Aegle Marmelos Research Articles

A Thai Traditional Triple-Fruit Formulation "Phikud Tri-Phon" May Provide Fat Loss and Nutritional Benefits.

Obesity and overweight have serious health outcomes. “Phikud Tri-Phon” (PTP) is a traditional Thai medicine comprising three dried fruits from Aegle marmelos L., Morinda citrifolia L., and Coriandrum sativum L. Whether this medicine impacts on metabolic disease is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the phenolic and flavonoid contents of PTP and each of its herbal components, and further assess their antioxidant and anti-adipogenetic activities. Oil-red O staining was measured for lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The chemical profiles of PTP and each herbal extract were determined by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. Our results show that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of PTP water extract were 22.35–108.42 mg of gallic acid equivalents and PTP ethanolic extract was 1.19–0.93 mg of quercetin equivalents and the DPPH scavenging capacity assay of PTP ethanolic extract (1 mg/mL) was 92.45 ± 6.58 (Trolox equivalent)/g. The PTP extracts and individual herbs had inhibitory adipogenesis activity, which reduced lipid accumulation by approximately 31% in PTP water extract and 22% in PTP ethanolic extract compared with control cells. These results provided insights into the traditional preparation method of using boiling water as a vehicle for PTP. In conclusion, PTP has antioxidant and anti-adipogenesis potential, indicating it is a promising ingredient in functional food and herbal health products.

Erratum to: Magnetically Modified Waste Bark of Aegle marmelos Tree as a Promising Biosorbent for Uranium(VI) Sorption

Erratum to: Magnetically Modified Waste Bark of Aegle marmelos Tree as a Promising Biosorbent for Uranium(VI) Sorption

Effect of Different Levels of Sulphur and Nitrogen on Growth Yield and Quality of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under Bael (Aegle marmelos L.) based Agri-horti system

An investigation was performed during Rainy (Kharif) season of 2018-19 at agricultural research farm ofR.G.S.C., Banaras Hindu University, India in order to explore the effect of nitrogen and sulphur on sesameunder bael based agri-horti system. The texture of the soil of experimental field is sandy loam and comesunder rainfed with invariably poor fertility status. The experiment was performed in factorial RBD with 12treatments consisting of 4 nitrogen levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg ha-1) and 3 levels of sulphur (0, 25 and 45 kgha-1) which is replicated 3 times. The Sesame variety ‘RT 364’ was sown between alleys of bael @ 5 kg ha-1with spacing of 30 × 15 cm. The findings showed the highest plant height, Primary branches plant-1, secondarybranches plant-1, Dry matter accumulation plant-1, number of capsule plant-1, number of grain capsule-1, testweight, Seed yield and stover yield was obtained with the application of 45 kg sulphur ha-1 and 75 kgnitrogen ha-1. Similarly maximum nutrient content (i.e. N, P, K& S), oil content and protein content was alsoobtained when applied with 45 kg sulphur ha-1 and 75 kg nitrogen ha-1. It is concluded that sulphur @ 45 kgha-1and nitrogen @ 75 kg ha-1can be applied for the higher yield and oil content of sesame under agri-hortisystem.

Development and evaluation of ready to serve (RTS) beverage from bael (Aegle marmelose Correa.)

A research study was carried out to develop a RTS beverage by exploiting the nutritional and organoleptic properties of bael fruit pulp. Six treatment combinationsof bael RTS with 10, 15 and 20% of pulp concentration and 10 and 15°B of TSS were prepared based on the review of literature. The biochemical and organoleptic properties of the prepared RTS were evaluated during storage. The pH, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity of the RTS decreased with the storage, while acidity and total sugars increased. Results of the sensory evaluation showed that there was a significant difference between treatments in terms of color, flavor, taste, body and overall acceptability. From the results of quality assessments, the formulated bael RTS beverage with 15% pulp and 15°B TSS was found to be superior and suitable for consumption up to 12 weeks without any significant changes in the quality characteristics.

Studies on genetic variability and relationship of bael (Aegle marmelos (L) Correa) using morphological and molecular markers

Bael (Aegle marmelos (L) Correa) is an important underutilized fruit crop of India. A total of 25 bael trees were selected from 356 bael trees of Sakharayapattana in Chikkamagalur district, Karnataka, India based on the fruit morphological traits (fruit weight, pulp weight, skull thickness, seed weight per fruit, No. of seeds per fruit, No. of locules per fruit, No. of seeds per locule, pulp wt. : seed wt.). These 25 trees were evaluated for phenotypic and genotypic variations using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. RAPD and ISSR markers showed significant polymorphism among the trees. Jaccard’s genetic similarity value of RAPD and ISSR was found in the range of 0.00–0.95 and 0.06–0.56, respectively suggesting a moderate level of genetic diversity. The present study revealed that molecular markers can be successfully utilized for determining genetic diversity and relationship of bael trees for further varietal improvement.

Quality control assessment of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa: A combined approach using high-performance thin-layer chromatography, heavy metal, pesticide and aflatoxin analysis

Aegle marmelos or bael is a medicinally important tree species used in various Indian traditional systems of medicines. In the present study, a sensitive and rapid high-performance thin-layer chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous determination of marmelosin, umbelliferone, and psoralen from the four different aerial parts of A. marmelos. The method uses HPTLC silica gel 60 RP-18 W plates as stationary phase, and acetonitrile: 0.1% orthophosphoric acid in water (1:1 v/v) as solvent system. The developed method is validated for specificity, precision, repeatability, and accuracy in accordance with International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. Further, the estimation of heavy metal suggested that the A. marmelos bark sample was highly contaminated with cadmium (3.8 ± 0.7 µg/g) which was far from the permissible range as described by World Health Organization (WHO). The observed chromium concentration was higher in the bark and the fruit than the normal range recorded in the plants. Arsenic and lead content was within the permissible range, while mercury was not detected in any of the tested samples. Studied samples were further tested for the presence of organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticides, as well as organophosphate and carbamates. Results suggested that gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH) was more prominent and detected in the bark and the young twig samples. Carbamates were not detected in any of the samples. Aflatoxins were absent from all the samples analyzed through ultra-performance liquid chromatography - fluorescence (UPLC-FLR) analysis. The present study demonstrated that phytochemicals and physicochemical estimation are highly required for maintaining the quality of the raw drugs before the preparation of any formulations.

Spectrophotometric Determination of Cd (II) Heavy Metal by Using Stone Apple Shell as a Low Cost Adsorbent

The toxic element Cadmium (II) was determined by using the widely and easily available shells of fruits of stone apple with a good result. The cadmium is a highly toxic element in a trace amount also, therefore its detection is most important. In the present work the effective and powerful adsorbent properties of shells of waste fruits of stone apple (Aegle marmelos) were thoroughly studied. In this work the determination of Cadmium (II) heavy metals from the solutions of its salt were efficiently carried out. The efficiency of removal of Cd (II) was found to be 85 % at the optimum pH 6.7 and the contact time was 118 min for the toxic metal Cadmium (II). The adsorbent used in the present work was ecofriendly cost effective and easily available and will become the better substitute adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal Cd (II). The different parameters such as contact time, effect of pH, initial concentration of metal ions and amount of adsorbent on the adsorption capacity were studied by using the double beam UV-Visible Spectrophotometer.

In Vitro and In Vivo Inhibitory Activities of Selected Traditional Medicinal Plants against Toxin-Induced Cyto- and Entero- Toxicities in Cholera.

Careya arborea, Punica granatum, Psidium guajava, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Aegle marmelos, and Piper longum are commonly used traditional medicines against diarrhoeal diseases in India. This study investigated the inhibitory activity of these plants against cytotoxicity and enterotoxicity induced by toxins secreted by Vibrio cholerae. Cholera toxin (CT) and non-membrane damaging cytotoxin (NMDCY) in cell free culture filtrate (CFCF) of V. cholerae were quantified using GM1 ELISA and cell-based assays, respectively. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of these plants and lyophilized juice of P. granatum were tested against CT-induced elevation of cAMP levels in CHO cell line, binding of CT to ganglioside GM1 receptor and NMDCY-induced cytotoxicity. Significant reduction of cAMP levels in CFCF treated CHO cell line was observed for all extracts except P. longum. C. arborea, P. granatum, H. antidysenterica and A. marmelos showed >50% binding inhibition of CT to GM1 receptor. C. arborea, P. granatum, and P. guajava effectively decreased cytotoxicity and morphological alterations caused by NMDCY in CHO cell line. Further, the efficacy of these three plants against CFCF-induced enterotoxicity was seen in adult mice ligated-ileal loop model as evidenced by decrease in volume of fluid accumulation, cAMP levels in ligated-ileal tissues, and histopathological changes in intestinal mucosa. Therefore, these plants can be further validated for their clinical use against cholera.

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa: An Underutilized Fruit with High Nutraceutical Values: A Review.

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Bael) fruit, a member of the Rutaceae family, is a major cultivated fruit plant in tropical and subtropical regions in countries of southeast Asia. Bael fruit has been a major topic for studies in recent years mainly due to its high nutritional (carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins) value and presence of various phytochemicals, which attributed to its high medicinal value. These phytochemicals include various compounds, e.g., alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids (protocatechuic acid, gallic, and ellagic acid). The fruit extract of bael has been also an important study area for its pharmacological activities, including antidiarrheal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, radioprotective, anticancer, antiulcer properties. The current review mainly highlighted the nutritional and pharmacological activities of bael fruit. The nutritional profile and phytochemical profile were discussed in the review, along with their concentration in the fruit. Moreover, the experiments carried out in vivo and in vitro of bael fruit extracts with respect to their pharmacological activities were also discussed in the article. The recent literature based on nutritional and pharmacological values of bael fruit showed its high potential as a food and pharmaceutical product. Despite having high nutritional and pharmacological value, research related to molecular mechanisms of bael fruit is still limited, and clinical trials are needed to ensure its safety as a product in the food and pharma industries.

Nephroprotective Effects of Polyherbal Formulation on Gentamicin-induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Effect of a polyherbal formulation (polyherbal alcoholic extract; PAE) prepared from Withania somnifera (root), Aegle marmelos (leaves), Tribulus terrestris (fruit) was studied on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Thirty Wistar rats were equally divided into five groups; group I (control), group II (gentamicin alone), group III (prophylactic), group IV (curative) and group V (formulation alone). Gentamicin caused signs of depression, dullness, polyurea, restlessness, reduced body weight, and reduced water and feed intake. These toxicity signs were recovered in the PAE pre-treated prophylactic group; however, in the PAE-treated therapeutic group, some mild toxicity signs were noticed and subsided gradually. Gentamicin increased relative kidney weight but in groups III and IV animals, no significant effect was observed. The Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC and MCV of group II animals revealed a significant decrease, whereas; BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly increased. The PAE treatment caused significant recovery in these hematobiochemical parameters in groups III and IV. Gentamicin caused histopathological alterations in kidney represented by focal renal degenerative and necrotic changes, with intratubular hyaline cast. In PAE-treated groups III and IV, minimal histopathological alterations were seen. In conclusion, PAE showed significant protective and moderate therapeutic potential against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Assessment of in vitro biopotency of bioderived silver nanoparticles from Aegle marmelos (L.) fruit extract

Assessment of in vitro biopotency of bioderived silver nanoparticles from Aegle marmelos (L.) fruit extract

Determination of Antioxidant and Anti quorum Sensing Activity of Aegle marmelos Picrorrhiza kurroa and Swertia chirayita

From the ancient period, humans have been fighting pathogenic microorganisms for survivalpurposes and in this context, man has developed antibiotics as a powerful weapon to treat various infections caused by pathogens. Nevertheless, the need to discover new antimicrobial agents is increasing at an alarming rate. This is because the microorganisms have developed various mechanisms to resist the action of antibiotics. One such mechanism is the production of biofilm. Infections caused by biofilm-forming pathogenic microorganisms are very difficult to treat, even using potent antibiotics. However, in folk medicine, many plants are found to be helpful to treat certain infectious diseases. This is because of the synthesis of a variety of bioactive compounds by plants with high medicinal value. Hence, in the present study, three different plants were used viz Aegle marmelos, Picrorrhiza kurroa, and Swertia chirayita to determine their antioxidant and anti-quorum sensing activities. According to the literature, antioxidants delay the oxidation process and nullify the effect of free radicals that cause damage and accelerate aging. Quorum sensing is the chemical way of communication between biofilm-forming microorganisms. Among the alcoholic extracts, the methanolic extract of P. kurroa showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity of 82.11%. All the plant extracts under investigation exhibited anti-quorum sensing activity against the standard culture of Chromobacterium violaceum MTCC 2656; however, the plant extracts of A. marmelos were found to be more potent as compared to P. kurroa and S. chirayita. Plant extracts P. kurroa and S. chirayita showed almost similar anti-quorum sensing activity. This confirms the pharmaceutical importance of plant materials of interest, which might prove to be useful to treat damage caused by free radicals and biofilm-related infections, after due consideration of clinical trials for safety issues.

Bioactive role of aqueous extract of aegle marmelos leaves on obese rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Aegle marmelos aqueous extract (AMAE) leaves on obese rats. Twenty-five adult male albino rats (Sprague-Dawley strain), weighing about (200±10g) were divided randomly into two main groups as follow: the first group (-Ve control= 5 rats) was fed on basal diet. The second group (20 rats) was fed on high fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks then divided equally to 4 groups from group 2 to group 5. Group 2 (+Ve control) fed on basal diet. Group 3, 4 and 5 fed on HDF administrated orally with 1, 2 and 3 ml of AMAE, respectively. At the end of the experimental period (4 weeks), rats were scarified and serum was collected to determine levels of lipid profile, glucose, leptin kidneys and liver functions. The results showed that the body weight of rats and serum levels of lipids profile, leptin, glucose, kidneys functions and liver enzymes were elevated by HFD administration (positive control group) compared with negative control group, while HDL-C decreased. It was also found that oral administration of AMAE diet with reversed these changes that caused by HFD.

Bael fruit shell–derived activated carbon adsorbent: effect of surface charge of activated carbon and type of pollutants for improved adsorption capacity

Bael fruit shell–derived activated carbon adsorbent: effect of surface charge of activated carbon and type of pollutants for improved adsorption capacity

Anti-inflammatory effects of Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than remedy, consisting of dried fruits of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa, Coriandrum sativum L., and Morinda citrifolia L.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceInflammation has been known to possess some essential roles in many diseases, especially those with chronic or severe conditions. Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than, a Thai traditional herbal remedy, has long been used to treat gastrointestinal sicknesses, fever, and severe illness caused by the deformities of Tridosha. In particular, this recipe has also been applied for inflammation-related conditions including gout and rheumatoid arthritis. The Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than recipe consists of dried fruits of three herbs including Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa, Morinda citrifolia L., and Coriandrum sativum L. Each of these plant components of Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than exhibited anti-inflammatory activities. However, anti-inflammatory effect of Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than remedy has not been reported. Aim of the studyThe objective of this study was to elucidate the anti-inflammatory activities of Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than extract (TS) against acute and chronic inflammation in rats. Materials and methodsTo study the effects of TS on acute inflammation, ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)-induced ear edema, carrageenan- and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced hind paw edema models were carried out. In addition, cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation was performed to specify the inhibitory effects of TS on chronic inflammation. ResultsThe topical application of TS significantly inhibited EPP-induced ear edema in rats. In the carrageenan- and AA-induced paw edema models, the oral administration of TS significantly reduced paw volumes, compared to those of the control groups. In addition, the 7-day oral treatment of TS demonstrated a significant suppressive effect on cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation. ConclusionsThe current study revealed that TS possesses anti-inflammatory activities against acute and chronic inflammation. Our studies support the use of TS in traditional medicine, and the development of TS as a novel natural product for treating diseases associated with inflammation.

Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Tablet Formulation of Traditional Thai Polyherbal Medicine Named Nawametho in Comparison with Its Decoction in the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia.

In the traditional medical system in Thailand, medicinal plants and polyherbal medicines have been prescribed as lipid-lowering agents, including Nawametho decoction. This polyherbal formulation is described in the Worayokasan scripture. It consists of nine medicinal plants (Aegle marmelos (L.), Carthamus tinctorius L., Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn., Phyllanthus emblica L., Piper longum L., Piper nigrum L., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Terminalia chebula Retz., and Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Apart from its utilization in Thai traditional medicine, there is a lack of evidence supporting its use. This research work thereby aims to formulate and evaluate the tablet containing Nawametho decoction. The feasibility of Nawametho decoction and NawaTab for patients with borderline hyperlipidemia was additionally examined using a prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel-group design. The dry granulation technique was employed to formulate the polyherbal tablets. The tablets were developed using the spray-dried Nawametho decoction as the active ingredient in addition to other excipients. The chosen formulation, the FB (NawaTab), consisted of 385 milligrams of the extract, 12% w/w of a diluent (lactose), 8% w/w of a lubricant (magnesium stearate), 5% w/w of a disintegrant (microcrystalline cellulose), and 5% w/w of an anti-adherent (talcum). Their hardness, friability, and disintegration time were 4.4 ± 0.32 kg, 0.05 ± 0.02%, and 4.60 ± 0.05 min, respectively. Accelerated stability study results revealed that NawaTab was stable for six months at 40°C/75% RH and 25°C/60% RH. Even though taking NawaTabs (500 mg twice daily) for eight consecutive weeks was unable to improve the lipid profile of the patients, the administration of Nawametho decoction (30 mL twice daily) was associated with a significant decrease in serum triglycerides of the patients. The results show that the dry granulation technique is suitable for the formulation of NawaTab based on the tablet evaluation. Furthermore, the triglyceride-lowering effect of Nawametho decoction was reported for the first time.

Magnetically Modified Waste Bark of Aegle marmelos Tree as a Promising Biosorbent for Uranium(VI) Sorption

Magnetically Modified Waste Bark of Aegle marmelos Tree as a Promising Biosorbent for Uranium(VI) Sorption

Molecular dynamics and docking studies on potentially active natural phytochemicals for targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease

In the present study, we screened eighty seven novel phytochemical compounds from four popular herbs, such as, Aegle Marmelos, Coleus Amboinicus, Aerva Lanata and Biophytum Sensitivum and identified the best three for targeting the main protease (Mpro) receptor of SARS-CoV-2. After categorizing all the phytochemicals based upon LibDock scores and hydrogen bonding interactions, the top ranked 26 compounds were further subjected for detailed Molecular dynamics (MD) study. From these screening we identified that Aegelinosides B leads the list with a high LibDock value of 142.50 (binding energy: −8.54 kcal/mol), which is better than several popular reference compounds namely, Tipranavir (LibDock score, 141.50), Saquinavir (125.34), Zopicole (122.9), Pirenepine (122.70), (115.37), Metixene (109.18), Oxiconazole Pimozide (138.00) and Rimonabant (91.88). Detailed analysis for structural stability (RMSD), Cα fluctuations (RMSF), intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions, effect of solvent accessibility (SASA) and compactness (Rg) factors were performed for the best six compounds and it is found that they are very stable and exhibit folding behavior. Apart from the docking and MD tests, through further drug-likeness and toxicity tests, three compounds, such as, Aegelinosides B, Epicatechin, and Feruloyltyramine (LibDock scores, respectively, 142.50, 124.33 and 129.06) can be suggested for fighting SARS-CoV-2. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

In vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities of cotton fabrics treated with bael fruit shell extract

The present study is aimed at evaluating the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of bael fruit shell (BFS) extract. Hot water extraction (HWE) and ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) techniques have been used to understand the effectiveness of the extraction process and its relation to impart enhanced functional property of cotton fabric. The cotton fabric has been treated with BFS extract by using padding mangle. The effectiveness of antibacterial activity against both the Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and antioxidant property has been evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results reveal that UAE-BFS treated fabric shows 93% reduction for E coli and 82% for S aureus, which is higher as compared to HWE-BFS treated fabric (91% for E coli and 61 % for S aureus). This trend has also been observed in qualitative zone of inhibition method. Antioxidant efficacy of UAE treated fabric is 86%, whereas HWE treated fabric registers 80% activity.

Formulation and Evaluation of Body Lotion Containing Aegle Marmelos Leaf Extract

Skin is the maximally exposed part of the body, that is susceptible to UV radiation, pollution, etc. A body lotion can aid in protection of skin from these detriments with no side effects. Also, there is a growing arena towards natural and herbal cosmetic products for skincare. Keeping all these in mind, this herbal body lotion was prepared from the extract of Aegle marmelos leaves along with other ingredients to form various formulations. Various studies demonstrated medicinal and immunomodulator activities of Aegle marmelos leading to treatment and preventive strategies incombating vivid conditions. Several antioxidant components such as β-carotene, glutathione, α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and total polyphenols and flavonoids are rich in Aegle leaves. The objective of our study was to find out the antioxidant potential of Aegle marmelos and thereby using the extract for formulating body lotion for skincare. These formulations were further evaluated for various parameters such as antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, TPC), pH, lotion type, emulsion type, stability, microbial growth, organoleptic properties, spread ability, etc. Body lotion containing methanolic extract of Aegle marmelos showed 50% radical scavenging activity at 172.51 ± 5.60 mg/mL, TPC value of 28.06 ± 0.40 mg/g and FRAP value of 4.08 mM/g. According to the feedback obtained from the volunteers, the colour of lotion was found to be very good, odour and homogeneity of the body lotion was found to be excellent. The spreadability and emolliency was also found to be excellent. The lotion was found to be non-greasy and maximum volunteers did not experience any sort of irritancy. Further studies are needed to test the efficacy of this lotion in various forms like nanoparticles, etc.