Establishing the Synagetic Effects - Essay Example

Biology (Medical Botany) Summary The study aimed at establishing the synagetic effects that result from the combination of two drugs, artesunate and captopril. The reason for performing this combinative experiment was also to show how angiogenesis could be inhibited as a major cancer chemotherapy strategy. To realize this, the researchers largely combined the two drugs, captopril and artesunate in the establishment of a quail embryos chorioallantoic membrane assays. Subsequently, computer based evaluations for quantitative studies were established on vascularization processes in vivo (Krusche et al., 2013). Several findings and implications of the same are established in this study. It concluded that an inhibition was exhibited in the migration of the endothelial cells of the human umbilical cord, in vitro, due to the use of both drugs. Subsequently, the researchers noted that the result of the migration as synergistically inhibited was due to the combination of the two drugs; thus, implying that the drugs were synergestically related. In another perspective, the drugs indicated independent action modes given that artesunate, in XTT assay, repressed HUVEC growth, while captopril in XTT array did not in the entire range of the dose. In establishing the quail egg CAN assay, the study established that a significant reduction in the surface area of the vascular chorioallantoic membranes was noted. The artesunate is shown to have an impact on the growth and structure of the blood cells as witnessed in the veins of the eggs that did not turn red. However, the formation of the blood vessels was inhibited by both drugs, significantly, as compared to the DMSO, which was the negative control. In another finding that analysed the branching of the blood vessels in quail CAM assay, measurements made revealed that the branches fractions and lengths in quail eggs treated by both artesunate and captopril significantly differed from the DMSO with the P < 0.02 at the student’s t-test. Instead, significantly lower junctions’ fractions were recorded in the case of artesunate and not for the captopril quail eggs (Krusche et al., 2013). Consequently, in testing for the synergism between the captopril and artesunate in vivo, the IC50 values for both drugs were determined for single doses. The effect of this was that a substance that was not affected by the drug, its obtained vascular area was to be 50% of the negative control. If lower than 50%, then the substances acted antagonistically, while if higher than 50%, then the substances acted synergistically. In this case, the IC50 single dose treatments in concentrations for both drugs attained inhibitions of 50%. However, when mixed, the indication for the artesunate was higher than that of the captopril indicating that the artesunate was more synergistically inhibited in vivo than the captopril. Therefore, in both cases for the use of the drugs, synergistic effects were evidenced for artesunate and captopril in vitro, especially for the angiogenesis. Ideally, this study shows that while there are instances when the CAM assay for the quail eggs can be of an in vivo assay, there are no experiments yet done on living animals thus, needs to be done so as to certify the obtained results in this experiment of the use of quails and eggs. As such, this study has sought to show the value of combining cancer therapy in relation to the merits of artesunate synergistically relating to captopril in inhibiting tumor growth and angiogenesis (Krusche et al., 2013). Musculoskeletal System The main families that have the most of plants with this form of remedy for the system are: i. Loganiaceae family. This family is largely represented by the Strychnos solimnocea. The plants in this family have been largely used as ingredients to the curare by different tribes and regions particularly, in South America rain forests. Mostly, the curare made from these plants are largely used to poison the dart ends that are then used to hunt animals. The stems and root backs of the Strychnos have been fundamentally used to prepare curare. The active constituents of Strychnos solimnocea include bisquarternary, symmetrical bisindoline ammonium alkaloids that arise from the doubling of the strychnine compound type such as calebassine and curarine. The active indoles are more common in the majority of curares. ii. Menispermaceae (Moonseed family). Has about nine genera used based on its current information. The most commonly used specie is the Curarea toxicofera. Plants from this family are widely used as skeletal muscle relaxants, especially in the assuring of the relaxation of the muscles when surgical procedures are being conducted that do not entail deep anesthesia. Particularly, this family’s components such as the vercuronium and atracurium synthetics are largely being applied as a replacement to the natural compounds used in surgery. As such, they have facilitated the conservation of the liana species as part of the wild plants, considering that they have been under the danger of extinction in most parts of Peru. Subsequently, when combined with the Strychnos, they are used in the preparation of the curare. iii. Guatteria megalophylla (Annonaceae). iv. Zanthophyllum sp. (Rutaceae). v. Virola elongate (Myristicaceae) has its residues fashioned into pellets that are applied to the tips of the darts and then heated and smoked to make them liquefy and provide hardened coating for the blowgun use. vi. Ormosia macrophylla (Fabaceae). vii. Capsicum annum (Solanaceae). viii. Araceae family, especially the Dieffenbachia or Annonaceae. It possesses metabolites that are secondarily active. The structures of the compounds of these plants that are significant to the treatment of musculoskeletal include carisoprodol, capsaicin, genistein, linolenic acid, methyl salicylate and tubocurarine (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 2003). These plants have also been used in other contexts such as in enhancing the health of bones through the extraction of essential calcium mineral from the plants for the bones. Second, the plants also contribute to Vitamin D, an essential vitamin to the skeleton as it enhances the body’s mineral absorption. Some of the species of these plants and their extracts are also used in treating bone fractures, bone repair and bone regeneration. Subsequently, some of these plants are used in enhancing the density of the bones, treating slipped disks and lower back pain. Musculoskeletal pain is considered as a common syndrome of chronic back pain and Carica papaya (Chymopapain), a proteolytic enzyme got from papaya fruits is used to treat the pain, particularly the lumbar disk disease (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 2003). The main components of and function of the Peripheral nervous system The peripheral nervous system (PNS) comprises of the spinal nerves, cranial nerves and the nerves that are associated with the autonomic nervous system. The main responsibility of the peripheral nervous system is to conduct messages from the body’s sense organs to the central nervous system (CNS) i.e. it connects all the body organs, limbs and the skin to the CNS (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 2003). However, all these nerves lie outside of the CNS. The achievement of this task engages the function of two major motor divisions in the body, namely, the somatic (voluntary) motor system and the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system. In the category of the motor divisions, the somatic motor system’s role is the activation of the skeletal (voluntary) body muscles, while the autonomic nervous system smoothly innervates the other involuntary muscles, for example, the heart and other soft glands such as the liver and the kidney. The PNS performs its functions based on the categorization into two nervous systems, sensory and autonomic. The somatic nervous system is tasked with the carrying of motor and sensory data from and to the CNS. It is accountable for the conduction of controlled movement, as well as the sensory information by the aid of the sensory/afferent neurons and the motor neurons. The sensory neurons carry the required information from the nerves to the CNS, while the motor neurons carry back the response data from the CNS to the muscle fibers in the body (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 2003). The somatic motor system of the PNS provides for voluntary movements and appropriate adjustments to the tissues as a result of the changes that occur in the external environment of an individual. This motor system involves the muscles that comprise of the body’s structure as notable from the viscera. The somatic motor neurons’ cell bodies lie in the gray matter’s anterior part, in the spinal cord. Subsequently, the cells can also be found in sections of the brain from which the cranial nerves arise. The sensory nervous system provides a link between the body muscles and the brain or spinal cord through the body neurons. When an impulse is generated in the body, it is the function of the sensory nervous system to convey the same impulse to the (CNS) (brain and spinal cord) and conveys the response for the impulses from the CNS to the exact organ, muscles or effector points of the body that the impulse was generated. Numerous connector neurons that run through the body are entirely connected to the CNS. The autonomic nervous system of the PNS is mostly concerned with the involuntary or unconscious control of the body’s viscera operations. As such, it is concerned with the regulation of all the functions that relate to the smooth muscles or glands in the body. The smooth muscles or glands are essential in that they regulate the internal environment in relation to the external upon which the somatic system is directed. Examples of such smooth muscles or glands include the iris, tear glands, salivary glands, the heart, the respiratory system, stomach walls, peripheral bloods vessels, liver, visceral blood vessels, pancreas, urinary bladder, genitals and the sweat glands, among others (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 2003). Serious conditions of the eye and ear The eye and the ear as critical organs of the body may, however, are affected by certain conditions that might ultimately hinder their functionality. These are as discussed in categorization below. These conditions are mostly as a result of the changes in the functions of the body such as the bronchi constriction, pupil contractions, and the increase in the intestinal musculature contraction. Conditions of the eye a. Glaucoma: This is the most serious eye condition with the capability of causing blindness if not detected early and treated. It is an eye condition that results from the damage of the optic nerves of the eye causing it to be inflamed. It starts small but progressively increases due to the rapid deterioration of the optic nerves. Usually, it results from excessive pressure to the eye, which has a direct effect of damaging the optic nerves (Cullen, 2005). However, the ailment may also be triggered by factors such as eye injury, severe eye infections, blockage of the blood vessels, and inflammatory eye disorders. According to the text, any interference to the parasympathetic nerves of the eye may cause the condition. It can be barred by the use of anticholinergic and cholinergic agents in altering the mechanism. In its treatment, while not much has been done, solanaceous plants such as the D. leichardtii, Duboisa myoporoides and Atropa belladonna can be used to treat it. The leaves of these plants yields atropine, whose active contents can be used in treating the glaucoma. Cocaine (Erythroxylum coca) may also be used to treat the condition by applying it to the eye; thus, producing mydriasis, vasoconstriction and reduction of the intraocular pressure in the eye (Fougère & Wynn, 2007). b. Phytotherapy: In succeeding to lower the intraocular eye pressure and inhibiting apoptosis, Ginkgo biloba as a Chinese plant remedy may be used to treat the condition. This acts by improving the blood flow through the necessary veins to the optic nerve. c. Cataract: This refers to the opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye. Largely, this condition has been mostly treated by surgical procedures. However, traditionally, the stem and leaves of the Brikellia coulteri (Asteraceae), are being employed towards the treatment of the condition. Consumption of plenty of fresh vegetables is also recommended (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 2003). Conditions of the ear a. Infections: This relates to the outer ear (otitis externa) that is caused by the bacteria, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes. This condition among children causes inflammation of the mucosal lining of the inner ear. Subsequently, it results from the upper respiratory tract infections through the Eustachian tubes. This is commonly treated using typical antibiotics and anti-fungal ointments (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 2003). b. Otitis media: This notes the phytotherapy that relates to the resulting pain that may be experienced by the ear. However, a naturopathic extract that contains, garlic, mullein and common St. John’s wort combined by the olive oil may act as a treatment and effective ear drop. Other common plants used as medicine to the ear include Nicotiana (Tobacco), wild ginger; mesquites, hops, and the white milkwort have been commonly used to treat the ear infections. Common ailments of respiratory tract The respiratory tract, by being able to efficiently supply oxygen to the body, may be affected by certain critical conditions. These are as discussed below. a. Bronchitis and asthma. Results from the inflammation of the respiratory track causing pain to the chest and difficult or labored breathing. Asthma in certain cases may result from the allergic reactions that for the sensitive persons. Different plants have been suggested that can alleviate the pain. These include: i. The greater galangal (Alpinia galanga). This comprises of dried rhizomes that contain the d’Amali volatile oil essence for treatment of the conditions. ii. Ardisia japonica and A. hortorum. This is a traditional Chinese medicine for cough and contains active ingredients of the expectorant. iii. Coleus forskohlii. This plant is used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its properties make it effective in the control of asthma. iv. Datura stramortium: this medicinal plant is also known as the thorn apple or the jimsonweed, from the Solananeae. It contains atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine as ingredients for treating asthma and bronchitis. v. Glutathione: This is a non-protein form of thiol that have been known to alleviate pain resulting from respiratory track illnesses. vi. Glycyrrhiza glabra: This comprises of underground stems and fried roots of the licorice plant that if chewed, have the potentiality of relieving an individual of bronchitis and other respiratory conditions such as sore throats, and coughs. To achieve this, the drug works through the enhancement of the antiviral functions of the body. b. Emphysema It is characterized by the chronic obstruction of the pulmonary disease. This condition is the fourth leading medical condition for the deaths of people and contributes to the limitations of the physical activity of an individual. The effect of this disease is that it permanently enlarges and irreversibly destroys the alveoli and their small bronchioles. Thus, this disease has an effect of diminishing the elasticity of the lungs (Mauseth, 2014). The plants that can be used to remedy this condition include: i. Cannabis sativa (marijuana). It is recommended for respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema. ii. Salvia miltiorrhiza (cinnabar roots). As a Chinese herb, it prevents emphysema through its elastase inhibiting agents. iii. Hyoscyamus niger (henbane). This medicinal plant results in the improvement of the lung’s clarity and limited emphysema. c. Common cold and flu Colds are usually catarrhal disorders of the upper respiratory tract, resulting from either viral infection, allergic reaction or a mixed infection that is indicated by profuse discharge of mucus from the nostrils, light rise in body temperature, sore throats, general indispositions and chilly sensations (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 2003). The common species of plants that have been used to treat colds and flu include: i. Abies balsamea of the Pinaceae family. Majorly, the resin from this plant is the one used to remedy the cold, asthma or coughs. Particularly, this plant was used by the Pillager Ojibwa by putting them in sweat baths and burning them in coals and then inhaling their fumes as a treatment for the colds (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 2003). ii. Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, and of the Asteraceae family. This was used as a sweat herb by Micmac in curing colds, whereby it was boiled for an approximate one hour then taken with milk. iii. Acorus calamus, commonly known as sweet flag, and of the Acoraceae family has had its roots widely chewed, drank as a concoction, and had its smoke inhaled by the Omaha and other Native Americans to relieve cold. iv. Andrographis paniculata of the Acanthaceae family has been widely used in India and Nordic countries to lessen the extent and symptoms of cold. Subsequently, the plant has been used in China and Chile based on its bitter tonics to treat sore throats and related symptoms without causing side effects. v. Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida commonly referred to as the purple coneflowers, and of the Asteraceae family has been widely used to treat colds through its roots and expressed stabilized juices. Globally, it is the best known herbal preparation used in relieving the duration and symptoms of cold and flulike infection as an early intervention (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis, 2003). References Cullen, K. (2005). Biology. New York: Infobase Pub. Fougère, B. J., & Wynn, S. G. (2007). Veterinary herbal medicine. St. Louis: Mosby, an affiliate of Elsevier. Krusche, B., Arend, J., & Efferth, T. (2013). Synergistic Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Artesunate and Captopril In Vitro and In Vivo. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/454783 Lewis, W. H., & Elvin-Lewis, M. P. F. (2003). Medical botany: Plants affecting human health. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Mauseth, J. D. (2014). Botany: An introduction to plant biology. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Read More