Gaultheria
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of a fraction rich in gaultherin isolated from Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.) REHDER. (1/5)
The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of a salicylate derivatives fraction (SDF) isolated from Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.) REHDER and the mechanisms of actions were investigated in the present study. The major constituent of SDF, which represented around 50% of this fraction, was a methyl salicylate diglycoside named gaultherin. SDF showed a significant inhibition on the hind paw edema in rats (200, 400 mg/kg body wt., p.o.) and ear swelling in mice (200, 400, 800 mg/kg body wt., p.o.) caused by carrageenin and croton oil, respectively. In addition, SDF (400, 800 mg/kg body wt., p.o.) inhibited only the second phase (inflammatory) in the formalin test, and showed no effect in the hot-plate test in mice. The antinociceptive activity of SDF was predominantly peripheral and independent of the opioid system. These findings demonstrate that SDF from Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.) REHDER possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, which may be mediated, at least partly, through the suppression of inflammatory mediators or their release suggested by the animal experiment. The observed effects of SDF are probably due to the presence of high content of salicylate derivatives (80%), including gaultherin, MSTG-A and MSTG-B. (+info)Simultaneous determination of active ingredients in ethnomedicine Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis and its medicinal preparation by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. (2/5)
A simple and rapid capillary electrophoresis (CE) with electrcochemical detection (ED) method has been established for the simultaneous determination of seven active ingredients in the stems and roots of Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis and its medicinal preparation, including (+)-catechin, rutin, gentisic acid, vallinic acid, salicylic acid, quercetin, and protocatechuic acid. The effects of working potential, pH, and concentration of running buffer, separation voltage, and injection time on CE-ED are systematically investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the seven analytes could be completely separated within 23 min in a borax running buffer (pH 8.7). A good linear relationship is obtained over three orders of magnitude with detection limits (signal-to-noise ratio=3) ranging from 5x10(-8) g/mL to 3x10(-7) g/mL for the analytes. The proposed method is successfully used in the analysis of real samples after a relatively simple extraction procedure, and the assay results are satisfactory. (+info)Anti-inflammatory activity of methyl salicylate glycosides isolated from Gaultheria yunnanensis (Franch.) Rehder. (3/5)
(+info)Incense and ritual plant use in Southwest China: a case study among the Bai in Shaxi. (4/5)
(+info)Gaultheria: Phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics. (5/5)
(+info)"Gaultheria" is a botanical term for a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the heath family (Ericaceae). While it is not a medical term, some species of Gaultheria are known to have medicinal properties. The most well-known is probably Gaultheria procumbens, also known as wintergreen or checkerberry, which contains methyl salicylate, a compound similar to aspirin.
The leaves and berries of this plant have been used in traditional medicine for pain relief, inflammation, and fever. However, it's important to note that concentrated forms of methyl salicylate can be toxic and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Therefore, while 'Gaultheria' itself is not a medical term, it does have relevance to the field of medicine due to the medicinal properties of certain species within this genus.
Phytochemicals are compounds that are produced by plants (hence the "phyto-") for their own defense against predators and diseases. They are found in various plant parts such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and teas. Phytochemicals can have beneficial effects on human health as they exhibit protective or disease preventive properties.
These compounds belong to a diverse group with varying structures and chemical properties. Some common classes of phytochemicals include carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, organosulfides, and alkaloids. They have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune system-enhancing properties, among others.
It is important to note that while phytochemicals can contribute to overall health and wellness, they should not be considered a cure or treatment for medical conditions. A balanced diet rich in various fruits, vegetables, and whole foods is recommended for optimal health benefits.