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Evaluation of the antinociceptive activity of extracts of Sonchus oleraceus L. in mice
Abstract
Sonchus oleraceus L. has been used to relieve pain in Brazilian folk medicine.
Sonchus oleraceus L. has been used to relieve pain in Brazilian folk medicine. This study was conducted to establish the antinociceptive properties of hydroethanolic and dichloromethane extracts from aerial parts of Sonchus oleraceus in mice using chemical and thermal models of nociception.
The formalin, hot plate, and tail immersion tests as well as acetic acid-induced writhing were used to investigate the antinociceptive activity in mice.
Given orally, the extracts at test doses of 30-300 mg/kg, produced significant inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin since decreased the number of writhing episodes and the time licking. Treatment with the extracts in the same doses produced a significant increase of the reaction time in tail immersion and in the hot plate test. The extracts administered at 300 mg/kg, p.o. had a stronger antinociceptive effect than indomethacin (5mg/kg, p.o.) and morphine (10mg/kg, p.o.).
The extracts of Sonchus oleraceus markedly demonstrated antinociceptive action in mice, which supports previous claims of its traditional use.
... e leaves of Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae), a species native to Europe that now has a global distribution, are widely consumed in some regions of Asia, Europe, and Oceania as a dietary supplement owing to their high nutritional value [15,16]. In the south and mid-west regions of Brazil, for example, the leaves of this plant, known locally as serralha, chicória-brava, and serralheira [17,18], have a bitter taste resembling spinach and are used in salads [19]. Moreover, in several American countries, countless cultures have utilized S. oleraceus in a medicinal capacity to treat hepatitis, headaches, nephropathies, stomachaches, and ulcers [20,21]. ...
... In Brazilian traditional medicine, the roots, leaves, and inflorescences of S. oleraceus are popularly used orally in the form of infusions or decoctions to treat stomachaches and other gastrointestinal disturbances [20,[22][23][24] and are also widely used as a depurative and laxative [25], an anti-inflammatory agent [26,27], and in the treatment of cardiovascular problems. Indeed, some experimental studies have validated the popular use of S. oleraceus concerning its anxiolytic [18], anti-inflammatory [28,29], and antitumor [30] properties. ...
... S. oleraceus is consumed worldwide for its nutritional properties and efficacy in the treatment of digestive diseases and other ailments [16,18,23,46]. Although there are preliminary reports on the anti-ulcerogenic effects of extracts and fractions of S. oleraceus [47], the gastroprotective mode of action of polar extracts (which are more comparable to the preparations consumed in popular usage) of the leaves of this medicinal plant has yet to be sufficiently investigated. ...
Sonchus oleraceus L. is an edible and medicinal plant used to treat stomachache and gastric ailments around the world. Thus, this study aimed to determine the gastroprotective mode of action of hydroalcoholic extract of S. oleraceus (HES). Mice were treated with HES before induction of gastric ulceration by ethanol/HCl. The area and histological appearance of ulcers were quantified, and mucus was measured histochemically. The effects of HES on inflammatory and oxidative markers were assessed in the ulcerated tissue. In addition, we investigated the gastric acid antisecretory activity of HES in pylorus-ligated rats. Chemical analyses of HES and its antioxidant activity were also performed in vitro. The HES (30 or 300 mg/kg) reduced the ulceration by 71.5 and 76.2%, respectively, compared with vehicle ( p < 0.001 ), and the histological analysis confirmed the macroscopic results with elevation in mucin levels by 361.4 and 477.5%, respectively, compared with vehicle ( p < 0.001 ). Moreover, the gastroprotection was accompanied by increases in GSH levels and in SOD, CAT, and GST activities; in parallel to a reduction in MPO activity and TNF levels. Furthermore, HES reduced the total acidity, and pepsin activity of the gastric juice of rats by 61 and 63%, respectively, compared to the vehicle. Phytochemical analysis indicated that luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside is the main active compound annotated in HES. Was also found that HES scavenged the DPPH radical with an IC50 of 15.41 μg/mL. In conclusion, the gastroprotective effects of HES involve reductions in oxidative stress and inflammatory injury, in conjunction with an increase in mucus layer and inhibition of gastric secretion. This study advances in elucidating the modes of the antiulcer potential of S. oleraceus and contributes to the prospection of new gastroprotective molecules.
... A espécie, Sonchus oleraceus L. é frequente em várias regiões agrícolas e, muitas vezes, se encontra infestando lavouras, sendo conhecida popularmente como serralha. Na medicina humana é utilizada por meio de infusão ou decocção, em tratamento da dor estomacal, hepatite, infecções, trintestinal (Vilela, 2010). ...
... No Brasil a S. oleraceus faz parte da dieta de grande parte da população rural, apresentando grande valor nutricional. Ela é fonte de proteínas, vitaminas, minerais e aminoácidos essenciais e auxilia a evitar o processo de desnutrição em populações carentes, uma vez que é barata e fácil de ser encontrada, além de proporcionar complemento econômico na renda dos produtores de vegetais e hortaliças, no âmbito da agricultura familiar (Vilela et al., 2009;Vilela et al., 2010;Juhaimi et al., 2017). ...
... No Brasil a S. oleraceus faz parte da dieta de grande parte da população rural, apresentando grande valor nutricional. Ela é fonte de proteínas, vitaminas, minerais e aminoácidos essenciais e auxilia a evitar o processo de desnutrição em populações carentes, uma vez que é barata e fácil de ser encontrada, além de proporcionar complemento econômico na renda dos produtores de vegetais e hortaliças, no âmbito da agricultura familiar (Vilela et al., 2009;Vilela et al., 2010;Juhaimi et al., 2017). ...
The use of herbal medicinal products is a common practice in therapy since remote times. Thus, studies are essential for the characterization of chemical compounds present in plants and their biological and pharmacological activities. In this chapter a review will be presented with focus on the biological and pharmacological activity of Sonchus oleraceus, which is a plant with medicinal action, very present in the diet of some people, as it is rich in nutrients. This plant is effective in treating of gastrointestinal diseases, has laxative properties and helps in inflammatory processes, headaches, liver diseases, in addition to having antibacterial and healing action, due to the high concentrations of antioxidants.
... In the current investigation, four different techniques for determining the analgesic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves and fruits of P. crenulata viz. the hot plate test, tail flick test, tail immersion test, and formalin test were utilized. The choice of selection of the experimental models for algesia was based firstly on the extensive literature that specifically describes the use of these models as standards for establishing pain in animal models (Couto et al., 2011;Lin et al., 2007;Vilela et al., 2009;Yemitan and Adeyemi, 2017). Secondly, purpose of selecting three tests with similar thermal stimulus in case of tail flick, tail immersion and hot plate test was firstly, to rule out the possibility of serendipity in outcomes, since, behavioral responses produced in these models of pain also depend on animal handling by the experimenter in case of tail flick and tail immersion tests, whereas, a general reaction of the rodents to enclosed space in hot plate analgesiometer (Yam et al., 2020) as reported earlier as well (Fan et al., 2014). ...
... Related research have shown that formalin indirectly triggers the production of pain-causing endogenous mediators (such as prostaglandins, kinins, and histamine) that excite nociceptive neurons, which are responsive to opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Formalin induced algesia is basically a model for acute inflammatory pain depicted as biphasic nociceptive behavioral response in rodents (Vilela et al., 2009). In the present study, GHL and GHF exhibited significant analgesic efficacy in both early neurogenic and late inflammatory phase. ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Pyracantha crenulata (D.Don) M.Roem., a plant of high nutritional and medicinal value is traditionally employed for its analgesic property for joint and body pain in Kumaun region of Western Himalaya.
Aim of the study:
To validate the traditional claims for analgesic property of Pyracantha crenulata.
Methods:
Hydroethanolic extract of P. crenulata leaves and fruits were tested for their analgesic potential in rodent models for algesia by tail immersion test, tail flick test, Eddy's hot plate model, and formalin induced paw irritation test in Wistar rats.
Results:
Both P. crenulata fruit extract and leaf extract exhibited significant amelioration in all the tested experimental models of algesia acting through central and peripheral mechanisms. The efficacy in reducing nociception was found comparable to diclofenac that was used as a reference standard. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies further established binding affinity of gallic acid (confirmed to be present in P. crenulata leaf extract through HPTLC profiling) with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and mu-opioid receptors, suggesting the modulatory effect of these extracts on COX-2 and mu-opioid receptors in combating algesia.
Conclusion:
P. crenulata extracts produce analgesic effects plausibly through COX-2 and mu-opioid receptor mediated pathways.
... Sonchus oleraceus L. (family Asteraceae) is locally known as "Tilfaf" and named as sowthistle, and it is a Mediterranean edible species as leafy vegetables (Quezel and Santa 1963). It is very important in the diets of urban people and provides a relatively inexpensive vegetable to the society (Vilela et al. 2009a). It is used in folk medicine as a therapy for inflammation, hepatitis, gastric spasm, fever, for detoxication, and improvement of blood circulation (Muhammad et al. 2012;Agra et al. 2007). ...
... This plant like many other species of Sonchus genus possesses many phytochemical constituents, including terpenes, sterols, flavonoids, coumarins, phenols, saponins, and alkaloids (Jain and Singh 2014). S. oleraceus L. from Brazil showed no toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg body weight of hydroethanolic and dichloromethanic extracts (Vilela et al. 2009a). ...
Sonchus oleraceus L. is a Mediterranean leafy vegetable. The aerial parts are widely used in Algerian traditional medicine to treat several diseases such as infammation, hepatitis, and for detoxication. To date, there are no studies corroborating its toxicity profle. This work aimed to investigate the qualitative phytochemical screening (QPS) and to evaluate the toxicity of the hydro-methanolic (HME) and hot aqueous (HAE) extracts of the aerial parts of S. oleraceus L. in female mice. The QPS of both extracts was achieved using simple tests, as well as the acute and subacute toxicities were examined following Lorke’s method and OECD guidelines 407, respectively. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols, favonoids, sterols and triterpenes, anthraquinone glycoside, and reducing compounds in both extracts. The administered doses of the two extracts disclosed no mortality and no visible sign of toxicity. The LD50 was estimated above 5 g/kg body weight. In the subacute test, the extracts did not induce neither mortality nor signifcant changes in body weight and relative organ weights. The data also revealed that HME leads to a disturbance in LDL, indirect bilirubin, while HAE caused a disorder in cholesterol, ALT, urea, creatinine, and total proteins levels. They caused as well a strong disturbance of hematological parameters. Histopathological examination showed an important hepatic, renal, and lung lesions up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w. Our results showed that the two extracts may elicit toxic efects on the liver, kidney, and lung on prolonged administration.
... No Brasil a S. oleraceus faz parte da dieta de grande parte da população rural, apresentando grande valor nutricional. Ela é fonte de proteínas, vitaminas, minerais e aminoácidos essenciais e auxilia a evitar o processo de desnutrição em populações carentes, uma vez que é barata e fácil de ser encontrada, além de proporcionar complemento econômico na renda dos produtores de vegetais e hortaliças, no âmbito da agricultura familiar (Vilela et al., 2009;Vilela et al., 2010;Juhaimi et al., 2017). ...
... Alguns estudos também demonstram que S. oleraceus possui atividade antibacteriana e contem elevadas quantidades de antioxidantes tais como compostos fenólicos e flavonóides, compostas estes investigados principalmente como forma de proteção contra o envelhecimento celular, reduzindo as concentrações de radicais livres (Zong et al., 2015). Outros possíves componentes como taraxasterol, apigenina 7-glicuronídeo e luteolina 7-glicosídeo, além de alcalóides também foram detectados nessa espécie (Vilela et al., 2009;Mawalagedera et al., 2016). ...
Resumo: O objetivo desse trabalho é promover uma revisão sobre a atividade biológica e farmacológica de Sonchus oleraceus, que é uma planta com ação medicinal, muito presente na dieta de algumas pessoas, por ser rica em nutrientes. Ela é eficiente em tratamentos de doenças gastrointestinais, tem propriedades laxativas e auxilia nos processos inflamatórios, dores de cabeça, hepatopatias, além de ter ação antibacteriana e cicatrizante, devia as altas concentrações de antioxidantes. Palavras-chave: fitoterápicos; plantas medicinais; serralha.
... A formalin solution (5% in 0.9% saline) was injected (20 µL/paw) into the hind paw plantar surface (i.pl.), and the animals were individually placed in transparent observation chambers, as previously described [17,18]. Oral treatments (p.o.) with vehicle, indomethacin (10 mg.kg -1 ) or compounds 8a, 8b, 8c, 8e and 8f (100 µmol.kg ...
... Starting from natural eugenol (1), methylation of the phenolic hydroxyl group with MeI/K 2 CO 3, in acetone [24] produced dimethoxyeugenol (2) 95% yield. Subsequent isomerization of the double bond in basic conditions [18] led to the dimethoxypropenylbenzene intermediate 3 at 86% yield. Formylation of compound 3 with POCl 3 /DMF under Vilsmeyer-Haack conditions [25] produced dimethoxymethylindan-1-one (4) in 40% yield, which was additionally methylated on an α-carbon carbonyl position by reaction with iodomethane and potassium tert-butoxide in THF [26] leading to the intermediate 2,3-dihydro-5,6-dimethoxy-2,2dimethylinden-1-one (5) at 88% yield. ...
Background:
A new series of O-benzyloximes derived from eugenol was synthesized and was evaluated for its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties.
Methods:
The target compounds were obtained in good global 25-28% yields over 6 steps, which led us to identify compounds (Z)-5,6-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one-O-(4- (methylthio)benzyloxime (8b), (Z)-5,6-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one-O-4- bromobenzyloxime (8d) and (Z)-5,6-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one-O-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzyloxime (8f) as promising bioactive prototypes.
Results:
These compounds have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by formalin-induced mice paw edema and carrageenan-induced mice paw edema tests. In the formalin test, compounds 8b and 8f evidenced both anti-inflammatory and direct analgesic activities and in the carrageenan-induced paw edema, with compounds 8c, 8d, and 8f showing the best inhibitory effects, exceeding the standard drugs indomethacin and celecoxib.
Conclusion:
Molecular docking studies have provided additional evidence that the pharmacological profile of these compounds may be related to inhibition of COX enzymes, with slight preference for COX-1. These results led us to identify the new O-benzyloxime ethers 8b, 8d and 8f as orally bioactive prototypes, with a novel structural pattern capable of being explored in further studies aiming at their optimization and development as drug candidates.
... The plant extract from S. oleraceus L. was obtained by using the method given by Vilela et al., 2009 with some modifications. [24] The S. oleraceus L. aerial parts were shade dried at room temperature, pulverized and 100 g of coarse powder was extracted exhaustively with 95% ethanol at temperature 40-60˚C in a soxhlet extractor. The extract was concentrated in a rotary flash evaporator and the residue was dried in a desiccator over sodium sulfite. ...
Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae) has a widespread world distribution and is also common in Brazil. It is a dietary and traditional medicinal plant in Chinese folk culture that can be cooked and eaten to treat inflammatory disease. The aim of the present study was to offer a novel perspective on the medicinal product originating from this species and to test its hepatoprotective activity. Petroleum ether, Ethyl actate and Methanol successive extracts obtained from the aerial parts were used for hepatoprotective study. Compounds that are evaluated for this activity were Flavonoids and Sesquiterpene glycosides, that are identified and quantified by Column chromatography and H1- NMR & Mass Spectra, respectively. Hepatoprotective activity was assessed in vitro, using various biochemical parameters i.e., SGPT, SGOT, SALP, bilirubin (total & direct) and isolated liver. Hepatoprotective activity was tested in rats with experimentally-induced hepatotoxicity by CCl4. The tested extract proved significant hepatoprotective capacity under in-vitro condition. Results of the in-vivo experiment showed that prominent hepatoprotective activity was shown by successive ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts. In this way, the present study offered a novel perspective on the medicinal uses of the species, proving significant amounts of Flavonoids and Sesquiterpene glycosides in the composition of the aerial parts, that has proved hepatoprotective activity.
... The investigations of pharmacological activity in vitro and in vivo of this species are extensive. Table 5 shows other activities studied such as enzymatic inhibition, antiparasitic, anti-leishmanial, anti-larvicidal, anxiolytic, antinociceptive, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, repair tissue, anti-ulcerogenic, and anti-ulcerative (Cardoso et al. 2009a;Cardoso et al. 2009b;Cardoso et al. 2010;Chen et al. 2019a, b, c;Chen et al. 2020a, b, c;Chen et al. 2020b;El & Karakaya et al. 2004;Vilela et al. 2010). ...
Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae) is a cosmopolitan species native to Europe commonly known as lettuce, sowthistle, chicory, or fake dandelion, considered a weed. However, for many years in various cultures around the world, it has been used as food and medicinal plant. The aim of this integrative review is to document the ethnomedical, phytochemical, and pharmacological information of this species. Forty-one papers document the use of S. oleraceus to heal of a wide variety of diseases. However, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, inflammation, infections, hepatitis, wounds, and to consume it as food are the most common uses. On the other hand, only 11 items highlight that the main groups of secondary metabolites in this species are flavonoids and terpene lactones. Finally, 45 items reveal that antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative and cytotoxic were the most studied pharmacological activities. In vitro and in vivo studies of extracts and components isolated from different parts of S. oleraceus have provided a concrete overview of the pharmacological properties of this species that supports its ethnomedical uses in cultures from different parts of the world. The reports of this species have focused solely on the study of the complete plant, leaves, and aerial parts, so it is necessary to study other parts of this species to search for bioactive compounds. No clinical studies were found, which creates an opportunity to expand scientific knowledge of this species.
Graphical Abstract
... (Alothman et al. 2018). In folk medicine, the leaf infusions of S. oleraceus are employed to treat headaches, hepatitis, bacterial infections, and inflammations, since this species possesses strong anti-inflammatory effects (Vilela et al. 2009); its latex is known for antibacterial properties (Ghaffaripour et al. 2021). It gained attention in agriculture because it is a noxious invasive weed as a result of its genetic diversity and morphological features, together with herbicide resistance (Khalsa et al. 2021;Peerzada et al. 2021;Chauhan and Jha 2020). ...
Sonchus oleraceus L. is an invasive species that negatively affects the quality and yield of different crops. This research aimed to evaluate the physiological behavior of seeds from the weed S. oleraceus L., which were subjected to different treatments in three experiments. In experiment 1, different gibberellic acid (GA) concentrations were applied (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg L-1). In the second experiment, apical, basal, and apical-basal cut treatments were carried out on the seeds. In a third experiment, seeds were placed at different sowing depths (0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 cm) in peat as the substrate. The results indicated that GA at concentrations higher than 200 mg L-1 inhibited seed germination and, consequently, seedling growth. Germination was similar between the 200 mg L-1 GA treatment and the control, but germination occurred faster in the control. The apical-basal cut in the seeds generated the highest percentage of germination, the highest average speed of germination, and a significantly lower time of germination than the control; however, the longest shoot was observed in the seeds without a cut, and the longest root was detected in the seeds with the basal cut. Seedling emergence was affected by sowing depth, where it was significantly greater at 0.5, lesser at 2 cm, and, at greater depths, seedlings did not emerge.
... It is traditionally used in Brazilian folk medicine because it has several medicinal properties, and can be used as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and in the treatment of skin dyschromy, such as vitiligo (Vilela et al., 2009;Nonato et al., 2018). However, the lack of recognition of these species as a food source has contributed to the rapid disappearance of plants along with a wealth of traditional knowledge about their uses and cultivation (Souza et al., 2021). ...
Understanding the responses of seeds to the detriment of the interaction of external factors is one of the challenges of research, especially with little explored species such as Sonchus oleraceus L. Thus, the objective was to investigate the effect of the cultivation system, storage time and temperature on the physiological potential of seeds of Sonchus oleraceus L. Seeds were used of two cultivation systems (organic and conventional) in three storage times (0, 90 and 180 days) and submitted at two temperatures (20 and 30 ºC). For the evaluation of germination, the first count, germination percentage and germination speed index were determined, while root length and hypocotyl growth were determined for the evaluation of seedling growth. The first count was statistically higher than 180 days in both crops and temperatures. The seeds of conventional cultivation obtained higher germination percentage and germination speed index at 30 ºC. There was a reduction in root and hypocotyl growth at 180 days, especially at 20 °C. The cultivation environment influences the seed quality of Sonchus oleraceus L. during storage.
... Febrifuge, tonic & stimulant (PFAF: Chopra et al ., 1986), General analgesic(Vilela et al ., 2009a ;Alpinar et al ., 2009), Latex : Antifungal, antioxidant & cancer-related (PFAF:Duke and Ayensu, 1985), Root : Febrifuge, tonic & stimulant (PFAF:Chopra et al ., 1986),Antioxidant & cancer-related, antibacterial ...
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
... In previous studies, Sonchus species have been reported to exhibit anti-tumor, teratogenic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, vasodilatation, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-nociceptive and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities. In addition, Sonchus species have been demonstrated to exert inhibitory effects on gastro intestinal motility and locomotor activity (Hendriani et al., 2014;Huyan et al., 2016;Khader et al., 2013;Mawalagedera et al., 2016 ;Mushtaq et al., 2016;Poudel et al., 2015;Sukandar & Safitri, 2016;Vilela et al., 2009;Xu et al., 2011). Many phytochemicals, such as diterpenes (asperal, emodin), triterpenes (erucaoic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, lupeol, betulinic acid, α-amyrin, β-amyrin) and flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, isoquercitrin, astragalin) have been reported to be present in Sonchus species (Bai et al., 2008;Elkhayat, 2009;Khan et al., 2014;Muhammad et al., 2012;Xia et al., 2012;Yin et al., 2008). ...
The aim of this study was to isolate and identify secondary metabolites from
Sonchus brachyotus and evaluate their antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we isolated three flavonoids from a
70% EtOH extract by Medium Pressure Liquid Chromatography (MPLC) and
prep-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). To evaluate the biological
activities (an-tioxidant and anti-inflammatory) of these flavonoids, their
in vitro inhibitory activities against lipopolysaccharide
(LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, nitric oxide (NO)
production, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion were
determined. We successfully identified three flavonoids, namely luteolin (1),
luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (2), and
luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide (3) by spectral
analyses. Luteolin (1) at 20 μg/mL inhibited ROS generation, NO
production, and PGE2 secretion by 48.6%, 61.28% and
12.10%, respectively, and
luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (2) inhibited NO and
PGE2 generation by 67.03% and 20.82%, respectively.
Luteolin (1) and luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (2) showed
similar anti-inflammatory activities; however, luteolin (1) was observed to be a
stronger antioxidant. Besides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities,
S. brachyotus extract containing luteolin (1) and
lu-teolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (2) is considered to
possess diverse biological activities. The results indicate that S.
brachyotus is an edible medicinal plant, which is believed to be
significant resource of functional foods.
... 50,60, 75, 100 e 150 μL desta solução foram transferidas para um tubo de ensaio. A cada tubo de ensaio, foi acrescentada 0,5 mL do reagente de Folin Ciocalteu e ficou em repouso por 60 min e, em seguida, a absorbância foi lida em aparelho espectrofotômetro na região de 720 nm. ...
Diante do crescimento de pesquisas farmacológicas de compostos naturais oriundos de plantas para a terapêutica de várias doenças, torna-se necessária a validação e eficácia de novos compostos com atividade biológica para tratamento ou prevenção de diversas enfermidades. O objetivo de trabalho foi realizar uma investigação fitoquímica do extrato hidroalcoólico de S. oleraceus L. e discutir, a luz dos resultados, a viabilidade terapêutica desta planta. Para a triagem fitoquímica utilizou-se a cromatografia em fase reversa com detecção de compostos apolares empregando HPLC-UV, e quantificação de polifenóis e flavonoides totais pela técnica espectrofotométrica. Verificou-se a presença de compostos apolares como: ácido arjúnico, ácido maslínico, ácido betulínico, lupeol, β-amirina, α-amirina, estgmasterol e sitosterol, ambos com atividades biológicas benéficas ao organismo. O extrato de S. oleraceus L. contém em cada grama 22,83mg de polifenóis
e 7,77mg de flavonoides. Os compostos presentes na espécie S. oleraceus L., assim como suas atividades biológicas conferem ao extrato eficácia para uso de fins medicinais.
... Sonchus oleraceus, commonly called sow thistle, is native to Asia and Europe. It possesses high antioxidant activity and is commonly used for alleviation of pain (Vilelathor et al. 2009a). ...
Microorganisms employ a precised communication pattern among themselves in order to coordinate between various processes during their growth. Both unicellular and multicellular microbes are found to show cell density-driven gene expression. This phenomenon of density-dependent cell regulation used for survival, prevalence and colonization of specific host is generally termed as quorum sensing (QS). Microorganisms respond to this stimulus once the signalling molecule reaches its threshold concentration. Since they are found to be able to regulate their own production, they are termed as autoinducers (quorum sensing molecules). These molecules function by sensing their own population with respect to their density and distribution pattern in the prevailing environment. Hence, microorganisms use such environmental sensing mechanisms to get adapted as well as for their survival in the existing conditions in their habitat, thereby maintaining healthy cell population. The autoinducers occur widespread in several microorganisms and differ from each other in their molecular structures. Acyl homoserine lactones (AHL), Autoinducer (AI), i.e., AI-2, AI-3 and quinolones are the common QS signalling molecules in Gram-negative bacteria, while cyclic peptides, AI-2 and butyrolactones are observed as signalling molecules in Gram-positive bacteria. In the case of actinomycetes, small diffusible molecules called autoregulators, A-factor and 2-iso-octanoyl-(3R)-hydroxymethyl-γ-butyrolactone act as QS signalling molecules. Understanding the connection between genomes, gene expression and the molecules in complex environment is considered to be a tough task. Increasing interest towards studying the underlying mechanisms has led to the development of various model systems. Among them, plant-microbe symbiotic system is considered to be the best one to study the inter-kingdom molecular cross-talk. During the process of evolution, plants started to respond to the external stimuli in different and more specific ways. One such way includes production of AHL-like molecules to regulate the QS of plant-associated microorganisms. In view of this, the present chapter will be focused on quorum sensing molecules and their role in plant-microbe interaction.
... Sonchus oleraceus, commonly called sow thistle, is native to Asia and Europe. It possesses high antioxidant activity and is commonly used for alleviation of pain (Vilelathor et al. 2009a). ...
Medicinal plants have been used for several centuries for prevention, treatment, and cure of diseases. The study of many of these traditional medicinal plants has led to the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds. Some of these compounds have been chemically modified and used as drugs to mitigate ailments. Several commercially available antibiotics are derived from plants. The rise of multidrug-resistant strains of pathogens has led to an intensive search for compounds that can curb this alarming trend. The phenomenon of quorum sensing sheds a whole new light on the process of mitigation of microbial infection, where the plant-derived compounds block essential pathways (like virulence factor expression and biofilm formation) controlled by quorum sensing. Since the discovery that halogenated furanones produced by red marine algae Delisea pulchra can interfere with the process of quorum sensing in several Gram-negative bacteria, several medicinal plants (Mentha piperita, Syzygium aromaticum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Jasminum sambac, Lilium brownii, Ocimum sanctum, etc.) have been assessed for anti-quorum sensing potential. Some of them possess only anti-quorum sensing activity, and a few others possess both antimicrobial and anti-quorum sensing activity. Some studies have also identified the compounds responsible for inhibition of quorum sensing pathways. This chapter discusses the study of medicinal plants for their anti-quorum sensing activity.
... Ascorbic acid, carotenoids and fatty acids [152] Acute toxicity [153] 19. Asteraceae Taraxacum officinale aggr. ...
Background:
Skin diseases are a major health concern especially in association with human immune deficiency syndrome and acquired an immune deficiency. The aim of this study was to document the ethnomedicinal information of plants used to treat skin diseases in Northern Pakistan. This is the first quantitative ethnobotanical study of therapeutic herbs utilized by the indigenous people of Northern Pakistan for skin diseases.
Methods:
Interviews were taken to obtain information from 180 participants. Quantitative methods including fidelity level (FL), Frequency of citation (FC), Use-value (UV), Jaccard indices (JI), Family importance value (FIV), Relative frequency of citation (RFC) and Chi-square test were applied. Medicinal plants uses are also compared with 50 national and international publications.
Results:
In this study, we recorded 106 plant species belonged to 56 floral families for treatment of skin ailments. The dominant life form reported was herb while the preferred method of utilization was powder, along with leaf as the most used plant part. RFC ranges from 0.07 to 0.25% whereas the highest FIV was recorded for family Pteridaceae. FL values range from 36.8 to 100%. The study reported 88% of new plant reports for the treatment of skin diseases.
Conclusion:
The present study revealed the importance of several plants used to treat skin diseases by the local communities of Northern Pakistan. The available literature supported the evidence of plant dermatological properties. Plants having high UV and RFC can be considered for further scientific analysis. There is dire need to create awareness among local, government and scientific communities for the preservation of medicinal species and ethnomedicinal knowledge in Northern Pakistan.
... Hot plate test is used to evaluate the level of peripheral and cen- tral action of analgesic drugs ( Porto et al., 2013). Indeed, this test can help in the estimation of central nociception (Vilela, Padilha, Dos Santos-E-Silva, Alves-da-Silva, & Giusti-Paiva, 2009) and can evaluate the complex responses to inflammation and nociception promoted by opioid agents (Bhandare, Kshirsagar, Vyawahare, Hadambar, & Thorve, 2010). Results presented in Table 7 showed that the EPL treatment in- creased the reaction times of mice in hot-plate test. ...
The goal of the present work was a phytochemical screening together with the study of a possible hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Periploca laevigata seeds extract. Soxhlet extraction revealed that the oil content was ca. 5.5% DW and Kjeldhal method revealed that the protein level was ca. 22% DW. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids and condensed tannin contents were 21.2 mg GAE/g DW, 1.65 mg QE/g DW and 0.58 mg CE/g DW, respectively. LC-ESI-MS analysis revealed the presence of eighteen identified molecules and the most dominant compounds were quinic acid (ca. 3700 µg/g DW) and gallic acid (ca. 3050 µg/g DW). Pretreatment with P. laevigata extract ameliorated levels of serum parameters for liver together with oxidative stress indicators and antioxidant enzymes activities. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies showed that P. laevigata extract reduced carrageenan-induced oedema and acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, and increased latency in hot plate test.
... Results concluded that extracts of S. oleraceus markedly established antinociceptive action in mice. [36] Int J Pharm Biol Sci. 6 phenols, saponins, and alkaloids. High concentration of fatty acids, vitamin C, carotenoids, oxalic acid, and high mineral contents is found in this plant which gave high value in as nutritional supplements. ...
Sonchus oleraceus Linn. (S. oleraceus) is one of the therapeutically important herb, broadly distributed all through world. S. oleraceus species find their roots in various ancient medicinal systems including Chinese medicines. Traditionally various parts of S. oleraceus had been employed in the treatment of different diseases like Galactagogue, febrifuge, sedative, vermifuge. Liver disorder. It treats phthisis hepatitis, infections, inflammation, and rheumatism treatment of vitiligo. It is used as a cathartic, a sedative, in a cancer treatment and a vermicide etc. Nowadays S. oleraceus species are being explored as a potential antioxidant. Considering these facts, we endeavoured to present a comprehensive review enlightening the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities
of plant S. oleraceus. We utilized logical writing and scientific literature from electronic search engine such as
Springerlink, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus and BioMed Central as well as relevant books, websites, scientific publications and dissertations as a source of information. Phytochemical profiling of this species has revealed the presence of some imperative phytochemicals sesquiterpene lactones of the eudesmanolides and guaianolide structures. It also contains flavonoids, flavonols, proanthocyanidins, total phenols, saponins and alkaloids. The pharmacological activities exhibited by S. oleraceus are attributed to the presence of valuable bioactive phytoconstituents. Literature revealed that plant S. oleraceus possess’ antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, antinociceptive, anxiolytic, cytotoxic and antibacterial activity. This review intends to investigate the published report regarding phytochemicals, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological viewpoints and put forth the therapeutic potential of S. oleraceus. Future research can be directed to extensive investigation about phytochemistry, clinical trials and pharmacokinetics acquiring safety data so as to add new dimensions to therapeutic utilization of S. oleraceus and other Sonchus species.
... Throughout the world, it is known as sow thistle or pūhā [11,12]. Recent research has shown that an S. oleraceus extract (S.O.e) exhibits several types of bioactivity, including anxiolytic [6], anti-inflammatory [7,9], antibacterial [8], antioxidant [8,11,13,14], antitumor [15], antinociceptive [16], and antiaging [12] activities. ...
Introduction
Kidney ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is the main cause of delayed graft function in solid organ transplantation. Sonchus oleraceus is a plant with well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; however, its effects on renal I/R are unknown.
Objective
To evaluate whether S. oleraceus extract (S.O.e.) has nephroprotective activity in an I/R model in Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods
Animal groups (n = 6): sham, I/R (45 min/15 h), S.O.e (300 mg/kg p.o.), and S.O.e + I/R (300 mg/kg, p.o.; 45 min/15 h). Renal function, proinflammatory cytokines, alanine aminotransferase, markers of oxidative stress, and histology were evaluated.
Results
None of the mediators evaluated differed significantly between the S.O.e and sham groups. Levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), and proinflammatory cytokines were higher, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was lower in the I/R group than in the sham group. Histology showed tubular epithelial necrosis in the medulla and cortex in the I/R group. In the S.O.e + I/R group, S.O.e pretreatment attenuated the I/R-induced increases in BUN, creatinine, MDA, and proinflammatory cytokines induced, SOD was maintained, and histology showed discontinuous necrosis in the medulla but no necrosis in the cortex.
Conclusions
S.O.e was neither hepatotoxic nor nephrotoxic. S.O.e. pretreatment showed a nephroprotective effect against I/R.
... These finding recommend that the Ce.Cr extract have peripheral analgesic activity and their mechanism of action might be due to inhibition of prostaglandins synthesis. Thermal nociception models (hot plate and tail immersion) were used to assess the central activity of plant extract (Vilela et al. 2009). Ce.Cr in dose-dependent manner (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) prolonged the latency period in hot plate provoked by heat stimuli, that showed significant analgesic effect. ...
The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the phytochemical content and analgesic effect of Caralluma edulis (Ce.Cr). Established methods were used for phytochemical analysis of plant. The anti-nociceptic activity of Ce.Cr was scrutinized using acetic acid-induced writhings, tail immersion and hot plate methods. Ce.Cr was tested positive for the presence of therapeutically active metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenol, tannins, terpenoids and saponins. Ce.Cr at the dose of 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal writhes and increase the latency time to thermal stimuli in both tail immersion and hot plate tests, similar to standard drug. These results showed that the ethanolic extract of Caralluma edulis possesses anti-nociceptive property.
... Xylene-induced ear oedema was performed with modifications to assess the anti-inflammatory effects in the mouse model. [18] Seventy male Kunming mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 10): untreated disease, positive control (indomethacin 5 mg/kg), [19] EF extract, Viola extract, Taraxacum extract, Lobelia extract and Isatidis extract. Except for the untreated disease group, all of the mice were administered their respective dose by gavage once daily for five consecutive days. ...
Objectives:
Traditional Chinese herbal formulas are difficult to be understood because of complex compositions and specific therapeutic principles. To better understand herbal compatibility in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this study was conducted to investigate the effects of a Chinese pharmacopoeia-listed formula, Erding Formula (EF) and its constituent herbs for a new indication, hyperuricaemia.
Methods:
A hypoxanthine and potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mouse model, a xylene-induced inflammatory mouse model and an acetic acid-induced pain model were used to test the effects of EF and its constituent herbs. In addition, we investigated whether EF and/or its relevant herbs had an impact on the expression of URAT1 and OAT3 mRNA.
Key findings:
The results showed EF and individual herbs had pharmacological effects on selected targets. Only Viola yedoensis Makino (Viola) lowered uric acid levels, while all four herbs had anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The EF may lower the uric acid level through inhibiting the expression of URAT1 mRNA and enhancing the expression of OAT3 mRNA.
Conclusions:
These findings provide pharmacological insights into the effects of EF and individual herbs on UA excretion. This study suggests that Viola is the main herb in EF. This study facilitates better understanding of TCM principles and theories using modern pharmaceutical approaches.
... The test was conducted as previously described by Vilela et al. (2009) using a thermal analgesiometer hot plate (Dolphin, LUCK-DOW, India). Animals were treated with AEPM and MEPM (35, 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.). ...
Background:
Previous study showed that aqueous (AEPM) and methanol (MEPM) extracts from the leaves of Pittosporum mannii have analgesic effects in acute pain models. The present study evaluates the acute and chronic anti-hypernociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of AEPM and MEPM in a model of persistent inflammatory pain.
Methods:
The third day after induction of inflammatory pain by subplantar injection of 100 µL of CFA in Wistar rats, AEPM and MEPM were administered orally (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg/day) and their anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were follow in acute (1-24 h) and chronic (for 14 days) treatments. At the end of the chronic treatment, oxidative stress and liver parameters were assessed. Effects of plant extracts were also evaluated on nociception induced by Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate (PMA) and 8-bromo 3',5'-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP) in mice.
Results:
AEPM and MEPM significantly reversed the mechanical hyperalgesia caused by CFA in acute and chronic treatment. Moreover, AEPM and MEPM also significantly reduced the nociception caused by PMA (60%) and 8-Br-cAMP (87%). Nevertheless, AEPM and MEPM failed to inhibit the paw edema caused by CFA. Plant extracts significantly reduced the nitric oxide content in the spinal cord and the plasmatic concentration of alanine aminotransferase. MEPM also significantly increased the glutathione content in the spinal cord.
Conclusion:
AEPM and MEPM given orally are effective in inhibiting mechanical hyperalgesia in persistent inflammatory pain caused by CFA. Their mechanisms of action seem to involve an interaction with PKC, PKA and nitric oxide pathways. These extracts might be devoid of hepatotoxic effects.
... To evaluation probably the role of opioid system in analgesic effect of EOTB, naloxone was used as a reference antagonist of opioid system. This amazing drug can inhibit the activation of opioid receptors (especially mu receptor) [29,30]. The results indicate that naloxone can attenuate the antinociceptive effect of EOTB. ...
Tanacetum balsamita is one of the important medicinal plants that is used by iranianan folk medicines. This study aimed to assess the phytochemical Screening, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Tanacetum balsamita essential oil in rats. The essential oil of Tanacetum balsamita (EOTB) was treatment in doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg. In addition, anti-nociceptive activity of EOTB was evaluated by formalin, writhing, and tail-flick tests. The EOTB was also combined with 2 mg/kg naloxone to determine the involvement of opioid mechanism. Anti-inflammatory reaction was evaluated via xylene-induced ear edema. In addition, the EOTB origin has been analyzed by a combination of GC and GC/MS. The EOTB at doses of 10-100 mg/kg have been shown significant analgesic effects (P<0.05). In compare of standard opioid agonist drug (morphine) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacine), Use of naloxone plus EOTB has been inhibited pain in all three models. The present results have been shown significant (P<0.05) anti-inflammatory effect of EOTB in the xylene-induced ear edema test in compare to dexamethasone. The major components in the tested oils were mainly contained quercetin, Isoquercitrin and luteolin. In conclusion, findings propose that EOTB probably have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Existent of quercetin may be an important reason for mentioned effects.
... Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae) (SO) is a dietary and traditional medicinal plant in Chinese folk culture that can be cooked and eaten to treat inflammatory disease. Currently, studies have indicated that the extract of SO exert many bio-activities, including antioxidant (McDowell et al. 2011; Yin et al. 2007 ), antibacterial (Xia et al. 2011), anxiolytic (Cardoso Vilela et al. 2009), antinociceptive (Vilela et al. 2009), anti-ageing (Ou et al. 2015), antitumour (Volynskii Iu et al. 1976; Han et al. 2005 ) and antiinflammatory properties (Vilela et al. 2010). But, its underlying mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action is unknown. ...
Context: Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae) (SO) is a dietary and traditional medicinal plant in China. However, its underlying mechanism of action as an anti-inflammatory agent is not known.
Objective: This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of SO.
Materials and methods: The extract of SO was used to treat RAW 264.7 cells (in the working concentrations of 500, 250, 125, 62.5, 31.3 and 15.6 μg/mL) for 24 h. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators produced in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were assessed. Meanwhile, the expression level of TLR-4, COX-2, pSTATs and NF-κB was tested. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract in vivo was assessed using xylene-induced mouse ear oedema model and the anti-inflammatory compounds in the extracts were analyzed by HPLC-MS.
Results: SO extract significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators at gene and protein levels with the concentration of 31.3 μg/mL, and suppressed the expression of TLR-4, COX-2, NF-κB and pSTAT in RAW 264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory activity of SO in vivo has significant anti-inflammatory effects with the concentration of 250 and 125 mg/kg, and less side effect on the weights of the mice at the concentration of 250 mg/kg. Moreover, HPLC-MS analysis revealed that the anti-inflammatory compounds in the extract were identified as villosol, ferulaic acid, β-sitosterol, ursolic acid and rutin.
Discussion and conclusion: This study indicated that SO extract has anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo, which will be further developed as novel pharmacological strategies in order to defeat inflammatory diseases.
... Wp(Dec) [7] NDF Matricaria chamomilla L. Fl(NDF) [7] AG, AI, AO, AS [107] Onopordum acanthium L. Se [7] AO [108] Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. St(Dec) [7] AI, DI [109] Sonchus oleraceus (L.) L. Ba(Inf) [7] AG, AI, AO, DI [110] Sphaeranthus indicus L. Ro(Dec) [7] AG, AI, AO, DI [111] Tanacetum chiliophyllum (Fisch. & E.Mey. ...
Urolithiasis is a common problem afflicted for many centuries with high recurrence. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive information about traditionally used antiurolithiatic plants and their scientifically proved pharmacological activities like analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, litholytic, lithotriptic, antiurolithiatic, antispasmodic, ACE inhibition and Phospholipase A2 inhibition as a plausible mechanism of action. A total of 503 species, 365 genera and 119 families were cited for treating kidney stones. The most cited families are Asteraceae(41), Fabaceae (34), Lamiaceae (26), Apiaceae (21), Rosaceae (19) and Poaceae (16). The most common used plant parts are root and rhizome (25%), mode of preparation decoction (62%) and route of administration is oral in all cases. This review will provide the opportunities for the future research and development of new natural antiurolithiatic compounds.
Accurate assessment of chlorophyll content in plants is crucial for understanding their health and physiological performance. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using digital image analysis as a non-destructive approach to determine chlorophyll levels in Sonchus oleraceus L., a less explored species with potential to serve as an alternative commercial crop tolerant to abiotic stress, satisfying specific niche needs. We compared the effectiveness of digital image analysis with traditional biochemical methods considering seasonal variations and cultivation systems. Image analysis involved assessing leaf color intensities, focusing on the Green color scale. Results revealed a strong correlation between leaf color intensities in digital images and chlorophyll levels determined by biochemical methods. Additionally, it was observed that the Green color scale exhibited the highest intensity, emerging as the most promising for future analyses. Statistical analysis revealed that the Spearman correlation method was most suitable for this type of study, especially in the second growing season. In conclusion, digital image analysis proved to be an effective and non-destructive tool for assessing chlorophyll content in S. oleraceus L., with potential application in agricultural and environmental studies.
Neste trabalho foi avaliada a toxicidade sistêmica de formulações contendo extrato de Sonchus oleraceus L. por meio de análises hematológicas, bioquímicas e histopatológicas. Para tanto, foi utilizada uma amostra experimental com 100 animais, divididos em grupos de dose única e dose repetida. Os grupos VEM (veículo/macho), FEV (veículo/fêmea), SSOM (suspensão manipulada/macho), SSOF (suspensão manipulada/fêmea), continham sete animais em cada grupo, totalizando 28 animais para o teste de dose única (agudo) com indução oral da formulação com dose equivalente a 6g/kg do extrato. Para os grupos de doses repetidas (crônicas) foram utilizados um total de 72 animais, subdivididos em grupos de nove animais cada: VEM, FEV, SSOM1, SSOM2, SSOM3, SSOF1, SSOF2, SSOF3 com indução oral de formulações nas doses de 100, 200 e 300mg/Kg. Os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos apresentaram pouca divergência entre a dose única e as doses repetidas, destacando que na maioria das vezes a variação foi em termos da diferença entre os sexos, quando comparados aos tratamentos, não se observando qualquer sinal de intoxicação sistêmica. A avaliação histopatológica mostrou integridade dos órgãos avaliados macro e microscopicamente. S. olercaeus é rico em polifenóis e flavonóides, que proporcionam ação biológica protetora ao organismo, conforme evidenciado neste trabalho, com variações apenas entre os sexos e não nas doses utilizadas. Estes dados fornecem segurança e eficácia ao usar estas formulações contendo S. oleraceus.
Dillenia indica (Linn.) has been reported by several biological activities, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti‐hyperglycemic, antiproliferative, antimutagenic, anticholinesterase, and antimicrobial. In Brazilian traditional medicine, the fruits of D. indica have been used to treat general topical pain and inflammation, but with no scientific validation. Thus, aiming to study its chemical constitution and antinociceptive properties, the crude extract (CE) and fractions obtained from the fruits of D. indica were submitted to an in vivo pharmacological evaluation and a dereplication study by LC‐MS/MS analysis, assisted by the Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS). The oral antinociceptive activity of the fruits of D. indica and the possible participation of the opioid and cannabinoid systems were demonstrated in the formalin‐induced nociception model. The chemical dereplication study led us to identify several known chemical constituents, including flavonoids, such as caffeoylmalic acid, naringenin, quercetin, and kaempferol. According to literature data, our results are compatible with significant antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activities. Therefore, the flavonoid constituents of the fruits of D. indica are probably responsible for its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects mediated by both opioid and cannabinoid systems, confirming its folk use in the treatment and relief of pain.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
The Arashiyama group of Japanese macaques holds a distinguished place in primatology as one of the longest continuously studied non-human primate populations in the world. The resulting long-term data provide a unique resource for researchers, allowing them to move beyond cross-sectional studies to tackle larger issues involving individual, matrilineal and group histories. This book presents an overview of the scope and magnitude of research topics and management efforts that have been conducted on this population for several decades, covering not only the original troop living around Kyoto, Japan, but also the two subgroups that were translocated to Texas, USA and Montreal, Canada. The chapters encompass topics including life history, sexual, social and cultural behaviour and ecology, giving an insight into the range of current primatological research. The contributors underscore the historic value of the Arashiyama macaques and showcase new and significant research findings that highlight their continuing importance to primatology.
Ethnopharmalogical relevance:
Blood purification practices, also referred to as blood cleansing or detoxification, is an ancient concept which is widespread amongst African traditional medicine, but for which no modern scientific basis exists. There prevails considerable ambiguity in defining what a blood purifier is.
Aim of the study:
The purpose of this review is to firstly define what a blood purifier is in the context of African traditional medicine and compare to other cultural and westernized interpretations. Thereafter, this study identifies traditionally used medicinal plants used as blood purifiers in southern Africa and correlates these species to scientific studies, which may support evidence for these "blood purifying plant species".
Materials and methods:
Ethnobotanical books and review articles were used to identify medicinal plants used for blood purification. Databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Google Scholar were used to source scientific articles. An evaluation was made to try correlate traditional use to scientific value of the plant species.
Results:
One hundred and fifty nine plant species have been documented as traditional remedies for blood purification. Most of the plant species have some pharmacological activity, however, very little link to the traditional use for blood purification. There has been some justification of the link between blood purification and the use as an antimicrobial and this has been explored in many of the plant species identified as blood purifiers. Other pharmacological studies specifically pertaining to the blood require further attention.
Conclusion:
Irrespective of the ambiguity of interpretation, medicinal plants used to "cleanse the blood", play an important holistic role in traditional medicine and this review with recommendations for further study provides some value of exploring this theme in the future.
The antinociceptive effect of chloroform extract (RCLC), semi-purified fraction (RC2) and isolated pentacyclic triterpenoid β-amyrin (BA) from the leaves of Ricinus communis in acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, formalin-induced paw licking and hot-plate test was conducted in mice. The GC-MS study revealed that the RC2 showed the dominance of diterpenes, triterpenes, fatty acids, sterol and higher alkanes. No obvious behavioral changes, allergic reactions and mortality were observed in acute toxicity studies. Acute administration of the diazepam (1 mg/kg), RC2 (50 mg/kg) and BA (10 mg/kg) displayed mild sedation in open field test while RCLC (100 mg/kg) showed potent sedative properties. No motor incoordination and neurotoxicity was observed in rota-rod test. RCLC (100 mg/kg), RC2 (25 and 50 mg/kg) and BA (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the number of abdominal writhing induced by acetic acid and formalin-induced paw licking response. The central and peripheral antinociceptive effects for RCLC and RC2 in hot-plate were comparable to morphine. The administration of naloxone reversed the antinociceptive effect of morphine, RCLC and RC2 indicating the involvement of opioid receptors while BA principally showed peripheral antinociceptive effects which may be modulated via peripheral opioid receptors or protein kinase.
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Pittosporum mannii (Pitosporaceae) is used in Africa traditional medicine to treat various ailments including pain and inflammation.
Aim of the study:
The present work was undertaken to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of the aqueous (AEPM) and methanol (MEPM) extracts from the leaves of Pittosporum mannii.
Methods:
High performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LCMS) was used for the phytochemical analysis of AEPM prepared as decoction and MEPM prepared as cold maceration. The in vitro cytotoxicity of AEPM and MEPM were evaluated on Artemia salina larvae. AEPM and MEPM antinociceptive effects were evaluated at the doses of 35, 75, 150 and 300mg/kg given orally, against pain induced by acetic acid, formalin, hot plate, capsaicin and glutamate. The rota rod test was also performed at the same doses. To determine the mechanism of action of these extracts, their antinociceptive effects were tested in animals pretreated with yohimbine (α2-adrenergic antagonist), atropine (muscarinic antagonist) or naloxone (an opioids antagonist).
Result:
The LCMS analysis showed that both extracts contain pittovidoside and 1-O-rhamnopyranosyl-23-acetoxyimberbic acid 29-methyl ester, the aqueous extract being more concentrated. Oral administration of both extracts significantly reduced pain symptoms induced by acetic acid, formalin, capsaicin, glutamate and hot plate. The antinociceptive effect of AEPM was significantly inhibited by yohimbine, atropine and naloxone while these inhibitors tend to potentiate the activity of MEPM. Both extracts have no effect on Rota rod test. AEPM and MEPM showed respective LC50 of 2.44 and 0.70mg/ml on Artemia larvae and were therefore, considered non-toxic.
Conclusion:
These results indicate that AEPM and MEPM possesses analgesic effects with different mechanism of action. Although effects of both extracts may involve TRPV1 receptors and glutamatergic pathway, AEPM may in addition, interact with alpha-adrenergic, muscarinic and opioidergic pathways that are not involve in the effects of MEPM.
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Sonchus oleraceus (L.) L (SO) and Juniperus sabina L (JS) are traditional medicinal plants in China. And the aqueous extracts of them have been used to treat tumor, inflammatory diseases, infection and so on in Chinese folk culture. However, the underlying mechanisms of their anti-tumor activities have not been illustrated yet.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory effects of aqueous extracts from SO and JS on tumor cells.
Materials and methods:
The prepared aqueous extracts of SO and JS were used to treat HepG-2 and K562 tumor cells, while the human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were set as normal control. The viabilities, cell cycle and apoptosis of tumor cells after extracts treatment were assessed, in addition the expression of apoptosis-related genes (FasL, caspase 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) were analyzed. Meanwhile, the adherence and migration of HepG-2 were tested, and the expression levels of MMPs and ICAM-1 were analyzed. On top of that, the pSTAT in the two cells were also analyzed and suggested the related signaling pathway that the extracts acted on with in these tumor cells.
Results:
Results showed that aqueous extracts of SO and JS have inhibitory effects on HepG-2 and K562 cells by decreasing cell viability and inducing apoptosis via up-regulation of the expression of the apoptosis-related genes FasL, caspase 3 and caspase 9. The extracts had different IC50 on tumor cells and PBMCs, which could block the tumor cell cycle at the G0/G1 stage and significantly inhibit the adherence of HepG-2 cells. The extracts inhibited migration of these cells by inhibiting the expression of ICAM-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9. Further study indicated that the inhibition of pSTAT1 and 3 might be responsible for the inhibitory effects of the extracts on tumor cells.
Discussion and conclusion:
The results of this study indicated that SO and JS extracts had the anti-tumor effects, which may be developed as novel anti-tumor drugs and used in cancer therapy.
Plants as a friend and sensible neighbour have a wonderful co-existance with human beings in the lap of our mother nature. They have been one of the important sources of medicines even since the dawn of human civilization. During the last few decades, there has been a tremendous transformation both of our consciousness for health as well as the field medical systems in glabal level. The rapid realization of the toxicity-related issues generated in the field of agriculture, industry, mining and other advancement, coupled with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and synthetic drugs, we are increasingly making sense that drugs from natural sources are far more safer. Therefore, there is an obvious upsurge in the use of plant-derived products in various names, formulations and usage patterns. Despite rapid advances in chemical, biological, biochemical, molecular and various omics technologies and the appearance of several cheap, synthesized, complex molecules from simple ones through highly specific reaction mechanisms, medicinal plants and their derivatives still continue to play a major role in health and wellness related medical therapy. Drug development from a wide diversity of medicinal plants has been clinically, socially and economically accepted to be safer and less costlier than their synthetic counterparts.
The book has been designed to highlight the related issues of medicinal plants including the aspects of their classification, importance, uses, botany, agrotechniques, major bioactive chemical constituents, harvest and post-harvest processing, etc alongwith an informative list of references used for writing the book.
Brazil possesses great biological and cultural diversity, above all, in view of the great number of indigenous ethnic groups - 218 in all - that inhabit the five main biomas in Brazil. The purpose of this review is to analyze the relationship between chemical constituents of species utilized by several groups of Brazilian Indians and the uses/indications made of the species by these same groups using ethnopharmacological surveys by different researchers, as from the seventies. The 34 publications selected, involving 26 indigenous ethnic groups, showed a total of 307 species utilized for 67 different diseases or effects possibly related to the Central Nervous System (CNS). These plants belong to 85 taxonomic families, mostly Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Rubiaceae, Poaceae, Apocynaceae, Bignoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Solanaceae. The chemical constitution of these plants was researched as from the Pubmed and Web of Science and the information obtained was crossed with different indigenous uses, grouped in 12 categories according to similarities between their expected effects on the CNS: analgesics, to counteract fever, tonics and/or adaptogens, hallucinogens, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, head illnesses, hypnotics, stimulants, weight control, memory enhancers, and others. Some phytochemical classes were observed to be more common among plants utilized for certain purposes: flavonoids (analgesia, fever, anxiety, hypnotic, weight control, and as a stimulant), alkaloids (hallucinogens, head illnesses, and as a stimulant), essential oils (fever and anxiety), lignans (hallucinogen), tannins (anxiety), triterpenes and saponins (hypnotic). These data suggest that these phytochemical classes possibly possess a greater number of chemical constituents that perform the effects described or that, in some way, assist in determining the use of the plant by the Indians.
Analyses of the nutritional composition of tender leaves of three species of Sonchus (S. asper L, S oleraceus L and S tenerrimus L) from different locations in the south east of Spain were carried out. The proximate composition, as well as the content of mineral elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn), fatty acids, vitamin C, carotenoids and oxalic acid were determined. The results, which referred to fresh weight, emphasised the low proportion of available carbohydrates. Vitamin C contents were high, and ranged from 457 mg kg−1 (S tenerrimus) to 779 mg kg−1 (S oleraceus). Carotenoids were found in a high proportion (158 mg kg−1) in S oleraceus. Mineral element contents were similar to other green leafy vegetables. Fibre was present in amount above 30 g kg−1 in the three species. Essential fatty acids of the ω3 series were highest in S oleraceus (44·97%). It is believed that these species of Sonchus could be used for nutritional purposes, due to the high concentrations of nutrients that they contain. © 1998 SCI.
In the present work the authors report the result of their food ethnobotanical researches, which have been carried out in Sicily during the last thirty years. Data concerning 188 wild species used in the traditional Sicilian cuisine are reported. The authors underline those species that are partially or completely unknown for their culinary use and they illustrate other species that local inhabitants suggested in the prevention or treatment of symptomatologies caused by a refined diet, poor in vegetables. These data want to contribute to avoid the loss of traditional knowledge on uses and recipes concerning wild food botanicals, and to encourage further studies for those species that have not yet been sufficiently researched in their food chemical and nutritional profile. These studies may also suggest new applications for a few botanicals in medico-nutritional fields. The work includes also a short review of the seaweeds and mushrooms traditionally gathered and consumed in Sicily.
The practice and theoretical basis of pain measurement is reviewed and critically examined in the areas of animal research, human subjects laboratory investigation and clinical study. The advantages and limitations of both physiological and behavioral methods are discussed in each area, and subjective report procedures are evaluated in human laboratory and clinical areas. The need for procedures that bridge these areas is emphasized and specific issues are identified. Progress in the technology of pain measurement over recent decades is reviewed and directions for future work are suggested.
The biphasic display of paw-flinch behavior in the rat after injection of formalin into the dorsum of the hind paw is used for the screening of anti-hyperalgesic agents. Described and characterized here is a less labor-intensive system for counting flinch activity by detecting movement of a small metal band placed on the formalin-injected paw. A signal is generated as the band breaks the electromagnetic field of a loop antenna located under the rat and processed through an algorithm that determines flinch activity using 1) amplitude, 2) zero-voltage crossing, and 3) signal duration. Flinches are summed and stored over a selected collection interval throughout the assay for later analysis. Studies have validated the measures with respect to 1) system stability over time; 2) system-to-"practiced observer" correlation on flinch detection, r2 = 0.94; 3) system variables including time of day, sex, age, and body weight; and 4) 50% effective dose values similar to those previously reported for intrathecal morphine and the NMDA antagonist MK-801.
The Maori people were early New Zealand settlers of Polynesian descent. The incidence of non-infectious diseases appears to have been low in these people, perhaps in part due to the presence of protective chemical constituents within their food plant supply. Three of the tropical crops they introduced are still eaten here today: the sweet potato or kumara (Ipomoea batatas), the taro (Colocasia esculenta) and the cabbage tree or ti (Cordyline terminalis). Sporamins A and B, the major storage proteins of kumara tubers, act as proteinase inhibitors, and may have other anti-cancer properties. The tubers also contain the anti-coagulant coumarins, scopoletin, aesculetin, and umbelliferone. The corms of taro contain the anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rhamnoside, reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Anthocyanins are also major components of a so-called "Maori potato", a variety officially known as Ureniki, which has a purple skin and flesh and was widely eaten in the early 1900s. Anthocyanins are also present in ripe berries of the ramarama (Lophomyrtus bullata) and rohutu (Neomyrtus pedunculata). Both the leaves and seeds of the introduced cabbage tree (Cordyline terminalis) and the native Cordyline spp., C. australis, C. indivisa, and C. pumilo, were eaten. The seeds of C. australis, of some Astelia spp., and of hinau (Elaeocarpus dentatus) are good sources of various essential fatty acids, generally regarded as protective against cardiovascular disease. Shoots and leaves from a wide range of native species were traditionally eaten as greens, especially "sow thistle" or puha (Sonchus spp.), reportedly high in Vitamin C and various phenolics. "New Zealand spinach" (Tetragonia tetragonioides or T. expansa) has anti-ulcerogenic activity that has been traced to two cerebrosides and anti-inflammatory activity that has been traced to novel water-soluble polysaccharides, as well as antioxidant phenylpropanoids including caffeic acid. Leaves of the "hen and chickens" fern (Asplenium bulbiferum) contain antioxidant flavonoids such as kaempferol glucosides. Native seaweeds also have useful nutritive properties.
Research was carried out in the years 2002-2003 into food, flavouring and feed folk traditions of plants in the Tyrrhenian part of the Basilicata region (southern Italy). This area was colonized in ancient times by Greeks. Data was collected through field interviews, especially of farmers.
Field data were collected through structured interviews. The informants, numbered 49, belonged to families which had strong links with the traditional activities of the area.
61 taxa are cited, belonging to 26 botanical families, amongst which 44 used as food or flavouring and 22 for animal alimentation. Besides 7 taxa are involved in rituals especially connected with agriculture and plant growth.
The preservation of some rituals especially concerning agricultural plants is noteworthy in the area, together with a certain degree of continuity in food uses. Knowledge and rediscovery of recipes in human and animal diet could represent an economic potential for the area.
In the years 2003-2005 research was carried out concerning ethno-medicine in the high Molise (central- southern Italy), a region that has been the object of very little investigation from the ethnobotanical point of view. Upper Molise is a continuation of the mountain profiles of the Abruzzi Appenines: a series of hills, steep slopes and deep fluvial valleys making communications difficult. Primordial traditions (e.g. harvest feasts) are typical of the region.
Field data were collected through open interviews in the field. These were conducted on both an individual and group level, fresh plants gathered from surrounding areas being displayed. In other cases, individual interviews were conducted by accompanying the person involved to the places where they perform their activities (for example, in the woods with woodcutters, kitchen gardens and fields with housewives, pastures with shepherds, etc.). In total 54 individuals were interviewed.
Data of 70 taxa belonging to 39 families were gathered. Among the species, 64 are used in human therapy, 5 as insect repellents, 11 in veterinary medicine, 1 to keep eggs and cheeses and 4 for magic purposes. The most important findings in ethno-medicine relate to the lichen Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. (wounds) and to some vascular plant species: Asplenium trichomanes L. and Ceterach officinarum Willd. (to regularize menstruation), Cyclamen hederifolium (chilblains), Centaurium erythraea Rafn. and Pulmonaria apennina Cristof. & Puppi (bruises), while in the ethno-veterinary field, we have Valeriana officinalis L. (wounds sustained by mules). Also worthy of note, given the isolation of the area, is the number of plants used to protect foodstuffs from parasites, among which Allium sativum L. and Capsicum frutescens L.
The research revealed a deep-rooted and widespread habit of husbanding the family's resources. Whilst isolation and snowfalls contributed to the widespread knowledge of means of conserving foodstuffs, they also led to the use of products easily available within each home. The values of E.I. (ethnobotanicity index) for the upper Molise region are considered amongst the highest in Italian areas. Nevertheless, like the values for other areas of Italy, they are lower than those of many Spanish areas, perhaps (and not only) because of the more rapid cultural erosion experienced in Italy.
An ethnobotanical study searching for medicinal plants used by residents and the Community Health Agents from the Family Health Office of Ponta Grossa neighborhood, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul was carried out. The social and cultural information of all interviewers were established using structured interviews. The information about medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses were obtained by semi-structured interviews. The community people use 150 species, distributed in 59 botanical families. Most species are included in the Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families. Leaves and aerial parts are the portions of the plants most used and tea is the form mainly used. The diseases or symptoms most mentioned are those related to the digestive and nervous systems. The popular names were analyzed, where 56 species with ethno-homonyms and 73 species with true or false ethno-synonymous were found.
Four new sesquiterpene glycosides, sonchusides A (6), B (7), C (8) and D (9), have been isolated from Sonchus oleraceus L., together with five known glycosides, glucozaluzanin C (1), macrocliniside A (2), crepidiaside A (3) and picrisides B (4) and C (5). The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of chemical and spectral data.
Nine species (Amaranthus viridis L., Atriplexnummularia L., Chenopodium album L., Plantago major L., Portulaca oleracea L., Solanum nigrum L., Sonchus oleraceus L., Stellaria media L. and Taraxacum officinale W.) of edible wild plants grown in Australia were examined for their fatty acid composition by gas chromatography. The total fatty acid contents in the young leaves of these species ranged from 8.75 to 29.12 mg/g of dry matter, and were predominantly comprised of the alpha-linolenic acid (4.78 to 19.88 mg/g). These plants did not contain any of the longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids, namely eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid or docosapentaenoic acid.
Bremia lactucae is recorded for the first time causing downy mildew on common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus) and spiny sowthistle (Sonchus asper) in Brazil. The disease and etiological agent are described. Pathogencity of sporangia obtained from S. oleraceus was tested on 12 species belonging to the Asteraceae, already recorded in the literature as hosts of B. lactucae, and four commonly cultivated varieties of lettuce. All four cultivars of lettuce, S. oleraceus and S. asper showed symptoms of the disease and sporulation of the pathogen 5 days after inoculation. It has been observed that the disease occurs on Sonchus spp. throughout the year in Viçosa (state of Minas Gerais), being more common on these two hosts than on lettuce. Both weeds are very common invaders of vegetable growing areas in Brazil. This indicates that those two hosts for the fungus may be important inoculum reservoirs for disease occurring in lettuce, highlighting the need for control of these weeds as part of the procedures aimed at controlling this disease. These results are also in agreement with the views that B. lactucae is split into host-specific infra-specific taxa. Lettuce and sowthistles are regarded as closely related, belonging to the same subfamily and tribe in the Asteraceae (Subfamily Cichorioideae: Tribe Lactuceae).
We have investigated the effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation, applied to the base of the tail, on the flexor withdrawal response of the rat, following immersion of the tail in water at 49°C. In intact rats, electrical stimulation delayed the response to the controlled noxious stimulus, the delay depending on the duration of stimulation and on the frequency and pulse width of the stimulus. The prolongation in reaction time produced by stimulation at 100 Hz, 0.2 msec for 30 min at a voltage sufficient to cause slight fibrillation of the tail muscles, but no escape behaviour, was equal to that produced by 7.5 mg/kg of morphine. The specific narcotic antagonist naloxone (1 mg/kg) virtually abolished the effect of the electrical stimulation.After recovery from the operation, rats with complete spinal transection at the 10th or 11th thoracic vertebra exhibited a flexor withdrawal response to the noxious stimulus behaviourally simpler and of shorter latency than that exhibited by the intact animals. Peripheral electrical stimulation again delayed the response, and naloxone prevented the delay, but the antinociceptive action of the stimulation was quantitatively less than that observed in intact animals. Morphine also had a correspondingly reduced effect in the spinal animals.Depletion of 5-hydroxytryptamine levels by systemic pretreatment with parachlorphenylalanine significantly diminished the effect of both electrical stimulation and morphine administration in intact rats, but not in spinal rats.Our results support the concept that peripheral electrical stimulation excites naloxone-dependent antinociceptive mechanisms at both spinal and supraspinal levels. The supraspinal mechanism, but not the spinal mechanism, is associated with 5-hydroxytryptamine.
In rats implanted with chronic catheters in the spinal subarachnoid space, intrathecal injections of morphine produced a dose dependent elevation in the nociceptive threshold as defined by tail flick, hot plate, paw pinch and shock titration tests. The relative potency ranking for the narcotics tested was fentanyl > morphine > l methadone > meperidine. Codeine and ethylmorphine showed a marginal degree of activity. Other compounds tested but which failed to show any effect at the maximal doses (200 μg) used were cyclazocine, l α acetylmethadol, pentazocine, d-methadone, nalorphine and naloxone. Naloxone administered intrathecally produced a dose dependent, rightward shift in the dose response curves obtained with systemically administered morphine. The inability of higher doses of naloxone to produce a continued shift to the right suggests that the analgetic action of systemically administered morphine results in part from an action on receptors to which intrathecal naloxone has access, as well as other receptors, to which this naloxone does not have access. Examination of the effect of increasing doses of naloxone injected systemically on dose response curves obtained for intrathecally administered morphine also demonstrated a parallel shift to the right of the morphine dose response curves. Calculation of the Schild dose ratio plots for the data derived from systemically administered naloxone reveals a slope of -1 and a calculated pA2 value of approximately 7 for both the hot plate and tail flick tests. These experiments indicate that the behaviorally defined analgesia observed after the systemic administration of narcotics is in part mediated by the pharmacological action of these compounds on the spinal cord.
A method for assessing pain and analgesia in rats and cats is described. The procedure involves subcutaneous injection of dilute formalin into the forepaw, after which the animal's responses are rated according to objective behavioral criteria. The formalin test is a statistically valid technique which has two advantages over other pain tests: (1) little or no restraint is necessary, permitting unhindered observation of the complete range of behavioral responses; and (2) the pain stimulus is continuous rather than transient, thus bearing greater resemblance to most clinical pain. The analgesic effects of morphine, meperidine, and stimulation of the periaqueductal grey matter are evaluated using this test.
The effect of morphine microinjection (5 microgram/0.5 microliter) and focal electrical stimulation on the animal's response to radiant heat and noxious pinch was studied concurrently at 117 brain loci extending from the medial thalamus caudally to the periaqueductal gray area (PAG). Three populations of brain sites were discernible based on their responsiveness to focal electrical stimulation and morphine microinjection in the production of antinociception: (a) sites which support stimulation-produced analgesia (SPA, n = 24), (b) sites which were sensitive to the direct application of morphine (n = 8), (c) sites responsive to both manipulations (n = 8). With a few exceptions, all morphine sensitive sites were located within the anatomical boundaries of the PAG while sites supporting SPA were located not only within the PAG but also in the brain regions peripheral to this structure. Sites responsive to both manipulations were generally distributed throughout thf lateral aspect of the posteroventral PAG. Stimulation strength-effect curves for sites subserving SPA were also obtained. No differences were discovered between curves obtained from morphine-sensitive and -insensitive brain loci.
Narcotic analgetics administered directly into the spinal subarachnoid space of the rat via a chronically inserted catheter
produce a potent analgesia that can be antagonized by naloxone. The narcotics, acting only at the spinal level, changed cord
function to block not only spinal reflexes but also the operant response to painful stimuli.
Extracellular recordings of single convergent dorsal horn neurones in the spinal cord region L1-L3 were made in rats anaesthetised with halothane in a gaseous mix of N2O and O2. Subcutaneous formalin (5%, 50 microliters) has previously been found to produce a prolonged distinct biphasic response of dorsal horn convergent neurones in the same preparation. The present study demonstrates that the second period of neuronal excitation which occurs at about 20 min and lasts for at least another 40 min, could be abolished by lignocaine (2%, 50 microliters) injected into the site of the formalin injection (n = 5). The inhibition of formalin-evoked activity lasted for about 10-20 min and was followed by complete recovery of the neuronal response. The same dose of i.v. lignocaine had no effect on the formalin-induced neuronal activity (n = 4). Profound inhibitions of the second phase were also produced by tactile segmental stimulation and noxious stimuli applied to widespread areas of the body (diffuse noxious inhibitory controls). These findings are discussed with regard to the peripheral and central consequences of prolonged noxious stimuli.
A variety of analgesic drugs were tested for their ability to alter the response to noxious stimuli of differing severity in an attempt to develop a procedure to evaluate differences in efficacy of different analgesics. The severity of a noxious stimuli delivered to mice was varied by immersing the mouse tails in water maintained at 45, 50, 55 degrees C. As has been previously observed, the opiate analgesics morphine and nalorphine were active at all temperatures. Pentazocine was active at 45 and 50 degrees C, but not at 55 degrees C. The cyclooxygenase inhibitors tested showed a wide variety of activity. Naproxen was active at all temperatures. Zomepirac was active at 45 and 50 degrees C, but not 55 degrees C. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and fenoprofen were active at 45 degrees C, but not at higher temperatures. Aspirin and indomethacin were inactive at all temperatures tested. These results roughly paralleled the differences in the severity of pain for which these analgesics are effective.
This paper examines the concept of emotionality, particularly in relation to measures taken in ‘novel environment’ tests (e.g. the open field). Evidence of several different types is reviewed to assess the validity of the measures in relation to common assumptions underlying their use. In response to increased light and noise, open field defecation increases and ambulation decreases, and thus on this basis they may be termed emotional responses. In many cases defecation and ambulation in the open field showed a fairly low but significant inverse correlation. Nevertheless, a number of limitations to this relationship were found, depending on the species, strain, sex, sample size, and early experience; other, presumed, measures of emotionality in the open field showed little consistent relationship to defecation, but the evidence here was sparse. Studies measuring heart-rate responses provided insufficient evidence to relate open field defecation to this other response presumed to be under sympathetic nervous control. Ambulation showed little descriptive validity as a measure of exploration; owing to the occurrence of both immobility and escape behaviour as alternative forms of emotional behaviour, ambulation also provided an inadequate indication of emotional responses. Thus, conceptual frameworks which suggested that emotionality energized ambulation in a consistent manner were criticized. Open field defecation showed little relationship to supposed measures of emotionality taken in other types of tests (e.g. emergence tests, active avoidance learning); these findings clearly failed to support the use of emotionality as a consistent constitutional trait, with unitary drive properties. Two alternative methods were suggested, for testing: (a) responses to novel environments, and (b) emotional behaviour, without making assumptions that the measures represent unitary major motivational constructs.
E and F prostaglandins were measured by radioimmunoassay in the peritoneal fluid of rats which had been injected with an irritant, acetic acid. The considerable increase recorded 5 min after the injection virtually disappeared in 90 min. For the first 15 min the PGE2 level was twice that of PGF2 alpha, the levels then equalized and after 90 min the PGE2 level was less than that of PGF2 alpha. This balance between PGEs, which are hyperalgesic, and PGF2 alpha, which has often been shown to be a PGE antagonist, could regulate defence mechanisms. An examination of cells collected by washing the peritoneum revealed a large decrease between 15 and 30 min after injection of the irritant and suggested that the prostaglandins could be produced by neutrophil polynuclear cells but also by destruction of macrophages. Various types of prostaglandin biosynthesis inhibitors (non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents, non-narcotic analgesics and some monoamino-oxidase inhibitors and antioxidants) prevented prostaglandin release. Their activity on release paralleled their activity on acetic acid-induced writhing.
The intradermal (i.d.) injection of NK1 receptor antagonists GR 82334 and FK 888 (1-50 pmol/paw), in association with formalin, produced graded inhibition of the early but not the late phase of the formalin test. The NK2, SR 48968 and NK3 SR 142801 receptor antagonists (1-50 pmol/paw) were effective in inhibiting both phases of the formalin model. Co-injection of NK1, (FK 888, GR 82334), NK2 (SR 48968) or NK3 (SR 142801) receptor antagonists with capsaicin dose-dependently attenuated capsaicin-induced licking. In addition, all antagonists were more efficacious when compared with response in the formalin test. The antinociception caused by i.d. injection of the NK3 receptor antagonist SR 142801 against both phases of the formalin test, but not that of NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists, was significantly reversed by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of naloxone (5 mg/kg). Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of NK1, NK2 or NK3 receptor antagonists (15-500 pmol/site), all produced significant and dose-dependent inhibition of both phases of the formalin and capsaicin tests. With the exception of the response of SR 48968, which was equipotent in both models of nociception, FK 888, GR 82334 and SR 142801 were about 2-25-fold less potent at the ID50 level against the capsaicin-induced pain. The antinociception caused by i.c.v. injection of NK1, NK2 or NK3 receptor antagonists was reversed by i.p. injection of naloxone (5 mg/kg). These results indicate that tachykinin receptor antagonists, acting through NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptors, produce powerful antinociception when injected i.d. or by i.c.v. route against both formalin- and capsaicin-induced licking, being more efficacious against the latter model of nociception. The action of NK3 receptor antagonist given i.d. was mediated through an opioid mechanism sensitive to naloxone. However, when injected i.c.v., the antinociception caused by NK1, NK2 or NK3 receptor antagonists was largely reversed by naloxone when assessed in the formalin test, suggesting a distinct mechanism of action.
From an ethno-pharmacobotanical point of view, Tuscany is a region with very rich and interesting traditions. The Tuscan Archipelago, particularly due to its geographical position and its history, presents a large variety of plant species used in popular medicine in numerous pathologies, including several viral infections. Over 100 species of plants are used in popular medicine in this region.
Ziconotide is a selective, potent and reversible blocker of neuronal N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs). Morphine is an agonist of mu-opioid receptors and inhibits N-type VSCC channels via a G-protein coupling mechanism. Both agents are antinociceptive when they are administered intrathecally (spinally). The present study investigated the acute and chronic (7-day) interactions of intrathecally administered ziconotide and morphine on nociception in several animal models of pain. In the acute study, intrathecal bolus injections of morphine and ziconotide alone produced dose-dependent inhibition of formalin-induced tonic flinch responses and withdrawal responses to paw pressure. The combination of ziconotide and morphine produced an additive inhibition of formalin-induced tonic flinch responses and a significant leftward shift of the morphine dose-response curve in the paw pressure test. After chronic (7-day) intrathecal infusion, ziconotide enhanced morphine analgesia in the formalin test. In contrast, chronic intrathecal morphine infusion produced tolerance to analgesia, but did not affect ziconotide antinociception. Antinociception produced by ziconotide alone was the same as that observed when the compound was co-administered with morphine to morphine-tolerant rats. In the hot-plate and tail immersion tests, chronic intrathecal infusion of morphine lead to rapid tolerance whereas ziconotide produced sustained analgesia with no loss of potency throughout the infusion period. Although ziconotide in combination with morphine produced an apparent synergistic analgesic effects during the initial phase of continuous infusion, it did not prevent morphine tolerance to analgesia. These results demonstrate that (1) acute intrathecal administrations of ziconotide and morphine produce additive or synergistic analgesic effects; (2) chronic intrathecal morphine infusion results in tolerance to analgesia but does not produce cross-tolerance to ziconotide; (3) chronic intrathecal ziconotide administration produces neither tolerance nor cross-tolerance to morphine analgesia; (4) intrathecal ziconotide does not prevent or reverse morphine tolerance.
This study aimed at evaluating the antioxidative activity of nine different families of greens. Raphanus raphanistrum (wild radish), Anchusa azurea (bugloss), Daucus carota (wild carrot), Sonchus oleraceus (sowthistle), Papaver rhoeas (corn poppy), Malva sylvestris (blue mallow), Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), Cichorium intybus (chicory) and Salicornia europaea (jointed glasswort) are native to the Mediterranean and are commonly consumed as a salad or an ingredient in some recipes. The antioxidative activities, including the radical scavenging effects, inhibition of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and Fe(2+)-chelating activity, were studied. All samples showed antioxidant activity as a radical scavenger in the experiment using the DPPH* radical. The ratio between the slopes of the kinetic model was used to compare antioxidant efficiency of different greens. Greens also possessed antioxidative activity toward H(2)O(2). Especially, greens exhibited a marked scavenging effect on H(2)O(2) at 0.2 g/ml concentration. The Fe(2+) ion-chelating activities of the samples except jointed glasswort were greater than 70%. The antioxidant activity of samples with different methods based on the inhibition of different reactions could not be compared. The current dietary guidelines include recommendations for an increase in the consumption of plant foods. Greens should provide an optimal supply of antioxidant substances in the diet.
Aqueous leaves extract of Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) were tested for antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. This was done using standard methodologies following oral administration of the extract. The results showed that the extract significantly reduced the oedema induced by carrageenan within 30 min with 200 mg/kg being the most potent. On the analgesia front, acetic acid writhing test was significant. The extract reduced only the number of paw licks of phase 2 and not phase 1 of formalin test. The results on hotplate and tail immersion tests excluded central acting analgesic properties of the extract. In overall, the analgesic tests conducted revealed that the extract had only peripheral analgesic properties. Its effect on pyresis was also observed to be appreciable. It significantly reduced fever at doses greater than 100 mg/kg within 6 h.
Locally grown, wild food plants seasonally contribute a considerable portion of the daily diet in certain Mediterranean areas and it has been suggested that the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet on human health partly originate from the antioxidant effect of flavonoid-rich food plants. The nutrient content of most wild plants is higher than that of cultivated ones and may vary depending on the prevailing environmental conditions. Accordingly, three local Mediterranean plant foods (i.e. Cichorium intybus, Sonchus oleraceus, Papaver rhoeas) were collected in Greece (Crete), southern Italy, and southern Spain in order to assess possible differences in their in vitro antioxidant potential. The biological assays revealed diverse intra-plant specific antioxidant effects for the tested extracts ranging from no activity to almost complete protection. Furthermore, substantial differences in the polyphenol content were found for the nutritionally used part of the same plant originating from different locations. However, no clear correlations between the polyphenol content and the extracts' antioxidant activities were found. Taken together, the data suggest that certain local Mediterranean plant foods possess promising antioxidant activity and that the observed biological effects are possibly influenced by the geographically-dependent environmental conditions prevailing during plant growth.
Currently, dietary patterns change rapidly all over the world. Most notably, there is a fast increase in the convenience food market. Here we discuss the overall theoretical framework and strategy of an EU-funded project on local food, a common resource in many parts of the Mediterranean. Such food is often only available seasonally and is consumed either fresh (e.g. spring salads and vegetables, fruits in autumn) or in a conserved form (dried, fermented, pickled). There is an urgent need to document and analyse such local resources, which are today at the brink of disappearance. In this project, selected species were studied using a multidisciplinary approach, including strategies and methods from pharmacology, nutritional sciences and anthropology (i.e. ethnopharmacological or ethnonutritional ones). For example, all extracts were profiled using HPLC-MS, by determining their polyphenol content and using a variety of in vitro anti-oxidant assays (incl. guaiacol oxidation, xanthine oxidase inhibition, HOCl scavenging, eNOS activity). Such research also points to ways for ascertaining the intergenerational transmission of the knowledge and for sustainable development and management. Examples from field studies in southern Italy and from pharmacological studies using a variety of targets are used to illustrate the potential of such neglected resources. The wider implications of such an approach, for example, for the study of similar traditions in Central and Eastern Europe are also discussed.
A survey of the medicinal and poisonous plant diversity in the flora of the Carirí of the State of Paraíba, Brazil, has been made. Medicinal and poisonous properties of 121 plant species belonging to 96 genera and 45 families were recorded. Of these, 119 species belonging 44 families, representing about 98% of the total, are used for medicinal purposes, and five species are considered as poisonous. The Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family has the highest number (16) of medicinal plants diversity in the area, followed by 11 species of Asteraceae and 9 of Solanaceae. Information on these 121 species are presented together with their medicinal uses. This study aims at emphasizing the importance of setting up conservation priorities, and sustained development of various medicinal plants of semi-arid area of Northeast of Brazil.
Gelsemium elegans Benth. (Loganiaceae), a toxic plant indigenous to southeastern Asia, is well known among hilltribes as an effective means for committing suicide. A crude alkaloidal fraction from its leaves was isolated by conventional acid-base extraction. Tests in animals showed that the alkaloids exerted analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. At a lethal dose, the alkaloids produced violent clonic convulsions that led to respiratory failure. Since the convulsions could be prevented by pentobarbital or diazepam and potentiated by reserpine, it is postulated that the alkaloids act centrally against GABA action.
A series of research projects on wild plants used in Central Italy (Marche, Latium and Abruzzo) as food medicine and for minor nourishment was carried out in the years 1979-2000. This study reports a summary of the data personally collected in the field. Minor nourishment appears to be still consistently utilised: wild plants are consumed preferably in salads, boiled or in omelettes. Some therapeutic properties are attributed by people to the alimentary plants, often documented by the scientific literature. In this study, folk alimentary and/or therapeutic food uses of 126 entities distributed among 39 families are described. Particular folk uses concerning cultivated plants are also reported. In this paper, for the first time pharmacobotanical properties are systematically emphasised for the folk food species of Central Italy. References to analogous alimentary uses in Central Italy are documented. Comparisons among different food traditions are also discussed.
- F C Vilela
F.C. Vilela et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 124 (2009) 306–310