Title: Journal of Essential Oil Research

Title: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

ISO Abbreviated Title: J. Ethnopharmacol.

JCR Abbreviated Title: J Ethnopharmacol

ISSN: 0378-8741

Issues/Year: 12

Journal Country/Territory: Ireland

Language: English

Publisher: Elsevier Sci Ireland Ltd

Publisher Address: Customer Relations Manager, Bay 15, Shannon Industrial Estate Co, Clare, Ireland

Subject Categories:

Plant Sciences: Impact Factor 1.269 (2003)

Chemistry, Medicinal: Impact Factor 1.269 (2003)

Integrative & Complementary Medicine: Impact Factor 1.269 (2003)

Pharmacology & Pharmacy: Impact Factor 1.269 (2003)

Viola, H., Wolfman, C., Destein, M.L., Wasowski, C., Pena, C., Medina, J.H. and Paladini, A.C. (1994), Isolation of pharmacologically active benzodiazepine receptor ligands from Tilia tomentosa (Tiliaceae). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 44 (1), 47-53.

Full Text: J\J Eth44, 47.pdf

Abstract: Tilia species are traditional medicinal plants widely used in Latin America as sedatives and tranquilizers. For this purpose, the infusion of their inflorescences is used to prepare a tea. In this study extracts of inflorescences from Tilia tomentosa Moench, one of the species found in the market, were purified using a benzodiazepine (BZD) binding assay to detect BZD receptor ligands in the different fractions. One of the ligands was identified as kaempferol, but it had low affinity (Ki = 93 M) for this receptor, and did not produce sedative or anxiolytic effects in mice. On the other hand, a complex fraction, containing as yet unidentified constituents, but probably of a flavonoid nature, when administered intraperitoneally in mice, had a clear anxiolytic effect in both the elevated plus-maze and holeboard tests, two well validated pharmacological tests to measure anxiolytic and sedative compounds. This active fraction had no effect on total and ambulatory locomotor activity. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the occurrence of active principle(s) in, at least, one species of Tilia that may explain its ethnopharmacological use as an anxiolytic.

Keywords: Anxiety, Anxiolysis, Benzodiazepine Receptor, Brain, Elevated Plus-Maze, Flavonoids, Rat, Sedation, Tilia Species, Well

? Calixto, J.B. (2005), Twenty-five years of research on medicinal plants in Latin America: A personal view. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 100 (1-2), 131-134.

Full Text: 2005\J Eth100, 131.pdf

Abstract: In this short article, I have discussed (on the base of the Web of Science data base search), the expressive progress of Latin American scientific production in peer review journals in the field of plants over the last 25 years. In addition, some effort has been made towards discussing the relevance of medicinal plants for the development of standardized phytomedicines with proof of quality, safety and efficacy, and a few examples of success have been briefly mentioned. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Catuama, Development, Efficacy, Indica L.Extract, Journals, Latin America, Latin American, Macrophages, Mangiferin, Mice, Natural-Products, Peer Review, Peer-Review, Phytomedicines, Plants, Rats, Research, Review, Safety, Science, Scientific Production, Success, Vimang, Web of Science

? Roersch, C.M.F.B. (2010), Piper umbellatum L.: A comparative cross-cultural analysis of its medicinal uses and an ethnopharmacological evaluation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 131 (3), 522-537.

Full Text: 2010\J Eth131, 522.pdf

Abstract: Aim of the study: This review assesses the botany, traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of P. umbellatum. Materials and methods: Information on P. umbellatum was gathered via the internet (using Scirus, Google Scholar, CAB-Abstracts, MEDLINEPlus, EMBASE, Scielo, and Web of Science) and libraries. Additionally, previously unpublished work on the traditional uses of P. umbellatum from our National Study of the Medicinal Plants of the Dominican Republic has been included. Results: Piper umbellatum is a Neotropical plant species widely distributed in Mexico, Central America, South America and the West Indian Islands. It has also been introduced to Africa and South-East Asia. Traditional uses for this plant are recorded in 24 countries in three continents, America, Africa and Asia for a wide range of ailments such as kidney, women diseases, diarrhea, skin affections, burns, rheumatism, malaria, intestinal parasites, inflammation and fever. We have analyzed the cross-cultural agreement among traditional uses in different countries and found a high degree of consensus for the indications kidney/diuretic, stomachache and wounds. Phytochemical studies of P. umbellatum have demonstrated the presence of terpenes (mainly found in the essential oil), alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols and other classes of secondary metabolites. The extracts and pure compounds derived from P. umbellatum show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimalarial, antileishmanial, and antitrypanosomal activity. A first commercial product is in development, based on the plant’s protective characteristics against UV irradiation. Conclusions: The interesting biological activities of P. umbellatum need further research in in vivo experiments and clinical studies. The outcome of these investigations will determine the possible development of drugs from P. umbellatum. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Activities, Africa, Analysis, Antifungal Activity, Antimalarial Activity, Antiplasmodial Activity, Aromatic Plants, Asia, Cross-Cultural Uses, Development, Dominican Republic, Essential Oils, Evaluation, Fever, Google Scholar, In Vivo, In-Vitro, Matrix Metalloproteinases, Medicinal Plant, Metabolites, Mexico, Outcome, Pharmacological Activity, Piper Umbellatum, Piperaceae, Plant, Pothomorphe-Umbellata, Potomorphe-Umbellata, Research, Review, Root Extract, Science, Traditional, Traditional Medicine, Web of Science, Women

? Singh, D., Singh, B. and Goel, R.K. (2011), Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Ficus religiosa: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 134 (3), 565-583.

Full Text: 2011\J Eth134, 565.pdf

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ficus religiosa L (Moraceae) has been extensively used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments of the central nervous system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, respiratory system and infectious disorders. Aim of the review: To comprehend the fragmented information available on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of F. religiosa to explore its therapeutic potential and future research opportunities. Materials and methods: All the available information on F. religiosa was collected via electronic search (using PUBMED, SciFinder, Scirus, Google Scholar, Agricola and Web of Science) and a library search. Results: Ethnomedical uses of F. religiosa are recorded throughout South Asia, where it has been used for about 50 types of disorders. Phytochemical research had led to the isolation of phytosterols, amino acids, furanocoumarins, phenolic components, hydrocarbons, aliphatic alcohols, volatile components and few other classes of secondary metabolites from F. religiosa. Fresh plant materials, crude extracts and isolated components of F. religiosa showed a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities like, antidiabetic, cognitive enhancer, wound healing, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiviral, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiasthmatic, parasympathetic modulatory, esterogenic, antitumor, antiulcer, antianxiety, antihelmintic, endotheilin receptor antagonistic, apoptosis inducer and hypotensive. Conclusions: F. religiosa emerged as a good source of traditional medicine for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, gastric problems, inflammatory disorders, infectious disorders and sexual disorders. Although many of the experimental studies validated its traditional medicinal uses, but employed uncharacterized crude extracts. Thus, it is difficult to reproduce the results and pinpoint the bioactive metabolite. Hence, there is a need of phytochemical standardization and bioactivity-guided identification of bioactive metabolites. The results of few pharmacological studies and bioactive metabolites already reported in F. religiosa warrant detailed investigation for its potential against cancer, cardiovascular disorders, neuroinflammatory disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, oxidative stress related disorders and parasitic infections. The outcome of these studies will further expand the existing therapeutic potential of F. religiosa and provide a convincing support to its future clinical use in modern medicine. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Activities, Antibacterial, Apoptosis, Aqueous Extract, Asia, Asthma, Ayurveda, Cancer, Cardiovascular, Cold Desert Ladakh, Diabetes, District, Ficus Religiosa l., Gastrointestinal, Goats, Google Scholar, In Vivo, Indian Medicinal-Plants, Information, Local-Communities, Medicine, Metabolites, Nitric-Oxide, Outcome, Oxidative Stress, Phytochemistry, Plant, Research, Review, Sacred Tree, Science, Stress, Tannic-Acid, Tract, Traditional, Traditional Use, Treatment, Unani, Uttar-Pradesh, Web of Science

? Wang, G.W., Hu, W.T., Huang, B.K. and Qin, L.P. (2011), Illicium verum: A review on its botany, traditional use, chemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 136 (1), 10-20.

Full Text: 2011\J Eth136, 10.pdf

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: The fruit of Illicium verum Hook. f. (Chinese star anise) has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and food industry with the actions of dispelling cold, regulating the flow of Qi and relieving pain. Materials and methods: A bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing recognized books including Chinese herbal classic, and worldwide accepted scientific databases (PUBMED,SciFinder, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched for the available information on I. verum. Results: I. verum is an aromatic evergreen tree of the family Illiciaceae. It is sometimes contaminated with highly toxic Japanese star anise (I. anisatum L) and poisonous star anise (I. lanceolatum A. C. Smith), which contain several neurotoxic sesquiterpenes. Traditional uses of I. verum are recorded throughout Asia and Northern America, where it has been used for more than 10 types of disorders. Numerous compounds including volatiles, seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, lignans, flavonoids and other constituents have been identified from I. verum. Modern pharmacology studies demonstrated that its crude extracts and active compounds possess wide pharmacological actions, especially in antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal, analgesic, sedative and convulsive activities. In addition, it is the major source of shikimic acid, a primary ingredient in the antiflu drug (Tamiflu). Aim of the review: This review summarizes the up-to-date and comprehensive information concerning the botany, traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology of I. verum together with the toxicology, and discusses the possible trend and scope for future research of I. verum. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Activities, Anisatum L, Antibacterial Activity, Asia, Bibliographic, Chinese Star Anise, Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry, Culinary Use, Databases, Drug, Essential Oil, Gas-Chromatography, Hook.-f, Illicium Verum, Industry, Information, Japanese, Medicine, Pain, Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, Primary, Research, Review, Science, Scopus, Sesquiterpene Lactones, Shikimic Acid, Star Anise, Supercritical Co2 Extraction, Traditional, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Trend, Web of Science

? Rastogi, S., Pandey, M.M. and Rawat, A.K.S. (2011), An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. and Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 136 (2), 283-296.

Full Text: 2011\J Eth136, 283.pdf

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Desmodium gangeticum (L) DC. and Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. are two important and well explored species of genus Desmodium (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae) subfamily: Faboideae). Desmodium gangeticum is used as a tonic, febrifuge, digestive, anticatarrhal, antiemitic, in inflammatory conditions of chest and in various other inflammatory conditions in the Ayurvedic System of Medicine while Desmodium adscendens is widely used for the treatment of asthma in Ghana, Africa. Aim of the review: The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive information on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological research and toxicology of Desmodium gangeticum and Desmodium adscendens to explore their therapeutic potential and future research opportunities. Materials and methods: All the available information on Desmodium gangeticum and Desmodium adscendens was collected via electronic search (using PUBMED, SciFinder, Scirus, Google Scholar, JCCC@INSTIRC and Web of Science) and a library search for articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Results: About 25 different species of Desmodium including Desmodium gangeticum and Desmodium adscendens are used ethnomedicinally all over the world. Phytochemical research on Desmodium gangeticum and Desmodium adscendens has led to the isolation of alkaloids, pterocarpans, phospholipids, sterols, flavones and flavonoid glycosides from Desmodium gangeticum and triterpenoid saponins, phenylethylamines and indole-3-alkyl amines from Desmodium adscendens. Crude extracts, fractions and isolated components of Desmodium gangeticum and Desmodium adscendens showed a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities like antileishmanial, immunomodulatory, antiasthmatic, smooth muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, cardio-protective, antidiabetic, antiamnesic, antiviral, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. Conclusions: Desmodium gangeticum and Desmodium adscendens have emerged as a good source of traditional medicine. Desmodium gangeticum possesses the ability to scavenge the free radicals generated during ischaemia and ischaemia reperfusion thereby preserving the mitochondrial respiratory enzymes that eventually lead to cardio-protection and has potential prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against Leishmania infection. Desmodium adscendens is useful against chronic bronchitis and asthma. However, there is a need to search for individual secondary metabolites responsible for these actions and study their mode of actions, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and physiological pathways in sufficient detail. The promising results should be further substantiated by clinical trials. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Activities, Africa, Antileishmanial Activity, Antioxidant Activities, Aqueous Extract, Arachidonic-Acid, Asthma, Central-Nervous-System, Clinical Trials, Desmodium, Desmodium Adscendens, Desmodium Gangeticum, Efficacy, Ethnomedicinal, Google Scholar, Guinea-Pig, In Vivo, Infection, Information, Ischaemia, Journals, Lead, Medicinal-Plants, Medicine, Metabolites, Pharmacology, Phytochemical Constituents, Profile, Reperfusion Injury, Research, Review, Science, Traditional, Traditional Herbal Drugs, Treatment, Visceral Leishmaniasis, Web of Science

? Shang, X.F., Pan, H., Li, M.X., Miao, X.L. and Ding, H. (2011), Lonicera japonica Thunb.: Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of an important traditional Chinese medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 138 (1), 1-21.

Full Text: 2011\J Eth138, 1.pdf

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Caprifoliaceae), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, was known as Jin Yin Hua (Chinese: (sic):), Ren Dong and Japanese honeysuckle. It was taken to treat the exopathogenic wind-heat, epidemic febrile diseases, sores, carbuncles and some infectious diseases. At the same time, Lonicera japonica could be used as healthy food, cosmetics, ornamental groundcover, and so on. Aim of the review: The present paper reviewed the ethnopharmacology, the biological activities, toxicology and phytochemistry of Lonicera japonica. Materials and methods: Information on Lonicera japonica was gathered via the Internet (using Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Elsevier, ACS, Medline Plus, CNKI and Web of Science) and libraries. Additionally, information also was obtained from some local books and brilliant scholars on ethnopharmacology. Results: More than 140 chemical compounds have been isolated, and the main compositions are essential oils, organic acids and flavones, etc. Lonicera japonica and its active principles possess wide pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidative and hepatoprotective activities. Conclusions: As an important traditional Chinese medicine, further studies on Lonicera japonica can lead to the development of new drugs and therapeutics for various diseases, and how to utilize it better should be paid more attentions. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Activities, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiinflammatory Activity, Antiviral Activity, Chlorogenic Acid, Chlorogenic Acid, Constituents, Development, Drugs, Essential Oils, Ethnopharmacology, Flight Mass-Spectrometry, Flos-Lonicerae, Flower Buds, Google Scholar, Infectious Diseases, Information, Inhibition, Internet, Iridoid Glycosides, Japanese, Lead, Lonicera Japonica, Medicine, Medline, New Drugs, Phenolic-Acids, Review, Science, Traditional, Triterpenoid Saponins, Web of Science

? Ma, X.Q., Zheng, C.J., Hu, C.L., Rahman, K. and Qin, L.P. (2011), The genus Desmodium (Fabaceae)-traditional uses in Chinese medicine, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 138 (2), 314-332.

Full Text: 2011\J Eth138, 314.pdf

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Plants of the genus Desmodium (Fabaceae), such as Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck) Merr. and Desmodium gyrans (L f.) DC., have a long history of medical use in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments including rheumatism, pyrexia, dysentery, wounds, cough, malaria, hepatitis, hemoptysis, etc. In the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, most species have the effect of relieving internal heat or fever, neutralizing toxins, inhibiting pain, invigorating blood circulation, suppressing cough and alleviating dyspnea. Materials and methods: A bibliographic investigation was accomplished by analyzing secondary sources including Chinese Herbal Classics, and worldwide accepted scientific databases (Pubmed. Scopus and Web of Science, SciFinder) were scrutinized for the available information on the ethnopharmacological uses in Chinese medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Desmodium species. Results: The genus Desmodium is a large member of the Papilionaceae (Fabaceae) family. It contains about 350 plant species used for both feeding stuffs and herbal medicines, of which only about 30 species have been phytochemically or pharmacologically investigated. Desmodium plant extracts, as well as the active principles, have been experimentally studied for their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antinephrolithic, antibacterial, and nootropic activities in vitro or in vivo. And so far, a total of 212 compounds have been isolated from 15 Desmodium species and characterized mainly as flavonoids and alkaloids, followed by terpenoids, steroids, phenols, phenylpropanoids, glycosides and a number of volatile oils. The remaining unrevealed species are recorded chiefly in Asia and Africa being used in empirical treatment for various diseases. Conclusions: Desmodium species have long been used in TCM to treat various ailments. Available scientific references revealed that the traditional medical uses of some important Desmodium species in TCM have been evaluated by modern pharmacological studies. As literature demonstrated, flavonoids and alkaloids are perhaps responsible for most of the activities shown by the plants of this genus. Further studies are still required to reveal the structure-activity relationship of these active constituents. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Activities, Adscendens, Africa, Alkaloids, Aqueous Extract, As, Asia, Beta-Phenethylamine, Bibliographic, Blood, Databases, Desmodium, Family, Feeding, Fever, Flavonoids, Gangeticum Extract, Herbal, History, In Vivo, Information, Isoflavanones, Literature, Malaria, Medical, Medicine, Pain, Pharmacology, Phenols, Phytochemistry, Plant, Plants, Push-Pull Technology, Root Exudate, Science, Scientific Databases, Scopus, Striga-Hermonthica, Theory, Toxicology, Traditional, Treatment, Uncinatum, Web of Science, Western Kenya