Friday, September 30, 2016

Friday, September 2, 2016

Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Simira Genus: A Contribution to the Chemotaxonomic of Rubiaceae Family

Author(s):

Vinicius F. Moreira, Ivo J. C. Vieira and Raimundo Braz-FilhoPages 290-298 (9)

Abstract:


The Simira genus belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Studies of this genus have attracted interest, mainly due to phototoxic activities, antifebrile, tonic and purgative presented by some secondary metabolites isolated from drug value of species of this genus. This study is a review of the Simira genus, through the acquisition of data from studies of phytochemicals and evaluation of biological activities of the species that compose it, in order to contribute their chemotaxonomic classification within the family.

Keywords:

Biological activities, chemical constituents, chemotaxom, phytochemicals, Rubiaceae, Simira.

Affiliation:

Sector of Natural Products Chemistry, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, Brazil.

Graphical Abstract:



Read Full-Text article
Share:

Effects of Agaricus Blazei Extract Plus Lactoferrin or Lactoferrin Alone on Tumor Growth and UFT-Induced Adverse Reactions in Sarcoma 180- or Highly Metastatic Osteosarcoma LM8-Bearing Mice

Author(s):

Yoshiyuki Kimura, Maho Sumiyoshi and Kou-ichi UsukiPages 57-69 (13)

Abstract:


Objective: The protective effects of Agaricus blazei extract (ABE) and lactoferrin (LF) on 5-FU derivative-induced adverse reactions remain unclear. We examined the effects of a combination of ABE and LF on tumor growth and metastasis, as well as UFT-induced adverse reactions using a highly metastatic model in osteosarcoma LM8-bearing mice.
Methods: In this study, we examined the antitumor activity and adverse reactions, such as myelotoxicity and body-weight loss, of the cancer chemotherapy drug a 5-FU derivative, UFT (50 mg/kg) when given with ABE (9:1, w/w; 0.43 or 1.4 g/kg, twice daily) and LF (100 or 300 mg/kg, twice daily) in sarcoma 180- or osteosarcoma LM8-bearing mice.
Key Findings: ABE-LF or LF inhibited tumor growth and metastasis to the lung without causing adverse reactions in LM8-bearing mice. ABE-LF or LF prevented the reductions induced in the number of red blood cells, leukocytes, and platelets, as well as hemoglobin levels and the hematocrit percentage by UFT without affecting the antitumor and antimetastatic effects of UFT. Since neither ABE nor LF inhibited the phosphorylation of 5-FU, the protective effects of ABE-LF or LF on UFT-induced myelotoxicity (reductions in red blood cell numbers) could not be attributed to the inhibition of 5-FU phosphorylation.
Conclusion: These results suggest that the protective effects of LF and/or ABE-LF on the adverse events induced by UFT toxicity such as myelotoxicity may be partly due to the myelopoietic actions of LF.

Keywords:

Adverse reaction, Agaricus blazei extract, Myelotoxicity, Lactoferrin, UFT (tegafur/uracil).

Affiliation:

Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Basic Medical Research, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon City, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.

Graphical Abstract:



Read Full-Text article
Share:

An Acetylated Triterpene Glycoside and Lignans from Phyllanthus myrtifolius and their Antibacterial Activities

Author(s):

Neneng Windayani, Lia D. Juliawaty, Euis H. Hakim, Komar Ruslan and Yana M. SyahPages 152-157 (6)

Abstract:


Phytochemical investigation on the methanol extract of Phyllanthus myrtifolius leaves led to the isolation of a new oleanan derivative, 3β-(3’,4’-di-O-acetyl-α-L-arabinopyranosyl)-12-oleanen- 28-oic acid (1). The structure of compound 1 was determined mainly by extensive NMR data analysis. Together with this compound, six arylnaphtalene lignans 2–7 were also isolated and identified. The isolated compounds 1–7 were tested for their antibacterial activities against eight pathogenic bacteria, showing that compound 1 exhibited highest activity.

Keywords:

Antibacterial, euphorbiaceae, lignans, oleanane, Phyllanthus myrtifolius, triterpene.

Affiliation:

Natural Products Chemistry Research Group, Organic Chemistry Division, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jalan Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia.


Read Full-Text article
Share:

Effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus Cortex on Recovery from the Forced Swimming Test and Fatty Acid β-Oxidation in the Liver and Skeletal Muscle of mice

Author(s):

Maho Sumiyoshi and Yoshiyuki KimuraPages 49-55 (7)

Abstract:


Objective: The root and stem barks of Eleutherococcus senticosus have been used to treat emotional and physical fatigue in China, Russia, Korea, and Japan. The effects of E. senticosus on recovery from physical fatigue and the expenditure of energy currently remain unclear. We herein examined the effects of E. senticosus extract on recovery from physical fatigue after the forced swimming test as well as fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver and skeletal muscle of mice.
Methods: 1) Physical fatigue; E. senticosus extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg, twice daily) was administered orally to ICR male mice for 7 consecutive days. After swimming had been performed for 15 min, each mouse was placed on the cover of a 100-mm culture plate, and the time for each mouse to move away from the cover was measured. 2) Fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver and skeletal muscle; E. senticosus extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg) was administered orally twice daily to C57BL/6J male mice for 21 consecutive days. The initial and final body and liver weight were measured, and then fatty acid β-oxidation activity in the liver and skeletal muscle was measured by methods using [1-14C] palmitic acid.
Key Findings: Recovery times after forced swimming were shorter in E. senticosus extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg)-treated mice than in vehicle-treated mice. The body and liver weight had no effect by the oral administration of E. senticosus extract, vitamin mixture and L-carnitine. Fatty acid β-oxidation activity in skeletal muscle was increased by E. senticosus extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg).
Conclusion: E. senticosus may enhance recovery from physical fatigue induced by forced swimming by accelerating energy changes through fatty acid β-oxidation in skeletal muscle.

Keywords:

Anti-fatigue, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver and skeletal muscle, Forced swimming.

Affiliation:

Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Basic Medical Research, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon City, Ehime 791-0295, Japan

Graphical Abstract:



Read Full-Text article
Share:

OPEN ACCESS ARTICLES