Bioassay-guided isolation and identification of anti-ulcer ecdysteroids from the seeds of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre (Menispermaceae).

Sphenocentrum jollyanum seeds (MeOH extract and n butanol fraction) exhibited urease inhibitory activity (IC50 40.0 ± 0.92, 28.6 ± 0.41). The Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction gave significant antacid activity with an increase in the baseline pH value of 1.2 to 1.61 ± 0.00 and 1.53 ± 0.00 at 50 and 100 mg, respectively, compared to the antacid activity of sodium bicarbonate (1.53 ± 0.00, 1.47 ± 0.00). Five known ecdysteroid compounds isolated from S. jollyanum ethyl acetate and n butanol fractions are Pinnatasterone (1), Polypodine B (2), 20-hydroxyecdysone (3), 20, 26-dihydroxyecdysone, (4) and Atrotosterone A (5). The compounds' structures were determined using extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments, and the molecular mass for each of the compounds was confirmed by FAB-MS. Compounds 1-5 were evaluated for their urease inhibitory and antacid activities. Fractions were active in comparison with the standard drug acetohydroxamic acid, and sodium bicarbonate, respectively. Compounds 2, 3 and 1 showed significant urease inhibitory activity (IC50 7.0 ± 0.56, 13.8 ± 0.49 and 14.1 ± 0.59), respectively. The activity of compounds 4 and 5 were moderate compared to that of acetohydroxamic acid (IC50 value 20.3 ± 0.43). Very few compounds have been isolated from this plant despite the numerous biological activities reported for it. The antacid and urease inhibitory activities of this plant and isolated compounds are described for the first time.

Antacid activity of Laportea aestuans (L.) Chew.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Laportea aestuans (L.) Chew (Urticaceae) was historically ingested together with chalk by pregnant women in Ghana when suffering from heartburn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antacid activity of the aerial parts of L. aestuans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aerial parts of L. aestuans were collected in the Accra region of Ghana. The antacid activity was measured according to Fordtran׳s titration model. 90 mL tap water and test material in a 500 mL beaker were warmed to 37°C on a magnetic stirrer and was continuously stirred at approximately 30 rpm in order to mimic the movements of the stomach. A titration was carried out with an artificial gastric acid to the end point of pH 3. The acid secretion rate was approximately 3 mL and pH was monitored with a pH meter. Concentrations of 666 and 1332 mg dried plant material were tested, both with and without addition of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). RESULTS: Both CaCO3 and L. aestuans had a significant better ability than water to neutralise an artificial stomach acid. 666 mg plant material together with CaCO3 compared to CaCO3 alone showed approximately the same neutralisation time. When mixing 1332 mg plant material with CaCO3 the neutralisation time was significantly higher than for CaCO3 alone and exhibited an antacid profile that was able to maintain the neutralising activity one pH-unit higher for an extended period of time. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that L. aestuans showed an antacid activity when combined with CaCO3. With further investigations of the active compound, mechanism of action and possible toxicity, the plant could form the basis of a novel antacid.