Berberine Alkaloids
Papaveraceae
p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene
Homeopathy
Effect of a homeopathic drug, Chelidonium, in amelioration of p-DAB induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. (1/15)
BACKGROUND: Crude extracts of Chelidonium majus, and also purified compounds derived from crude extracts of this plant, have been reported to exhibit anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-microbial properties both in vitro and in vivo. Chelidonium is a homeopathic drug routinely used against various liver disorders including cancer in humans. Two potencies of Chelidonium (Ch-30, Ch-200) have been tested for their possible anti-tumor and enzyme modulating activities in liver and anti-clastogenic effects during p-DAB-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice compared to suitable controls. METHODS: Several cytogenetic and enzymatic protocols were used at three fixation intervals; at 60 days, 90 days and 120 days of treatment. Different sets of healthy mice were fed: i) hepatocarcinogen, p-DAB plus phenobarbital (PB), ii) only PB, iii) neither p-DAB nor PB (normal control). One set of mice fed with p-DAB plus PB was also fed Ch-30 (iv) and another set Ch-200 (v). All standard currently used methods were adopted for cytogenetical preparations and for the enzyme assays. RESULTS: All group (i) mice developed tumors in liver at all fixation intervals, while none of group (ii) and (iii) mice developed any tumors. About 40% mice in group (iv) and group (v) did not show tumor nodules in their liver. Feeding of Chelidonium to group (iv) and (v) mice reduced genotoxic effects to a significant extent (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The homeopathic drug Chelidonium exhibited anti-tumor and anti-genotoxic activities and also favorably modulated activities of some marker enzymes. Microdoses of Chelidonium may be effectively used in combating liver cancer. (+info)Optimization of the separation of some Chelidonium maius L. alkaloids by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography using cyanopropyl bonded stationary phase. (2/15)
The high-performance liquid chromatographic method using two stationary phases: RP-18 and cyanopropyl silica for the analysis of some alkaloids in Chelidonium maius L. extracts is performed. The extract was chromatographed using a mobile phase composed of an organic modifier (acetonitrile, methanol, tetrahydrofuran or 1,4-dioxan), phosphate buffer and sodium octadecylsulfate or di (2-ethyl hexyl) orthophosphoric acid (HDEHP) as ion-pairing reagents. The influence of the different kind of stationary phase and organic modifiers on retention has been compared. In order to improve the selectivity of separation and peak shape, gradient elution was applied. (+info)Ukrain - a new cancer cure? A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. (3/15)
BACKGROUND: Ukrain is an anticancer drug based on the extract of the plant Chelidonium majus L. Numerous pre-clinical and clinical investigations seem to suggest that Ukrain is pharmacologically active and clinically effective. We wanted therefore to critically evaluate the clinical trial data in the form of a systematic review. METHODS: Seven electronic databases were searched for all relevant randomised clinical trials. Data were extracted and validated by both authors, tabulated and summarised narratively. The methodological quality was assessed with the Jadad score. RESULTS: Seven trials met our inclusion criteria. Without exception, their findings suggest that Ukrain has curative effects on a range of cancers. However, the methodological quality of most studies was poor. In addition, the interpretation of several trials was impeded by other problems. CONCLUSION: The data from randomised clinical trials suggest Ukrain to have potential as an anticancer drug. However, numerous caveats prevent a positive conclusion, and independent rigorous studies are urgently needed. (+info)Proapoptotic activity of Ukrain is based on Chelidonium majus L. alkaloids and mediated via a mitochondrial death pathway. (4/15)
BACKGROUND: The anticancer drug Ukrain (NSC-631570) which has been specified by the manufacturer as semisynthetic derivative of the Chelidonium majus L. alkaloid chelidonine and the alkylans thiotepa was reported to exert selective cytotoxic effects on human tumour cell lines in vitro. Few clinical trials suggest beneficial effects in the treatment of human cancer. Aim of the present study was to elucidate the importance of apoptosis induction for the antineoplastic activity of Ukrain, to define the molecular mechanism of its cytotoxic effects and to identify its active constituents by mass spectrometry. METHODS: Apoptosis induction was analysed in a Jurkat T-lymphoma cell model by fluorescence microscopy (chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation), flow cytometry (cellular shrinkage, depolarisation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-activation) and Western blot analysis (caspase-activation). Composition of Ukrain was analysed by mass spectrometry and LC-MS coupling. RESULTS: Ukrain turned out to be a potent inducer of apoptosis. Mechanistic analyses revealed that Ukrain induced depolarisation of the mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspases. Lack of caspase-8, expression of cFLIP-L and resistance to death receptor ligand-induced apoptosis failed to inhibit Ukrain-induced apoptosis while lack of FADD caused a delay but not abrogation of Ukrain-induced apoptosis pointing to a death receptor independent signalling pathway. In contrast, the broad spectrum caspase-inhibitor zVAD-fmk blocked Ukrain-induced cell death. Moreover, over-expression of Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL and expression of dominant negative caspase-9 partially reduced Ukrain-induced apoptosis pointing to Bcl-2 controlled mitochondrial signalling events. However, mass spectrometric analysis of Ukrain failed to detect the suggested trimeric chelidonine thiophosphortriamide or putative dimeric or monomeric chelidonine thiophosphortriamide intermediates from chemical synthesis. Instead, the Chelidonium majus L. alkaloids chelidonine, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, protopine and allocryptopine were identified as major components of Ukrain. Apart from sanguinarine and chelerythrine, chelidonine turned out to be a potent inducer of apoptosis triggering cell death at concentrations of 0.001 mM, while protopine and allocryptopine were less effective. Similar to Ukrain, apoptosis signalling of chelidonine involved Bcl-2 controlled mitochondrial alterations and caspase-activation. CONCLUSION: The potent proapoptotic effects of Ukrain are not due to the suggested "Ukrain-molecule" but to the cytotoxic efficacy of Chelidonium majus L. alkaloids including chelidonine. (+info)8-hydroxydihydrochelerythrine and 8-hydroxydihydrosanguinarine with a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity from Chelidonium majus L. (5/15)
Ethanol extract of the aerial portion of Chelidonium majus L. inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity without a significant inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Using mass spectrometry and NMR studies, three active constituents were isolated and identified: 8-hydroxydihydrochelerythrine (1), 8-hydroxydihydrosanguinarine (2), and berberine (3). Compounds 1-3 showed potent inhibitory activity against AChE, with IC50 (microM) values of 0.61-1.85. Compound 1 exhibited competitive and selective inhibition for AChE. (+info)Nucleases isolated from Chelidonium majus L. milky sap can induce apoptosis in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells but not in Chinese Hamster Ovary CHO cells. (6/15)
(+info)Oidium neolycopersici: intraspecific variability inferred from amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis and relationship with closely related powdery mildew fungi infecting various plant species. (7/15)
(+info)Drug-induced liver injury due to "natural products" used for weight loss: a case report. (8/15)
Taking herbal-extracts to lose weight is an underestimated health hazard. Often, these products contain active agents that can cause acute liver damage. In this case report, a 22-year-old female patient, who presented with a feature of cholestatic syndrome, was so sure that the "natural products" were not dangerous that she did not inform her physicians that she had taken them, making their task that much more challenging. Clinical presentation mimicked acute cholecystitis and the patient underwent a cholecystectomy. Surgery was without any consequences and complications, although it did not completely cure the illness. She later admitted to having taken herbal remedies and this led to the correct diagnosis of phytotherapy-related hepatotoxicity and a successful therapeutic approach. The true incidence of phytotherapy-related hepatotoxicity and its pathogenic mechanisms are largely unknown. It is important to increase the awareness of both clinicians and patients about the potential dangers of herbal remedies. (+info)'Chelidonium' is the medical term for a plant also known as greater celandine or tetterwort. The scientific name for this plant is *Chelidonium majus*. It is a member of the poppy family and has been used in traditional medicine for its alleged healing properties, particularly for treating skin conditions, warts, and digestive issues. However, it's essential to note that the use of Chelidonium as a medical treatment is not supported by robust scientific evidence, and it can have potentially harmful side effects if ingested or applied topically in high concentrations. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments or therapies.
Berberine alkaloids are a type of natural compound found in several plants, including the Berberis species (such as barberry and tree turmeric), goldenseal, Oregon grape, and phellodendron. The most well-known and researched berberine alkaloid is berberine itself, which has a yellow color and is commonly used in traditional medicine for various purposes, such as treating diarrhea, reducing inflammation, and combating bacterial and fungal infections.
Berberine alkaloids have a complex chemical structure that includes a nitrogen atom, making them basic in nature. They are known to interact with several biological targets, including enzymes and receptors, which contributes to their diverse pharmacological activities. Some of the key mechanisms of action of berberine alkaloids include:
1. Inhibition of DNA gyrase: Berberine alkaloids can interfere with bacterial DNA replication by inhibiting the activity of DNA gyrase, an enzyme that helps to unwind and supercoil DNA during replication. This makes them effective against a wide range of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).
2. Interaction with cell membranes: Berberine alkaloids can interact with the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, disrupting their integrity and increasing permeability. This can lead to the death of bacteria, fungi, and cancer cells.
3. Modulation of gene expression: Berberine has been shown to regulate the expression of various genes involved in metabolic processes, inflammation, and cell growth. For example, it can activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key enzyme that regulates energy metabolism, which may contribute to its potential benefits in treating diabetes, obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
4. Inhibition of inflammatory mediators: Berberine alkaloids can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are involved in the development of various inflammatory diseases.
5. Antioxidant activity: Berberine alkaloids have antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). This may contribute to their potential benefits in treating neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.
In summary, berberine alkaloids exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory effects. These properties make them promising candidates for the development of new therapeutic agents to treat various diseases, such as infections, inflammation, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. However, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential side effects before they can be safely and effectively used in clinical settings.
Papaveraceae is a family of flowering plants, also known as the poppy family. It includes annuals, biennials, and perennials with showy flowers and often milky sap. The family contains around 770 species in 42 genera, including some well-known plants such as opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), and Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule). The plants in this family have simple or compound leaves, and their flowers usually have four or six petals. Some members of Papaveraceae are cultivated for their ornamental value, while others produce valuable medicinal compounds such as opium alkaloids.
"p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene" is not a term that has a specific medical definition. However, it is a chemical compound that can have potential medical relevance. Here is its general chemical definition:
"p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene" (also known as "para-dimethylaminoazobenzene" or "DMAB") is an aromatic organic compound, which is a derivative of azobenzene by the introduction of a dimethylamino group in the para position. It is a yellow to orange crystalline powder that is soluble in alcohol and ether but insoluble in water.
In the field of medical research, "p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene" has been used as a model compound for studying chemical carcinogenesis, or the process by which certain chemicals can cause cancer. This compound has been shown to induce liver tumors in experimental animals, and its use in research has contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms involved in chemical carcinogenesis. However, it is not used as a therapeutic agent or diagnostic tool in human medicine.
Aerial parts of plants refer to the above-ground portions of a plant, including leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. These parts are often used in medicine, either in their entirety or as isolated extracts, to take advantage of their medicinal properties. The specific components of aerial parts that are used in medicine can vary depending on the plant species and the desired therapeutic effects. For example, the leaves of some plants may contain active compounds that have anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties, while the flowers of others may be rich in antioxidants or compounds with sedative effects. In general, aerial parts of plants are used in herbal medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, including respiratory, digestive, and nervous system disorders, as well as skin conditions and infections.
Homeopathy is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) system, developed in the late 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann, based on the principle of "like cures like." This concept suggests that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can be used in very dilute quantities to treat similar symptoms in illness. The dilutions are so extreme that no molecules of the original substance remain, leading to significant controversy and skepticism over any potential therapeutic effect. Homeopathic remedies are typically made from plants, minerals, or animals, and are often highly individualized for each patient based on their specific symptoms, mental and emotional state, and overall constitution. Despite its widespread use, homeopathy lacks robust scientific evidence supporting its efficacy beyond placebo effects, and it is not considered a mainstream medical practice in most countries.
Alkaloids are a type of naturally occurring organic compounds that contain mostly basic nitrogen atoms. They are often found in plants, and are known for their complex ring structures and diverse pharmacological activities. Many alkaloids have been used in medicine for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic properties. Examples of alkaloids include morphine, quinine, nicotine, and caffeine.