Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
David H Kinder
Ohio Northern University College of Pharmacy, USA
Keynote: Asphodolus microcarpus (L) history and current use for the treatment of psoriasis: development and validation of an herb used for over a millennium
Time : 10.00-10.30
Biography:
David H Kinder completed his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Illinois. Following a Postdoctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in the Department of Oncology, he began a career in academia eventually rising to full rank at Ohio Northern University’s College of Pharmacy. For the past 15 years, he has been studying medicinal plants of the American Southwest as well as some medicinal plants in Israel. At Ohio Northern University, he is a member of the Ethnobotany Consortium with Drs. Vicki Motz, and Lynn Young and Chris Bowers studying various principles found in medicinal plants.
Abstract:
Western medicine has given us improved health and quality of life at the same time causing other problems with maintaining health. As we look to the past for better treatment of diseases, we find plants that are still in use by old communities for various diseases or conditions. So it is with the treatment of psoriasis. The story starts a millennium ago with the use of Asphodelus spp., where the juice of the bulb was squeezed on patchy itchy skin. Relief was rapid. Modern medicine substituted single agents for treating psoriasis, with some success, but we have shownand validated the use of a plant based therapy that has an advantage over these drugs. Furthermore when using plant based therapy, there are often several compounds that work in concert to affect the therapeutic outcome so that variations in individual responses to single agents can be minimized. Asphodelus are currently being used for treating psoriasis but has been known for at least a millennium among the Druse in the Golan. Psoriasis is a condition characterized by hyperplasia of the epidermal keratinocytes of skin causing flaky scales and crusty red patches. In vitro keratinocyte models then are a good representation for plaque psoriasis. An extract of Asphodelus shows potent keratinocyte inhibition. The extract has been subjected to fractionation and activity of several fractions have potent activity. Two clinical trials conducted by Pro-Z92 with a preparation of Asphodelus extract demonstrated efficacy that was as good as, or superior to that of corticosteroids.
Keynote Forum
Ian James Martins
Edith Cowan University, Australia
Keynote: Anti-aging genes improve NAFLD and Type 3 diabetes in Global populations
Time : 10:30-11:00
Biography:
Ian James Martins is a reviewer for various journals and was appointed as the Chief Editor for Scientific and Academic Publishing (2013/2014). Research Gate’s analysis of his publication stats places the RG score higher than 93% of the international researchers. He has been conferred with the Richard Kuhn Research Award-2015 Endocrinology and Metabolism. He sserved as Keynote Speaker at Ethnopharmacology 2016 conference.
Abstract:
In global communities humans have become more susceptible to adiposity compared with other species with the increased development of overweight individuals, non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Type 3 diabetes. Drugs that improve insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome with long term treatment have not been successful as a result of the increased susceptibility to NAFLD with removal of various anti-obese drugs from the market. The increased cell senescence in diabetes has been associated with the limited ability of cells to divide with indication of telomere shortening and genomic instability of cells that is connected to cell suicide. Lipoaspirates from obese individuals allow assessment of anti-aging genes relevant to mitochondrial biogenesis and effective drug therapy will be determined by non consumption of inhibitors of anti-aging genes (drugs) and consumption of healthy low calorie diets that activate adipocyte anti-aging genes. Defective anti-aging genes in adipocytes are linked to mitochondrial apoptosis in obesity and indicate that these genes are associated with defective hepatic drug clearance and metabolism. Interests in the global epidemic in obesity and diabetes involve anti-aging therapies that stabilize accelerated aging and delay chronic diseases. New drug development needs to be carefully interpreted in relation to nutritional intake with drug safety concerns/adverse effects relevant to adipogenesis and NAFLD in obesity.
Keynote Forum
Mohammed Hmamouchi
President of the Arab Federation Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Morocco
Keynote: Old remedies for new valorizations: Cross-cultural, phytochemical, pharmacological studies
Time : 11:20-11:50
Biography:
Mohammed Hmamouchi has obtained PhD in Phytochemistry (1986, Laval University in Canada). After his graduation, he gets research and teaching positions in the faculty of medicine and pharmacy in Rabat. In 1999, he has published his first main book; it is the fruit of several years of research and reflection, on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Morocco. In 2004, he was appointed by Moroccan government to develop and implement national policies on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. He oversaw build and equipment. He leads, as a Director, of a First National Institute on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (African and Arab). In 2011, he became President of the Arab Federation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. He was also the focal point of different international conventions and agreements, and coordinator of national and international MAP networks (Tempus: European Union Projects). He managed several research projects, contracts and cooperation agreement. He assisted business creation, cooperatives for the production of MAP and product development opportunities. He has worked with many international institutions and companies in over 30 countries. He is a member of several professional bodies and has received many grants and awards. In 2013 he became Advisor to the Minister of Higher Teacher Education, Scientific Research. He is continuing to do research, to be invited to give plenary lectures at the Congress (Guest Speakers) and also to make expertise.
Abstract:
African and Arab areas represent a unique hotspot of biological and cultural diversity in the world, which allows for interesting cross-cultural, ethnobotanical, phytochemical, pharmacological studies and valorization. The aims of this presentation are threefold: to document the state of traditional knowledge related to local plants uses from different communities in African and Arab areas; to introduce phytochemical and pharmacological studies; to discuss the correlation between chemical compositions and pharmacological activities. Twenty years ago, a comparative ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological study was conducted by our laboratory. The relevance of this presentation is to demonstrate how from using ethnobotanical, phytochemical studies in combination with the pharmacological screening we can develop new products with higher added value. After inventory, the traditional knowledge and examined historical interactions, we present the correlation between chemical compositions and pharmacological activities of many extracts and compounds. Regional information system has also been briefly developed. It that includes: scientific plant name and authority, vernacular names, chemical data, distribution, habitat, description, conservation status, indigenous knowledge including references to literature sources of the potential utilization as medicines, social uses, food, food additives, animal food, bee plants, invertebrate foods, poisons, environmental uses, gene sources, fuels, etc. The research work in progress there concern the study of 136 indigenous plant species, 148 extracts, 96 essential oils and 30 identified products. The plants which have been selected and studied constitute the most obvious choice to develop effective new drugs. This can be illustrated by the results of the study on phytochemical and bioassays investigations (in vitro and in vivo test systems), provide the reader with insight into what is currently possible in the study of bioactive plant materials. These results indicate that a large number of secondary metabolic compounds provide protection against bacterial, veridical, fungicidal, parasitical, insecticidal, mosquito larvae, dermatophyte, for plants diseases and can be used in treatments for cancer. They exhibit a number of protective functions for human. The conclusion can thus be drawn that the new bioactive products found can improve human and animal health in the pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic, agricultural and food industries, because the drug plants are readily available, less expensive, safe and effective and rarely have side effects. So, our program is one of the leading multi-disciplinary approaches to bioprospect to find these new bioactive natural products.
- Track 1: Pharmacology
Track 2: Phytochemical Studies of Plants and Plant Extracts
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton
Session Introduction
Vicki Motz
Ohio Northern University, USA
Title: Mullein extract antibiosis confirms ethnobotanical use for respiratory infections
Biography:
Vicki A Motz received her PhD from Boston University in 1986 and has been teaching Physiology and various aspects of Herbalism for over 30 years.She has generated 7 peer reviewed papers and 4 presentations since founding the ONU Ethnobotany Collaborative in 2009 with Christopher Bowers and David Kinder; to direct undergraduate student research with primary focus on validating ethnobotanical uses. The collaborative has mentored 26 student presentations at state, national and international levels.
Abstract:
Native to Europe and Asia, Common Mullein (Verbascusm thapsus L.) was introduced into North America in the 1700's. Oil extracts of mullein flowers were used by the Cherokee to treat earaches; and are used similarly by herbalists today. Mullein leaves have been smoked and mullein tea is consumed to treat respiratory issues by other Amerindians. Antibiosis is associated with several mullein constituents. Mullein flower and leaf samples were collected from 13 sites in the midwest and central Atlantic states. Flowers were transported in 91% isopropanol and air dried upon arrival in the lab; leaves were air dried. Sample voucher specimens were collected. Health of plants, insect type/degree of infestation, and topography of land were noted. Flowers and leaves were extracted in pH 4 phosphate buffer for 1 week and filtered. Buffer was evaporated, and samples reconstituted at 1 gm plant material/ml buffer. 100 µl aliquots were applied to 6 mm Whatman #3 dots and Kirby Bauer analysis performed on the following bacterial lawns: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus mutans, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Notably, the most sensitive species to mullein were respiratory pathogens, validating ethnobotanic use in all geographic locations. In both flowers and leaves, zones of inhibition were significantly (p=0.0019) larger against S. pneumoniae than against all species, and greater against Klebsiella pneumoniae than non-respiratory gram negative species. Furthermore, antibiosis was greatest late in the season when plants were in full flower. LC analysis of extracts is ongoing as is soil analysis.
William H. Witola
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Title: Anti-Protozoal Efficacy of 3-Deoxyanthocyanidins-rich Fractionated Extracts from Sorghum bicolor
Biography:
William H Witola completed his PhD at Hokkaido University, Japan, and Post-doctoral studies at University of Chicago Medical Center and University of Connecticut Medical Center. He is Assistant Professor of Parasitology in the College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has published more than 38 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
We investigated dried red leaf extracts of S. bicolor for activity against Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. S. bicolor red leaf extracts were obtained by bioassay-guided fractionation using ethanol and ethyl acetate as solvents. Analysis of the crude and fractionated extracts using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) showed that they contained significant amounts of apigeninidin, luteolinidin, 7-methoxyapigeninidin, 5-methoxyapigeninidin, 5-methoxyluteolinidin, 5-7-dimethoxyapigeninidin or 5-7-dimethoxyluteolinidin, based on mass per charge (m/z). When tested in vitro, the IC50 values of the inhibitory activity of the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts against T. gondii’s growth were 2.3- and 4-fold, respectively, lower than their cytotoxic IC50 values in mammalian cells. Ethyl acetate extracts fractionated in chloroform-methanol and chloroform had IC50 values against T. gondii that were 56.1- and 3-fold lower than their respective cytotoxic IC50 values in mammalian cells. These anti-parasitic activities were found to be consistent with those of the respective pure 3-deoxyanthocyanidin compounds identified to be contained in the fractions in significant amounts. Further, we observed that, the position and number of methoxy groups possessed by the 3-deoyanthocyanidins influenced their anti-parasitic activity. Together, our findings indicate that S. bicolor red-leaf 3-deoxyanthocyanidins-rich extracts have potent in vitro inhibitory activity against the proliferative stage of T. gondii parasites.
B Andallu
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, India
Title: Phytoceuticals: A new era in ethnopharmacology
Biography:
B Andallu completed her PhD from Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, A.P., India. She is the Head, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, recipient of awards and gold medals at national and international levels, authored and contributed chapters for books, published review and research articles, delivered talks and presented many research papers in national and international seminars/conferences, completed research projects, specialized in research on ‘Natural remedies for stress-induced diseases’, member of editorial board for reputed journals and life member in professional bodies and intersted in Pharmacology and Ethnopharmacology
Abstract:
Plants are an important source of biologically active substances and hence they have been used for medicinal purposes, since ancient times. The use of medicinal plants is usually based on traditional knowledge, from which their therapeutic properties are ratified in pharmacological studies. In the developing countries, the population relies basically on medicinal plants for primary health care, since modern medicines are expensive and not easily accessible. In recent years, even in the developed countries, herbal drugs gained popularity. Herbal medicines are always formed from a complex mixture of chemical compounds mainly secondary metabolites of plants termed as phytoceuticals’ as they are phytochemicals with pharmaceutical properties which provide health as well as medicinal benefits. There has been extensive research in the present years on oxidative stress in diseases associated with aging and the benefits of antioxidative phytoceuticals in the prevention of diseases and boosting of healthy aging. Phytoceuticals mainly from herbs and spices such as aniseeds, ajwain, coriander, mint, curry leaves etc. include isoprenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, phytoestrogens, alkaloids etc. exhibit antioxidant (ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, α-tocopherol, lycopene, glutathione, luteolin, etc.), anti-inflammatory (quercetin, capsaicin, curcumin, etc.), osteogenetic (genistein, diadzein, casein, inulin, etc.), hypolipidemic (MUFA, PUFA, resveratrol, saponins, tannins, beta-sitosterol, etc.) and anticarcinogenic (capsaicin, genistein, curcumin, ellagic acid, lutein, etc.) properties. Thus, phytoceuticals can act against oxidative stress-induced acute and chronic diseases viz. diabetes, arthritis and cancer and hence, these are powerful instruments in promoting optimal health, longevity and quality of life. Thus phytoceuticals hold great opportunities for pharmaceutical industries to bring out novel drugs and herbal supplements for future needs.
Esperanza Carcache de Blanco
The Ohio State University, USA
Title: Studies of Selected Ethnomedically Used Plants to Confirm Potential Health Benefits
Biography:
Esperanza Carcache de Blanco completed her PhD and Post-doctoral studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She was appointed as an Assistant Professor at the Ohio State University in 2005 where she currently serves as an Associate Professor. She has published more than 50 papers in reputed scientific journals.
Abstract:
Plants have been used ethnomedically for thousand years. Moreover, about 80% of the population in developed countries continue to use traditional medicine. These medicinal plants contain diverse secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins. The chemical diversity of these species constitutes the most obvious choice for the discovery of therapeutically effective new drugs intended at the treatment of different diseases states. Also, the health benefits associated with the phytochemicals are derived through several different mechanisms of action. Despite the worldwide use of these species, most of them have not been thoroughly studied to confirm their potential health benefits and exploration of the role of phytochemicals in human health, disease prevention, and treatment is still in its infancy. Hence, the importance of scrutinizing the composition and studying the mechanism of action of the active constituents of these plant species for the benefit of human health. The study of plants with historical ethnomedical uses, therefore, comprises a promising source for the discovery of new drug leads or new phytochemicals with great potential in the prevention and treatment of different diseases.
Ashutosh Sharma
Tecnológico de Monterrey, México.
Title: Metabolic profiling and DNA barcoding of the Mexican anxiolytic and sedative plant Galphimia glauca
Biography:
Ashutosh Sharma has completed his PhD from State University of Morelos, Mexico and Post-doctoral studies from National Autonomus University of Mexico (UNAM). Currently, he is the Biotechnology Program Director and Full Time Research Professor at Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Queretaro, Mexico, a world class university. He has published more than 16 papers in international reputed journals and is reviewer of several international journals as well. He is inventor of 1 patent, co-author of 1 book and co-author of 2 book chapter. He is the youngest high level Professor of the university. He has presented more than 30 scientific work in various countries like USA, Holland, Chile, Brazil, India, Canada, China and Mexico. He is member of various scientific organizations and comitees. He has recieved various awards, national and international scholarships during his career. He has fellowship of the prestigious national research system of Mexico, where he also serve as acredited evaluator for revising scientific project funded by National science and technology foundation of Mexico. Currently he directs thesis for 2 Master students and 1 PhD student.
Abstract:
Galphimia glauca has a long traditional use, and continues to be used in Mexico as a natural tranquilizer for the treatment of Central Nervous System disorders as well as for other illnesses. The genus Galphimia contains 26 different species but Identification of this particular species throughout Mexico is highly mistaken by local people and botanists from reputed universities. Aim of this study was to investigate it´s metabolic profile, confirm it´s ethno-botanical use and correct the mistaken identification of this species. Metabolic profiling was carried out by means of (1)H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis applied to crude extracts from wild plant specimens. HPLC analysis was performed to confirm and quantify the presence of galphimines. Two neuropharmacological in vivo assays on mice were employed to study anxiolytic (elevated plus maze test) and sedative (sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis model) activities in the extracts. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by using the tetradecanoylphorbol acetate-induced mouse ear inflammation model (TPA). For DNA barcoding we employed matK, rpoC1 and rbcL DNA barcodes to indicate the different species. Furthermore to investigate the possible impact of the several different ecosystems where the seven populations were collected, thin layer chromatography was employed to create a partial chemical profile, which was then compared with the metabolic profiles obtained by (1)H-NMR and multivariate data analysis. The results confirm that only two out of seven populations showed anxiolytic and sedative effect. The galphimines are consistent good markers for CNS activity. Galloylquinic acid levels varied throughout the populations studied. As per our knowledge, this is the first study, which shows that these populations of Galphimia genus represent significant anti-inflammatory activity in all investigated populations that is not linked with galphimines. This study showed that the seven populations here analyzed contain at least three different species of the genus Galphimia, although each individual population is homogeneous. Interestingly our TLC analysis clearly showed that the active populations displayed a distinctively unique chemical profile. This work also showed that the use of DNA barcodes combined with chemical profile analysis is an excellent approach to solve the problems of quality control in the development of Galphimia-based medicines as well as for any breeding programs for this species.
Zhang Li
Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
Title: Identification and mechanism study of novel anti-cancer components from Garcinia species
Biography:
Soon We will Update
Abstract:
The Garcinia genus is an invaluable source of novel bioactive compounds. Of the 20 Garcinia spp. found across China, over 300 compounds including 90 novel xanthones and PPAPs from 15 such plants have been identified by our group. It is intriguing to find that xanthones and PPAPs possess discrete anti-cancer properties not limited to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy and anti-metastasis. In this presentation, we will summarize our systematic work in the last 10 years including: (1) the bioassay-guided fractionation and identification of novel compounds from Garcinia plants; (2) the mechanism study of active compounds targeting multiple pathways such as apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis; (3) the evaluation of synergistic effects of combinations of various lead compounds with anti-cancer drugs. The understanding of synergistic effects of isolated active compounds can be an imperative approach for finding new efficient drugs in the treatment of cancer. Our studies provide scientific evidences supporting further research and development of the promising lead compounds identified from Garcinia species in China.
Yibin Feng
The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Title: Anticancer effect of Coptis: Destination of its two thousand years journey?
Biography:
Yibin Feng is currently an Associate Professor cum Associate Director in School of Chinese Medicine, the University of Hong Kong. He was awarded Bachelor degree in Chinese Medicine from Mainland China. He was awarded his PhD degree in Molecular Medicine from Hokkaido University School of Medicine and finished Post-doctoral research in the same University in Japan. His research interest focuses on clinical trial and experimental study for cancer, diabetes, hepatic and renal diseases by using recently developed techniques. He has published over 200 publications in these areas and serve as editor and reviewer for over 50 international journals.
Abstract:
Coptis has been used in Chinese medicine over two thousand years. Until Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) of China, composite formulae containing Coptis already reached 1500 recipes. They are for treating various diseases in terms of hot and dampness syndromes, which are kinds of infective and inflammatory diseases nowaday. The ethnopharmacological traits of Coptis have led to scientific research to unravel the chemistry and mechanism of its action in in vitro and in vivo models. Coptis and its composite formulae encompass a wide range of ingredients with a variety of bioactives responsible for their efficacy in prevention and treatment of various diseases such as infective, cardiovascular and diabetic diseases. Recently, we focus on effect of Coptis in cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using molecular and cellular as well as OMICS technologies, we conducted series studies on anticancer effect of Coptis. Based on miRNAs chip array, we found miRNA-23a was upregulated by Coptis and berberine in HCC. We further demonstrated that overexpression of mir-23a could significantly potentiate the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effect of etoposide. We also investigated the involvement of microRNA-23a in p53-mediated inhibition of HCC by berberine. Discussion will be conducted on, is the anticancer effect of Coptis, destination for its two thousand years journey? And why Coptis can be panacea for multiple diseases?
Walber Toma
Santa CecÃlia University, Brazil
Title: Terminalia catappa L.: A medicinal plant from the Caribbean pharmacopeia with anti-Helicobacter pylori and antiulcer action in experimental rodent models
Biography:
Walber Toma has completed his PhD from University of Campinas (Unicamp) from Brazil. He is the Researcher of the Department of Ecology from Santa Cecília University (Unisanta) and also from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in São Camilo University (São Camilo). In Santa Cecília University, he is the Main Researcher of a Laboratory of Natural Products that seeks ethnopharmacological informations from the South Coast populations of São Paulo state. He is also the Director of an specialization course in Clinical Pharmacology at Unisanta. He has published more than 30 papers on the following subjects: ethnopharmacology, gastroprotective activity of plant extracts, toxicology and ecotoxicology assays from natural products.
Abstract:
Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) is a medicinal plant listed as a pharmacopeia vegetable from Caribbean to treat gastritis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective and healing effect of the Aqueous Fraction (FrAq) obtained from the leaves of Terminalia catappa and to determine the antiulcer mechanism of action in experimental rodent models and its activity to Helicobacter pylori. The FrAq was challenged by different necrotizing agents in rodent models, such as absolute ethanol and ischemia–reperfusion injury. The antiulcer mechanism of action of FrAq was assessed and the healing effects of the fraction after seven and 14 days of treatment was evaluated by matrix metalloproteinase activity (MMP-2 and MMP-9). The toxicological effect of subacute treatment with FrAq during 14 days of treatment was also analyzed. The anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was determined by microdilution. The phytochemical study of the fraction was analyzed by experiments with FIA-ESI-IT-MSn (Direct Flow Analysis-ionization Electrospray Ion Trap Tandem Mass Spectrometry) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to a Photodiode Array (PDA). The results after the oral treatment with FrAq (25 mg/kg) significantly decreased the number of ulcerative lesions induced by ethanol and ischemia/reperfusion injury. The action of FrAq was mediated by the activation of defensive mucosa-protective factors, such as increases in mucus production, the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and endogenous prostaglandins. Oral treatment with FrAq for seven and 14 days significantly reduced the lesion area (80% and 37%, respectively) compared to the negative control group. Analyses of MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity from gastric mucosa confirmed the accelerated gastric healing effect of FrAq. This extract also presented considerable activity against Helicobacter pylori. The mass spectrum and MS/MS of the aqueous fraction indicates the existence of many different phenolic compounds, including punicalagin, punicalin, and gallagic acid, among others. We concluded that FrAq from Terminalia catappa leaves has excellent preventive and curative effects on acute and chronic induced gastric ulcers and showed an important profile against Helicobacter pylori.
Kamaluddeen Garba
Bayero University, Nigeria
Title: Anticonvulsant effects of ethanol stem bark extract of Lannea barteri (Anacardiaceae) in mice and chicks
Biography:
Kamaluddeen Garba earned is his MSc from Bayero University, Kano, where he is currently working as Lecturer. Before then, he had brief stint at multinational pharmaceutical companies where he held various marketing/sales roles. His burning interest in the academia made him join Bayero University, Kano 2012. His major area of interest is in the discovery of lead molecules from natural product that could translate to safer and efficacious agents to treat epilepsy. He has published articles in this area in international journals. He is strongly open to collaboration from partners in this field.
Abstract:
Preparation of Lannea barteri is used in the treatment of epilepsy, gastritis, childhood convulsions among other uses in northern Nigeria for many years. The popularity of its efficacy is well established among the Traditional Medical Practitioners. The present study aimed at screening the ethanol stem bark extract of Lannea barteri for possible anticonvulsant action. Anticonvulsant screening was carried out using Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), Strychnine (STN) and Picrotoxin (PTC) induced seizures in mice while Maximal Electroshock (MES) test was carried out in day old chicks. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts was performed on the extracts. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose (LD50) was carried out in mice. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) LD50 of the extract was estimated to be 567.70 mg/kg in mice. Lannea barteri (160 mg/kg) significantly (p≤0.05) delayed the mean onset of seizures induced by PTZ when compared with normal saline treated group. Similarly, the extract at 160 mg/kg significantly (p≤0.05) prolonged the latency of convulsion induced by STN. Lannea barteri (40 mg/kg) significantly (p≤0.05) delayed the mean onset of seizures induced by picrotoxin in mice. The extracts at all the doses tested showed no observable effect in decreasing the mean recovery time of convulsed chicks in MEST. Flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and glycosides were found present in the stem bark extract. Our findings revealed that the ethanol stem bark extract of Lannea barteri contained bioactive constituents that may be useful in the management of petit mal epilepsy and supports the ethnomedical claim for the use of its stem bark in the management of epilepsy.
Tavs Atavwoda Abere
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Title: Antisickling and toxicological evaluation of the leaves of Scoparia dulcis Linn (Scrophulariaceae).
Biography:
Tavs Atavwoda Abere obtained his BPharm, MSc and PhD Degrees in Pharmacognosy from the University of Benin, Benin City. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City and a resource person for the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MPCD) of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN). He has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Scoparia dulcis Linn (Scrophulariaceae) together with other medicinal plants serve as antisickling remedies in Africa. This study was aimed at investigating the antisickling activity of the leaves of the plant as well as establishing the toxicological profile. Chemical tests were employed in phytochemical investigations. Evaluation of the antisickling activity involved the inhibition of sodium metabisulphite-induced sickling of the HbSS red blood cells obtained from confirmed sickle cell patients who were not in crises. Concentrations of the crude extract and its fractions were tested with normal saline and p-hydroxybenzoic acid serving as controls. Acute toxicological evaluation was carried out in mice while 30-day assessment was done in rats. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins. Percentage sickling inhibitions of the aqueous methanol extracts of S. dulcis were significant all through the period of assay p < 0. 05 compared to normal saline, but not significant with PHBA. The fractions had less activity compared to the crude extracts. The LD 50 of the extract in mice was above 8000 mg/kg body weight when administered orally. Toxicological evaluations at 250 and 500 mg/kg showed mild congestion in virtually all the target organs. The antisickling results confirmed traditional usage of Scoparia dulcis in the management of Sickle cell disorders and a candidate for further investigations.
Xu Min
Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
Title: The impact of Rhizoma Chuanxiong in fetal bone development
Biography:
Xu Min, Assistant Professor in the School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University. His researches including the safety assessment of Chinese medicine, the systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials, the study of anti-drugs, and study of metabolic bone diseases, etc.
Abstract:
Rhizoma Chuanxiong (CX) has been ranked as one of the top 20 herbs applied commonly for anti-miscarriages among Chinese pregnant women. However, CX should be used with caution during pregnancy as its property of “invigorating blood circulation and removing blood stagnation”. This study aims to assess the impacts of CX aqueous extract in fetal bone development referred to the WHO, FDA and OECD guidelines. CX aqueous extract was prepared and pregnant mice were orally treated at 32 g/kg/day (CX group) from the gestation day (GD) 6 to 16, or treated with distilled water as the negative controls (NC group). All mice were sacrificed to assess maternal and fetal parameters on the GD18. The expressions of biomarkers related to the fetal bone development including PICP, ICTP, B-ALP, BGP, Gdf-5, BMPs, BMP-6, BMP-8, BMP-11 in fetal tissue samples were measured with ELISA analyses. The results showed that live fetus/litter, mean fetal BW in the CX group were significantly lower than NC group (p < 0.05); the resorption site/litter, post-implantation loss/litter and percentage of abnormal skeletal variation were significantly higher than NC group (p < 0.05); meanwhile the expressions of PICP, osteocalcin, BMPs, BMP-6, BMP-11 in the CX group were significantly lower than NC group (p < 0.05). It indicated that high-dosage and long-term use of CX might result in fetal bone malformations coupled with a significant down-regulation of biomarkers related to bone formation during osteogenesis. (This project was supported by the HKBU-FRG2/14-15/109, HKBU-UGC matching grant 40-48-095 and NSFGD 2014A030313414)
Francois Simard
Unviersite du Quebec a Chicoutimi, Canada
Title: Anti-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) flavonoids from Populus balsamifera buds and prilimenary determination of structure-activity relationships
Biography:
François Simard has completed his PhD from Université du Québec à Chicoutimi at laboratoire d’analyse et de sépatation des essences végétales (LASEVE) working on the isolation and caracterization of natural products from the boreal forest of Canada. His work has led to the publication of 6 journal articles and 1 book chapter. He is pursuing Postdoctoral studies at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
Abstract:
North America Aboriginals applied preperation of buds from Populus balsamifera on frost-bitten members, sores and inflamed wounds. Our group has undertaken a phytochemical investigation of buds from P. balsamifera after an ethnaolic extract showed a strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus. The investigation led to the isolation of a unique series of 22 antibacterial flavonoids, named balsacones, which are dihydrochalcone or flavan core substituted by up to four hydroxycinnamyl chains. Flavan core balsacones were isolated as racemic mixtures and some of them were purified using chiral chromatography. The absolute configuration of isolated enantiomers was determined using X-ray diffraction analyses and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Racemic mixtures of balsacones were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Several of the tested balsacones were potent anti-MRSA agents showing MIC values in the low micromolar range. Structure-activity relationships study highlighted some important parameters involved in the antibacterial activity of balsacones such as the presence of a cinnamyl chain at position C-3 and a cinnamoyl chain at position C-8 of the flavan skeleton. These results suggest that balsacones could represent a potential novel class of naturally occurring anti-MRSA agents.
Bingxin Ma
Wuhan University, China
Title: Coptis chinensis inflorescence –derived from a kind of potential edible and medicinal plant with multiple functions
Biography:
Bingxin Ma is a PhD student from Wuhan University. The research mainly focuses on the quality control and pharmacological activity of traditional Chinese medicine. She has published 11 papers in reputed journals and the total impact factors are 31.042.
Abstract:
In China, Coptis chinensis (C. chinensis) planting areas are mainly concentrated in the habitat of Tujia National Minority.Traditionally, C. chinensis inflorescence is made as tea drink among local indigenous people. Nowadays, some pharmacological activities of C. chinensis have been verified, such as antioxidative, anti-phototoxicity, hypoglycemic, and hepatoprotective effects. C.chinensis inflorescence extract (CE) is rich in phenolics, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and isoquinoline alkaloids. The antioxidant activity was accomplished both in vitro and in vivo. For in vitro assay, CE could scavenge free radical and inhibit lipid peroxidation. For in vivo assay, the effects were accomplished in mice. The protective effect of CE against UVB-induced damage was also measured. The indicators of LOOH, CD, 4-HNE, GSH and MDA were used to prove such effect in mitochondria model. The skin of mice could also be treated with CE against the damage caused by UVB irradition. For hyperglycaemia, CE could inhibit the α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, increase glucose consumption in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte and ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by reducing the blood glucose level and increasing the insulin content. The hepatoprotective of CE was verified in HepG2 by increasing cell viability and reducing ALT and AST acivities. The main mechanism is phosphorylation of MAPKs and activation of Keap1, Nrf2 and phase II detoxification enzymes. The acute and subacute toxicity was measured to prove the primary safety of CE. Above studies not only provide scientific foundation for using C. chinensis inflorescence, but also broaden its application.
Arunabha Ray
University of Delhi, India
Title: Newer strategies in herbal drug research and development: focus on reverse pharmacology
Biography:
Arunabha Ray, MD, PhD, is Chair, Department of Pharmacology at the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Delhi. He has 37 years teaching and research experience in basic and clinical pharmacology and toxicology and has been the recipient of several awards and honors for research excellence. He has more than 150 research publications, is author of several text and reference book chapters, editor of 04 books in his areas of expertise, and author of a Textbook in Pharmacology.
Abstract:
Herbal drugs are rapidly emerging as viable therapeutic alternatives/adjuncts in various pathophysiological states, and, such medicinal plant derived agents form the basis of therapy in traditional systems of medicine. In recent years several novel strategies have been proposed in the area of herbal drug research and development and interactions between traditional and modern systems of medicine are being promoted. Reverse pharmacology is a concept that attempts to validate herbal drug action and is viewed as an alternative mode of drug development by using a trans-disciplinary and multi-targeted approach. Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by airflow obstruction, airway inflammation, persistent airway hyper-responsiveness and airway remodeling. Pharmacotherapy, which is the cornerstone of management, is associated with efficacy and safety issues, and there is search for viable alternatives from botanical sources. UNIM-352 is a polyherbal agent with reported clinical benefits in bronchial asthma and we adopted a reverse pharmacology approach to elucidate its mechanism of action in preclinical experimental models. In ovalbumin immunized rats, UNIM-352 modulated markers of airway inflammation (TNF-α, NF-κB, HDAC, TGF-β and IgE) in both blood and BAL fluid, which were comparable with prednisolone. Further, UNIM-352 treated groups markedly reduced the number of eosinophil and neutrophil cells in both body fluids. UNIM-352 treatment also showed reductions degree of epithelial hyperplasia, goblet cell function and collagen formation in lung tissue– suggestive of an anti-remodeling role. The results suggest anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-remodeling mechanisms of UNIM-352 may contribute to its observed beneficial effects of this herbal agent in bronchial asthma, and highlights the importance of reverse pharmacology in herbal drug research.
Yan Zhou
Chengdu Institute of Biology, China
Title: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Phytochemical Constituents Using LC–MS
Biography:
Yan Zhou has completed his PhD in 2004 from Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Post-doctoral studies from Chinese University of Hong Kong School of Chinese Medicine. She is awarded the outstanding technical talent of CAS in 2010, is now the Director of core laboratory, Professor and of Chengdu Institute of Biology, CAS. She has been engaged in the discovery of bioactive components of Chinese herbal plants and quality control of traditional Chinese medicines by HPLC-MS. She has published more than 100 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
The safety, quality and efficacy of medicinal plants or herbal medicines are assured by chemical analysis. It is essential to identify and measure the bioactive constituents of medicinal plants to ensure the reliability and repeatability of clinical research and enhance quality control from the pharmacologically beneficial and/or hazardous perspectives. The application of the high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry in the quality control of Chinese medicines was discussed based on the recent research progress achieved in our group. Focus was put on the innovative strategies and methodologies for the holistic chemical profiling of Chinese medicines by LC-MS, as well as their application in authentication of raw materials, evaluation of post-harvest handling, exploration of new resources of certain bioactive components and detection of toxic components.
Biography:
Tavs Atavwoda Abere obtained his BPharm, MSc and PhD Degrees in Pharmacognosy from the University of Benin, Benin City. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City and a resource person for the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MPCD) of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN). He has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
The present investigation entitled “Standardization of extraction techniques of picroside-I and picroside-II from “Kutki” (Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.)” was carried out in the department of forest products, Dr. Y. S. Parmar university of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (India) during 2012-2014. The fresh roots and rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa were collected from Rohtang area of Himachal Pradesh. The freshly harvested material was ground into uniform powdered form after washing with water to remove the adhering materials and drying in shade. This powdered air dried roots and rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa was used for standardization of extraction methods of picroside-I and picroside-II. Four different extraction methods viz. soxhlet, extraction by refluxing, microwave assisted extraction and sonication assisted extraction were tested for extraction of picroside-I and picroside-II from the rhizome of Picrorhiza kurroa. Sonication assisted extraction for 36 minutes with methanol as solvent yielded 44.269 per cent extract with 6.825 per cent picroside-I and 5.291 per cent picroside-II content, which was better in comparison to other methods in terms of time consumption and yield.