PubMed · 15997722
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2005-06-15. [Anticonvulsive from calmus root?].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15997722/
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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Plants have evolved a number of inducible defence mechanisms against pathogen attack, including synthesis of pathogenesis-related proteins. The aim of the study was to purify and characterize antifungal protein from leaves of Acorus calamus. METHODS: Leaf proteins from A. calamus were fractionated by cation exchange chromatography and gel filtration and the fraction inhibiting the hyphal extension of phytopathogens was characterized. The temperature stability and pH optima of the protein were determined and its presence was localized in the leaf tissues. KEY RESULTS: The purified protein was identified as a class III haem peroxidase with a molecular weight of approx. 32 kDa and pI of 7.93. The temperature stability of the enzyme was observed from 5 degrees C to 60 degrees C with a temperature optimum of 36 degrees C. Maximum enzyme activity was registered at pH 5.5. The pH and temperature optima were corroborated with the antifungal activity of the enzyme. The enzyme was localized in the leaf epidermal cells and lumen tissues of xylem, characteristic of class III peroxidases. The toxic nature of the enzyme which inhibited hyphal growth was demonstrated against phytopathogens such as Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium moniliforme and Trichosporium vesiculosum. Microscopic observations revealed distortion in the hyphal structure with stunted growth, increased volume and extensive hyphal branching. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that peroxidases may have a role to play in host defence by inhibiting the hyphal extension of invading pathogens.
The fungicidal property of Acorus gramineus rhizome-derived materials against Botrytis cineria, Erysiphe graminis, Phytophthora infestans, Puccinia recondita, Pyricularia grisea, and Rhizoctonia solani was tested using a whole plant method in vivo, and was compared with a synthetic fungicide and seven commercially available A. gramineus rhizome-derived components. The responses varied according to the plant pathogen tested. At 2000 mg/l, the hexane fraction of A. gramineus rhizomes showed strong fungicidal activities against R. solani and P. infestans. The results indicated at least one of the fungicidal actions of alpha-asarone and asaronaldehyde derived from A. gramineus rhizomes.
Acorus calamus Linn. (Araceae) is a native of Central Asia and Eastern Europe and has widespread use in the traditional system of medicine for gastrointestinal disorders such as colic pain and diarrhoea. This study was aimed at providing a possible pharmacological basis to the use of this plant as an antispasmodic and antidiarrhoeal. In the isolated rabbit jejunum preparation the crude extract (Ac.Cr), which tested positive for the presence of alkaloid, saponins and tannins, caused inhibition of spontaneous and high K(+) (80 mm)-induced contractions, with respective EC(50) values of 0.42 +/- 0.06 and 0.13 +/- 0.04 mg/mL (mean +/- SEM; n = 6-8), thus showing spasmolytic activity, mediated possibly through calcium channel blockade (CCB). The CCB activity was confirmed when pre-treatment of the tissue with Ac.Cr (0.3-1.0 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in the Ca(++) dose-response curves similar to that caused by verapamil, a standard calcium channel blocker. Activity-directed fractionation revealed that the CCB activity was concentrated in the n-hexane fraction while the ethylacetate fraction was less potent. These results suggest that the spasmolytic effect of the plant extract is mediated through the presence of CCB-like constituent(s) which is concentrated in the n-hexane fraction and this study provides a strong mechanistic base for its traditional use in gastrointestinal disorders such as colic pain and diarrhoea.