Diosmectite is a natural silicate effectively used in the treatment of infectious diarrhoea. Its antidiarrhoeal properties involve adsorption of toxins and bacteria and modifications of the rheological characteristics of gastrointestinal mucus. Hence, the aim of this study was to test the intestinal anti‐inflammatory activity of diosmectite. Diosmectite (500 mg kg −1 day −1 , p.o.) was administered as a post‐treatment to rats with chronic trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid colitis. Colonic status was checked 1 and 2 weeks after colitis induction by macroscopic, histological and biochemical examination. Diosmectite post‐treatment resulted in amelioration of the morphological signs (intestinal weight, macroscopic damage, necrosed area, histology) and biochemical markers (myeloperoxidase activity, glutathione levels, MUC2 expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin‐1 β (IL‐1 β ) and leukotriene B 4 synthesis), as well as in the reduction of the severity of diarrhoea. The effect of the clay was comparable to that of sulphasalazine (50 mg kg −1 day −1 ). Diosmectite exhibited a dose‐dependent capacity to adsorb proteins in vitro as well as a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on the basolateral secretion of IL‐8 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated HT29 cells. Diosmectite had a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on IL‐1 β production by LPS‐stimulated THP‐1 cells. The effect of diosmectite on MUC2 was post‐transcriptional, since mRNA levels were unaffected. However, diosmectite is able to upregulate MUC2 mRNA levels in HT29‐MTX cells. Diosmectite has anti‐inflammatory activity administered as a post‐treatment. Possible mechanisms include adsorption of luminal antigens, increase of colonic mucin levels and possibly a direct modulatory action of cytokine production by mucosal cells. British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141 , 951–960. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705710

The dried (elaterium) or fresh juice from Ecballium elaterium fruit is used in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions in popular medicine. In this study the elaterium is examined for its analgesic and antipyretic effects in several animal models. The elaterium exhibits both analgesic and antipyretic activities.

A diverse set of techniques (curiosity, chimney test, changes in barbiturate-induced sleep time, spontaneous motor activity, swimming ability, body temperature) was used to study theophylline (T)-induced changes in CNS etilefrine (E). T antagonized the depressive effects produced by high doses of E. Nevertheless, the LD50 of E was not modified when both drugs were administered simultaneously.

Bupleurum gibraltaricum Lam. root extract demonstrated an antiinflammatory activity against carrageenan produced plantar oedema in the rat. We have isolated a compound responsible for this activity, a glycoside of saikogenin G containing three sugars. This compound differs from saikosaponin d in that the latter contains only two sugars.

Bupleurum gibraltaricum Lam. root extract demonstrated an antiinflammatory activity against carrageenan produced plantar oedema in the rat. We have isolated a compound responsible for this activity, a glycoside of saikogenin G containing three sugars. This compound differs from saikosaponin d in that the latter contains only two sugars.

We studied the protective and curative action of an ethanol extract of Withania frutescens leaves against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated in terms of the LD50 of CCl4, the modification of Nembutal-induced sleep, the action on bile flow, serum transaminase and hepatic fatty acids levels and a histopathological study of liver tissue. Curative action was assessed by measuring the duration of Nembutal-induced sleep and with a histopathological study of liver tisue. The findings indicate that the leaf extract has both preventative and curative activity against CCl4-induced liver damage.

Having previously demonstrated the hypoglycemic action of Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl, subspecies oxyodon, the mechanism of action was further investigated. The hypoglycemic action may be the result of several synchronous mechanisms: a) potentiation of insulin release induced by glucose, b) increased peripheral uptake of glucose, c) decreased intestinal absorption of glucose and d) hyperplasia of the pancreatic islet beta cells (seen after chronic treatment).

A set of test (General behavior, traction, chimney, rotarod, conditioned reflexes, curiosity and potentiation of barbiturate sleep) were given in addition to studying the hypothermia of associations of chlorpromazine with various neuroleptic and one anxiolytic (Perphenazine, clothiapine, haloperidol and diazepam), which demonstrated an evident enhancement of the depressant effects of chlorpromazine when combined with clothiapine and haloperidol.

The essential oil of Bupleurum gibraltaricum showed considerable antiinflammatory activity against carrageenan-produced pedal edema in rats. This appeared to be due to the Δ-3-carene component. The essential oil and Δ-3-carene both produced qualitatively similar changes in rat uterine contractions caused by oxytocin (a progressive dose-related modification of the concentration-response curves) and acetylcholine (non-progressive modification of the concentration-response curves).

The aerial parts of THYMUS HYEMALIS Lange were collected throughout its complete vegetative cycle (April 1981 to March 1982) from the same locality. The yield and composition of essential oil have been determined in eleven samples with special reference to the content of 1,8-cineole, camphor, thymol, and carvacrol. It was found that the yield and composition of the oil changed from month to month. On the basis of the results obtained, July might be proposed as the most suitable month for harvesting T. HYEMALIS, giving the maximum yield in essential oil, which is especially rich in terpenic hydrocarbons at this time. Maximum levels of 1,8-cineole in August, however, might warrent harvesting during this month as well.

The hypoglycemic activity of infusions and suspensions of Salvia lavandulifolia was studied in normoglycemic, hypoglycemic, and alloxan-diabetic rabbits. Variations in circulating levels of insulin were also studied in normoglycemic animals. The greatest decreases in glucose levels (17-18%) were obtained with doses > 0.250 mg/kg in normoglycemic rabbits. No effect was seen on insulin levels. In glucose-induced hyperglycemia, antidiabetic activity was seen only when the Salvia infusion was administered simultaneously with glucose. In alloxan-diabetic rabbits, the daily administration of 0.250 mg/kg of infusion resulted in a 33% decrease in blood glucose levels.