Lycopene rich extract from red guava (Psidium guajava L.) displays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profile by reducing suggestive hallmarks of acute inflammatory response in mice.

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract (LEG) and purified (LPG) lycopene from guava (Psidium guajava L.), as well as some mechanisms possibly involved in this effect. The anti-inflammatory activity was initially assessed using paw edema induced by Carrageenan, Dextran, Compound 48/80, Histamine and Prostaglandin E2 in Swiss mice.

A novel N-acetyl-glucosamine lectin of Lonchocarpus araripensis attenuates acute cellular inflammation in mice.

Objective And Design: This study had investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of a seed lectin (LAL) isolated from Lonchocarpus araripensis.

Material/methods: LAL was purified by affinity chromatography (chitin column) and ion exchange chromatography (DEAE-Sephacel). In vitro LAL was tested for hemagglutinating activity against rabbit erythrocytes.

Role of KATP channels and TRPV1 receptors in hydrogen sulfide-enhanced gastric emptying of liquid in awake mice.

Hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) has shown to relax gastrointestinal muscle. Here in, we evaluated the effects of H(2)S donors on gastric emptying and in pyloric sphincter muscle relaxation, and whether these effects involved K(ATP) channels or TRPV1 receptors. Mice were treated with l-cysteine (alone or with propargylglycine-an inhibitor of H(2)S synthesis), NaHS, Lawesson's reagent (H(2)S donors) or saline.

Bryothamnion seaforthii lectin relaxes vascular smooth muscle: involvement of endothelium and NO synthase.

Bryothamnion seaforthii lectin (BSL) induced reversible concentration-related relaxation of endothelized aorta, maximal at 30 microg/ml (IC(50)= 4.8 +/- 0.6 microg/ml).

Hydrogen sulfide prevents ethanol-induced gastric damage in mice: role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels and capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent neurons.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in mice and the influence of ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels, capsaicin-sensitive sensory afferent neurons, and transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 1 receptors on such an effect. Saline and L-cysteine alone or with propargylglycine, sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), or Lawesson's reagent were administrated for testing purposes. For other experiments, mice were pretreated with glibenclamide, neurotoxic doses of capsaicin, or capsazepine.

Effects of anethole and structural analogues on the contractility of rat isolated aorta: Involvement of voltage-dependent Ca2+-channels.

Anethole is a naturally occurring aromatic oxidant, present in a variety of medicinal plant extracts, which is commonly used by the food and beverage industry. Despite its widespread occurrence and commercial use, there is currently little information regarding effects of this compound on the vasculature. Therefore the actions of anethole on the contractility of rat isolated aorta were compared with those of eugenol, and their respective isomeric forms, estragole and isoeugenol.