Alternanthera Brasiliana Research Articles

Exploring the potential of chitosan polyherbal hydrogel loaded with AgNPs to enhance wound healing A triangular study

Hydrogel wound dressings provide a moist environment, which promotes the formation of granulation tissue and epithelium in the wound area, accelerating the wound healing process. There have been numerous approaches to skin wound management and treatment, but the limitations of current methods highlight the need for more effective alternatives. A Chitosan polyherbal hydrogel integrated with AgNPs was synthesized to assess its wound-healing potential both in vitro and in vivo. The AgNPs were synthesized using Calotropis procera leaf extract and characterized via X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). In swelling kinetic analysis, the hydrogel's weight reached its maximum at 8 h of incubation and began to decrease from 12 h up to 72 h (49 % ± 6.04). The hydrogel formulation demonstrated strong antimicrobial potential against E. coli and S. aureus with an inhibition zone of 18 mm and 25 mm, respectively. Furthermore, in mice studies, the formulation exhibited significant wound size reduction within 12 days, supported by histopathology analysis revealing higher angiogenic potential compared to commercial hydrogels. The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in CS-polyherbal/AgNPs hydrogel were 500 pg/ml and 125 pg/ml, respectively. Additionally, a network pharmacology approach identified 11 chemical constituents in Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica, and Alternanthera brasiliana extracts, along with 326 potential targets, suggesting the superior wound healing properties of this formulation compared to commercially available hydrogels.

Biological Activities, Extractive Methods and Phytochemical Characterization of Alternanthera brasiliana: a Systematic Review

Biological Activities, Extractive Methods and Phytochemical Characterization of Alternanthera brasiliana: a Systematic Review

Application of aqueous extracts of <i>Alternanthera brasiliana, Chromolaena odorata</i> and <i>Tridax procumbens</i> plants in remediating lead contaminated soils

Soil washing is an effective method of removing lead from contaminated soils. However, great limitations abound in the choice of washing solution that is ecologically sustainable for agricultural soils. In this study, applications of plant soluble extracts in remediating of Pb contaminated soils for ecological sustainability were carried out. Batch laboratory experiments were done using aqueous extracts of Alternanthera brasiliana, Chromolaena odorata, Tridax procumbens and water as control at varying soil-pulp-densities (SPD) of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15%, and washing time of 1, 3, 6, 12 h. For contaminated soil, percentage removal efficiency followed the order: Alternanthera brasiliana (38.1±0.28%) > Chromolaena odorata (21.8±0.12%) > Tridax procumbens (21.3±0.18%). The most appropriate ratio for contaminated soil was 3% SPD at 12 h washing time. Removal efficiency was found to be substantially depended on geochemical phase of Pb (exchangeable-4.04%) in contaminated soil and washing solution pH (5.68). Lead removal efficiency was observed to increased proportionally with increasing washing time, but decreased with increasing SPD. Spike soil with high exchangeable Pb-78.9% recorded significant Pb removal of 63.4±0.24% with Alternanthera brasiliana, 47.8±0.22% with Chromolaena odorata, 38.3±0.38% with Tridax procumbens and 52.0±0.26% with water. Analysis of variance at p=0.05 indicated a significant difference inpercentage Pb removal efficiency across all the four washing solutions. However, the statistical T-test indicated no significant difference at p=0.05 in percentage Pb removal efficiency between both soils. Also, moderately positive correlations were observed between contaminated and spiked soils for Alternanthera brasiliana (0.676), Chromolaena odorata (0.570) and Tridax procumbens (0.517) while negative correlation observed for water (0.485) which served as the control. The three plant extracts exhibited good potential characteristics as washing solutions for the treatment of Pb contaminated soils. Chemical modifications are recommended to enhance and improve their efficiencies when considering the geochemical phase of Pb in soil.

Medicinal plants with popular names associated with manufactured drugs in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Abstract Medicinal plants used by the population in southern Brazil have been observed to be popularly referred to by the names of manufactured drugs. This study aimed to find a connection between the use of medicinal plant species with popular names associated with manufactured drugs and the actual biomedical system. A database regarding such medicinal plants was established based on thirty-four ethnobotanical studies undertaken in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and chemical and pharmacological information was collected from a scientific article database and crossed referenced to determine whether folk information was correlated. Thirty-one species with a total of twenty-five different popular names of manufactured drugs were found. The greatest number of popular names of manufactured drugs was for Alternanthera brasiliana with eight names, followed by Achillea millefolium with six. The therapeutic indication of the species used in the manufactured formulas was found to differ from the indications of popular use. However, the therapeutic indication of both were correlated for digestive disorders, as well as for popularly named phytotherapic species. Cultural adoption of popular names may be influenced by the biomedical system and the flow of knowledge arising from conventional medicine toward popular medicine.

Decontamination protocol in the production of herbal medicines: a short communication

Background: The effectiveness and safety of natural products depend not only on the inherent properties of the plant, but also on careful preparation, which includes critical steps such as cleaning to remove impurities and washing to eliminate surface contaminants. Thus, the scientific literature emphasizes the significance of thorough cleaning in ensuring botanical purity, directly impacting the ultimate quality of the product. Methods: The study utilized the plant species Cordia verbenacea, Alternanthera brasiliana, and Lippia alba, cultivated in Tatuí - SP, subjected to a rigorous selection process, and processed through a washing and drying protocol. The washing involved a two-stage process, including immersion in clean water and a sodium hypochlorite solution. Microbiological analyses were conducted on washed and unwashed samples, including enumeration of viable colony-forming units (CFUs) and detection of pathogens. Moisture content was determined using the oven drying method, and ash content was assessed following the Brazilian Pharmacopeia guidelines. Results: Microbiological results indicate the absence of Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus aureus in all analyzed plant drugs, regardless of washing and stabilization conditions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed only in unwashed/stabilized Cordia verbenacea and Alternanthera brasiliana samples. Escherichia coli was identified in an unwashed/stabilized Lippia alba sample. The washing/stabilization process significantly reduced total bacterial and fungal counts, especially when exceeding the limit set by the Brazilian Pharmacopeia (103 CFU/g). Total ash content remained unchanged after the washing/stabilization process in the three plant species, staying within the Brazilian Pharmacopeia limits (14%). Moisture content did not differ statistically between washed/stabilized and unwashed/unstabilized plant species and met Brazilian Pharmacopeia specifications (8-14%). Conclusion: The washing/stabilization process effectively reduced microbial load in Lippia alba, Alternanthera brasilians, and Cordia verbenacea, with no significant changes in ash and moisture content. Preliminary analysis suggests that processing control ensures minimum quality conditions, enhancing overall safety for consumers.

Tropical Aquaponic Production of Medicinal Plants in Association with Goldfish

Aquaponics is an emerging technology that synergistically combines aquaculture and hydroponic production through nutrient cycling and water recycling. As aquaponics grows exponentially, studies that evaluate the technique by testing different species in these systems make this choice fundamental to result in a high productivity and profitability. Ornamental fish, as well as medicinal plants, are interesting options for a more in-depth analysis of aquaponic systems. In this context, the objective was to analyze the performance of four plant species: boldu chilanum, Peumus boldus; peppermint, Mentha x piperita; Brazilian joyweed, Alternanthera brasiliana; and oregano, Origanum vulgare, as well as the growth of goldfish, Carassius auratus, and physicochemical aspects of water quality in identical aquaponic systems installed in a greenhouse during 91 days of cultivation. The experimental design consisted in four treatments and four replications, using in all treatments a density of 21 fish.310L and four seedlings, in cuttings, of each plant species studied. The vegetable cultivation systems were composed of expanded clay sediments in a 0.25m² planters, using a density of 16 plants.m², repeated, each treatment, in four aquaponic systems, totaling 16 aquaponic systems analyzed. The results showed that, for the parameters of weight and height, of the four plant species studied, only oregano did not develop as expected, while boldu chilanum, peppermint and Brazilian joyweed showed a representative increase in the analyzed parameters. The goldfish also showed representative increase for weight, total and standard length in all treatments. The water quality parameters analyzed did not showed differences between treatments and were within the range recommended by reference authors, as well as for the well-being of the goldfish. The systems have demonstrated efficiency in vegetative and animal growth, and can help to add value to products from aquaponics, corroborating the evolution of technology.

PREFERENCE STUDY OF VARIOUS FORAGES IN A CAFETERIA ARRANGEMENT IN RABBIT PRODUCTION

In Nigeria, plants commonly used as feed by rabbit farmers are those around the environment as weeds. Not much has being reported on the preference of rabbits among such plants which are often of little or no use where they are found. Hence this study was designed to access the preference of rabbits for selected plants (Tridax procumbens, Euphobia heterophylla, Alternanthera brasiliana, Aspilia africana, Tithonia diversifolia) used by farmers. A total of thirty crossbred rabbits were used in a cafeteria arrangement feeding trial to study the preference of rabbits for forages presented. The animals were separated into two groups having fifteen rabbits in each group. The various groups were further divided into three sub-groups. Each sub-group had five rabbits housed in same compartment on a deep litter system. Animals in group A had fresh forages, those in group B had dry forages. The result from this study showed that for weaner rabbits the nature of forage and duration of exposure of rabbits to the forages had no significant effect (p>0.05) on the preferences of the animals. The coefficient of preference (CoP) recorded for Euphorbia heterophylla (0.44±0.15) was significantly (p<0.05) highest followed by that of Tithonia diversifolia (0.19± 0.09) while Aspilia africana was the least (p<0.05) preferred with CoP 0.11±0.05. For the post-weaned rabbits, CoP was not significantly affected (p>0.05) in all the parameters considered. From the results it was concluded that Euphorbia heterophylla was the most preferred of all the forages presented.

Alternanthera brasiliana L. extract alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrotic changes in mice: Role of matrix metalloproteinases and TGF-β/Smad axis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAlternanthera brasiliana L. is a flowering plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae and is popularly known as “penicillin”. It is used in folk medicine to treat infections, coughs, wound healing, and inflammatory diseases.Aim of the study: We investigated the effect of Alternanthera brasiliana L. leaves hydroalcoholic extract (AB) against oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrotic changes in an experimental model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice. Materials and methodsThirty-six male Balb/C mice were randomized into five groups: normal control, AB control, CCl4 control, CCl4 + AB-200 mg/kg, and CCl4 + AB-400 mg/kg. In mice, liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (20% in corn oil, 5 ml/kg body weight) thrice a week for six consecutive weeks. AB extract at two doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally for six consecutive weeks. Liver injury-related serum markers (ALT, AST, ALP), antioxidants (GSH, GST, SOD, and vitamin C), pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, ultrasonographic and histological alterations, proteins of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), nuclear factor-κB (p65) (NF-κB), nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and TGF-β/Smad signaling were accessed. LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis of AB was performed. ResultsAB treatment significantly decreased the CCl4-induced rise in serum ALT, AST, and ALP activities and improved the histological alterations. Compared with the CCl4-treated group, treatment with AB significantly restored the hepatic antioxidants and reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver. The antioxidant activity of AB may be attributed to its terpenoid constituents, which was confirmed by LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. The CCl4-induced rise in expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and decrease in TIMP-1 were markedly restored in the AB-treated groups. Further findings revealed a significant reduction in the protein levels of phospho–NF–κB (p65), NLRP3, TGF-β, pSmad2/3, collagen I, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the AB treatment groups. ConclusionsThe hepatoprotective effect of AB may be attributed to the high content of terpenoid compounds and alleviates liver injury and associated fibrotic changes through modulating MMPs, NF-κB (p65), and the TGF-β/Smad axis.

Nutritional, antioxidant and dietary potential of some traditional leafy vegetables used in ethnic culinary preparations

Various ethnic communities in India rely on traditional leafy vegetables (TLVs) for nutritional requirements. They are an important part of ethnic culinary preparations and form the basis of traditional food systems across communities. The TLVs are often collected from the wild and the culinary preparations change seasonally. The ethnic culinary preparations based on TLVs also form the basis of cultures and represent bicultural diversity of a region. In this backdrop, this study was designed to investigate the importance of TLVs for a family of two adults and 2 children using daily required nutrient intake (DRNI). In this study, we analyzed proximate composition, minerals, and antioxidant components of five TLVs namely Alternanthera brasiliana, A. sessilis, Amaranthus dubius, Cyathula prostrata and Euphorbia hirta which are important part of ethnic culinary preparations for the tribes residing in the foothills of Western Ghats, India. The results of this study reported the highest moisture (8.424%), crude fat (4.43%), vitamin C (59.44 AsA and 30.72 DHA mM/g FW), polyphenol (348.84 mg GAE/g DW) and free radical scavenging activity (lowest IC50 value) in E. hirta. The crude fiber was highest in C. prostrata leaves (10.41%) whereas total crude protein and carbohydrate levels in all samples were found in the range of 13–23% and 43–54%, respectively. Elemental quantification using ICP-OES shows that the leaves of A. brasiliana, A. sessilis, A. dubius and C. prostrata are rich in K, Ca, Mg and Mn. A. dubius recorded the highest flavonoid content (10.48 mg QE/g DW). DRNI estimates of the TLVs show positive dietary contribution to a family with 2 adults and 2 children. Therefore, it is concluded that the TLVs that are a part of ethnic cuisines among the tribal communities are an important source of vitamins, proteins, antioxidant components and micronutrients. Identification of nutrient dense locally available TLVs and their supplementation with the staple foods can help reduce the burden of increasing malnutrition and undernutrition among the poorer and tribal communities of India and other developing countries that are facing issues of food security.

Preliminary Studies on the Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant Properties of Four Medicinal Plants in Nigeria

Abstract
 Purpose: The innumerability of un-researched medicinal plants has occasioned their exceptional and unlimited study. Without a continuous study, the importance and use of many medicinal plants will be spuriously occluded and hence marshal untold limitations to their medicinal value. This research therefore was conducted to unravel the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of Petiveria alliacea L, Hoslundia opposita Vahl, Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze, and Solanum erianthum D. Don.
 Methods: Standard laboratory procedures were dutifully followed and ensued data were analyzed using SPSS, version 23, 32 and 64 bit.
 Results: The four analyzed plants were rich sources of major phytochemicals like: tannins, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. All the plants also demonstrated high antioxidant activity in DPPH, Fe2+ Chelation, FRAP and Peroxides assays. The best antioxidant activity and IC50 values were obtained from S. erianthum which may be attributed to the highest quantity of phenols and flavonoids it contained in comparison to the rest evaluated plant samples.
 Conclusion: It was inferred that the observed high antioxidant activity of all the plant samples may be predicable to their plentious quantified phytochemicals. The plants were thenceforth recommended for further study on their acute toxicity (LD50) and with special emphasis on S. erianthum.

Optical Limiting Properties of the Natural Dye Extract from Alternanthera brasiliana Leaves

Optical Limiting Properties of the Natural Dye Extract from Alternanthera brasiliana Leaves

Application of betacyanins pigments from Alternanthera brasiliana as yogurt colorant

Betacyanins are betalain derivatives showing a red-violet color suitable as a natural food colorant. An aqueous extract rich in betacyanin pigments and phenolic compounds from Alternanthera brasiliana was characterized using a high-performance liquid chromatography system with diode array and electrospray mass spectrometry detection. The major betacyanins (amaranthine, isoamaranthine, betanin and isobetanin, celosianin II and isocelosianin II) were identified and quantified. Eleven peaks were analyzed for phenolic compounds grouped into hydroxycinnamic acids and flavones. Different plant extract concentrations were added to freshly prepared set type yogurts (350, 700, and 1400 μL/80 g yogurt). Color properties in CIELAB space, pH, total phenolic content, and ferric reducing antioxidant power were analyzed on yogurts during storage time. The evolution of pigments and polyphenolic compounds during cold storage was studied by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS screening.The extracted color showed to be stable at the yogurt pH range. When added to yogurts, a natural berry-like color was achieved. These results provide a natural plant pigment-based alternative for application in food products, being the first time that A. brasiliana is used as a colorant in a dairy product. Besides color, polyphenols input turns Alternanthera brasiliana extract into a desirable functional food ingredient.

Ethnobotanical study in a rural settlement in Amazon: contribution of local knowledge to public health policies

Medicinal plants continue to be appropriate and preferred alternatives for primary health care among rural Amazon populations, although their incorporation into conventional health services has been slow and challenging. Besides that, few Amazon plants have been considered in current public health policies. We sought here to better understand the role of medicinal plants in the therapeutic practices of residents of the Paulo Fonteles Land Settlement at Mosqueiro, a district within Belém (Pará State, Brazil) and identify species of potential value for government health services. Ethnobotanical data was obtained through semi-structured interviews with 61 residents. Results were analyzed using indices of use-report (Ur) and by consulting official documents of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MS). The settlers use at least 61 exotic plants and 67 natives to Brazil; of the latter species, 21 were endemic to the Amazon region. The medicinal plants cited by the settlers were used for treating 76 symptoms and/or illnesses, especially related to digestive, respiratory, dermatological, and women's health problems; Anacardium occidentale, Alternanthera brasiliana, and Dalbergia monetaria had the highest URs. Forty plants are cited in MS documents. This research incentive more studies with Amazonian species and shows a list of 11 species for inclusion in health services offered to local populations.

Physiological response of WAD sheep fed different combinations of Guinea grass and ensiled Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) O. Kuntze based diets: Intake, haematology and serum biochemical indices

Animal feed shortages characterize the long dry season in most Sub-Saharan African countries. Studies exploring alternative feedstuffs with similar or complementary nutritional efficacy to the conventional ones are seriously canvassed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep with different combinations of guinea grass and ensiled A. brasiliana based diets on their intake, haematology, and biochemical indices. A total of 30 growing female WAD sheep (BW =10.5 ± 0.92 kg; mean ± SD), 12–18 months of age were allocated to five dietary treatments containing different inclusion levels of ensiled A. brasiliana (0%, 30%, 45%, 60% and 90%) in a trial that lasted for 90 days. Intakes were estimated daily and body weight changes taken weekly. Blood concentrations of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cells, differential white blood counts (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils), red blood cells, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine and cholesterol were also determined. The total dry matter intake (DMI) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing inclusion levels of A. brasiliana. While the feed conversion ratio decreased (P < 0.05), the final weight and average daily gain significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels ensiled A. brasiliana. The red blood cell, creatinine, globulin, cholesterol, white blood cell and its differentials were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion levels of A. brasiliana. However, the total protein and albumin were influenced (P < 0.05) by inclusion levels of A. brasiliana. The inclusion levels of A. brasiliana up to 90% promote growth and were not harmful to the ewes.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Alternanthera brasiliana improve cutaneous wound healing in rats.

Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze is recognized for its healing properties; however, its therapeutic effects remain unclear. Therefore, our study aimed to elucidate the wound healing activities of A. brasiliana using in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro assays were used to evaluate the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of A. brasiliana extract. For the in vivo study, two dorsal excisions were established in Wistar rats using a punch (1.5cm in diameter), which were topically treated daily with 2% carbopol gel (Ctrl group) or 20% hydroalcoholic plant extract with 2% carbopol gel (A. brasiliana-Ab group). After the 2nd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days, inflammation, oxidative damage, antioxidants, angiogenesis, tissue formation, and re-epithelialization were evaluated. In vitro, Ab reduced nitric oxide, anion superoxide, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. In vivo, Ab presented lower levels of inflammatory infiltrate, although increased levels of IL-1β and TGF-β1 were observed. The plant extract controlled oxidative damage by antioxidants, which favored angiogenesis, collagenesis, and wound re-epithelialization. Thus, the topical application of the hydroalcoholic extract of 20% A. brasiliana was distinguished by its important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities both in vivo and in vitro. The plant extract also stimulated angiogenesis and tissue formation, accelerating total re-epithelization, which is promising for wound healing.

Amalgamation of Industry 4.0 and Healthcare within Biomedical Engineering

Alternanthera brasiliana Kuntz is an important herb which is having higher medicinal properties. Through all most all of the parts are used in the traditional system of medicines. The bioactive compounds or phytochemicals present in the plant show many pharmacological activities like wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, analgesic, immunostimulant and, antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Phytochemical screening of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of, A.brasiliana leaves showed the presence of phenol and alkaloids and A.brasiliana stem extracts showed the presence of different constituents like alkaloids flavonoids steroids glycosides and saponin. The DPPH and ABTS methods were followed for studying antioxidant activities of extracts. The wound healing potential of extracts is determined by the in-vitro method by using chick embryo fibroblast cell line study revealed that both stem and leaf showing wound healing activity. From the extracts the ethanolic extracts showing great wound healing potential at a time interval. Ethanolic stem extracts show comparatively higher wound healing potency. This paves way for future studies on this plant for isolation and commercialization of phytochemicals which are responsible for wound healing property of the plant Alternanthera brasiliana Kuntz. Keyword : Alternanthera brasiliana, antioxidant, DPPH and ABTS, wound healing, MTT assay.

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Alternanthera Braseliana Kuntz Leaves and Stem Extracts

Alternanthera brasiliana Kuntz is an important herb which is having higher medicinal properties. Through all most all of the parts are used in the traditional system of medicines. The bioactive compounds or phytochemicals present in the plant show many pharmacological activities like wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, analgesic, immunostimulant and, antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Phytochemical screening of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of, A.brasiliana leaves showed the presence of phenol and alkaloids and A.brasiliana stem extracts showed the presence of different constituents like alkaloids flavonoids steroids glycosides and saponin. The DPPH and ABTS methods were followed for studying antioxidant activities of extracts. The wound healing potential of extracts is determined by the in-vitro method by using chick embryo fibroblast cell line study revealed that both stem and leaf showing wound healing activity. From the extracts the ethanolic extracts showing great wound healing potential at a time interval. Ethanolic stem extracts show comparatively higher wound healing potency. This paves way for future studies on this plant for isolation and commercialization of phytochemicals which are responsible for wound healing property of the plant Alternanthera brasiliana Kuntz. Keyword : Alternanthera brasiliana, antioxidant, DPPH and ABTS, wound healing, MTT assay.

Aqueous extract of fresh leaves from Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze: chemical evaluation and antimycobacterial and anticandidal activities

The focus of this study was to evaluate the presence and type of carbohydrates and phenolic molecules inaqueous extract (Aq-E) of Alternanthera brasiliana fresh leaves and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and cytotoxicity in vitro. The amount and types of the carbohydrates were measured by colorimetric and TLC methods. Phenolic compounds was detected by colorimetric assay and analysed by HPLC profiles. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS and Phosphomolybdenum methods. Antimicrobial activity was tested by microdilution method using microorganism models and antibiotic as positive control, the cytotoxicity in vitro was tested using Artemia salina. The results showed the presence of high amount of total sugars and uronic acids. TLC chromatograms showed mainly D-glucose, D-fructose, oligosaccharides and uronic acids in the Aq-E and a sugar alcohol in the methanolic extract. The colorimetric determination showed high concentration of phenolic compounds, which were visualised on the HPLC profiles, such as chemical markers of the Amaranthaceae family and several phenolic acids and flavonoids. The Aq-E demonstrated optimal antioxidant activities. The most important results were the excellent antibacterial and bactericidal activities against Mycobacterium megmatis (MIC = 15.6 µg/mL and MBC = 1000 µg/mL) and antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans (MIC = 31.2 µg/mL) and low cytotoxicity. Further possibilities for this plant extract will be to improve the pharmacological potential for developing new herbal medicines and possibly to study its association to allopathic antibiotics for prevention or treatment of infection diseases.

Short Communication: The composition of undergrowth vegetation in the Gendol Riverbank, Sleman District, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract. Syahbudin A, Meinata A, Arifriana R, Wiyono. 2020. The composition of undergrowth vegetation in the Gendol Riverbank, Sleman District, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 1786-1792. Gendol river is one of the rivers affected by a pyroclastic blast from Mount Merapi eruption in 2010. This river flows through several villages, such as Glagaharjo, Kepuharjo, Wukirsari, and Argomulyo. On this riverbank, vegetation has grown naturally post-eruption of Mount Merapi and is continues to change. Some vegetation was also planted by the community. This study aims to find out the composition of the undergrowth vegetation on the Gendol riverbank in Cangkringan Sub-district. The data was obtained systematically by marking 10 sample plots of 5 m x 5 m and 2 m x 2 m size, on each side of the bank. A total of 68 species were recorded in this study which consisted of 29 trees species in seedlings and saplings stage, 34 species of herbs and shrubs, and 6 species of grasses. The dominant among the non-tree species are Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King &amp; H.Rob. with an IVI of 43.78%, Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze with IVI of 16.6% and Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson with IVI of 15.78%. Saplings are dominated by Falcataria moluccana (Miq.) Barneby &amp; J.W. Grimes with IVI of 32.81%, followed by Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit (IVI-24.41%) and Melia azedarach (IVI-14.28%).

Flavonoid enriched extract of Alternanthera brasiliana with photoprotective effect: Formulation development and evaluation of quality

Alternanthera brasiliana is popularly known as "penicillin" and has been used as an anti-inflammatory and for wound healing in folk medicine, been the flavonoids the main chemical markers with pharmacological activity in this species. The objective of this work was to perform the pharmacognostic characterization of the powder of Alternanthera brasiliana, the optimization of the extraction of total flavonoids and the preparation of a gel with photoprotective effect from the addition of this extract enriched of flavonoids. The pharmacognostic characterization, the preparation of fluid enriched extract of flavonoids and quality control of the gel were carried out according to the Brazilian Pharmacopeia, and the evaluation of photoprotective activity was carried out according to the Mansur method. Regarding pharmacognostic characterization, some data are being published for the first time, such as acid insoluble ash (10.02 ± 0.22 %), sulfated ash (12.77 ± 0.01 %), extractable substances by ethanol (4.75 ± 0.07 %) and the foam index (0). In the optimization of extraction, the condition that provided the extract with the highest concentration of total flavonoids was Ab-EFE-3, with solvent hydration at low level, powder:solvent ratio at low level and magnetic stirring at high level. The highest total flavonoid content was 503.7 ± 14.01 mg of rutin equivalents/g. A gel was manipulated with Alternanthera brasiliana enriched flavonoid extract and had its quality control attested by the tests performed. The spectrophotometric SPF of the prepared gel was analyzed at the beginning (T0) and at the end (T12) of the stability study, presenting statistically different initial and final values. The final SPF-UVB of formulation was 21.33 ± 1.25 for the sample submitted to freezing/defrosting cycle, and 19.57 ± 0.74 for the sample maintained at room temperature.