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Immune Booster: Selected Abstracts

1. Chemical composition of Rosa canina: ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
   and antioxidants.
2. Carotenoid composition of Rosa canina, including ß-carotene.
3. Antioxidant effect of Taraxacum officinale.
4. Uses of Withania somnifera.
5. Antioxidant components of Zingiber officinale.
6. Adaptogenic properties of Withania somnifera.
7. Immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-emetic actions of Zingiber officinale.
8. Antibacterial activity of honey.
9. Bactericidal activity of honey against pathogenic bacteria.
10. Antibacterial activity of honey against Staphylococcus aureus.
11. Honey as an antiseptic in managing Pseudomonas infection.
12. Additive action of honey against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.
13. Antioxidant components of honey.
14. Anthelmintic activity of ginger.

1. Chemical composition of fruits in some rose (Rosa spp.) species.
Ercisli S. Food Chemistry 104 (2007) 1379–1384.

Fruits of Rosa canina, Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri, Rosa dumalis subsp. antalyensis, Rosa villosa, Rosa pulverulenta and Rosa pisiformis were assayed for total phenolics, ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, total dry weight, total fat, fatty acids, pH, acidity, moisture, fruit colour and macro- and micro-elements. The highest total phenolic content was observed in Rosa canina (96 mg GAE/g DW). Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri had the highest total fat content (1.85%), followed by Rosa pulverulenta (1.81%) and Rosa canina (1.78%), respectively. Nine major fatty acids were determined in rose species and a-linolenic acid was found to be dominant for all species. Total soluble solids, total dry weight, moisture and ascorbic acid contents of rose species varied from 29.42% (Rosa villosa)–37.33% (Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri), 33.85% (Rosa villosa)–40.35% (Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri), 59.65% (Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri)–66.15%
(Rosa villosa) and 727 mg/100 g FW (Rosa villosa) and 943 mg/100 g FW (Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri), respectively. Nitrogen and mineral compositions of the rose species, e.g., N, P, K, Ca and Mg, were (averagely): 1.26%, 513 mg/100 g DW, 639 mg/100 g DW, 196 mg/100 g DW and 114 mg/100 g DW, respectively. The present study shows that the native rose genotypes are extremely rich
sources of phenolics, carbohydrates and ascorbic acid, demonstrating their potential use as a food or food additive.

2. Carotenoid composition of Rosa canina fruits determined by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography.
Hodisan T, Socaciu C, Ropan I, Neamtu G. Jornal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 16 (1997) 521-528.

The carotenoid composition of fruits of Rosa canina (Rosaceae) was determined comparatively by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in total extracts and in three different analyses revealed as major carotenoids: ß-carotene, lycopene, ß-chryptoxanthin, rubixanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein. The distribution of these compounds was reproducible by TLC and by HPLC. The I-III fractions eluted successively from alumina columns by increasing the polarity of the solvents were analysed also by TLC and HPLC. In all situations, carotenoids were better separated and identified by gradient HPLC systems than by isocratic HPLC or TLC.

3. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extract suppresses both reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide and prevents lipid oxidation in vitro.
Hu C, Kitts D.D. Phytomedicine 12 (2005) 588–597.

Flavonoids and coumaric acid derivatives were identified from dandelion flower (Taraxacum officinale). Characteristics of chainbreaking antioxidants, such as extended lag phase and reduced propagation rate, were observed in oxidation of linoleic acid emulsion with the addition of dandelion flower extract (DFE). DFE suppressed both superoxide and hydroxyl radical, while the latter was further distinguished by both site-specific and non-specific hydroxyl radical inhibition. DPPH-radical-scavenging activity and a synergistic effect with a-tocopherol were attributed to the reducing activity derived from phenolic content of DFE. A significant (po0:05) and concentrationdependent, reduced nitric oxide production from bacterial-lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells was observed with the addition of DFE. Moreover, peroxyl-radical-induced intracellular oxidation of RAW264.7 cells was inhibited significantly (po0:05) by the addition of DFE over a range of concentrations. These results showed that the DFE possessed marked antioxidant activity in both biological and chemical models. Furthermore, the efficacy of DFE in inhibiting both reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide were attributed to its phenolic content.

4. Withania somnifera: An Indian ginseng.
Kulkarni S.K., Dhir A. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry (2007).

Withania somnifera, popularly known as Ashwagandha is widely considered as the Indian ginseng. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a rasayana (rejuvenation) and expected to promote physical and mental health, rejuvenate the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. Having a wide range of activity, it is used to treat almost all disorders that affect the human health. The present
review discusses the pharmacological basis of the use of W. somnifera in various central nervous system (CNS) disorders, particularly its indication in epilepsy, stress and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disorders, tardive dyskinesia, cerebral ischemia, and even in the management of drug addiction.

5. Two new compounds from Zingiber officinale.
Zhao Y. et al. Chinese Chemical Letters 18 (2007) 1247–1249.

A new cyclic diarylheptanoid, 1,5-epoxy-3-hydroxy-1-(3-methoxy-4,5 ihydroxyphenyl)-7-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-heptane (1), as well as a new monoterpene, 10-O-b-D- glucopyranosyl-hydroxy cineole (2) were isolated from the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were established based on their spectral data. In addition, the antioxidant activities of these compounds were also measured.

6. Adaptogenic and cardioprotective action of ashwagandha in rats and frogs.
Dhuley J.N. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 70 (2000) 57–63.

Pharmacological and metabolic effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. (Solanaceae)) used in Ayurveda as a herbal tonic and health food were studied. Ashwagandha was shown to increase swimming time in rats in physical working capacity test, i.e. rats swimming endurance test. Significant increase in relative heart weight and glycogen content in myocardium and liver was also observed in ashwagandha treated group. Ashwagandha treatment increased the duration of contractility in functional test for the resistance of frog heart muscle towards the toxic action of strophanthin-K. Ashwagandha treatment also resulted in significant increase in coagulation time which attains normalcy 7 days after cessation of treatment. Ashwagandha possesses no toxicity up to a dose of (100 mg:kg; p.o. for 180 days) and does not cause significant changes in biochemical parameters in the blood serum of rats. Increase in catecholamine content in the heart and aortic tissues and their decrease in adrenal glands are unfavourable effects of high doses of ashwagandha. On the basis of these observations, it was concluded that ashwagandha possesses adaptogenic, cardiotropic, cardioprotective and anticoagulant properties.

7. Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research.
Ali B.A. et al. Food and Chemical Toxicology (2007).

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberacae) is a medicinal plant that has been widely used in Chinese, Ayurvedic and Tibb-Unani herbal medicines all over the world, since antiquity, for a wide array of unrelated ailments that include arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, muscular aches, pains, sore throats, cramps, constipation, indigestion, vomiting, hypertension, dementia, fever, infectious diseases and helminthiasis. Currently, there is a renewed interest in ginger, and several scientific investigations aimed at isolation and identification of active constituents of ginger, scientific verification of its pharmacological actions and of its constituents, and verification of the basis of the use of ginger in some of several diseases and conditions. This article aims at reviewing the most salient
recent reports on these investigations. The main pharmacological actions of ginger and compounds isolated therefrom include immuno-modulatory, anti-tumorigenic, antiinflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-lipidemic and anti-emetic actions. Ginger is a strong anti-oxidant substance and may either mitigate or prevent generation of free radicals. It is considered a safe herbal medicine with only few and insignificant adverse/ side effects. More studies are required in animals and humans on the kinetics of ginger and its constituents and on the effects of their consumption over a long period of time.

8. Antibacterial activity of honey from stingless honeybees (Hymenoptera; Apidae; Meliponinae).
Temaru E, Shimura S, Amano K, Karasawa T. Pol J Microbiol. 2007;56(4):281-5.

The aim of the study was to examine antibacterial activity of the honey of stingless honeybees (Meliponinae). An agar well diffusion assay demonstrated that many honey samples of stingless honeybees inhibited the growth of test strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; moreover, they exhibited non-peroxide antibacterial activity against those strains. This is the first time that non-peroxide antimicrobial activity of honey from a number of species of stingless honeybees has been demonstrated. These antibacterial activities appear to be powerful, even when compared to those of "manuka honey" from Apinae honeybees.

9. Bactericidal activity of different honeys against pathogenic bacteria.
Lusby PE, Coombes AL, Wilkinson JM. Arch Med Res. 2005 Sep-Oct;36(5):464-7.

BACKGROUND: Renewed interest in honey for various therapeutic purposes including treatment of infected wounds has led to the search for new antibacterial honeys. In this study we have assessed the antibacterial activity of three locally produced honeys and compared them to three commercial therapeutic honeys (including Medihoney and manuka honey). METHODS: An agar dilution method was used to assess the activity of honeys against 13 bacteria and one yeast. The honeys were tested at five concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 20%. RESULTS: Twelve of the 13 bacteria were inhibited by all honeys used in this study with only Serratia marcescens and the yeast Candida albicans not inhibited by the honeys. Little or no antibacterial activity was seen at honey concentrations <1%, with minimal inhibition at 5%. No honey was able to produce complete inhibition of bacterial growth. Although Medihoney and manuka had the overall best activity, the locally produced honeys had equivalent inhibitory activity for some, but not all, bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Honeys other than those commercially available as antibacterial honeys can have equivalent antibacterial activity. These newly identified antibacterial honeys may prove to be a valuable source of future therapeutic honeys.

10. Antibacterial activity of honey against strains of Staphylococcus aureus from infected wounds.
Cooper RA, Molan PC, Harding KG. J R Soc Med. 1999 Jun;92(6):283-5.

The antibacterial action of honey in infected wounds does not depend wholly on its high osmolarity. We tested the sensitivity of 58 strains of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from infected wounds, to a pasture honey and a manuka honey. There was little variation between the isolates in their sensitivity to honey: minimum inhibitory concentrations were all between 2
and 3% (v/v) for the manuka honey and between 3 and 4% for the pasture honey. Thus, these honeys would prevent growth of S. aureus if diluted by body fluids a further seven-fold to fourteen-fold beyond the point where their osmolarity ceased to be completely inhibitory. The antibacterial action of the pasture honey relied on release of hydrogen peroxide, which in vivo might be reduced by catalase activity in tissues or blood. The action of manuka honey stems partly from a phytochemical component, so this type of honey might be more effective in vivo. Comparative clinical trials with standardized honeys are needed.

11. The use of honey as an antiseptic in managing Pseudomonas infection.
Cooper R, Molan P. J Wound Care. 1999 Apr;8(4):161-4.

A laboratory study was undertaken to extend existing knowledge about the effectiveness of the antibacterial properties of honey against pseudomonads. To date, sensitivity testing has used non-standardised honeys, which may vary greatly in their antibacterial potency. Pure cultures of Pseudomonas spp, isolated from swabs from 20 infected wounds, were inoculated on the surface of nutrient agar plates containing various concentrations of honey in the medium. Two types of honey were used, a manuka honey and a pasture honey, each selected to have antibacterial activity close to the median for each type. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the manuka honey for the 20 isolates ranged from 5.5-8.7% (v/v) (mean 6.9% (v/v), standard deviation 1.3). The minimum inhibitory concentration of the pasture honey for the 20 isolates ranged from 5.8-9.0% (v/v) (mean 7.1% (v/v), standard deviation 1.0). Honeys
with an average level of antibacterial activity could be expected to be effective in preventing the growth of pseudomonads on the surface of a wound even if the honey were diluted more than ten-fold by exudation from the wound.

12. Additive action of honey and starch against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.
Boukraâ L, Bouchegrane S. Rev Iberoam Micol. 2007 Dec 31;24(4):309-11.

A comparative method of adding honey to culture media with and without starch was used to evaluate the action of starch on the antifungal activity of honey. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) expressed in % (v/v) for two varieties of honey without starch against Candida albicans was 42% and 46%, respectively. For Aspergillus niger the MIC without starch was 51% and 59%,
respectively. When starch was incubated with honey and then added to media the MIC for C. albicans was 28% and 38%, respectively, with a starch concentration of 3.6% whereas the MIC for A. niger was 40% and 45%, with a starch concentration of 5.6% and 5.1% respectively. This study suggests that the amylase present in honey increases the osmotic effect in the media by increasing the amount of sugars and consequently increasing the antifungal activity.

13. Identification and quantification of antioxidant components of honeys from various floral sources.
Gheldof N, Wang XH, Engeseth NJ. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Oct 9;50(21):5870-7.

Little is known about the individual components of honey that are responsible for its antioxidant activity. The present study was carried out to characterize the phenolics and other antioxidants present in honeys from seven floral sources. Chromatograms of the phenolic nonpolar fraction of the honeys indicated that most honeys have similar but quantitatively different phenolic profiles. Many
of the flavonoids and phenolic acids identified have been previously described as potent antioxidants. A linear correlation between phenolic content and ORAC activity was demonstrated (R(2) = 0.963, p < 0.0001). Honeys were separated by solid-phase extraction into four fractions for sugar removal and separation based on solubility to identify the relative contribution of each fraction to the
antioxidant activity of honey. Antioxidant analysis of the different honey fractions suggested that the water-soluble fraction contained most of the antioxidant components. Specific water-soluble antioxidant components were quantified, including protein; gluconic acid; ascorbic acid; hydroxymethylfuraldehyde; and the combined activities of the enzymes glucose oxidase, catalase and peroxidase. Of these components, a significant correlation could be established only between protein content and ORAC activity (R(2) = 0.674, p = 0.024). In general, the antioxidant capacity of honey appeared to be a result of the combined activity of a wide range of compounds
including phenolics, peptides, organic acids, enzymes, Maillard reaction products, and possibly other minor components. The phenolic compounds contributed significantly to the antioxidant capacity of honey but were not solely responsible for it.

14. In vivo anthelmintic activity of ginger against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep.
Iqbal Z, Lateef M, Akhtar MS, Ghayur MN, Gilani AH. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jun 30;106(2):285-7. Epub 2006 Jan 26.

This paper describes the anthelmintic activity of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (family Zingiberaceae) rhizome, commonly known as ginger, to justify its traditional use in veterinary medicine. Crude powder (CP) and crude aqueous extract (CAE) of dried ginger (1-3 g/kg) were administered to sheep naturally infected with mixed species of gastrointestinal nematodes. Both CP and CAE exhibited a dose- and a time-dependent anthelmintic effect with respective maximum reduction of 25.6% and 66.6% in eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces on day 10 of post-treatment. Levamisole (7.5 mg/kg), a standard anthelmintic agent, exhibited 99.2% reduction in EPG. This study shows that ginger possesses in vivo anthelmintic activity in sheep thus justifying the age-old traditional use of this plant in helminth infestation.

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