PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF A TRADITIONAL MEDICINE, RUTIN, AGAINST LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED ENDOTOXEMIA IN MICE

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a main causative agent of septic shock. In this study we investigated the possible effects of Rutin (RT) against LPS-induced endotoxemia model in vivo to determine whether RT could rescue mice from ensuing death after their exposure to LPS. To further understand the role of RT, the responses of cytokines were also assessed in serum isolated from blood collected at 0, 1.5, 3, 6, and 12h after LPS administration of the mice. In the study, RT showed suppressive effects on TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production by LPS- challenged mice. Furthermore, RT protected mice by improving host survival against LPS challenge. The present ï¬ndings reinforce the potential of RT, a natural compound as drug candidate for prevention of sepsis progression. Keywords: Rutin, lipopolysaccharide, cytokine, sepsis, mic

Shrews (Mammalia, Eulipotyphla) from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa), with a field identification key to species

In this study, we collected 226 shrew specimens originating from 16 localities on the Guinean and Liberian sides of Mount Nimba. We surveyed all major vegetation zones from 400 to 1600 m above sea level (asl), including forest and savannah habitats. We recorded 11 species, whose identifications were confirmed by genetic analyses and classical morphometrics. Furthermore, we provide cytogenetic data for five of these species. The shrew community at Mount Nimba is composed of a mix of both savannah- and forest-dependent species, which is related to the peculiar position of Mount Nimba situated at the transition between lowland rainforest to the south and Guinean woodlands to the north. We recorded 11 species of shrews in syntopy in lowland rainforest, seven in edaphic savannah and mountain forest, and five in high-altitude savannah at 1600 m asl. Based on morphometric analyses, we show that these syntopic species separate along a size axis, allowing species to occupy different ecological niches, which we speculate allows them to access different food resources. We also highlight that Crocidura theresae Heim de Balsac, 1968 from Mount Nimba has a different karyotype from that described in Côte d’Ivoire. Finally, we develop a novel identification key for shrews from Mount Nimba using external characters and standard body measurements, allowing it to be used in the field on live specimens. In total 12 shrew species are now known from Mount Nimba, which highlights its exceptional position as a tropical African biodiversity hotspot.https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/zoosystemadm2022Mammal Research InstituteZoology and Entomolog

Jaceosidin: A traditional herbal medicine with its wide range of pharmacological properties

Background: Natural products of therapeutic importance are compounds derived from plants, animals, or any microorganism. Humans have been using natural products for medicinal use for ages. Jaceosidin (JAS), found in plants is used as a food and a traditional medicinal herb. In recent years, several studies noticed that the biological and pharmacological effects of JAS have attracted attention and encouraged us to review its various properties. Objectives: This review focused on the newest scientific reports on JAS and extensively summarizes its pharmacological properties. Methodology: Articles published by authors on JAS were analyzed for the study. Results: JAS is known to play several pharmacological functions such as antimutagenic, angiogenesis, anti-adipogenic, immunosuppressive, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusion: JAS has many important applications in pharmacology. Although researchers have reported multiple pharmacological applications of this compound, further experimentations covering its effects and mechanisms of action are needed to understand and extend the scope of its application. Keywords: Natural products, Jaceosidin, pharmacological activitie