. The ID50 of the reference drug indomethacin was 93 micrograms/cm2. The chloroform fraction significantly reduced also the carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats, after oral adiminstration: 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg of the fraction reduced the global edematous response by 15, 20 or 34%, whereas 10 mg/kg of indomethacin induced 40% inhibition.

Animals↗

New vegetation indices for remote measurement of chlorophylls based on leaf directional reflectance spectra.

Directional reflectance (R) spectra from 380 to 780 nm for nadir illuminated leaves of four different plants (croton, Codiaeum variegatum; spotted eleagnus, Eleagnus pungens Maculata; Japanese pittosporum, Pittosporum tobira and Benjamin fig, Ficus benjamina Starlight) were acquired at a viewing angle of 30 degrees from the nadir direction. Chlorophyll-a and -b content of leaves covered a range of 1-60 and 0.5-21 microg/cm(2), respectively. In contrast with previous results from hemispherical reflectance measurements, directional reflectance data does not correlate well with chlorophyll concentration. This is mainly due to the external reflectance (R(E)) at the leaf epidermis, caused by the mismatch of the refractive index at the air-epidermis and epidermis-inner layer boundary. The external reflectance can be identified with the blue flat reflectance between 380 and 480 nm. The inner reflectance (R(I)), obtained by subtracting the external reflectance from the measured spectra, was found to be linearly related to the logarithm of the chlorophyll content. Good fitting of the log (Chl) versus R(I)(lambda) curves were obtained for R(I) in the green band (around 550 nm) and close to the inflection point in the red edge (around 700 nm). The coefficient of determination, r(2), of curve fitting improved (up to 0.97) when the normalised inner reflectance NR(I)(lambda)=R(I)(lambda)/R(I)(lambda(0)), with lambda(0)>or=750 nm, was used instead of the absolute reflectance. The best indices for Chl, Chl-a and Chl-b determination were R(I)(542)/R(I)(750), R(I)(706)/R(I)(750) and R(I)(556)/R(I)(750), respectively. However, since the content of Chl-a relative to Chl-b was almost constant for the plants investigated, the two last indices must be further validated on leaves with a high variability in the Chl-a:Chl-b ratio. The error in the determination of chlorophyll content was found to be of the order of 10%. This value was lower than those obtained by applying the vegetation indices previously suggested. Therefore, the normalised inner reflectance in the green and in the red edge represents a more suitable index for the chlorophyll determination than those up to now used.

Chlorophyll↗

Insect antifeedants from tropical plants II: structure of zumsin.

A novel A-seco limonoid was isolated from methanolic extract of Croton jatrophoides and designated as zumsin. This compound showed potent antifeedant activity against two lepidopteran larvae, pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (PC(50) = 1 microg/cm(2), PC(95) = 8 microg/cm(2)), and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (PC(50) = 2 microg/cm(2), PC(95) = 16 microg/cm(2)). The structure of zumsin was determined as 1 using a variety of spectroscopic methods including nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and circular dichroism. The structure consists of an A'-B trans-fused ring while dumsin (2), a constituent of the same source, maintains an A'-B cis-fused ring, and suggests two unique biosynthetic processes after A ring oxidative expansion.

Animals↗

Insect antifeedants from tropical plants: structures of dumnin and dumsenin.

Two novel A-seco limonoids, dumnin and dumsenin, were isolated from the methanolic extract of Croton jatrophoides by bioassay-guided fractionation, and the structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism, and mass spectrometry experiments. These compounds showed potent antifeedant activity (PC(50) <or= 2.0 microg/mL) against the larvae of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella, and/or fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, providing results comparable to dumsin and zumsin, previously isolated from the same plant.

Animals↗

New steroidal antiinflammatory antedrugs: steroidal [16 alpha,17 alpha-d]-3'-carbethoxyisoxazolines.

Novel steroidal antiinflammatory antedrugs, 11 beta,20-dihydroxy-3,20-dioxo-3'-(ethoxycarbonyl)-isoxazolino[16,17 - d]pregna-1,4-diene (2a) and 9-fluoro-11 beta,20-dihydroxy-3,20-dioxo-3'-ethoxy- carbonylisoxazolino[16,17-d]pregna-1,4-diene (2b) were prepared in 97% yield via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of carbethoxyformonitrile (CEFNO) to 11 beta,21-dihydroxy-3,20-dioxopregna-1,4,-16-triene (1a) and 11 beta,21-dihydroxy-3,20-dioxo-9-fluoropregna-1,4,16-triene (1b), respectively, which were prepared via five steps from prednisolone and 9-fluoroprednisolone, respectively. The treatment of steroids 2a and 2b with acetic anhydride in pyridine led to the corresponding 21-acetates 3a and 3b, respectively, in 95% yield. Dose-response profiles of the croton oil-induced ear edema bioassay in rats were used to calculate the following ID50 values (nmol/ear resulting in a 50% reduction of edema): prednisolone (P), 540 nmol; 2b, 135 nmol; and 3b, 101 nmol. Inhibition of edema did not exceed 50% following application of either 2a or 3a. Relative potency calculations indicated that 2b was 4-fold and 3b 5.3-fold more potent than the parent compound P when applied topically. No significant adverse systemic effects were seen following treatments with 3b. These results suggest that C-9-fluorination, side-chain hydroxy group esterification, and [16 alpha,17 alpha-d]-3'-carbethoxyisoxazoline additions to the conventional steroid P improve topical antiinflammatory activity without concomitant increases in adverse systemic activity.

Animals↗