Activity Of Methanolic Extract Research Articles

Filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z inhibitors from Glycyrrhiza glabra and their inhibitory mode of action

FtsZ is an essential protein for bacterial cell division, and an attractive and underexploited novel antibacterial target protein. Screening of Indonesian plants revealed the inhibitory activity of the methanol extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on the Bacillus subtilis FtsZ (BsFtsZ) GTPase, and further bioassay-guided fractionation of the active methanol extract led to the isolation of seven known polyketides (1–7). Among them, gancaonin I (1), glycyrin (3), and isolicoflavanol (5) exhibited anti-BsFtsZ GTPase activities, at levels comparable to that of the synthetic FtsZ inhibitor, Zantrin Z3. Enzymatic assays using a BsFtsZ Val307R mutant protein and in silico simulations suggested that 1, 3, and 5 bind to the cleft on BsFtsZ, as in the case of the previously reported uncompetitive FtsZ inhibitor, PC190723, and thereby display their significant anti-BsFtsZ inhibitory activities. Furthermore, 1 also showed significant inhibitory activity against B. subtilis, with a MIC value of 5μM. The present study provides new insights into the naturally occurring B. subtilis growth inhibitors.

Cholinesterase inhibitory, anti-amyloidogenic and neuroprotective effect of the medicinal plant Grewia tiliaefolia – An in vitro and in silico study

Context: Grewia tiliaefolia Vahl. (Tiliaceae) is a sub-tropical plant used as an indigenous medicine in India. However, its efficacy has not been evaluated against Alzheimer’s disease.Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate cholinesterase inhibitory, anti-aggregation and neuroprotective activity of G. tiliaefolia.Materials and method: Grewia tiliaefolia leaves were collected from Eastern Ghats region, India, and subjected to successive extraction (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water). The extracts were subjected to in vitro antioxidant, anticholinesterase and anti-aggregation assays. The active methanol extract (MEGT) was separated using column chromatography. LC-MS analysis was done and the obtained compounds were docked against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme to identify the active component.Results: Antioxidant assays demonstrated that the MEGT showed significant free radical scavenging activity at the IC50 value of 71.5 ± 1.12 μg/mL. MEGT also exhibited significant dual cholinesterase inhibition with IC50 value of 64.26 ± 2.56 and 54 ± 0.7 μg/mL for acetyl and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), respectively. Also, MEGT showed significant anti-aggregation activity by preventing the oligomerization of Aβ25–35. Further, MEGT increased the viability of Neuro2a cells up to 95% against Aβ25-35 neurotoxicity. LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 16 compounds including vitexin, ellagic acid, isovitexin, etc. In silico analysis revealed that vitexin binds effectively with AChE through strong hydrogen bonding. These results were further confirmed by evaluating the activity of vitexin in vitro, which showed dual cholinesterase inhibition with IC50 value of 15.21 ± 0.41 and 19.75 ± 0.16 μM for acetyl and butyrlcholinesterase, respectively.Discussion and conclusion: Grewia tiliaefolia can be considered as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD.

Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-cholinesterase, and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Culinary Mushroom Pleurotus pulmonarius

Culinary mushroom Pleurotus pulmonarius has been popular in Asian countries. In this study, the anti-oxidant, cholinesterase, and inflammation inhibitory activities of methanol extract (ME) of fruiting bodies of P. pulmonarius were evaluted. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazy free radical scavenging activity of ME at 2.0 mg/mL was comparable to that of butylated hydroxytoluene, the standard reference. The ME exhibited significantly higher hydroxyl radical scavenging activity than butylated hydroxytoluene. ME showed slightly lower but moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase than galantamine, a standard AChE inhibitor. It also exhibited protective effect against cytotoxicity to PC-12 cells induced by glutamate (10~100 μg/mL), inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and carrageenan-induced paw edema in a rat model. Highperformance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the ME of P. pulmonarius contained at least 10 phenolic compounds and some of them were identified by the comparison with known standard phenolics. Taken together, our results demonstrate that fruiting bodies of P. pulmonarius possess antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase, and inflammation inhibitory activities.

Bio-Guided Isolation of Methanol-Soluble Metabolites of Common Spruce (Picea abies) Bark by-Products and Investigation of Their Dermo-Cosmetic Properties.

Common spruce (Picea abies L.) is a fast-growing coniferous tree, widely used in several countries for the production of sawn wood, timber and pulp. During this industrial exploitation, large quantities of barks are generated as waste materials. The aim of this study was the bio-guided investigation and the effective recovery of methanol-soluble metabolites of common spruce bark for the development of new dermo-cosmetic agents. The active methanol extract was initially fractionated by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC) using a triphasic solvent system in a step-gradient elution mode. All resulting fractions were evaluated for their antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity and their capability to inhibit tyrosinase, elastase and collagenase activity. In parallel, the chemical composition of each fraction was established by combining a 13C-NMR dereplication approach and 2D-NMR analyses. As a result, fourteen secondary metabolites corresponding to stilbene, flavonoid and phenolic acid derivatives were directly identified in the CPC fractions. A high amount (0.93 g) of E-astringin was recovered from 3 g of crude extract in a single 125 min run. E-Astringin significantly induced the tyrosinase activity while E-piceid, taxifolin, and taxifolin-3′-O-glucopyranoside exhibited significant anti-tyrosinase activity. The above compounds showed important anti-collagenase and antimicrobial activities, thus providing new perspectives for potential applications as cosmetic ingredients.

Antimicrobial activity of Albizia gummifera (J.F.Gmel.) C.A.Sm leaf extracts against four Salmonella serovars

In the past few decades, non-typhoidal serovars of Salmonella have gained resistance to several classes of antibiotics including third generation Cephalosporins and Fluoroquinolones. There has also been an increase in the number of infections caused by antimicrobial resistant Salmonella serotypes including Salmonella Typhimurium DT 104 which is resistant to at least five antimicrobial agents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate Albizia gummifera (Fabaceae), a native tree species of Africa that has been used extensively in African traditional medicine for the treatment of stomach infection, skin diseases and malaria for antimicrobial activity against four Salmonella serovars. Dichloromethane, methanol and acetone leaf extracts of A. gummifera were screened for antimicrobial activity against Salmonella Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, S. Dublin, and S. Gallinarum using the microplate dilution method. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts ranged between 0.125 and 1mg/ml, while minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) ranged between 0.25 and >2.00mg/ml. The best activity was exhibited by the methanol extract against all the tested strains. The mutagenic and cytotoxic potential of the most active methanol extract were also determined. The extract was not mutagenic in the Ames tester strains TA98 and TA100 with and without metabolic activation. However, the methanol extract was cytotoxic to both Human hepatocellular carcinoma (C3A) and Madin-Darby Bovine kidney (MDBK) cell lines. The results obtained in this study validate in part the use of this plant in African traditional medicine for the treatment of stomach infection.

Evaluation of therapeutic effect of omega-6 linoleic acid and thymoquinone enriched extracts from Nigella sativa oil in the mitigation of lipidemic oxidative stress in rats

ObjectiveNigella sativa belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. The therapeutic role of methanolic extract (ME) and volatile oil (VO) fractionated from N. sativa seed oil was investigated for antiperoxidative and antioxidant effects in atherogenic suspension fed rats. MethodsWe examined the protective effects of ME and VO on the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants status in erythrocytes and the livers of atherogenic suspension fed rats. As a marker of lipid peroxidation, we estimated the conjugated diene, lipid hydroperoxide, and malondialdehyde concentrations in plasma in the following groups of rats: normolipidemic control, hyperlipidemic control, hyperlipidemic methanolic extract, and hyperlipidemic volatile oil. ME 500 mg or VO 100 mg/kg body weight of male rat was orally administrated for 30 d. ResultsPretreatment of hyperlipidemic rats with these test extracts resulted in a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the level of lipid peroxidation markers, conjugated diene, lipid hydroperoxide, and malondialdehyde (16–50%) compared to the hyperlipidemic control rats. In addition, ME and VO significantly (P < 0.001) elevated the hepatic and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase activities (19–58%) compared to the hyperlipidemic rats. In liver homogenate of hyperlipidemic-ME and hyperlipidemic-VO, the glutathione-S-transferase activity was protected by 93% and 89%, and in erythrocytes, the glutathione peroxidase activity was protected by 90% and 77%, respectively. Interestingly, reduced glutathione level and activities of ATPases were protected to near normal levels. Pretreatment of rats with the test extracts replenished effectively (P < 0.001) the plasma total antioxidant power by an average of 88% against free radicals. ConclusionsThe lipidemic oxidative stress was effectively mitigated by antiperoxidative activities of ME and VO. Thus, these test extracts, especially ME, may be used as antioxidant as well as hypolipidemic agents in the form of natural food supplement to prevent or treat diseases caused by free radicals.

Antioxidant Activities of Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of Marine Macroalga, &lt;i&gt;Avrainvillea erecta&lt;/i&gt; (Berkeley) A. Gepp and E.S. Gepp (Dichotomosiphonaceae)

Purpose: To determine the antioxidant activity of methanol extract (ME) and solvent fractions of Avrainvillea erecta as well as their total phenolic and flavonoid contents.Methods: The antioxidant activities of ME as well as its chloroform, butanol, and aqueous fractions (CF, BF and WF, respectively) of A. erecta were evaluated via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging assays as well as ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined spectrophotometrically.Results: CF and BF possessed equally high DPPH scavenging activity with half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 535 and 532 mg/ml, respectively. CF had stronger NO scavenging activity (EC50 743 μg/mL) than ME and BF, although weaker compared with quercetin (EC50 279 μg/ml). CF also produced the highest FRAP value (451 μmol Fe2+/g) among all samples examined. Notably, H2O2 scavenging activity was only found in CF (EC50 387 μg/ml), which was as strong (p &gt; 0.05) as that of gallic acid (EC50 456 μg/mL). BF had the highest total phenolic content while CF had the highest total flavonoid content.Conclusion: CF of A. erecta, which has the highest flavonoid content of all the extracts evaluated, is a potential source of natural antioxidants, especially hydrogen peroxide scavengers.Keywords: Antioxidant, Avrainvillea erecta, Flavonoid, Macroalga, Phenolic

Depressant effects of Agastache mexicana methanol extract and one of major metabolites tilianin.

To determine the depressant-like effects and the possible mechanism of action of tilianin isolated from active methanol extract of Agastache mexicana (A. mexicana). Also, to establish the pharmacophoric requirements of tilianin, as a possible ligand of GABAA/BZD receptor, by the alignment of diazepam, CGS-9896 and diindole, using a previously described pharmacophoric model. Tilianin (30 to 300 mg/kg, ip. and 300 mg/kg, po.) and methanol crude extract (10 to 300 mg/kg, ip. and 300 mg/kg po.) from A. mexicana were evaluated for potential sedative and anxiolytic-like response drugs by using open-field, hole-board, cylinder of exploration, plus-maze and sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis mice methods. Methanol extract and tilianin showed anxiolytic-like activity from a dosage of 30 mg/kg, ip. or 300 mg/kg, po. and were less potent than diazepam 0.1 mg/kg, a reference anxiolytic drug used. Moreover, depressant activity of both potentiates sodium pentobarbital (SP)-induced sleeping time. The anxiolytic-like effect of 30 mg/kg ip. observed for the extract and tilianin, by using the plus-maze model, was partially prevented in the presence of flumazenil (a GABAA/BZD antagonist, 5 mg/kg ip.) but not in the presence of WAY 100635 (a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, 0.32 mg/kg, ip.). Pharmacophoric modeling alignments of three agonist of GABAA/BZD allow identify seven chemical features. Tilianin contains six of the seven features previously determined. Results indicate that tilianin is one of the bioactive metabolites in the anxiolytic-like activity of A. mexicana, reinforcing its central nervous system uses, where GABAA/BZD, but not 5-HT1A, receptors are partially involved.

Assessment of Annona reticulata Linn. leaves fractions for invitro antioxidative effect and antimicrobial potential against standard human pathogenic strains

Since from long time the plant, Annona reticulata Linn. is known for its beneficial effects. Leaves of A. reticulata were screened for phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity. The shade dried leaves were extracted with methanol and aqueous methanolic extract was partitioned successively with n-butanol, chloroform and acetone solvents. Methanolic extract was subjected to antioxidant screening using DPPH free radical scavenging activity and H2O2 scavenging activity. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of extract and fractions were analyzed on eight different clinical bacterial and fungal strains using agar well diffusion method and broth dilution method (MIC and MMC determination). The antioxidant activity showed that the extracts exhibited scavenging effect in concentration-dependent manner. The extract showed potent inhibitory effect against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli bacterial strains while in case of fungal strains the maximum effect was observed against Candida blanki. The maximum zone of inhibition of n-butanol, chloroform and acetone fractions was observed against B. subtilis, and E. coli respectively while all fractions exhibited potent inhibitory effect against C. blanki. MIC and MBC values were determined for active samples, methanol extract and chloroform fraction against Staphylococcus aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which revealed lower MIC and MBC values. The fungal strains Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and C. blanki were used to calculate MIC and MFC values for methanol extract and acetone fraction which demonstrated lower MIC and MFC values. The results provided evidence that the plant is richly supplied with numerous phytoconstituents that might indeed be potential sources of natural antioxidant, antimicrobial agents and supplementary food.

Antimicrobial activity of fruits, leaves, seeds and stems extracts of Ziziphus spina -Christi

Petroleum ether , chloroform , methanol and aqueous extracts of the fruits, leaves, seeds and stems of Ziziphus spina -Christi belonging to the family Rhamnaceae were screened for their antimicrobial activity against six standard bacteria: two Gram positive ( Bacillus subtilis ,Staphylococcus aureus), four Gram negative ( Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) and two fungi ( Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans ) using the cup plate agar diffusion method. The methanol extracts of all parts showed the highest activity against the bacteria tested followed by chloroform then petroleum ether. The aqueous extracts of all parts were inactive against all bacterial organisms. All four parts of the plant extracts showed no antifungal activity against the two fungi tested. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the most active methanol extracts of fruits, leaves and stems were determine against standard bacteria using the agar plate dilution method. The antibacterial activity of five reference drugs and the antifungal activity of two reference drugs were determined against six bacteria and two fungi and their activities were compared with the activity of the plant extracts.

Chemical Constituents of Rhododendron lepidotum from Nepal Himalayas

Rhododendron lepidotum (family Ericaceae) is a highly variable, low and compact to upright, lean shrub, up to 2 m tall. The flowers are of open type, having a white, yellow, pink, or purple color. The leaves are elliptic with a dark green upper surface and a lower surface with large brownish scales. The distribution of R. lepidotum is from Kashmir to southeastern Tibet at an altitude ranging from 2400 to 4900 m. The genus Rhododendron has a long history of use as folk medicine in various countries. Rhododendron adamsii Rehder is used as a stimulant and tonic [1, 2]. Dried leaves of R. dauricum are used as an expectorant and in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis [3, 4]. The leaves and twigs of R. dauricum display significant anti-HIV activity [5]. The leaf and flower powder of R. lepidotum have been used as a snuff in the treatment of headache [6], etc. Coumarin glycosides such as rhodonin and rhodonetin [7], 7-O--D-glucopyranosyl-8-methoxybenzopyranone and 7-hydroxy-8-O--glycosylbenzopyranone [8], coumarins named daphnin, daphnetin, daphnetin glucoside, rhodonetin, rhodonin, and umbelliferone [9], 2,4,6-trihydroxacetophenone3,5-di-C--D-glucoside, lupeol, ursolic acid, avicularin, quercetin, myricetin, hyperoside, myricetin-3-O--Dxyloside, (+)-taxifolin-3-O--L-arabinopyranoside, (+)-taxifolin-3-O--D-glucopyranoside, lyoniside, confluentin, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyltriacontanoate, 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-1-O--D-glucopyranoside, (–)-2-hydroxy-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl-O--D glucopyranoside, (–)-isolariciresinol, and isofraxoside [10] have been isolated from R. lepidotum. The leaves and twigs of Rhododendron lepidotum were collected from Godha Tabala Village of Langtang National Park (3800 m) of Nepal during November 2008. Four new compounds have been characterized from its biologically active crude methanol extract. Previously, the activity of the crude extract was determined by antimicrobial, IC50, brine shrimp, and antiproliferative (HeLa cell) tests [11]. The water-insoluble portion of the methanol extract was subjected to column chromatography to afford four triterpenoids (1–4). Compound 1 was obtained as a white solid on crystallization from acetone. The IR spectrum showed an ester carbonyl, and three methyl protons appeared in the 1H NMR spectrum, which was further supported by a peak at m/z 408 (M – CH3CO2H) in addition to the [M]+ 468 corresponding to the molecular formula C32H52O2 for 1. The 1H NMR spectrum showed the presence of a terminal alkene besides a vinylic methyl. The 13C NMR and DEPT confirmed CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF Rhododendron lepidotum FROM NEPAL HIMALAYAS

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF WHEAT GRAINS AND SEEDLINGS

The phytochemical profiles and antioxidant ac tivity of methanolic extract of Wheat Grains (WG) and 3 days old wheat seedlings ( 3d WS ) were evaluated in the present study . Phytochemical analysis was performed for a lkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, proteins and carbohydrates in WG and 3d WS extract s. Antioxidant activity was ev aluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content and reducing power ability . In this study, the results of WG were compared with 3dWS. T he results of phytochemical analysis showed the presence of all the above phytochemicals in the both 3dWS and WG extracts. When compared with WG, the 3dWS possesses high nutritional content s and antioxidant activity. Hence, it is sug gested to add wheat seedling in the daily diet to reduce many diseases caused by antioxidant deficiency. Keyword s : Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, 3 days old wheat seedlings, wheat grains , antioxidant deficiency.

Anti-MRSA-acting carbamidocyclophanes H-L from the Vietnamese cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. CAVN2.

The methanol extract of the Vietnamese freshwater cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. CAVN2 exhibited cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 and 5637 cancer cell lines as well as against nontumorigenic FL and HaCaT cells and was active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. High-resolution mass spectrometric analysis indicated the presence of over 60 putative cyclophane-like compounds in an antimicrobially active methanol extract fraction. A paracyclophanes-focusing extraction and separation methodology led to the isolation of 5 new carbamidocyclophanes (1-5) and 11 known paracyclophanes (6-16). The structures and their stereochemical configurations were elucidated by a combination of spectrometric and spectroscopic methods including HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR analyses and detailed comparative CD analysis. The newly described monocarbamoylated [7.7]paracyclophanes (1, 2, 4 and 5) differ by a varying degree of chlorination in the side chains. Carbamidocyclophane J (3) is the very first reported carbamidocyclophane bearing a single halogenation in both butyl residues. Based on previous studies a detailed phylogenetic examination of cyclophane-producing cyanobacteria was carried out. The biological evaluation of 1-16 against various clinical pathogens highlighted a remarkable antimicrobial activity against MRSA with MICs of 0.1-1.0 μM, and indicated that the level of antibacterial activity is related to the presence of carbamoyl moieties.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of traditional medicinal plants, Gynura segetum

Gynura segetum, family Asteraceae is a cultivated species and can be found growing in the tropical regions of Indonesia and Malaysia. The plant is known for its use for the treatment of cancer, inflammation, diabetes, hypertension and skin afflictions. In the current study, anti-inflammatory effect of Gynura segetum leaf has been investigated. The present study investigated the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of Gynura segetum leaf by using hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) assay. Different solvent extract of Gynura segetum leaf were tested, the most active methanol extract was further fractionated and tested. Among the extracts tested, the methanol extract showed a significant good anti-inflammatory effect (76.8% inhibition at 50 <TEX>${\mu}g/disc$</TEX>) on the HET-CAM assay as compared with the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin (82.1% inhibition). However, the fractionated sample exhibited a significantly lower activity in comparison to crude methanol extract. The results demonstrated that Gynura segetum leaf displayed remarkable anti-inflammatory effects, which support the folkloric uses of this plant for treatment of inflammation.

Antifouling and toxic properties of the bioactive metabolites from the seagrasses Syringodium isoetifolium and Cymodocea serrulata

The present study documents the antifouling and toxic properties of seagrasses Syringodium isoetifolium and Cymodocea serrulata. For that, the seagrasses S. isoetifolium and C. serrulata were extracted individually using organic solvents viz. dichloromethane, acetone and methanol. Amongst the extracts, the maximum antimicrofouling and antimacrofouling activities were exhibited by methanol extracts of both the seagrasses. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of methanolic extracts of seagrasses was ranged from 1.0 to 10µg/ml against test biofilm bacteria and microalgal strains. Similarly, 100% fouling inhibition of limpet Patella vulgata was found at 6.0mg/ml of methanolic extracts of seagrasses. The mussel Perna indica showed 50% of byssal production and attachment inhibition at 21.51±2.03, 17.82±1.07µg/ml and the anticrustaecean activity for 50% mortality of Artemia salina was recorded at 732.14±9.21 and 394.16±5.16µg/ml respectively for methanolic extracts of S. isoetifolium and C. serrulata. The minimal inhibitory and higher lethal concentrations of active methanol extracts shows it׳s less toxic nature. Based on the prolific results, methanol extracts of S. isoetifolium and C. serrulata were subjected to purification using silica gel column and thin layer chromatography. Then the active compounds of the bioassay guided fractions were partially characterized using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) and keyed out that fatty acids (C16 to C24) were the major components which responsible for the antifouling properties of the candidate seagrasses.

In-vitro cytotoxicity study of methanolic fraction from Ajuga Bracteosa wall ex. benth on MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma and hep-2 larynx carcinoma cell lines

Objective:Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex Benth (Labiatae) is popularly known in India as Neelkanthi. A decoction of the leaves, flowers, and barks is used in India for the treatment of cancer including diabetes, malaria, and inflammation etc. The main objective of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic potential of Ajuga bracteosa.Materials and Methods:Successive solvent extraction of Ajuga bracteosa in petroleum ether, methanol, and water extracts was done. These extracts were tested against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and larynx carcinoma (Hep-2) tumor cell lines, using the thiazolyl blue test (MTT) assay.Results:The methanolic fraction of Ajuga bracteosa had shown the significant results against MCF-7 and Hep-2 tumor cell lines. The methanolic, petroleum ether and aqueous extract from Ajuga bracteosa, presented an IC50 value at 24 h of 10, 65, 70 μg/ml and 5, 30, 15 μg/ml on MCF-7 and Hep-2 cells, respectively. Steroids compounds namely β-sitosterol and unknown constituents were identified in the most active methanol extract of Ajuga bracteosa wall ex Benth. These known and unknown compounds exhibited cytotoxic potential against MCF-7 and Hep-2 cancer cells.Conclusion:Among all the tested extracts, methanolic extract can be considered as potential sources of anti-cancer compounds. Further studies are necessary for more extensive biological evaluations.

Cytotoxic Activity of &lt;i&gt;Croton gibsonianus&lt;/i&gt; Nimm. Grah

The present study was designed to investigate the cytotoxic activity ofmethanol extract of Croton gibsonianus Nimm. Grah (Euphorbiaceae) leavesby brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The powdered leaf material was extractedwith methanol. The cytotoxicity activity of methanol extract was tested usingbrine shrimp (Artemia nauplii) lethality assay. The mortality of shrimps weredetermined and LC50 was calculated. Cytotoxic activity, in terms of mortalityof brine shrimps, was dependent on concentration of the extract. Highestmortality (87%) was observed at extract concentration 1000ìg/ml. The LC50of methanol extract was found to be 109.48ìg/ml. The result of the studyindicated that the extract possesses cytotoxic property. Further studies onisolation of active constituents possessing cytotoxic activity their cytotoxicityon various cancer and tumor cell lines are under investigation.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Chemical Profile of Galphimia glauca

Galphimia glauca, commonly known as "flor de estrella", is a plant species used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of different diseases that have an acute or chronic inflammatory process in common. Aerial parts of this plant contain nor-seco-triterpenoids with anxiolytic properties, which have been denominated galphimines. Other compounds identified in the plant are tetragalloyl-quinic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin, which are able to inhibit the bronchial obstruction induced by platelet-activating factor. The objective of this work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of crude extracts from G. glauca and, by means of bioguided chemical separation, to identify the compounds responsible for this pharmacological activity. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and methanol extracts showed an important anti-inflammatory effect. Chemical separation of the active methanol extract allowed us to identify the nor-seco-triterpenes galphimine-A (1) and galphimine-E (3) as the anti-inflammatory principles. Analysis of structure-activity relationships evidenced that the presence of an oxygenated function in C6 is absolutely necessary to show activity. In this work, the isolation and structural elucidation of two new nor-seco-triterpenes denominated as galphimine-K (4) and galphimine-L (5), together with different alkanes, fatty acids, as well as three flavonoids (17-19), are described, to our knowledge for the first time, from Galphimia glauca.

Growth inhibition and apoptosis of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells by the methanol extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Context: Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (Myrtaceae) is a tall evergreen tree found commonly in Bangladesh. Its use in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of various health complications are well known.Objective: To explore the in vivo antitumor effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis stem bark methanol extract (ME) against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice.Materials and methods: The antitumor activity of ME was studied by determining viable tumor cell count, recording tumor weight and survival time, observing morphological changes and nuclear damage of EAC cells, and estimating hematological as well as biochemical parameters of experimental mice (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day for 5 d, i.p.).Results: ME showed 96% (p < 0.001) cell growth inhibition and reduced tumor burden significantly (81.4%; p < 0.01) when compared with control mice. It also increased the lifespan of EAC-bearing mice significantly (71.36%; p < 0.01). It also restored the altered hematological and biochemical parameters towards normal level. The high LD50 value (1120 mg/kg) of ME indicated its low host toxic effects. ME-treated EAC cells showed membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation (apoptotic features) in Hoechst 33342 staining under fluorescence microscope. The DNA profile in agarose gel (1.5%) electrophoresis also confirmed that ME caused EAC cell death by apoptosis.Discussion and conclusion: Results showed that ME exhibits strong anticancer activity through apoptosis and stimulation of host immunity. Thus, E. camaldulensis may be considered as a promising resource in cancer chemotherapy.

Larvicidal Activities of the Leaves of Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae)

Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) leaves are used ethnomedicinally in Nigeria for diseases such as malaria and in Brazil they are spread on the floor for their insect-repellent activity. Continued search for plant larvicides useful in the control of vector of Dengue fever compelled bioactivity guided fractionation of E. uniflora leaf for lethality against fourth instars larvae of Aedes aegypti. The active methanolic extract (A) had larvicidal activity (LC50 2.74 and 2.18 mg/ml at 24 and 48h) that was comparable (p > 0.05) to Endosulphan (LC50 0.93 and 0.90 mg/ml at 24 and 48h). The n-hexane partition fraction (B 1) with similar activity (LC50 2.58 and 1.87 mg/ml at 24 and 48h) was the most active partition fraction and should contain the larvicidal constituents. Vacuum liquid chromatography of B 1 and eluting with n-hexane, chloroform and methanol mixtures gave fifth and sixth bulked fractions (C 5 & C 6) with significantly (p < 0.05) higher larvicidal activities. Column chromatography of the combined C 5 & C 6, similary eluted as above, yielded 1st and 3rd subfractions (D 1 & D 3) with LC50 1.01 and 1.17 mg/ml at 24h, respectively and activities that were similar ('p > 0.05) to that of Endosulphan and better than those of C 5 & C 6, only at 24h. Activities of the D 1 – D 4 subfractions at 48h were comparable with those of the mother fractions (C 5 & C 6), and Endosulphan. The results established the larvicidal activity of E. uniflora leaf and identified D 1 & D 3 as the most active subfractions that could be further developed as alternative larvicides in the control of Dengue fever, especially among the rural populations of Africa.