Advancement in Medicinal Plant Research

73-82

Authors: Udo Bongartz, Ralf Uebelhack, Barbara Grube, Pee-Win Chong and Felix Alt

Appetite regulation plays an important role in weight management. Dietary fibres can enhance satiety sensation due to their unique physicochemical properties. This study evaluated the benefit and tolerability of Redusure IQP-AK-102, a patent pending fibres composition for achieving weight loss in overweight and obese Caucasians on hypocaloric diet. Eligible subjects were randomized to take either IQP-AK-102 or identical looking placebo with 250 ml of water 30 to 60 min before breakfast, lunch and dinner for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint of the study was the difference of mean body weight change after 12 weeks, between the IQP-AK-102 and the placebo groups. Other endpoints measured during the study included changes in body composition (body fat mass and body fat content), waist and hip circumferences, food cravings, satiety, as well as safety and tolerability endpoints. A total of 119 subjects, aged between 18 and 65 years old, who were overweight and obese (BMI of 25 to 35 kg/m2) were enrolled and randomized. IQP-AK-102 supplementation demonstrated a significant mean body weight reduction compared to placebo after 12 weeks [3.53 kg (SD 2.28) and 0.14 kg (SD 1.84) respectively, p < 0.001)]. A significant difference in mean body weight reduction was observed as early as after 4 weeks of IQP-AK-102 consumption [1.01 kg (SD 1.43) versus 0.25 kg (SD 1.17) respectively]. Other efficacy endpoints also showed significant differences between the two intervention groups by the end of the study. No clinically significant changes in blood profiles, clinical chemistry and blood pressure were noted throughout the 12-week study. There was no significant difference in the proportion of subjects that reported adverse events in both study groups. Administration of IQP-AK-102 in conjunction with good dietary and exercise habits for 12 weeks promotes significant weight loss in overweight and obese but otherwise healthy subjects. IQP-AK-102 also shows good safety and tolerability profile. Keywords: Weight loss, satiety, dietary fibre, overweight, obesity.

94-98

Authors: Chalerm Saiin, Busaban Sirithunyalug, Roonglawan Rattanajak, Sumalee Kamchonwongpaisan, Kornkanok Ingkaninan, Apiwat Baramee and Kom Sukontason

The in vitro antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum K1 of the four extracts from the stembark of Picrasma javanica Bl, that is, water, methanol, chloroform and hexane were studied using a modification of the [3H]hypoxanthine incorporation method. It was found the chloroform extract showed in vitro antimalarial activity with IC50 of 20.0 g/ml. The extract was further isolated using acid-base solvent extraction method, yielding alkaloidal and non-alkaloidal portion. The alkaloidal portion was effective against P. falciparum with in vitro IC50 of 15.0 g/ml. The component of alkaloidal portion was determined using GC-MS technique. Mass spectrum of the major compound in alkaloidal portion corresponds to that of known antimalarial 4-methoxy-1-vinyl--carboline. Further purification using preparative TLC, the structure of this alkaloid was transformed to potential antimalarial Crenatine (1-ethyl-4-methoxy--carboline). According to the literature review data, further study should be focus on the antimalarial activity of sixteen indoalkaloids reported for this medicinal plant. Keywords: -carboline, antimalarial activity, Picrasma javanica Bl, 4-methoxy-1-vinyl--carboline, 1-ethyl-4-methoxy--carboline.