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Hexavalent chromium induces nephrotoxicity and carcinogenesis by oxidative stress. Decoction of Selaginella lepidophylla (Hook. & Grev.) Spring, Selaginellaceae, is widely used against kidney diseases in Mexican traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the protective activity of decoction of S. lepidophylla in chromium 6+-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced by the administration of potassium dichromate (15 mg/kg) in rats. Animals were distributed into control and chromium-intoxicated rats without treatment and treated with decoction of the plant at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg for 7 days. Blood, urine, and kidneys were obtained at days 1, 3, 5, and 7 of treatments. Rats with nephrotoxicity showed a decrease of urinary volume, creatinine clearance, active tubular secretion, and electrolyte balance, but an increment in serum creatinine, ROS production, and lipid peroxidation in the kidney. After treatment with decoction of the plant, renal function was recovered since days 3 and 5 at tested doses.

Highlights • Definition and pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome is briefly described. • Sesquiterpene lactones isolated from medicinal plants used in traditional medicine. • In vivo and in vitro biological activities of sesquiterpene lactones are considered. • Chemical and biological properties of natural sesquiterpene lactones are documented., Metabolic syndrome comprises a cluster of metabolic disorders related to the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In latter years, plant secondary metabolites have become of special interest because of their potential role in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome. Sesquiterpene lactones constitute a large and diverse group of biologically active compounds widely distributed in several medicinal plants used for the treatment of metabolic disorders. The structural diversity and the broad spectrum of biological activities of these compounds drew significant interests in the pharmacological applications. This review describes selected sesquiterpene lactones that have been experimentally validated for their biological activities related to risk factors of metabolic syndrome, together with their mechanisms of action. The potential beneficial effects of sesquiterpene lactones discussed in this review demonstrate that these substances represent remarkable compounds with a diversity of molecular structure and high biological activity, providing new insights into the possible role in metabolic syndrome management.

The antinociceptive activity of the ethanolic extract of

The antinociceptive activity of the ethanolic extract of Trixis angustifolia DC. (EETx) was investigated using the acetic acid-induced writhing and the hot-plate tests in mice. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, mice treated with EETx (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) exhibited reduced writhing (38%, 67%, and 74%, respectively). In the hot-plate test, the three doses administrated increased the nociceptive response time. The phytochemical analysis of EETx led to the isolation of three known compounds, hygric acid (1), 5,6-Dihydroxy-7,8,4'-trimethoxyflavone (2) and xanthomicrol (3). Compound 1 was identified for the first time in this species. These results demonstrate that T. angustifolia has potential central and peripheral antinociceptive effects and support the ethnomedicinal use of this plant.

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) comprises a group of 24 species, many of which are opportunistic pathogens of immunocompromised patients and also are widely distributed in agricultural soils. Several Bcc strains synthesize strainspecific antagonistic compounds. In this study, the broad killing activity of B. cenocepacia TAtl-371, a Bcc strain isolated from the tomato rhizosphere, was characterized. This strain exhibits a remarkable antagonism against bacteria, yeast and fungi including other Bcc strains, multidrug-resistant human pathogens and plant pathogens. Genome analysis of strain TAtl-371 revealed several genes involved in the production of antagonistic compounds: siderophores, bacteriocins and hydrolytic enzymes. In pursuit of these activities, we observed growth inhibition of Candida glabrata and Paraburkholderia phenazinium that was dependent on the iron concentration in the medium, suggesting the involvement of siderophores. This strain also produces a previously described lectin-like bacteriocin (LlpA88) and here this was shown to inhibit only Bcc strains but no other bacteria. Moreover, a compound with an m/z 391.2845 with antagonistic activity against Tatumella terrea SHS 2008T was isolated from the TAtl-371 culture supernatant. This strain also contains a phage-tail-like bacteriocin (tailocin) and two chitinases, but the activity of these compounds was not detected. Nevertheless, the previous activities are not responsible for the whole antimicrobial spectrum of TAtl-371 seen on agar plates, suggesting the presence of other compounds yet to be found. In summary, we observed a diversified antimicrobial activity for strain TAtl-371 and believe it supports the biotechnological potential of this Bcc strain as a source of new antimicrobials. ispartof: MICROBIOLOGY-SGM vol:164 issue:9 pages:1072-1086 ispartof: location:England status: Published online

A phytochemical and antibacterial study of Trixis angustifolia, a species endemic to Mexico, was performed allowing the isolation of six flavones. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the hexanic extract, against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv was 25 μg/mL. The hexanic extract caused a significant inhibition of intracellular mycobacterial growth at 12.5 μg/mL. The biodirected assay of hexane extract enabled the detection of an active fraction (AF) against M. tuberculosis (MIC = 12.5 μg/mL), and a major flavone 1 (pebrellin) with no antimycobacterial activity (MIC > 200 μg/mL). A subsequent combination antimicrobial assay showed a synergistic antimycobacterial effect of AF in combination with pebrellin; the results of the synergistic activity suggest that the antimycobacterial activity found in T. angustifolia is due to the combined action of diverse metabolites present in the plant.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic potential of Trixis angustifolia in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. An intragastric adminis-tration of the aqueous extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) prepared from the aerial parts of T. angustifolia was evaluated. The treatment with the extract at 100 mg/kg produced a significant lowered (30.5%) of the blood glucose levels in diabetic mice after 15 days of daily oral administration. In addition, the extract induced a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein whereas increased the high-density lipoprotein level. Additionally, the presence of alkaloids, cumarins, saponins, flavonoids and reducing sugars were identified in the extract. These findings provide a basis explain-ing the traditional folk medicine use of this plant as a hypoglycemic agent by the Mexican people.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diuretic activity of aqueous extract of Verbesina crocata at different doses in rat. The aqueous extract (100 and 400 mg/kg for decoction; 200 and 400 mg/kg for smoothie form), furosemide (4 mg/kg and vehicle were administered per os to rat. After 6 hours in metabolic cages, the urinary flow, glomerular filtration rate and electrolyte balance (Na+ and K+) were assessed. All doses produced an increment of urinary flow and Na+/K+ excretion. Glomerular filtration rate was incremented only on smoothie form at 400 mg/kg. These findings provide a basis explaining the traditional folk medicine use of this plant as a diuretic agent.Video Clip of Methodology:Method for diuretic activity: 1 min 37 sec Full Screen Alternate

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of Trixis angustifolia aqueous extract (TxAE) on Triton WR-1339- and high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice. In the Triton model, treatment with TxAE at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight produced a significant decrease in triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein levels and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Similarly, administration of TxAE along with the high-fat diet induced a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, and increase in HDL. In addition, a phytochemical study of TxAE led to the isolation of 2 previously described compounds: pebrellin and xanthomicrol. This is the first time that these compounds have been identified in a plant extract with hypolipidemic effect. The results suggest the possible therapeutic potential of TxAE as a hypolipidemic agent supporting the usage of T. angustifolia as a traditional medicine.