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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Spasmolytic activity of essential oil and various extracts of Ferula gummosa Boiss. on ileum contractions.

Traditional herbal medicines such as Ferula gummosa Boiss. have been used for treatment of intestinal disorders in Iran. To date no pharmacological evidence for their effectiveness has been reported. The aim of this study was to examine the relaxant effect of essential oil, hydro-alcoholic, etheric, petrolic and methanolic extracts of Ferula gummosa and two of its components, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, on isolated rat ileum contractions induced by KCl and acetylcholine (ACh). Ferula gummosa essential oil (FGEO) and hydro-alcoholic, etheric, petrolic and methanolic extracts all inhibited the response to 80 mM KCl in a concentration-dependent manner and attenuated the maximum attainable response of the ACh concentration-response curve. Although the effect of etheric extract on ACh contractions was less than that of petrolic extract, the overall order of effectiveness on the weight basis was the etheric, petrolic, methanolic, and hydro-alcoholic extracts, and the essential oil, respectively. A mixture of etheric and petrolic extracts together had a similar effect on KCl response to etheric extract was used alone. Alpha-pinene and beta-pinene both exhibited inhibitory effect on the contraction of rat ileum, but the inhibitory effect of beta-pinene on KCl contraction was more pronounced. The inhibitory effect of a mixture of these two compounds was, however, less than the sum of their separate effects. When a mixture of alpha-pinene and beta-pinene together were examined on the ileum, without presence of the spasmogen, they initially caused contraction of the tissue, while neither of them used alone caused a noticeable contraction of the ileum. This study shows that Ferula gummosa essential oil and its various extracts are relaxant of rat isolated ileum and that at least part of their inhibitory effect is due to alpha-pinene and beta-pinene components. As the inhibition of contractile over-activity of the ileum is the basis of the treatment of some gastero-intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, Ferula gummosa may have clinical benefits for treatment of this condition.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2001

Ferula harmonis 'zallouh' and enhancing erectile function in rats: efficacy and toxicity study.

Ferula harmonis, which is locally called 'zallouh' in the Middle East, is used as an aphrodisiac as it is reputed to enhance male sexual behavior, however, there is no scientific verification. In this study, the oil extracted from the seeds of Ferula harmonis was tested for its efficacy in enhancing erectile function and toxicity in male rats. The sexual activities assessed by penile erection index were dose dependent. The ED(50) (12.03 mg/kg) was 880 times less than the LD(50) (10.6 g/kg). However, when doses ranging from 0.05, 0.5 to 2 g/kg were given daily for 28 days, acute and subacute toxicity were observed. There was a decrease in total body weight, hepatomegaly, atrophic testis, significant decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cell count. In addition, there was a significant decrease in cholesterol level. All the above indicate that the crude oil from the plant Ferula harmonis can enhance erectile function, however, it becomes toxic if it is used for a long period of time. Further studies are underway to isolate and identify the active ingredients and their exact mechanisms of action.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Anticoagulant activity of coumarins from Ferula communis L].

Ferula communis is an ombelliferous plant of the Mediterranean regions. It is represented in Morocco by two varieties: brevifolia and genuina. The later is very rich in a soap or resinous gum. This product, collected from the roots, is largely used in traditional medicine. It is know as fessoukh in Morocco and other Arab countries. This plant is also well known for its toxicity and its anticoagulant activity. In the present review, are discussed: (1) the ethnobotany of the plant, especially medicinal uses of fessoukh in traditional medicine as well as alimentary use of young stems as legumes; (2) clinical and biochemical data of intoxication by this plant, which are dominated by haemorrhage as a consequence of blood coagulation disturbance; (3) 4-hydroxycoumarins isolated from Ferula communis L. and their anticoagulant activity; (4) the role of vitamin K1 in the treatment of poisoning by this plant.

4-Hydroxycoumarins↗
PubMed1988

Experimental studies on the toxicity of Ferula communis in the rat.

The study of two chemically characterized varieties of Ferula communis showed that only plants containing prenylated coumarins are toxic. The contrasting data on the toxicity of Ferula communis most probably raised from the use of chemically uncharacterized specimens. Among the constituents of the toxic variety, both ferulenol, a 4-hydroxycoumarin derivative, and ferprenin, a pyrane (3,2-c) coumarin derivative, affected blood clotting. No hepatotoxicity was elicited by these two compounds.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Genetic diversity and population structure of the Italian fungi belonging to the taxa Pleurotus eryngii (DC.:Fr.) Quèl and P. ferulae (DC.:Fr.) Quèl.

A study using allozymes and PCR fingerprinting was conducted to estimate the genetic diversity of Italian populations of two economically important cultivated fungal taxa, Pleurotus eryngii and P. ferulae. Very little is known about the genetic diversity distribution pattern of these taxa. Heterozygote deficiency was observed at few loci; in fact the inbreeding coefficients were not high, which demonstrates that mechanisms restrain the inbreeding act at the local level. Estimates of genetic differentiation indicated a pattern of greater variation within, rather than between, populations. These results were supported by AMOVA analysis, which attributed a low proportion of the total genetic variation to large geographical scale divergence, and indicated that most of the genetic diversity was because of differences within populations. This distribution pattern of genetic variation of P. eryngii and P. ferulae populations seems to be the result of high gene flow, by efficient basidiospore dispersal, and outcrossing mechanisms, which restrain inbreeding within populations.

DNA Fingerprinting↗
PubMed1991

Postcoital contraceptive action in rats of a hexane extract of the aerial parts of Ferula jaeschkeana.

The hexane extract of Ferula jaeschkeana aerial parts was studied at an oral dose of 25 mg/kg per day for its postcoital effects in pregnant rats. Ovaries of treated rats remained in a cyclic state rather than undergoing pregnancy as demonstrated by constant ovulation accompanied by newly formed corpora lutea. Follicles were present in different stages of development. Uterine histoarchitecture of treated rats appeared non-receptive for implantation. No decidcoma were observed on day 5 of pregnancy and the luminal epithelium remained unresponsive. Uterus was non-oedematous and lumen was considerably wider. Administration of the extract caused increases in the protein and glycogen content of ovary and uterus, while the activity of acid phosphatase remained essentially unchanged and the activity of alkaline phosphatase was increased. The volume of uterine fluid in the treated rats was increased considerably on day 5 post coitum. It appears that the histological and biochemical modifications in the ovary and uterus of treated pregnant rats do not support the preparation of uterus for implantation.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2001

Monoterpene coumarins from Ferula ferulago.

Two monoterpene coumarins, designated ferulagol A and B, as well as three known monoterpene coumarins and three sesquiterpene lactones were isolated from the chloroform extract of the roots of Ferula ferulago. The structures of ferulagol A and B were determined to be 7-[(E)-3'-hydroxy-3',7'-dimethyl-4',6'-octadienyloxy]coumarin and 7-[(3'Z,5'E)-7'-hydroxy-3',7'-dimethyl-3',5'-octadienyloxy]coumarin, respectively.

Coumarins↗
PubMed2001

Sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of Ferula kuhistanica and antibacterial activity of the constituents of F. kuhistanica.

Ethyl acetate extracts of the air-dried fruits of Ferula kuhistanica afforded three daucane esters: kuhistanicaol H, I and J, together with nine other known compounds. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Isolated compounds in this paper and previously reported compounds from the roots and stems of F. kuhistanica were tested for antibacterial activity. Some of them were selectively toxic against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA).

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2001

Sesquiterpene coumarins from the roots of Ferula assa-foetida.

From the chloroform extract of the roots of Ferula assa-foetida, two sesquiterpene coumarins designated assafoetidnol A and assafoetidnol B were isolated, in addition to six known compounds, gummosin, polyanthin, badrakemin, neveskone, samarcandin and galbanic acid. The structures of the sesquiterpenes new compounds were established by spectroscopic methods.

Coumarins↗
PubMed2003

Sulfur containing derivatives from Ferula persica var. latisecta.

Two new sulfur containing derivatives, t-butyl 3-[(1-methylpropyl)dithio]-2-propenyl malonate (1), t-butyl 3-[(1-methylthiopropyl)thio]-2-propenyl malonate (2) were isolated from the roots of Ferula persica Willd. var. latisecta D. F. Chamberlain. Their structures were elucidated by spectral methods.

Ferula↗
PubMed2002

Reproductive toxicity and infertility effect of Ferula hornonis extracts in mice.

The anti-fertility, anti-implantation, and ovarian histological alterations of the ethanolic extract of Ferula hormonis have been investigated in female mice. The intragastric application of 3 mg/kg per day of such extract for 6 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in female mice fertility. Furthermore, it caused a decrease in the number of mated females, the total number of implantations, and the number of viable fetuses. These changes were also associated with ovarian atrophy and a concomitant increase in the connective tissue. The ova showed degeneration while most of the ovarian follicles suffered follicular atresia.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

A comparative study of Ferula hermonis root extracts and sildenafil on copulatory behaviour of male rats.

The effect of 600 mg/kg given by oral route to rats of Ferula hermonis roots extracts (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and water) was evaluated on sexual behaviour of male rats. Petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts produced a significant decrease in both the mount rate (MR) and the intromission rate (IR), significant prolongation of intromission latency (IL) was observed when these extracts were compared with both controls and sildenafil. Methanolic extract produced a significant increase in MR while no effect has been observed on IR or IL in comparison with control. The effect of water extract was not significantly different from controls for the MR and IR, but there was a significant prolongation in the IL.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

Effects of Ferula gummosa Boiss. fractions on morphine dependence in mice.

Activity-guided fractionation of methanol-chloroform (1:1) extract of Ferula gummosa was carried out to investigate the isolation of the active component(s) responsible for the alleviation of morphine withdrawal syndrome induced by naloxone. Dependence was induced using subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of morphine daily for three days. On day 4, morphine was injected 0.5 h before the interaperitoneal (i.p.) injections of fractions or diazepam (5 mg/kg, i.p.) as positive control. Naloxone was injected (5 mg/kg, s.c.) 2 h after the final dose of morphine. The number of episodes of jumping during 30 min after the injection of naloxone was considered as the intensity of the withdrawal syndrome. The methanol-chloroform (1:1) extract of the aerial parts of plant was prepared and partitioned between water and chloroform. The active chloroform layer was concentrated and partitioned between methanol-water (9:1) and n-hexane. Activity was observed in the hydroalcoholic layer. This layer was concentrated and partitioned further between methanol-water (3:2) and chloroform. The chloroform layer showed a dose-dependent and significant activity. For all fractions the activity was observed at 470 mg/kg. Further purification on silica gel column chromatography gave a pure compound, which was 10 times as effective as the crude extract. The results of this study indicated that the plant extract contained component(s) that could be useful for the alleviation of morphine withdrawal syndrome.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of the anticonvulsant activity of the seed acetone extract of Ferula gummosa Boiss. against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole and electroconvulsive shock in mice.

Ferula gummosa Boiss. (Apiaceae) which has been used as an antiepileptic remedy in Iranian traditional medicine was evaluated for anticonvulsant activity against experimental seizures. The seed acetone extract of F. gummosa protected mice against tonic convulsions induced by maximal electroshock (the median effective dose [ED(50)]=198.3 mg/kg) and especially by pentylenetetrazole (ED(50)=55 mg/kg). Neurotoxicity (sedation and motor impairment) of the extract was assessed by the rotarod test and the median toxic dose (TD(50)) value of 375.8 mg/kg was obtained. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of terpenoids and alkaloids in the extract. The acceptable acute toxicity of the extract recommends further studies to determine the mechanism(s) and compound(s) involved in the anticonvulsant activity.

Acetone↗
PubMed2001

Oxygenated sesquiterpenoids from a nonpoisonous sardinian chemotype of giant fennel (Ferula communis).

The roots of the nonpoisonous chemotype of giant fennel (Ferula communis) from Sardinia afforded a novel cadinanetriol (1), whose structure was established by spectroscopic data and confirmed by synthesis from the E,E-Delta (1(10),5) germacradiene allohedycariol. A number of known compounds were also identified. Despite the lack of morphological differences, a broad chemical diversity exists within giant fennel, underlying the contrasting data on its poisonous properties.

Ferula↗
PubMed2001

Daucane sesquiterpenes from Ferula hermonis.

The roots of Ferula hermonis Boiss yielded two new daucane esters, 14-(4'-hydroxybenzoyloxy)dauc-4,8-diene (1) and 14-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxybenzoyloxy)dauc-4,8-diene (2), together with the four known sesquiterpenes jaeschkeanadiol p-hydroxybenzoate (3), jaeschkeanadiol benzoate (4), jaeschkeanadiol (5), and epoxyjaeschkeanadiol (6). The identities of the isolated compounds were ascertained primarily using NMR and MS data. Compounds 1 and 3 exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with IC(50) 1.5 and 3.5 microg/mL, respectively, and against Methicillin-resistant S. aureus with IC(50) 2.0 and 4.0 microg/mL, respectively.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed2002

Polysulfide derivatives from Ferula foetida.

The ethyl acetate-soluble fraction from a methanol extract of Ferula foetida has afforded six new sulfide derivatives, (E)-3-methylsulfinyl-2-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (foetisulfide A) (1), (Z)-3-methylsulfinyloxy-2-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (foetisulfide B) (2), (E)-3-methylsulfinyloxy-2-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (foetisulfide C) (3), bis(3-methylthio-2E-propenyl) disulfide (foetisulfide D) (4), 3,4,5-trimethyl-2-thiophenecarboxylic acid (foetithiophene A) (5), 3,4,5-trimethyl-2-(methylsulfinyloxymethyl)thiophene (foetithiophene B) (6), along with six known compounds. The structures of 1-6 were established on the basis of spectroscopic studies, with the elucidation of 5 confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗