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Kaurenoic acid, a diterpene from Copaifera langsdorffii (Leguminaceae), was evaluated on rat colitis induced by acetic acid. Rats were pretreated orally (15 and 2 h before) or rectally 2 h before induction of colitis with kaurenoic acid (50 and 100 mg/kg) or vehicle (1 ml, 3% DMSO). Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of a 2 ml of 4% (v/v) acetic acid solution and, 24 h later, the colonic mucosal damage was analysed macroscopically for the severity of mucosal damage, the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the colon segments. A marked reduction in gross damage score (52% and 42%) and wet weight of damaged colon tissue (39% and 32%) were observed in rats that received 100 mg/kg kaurenoic acid, respectively, by rectal and oral routes. This effect was confirmed biochemically by a two- to three-fold reduction of colitis associated increase in MPO activity, the marker of neutrophilic infiltration and by a marked decrease in MDA level, an indicator of lipoperoxidation in colon tissue. Furthermore, light microscopy revealed the marked diminution of inflammatory cell infiltration and submucosal edema formation in the colon segments of rats treated with the test compound. These findings indicate the anti-inflammatory potential of kaurenoic acid in acetic acid-induced colitis.

Machado Joseph disease (MJD) is an autosomal dominantly inherited neuro-degenerative disorder primarily affecting the motor system. It can be divided into three phenotypes based on the variable combination of a range of clinical symptoms including pyramidal and extra-pyramidal features, cerebellar deficits, and distal muscle atrophy. MJD is thought to be caused by mutation of a single gene which has recently been mapped, using genetic linkage analysis, to a 29 cM region on chromosome 14q24.3-q32 in five Japanese families. A second disorder, spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), which has clinical symptoms similar to MJD, has also been linked to the same region of chromosome 14q in two French families. In order to narrow down the region of chromosome 14 which contains the MJD locus and to determine if this region overlaps with the predisposing locus for SCA3, we have performed genetic linkage analysis in seven MJD families, six of Portuguese/Azorean origin and one of Brazilian origin, using nine microsatellite markers mapped to 14q24.3-q32. Our results localise the MJD locus in these families to an 11 cM interval flanked by the markers D14S68 and AFM343vf1. In addition we show that this 11 cM interval maps within the 15 cM interval containing the SCA3 locus, suggesting that these diseases are allelic.

Cucurbitacins are known to produce cytotoxic and anticancer activities. Two novel norcucurbitacin glucosides (Wv1 and Wv2) have recently been isolated from a purified fraction obtained from the rhizome of Wilbrandia verticillata. The present study evaluates the cytotoxic and antitumour activities of these norcucurbitacins. We have found a regular cytotoxicity in KB cells (Cy50 = 12 micrograms/ml) as well as a significant inhibition in the Walker 256 carcinosarcoma growth (approximately 75%).

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.