Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy & Phytopharmacology articles from August 2007

Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy & Phytopharmacology archives from August 2007

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of curcuminoids in oral lichen planus.(Report)
August 1, 2007... Abstract We studied the efficacy of curcuminoids in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic, mucocutaneous, immunological disease. Curcuminoids are components of turmeric (Curcuma longa) that have anti-inflammatory activity....

Gender- and age-related variations in blood viscosity in normal volunteers: a study of the effects of extract of Allium sativum and Ginkgo biloba.
August 1, 2007... Abstract This study sought to compare the effects of age and gender on blood viscosity and to appraise the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba and Allium sativum extracts in reducing blood viscosity. Stage 1: Our sample consisted of 80 male...

Interaction between Shaoyao-Gancao-Tang and a laxative with respect to alteration of paeoniflorin metabolism by intestinal bacteria in rats.
August 1, 2007... Abstract Shaoyao-Gancao-Tang (SGT), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine (Kampo formulation) containing Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix), is co-administered with laxative sodium picosulfate as a premedication for...

Dose-response effect of Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone enanthate.
August 1, 2007... Abstract The main goal of this study was to determine the effect of a freeze-dried aqueous extract of the red variety of Lepidium meyenii (Red Maca) on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult rats of the Holtzman...

Relevance of anti-reactive oxygen species activity to anti-inflammatory activity of components of Eviprostat[R], a phytotherapeutic agent for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
August 1, 2007... Abstract Inflammation is a common finding in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The phytotherapeutic agent eviprostat is a popular treatment for BPH in Japan and Germany. This agent consists of five components; four are extracted from...

Endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by Hancornia speciosa in rat superior mesenteric artery.
August 1, 2007... Abstract The vasodilator effect of the ethanolic extract of leaves from Hancornia speciosa Gomes (HSE) was evaluated in superior mesenteric artery rings. HSE produced a concentration-dependent vasodilation (IC50 = 10.8[+ or -]4.0...

Novel mucilage fraction of Sinapis alba L. (mustard) reduces azoxymethane-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci formation in F344 and Zucker obese rats.
August 1, 2007... Abstract Seeds of Sinapis alba Linn. (commonly called yellow or white mustard) and their components have been reported to possess anticancer properties. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a novel mucilaginous fraction of mustard...

Bioactive compounds from liverworts: Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible NOS mRNA in RAW 264.7 cells by Herbertenoids and Cuparenoids.(nitric oxide synthase, mouse leukaemic monocyte macrophage cell line)
August 1, 2007... Abstract The inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by herbertenoids and cuparenoids isolated from liverworts in RAW 264.7 macrophages was evaluated. Among compounds tested, herbertenediol,...

Protection of PC12 cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity by salvianolic acid B, a new compound isolated from Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae.(phaeochromocytoma cells)
August 1, 2007... Abstract A number of studies indicate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The neuroprotective effects of salvianolic acid B (SalB)...

In vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 and P-glycoprotein-mediated metabolism of some phytochemicals in extracts and formulations of African potato.
August 1, 2007... Abstract African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea, AP) is a traditional herbal medicine widely used as an immune booster and also for the treatment of various ailments such as urinary diseases, prostrate hypertrophy and cancer. Amongst the...

Screening of plant extracts for antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts with dermatological relevance.
August 1, 2007... Abstract There is cumulative resistance against antibiotics of many bacteria. Therefore, the development of new antiseptics and antimicrobial agents for the treatment of skin infections is of increasing interest. We have screened six plant...

Noni as an anxiolytic and sedative: a mechanism involving its gamma-aminobutyric acidergic effects.
August 1, 2007... Abstract Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is increasing in worldwide popularity as a food or dietary supplement with versatile health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Noni fruit on anxiety symptoms in vitro. To...

Behavioral and biochemical studies of total furocoumarins from seeds of Psoralea corylifolia in the chronic mild stress model of depression in mice.
August 1, 2007... Abstract Depression is related to alterations of the monoamine oxidase (MAO), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and oxidative systems, and some antidepressants achieve their therapeutic effects through alteration of following...

Cytotoxic and antiprotozoal activity of flavonoids from Lonchocarpus spp.
August 1, 2007... Abstract A number of flavonoids isolated from Lonchocarpus spp. were evaluated for their antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activity. Flavone 6 and chalcone 7 were found to be the most active against Leishmania parasites and against cell cultures...

Isolation of pure compound R/J/3 from Pluchea indica (L.) Less. and its anti-amoebic activities against Entamoeba histolytica.
August 1, 2007... Abstract The plant Pluchea indica is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-pyretic, hypoglycemic, diuretic and antimicrobial activities besides many other pharmacological activities. We have isolated and purified seven...

Immunomodulatory activity of Sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate from broccoli (Brassica oleracea).
August 1, 2007... Abstract The effect of Sulforaphane on the immune system was studied using BALB/c mice. Intraperitoneal administration of five doses of Sulforaphane (500 [micro]g/dose/animal/day) was found to enhance the total WBC count (12,950...

Inhibitors of aldose reductase and advanced glycation end-products formation from the leaves of Stelechocarpus cauliflorus R.E. Fr.
August 1, 2007... Abstract Two dihydroflavonol glycosides, engeletin and astilbin, were isolated from an EtOAc extract of the leaves of Stelechocarpus cauliflorus R.E. Fr. (Annonaceae). The inhibitory activity of engeletin against a recombinant human aldose...

Human hair growth enhancement in vitro by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).
August 1, 2007... Abstract Green tea is a popular worldwide beverage, and its potential beneficial effects such as anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties are believed to be mediated by epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major constituent of polyphenols....

Acute effects of three isoflavone class phytoestrogens and a mycoestrogen on cerebral microcirculation.
August 1, 2007... Abstract Phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens are naturally occurring plant and fungus secondary metabolites with estrogen-like structure and/or actions. We aimed to check the hypothesis that phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens, due to their...

Suppressive effects of germinated buckwheat on development of fatty liver in mice fed with high-fat diet.
August 1, 2007... Abstract Effects of buckwheat germinated for 48 h in suppressing fatty liver were investigated using an animal study. Concentration of rutin was increased more than 10 times, with production of quercitrin and one newly formed flavonoid...

A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: Urticae radix.
August 1, 2007... Abstract Nettle root is recommended for complaints associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We therefore conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to summarise the pharmacological and clinical effects of this plant...