In/​vivo efficacy of Trachyspermum ammi anticalcifying protein in urolithiatic rat

model.

Kaur T, Bijarnia RK, Singla SK, Tandon C.

Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information 

Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, India.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Many medicinal plants have been employed during

ages to treat urinary stones though the rationale behind their use is not well

established. Recently, we have successfully purified an anticalcifying protein

from the seeds of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague ex Turril (Umbelliferae) using 

oxalate depletion assay and deciphered its inhibitory activity against calcium

oxalate crystal growth. AIM: In this report, the antilithiatic activity of

Trachyspermum ammi anticalcifying protein (TAP) was studied in urolithiatic rat

model. METHODOLOGY: Urolithiasis was induced by exposure of 0.4% ethylene glycol 

(EG) and 1.0% ammonium chloride (NH(4)Cl) for 9 days. The efficacy of TAP was

studied in another group given same dose of EG and NH(4)Cl in addition to 2mg/kg 

body weight of TAP. Further, we evaluated ability of TAP to inhibit the

attachment of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal in kidney tissue and studied the

consequences of CaOx adhesion on renal functioning and tissue integrity. RESULTS:

The antilithiatic potential of TAP was confirmed by its ability to maintain renal

functioning, reduce renal injury and decrease crystal excretion in urine and

retention in renal tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the present investigation suggests

the potential of TAP in preventing calcium oxalate deposition and forms the basis

for the development of antilithiatic drug interventions against urolithiasis.

PMID: 19781619 [PubMed /​ as supplied by publisher]

Related Links

Purification and characterization of an anticalcifying protein from the seeds of 

Trachyspermum ammi (L.). [Protein Pept Lett. 2009] PMID:19200041

Strain differences in urinary factors that promote calcium oxalate crystal

formation in the kidneys of ethylene glycol/​treated rats. [Am J Physiol Renal

Physiol. 2009] PMID:19244400

Study of a rat model for calcium oxalate crystal formation without severe renal

damage in selected conditions. [Int J Urol. 2005] PMID:15828958

A comparative study on several models of experimental renal calcium oxalate

stones formation in rats. [J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci. 2007]

PMID:17393118

Vitamin E therapy prevents hyperoxaluria/​induced calcium oxalate crystal

deposition in the kidney by improving renal tissue antioxidant status. [BJU Int. 

2005] PMID:15963133

2: J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Aug 12;57(15):6596/​602.

Fumigant antitermitic activity of plant essential oils and components from Ajowan

( Trachyspermum ammi ), Allspice ( Pimenta dioica ), caraway ( Carum carvi ),

dill ( Anethum graveolens ), Geranium ( Pelargonium graveolens ), and Litsea (

Litsea cubeba ) oils against Japanese termite ( Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe).

Seo SM, Kim J, Lee SG, Shin CH, Shin SC, Park IK.

Division of Forest Insect Pests and Diseases, Korea Forest Research Institute,

Seoul 130/​712, Republic of Korea.

Plant essential oils from 26 plant species were tested for their insecticidal

activities against the Japanese termite, Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe, using a

fumigation bioassay. Responses varied with source, exposure time, and

concentration. Among the essential oils tested, strong insecticidal activity was 

observed with the essential oils of ajowan ( Trachyspermum ammi ), allspice (

Pimenta dioica ), caraway ( Carum carvi ), dill ( Anethum graveolens ), geranium 

( Pelargonium graveolens ), and litsea ( Litsea cubeba ). The composition of six 

essential oils was identified by using gas chromatography/​mass spectrometry. The 

compounds thus identified were tested individually for their insecticidal

activities against Japanese termites. Responses varied in a dose/​dependent manner

for each compound. Phenol compounds exhibited the strongest insecticidal activity

among the test compounds; furthermore, alcohol and aldehyde groups were more

toxic than hydrocarbons. The essential oils and compounds described herein merit 

further study as potential fumigants for termite control.

PMID: 19722567 [PubMed /​ in process]

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Nematicidal Activity of Plant Essential Oils and Components From Ajowan

(Trachyspermum ammi), Allspice (Pimenta dioica) and Litsea (Litsea cubeba)

Essential Oils Against Pine Wood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus Xylophilus). [J

Nematol. 2007] PMID:19259498

Fumigant activity of plant essential oils and components from garlic (Allium

sativum) and clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) oils against the Japanese termite 

(Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe). [J Agric Food Chem. 2005] PMID:15913300

Toxicity of plant essential oils and their components against Lycoriella ingenua 

(Diptera: Sciaridae). [J Econ Entomol. 2008] PMID:18330128

Fumigant toxicity of essential oils from some common spices against pulse beetle,

Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). [J Oleo Sci. 2008]

PMID:18270466

Composition, quality control, and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of 

long/​time stored dill (Anethum graveolens L.) seeds from Bulgaria. [J Agric Food 

Chem. 2003] PMID:12797755

3: BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009 Aug 6;9:30.

Antibacterial and phytochemical screening of Anethum graveolens, Foeniculum

vulgare and Trachyspermum ammi.

Kaur GJ, Arora DS.

Department of Microbiology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar/​143005, Punjab,

India. jeetgurinder@rediffmail.com

BACKGROUND: Anethum graveolens Linn., Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Trachyspermum 

ammi L. are widely used traditional medicinal plants to treat various ailments.

To provide a scientific basis to traditional uses of these plants, their aqueous 

and organic seed extracts, as well as isolated phytoconstituents were evaluated

for their antibacterial potential. METHODS: Antibacterial activity of aqueous and

organic seed extracts was assessed using agar diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory

concentration and viable cell count studies; and their antibacterial effect was

compared with some standard antibiotics. The presence of major phytoconstituents 

was detected qualitatively and quantitatively. The isolated phytoconstituents

were subjected to disc diffusion assay to ascertain their antibacterial effect.

RESULTS: Hot water and acetone seed extracts showed considerably good

antibacterial activity against all the bacteria except Klebsiella pneumoniae and 

one strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimum inhibitory concentration for

aqueous and acetone seed extracts ranged from 20/​80 mg/ml and 5/​15 mg/ml

respectively. Viable cell count studies revealed the bactericidal nature of the

seed extracts. Statistical analysis proved the better/equal efficacy of some of

these seed extracts as compared to standard antibiotics. Phytochemical analysis

showed the presence of 2.80 /​ 4.23% alkaloids, 8.58 /​ 15.06% flavonoids, 19.71 /​ 

27.77% tannins, 0.55/​0.70% saponins and cardiac glycosides. CONCLUSION:

Antibacterial efficacy shown by these plants provides a scientific basis and

thus, validates their traditional uses as homemade remedies. Isolation and

purification of different phytochemicals may further yield significant

antibacterial agents.

PMCID: PMC2736926

PMID: 19656417 [PubMed /​ in process]

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Phytochemical and comparative antibacterial studies on the crude ethanol and

aqueous extracts of the leaves of Lecaniodiscus cupanoides Planch (Sapindaceae). 

[Acta Pol Pharm. 2008] PMID:19051603

The invitro assessment of antibacterial effect of papaya seed extract against

bacterial pathogens isolated from urine, wound and stool. [Ethiop Med J. 2008]

PMID:18711992

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of extracts of Zanthoxylum chalybeum and 

Warburgia ugandensis, Ugandan medicinal plants. [Afr Health Sci. 2001]

PMID:12789119

Phytochemical and pharmacological screening of Sterculiaceae species and

isolation of antibacterial compounds. [J Ethnopharmacol. 2005] PMID:15707767

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of extracts of combretum molle. [Ethiop

Med J. 2006] PMID:17447394

4: Lett Appl Microbiol. 2008 Sep;47(3):167/​73.

Comparison of bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of 13 essential oils

against strains with varying sensitivity to antibiotics.

Mayaud L, Carricajo A, Zhiri A, Aubert G.

Antibiology Laboratory, CHU Hospital Nord, Saint/​Etienne, France.

AIMS: To compare the bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of 13 chemotyped

essential oils (EO) on 65 bacteria with varying sensitivity to antibiotics.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty/​five bacterial strains were tested with two methods

used for evaluation of antimicrobial activity (CLSI recommendations): the agar

dilution method and the time/​killing curve method. EO containing aldehydes

(Cinnamomum verum bark and Cymbopogon citratus), phenols (Origanum compactum,

Trachyspermum ammi, Thymus satureioides, Eugenia caryophyllus and Cinnamomum

verum leaf) showed the highest antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory

concentration (MIC) <2% (v/v) against all strains except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 

Alcohol/​based EO (Melaleuca alternifolia, Cymbopogon martinii and Lavandula

angustifolia) exhibited varying degrees of activity depending on Gram status. EO 

containing 1.8/​cineole and hydrocarbons (Eucalyptus globulus, Melaleuca cajeputii

and Citrus sinensis) had MIC(90%) > or = 10% (v/v). Against P. aeruginosa, only

C. verum bark and O. compactum presented MIC < or =2% (v/v). Cinnamomum verum

bark, O. compactum, T. satureioides, C. verum leaf and M. alternifolia were

bactericidal against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at concentrations

ranging from to 0.31% to 10% (v/v) after 1 h of contact. Cinnamomum verum bark

and O. compactum were bactericidal against P. aeruginosa within 5 min at

concentrations <2% (v/v). CONCLUSIONS: Cinnamomum verum bark had the highest

antimicrobial activity, particularly against resistant strains. Significance AND 

IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of EO on nosocomial

antibiotic/​resistant strains.

PMID: 19552780 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

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Vapor/​phase activities of cinnamon, thyme, and oregano essential oils and key

constituents against foodborne microorganisms. [J Agric Food Chem. 2007]

PMID:17488023

Essential oils against foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria in minced meat. 

[Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2009] PMID:19580445

Antimicrobial activity of five essential oils against origin strains of the

Enterobacteriaceae family. [APMIS. 2005] PMID:15676008

Antibacterial activity of selected plant essential oils against Escherichia coli 

O157:H7. [Lett Appl Microbiol. 2003] PMID:12581376

Vapour/​phase activities of essential oils against antibiotic sensitive and

resistant bacteria including MRSA. [Lett Appl Microbiol. 2009] PMID:19292822

5: Parasitol Res. 2009 Aug;105(2):507/​12. Epub 2009 Apr 3.

Insecticidal and repellent activities of thymol from the essential oil of

Trachyspermum ammi (Linn) Sprague seeds against Anopheles stephensi.

Pandey SK, Upadhyay S, Tripathi AK.

Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow/​16,

India.

Essential oil of seeds of Trachyspermum ammi (Linn.) Sprauge and its pure

constituent thymol showed promising results when evaluated for larvicidal,

oviposition/​deterrent, vapor toxicity, and repellent activity against malarial

vector, Anopheles stephensi. Thymol was 1.6/​fold more toxic than the oil toward

fourth/​instar larvae of A. stephensi with LD(50) values of 48.88 and 80.77

microg/ml, respectively. Egg laying by female adults of A. stephensi was much

significantly reduced when exposed to vapors of thymol compared to the oil of T. 

ammi seeds, and similar effects were recorded for subsequent egg hatching and

larval survival. Vapor toxicity assay showed LC(50) value of 79.5 mg/mat for

thymol against adults of A. stephensi, whereas the crude oil exhibited the LC(50)

value of 185.4 mg/mat. Thymol provided complete repellency toward A. stephensi

adults at the dose of 25.0 mg/mat after 1 h duration, whereas same degree of

repellency was obtained by the oil at the dose of 55.0 mg/mat, indicating its

double/​fold activity than the oil.

PMID: 19343365 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Links

Insecticidal, repellent and oviposition/​deterrent activity of selected essential 

oils against Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus.

[Bioresour Technol. 2005] PMID:16051081

Larvicidal and oviposition activity of Cassia obtusifolia Linn (Family:

Leguminosae) leaf extract against malarial vector, Anopheles stephensi Liston

(Diptera: Culicidae). [Parasitol Res. 2009] PMID:18818950

Piperitenone oxide as toxic, repellent, and reproduction retardant toward

malarial vector Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Anophelinae). [J Med Entomol. 2004]

PMID:15311462

The essential oil of Zingiber officinalis Linn (Zingiberaceae) as a mosquito

larvicidal and repellent agent against the filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus

Say (Diptera: Culicidae). [Parasitol Res. 2008] PMID:18278511

Repellent activity of selected plant essential oils against the malarial fever

mosquito Anopheles stephensi. [Trop Biomed. 2007] PMID:18209711

6: Protein Pept Lett. 2009;16(2):173/​81.

Purification and characterization of an anticalcifying protein from the seeds of 

Trachyspermum ammi (L.).

Kaur T, Bijarnia RK, Singla SK, Tandon C.

Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information 

Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, India. chanderdeep.tandon@juit.ac.in.

Till date various plants extract have been studied to reduce the incidence of

urolithiasis but the identification of naturally occurring calcium oxalate (CaOx)

inhibitory biomolecules from plants was hampered in past by limitation in

identification method. The present study is aimed at examining the efficacy of

Trachyspermum ammi on CaOx crystallization in vitro and further by combining

conventional biochemical methods with recent advances in mass spectrometry, a

novel calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal growth inhibitor was purified from the seeds

of Trachyspermum ammi. An anticalcifying protein from the seeds of Trachyspermum 

ammi was purified by three step purification scheme; ammonium sulphate

fractionation, anion exchange chromatography and molecular sieve chromatography

based on its ability to inhibit calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro. An

anticalcifying protein having molecular weight 107 kDa and isolectric point 6.2

was isolated. Amino acid analysis of Trachyspermum ammi anticalcifying protein

(TAP) showed abundant presence of acidic amino acids (Asp and Glu).

Matrix/​assisted laser desorption/ionization/​time/​of/​flight mass spectrometry of

TAP showed similarities with an unnamed protein product of Vitis vinifera

(CAO23876) after matching peptide mass fingerprints in MASCOT search engine. Two 

EF hand domains were identified in unnamed protein product of Vitis vinifera

(CAO23876) by SMART normal module. Due to a significant similarity of TAP with

unnamed protein product of Vitis vinifera, presence of two EF hand domains in TAP

was anticipated, signifying its calcium binding properties which is a feature of 

most kidney stone inhibitory proteins.

PMID: 19200041 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Links

A novel calcium oxalate crystal growth inhibitory protein from the seeds of

Dolichos biflorus (L.). [Protein J. 2009] PMID:19488841

In/​vivo efficacy of Trachyspermum ammi anticalcifying protein in urolithiatic rat

model. [J Ethnopharmacol. 2009] PMID:19781619

Identification of human urinary trefoil factor 1 as a novel calcium oxalate

crystal growth inhibitor. [J Clin Invest. 2005] PMID:16308573

Mass spectrometric identification of human phosphate cytidylyltransferase 1 as a 

novel calcium oxalate crystal growth inhibitor purified from human renal stone

matrix. [Clin Chim Acta. 2009] PMID:19595683

An oxalate/​binding protein with crystal growth promoter activity from human

kidney stone matrix. [BJU Int. 2002] PMID:12133075

7: Molecules. 2008 Sep 11;13(9):2156/​68.

Antifilarial lead molecules isolated from Trachyspermum ammi.

Mathew N, Misra/​Bhattacharya S, Perumal V, Muthuswamy K.

Vector Control Research Centre (ICMR), Indira Nagar, Pondicherry/​605006, India.

nishamathew@yahoo.com

Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with the parasitic filarial nematodes

Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori, transmitted by mosquitoes. The

lack of an adulticidal drug poses a challenge to filariasis elimination, hence it

is essential to develop an effective antifilarial drug which could either kill or

permanently sterilize the adult worms. In the reported work the in vitro activity

of a methanolic extract of fruits of Trachyspermum ammi (Apiaceae) against adult 

bovine filarial Setaria digitata worms has been investigated. A bioassay/​guided

fractionation was carried out by subjecting the crude extract to flash

chromatography. HPLC analysis was done for the crude extract and active fraction.

The crude extract and the active fraction showed significant activity against the

adult S. digitata by both a worm motility and MTT

[3/​(4,5/​dimethylthiazol/​2/​yl)/​2,5/​diphenyltetrazolium bromide] reduction assays. 

The isolated active principle was chemically characterized by IR, (1)H/​NMR and MS

analysis and identified as a phenolic monoterpene. It was screened for in vivo

antifilarial activity against the human filarial worm B. malayi in Mastomys

coucha, showing macrofilaricidal activity and female worm sterility in vivo

against B. malayi. The findings thus provide a new lead for development of a

macrofilaricidal drug from natural products.

PMID: 18830147 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

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Chemical constituents and antifilarial activity of Lantana camara against human

lymphatic filariid Brugia malayi and rodent filariid Acanthocheilonema viteae

maintained in rodent hosts. [Parasitol Res. 2007] PMID:17061115

In vitro screening of medicinal plant extracts for macrofilaricidal activity.

[Parasitol Res. 2007] PMID:17013649

Antifilarial activity of Caesalpinia bonducella against experimental filarial

infections. [Indian J Med Res. 2008] PMID:18820361

In vitro and in vivo antifilarial potential of marine sponge, Haliclona exigua

(Kirkpatrick), against human lymphatic filarial parasite Brugia malayi:

antifilarial activity of H. exigua. [Parasitol Res. 2009] PMID:19626340

Search for new prototypes for the chemotherapy of filariasis: a chemotherapeutic 

and biochemical approach. [Parasitol Res. 2005] PMID:15739072

8: J Oleo Sci. 2008;57(3):171/​9.

Fumigant toxicity of essential oils from some common spices against pulse beetle,

Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae).

Chaubey MK.

Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, UP, India.

chaubey.mukesh@rediffmail.com

In the present study, the essential oil from seven common spices, Anethum

graveolens, Cuminum cyminum, Illicium verum, Myristica fragrans, Nigella sativa, 

Piper nigrum and Trachyspermum ammi was isolated and its insecticidal,

oviposition, egg hatching and developmental inhibitory activities were determined

against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis. Essential oils were isolated by

hydrodistillation method using Clevenger apparatus. These essential oils caused

death of adults and larvae of Callosobruchus chinensis when fumigated. The 24/​h

LC(50) values against the adults of the insect were 8.9 mul, 10.8 mul, 11.0 mul, 

12.5 mul, 13.6 mul, 14.8 mul and 15.6 mul for N. sativa, A. graveolens, C.

cyminum, I. verum, P. nigrum, M. fragrans and T. ammi oils respectively. On the

other hand, against larval stage these values were 6.4 mul, 7.9 mul, 8.9 mul,

11.1 mul, 11.7 mul, 12.2 mul and 13.5 mul for N. sativa, A. graveolens, C.

cyminum, I. verum, P. nigrum, M. fragrans and T. ammi respectively. These

essential oils reduced the oviposition potential, egg hatching rate, pupal

formation and emergence of adults of F(1) progeny of the insect when fumigated

with sublethal concentrations. These essential oils also caused chronic toxicity 

as the fumigated insects caused less damage to the stored grains. The essential

oil of N. sativa was found most effective against all the different stages of the

Callosobruchus chinensis followed by A. graveolens, C. cyminum, I. verum, P.

nigrum, M. fragrans and T. ammi oils. All the responses were found

concentration/​dependent. The toxic and developmental inhibitory effects may be

due to suffocation and inhibition of various biosynthetic processes of the

insects at different developmental stages.

PMID: 18270466 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

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Potential use of essential oils from Cameroon applied as fumigant or contact

insecticides against Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

[Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci. 2005] PMID:16628918

Fumigant toxicity of citrus oils against cowpea seed beetle Callosobruchus

maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). [Pak J Biol Sci. 2008] PMID:18819592

Repellent and fumigant toxicity of essential oil from Thymus persicus against

Tribolium castaneum and Callosobruchus maculatus. [Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci.

2008] PMID:19226805

Bioactivities of the leaf essential oil of Curcuma longa (var. ch/​66) on three

species of stored/​product beetles (Coleoptera). [J Econ Entomol. 2002]

PMID:11942755

Efficacy of some plant oils alone and/or combined with different insecticides on 

the cotton leaf/​worm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in

Egypt. [Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci. 2006] PMID:17385497

9: J Nematol. 2007 Sep;39(3):275/​9.

Nematicidal Activity of Plant Essential Oils and Components From Ajowan

(Trachyspermum ammi), Allspice (Pimenta dioica) and Litsea (Litsea cubeba)

Essential Oils Against Pine Wood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus Xylophilus).

Park IK, Kim J, Lee SG, Shin SC.

Division of Forest Insect Pests and Diseases, Korea Forest Research Institute,

Seoul 130/​712, Republic of Korea.

Commercial plant essential oils from 26 plant species were tested for their

nematicidal activities against the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.

Good nematicidal activity against B. xylophilus was achieved with essential oils 

of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi), allspice (Pimenta dioica) and litsea (Litsea

cubeba). Analysis by gas chromatography/​mass spectrometry led to identification

of 12, 6 and 16 major compounds from ajowan, allspice and litsea oils,

respectively. These compounds from three plant essential oils were tested

individually for their nematicidal activities against the pinewood nematode.

LC(50) values of geranial, isoeugenol, methyl isoeugenol, eugenol, methyl eugenol

and neral against pine wood nematodes were 0.120, 0.200, 0.210, 0.480, 0.517 and 

0.525 mg/ml, respectively. The essential oils described herein merit further

study as potential nematicides against the pinewood nematode.

PMCID: PMC2586506

PMID: 19259498 [PubMed /​ in process]

Related Links

Fumigant antitermitic activity of plant essential oils and components from Ajowan

( Trachyspermum ammi ), Allspice ( Pimenta dioica ), caraway ( Carum carvi ),

dill ( Anethum graveolens ), Geranium ( Pelargonium graveolens ), and Litsea (

Litsea cubeba ) oils against Japanese termite ( Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe).

[J Agric Food Chem. 2009] PMID:19722567

Nematicidal activity of plant essential oils and components from coriander

(Coriandrum sativum), Oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis), and valerian

(Valeriana wallichii) essential oils against pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus 

xylophilus). [J Agric Food Chem. 2008] PMID:18605734

Nematicidal Activity of Cassia and Cinnamon Oil Compounds and Related Compounds

toward Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae). [J Nematol.

2007] PMID:19259472

Comparative toxicity of essential oils of Litsea pungens and Litsea cubeba and

blends of their major constituents against the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni.

[J Agric Food Chem. 2009] PMID:19422220

Fumigant activity of plant essential oils and components from garlic (Allium

sativum) and clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) oils against the Japanese termite 

(Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe). [J Agric Food Chem. 2005] PMID:15913300

10: J Sep Sci. 2007 Aug;30(13):2053/​8.

Rapid densitometric method for simultaneous analysis of umbelliferone, psoralen, 

and eugenol in herbal raw materials using HPTLC.

Dhalwal K, Shinde VM, Mahadik KR, Namdeo AG.

Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Erandwane, Pune,

Maharashtra, India.

The term 'phenolics' refers to a vast array of biologically active compounds

ubiquitous in plants, many of which have been used in traditional medicine for

thousands of years. Umbelliferone, psoralen, and eugenol are widely occurring

phenolic compounds of plant origin, for which many biological activities against 

chronic diseases have been reported. A simple HPTLC method has been developed for

the simultaneous quantification of umbelliferone, psoralen, and eugenol. These

three compounds were quantified in the dried fruit pulp of Aegle marmelos and in 

the fruit of Trachyspermum ammi and Foeniculam vulgare. The technique enables

rapid and sensitive simultaneous analysis in different samples. The method was

validated for precision, repeatability, and accuracy in accordance with ICH

guidelines. The accuracy of the method was checked by a recovery study conducted 

at three different levels and the average percentage recovery was found to be

98.88% for umbelliferone, 100.104% for psoralen, and 99.33% for eugenol. The

proposed HPTLC method for the simultaneous quantification of umbelliferone,

psoralen, and eugenol was found to be simple, precise, specific, sensitive, and

accurate. It can be used for routine quality control of herbal raw materials as

well as formulations containing any or all of these compounds.

PMID: 17628870 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

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A rapid densitometric method for simultaneous quantification of gallic acid and

ellagic acid in herbal raw materials using HPTLC. [J Sep Sci. 2005] PMID:15881089

Simultaneous determination of cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and piperine by HPTLC

densitometric method. [Phytochem Anal. 2008] PMID:17853382

Determination of psoralen and plumbagin from its polyherbal oil formulations by

an HPTLC densitometric method. [J AOAC Int. 2009] PMID:19610367

Development and validation of a TLC/​densitometric method for the simultaneous

quantitation of strychnine and brucine from Strychnos spp. and its formulations. 

[J Chromatogr Sci. 2007] PMID:18078581

High/​performance thin/​layer chromatography densitometric method for simultaneous 

quantitation of phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, gallic acid, and ellagic acid in

Phyllanthus amarus. [J AOAC Int. 2006] PMID:16792060

11: Trop Anim Health Prod. 2006;38(6):491/​6.

Preliminary screening of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) seed for anthelmintic activity

in sheep.

Lateef M, Iqbal Z, Akhtar MS, Jabbar A, Khan MN, Gilani AH.

Chemotherapy Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of

Agriculture, Faisalabad/​38040, Pakistan.

PMID: 17243477 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

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In vivo anthelmintic activity of Dorycnium rectum and grape seed extract against 

Ostertagia (Teladorsagia) circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in

sheep. [N Z Vet J. 2006] PMID:16528390

Anthelmintic activity of Cocos nucifera L. against sheep gastrointestinal

nematodes. [Vet Parasitol. 2009] PMID:19042088

Evaluation of anthelmintic activity of Iris hookeriana against gastrointestinal

nematodes of sheep. [J Helminthol. 2008] PMID:18252019

Anthelmintic activity of Leucaena leucocephala seed extract on Haemonchus

contortus/​infective larvae. [Vet Rec. 2006] PMID:16603554

Ovicidal and larvicidal activity of Melia azedarach extracts on Haemonchus

contortus. [Vet Parasitol. 2006] PMID:16621294

12: Phytother Res. 2000 Nov;14(7):510/​6.

Inhibitory effects of sudanese medicinal plant extracts on hepatitis C virus

(HCV) protease.

Hussein G, Miyashiro H, Nakamura N, Hattori M, Kakiuchi N, Shimotohno K.

Institute of Natural Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630

Sugitani, Toyama 930/​0194, Japan.

One hundred fifty/​two methanol and water extracts of different parts of 71 plants

commonly used in Sudanese traditional medicine were screened for their inhibitory

effects on hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease (PR) using in vitro assay methods.

Thirty/​four extracts showed significant inhibitory activity (>/=60% inhibition at

100 microg/mL). Of these, eight extracts, methanol extracts of Acacia nilotica,

Boswellia carterii, Embelia schimperi, Quercus infectoria, Trachyspermum ammi and

water extracts of Piper cubeba, Q. infectoria and Syzygium aromaticum, were the

most active (>/=90% inhibition at 100 microg/mL). From the E. schimperi extract, 

two benzoquinones, embelin (I) and 5/​O/​methylembelin (II), were isolated and

found as potent HCV/​PR inhibitors with IC(50) values of 21 and 46 microM,

respectively. Inhibitory activities of derivatives of I against HCV/​PR as well as

their effects on other serine proteases were also investigated. Copyright 2000

John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 11054840 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

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Inhibitory effects of Sudanese plant extracts on HIV/​1 replication and HIV/​1

protease. [Phytother Res. 1999] PMID:10189947

Antiplasmodial activity of selected sudanese medicinal plants with emphasis on

Acacia nilotica. [Phytother Res. 1999] PMID:10479756

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13: Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2000 Feb;38(2):182/​90.

Effect of different combinations of MGK/​264 or piperonyl butoxide with

plant/​derived molluscicides on snail reproduction.

Singh K, Singh DK.

Department of Zoology, DDU Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur (U.P.) 273 009, India.

Effect of sublethal treatment (20% and 60% of LC(50)/24 h) of plant/​derived

molluscicides, viz. Polianthes tuberosa, Trachyspermum ammi, Allium sativum

powder; Azadirachta indica oil; oleoresin of Zingiber officinale; and their

active molluscicidal component in combination (1:5) with MGK/​264 or piperonyl

butoxide on the reproduction of snail Lymnaea acuminata have been studied. It was

observed that the combination of plant derived molluscicide and their active

molluscicidal components, viz. tigogenin, hecogenin, azadirachtin, allicin,

thymol, and [6]/​gingerol combination with MGK/​264 or piperonyl butoxide caused a 

significant reduction in fecundity, hatchability, and survival of young snails.

Withdrawal of snails to fresh water after the above treatment caused a

significant recovery in the fecundity of L. acuminata.

PMID: 10629280 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

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14: Phytother Res. 1999 Dec;13(8):649/​54.

Effect of active molluscicidal component of spices on different enzyme activities

and biogenic amine levels in the nervous tissue of Lymnaea acuminata.

Singh VK, Singh S, Singh DK.

Department of Zoology, DDU Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur PIN/​273 009, U.P.,

India.

In vivo exposure of Lymnaea acuminata to thymol and [6]/​gingerol (active

molluscicidal components of Trachyspermum ammi and Zingiber officinale,

respectively) indicates that they significantly alter acetylcholinesterase,

lactic dehydrogenase, succinic dehydrogenase and cyto/​oxidase activity in the

nervous /​tissue of snails. In vitro exposure showed that, except for

acetylcholinesterase and lactic dehydrogenase, no significant changes were

observed in cyto/​oxidase and succinic dehydrogenase activity in the nervous

tissue of L. acuminata. Sublethal exposure to thymol and [6]/​gingerol reduced the

levels of 5/​hydroxytryptamine (5/​HT) and dopamine (DA) in the nervous tissue of

L. acuminata. There was, however, no significant change in the level of 5/​hydroxy

indol acetic acid (5/​HIAA). Thymol and [6]/​gingerol thus affects all the known

neurotransmission mechanisms in the snail either separately or through a complex 

interaction between the different neurotransmitters. This may account for their

toxicity to snails. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 10594932 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

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15: Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1988 Jul;33(1):1/​6.

Extract of a spice/​/​omum (Trachyspermum ammi)/​shows antiaggregatory effects and

alters arachidonic acid metabolism in human platelets.

Srivastava KC.

Department of Environmental Medicine, Odense University, Denmark.

An ethereal extract of omum (Trachyspermum ammi; Hindustani: ajwan)/​/​a frequently

consumed spice/​/​was found to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic 

acid (AA), epinephrine and collagen; in this respect it was most effective

against AA/​induced aggregation. Inhibition of aggregation by omum could be

explained by its effect on platelet thromboxane production as suggested by the

following experimental observation. (i) Omum reduced TxB2 formation in intact

platelet preparations from added arachidonate, and (ii) it reduced the formation 

of TxB2 from AA/​labelled platelets after stimulation with Ca2+/​ionophore A23187

by a direct action on cyclooxygenase as it did not affect the release of AA from 

labelled platelets. An increased formation of lipoxygenase/​derived products from 

exogenous AA in omum/​treated platelets was apparently due to redirection of AA

from cyclooxygenase to the lipoxygenase pathway.

PMID: 3141935 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

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Acetyl eugenol, a component of oil of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum L.) inhibits

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16: Mykosen. 1986 Jan;29(1):37/​40.

Fungitoxic properties of the essential oil of Trachyspermum ammi sprague.

Singh SP, Dubey P, Tripathi SC.

PMID: 3960047 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

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