Activity Of Methanolic Leaf Extract Research Articles

Polyphenol Profile and Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Natural Mentha × piperita and Mentha longifolia Populations in Northern Saudi Arabia

New sources of polyphenols with anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties in arid environments are critical for the development of alternative medicines and natural remedies. This study explored the polyphenol profiles and biological activities of methanolic leaf extracts from natural Mentha × piperita and Mentha longifolia populations in northern Saudi Arabia. Chromatographic analyses identified several polyphenols in M. × piperita including phenolic acids: rosmarinic acid (1547.6 mg/100 g DW (dry weight)), cryptochlorogenic acid (91.7 mg/100 g DW), and chlorogenic acid (69.4 mg/100 g DW), as well as flavonoids: naringin (328.8 mg/100 g DW) and cynaroside (162.8 mg/100 g DW). The major polyphenols in M. longifolia were: rosmarinic acid (781.6 mg/100 g DW), cryptochlorogenic acid (191.1 mg/100 g DW), p-coumaric acid (113.0 mg/100 g DW), m-coumaric acid (112.2 mg/100 g DW), and chlorogenic acid (63.8 mg/100 g DW). M. × piperita and M. longifolia leaf extracts had high antioxidant activities due to the major polyphenols (cynaroside, rosmarinic and cryptochlorogenic acids). M. × piperita had higher activities against different cancer cells than M. longifolia. Naringin, cryptochlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid had the highest activities against cancer cells. The leaf extracts had antibacterial effects against most bacteria species (Pseudomonas aeruginosa was most sensitive), which was attributed to the polyphenols. Antifungal activities were similarly broad (Aspergillus flavus was most sensitive) and attributed to naringin, cryptochlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid. Populations of M. × piperita and M. longifolia in Northern Riyadh may be a valuable source of natural biologically active compounds.

Antioxidant and antiplasmodial activities of methanol leaf extract of Paullinia pinnata

ABSTRACT The antiplasmodial effect of methanol extract of Paullinia pinnata leaves was investigated in mice to observe the outcome on oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. Wistar mice of both sexes were used for the curative, prophylaxis, and suppressive tests by adopting standard procedures. In the curative test, the liver was processed for liver function, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory assays and histology. Changes in percentage parasitemia was observed while the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory parameters were not affected. There was low suppressive activity, mildly moderate prophylactic potential, and curative property which were also reflected in the antioxidant and liver function test at higher dose while at a lower dose it showed weak curative activity with prophylactic and suppressive capacities.

Evaluation of the bio-toxicity and cytogenetic effects of methanolic leaf extract of <i>Heliotropium indicum</i> L.

Heliotropium indicum L. has been shown to be very important in traditional healing medicine. However, many reports have indicated that the toxicity is not unconnected with pharmaceutical properties. This study therefore investigated the cytotoxic, genotoxic and biotoxic activities of methanolic leaf extract of H. indicum using Brine Shrimp lethality assay. The results revealed that the leaf extract of H. indicum showed lethality against the Brine Shrimps nauplii. The highest mortality was recorded at a concentration of 1000 μg/ml. The LC50 value of the Brine Shrimps mortality of the extract was recorded to be 461.04±10.02 μg/ml. In addition, the extract inhibited mitotic division in A. cepa root meristematic cells. The mitotic index was reduced from 59.99% in the control to 2.2% at 1000 μg/ml of the leaf extract. Chromosomal aberrations were observed at different concentrations. These include sticky chromosomes at metaphase and anaphase, chromosome breakage, degenerated and disoriented chromosomes at metaphase plate. It can be concluded from this present study that methanolic leaf extract of H. indicum was cytotoxic and genotoxic to Brine Shrimps and A. cepa cells respectively. Hence, caution should be exercised with respect to the consumption of H. indicum leaf in any form.
 © 2020 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.
 Keywords: Mitotic index, chromosome aberrations, Brine Shrimps Lethality assay, Allium cepa assay, leaf extract

In vitro antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antihypertensive activities of methanol leaf extract of Peasea americana

Hypertension is a cardiovascular disease of remarkable health and economic importance. Management of hypertension with orthodox medicine is associated with side effects and is unaffordable to a larger percentage of people in Africa. P. americana leaf extract (PALE) is commonly used in the management of hypertension in Nigeria trado‐medicine. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐hypertensive activities of the crude methanol extract, fractions and phytochemicals of P. americana leaf. The in vitro‐antioxidant assays were carried out to evaluate the free radicals scavenging activities of PALE on 1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydroxyl (DPPH), 2, 2‐azenobis‐3‐ethyl benzothiozoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS), hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals. In addition, metal chelating and ferric reducing power assay were done. Anti‐inflammatory activities were evaluated using 15‐1ypoxygenase enzyme inhibition assay. Absorption were read spectophotometrically and 1C50 was calculated using a standard calibration curve. Phytocompound isolation was by extract fractionation, column, thin layer and preparatory thin layer chromatography. Crude methanol extracts, N‐hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, N‐butanol and aqueous methanol fractions had significantly higher anti‐oxidant activities when compared with gallic acid. There anti‐inflammatory activity is comparable to that of Indomethacin and antihypertensive activity for PALE (with IC50 of 135.99±10.06) is significantly lower when compared with captopril (with IC50 41.86±2.10). Four pure phytochemicals were isolated and named LEACA, LEACB, LEACC, and LEACD. The isolated compounds had significantly higher antioxidant activities on DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals when compared with gallic acid. The anti‐hypertensive activities of the isolated phytocompounds from the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf were significantly higher (with IC50 of 24.83±0.63, 9.48±1.45, 2.79±1.35 and 1.59±0.48 respectively) than that of captopril (with 1C50 of 41.89±2.10). The result obtained from this study suggest that P. americana leaf has free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐hypertensive activities and can ameliorate oxidative stress, and inflammation associated with hypertension.

In vitro study on the antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extract of Carica papaya

Background: Newer drug research worldwide is now focusing on medicinal plants for ensuring health and vitality due to the seemingly safer side effect profile and abundance of plants in nature, compared to synthetic drugs. Antioxidants are vital in preventing free radical induced tissue damage. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Carica papaya using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH). Phytochemical tests proved the presence of bioactive ingredients in the extract.Methods: DPPH free radical assay, one of the most accurate methods for evaluating antioxidant activity, was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of leaves of C. papaya.Results: The methanolic leaf extract of C. papaya showed antioxidant property with free radical scavenging activity increasing with increase in concentration. The IC50 value of methanolic extract was 213.68 µgm/ml. Ascorbic acid was used as control.Conclusions: Oxidative stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, immune deficiency. Antioxidants as suggested from various studies may reduce the risk of such diseases. The utility of C. papaya in the treatment of heart disease, cancer and immune deficiency will have to be proved by detailed evaluation of its pharmacological properties.

Lt;emgt;Strychnos spinosalt;/emgt; as a potential anti-oxidants and anti-microbials natural product

Plants have been used for medicinal purpose for thousands of years. Phytochemical, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of methanol leaf extract of Strychnos spinosa was evaluated. Antibacterial activity of the extract was evaluated against Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes. Antioxidant activities was determined using DPPH free radical- scavenging assay. Quantitative phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of phenol, flavonoid, tannin, saponin and alkaloids at a concentration of 233.24±24.73, 183.46±2.35, 27.09±0.61, 559.40±31.40 and 15.17±0.32 mg/100g respectively. The extract shows dose dependent antimicrobial activities with diameter zone of inhibition range between 10.00±1.00 to 26.50±1.00 mm. The extract was more sensitive against S. mutans, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa and S. pyogenes but less active against S. pneumonia. MIC of the extract ranged between 1.25 to 5 mg/mL while the MBC ranged between 2.5 to 20 mg/mL. The extract shows dose dependent antioxidants activity with the highest radical inhibition of 43.47±2.50 % at 100 µg/mL compared to 90.12±1.61 % of the standard (Ascorbic acid). The results obtained support the use of S. spinosa in traditional medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases.

Larvicidal activity of some tropical plants on the mortality of Anopheles gambiae s.l mosquitoes

This study investigated the larvicidal activities of methanol leaf extracts of six tropical plants against Anopheles gambiae s.l mosquitoes. 10 healthy laboratory stabilized larvae were treated with extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, Chromolaena odorata, Terminalia catappa, Carica papaya, Vernonia amygdalina and Cymbopogon citratus with different concentrations (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm) for 24, 48 and 72 hours after which the percentage mortality was calculated. All extracts tested were seen to possess moderate to good larvicidal effect against An. gambiae larvae in a concentration dependent manner with the highest mortality observed in O. gratissimum with 100%, Cy. citratus with 93%, Ca. papaya and V. amygdalina with 83%, T. catappa with 73% and the least being Ch. odorata with 63%at the end of the exposure period of 72 hours. These results showed that these plant extracts may be used as alternative insecticides against An. gambiae mosquitoes, with a further study on their phytochemicals, characterization and synergistic activities and their adaptability to field assay highly recommended.

Antimicrobial activity in leaf extract of Neem in broiler

The main objective of the study was to evaluate antibacterial activity of Neem leaf extracts (methanolic) against E. coli and Salmonella using different test such as production performances, biochemical, hematological, bacteriological tests and zone of Inhibition (ZOI) method. Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract was used to test growth performance, biochemical , hematological parameters and antimicrobial activity against disease causing bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella. That’s result indicated, methanolic extract of neem increased body weight, feed conversion ratio, decreased mortality rate from different microbial diseases.it also helped to maintain normal biochemical parameter for better health life of chicken. Neem extract increased leukocyte counts and decreased total viable count of bacteria in cecal faeces. Methanol extracts of varying concentrations 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% was prepared and tested against test organisms using agar diffusion method. Gentamicin of same varying concentrations was used to compare the effect of antimicrobial activity of methanol leaf extract. Data revealed that methanol extract of Neem has shown highest antimicrobial activity. Leaf extract of A. indica (Neem) had exhibited a potent antibacterial activity against various strain (E. coli, Salmonella spp) of bacterial pathogens, it showed almost nearest to microbial activity of gentamycin.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.6(2): 337-343, August 2019

Antiplasmodial Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Mangrove Plants against Plasmodium berghei

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by parasitic protozoa from the genus of Plasmodium. It is urgent to find an alternative source of new antimalarial agent. This research aimed to evaluate the antiplasmodial properties of Jambi mangrove plants. This study has been conducted by screening antiplasmodial bioactivity of methanol leaf extract of mangrove plants against Plasmodium berghei. Antiplasmodial activity from methanol leaf extract of mangrove plants, namely Sonneratia alba, Acanthus ilcifolius, and Sonneratia caseolaris were tested ex vivo against Plasmodium berghei strain ANKA infected into Balb-C mice. Antiplasmodial activity were observed by calculating the parasitaemia percentage of Plasmodium berghei in mice red blood celss at 0 and 24 hours and expressed as decreased levels of parasitaemia and percent of inhibition. Based on the decrease of parasitaemia level and the percent of inhibition value, the three methanol leaf extracts of mangrove plants concluded to have potential antimalarial activity. The highest activity showed by the methanol leaf extract of S. alba with percent inhibition as much as 48.5; 44.9; 42.7 and 18.8% at concentrations of 300, 100, 10 and 3 μg/ml. Antiplasmodial activity can also be studied from the inhibition of the development life cycle of plasmodium. Methanol leaf extract of S. alba have activity in inhibiting the development ring stage to which schizonts were not found at the extract concentration of 300 μg/mL. At lower concentration, trophozoite and schizonts still survived with defect morphological conditions. The results of this study indicated that mangrove plant S. alba was a potent source of natural antimalarial drugs.

Antiplasmodial activity of methanol leaf extract of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle

Introduction: Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) is a plant used for the treatment of various ailments including malaria. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo antiplasmodial efficacy of methanol leaf extract of C. aurantifolia in Swiss albino mice. Methods: The median lethal dose (LD50) was determined by intraperitoneal administration of different doses of the extract (100–4000 mg/kg) to 6 groups of 3 mice each and the animals were observed for 24 hours for physical signs of toxicity. To evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of the extract, three models were used: suppressive, curative and repository. Doses of the extract used were 320, 640 and 960 mg/kg/d in mice, with Chloroquine (5 mg/kg/d) as standard drug. Pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg/d) was used as the standard drug for the repository test and distilled water (10 mL/kg/d) as control in all models. Results: In all models, the low dose (320 mg/kg) of the extract produced the highest chemosuppressive effects in all models (P < 0.001). Mice treated with extract lived longer than those in the control group (P < 0.001). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and cardiac glycosides and the LD50 of 3280 mg/kg ± 0.01 shows that the extract has low toxicity. Conclusion: The result of this study shows that C. aurantifolia has antiplasmodial properties which support its use in ethnomedicine in the treatment of malaria.

English

Ageratum conyzoides Linn is a medicinal plant used for diverse ethnomedicinal applications including anti-ulcer treatment. Usually, protection of gastric mucosa from injury or ulceration is dependent on the efficacy of intrinsic or induced protective factors against erosive effects of aggressive factors. In this study, our aim was to ascertain the gastroprotective activity of methanolic leaf extracts of A. conyzoides L. and assess the associated roles of gastric mucous cells and p53 protein. This study involved 25 adult male Wistar rats divided into five groups (A-E). Groups A and E were used as normal and test controls while B-D were administered with extracts at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Gastric mucosal injury was induced via pyloric ligation method. Gastric tissues were processed, stained with periodic acid-Schiff and immunostained for p53 protein (using monoclonal antibody). Stained sections were quantified using image-J software, data obtained were statistically analyzed. The results showed significant increase (p<0.05) in mucous cell population but no significant increase in p53 protein expression in gastric tissues of treated animals.  This implied that increase in mucous cell count and down-regulation of p53 protein in gastric tissues play key role in gastroprotective activity of methanolic extracts of A. conyzoides L.   Key words: Ageratum conyzoides, mucous cell, p53 protein, gastroprotection, rats.

In vitro Antidiabetic Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Indianthus virgatus (Roxb.) Suksathan and Borchs by Glucose Uptake Method

In vitro Antidiabetic Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Indianthus virgatus (Roxb.) Suksathan and Borchs by Glucose Uptake Method

Phytochemical Analysis and Antiplasmodial (curative) Activities of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Morinda lucida (Ewe Oruwo) in Male Swiss Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65

Aim: Medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of many infections and diseases including malaria. The study was conducted to determine the effect of in vivo anti-plasmodial and antioxidant properties of the methanolic leaf extract of Morinda lucida in male Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium Berghei NK65.
 Study Design and Methodology: Phytochemical, GC-MS and AAS analyses were determined in the plant. Swiss albino mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with Plasmodium berghei NK65. Thirty-five (35) mice were grouped into seven groups, five per group. Group A were not infected with P.berghei NK65. Group B, C and D served as the negative and positive control groups while Group E, F and G mice were treated with 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg body weight of methanolic leaf extract of M. lucida. Haematological parameters were determined in the whole blood using BC-3200 Auto Hematology Analyzer. TP, MDA, CAT, SOD % inhibition, SOD unit and vitamin A were all determined in the liver homogenate using standard procedures.
 Results: The GC-MS result of the M. lucida shows the presence of five bioactive compounds. It was also observed that the plant contains the following minerals: iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and copper. Acute toxicity shows that the LD50 >000mg/Kg b.wt. The extract caused 30.96%, 32.93% and 67.23% reduction in parasitemia at 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg body weight respectively while chloroquine exerted 96.53% and artesunate exerted 92.03% reduction at 10 mg/kg body weight respectively. The Haematological parameters showed that the plant extract is not haematotoxic since it significantly (P<0.05) reduced WBC count, and increase RBC, HGB, and HCT values in the treated mice compared to the infected untreated mice. This study shows that the mean lipid peroxidation (MDA) level was significantly decreased in the malaria treated mice (group C, D, E, F and G) compared to the untreated mice (group B). There was also a significant increase in the total protein, catalase, SOD % inhibition, SOD unit and Vitamin A levels in the liver homogenate of animals treated with chloroquine, artesunate and extract of M. lucida compared to the untreated mice.
 Conclusions: The study shows that Morinda lucida possess antiplasmodial activity in male Swiss mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK 65.

PHYTOCHEMICAL, GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS OF ANDROGRAPHIS SERPYLLIFOLIA METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT AND ITS ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES

Objective: The present study is to evaluate the preliminary study of phytochemical screening and biological applications of Andrographis serpyllifolia methanol leaf extracts.
 Methods: The methanol leaf extracts of A. serpyllifolia was prepared using Soxhlet apparatus and the extract was analyzed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase. Further, the antibacterial activity of methanolic leaf extract of A. serpyllifolia was tested against various human pathogens by using agar disc diffusion method.
 Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening and GC-MS results revealed phenols, aromatic carboxylic acids, and esters in the chloroform extract to be the molecules responsible for the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of A. serpyllifolia methanol extract and fractions showed the presence of various secondary metabolites present.
 Conclusion: The present study strongly recommended that the methanolic extract of A. serpyllifolia leaves possesses compounds that inhibit the growth of microbes as wells excellent antioxidant activities. The study further suggested the potential therapeutic use of these extract in cancer study.

Invitro antibacterial activity of Cassia fistula Linn methanolic leaf extracts

Background: Cassia fistula Linn is a plant which is widely grown in India and is used for medicinal purposes. The study was carried out with an objective to demonstrate the antimicrobial activity of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn. The aim of the study is to assess antibacterial and antifungal activity of methanolic leaf extract of Cassia fistula Linn against selected clinical isolates.Methods: The antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract of Cassia fistula was evaluated using agar well diffusion method and to zone of inhibition of extract was determined. Clinical isolates of Staphyloccocus aureus, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and Proteus were screened.Results: The methanolic extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The extract was not active against E. coli, Proteus, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extract also failed to demonstrate antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.Conclusions: The global emergence of multidrug resistant bacterial strains is increasing, limiting the effectiveness of current drugs and treatment failure of infections. A novel approach to the prevention of antibiotic resistance of pathogenic species is the use of new compounds that are not based on existing synthetic antimicrobial agents.

In vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant activities of methanolic leaf extracts of Ocimum canum.

Background:Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with a highly complex, multifaceted and intricate etiologies and thus may require management options that proffers multimodal mechanism of action. This present study evaluated the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of the methanolic extract/fractions of leaves of Ocimum canum.Methods:The antidiabetic potential was evaluated and using STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rat model (in vivo) and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity (in vitro). Antioxidant activity was assessed in vitro by free radical scavenging and reducing power assays and in vivo via monitoring SOD and CAT activities; GSH and MDA levels.Results:The total phenolic content (221.0±3.0 mg catechol/g of sample) and tannins (146.0±4.0 mg tannic acid/g of sample) of the crude extract; and flavonoid of the aqueous-methanol fraction (216.0.0±1.0 mg of rutin/g of sample) were found to be significantly higher relative to others. The crude extract and the aqueous-methanol fraction exhibited a significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage reduction in fasting blood glucose and a concomitant increase in serum insulin level relative to the diabetic control group. The highest radical scavenging activity and reducing power were observed in the aqueous-methanol fraction. The aqueous-methanol solvent fraction also significantly reversed the alterations in oxidative stress markers occasioned by the diabetic condition.Conclusion:In conclusion, the result of the present study has demonstrated evidently that extracts of Ocimum canum leaves ameliorates hyperglycemia and the associated oxidative stress in STZ-induced rats.

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF TULSI (OCIMUM SANCTUM) AND NEEM (AZADIRACHTA INDICA) METHANOL EXTRACT

Objective: This study was focused on to compare the antimicrobial activity of methanolic leaf extracts of tulsi and neem.Methods: We have chosen tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and neem (Azadirachta indica) to compare their antimicrobial activity toward Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Phytochemical extracts have been made by the use of methanol as solvent and dried leaf powder by the cold maceration extraction process. Phytochemical analysis for some secondary metabolites has been done using standard protocols. Nutrient agar plates were inoculated with the above-mentioned microorganisms by spreading bacterial inoculum on the surface of the media. Wells (6 mm in diameter) were punched in the agar. The phytochemical extracts of neem and tulsi were allowed to diffuse into the medium, and after incubation of 24 h at 37°C, the zones of inhibition were observed.Results: Statistical analysis showed that tulsi was more effective toward S. aureus while neem was more effective toward E. coli. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tulsi for both the microorganisms was 0.4 g/ml, and the MIC of neem for both the microorganisms was 0.2 g/ml. When both the tulsi and neem extract were mixed with each other for every concentration at equal volume, they have shown better effects in comparison to individual neem or tulsi extract and also the MIC got reduced to 0.2 g/ml for both the bacteria.Conclusions: Leaf extracts of both the A. indica and O. sanctum have shown antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. A. indica has higher antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, whereas the O. sanctum was found to be more effective against E. coli (indicated by the zone of inhibition). When both the extracts were mixed with each other, they have shown a better effect toward both bacteria.

Antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extract of Etlingera fenzlii (Kurz) Skronick.& M.Sabu (Zingiberaceae) - The honey bee repellent endemic plant species of the Andaman Nicobar Islands

Etlingera fenzlii (Kurz) Skronick.M they smeared their bodies with the leaf sap and also chewed leaves to spat on to the honey comb. The honey bees there upon flew away from the comb and did not string. It is documented that the volatile constituents of leaves have proved to be effective eco-friendly, possess varying degrees of insect and pest controlling properties. It is also an important folk medicine for malarial fever and gastrointestinal disorders. The present study was performed to investigate the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of leaves of E. fenzlii . The antioxidant potential of leaf extract was evaluated with methods DPPH scavenging assay and reducing power assay. The extract showed antioxidant activity compared to the reference antioxidant ascorbic acid in a dose dependent manner. In DPPH scavenging assay the IC 50 value of the extract was found to be 42.50μg/ml while the IC 50 value of the reference standard ascorbic acid was 71.31μg/ml. Phenolic content of the leaf extract was also evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Total phenolic content of the extract was found to be 53±8.86 µg GAE/mg. The results obtained in the present study indicate that leaves of E.fenzlii have potent antioxidant activity and/or free radical scavenging activity.

In vitro study on antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extract of Cassia fistula Linn.

Background: The use of medicinal plants for maintaining good health is getting attention worldwide. Antioxidants play an important role to protect damage caused by oxidative stress. In the present study methanolic extracts of Cassia fistula was determined using DPPH for its antioxidant activity. Phytochemical investigation confirmed the presence of bioactive ingredients in the extract.Methods: The antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Cassia fistula was evaluated using DPPH free radical assay. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyine) free radical analysis is one of the accurate and frequently employed method for evaluating antioxidant activity.Results: The methanolic extracts showed increase in radical scavenging activity as concentration increases. The IC50 values were calculated for the methanolic extract. Ascorbic acid was used as control. Cassia fistula exhibited IC 50 of 79.42µg/ml.Conclusions: Scientific evidence suggests that antioxidants reduce the risk for chronic diseases including cancer and heart disease and infectious diseases. Further evaluation of pharmacological activities of Cassia fistula may prove useful in treatment of cancer and heart diseases.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of methanolic leaf extract of &lt;i&gt;Morinda lucida&lt;/i&gt; on alloxan induced diabetic rats

Healthy male wistar rats(30) of average weight of 150 – 190gm were randomly distributed into 5 gr. oups of six each. Group 1, normal control; each given only 0.2ml distilled water throughout the period of study; group 2 diabetic control, induced 150mg/kg b.w., i.p., administration of alloxan monohydrate and thereafter given 0.2ml distilled water throughout the period of study; group 3 and 4 diabetic (i.p., 150mg/kg b.w. alloxan), rats were orally administered methanolic leaf extract of Morinda lucida at 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg respectively for 15 days. Group 5 diabetic rat (i.p., 150mg/kg b.w. alloxan) were treated with 84mg/kg /b.w. of chlorpropamide once daily for 15 days. Serum glucose levels were found to decrease significantly (p<0.05) both in groups 3 and 4 compared to the control groups. Hypolipidemic status was found to improved significantly (p<0.05) by decreasing the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs) and low density hypoprotein (LDL) in both the treated groups compared to the control groups. These reductions were dose dependant and compared well with the values obtained in the standard drug control group. Thus, results of the study indicate that Morinda lucida methanolic leaf extract can be potentially used for diabetics to control glucose and lipid levels. Keywords: Morinda lucida , Diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemic effect, hypolipidemic effect, chlorpropamide, alloxan monohydrate