Comparative Analysis of Major Flavonoids among Parts of Lactuca indica during Different Growth Periods.

L. indica L. cv. Mengzao, a medicinal plant of the Ixeris genus, is rich in flavonoids. In order to thoroughly analyze the the distribution and dynamic change of major flavonoids in its various parts from different growth periods, the flavonoids extracted from L. indica L. cv. Mengzao were identified and quantitatively analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Results indicated that 15 flavonoids were identified from L. indica L. cv. Mengzao, and rutin, luteolin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol, quercetin, and apigenin are the major flavonoids in L. indica L. cv. Mengzao. In general, the total flavonoids' content in different parts of L. indica L. cv. Mengzao followed the order flowers > leaves > stems > roots. Flowers and leaves are the main harvesting parts of L. indica L. cv. Mengzao, and the flowering period is the most suitable harvesting period. This study provides valuable information for the development and utilization of L. indica L. cv. Mengzao and determined the best part to harvest and the optimal time for harvesting.

The Essential Oil Compositions of Three Teucrium Taxa Growing Wild in Sicily: HCA and PCA Analyses.

The chemical composition and the qualitative and quantitative variability of the essential oils of three taxa belonging to the Teucrium genus were studied. The investigated taxa, that grow wild in Sicily, were Teucrium flavum L. (section Chamaedrys (Mill.) Scheb.), Teucrium montanum and Teucrium capitatum L. of section Polium (Mill.) Scheb. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. In total, 74 compounds were identified. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were found to be the main group for T. flavum (48.3%). T. capitatum consisted essentially of monoterpene hydrocarbons (72.7%), with α-pinene (19.9%), ß-pinene (27.6%) and sylvestrene (16.6%) as the most abundant compounds whereas ledene oxide (12.1%), epiglobulol (13.5%) and longifolenaldehyde (14.5%) were identified as the main constituents among the oxygenated sesquiterpenes (63.5%) of T. montanum. Furthermore, a complete literature review on the composition of the essential oils of all the other accessions of these Teucrium taxa, studied so far, was performed. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analyses (PCA) were used in order to demonstrate geographical variations in the composition of the essential oils.

Helichrysum araxinum Takht. ex Kirp. grown in Italy: volatiloma composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity.

In the present work the composition of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and the essential oil (EO) of Helichrysum araxinum Takht. ex Kirp. aerial parts, together with the antimicrobial activity, were investigated. The results showed the prevalence of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons in both spontaneous emissions as well as in the EO. The main compounds of BVOCs were γ-curcumene (10.7%), γ-muurolene (9.2%), and ß-selinene (8.5%). This latter constituent also showed a similar amount in the EO and represented the most abundant compounds together with α-selinene (8.0%). It is Interesting to note the same percentage of monoterpene hydrocarbons (MHs) in both the aroma profile and the EO (18.0%) with the same most abundant compounds: ß-pinene (6.3% in BVOCs vs. 5.1% in EO, respectively) and limonene (4.5% in VOCs vs. 4.9% in EO, respectively). With regard to the antimycotic activity, the EO showed to be inactive against the tested strains, while a moderate antibacterial activity was shown against Staphylococcus isolates.

Mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to diabetic neurotoxicity induced by streptozocin in mice: protective effect of Urtica dioica and pioglitazone.

INTRODUCTION: Uncontrolled chronic hyperglycemia in diabetic patients could result in various complications, including neurotoxicity. Urtica dioica L. (UD) is known for its hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of UD and pioglitazone (PIO) in reduction of neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in streptozocin-induced diabetic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male mice were divided into seven groups: control, diabetic, dimethyl sulfoxide-treated control, PIO-treated, UD-treated, UD-PIO-treated, and vitamin E-treated. For induction of diabetes, streptozocin was injected in a single dose (65 mg/kg, i.p.). All treatments were performed for 5 weeks. Neurotoxicity was evaluated through hot plate and formalin test. Then, animals were killed, brain tissue was separated and the mitochondrial fraction was isolated with different centrifuge technique. Also, oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, glutathione) were measured in brain. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by MTT test in brain isolated mitochondria. RESULTS: Elevation of oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial damage were observed in diabetic mice compared to control group. Administration of PIO and UD ameliorated the oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage (p < 0.05) in diabetic mice. Also increase in pain score was shown in diabetic mice that treatment with UD and PIO diminished elevation of pain score in diabetic mice. Interestingly, simultaneous administration of PIO and UD showed synergism effect in attenuation of oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. CONCLUSION: UD showed a therapeutic potential for the attenuation of oxidative stress and diabetes-induced hyperglycemia that can be considered as co-treatment in treatment of diabetic neurotoxicity.

Polyphenol-Rich Fraction of Parquetina nigrescens Mitigates Dichlorvos-Induced Cardiorenal Dysfunction Through Reduction in Cardiac Nitrotyrosine and Renal p38 Expressions in Wistar Rats.

Parquetina nigrescens is commonly used to treat diseases in humans and animals in developing countries, including Nigeria. This study evaluates the effects of its polyphenol-rich fraction (prf) on dichlorvos-induced cardio- and renal toxicity. There were several factors assessed during this study, including cardiac and renal markers, serum myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase, and electrocardiograph (ECG) changes. The changes in electrocardiograph (ECG) were recorded. Immunohistochemistry of cardiac and renal p38 and nitrotyrosine was determined. Dichlorvos exposure caused a significant decrease in L-glutathione (reduced glutathione) and other antioxidant enzymes with increases in malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, advanced oxidation protein products, and protein carbonyl levels. It also brought about alterations in microanatomy of the heart and kidneys accompanied by increases in serum creatinine and urea levels. Exposure to dichlorvos induced prolonged QRS interval and shortened QT durations in rats. Immunohistochemistry revealed lower expressions of cardiac nitrotyrosine and renal p38 (mitogen-activated protein kinase; MAPK) in rats treated with prf of P. nigrescens. Combining all, prf of P. nigrescens demonstrated antioxidant as well as protective properties in the heart and kidneys of rats exposed to dichlorvos. It ameliorated dichlorvos-induced cardio- and nephrotoxicity giving credence to its use in ethnomedicine.

Protective effect of Teucrium polium on carbon tetrachloride induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Teucrium polium (TP) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced spleen, erythrocyte's oxidative stress, and genotoxicity in rats. TP was found to contain large amounts of polyphenols (150 mg GAE/G of dry plant) and flavonoids (60 mg QE/g of quercetin dry plant). The CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg) treated rats exhibited significant reductions in serum vitamin A (VA), vitamin E (VE) and total antioxidant status (TAS). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and conjugated dienes (CD) were significantly high in the CCl4 group compared to controls. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly decreased in CCl4 rats. Cytogenetic trials revealed remarkable increases in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) following CCl4 administration. Pretreatment with TP prevented damages caused by CCl4. Spleen characterised by necrosis was detected in CCl4 as compared to controls. Pretreatment with TP considerably decreased the perturbation.

Mycotoxins in spices and herbs-An update.

Spices and herbs have been used since ancient times as flavor and aroma enhancers, colorants, preservatives, and traditional medicines. There are more than 30 spices and herbs of global economic and culinary importance. Among the spices, black pepper, capsicums, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, saffron, coriander, cloves, dill, mint, thyme, sesame seed, mustard seed, and curry powder are the most popular spices worldwide. In addition to their culinary uses, a number of functional properties of aromatic herbs and spices are also well described in the scientific literature. However, spices and herbs cultivated mainly in tropic and subtropic areas can be exposed to contamination with toxigenic fungi and subsequently mycotoxins. This review provides an overview on the mycotoxin risk in widely consumed spices and aromatic herbs.

Protective and therapeutic effects of Crataegus aronia in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

AIM: We evaluated the potential preventive and therapeutic effects of Crataegus aronia (C. aronia) in NAFLD induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in rat models. METHODS: Protective effect of Crataegus aronia or simvastatin was investigated in Wistar rats fed either low-fat diet (LFD) or HFD. RESULTS: Liver histopathological examinations confirmed the development of NAFLD in rats fed HFD. In both protective and therapeutic treatments, C. aronia significantly reduced liver index (3.85 ± 0.21% in HFD plus aronia group versus 6.22 ± 0.58% in HFD model group), increased the HDL-cholesterol and reduced the LDL-cholesterol in blood. The hawthorn plant also significantly ameliorated oxidative stress biomarker (p < 0.002) and liver enzymes (p < 0.0001) that indicate liver damage. CONCLUSION: C. aronia exhibits therapeutic and protective effects on NAFLD in an animal model possibly by its lipid lowering and antioxidant effects; thus, may offer therapeutic potential in humans.

Acute effects of a wild green-oat (Avena sativa) extract on cognitive function in middle-aged adults: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects trial.

OBJECTIVES: A wild green-oats extract (Neuravena®) containing a range of potentially bioactive components, including flavonoids and triterpene saponins, has previously been shown to enhance animal stress responses and memory, and improve cognitive performance in humans at a dose of 1600 mg. Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced cross-over study assessed the effects of single doses of the green-oat extract (GOE) across a broad range of cognitive domains in healthy adults aged 40-65 years who self-reported that they felt that their memory had declined with age. Participants attended on six occasions, receiving a single dose of either placebo, 800, or 1600 mg GOE on each occasion, with the counterbalanced order of treatments repeated twice for each participant. Cognitive function was assessed with a range of computerized tasks measuring attention, spatial/working/episodic memory, and executive function pre-dose and at 1, 2.5, 4, and 6 hours post-dose. Results The results showed that 800mg GOE increased the speed of performance across post-dose assessments on a global measure including data from all of the timed tasks. It also improved performance of a delayed word recall task in terms of errors and an executive function task (Peg and Ball) in terms of decreased thinking time and overall completion time. Working memory span (Corsi blocks) was also increased, but only on the second occasion that this dose was taken. Discussion These results confirm the acute cognitive effects of GOE seen in previous research, and suggest that the optimal dose lies at or below 800 mg.

The relative toxicity of Delphinium stachydeum in mice and cattle.

Larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are poisonous plants on rangelands throughout the Western United States and Canada. Larkspur-induced poisoning in cattle is due to norditerpene alkaloids that are represented by two main structural groups of norditerpene alkaloids, the N-(methylsuccinimido) anthranoyllycoctonine type (MSAL-type) and the non-MSAL type. Information on the alkaloid composition and resulting toxicity in mice and cattle is lacking for a number of Delphinium species, including Delphinium stachydeum. The objective of this study was to determine the alkaloid composition of D. stachydeum and to characterize its relative toxicity in mice and cattle compared to two reference species Delphinium barbeyi and Delphinium occidentale. D. stachydeum contains the non-MSAL-type alkaloids but not the MSAL-type alkaloids. D. stachydeum was less toxic than D. barbeyi and D. occidentale in the mouse model. D. stachydeum was less toxic than the MSAL-containing D. barbeyi but much more toxic than the non-MSAL-containing D. occidentale in cattle as measured by heart rate and time of exercise. These results indicate that predictions of Delphinium toxicity can't be accurately made based solely on results from the mouse model or the absence of the MSAL-type alkaloids in the plant.

Phytochemical screening, anticancer and antioxidant activities of Origanum vulgare L. ssp. viride (Boiss.) Hayek, a plant of traditional usage.

BACKGROUND: A detailed phytochemical analysis of Origanum vulgare L. ssp. viride (Boiss.) Hayek was carried out and the antioxidant activities of five different crude extracts were determined. The antiproliferative activities of the extracts were determined using the xCELLigence system (Real Time Cell Analyzer). RESULTS: Differences between the essential oil and volatile organic compound profiles of the plant were shown. The main component of the essential oil was caryophyllene oxide, while the main volatile organic compounds were sabinene and eucalyptol as determined by HS-GC/MS. Phenolic contents of the extracts were determined qualitatively and quantitatively by HPLC/TOF-MS. Ten phenolic compounds were found in the extracts from O. vulgare and Origanum acutidens: rosmarinic acid (in highest abundance), chicoric acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, quercetin, apigenin-7-glucoside, kaempferol, naringenin and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. CONCLUSION: This study provides first results on the antiproliferative and antioxidant properties and detailed phytochemical screening of O. vulgare ssp. viride (Boiss.) Hayek.

Prophylactic and curative anti-ulcerative colitis activity and the possible mechanisms of action of some desert plants.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate both prophylactic and curative anti-ulcerative colitis activity and the possible mechanism of action of seven desert plant extracts. Seven desert plants from different families; Conyza dioscoridis (L.) Desf. (Asteraceae), Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorpiaceae), Origanum syriacum L. and Salvia lanigera L. (Lamiaceae), Sisymbrium irio L., Solanum nigrum Linn. (Solanaceae) and Solenostemma arghel (Del.) Hayne. (Asclepiadaceae) were separately evaluated at three doses (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) using the acetic acid-induced colitis model. The investigated extracts possessed prophylactic and curative anti-ulcerative colitis activities in a dose-dependent manner, where Salvia lanigera (87.9) and Solenostemma arghel (89.2) were the most effective extracts whereas the dexamesathone produced 68%. These extracts were further investigated for estimation of their mechanism of action. The in vitro potential radical (DPPH) scavenging activities of the investigated extracts were well supported with the reduction of colonic MDA content for both extracts. Suppression of the inflammatory mediator TNF-α and inhibition of both PLA2 and protease enzymes may play an important role in the anti-ulcerative colitis activities. The investigated extracts were safe for use up to 5 g/kg and the total alcohol extracts of Salvia lanigera and Solenostemma arghel (400 mg/kg for 35 d) showed no alteration on liver and kidney functions. Phytochemical screening of the investigated extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, unsaturated sterols, and proteins which could be responsible for the activities.

Phytoremediation of cadmium-contaminated soils by young Douglas fir trees: effects of cadmium exposure on cell wall composition.

Douglas fir trees grown on an artificially Cd-contaminated soil, can tolerate this trace element (up to 68 mg/kg in soil) during several months. Most of the absorbed Cd is retained in roots (25 mg/kg DM), but transfer to aerial part is also effective. Showing the highest content, up to 6 mg/kg DM, among all the aboveground parts, barks seem to be a preferred storage compartment. However, the transfer factor is quite low, about 0.3. Another objective of this study was to compare the cell wall components of trees exposed to increasing Cd amounts in soil. A decrease in lignin and an increase in pectin contents were observed in response to increasing soil cadmium concentration. A concurrent reduction in methyl-esterification of pectin suggests than the structure of this major binding site could therefore be modified as a reaction to cadmium contamination. Future prospects will focus on the modulation of pectin composition in response to Cd exposure.

Effects of soil type and genotype on cadmium accumulation by rootstalk crops: implications for phytomanagement.

The variations of Cd accumulation in three rootstalk crop species (radish, carrot and potato) were investigated by using twelve cultivars grown in acidic Ferralsols and neutral Cambisols under two Cd treatments (0.3 and 0.6 mg kg(-1)) in a pot experiment The result showed that the total Cd uptake was significantly affected by genotype, soil type and interaction between them, suggesting the importance of selecting proper cultivars for phytoextraction in a given soil type. Among the cultivars tested, potato cultivar Luyin No.1 in Ferralsols and radish cultivar Zhedachang in Cambisols exhibited the highest Cd phytoextraction efficiency in aerial parts (4.45% and 0.59%, respectively) under 0.6 mg kg-1 Cd treatment. Furthermore, the Cd concentrations in their edible parts were below the National Food Hygiene Standard of China (0.1 mg kg(-1), fresh weight). Therefore, phytomanagement of slightly Cd-contaminated soils using rootstalk crops for safe food production combined with long-term phytoextraction was feasible, and potato cultivar Luyin No.1 for Ferralsols and radish cultivar Zhedachang for Cambisols were promising candidates for this approach.

Hepatotoxicity of Teucrium chamaedrys L. decoction: role of difference in the harvesting area and preparation method.

AIM: Two recurrent cases of severe acute liver injury attributed to the use of a wild germander decoction, prepared with some variation in traditional method has been reported. The aim of the present study was to correlate the hepatotoxic effect observed in patients who consumed germander decoction with teucrin A levels. Antioxidant properties were analyzed to assess any possible differences between the decoction used traditionally by the family (without negative consequences) and the decoction taken by the patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different types of germander decoctions were prepared in the laboratory by simulating the same conditions for preparing the decoction by the patients and their family members. The levels of teucrin A, the polyphenols and the antioxidant power were determined. One-way analysis of variance was used to test for differences between the groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The extract consumed by the patients had higher concentration of teucrin A, lower antioxidant activity and lower content of polyphenols compared with the traditional decoction, revealing an inverse relationship between teucrin A content and antioxidant capacity. These case reports emphasize that more information is needed on the safety and quality of these natural products.

Variability of antioxidant and antibacterial effects of essential oils and acetonic extracts of two edible halophytes: Crithmum maritimum L. and Inula crithmoїdes L.

This work aimed to assess the richness of the food halophytes Crithmum maritimum and Inula crithmoїdes on phenolics and essential oils (EOs) and to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of these metabolites. Results displayed that extract of I. crithmoїdes possesses considerable contents of phenolic compounds (14.1mg GAE.g⁻¹ DW) related to important antioxidant activities (IC50 = 13 µg ml⁻¹ for the DPPH test) as compared to C. maritimum. C. maritimum EOs composition is dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes, while I. crithmoїdes one is mainly consisted by monoterpene hydrocarbons. EOs have low antioxidant activity as compared to acetone extracts; nevertheless, they show best antimicrobial activity. A significant variability is also depicted between the provenances of each species and depended on the chemical nature of antioxidant and antibacterial molecules as well as the used tests.

Cinética de secagem de folhas de erva baleeira (Cordia verbenacea DC. ) / Drying kinetics of Cordia verbenacea DC. leaves

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a cinética de secagem das folhas de erva baleeira (Cordia verbenacea DC.) bem como ajustar diferentes modelos matemáticos aos valores experimentais de razão de umidade. As folhas de erva baleeira foram colhidas com teor de água inicial de 75% b.u., sendo submetidas à secagem sob condições controladas de temperatura (40, 50, 60 e 70°C), até o teor de água aproximado de 10% b.u.. Aos dados experimentais foram ajustados oito modelos matemáticos citados na literatura específica e utilizados para a representação do processo de secagem de produtos agrícolas. Com base nos resultados obtidos pôde-se concluir que o modelo de Midilli é o que melhor representa a cinética de secagem das folhas de erva baleeira. O aumento da temperatura do ar de secagem promoveu maior taxa de remoção de água do produto. O coeficiente de difusão efetivo aumenta com a elevação da temperatura, sendo que sua relação com a temperatura de secagem pode ser descrita pela equação de Arrhenius. A energia de ativação para a difusão líquida durante a secagem das folhas de erva baleeira foi de 62,89 kJ mol-1 .

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the drying kinetics of Cordia verbanacea DC. leaves, as well to fit different mathematical models to the experimental data of the moisture ratio. The Cordia verbanacea Dc. leaves wers harvested with initial moisture content of approximately 75% w.b. and submitted to the drying process under controlled conditions of temperature (40, 50 60 and 70ºC), until the approximate moisture content of 10% w.b. Eight mathematical models mentioned or the specific literature were fitted to the experimental data and used to predict the drying process of the agricultural products. Based on the results obtained,swe have concluded that the Midilli model was the one that best represents the drying kinetics of Cordia verbanacea leaves. The temperature increase of the drying air promotes higher removal rate of water from the product. The effective diffusion coefficient increases with temperature elevation,tand its relationship with the drying temperature can be described through the Arrhenius equation, which presents activation energy of 62.89 kJ mol-1 for the liquid diffusion during the drying of the Cordia verbanacea DC. leaves.

Volatile organic compounds obtained by in vitro callus cultivation of Plectranthus ornatus Codd. (Lamiaceae).

Plectranthus spp (Lamiaceae) are plants of economic importance because they are sources of aromatic essential oils and are also cultivated and several species of this genus are used as folk medicines. This paper describes the effects of different concentrations of the 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) on the induction of callus from nodal segments of Plectranthus ornatus Codd and in the production of volatile organic compounds (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes). The 20 and 40 day calli were subjected to solid phase micro extraction (HS-SPME) and submitted to GCMS analysis. Variations in VOCs between the samples were observed and, a direct relationship was observed between of the major constituent detected (α-terpinyl acetate) and the monoterpenes α-thujene, α-pinene, ß-pinene, camphene, sabinene and α-limonene that were present in the volatile fractions. Besides α-terpinyl acetate, isobornyl acetate and α-limonene were also major constituents. Variations were observed in VOCs in the analyzed periods. The best cultivation media for the production of VOCs was found to be MS0 (control). Moderate success was achieved by treatment with 2.68 µM and 5:37 µM NAA (Group 2). With 2,4-D (9.0 µM), only the presence of α-terpinyl acetate and isocumene were detected and, with 2.26 µM of 2,4-D was produced mainly α-terpinyl acetate, α-thujene and ß-caryophyllene (16.2%). The VOC profiles present in P. ornatus were interpreted using PCA and HCA. The results permitted us to determine the best cultivation media for VOC production and, the PCA and HCA analysis allowed us to recognize four groups among the different treatments from the compounds identified in this set of treatments.

Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham.: a review on its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The aerial parts of Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. (family Asteraceae) have a long history in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for various ailments, such as bacterial diarrhea, enteritis, conjunctivitis, and respiratory tract infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bibliographic investigation of Senecio scandens was accomplished by analyzing secondary sources, including the Chinese Medicinal plantal Classics, the Internet (Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar), and scientific databases accepted worldwide (Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciFinder, and CNKI). These sources were scrutinized for available information about the uses of Senecio scandens in traditional Chinese medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. RESULTS: Senecio scandens is a medicinal plant with a climbing woody stem. Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of numerous valuable compounds, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, terpenes, volatile oils, carotenoids, and trace elements. Among them, PAs are the characteristic constituents, adonifoline is one of the index ingredients of Senecio scandens. Studies in modern pharmacology have demonstrated that extracts and compounds isolated from Senecio scandens show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-leptospirosis, hepatoprotective, anti-infusorial, antioxidant, antiviral, antitumoral, analgesic, mutagenic, and toxicological activities. CONCLUSIONS: Phytochemical and pharmacological studies have demonstrated that the extracts of the plant possess various pharmacological activities that can be attributed to the presence of various flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids. Newer technologies for qualitative and quantitative methods of PAs need to be developed to obtain better accuracy and sensitivity. Due to the toxicity of PAs present in this medicinal plant, the regulations on PAs of Senecio scandens were varied among different countries and regions. In China, the PAs toxicity of Senecio scandens ranking criteria is not well defined in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2010, and there is no strict uniform requirement on the PAs in western countries. We propose that the use of Senecio scandens should be reevaluated based on a set of criteria, which includes risk-benefit analysis and severity of the toxic effects, clinical and preclinical data to ensure safe use while continuing to satisfy the need for access to the medicinal plant.

Hypericum silenoides†Juss. and Hypericum philonotis†Cham. & Schlecht. extracts: in-vivo hypolipidaemic and weight-reducing effects in obese rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to assess the anti-obesity effect of Hypericum silenoides Juss. and Hypericum philonotis Cham. & Schlecht. in male Wistar rats fed with a cafeteria diet. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats with an initial body weight of 290-320 g were used in this trial. The rats were fed with a cafeteria diet for 77 days. Hypericum species were administered orally at a dose of 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg of body weight daily for 35 days. Body weight, food intake, anorexic effect and various biochemical parameters, such as serum glucose, lipid profile, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and atherogenic index (AI), were assessed. Additionally, inhibitory lipase activity assay and forced swimming test were also carried out. KEY FINDINGS: Oral administration of H. silenoides and H. philonotis extracts resulted in a significant decrease in body weight and serum glucose levels in obese male Wistar rats. Treatment with aqueous extract of H. silenoides showed anorexic and antidepressant effects and also significantly (P < 0.05) decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, AI, AST and ALT were not changed. The dichloromethane extract of H. silenoides (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) = 262.79 ± 0.09 µg/ml) and hexane extract of H. philonotis (IC50 = 162.60 ± 0.02 µg/ml) showed the most potent lipase inhibitory activity. CONCLUSION: Some H. silenoides and H. philonotis extracts showed a significant anti-obesity activity in cafeteria-diet-fed rats. This research provides the first scientific support for the use of the Hypericum genus for weight reduction in Mexican folk medicine.