GC-MS analysis and pharmacological evaluations of Phoenix sylvestris (Roxb.) seeds provide new insights into the management of oxidative stress and hyperglycemia.

Phoenix sylvestris Roxb. (Arecaceae) seeds are used in the treatment of diabetes in the traditional system of medicine. The present study evaluated antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities as well as the total phenolic and flavonoid content of the methanol extract of P. sylvestris seeds (MEPS). The constituents of the extract were identified by GC-MS analysis. MEPS demonstrated strong antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 = 162.70 ± 14.99 µg) and nitric oxide (NO) (IC50 = 101.56 ± 9.46 µg/ml) free radicals. It also possesses a substantial amount of phenolics and flavonoids. It significantly (p < .05) reduced blood glucose levels in glucose-loaded and alloxan-induced diabetic mice at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg b.w., respectively. A total of 46 compounds were detected and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis, among which 8-methylisoquinoline N-oxide (32.82%) was predominant. The phytochemical study by GC-MS revealed that the MEPS possesses compounds which could be related to its antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. To recapitulate, P. sylvestris seeds can be a very good option for antidiabetic and antioxidant activity though further studies are still recommended to figure out the responsible phytochemicals and establish their exact mechanism of action.

Antinociceptive activities of Artocarpus lacucha Buch-ham (Moraceae) and its isolated phenolic compound, catechin, in mice.

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluated the antinociceptive effect of the bark of Artocarpus lacucha, which is used for the treatment of stomachache, headache and boils in the traditional system of medicine. METHODS: The antinociceptive activity was investigated by the tail immersion, hot plate, acetic acid- & formalin-induced nociception and carrageenan-induced paw edema tests using a hydro-methanolic extract of A. lacucha bark. The plant extract was found to contain a substantial amount of phenolic compounds according to the total phenolic and flavonoid content assay. A phenolic metabolite, (+)-catechin, has been isolated using different chromatographic techniques. The compound was characterized with 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. (+)-catechin, isolated from A. lacucha was assessed for antinociceptive effects swiss albino mice. Furthermore, the possible involvement of opioid receptors and ATP-sensitive K+ channel for the effect of the plant extract and (+)-catechin has been justified using naloxone and glibenclamide, respectively. RESULTS: Oral administration (p.o) of the plant extract (50-200 mg/Kg b.w.) resulted in significant thermal pain protection in the hot plate and tail immersion tests. The action of the plant extract was significantly antagonized by naloxone, a non-selective opioid antagonist, in the hot plate and tail immersion tests, which supports the involvement of opioid receptors. Both the plant extract and (+)-catechin, (50-200 mg/Kg b.w., p.o.) significantly diminished the acetic acid- & formalin-induced nociception, and carrageenan-induced paw edema. Glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker, significantly reversed their effect in the acetic acid-induced writhing test which indicates the participation of ATP-sensitive K+ channel system. CONCLUSIONS: The investigation revealed potential central and peripheral antinociceptive effects of A. lacucha bark supports its applications in the traditional system of medicine.

Synthesis of 5,6-dichloroindan-1-acids and their tetrazolyl derivatives as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents.

Indan derivatives, namely, 5-(5',6'-dichloroindan-1'-yl)-tetrazole (12a) and 5-(5',6'-dichloroindan-1'-yl)- methyltetrazole (12b), were synthesized conveniently from 5,6-dichloroindan-1-carboxylic acid (9a) and 5,6- dichloroindan-1-acetic acid (9b), respectively, as potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of 9a, 9b, 12a and 12b were evaluated by the acetic acid induced writhing in Swiss albino mice and the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema models, respectively. Compounds 9a and 12a exhibited significant analgesic activity with the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, comparable to that of the positive controls, phenylbutazone, indomethacin and aminopyrine. The anti-inflammatory potencies of 9a and 12a were also comparable to that of the positive control, phenylbutazone. Compounds 9b and 12b showed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, but were weaker than that of compounds 9a and 12a.

Further sesquiterpenes from Polygonum viscosum (Polygonaceae).

Two new sesquiterpenes, 4-methoxycarbonyl-7-(1-methylethyl)-6-oxo-3,3a,7,8,8a-pentahydroazulene-1-carboxylic acid (viscoazusone) and 1,4-dimethoxy-carbonyl-7-(1-methylethyl)-6-oxo-3,3a,7,8,8a-pentahydroazulene (viscoazulone), were isolated from the whole plant of Polygonum viscosum. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic means.