Apocynum venetum http://0-www.thieme-connect.com.library.ne.../s-2008-1075172

Planta Med 2008; 74

DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1075172

Anxiolytic Activity of Apocynum venetum L. and its Proposed Mechanism of Action

O Grundmann1, J Nakajima2, V Butterweck1

1 College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics,University of Florida, FL, 32610, USA

2 Tokiwa Phytochemical Co., Chiba 285–0801, Japan

Apocynum venetum (AV, Apocynaceae) is a wild shrub native to parts of northern Asia and the Mediterranean region. A leaf extract from AV has been shown to possess various beneficial effects including antidepressant and anxiolytic activities [1]. This study evaluated further the anxiolytic-like activity of five fractions (A, B, C, D, and E) prepared from an ethanolic AV leaf extract using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were either treated orally with AV extract and fractions or diazepam and buspirone as positive control 1 hour before behavioral evaluation in the EPM. A single treatment of AV extract markedly increased the percentage time spent on the open arms of the EPM in doses of 30 mg/kg p.o. and 125 mg/kg p.o., indicating an anxiolytic-like activity. These anxiolytic-like effects were partially antagonized by the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil (3 mg/kg i.p.) and the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (0.5 mg/kg i.p.). Active fractions of AV according to 30 (fractions C, D, and E) and 125 (fractions A, C, and E) mg/kg of whole extract were also antagonized using flumazenil and WAY-100635. While flumazenil blocked the anxiolytic action of the fractions in a dose equivalent to 125 mg/kg whole extract, WAY-100635 antangonized the fractions according to 30 mg/kg of AV extract. In conclusion, these results indicate that the anxiolytic activity of an AV extract acts via both the GABA (in 125 mg/kg) and serotonin (in 30 mg/kg) receptor systems in a dose dependent manner. References: [1] Grundmann O, et al. (2007)J Ethnopharmacol. 110(3): 406–11.

Salvia cinnabarina http://0-www.thieme-connect.com.library.ne...5/s-2004-818954

A New Diterpenoid with Antispasmodic Activity from Salvia cinnabarina

From the leaf surface exudate of the aerial parts of Salvia cinnabarina a new secoisopimarane diterpenoid with a non-specific spasmolytic activity on histamine-, acetylcholine-, and barium chloride-induced contractions in the isolated guinea-pig ileum was obtained. The IC50 value obtained was comparable with that obtained for papaverine. The structure of 3,4-secoisopimara-4(18),7,15-triene-3-oic acid was established by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques.

Egletes viscosa http://0-www.thieme-connect.com.library.ne...5/s-2006-931564

http://rain-tree.com/macela.htm

12-Acetoxyhawtriwaic Acid Lactone, a Diterpene from Egletes viscosa, Attenuates Capsaicin-Induced Ear Edema and Hindpaw Nociception in Mice: Possible Mechanisms

Caroline M. Melo1, Juliana L. Maia1, Ítalo J. M. Cavalcante1, Mary Anne S. Lima2, Gizelle Angela B. Vieira2, Edilberto R. Silveira2, Vietla S. N. Rao1, Flávia A. Santos1

1 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil

2 Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Federal University Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil

Abstract

The diterpene, 12-acetoxyhawtriwaic acid lactone (AHAL, tanabalin) isolated from the flower buds of Egletes viscosa Less. (Asteraceae) was evaluated on capsaicin-induced ear edema and hindpaw nociception in mice. AHAL (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg, p. o.) significantly attenuated the ear edema response to topically applied capsaicin (250 μg), in a dose-related manner. At similar doses, AHAL also suppressed the nocifensive paw-licking behavior induced by intraplantar injection of capsaicin (1.6 μg). These responses to capsaicin were also greatly inhibited by ruthenium red (3 mg/kg, s. c.), a non-competitive capsaicin receptor (TRPV1) antagonist. The anti-edema effect of http://www.shaman-australis.com/forum/inde...id=542&st=0

The Corroboree -> Edit entry Yeti101's BlogAHAL (50 mg/kg) seems unrelated to either blockade of mast cell degranulation or to histamine and serotonin receptor antagonism since AHAL did not modify the paw edema response induced by intraplantar injections of compound 48/80, histamine or serotonin. However, the hindpaw edema induced by substance P and vascular permeability increase induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid were significantly suppressed by AHAL. The antinociceptive effect of AHAL (50 mg/kg) was unaffected by naloxone pretreatment but was significantly antagonized by theophylline and glibenclamide, the respective blockers of adenosine and KATP-channels. AHAL (50 mg/kg, p. o.) did not impair the ambulation or motor coordination of mice in open-field and rota-rod tests. These data suggest that AHAL inhibits acute neurogenic inflammation possibly involving capsaicin-sensitive TRPV1-receptors, endogenous adenosine and ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

Perovskia Tetracyclic diterpenes(?) http://0-www.thieme-connect.com.library.ne...5/s-2006-951766

KT botanicals has Perovskia atriplicifolia listed as potentially interesting - roots apparently has similar phytochems as Salvia miltiorrhiza.