Evaluating the Aphrodisiac Potential of Mirabilis jalapa L. Root Extract: Phytochemical Profiling and In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Assessments in Normal Male Rats.

The traditional use of Mirabilis jalapa L. roots to enhance male sexual performance prompted us to assess the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo aphrodisiac activities of its hydroethanolic extract using normal male rats. Spectroscopic characterization indicated the presence of ß-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-1,9-benzyl-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine, and Bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate; these compounds have a significant inhibitory effect on the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) enzyme in silico evaluation and minerals (including zinc, cadmium, and magnesium). Other phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These phytochemicals and minerals may contribute to the aphrodisiac activities of the extract. Additionally, the in vivo study revealed that the administration of M. jalapa root extract (300 mg/kg) significantly enhanced (p < 0.01, p < 0.03) mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies while significantly (p < 0.05) decreasing the mount and intromission latencies, as well as the post-ejaculatory interval time, in comparison with the standard drugs sildenafil and ginseng, resulting in enhanced erection and sexual performance in the rats. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased penile reflexes and also elevated the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormones. Extract (300 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the PDE-5 enzyme in an in vitro study. Concludingly, the comprehensive findings of this study suggest that a standardized herbal extract derived from M. jalapa roots alleviates erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in male rats. M. jalapa root extract proved to be an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Mendel's controlled pollination experiments in Mirabilis jalapa confirmed his discovery of the gamete theory of inheritance in Pisum.

The historian studies revealed during Mendel's later research period when mainly focusing on the constant hybrid in Hieracium, he had to be intervened to conduct the controlled pollination experiments in Mirabilis jalapa. Two letters to Nageli recorded the experimental aim was to disprove Darwin's opinion regarding three pollen grains required for one fertilization (note: that could completely destroy his previous discovery of segregation inheritance in variable hybrid in Pisum, for it was expressed in a mathematical equation). The experimental results of single pollen grain pollination confirmed the referenced view of one pollen cell uniting one egg cell in plant fertilization; the further pedigree introduction of the single and of the designed two pollen grain experiment succeeded in exemplifying that one hereditary factor carried by one gamete (pollen cell or egg cell) can independently transmit a trait to offspring. Here we coined the observation as the Gamete Theory of Inheritance. Remarkably, in contrast with the bulked pollination experiment, in this system, Mendel could easily manipulate a hereditary factor by merely taking a gamete as a carrier. Then, Mendel's work in M. jalapa together with the previous Pisum study was able to jointly suppport his second lecture content that regarded "gamete formation, fertilization, and seed development" and also regarded hereditary factors in the processes. All in all, the 1866 paper was published during a rapid burst of interest in hybrid species likely induced by Darwin, and Mendel's attempts at accommodation of the two incompatible inheritances of segregation in variable hybrids versus of nonsegregation in constant hybrids might be responsible for some historical controversies when understanding his discovery of inheritance.

Compared the physiological response of two petroleum tolerant-contrasting plants to petroleum stress.

Petroleum not only benefits the world economy but also contaminates the soil. In order to select the plants tolerant to petroleum, the physiological response of two petroleum tolerant-contrasting plants, Mirabilis jalapa and Orychophragmus violace, were investigated in variation of petroleum-contaminated soils (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 g petroleum per kg soil) for 120 d. Petroleum degradation rate, seeds germination rate, free proline, and superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities of M. jalapa were higher than that of O. violace under petroleum stress. However, the decrease rate of soluble protein, plant height, chlorophyll, and root fresh weight was greater in O. violace as compared to M. jalapa. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was conducted, which indicated that the higher tolerance of M. jalapa was correlated with the higher level of free proline and antioxidative enzyme activities. Besides, the 10 g petroleum per kg soil may be appropriate for petroleum-tolerant plants selection, in which petroleum significantly restrain growth in O. violace but not in M. jalapa.

Characteristics of Mirabilis jalapa Nanoemulsion: Its Application on Mortality and Morphological Changes of Spodoptera frugiperda: Third Instar Larvae.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Previously the <i>Mirabilis jalapa</i> nanoemulsion formulations was characterized through PSA analysis, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, SEM to observe the morphology of the formed nanoemulsion and FTIR analysis. But, this study aims to characterize <i>M. jalapa</i> nanoemulsion formulations and its application on the mortality and morphology of 3rd instar <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> larva. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Several <i>M. jalapa</i> nanoemulsion formulations were applied to observe the mortality of 3rd instar <i>S. frugiperda</i> larvae using the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method. The best formulation was tested from the characterization results to determine the level of larval mortality. The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's <i>post hoc</i> test. <b>Results:</b> The 3rd instar <i>S. frugiperda</i> larvae showed a 67%±12 mortality rate 48 hrs after the 5th treatment (T5) application compared to the control group and causing the bodies of insects experiencing mortality to turn black and dehydrated. The results showed that <i>M. jalapa</i> nanoemulsion had a significant effect (p-value 0.016<0.05). <b>Conclusion:</b> The potential of using <i>M. jalapa</i> in the form of nanoemulsions as an effective alternative to control the pest <i>S. frugiperda</i>.

Interactions between plants and bacterial communities for phytoremediation of petroleum-contaminated soil.

Plants can stimulate the microbes to degrade ubiquitous petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), which has prompted a novel view on rhizoremediation. In the present study, the degradation rate of PHCs was investigated and 16S rRNA gene analysis was performed to investigate the PHC-degrading bacteria in petroleum-contaminated soil with different plants. Mirabilis jalapa (M. jalapa) has a higher PHC degradation rate than Lolium perenne (L. perenne) under petroleum contamination. The bacterial diversity in rhizospheric soil was decreased but the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Candidatus Saccharibacteria were significant increased on 45 days petroleum-contaminated rhizospheric soil. In addition, the relative expression of PHC degradation-related genes, the content of malic acid and citric acid of the root exudates in the two plants was significantly increased in response to petroleum stress. The content of citric acid increased 11.9 times in M. jalapa and 3.4 times in L. perenne, respectively, in response to petroleum stress. These results indicate that M. jalapa changes the hydrocarbon-degrading microbial community to enhance the degradation of PHCs by root exudates and phytostimulation.

Optimistic effects of galaxolide and polystyrene microplastic stress on the physio-biochemical characteristics and metabolic profiles of an ornamental plant.

Galaxolide (HHCB) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics or nanoplastics have been widely recognized as emerging pollutants. However, very few efforts have been made to remove these contaminants from the environment using eco-friendly materials such as plant materials. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the physiological and biochemical effects and tolerance mechanisms of Mirabilis jalapa L. upon exposure to HHCB and PS. Our findings demonstrated that this ornamental plant was tolerant to HHCB and PS exposure. HHCB treatment increased antioxidant enzyme activity. However, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased by 206.85% when the plants were treated with 0.5 mg L-1 HHCB alone, whereas co-exposure to 0.5 mg L-1 HHCB and 500 nm PS increased SOD activity by 93.82%. Contaminant exposure also affected photosynthetic parameters such as stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. In contrast, net photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic pigment content were not significantly affected. HHCB aggregated heavily in the roots of the plant. Moreover, 500 nm PS could be absorbed by the root and transported to the shoot, and 5 µm PS would be transferred to the shoot under the carrying effect of HHCB. Co-exposure to HHCB and PS significantly changed the glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism pathways, thus affecting carbohydrate synthesis and energy metabolism in M. jalapa. These results provide a basis for the development of HHCB and PS remediation strategies using M. jalapa, an ornamental plant that is not only tolerant to organic contaminants but can also beautify the environment.

Heterologous expression of MirMAN enhances root development and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Introduction: ß-Mannanase is a plant cell wall remodeling enzyme involved in the breakdown of hemicellulose and plays an important role in growth by hydrolyzing the mannan-like polysaccharide, but its function in adaptation to salt stress has been less studied. Methods: Based on cloned the mannanase (MAN) gene from Mirabilis jalapa L., the study was carried out by heterologously expressing the gene in Arabidopsis thaliana, and then observing the plant phenotypes and measuring relevant physiological and biochemical indicators under 150 mM salt treatment. Results and discussion: The results indicate that MirMAN is a protein with a glycohydrolase-specific structural domain located in the cell wall. We first found that MirMAN reduced the susceptibility of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana to high salt stress and increased the survival rate of plants by 38%. This was corroborated by the following significant changes, including the reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, increase in antioxidant enzyme activity, accumulation of soluble sugars and increase of the expression level of RD29 in transgenic plants. We also found thatthe heterologous expression of MirMAN promoted root growth mainly by elongating the primary roots and increasing the density of lateral roots. Meanwhile, the expression of ARF7, ARF19, LBD16 and LBD29 was up-regulated in the transgenic plants, and the concentration of IAA in the roots was increased. Those results indicate that MirMAN is involved in the initiation of lateral root primordia in transgenic plants through the IAA-ARF signalling pathway. In conclusion, MirMAN improves plant salt tolerance not only by regulating ROS homeostasis, but also by promoting the development of lateral roots. Reflecting the potential of the MirMAN to promote root plastic development in adaptation to salt stress adversity.

Alkaloid fraction of Mirabilis jalapa Linn. flowers has low cytotoxicity and increases iron absorption through Erythropoietin-Matriptase-2-Hepcidin pathway in iron deficiency Hepatocarcinoma cell model.

In this study, we investigated the effects of an alkaloid fraction of Mirabilis jalapa L. flowers in terms of cytotoxicity, Erythropoietin (EPO), hepcidin, and Matriptase-2 (MT-2) expression levels in iron deficiency Hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cell model. The iron deficiency HepG2 cell model was generated by induction with Deferoxamine (DFO) and was then treated with standard therapy Ferric Ammonium Citrate (FAC) and different alkaloid fraction doses. Subsequently, the type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs) activity and MT-2 expression were measured using a fluorometer and immunocytochemistry methods, while the EPO and hepcidin levels and total iron were examined using an ELISA kit and a colorimetric assay, respectively. The data were then analyzed using ANOVA with a significance level of 95 %. According to the UV-vis Spectrophotometry and HPLC results, the alkaloid fraction of M. jalapa flowers had 6.17- and 4-times higher Betaxanthin levels, respectively, compared to the ethanol extract of M. jalapa flower. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis showed that the most dominant compound is Indicaxanthin. The ethanol extract and alkaloid fraction of M. jalapa flowers were not cytotoxic (IC50 > 30 ppm). Furthermore, the alkaloid fraction containing Indicaxanthin, Miraxanthin-V, and Boeravinone F is capable of increasing EPO levels, membrane and soluble TTSPs activity and MT-2 expression, decreasing hepcidin levels, and increasing intracellular iron levels in iron deficiency HepG2 cell model. In conclusion, the obtained alkaloid fraction of M. jalapa flowers has low cytotoxicity and the later increases iron absorption via EPO-MT2-hepcidin pathway in iron deficiency HepG2 cell model.

A Review on Rotenoids: Purification, Characterization and its Biological Applications.

Phytochemicals play a vital role as drugs for the treatment of various autoimmune, viral, and cancerous diseases. Rotenoids, a type of isoflavone compounds present in plants genus Boerhaavia sp., Mirabilis sp. and Abronia sp. which belong to the Nyctaginaceae family, are traditionally used as pesticides and insecticides. Boeravinones are groups of rotenoid compounds widely used as drugs or drug adjuvants for the treatment of various diseases. Extraction of rotenoids in various solvents, purification of rotenoids in various chromatographic technique studies, and the characterization of functional groups of rotenoids in various spectroscopic techniques have been reported. Biological applications of rotenoids such as anti-cancerous, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities have been discussed. This review summarizes the extraction, isolation, purification, and characterization of rotenoid compounds and their effect on the treatment of cancer, inflammatory, spasmolytic, autoimmune, and microbial diseases.

Re-investigation of cadmium accumulation in Mirabilis jalapa L.: evidences from field and laboratory.

Mirabilis jalapa L. was identified as a cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator, but data were mainly from laboratory conditions. The main aim of the present study was to confirm whether M. jalapa is a Cd hyperaccumulator by field survey and laboratory experiment. The field survey was conducted at 3 sites and 66 samples were collected, and the results showed that although M. jalapa did not exhibit any visible damage when growing on soil containing 139 mg Cd kg-1, a low concentration of Cd (11.85 ± 3.45 mg kg-1) in its leaves was observed. Although the translocation factor (TF) was up to 3.24 ± 0.42, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was only 0.13 ± 0.07. The Cd accumulation in leaves of Lanping (LP, contaminated site) and Kunming (KM, clean site) populations reached 93.88 and 81.76 mg kg-1 when artificially spiked soil Cd was 175 mg kg-1, respectively. The BCFs of LP and KM populations were 0.55 and 0.48, and the TFs of the two populations were 3.98 and 4.15, respectively. Under hydroponic condition, the Cd concentration in young leaves of LP and KM populations was 78.5 ± 0.8 and 46.3 ± 1.2 mg kg-1 at 5 mg L-1 Cd treatment, respectively. Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation between tissue Cd concentration and total Cd, CaCl2-extractable Cd, and TCLP-Cd (toxicity characteristic leaching procedure) in soil was established. Therefore, M. jalapa had constitutional characteristics for Cd tolerance and accumulation, but it was not a Cd hyperaccumulator.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activities of monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles using Mirabilis jalapa leaf extract.

Monometallic ZnO and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and bimetallic ZnO/Ag NPs were synthesized using leaves extract of Mirabilis jalapa. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of NPs with size range from 19.3 to 67.4 nm for bimetallic, and 12.9 and 32.8 nm for monometallic NPs. SEM images reveal varying shapes of the monometallic (needle like and spherical for ZnO and Ag, respectively) and bimetallic (plates, sheets, and spherical) NPs depending upon concentration of salts used. Biological characterization reveals that both mono and bi metallic nanoparticles demonstrate free radical scavenging, total antioxidant, and reducing power potentials. Phenolic and flavonoid like properties of NPs were also observed might be due to presence of different functional groups on the particles surface. Bimetallic NPs displayed astonishing antibacterial (up to 25 mm zone of inhibition) and antileishmanial properties. The results suggest that bimetallic ZnO/Ag nanoparticles hold greater potential then monometallic against bacteria and Leishmania. Other biomedical applications also varied depending upon concentration of precursors. Furthermore, ratio of salt concentrations used for synthesis of bimetallic NPs affect morphological and biochemical characteristics of NPs.

Ornamental hyperaccumulator Mirabilis jalapa L. phytoremediating combine contaminated soil enhanced by some chelators and surfactants.

Mirabilis jalapa L. is an ornamental plant of the composite family, which was found hyperaccumulating Cd. Due to its larger biomass, developed root system, root exudation, and microbial interactions, certain organic pollutants in its rhizosphere can be effectively degraded. Thus, M. jalapacan be used to co-remediate heavy metal and organic pollutant co-contaminated soil. The aim of this paper is to explore the remediation capacity of M. jalapa for Cd-PAHs co-contaminated soil in the presence of five chelators or surfactants. The concentrations of Cd and PAHs in collected soil samples were 0.85 mg kg-1 Cd and 1.138 mg kg-1 PAHs (16 kinds of priority control polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by USEPA). The chelators or surfactants of EDTA, EGTA, CA, TW80, and SA were respectively spiked to the pots according to the experiment design at 1 month before the plant harvested. The results showed that the capacity of Cd in shoot of M. jalapa was 7.99 µg pot-1 without any addition (CK4, M. jalapa in original soil without amendment). However, Cd capacity in shoot of M. jalapa was increased (p < 0.05) by 31.7%, 181.7%, and 107.4% in treatment of REGTA, RCA and REGTA + SA, respectively. As for the degradation of PAHs in soil, there was no significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the treatment of CK2 (original soil spiked with 0.9 SA without M. jalapa), CK3 (original soil spiked with 0.3 TW80 without M. jalapa), and CK4 compared to the control CK1 (original soil without M. jalapa and amendment). When amendments were added to soils with M. jalapa,the PAHs concentrations in soils significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by 21.7%, 23.8%, 27.0%, 19.8%, 21.8%, 31.2%, and 25.5% for the treatment of REDTA + SA, REDTA + T80, REGTA + SA, REGTA + T80, RCA + T80, RSA + T80 + EDTA, and RSA + T80 + CA, respectively. Basically, Cd capacity in shoot of M. jalapa was improved by chelators. PAHs degradation was caused by the existence of surfactants in rhizosphere of M. jalapa. But the roles of different chelators or surfactants were quite distinct. In short, the Cd capacity in the shoot and PAHs degradation in the rhizosphere of M. jalapa in the treatment of REGTA + SA were all significantly increased (p < 0.05), which was more practical for M. jalapa phytoremediating Cd-PAHs co-contaminated soil.

Quantitative proteomics analysis reveals the tolerance of Mirabilis jalapa L. to petroleum contamination.

Petroleum is not only an important energy resource but is also a major soil pollutant. To gain better insight into the adaptability mechanism of Mirabilis jalapa to petroleum-contaminated soil, the protein profiles of M. jalapa root were investigated using label-free quantitative proteomics technique. After exposing to petroleum-contaminated soil for 24 h, 34 proteins significantly changed their protein abundance and most of the proteins increased in protein abundance (91.18%). Combined with gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses as well as data from previous studies, our results revealed that M. jalapa enhanced tolerance to petroleum by changing antioxidation and detoxification, cell wall organization, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, transportation and protein process, and so on. These metabolism alterations could result in the production and secretion of low molecular carbohydrate, amino acid, and functional protein, which enhanced the bioavailability of petroleum and reducing the toxicity of the petroleum. Taken together, these results provided novel information for better understanding of the tolerance of M. jalapa to petroleum stress.

Isolation and characterization of bioactive components from Mirabilis jalapa L. radix.

The present investigation was carried out to isolate and characterize bioactive components from Mirabilis jalapa L. radix ( zǐ mò lì gen). Thin-layer chromatography was used for the separation of spots from fractions of the crude extract. Separated spots were collected for identification of their activities. Free-radical scavenging activity was evaluated by spraying thin-layer chromatography plates (spotted with fractions) with 0.2% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl solution. Activity against human pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were determined using the agar diffusion method. Potential spots were subjected to infrared (IR) analysis and gas chromatography for characterization. Two spots (5F1 and 1F3) showed free-radical scavenging activity. The 1F3 spot was active against both S. aureus and C. albicans, whereas the 5F1 spot was active against S. aureus only. IR spectral analysis indicated that 5F1 spot to be a triterpenoid. Using IR spectral analysis and an IR library search, the 1F3 spot was identified to be a flavone, which may have a hydroxyl group in ring "A" of the flavone nucleus. Our results indicated that the 1F3 and 5F1 spots are potential free-radical scavengers. Both 1F3 and 5F1 exhibited antimicrobial activity. IR spectral analysis coupled with an IR library search indicated 1F3 and 5F1 to be a flavone and a triterpenoid, respectively.

Transposon-mediated mutation of CYP76AD3 affects betalain synthesis and produces variegated flowers in four o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa).

The variegated flower colors of many plant species have been shown to result from the insertion or excision of transposable elements into genes that encode enzymes involved in anthocyanin synthesis. To date, however, it has not been established whether this phenomenon is responsible for the variegation produced by other pigments such as betalains. During betalain synthesis in red beet, the enzyme CYP76AD1 catalyzes the conversion of L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) to cyclo-DOPA. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis indicated that the homologous gene in four o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa) is CYP76AD3. Here, we show that in four o'clock with red perianths, the CYP76AD3 gene consists of one intron and two exons; however, in a mutant with a perianth showing red variegation on a yellow background, a transposable element, dTmj1, had been excised from the intron. This is the first report that a transposition event affecting a gene encoding an enzyme for betalain synthesis can result in a variegated flower phenotype.

Antinociceptive effect of Mirabilis jalapa on acute and chronic pain models in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The infusion or decoction of Mirabilis jalapa leaves is used in traditional medicine in Brazil to treat inflammatory and painful diseases. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate whether the leaf ethyl acetate (Eta) fraction from Mirabilis jalapa exhibits antinociceptive effect in clinically relevant pain models in mice. Furthermore, we have investigated the role of cholinergic system in the antinociceptive action produced by Eta in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of Eta administered orally (10mg/kg, p.o.) in mice was verified on the painful hypersensitivity (mechanical allodynia) in models of chronic inflammation (subcutaneous injection of complete Freund's Adjuvant-CFA in the plantar surface of the right hind paw), postoperative (paw surgical incision) and neuropathic (partial sciatic nerve ligation) pain. In the chronic inflammation model, we further verified the effect of Eta treatment on paw edema and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) levels. We also investigated the role of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors in the antiallodynic action produced by Eta as well as the possible action of Eta on in vitro and ex vivo acetylcholinesterase activity in CFA treated animals. Furthermore, we verified the effect of Eta treatment on the parameters of liver and kidney lesion (level of urea, and activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase). RESULTS: Eta produced marked reduction in the allodynia caused by CFA, surgical incision and partial sciatic nerve ligation. However, Eta did not alter the paw edema or the increase of IL-1ß levels produced by CFA. The antinociceptive effect of Eta was reversed by the pre-treatment of animals with the antagonists of muscarinic (atropine, 5mg/kg, s.c) or nicotinic (mecamylamine, 0.001mg/kg, s.c.) receptors. Eta did not alter in vitro acetylcholinesterase activity in blood or spinal cord samples, but it reversed the increase in the acetylcholinesterase activity observed in the spinal cord samples from mice injected with CFA. Moreover, Eta did not alter the indicators of liver or kidney lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Based on its use in traditional medicine, the results of the present study confirmed the antinociceptive properties of Eta in clinically relevant pain models. Also its effect on the CFA-induced chronic inflammation seems to be related to acetylcholinesterase inhibition and cholinergic system.

Anti-inflammatory activity of mirabilis jalapa linn. Leaves.

Mirabilis Jalapa Linn. is a widely used traditional medicine in many parts of the world for the treatment of various diseases viz. virus inhibitory activity, anti tumour activity. It is claimed in traditional medicine that the leaves of the plant are used in the treatment of inflammation. In the present study, the total alcoholic extract and successive petroleum ether fractions of leaves of Mirabilis Jalapa Linn were screened for its anti-inflammatory activity using carageenan induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma models. The total alcoholic extract at the dose of 300 mg/kg p.o and successive petroleum ether fraction at the dose of 200 mg/kg exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced paw edema model (p<0.01). In cotton pellet granuloma model, the total alcoholic extract at the dose of 300 mg/kg and successive petroleum ether fraction at the dose of 200 mg/kg inhibited granuloma formation significantly (p<0.05) indicating that both test samples inhibit the increase in number of fibroblasts and synthesis of collagen and mucopolysaccharides during granuloma tissue formation during the chronic inflammation. These experimental results have established a pharmacological evidence for the folklore claim of the drug to be used as an anti inflammatory agent.

Anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Mirabilis jalapa Linn. leaves.

BACKGROUND: Theobjective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Mirabilis jalapa Linn. (MJL)(Nyctaginaceae) leaves for scientific validation of the folklore claim of the plant. The leaves are used as traditional folk medicine in the south of Brazil to treat inflammatory and painful diseases. Cosmetic or dermo-pharmaceutical compositions containing MJL are claimed to be useful against inflammation and dry skin. METHODS: Aqueous extract of the leaves was prepared by cold maceration. RESULTS: The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan and formalin-induced paw edema models in Wistar albino rats. The anti-inflammatory activity was found to be dose dependent in carrageenan-induced paw edema model. The aqueous extract has shown significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of paw oedema, 37.5% and 54.0% on 4 (th) hour at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Similar pattern of paw edema inhibition was seen in formalin-induced paw edema model. The maximum percentage inhibition in paw edema was 32.9% and 43.0% on 4 (th) day at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of present study demonstrate that aqueous extract of the leaves possess significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory potential.

Validation of a spectrophotometric methodology for the quantification of polysaccharides from roots of Operculina macrocarpa (jalapa)

The roots from Operculina macrocarpa (L.) Urb., Convolvulaceae, are widely used in Brazilian traditional medicine as a laxative and purgative. The biological properties of this drug material have been attributed to its polysaccharides content. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the polysaccharide content in drug material from O. macrocarpa by spectrophotometric quantitative analysis. The root was used as plant material and the botanical identification was performed by macro and microscopic analysis. The plant material was used to validate the spectrophotometric procedures at 490 nm for the quantification of the reaction product from drug polysaccharides and phenol-sulfuric acid solution. The analytical procedure was evaluated in order to comply with the necessary legal requirements by the determination of the following parameters: specificity, linearity, selectivity, precision, accuracy and robustness. This study provides with a simple and valid analytical procedure (linear, precise, accurate and reproducible), which can be satisfactorily used for quality control and standardization of herbal drug from O. macrocarpa.

Toxicology and safety of the tincture of Operculina alata in patients with functional constipation

The tincture of Operculina alata, popularly known as "tincture of jalapa", is used in Northeast Brazil to treat constipation and encephalic vascular accident, but it has not yet been adequately tested for safety and efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicology and safety of the tincture of O. alata in patients with functional constipation. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study consisted of three phases: pre-treatment, treatment and post-treatment, each phase with duration of seven days. Arterial pressure, heart rate, body weight, adverse events, hematological, metabolic, liver and kidney functions were monitored. Forty patients were randomized to receive tincture of O. alata and 43 patients to receive placebo. There were statistical differences in the clinical aspects between groups, but these changes were not considered clinically significant. Adverse events were considered not serious and of mild intensity, especially dizziness, headache, abdominal pain and nausea. This clinical trial confirmed the safety of the tincture of O. alata in the pharmaceutical form and dosage tested, allowing the product to be safely used in a larger population for the assessment of its clinical efficacy.

A tintura de Operculina alata, popularmente conhecida como "tintura de jalapa", é usada no Nordeste do Brasil para tratar constipação intestinal e acidente vascular encefálico, mas sua eficácia e segurança ainda não foram confirmadas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a toxicologia e segurança da tintura de O. alata em pacientes com constipação intestinal funcional. Este foi um ensaio clínico duplo-cego, randomizado e controlado por placebo. O estudo consistiu de três fases: pré-tratamento, tratamento e pós-tratamento, cada fase com duração de sete dias. Foram monitorizados a pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca, peso corporal, eventos adversos e funções hematológica, metabólica, hepática e renal. Quarenta pacientes foram randomizados para receber tintura de O. alata e 43 pacientes para receber placebo. Houve diferenças estatísticas nos aspectos clínicos entre os grupos, contudo, estas mudanças não foram consideradas clinicamente significativas. Eventos adversos foram considerados não sérios e de leve intensidade, especialmente, cefaléia, tontura, dor abdominal e náusea. Este ensaio clínico confirmou a segurança da tintura de O. alata na forma farmacêutica e dosagem testada, permitindo que o produto seja testado em população maior para determinar sua eficácia clínica.