ProstAchiote™

ProstAchiote™ — (tonic) —This is a proprietary blend of botanicals formulated to maintain and improve men’s prostate health. ProstAchiote™ helps relieve the pain associated with acute prostatitis (prostate inflammation). 9,10,11,13,14,17,20 Research shows it to be effective against prostate hyperplasia, cancer, and tumor’s. 1,2,3,5,6,8,11,12,13,15,16,18 In general, ProstAchiote™ is beneficial for the urinary system, promoting a positive flow. 1,2,3,4,7,14,16,17,18,19,20

2. Analysis of the interactions of botanical extract combinations against the viability of prostate cancer cell lines.
Adams LS, Seeram NP, Hardy ML, Carpenter C, Heber D.
PMID: 16550232 [PubMed]

3. Saw palmetto and lower urinary tract symptoms: what is the latest evidence?
Avins AL, Bent S.
PMID: 16930496 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

4. Ethnomedicines used in Trinidad and Tobago for urinary problems and diabetes mellitus.
Lans CA.
PMID: 17040567 [PubMed - in process]

5. Relative inhibition of lipid peroxidation, cyclooxygenase enzymes, and human tumor cell
Reddy MK, Alexander-Lindo RL, Nair MG.
PMID: 16277432 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

6. Antigenotoxic and antimutagenic potential of an annatto pigment (norbixin) against oxidative stress.
Junior AC, Asad LM, Oliveira EB, Kovary K, Asad NR, Felzenszwalb I.
PMID: 15841440 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

7. Germacranolides from Mikania guaco.
Rungeler P, Brecht V, Tamayo-Castillo G, Merfort I.
PMID: 11261581 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

8. Cat’s Claw: an herb from the Peruvian Amazon
[Article in Spanish]Steinberg PN.
Sidahora. 1995 Apr-May;:35-6.
PMID: 11363206 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

9. Phytochemical and biological study of Uncaria tomentosa [Article in Italian]
Senatore A, Cataldo A, Iaccarino FP, Elberti MG.
PMID: 2611012 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

12. Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation in human tumor cells treated with extracts of Uncaria tomentosa.
Sheng Y, Pero RW, Amiri A, Bryngelsson C.
PMID: 9858909 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

13. Screening Brazilian plant species for in vitro inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase.
Braga FC, Wagner H, Lombardi JA, de Oliveira AB.
PMID: 10715848 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

16. In vitro antiplasmodial investigation of medicinal plants from El Salvador.
Kohler I, Jenett-Siems K, Siems K, Hernandez MA, Ibarra
RA, Berendsohn WG, Bienzle U, Eich E.
PMID: 12064726 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

17. Chemical Constituents of the Style of Zea mays L. with Glycation Inhibitory Activity.
Suzuki R, Iijima M, Okada Y, Okuyama T.
PMID: 17202722 [PubMed - in process]

19. Zea mays L. extracts modify glomerular function and potassium urinary excretion in conscious rats.
Velazquez DV, Xavier HS, Batista JE, de Castro-Chaves C.
PMID: 15957371 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

20. Traditional medicinal plant use in Northern Peru: tracking two thousand years of healing culture.
Bussmann RW, Sharon D.
PMID: 17090303 [PubMed - in process]

1. A prospective study of the efficacy of Serenoa repens, Tamsulosin, and Serenoa repens plus Tamsulosin treatment for patients with benign prostate hyperplasia.
Hizli F, Uygur MC.
Department of Urology, Oncology Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
INTRODUCTION: Increasing attention has been focused on the use of phytotherapeutic agents to alleviate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in recent times. The best described and studied phytotherapeutic agent is Serenoa repens (SR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was designed to have 3 arms including SR 320 mg per day (N = 20), Tamsulosin (TAM) 0.4 mg per day (N = 20) and SR + TAM (N = 20) to reveal the superiority or equivalence between these treatment regimens in BPH. RESULTS: The groups were not statistically different with regard to increase in maximal urinary flow rate (Q (max)) and decrease in International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) (P > 0.05). No adverse effect was detected in SR therapy group. CONCLUSION: Treatment of BPH by both SR and TAM seems to be effective alone. None of them had superiority to another and additionally, combined therapy (SR + TAM) does not provide extra benefits. Furthermore SR is a well-tolerated agent that can be used alternatively in the treatment of LUTS due to BPH.
PMID: 17203353 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2. Analysis of the interactions of botanical extract combinations against the viability of prostate cancer cell lines.
Adams LS, Seeram NP, Hardy ML, Carpenter C, Heber D.
Center for Human Nutrition, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, 90095-1742, USA.
ladams@mednet.ucla.edu
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2006 Mar;3(1):117-24.
Herbal medicines are often combinations of botanical extracts that are assumed to have additive or synergistic effects. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effect of individual botanical extracts with combinations of extracts on prostate cell viability. We then modeled the interactions between botanical extracts in combination isobolographically. Scutellaria baicalensis, Rabdosia rubescens, Panax-pseudo ginseng, Dendranthema morifolium, Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Serenoa repens were collected, taxonomically identified and extracts prepared. Effects of the extracts on cell viability were quantitated in prostate cell lines using a luminescent ATP cell viability assay. Combinations of two botanical extracts of the four most active extracts were tested in the 22Rv1 cell line and their interactions assessed using isobolographic analysis. Each extract significantly inhibited the proliferation of prostate cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent manner except S. repens. The most active extracts, S. baicalensis, D. morifolium, G. uralensis and R. rubescens were tested as two-extract combinations. S. baicalensis and D. morifolium when combined were additive with a trend toward synergy, whereas D. morifolium and R. rubescens together were additive. The remaining two-extract combinations showed antagonism. The four extracts together were significantly more effective than the two-by-two combinations and the individual extracts alone. Combining the four herbal extracts significantly enhanced their activity in the cell lines tested compared with extracts alone. The less predictable nature of the two-way combinations suggests a need for careful characterization of the effects of each individual herb based on their intended use.
PMID: 16550232 [PubMed]

3. Saw palmetto and lower urinary tract symptoms: what is the latest evidence?
Avins AL, Bent S.
Northern California Kaiser-Permanente Division of Research, 2000 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612, USA.
avins@itsa.ucsf.edu
Curr Urol Rep. 2006 Jul;7(4):260-5.
The use of dietary supplements for treating a wide range of health conditions has grown rapidly in the United States. In the field of men’s health, the most common dietary supplement used is an extract of the berry of the saw palmetto plant, with which men commonly self-medicate in order to treat lower urinary tract symptoms. Throughout the past two decades, substantial literature has emerged examining the biologic and clinical effects of saw palmetto extracts. Several lines of evidence suggest that saw palmetto may exert physiologic effects consistent with a beneficial clinical effect on the mechanisms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Although most clinical studies tend to suggest a modest efficacy benefit of saw palmetto, more recent studies are less consistent and the precise clinical value of saw palmetto for treating lower urinary tract symptoms remains undefined. Overall, there appear to be few safety concerns with short-term use of this herbal medicine, although large-scale and longer-term safety studies have not been performed. Higher-quality studies are currently underway to better define the potential benefits and risks of plant-based extracts for treating symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia.
PMID: 16930496 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

4. Ethnomedicines used in Trinidad and Tobago for urinary problems and diabetes mellitus.
Lans CA.
BCICS, University of Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 2Y2, Canada. cher2lans@netscape.net.
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: This paper is based on ethnobotanical interviews conducted from 1996-2000 in Trinidad and Tobago with thirty male and female respondents. METHODS: A non-experimental validation was conducted on the plants used for urinary problems and diabetes mellitus: This is a preliminary step to establish that the plants used are safe or effective, to help direct clinical trials, and to inform Caribbean physicians of the plants’ known properties to avoid counter-prescribing. RESULTS: The following plants are used to treat diabetes: Antigonon leptopus, Bidens alba, Bidens pilosa, Bixa orellana, Bontia daphnoides, Carica papaya, Catharanthus roseus, Cocos nucifera, Gomphrena globosa, Laportea aestuans, Momordica charantia, Morus alba, Phyllanthus urinaria and Spiranthes acaulis. Apium graviolens is used as a heart tonic and for low blood pressure. Bixa orellana, Bontia daphnoides, Cuscuta americana and Gomphrena globosa are used for jaundice. The following plants are used for hypertension: Aloe vera, Annona muricata, Artocarpus altilis, Bixa orellana, Bidens alba, Bidens pilosa, Bonta daphnoides, Carica papaya, Cecropia peltata, Citrus paradisi, Cola nitida, Crescentia cujete, Gomphrena globosa, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Kalanchoe pinnata, Morus alba, Nopalea cochinellifera, Ocimum campechianum, Passiflora quadrangularis, Persea americana and Tamarindus indicus.The plants used for kidney problems are Theobroma cacao, Chamaesyce hirta, Flemingia strobilifera, Peperomia rotundifolia, Petiveria alliacea, Nopalea cochinellifera, Apium graveolens, Cynodon dactylon, Eleusine indica, Gomphrena globosa, Pityrogramma calomelanos and Vetiveria zizanioides. Plants are also used for gall stones and for cooling. CONCLUSION: Chamaesyce hirta, Cissus verticillata, Kalanchoe pinnata, Peperomia spp., Portulaca oleraceae, Scoparia dulcis, and Zea mays have sufficient evidence to support their traditional use for urinary problems, “cooling” and high cholesterol. Eggplant extract as a hypocholesterolemic agent has some support but needs more study. The plants used for hypertension, jaundice and diabetes that may be safe and justify more formal evaluation are Annona squamosa, Aloe vera, Apium graveolens, Bidens alba, Carica papaya, Catharanthus roseus, Cecropia peltata, Citrus paradisi, Hibsicus sabdariffa, Momordica charantia, Morus alba, Persea americana, Phyllanthus urinaria, Tamarindus indicus and Tournefortia hirsutissima. Several of the plants are used for more than one condition and further trials should take this into account.
PMID: 17040567 [PubMed - in process]

5. Relative inhibition of lipid peroxidation, cyclooxygenase enzymes, and human tumor cell proliferation by natural food colors.
Reddy MK, Alexander-Lindo RL, Nair MG.
Department of Horticulture, National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing,
Michigan 48824, USA.
J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Nov 16;53(23):9268-73. Links
The most abundant water soluble natural food colors are betacyanins and anthocyanins. Similarly, lycopene, bixin, beta-carotene, and chlorophyll are water insoluble colors. Pure betanin, bixin, lycopene, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside were isolated from Beta vulgaris, Bixa orellana,Lycopersicum esculentum, Spinacia oleracea, Daucus carrota, and Prunus cerasus, respectively. These natural pigments, alone and in combination, were evaluated for their relative potencies against cyclooxygenase enzymes and tumor cell growth inhibition by using MCF-7 (breast), HCT-116 (colon), AGS (stomach), CNS (central nervous system), and NCI-H460 (lung) tumor cell lines. Among the colors tested, betanin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, lycopene, and beta-carotene inhibited lipid peroxidation. However, all pigments tested gave COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition and showed a dose-dependent growth inhibition against breast, colon, stomach, central nervous system, and lung tumor cells, respectively. The mixtures of these pigments were also evaluated for their synergistic effects and chemical interactions at various concentrations. The mixture of anthocyanin and betanin negated their efficacy in the cell growth inhibitory assay and did not enhance the COX enzyme inhibitory activity. This is the first report of a comparative evaluation and the impact on biological activities of these pigments alone and in combination.
PMID: 16277432 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

6. Antigenotoxic and antimutagenic potential of an annatto pigment (norbixin) against oxidative stress.
Junior AC, Asad LM, Oliveira EB, Kovary K, Asad NR, Felzenszwalb I.
Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. 28 de setembro 87, fundos, 4o.andar, 20551-030 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Genet Mol Res. 2005 Mar 31;4(1):94-9.
Carotenoids are 40-carbon molecules with conjugated double bonds, making them particularly effective for quenching free radicals. They have always been believed to possess anticancer properties, which could be due to their antioxidant potential. Norbixin is an unusual dicarboxylic water-soluble carotenoid present as a component in the pericarp of the seeds of Bixa orellana L. (from the Bixaceae family), a tropical shrub commonly found in Brazil. The main carotenoids present in these seeds, bixin and norbixin, form a coloring material, known as annatto, which is mainly used in the food industry. As annatto is only used as a coloring material, most studies of annatto pigments have focused on the determination of annatto levels in food. However, little attention has been given to the biological properties of bixin and norbixin. We evaluated the effect of norbixin on the response of Escherichia coli cells to DNA damage induced by UV radiation, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anions (O2*-)) and found that norbixin protects the cells against these agents. Norbixin enhanced survival at least 10 times. The SOS induction by UVC was inhibited 2.3 times more when cells were grown in the presence of norbixin. We also found that norbixin has antimutagenic properties, with a maximum inhibition of H2O2-induced mutagenic activity of 87%, based on the Salmonella mutagenicity test.
PMID: 15841440 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

7. Germacranolides from Mikania guaco.
Rungeler P, Brecht V, Tamayo-Castillo G, Merfort I.
Institut fur Pharmazeutische Biologie, Universitat Freiburg, Germany.
Phytochemistry 2001 Mar;56(5):475-89
Fourteen novel sesquiterpene lactones of the germacranolide type have been isolated from the aerial parts of Mikania guaco: six costunolide, two melampolide and six germacra-4-trans,10(14),11(13)-trien-12.6alpha-olide derivatives. Except for one compound all the others possess a carbonyl function at C-9. Eight were obtained in the form of four isomer pairs which were difficult to separate. Structure elucidation was based on mass and ID and 2D NMR measurements. Low energy conformations were obtained by quantum mechanical calculations. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids could not be detected.
PMID: 11261581 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

8. Cat’s Claw: an herb from the Peruvian Amazon [Article in Spanish]
Steinberg PN.
Sidahora. 1995 Apr-May;:35-6.
AIDS: Uncaria tomentosa, also known as cat’s claw, an herb from the highlands of the Peruvian Amazon, has been used by natives for hundreds of years to treat immunologic and digestive disorders. Research began in the 1970s to discover the benefits of this plant in relieving symptoms of cancers, arthritis, and other ailments. It has the ability to cleanse the digestive tract, aiding victims of Crohn’s, colitis, gastritis and more. In a 1989 study by Klaus Keplinger, several alkaloid oxidants found in the plant’s roots showed an ability to stimulate the immune system. The principal alkaloids are isopteropodine and rynchophyiline. Extracts of cat’s claw mixed with AZT in an experimental drug, called Krallendom, were effective in reducing symptoms in AIDS patients in Austria. The plant has been useful in reducing secondary effects of radiation and chemotherapy in cancer victims as well. Publication Types: Newspaper Article
PMID: 11363206 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

9. Phytochemical and biological study of Uncaria tomentosa [Article in Italian]
Senatore A, Cataldo A, Iaccarino FP, Elberti MG.
Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper. 1989 Jun;65(6):517-20.
The investigation on steroidic fraction of Uncaria tomentosa, commonly called Una de gato, showed the presence of beta-sitosterol (60%), stigmasterol, and campesterol. The percentage of sterols have been carried out by GLC. The spectroscopic data 1H-NMR and MS of the three compounds are also reported, with the beta-sitosterol as the main sterol. Preliminary pharmacological investigations prove a moderate antiinflammatory activity.
PMID: 2611012 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10. Randomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic alkaloid-chemotype of uncaria tomentosa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Mur E, Hartig F, Eibl G, Schirmer M.
J Rheumatol. 2002 Apr;29(4):678-81
Department of Internal Medicine, Innsbruck University Hospital, Austria. erich.mur@uibk.ac.atOBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and clinical efficacy of a plant extract from the pentacyclic chemotype of Uncaria tomentosa (UT) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Forty patients undergoing sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine treatment were enrolled in a randomized 52 week, 2 phase study. During the first phase (24 weeks, double blind, placebo controlled), patients were treated with UT extract or placebo. In the second phase (28 weeks) all patients received the plant extract. RESULTS: Twenty-four weeks of treatment with the UT extract resulted in a reduction of the number of painful joints compared to placebo (by 53.2% vs 24.1%; p = 0.044). Patients receiving the UT extract only during the second phase experienced a reduction in the number of painful (p = 0.003) and swollen joints (p = 0.007) and the Ritchie Index (p = 0.004) compared to the values after 24 weeks of placebo. Only minor side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: This small preliminary study demonstrates relative safety and modest benefit to the tender joint count of a highly purified extract from the pentacyclic chemotype of UT in patients with active RA taking sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine. Publication Types: Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial
PMID: 11950006 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

11. Cat’s claw inhibits TNFalpha production and scavenges free radicals: role in cytoprotection.
Sandoval M, Charbonnet RM, Okuhama NN, Roberts J, Krenova Z, Trentacosti AM, Miller MJ.
Department of Pediatrics and Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
sandovm@mail.amc.edu
Free Radic Biol Med. 2000 Jul 1;29(1):71-8.
Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a medicinal plant from the Amazon River basin that is widely used for inflammatory disorders and was previously described as an inhibitor of NF-kappaB. Cat’s claw was prepared as a decoction (water extraction) of micropulverized bark with and without concentration by freeze-drying. Murine macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells) were used in cytotoxicity assays (trypan blue exclusion) in response to the free radical 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl (DPPH, 0.3 microM) and ultraviolet light (UV) light. TNFalpha production was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS 0.5 microg/ml). Cat’s claw was an effective scavenger of DPPH; the EC(50) value for freeze-dried concentrates was significantly less than micropulverized (18 vs. 150 microg/ml, p <.05). Cat’s claw (10 microg/ml freeze-dried) was fully protective against DPPH and UV irradiation-induced cytotoxicity. LPS increased TNFalpha media levels from 3 to 97 ng/ml. Cat’s claw suppressed TNFalpha production by approximately 65-85% (p <.01) but at concentrations considerably lower than its antioxidant activity: freeze-dried EC(50) = 1.2 ng/ml, micropulverized EC(50) = 28 ng/ml. In conclusion, cat’s claw is an effective antioxidant, but perhaps more importantly a remarkably potent inhibitor of TNFalpha production. The primary mechanism for cat’s claw anti-inflammatory actions appears to be immunomodulation via suppression of TNFalpha synthesis.
PMID: 10962207 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE

12. Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation in human tumor cells treated with extracts of Uncaria tomentosa.
Sheng Y, Pero RW, Amiri A, Bryngelsson C.
Phytomedicine. 2000 Jan;6(6):447-52.
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Lund, Sweden Yezhou.Sheng@wblab.lu.se
Growth inhibitory activities of novel water extracts of Uncaria tomentosa (C-Med-100) were examined in vitro using two human leukemic cell lines (K562 and HL60) and one human EBV-transformed B lymphoma cell line (Raji). The proliferative capacities of HL60 and Raji cells were strongly suppressed in the presence of the C-Med-100 while K562 was more resistant to the inhibition. Furthermore, the antiproliferative effect was confirmed using the clonogenic assay, which showed a very close correlation between C-Med-100 concentration and the surviving fraction. The suppressive effect of Uncaria tomentosa extracts on tumor cell growth appears to be mediated through induction of apoptosis which was demonstrated by characteristic morphological changes, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation after agarose gel electrophoresis and DNA fragmentation quantification. C-Med-100 induced a delayed type of apoptosis becoming most dose-dependently prominent after 48 hours of exposure. Both DNA single and double strand breaks were increased 24 hours after C-Med-100 treatment, which suggested a well-established linkage between the DNA damage and apoptosis. The induction of DNA strand breaks coupled to apoptosis may explain the growth inhibition of the tumor cells by Uncaria tomentosa extracts. These results provide the first direct evidence for the antitumor properties of Uncaria tomentosa extracts to be via a mechanism of selective induction of apoptosis
PMID: 9858909 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

13. Screening Brazilian plant species for in vitro inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase.
Braga FC, Wagner H, Lombardi JA, de Oliveira AB.
Faculdade de Farmacia, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil fernao@dedalus.lcc.ufmg.br
Plants from the Brazilian flora were evaluated for the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. The species were selected based on their traditional use and on a chemosystematic approach. In total, 19 species belonging to 13 families have been investigated. Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig (Zingiberaceae), Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae) and Hymenaea courbaril L. (Leguminosae) presented a high 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. Some hypothesis about the nature of the active compounds are discussed, based on reports of the chemical constitution of these species or other species from the same botanical family.
PMID: 10715848 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

14. Purification of a beta-galactosidase from cotyledons of Hymenaea courbaril L. (Leguminosae).
Enzyme properties and biological function.
de Alcantara PH, Martim L, Silva CO, Dietrich SM, Buckeridge MS.
J Nat Prod. 2002 Jan;65(1):11-5.
Department of Botany, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Rua do Matao, 277, Caixa Postal
11461,CEP 05422-970 Cidade Universitaria, Butanta, SP, Brazil.
Beta-galactosidases are enzymes that can be found in most living beings and in the plant kingdom its activity and genes have been detected in several tissues such as ripening fruits, developing leaves and flowers and storage tissues such as cotyledons. In plants, their activities are usually associated with the secondary metabolism or with oligosaccharide or polysaccharide degradation. Polysaccharide specific beta-galactosidases include beta-galactanases, which attack pectic polymers and beta-galactosidases that attack xyloglucans (XG). In the present work we purified an XG-specific beta-galactosidase (named hcbetagal) from cotyledons of developing seedlings of Hymenaea courbaril, a legume tree from the Neotropical region of the world. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 52-62 kDa and was shown to attack specifically xyloglucan oligosaccharides (XGOs) but not the polymer. It has a pH optimum between 3 and 4 and at this pH range the enzyme increases activity linearly up to 50 degrees C. Kinetic studies showed that hcbetagal is inhibited competitively by free galactose (K(i) = 3.7). The biochemical properties of hcbetagal as a whole suggest that it is involved in storage xyloglucan mobilisation during seedling development. Its high specificity towards XGOs, the low pH optimum and the fact that it is inhibited by its product (galactose) suggest that hcbetagal might be one of the biochemical control points in xyloglucan catabolism in vivo. A possible relationship with functional stability of the wall during cell death as cotyledons undergo senescence is discussed.
PMID: 17137787 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

15. Isolation and absolute configuration of ent-Halimane diterpenoids from Hymenaea courbaril from the Suriname rain forest.
Abdel-Kader M, Berger JM, Slebodnick C, Hoch J, Malone S,Wisse
JH, Werkhoven MC, Mamber S, Kingston
Z Naturforsch [C]. 2002 Mar-Apr;57(3-4):277-81.
DG.Department of Chemistry, M/C 0212, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
24061, USA.
Bioactivity-directed fractionation of a methanol extract of Hymenaea courbaril afforded the three new diterpenoids (13R)-13-hydroxy-1(10),14-ent-halimadien-18-oic acid (1), (2S,13R)-2,13-dihydroxy-1(10),14-ent-halimadien-18-oic acid (2), and (13R)-2-oxo-13-hydroxy-1(10),14-ent-halimadien-18-oic acid (3). The configurations of these compounds were determined from X-ray crystallography of 1, circular dichroism of 2 and 3, and spectral studies of prepared derivatives. Compound 1 exhibited weak cytotoxicity toward the 1138 mutant yeast strain and the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line.
PMID: 11809056 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

16. In vitro antiplasmodial investigation of medicinal plants from El Salvador.
Kohler I, Jenett-Siems K, Siems K, Hernandez MA, Ibarra RA, Berendsohn WG, Bienzle U, Eich E.
Institut furPharmazie, Freie Universitat Berlin, Germany.
In vitro antiplasmodial activities of extracts from Albizia saman, Fabaceae, Calea tenuifolia (C. zacatechichi), Asteraceae, Hymenaea courbaril, Fabaceae, Jatropha curcas, Euphorbiaceae, Momordica charantia, Cucurbitaceae, and Moringa oleifera, Moringaceae were evaluated. From the lipophilic extract of C tenuifolia five active flavones were obtained. 4’,5-Dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavone [genkwanin] and 5-hydroxy-4’,7-dimethoxyflavone [apigenin 4’,7-dimethylether] exhibited the strongest antiplasmodial activity against a chloroquine-sensitive strain (poW) and a chloroquine-resistant strain (Dd2) of Plasmodium falciparum [IC50 values: 17.1-28.5 microM). Furthermore octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid [linoleic acid] [IC50] values of 21.8 microM (poW) and 31.1 microM (Dd2)] and octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid (alpha-linolenic acid) were isolated.
PMID: 12064726 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

17. Chemical Constituents of the Style of Zea mays L. with Glycation Inhibitory Activity.
Suzuki R, Iijima M, Okada Y, Okuyama T.
Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2007 Jan;55(1):153-5.
Department of Natural Medicine and Phytochemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University.
A new sesquiterpene along with 15 known compounds were isolated from the style of Zea mays L. These structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The ability of these compounds to inhibit glycation in vitro was analyzed. This allowed determination of chemical functional groups required for the inhibition of glycation.
PMID: 17202722 [PubMed - in process]

18. Screening of herbal extracts for activation of the human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor.
Rau O, Wurglics M, Dingermann T, Abdel-Tawab M, Schubert-Zsilavecz M.
Pharmazie. 2006 Nov;61(11):952-6. Links
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of
Pharmaceutical Chemistry/ZAFES, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors play a pivotal role in metazoan lipid and glucose homeostasis. Synthetic activators of PPARalpha (fibrates) and PPARgamma (glitazones) are therefore widely used for treatment of dislipidemia and diabetes, respectively. There is growing evidence for herbal compounds to influence nuclear receptor signalling e.g. the PPARs. We recently reported carnosic acid and carnosol, both being diterpenes found in the labiate herbs sage and rosemary, to be activators of PPARgamma. The subsequent screening of a variety of ethanolic extracts, obtained from traditionally used herbs, for PPAR activation, led to an exceptionally high hit rate. Among 52 extracts nearly the half significantly activated PPARgamma and 14 activated PPARalpha in addition, whereas three of them were pan-PPAR activators, which also activated PPARdelta. The most active extracts, for which a concentration dependent effect could be shown, were the extracts of Alisma plantago aquatica (ze xie/european waterplantain), Catharanthus roseus (madagascar periwinkle), Acorus calamus (sweet calamus), Euphorbia balsamifera (balsam spurge), Jatropha curcas (barbados nut), Origanum majorana (marjoram), Zea mays (corn silk), Capsicum frutescens (chilli) and Urtica dioica (stinging nettle). The results of the present study provide a possible rationale for the traditional use of many herbs as antidiabetics.
PMID: 17152989 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

19. Zea mays L. extracts modify glomerular function and potassium urinary excretion in conscious rats.
Velazquez DV, Xavier HS, Batista JE, de Castro-Chaves C.
Phytomedicine. 2005 May;12(5):363-9.
Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia-UFPE, s/n Cidade Universitaria, Recife, PE, Brasil.
Diuretic and uricosuric properties have traditionally been attributed to corn silk, stigma/style of Zea mays L. Although the diuretic effect was confirmed, studies of the plant’s effects on renal function or solute excretion were lacking. Thus, we studied the effects of corn silk aqueous extract on the urinary excretion of water, Na+, K+, and uric acid. Glomerular and proximal tubular function and Na+ tubular handling were also studied. Conscious, unrestrained adult male rats were housed in individual metabolic cages (IMC) with continuous urine collection for 5 and 3 h, following two protocols. The effects of 25, 50, 200, 350, and 500 mg/kg body wt. corn silk extract on urine volume plus Na+ and K+ excretions were studied in water-loaded conscious rats (2.5 ml/100 g body wt.) in the IMC for 5 h (Protocol 1). Kaliuresis was observed with doses of 350 (100.42 +/- 22.32-120.28 +/- 19.70 microEq/5 h/100 g body wt.; n = 13) and 500 mg/kg body wt. (94.97+/- 29.30-134.32 +/- 39.98 microEq/5h/100 g body wt.; n = 12; p<0.01), and the latter dose resulted in diuresis as well (1.98 +/- 0.44-2.41 +/- 0.41 ml/5 h/100 g body wt.; n = 12; p<0.05). The effects of a 500 mg/kg body wt. dose of corn silk extract on urine volume, Na+, K+ and uric acid excretions, and glomerular and proximal tubular function, were measured respectively by creatinine (Cler) and Li+ (ClLi) clearances and Na+ tubular handling, in water-loaded rats (5 ml/100 g body wt.) in the IMC for 3 h (Protocol 2). Clcr (294.6 +/- 73.2, n = 12, to 241.7 +/- 48.0 microl/ min/100 g body wt.; n = 13; p<0.05) and the Na+ filtered load (41.9 +/- 10.3, n = 12, to 34.3 +/- .8, n = 13, p<0.05) decreased and ClLi and Na+ excretion were unchanged, while K+ excretion (0.1044 +/- 0.0458, n=12, to 0.2289 +/- 0.0583 microEq/min/100 body wt.; n = 13; p<0.001) increased. For Na+ tubular handling, the fractional proximal tubular reabsorption (91.5 +/- 3.5, n = 12, to 87.5 +/- 3.4%; n = 13; p<0.01) decreased, and both fractional distal reabsorptions--I and II--increased (96.5 +/- 1.5, n = 12, to 97.8 +/- 0.9%; n = 13; p<0.01; and 8.2 +/- 3.5, n = 12, to 12.2 +/- 3.4%, n = 13, p<0.01, respectively). To summarize, in water-loaded conscious rats (2.5 ml/100 body wt.), corn silk aqueous extract is diuretic at a dose of 500 mg/kg body wt. and kaliuretic at doses of 350 and 500 mg/kg body wt. In water-loaded conscious rats (5.0 ml/100 g body wt.), corn silk aqueous extract is kaliuretic at a dose of 500 mg/kg body wt., but glomerular filtration and filtered load decrease without affecting proximal tubular function, Na+, or uric acid excretion.
PMID: 15957371 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

20. Traditional medicinal plant use in Northern Peru: tracking two thousand years of healing culture.
Bussmann RW, Sharon D.
University of Hawaii, Lyon Arboretum, 3860 Manoa Rd,, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. bussmann@hawaii.edu.
ABSTRACT: This paper examines the traditional use of medicinal plants in Northern Peru, with special focus on the Departments of Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Cajamarca, and San Martin.Northern Peru represents the center of the old Central Andean “Health Axis,” stretching from Ecuador to Bolivia. The roots of traditional healing practices in this region go at least as far back as the Moche period (AC 100-800). Although about 50% of the plants in use reported in the colonial period have disappeared from the popular pharmacopoeia, the plant knowledge of the population is much more extensive than in other parts of the Andean region. 510 plant species used for medicinal purposes were collected, identified and their vernacular names, traditional uses and applications recorded. The families best represented were Asteraceae with 69 species, Fabaceae (35), Lamiaceae (25), and Solanaceae (21). Euphorbiaceae had twelve species, and Apiaceae and Poaceae 11 species.The highest number of species was used for the treatment of “magical/ritual” ailments (207 species), followed by respiratory disorders (95), problems of the urinary tract (85), infections of female organs (66), liver ailments (61), inflammations (59), stomach problems (51) and rheumatism (45).Most of the plants used (83%) were native to Peru. Fresh plants, often collected wild, were used in two thirds of all cases, and the most common applications included the ingestion of herb decoctions or the application of plant material as poultices.
PMID: 17090303 [PubMed - in process]

21. A study of the In Vivo activity of the leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia against multiply antibiotic resistant S. aureus isolate in mice.
Igbeneghu OA, Iwalewa EO, Lamikanra A.
Phytother Res. 2006 Nov 9;21(1):67-71 [Epub ahead of print]
Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi
Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
The effect of a 50% aqueous ethanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia
(Schum and Thonn) Muell. Arg. leaf was investigated in mice which had been infected intraperitoneally with 5.0 x 10(9) cfu of Staphylococcus aureus. Dose-dependent antibacterial activity was demonstrated and the rate of survival of infected mice was improved significantly by doses between 25 and 200 mg/kg of injected extract when compared with untreated infected controls. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose of the extract was found to be 800 mg/kg. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PMID: 17094171 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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