Ferula
Apiaceae
A large plant family in the order Apiales, also known as Umbelliferae. Most are aromatic herbs with alternate, feather-divided leaves that are sheathed at the base. The flowers often form a conspicuous flat-topped umbel. Each small individual flower is usually bisexual, with five sepals, five petals, and an enlarged disk at the base of the style. The fruits are ridged and are composed of two parts that split open at maturity.
Ferula harmonis 'zallouh' and enhancing erectile function in rats: efficacy and toxicity study. (1/16)
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. (+info)Sesquiterpenoid derivatives from Ferula ferulaeoides [correction of ferulioides]. V. (2/16)
Nine novel prenyl-dihydrofurocoumarin-type sesquiterpenoid derivatives, 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2R*,3R*-dimethyl-2-[4,8-dimethyl-3(E),7-nonadienyl]-furo[3, 2-c]coumarin, 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2S*,3R*-dimethyl-2-[4,8-dimethyl-3(E),7-nonadien-6-onyl]-fu ro[3,2-c]coumarin, 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2S*,3R*-dimethyl-2-[4-methyl-5-(4-methyl-2-furyl)-3(E)-pent enyl]-furo[3,2-c]coumarin, 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2R*,3R*-dimethyl-2-[4-methyl-5- (4-methyl-2-furyl)-3(E)-pentenyl]-furo[3,2-c]coumarin, 2,3-dihydro-7-methoxy-2S*,3R*-dimethyl-2-[4,8-dimethyl-3(E),7-nonadienyl]-furo[3, 2-c]coumarin, 2,3-dihydro-7-methoxy-2R*,3R*-dimethyl-2-[4,8-dimethyl-3(E),7-nonadienyl]-furo[3, 2-c]coumarin, 2,3-dihydro-7-methoxy-2S*,3R*-dimethyl-2-[4,8-dimethyl-3(E),7-nonadien-6-onyl]-fu ro-[3,2-c]coumarin, and 2,3-dihydro-7-methoxy-2S*,3R*-dimethyl-2-[4-methyl-5-(4-methyl-2-furyl)-3(E)-pent enyl]-furo[3,2-c]coumarin, were isolated from the roots of Ferula ferulaeoides [corrected]. The structures were established by comprehensive spectral analysis. The biosynthetic pathway leading to these prenyl-furocoumarin-type sesquiterpenoids is proposed based on their structures. (+info)Effect of Ferula hormonis extract on social aggression, fertility and some physiological parameters in prepubertal male mice. (3/16)
The effects of an aqueous extract of Ferula hormonis on social aggression, fertility and some physiological and biochemical parameters were investigated in male mice. The ingestion of 3 mg/kg of aqueous extract of F. hormonis for six weeks clearly inhibited social aggression. Body wet weight and other sex accessory organ weights were significantly reduced by this treatment. The ingestion of this extract by male mice resulted in a significant reduction of their fertility. This treatment caused a significant decrease in the number of pregnant females, number of implantations and viable fetuses in females impregnated by males that ingested this extract. Additionally, the numbers of epididymal sperm and their motility were dramatically reduced in F. hormonis-treated mice. Concomitant increases in sperm abnormalities were also observed when compared with control. These data indicate that F. hormonis exposure during this period puts the exposed animals at significant risk for reduced reproductive capacity in adulthood. (+info)New sesquiterpenes from Ferula ferulaeoides (Steud.) Korovin. VI. Isolation and identification of three new dihydrofuro[2,3-b]chromones. (4/16)
Three novel 2-prenyl-dihydrofurochromone-type sesquiterpenoid derivatives, 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2S*,3R*-dimethyl-2-[4,8-dimethyl-3(E),7-nonadienyl]-furo[2, 3-b]chromone, 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2S*,3R*-dimethyl-2-[4-methyl-5-(4-methyl-2-furyl)-3(E),7-pe ntenyl]-furo[2,3-b]chromone, and 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2R*,3R*-dimethyl-2-[4-methyl-5-(4-methyl-2-furyl)-3(E),7-pe ntenyl]-furo[2,3-b]chromone, were isolated from the roots of Ferula ferulaeoides. The structures were established by comprehensive spectral analysis. The biosynthetic pathway leading to these 2-prenyl-dihydrofurochromone-type sesquiterpenoids is proposed based on their structures. (+info)Sesquiterpene coumarins from Ferula fukanensis and nitric oxide production inhibitory effects. (5/16)
Four new sesquiterpene coumarin derivatives, fukanemarin B (1), fukanefuromarin E (2), fukanefuromarin F (3) and fukanefuromarin G (5) were isolated from a 80% aqueous methanol extract of the roots of Ferula fukanensis. The structures were elucidated based on spectral evidence, especially heteronuclear multiple-bond connectivity (HMBC) and high-resolution MS. The 80% aqueous methanol extract of the roots of Ferula fukanensis (FFE) and the sesquiterpene coumarin derivatives inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene expression by a murine macrophage-like cell line (RAW 264.7), which was activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and recombinant mouse interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). (+info)Sesquiterpene coumarins from the roots of Ferula sinkiangensis and Ferula teterrima. (6/16)
Three new natural sesquiterpene coumarins, isofeterin (1), lehmannolol (3), sinkianone (4), and one known compound, lehmannolone (2), were isolated from the roots of Ferula teterrima and Ferula sinkiangensis. Their chemical structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including X-ray crystallography and CD spectrum measurements for determining the absolute configuration of compound 2. (+info)A new ester isolated from Ferula assa-foetida L. (7/16)
A new caffeic acid cinnamyl ester (1) was isolated from the n-hexane-soluble fraction of an MeOH extract of the gum resin of Ferula assa-foetida L. The structure was determined to be (2E)-3,4-dimethoxycinnamyl-3-(3,4 diacetoxyphenyl) acrylate on the basis of spectroscopic data including 1D- and 2D-NMR. Compound 1 showed moderate activity for inhibiting LPS-induced nitric oxide production in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells, with an IC50 value of 54.9 microm. (+info)Galbanic acid from Ferula szowitsiana enhanced the antibacterial activity of penicillin G and cephalexin against Staphylococcus aureus. (8/16)
In this study the enhancement effect of Ferula szowitsiana roots' acetone extract on the antibacterial activity of penicillin G and cephalexin was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus. Disk diffusion and broth dilution methods were used to determine the antibacterial activity of these antibiotics in the absence and presence of plant extract and its various fractions separated by TLC plate. The active component of plant extract involved in enhancement of penicillin G's and cephalexin's activities had Rf=0.336 on a TLC plate. The spectral data ((1)H-, (13)C-NMR) of this compound revealed that this compound was 7-[6-(beta-carboxyethyl)-5-isopropylidene-1,2-dimethylcyclo-hexylmethoxy]coumarin (galbanic acid), previously isolated from Ferula assa-foetida. In the presence of sub-inhibitory concentration of galbanic acid (100 microg/ml) the MIC of penicillin G for S. aureus decreased from 64 to 1 (a sixteen four-fold decrease) and for cephalexin from 128 to 1 microg/ml (a one hundred twenty eight-fold decrease). The highest fold decrease in MIC was observed for cephalexin in combination of galbanic acid against test strain. These results signify that the low concentration of galbanic acid (100 microg/ml) potentiates the antimicrobial action of penicillin G and cephalexin suggesting a possible utilization of these compounds in combination therapy against S. aureus. (+info)A ferula, in the context of medical terminology, refers to a type of stick or rod used as a support or splint to maintain the alignment of fractured or broken bones during the healing process.
"Ferula" is a term that has different meanings and uses in various scientific contexts, but it is not commonly used as a medical term. In botany, "Ferula" is the name of a genus of plants that includes the giant fennel, which can grow to be quite large.
However, you may be thinking of the term "ferrule," which is sometimes used in a medical context. A ferrule is a small piece of metal or plastic that is used to reinforce or protect the end of a device or tool. In medicine, ferrules are sometimes used on the ends of walking canes or crutches to provide extra support and prevent wear and tear.
It's possible that there may be other contexts in which the term "ferula" is used in a medical sense, but it is not a widely used or well-known term in this field.
Apiaceae, also known as Umbelliferae, is a family of flowering plants that includes various herbs and vegetables with hollow stems and distinctive umbrella-shaped clusters of small flowers, some of which have medicinal or toxic properties.
Apiaceae is a family of flowering plants also known as Umbelliferae. It includes aromatic herbs and vegetables such as carrots, parsley, celery, fennel, and dill. The plants in this family are characterized by their umbrella-shaped clusters of flowers (umbels) and hollow stems. Some members of Apiaceae contain toxic compounds, so caution should be taken when identifying and consuming wild plants from this family.
Coumarins are a class of naturally occurring or synthetically produced benzopyrone compounds, which have been found to possess various pharmacological activities including anticoagulant, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Coumarins are a class of organic compounds that occur naturally in certain plants, such as sweet clover and tonka beans. They have a characteristic aroma and are often used as fragrances in perfumes and flavorings in food products. In addition to their use in consumer goods, coumarins also have important medical applications.
One of the most well-known coumarins is warfarin, which is a commonly prescribed anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. Warfarin works by inhibiting the activity of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver, which helps to prolong the time it takes for blood to clot.
Other medical uses of coumarins include their use as anti-inflammatory agents and antimicrobial agents. Some coumarins have also been shown to have potential cancer-fighting properties, although more research is needed in this area.
It's important to note that while coumarins have many medical uses, they can also be toxic in high doses. Therefore, it's essential to use them only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.