Simaroubaceae
Quassins
Antiulcerogenic activity of four extracts obtained from the bark wood of Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae). (1/10)
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)Apoptotic anticancer effect of alvaradoin E isolated from Alvaradoa haitiensis. (2/10)
Two anthracenone C-glycosides, alvaradoins E and F, isolated from the leaves of Alvaradoa haitiensis Urb. (Simaroubaceae), were found to have potent inhibitory activities with cultured cancer cells. Using the in vivo hollow fiber model, these compounds demonstrated significant growth inhibition at the i.p. site when tested with KB, LNCaP, and Col2 cells. To determine if these anthracenone C-glycosides mediated anticancer activity through an apoptotic pathway, a series of assays were performed with the 10S isomeric compound, alvaradoin E. With a DAPI assay, treatment of LNCaP cells with alvaradoin E at concentrations of 0.4, 2, 10, or 50 microM for 24 or 48 h showed chromatin condensation, a morphological characteristic of apoptosis. Mitochondrial membrane potential, analyzed with a DiOC6 uptake assay, showed that treatment of LNCaP cells with 0.07, 0.14, 0.28, 0.56, 0.86, and 1.12 microM alvaradoin E for 12 h caused dose-dependent membrane depolarization, another indication of early apoptosis. Also, with an annexin V-FITC assay system, treatment of HL-60 cells with 0.07 microM alvaradoin E for 24 h increased annexin V-FITC binding from 3 to 25.9% (8.6-fold). Finally, with the TUNEL assay system, treatment of HL-60 cells with 1.12 microM alvaradoin E for 32 h increased FITC-dUTP binding from 1.2 to 12.1% (10-fold). These data suggest alvaradoin E is an effective anticancer agent that induces apoptosis. Additional studies to establish clinical utility should be of interest. (+info)Chromones from the branches of Harrisonia perforata. (3/10)
Four new chromones, perforamone A, B, C, and D have been isolated together with six known compounds, peucenin-7-methyl ether, O-methylalloptaeroxylin, perforatic acid, eugenin, saikochromone A and greveichromenol, from the branches of Harrisonia perforata (Simaroubaceae). The structures were identified by spectroscopic data. The compounds were tested for antimycobacterial and antiplasmodial activities. (+info)Limonoids: overview of significant bioactive triterpenes distributed in plants kingdom. (4/10)
The search for limonoids started long back when scientists started looking for the factor responsible for bitterness in citrus which has negative impact on citrus fruit and juice industry worldwide. The term limonoids was derived from limonin, the first tetranortriterpenoid obtained from citrus bitter principles. Compounds belonging to this group have exhibited a range of biological activities like insecticidal, insect antifeedant and growth regulating activity on insects as well as antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, anticancer, antiviral and a number of other pharmacological activities on humans. Although hundreds of limonoids have been isolated from various plants but, their occurrence in the plant kingdom is confined to only plant families of order Rutales and that too more abundantly in Meliaceae and Rutaceae, and less frequently in Cneoraceae and Harrisonia sp. of Simaroubaceae. Limonoids are highly oxygenated, modified terpenoids with a prototypical structure either containing or derived from a precursor with a 4,4,8-trimethyl-17-furanylsteroid skeleton. All naturally occurring citrus limonoids contain a furan ring attached to the D-ring, at C-17, as well as oxygen containing functional groups at C-3, C-4, C-7, C-16 and C-17. The structural variations of limonoids found in Rutaceae are less than in Meliaceae and are generally limited to the modification of A and B rings, the limonoids of Meliaceae are more complex with very high degree of oxidation and rearrangement exhibited in the parent limonoid structure. To counter the problem of bitterness in citrus juice and products genetic engineering of citrus to maximize the formation of limonoid glucosides for reducing limonoid bitterness is the focus of recent and future research. Regarding the biological activities of limonoids the investigations are to be directed towards detailed characterization, quantification, and designing a simple as well as versatile synthetic route of apparently important limonoids. Extraction methods too should be optimized; evaluation and establishment of pharmaco-dynamic and kinetic principles, and structure activity relationships should be a key goal associated with limonoids so that they can be safely introduced in our arsenal of pharmaceuticals to safeguard the humanity from the wrath of disease and its discomfort. (+info)Alvaradoins E-N, antitumor and cytotoxic anthracenone C-glycosides from the leaves of Alvaradoa haitiensis. (5/10)
Bioactivity-directed fractionation of an extract of the leaves of Alvaradoa haitiensis, using the KB (human oral epidermoid carcinoma) cell line, led to the isolation and identification of 10 new anthracenone C-glycosides, alvaradoins E-N (1-10), along with the known compound chrysophanol (11). The cytotoxicity of all compounds was evaluated, and preliminary structure-activity relationships are suggested. The most potent compounds in the in vitro assays (1 and 2) were evaluated in vivo versus the P388 (murine lymphocytic leukemia) model, and alvaradoin E (1) showed antileukemic activity (125% T/C) at a dose of 0.2 mg kg-1 per injection when administered intraperitoneally. (+info)In vitro inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum by substances isolated from Amazonian antimalarial plants. (6/10)
In the present study, a quassinoid, neosergeolide, isolated from the roots and stems of Picrolemma sprucei (Simaroubaceae), the indole alkaloids ellipticine and aspidocarpine, isolated from the bark of Aspidosperma vargasii and A. desmanthum (Apocynaceae), respectively, and 4-nerolidylcatechol, isolated from the roots of Pothomorphe peltata (Piperaceae), all presented significant in vitro inhibition (more active than quinine and chloroquine) of the multi-drug resistant K1 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Neosergeolide presented activity in the nanomolar range. This is the first report on the antimalarial activity of these known, natural compounds. This is also the first report on the isolation of aspidocarpine from A. desmanthum. These compounds are good candidates for pre-clinical tests as novel lead structures with the aim of finding new antimalarial prototypes and lend support to the traditional use of the plants from which these compounds are derived. (+info)Biological activity of neosergeolide and isobrucein B (and two semi-synthetic derivatives) isolated from the Amazonian medicinal plant Picrolemma sprucei (Simaroubaceae). (7/10)
(+info)Delaumonones A and B, new antiplasmodial quassinoids from Laumoniera bruceadelpha. (8/10)
New quassinoids, delaumonones A (1) and B (2) have been isolated from the bark of Laumoniera bruceadelpha NOOTEBOOM (Simaroubaceae) and the structures were elucidated by 2D NMR analysis and a chemical correlation. Delaumonones showed an antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. (+info)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.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Simarouba" is not a medical term that has a specific definition in the field of medicine. It is actually the name of a genus of trees that are native to the Americas. The bark and seeds of some species of Simarouba have been used in traditional medicine systems, such as in South America and India, for various purposes including as a treatment for diarrhea, fever, and skin conditions. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses, and more research is needed before any definitive medical claims can be made about the therapeutic benefits of Simarouba.
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.
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.