Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the indigenous community of the western region of Mizoram, India.

BACKGROUND: Plants have long been utilized as traditional medicines by the inhabitants. However, until recently, the traditional knowledge had not been extensively documented from the hilly state of Mizoram, India. The present study was designed to perform a quantitative analysis of ethnomedicinal plants used by Mizo tribes using quantitative ethnobotanical indices. The study attempts to find new ethnomedicinal plant species that could be a source for the discovery of new drug formulations. METHODS: The information was obtained through extensive and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative indices such as informant consensus factor (ICF), use value (UV), fidelity level (FL), relative frequency of citation (RFC), and relative importance index (RI) were used to quantify the advantages, significance, and coverage of ethnomedicine. All the collected data were analyzed using the ethnobotanyR package in R. RESULTS: A total of 124 ethnomedicinal plant species, distributed in 112 genera under 60 families, were documented from 206 informants. Herbs (49.19%) were the most dominant growth form, and leaves (49.19%) were the most common plant parts used for the preparation of herbal medicine while decoction (61.21%) was the most popular formulation. Asteraceae (11) were the most common families among the documented species. Digestive disease, burns, cuts, and wounds had the highest ICF value (0.94), and Lepionurus sylvestris had the highest FL (91%). Oroxylum indicum (6.25) was the most commonly utilized ethnomedicinal plant based on UV, RI had the highest value in Blumea lanceolaria (1.12), and O. indicum (0.29) had the highest RFC value. According to the findings, the traditional medicinal plant treatment is still widely used in the research area. CONCLUSION: Documentation of new ethnomedicinal species and their therapeutic usage will encourage further phytochemical and pharmacological research, potentially leading to the discovery of new drug formulations.

Feeding silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) oil to growing rabbits improves the fatty acid composition of meat, liver and perirenal fat.

Silkworm oil was used in a rabbit diet to evaluate its benefit on the fatty acid (FA) profile of different carcass portions. Two experimental diets were prepared: a control diet (commercial diet with 13 g/kg sunflower oil) and a silkworm oil diet (SWO) (commercial diet with 13 g/kg silkworm oil). Rabbits received the experimental diets the last three weeks before slaughter, which occurred at 10 weeks of age. At slaughter, hind leg meat, liver, and perirenal fat were sampled for FA profile analysis. The SWO diet significantly increased the n-3 FA of all three sampling sites and halved the n-6/n-3 ratio of hind leg meat and perirenal fat. Furthermore, the liver of SWO rabbits was also richer in C22:6 n-3 compared to that of control rabbits. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the total dietary replacement of sunflower oil with silkworm oil in fattening rabbits positively changed the FA profile of the considered carcass tissues.

GC-MS and molecular docking analyses of phytochemicals from the underutilized plant, Parkia timoriana revealed candidate anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory agents.

Plants are excellent sources of functionally bioactive compounds and essential nutrients. The phytochemical constituents have enormous potential in treating both plant and human diseases. Parkia timoriana (Yongchak/Zawngtah), one of the most important underutilized plants popularly consumed in Manipur and Mizoram states of Northeastern region of India, is known for its ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal values. A significant DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and Phosphomolybdate scavenging activity corresponding to high antioxidant potentials was shown by the extracts from different edible parts of P. timoriana. P. timoriana extract showed significant antibacterial potential against Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtillis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses of the extracts revealed the functional groups and bioactive compounds present in different edible parts of the plant. Characteristic peaks of phenols, carboxylic acids, alkenes, glycogen, alkyl halides, halogen, aliphatic amines, primary and secondary amines, esters, ether, aromatics, lipids, triglycerides, nitro compounds that had antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties etc. were observed. The GC-MS analysis also revealed the occurrence of 49 bioactive compounds that are known to possess a variety of pharmacological activities. Subsequently, in silico molecular docking studies of the identified bioactive compounds predicted potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first-hand report on the bioactive compounds of edible parts of P. timoriana extracts showing antioxidant, antimicrobial and pharmacological significance. This study can lead to the production of new herbal medicines for various diseases employing P. timoriana and perhaps leading to the creation of new medications.

Traditionally used edible Solanaceae plants of Mizoram, India have high antioxidant and antimicrobial potential for effective phytopharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Solanaceae plants have been used as traditional medicines in Mizoram, India. This warrants the presence of therapeutic compounds and various bioactive phytochemicals in these plants, and characterizing their structures could lead to a possible focus for drug development. AIM OF THE STUDY: Solanaceae plants are incredible sources of proteins and minerals; some even have high medicinal values which has been recognized traditionally. The present study was designed to explore and document the ethnobotany, phytochemical and mineral nutrient composition, antimicrobial properties, antioxidant potential and to identify functional groups from edible species of Solanaceae from Mizoram, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Field surveys and samples collection was conducted from Aizawl District, Mizoram, India. All the studied samples were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus for the analysis of bioactive compounds. The total phenol, total flavonoid and total anthocyanin contents were determined using standard methods. The antioxidant activities were measured using DPPH free radical scavenging, APX, CAT and SOD activities. The proximate analyses and mineral contents were determined by standard methods. The antibacterial potential was determined using the agar well diffusion method, and the functional groups were analysed using FTIR. All the results were reported as the mean ± standard deviation. The linear regression coefficient (R2) for total flavonoid and phenolic content with antioxidant activity was analysed using Graph Pad Prism Version 5. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The phytochemical screenings showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and saponins in all the samples. The highest total phenolic content was found in Solanum anguivi Lam. (29.51 mg GAE/g), and Capsicum annuum L. contained the highest total flavonoids (35.15 ± 0.03 mg/g). Proteins and carbohydrates contents were found to be the highest in Solanum melongena L. (28.49 mg/g) and Physalis angulata L. (35.64 mg/g) respectively. Elemental analysis showed the presence of Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg) and Sodium (Na) in high proportion in all the studied samples. All the plant extracts showed effective antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Fourier Transformed Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra revealed multiple functional groups in these plants species which could be used to identify bioactive compounds that can be subsequently utilized as herbal remedies for various ailments. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a considerable amount of nutrients, biologically active and therapeutic compounds are present in the studied samples and these plants could be potential sources for new phyto-pharmaceutical and nutraceutical preparations.

Hepatotoxicity potential of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) in rats.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens L.) is an herbal drug used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). There has been a report that a preparation containing this herb has caused cholestatic hepatitis in one person and some indications exist that it may have the potential to produce liver toxicity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of saw palmetto on rat liver function by measuring its effects on several enzymes and formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), a byproduct of lipid peroxidation. A significant increase in these parameters is considered an indication of liver toxicity. Thirty-six rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 animals each. They were treated for 2 or 4 weeks with a placebo or saw palmetto at doses of 9.14 or 22.86 mg/kg/body wt./day; that is, 2 x and 5 x the maximum recommended daily human dosages. After 2 or 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and blood was collected to prepare serum for enzyme assays, which were performed using commercially available kits. A portion of the liver was removed, and a homogenate prepared for the lipid peroxidation assay. Results showed no significant difference in animal body weight, enzyme activity, or MDA formation at either time or dosage level, as compared to controls. The data indicate that at the doses and time periods tested, saw palmetto did not produce any significant effect on the normal biological markers of liver toxicity.

Effect of prenatal diazepam, phenobarbital, haloperidol and fluoxetine exposure on foot shock induced aggression in rats.

Different groups of pregnant rats were treated with diazepam (10 mg/kg), phenobarbital (10 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg), fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and vehicle (normal saline) intraperitoneally once a day during gestation days 13 to 21. After birth these pups were culled to 8 pups/dam and foster-nursed by lactating mothers for 3 weeks and were reared in colony cages thereafter. Sex and weight matched pairs of rat offsprings were subjected to foot shock induced aggression test at 8 weeks of age. Two parameters of aggressive behaviour were recorded namely, the latency to fight and total number of fighting bouts. The results indicate that prenatal exposure to diazepam, phenobarbital, haloperidol and fluoxetine caused significantly enhanced aggression in terms of number of fighting bouts.

Inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis by angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 on breast cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo.

Antitumor and antimetastatic activity of the angiogenesis inhibitor O-(chloroacetyl-carbamoyl) fumagillol (TNP-470), a semisynthetic analogue of fumagillin, was evaluated in breast cancer cell lines. In an in vitro MTT assay, after 72 hrs continuous exposure to TNP-470, growth inhibition was observed in all seven cell lines of murine (JYG-A, JYG-B, DD-762, and BALB/c-MC) or human (KPL-1, MDA-MB-231, and MKL-F) origin, in which the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) at 72 hrs treatment were 4.6, 4.4, 4.6, 10.1, 35.0, 25.3, and 33.4 micrograms/ml, respectively. In an in vivo assay using JYG-A, JYG-B, KPL-1, and MDA-MB-231 cells by orthotopic (right thoracic mammary fat pad) transplantation in female nude mice, TNP-470 at 30 or 50 mg/kg body weight was injected s.c. every other day from the day of tumor cell inoculation until the end of the experiment. The inhibitory effect on primary tumor growth was obtained in all four cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In the 50 mg/kg TNP-470-treated group, the reductions in tumor weight of the JYG-A, JYG-B, KPL-1, and MDA-MB-231 cells with respect to the controls were 50%, 30%, 4%, and 49%, respectively. Metastasis was seen in the JYG-A, JYG-B, and KPL-1 cells. The numbers of mice bearing pulmonary metastases of JYG-A and JYG-B cells and regional axillary lymph node metastases of KPL-1 cells were reduced, and TNP-470 at the 50 mg/kg dose to KPL-1 cells significantly reduced lymph node metastases compared with the control. Although the weight gain was retarded in the TNP-470-treated mice, weight loss was not seen. TNP-470 was highly effective in the treatment of breast cancer cells. These results suggest that the clinical use of TNP-470 may be a promising treatment for breast cancer patients.

Studies on the muscle-paralyzing components of the juice of the banana plant.

The stem juice of the banana plant (Musa species) has been used as an arrow poison by African tribesmen. Lyophilized, partially purified extracts of the juice augment and then block both directly and indirectly evoked contractions of the mouse diaphragm. We have isolated, purified and determined the chemical composition of the active ingredients, and characterized their pharmacological activity. The lyophilized sample was extracted with a methanol-water (MeOH-H2O) (50/50) mixture and vacuum filtered. The filtrate was rotary evaporated and crystallized in a MeOH-H2O mixture to yield potassium nitrate crystals (melting point 332-334 degrees C). The filtrate was concentrated and chromatographed over Sephadex LH-20 gel using MeOH-H2O (40/60) as the eluent. The active component was found to be magnesium nitrate crystals (melting point 87-89 degrees C). In the mouse isolated phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation, the pharmacological profile of the first component was similar to that for authentic potassium nitrate which augments in low concentrations, and in higher concentrations augments, and then blocks both directly evoked muscle contraction the neuromuscular transmission. The second component had a profile of activity similar to that for authentic magnesium nitrate which only blocks neuromuscular transmission. It can be concluded that the two major active principles in the banana stem juice are potassium nitrate and magnesium nitrate.

Kava: an overview.

Since the first significant contact with Europeans in the 18th century, the Oceanic plant, Piper methysticum Forst. (Piperaceae) and the beverage prepared from it, both of which are called kava, have become familiar to much of the outside world through both the written and visual media. The ceremonial preparation and consumption of the beverage are probably its most conspicuous and spectacular features. Kava continues to occupy a central place in everyday life in the islands concerned, although its role has been somewhat diminished by time and outside influences. Despite the large body of literature on kava--about 800 entries are listed in a recent bibliography by Singh (1986)--there has been no comprehensive review on the subject. Earlier contributions by Keller and Klohs (1963) and Shulgin (1973) were selective in treatment and dealt primarily with chemical and pharmacological aspects. The monograph by Steinmetz (1960) remains a standard reference but understandably some of the information in it has become dated. The attention of the reader is also drawn to two excellent additions to the recent kava literature, by Lebot and Cabalion (1988) and Brunton (1989), which are, although somewhat restricted in focus, are very significant contributions to the subject. The present review paper provides an updated and a multidisciplinary overview of the subject. It was prepared on the basis of the author's personal experience--he is a native of Fiji and lived in that country for about 30 years--as well as the relevant literature listed in the Singh (1986) bibliography and some more recent publications.

Lipid and hydrocarbon production byBotryococcus spp. under nitrogen limitation and anaerobiosis.

The production of lipids and hydrocarbons in batch cultures of the algaeBotryococcus braunii andB. protuberans has been studied with respect to nitrogen limitation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Nitrogen deficiency significantly decreased the dry weight, chlorophylla and protein contents but the amounts of carotenoids, carbohydrates and lipids increased in both the species. Nitrogen starvation gave a 1.6-fold increase in lipid content. Anaerobiosis under nitrogen deficient conditions gave greater lipid production than anaerobiosis in nitrogen supplemented medium. Under nitrogen deficiency, the hydrocarbon fraction increased and the polar lipids decreased. Anaerobiosis induced hydrocarbon synthesis more significantly than nitrogen deficiency but decreased other non-polar and polar lipids.

The augmenting action of banana tree juice on skeletal muscle contraction.

An extract obtained from juice expressed from the stem of the plantain banana tree (Musa sapientum L., var. paradisiaca) induces twitch augmentation in skeletal muscles. The mechanism of this action was investigated in the mouse hemi-diaphragm preparation. Directly evoked twitches and potassium induced (K+) contractures were both augmented by the extract. Twitch augmentation was partly dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The action on K(+)-contractures was unaffected by tetrodotoxin, but the rate of relaxation was enhanced in the absence of extracellular calcium (0[Ca2+]o). Muscle contracture induced by high concentrations of extract was also augmented in 0[Ca2+]o and in the presence of the Ca2(+)-channel blocking agent, nifedipine. The time course of the contracture was shortened in 0[Ca2+]o, but not by nifedipine. Nifedipine enhanced the augmenting effect of the extract on twitches but shortened the time-course of this action. In addition, a muscle contracture was superimposed on the twitching muscle at higher concentrations of nifedipine. Manganese, on the other hand, reduced or abolished the augmenting action of the extract. The results are consistent with an action of banana tree juice on the molecule responsible for excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle, resulting in a labilization of intracellular Ca2+.

Hepatic phosphatidylcholine synthesis in deficiency of lysine and threonine: effect of malathion.

Rats fed on a rice diet deficient in lysine and threonine showed increased activities of CDP-Choline pathway enzymes and incorporation of (methyl-3H)-choline into hepatic microsomal phosphatidylcholine, compared to rats fed on the same diet supplemented with lysine and threonine. However, the amount of microsomal phosphatidylcholine was significantly decreased in rats fed a deficient rice diet. These results suggest an enhanced phosphatidylcholine catabolism in rats fed on a rice diet deficient in lysine and threonine. Malathion administration reduced the amount of phosphatidylcholine in all the groups.

Mixed function oxidases in response to quality and quantity of dietary protein.

Feeding of rice diet reduced the food consumption and growth of rats. Hepatic Cytochrome P-450, NADPH Cytochrome c reductase and the activity of cytochrome P-450 dependent enzymes (Aniline hydroxylase, aminopyrine N-demethylase, p-nitroanisole O-demethylase) were also decreased by feeding rice diet. Supplementation of lysine and threonine to rice diet improved the activity of these enzymes. NADPH regeneration and microsomal phosphatidylcholine were reduced by feeding rice diet. The phenobarbitone induced sleeping time was decreased by supplementing rice diet with lysine and threonine. The effect of protein is probably partly attributed to changes in membrane phosphatidylcholine content and NADPH regeneration rate.

Traditional medicine in Fiji: some herbal folk cures used by Fiji Indians.

Traditional medicine has been practised in the South Pacific country of Fiji by almost all ethnic groups, both indigenous and immigrant. This paper reports on a survey on traditional medicinal practices in one major group, the Fiji Indians, who came from India in late 19th and early 20th century. The extent of knowledge and skills possessed by traditional healers and lay people, the plants and plant materials used by them for herbal remedies, parallel uses in India of the various plant species and their biodynamic properties are presented.

Muscle paralyzing effect of the juice from the trunk of the banana tree.

The effect of an extract from the trunk of the banana tree (Musa sapientum) was investigated in isolated skeletal muscle preparations from the chick, mouse and frog using twitch tension and intracellular recording techniques. The extract produced, in the same concentration range and after an initial period of twitch augmentation, paralysis of skeletal muscle in both directly and indirectly stimulated preparations. It also had a dose-dependent stimulant effect on the muscle causing a contracture. The neuromuscular blockade was reversed by calcium, but only when added before complete paralysis of the muscle. On the other hand, neostigmine usually hastened the blockade and aggravated the contracture. The frequency of the miniature endplate potential in the mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation greatly increased initially, declining to an elevated plateau. Effects on quantal content of endplate potentials (e.p.p.s) were studied in the transected mouse phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm using trains of e.p.p.s. In the presence of the extract, only a few e.p.p. trains could normally be evoked, probably due to nerve terminal block. When quantal content could be measured at low concentrations of the extract, an increase was usually obtained. Muscle action potentials in the frog sartorius muscle were decreased in amplitude until no further potentials could be generated. The results suggest that the nature of the block produced by the extract resembles that of a potent local anaesthetic with an initial atypical labilizing effect on cell calcium rather than a conventional curariform block.

Folk medicine in Tonga. A study of the use of herbal medicines for obstetric and gynaecological conditions and disorders.

We report on a study of the role of traditional medicinal practices in two communities in the South Pacific Kingdom of Tonga, with particular emphasis on obstetric and gynaecological complaints of women and the traditional practitioners consulted by them. Data on the nature and frequency of obstetric and gynaecological complaints, patterns of consultations and preferences for the type of practitioner, Western or traditional, were collected from housewives. The nature, range and extent of expertise possessed by traditional practitioners were also assessed. The results indicate that reliance on traditional medicine is rapidly declining in favour of Western medicine. This seems to be due to urbanisation, increased acceptance of Western values and a lack of availability of traditional practitioners in sufficient numbers. However, self-administration of herbal remedies was still common, especially in rural areas, and might even be on the increase. The practitioners treated a variety of obstetric and gynaecological complaints using 60 plant species which were collected and identified.

Effects of kava on neuromuscular transmission and muscle contractility.

The effects of kava, a native drink from Oceania, on neuromuscular transmission and muscle contractility have been examined in mouse phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm and frog sartorius muscle preparations using twitch tension and intracellular recording techniques. The extent of muscle paralysis induced by kava was similar in both directly and indirectly stimulated mouse hemidiaphragms. The neuromuscular blockade produced was poorly reversed by calcium and by neostigmine. Intracellular recordings from frog sartorius muscles showed that kava depressed the amplitude of both miniature end-plate potentials (mepps) and end-plate potentials (epps) but had no effect on the frequency of mepps. Kava greatly prolonged the duration of mepps and epps and also slowed and depressed directly elicited muscle action potentials. It is concluded that kava causes paralysis by mechanisms similar to local anaesthetics.