Scia-Redeux™

1. Anti-inflammatory activity of two cucurbitacins isolated from Cayaponia tayuya roots.
Recio MC, Prieto M, Bonucelli M, Orsi C, Manez S, Giner RM, Cerda-Nicolas M, Rios JL.
Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Valencia, Burjassot, Spain. Planta Med. 2004 May;70(5):414-20.
PMID: 15124085 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

2. Dihydrocucurbitacin B, isolated from Cayaponia tayuya, reduces damage in adjuvant-induced arthritis.
Escandell JM, Recio MC, Manez S, Giner RM, Cerda-Nicolas M, Rios JL.
Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Valencia, Av. Vicent Andres Estelles s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Spain. Eur J Pharmacol. 2006 Feb 17;532(1-2):145-54. Epub 2006 Jan 27
PMID: 16443215 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

3. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of efficacy and safety.
Brien S, Lewith GT, McGregor G.
Complementary Medicine Research Unit, Primary Medical Care, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom. sbb@soton.ac.uk J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Dec;12(10):981-93
PMID: 17212570 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

4. A review of the biological and potential therapeutic actions of Harpagophytum procumbens.
Grant L, McBean DE, Fyfe L, Warnock AM.
Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland. Phytother Res. 2007 Mar;21(3):199-209
PMID: 17128436 [PubMed - in process]

5. Pharmacological activity of South American plants: effects on spontaneous in vivo lipid peroxidation.
Desmarchelier CJ, de Moraes Barros SB.
Instituto de Quimica y Metabolismo del Farmaco (IQUIMEFA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica,
Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junin 956 (1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
PMID: 12557253 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
6. Chuchuhuasha - a drug used in folk medicine in the Amazonian and Andean areas A chemical study of Maytenus laevis.
Gonzalez JG; delle Monache G; delle Monache F; Marini-Bettol GB
J Ethnopharmacol, 5: 1, 1982 Jan, 73-7

1. Anti-inflammatory activity of two cucurbitacins isolated from Cayaponia tayuya roots.
Recio MC, Prieto M, Bonucelli M, Orsi C, Manez S, Giner RM, Cerda-Nicolas M, Rios JL.
Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Valencia, Burjassot, Spain. Planta Med. 2004 May;70(5):414-20.
Fractionation of an anti-inflammatory extract from Cayaponia tayuya roots yielded two active compounds, identified as 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B (1) and cucurbitacin R (2). Both were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity on several experimental models of pain and inflammation. In addition, their cytotoxicity and effects on leukotriene B4 (LTB4) formation were evaluated in rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Both compounds showed activity in the following models: carrageenan-induced mouse paw oedema (1, 4 mg/kg p.o., 46% inhibition at 3 h), phospholipase A2-induced mouse paw oedema (2, 3 mg/kg i.p., 61% inhibition at 60 min), serotonin-induced mouse paw oedema (1 and 2, 0.5 mg/kg s.c., 73% and 79% inhibition, respectively), 12- O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced acute ear oedema (2, 36% inhibition at 4 mg/kg p.o., and 87% inhibition at 0.1 mg/ear topically). The compounds were also active against the inflammation induced by repeated application of TPA on mouse ears, affecting both the oedema itself (1 and 2 at 0.1 mg/ear, 44% and 56% inhibition, respectively) as well as cell infiltration (68% and 69%, respectively). The activity of both compounds against oedema induced by serotonin was not modified by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone; however, the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide abolished the anti-inflammatory response in both cases. Neither compound modified the production of LTB4 in rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes, nor did they exhibit analgesic properties at the dose assayed.
PMID: 15124085 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

2. Dihydrocucurbitacin B, isolated from Cayaponia tayuya, reduces damage in adjuvant-induced arthritis.
Escandell JM, Recio MC, Manez S, Giner RM, Cerda-Nicolas M, Rios JL.
Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Valencia, Av. Vicent Andres Estelles s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Spain. Eur J Pharmacol. 2006 Feb 17;532(1-2):145-54. Epub 2006 Jan 27
23,24-Dihydrocucurbitacin B, from the anti-rheumatic plant Cayaponia tayuya, was tested on arthritis induced by adjuvant to corroborate the anti-inflammatory properties of this plant. Arthritis was induced in Lewis rats; the resulting arthritic rats were then treated with dihydrocucurbitacin B (1 mg/kg orally, daily, 1 week). The effect of dihydrocucurbitacin B on the synthesis, release, and activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes (elastase, cyclooxygenase-2, and nitric oxide synthase-2) as well as its effect on different mediators (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta) were determined. Dihydrocucurbitacin B modified the evolution of the clinical symptoms, reducing the swelling and bone and tissue damage along with the development of the disease, modifying the cell infiltration and the expression of both nitric oxide synthase-2 and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, it decreased the tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta production in lymphocytes, but did not modify it in macrophages.
PMID: 16443215 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

3. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of efficacy and safety.
Brien S, Lewith GT, McGregor G.
Complementary Medicine Research Unit, Primary Medical Care, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom. sbb@soton.ac.uk J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Dec;12(10):981-93
BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. Conventional treatment (i.e., the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs) is associated with well-documented adverse effects. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) a traditional South African herbal remedy used for rheumatic conditions, may be a safer treatment option. To date, 14 clinical trials have assessed its efficacy/ effectiveness in OA. AIM: To address the two main questions of importance to clinicians: (1) Does Devil’s Claw work for the treatment of OA, and (2) Is it safe? METHODS: A review of the literature on Devil’s Claw and OA from 1966 to 2006 was performed using multiple search databases, monographs, and citation tracking. Relevant trials in all languages were identified and included. Both internal validity (i.e., adequacy of the dosage and period of treatment for this condition, reporting of randomization, rates of dropout, blinding, and statistical analysis) and external validity (i.e., inclusion/ exclusion criteria, baseline characteristics of the study populations, trial setting, and the appropriateness of the outcome measures of the trials) were assessed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were identified: eight observational studies; 2 comparator trials (1 open, the other randomized to assess clinical effectiveness); and 4 double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trials to assess efficacy. Many of the published trials lacked certain important methodological quality criteria. However, the data from the higher quality studies suggest that Devil’s Claw appeared effective in the reduction of the main clinical symptom of pain. The assessment of safety is limited by the small populations generally evaluated in the clinical studies. From the current data, Devil’s Claw appears to be associated with minor risk (relative to NSAIDs), but further long-term assessment is required. CONCLUSIONS: The methodological quality of the existing clinical trials is generally poor, and although they provide some support, there are a considerable number of methodologic caveats that make further clinical investigations warranted. The clinical evidence to date cannot provide a definitive answer to the two questions posed: (1) Does it work? And (2) is it safe? A definitive high-quality trial that addresses the necessary methodologic improvements noted is needed to answer these important clinical questions.
PMID: 17212570 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

4. A review of the biological and potential therapeutic actions of Harpagophytum procumbens.
Grant L, McBean DE, Fyfe L, Warnock AM.
Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland. Phytother Res. 2007 Mar;21(3):199-209
Harpagophytum procumbens (Hp), commonly known as Devil’s Claw is a perennial plant which thrives in arid conditions. For centuries, it has been used as a traditional treatment for a variety of illnesses, including fevers, skin complaints, arthritis and diseases of the digestive tract as well as an appetite stimulant. Since its introduction to Europe in the early twentieth century, it has become a popular antiinflammatory and analgesic preparation amongst herbalists for supportive or adjuvant treatment of degenerative joint diseases, tendonitis, headache, backache and menstrual pain. The validity of Hp as an effective antiinflammatory and analgesic preparation, particularly in the relief of arthritic symptoms, has been investigated in numerous animal, clinical and in vitro studies. Although some contradictory evidence exists, the majority of animal studies appear to indicate Hp as an effective antiinflammatory and analgesic preparation in the treatment of acute and subacute inflammation. Clinical trials support Hp as a beneficial treatment for the alleviation of pain and improvement of mobility in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Analysis of the in vitro and ex vivo studies that currently exist, indicate that Hp has significant effects on numerous proinflammatory markers. However, the exact mechanism(s) by which Hp may reduce inflammation remain to be elucidated. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PMID: 17128436 [PubMed - in process]

5. Pharmacological activity of South American plants: effects on spontaneous in vivo lipid
peroxidation.
Desmarchelier CJ, de Moraes Barros SB.
Instituto de Quimica y Metabolismo del Farmaco (IQUIMEFA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica,
Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junin 956 (1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The in vivo protective effects of methanol extracts of eight South American medicinal plants traditionally used as antiinflammatory were determined by means of spontaneous lipid peroxidation of liver tissue in rats. The production of TBARS was reduced in a dose dependent manner for A. macrocarpa (IC50 = 132 mg/kg), A. urundeuva (IC50 = 176 mg/kg), C. reticulata (IC50 = 561mg/kg) and S. obtusifolium (IC50 = 918 mg/kg). The extracts of P. peltata and U. tomentosa were only effective at a high concentration (300 mg/kg), although these values were not significant. The lyophilized latex of C. lechleri decreased the production of TBARS at a 200 mg/kg dose, although pro-oxidant effects were observed at lower doses (50 mg/kg). The extract of H. pallida was pro-oxidant at lower concentrations (50 mg/kg). Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PMID: 12557253 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

6. Chuchuhuasha - a drug used in folk medicine in the Amazonian and Andean areas
Achemical study of Maytenus laevis.
Gonzalez JG; delle Monache G; delle Monache F; Marini-Bettol GB
J Ethnopharmacol, 5: 1, 1982 Jan, 73-7
In the high Amazonian basin a plant named chuchuasha, (or chuchuaso) is used in traditional medicine for several purposes in the form of an alcoholic extract. This plant, a Maytenus species, most probably Maytenus laevis, grows in the subandean region of the Amazonian basin (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia). Antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties were recently attributed to the extracts of the root bark of the plant. The composition of the extract of M. laevis from the Putumayo area of Colombia was studied in order to establish the active principle responsible for these activities. The presence of phenoldienones (tingenone, 22-hydroxytingenone), a catechin (4’-methyl-(-)-epigallocatechin) and proanthocyanidins (Ouratea-proanthocyanidins A and B) was established. The biological activities of these compounds confirm the properties of the extracts of the plant claimed by traditional medicine.