Antiestrogenic Constituents of the Thai Medicinal Plants Capparis flavicans and Vitex glabrata

Abstract

Antiestrogenic compounds were investigated from Thai indigenous plants for galactogogues since estrogen is reported to suppress lactation in breastfeeding women. The aerial parts of the Thai medicinal plant Capparis flavicans, which has traditionally been used to promote lactation, gave the new compound capparoside A (1), along with 28 known compounds. The leaves of Vitex glabrata belong to the same genus as the chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), which is used traditionally to support lactation, and afforded the new compounds khainaoside A (14), khainaoside B (15), and khainaoside C (16), together with six known compounds. The isolates were tested for their biological activity using the estrogen-responsive human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and T47D. Syringaresinol (3) and principin (6), from C. flavicans, and khainaoside A (14) showed the most potent inhibitory effects on estrogen-enhanced cell proliferation among all compounds isolated. These results suggest that the lactation-promoting properties of C. flavicans might be related to the inhibitory effect on excess estrogen of women who experience insufficient breastfeeding and highlight the possibility of using V. glabrata leaves for their antiestrogenic properties.

Evaluation of In Vitro α‐Amylase and α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Potentials of 14 Medicinal Plants Constituted in Thai Folk Antidiabetic Formularies

“…However, the side effects (including diarrhea, flatulence, bloating, nausea, and soft feces in colon) associated with many of these antidiabetic agents as well as the high cost have limited the success rate of these drugs. [21] [22] The ethanol extracts from the leaves have been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antiestrogenic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of natural products based on traditional knowledge and encourages the development of herbal medicinal products for primary health care.…”

“…[11] [12] Natural products especially traditional herbal plants have been considered as a suitable beneficial option for the treatment of diabetes. [21][23] [24] Previous phytochemical studies of this plant have reported the presence of ecdysteroids, 11a,20-dihydroxyecdysone, 7-dehydrocholesterol, pterosterone, and 20-hydroxyecdysone isolated from the bark and khainaoside A, khainaoside B, and khainaoside C isolated from the leaves of the plant. [13] In addition, WHO has also encouraged the use of traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes due to their effectiveness and safety.…”

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of natural products based on traditional knowledge and encourages the development of herbal medicinal products for primary health care. [21][22] [25] Thai traditional medicine which boast of an array of recipes for diabetes treatment. [14] Thus, the focus on natural remedies which are considerably safer and more accessible as promising alternatives for the treatment of diabetes is imperative.…”

Antioxidative catechol lignans/neolignans isolated from defatted kernel of Jatropha curcas

“…Compound 8 was identified as princepin from the literature [19]. Princepin showed potent inhibitory effects on estrogen-enhanced cell proliferation [23].…”

Kareel plant: A natural source of medicines and nutrients

“…[33] Similarly, its aromatic plant extract showed significant stimulating effect on melanogenesis in B16 murine melanoma cells at very low doses (0.0005, 0.005, and 0.05% w/v) without causing cytotoxicity. [34] It may be due to presence of quercetin compound, a well known melanogenesis stimulator that also increases tyrosinase protein expression.…”