• CELLMED
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.38.1-38.6
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• 2012

The present study aimed to determine the possible mechanisms of the peripheral antinociception of the aqueous extracts of Dicranopteris linearis (AEDL), Melastoma malabathricum (AEMM) and Bauhinia purpurea (AEBP) leaves in mice. Briefly, the antinociceptive profile of each extract (300, 500, and 1000 mg/kg; subcutaneous (s.c.)), was established using the abdominal constriction test. A single dose (500 mg/kg) of each extract (s.c.) was pre-challenged for 10 min with various pain receptors' antagonists or pain mediators' blockers and 30 min later subjected to the antinociceptive assay to determine the possible mechanism(s) involved. Based on the results obtained, all extracts exerted significant (p < 0.05) antinociceptive activity with dose-dependent activity observed only with the AEMM. Furthermore, the antinociception of AEDL was attenuated by naloxone, atropine, yohimbine and theophylline; AEMM was reversed by yohimbine, theophylline, thioperamide, pindolol, reserpine, and 4-chloro-DL-phenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride; and of AEBP was inhibited by naloxone, haloperidol, yohimbine and reserpine. In conclusion, the antinociceptive activity of those extracts possibly involved the activation of several pain receptors (i.e. opioids, muscarinic, ${\alpha}_2$-adrenergic and adenosine receptors, adenosine, H3-histaminergic and $5HT_{1A}$, dopaminergic receptors).

• CELLMED
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.34.1-34.5
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• 2012

The present study aimed to determine the hepatoprotective activity of the chloroform extract of D. linearis leaves (CEDL) using the paracetamol (PCM)- and carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced liver injury models in rats. The rats received $dH_2O$ (negative control), 200 mg/kg of silymarin (positive control) or CEDL (50, 250 and 500 mg/kg) orally once daily for 7 days and then were subjected to the hepatotoxic induction on the $7^{th}$ day. The samples (i.e. blood and liver) were collected and underwent biochemical and microscopical analysis, respectively. From the data obtained, both inducers caused significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of AST and ALT when compared to the control group, which were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by CEDL in a generally dose-dependent manner. These biochemical findings were supported by the histopathological analysis and histological scoring. In conclusion, CEDL possesses potential hepatoprotective activity, which could be associated with its flavonoid and tannin contents with the mechanisms of hepatoprotection linked to either its antioxidant or anti-inflammtory/immunomodulating activities. Further in-depth studies are required to identify the responsible bioactive compound.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.139-149
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• 1998

The Catba national park (20$\circ$42'-20$\circ$54'N, 106$\circ$54'-107$\circ$09'E), which is a representative protected area in northeast Vietnam, was first investigated in terms of phytosociology of the Zurich-Montpellier School. 15 plant communities were identified from the seven vegetation types: Teetaria-Amoora gigantea community, Blechmum-Pitecellobium ferrugineum community, Impatiens-Dracaena cambodiana community, Rhizophora apiculata community, Avicenia marina community, Panicum repens community, Heterosmilax-Zanthoxylum nitidum community, Stachytarphyta jamaiensis-Bidens bipinnata community, microstegium vagans community, Dicranopteris linearis community, Randina-Sapium sebiferum community, Psidium gujava community, Elephantopus scaber community, and chirita aratformis community. Traditional pasturing and shifting agrie\culture by indigenous people in Catba national park were recognized as main disturbance regies, which have been far above sustainable levels. Ecological strategies for conservation and sustainable use on national park' ecosystem were proposed: (1) development of awareness program on sustainable life style of indigenous people, (2) establishment of multiple use module system of national park, (3) ecosystem monitoring of permanent ecological sites.