Search results for "phytotherapy"
showing 10 items of 153 documents
Antiinflammatory activity and effects on isolated smooth muscle of extracts from differentTeucrium species
1995
The present study analyses the antiinflammatory effects and the action on in vitro motility of methanol and dichloromethanol extracts and stems of four Teucrium species (T. flavum, T. cartaginenses, T. buxifolium and T. pumillum). The antiinflammatory activity was tested in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. T. flavum methanol (200 mg/kg, i.p.) and dichloromethanol (138 mg/kg, i.p.) extracts showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect through the 24 h experimental period and reduced the Emax induced by histamine and serotonin in vitro on guinea-pig ileum and rat uterus respectively. These extracts did not modify the contractile effects induced by acetylcholine on rat duodenum and…
Evaluation of the analgesic action of different fractions from the methanol extract of Teucrium buxifolium L
1998
Different fractions (F-2, F-3, F-5) of the methanol extract from Teucrium buxifolium L. have been tested for their analgesic activity in mice. All of them exhibited peripheral analgesic activity except F-3, Fraction F-5 had the strongest effect and was subjected to a second re-extraction. The subfractions obtained (F-5/3 and F-5/8) exhibited a similar activity to that observed with the whole fraction. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the analgesic and CNS actions of different fractions from the methanol extract ofTeucrium flavum L.
1998
Different fractions (F.1, F-3, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8) of the methanol extract from Teucrium flavum L. have been tested for their central nervous system and analgesic activities at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Fractions F-1, F-3 and F-7 showed CNS depressant activity, while fractions F-5, F-6 and F-8 had a slight CNS stimulant action. Fractions F-5, F-6, F-7 and F-8 were responsible for the analgesic activity of the extract.
An Aqueous Extract ofWithania somniferaRoot Inhibits Amyloid β Fibril FormationIn Vitro
2011
The ability of an aqueous extract of W. somnifera L. Dunal (Family: Solanaceae) roots to inhibit fibril formation by the amyloid-β peptide in vitro was investigated. W. somnifera is used extensively in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a nerve tonic with reputed memory enhancing properties. Inhibition of fibrillogenesis measured by transmission electron microscopy and ThT fluorescence assay showed that an aqueous extract of W. somnifera strongly inhibited Aβ fibril formation in a concentration-dependent manner, when compared with control samples. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of W. somnifera root has an ability to inhibit the formation of mature amyloid-β fibrils in vitro, …
Inhibition of human P450 enzymes by natural extracts used in traditional medicine
2008
Different medicinal plants are widely used in Cuba and Mexico to treat several disorders. This paper reports in vitro inhibitory effects on the P450 system of herbal products commonly used by people in Cuba and Mexico in traditional medicine for decades. Experiments were conducted in human liver microsomes. The catalytic activities of CYP1A1/2, 2D6, and 3A4 were measured using specific probe substrates. The Heliopsis longipes extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of the three enzymes, and similar effects were produced by affinin (an alkamide isolated from the H. longipes extract) and two catalytically reduced alkamides. Mangifera indica L. and Thalassia testudinum extracts,…
Modulation of Cox-1, 5-, 12- and 15-Lox by Popular Herbal Remedies Used in Southern Italy Against Psoriasis and Other Skin Diseases
2014
Acanthus mollis (Acanthaceae), Achillea ligustica, Artemisia arborescens and Inula viscosa (Asteraceae) are used in Southern Italy against psoriasis and other skin diseases that occur with an imbalanced production of eicosanoids. We here assessed their in vitro effects upon 5-, 12-, 15-LOX and COX-1 enzymes as well as NFκB activation in intact cells as their possible therapeutic targets. All methanol crude extracts inhibited both 5-LOX and COX-1 activities under 200 µg/mL, without significant effects on the 12-LOX pathway or any relevant in vitro free radical scavenging activity. NFκB activation was prevented by all extracts but A. mollis. Interestingly, A. ligustica, A. arborescens and A. …
Toxicities by herbal medicines with emphasis to traditional Chinese medicine.
2011
It is estimated that three quarters of the world population rely on herbal and traditional medicine as a basis for primary health care. Therefore, it is one of the most important and challenging tasks for scientists working in drug research to investigate the efficacy of herbal medicine, to dissect favorable from adverse effects, to identify active principles in medicinal plants and to ban poisonous plants or contaminations from herbal mixtures. In the present review, some problems are critically discussed. Botanical misidentification or mislabeling of plant material can play a role for toxic reactions in humans. Some plant descriptions in traditional herbal medicine (e.g. traditional Chine…
Traditional use of medicinal agents: a valid source of evidence
2013
Traditional knowledge uncovered by serious historical research may help to identify new therapeutic agents. It also plays a part in safety evaluation and drug regulation. So far, however, this way of gaining knowledge is very much neglected in the concept of evidence based medicine, which is in no way contradictory to traditional use. Thus, the true meaning of the word 'tradition' is described, while reliable historical sources are quoted. It is then shown how research into the traditional use of medicinal plants is able to reveal knowledge about efficacy and safety of natural products. Several examples successfully leading to new therapeutic options are given. It is then referred to the co…
Cardiovascular effects of the methanol and dichloromethanol extracts fromMentha suaveolensEhrh.
2001
Methanol and dichloromethanol extracts of the leaves and stems of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. have been tested for their effects on resting arterial blood pressure, heart rate and noradrenaline induced hypertension. Both extracts administered by i.v. bolus to urethane anaesthetized normotensive rats reduced the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate, while only the dichloromethanol extract prevented the noradrenaline induced hypertension.
Protective effect of apocynin in a mouse model of chemically-induced colitis.
2013
Apocynin, a constituent of Picrorhiza kurroa, successfully inhibits NADPH oxidase and shows promise as an anti-inflammatory drug. Now, we report anti-inflammatory effects of apocynin in an experimental colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium as well as the effects on the mediators involved in this process. Apocynin reduced the colitis induced in mice by administration of 5 % dextran sulfate sodium during 7 days. Mice were fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with 2 % of apocynin or 2 % of rutin. Sulfasalazine (50 mg/kg, p. o.) was used as a positive control. Treatment with apocynin and rutin ameliorated the course of colonic inflammation with results similar to those of the ref…