Aqueous Extract Of Aerial Parts Research Articles

Antidiabetic effect of Ruta montana L. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Ruta montana (L.) is known as a medicinal plant with many beneficial effects, including those that can be used in the treatment of diabetes. The objective of the study was to investigate the antidiabetic effect of this plant in diabetic rat. This study investigated the effects of an aerial part aqueous extract (APAE) of Ruta montana (L.) (RM) at a dose of 5 mg/kg on blood glucose levels in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were also evaluated in liver and pancreas both in normal and STZ-induced rats. The effect of this aqueous extract on glucose tolerance was demonstrated in normal rats. Furthermore, the relative organ weight (ROW) of liver, kidney, pancreas, and brown adipose tissue were evaluated after 15 days of daily oral administration of the aqueous extract. Both single and repeated oral doses of APAE (5 mg/kg) produced significant reductions in the blood glucose levels in normal and STZ-induced rats. Oral glucose tolerance test results showed that, after the administration of 3 g/kg of glucose, RM APAE (5 mg/kg) improved the increase in blood glucose levels in normal rats at the 30th min (p<0.01) and 90th min (p<0.001). RM APAE exhibits a potent hypoglycemic effect in normal rats and an antidiabetic effect in STZ-induced rats. This finding supports the use of this plant in traditional Moroccan medicine for diabetes management.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Palladium Nanoparticles Using Origanum vulgare L. Extract and Their Catalytic Activity

The synthesis of Palladium (Pd) nanoparticles by green methods has attracted remarkable attention in recent years because of its superiority above chemical approaches, owing to its low cost and ecological compatibility. In this present work, we describe a facile and environmentally friendly synthesis of Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) using an aqueous extract of aerial parts of Origanum vulgare L. (OV) as a bioreductant. This plant is available in many parts of the world as well as in Saudi Arabia and is known to be a rich source of phenolic components, a feature we fruitfully utilized in the synthesis of Pd NPs, using various concentrations of plant extracts. Moreover, the OV extract phytomolecules are not only accountable for the reduction and progression of nanoparticles, but they also act as stabilizing agents, which was confirmed by several characterization methods. The as-synthesized Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were analyzed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Further, FT-IR study has proven that the OV not merely represents a bioreductant but also functionalizes the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the green synthesized metallic Pd NPs were successfully applied as catalysts for selective oxidation of alcohols.

Antioxidant activity and cholinesterase inhibition studies of four flavouring herbs from Alentejo

Essential oils (EOs) and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of four aromatic species, Calamintha nepeta, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha spicata and Thymus mastichina, from southwest of Portugal were characterised chemically and analysed in order to evaluate their antioxidant potential and cholinesterase inhibitory activities. The main components of EOs were oxygenated monoterpenes, and aqueous extracts were rich in phenol and flavonoid compounds. EOs and aqueous extracts presented a high antioxidant potential, with ability to protect the lipid substrate, free radical scavenging and iron reducing power. Furthermore, EOs and extracts showed AChE and BChE inhibitory activities higher than rivastigmine, the standard drug. Results suggested the potential use of EOs and aqueous extracts of these flavouring herbs as nutraceutical or pharmaceutical preparations to minimise the oxidative stress and the progression of degenerative diseases.

Potent antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effect of Tamarix articulata Vahl. in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a single dose and daily oral administration for seven days of the aerial part aqueous extract (A.P.A.E) of Tamarix articulata Vahl. (T. articulata) (5mg/kg) on blood glucose levels in both normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ). Single oral administration of T. articulata A.P.A.E reduced blood glucose levels 6h after administration in normal rats (p<0.0001) and STZ diabetic rats (p<0.001). Furthermore, blood glucose levels were decreased in both normal (p<0.05) and STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001) after seven days of treatment. Moreover, no significant changes in body weight in normal and STZ rats were shown. According to the oral glucose tolerance test, the aqueous extract of T. articulata (5mg/kg) was shown to prevent significantly the increase on blood glucose levels in both normal and diabetic treated rats 30min, 60min and 120min after glucose administration when compared to the control group. Additionally, histopathological analysis revealed the beneficial effect of T. articulata on pancreas and liver. Finally, the antioxydant activity of the aqueous extract of Tamarix articulata was evaluated by the method of trapping of free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Tamarix articulata revealed inhibitory concentrations of 50% of free radicals (IC50) of 203.15μg/ml. In contrast, the synthetic antioxidant butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) has showed an IC50 equal to 13.71μg/ml. In conclusion, this study demonstrates antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of T. articulata in severe diabetic state thus warrants further investigation on its major compounds as well as mechanistic studies.

Aqueous Extract of Aerial Parts of Centella Asiatica Arrests Cell Cycle at G0/G1 on Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines

Purpose: To investigate the cytotoxicity and cell cycle analysis of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Centella asiatica on colorectal (HCT116) cancer cell lines. Approach: Centella asiatica extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and in the next stage, brine shrimp lethality assay was carried out.MTT assay was also performed on colorectal cancer cell lines to assess the in vitro cytotoxicity activity of the plant extract.Then, cell cycle arrest was also done as a part of investigation using Flow cytometry. Findings: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various vital phytoconstituents like saponins, glycosides, tannins, triterpenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols . Aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Centella asiatica markedly increases the mortality in brine shrimp lethality assay. Further, the extract exhibited cytotoxicity on human colorectal cancer cell lines and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. Originality: This research work throws light into the usage of the plant as an alternative to conventional chemotherapy of cancer. In vitro brine shrimp lethality assay, cytotoxicity and cell cycle analysis were all performed for the first time using aqueous extract of Centella asiatica aerial parts. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of aerial parts of Centella asiatica showed antioxidant&anticancer activities and even arrested the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase.

Evaluation of In Vivo Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Aerial Parts of Cynodon dactylon in Rats with Simultaneous Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension

Objective: The current study was planned to analyze the effects of the aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon (AECD) in a rat model of Streptozotocin (STZ) induced-diabetes and nitric oxide (NO)-deficient hypertension. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (55 mg/kg, i.p., in 0.1M citrate buffer, pH 4.5). To induce the NO-deficient hypertension, rats were treated with the Nitric Oxide synthase inhibitor- NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester; L-NAME (0.5 mg/ml), p.o. for 4 weeks. The effects observed after 28 days treatment with aq. extract of Cynodon dactylon 200 mg⁄ kg per day were evaluated in diabetic–hypertensive rats. In all groups, body weight of animals was measured weekly throughout the study (28 days). Blood glucose level and total cholesterol level were measured at day 0 after induction of diabetes and at day 28. Arterial blood pressure of all the groups were measured at day 14 and day 28 by tail cuff method. At the end of experiment, Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) level in all groups was measured. Results: A decrease in body weight was observed in the case of STZ diabetic, L-NAME and D+L-NAME control groups whereas no loss in the weight of animal was observed in the group treated with the aqueous extract of C. dactylon. The study showed that a) aqueous leaf extract of Cynodon dactylon prevented attenuation of the blood glucose and total cholesterol in all the groups; b) significant decrease in Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (MABP) and c) decrease in SGOT level. Conclusion: The traditional use of Cynodon dactylon for the treatment of diabetes and arterial hypertension is supported by the findings of present study, and indicate that it may have a beneficial effect in patients with co-existing diabetic hypertension. Keywords: Diabetic hypertension, Cynodon dactylon, L-NAME, streptozotocin, mean arterial blood pressure, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase.

Anti-infective Properties and Time-Kill Kinetics of Phyllanthus muellerianus and its Major Constituent, Geraniin

Microbial resistance to existing antimicrobial agents remains a global challenge. In recent years, there has been a significant upsurge in the search for newer antimicrobial agents from nature with plants becoming the major focus in most parts of the world due to the vast availability of plants, which have not been screened for their antimicrobial activity. Hence, the study investigates the antimicrobial properties of aqueous aerial part extract of Phyllanthus muellerianus (PLE) and its major constituent, geraniin. The agar well diffusion and micro-dilution methods as well as time-kill kinetic studies were used to determine the antimicrobial activity of PLE and geraniin against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis NCTC 10073, Streptococcus pyogenes (clinical isolate) and Candida albicans (clinical isolate). The mean zones of growth inhibition for PLE and geraniin were in the range of 12.0 ± 0.0 to 22.7 ± 0.3 and 12.0 ± 0.0 to 21.6 ± 0.3 mm, respectively. MIC of both PLE and geraniin ranged from 0.31 to 5 and 0.08 to 1.25 mg/mL (90 to 1310 μM), respectively whiles the minimum cidal concentrations were 5.0 to 50.0 and 2.5 to 10 mg/mL (2.62 to 10.5 mM), respectively. The time-kill kinetics study showed that PLE and geraniin may act as microbiostatic agents. Preliminary phytochemical screening of PLE showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and terpenoids. The observed antimicrobial activity of the extract, PLE, may be due in large proportion to its major constituent, geraniin.

Teratogenic effects of aqueous extract of aerial part of Verbascum cheiranthifolium in mouse embryo

Teratogenic effects of aqueous extract of aerial part of Verbascum cheiranthifolium in mouse embryo

Apoptosis-inducing effects of extracts from desert plants in HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cells

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigat the mechanism of antitumor efficacy of Origanum dayi ( O. dayi ) and Ochradenus baccatus ( O. baccatus ) extracts by exploring apoptosis-inducing potential. Methods: The aqueous extracts of aerial parts of aforementioned plants were prepared and used for this study. HepG2 cells were treated with varying concentrations (0, 2 and 5 mg/mL) of each plant extract for 24 or 48 h. Cell apoptosis was measured by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate binding assay and flow cytometry. The expression levels of various apoptosis-related genes were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: O. dayi and O. baccatus extracts exerted apoptotic effects on HepG2 cells for 48 h following treatment. O. dayi extract was found to be a better apoptosis-inducing agent than O. baccatus extract as the former delivered greater efficacy at a lower concentration. Both extracts manifested upregulation of Bax, Bad, cytochrome c, caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9 and poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase. Conclusions: The aqueous extracts of O. dayi and O. baccatus are capable of inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells through modulation of mitochondrial pathway which explains their antitumor activities. These desert plants may serve as useful resources to develop effective remedies for hepatocellular carcinoma and other human malignancies.

Evaluation of antifungal properties of some medicinal plants against Aspergillus flavus isolated from contaminated Corn in vitro

Aspergillus strains especially A. flavus and A. parasiticus are the most frequent grains molds producing carcinogenic aflatoxins, which is one of the main challenges in the agriculture and food industries. Chemical pesticides for control of the fungi have adverse effects on human health and environment; therefore, the necessity of finding acceptable substitutes for these substances seem apparent.  In the present study, aqueous extracts of aerial parts of zataria ( Zataria multiflora Boiss.), thyme ( Thymus vulgaris L.), pennyroyal ( Mentha pulegium L.), peppermint ( Mentha piperita L.), senna ( Cassia senna L.), and basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.) along with flowers of safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius L.) were examined against A. flavus isolated from contaminated corn.  The extracts with different concentrations (100-600 ppm) and poly ethylene glycol (PEG) with equal osmotic potential of the plant extracts were added to potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium to evaluate fungus growth after 7 days and using agar dilution method.  All concentrations of the extracts significantly inhibited the fungus growth in comparison with each other and the control, while the extracts of thyme and zataria were manifested to be the most effective prohibition with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 600 ppm. Potency of the plants' extracts on the growth of fungus was evaluated as follows: zataria&gt; thymus&gt; safflower&gt; peppermint&gt; pennyroyal&gt; senna&gt; basil.  Results of this study presented aqueous extracts of thyme and zataria as effective preservatives against growth of A. flavus for corn products. Â

Antioxidant and in vitro cytotoxic activity of extracts of aerial parts of Cocculus hirsutus (L) using cell line cultures (breast cell line)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic activity of methanolic and aqueous extract of aerial parts of Cocculus hirsutus on MCF-7 breast cell lines. Qualitative phytochemical screening tests were performed to detect phytochemicals in the extracts. Antioxidant activity of the plant extracts were characterized by using DPPH free radical scavenging method. The cytotoxic activity of the extracts of Cocculus hirsutus on MCF-7 cells was investigated in vitro through MTT assay. The results showed Antioxidant activity using DPPH were found to be increased in a concentration dependent manner and decreased cell viability and cell growth inhibition in a dose dependent manner. The findings from this study indicated that methanolic and aqueous extracts of Cocculus hirsutus leaf possessed vast potential as a medicinal drug especially in breast cancer treatment.

Investigating of the antimicrobial effect of total extract of Tribulus terrestris against some gram positive and negative bacteria and candida spp.

Introduction : In the recent years, due to the wide spread of resistant bacteria on one side and several different reports about the side effects of chemical drugs on the other side, vast researches on the medicinal plants have been started. In this study, antimicrobial effect of total extract of Tribulus terrestris L . and its fraction containing Benzoxazine derivative (Terresoxazine) was studied for the first time in Iran. Materials and methods : Total aqueous extract of aerial parts of the plant was prepared and in order to separate the components of aqueous extract, liquid/liquid extraction with Petroleum ether was used. Formation of three layers was the result of this extraction. Layers included water fraction, Petroleum ether fraction and a third layer which was formed at the interface of water and petroleum ether. LC/MS system proved the existence of Benzixazine derivative in the water fraction and the thirds fraction. Antimicrobial effects of total extract, water fraction and the third fraction (which were the layers formed after the extraction process) were examined against 10 Gram positive and negative and candida spp by cup plate method and Disk diffusion method. Also, the MIC and MBC were determined by micro dilution method. Results : Of 8 evaluated bacteria and 2 Candida spp , the total extract showed antibacterial effect only against E.coli, P.aeruginosa and B.subtilis . Size of the zone of inhibitation increased with increasing the concentration of the extract. Fraction containing Benzoxazine derivative had no effect against tested microbes. MIC and MBC determination showed that B.subtilis had the least sensitivity to the total extract, comparing to other microorganisms. Besides, comparing the zone of inhibitation of Penicillin 200 mg/ml and the zone of inhibitation of the total aqueous extract shows that the solution of total extract in water with 1000 mg/ml concentration and the solution of total extract in DMSO10% with 750 mg/ml density can be substituted to Penicillin 200 mg/ml in P.aeruginosa infections. Conclusion : Because of antibacterial effects of Tribulus terrestris L . against both Gram negative and positive bacteria, and no antibacterial effect of the fraction containing Benzoxazine derivative, it can be concluded that antibacterial effects of the total extract is due to other active ingredients or it is because of the cumulating of different components in total extract. Therefore separation of other components of total extract and determination of their antibacterial effects can be future subjects for researches about this plant.

Variation in phytochemical constituents and allelopathic potential of Nigella sativa with developmental stages

This study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical content and allelopathic potential of two Nigella sativa varieties, having a Tunisian and Indian origin. Aqueous extracts of seeds and aerial parts harvested at three developmental stages (vegetative, flowering and fruiting) were evaluated on lettuce germination and seedling growth. The total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and flavones, alkaloids and proanthocyanidins contents in the aqueous extracts were highest in the vegetative stage. For allelopathic activity, all aqueous extracts significantly delayed germination, reduced its rate and affected seedling growth, while seeds aqueous extracts affect only seedling growth. In addition, the analysis using the Whole-range assessment method (WESIA software) showed a stronger inhibition index of the Tunisian variety aqueous extracts of aerial parts harvested at flowering stage compared to the two other stages. While, Indian variety was most phytotoxic at the vegetative stage. Seeds of the two varieties showed similar toxicity for lettuce and they are less toxic than aerial parts. Results showed that it would be advisable to identify the development stage of a plant that has the greatest level of allelochemicals to assist harvest time and to maximize efficiency of the allelopathic potential of a given plant.

Antioxidant Activity and Phenolics Analysis by HPLC-DAD of Solanum thomasiifolium Sendtner (Solanaceae)

Introduction: The genus Solanum is the most representative of the Solanaceae families and is considered one of the largest and most diverse among the Angiosperms. Chemotaxonomic studies have recognised the genus Solanum as a source of phenolic compounds, which present a wide variety of biological actions, including antioxidant activity. Methods: The hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of the Solanum thomasiifolium Sendtner were studied for antioxidant activity by using different assay in vitro such as inhibition of DPPH, superoxide anions and lipid peroxidation. The total phenolic content in the extracts was analysed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. In addition, the active extracts were fractionated by open column chromatography containing Sephadex LH-20 and the phenolic compounds presents in the fractions were analysed by High Liquid Chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Results: The better results were ethanolic and aqueous extracts which exhibited good scavenging activity of DPPH (IC 50 = 23.9±0.7 and 28.3±3.1 μg/mL), ABTS (IC 50 = 10.5±0.4 and 13.3±0.5 μg/mL), β-carotene t = 60min (83.3±0.1% and 91.3±1.5 %), and phenolic content (93.0±6.9 and 82.5±1.4 mgEAG/g). The analysis of UV profiles obtained by HPLC-DAD showed the presence of flavones and flavonols in the active fractions. Conclusion: This work shows that polar extracts of S. thomasiifolium were good antioxidant activity.

Four new phenolic acids from Clerodendranthus spicatus

Four new phenolic acids, orthosiphoic acids A–D (1–4), together with seven known compounds were isolated from the aqueous extract of aerial parts of Clerodendranthus spicatus. Their structures including the absolute configurations were characterized on the basis of extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR, MS and CD analysis. The substituted pattern of the one hydroxyl group on the phenyl ring of 1 is rare which distinguished it from all other previously isolated rosmarinic acid derivatives. Compounds 1–7, 10 and 11 were evaluated for their anti-HIV-1 protease activity but all of them exhibited weak activities with IC50>30μM.

Radical scavenging and antimicrobial activity of essential oil and extracts of Echinophora sibthorpiana Guss. from Macedonia

This study was undertaken to determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial effect of essential oil and extracts of Echinophora sibthorpiana Guss. (fam. Apiaceae) collected in Macedonia. The chemical composition of E. sibthorpiana essential oil was characterized by the presence of methyl eugenol (60.40%), p-cymene (11.18%) and ?-phellandrene (10.23%). The free radical scavenging activity of extracts and essential oil was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays. The aqueous extract of aerial parts exhibited the strongest scavenging activity (IC50=1.67 mg/ml); results of the ABTS test showed that the most effective was the ethanol extract of aerial parts (1.11 mg vit. C/g). The essential oil showed stronger antioxidant activity compared to hydroxyanisole, ascorbic acid and quercetin that were used in the DPPH and ABTS tests, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations in the extracts ranged between 38.65-60.72 mg GA/g, and 3.15-19.00 mg Qu/g, respectively. The antimicrobial properties of the extracts and essential oil were investigated using a micro-well dilution technique against human pathogenic strains. The results were comparable with the effects of the positive controls, streptomycin and fluconazole. These findings indicate that E. sibthorpiana extracts and oil can be used in preventive treatments and as an alternative for synthetic preservatives.

Cardiotonic activity of Pergularia tomentosa different extracts, fractions &amp;isolated compounds.

Evaluation of the cardiotonic activity of Pergularia tomentosa containing a special type of cardiac glycosides using the different aqueous extracts of the different organs (root, aerial parts & leaves), their fractions and cardioactive isolated compounds. All were screened for toxicity testing, pharmacological & pathological activities. A comparative study was performed on their cardiotonic activity, blood pressure, heart & respiratory rates, ECG patterns, safety margins & therapeutic indexes in relation to ghalakinoside-the major most active isolate. The results demonstrated dose dependent cardiotonic activity of all extracts, fractions & isolates. The highest cardiotonic activity was produced from the major cardenolide closely followed by calactin. The most cardioactive extract was that of the roots, followed by the aerial parts & leaves respectively. According to safety studies the aerial parts aqueous extract {AAE} demonstrated the widest safety margin. The aqueous extract of the root demonstrated promising cytotoxic activities on some selected human tumor cell lines as cervix carcinoma (Hela cell line), liver as well as brain cell lines. The aerial parts were used for this study to conserve this plant as using the roots would mean complete destruction of the plant.

Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. development stages on some phytochemicals content and allelopathic potential

This study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical content and allelopathic potential fenugreek aerial part, which was evaluated on lettuce germination and seedling growth, of as influenced by fenugreek developmental stages (vegetative, flowering and fruiting). The total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and flavones, alkaloids and proanthocyanidins contents in the aqueous extracts were lower in the fruiting stage in comparison with the vegetative stage. Among organic extracts, methanol extracts were the richest, and the vegetative and fruiting stages were the richest in the phytochemicals assayed. For allelopathic activity, all aqueous and organic extracts significantly delayed germination, reduced its rate and affected seedling growth. In addition, the analysis using WESIA software showed a stronger inhibition index of the aqueous extracts of aerial parts harvested at vegetative stage compared to the two other stages. Ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of aerial parts harvested at fruiting stage were the most toxic, respectively for lettuce germination and seedling growth. Significant negative correlation was found between germination and shoot growth and alkaloids content (R2=0.9). Similarly root growth was negatively correlated with polyphenols and flavonoids content (R2=0.98). Knowing the development stage, at which plants are most rich in allelochemicals, would counteract the allelochemical production in very small quantities so make full use allelopathic potential at the most appropriate time.

Antitumor activities of extracts from selected desert plants against HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Context: Phytochemicals are produced by desert plants to protect themselves against stressful environments. They have been shown to be useful in preventing and fighting adverse pathophysiological conditions and complex diseases, including cancer. Although many desert plants have been investigated for their antitumor properties, a large number of them still remain to be explored for possible therapeutic applications in oncologic diseases.Objective: To screen the antitumor effects of selected desert plants, namely Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch. Bip. (Compositae), Ochradenus baccatus Delile (Resedaceae), Origanum dayi Post (Lamiaceae), Phlomis platystegia Post (Lamiaceae) and Varthemia iphionoides Boiss (Compositae), against an in vitro tumor model utilizing HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.Materials and methods: The aqueous extracts of aerial parts of the aforementioned plants were prepared and used for the in vitro experiments. The HepG2 cells were exposed to varying concentrations (0–4 mg/mL) of each plant extract for 24 or 48 h and the cytotoxicity was measured by the MTT assay.Results: Following 24 h exposure, O. dayi extract exhibited a substantial antiproliferative effect in HepG2 cells (IC50 = 1.0 mg/mL) followed by O. baccatus (IC50 = 1.5 mg/mL). All plant extracts displayed cytotoxicity following 48 h exposure. Nevertheless, a substantial effect was observed with O. dayi (IC50 = 0.35 mg/mL) or O. baccatus (IC50 = 0.83 mg/mL).Conclusion: The aqueous extracts from aerial parts of O. dayi and O. baccatus possess antitumor effects against human liver cancer cells. These desert plants represent valuable resources for the development of potential anticancer agents.

IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRI AQUEOUS EXTRACT AND BENZOXACIN FRACTION AGAINST HELICOBACTER PYLORI ISOLATES FROM BIOPSY SAMPLES OF IRANIAN PATIENTS

Background & Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is related to gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and mucosal carcinoma. Emergence of multidrug resistant Hp strains encouraged the researchers to find new effective drugs. Especially medicinal herbs and plants which usually shows less side effects. The aim of this study was in vitro assessment of anti Hp activity of total extract of Tribulus terrestris (T. terrestris Benzoxacin, a local Iranian medicinal plant and its fraction Benzoxacin.Methods: total aqueous extract of aerial parts of the plant was prepared and liquid extraction with petroleum ether was used to separate its components. LC/MS system proved the existence of Benzoxazine derivative in the water fraction and the third's fraction. Anti (Hp) effects of total extract and its third fraction were examined by cup plate method and using standard MacFarland. 50 biopsy samples of antrum were detected from patients who were endoscopic candidates in Milad and Fayazbakhsh hospitals of Tehran during 2011. All samples were isolated, diagnosed based on standard methods and biochemical tests and confirmed by PCR method for ureC gene, too. Different dilutions (250, 500,750 and 1000 mg/ml) of total extract were prepared. Clarythromycin (Clr) E-test strips and an identified Hp OC1096 was used, simultaneously.Results: Of 50 biopsy samples, 12 Hp strains were isolated. Rapid urease test were positive in all expect one biopsy sample. Existence of ureC gene in all isolates were confirmed expect one strain by PCR. By cup plate method, resistant to concentrations of 1000 and 750mg/ml were detected in 50% of Hp isolates and 66.6% of them were resistant to concentrations 250 and 500 mg/ml .Also, 83.3% of Hp strains were resistant to Benzoxacin fraction. Clarythromycin sensitivity detected in 83% of Hp isolates, simultaneously.Conclusion: This study was done as a pilot study for in vitro evaluation of antibacterial effect of total extract of T. terrestris by cup plate method. Existence of high resistant rate (≥50%) to different concentrations T. terrestris aqueous extract seems doing test on more Hp strains in future studies is highly recommended . In contrast of the similarity of Benzoxazin structure to Ofloxacin, existence of 83.3% of resistance among tested isolates showed no anti Hp effectiveness of this fraction.