Pharmacological and toxicological evaluation of Alpinia speciosa

Abstract

Alpinia speciosa Schum or A. nutans is a plant of the Zingiberaceae family, known popularly as "colony" (colônia) and used as a diuretic and to control hypertension. We have determined the concentration of Na+ and K+ found in the alcoholic extract and in the tea concoction. They contained 51.0 mEq Na+, and 132 mEq K+ in the extract, and 0.0 mEq of Na+ and 26 mEq K+ in the tea. Phytochemical analysis of the leaves demonstrated the presence of catecquic tanins, phenols and alkaloids, and also some essential oils. When injected intra-peritoneally the hydroalcoholic extract, in a dose range of 100 to 1400 mg/kg, (or 2500-18000 mg/kg orally) produced in mice: writhing, psychomotor excitation, hypokinesis and pruritus. The LD50 by ip was 0.760 +/- 0.126 g/kg and 10.0 +/- 2.5 g/kg by oral administration for the hydroalcoholic extract. Subacute toxicity made by injecting daily for 30 days the LD10 in rats caused an increase in transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase, whereas other parameters such as blood glucose, urea and creatinine were normal. A histopathological analysis of liver, spleen, gut, lung and heart showed no alterations. The drug also produced a prolongation of the sleeping time. The hydroalcoholic extract induced in the rat and in the dog a dose-dependent fall in blood pressure in doses of 10 to 30 mg/kg. In isolated atria the extract induced a reduction of the frequency and in the inotropic responses. Neither the extract nor the tea had an effect on the diuresis of the rat.

Timing the Radiations of Leaf Beetles: Hispines on Gingers from Latest Cretaceous to Recent

“…Plant chemistry is thought to be a primary constraint and selective force on the host shifts of Chrysomelidae and other herbivorous beetles (30). The Zingiberaceae as a group possess well-developed ph5'tochemistry, and several compounds with potentially defensive uses have been extracted from Alpinia leaves in particular, including tannins, phenols, alkaloids, and diverse terpenes (31). In contrast.…”

Cardiovascular effects of 1,8-cineole, a terpenoid oxide present in many plant essential oils, in normotensive rats

“…K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) are abundant in northeastern Brazil, where they are commonly known as "marmeleiro sabiá" and "colônia", respectively. Infusions or decoctions of bark and leaves from C. nepetaefolius are commonly used for their antispasmodic properties and to relieve flatulence and increase appetite (Leal-Cardoso and Fonteles 1999), while infusions or decoctions of leaves from A. zerumbet are commonly used for their diuretic and anti-hypertensive properties (Mendonça et al 1991;Matos 2001). Essential oil of C. nepetaefolius (EOCN) or A. zerumbet (EOAZ) is composed principally of mono-and sesqui-terpenes (Craveiro et al 1980;Oliveira 1994).…”

Hypotensive effect and endothelium-dependent vascular action of leaves of Alpinia purpurata (Vieill) K. Schum

“…Additionally, blood pressure reduction was higher in magnitude in SHR than in normotensive animals (p < .01) at all doses of EEAP, and in all but the two weakest doses of the IAP. Several studies have shown a blood pressure-lowering effect of AZ, a species very similar to AP (Mendonça et al, 1991;Mpalatinos et al, 1998;Lahlou et al, 2002Lahlou et al, , 2003De Moura et al, 2005;Barcelos et al, 2010). The study by Mendonça et al (1991) demonstrated an important blood pressure-lowering effect of the alcoholic extract of AZ in rats.…”