Salacia
Tripterygium
Triterpenes
Anti-trypanosomal activity of pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Austroplenckia populnea (Celastraceae). (1/16)
Four pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Austroplenckia populnea and four compounds of known anti T. cruzi or anti-malarial activity were tested. Of those triterpenes tested 20alpha-hydroxy-tingenone showed high activity, epikatonic acid was less active, while populnilic and populninic acids were inactive against the trypanosome of the subgenus Schizotrypanum tested. Benzonidazole, nifurtimox, ketoconazole and primaquine presented a remarkable dose-dependent inhibitory effect reaching practically to a total growth inhibition of the parasite at the end of incubation time. The trypanosome tested appear to be a suitable model for preliminary screen for anti T. (S.) cruzi compounds. (+info)Excretion and detection of cathinone, cathine, and phenylpropanolamine in urine after kath chewing. (2/16)
INTRODUCTION: The stimulating herbal drug kath is uncommon in most countries, and information on its detection and interpretation of analytical results is limited. Therefore, a study with kath was carried out to compare the efficiencies of different analytical techniques used to detect drug use. METHODS: Four volunteers chewed kath leaves for 1 h; urine samples were collected up to 80 h afterward and analyzed by the Abbott fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), the Mahsan-AMP(300) on-site immunoassay, the Bio-Rad Remedi HS HPLC system with photodiode array detection (DAD), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: FPIA gave negative results, whereas positive results were obtained with the Mahsan test during the first day. With HPLC, one peak could be observed up to 50 h, but its DAD spectrum could not be identified by the system. Further investigations indicated that the kath alkaloids coeluted and produced a mixed DAD spectrum. With GC-MS, the specific kath ingredient cathinone was detected up to 26 h, whereas cathine and norephedrine were still detectable in the last samples. Maximum concentrations of cathinone, cathine, and norephedrine in urine samples from the study were 2.5, 20, and 30 mg/L, respectively, whereas in authentic cases the concentrations were much higher. CONCLUSION: GC-MS is superior to the screening techniques Mahsan-AMP(300) and Remedi with respect to specificity and sensitivity for the detection of kath use in urine. (+info)Adverse pregnancy outcome in rats following exposure to a Salacia reticulata (Celastraceae) root extract. (3/16)
The root extract of Salacia reticulata Wight (family: Celastraceae) is used in Sri Lanka by traditional practitioners as a herbal therapy for glycemic control even during pregnancy. It is recognized that some clinically used antidiabetic drugs have harmful effects on pregnancy but the effects of the S. reticulata root extract on reproductive outcome is unknown and deserves examination. We determined the effects of the S. reticulata root extract on the reproductive outcome of Wistar rats (250-260 g) when administered orally (10 g/kg) during early (days 1-7) and mid- (days 7-14) pregnancy. The root extract significantly (P<0.05) enhanced post-implantation losses (control vs treatment: early pregnancy, 4.7 2.4 vs 49.3 13%; mid-pregnancy, 4.7 2.4 vs 41.7 16.1%). Gestational length was unaltered but the pups born had a low birth weight (P<0.05) (early pregnancy, 6.8 0.1 vs 5.3 0.1 g; mid-pregnancy, 6.8 0.1 vs 5.0 0.1 g) and low birth index (P<0.05) (early pregnancy, 95.2 2.4 vs 50.7 12.9%; mid-pregnancy, 95.2 2.4 vs 58.3 16.1%), fetal survival ratio (P<0.05) (early pregnancy, 95.2 2.4 vs 50.7 12.9; mid-pregnancy, 95.2 2.4 vs 58.3 16.1), and viability index (P<0.05) (early pregnancy, 94.9 2.6 vs 49.5 12.5%; mid-pregnancy, 94.9 2.6 vs 57.1 16.1%). However, the root extract was non-teratogenic. We conclude that the S. reticulata root extract can be hazardous to successful pregnancy in women and should not be used in pregnancy complicated by diabetes. (+info)Additions to the hyphomycete genus Veronaea as phytoparasitic species. (4/16)
Three new species of Veronaea, V. ficina on Ficus hispida L. (Moraceae), V. grewiicola on Grewia asiatica L. (Tiliaceae), and V. hippocratiae on Hippocratia arborea Willd. (Celastraceae), collected from forests of Nepal and the Terai belt of North-Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, are described, illustrated and compared with related taxa. (+info)Celastraceae sesquiterpenes as a new class of modulators that bind specifically to human P-glycoprotein and reverse cellular multidrug resistance. (5/16)
Overexpression of ABCB1 (MDR1) P-glycoprotein, a multidrug efflux pump, is one mechanism by which tumor cells may develop multidrug resistance (MDR), preventing the successful chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer. Sesquiterpenes from Celastraceae family are natural compounds shown previously to reverse MDR in several human cancer cell lines and Leishmania strains. However, their molecular mechanism of reversion has not been characterized. In the present work, we have studied the ability of 28 dihydro-beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenes to reverse the P-glycoprotein-dependent MDR phenotype and elucidated their molecular mechanism of action. Cytotoxicity assays using human MDR1-transfected NIH-3T3 cells allowed us to select the most potent sesquiterpenes reversing the in vitro resistance to daunomycin and vinblastine. Flow cytometry experiments showed that the above active compounds specifically inhibited drug transport activity of P-glycoprotein in a saturable, concentration-dependent manner (K(i) down to 0.24 +/- 0.01 micromol/L) but not that of ABCC1 (multidrug resistance protein 1; MRP1), ABCC2 (MRP2), and ABCG2 (breast cancer resistance protein; BCRP) transporters. Moreover, sesquiterpenes inhibited at submicromolar concentrations the P-glycoprotein-mediated transport of [(3)H]colchicine and tetramethylrosamine in plasma membrane from CH(R)B30 cells and P-glycoprotein-enriched proteoliposomes, supporting that P-glycoprotein is their molecular target. Photoaffinity labeling in plasma membrane and fluorescence spectroscopy experiments with purified protein suggested that sesquiterpenes interact with transmembrane domains of P-glycoprotein. Finally, sesquiterpenes modulated P-glycoprotein ATPase-activity in a biphasic, concentration-dependent manner: they stimulated at very low concentrations but inhibited ATPase activity as noncompetitive inhibitors at higher concentrations. Sesquiterpenes from Celastraceae are promising P-glycoprotein modulators with potential applications in cancer chemotherapy because of their MDR reversal potency and specificity for P-glycoprotein. (+info)Population genetic structure of Monimopetalum chinense (Celastraceae), an endangered endemic species of eastern China. (6/16)
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Monimopetalum chinense (Celastraceae) standing for the monotypic genus is endemic to eastern China. Its conservation status is vulnerable as most populations are small and isolated. Monimopetalum chinense is capable of reproducing both sexually and asexually. The aim of this study was to understand the genetic structure of M. chinense and to suggest conservation strategies. METHODS: One hundred and ninety individuals from ten populations sampled from the entire distribution area of M. chinense were investigated by using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR). KEY RESULTS: A total of 110 different ISSR bands were generated using ten primers. Low levels of genetic variation were revealed both at the species level (Isp=0.183) and at the population level (Ipop=0.083). High clonal diversity (D = 0.997) was found, and strong genetic differentiation among populations was detected (49.06 %). CONCLUSIONS: Small population size, possible inbreeding, limited gene flow due to short distances of seed dispersal, fragmentation of the once continuous range and subsequent genetic drift, may have contributed to shaping the population genetic structure of the species. (+info)Successful seed germination of the nickel hyperaccumulator Stackhousia tryonii. (7/16)
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Stackhousia tryonii, a rare nickel hyperaccumulating herb, is endemic to ultramafic (serpentine) soils of central Queensland, Australia. The effects of eight dormancy-relieving treatments on germination of stored seeds of Stackhousia tryonii were investigated under controlled light and temperature conditions. * METHODS: The treatments were: untreated (control i), leached and dehydrated (primed control ii), treating with gibberellic acid (150 and 300 microM), smoke extract (5 and 10 %, v/v) and potassium cyanide (40 and 80 mM). * KEY RESULTS: Freshly harvested seeds did not germinate. Germination percentage increased with time of storage for up to 18 months (38.3 %). Gibberellin, smoke extract and cyanide treatments did not significantly improve germination. Light did not affect seed germination and there was no interaction between dormancy-relieving treatments and light. A significant inhibition of germination occurred in seeds treated with 5 % (but not 10 %) aqueous smoke extract. Saturated fatty acids, predominantly tridecanoic (C13:0), constituted about 90 % of the total fatty acids in the oil of freshly harvested seeds. In contrast, there was increased accumulation (>75 %) of mono-unsaturated (oleic, c18:1) and poly-unsaturated (linoleic, c18:2; linolenic, c18:3) fatty acids in the oil of stored seeds. * CONCLUSIONS: Seeds of S. tryonii require an after-ripening period for germination. (+info)Insights into the molecular mechanism of action of Celastraceae sesquiterpenes as specific, non-transported inhibitors of human P-glycoprotein. (8/16)
Dihydro-beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenes from Celastraceae have been recently shown to bind to human P-glycoprotein (Pgp), functioning as specific, mixed-type inhibitors of its drug transport activity, as well as multidrug resistance (MDR) modulators in vitro. However, nothing is known about whether such compounds are themselves transported by Pgp, or whether they affect Pgp expression as well as its activity, or about the location of their binding site within the protein. We performed transport experiments with a newly synthesized fluorescent sesquiterpene derivative, which retains the anti-Pgp activity of its natural precursor. This probe was poorly transported by Pgp, MRP1, MRP2 and BCRP transporters, compared with classical MDR substrates. Moreover, Pgp did not confer cross-resistance to the most potent dihydro-beta-agarofurans, which did not affect Pgp expression levels in several MDR cell lines. Finally, we observed competitive and non-competitive interactions between one of such dihydro-beta-agarofurans (Mama12) and classical Pgp modulators such as cyclosporin A, verapamil, progesterone, vinblastine and GF120918. These findings suggest that multidrug ABC transporters do not confer resistance to dihydro-beta-agarofurans and could not affect their absorption and biodistribution in the body. Moreover, we mapped their binding site(s) within Pgp, which may prove useful for the rational design of improved modulators based on the structure of dihydro-beta-agarofurans. (+info)Celastraceae is a family of flowering plants, also known as the staff tree or bittersweet family. It includes trees, shrubs, and woody climbers that are found in tropical and temperate regions around the world. The plants in this family have simple, opposite leaves and small, usually greenish-white flowers. Many species in Celastraceae produce brightly colored fruits, such as berries or capsules, which contain seeds that are dispersed by birds and other animals. Some well-known members of this family include the bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), staff tree (Celastrus articulatus), and crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica).
"Maytenus" is a genus of flowering plants in the family Celastraceae. It includes several species that have been used in traditional medicine, particularly in South America and Asia. However, it's important to note that while some compounds derived from these plants have shown potential medicinal properties in laboratory studies, there is currently no widely accepted or established medical definition for "Maytenus" as a whole.
The use of any plant or herbal remedy should be discussed with a healthcare provider beforehand, as they can interact with other medications and may have side effects. Additionally, the quality and safety of herbal supplements can vary greatly depending on the source and manufacturing process.
'Euonymus' is a term that refers to a genus of flowering plants, also known as spindle trees or shrubs. It is not a medical term and does not have a specific medical definition. The plants in this genus are often used in landscaping and gardening due to their attractive foliage and flowers. Some species of Euonymus contain a toxic compound called grayanotoxin, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness if ingested. However, these plants are not commonly associated with medical conditions or treatments.
I am not aware of a widely recognized medical definition for the term "Salacia." It is possible that you may be referring to a plant species called Salacia reticulata, which has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The dried root bark of this plant is used to make various medicinal preparations. Some proponents of alternative medicine claim that it has potential health benefits such as reducing blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and aiding in weight loss. However, more scientific research is needed to confirm these claims and establish recommended dosages and potential side effects.
Tripterygium is not a medical term itself, but it refers to a genus of plants also known as thunder god vine. The root and bark extracts of this plant have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Some compounds derived from Tripterygium species, such as triptolide and celastrol, have attracted interest in modern medical research due to their potential immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the use of Tripterygium extracts is associated with several side effects, and further studies are required to establish their safety and efficacy for therapeutic purposes.
Triterpenes are a type of natural compound that are composed of six isoprene units and have the molecular formula C30H48. They are synthesized through the mevalonate pathway in plants, fungi, and some insects, and can be found in a wide variety of natural sources, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
Triterpenes have diverse structures and biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cytotoxic effects. Some triterpenes are also used in traditional medicine, such as glycyrrhizin from licorice root and betulinic acid from the bark of birch trees.
Triterpenes can be further classified into various subgroups based on their carbon skeletons, including squalene, lanostane, dammarane, and ursane derivatives. Some triterpenes are also modified through various biochemical reactions to form saponins, steroids, and other compounds with important biological activities.
A plant extract is a preparation containing chemical constituents that have been extracted from a plant using a solvent. The resulting extract may contain a single compound or a mixture of several compounds, depending on the extraction process and the specific plant material used. These extracts are often used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage, due to their potential therapeutic or beneficial properties. The composition of plant extracts can vary widely, and it is important to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy before use in any application.