Life Sciences Commons^™

Rhodomyrtals A–D, Four Unusual Phloroglucinol-Sesquiterpene Adducts From Rhodomyrtus Psidioides, Qing-Yao Shou, Joshua Smith, Htwe Mon, Zlatko Brkljaca, Ana-Suncana Smith, David Smith, Hans Griesser, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Four novel compounds, rhodomyrtals A–D (1–4), with two unprecendented carbon frameworks of phloroglucinol coupled eudesmane, together with the known compound eucalyptin A (5) have been isolated from the leaves of the Australian plant Rhodomyrtus psidioides. The structures of compounds 1–4 were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and ECD calculations. Some of the compounds showed good antibacterial activity against selected Gram-positive strains.

From Local To Global - Fifty Years Of Research On Salvia Divinorum, Ivan Casselman, Catherine Nock, Hans Wohlmuth, Robert Weatherby, Michael Heinrich

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Ethnopharmacological relevance: In 1962 ethnopharmacologists, Hofmann and Wasson, undertook an expedition to Oaxaca, Mexico. These two researchers were the first scientists to collect a flowering specimen of Salvia divinorum allowing the identification of this species. While the species' traditional use is confined to a very small region of Mexico, since Hofmann and Wasson's expedition 50 years ago, Salvia divinorum has become globally recognized for its main active constituent, the diterpene salvinorin A, which has a unique effect on human physiology. Salvinorin A is a kappa-opioid agonist and the first reported psychoactive diterpene.

Methods: This review concentrates on the investigation of …

Adulteration Of Ginkgo Biloba Products And A Simple Method To Improve Its Detection, Hans Wohlmuth, Kate Savage, Ashley Dowell, Peter Mouatt

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Extracts of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) leaf are widely available worldwide in herbal medicinal products, dietary supplements, botanicals and complementary medicines, and several pharmacopoeias contain monographs for ginkgo leaf, leaf extract and finished products. Being a high-value botanical commodity, ginkgo extracts may be the subject of economically motivated adulteration. We analysed eight ginkgo leaf retail products purchased in Australia and Denmark and found compelling evidence of adulteration with flavonol aglycones in three of these. The same three products also contained genistein, an isoflavone that does not occur in ginkgo leaf. Although the United States Pharmacopeia – National Formulary (USP-NF) and the …

Antibacterial Anthranilic Derivatives From Geijera Parviflora, Qing-Yao Shou, Linda Banbury, Alan Maccarone, Dane Renshaw, Htwe Mon, Stefani Griesser, Hans Griesser, Stephen Blanksby, Joshua Smith, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Five anthranilic acid derivatives, a mixture I of three new compounds 11′-hexadecenoylanthranilic acid (1), 9′-hexadecenoylanthranilic acid (2), and 7′-hexadecenoylanthranilic acid (3), as well as a new compound 9,12,15-octadecatrienoylanthranilic acid (4) together with a new natural product, hexadecanoylanthranilic acid (5), were isolated from Geijera parviflora Lindl. (Rutaceae). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic measurements, and the positions of the double bonds in compounds 1–3 of the mixture I were determined by tandem mass spectrometry employing ozone-induced dissociation. The mixture I and compound 5 showed good antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive strains.

Phytochemical And Pharmacological Aspects Of Australian Bloodroots (Haemodora Spp.), Lei Liu, Myrna Deseo, D Thompson, Hans Wohlmuth, David Leach

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

No abstract provided.

First Report Of Fingerprinting Dried Herbal Products Using A Subtractive Diversity Array, Linhai Niu, Nitin Mantri, Hans Wohlmuth, Chunguang Li, Charlie Xue, Edwin Pang

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Introduction Sequence-independent microarrays have never been used to identify and authenticate dried herbal plants. Methods: We report successful fingerprinting of seven species: Leonurus sibiricus, Astragalus membranaceus, Coix lachryma-jobi, Magnolia biondii, Abutilon theophrasti, Physalis alkekengi, and Salvia miltiorrhiza from dried tissues using a sequence-independent microarray, “Subtracted Diversity Array”. Results: Herbal plants could be identified from tissues as they were sold at the clinic. Hierarchical cluster of these species generated using SPSS v.15.0 confirmed to their predicted taxonomical relationships as specified in the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group II classification system. A polymorphism rate of 40.7% was achieved from the 376 spots used for …

Parvifloranines A And B, Two 11-Carbon Alkaloids From Geijera Parviflora, Qingyao Shou, Linda Banbury, Joshua Smith, Xiaoxiang He, Ashley Dowell, Hans Griesser, Michael Heinrich, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Two novel alkaloids (parvifloranines A and B), possessing an unusual 11-carbon skeleton linked with amino acids, were isolated from Geijera parviflora, an endemic Australian Rutaceae. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic measurements including 2D NMR analyses. Parvifloranine A was found to be a mixture of two enantiomers, (S)-1 and (R)-1, in a ratio of 1:4, based on their separation using a chiral column. Parvifloranine B is also believed to be a mixture of enantiomers. Proposed biosynthetic pathways are discussed. Parvifloranine A inhibited the synthesis of nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages with an IC50 value of 23.4 μM.

A Gdna Microarray For Genotyping Salvia Species, Alexandra Olarte, Nitin Mantri, Gregory Nugent, Hans Wohlmuth, Chun Li, Charlie Xue, Edwin Pang

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Salvia is an important genus from the Lamiaceae with approximately 1,000 species. This genus is distributed globally and cultivated for ornamental, culinary, and medicinal uses. We report the construction of the first fingerprinting array for Salvia species enriched with polymorphic and divergent DNA sequences and demonstrate the potential of this array for fingerprinting several economically important members of this genus. In order to generate the Salvia subtracted diversity array (SDA) a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed between a pool of Salvia species and a pool of angiosperms and non-angiosperms to selectively isolate Salvia-specific sequences. A total of 285-subtracted genomic …

Phenological Changes To The Chemical Composition And Biologicalactivity Of The Essential Oil From Moroccan Endemic Thyme (Thymusmaroccanus Ball), Chaima Jamali, Ayoub Kasrati, Khalid Bekkouche, Lahcen Hassani, Hans Wohlmuth, David Leach, Abdelaziz Abbad

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

The chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of wild endemic Moroccan Thymus maroccanus at different developmental stages (vegetative, flowering and post-flowering) were evaluated. The yield of essential oils (v/w%) based on dry weight at different stages were: vegetative (2.14%), flowering (leaves: 1.80%; flowers: 3.46%), and post-flowering (leaves: 0.98%; post-flowers: 2.46%). Analysis of the essential oils by GC/MS revealed the presence of 28 components represented mainly by monoterpenes, both oxygenated (59.4–79.4%) and hydrocarbons (14.3–34.2%). The ranges of major constituents were as follow: carvacrol (14.1–77.6%), p-cymene (3.5–7.9%), γ-terpinene (3.8–6.6%) and α-pinene (1.2–7.8%). …

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant And Antimicrobial Activities Of Essential Oil Obtained From Wild And Cultivated Moroccan Thymus Species, Laila El Bouzidi, Chaima Jamali, Khalid Bekkouche, Lahcen Hassanil, Hans Wohlmuth, David Leach, Abdelaziz Abbad

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Thymus broussonetii, Thymus maroccanus and Thymus satureioides, are endemic Moroccan species that are intensively utilized because of their wide ranging medicinal and culinary properties. In an effort to preserve these over-exploited species, the effect of cultivation on the essential oil chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were investigated. The hydrodistilled oils obtained from wild and cultivated thyme species were analyzed by GC–MS. In total, 41 components were identified representing more than 98% of the oils, with carvacrol (26.0–71.6%), borneol (5.0–20.1%), γ-terpinene (4.0–8.9%) and p-cymene (5.2–10.3%) as the main constituents. Similar oil profiles were obtained from wild and cultivated T. maroccanus, …

Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Induces Chronic Kidney Injury Via Pro-Fibrotic Pathways, Ken Wojcikowski, Hans Wohlmuth, David Johnson, Glenda Gobe

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Dioscorea villosa (wild yam) rhizome extract is a medicinal herb that is commonly used to treat symptoms of menopause and rheumatoid arthritis. We had evidence from previous in vitro experiments that this extract is toxic and pro-fibrotic in renal cells and aimed to test whether this occurs in vivo. Sprague-Dawley rats received 0.79 g/kg/d D. villosa extract in their food or no treatment over 7, 14 and 28d (n = 4 per group). Kidney and liver tissues were collected for protein extraction and Western immunoblots or fixed for special histologic stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and microscopy. Collagen deposition was assessed using …

A Simple Hplc Method For Detecting Adulteration Of Ginkgo Extracts With Flavonol Glycosides, Hans Wohlmuth, Kate Savage, Ashley Dowell, Peter Mouatt

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

No abstract provided.

Review Of Local And Traditional Plant Use By Australian Migrant Communities, Anna Du Chesne, Sue Evans, Adele Wessell, Hans Wohlmuth, Michael Heinrich

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

No abstract provided.

Factors Affecting Pharmacists' Recommendations Of Cms: A Qualitative Pilot Study Of Australian Pharmacists, Sarah Culverhouse, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

No abstract provided.

A Review Of The Status Of Western Herbal Medicine In Australia, Hans Wohlmuth, Christopher Oliver, Pradeep Nathan

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Western herbal medicine is the most widely used form of herbal medicine in Australia although Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicines are becoming better known. The agricultural production and manufacture of locally grown herbs is, with some exceptions, relatively underdeveloped, as is the research and development of indigenous flora. However, the use of herbal medicine is increasingly becoming mainstream with retail sales of herbal products in Australia estimated to be A$200 million. Concurrent with the increase in popularity of herbal medicine with health consumers have come advances in herbal medicine education and regulation. Although small by European standards, research into herbal …

Essential Oil Composition And Antimicrobial Activity Of Wild And Cultivated Mint Timija (Mentha Suaveolens Subsp. Timija (Briq.) Harley), An Endemic And Threatened Medicinal Species In Morocco, A Kasrati, C Jamali, K Bekkouche, H Lahcen, M Markouk, Hans Wohlmuth, David Leach, A Abbad

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

The hydro-distilled essential oils obtained from aerial parts of the wild (w) and cultivated (c) mint timija (Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija), an endemic medicinal species of Morocco, have been analyzed by GC–MS and screened for antimicrobial activity. In total, 35 compounds representing more than 98% of the oils were identified. Menthone (39.4(w)–10.8(c)%), pulegone (62.3(c)–34.3(w)%) and isomenthone (9.3(c)–7.8(w)%) were found as the main components for the two oils. The volatiles of the wild and cultivated material differed significantly in both the percentage of the main components and antimicrobial effect. Pulegone was more dominant in cultivated mint timija (62.3%) than in wild …

Pilidiostigmin, A Novel Bioactive Dimeric Acylphloroglucinol Derivative Isolated From Pilidiostigma Glabrum, Qingyao Shou, Hans Sun, Linda Banbury, Eleanore Lambley, Dane Renshaw, Christian Griesinger, Hans Griesser, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Pilidiostigmin, a novel dimeric acylphloroglucinol derivative, was isolated from the leaves of the Australian plant species Pilidiostigma glabrum (Myrtaceae). Pilidiostigmin exists in the plant in the form of a sodium salt, which is rare in natural products. The elucidation of the structure and relative configuration was achieved by spectroscopic measurements with special emphasis on 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Pilidiostigmin was found to display biological activity; it significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the synthesis of nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages at low micromolar concentrations.

St John's Wort Drug Interactions, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

No abstract provided.

The Spring Migration Of Raptors In Southern Israel And Sinai, S Christensen, O Lou, M Miller, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

No abstract provided.

Bush Medicines Of Western Sydney, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

The knowledge of traditional Aboriginal use of medicinal plants in the Sydney area is almost non-existent. A number of plants growing in Mitchell Park, northwest of Sydney, are discussed in terms of their potential medicinal use by the traditional owners of the area. In the absence of records of medicinal plant use in the area, the discussion draws upon information from other areas of Australia. Aboriginal health prior to European settlement is also briefly discussed in an attempt to identify some of the ailments Aboriginal people may have found themselves treating with bush medicines. It is concluded that the area …

Pharmacognosy – Is It Really Relevant?, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

No abstract provided.

On Standardised Extracts, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

The author discusses the use of standardised extracts versus non- standardised extracts and addresses several issues raised in an earlier paper which he asserts contained grossly inaccurate information, incorrect assertions and insinuations about standardised extracts.

What Are Aflatoxins?, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites wh ich are rarely produced by species of mou Ids belonging to the genus Aspergillus. These moulds grow on stored plant foods, in particular peanuts, wheat and corn. In tropical countries an estimated 25% or more of the food may be contaminated with aflatoxins (Raven et al 1992).

Herbal Medicines- An Ethnobotanical Survey, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

No abstract provided.

Biologically Active Dibenzofurans From Pilidiostigma Glabrum, An Endemic Australian Myrtaceae, Qing-Yao Shou, Linda Banbury, Dane Renshaw, Eleanore Lambley, Htwe Mon, Graham Macfarlane, Hans Griesser, Michael Heinrich, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

In an effort to identify new anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents with potential application in wound healing, five new dibenzofurans, 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-2,8-dimethyl-4,6-di(2-methylbutanoyl)dibenzofuran (1), 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-2,8-dimethyl-4-(2-methylbutanoyl)-6-(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (2), 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-2,8-dimethyl-4,6-di(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (3), 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-4,6-dimethyl-2-(2-methylbutanoyl)-8-(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (4), and 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-4,6-dimethyl-2,8-di(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (5), were isolated from the leaves of Pilidiostigma glabrum together with one previously described dibenzofuran. Structure elucidation was achieved by way of spectroscopic measurements including 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Compounds with 2,8-acyl substitutions had potent antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive strains (MIC in the low micromolar range), while compounds with 4,6-acyl substitutions were less active. All compounds except 3 inhibited the synthesis of …

Factors Affecting Pharmacists Recommendation Of Complementary Medicines: A Qualitative Study Of Australian Pharmacists, Sarah Culverhouse, Hans Wohlmuth

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Background

Complementary medicines (CMs) are widely used by the Australian public, and pharmacies are major suppliers of these medicines. The integration of CMs into pharmacy practice is well documented, but the behaviours of pharmacists in recommending CMs to customers are less well studied. This study reports on factors that influence whether or not pharmacists in Australia recommend CMs to their customers.

Methods

Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with twelve practicing pharmacists based in Brisbane, Australia. The qualitative data were analysed by thematic analysis.

Results

The primary driver of the recommendation of CMs was a desire to provide a health …

Genomics And Metabolomics For New Plant Products, Daniel Waters, Peter Bundock, Hans Wohlmuth, Myrna Deseo, Lei Liu, Frances Shapter, Agnelo Furtado

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

No abstract provided.

Chemical Constituents From Fritillaria Anhuiensis, Qing-Yao Shou, Hans Wohlmuth, X He, Lei Liu, Zhengwu Shen

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Phytochemical investigation on Fritillaria anhuiensis led to the isolation of one new labdane diterpenoid (12) 14(RS),15-dihydroxy-8(17),12(E)-labdadien-19-oic-acid and 26 known compounds (1–11, 13–27). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of their spectral data with those reported in the literature. Fourteen known compounds (4, 5, 7–11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 22–24) were isolated from F. anhuiensis for the first time, and five of them (10, 11, 13, 23, 24) are reported from the family Liliaceae for the first time. Some of the compounds identified in the present investigation may have chemotaxonomic value at the generic …

Chemical Composition And Antioxidant And Anticandidal Activities Of Essential Oils From Different Wild Moroccan Thymus Species, Chaima Jamali, Leila El Bouzidi, Khalid Bekkouche, Hassani Lahcen, Mohammed Markouk, Hans Wohlmuth, David Leach, Abdelaziz Abbad

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Samples of the aerial parts of Thymus broussonetii, T. ciliatus, T. leptobotrys, T. maroccanus, T. pallidus, T. satureioides, and T. serpyllum collected from different natural regions in southern and south-western Morocco were analyzed for their qualitative and quantitative essential oil profiles. In total, 46 compounds, representing more than 99% of the oils, were characterized. Monoterpenes, both hydrocarbons (12.9–58.0%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (38.8–81.1%), were the principal classes of compounds for most of the thyme species studied. Cluster analysis allowed the classification of the species into three main groups: a carvacrol group (Group I), comprising the species T. maroccanus …

A Combined Phase I And Ii Open-Label Study On The Immunomodulatory Effects Of Seaweed Extract Nutrient Complex, Stephen Myers, Joan O'Connor, J Helen Fitton, Lyndon Brooks, Margaret Rolfe, Paul Connellan, Hans Wohlmuth, Phillip Cheras, Carol Morris

Dr Hans Wohlmuth

Background: Isolated fucoidans from brown marine algae have been shown to have a range of immune-modulating effects. This exploratory study aimed to determine whether a seaweed nutrient complex containing a blend of extracts from three different species of brown algae plus nutrients is safe to administer and has biological potential as an immune modulator. The study was undertaken as an open-label combined Phase I and II study. Methods: Participants (n = 10) were randomized to receive the study medication at either a 100 mg (n = 5) or 1000 mg (n = 5) dose over 4 weeks. The primary outcome …