Pharmacognostical studies of Eclipta prostrata (Linn. ) grown in Sri Lanka / Estudios farmacognósticos de Eclipta prostrate (Linn. ) cultivada en Sri Lanka

Eclipta prostrata Linn. is an annual herbaceous plant used in traditional medicine, commonly known as "Trailing Eclipta" or False Daisy in English, ' Keekirindiya ' in Sinhala and ' Kayyantakara' in Tamil. The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed pharmacognostical evaluation of E. prostrata found in Sri Lanka. Anatomical, physicochemical, phytochemical studies, and quantification of phyto - constituents were performed as per WHO guidelines. Whole plant was sequ entially extracted into solvents with different polarities. Phytochemical screening and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) fingerprinting were carried out. Anatomical study and powder microscopy revealed useful diagnostic features. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, ash values (total, acid insoluble, water soluble) and extractable matter in water and ethanol were evaluated. Phytochemical screening and TLC fingerprinting revealed the presence of different types of phyto - constituents. Alkaloid, tannin, saponin, total flavonoid and total polyphenol contents were quantified. In conclusion, pharmacognostical study aids in establishing the standardization parameters of E. prostrata found in Sri Lanka.

Eclipta prostrata Linn. es una planta herbácea anual utilizada en la medicina tradicional, comúnmente conocida como "Trailing Eclipta" o False Daisy en inglés, 'Keekirindiya' en sinhala y 'Kayyan takara' en tamil. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una evaluación farmacognóstica detallada de E. prostrata encontrada en Sri Lanka. Se llevaron a cabo estudios anatómicos, fisicoquímicos, fitoquímicos y cuantificación de fitoconstituyentes según l as directrices de la OMS. Se extrajo secuencialmente la planta entera en solventes con diferentes polaridades. Se realizaron pruebas de tamizaje fitoquímico y huellas dactilares de cromatografía en capa delgada (TLC). El estudio anatómico y la microscopía en polvo revelaron características diagnósticas útiles. Se evaluaron parámetros fisicoquímicos como el contenido de humedad, los valores de ceniza (total, insoluble en ácido, soluble en agua) y la materia extraíble en agua y etanol. Las pruebas de tamizaje fitoquímico y las huellas dactilares de TLC revelaron la presencia de diferentes tipos de fitoconstituyentes. Se cuantificaron los contenidos de alcaloides, taninos, saponinas, flavonoides totales y polifenoles totales. En conclusión, el estudio farmacogn óstico ayuda a establecer los parámetros de estandarización de E. prostrata encontrada en Sri Lanka.

Imaging of the Pancreas in New-Onset Diabetes: A Prospective Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of cross-sectional imaging for detection of pancreatic cancer (PDAC) in patients with new-onset hyperglycemia and diabetes (NOD). METHODS: We conducted a prospective pilot study from November 2018 to March 2020 within an integrated health system. Patients aged 50-85 years with newly elevated glycemic parameters without a history of diabetes were invited to complete a 3-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography pancreas protocol scan while participating in the Prospective Study to Establish a NOD Cohort. Abnormal pancreatic findings, incidental extrapancreatic findings, and subsequent clinical evaluation were identified. Variability in clinical reporting between medical centers based on descriptors of pancreatic duct and parenchyma was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 130 of 147 participants (88.4%) consented to imaging; 93 scans were completed (before COVID-19 stay-at-home order). The median age was 62.4 years (interquartile range 56.3-68.8), 37.6% women; Hispanic (39.8%), White (29.0%), Black (14.0%), and Asian (13.3%). One (1.1%) case of PDAC (stage IV) was diagnosed, 12 of 93 participants (12.9%) had additional pancreatic findings: 5 fatty infiltration, 3 cysts, 2 atrophy, 1 divisum, and 1 calcification. There were 57 extrapancreatic findings among 52 of 93 (56%) unique patients; 12 of 57 (21.1%) prompted clinical evaluation with 2 additional malignancies diagnosed (nonsmall cell lung and renal oncocytoma). Reports from 1 participating medical center more frequently provided description of pancreatic parenchyma and ducts (92.9% vs 18.4%), P < 0.0001. DISCUSSION: High proportion of incidental findings and variability in clinical reports are challenges to be addressed for a successful NOD-based early detection strategy for PDAC.

Schleichera oleosa Seed Extract Reduced the Proliferation of Breast Cancer by Regulating the BRCA1 and p16 Genes.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. Schleichera oleosa (kusum tree) belongs to the Sapindaceae family commonly found in many states of India. This plant is traditionally being used in various pathological conditions. METHODS: In vitro studies were performed using seed extract of Schleichera oleosa. Different concentrations of seed extracts were treated on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and its effect on migration and colony formation were observed. BRCA1 and p16 gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: We have analyzed anticancer and anti-metastatic effects of seed extract in breast cancer and IC50 was 140µg/ml concentration. Further, its inhibitory role in cell migration and colony formation was at 140µg/ml (P<0.0001) concentration and reduced significantly growth of sphere at 140 µg (P<0.0031) and 150µg (P<0.0010) concentration after 5 days of treatment. The apoptosis study was shown a significant increase at 140 µg (P<0.0001) in apoptotic cells. Expression of BRCA1 and p16 were found to be over-expressed as 1.4 and 1.7 fold, respectively, at 140µg/ml concentration after 24 h of treatment at the transcription level. BRCA1 protein was up-regulated but p16 expression down-regulated at 140 to 150µg/ml (One-Way ANOVA, P<0.0001) concentration. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found a significant role of S. Oleosa seed extract has an anti-cancer as well as anti-metastatic via up-regulation of BRCA1 and p16 genes in breast cancer cells.

Staging exocrine pancreatic dysfunction.

Digestive capacity of the gastrointestinal tract, largely but not wholly, depends on exocrine pancreatic function to achieve near complete digestion and absorption of ingested food. Coefficient of fat absorption (CFA), the proportion of ingested fat absorbed (normal >93%), reflects digestive capacity. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is the state of insufficient digestive capacity (CFA <93%) caused by severe loss of pancreatic exocrine function despite variable compensation by upregulation of extra-pancreatic lipolysis. Fecal elastase 1 (FE1) level is the most widely used, though imperfect, non-invasive test of pancreatic enzyme output. Decline in pancreas enzyme output, or pancreatic exocrine dysfunction (EPD), has a variable correlation with measurable decline in CFA. EPI results in steatorrhea, weight loss and nutrient deficiency, which are mitigated by pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). We propose a staging system for EPD, based on measurement of fecal elastase (FE1) and, if necessary, CFA and serum fat-soluble vitamin levels. In Stage I (Mild) EPD, FE1 is 100-200 mcg/gm; if steatorrhea is present, non-pancreatic causes are likely. In Stage II (Moderate) EPD), FE1 is < 100 mcg/gm without clinical and/or laboratory evidence of steatorrhea. In Stage III, there are marked reductions in FE1 and CFA, but vitamin levels remain normal (Severe EPD or EPI without nutritional deficiency). In Stage IV all parameters are abnormal (Severe EPD or EPI with nutritional deficiency). EPD stages I and II are pancreas sufficient and PERT may not be the best or first approach in management of early-stage disease; it needs further study to determine clinical utility. The term EPI refers strictly to EPD Stages III and IV which should be treated with PERT, with Stage IV requiring micronutrient supplementation as well.

Validation of the Enriching New-Onset Diabetes for Pancreatic Cancer Model in a Diverse and Integrated Healthcare Setting.

BACKGROUND: The risk of pancreatic cancer is elevated among people with new-onset diabetes (NOD). Based on Rochester Epidemiology Project Data, the Enriching New-Onset Diabetes for Pancreatic Cancer (END-PAC) model was developed and validated. AIMS: We validated the END-PAC model in a cohort of patients with NOD using retrospectively collected data from a large integrated health maintenance organization. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients between 50 and 84 years of age meeting the criteria for NOD in 2010-2014 was identified. Each patient was assigned a risk score (< 1: low risk; 1-2: intermediate risk; ≥ 3: high risk) based on the values of the predictors specified in the END-PAC model. Patients who developed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) within 3 years were identified using the Cancer Registry and California State Death files. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were estimated. RESULTS: Out of the 13,947 NOD patients who were assigned a risk score, 99 developed PDAC in 3 years (0.7%). Of the 3038 patients who had a high risk, 62 (2.0%) developed PDAC in 3 years. The risk increased to 3.0% in white patients with a high risk. The AUC was 0.75. At the 3+ threshold, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 62.6%, 78.5%, 2.0%, and 99.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is critical that prediction models are validated before they are implemented in various populations and clinical settings. More efforts are needed to develop screening strategies most appropriate for patients with NOD in real-world settings.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Pleurotus ostreatus, a Culinary Medicinal Mushroom, in Wistar Rats.

Context. Pleurotus ostreatus (P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae. OBJECTIVES: The present study investigates the anti-inflammatory potential of P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae. Materials and Methods. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using suspensions of freeze-dried and powdered (SFDP) P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae. P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae. P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae. in vivo and in vitro assays. RESULTS: At doses of 500-1000 mg/kg, the SFDP of P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae. P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae. P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae. P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae. in vitro assays. P < 0.05). Dose-dependent inhibition of NO production was seen with in vitro assays. P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae. r = 0.95; P < 0.05). Dose-dependent inhibition of NO production was seen with Discussion and Conclusion. The promising activity of culinary mushroom P.o against inflammation suggests its potential application as a functional food during inflammatory conditions.P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae.

Acute anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of crude extracts, alkaloid fraction and evolitrine from Acronychia pedunculata leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Acronychia pedunculata (family: Rutaceae) is one of the commonly used medicinal plants in Sri Lankan traditional medicine. Different parts of this plant are used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions in the form of medicinal oils and herbal porridge. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-nociceptive activity and anti-inflammatory activity with their mechanisms and the acute toxicity of crude extracts of the fresh leaves of A. pedunculata for scientific validation of the ethnopharmacological claims for this plant. Further, attention has been focused on the isolation of active compounds from active fractions of the crude extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The acute anti-inflammatory effect of the aqueous (AELA) and 70% ethanol crude extracts (EELA) and alkaloid fraction of A. pedunculata leaves were evaluated by the determination of inhibition of hind paw oedema induced by carrageenan in Wistar rats. Evolitrine was identified as the major alkaloid with significant bioactivities by column chromatography and NMR. The anti-nociceptive and anti-histamine activities of EELA and evolitrine were evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing and wheal formation tests respectively. In addition, in-vitro (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay) and in-vivo (lipid peroxidation assay) anti-oxidant activity, nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity and acute toxicity of EELA were evaluated. RESULTS: Acute anti-inflammatory activity of AELA and EELA were dose-dependent. EELA was more active than AELA. The 200 mg/kg body weight (b. w.) dose of EELA was found as the minimum effective dose with maximum inhibition (78%) of oedema at 5th hour compared to the negative control (p < 0.05). Evolitrine was isolated and identified as an active anti-inflammatory and analgesic compound from active alkaloid fraction of EELA. Evolitrine showed activity enhancement when compared with crude EELA. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of evolitrine (50 mg/kg b. w.) were comparable to that of reference drugs indomethacin (5 mg/kg b. w) and acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg b. w.). The significant (p < 0.05) anti-histamine activity, DPPH scavenging in-vitro anti-oxidant activity, in-vivo lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity in-vivo, NO inhibitory activity of EELA as compared with relevant negative controls, were identified as probable mechanisms which mediated its anti-inflammatory action. Further, EELA showed a high safety margin in the limited dose acute toxicity study. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study rationalize the usage of leaves of A. pedunculata in Sri Lankan traditional medicine as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Possible mechanisms mediating this activity included anti-histamine, anti-oxidant and NO inhibitory activities. Evolitrine is the major analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound isolated from the active alkaloid fraction of EELA.

α-Glucosidase inhibitory effect of resveratrol and piceatannol.

Dietary polyphenols have been shown to inhibit α-glucosidase, an enzyme target of some antidiabetic drugs. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and wine, has been reported to inhibit the activity of yeast α-glucosidase. This triggered our interest to synthesize analogs and determine their effect on mammalian α-glucosidase activity. Using either sucrose or maltose as substrate resveratrol, piceatannol and 3'-hydroxypterostilbene showed strong inhibition of mammalian α-glucosidase activity; pinostilbene, cis-desoxyrhapontigenin and trans-desoxyrhapontigenin had moderate inhibition. Compared to acarbose (IC50 3-13 µg/ml), piceatannol and resveratrol inhibited mammalian α-glucosidase to a lesser extent (IC50 14-84 and 111-120 µg/ml, respectively). 3'-Hydroxypterostilbene (IC50 105-302 µg/ml) was 23-35-fold less potent than acarbose. We investigated the effect of piceatannol and resveratrol on postprandial blood glucose response in high-fat-fed C57Bl/6 mice. Animals administered resveratrol (30 mg/kg body weight [BW]) or piceatannol (14 mg/kg BW) 60 min prior to sucrose or starch loading had a delayed absorption of carbohydrates, resulting in significant lowering of postprandial blood glucose concentrations, similar to the antidiabetic drug acarbose, while no significant effect was observed with the glucose-loaded animals. Our studies demonstrate that the dietary polyphenols resveratrol and piceatannol lower postprandial hyperglycemia and indicate that inhibition of intestinal α-glucosidase activity may be a potential mechanism contributing to their antidiabetic property.

Blood Glucose-lowering Effect of T. procumbens L.: A Pilot Clinical Study in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.

Traditional knowledge, in vitro studies, and studies using animal models suggest that Tridax procumbens L. exhibits blood glucose-lowering properties and antiinflammatory effects. In this study, we evaluated the blood glucose-lowering effect of T. procumbens supplementation in individuals with type 2 diabetes. An extract (asava) of T. procumbens L. was prepared following Ayurveda guidelines. Chemical and microbial analyses indicated presence of phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids, and absence of microbial contamination, aflatoxins, heavy metals, and pesticide residues. A chemical fingerprint of T. procumbens L. asava, developed using Ultra high pressure liquid chromatography/electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-MS) in negative mode, suggest the presence of several compounds including polyphenols. T. procumbens asava demonstrated strong total antioxidant capacity, Fe3+ reducing potential, Fe2+ chelation, H2 O2 scavenging activity, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. We recruited 20 type 2 diabetic individuals from Kolhapur, India. Participants received 15 mL of T. procumbens asava, twice daily, for 4 weeks, while continuing their prescribed antidiabetic medications. Fasting blood glucose decreased by 11% in men (p < 0.01) and 20% in women (p < 0.05), and post-prandial blood glucose concentrations were lowered by 26% in men (p < 0.001) and 29% in women (p < 0.001) following 4 weeks of asava supplementation. No adverse events or side effects were reported. This is the first clinical study demonstrating a significant blood glucose-lowering effect of T. procumbens asava in type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hypoglycaemic activity of culinary Pleurotus ostreatus and P. cystidiosus mushrooms in healthy volunteers and type 2 diabetic patients on diet control and the possible mechanisms of action.

This study determined the oral hypoglycaemic effect of suspensions of freeze dried and powdered (SFDP) Pleurotus ostreatus (P.o) and Pleurotus cystidiosus (P.c), using healthy human volunteers and Type 2 diabetic patients on diet control at a dose of 50 mg/kg/body weight, followed by a glucose load. The possible hypoglycaemic mechanisms were evaluated using rats, by examining intestinal glucose absorption and serum levels of insulin, glucokinase (GK) and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK). The P.o and P.c showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels of healthy volunteers and reduced the postprandial serum glucose levels and increased the serum insulin levels (P < 0.05) of Type 2 diabetic patients. The P.o and P.c increased the intestinal absorption of glucose but simultaneously reduced the serum glucose levels (P < 0.05) in rats. Both mushrooms reduced the serum GSK and promoted insulin secretion while P.c increased serum GK (P < 0.05). The hypoglycaemic activity of P.o and P.c makes mushrooms beneficial functional foods in diabetes mellitus. The mechanism of hypoglycaemic activity of P.o and P.c is possibly by increasing GK activity and promoting insulin secretion and thereby increasing the utilization of glucose by peripheral tissues, inhibiting GSK and promoting glycogen synthesis.

The actual scenario of neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer in developing country: a report of 80 cases of breast cancer from a tertiary cancer center in India.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative or neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an option in patients with large operable breast cancer to facilitate the breast conservation and to downstage the disease to make inoperable breast cancer to operable one. It is also called the window of opportunity; it provides a unique opportunity to derive biological information related to tumor response. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been compared with standard, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with goals of improving survival and facilitating local therapies. Unfortunately, neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not seem to improve overall survival. There is a lack of data from India regarding the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The present study was carried out to assess the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients who were started on neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) at our center for 1 year (August 2012 to July 2013). Case files were thoroughly reviewed, and patient's characteristics (age, pre-/postmenopausal status, family history of breast/ovarian/other cancer), mode of detection, treatment, and histological features were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 322 patients with breast cancer registered in our institute, 80 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Median age was 45 years. The most common presentation was left-sided breast lump (Lt > Rt) with a median duration of symptoms was 4 months. Postmenopausal patients (53.75 %) were more than premenopausal (46.25 %). Seventy-two patients were stage III and 8 were stage II disease. Bilateral breast cancer was seen in 8 patients. Most common histological type was invasive ductal carcinoma (95 %). Estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone (PR) positive were seen in 47 (58.75 %) patients. Ten patients were HER2 positive and ER/PR negative, and 5 patients were triple positive. Triple-negative patients were 22 (27.5 %). The most common neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocol used was FEC. Clinical response before surgery was CR 13 %, PR 68.68 %, stable disease 11.62 %, and progressive disease 4.65 %. Pathological CR was seen in 6.9 % of tumors. Nodal status at surgery was ypN0-40 %, ypN1-28. 5 %. ypN2-27 %, and ypN3-4.28 %. CONCLUSION: In a population of predominantly locally advanced patients, NACT with anthracyclines yielded pCR rates comparable to published studies. There were a high proportion of HER2-positive patients, most of whom could not receive anti-HER2 therapy due to financial reasons.

Anti-inflammatory activity of dried flower extracts of Aegle marmelos in Wistar rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Almost all part of the plant Aegle marmelos (Bael tree) has been used in the traditional medicine systems of Asian countries to treat various diseases over many centuries. The water extract of the dried flowers of Aegle marmelos is a commonly used beverage among Sri Lankan population in rural areas. Although extensive investigations done on many parts of the plant there are no experimental data available on the extracts of flowers. Anti-inflammatory effect of the water extract of dried flowers of Aegle marmelos (WEAM) was evaluated in the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-inflammatory effect of the WEAM was evaluated by inhibition of the rat paw oedema, induced by carrageenan. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by the inhibition of production of nitric oxide (NO) by rat peritoneal cells, infiltration of rat peritoneal cells, anti-histamine effect, membrane stabilization activity, the antioxidant capacity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation by the WEAM. RESULTS: The maximum percentage inhibition of paw oedema was exhibited by the dose of 200 mg/kg at 2 h. The WEAM showed a significant increment of rat peritoneal cell infiltration, inhibition of NO production by rat peritoneal cells and inhibition of wheal formation on the skin of the rat after injection of histamine. The WEAM protected the erythrocyte membrane from heat-induced lysis in a dose-dependent manner and showed a significant anti-oxidant effect and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity. CONCLUSION: The WEAM possesses significant anti-inflammatory effect by multiple mechanisms in Wistar rats.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma radiology reporting template: consensus statement of the society of abdominal radiology and the american pancreatic association.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with a high mortality rate. Proper determination of the extent of disease on imaging studies at the time of staging is one of the most important steps in optimal patient management. Given the variability in expertise and definition of disease extent among different practitioners as well as frequent lack of complete reporting of pertinent imaging findings at radiologic examinations, adoption of a standardized template for radiology reporting, using universally accepted and agreed on terminology for solid pancreatic neoplasms, is needed. A consensus statement describing a standardized reporting template authored by a multi-institutional group of experts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that included radiologists, gastroenterologists, and hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons was developed under the joint sponsorship of the Society of Abdominal Radiologists and the American Pancreatic Association. Adoption of this standardized imaging reporting template should improve the decision-making process for the management of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by providing a complete, pertinent, and accurate reporting of disease staging to optimize treatment recommendations that can be offered to the patient. Standardization can also help to facilitate research and clinical trial design by using appropriate and consistent staging by means of resectability status, thus allowing for comparison of results among different institutions.

Andrographidine G, a new flavone glucoside from Andrographis paniculata.

A new flavone glucoside, andrographidine G (1), was isolated from Andrographis paniculata together with 13 known compounds, including flavonoids, diterpenoids, and iridoids. The structure of 1 was established by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, including HR-ESI-TOF-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and chemical methods. The known compounds were identified as andrographidine A (2), (2R)-5-hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavanone-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), acanthoside B (4), neoandrographiside (5), andropanoside (6), andrographiside (7), andrographolide (8), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographiside (9), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (10), procumbide (11), procumboside (12), 6-epi-8-O-acetylharpagide (13), and curvifloruside F (14).

Serviceberry [Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex. M. Roem (Rosaceae)] leaf extract inhibits mammalian α-glucosidase activity and suppresses postprandial glycemic response in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and hyperglycemia.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Serviceberry or Saskatoon berry [Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex. M. Roem (Rosaceae)], native to the North Glacier forests of the Rocky Mountains in Montana, has been used by the Blackfeet Indian tribe in alleviation of diabetes. Anecdotally, tea made from twigs and leaves have been used for optimum health and diabetes management. However, such traditional knowledge of the medicinal properties of Amelanchier alnifolia has not been validated by scientific studies. The goal of this study was to identify potential antidiabetic mechanisms of serviceberry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serviceberry plant samples consisting of leaves, twigs, and leaves with berries were extracted and fractionated. Ethyl acetate and water fractions were tested for inhibition of α-glucosidase activity in vitro. Diet-induced obese, hyperglycemic C57Bl6 mice were administered serviceberry leaf extract prior to sucrose-, starch-, or glucose-loading to test for α-glucosidase inhibition and decreased post-prandial glycemic response. RESULTS: In the course of screening for potential antidiabetic mechanisms, serviceberry leaf extracts and subfractions demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against mammalian intestinal α-glucosidase activity (EC 3.2.1.20). Further, in an animal model of diet-induced obesity and hyperglycemia, serviceberry leaf subfraction demonstrated significant inhibition of intestinal α-glucosidase activity, and delayed the absorption of carbohydrates, resulting in significant lowering of post-prandial blood glucose concentrations, similar to the antidiabetic drug Acarbose™. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicating that serviceberry leaf extract may lower post-prandial glycemic response corroborate traditional knowledge of the Blackfeet Indians of Montana, and potentially offer a complementary approach in the treatment of diabetes.

Oral hypoglycemic activity of culinary-medicinal mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus and P. cystidiosus (higher basidiomycetes) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats.

This study investigates the oral hypoglycemic activity of Pleurotus ostreatus (P.o.) and P. cystidiosus (P.c.) mushrooms on normal and alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Different doses (250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 mg/kg/body weight) of suspensions of freeze-dried and powdered (SFDP) P.o. and P.c. were administered to normal rats, and postprandial serum glucose levels were measured. Optimal time of activity was investigated using the dose 500 mg/kg. Hypoglycemic effect of a single dose of SFDP P.o. and P.c. (500 mg/kg) were investigated using diabetic male and female rats at different stages of estrous cycle and compared with metformin and glibenclamide. Chronic hypoglycemic activity of SFDP P.o. and P.c. (500 mg/kg) was studied using serum glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Maximally effective dose of SFDP P.o. and P.c. was 500 mg/kg. The highest reduction in the serum glucose level was observed 120 minutes after administration of mushrooms. A single dose of P.o. and P.c. significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the serum glucose levels of male diabetic rats. The hypoglycemic activity in female rats was highest in proestrous stage. The hypoglycemic effect of P.o. and P.c. is comparable with metformin and glibenclamide. Daily single administrations of P.o. and P.c. to diabetic rats exert apparent control on the homeostasis of blood glucose. SFDP P.o. and P.c. possessed marked and significant oral hypoglycemic activity. This study suggests the consumption of P.o. and P.c. mushrooms might bring health benefits to mankind as it shows hypoglycemic activity in rats.

Phytochemical and antimicrobial study of an antidiabetic plant: Scoparia dulcis L.

The antimicrobial and antifungal effects of different concentrations of chloroform/methanol fractions of Scoparia dulcis were investigated. The isolated fractions were tested against different bacteria like Salmonella typhii, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus vulgaris and fungal strains such as Alternaria macrospora, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum. The isolated fractions exhibited significant antimicrobial and antifungal activity against all the tested organisms compared with respective reference drugs. The isolated fractions of S. dulcis showed properties like antimicrobial and antifungal activities that will enable researchers in turn to look for application-oriented principles.

Quality-of-life after total pancreatectomy: is it really that bad on long-term follow-up?

While selected pancreatic diseases may be best treated by total pancreatectomy (TP), the anticipated sequelae of pancreatic insufficiency make TP an undesirable alternative. Our aim was to determine if patients undergoing TP have a worse quality of life (QoL) than age- and gender-matched controls and poor long-term glycemic control. Ninety-nine patients undergoing TP from 1985 through 2002 were identified. The 34 survivors with no recurrent malignancy were surveyed with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Audit of Diabetes Dependent QoL (ADD QoL), the European Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer Pancreas 26 (EORTC PAN 26), and our institutional questionnaire. Operative morbidity and mortality were 32% and 5%, respectively. Three late postoperative deaths (3%) were attributed to hypoglycemia. Of the 34 surviving patients, 27 (79%) agreed to participate at a mean of 7.5 years postoperatively. Seven patients had required 12 hospitalizations for poor glycemic control. Per the SF-36, two domains (role physical and general health) were decreased compared with an age- and gender-matched national population (P < .05). The ADD QoL demonstrated an overall decrease in QoL related specifically to the diabetes mellitus (P < .01), but comparison with insulin-dependent diabetics from other causes showed no significant difference in QoL. The EORTC PAN 26 instrument also showed measurable effects on QoL. Total pancreatectomy can be performed safely. QoL after TP is decreased compared with age- and gender-matched controls but not with diabetes from other causes; however, the changes are not overwhelming. TP should remain a viable option but in selected patients.

Antibacterial activity of Mappia foetida leaves and stem.

Successive petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts of Mappia foetida leaves and stem were tested for their antibacterial activity. The methanol fractions were found to be most effective against all the tested organisms.

Antimicrobial activity of certain Indian medicinal plants used in folkloric medicine.

Fifty medicinal plants belonging to 26 families were studied for their antimicrobial activity. Among 50 plants tested, 72% showed antimicrobial activity. About 22 plant extracts from 15 families exhibited activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Fourteen plants belonging to 11 families did not show activity against any of the bacteria tested. Only nine plant extracts showed antifungal activity. The bulb extracts of A. cepa and A. sativum exhibited activity against both filamentous and non-filamentous fungus. Eight plant extracts belonging to seven families exhibited both antibacterial and antifungal activity.