Quassia
Simaroubaceae
Antiulcerogenic activity of four extracts obtained from the bark wood of Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae). (1/3)
Quassia amara L., a neotropical forest shrub of the Simaroubaceae family, is widely used in Caribbean folk medicine and in some northern states of Brazil for the treatment of gastric ulcers. This plant is a source of numerous compounds including both beta-carbonile and cantin-6 alkaloids as well as, primarily, the bitter compounds known as quassinoids. We analyzed the possible antiulcerogenic activities of four extracts of different polarities: 70% ethanol (70% EtOH), 100% EtOH, 100% dichloromethane (DCM), and 100% hexane (HEX) obtained from Quassia amara bark. All extracts, administered at doses of 5000 mg/kg orally and 1000 mg/kg intraperitoneally, caused neither toxicity or death. In the indomethacin/bethanechol-induced gastric ulcer, 70% EtOH, 100% EtOH, DCM and HEX extracts, 100 mg/kg, p.o., inhibited the gastric ulcer (22.5, 23.4, 50.5, 46.8%, respectively). 70% EtOH, 100% EtOH, DCM, and HEX extracts reduced the gastric injury induced by the hypothermic restraint-stress test in mice (70.7, 80, 60, 82.7%, respectively). In the pylorus ligature of the mouse stomach, following pre-treatment with a single intraduodenal administration of 100 mg/kg of each extract, only 70% EtOH did not change the biochemical parameters of gastric juice. 100% EtOH, DCM and HEX extracts presented decreased gastric juice content, increased pH values and decreased acid output. We also determined the antiulcerogenic activity on HCl-EtOH-induced gastric ulcers in mice at four doses (25, 50, 75, 100 mg/kg, p.o.), then evaluated the possible dose-dependent relation and calculated the ED50 values. Except for 70% EtOH at a dose of 25 mg/kg, the other extracts showed significantly activity (p<0.05). The free mucous amount in the gastric stomach content was also evaluated. All extracts showed significant increases (p<0.05) of free mucous. This effect was abolished when the animals were pre-treated with indomethacin. Prostaglandin synthesis was evaluated by the administration of HEX extracts by the oral route (100 mg/kg). Prostaglandin synthesis was significantly, increased by 52.3% (p<0.05), and this effect was abolished with prior administration of indomethacin. We concluded that Quassia amara is a probable source for a new drug to treat gastric ulcers, and the mechanism of its activity relates to cytoprotective factors, such as mucous and prostaglandins, but there is still the possibility that antisecretory activity is involved in its antiulcerogenic effect. (+info)Induction of murine embryonic stem cell differentiation by medicinal plant extracts. (2/3)
(+info)Antiulcerogenic effects and possible mechanism of action of Quassia amara (L. Simaroubaceae) extract and its bioactive principles in rats. (3/3)
The effects of Quassia amara extract (Q. amara) and its bioactive principles-quassin and 2-methoxycanthin-6-one on gastric ulceration were studied in albino rats. Q. amara (200-800 mg/kg p.o.; 5-20 mg/kg i.p) and 2-methoxycanthin-6-one (12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg p.o; 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg i.p) but not quassin (12.5, 25.0 and 50 mg/kg p.o; 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg i.p) significantly inhibited gastric ulceration induced by indomethacin (40mg/kg). Administration of Q. amara (800 mg/kg p.o and 20 mg/kg i.p) and 2-methoxycanthin-6-one (12.5 mg/kg p.o; 4 mg/kg i.p) caused between 77%-85% cytoprotection against indomethacin (40 mg/kg, i.p) - induced gastric ulceration. Quassin did not cause any significant change in indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. The inhibition of gastric ulceration produced by Q. amara and 2-methoxycanthin-6 one was accompanied by significant dose-dependent decreases (P< 0.01) in total gastric acidity. To investigate the probable mechanism of action, the individual effects of the extract and its principles alone and in combination with histamine (1 mg/kg) or cimetidine (0.12 mg/kg) on gastric acid secretion in situ were studied. Q. amara (20 mg/kg) and 2-methoxycanthin-6-one (4 mg/kg) but not quassin significantly (P< 0.01) inhibited the basal and histamine-induced gastric acid secretion. Inhibition of gastric acid secretion by Q. amara and 2-methoxycanthin-6-one was accentuated by cimetidine. The results suggest that Q. amara and its bioactive principle, 2-methoxycanthin-6-one possess antiulcer activity probably acting via histamine H2 receptor. This could be a potential source of potent and effective antiulcer agents. (+info)Quassia is not typically defined in a medical context as a treatment or diagnosis. Instead, it refers to the bark or wood of the Quassia tree (Quassia amara), which has been used in traditional medicine for its bitter taste and potential medicinal properties.
The primary active compounds found in Quassia are quassinoids, which have been studied for their potential insecticidal, antimalarial, and anticancer activities. However, it's important to note that the use of Quassia as a medicine is not well-studied in clinical trials, and its safety and efficacy have not been fully established by regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Therefore, while Quassia may be used in some traditional or alternative medicine practices, it should not be considered a standard medical treatment without further research and evaluation.
Simaroubaceae is not a medical term, but a taxonomic category in botany. It refers to a family of plants, also known as the quassia family. The plants in this family are primarily tropical trees and shrubs, found in Africa, Asia, and America. Some species have been used in traditional medicine for their bitter taste, which is thought to stimulate digestion and appetite. However, it's important to note that while some Simaroubaceae plants have medicinal properties, the family itself does not have a specific medical definition or application.
Quassinoids are a group of naturally occurring compounds that are found in various plants, including the bark of Quassia amara, a tree native to South America. Quassins, one type of quassinoid, have been studied for their potential medicinal properties, particularly as antimalarial and anticancer agents. They are known to interact with cell membranes and can affect the growth and multiplication of certain types of cells. However, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic uses. It's important to note that quassins can also be toxic in high concentrations, so further studies are necessary to determine safe and effective dosages for medical use.