Ampai Panthong

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTIPYRETIC AND ANTINOCICEPTIVE ACTIVITIES OF TABERNAEMONTANA PANDACAQUI POIR

Studies on carrageenin-induced rat paw edema, yeast-induced hyperthermia in rat and writhing response induced by acetic acid in mice showed that the alcoholic extract of stems of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui (T. pandacaqui) has significant anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antinociceptive activities. These activities are due to alkaloidal components since they were also observed when the crude alkaloidal (CA) fraction separated from alcoholic extract was tested in the same models.

The analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of Diospyros variegata Kruz

Pharmacological studies were conducted with the hexane extract of the dry stem of Diospyros variegata Kruz. (Ebenaceae) on experimental animals for evaluating the analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. In the analgesic test, the hexane extract elicited inhibitory intensity on acetic acid-induced writhing response and on the late phase of formalin test but possessed only a weak effect on the tail-flick response and on the early phase of formalin test. The hexane extract also elicited antipyretic action when tested in yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats. In addition, the hexane extract showed an anti-inflammatory effect when tested in ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)- and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced rat ear edema.

Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of Clerodendrum petasites S. moore

The methanol extract from Clerodendrum petasites S. Moore (CP extract) was assessed for anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities on the experimental animal models. It was found that CP extract possessed moderate inhibitory activity on acute phase of inflammation in a dose-related manner as seen in ethyl phenylpropiolate-induced ear edema (ED(50)=2.34 mg/ear) as well as carrageenin-induced hind paw edema (ED(30)=420.41 mg/kg) in rats. However, CP extract did not elicit any inhibitory effect on arachidonic acid-induced hind paw edema in rats. In subchronic inflammatory model, CP extract provoked a significant reduction of transudation but had no effect on proliferative phase when tested in cotton pellet-induced granuloma model. CP extract also reduced the alkaline phosphatase activity in serum of rats in this animal model. Moreover, CP extract possessed an excellent antipyretic effect when tested in yeast-induced hyperthermic rats. It is postulated that the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of CP extract are caused by the inhibition of the prostaglandin synthesis. Anyhow, CP extract did not possess any analgesic activity in acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice. The results obtained show that C. petasites has beneficial properties since it possesses potent antipyretic and moderate anti-inflammatory activities without ulcerogenic effect.

The anti-inflammatory effects and the inhibition of neutrophil responsiveness by Barleria lupulina and Clinacanthus nutans extracts

AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of Barleria lupulina Lindl and Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau extracts using two neutrophil-dependent acute inflammatory models and, in order to elucidate underlying cellular mechanisms, the effects of the extracts on human neutrophil responsiveness was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The in vivo inflammatory models examined were carrageenan-induced paw oedema and ethyl phenylpropiolate-induced ear oedema in rats. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was assayed as an indicator of neutrophil migration. Human neutrophil functional responsiveness was determined by measuring fMLP-induced chemotaxis, superoxide anion generation (SAG), and release of MPO and elastase. Apoptosis was assessed morphologically and flow-cytometrically. Neutrophil viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion and MTT cytotoxicity assays. RESULTS Both extracts induced powerful dose-dependent inhibitory effects in both edema models in rats. Importantly, there was a significant inhibition of MPO activity in the inflamed tissue indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts is associated with reduced neutrophil migration. Although both extracts did not affect neutrophil viability or apoptosis, treatment of neutrophils with the extracts concentration-dependently inhibited fMLP-induced chemotaxis, SAG, and MPO and elastase release. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of Barleria lupulina Lindl and Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau extracts are mediated, in part, by inhibition of neutrophil responsiveness.Barleria lupulina Lindl, Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.)Lindau; Oedema formation; Neutrophil responsiveness.

Acute and subacute toxicities of the saponin mixture isolated from Schefflera leucantha Viguier

Acute toxicity of the bronchodilator saponin mixture isolated from Schefflera leucantha Viguier leaves was investigated in comparison with the methanol and the water extract of this plant. Oral doses of 5000 mg/kg of the methanol extract, the water extract and the saponin mixture did not produce mortality or significant changes in the general behavior and gross appearance of internal organs of rats. Subacute toxicity of the saponin mixture was evaluated with the dose of 1000 mg/kg, orally for 14 days. An extra group (satellite group) was given saponin mixture and kept for a further 14 days after treatment. All animals did not show signs of toxicity during the experimental period. Liver weights of the saponin-treated and the satellite male groups were higher whereas testis weight were lower than those of the control group which received distilled water. However, the histological examination of various organs revealed that there were no differences between the control and the treated rats. BUN, Cr, AST, ALT and ALP levels increased in saponin-receiving rats. It is possible that the saponin mixture directly impacts on the liver and the kidney functions.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of virgin coconut oil

This study investigated some pharmacological properties of virgin coconut oil (VCO), the natural pure oil from coconut [Cocos nucifera Linn (Palmae)] milk, which was prepared without using chemical or high-heat treatment. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of VCO were assessed. In acute inflammatory models, VCO showed moderate anti-inflammatory effects on ethyl phenylpropiolate-induced ear edema in rats, and carrageenin- and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema. VCO exhibited an inhibitory effect on chronic inflammation by reducing the transudative weight, granuloma formation, and serum alkaline phosphatase activity. VCO also showed a moderate analgesic effect on the acetic acid-induced writhing response as well as an antipyretic effect in yeast-induced hyperthermia. The results obtained suggest anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties of VCO.

Ethnobotanical review of medicinal plants from Thai traditional books, Part I: Plants with anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic and antihypertensive properties.

A survey of medicinal plants used in Thailand has been made from Thai books on traditional herbal medicine. In this part of the survey, plants with anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic and antihypertensive properties including plant part used and methods of preparation and administration are described.

Isolation of a bronchodilator flavonoid from the Thai medicinal plant Clerodendrum petasites

The ethanolic extract of Clerodendrum petasites was tested to evaluate the spasmolytic activity on isolated guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle. The crude extract (2.25-9.0 mg/ml) dose-dependently caused relaxation of tracheal smooth muscle which was contracted by exposure to histamine. A bioassay-guided fractionation of the crude extract was performed by means of partitioning and centrifugal partition chromatography. Finally the active principle was isolated and identified as the flavonoid hispidulin (EC(50): (3.0+/-0.8)x10(-5) M). These results suggest that hispidulin may be beneficial in the treatment of asthma.

Neuropharmacological activities of the crude alkaloidal fraction from stems of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Poir.

The crude alkaloidal (CA) fraction from the stem of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Poir. was studied for its pharmacological activity on the central nervous system (CNS) of animals. The CA fraction was found to produce symptoms of CNS depression in conscious rats and mice, viz. reduction in spontaneous motility, potentiation of pentobarbital sleeping time, prolongation of latency of convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole and antinociception. However, the fraction could not antagonize oxotremorine-induced tremor. The observations suggest that the CA fraction possesses a CNS depressant activity.

Hippocratic screening of ethanolic extracts from two Tabernaemontana species

Ethanolic extracts of roots, stems, leaves and flowers of Tabernaemontana divaricata and T. pandacaqui were studied by an observational (hippocratic) screening method in rats. Extracts of all plant parts caused sedation, decreased respiration and decreased skeletal muscle tone. Except for the leaf extract of T. pandacaqui, the extracts caused vasodilatation of ear vasculature. Analgesic activity was found for all extracts of both Tabernaemontana species, except for the flower extract of T. divaricata. Lethal doses of the extracts caused the animals to die from respiratory paralysis. Intensity of pharmacological activities was greater with the root and stem extracts. The extracts of T. pandacaqui were more potent than those of T. divaricata.