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The aim of this study was to investigate the antiinflammatory potential of an aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of Ixora coccinea (Rubiaceae) in rats after oral administration (500, 1000 and 1500 mg=kg). This was done using the carrageenan-induced paw edema (acute inflammatory model) and cotton pellet granuloma tests (chronic inflammatory model). In the former test, ALE significantly impaired both early and late phases of the inflammatory response and also the edema maintained between the two phases. In the latter test, it significantly suppressed granuloma formation (only highest dose tested). Collectively, these data show promising anti-inflammatory activity against both acute and chronic inflammation. ALE showed strong antihistamine and antioxidant activities that can account for its anti-inflammatory potential. In addition, inhibition of prostaglandins and bradykinins may play a role.

This study examined the effects of rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) on male sexual competence and fertility, using a hot water extract (HWE) and rats. Different doses of HWE (150, 250 and 500 mg/kg) were orally administrated to male rats and their sexual behaviour was monitored (for 15 min) 3 h later using receptive females. Fertility was determined in a separate group (with the highest dose) using a noncompetitive copulation test. In the sexual behaviour study, the HWE impaired the number of rats ejaculating and markedly prolonged the latency for ejaculation. Further, the number of rats mounting and intromitting, and the latencies for mounting and intromission were inhibited. Collectively, these observations indicate a strong aphrodisiac action. The other parameters remained unchanged indicating non-impairment in libido, sexual arousability, sexual vigour and sexual performance or penile erectile ability. However, a slight impairment was evident in sexual motivation (with the highest dose) in a partner preference test. In the fertility test, HWE induced profound oligozoospermia but fertility was uninhibited. The highest dose of HWE also elevated the serum testosterone level and the number of spontaneous penile erections rapidly and markedly. Further, the HWE was nontoxic. It is concluded that A. calcarata rhizomes possess a strong and safe oral aphrodisiac activity.

Hot infusion of Nyctanthes arbo-tristis Linn. (Oleaceae) flowers are used often by some elderly Sri Lankan Buddhist monks as a potential sedative. However, in Ayurvedic, traditional and folkloric medicine of Sri Lanka, no such implication has been made regarding therapeutic activity of these flowers. The aim of this study was to investigate the sedative potential of N. arbo-tristis flowers in rats using the hole-board technique. A hot flower infusion was made as used by the monks in different concentrations (3.7, 7.5, 12.5, or 18.7 mg=kg) and was orally administered. Sedative potential was assessed 2 h posttreatment. The infusion had a moderate dose-dependent conscious sedative activity in male but, surprisingly, not in female rats. The infusion was well tolerated (in terms of overt toxic signs, liver or kidney functions) even following subchronic treatments and also did not show any overt signs of dependence (classical signs of withdrawal reactions). Sedation appears to result mainly by antioxidant, membrane stabilizing, and by yet undiscovered mechanisms of sedative actions of anthocyanin, a flavonoid, in the flower.