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The genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) is native from Australia and includes about 900 species. Eucalyptus plantations are nowadays extended worldwide, particularly in the tropical and temperate regions. Plants, giving large biomasses rich in essential oils (EOs), are a great source of bioactive natural compounds that can be used in sectors other than medical. EOs can act as insecticides and acaricides, and represent valuable alternatives to the synthetic pest controllers, being biodegradable and human-environmental safe products. Botanical insecticides/acaricides can be applied as a strategy in pests management programs, and laboratory investigations represent an important preliminary step that provide an understanding of insect/mite-plant interactions. In this review, 117 articles were analysed regarding 71 Eucalyptus species and 5 hybrids, among which E. globulus and E. camaldulensis result the most investigated species. The major constituents of most Eucalyptus EOs are monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes including 1.8-cineole, α-pinene, p -cymene, α-terpineol, limonene, ɣ-terpinene, α-phellandrene, β-pinene, globulol, aromadendrene, β-phellandrene. The EOs reviewed were tested on 50 insects and 13 mites species. Aedes aegypti , Musca domestica , Tribolium castaneum , Callosobruchus maculatus , Sitophilus oryzae , Pediculus humanus are the most studied target species. Several developmental stages of the tested animal have been investigated: eggs, larvae, pupae/nymphae and adults. Several parameters have been monitored using different methods to study the repellent, insecticidal and acaricidal activities. Contact and topical toxicity, fumigant toxicity, fecundity, ovicidal, repellent, antifeedant activities, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antennal response have been evaluated. Results were expressed as lethal concentrations/doses, lethal times, percentages, etc. Furthermore, the phytochemical profiles of the Eucalyptus species EOs analysed, and the spectrum of insects and mites on which the Eucalyptus EOs have been tested as repellent, insecticidal and acaricidal were summarized, to promote their applications in the areas of food storage, plant protection and human/animal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The roots of Salvia milthorriza Bunge (Lamiaceae) known as “Danshen”, are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a remedy for activating blood and eliminating stasis. TIIA, a diterpenoid of Salvia milthorriza, is one of active components in Danshen that exhibits a significant improvement of the blood flow in the coronary circulatory system and a reduction of myocardial infarction. However, its effect on platelet and underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. On this basis, this compound could be a promising agent to improve blood viscosity and microcirculation and to prevent CVD. Materials and methods In order to investigate the effects of TIIA on platelet functionality and its interaction with various platelet activation pathways, rat PRP were incubated with TIIA for 1 min at 37 °C prior the addition of the stimuli (ADP or collagen). Aggregation was monitored in a light transmission aggregometer measuring changes in turbidity with continuous observation up to 10 min after the addition of the stimuli. MAPK signaling pathway and tubulin acetylation were analyzed by a Western blot technique. The effect of the TIIA was also studied in vivo on bleeding time in mice. Results TIIA selectively inhibited rat platelet aggregation induced by reversible ADP stimuli (3 μM) in a concentration-dependent manner (0.5–50 μM). Nevertheless, TIIA was less active against the irreversible stimuli induced by ADP (10 μM) and collagen (10 μg/mL). Moreover, experiments performed on platelet lysates collected at different time-point after the addition of the stimuli shown that TIIA modulated tubulin acetylation and inhibited Erk-2 phosphorylation. Concomitantly, TIIA administrated i.p. at 10 mg/kg significantly amplified the mice bleeding time with an increase of 58% compared to its control (2.06±0.29 min vs 1.30±0.07). ASA was used as reference drug for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Conclusions This study clarifies the intracellular signaling pathway involved in antiplatelet action of TIIA and also gives preliminary evidences for its anticoagulant activity. On this basis, this compound could be a promising agent to improve blood viscosity and microcirculation and to prevent CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a field study carried out in August and September 1988, in the northern Peruvian Andes are described. The area of investigation extends from Ayabaca City (about 2900 m above sea level) to Haughtiness Lagunas (about 3800 m above sea level) in the Ayabaca District, Department of Piura.This is the first time that this location has been the subject of an ethnobotanical investigation. We have collected 46 plant species, belonging to 20 families, used in the treatment of various diseases. For each plant, we report the common/local names, the crude drug formulation, method of preparation, dosage and claimed toxicity. The disease concept of this Andean population concerning the “hot” and “cold” aspects of diseases and the plants to treat them, is also discussed. Very important appear to be the use and knowledge of psychoactive plants, in particular “cimoras,” Brugmansia and Trichocereus species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of the present study was the achievement of sterile shoot cultures from peppermint ( Mentha   ×   piperita L. cv. ʻ Kristinka ʼ), their multiplication and the evaluation of the production of essential oils in in vitro conditions. The study was carried out by culturing the nodal segments both on basal or on media supplemented with different concentrations of growth regulators (2,4-D, kinetin, BAP, ZEA) or elicitors (CoCl 2 ). The growth of nodal segments did not showed differences after subculturing, neither when cultivated on media supplemented with 2,4-D or CoCl 2 . The supplementation of 0.5 mg L −1 BAP caused an increase in the number of de novo formed shoots. The composition of the essential oils showed remarkable differences, with an enhancement of the percentage of menthofuran after the supplementation of 2,4-D and CoCl 2 or of pulegone after application of BAP and ZEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mentha × piperita L. (peppermint) is one of the most economically important aromatic plants. The plant and its essential oil are used in medicine, cosmetics and food industry. Peppermint was obtained by crossing M. aquatica and M. spicata , and the industry is searching for new cultivars, with high biomass productivity and high content of essential oil (EO), with menthol and menthone as main components. A method of selection of clones and lines was used for breeding of the new cultivar ʻKristinkaʼ in East Slovakia. The present work describes the evaluation of the biomass production and qualitative and quantitative parameters of the essential oil during the breeding process of this cultivar. Average biomass production was 4.6 kg m 2 , average content of EO was 1.38%, with menthol and menthone amounts of 69.3 and 12.5%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloid β 1–42 (Aβ 1–42) protein aggregation is considered one of the main triggers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we examined the in vitro anti-amyloidogenic activity of the isoindolinone derivative 3-(3-oxoisoindolin-1-yl)pentane-2,4-dione (ISOAC1) and its neuroprotective potential against the Aβ 1–42 toxicity. By performing the Thioflavin T fluorescence assay, Western blotting analyses, and Circular Dichroism experiments, we found that ISOAC1 was able to reduce the Aβ 1–42 aggregation and conformational transition towards β-sheet structures. Interestingly, in silico studies revealed that ISOAC1 was able to bind to both the monomer and a pentameric protofibril of Aβ 1–42 , establishing a hydrophobic interaction with the PHE19 residue of the Aβ 1–42 KLVFF motif. In vitro analyses on primary cortical neurons showed that ISOAC1 counteracted the increase of intracellular Ca2+ levels and decreased the Aβ 1–42 -induced toxicity, in terms of mitochondrial activity reduction and increase of reactive oxygen species production. In addition, confocal microscopy analyses showed that ISOAC1 was able to reduce the Aβ 1–42 intraneuronal accumulation. Collectively, our results clearly show that ISOAC1 exerts a neuroprotective effect by reducing the Aβ 1–42 aggregation and toxicity, hence emerging as a promising compound for the development of new Aβ-targeting therapeutic strategies for AD treatment. [Display omitted] • ISOAC1 inhibits the Amyloid β 1–42 (Aβ 1–42) aggregation and conformational transition to β-sheet structures. • ISOAC1 reduces the neurotoxicity of Aβ 1–42 aggregates. • ISOAC1 interacts with the PHE19 residue of both monomeric and protofibrillar Aβ 1–42. • ISOAC protects primary cortical neurons from Aβ 1–42 toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present investigation has been undertaken to reveal the protective mechanism of polyphenolics extract of whole wheat grains (WWGPE), ferulic acid and apigenin against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardio-toxicity. WWGPE, apigenin, and ferulic acid exhibited concentration dependent cyto-protective effect against Dox (1 μM) in rat cardiomyocytes. Dox treatment significantly (p < 0.01) induced oxidative stress in the myocardial cells via excessive ROS production, increase in iNOS expression, NADPH oxidase activation, Nrf-2/HO-1 impairment, and inactivation of cellular redox defense system. In addition, Dox significantly (p < 0.01) activated MAP kinases, NF-κB, and apoptosis in cardiac cells; while, significant (p < 0.01) impairment in PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling was observed in Dox-treated myocardial cells. On the other hand, WWGPE, apigenin, and ferulic acid significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) attenuated Dox-induced redox stress and oxidative stress-mediated signal transduction in myocardial cells. WWGPE, apigenin, and ferulic acid treatment also could significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) reinstate Dox-mediated changes in blood parameters in rats. Histological assessments were in agreement with the biochemical findings. Results showed that, WWGPE exhibited better cardio-protective effect over ferulic acid and apigenin, which may be due to the synergy between the comprising compounds and better oral bioavailability of dietary antioxidant molecules from whole phenolic extract. Highlights • Polyphenolics extract of whole wheat grains attenuated doxorubicin induced cardio-toxicity. • Ferulic acid and apigenin were found to be the most abundant phenolic and flavonoid in the extract, respectively. • The extract attenuated doxorubicin induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via multiple mechanisms. • The extract reciprocated doxorubicin-induced alteration in MAP kinases/NF-κB/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. • The extract exhibited better cardio-protective effect over ferulic acid and apigenin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants and herbal extracts from traditional Chinese medicine are used increasingly commonly worldwide for their benefits to health and quality of life as dietary supplements or as ingredients in functional foods. Among them, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (a natural strong remedy for the treatment of a variety of conditions) is traditionally used for centuries in Asian countries as antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory agent. In this context, several evidences support the hypothesis that some tanshinones (in particular tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone) extracted from the roots (Danshen) of Salvia miltiorrhiza exert neuroprotective and analgesic activities. Oxaliplatin (OXA), a platinum-based drug used for the treatment of solid tumors, induces neuropathic pain which hampers the chemotherapy success. While several attempts were made to prevent oxaliplatin-induced painful neuropathy, a growing number of evidences look to natural sources as an effective remedy to counterbalance the OXA-mediated side effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pain-relieving profile of Danshen and its active constituents tanshinone IIA (TIIA) and cryptotanshinone (CRY) in animal models of neuropathic pain induced by OXA, anticancer drug characterized by a dose-limiting neurotoxicity. Contextually, the neuroprotective and anticancer activities of the selected compounds were tested in different cells lines. A single administration per os of CRY (30 mg mg/kg) significantly, in a dose dependent manner, attenuated chemotherapy-induced pain. A 7 days repeated administrations highlighted the effectiveness and potency of both CRY and TIIA (10 mg/kg). On the other hand, Danshen showed a painkiller profile against oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. Contextually, Danshen and its active constituents showed remarkable and selective inhibitory activities on glioblastoma cells lines LN-229 (IC 50 : 50.0 ± 4.0, 48.2 ± 4.9 and 51.9 ± 2.3 μM respectively for Danshen standardized extract, TIIA and CRY) next to healthy but high proliferative cell lines enterocytes (IC 50 :> 250 μM for TIIA and CRY) and keratinocytes (IC 50 : >100 and 97 ± 2 μM respectively for TIIA and CRY). Taken together the results reported here demonstrated the long-lasting pain-relieving effects of Danshen and its related bioactive constituents in animal models of neuropathic pain and their selective in vitro neuroprotective properties on certain central malignancy cells lines. Thus, suggest that S. miltiorrhiza roots could be considered as a new potential source of active diterpenoidic compounds useful for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical industries and beneficial as food complements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic composition of three extracts of Hypericum perfoliatum was investigated; moreover also their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were evaluated. The chloroform–methanol and methanol extracts showed antioxidant activity (IC 50 less than 35 μg/mL), probably due to the presence of flavonoids, namely hyperoside (1.6 mg/mL in both extracts) and phenolic acids, such as chlorogenic acid (0.4 and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively). On the contrary, chloroform extract did not show remarkable antioxidant activity. Chloroform and chloroform–methanol extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against the Gram positive Bacillus cereus (strains DSM 4313 and DSM 4384) and S. aureus and the Gram negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, as well as against the emergent pathogen Chronobacter sakazakii . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids are the most abundant natural polyphenols widely distributed in plants. Among them, chrysin has recently attracted the attention for its anti-tumor and anti-oxidant activities and also for its protective effects on allergic inflammation. Therefore, in this study, we set out to investigate and characterize the effects of chrysin in classical models of inflammation reasoning that this would expand our knowledge on the pharmacological properties of this flavone. To this aim we have firstly isolated chrysin from Potentilla evestita Th. Wolf. and successively evaluated its anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential on writhing and formalin test and also on carrageenan-induced paw oedema. Finally, the present study was planned to investigate, by the aim of docking analysis, the molecular interaction of this compound on the binding site of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. On writhing test, we observed a significant inhibition of writhings after the administration of chrysin at 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg i.p. (25.00 ± 9.22% and 55.67 ± 7.62% respectively). On formalin test, the flavone at dose of 10.0 mg/kg i.p. displayed its maximum analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on both early (35.67 ± 7.88%) and late phase (50.57 ± 5.36%) and similarly displayed at 4 h a significant anti-inflammatory effect in carrageenan-induced paw oedema. Moreover, in silico analysis of receptor ligand complex shows that chrysin interacts weakly with COX-1 binding site whereas displayed a remarkable interaction with COX-2. These findings suggest that the flavone chrysin isolated from P. evestita Th. Wolf. possesses in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive potential, which are supported in silico by an interaction with COX-2 binding site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh fruits of several plants are susceptible to infection by several pathogenic fungi after harvest. Some synthetic fungicides are known to be highly effective in their control on various vegetables and fruits. In the present study the potential fungicidal activity of the essential oils obtained by thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ) and vervain ( Verbena officinalis ), respectively, against Monilinia laxa , Monilinia fructigena , and Monilinia fructicola was tested at various concentrations in vivo . The oil of thyme was mainly composed by o -cymene (56.2%), while the main components of the oil of vervain were citral (44.5%) and isobornyl formate (45.4%). The higher concentrations of both studied EOs from vervain (1000 ppm) and thyme (500 ppm) significantly reduced the brown rot lesion diameter. The lower concentrations of vervain (500 ppm) and thyme (250 ppm) EOs resulted in low effectiveness. This research revealed the potential fungicidal role in vivo of the essential oils on peach fruits postharvest. Moreover, the application of essential oils could be combined with other innovative postharvest treatments such as biocontrol agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone are two pharmacologically active diterpenoids extracted from the roots of Salvia milthiorriza Bunge, a plant used in Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of some cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Until now, the molecular mechanisms of action of these two diterpenoids on platelets are partially known. To clarify this aspect, here we utilized an integrated study of pharmacology and computational analysis. Our results demonstrate that cryptotanshinone is able to inhibit in a concentration dependent manner the rat platelet aggregation and also is endowed of G i -coupled P2Y 12 receptor antagonist as demonstrated by docking studies. This computational method was also performed for tanshinone IIA demonstrating even for this diterpenoid an interaction with the same receptor. The findings from our study enable a better understanding of tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone biological properties, which could ultimately lead to the development of novel pharmaceutical strategies for the treatment and/or prevention of some cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The current study was designed to evaluate the antinociceptive profile of five cyclopeptide alkaloids isolated from Ziziphus oxyphylla, including Oxyphylline-B 1, Oxyphylline C 2 Oxyphylline-D 3, Nummularin-C 4, and Nummularin-R 5. The effect was studied in acetic acid induced writhing and formalin induced flinching behavior tests, at 2.5 and 5mg/kg i.p. In the post-acetic acid induced writhing test, the compounds significantly ameliorated abdominal constrictions in a dose dependent manner, with compounds 1 and 5 showing 80.98% and 77.87% protection, respectively. When challenged in the formalin induced test, pretreatment of compounds significantly attenuated painful sensation in both phases. Moreover, compounds 1 and 5 were more effective with 45.32% and 75.32% for 1 and 36.77% and 71.10% protection for 5, in the 1st and 2nd phases respectively. The peripheral analgesia was strongly augmented by the central effects of these compounds. The current finding strongly supports the ethnomedicinal use of this valuable medicinal plant in various painful conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unexpected emergence of the new Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected more than three hundred million individuals and resulted in more than five million deaths worldwide. The ongoing pandemic has underscored the urgent need for effective preventive and therapeutic measures to develop anti-viral therapy. The natural compounds possess various pharmaceutical properties and are reported as effective anti-virals. The interest to develop an anti-viral drug against the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) from natural compounds has increased globally. Here, we investigated the anti-viral potential of selected promising natural products. Sources of data for this paper are current literature published in the context of therapeutic uses of phytoconstituents and their mechanism of action published in various reputed peer-reviewed journals. An extensive literature survey was done and data were critically analyzed to get deeper insights into the mechanism of action of a few important phytoconstituents. The consumption of natural products such as thymoquinone, quercetin, caffeic acid, ursolic acid, ellagic acid, vanillin, thymol, and rosmarinic acid could improve our immune response and thus possesses excellent therapeutic potential. This review focuses on the anti-viral functions of various phytoconstituent and alkaloids and their potential therapeutic implications against SARS-CoV-2. Our comprehensive analysis provides mechanistic insights into phytoconstituents to restrain viral infection and provide a better solution through natural, therapeutically active agents. [Display omitted] • Several natural products are reported highly effective in COVID-19 therapy. • Therapeutic potential, biochemical properties and mechanism of action of essential phytoconstituents are discussed. • The mechanism of action of a few effective phytoconstituents in COVID-19 therapy are highlighted. • These phytoconstituents represent a promising option for targeting SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of study: This paper reports an ethobotanical survey of the traditional uses of medicinal and useful plants in an area of the National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano, Campania, Southern Italy. Materials and methods: This study conducted between 2009 and 2011, gathered information on the medicinal plants traditionally used in Southern Italy (Campania Region). In all, we interviewed 70 key informants, whose age ranged between 50 and 85 years. This people belonged to families which had strong links with traditional activities of the area. Results: The research resulted to the identification of 192 plants belonging to 64 families. Among the species reported, 86 are used in human medicine, 15 in veterinary medicine, 69 as human foods, 18 as animal feed, 61 for domestic and 8 for agricultural uses. Conclusion: A survey of the available literature on Southern Italy ethnobotany reveals that some species have been never reported and about 10% of cited uses are new. Data obtained show that in the studied area the folk use of plants is alive and still derives from daily practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: The barks of Acacia leucophloea (Fabaceae) are used in Pakistan traditional medicine as an astringent, a bitter, a thermogenic, a styptic, a preventive of infections, an anthelmintic, a vulnery, a demulcent, an expectorant, an antipyretic, an antidote for snake bites and in the treatment of bronchitis, cough, vomiting, wounds, ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery, internal and external hemorrhages, dental caries, stomatitis, and intermittent fevers and skin diseases. Materials and methods: A study was carried out for the possible elucidation of mechanisms justifying the traditional medicinal uses of A. leucophloea (Fabaceae) in gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. In vitro experiments were carried out over isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum in order to determine spasmolytic and bronchorelaxant activities, while in vivo studies were conducted in mice for antidiarrheal properties. Results: A methanol crude extract of barks of the plant caused a concentration-dependent relaxation (0.1–3mg/ml) of isolated rabbit jejunum preparations in a pattern similar to that of nifedipine and dicyclomine, suggesting a Ca2+ channel-blocking mechanism in addition to an anticholinergic effect. In guinea-pig ileum the extract caused a parallel shift in the Ach-curves without suppression of maximum contractile response, followed by a non-parallel shift with the suppression of maximum contractile response at higher concentration similar to that caused by dicyclomine. Moreover, in rabbit trachea, it also caused the relaxation of carbachol (1μM) and high K+-induced contractions at a dose ranging between 0.1578 and 0.734mg/ml and 0.46–0.94mg/ml, respectively. These findings indicate that the extract possesses spasmolytic and bronchodilator activities, mediated possibly through blockade of Ca2+ channels, thus justifying its medicinal use in diarrhea and asthma. Acacia leucophloea methanol extract exhibited dose-dependent (100–500mg/ml) protective effect against castor oil induced diarrhea. Conclusions: The data obtained contribute to the validation of the traditional use of Acacia leucophloea bark in treating gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, providing an hypothesis on the possible mechanisms of action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Regulatory T-cells (Treg) actively maintain immunological self-tolerance and play a significant role in the progression of cancer. Treg cell numbers have been evaluated in 80 patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and in 40 normal healthy volunteers. Treg cells are higher in CLL patients than in controls and correlate with disease status (more advanced clinical stage, peripheral blood B-cell lymphocytosis, absolute CD38+ B-cell number, and more elevated LDH levels). No correlation was found with ZAP-70 expression, IgVH mutational status and cytogenetic abnormalities. This data shows that Treg cell number is abnormal in CLL patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Uncaria tomentosa (“Uña de gato”) (Rubiaceae) is widely used in South America for treatment of gastritis, arthritis, cancer and inflammatory conditions. Recent literature reports cytostatic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, mutagenic and anti-mutagenic properties of extracts of the plant. The present study investigates the possible proapoptotic mechanism via the activation of caspase3, in cytostatic effects of root bark extracts of Uncaria tomentosa on three different tumoral cell lines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Iresine herbstii Hook. (Amaranthaceae) and Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerheim (Solanaceae) are used in the northern Peruvian Andes for magic-therapeutical purposes. The traditional healers use Iresine herbstii with the ritual aim to expel bad spirits from the body. Furthermore, Iresine herbstii was used in association with other plants, such as Trichocereus pachanoi Britt. et Rose, for divination, to diagnose diseases, and to take possession of another identity. Also, species of Brugmansia have been reported to be used during ritual practices for magical and curative purposes. Given the above evidence, the aim of the present study is to evaluate if the central effects of Iresine herbstii and Brugmansia arborea could be associated with interaction with SNC receptors. Two Iresine herbstii extracts (methanolic and aqueous) and one Brugmansia arborea aqueous extract were tested for in vitro affinity on 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, D1, D2, α1, and α2 receptors by radioligand binding assays. The biological materials for binding assay (cerebral cortex) were taken from male Sprague–Dawley rats. The extracts affinity for receptors is definite as inhibition percentage of radioligand/receptor binding and measured as the radioactivity of remaining complex radioligand/receptor. The data obtained for Iresine extracts have shown a low affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor and no affinity for 5-HT2A receptor. Otherwise the methanolic extract showed affinity for 5-HT2C receptor (IC50: 34.78μg/ml) and for D1 receptor (IC50: 19.63μg/ml), instead the Iresine aqueous extract displayed a lower affinity for D1 (48.3% at the maximum concentration tested) and a higher value of affinity for D2 receptors (IC50: 32.08μg/ml). The Brugmansia aqueous extract displayed affinity for D1 receptors (IC50: 17.68μg/ml), D2 receptors (IC50: 15.95μg/ml) and weak affinity for the serotoninergic receptors. None of the three extracts showed relevant affinity to the α1, and α2 receptors. The results of our experiments indicate that Iresine herbstii methanolic extract was able to interact with the central 5-HT2C and D1 receptors and Iresine herbstii aqueous extract showed affinity for D2 receptors, thus confirming their ritual use. Instead Brugmansia arborea was able to interact only with the central dopamine receptors tested. Parallel studies are currently in progress for evaluating the extracts affinity and active components towards these and other receptor types (GABAergic). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fruits of Heteropterys glabra (Malpighiaceae) are used in South-American folk medicine as a sedative and anxiolytic agent. In present research, we studied neurophysiological effects of the plant. Ethanolic extract was assayed in DBA/2J mice in order to evaluate the sleep wakefulness cycle, electroencephalogram (EEG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP). The results of our experiments indicated that the EtOH extract of the plant induced a reduction of motor activity and alterations of EEG and VEP parameters, supporting the possibility that the plant acts as an anxiolytic/sedative agent, thus, confirming its usual assumption and the traditional use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Valeriana adscendens Trel. (Valerianaceae) is a psychoactive plant usually used in magical-therapeutic rituals in traditional practices of the Northern Peruvian Andes. Previous studies have been carried out on extracts of aerial parts in order to validate its traditional use. The results indicated that Valeriana adscendens exerts important effects on the central nervous system. Aim of the present study is to evaluate if the effects on the central nervous system of Valeriana adscendens extracts can be associated with interaction with some CNS receptors. In this work we examined affinity and selectivity of two Valeriana adscendens extracts (methanolic and aqueous) towards 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C serotononergic, D1 and D2 dopaminergic, α1 and α2 noradrenergic receptors by a preliminary binding screen. The results show weak affinity to 5-HT1A for the aqueous extract. Both extracts showed affinity for D1 receptors, but only for the methanolic extract the IC50 value was determinable (30.14μg/ml). No affinity for 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C serotononergic receptors, α1 and α2 noradrenergic receptors and D2 receptors was recorded for the extracts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]