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Friday 29 November 2019

Effects of co-administration of methanol leaf extract of Catharanthus roseus on the hypoglycemic activity of metformin and glibenclamide in rats

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337330643_Effects_of_co-administration_of_methanol_leaf_extract_of_Catharanthus_roseus_on_the_hypoglycemic_activity_of_metformin_and_glibenclamide_in_rats_Asian_Pacific_Journal_of_Tropical_Medicine

Plant-plant combination: an important option in the phase of failing anthelmintics to control nematodes in small ruminants

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327861908_Plant-plant_combination_an_important_option_in_the_phase_of_failing_anthelmintics_to_control_nematodes_in_small_ruminants/references

thesis

A comparison of the efficacy of two commercial acaricides (fipronil and amitraz) with Azadirachta indica (neem) on the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) from canines in Trinidad

Abstract

Author information

1
School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.


The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is prevalent on canids in Trinidad. It is directly (by causing anaemia) and indirectly (by acting as a vector of tick‐borne pathogens) responsible for morbidity and mortalities in the canine population. The most commonly used commercial acaricides available to pet owners in Trinidad are amitraz and fipronil. Often, these acaricides may be abused and misused in a desperate attempt to rid pets of ticks. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of amitraz and fipronil with the herbal alternative, neem (Azadirachta indica). Triplicate in vitro trials utilizing the Larval Packet Test (LPT) were conducted using three concentrations (low, recommended and high) of fipronil (0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%), amitraz (0.01%, 0.02% and 1%), neem oil (10%, 20% and 40%) and neem leaf extract (0.25%, 0.5% and 2%) for each trial. Statistical analysis using the mixed‐effect Poisson regression analysis indicated that there was a significant difference (p < .05) in the survival of ticks pre‐treatment versus post‐treatment with amitraz, fipronil and all controls when compared to the neem oil. Fipronil and amitraz caused ≥99% mortality for all concentrations used in this study. Mortalities for neem oil and neem leaf extract ranged from 72.7% to 82% and 38% to 95.3%, respectively, with the greatest percentage of mortalities occurring at the lower concentrations. Neem oil and neem leaf extract can be used as alternative acaricides, and however, they are less efficacious against the brown dog tick than amitraz and fipronil.

Sunday 24 November 2019

Estrogenic effects of phytoestrogens derived from Flemingia strobilifera in MCF-7 cells and immature rats

 2018 May;41(5):519-529. doi: 10.1007/s12272-018-1027-1. Epub 2018 May 24.


Author information

1
College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea.
2
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea.
3
Natural Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Chungbuk, 363-883, Republic of Korea.
4
Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
5
Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
6
College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea. yssong@sookmyung.ac.kr.

Abstract

Phytoestrogen (PE) has received considerable attention due to the physiological significance of its estrogenicity. Flemingia strobilifera (FS) has been used as a folk medicine in Asia for the treatment of inflammation, cancer, and infection; however, the estrogenic effects and chemical components of FS have not yet been reported. We aimed to uncover the estrogenic properties and PEs derived from FS using phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation. PEs from FS extract (FSE) were analyzed by NMR, HPLC, and MS. To evaluate estrogenic activity, FSE and its compounds were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays, including human estrogen receptor alpha (hERα) binding, estrogen response element (ERE)-luciferase reporter assays, and uterotrophic assays. FSE and its compounds 1-5 showed binding affinities for hERα and activated ERE transcription in MCF-7 cells. Additionally, FSE and compounds 1-5 induced MCF-7 cell proliferation and trefoil factor 1 (pS2) expression. In immature female rats, significant increases in uterine weight and pS2 gene were observed in FSE-treated groups. We identified estrogenic activities of FSE and its bioactive compounds, suggesting their possible roles as PEs via ERs. PEs derived from FSE are promising candidates for ER-targeted therapy for post-menopausal symptoms.

KEYWORDS:

ERE transcription; Estrogen receptor; Flemingia strobilifera; Immature rat; Phytoestrogen; Uterotrophic effect
PMID:
 
29797242
 
DOI:
 
10.1007/s12272-018-1027-1
[Indexed for MEDLINE]

Saturday 23 November 2019

Traditional Uses of the Family Piperaceae in Oaxaca, Mexico


  • December 2018 
  • Tropical Conservation Science 12(2):194008291987931

The ethnobotanical importance of the family Piperaceae is recognized mainly for its medicinal properties. A total of 106 species of two genera of this family (Piper and Peperomia) have been collected in Oaxaca, but only 18 are recorded in scientific publications as medicinal, edible, veterinary, or ritual plants. The objectives of this study are to describe the traditional knowledge and uses of the Piperaceae in areas of high biocultural diversity of Oaxaca and to analyze the relationship between its geographic distribution with ethnobotanical records among ethnic groups. Fieldwork was carried out between 2013 and 2016, and voucher specimens were reviewed in Mexican herbaria. Two multivariate analyses were applied to compare the geographic distribution of Piperaceae with ethnobotanical knowledge in Oaxaca. A total of 13 species of Peperomia, and 7 of Piper were collected, besides some unidentified species of both genera. Seven use categories were registered, with medicinal and edible being the most important. A high percentage (65%) of the species is named in at least one native language. Most species have a single use, mainly medicinal. Peperomia has been collected in Oaxaca since 1980, while Piper since 1960. Multivariate analysis indicated the existence of a differentiated ethnobotanical knowledge of this family among ethnic groups, related to the geographic distribution of species. This study evidences that ethnic groups, who maintain areas of higher biodiversity, obtain these species mainly from the wild, from specific microenvironments; hence, conservation practices must be reinforced for them, as for all ecosystems in general.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337437346_Traditional_Uses_of_the_Family_Piperaceae_in_Oaxaca_Mexico

Thursday 21 November 2019

Pumpkin Waste as Livestock Feed: Impact on Nutrition and Animal Health and on Quality of Meat, Milk, and Egg

Abstract and figures
Simple Summary: Pumpkin waste are part of the millions of tons of vegetable residues produced yearly that could be used in livestock feeding. Their value not only relies in its nutritional content as its bioactive compounds could modify meat, milk, and egg composition which are of uttermost value for human nutrition. Furthermore, pumpkin waste, which cannot be used in human consumption, may contribute to diminish human-livestock competition for cropland. In this review, we describe the potential of pumpkin waste as animal feedstock as a strategy for more sustainable livestock production while making emphasis on the importance of food from animal origin in human health. Abstract: Meat, milk, and egg contribute positively to the nutrition and health of humans; however, livestock requires a large number of resources, including land for fodder and grains. Worldwide millions of tons of vegetable waste are produced without any further processing, causing pollution and health risks. Properly managed vegetable waste could provide a source of feed for livestock, thus reducing feeding costs. In this regard, pumpkin waste (Cucurbita sp.) is an alternative. Research on pumpkin waste on animal nutrition is scarce, however, it has potential as animal feed not only for its nutritional value but also for its antioxidants, pigments, and polysaccharides content that could enhance quality of meat, milk, and egg, as well animal health. In this review, we describe the environmental impact of livestock as a result of greater demand for food of animal origin, including the importance of the consumption of animal foods in human nutrition and health. Moreover, we emphasize the potential of plant residues and, particularly, on the characteristics of pumpkins and how their use as feedstuff for livestock could improve productivity and modify the composition of meat, milk, and egg.

Wednesday 20 November 2019

Ground Flaxseed – How Safe is it for Companion Animals and for Us?

EFSA released the 89-page Scientific Opinion “Evaluation of the health risks related to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in foods other than raw apricot kernels”. This opinion, and the ensuring media coverage, has left uncertainty in the minds of consumers, feed and supplement manufacturers and flaxseed producers of how much ground flaxseed can safely be consumed without crossing the threshold of cyanide toxicity. This editorial updates the science and tries to bring clarity to the question “how much flaxseed can I safely feed my dog, cat, horse on a daily basis?” and “how much can I safely eat?” The great majority of ground flaxseed products have a cyanogenic glycoside content of less than 200 mg / kg seed. For people, consuming 30 grams of such flaxseed the average peak blood cyanide concentration will be about 5 µmole / L, much less than the toxic threshold value of 20 to 40 µmole / L favoured by EFSA. Thus, as much as 120 grams of crushed / ground flaxseed can be consumed by a 70 kg adult person before a toxic threshold of 40 µmole / L is reached (up to 1.7 grams ground flaxseed / kg body weight). The toxic threshold of cyanide for dogs is 2 to 4-fold greater than for humans, and unknown for cats and horses. The daily serving amounts for dogs and cats are about 0.23 grams / kg body mass per day, which will result in blood cyanide well below the toxic threshold. The highest recommended daily serving amount for horses is 454 grams per day, or 0.8 to 2 grams per kg / body mass depending on mass of the horse. This amount for horses should not be exceeded.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337345111_Ground_Flaxseed_-_How_Safe_is_it_for_Companion_Animals_and_for_Us

https://www.nutraceuticalalliance.ca/post/ground-flaxseed-how-much-can-we-and-our-companion-animals-safely-eat

Tuesday 12 November 2019

Kalanchoe laciniata and Bryophyllum pinnatum: an updated review about ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

  • July 2019
  • Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia 29(4):529-558
  • DOI: 
  • 10.1016/j.bjp.2019.01.012
  • Júlia M. Fernandes
  • Lorena M. Cunha
  • Eduardo Pereira Azevedo
  • Silvana M. Zucolotto

Abstract and figures
The species Kalanchoe laciniata (L.) DC. and Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam) Pers. are native from Brazil and Madagascar, respectively. Both belonging to the Crassulaceae family and being widely used by population as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. These species have similar leaf morphology and for this reason, they are known by the same popular name as “ saião ” or “ coirama ”. Several studies have been published involving different parts and preparations of these species. Therefore, this review aims to provide an update overview about the traditional uses, chemical constitution, pharmacology and toxicology of K. laciniata and B. pinnatum species. An extensive literature review was conducted in different scientific databases. Various chemical constituents have been identified in extracts from different parts of K. laciniata and B. pinnatum , being flavonoids the major compounds. They have been traditionally used to treat inflammation, microbial infection, pain, respiratory diseases, gastritis, ulcers, diabetes and cancer tumors. Non-clinical in vitro assays evaluated mainly the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, while in vivo assays evaluated the leishmanicide, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Regarding toxicity, few studies have been conducted for the two species. The information reported in this work might contribute to the recognition of the importance of K. laciniata and B. pinnatum species, as well as to direct further studies

Friday 1 November 2019

Value Added Products, Chemical Constituents and Medicinal Uses of Celery (Apium graveolens L.) -A Review

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is an annual or perennial plant that is widespread in distribution and belongs to the family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae. This plant has long been used for the treatment of various illnesses due to excellent therapeutic potentials and as flavoring agent in several food articles owing to high nutritional value. The genus Apium is known to contain about 20 well-known species of Apiaceae family and its several varieties are found native to Eurasia and are mainly grown in coastal regions. Celery requires relatively high level of humidity and comparatively low level of temperature. Therefore, maximum yield is obtained in cool weather of temperate regions. The aggregated world production of seed oil of celery is estimated to be 51 tons while only India produces 25 tons among all and rest of the contribution is made by United Kingdom, Egypt, France, United States of America and China. Different parts of celery contain fatty acids, volatile essential oils, vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium along with chlorophyll, silica, β-carotene, fibers, sodium and folic acid. Various post-harvest methodologies and treatment processes for preservation of celery are discussed in detail in this review. Different parts of this plant are used for preparation of medicinal formulations in traditional systems of medicines due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-virus, anti-cancer, anti-spasmodic, gastro-intestinal and anti-oxidant potentials.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336825102_Value_Added_Products_Chemical_Constituents_and_Medicinal_Uses_of_Celery_Apium_graveolens_L_-A_Review