1: Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Oct;31(20):1684/6.
[Determination of plumbagin in different parts of Plumbago zeylanica by RP/HPLC]
[Article in Chinese]
Liu Y, Deng F, Liu C, Meng QY, Gao ZW.
Ethnic Pharmaceutical Institute of Southwest University for Nationalities,
Chengdu 610041, China.
OBJECTIVE: To develop a RP/HPLC method to determine plumbagin in Plumbago
zeylanica, and to investigate contents of plumbagin in different parts of. P.
zeylanica. METHOD: The analysis was carried out at 30 degrees C on a Kromasil
C18, column eluted with a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of methanol/water
(65: 35). The flow rate was 1 mL x min(/1), the detector wavelength was 213 nm.
RESULT: The calibration curve was linear within the concentration ranges of
0.020 8/0. 104 microg (r = 0. 9999). The average recovery was 98.7%. The
contents in the root, stem and leaf were 0.394 5%, 0.050 8%, 0.031 4%
respectively. CONCLUSION: This method is simple, accurate, replicate and
suitable for the determination of plumbagin in P. zeylanica.
Publication Types:
English Abstract
PMID: 17225534 [PubMed / in process]
2: Br J Pharmacol. 2007 Feb;150(3):298/312. Epub 2006 Dec 18.
Suberosin inhibits proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
through the modulation of the transcription factors NF/AT and NF/kappaB.
Chen YC, Tsai WJ, Wu MH, Lin LC, Kuo YC.
1Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang/Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Background and purpose:Extracts of Plumbago zeylanica containing suberosin
exhibit anti/inflammatory activity. We purified suberosin from such extracts and
studied its effects on a set of key regulatory events in the proliferation of
human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated by phytohemagglutinin
(PHA).Experimental approach:Proliferation of PBMC in culture was measured by
uptake of (3)H/thymidine; production of cytokines and cyclins by Western
blotting and RT/PCR. Transcription factors NF/AT and NF/kappaB were assayed by
immunocytochemistry and EMSA.Key results:Suberosin suppressed PHA/induced PBMC
proliferation and arrested cell cycle progression from the G(1) transition to
the S phase. Suberosin suppressed, in activated PBMC, transcripts of
interleukin/2 (IL/2), interferon/gamma (IFN/gamma), and cyclins D3, E, A, and B.
DNA binding activity and nuclear translocation of NF/AT and NF/kappaB induced by
PHA were blocked by suberosin. Suberosin decreased the rise in intracellular
Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in PBMC stimulated with PHA. Suberosin did
not affect phosphorylation of p38 and JNK but did reduce activation of ERK in
PHA/treated PBMC. Pharmacological inhibitors of NF/kappaB, NF/AT, and ERK
decreased expression of mRNA for the cyclins, IL/2, and IFN/gamma and cell
proliferation in PBMC activated by PHA.Conclusions and Implications:The
inhibitory effects of suberosin on PHA/induced PBMC proliferation, were
mediated, at least in part, through reduction of [Ca(2+)](i), ERK, NF/AT, and
NF/kappaB activation, and early gene expression in PBMC including cyclins and
cytokines, and arrest of cell cycle progression in the cells. Our observations
provide an explanation for the anti/inflammatory activity of P.
zeylanica.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 298/312.
doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706987; published online 18 December 2006.
PMID: 17179947 [PubMed / in process]
3: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Oct 20; [Epub ahead of print]
Medicinal plants of the Shinasha, Agew/awi and Amhara peoples in northwest
Ethiopia.
Giday M, Teklehaymanot T, Animut A, Mekonnen Y.
Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa University,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Study was conducted in two sub/districts in northwestern Ethiopia to compile and
analyse knowledge on the use of medicinal plants for treatment or prevention of
human ailments by three socio/cultural groups, namely the Amharas, Shinashas and
Agew/Awis. Data were mainly collected through individual interviews conducted
with selected knowledgeable farmers and professional healers of the three
socio/cultural groups. A total of 76 medicinal plants belonging to 48 families
were documented, of which 50 species were reported by the Amharas, 25 by the
Shinashas and 20 by the Agew/Awis. Large proportions of medicinal plants were
found to have been used for the treatments of gastro/intestinal complaints
(26%), skin diseases (24%) and malaria (22%). Relatively, higher numbers of
informants agreed on the use of Croton macrostachyus against malaria (21%),
Cynoglossum coeruleum against 'mich', illness mainly characterized by fever,
headache and sweating (18%) and Zehneria scabra against malaria (13%). The
species Croton Macrostachyus, Calpurnia aurea, Clematis hirsuta and Plumbago
zeylanica were found to have the highest diversity of medicinal applications. We
recommend that priority for further investigation should be given to medicinal
plants with higher informant consensuses, as this could indicate their better
efficacy. Measures are needed to conserve plants that are reported as scarce in
the study area but still are only harvested from the wild.
PMID: 17101251 [PubMed / as supplied by publisher]
4: Biotechnol J. 2006 Oct;1(10):1093/102.
Evaluation of anti/methicillin/resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) activity
and synergy of some bioactive plant extracts.
Aqil F, Ahmad I, Owais M.
Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh,
India. f_aqil@yahoo.com
Anti/methicillin/resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) activity of ethanolic
extracts of four medicinal plants namely Acorus calamus (rhizome) Hemidesmus
indicus (stem), Holarrhena antidysenterica (bark), and Plumbago zeylanica
(root), were detected with inhibition zone size ranged from 11 to 44 mm and
minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) varied from 0.32 to 3.25 mg/mL. Further,
ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol fractions of above plants demonstrated
antibacterial activity. The potency of these fractions based on zone of
inhibition and MIC value was relatively higher in P. zeylanica (ethylacetate
fraction), followed by acetone fractions of H. indicus, A. calamus, and H.
antidysenterica. Time kill assay with most promising fractions of these plant
extracts, demonstrated concentration/dependent killing of MRSA within 9/12 h of
incubation. Interestingly, synergistic interaction among alcoholic extracts and
some fractions of above four plants was evident against MRSA. Further,
synergistic interaction of these extracts was detected with one or more
antibiotics tested (tetracycline, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime and
ceftidizime). The findings also validate the traditional uses of above plants
against infectious diseases. Phytochemical studies demonstrated flavonoids and
phenols as major active constituents. Further investigations are needed to
characterize the active principle and its interaction mechanism with
antibiotics.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 17004300 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
5: Microbiol Res. 2006 Jul 26; [Epub ahead of print]
In vitro efficacy of bioactive extracts of 15 medicinal plants against
ESbetaL/producing multidrug/resistant enteric bacteria.
Ahmad I, Aqil F.
Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences,
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India.
Alcoholic crude extracts and some fractions from 15 traditionally used Indian
medicinal plants were investigated for their ability to inhibit the growth of
extended spectrum beta/lactamases (ESbetaL)/producing multidrug/resistant
enteric bacteria. The test bacteria Eschrichia coli and Shigella were resistant
to 16/23 antibiotics with intermediate or resistance to beta/lactams (minimum
inhibitory concentration (MIC) value range 16/1024mug/ml). The crude plant
extracts demonstrated zone of inhibition in the range of 11/29mm against one or
more test bacteria. On the basis of promising activity, 12 plants were selected
to determine their efficacy in terms of MIC, which ranged from 0.64mg/ml to
10.24mg/ml. The extracts of Acorus calamus, Hemidesmus indicus, Holarrhena
antidysenterica and Plumbago zeylanica demonstrated relatively high activity as
compared to other plant extracts and were fractionated into acetone, ethyl
acetate and methanol. Acetone fraction in most of the cases exhibited higher
potency (low MIC value) as compared to ethyl acetate and methanol fraction.
However, in Plumbago zeylanica, ethyl acetate fraction was most active.
Synergistic interactions among crude extracts were demonstrated in the 12
different combinations against ESbetaL/producing E. coli (ESbetaL/02). Certain
combinations exhibited significant synergy with enlargement of combined
inhibition zone size by 5mm. Interaction of crude extracts with five antibiotics
(Tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol and streptomycin)
demonstrated synergistic interaction with tetracycline and ciprofloxacin by 10
and 3 plant extracts respectively. Phytochemical analysis and thin layer
chromatography (TLC) bioautography of crude extracts showed the presence of
alkaloids, phenols and flavonoids as active phytoconstituents. Most active
fractions of four plants were subjected to Infrared spectroscopy and the major
groups of compounds were detected. The plant extracts were further tested for
their in vitro haemolytic activity to sheep erythrocytes and demonstrated no
haemolysis at recommended doses. Further activity/guided fractionation of active
fractions is needed to isolate and characterize the active principle in order to
establish the mode of action against the ESbetaL/producing multidrug/resistant
enteric bacteria and the mechanism of synergy.
PMID: 16875811 [PubMed / as supplied by publisher]
6: J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2006 Nov 21;844(1):1/5. Epub
2006 Jul 11.
Measurement and pharmacokinetic study of plumbagin in a conscious freely moving
rat using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.
Hsieh YJ, Lin LC, Tsai TH.
Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang/Ming
University, 155 Li/Nong Street Section 2, Taipei 112, Taiwan.
The aim of the present study is to develop an automated blood sampling (ABS)
method coupled to a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectroscopy (LC/MS/MS)
method to evaluate the oral bioavailability of plumbagin in a conscious freely
moving rat. Plumbagin, an herbal ingredient, was isolated from Plumbago
zeylanica L. The separation was performed using a reversed phase C18
(150mmx4.6mm I.D.; 5microm) column and was eluted with the mobile phase of
water/acetonitrile (40:60, v/v) at a flow/rate of 0.8ml/min. Multiple reaction
monitoring (MRM) was used to monitor the transition of the deprotonated molecule
m/z 187 [MH](/) to the product ion m/z 159 [MHCO](/) for the plumbagin analysis.
The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 10/2000ng/ml
with a coefficient estimation of 0.995. The intra/ and inter/day variations (%
relative standard deviation; RSD and % bias) of the assay for rat plasma samples
were less than 17%. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification were
5 and 10ng/ml, respectively. Recovery of plumbagin from the rat plasma was about
80%. This LC/MS/MS method has been validated to study the pharmacokinetics of
plumbagin in rats. The oral bioavailability
(AUC(PO)/Dose(PO))/(AUC(IV)/Dose(IV)) of plumbagin was about 38.7+//5%.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16837255 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
7: Drug Chem Toxicol. 2006;29(3):279/88.
Protective effect of Plumbago zeylanica against cyclophosphamide/induced
genotoxicity and oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice.
Sivakumar V, Niranjali Devaraj S.
Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Chennai, India.
Plumbago zeylanica, commonly known as white leadwort, found abundantly in the
plains of Bengal and southern India, was tested for its possible in vivo
protective effect against cyclophosphamide/induced genotoxicity and oxidative
stress in Swiss albino mice. Pretreatment with the alcoholic root extract of
Plumbago zeylanica (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight orally for 5 days)
significantly reduced the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes
(MnPCEs), increased the PCE/NCE (normochromatic erythrocyte) ratio in the bone
marrow, and decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation products with concomitant
changes in the status of antioxidants. Both doses of Plumbago zeylanica were
effective in exerting a protective effect against cyclophosphamide/induced
genotoxicity and oxidative stress.
PMID: 16777706 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
8: Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi. 2006 Apr;14(2):208/11.
[Effects of plumbagin on the human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells in vitro]
[Article in Chinese]
Zhao YL, Lu DP.
People Hospital, Institute of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing 100044,
China.
According to previous clinical experiences of the authors, plumbago zeylanica
was effective against acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, its
effectiveness has never been proven experimentally or unequivocally clinically.
This study was aimed to investigate the effects of plumbagin on the
proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of APL cell line NB4 Cells. Cell
inhibitory rates were detected by MTT colorimetric assay; morphologic changes
were observed under light microscope and transmission electron microscope;
apoptosis/inducing effects were determined by DNA gel electrophoresis, annexin
V/PI double/stained and PI single/stained flow cytometry. The results
demonstrated that 2/15 micromol/L plumbagin inhibited the proliferation of NB4
cells in a dose/dependent manner. The morphologic changes of cell apoptosis,
such as chromsome condensation and apoptotic body formation, were observed by
light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Cell cycle analysis
showed that NB4 cells were blocked in G2/M phase of cell cycle. And plumbagin
induced annexin V+/PI/ cell increase and DNA fragmentation. There was a
correlation between cell apoptosis rates and the concentrations of plumbagin in
dose/dependent manner (P < 0.05). It is concluded that for the first time the
present study shows that plumbagin can inhibit cell proliferation, block cell
cycle and induce apoptosis of APL cell line NB4 cells.
Publication Types:
English Abstract
PMID: 16638181 [PubMed / in process]
9: J Biol Chem. 2006 Jun 23;281(25):17023/33. Epub 2006 Apr 19.
Plumbagin (5/hydroxy/2/methyl/1,4/naphthoquinone) suppresses NF/kappaB
activation and NF/kappaB/regulated gene products through modulation of p65 and
IkappaBalpha kinase activation, leading to potentiation of apoptosis induced by
cytokine and chemotherapeutic agents.
Sandur SK, Ichikawa H, Sethi G, Ahn KS, Aggarwal BB.
Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 143,
the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Plumbagin, derived from the medicinal plant Plumbago zeylanica, modulates
cellular proliferation, carcinogenesis, and radioresistance, all known to be
regulated by the activation of the transcription factor NF/kappaB, suggesting
plumbagin might affect the NF/kappaB activation pathway. We found that plumbagin
inhibited NF/kappaB activation induced by TNF, and other carcinogens and
inflammatory stimuli (e.g. phorbol 12/myristate 13/acetate, H2O2, cigarette
smoke condensate, interleukin/1beta, lipopolysaccharide, and okadaic acid).
Plumbagin also suppressed the constitutive NF/kappaB activation in certain tumor
cells. The suppression of NF/kappaB activation correlated with sequential
inhibition of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)/induced activation of IkappaBalpha
kinase, IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, IkappaBalpha degradation, p65
phosphorylation, p65 nuclear translocation, and the NF/kappaB/dependent reporter
gene expression activated by TNF, TNFR1, TRAF2, NIK, IKK/beta, and the p65
subunit of NF/kappaB. Plumbagin also suppressed the direct binding of nuclear
p65 and recombinant p65 to the DNA, and this binding was reversed by
dithiothreitol both in vitro and in vivo. However, plumbagin did not inhibit p65
binding to DNA when cells were transfected with the p65 plasmid containing
cysteine 38 mutated to serine. Plumbagin down/regulated the expression of
NF/kappaB/regulated anti/apoptotic (IAP1, IAP2, Bcl/2, Bcl/xL, cFLIP, Bfl/1/A1,
and survivin), proliferative (cyclin D1 and COX/2), and angiogenic (matrix
metalloproteinase/9 and vascular endothelial growth factor) gene products. This
led to potentiation of apoptosis induced by TNF and paclitaxel and inhibited
cell invasion. Overall, our results indicate that plumbagin is a potent
inhibitor of the NF/kappaB activation pathway that leads to suppression of
NF/kappaB/regulated gene products. This may explain its cell growth modulatory,
anticarcinogenic, and radiosensitizing effects previously described.
Publication Types:
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/P.H.S.
PMID: 16624823 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
10: Vascul Pharmacol. 2006 Aug;45(2):86/90. Epub 2006 Mar 13.
Plumbago zeylanica action on blood coagulation profile with and without blood
volume reduction.
Vijayakumar R, Senthilvelan M, Ravindran R, Devi RS.
Department of Physiology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences,
University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai/113, India.
Plumbago zeylanica (PZ) is extensively used in Indian systems of medicine for
its medicinal properties. The structure of its active principle is similar to
that of vitamin K. Its effect on blood coagulation profile after chronic
administration has not been reported so far. The PZ extract (2 mg/kg body
weight) and napthoquinone (2 mg/kg body weight) given to individual groups were
screened for its effect on bleeding time (BT), clotting time (CT), prothrombin
time (PT), platelet count and platelet adhesion in albino rats after 1/day,
15/day and 31/day treatment. There was no change in the platelet count in the
treated groups when compared to the control levels. But the platelet adhesion
was significantly decreased after PZ and also napthaquinone/treated animals in
both with and without blood volume reduction after 15th as well as 31st day.
Since the napthoquinone/treated group also showed similar response the changes
observed after PZ treatment may be due to this component. Even at a lower dosage
level (2 mg/kg body weight), the chronic PZ administration prolongs the bleeding
time by altering platelet adhesiveness and the coagulation.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16531123 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
11: Plant Cell Rep. 2006 Jun;25(6):513/21. Epub 2006 Feb 10.
A highly efficient in vitro plant regeneration system and Agrobacterium/mediated
transformation in Plumbago zeylanica.
Wei X, Gou X, Yuan T, Russell SD.
Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019,
USA.
Plumbago zeylanica is a unique model for studying flowering plant gametogenesis,
heterospermy, and preferential fertilization, yet understanding the control of
related molecular mechanisms is impossible without efficient and reproducible
regeneration and stable genetic transformation. We found three key factors for
enhancing successful regeneration: (1) tissue source of explants, (2)
combination and concentration of growth regulators, and (3) culture conditions.
The highest frequency of shoot regeneration was achieved using hypocotyl
segments cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with BA 2.0 mg/l, NAA 0.75
mg/l, adenine 50 mg/l and 10% (v/v) coconut milk under subdued light at 25+//2
degrees C; under these conditions, each hypocotyl segment produced over 30
shoots, arising primarily through direct organogenesis after 3 weeks of culture.
Regenerated shoots rooted easily on half/strength basal MS medium and were
successfully established in the greenhouse. Using this tissue culture protocol,
reporter gene GUS under the constitutive CaMV 35S promoter was introduced into
P. zeylanica cells of petiole, cotyledon and hypocotyl with A. tumefaciens
strains AGL1 and LBA4404. Transient expression was observed in all recipient
tissues. Stable transgenic calli originating from petiole were obtained.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16470412 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
12: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Apr 21;105(1/2):76/83. Epub 2005 Dec 6.
Antioxidant activity of a salt/spice/herbal mixture against free radical
induction.
Natarajan KS, Narasimhan M, Shanmugasundaram KR, Shanmugasundaram ER.
ALMPG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani
Campus, Chennai 600113, India.
A combination of spices (Piper nigrum, Piper longum and Zingiber officinale),
herbs (Cyperus rotundus and Plumbago zeylanica) and salts make up Amrita Bindu.
The study was focused to evaluate the antioxidant property of individual
ingredients in Amrita Bindu against the free radical
2,2'/azinobis/(3/ethylbenzothiazoline/6/sulphonic acid) (ABTS). The analysis
revealed the antioxidant potential of the ingredients in the following order:
Piper nigrum>Piper longum>Cyperus rotundus>Plumbago zeylanca>Zingiber
officinale. Two different experiments were designed. In experiment I, rats were
fed with normal diet whereas in experiment II rats were given feed mixed with
Amrita Bindu for 3 weeks (4 g/kg of feed). Rats from both experimental groups
were challenged against a single intraperitonial injection of phenylhydrazine
(PHZ) (7.5 mg/kg body weight). At the end of 24 and 72 h, blood was analysed for
free radicals and antioxidant levels. It was interesting to note that rats with
Amrita Bindu pretreatment showed significantly lower levels of free radicals,
lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls along with significantly higher levels
of antioxidants when compared with rats without Amrita Bindu pretreatment on PHZ
administration. These results reveal that Amrita Bindu, a salt/spice/herbal
mixture exerts a promising antioxidant potential against free radical induced
oxidative damage.
PMID: 16337350 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
13: Drug Chem Toxicol. 2005;28(4):499/507.
In vivo micronucleus assay and GST activity in assessing genotoxicity of
plumbagin in Swiss albino mice.
SivaKumar V, Prakash R, Murali MR, Devaraj H, Niranjali Devaraj S.
Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, India.
Information available on the mutagenicity of a large number of indigenous drugs
commonly employed in the Siddha and Ayurveda systems of medicine is scanty. In
this context, the current investigation on plumbagin,
5/hydroxy/2methyl/1,4/napthoquinone, an active principle in the roots of
Plumbago zeylanica used in Siddha and Ayurveda for various ailments, was carried
out; 16 mg/kg b.w. (LD(50)) was fixed as the maximum dose. Subsequent dose
levels were fixed as 50% and 25% of LD(50) amounting to 8 mg and 4 mg/kg b.w.,
respectively, and given orally for 5 consecutive days in 1% Carboxyl Methyl
Cellulose (CMC) to Swiss albino mice weighing 25/30 g. The micronucleus assay
was done in mouse bone marrow. Plumbagin was found to induce micronuclei at all
the doses studied (4 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg, 16 mg/kg b.w.), and it proves to be toxic
to bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice. Animal treated with cyclophosphamide
(40 mg/kg b.w.) served as positive control. In addition, glutathione
S/transferase (GST) activity was observed in control, plumbagin (4 mg, 8 mg, 16
mg/kg b.w., respectively), and genotoxin/treated experimental group of animals.
No significant change in GST activity was observed with plumbagin dose of 4
mg/kg b.w., whereas GST activity was significantly inhibited by higher doses of
plumbagin (8 mg and 16 mg/kg b.w.) and cyclophosphamide.
PMID: 16298878 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
14: J Chromatogr A. 2005 Nov 11;1094(1/2):99/104. Epub 2005 Aug 15.
High/performance liquid chromatography for quantification of plumbagin, an
anti/Helicobacter pylori compound of Plumbago zeylanica L.
Wang YC, Huang TL.
Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University,
Taichung 402, Taiwan. ycwang@dragon.nchu.edu.tw
The plant Plumbago zeylanica L. is a semi/climbing shrub that grows throughout
Asia and Africa. In our previous study, P. zeylanica L. exhibited high
anti/Helicobacter pylori and good bactericidal activities over a wide pH range
(pH 2/7). Plumbagin / the major ingredient derived from the roots of P.
zeylanica L. / is a naphthoquinone compound. In this study, we investigated
plumbagin's anti/H. pylori activity and developed a reversed/phase
high/performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for quantification of
plumbagin from P. zeylanica L. We also observed that plumbagin has strong
anti/H. pylori activity, with 0.02/0.16 mg/ml as minimum inhibitory
concentrations and 0.16/1.28 mg/ml as minimum bactericidal concentrations.
Reversed/phase HPLC was performed with a gradient mobile phase composed of water
and methanol, and peaks were detected at 254 nm. Standard curves were linearized
in the range of from 10 to 200 microg/ml (regression coefficient r2 = 0.99995).
After spikes of 50, 100, and 150 microg/ml of plumbagin standard solution,
recovery rates were between 97.45 and 99.24%. Both intra/ and inter/day
precisions had coefficient variation of less than 1% at concentrations of 50,
100, and 150 microg/ml. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.02 and
0.06 microg/ml, respectively. Based on validation results, this analytical
method is a precise, accurate and stable method to quantify plumbagin derived
from P. zeylanica L.
Publication Types:
Validation Studies
PMID: 16257295 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
15: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Mar 8;104(1/2):182/7. Epub 2005 Oct 17.
Antiviral activities of some Ethiopian medicinal plants used for the treatment
of dermatological disorders.
Gebre/Mariam T, Neubert R, Schmidt PC, Wutzler P, Schmidtke M.
Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, P.O.
Box, 1176 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Acokanthera schimperi (Apocynaceae), Euclea schimperi (Ebenaceae), Inula
confertiflora (Asteraceae), Melilotus elegans (Leguminosae), and Plumbago
zeylanica (Plumbaginaceae), are some of the medicinal plants used in Ethiopia
for treatment of various skin disorders. In this study, the antiviral activities
of the 80% methanolic extracts of these plants have been examined against
coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), influenza A virus and herpes simplex virus type1 Kupka
(HSV/1) using cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibitory assays in HeLa, MDCK, and GMK
cells, respectively. In parallel, the cytotoxicity was quantified using a
crystal violet uptake assay. The antiviral activity of the most active compound
was confirmed with plaque reduction assays. The results revealed that the
extracts of Acokanthera schimperi and Euclea schimperi showed antiviral activity
against all three tested viruses albeit with unequal efficacy. Whereas the
Acokanthera schimperi extract exhibited the strongest activity against CVB3, the
extract of Euclea schimperi inhibited influenzavirus A replication most
effectively. A weak anti/influenzavirus A activity was also exhibited by the
other plant extracts tested. In addition, CVB3 was inhibited by the extracts of
Plumbago zeylanica and HSV/1 by Inula confertiflora. Thus, the extracts of these
plants, particularly those of Acokanthera schimperi, Euclea schimperi and Inula
confertiflora which showed activity against CVB3 and HSV/1 support their
traditional use in the treatment of skin diseases of viral origin.
Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16233967 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
16: J Chromatogr A. 2005 Aug 12;1083(1/2):141/5.
Determination and identification of plumbagin from the roots of Plumbago
zeylanica L. by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.
Hsieh YJ, Lin LC, Tsai TH.
Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang/Ming University, Taipei,
Taiwan.
Plumbagin (5/hydroxy/2/methyl/1,4/naphthoquinone) is an herbal ingredient which
is isolated from the root of Plumbago zeylanica L. This herb is a semi/climbing
subshrub distributed in thickets or grassland at low elevations of Taiwan. The
crushed roots of P. zeylanica L. were ground from lumps to powder and boiled
with H2O, 50% EtOH, or 95% EtOH. Chromatographic separation of plumbagin from
the herb was carried out using a ZORBAX Extend/C18 column (150 x 4.6 mm I.D.; 5
microm) that was eluted with the mobile phase of water/methanol (10:90, v/v).
Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used to monitor the transition of the
deprotonated molecule m/z 187 [M/H]/ to the product ion m/z 159 [M/H/CO]/ for
plumbagin analysis. The limit of quantification was determined to and accuracy
of 1 ng/ml. Furthermore, the mass fractions of plumbagin in P. zeylanica L. for
H2O, 50% EtOH and 95% EtOH were 0.24 +// 0.04, 3.92 +// 0.87 and 13.4 +// 1.59
g/kg, respectively. These results present a reliable liquid chromatography
coupled with tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) method for the determination
of plumbagin form herbal medicines.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
Validation Studies
PMID: 16078700 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
17: FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2005 Mar 1;43(3):407/12.
Anti/Helicobacter pylori activity of Plumbago zeylanica L.
Wang YC, Huang TL.
Department of Food Science, National Chung/Hsing University, 250 Kuokuang Road,
Taichung 40227, Taiwan, 402, ROC. ycwang@dragon.nchu.edu.tw
It has been shown that the presence of infection by Helicobacter pylori is
strongly associated with gastric cancer and peptic ulceration. In western
medicine, a 3/fold therapeutic regimen, emphasizing the use of antibiotics, is
typically used to suppress H. pylori activity. However, antibiotic drug
resistance frequently develops as a consequence of such treatment. In our
previous study, 50 Taiwanese folk medicinal plants were screened for their
anti/H. pylori activities. The results revealed that Plumbago zeylanica L. had
the highest inhibitory effects against H. pylori. In this study, therefore, we
have focused on establishing the anti/H. pylori activities of P. zeylanica L.
Water and the organic solvents ethanol, ethyl acetate and acetone were used for
P. zeylanica L. extraction, obtaining yields of 1.66/6.84% (w/w). Excluding the
water extract, higher anti/H. pylori activity was demonstrated for all the
extracts, both using the agar diffusion and dilution methods. The ethyl acetate
extract exhibited the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations against five H.
pylori strains, of which ranged from 0.32 to 1.28 mg ml/1, followed, in
ascending order, by the acetone, ethanol and water analogs. Bactericidal
activity was determined for P. zeylanica L. extracts, with the lowest minimum
bactericidal concentrations (5.12/20.48 mg ml/1) demonstrated for the ethyl
acetate, followed, in ascending order, by the acetone and ethanol analogs.
Bactericidal activity appeared to be in a dose/dependent manner. Through a broad
pH range (2/7), bactericidal activity was not affected when extract
concentrations were greater than or equal to the minimum bactericidal
concentration. High stability was demonstrated for the ethyl acetate P.
zeylanica L. extract within pH range of 1/7, exhibiting all pH treatments
bactericidal activity.
PMID: 15708315 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
18: FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2005 Feb 1;43(2):295/300.
Screening of anti/Helicobacter pylori herbs deriving from Taiwanese folk
medicinal plants.
Wang YC, Huang TL.
Department of Food Science, National Chung/Hsing University, 250 Kuokuang Road,
Taichung 40227, Taiwan, 402, ROC. ycwang@dragon.nchu.edu.tw
In this study, extracts from 50 Taiwanese folk medicinal plants were examined
and screened for anti/Helicobacter pylori activity. Ninety/five percent ethanol
was used for herbal extraction. Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merr. (PSM), Plumbago
zeylanica L. (PZL), Anisomeles indica (L.) O. Kuntze (AIOK), Bombax malabaricum
DC. (BMDC) and Alpinia speciosa (J. C. Wendl.) K. Schum. (ASKS) and Bombax
malabaricum DC. (BMDC) all demonstrated strong anti/H. pylori activities. The
minimum inhibitory concentration values of the anti/H. pylori activity given by
the five ethanol herb extracts ranged from 0.64 to 10.24 mg ml(/1). Twenty/six
herbs, including Artemisia argvi Levl. et Vant (AALEV), Phyla nodiflora (Linn.)
Greene (PNG) and others, showed moderate anti/H. pylori activity. The additional
19 herbs, including Areca catechu Linn. (ACL), Euphorbia hirta Linn. (EHL) and
Gnaphalium adnatum Wall. ex DC. (GAWEDC), possessed lower anti/H. pylori
effects. About half of the Taiwanese folk medicinal plants tested, demonstrated
to possess higher anti/H. pylori activity.
PMID: 15681161 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
19: Phytother Res. 2004 Nov;18(11):934/7.
Antimycobacterial constituents from Juniperus procera, Ferula communis and
Plumbago zeylanica and their in vitro synergistic activity with isonicotinic
acid hydrazide.
Mossa JS, El/Feraly FS, Muhammad I.
Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box
2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
The synergistic activity of antimycobacterial constituents from Saudi plants was
evaluated in combination with isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH) against four
atypical organisms, namely, Mycobacterium intracellulare, M. smegmatis, M.
xenopei and M. chelonei. The potency of INH was increased four/fold, using an in
vitro checkerboard method, against each mycobacteria when tested with a subtoxic
concentration of the totarol, isolated from J. procera. The MIC values of
totarol, ferulenol (from Ferula communis) and plumbagin (from Plumbago
zeylanica) were thus lowered from 1.25/2.5 to 0.15/0.3 microg/mL due to
synergism with INH. When tested against the resistant strain of M. tuberculosis
H37Rv, plumbagin and 7beta/hydroxyabieta/8,13/dien/11,12/dione exhibited
inhibitory activity at <12.5 microg/mL, while others were inactive at this
concentration. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PMID: 15597311 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
20: Redox Rep. 2004;9(4):219/27.
Antioxidant properties of Plumbago zeylanica, an Indian medicinal plant and its
active ingredient, plumbagin.
Tilak JC, Adhikari S, Devasagayam TP.
Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,
Mumbai, India.
Plumbago zeylanica (known as "Chitrak") is a useful Indian medicinal plant. The
root of the plant and its constituents are credited with potential therapeutic
properties including anti/atherogenic, cardiotonic, hepatoprotective and
neuroprotective properties. To examine possible mechanisms of action of P.
zeylanica (Chitrak), in relation to its reported beneficial properties,
antioxidant effects of the aqueous/alcoholic extracts of root, corresponding to
medicinal preparations, and the active ingredient, plumbagin, were studied.
Methods used included: ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), radical
scavenging of 1,1/diphenyl/2/picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and
2,2'/azobis/3/ethylbenzthiazoline/6/sulfonic acid (ABTS), lipid peroxidation in
rat liver mitochondria induced by different agents, and estimating phenolic and
flavonoid content. In FRAP/DPPH assays, boiled ethanolic extracts were the most
effective, while in the ABTS assay boiled aqueous extracts were the most
efficient. These extracts also significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation
induced by cumene hydroperoxide, ascorbate/Fe(2+) and peroxynitrite and
contained high amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids. To examine the mechanisms
of action in detail, antioxidant and pulse radiolysis studies with plumbagin
were conducted. The hydroxyl (.OH), alkyl peroxyl (CCl(3)OO.), linoleic acid
peroxyl (LOO.), and glutathiyl (GS.) radicals generate a phenoxyl radical upon
reaction with plumbagin. The bimolecular rate constants were: .OH, 2.03 x 10(9)
dm(3)mol(/1)s(/1); CCl(3)OO., 1.1 x 10(9) dm(3)mol(/1)s(/1); LOO., 6.7 x 10(7)
dm(3)mol(/1)s(/1); and GS., 8.8 x 10(8) dm(3)mol(/1)s(/1). In conclusion, our
studies reveal that extracts of P. zeylanica and its active ingredient plumbagin
have significant antioxidant abilities that may possibly explain some of the
reported therapeutic effects.
PMID: 15479566 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
21: Fitoterapia. 2004 Jul;75(5):500/4.
Cytotoxic constituents from Plumbago zeylanica.
Nguyen AT, Malonne H, Duez P, Vanhaelen/Fastre R, Vanhaelen M, Fontaine J.
Laboratoire de Physiologie et de Pharmacologie Fondamentales, Institut de
Pharmacie CP/205/7, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, B/1050 Brussels, Belgium.
annhthng@ulb.ac.be
The bioassay/guided fractionation of the dichloromethane extract of aerial parts
of Plumbago zeylanica led to the isolation of beta/sitosterol,
beta/sitosteryl/3beta/glucopyranoside,
beta/sitosteryl/3beta/glucopyranoside/6'/O/palmitate (1), lupenone, lupeol
acetate, plumbagin and trilinolein. Compound 1 showed cytotoxic activity against
MCF7 and Bowes cancer cell lines (IC50 113 microM and 152 microM, respectively),
beta/sitosterol inhibited Bowes cell growth (IC50 36.5 microM) and plumbagin was
cytotoxic against MCF7 and Bowes cells (IC50 1.28 microM and 1.39 microM,
respectively).
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 15261389 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
22: Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 Mar;27(3):429/32.
Inhibition of immediate allergic reactions by ethanol extract from Plumbago
zeylanica stems.
Dai Y, Hou LF, Chan YP, Cheng L, But PP.
Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical
University, Nanjing, China. yuedaicpu@hotmail.com
The antiallergic properties of the 70% ethanol extract from Plumbago zeylanica
stems (EPZ) were investigated in the present study. The extract (500, 1000
mg/kg, p.o.) dose/dependently inhibited systemic anaphylactic shock induced by
compound 48/80 in mice, reduced homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and
skin reactions induced by histamine or serotonin in rats, significant
differences were observed at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. In vitro, EPZ (5, 20, 50
microg/ml) concentration/dependently reduced histamine release from rat
peritoneal mast cells caused by compound 48/80 and antigen. EPZ (50 microg/ml)
markedly increased intracellular cAMP content of rat mast cells. These findings
demonstrate that EPZ inhibits mast cell/dependent immediate allergic reactions,
which is probably mediated by reducing the release of mediators such as
histamine from mast cells via elevating intracellular cAMP level and weakening
the inflammatory action of mediators.
Publication Types:
Comparative Study
In Vitro
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 14993817 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
23: Zhong Yao Cai. 1999 Sep;22(9):463/5.
[Effects of the water/soluble extracts from the single herb of ganduqing against
hepatitis B virus in vitro]
[Article in Chinese]
Chen W, Yu Z, Li S.
Research Institute of Liver Diseases, Guangzhou Air Force Hospital, 510602.
Comparing with Ara/Amp, the effects of the water/soluble extracts from the
single herb of the formula for Ganduqing on HBeAg and HBsAg expression in 2.2.15
cells were studied. The results showed that the extracts of Serissa serissoides
(DC) Druce, Hibiseus mutabilis Linn, Paedeuia scangens (Lour) Merr var tomentosa
(BL) Hand/Mazz, Plumbago zeylanica L, Garcinia oblougifolia Champ and Begpnia
edulia Levl had marked inhibition effects on HBeAg and HBsAg which expressed by
2.2.15 cells.
Publication Types:
English Abstract
PMID: 12571922 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
24: Phytochemistry. 2003 Feb;62(4):619/22.
Cytotoxic naphthoquinones and plumbagic acid glucosides from Plumbago zeylanica.
Lin LC, Yang LL, Chou CJ.
National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Pettou, Taipei 112, Taiwan,
ROC. lclin@cma23.nricm.edu.tw
Two plumbagic acid glucosides, 3'/O/beta/glucopyranosyl plumbagic acid and
3'/O/beta/glucopyranosyl plumbagic acid methylester along with five
naphthoquinones (plumbagin, chitranone, maritinone, elliptinone and
isoshinanolone), and five coumarins (seselin, 5/methoxyseselin, suberosin,
xanthyletin and xanthoxyletin) were isolated from the roots of Plumbago
zeylanica. All coumarins were not previously found in this plant. Cytotoxicity
of these compounds to various tumor cells lines was evaluated, and plumbagin
significantly suppressed growth of Raji, Calu/1, HeLa, and Wish tumor cell
lines.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 12560036 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
25: Phytother Res. 2001 Mar;15(2):153/6.
Central nervous system stimulatory action from the root extract of Plumbago
zeylanica in rats.
Bopaiah CP, Pradhan N.
Department of Psychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health and
Neurosciences, Bangalore / 560029, India.
The effects of a 50% ethanol extract of the root of Plumbago zeylanica (P.
zeylanica) were investigated on locomotor behaviour and central dopaminergic
activity in rats. The effects on the ambulatory behaviour were assessed along
with the levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA) in
the striatum after a single oral dose (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight) of
the extract. The extract significantly increased the spontaneous motility in
animals. The ambulatory and rotatory behaviour in the treated groups were higher
than in the control group (p < 0.05). There were marked differences in the
ambulatory behaviour between 100 and 300 mg/kg, indicating that the responses
were stimulatory and dose/dependent. The stereotypic behaviour which is
characteristic of a dopamine agonist showed biphasic effects. However, there was
no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The results showed that
the extract of the root of P. zeylanica specifically enhanced the spontaneous
ambulatory activity without inducing stereotypic behaviour. The neurochemical
estimations revealed elevated levels of DA and HVA in striatum compared with the
control rats (p < 0.01). The levels were higher for the 100 mg/kg treated group
than the other groups. The levels declined by increasing the dosage of the
extract to 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, however, these levels remained higher than
the control group. The relationship between motor activity and levels of
dopamine are not parallel. These behavioural and biochemical results indicated
stimulatory properties of the extract of the root of P. zeylanica, which may be
mediated by dopaminergic mechanisms in the rat brain. Copyright 2001 John Wiley
& Sons, Ltd.
PMID: 11268117 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
26: J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Feb;74(2):195/204.
In vitro screening of Indian medicinal plants for antiplasmodial activity.
Simonsen HT, Nordskjold JB, Smitt UW, Nyman U, Palpu P, Joshi P, Varughese G.
Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Royal Danish School of Pharmacy, Group of
Pharmacognosy, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Plants traditionally used in India to treat fever or malaria were examined in
vitro for antiplasmodial properties against Plasmodium falciparum. Of 80
analysed ethanol extracts, from 47 species, significant effects were found for
31 of the extracts. These represent 23 different species from 20 families. Of
the active species 20 were tested against P. falciparum for the first time. The
following five species seems to be of special interest for further antimalarial
studies, Casearia elliptica, Holarrhena pubescens, Pongamia pinnata, Soymida
febrifuga, and Plumbago zeylanica.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 11167038 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
27: Phytother Res. 1999 Jun;13(4):346/8.
An investigation into the biochemical basis of the observed hyperglycaemia in
rats treated with ethanol root extract of plumbago zeylanica.
Olagunju JA, Jobi AA, Oyedapo OO.
Department of Biochemistry, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Science, Ogun
State University, Ago/Iwoye, Nigeria.
The effects of the ethanol extract of the root of Plumbago zeylanica on key
enzymes of glycolysis and other biochemical parameters were studied in the rat.
The results show that thigh muscle hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate
kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were significantly reduced (p <
0.05) by 12.07%, 51.02%, 24.32% and 25.16% respectively in rats treated with the
ethanol extract of Plumbago zeylanica when compared with the controls. Serum
pyruvate and lactate were significantly lowered in the experimental rats by
23.64% and 46.29%, respectively. The difference between the supernatant protein
means was not statistically different (p > 0.05) suggesting the preservation of
protein synthesis in the muscle of the extract/treated rats. The reduction in
the activities of the key enzymes of glycolysis and its end/products suggests a
reduction in flux across the glycolytic pathway in the extract/treated rats.
This may be a result of impaired delivery to, and utilization of, glucose by the
peripheral tissue, thus substantiating the reported hyperglycaemia in the
extract/treated rats.
PMID: 10404546 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
28: Zygote. 1998 Nov;6(4):295/8.
Isolation and collection of two populations of viable sperm cells from the
pollen of Plumbago zeylanica.
Zhang Z, Xu H, Singh MB, Russell SD.
Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman
73019/0245, USA.
A protocol is described for individually collecting two populations of sperm
cells, Svn and Sua, from pollen of Plumbago zeylanica. Pollen grains were burst
in 10 mM MOPS buffer containing 0.8 M mannitol (pH 4.6). Paired sperm cells
released from pollen were separated using a microinjector. Svn and Sua were then
collected individually with a microinjector, based upon known size differences.
Collected sperm cells were washed with isolation medium and transferred to
liquid nitrogen until use. Fluorochromatic reaction (FCR) test of isolated sperm
cells showed a positive reaction, indicating that the isolated sperm cells are
viable; most of the sperm cells retain viability for at least 2 h.
Publication Types:
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/P.H.S.
PMID: 9921639 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
29: J Ethnopharmacol. 1998 Sep;62(2):183/93.
Screening of some Indian medicinal plants for their antimicrobial properties.
Ahmad I, Mehmood Z, Mohammad F.
Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Institute of Agriculture, Aligarh
Muslim University, India.
A total of 82 Indian medicinal plants traditionally used in medicines were
subjected to preliminary antibacterial screening against several pathogenic and
opportunistic microorganisms. Aqueous, hexane and alcoholic extracts of each
plant were tested for their antibacterial activity using agar well diffusion
method at sample concentration of 200 mg/ml. The results indicated that out of
82 plants, 56 exhibited antibacterial activity against one or more test
pathogens. Interestingly, extracts of five plants showed strong and broad
spectrum activity as compared to rest of 51 plant extracts which demonstrated
moderate activity. On the whole the alcoholic extracts showed greater activity
than their corresponding aqueous and hexane extracts. Among various extracts,
only alcoholic extracts of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia
belerica, Plumbago zeylanica and Holarrhena antidysenterica were found to show
potentially interesting activity against test bacteria. These active crude
alcoholic extracts were also assayed for cellular toxicity to fresh sheep
erythrocytes and found to have no cellular toxicity.
PMID: 9741890 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
30: Immunopharmacology. 1995 Sep;30(3):231/6.
Modulatory effect of plumbagin (5/hydroxy/2/methyl/1,4/naphthoquinone) on
macrophage functions in BALB/c mice. I. Potentiation of macrophage bactericidal
activity.
Abdul KM, Ramchender RP.
Department of Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.
The modulatory ability of plumbagin, a natural product from Plumbago zeylanica,
was studied on peritoneal macrophages of BALB/c mice. The macrophage functions
evaluated were bactericidal activity, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion
release. The bactericidal capacity of in vivo plumbagin/treated mouse
macrophages was estimated against Staphylococcus aureus. In low doses plumbagin
exerted a constant increase in bactericidal activity throughout the study period
whereas with a high dose a higher response was observed up to six weeks. But in
the next two weeks a considerable decline in the bactericidal activity was
noticed compared to low dose. Plumbagin was also seen to exert a similar
response on oxygen radical release by macrophages in vivo showing a clear
correlation between oxygen radical release and the bactericidal activity. The
data indicate that plumbagin augments the macrophage bactericidal activity by
potentiating the oxyradical release at low concentration whereas at the higher
concentration it has inhibitory activity.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 8557523 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
31: Mol Cell Biochem. 1993 Aug 11;125(1):59/63.
Effect of Plumbagin on some glucose metabolising enzymes studied in rats in
experimental hepatoma.
Parimala R, Sachdanandam P.
Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Madras, India.
Plumbagin (5/hydroxy/2/methyl/1,4/naphthoquinone) isolated from Plumbago
zeylanica Linn, when administered orally, at a dosage of 4 mg/kg body weight
induces tumour regression in 3/methyl/4/dimethyl aminoazobenzene (3MeDAB)
induced hepatoma in Wistar male rats. The purpose of this investigation was to
identify the changes in the rate of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in
tumour/bearing rats and the effects of treatment with Plumbagin. The levels of
certain glycolytic enzymes, namely, hexokinase; phosphoglucoisomerase; and
aldolase levels increased (p < 0.001) in hepatoma bearing rats, whereas they
decreased in Plumbagin administered rats to near normal levels. Certain
gluconeogenic enzymes, namely, glucose/6/phosphatase and
fructose/1,6/diphosphatase decreased (p < 0.001) in tumour hosts, whereas
Plumbagin administration increased the gluconeogenic enzyme levels in the
treated animals. These investigations indicate the molecular basis of the
different biological behaviour of 3MeDAB induced hepatoma and the
anticarcinogenic property of Plumbagin against hepatoma studied in rats.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 8264573 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
32: Zygote. 1993 May;1(2):143/54.
Cytoskeletal organisation and modification during pollen tube arrival, gamete
delivery and fertilisation in Plumbago zeylanica.
Huang BQ, Pierson ES, Russell SD, Tiezzi A, Cresti M.
Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman
73019/0245.
The cytoskeletal organisation of the isolated embryo sac and egg cells of
Plumbago zeylanica was examined before, during and after pollen tube penetration
into the embryo sac to determine the potential involvement of microtubules and
actin filaments in fertilisation. Material was singly and triply stained using
Hoechst 33258 to localise DNA, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/labelled
anti/alpha/tubulin to detect microtubules and rhodamine/phalloidin to visualise
F/actin. Microtubules in the unfertilised egg cell are longitudinally aligned in
the micropylar and mid/lateral areas, aggregating into bundles near the filiform
apparatus. In the perinuclear cytoplasm of the egg cell, microtubules become
more or less randomly aligned. F/actin bundles form a longitudinally aligned
mesh in the chalazal cytoplasm of the egg cell. In the central cell,
microtubules and F/actin are distributed along transvacuolar strands and are
also evident in the perinuclear region and at the periphery of the cell. During
pollen tube penetration, sparse microtubule bundles near the pathway of the
pollen tube may form an apparent microtubular 'conduit' surrounding the male
gametes at the delivery site. Actin aggregates become organised near the pathway
of the pollen tube and at the delivery site of the sperm cells. Subsequently,
actin aggregates form a 'corona' structure in the intercellular region between
the egg and central cell where gametic fusion occurs. The corona may have a role
in maintaining the close proximity of the egg and central cell and helping the
two sperm cells move and bind to their target cells. The cytoskeleton may also
be involved in causing the two nuclei of the egg and central cell to approach
one another at the site of gametic fusion and transporting the two sperm nuclei
into alignment with their respective female nucleus. The cytoskeleton is
reorganised during early embryogenesis.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non/P.H.S.
PMID: 8081810 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
33: Indian J Exp Biol. 1991 Jun;29(6):521/2.
Effect of Plumbago zeylanica root powder induced preimplantationary loss and
abortion on uterine luminal proteins in albino rats.
Devarshi P, Patil S, Kanase A.
Zoology Department, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India.
P. zeylanica treatment during first 7 days of pregnancy abolished uterine
proteins of 13,000, 19,000 and 26,000 and 75,000 Da molecular weights resulting
in preimplantationary loss. Proteins having molecular weights 55,000 and 65,000
Da were absent in aborted rats, that were given P. zeylanica root powder since
day 6 to day 17 of pregnancy. The results suggest that proteins having molecular
weights 13,000, 19,000, 26,000 and 75,000 Da influence the implantation and
proteins of 55,000 and 65,000 Da are required for the maintenance of the
pregnancy.
PMID: 1889824 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
34: Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1991 Jan;35(1):10/4.
Hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of plumbagin in rabbits.
Sharma I, Gusain D, Dixit VP.
Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Plumbagin (2/methyl/5/hydroxy, 1:4 naphthoquinone) isolated from the roots of
Plumbago zeylanica when administered to hyperlipidaemic rabbits, reduced serum
cholesterol and LDL/Chol. by 53 to 86 percent and 61 to 91 percent respectively.
It lowered cholesterol/phospholipid ratio by 45.8 percent and elevates the
decreased HDL/Chol significantly. Further, Plumbagin treatment prevented the
accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in liver and aorta and regressed
atheromatous plaques of thoracic and abdominal aorta. Plumbagin treated
hyperlipidaemic subjects excreted more fecal cholesterol and phospholipids. In
conclusion/Plumbagin feeding brings about a definite regression of atheroma and
prevents the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in liver and aorta.
PMID: 1917004 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
35: Indian J Med Res. 1990 Jan;91:18/20.
Effects of plumbagin on antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Durga R, Sridhar P, Polasa H.
Department of Microbiology, Osmania University, Hyderabad.
Plumbagin, a compound derived from the roots of Plumbago zeylanica (Chitramool)
was studied for its effect on the development of antibiotic resistance using
antibiotic sensitive strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. A
delayed growth was seen when these organisms were inoculated into the antibiotic
(streptomycin/rifampicin) medium, due to development of resistance in some of
the cells. However, the growth was completely prevented when the bacteria were
grown in the medium containing antibiotic and plumbagin together, and this was
attributed to prevention of development of antibiotic resistant cells.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 2188907 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
36: Plant Physiol. 1989 May;90(1):9/12.
Isolation of Fixed and Viable Eggs, Central Cells, and Embryo Sacs from Ovules
of Plumbago zeylanica.
Huang BQ, Russell SD.
Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
73019.
Three alternative protocols for light microscopy, electron microscopy, and
biochemical characterization of isolated megagametophytic tissues are described
employing enzymic maceration and microdissection of living and fixed ovular
tissue of Plumbago zeylanica. Morphologically well preserved megagametophytes
are obtained using fixed ovules in two different regimes (nearly 40 and 60%
yield, respectively). Fluorescein diacetate/positive megagametophytic cells are
recovered in nearly 20% of unfixed ovules using the third regime.
PMID: 16666774 [PubMed / as supplied by publisher]
37: Plant Physiol. 1988 Nov;88(3):764/769.
Two/Dimensional Electrophoretic Studies of the Proteins and Polypeptides in
Mature Pollen Grains and the Male Germ Unit of Plumbago zeylanica.
Geltz NR, Russell SD.
Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
73019.
Three fractions (male germ unit [MGU]/rich, cytoplasmic/particulate and
water/soluble proteins) were isolated from pollen of Plumbago zeylanica L.
Proteins were extracted using a phenol procedure and polypeptide patterns were
compared on one/ and two/dimensional polyacrylamide gels. The MGU/rich fraction
contains the sperm and vegetative nucleus of the pollen grain and yielded 427
spots >33 kilodaltons. The cyto/plasmic/particulate fraction contained 515 spots
>33 kilodaltons. The third fraction consisted of water/soluble proteins and
polypeptides from the pollen cytoplasm, in which 285 spots (>33 kilodaltons)
were identified. Of 133 polypeptide spots suitable for comparison, 18 were
unique to the MGU/rich fraction, 3 to the cytoplasmic/particulate fraction, 14
to the water/soluble fraction, 65 were common to two different fractions (and
absent in one), and 33 were common to all three of the fractions examined.
PMID: 16666380 [PubMed / as supplied by publisher]
38: Plant Physiol. 1986 May;81(1):317/319.
Isolation of Sperm Cells from the Pollen of Plumbago zeylanica.
Russell SD.
Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
73019.
Intact sperm cells of Plumbago zeylanica were released from mature pollen grains
near anthesis using osmotic shock with 20% sucrose. Sperm cell yields of up to
75% can be attained by differential centrifugation using a clinical centrifuge
with concentrations of up to 8.8 x 10(6) cells/milliliter. Such ;gametoplasts'
remain intact for up to 24 hours according to Evan's blue exclusion and can be
used for characterization or physiological manipulation.
PMID: 16664799 [PubMed / as supplied by publisher]
39: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1985 Sep;82(18):6129/6132.
Preferential fertilization in Plumbago: Ultrastructural evidence for
gamete/level recognition in an angiosperm.
Russell SD.
Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019.
Gametic fusion patterns in the angiosperm Plumbago zeylanica were determined by
using cytoplasmically dimorphic sperm cells differing in mitochondrion and
plastid content and then identifying paternal organelles through their
ultrastructural characteristics within the maternal cytoplasm at the time of
fertilization. The virtual absence of plastids within the sperm cell that is
physically associated with the vegetative nucleus allows paternal plastids to be
used to trace the fate of the two male gametes after fusion. Such paternal
plastids were present in the egg in >94% of the observed cases, indicating the
preferential fusion of the plastid/rich, mitochondrion/poor sperm cell with the
egg. In only one instance did the opposite pattern occur. Since the possibility
of this result occurring as the consequence of chance in random fusions is <1 in
7000, this represents strong evidence for the presence of a final putative
recognition event occurring at the gametic level.
PMID: 16593605 [PubMed / as supplied by publisher]
40: Indian J Med Res. 1982 Dec;76 Suppl:99/101.
Antifertility activity of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. root.
Azad Chowdhury AK, Sushanta KC, Azad Khan AK.
PMID: 7185760 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
41: Int J Crude Drug Res. 1982 Nov;20(3):133/7.
Folklore information from Assam for family planning and birth control.
Tiwari KC, Majumder R, Bhattacharjee S.
PIP: The author collected folklore information on herbal treatments to control
fertility from different parts of Assam, India. Temporary methods of birth
control include Cissampelos pareira L. in combination with Piper nigrum L., root
of Mimosa pudica L. and Hibiscus rosa/sinensis L. Plants used for permanent
sterilization include Plumbago zeylanica L., Heliotropium indicum L., Salmalia
malabrica, Hibiscus rosa/sinensis L., Plumeria rubra L., Bambusa rundinacea.
Abortion is achieved through use of Osbeckia nepalensis or Carica papaya L. in
combination with resin from Ferula narthex Boiss. It is concluded that there is
tremendous scope for the collection of folklore about medicine, family planning
agents, and other treatments from Assam and surrounding areas. Such a project
requires proper understanding between the survey team and local people, tactful
behavior, and a significant amount of time. Monetary rewards can also be
helpful for obtaining information from potential respondents.
PMID: 12266264 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
42: J Ethnopharmacol. 1982 Sep;6(2):191/226.
Research on plants for fertility regulation in India.
Kamboj VP, Dhawan BN.
PIP: This present review of Indian plants investigated for fertility regulation
includes published literature of the country and unpublished data of the Central
Drug Research Institute (CDRI), located in Lucknow, India. Publications without
supportive experimental data have not been included. It is evident from the
data presented in the tables that most of the investigators have failed to
include the valuable information on the time and place of collection and proper
botanical authentication, if conducted, in their publications. The plants
evaluated at the Institute do contain this information and their herbaria sheets
are available at CDRI. The plants, with part used, type of extract, isolated
compound/chromatographic fraction, dose, route and schedule of administration
with animal used, and percentage activity are given in tables. The plants are
classified according to their activity profile and presented accordingly.
Plants for which the hormonal profile or toxicity data have been reported are
dealt with under each type of activity. Most of the investigators did not
develop the active plants, probably because of inconsistent results in repeat
tests or lack of facilities. Major attention has been devoted to identifying
plants with interceptive properties. The schedules used are more or less
uniform and acceptable. On the basis of preliminary toxicity data,
extracts/compounds from "Aristolochia indica," "Artemisia scoparia," "Hibiscus
rosa sinensis," "Laccardia lacca," and "Plumbago zeylanica" exclude themselves
from consideration for follow/up. Wherever done, the hormonal profiles revealed
estrogenic activity in active extracts/fractions/compounds from "Artabotrys
odoratissimus," "Datura quercifolia," "Daucus carota," "Embelia ribes,"
"Hibiscus rosa sinensis," "Pueraria tuberosa" and "Tabernaemontana heyneana."
Thus they are not ideal for follow/up. Some more plants can be excluded
initially because of low activity or equivocal reports on activity. The
remaining plants, in order of priority, for follow/up should be "Ensete
superbum," "Achyranthes aspera," "Lygodium flexosum," "Sapindus trifoliatus,"
"Polygonum hydropiper," and "Abrus precatorius." The next priority could be
given to plants with weak estrogenicity. The CDRI has observed 100%
anti/implantation activity by 4 plants in hamsters. These should be the
potential plants for development since they appear to interfere with
progesterone synthesis or utilization.
Publication Types:
Review
PMID: 6752588 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
43: Protoplasma. 1974;81(1):49/62.
Ultrastructural organization of the egg of Plumbago zeylanica.
Cass DD, Karas I.
PMID: 4472523 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
44: Planta Med. 1971 Jul;20(1):8/13.
The constituents in the roots of Plumbago auriculata Lam. and Plumbago zeylanica
L. responsible for antibacterial activity.
van der Vijver LM, Lotter AP.
PMID: 5154609 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
45: Planta Med. 1966 Aug;14(3):337/51.
Plumbago zeylanica L. (Chitrak). A gastrointestinal flora normaliser.
Iyengar MA, Pendse GS.
PMID: 6013406 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
