Search results for "Ziziphus"
showing 7 items of 7 documents
Evaluating ancient Egyptian prescriptions today: Anti-inflammatory activity of Ziziphus spina-christi.
2015
Abstract Background Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. (Christ's Thorn Jujube) is a wild tree today found in Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and some parts of Africa, which was already in use as a medicinal plant in Ancient Egypt. In ancient Egyptian prescriptions, it was used in remedies against swellings, pain, and heat, and thus should have anti-inflammatory effects. Nowadays, Z. spina-christi, is used in Egypt (by Bedouins, and Nubians), the Arabian Peninsula, Jordan, Iraq, and Morocco against a wide range of illnesses, most of them associated with inflammation. Pharmacological research undertaken to date suggests that it possesses anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypotensive and anti-microbial e…
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of flavonoid and saponin fractions from Zizyphus lotus (L.) Lam.
2008
Abstract The effect of the flavonoid and saponin fractions from the leaves and root bark of Zizyphus lotus (200 mg/kg) was evaluated on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and on acetic acid-induced algesia in mice. In addition, two methanolic extracts from the plant (1 mg/ear) were tested on oxazolone-induced contact-delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) in mice. The effect of the different fractions was also evaluated in vitro on the nitrite production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results showed that both the flavonoid and saponin fractions significantly inhibited paw edema, algesia, and nitrite production without affecting cell viability. Furthermore, the …
Effects of Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) polyphenols on Jurkat cell signaling and proliferation.
2013
We assessed the effects of Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) polyphenols (ZLP) on T-cell signaling and proliferation. Our results showed that ZLP exerted no effect on the increases in intracellular free calcium concentrations, [Ca(2+)]i, in human Jurkat T-cells. However, ZLP modulated the thapsigargin-induced increases in [Ca(2+)]i in these cells. ZLP treatment was found to decrease the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). In addition, ZLP induced a rapid (t1/2=33s) and dose-dependent decrease in intracellular pH (pHi) in human Jurkat T-cells. Furthermore, ZLP significantly curtailed T-cell proliferation by diminishing their progression from S to G2/M phase of cell…
Zizyphin modulates calcium signalling in human taste bud cells and fat taste perception in the mouse.
2017
Zizyphin, isolated from Zizyphus sps. leaf extracts, has been shown to modulate sugar taste perception, and the palatability of a sweet solution is increased by the addition of fatty acids. We, therefore, studied whether zizyphin also modulates fat taste perception. Zizyphin was purified from edible fruit of Zizyphus lotus L. Zizyphin induced increases in [Ca2+]i in human taste bud cells (hTBC). Zizyphin shared the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pool and also recruited, in part, Ca2+ from extracellular environment via the opening of store-operated Ca2+ (SOC) channels. Zizyphin exerted additive actions on linoleic acid-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in these cells, indicating that zizyphin does no…
Reciprocal regulation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase and NADPH oxidase by betulinic acid in human endothelial cells.
2007
Nitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is a protective principle in the vasculature. Many cardiovascular diseases are associated with reduced NO bioactivity and eNOS uncoupling due to oxidative stress. Compounds that reverse eNOS uncoupling and increase eNOS expression are of therapeutic interest. Zizyphi Spinosi semen (ZSS) is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese herbs with protective effects on the cardiovascular system. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and HUVEC-derived EA.hy 926 cells, an extract of ZSS increased eNOS promoter activity, eNOS mRNA and protein expression, and NO production in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Maj…
Bacterial growth and biological properties of Cymbopogon schoenanthus and Ziziphus lotus are modulated by extraction conditions
2020
Abstract The present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity and biological properties of two traditional Saharian plants (Cymbopogon schoenanthus and Ziziphus lotus). The plant extracts were obtained by using a different combination of extraction methods (conventional vs. ultrasound-assisted) and solvents (water vs. ethanol:water (50:50, v/v)). The antioxidant profile, anti-inflammatory activity and impact on bacterial growth (foodborne and probiotic bacteria) of the obtained extracts were assessed. The plant species showed the hierarchically more important role in determining the biological properties of the extracts, followed by extraction solvent and extraction conditions. Con…
Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) modulates antioxidant activity and human T-cell proliferation
2009
Abstract Background Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) also known as Jujube, is a deciduous shrub which belongs to Rhamnaceae family. This plant is used in Algerian traditional medicine for its anti-diabetic, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic activities. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of different vitamins (vitamin A, C and E) and fatty acids in root, stem, leaves, fruit pulp and seed of Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) and assessed the effects of their aqueous extracts on antioxidant status and human T-cell proliferation. Methods Aqueous filtrates from different parts, i.e, root, leaf, stem, fruit pulp and seed, of Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) were prepared. Vit…