Aqueous Extract Of Aerial Parts Research Articles

IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROGRAPHIC STUDIES OF THE LEAFY STEM OF IPOMOEA PES-CAPRAE (L) R. BR, A HALOPHYTE FROM IVORY COAST

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity and determine the botanical and physicochemical characteristics of aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Ipomoea pes-caprae. Methods: Aqueous extracts obtained by decoction of the leaves of Ipomoea pes-caprae were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity in vitro based on the capacity of the extracts to scavenge free radicals using the DPPH radical and the antioxidant reducing power test. ferric (FRAP). The botanical study of the plant was carried out following microscopic observation of the pulverized drug. As for the Physical studies, they focused on the residual humidity level after drying of the sample and plant at 103 ± 2°C, the water content after drying of the fresh drug for 5 weeks and the extraction yield. Phytochemical tests as well as the determination of polyphenols and total flavonoids were carried out on the leaves of Ipomoea pes-caprae according to standard methods. Results: The extracts showed increasing antioxidant activity with concentration with an IC 50 = 46.23 ± 0.89 µg/ml and an oxidizing power estimated at 102.5 ± 12.3 µmol Eq Trolox/g EXS. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of sterols, polyterpenes, polyphenols, alkaloids and saponosides. Polyphenols were estimated at 79.91±6.20 mg Eq AG/g dry extract and flavonoids were present at 249.2±17.25 mg Eq Q/g dry extract. The micrograph revealed the presence of elements entering into the anatomical structure of the plant studied. Conclusion: This study showed that the aqueous extract of Ipomoea pes-caprae has dose-dependent antioxidant activity properties.

Polyphenolic Profiling and Wound Healing Potential of Hammada scoparia (Pomel) Iljin: Preclinical Evaluation of a Novel Topical Formula

Objective Hammada Scoparia (Pomel) as an endemic plant from the Amaranthaceae family, holds a significant position in the Saharan region of southern Algeria's traditional medicine. The aerial parts of Hammada scoparia was used to cure inflammation and wound healing management. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical constituents of the aqueous extract obtained from the aerial parts of Hammada scoparia (AEHs)and assess its effectiveness in wound healing. Methods Formulation of Wound healing cream were prepared from Hammada scoparia aerial parts aqueous extract then the wounds were applied on the skin of the dorsal region of each Wistar albino for 13 days. Hematological, inflammation and histological parameters were evaluated. Different bioactive compounds were identified within AEHs using HPLC analysis. Results High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified 21 phenolic compounds, with rutin being the most abundant, followed by naringenin, gallic Acid, valinin, and hydroxy-comarin. The formulated AEHs cream exhibited superior wound healing properties, with a 96.54% healing rate by day 13, outperforming the DOUCE PLUS cream and control groups. Physical analyses indicated the cream's white color, neutral odor, humid texture, pH of 6.8, and excellent stability. Hematological parameters revealed the AEHs cream influenced red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelet (PLT) levels positively. Inflammation markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and sedimentation rate (ESR), were also favorably modulated by the treatment. Histological studies indicated that H. scoparia cream promoted re-epithelialization, fibroblast activity, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis, thus facilitating an effective healing process. Conclusion The study concludes that Hammada scoparia possess significant wound healing properties, corroborating their traditional medicinal use.

Algerian Artemisia herba-alba (Asso): Extract and Essential Oils Investigation

Background/Objective: Numerous studies have demonstrated the ethno-and pharmacological properties of various Artemisia species. However, this plant genus which grows abundantly and wildly in the ‘Tébessa’ Algerian region has not been investigated. This study focuses on the phytochemical characterization, biological activities evaluation with the antibacterial fraction identification of the aerial part aqueous extract (AE) and essential oil (EO) from Algerian Artemisia herba alba ( Aha) growing wild in the ‘Tebessa' region. Methods: Polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were analyzed by spectrophotometer and the antimicrobial activity was determined by the gel diffusion followed by micro-dilution methods. The antioxidant effect was assayed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and ferric reducing power (FRAP) tests. The cytotoxic and anti-leishmaniasis activities were experienced on Raw 264.7 cell line and on L. infantum and L. major promastigotes respectively. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)/autobiography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques were used to isolate and identify the antibacterial compounds. EO profile was determined by GC-MS analysis. Results: The extracts (AE and EO) demonstrated antioxidant activity, with the AE exhibiting the most pronounced levels. Both extracts showed antimicrobial activity against all the strains tested however; the EO effect was more effective, especially against the E. feacalis strain with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.0625 mg/mL. The antibacterial fraction exerted by AE towards E. feacalis was identified. AE and EO extracts showed antileishmanial activity and no toxic effect however, volatile extract was the most effective. EO profile revealed 19 identified compounds, led by camphor (51.14%), followed by 1,8 Cineole (19.30%), camphene (6.90%) and chrysanthenone (5.68%). Conclusion: As a result, the both extracts promise a high potential applications in agri-food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic sectors. This study aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 12, and 15, emphasizing potential health benefits, the responsible use of natural resources, and biodiversity conservation.

An In-vitro Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Vitis vinifera Leaf Extract

Background: Vitis vinifera (Flame red grape) is known for its hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and cardioprotective activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts has been reported but, due to presence of polyphenols, glycosides, saponins and alkaloid, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity yet not to evaluated on salad plant and bacteria, respectively. Aim: This research examined grape (V. vinifera flaming red) leaf ethanolic extract (EE) as a bioactive resource. Methods: Ethanolic extract test, primarily to calculate the overall phenolic content by using the Folin-Ciocalteu technique and gallic acid taking as a reference. Similarly, flavonoid content measured using quercetin as a calibration curve. Antioxidant properties was confirmed by getting positive responses from different methods (DPPH, H2O2, FRAP and Phospho-Molybdenum). Antimicrobial activity tested against gram-positive bacteria (Lactobacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and gramnegative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus enterica ser. Typhimurium) in a broth microdilution test. The ethanolic extract (EE) are rich in antioxidant-rich phenolic compounds show minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for every given bacterium on beetroot and spinach leaves. Results: We investigate this extract’s total phenol, total flavonoid, and antioxidant and antibacterial properties. We also identify its main phenolic components, revealing its phytochemical diversity. We found that the EE had 39.29 gGAkg-1 dw of phenol and 96.05 gQE kg-1 dw of flavonoids. The EE scavenges DPPH, H2O2, FRAP, and PM radicals at 142, 168, 275, and 172 g TE kg-1, respectively. We reveal the complex character of this extract by revealing catechins, flavonoids, tannins, malic acid, enzymes, resveratrol, phenolic acids, flavonols, procyanidins, and anthocyanins. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus are all inhibited by EE with a MIC range of 16 to 18 gL-1 (E. coli). The extract affects bacterial growth at different stages. The EE reduces spinach and beetroot leaf total bacterial load by 1.159 to 2.456 log drop when used as a sanitizer at 25 gL-1 (1.156–2.858 log reduction). Conclusion: This research work highlights grape leaf EE as a novel and appealing source of bioactive components with its strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities against common foodborne infectious agents. Our research reveals that leaf ethanolic extract could reduce human pathogenic microorganisms in fresh green vegetables, improving food safety.

Anti-hemostatic, antithrombotic, and chemical profiles of a curly-leaf variety of Petroselinum crispum (Apiaceae), a food and medicinal aromatic herb

Thrombosis is currently among the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the World. New prevention and therapy alternatives have been increasingly sought in medicinal plants. In this context, we have been investigating parsley, Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym, an aromatic herb with two leaf varieties. We report here the in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo anti-hemostatic and antithrombotic activities of a parsley curly-leaf variety. Aqueous extracts of aerial parts (PCC-AP), stems (PCC-S), and leaves (PCC-L) showed significant in vitro antiplatelet activity. PCC-AP extract exhibited the highest activity (IC50 2.92 mg/mL) when using ADP and collagen as agonists. All extracts also presented in vitro anticoagulant activity (APTT and PT) and anti-thrombogenic activity. PCC-S was the most active, with more significant interference in the factors of the intrinsic coagulation pathway. The oral administration of PCC-AP extract in rats caused a greater inhibitory activity in the deep vein thrombi (50%; 65 mg/kg) than in arterial thrombi formation (50%; 200 mg/kg), without cumulative effect after consecutive five-day administration. PCC-AP extract was safe in the induced bleeding time test. Its anti-aggregating profile was similar in ex vivo and in vitro conditions but was more effective in the extrinsic pathway when compared to in vitro results. Apiin and coumaric acid derivatives are the main compounds in PCC-AP according to the HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS profile. We demonstrated for the first time that extracts from different parts of curly parsley have significant antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic activity without inducing hemorrhage, proving its potential as a source of antithrombotic compounds.

Assessment of hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Vitis vinifera leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity in rats

Background: Vitis vinifera is known for its antimicrobial activity; however, the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extracts of aerial parts has also been reported, but the nephroprotective and hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extracts have not yet been evaluated. Objective: To evaluate Vitis vinifera's hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. Methods: Two doses of ethanolic extract of Vitis vinifera (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) were evaluated and compared with silymarin 100 mg/kg. Biochemical blood parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), bilirubin, urea, uric acid, total protein and creatinine, and histopathologic changes of liver and kidney were studied and evaluated. Results: Vitis vinifera reduced the elevated blood levels of ALT, AST, ALP, urea, and creatinine, with the ethanol extract to 200 mg/kg/day being more effective. The histopathologic evaluation suggested that Vitis vinifera decreased hepatic and renal necrosis induced by CCl4. The more significant dose resulted in reductions in AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, and bilirubin of 54, 27, 56, 36, and 17%, respectively. Ethanolic extract 200 mg/kg/day also shows a reduction in elevated levels of Creatinine, Urea, Uric Acid, and Total Protein by 61%, 58%, 29%, and 9%, respectively. Conclusion: Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities of ethanol extract of Vitis vinifera were demonstrated, with ethanol extract to 200 mg/kg/day being the most effective. This presents scientific evidence for using medicinal plants such as Vitis vinifera in managing liver and kidney disorders.

In- Vitro antioxidant activity of Primula denticulata aerial parts extracts

Abstract- In this study, we identify the anti-oxidant impact of ethanolic and aqueous extract of aerial parts of Primula denticulata and to evaluate the anti-oxidant effect of ethanolic and aqueous extract and compare to it with ascorbic acid and BHT by DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay methods because there is no scientific data available on the anti-oxidant activity of plant. The current investigation also showed that Primula denticulata aerial portions contain a variety of secondary metabolites. These phytochemicals may be a significant source of pharmacological compounds, meaning that the plant species may have enormous potential for use as a treatment for a range of chronic illnesses. The species' crude extract exhibits encouraging antioxidant potential as well, supporting the traditional use of this plant with scientific evidence.

Leonotis ocymifolia (Burm.f.) Iwarsson aerial parts aqueous extract mitigates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity via attenuation of inflammation, and DNA damage.

Herein, we explored the protective effect of Leonotis ocymifolia (Burm.f.) Iwarsson aerial parts extract (LO) against cisplatin (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and profiled their phytocontents. A total of 31 compounds belonging to organic and phenolic acids and their glycosides as well as flavonoids and their O- and C-glycosides were identified through LC-MS/MS. The DPPH and FRAP assays revealed that the extract had powerful antioxidant properties. The in vivo results demonstrated that administering LO extract for 30days (40 and 80mg/kg b. w.) significantly improved the altered renal injury markers via reducing creatinine (high dose only) and uric acid levels compared to the Cp-group. The deleterious action of cisplatin on renal oxidative stress markers (GSH, MDA, SOD, and CAT) were also mitigated by LO-pretreatment. The reduction of the inflammatory marker (IL-6), and inhibition of DNA fragmentation, highlighted the prophylactic action of LO in kidney tissue. Molecular docking followed by a 100 ns molecular dynamic simulation analyses revealed that, amongst the 31 identified compounds in LO, chlorogenic and caffeoylmalic acids had the most stable binding to IL-6. The nephroprotective effects were further confirmed by histopathological observations, which showed improvement in ultrastructural changes induced by cisplatin. The observed findings reinforce the conclusion that L. ocymifolia extract exerts nephroprotective properties, which could be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Further studies are required to determine the therapeutic doses and the proper administration time.

Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Using Invasive Alien Plant Parthenium hysterophorus and Their Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities

Due to the high energy demands and environmental hazards of physical and chemical methods, it is now essential to produce nanoparticles using plant sources as reducing and stabilizing agents. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were biosynthesized using an aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus aerials as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron Microscopy (TEM). UV–Vis spectroscopy indicates that the peaks of AgNPs and AuNPs are at 422 and 538 nm, respectively. The results of the DLS analysis showed that both Au and AgNPs are monodispersed and stable and have mean hydrodynamic sizes of 53.55 nm and 68.12 nm, respectively. According to an XRD analysis, the generated AgNPs and AuNPs are face-centered cubic crystals with average crystalline diameters of 33.4 nm and 30.5 nm, respectively. TEM image depicted that the synthesized NPs mainly have spherical shapes with particle size in the range of 3.41–14.5 nm for AuNPs and 5.57–26.3 nm for AgNPs. These biologically produced AuNPs and AgNPs were investigated for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant effects. Both AuNPs and AgNPs were found to strongly influence the growth of bacterial pathogens, with a maximum zone of 22.3 and 19.7 mm in Escherichia coli and a minimum zone of 11.7 and 10.3 mm in Salmonella enterica, respectively. The synthesized AuNPs and AgNPs reduce the numbers of viable fungi by 51.06% and 47.87%, respectively. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay revealed that the synthesized AuNPs and AgNPs have significant radical scavenging ability with 88.75% and 86.25% inhibition and 33.62 μg/mL and 42.86 μg/mL of IC50, respectively. Therefore, an aqueous extract of aerial parts of P. hysterophorus can be a suitable precursor for synthesizing AuNPs and AgNPs, with numerous applications. Due to their smaller size, AuNPs have better antimicrobial and antioxidant activities than AgNPs. This study supports the conservation by a utilization strategy of invasive alien plant species control and management (such as P. hysterophorus) for biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

Acute oral toxicity, cognitive-enhancing and anti-lipid peroxidation efficacy, and qualitative phytochemistry of the aqueous aerial part extract of Launaea cornuta (Hochst. ex. Oliv. &Hiern) C. Jeffrey

At present, there is no cure for dementia or its related cognitive impairments. Available treatments only provide symptomatic relief and do not alter the disease's progression and they suffer serious drawbacks limiting their clinical use, hence the need for alternative therapies. Although Launaea cornuta has been used traditionally to treat cognitive deficits, its pharmacological efficacy and safety have not been empirically validated, prompting this study. Acute oral toxicity of the extract was examined in Swiss albino mice using the up-and-down procedure described by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline number 425. The Morris water maze technique was adopted in assessing cognitive-enhancing effects of the extract in ketamine-induced cognitive-impaired mice. The malondialdehyde concentrations in the whole brain of experimental mice involved in the MWM experiment were measured to determine the extract's anti-lipid peroxidation efficacy. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the extract was performed using standard procedures. Our results showed that the test extract was safe and did not cause any clinical signs of acute oral toxicity in mice at all doses (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg BW). Moreover, the extract significantly improved cognitive function in ketamine-induced cognitive-impaired mice in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by reduced escape latency, navigation distance, and longer latency in the target quadrant during the probe trial. The extract also significantly reduced malondialdehyde concentrations in mice in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating its antioxidative stress efficacy. The studied extract contained various phytochemicals associated with cognitive enhancement and antioxidant efficacy, among other pharmacologic effects. Further empirical studies are needed to determine and characterise the extract's specific cognitive-enhancing compounds, specific mechanisms of action, and complete toxicity profiles.

An experimental evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of aqueous extract of Caralluma dalzielii N.E. Brown

Ethnopharmacological RelevanceCaralluma dalzielii belongs to the family of Asclepiadiaceae. It is a succulent perennial plant widely distributed across the Sahel region from Senegal to Northwest Nigeria. Extracts from Caralluma dalzielii are used traditionally in the treatment of pain, infertility, epilepsy and other neurological diseases. Aim of the studyThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii using various experimental models. Materials and methodsThe anticonvulsant effect of the plant extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o) were assessed using maximal electroshock (MES) model in chicks, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and strychnine (STN)-induced seizures models in mice. Diazepam-induced sleep in chicks was used to study the sedative property of the plant. In the anticonvulsant and sedative property studies, the onset and duration of seizures and sleep were recorded respectively. The oral acute toxicity study was assessed. The extract was screened preliminarily for its phytochemicals and was further analysed using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify its major chemical components. ResultsThe oral acute toxicity studies showed that the LD50 was greater than 5000 mg/kg in mice. Pre-treatment of mice with the aqueous extract of Caralluma dalzielii produced a dose-dependent protection against PTZ-induced seizures and mortality with 100% protection at the highest dose of the extract. The extract also significantly increased the latency/onset of myoclonic jerks and reduced the duration of tonic seizures dose dependently. In STN-induced seizure, the extract had no protection against seizure induction similar to diazepam the positive control. However, it significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged the latency of seizure and increased the survival time before death in a dose dependent manner. Caralluma dalzielii had zero protection against maximal electroshock. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides and phenols. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of some compounds. ConclusionThe extract of Caralluma dalzielii possesses anticonvulsant activity with less marked sedative activity. It also contains several phytochemicals which may be responsible for the activity. This study serves to validate the use of this plant in folkloric medicine for the treatment of epilepsy and convulsions.

Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of hydromethanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Phlomis crinita.

Phlomis crinita is a plant species of the family Lamiaceae including more than 100 perennial herbs, shrubs, and sub-shrubs species native to the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and India. This species is commonly a good natural source of various secondary metabolites. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine phenolic content and antioxidant activity of hydromethanolic (PC ME) and aqueous extracts (PC AQE) of aerial parts of P. crinita. Total polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins were quantified, respectively by the methods of Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) and Bate-Smith method. The in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS•+ radical scavenging, β-carotene-linoleic acid, reducing power and ferrous ion chelating activity assays. PC ME showed high level of tannins (132,13 ±0.68 µg TAE/mg extract) and total phenolic content (82.71±0.79 µg GAE/mg extract), in addition a marked inhibiting oxidation activity of β-carotene/ linoleic acid (74.10%) was observed. Results showed also a higher iron-chelating activity of PC ME (0.20 mg/mL) compared to PC AQE (0.046 mg/mL). The plant extracts revealed a significant antioxidant activity as evidenced by the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.103 mg/mL for PC ME and 0.144 mg/mL for PC AQE) for DPPH assay and (IC50 = 0.0130 mg/mL for PC ME and 0.0187 mg/mL for PC AQE) , as well as the PC ME exhibits higher reducing power (IC50 =0.288mg/mL) than PC AQE (0.296 mg/mL). As a result, P.crinita is suggested as a promising and effective therapeutic medicinal plant for the treatment of several diseases.

Antidiabetic Effects of Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth) (Asteraceae) Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat

Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus is an increasing disease empirically controlled with medicinal plants, whose many virtues are still unknown even by people who eat them as food. The study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic effects of Crassocephalum crepidioides aerial parts aqueous extract in normal and diabetic rats.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Animal Biology and Physiology (University of Douala), July - November 2016.&#x0D; Experimental Procedure: Normal, glucose-overloaded normal, and Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats received the Crassocephalum crepidioides aqueous extract at various doses (13.5–300 mg/kg) in a single administration, and their fasting blood glucose was followed for over 5h. In prolonged treatment, Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received daily administration of the plant extract for 21 days and, blood glucose level, body weight, food, and water intake were followed weekly, while serum biochemical parameters were evaluated after 21 days of treatment. ¶ Type 1 diabetes was induced by an intravenous administration of a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) was used as standard treatment for comparison with the plant extract. &#x0D; Results and Conclusion: The acute administration of Crassocephalum crepidioides extract did not reduce blood glucose levels of normal and diabetic rats, but significantly reduced (P&lt;0.05 – P&lt;0.01) the thirtieth-minute increase of glycemia in glucose-overloaded rats. Moreover, the 21-day treatment with the extract induced significant decreases (P&lt;0.05 – P˂0.001) in serum glucose, creatinine, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and ALAT/ASAT levels or activities, and significant increases (P˂0.001) in serum HDL-cholesterol and body weight of diabetic rats. The ¶C. crepidioides aqueous extract has poten antidiabetic effects, justifying its traditional use for diabetes mellitus.

A study of flavonoid composition and antimicrobial activity of Scutellaria altissima L. from different floristic regions of Bulgaria.

Scutellaria extracts and its constituents, especially the characteristic flavonoids such as baicalein and its glycoside baicalin, exhibit significant antimicrobial activity. To perform a comparative analysis of flavonoid composition and antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from aerial parts and roots of Scutellaria altissima from the regions of Mezek and Bachkovo, Bulgaria. 70% ethanol and aqueous extracts of aerial parts and roots of S. altissima were used. HPLC analysis of S. altissima extracts was performed. Microbiological tests were done on clinical isolates of Streptococcus mitis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Minimal bactericidal and minimal bacteriostatic concentrations of S. altissima extracts were determined by the agar method. The ethanol extracts contain flavonoids approximately twice as much in comparison with the aqueous extracts. The baicalin content in the aerial parts of S. altissima from the region of Mezek is 5 times higher than that in the roots. S. altissima extracts have effective antimicrobial activity against S. mitis only. The minimal bactericidal concentration of ethanol extracts of S. altissima aerial parts and S. altissima roots is 2000µg/ml and 8000µg/ml at 24 hours, respectively. The bactericidal effect of aqueous extracts occurs at 48 hours at minimal bactericidal concentration of S. altissima aerial parts - 2000µg/ml and of S. altissima roots - 6000µg/ml. The finding that extracts of Bulgarian S. altissima possess effective antimicrobial properties against S. mitis suggests that it can be used as a potential source for the development of natural antimicrobial agents to suppress oral pathogens and prevent some oral infections.

Antifungal efficacy of Hyptis suaveolens and Rumex nepalensis extracts against Alternaria solani: An approach for bio-pesticides

Globally, early blight is one of the serious threats leading to significant reduction of potato yield. The use of plant extracts in the management of plant diseases is gaining global significance. Hence, the main objective of this study was to determine the antifungal activity of Rumex nepalensis and Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poiteau extracts against the fungal pathogen (Alternaria solani) causing early blight in potato. The study employed experimental research method with completely randomized design wherein the plant extracts were tested against the pathogen through in vitro and in vivo studies. In the in vitro study, results from the poison food technique showed that the aqueous extracts of aerial parts of R.nepalensis (RnA) was the most efficient in reducing the diameter growth of the fungus than R.nepalensis roots (RnR) and H. suaveolens (HS). The efficacy of the extracts was in the decreasing order of RnA > RnR > HS at all concentrations (20%, 40% and 60%). The fungal biomass extraction showed similar trend with RnA having the highest Initial Activity on Biomass (IAB) followed by RnR and HS. Interestingly, the fungal biomass growth decreased with increase in concentration of all three extracts. In the in vivo technique, plants treated with RnA prior to infection exhibited better tolerance to the test pathogen. Comparatively, RnA showed less Disease Severity Index (DSI) than RnR and HS for both preventive and curative controls. Consequently, the percentage reduction of disease was recorded highest in RnA preventive control (71.43%) compared to other treatments. The preventive control showed lower DSI and higher reduction of disease compared to the curative control. Although all three extracts showed some degree of antifungal activity against Alternaria solani, RnA showed higher activity in both in vitro and in vivo treatments. Therefore, RnA extracts can be used as a potential bio-fungicide for the control of early blight in potato.

English

The study aimed to evaluate the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of an aqueous extract of aerial parts of Ipomoea pes-caprea in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Extracts of Ipomoea pes-caprea were obtained from the decoction of the dried leafy stem of the plant. The extracts obtained were used for the evaluation of the antiplasmodial activity which was done according to two methods: the Rane test was used to evaluate the curative effect of the aqueous extracts of Ipomoea pes-caprea while the Peters test was used for the suppressive effect. Four concentrations of the aqueous extract (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally during the tests. The results showed a dose-dependent decrease in parasitaemia. The dose of 200 mg/kg bwt inhibited parasitaemia with a percentage suppression equal to 50.89% without resulting in significant body weight loss of the animals (p?0.05), but showing a survival rate identical to that of chloroquine. This study showed that the aqueous extract of I. pes-caprea has antiplasmodial properties at the dose of 200 mg/kg bwt against P. berghei. It would be a good candidate to be tested in human parasite, that is, Plasmodium falciparum, for development of other antimalarial drugs. Key words: Antiplasmodial activity, Ipomoea pes-caprea, Plasmodium berghei.

Antidiabetic Activities of Extracts of Ficus bengalensis Linn

Abstract: Various extracts of diverse parts of medicinal plants have been shown to possess antidiabetic and hypoglycemic effect. Most of them look to act directly on pancreas (pancreatic effect) and stimulate insulin level in blood. Some have extra pancreatic effect by acting directly on tissues like liver, muscle, etc and alter favorably, the activities of the regulatory enzymes of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and other pathways. The research work embodied in the thesis deals with the scientific exploration of indigenous plants viz., Ficus bengalensis Linn for their possible anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic activity. The present investigations concluded that the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Ficus bengalensis Linn endowed with potential antidiabetic activity which could be attributed by their possible multiple effects on both pancreatic and extra-pancreatic site by influencing either the metabolism and/or absorption of glucose, which in turn also influence the lipid metabolism. Keywords: hypoglycemic, Ficus bengalensis Linn, Diabetic, Lipid metabolism

Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Aqueous Extract of Aerial Parts of Caralluma dalzielii N E Brown

IntroductionCaralluma dalzielli (Asclepiadiaceae) is a succulent perennial plant that is widely distributed across the Sahel region of West Africa. Decoctions from the plant are used traditionally for treating infertility, epilepsy and neurological diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate some neurological effects of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii (APCD) in mice and to analyse its components through Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS).Materials and methodsThe effect of the APCD (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o) on motor coordination, sedation and anxiety in mice were assessed using three models, namely, beam walk assay, staircase test and hole‐board test. Its anticonvulsant activity was assessed in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and strychnine (STN)‐induced seizures in mice. Beam walk assay measured the number of foot slips of the mice, staircase test, measured the number of rearing for each mouse over a 5‐min period while the hole‐board test measured the number of head dips of the mice during a 5‐min period. In the anticonvulsant study, the onset and duration of seizures were recorded. Phytochemical screening was carried out according to standard procedures. APCD was subjected to further analysis using GC‐MS to identify its major components.ResultsAn increase in the number of foot slips is regarded as having peripheral muscle relaxant and sedative activities, however, APCD at all doses showed no significant increase in the number of foot slips. Increase in the number of rearing is a characteristic of anxiety. APCD at all doses significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced the number of rearing suggesting anxiolytic activity. The behavioural episode of head dipping was used for assessing anxiolytic activity. Increase in the number of head dips described anxiolysis. The extract showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase the number of head dips at all dose levels. Pre‐treatment of mice with APCD produced a dose‐dependent protection against PTZ‐induced seizures with 100% protection at the highest dose of APCD. APCD also significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the latency/onset of myoclonic jerks and reduced the duration of tonic seizures dose dependently. In STN‐induced seizure, APCD significantly (p&lt;0.05) prolonged the latency of tonic seizure and increased the survival time before death in a dose dependent manner. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, cardiac glycosides and phenols. GC‐MS analysis revealed 85 compounds of which the major ones were Heptadecene (6.99%), Octadecene (6.83%), 2‐Amino‐5‐methylbenzoic acid (5.17%), 1‐Butoxy‐2,4‐dimethyl‐2‐pentene (4.97%), Benzene propanoic acid (4.89%), Hexadecanoic acid (3.94%), 2,4‐Di‐tert‐butylphenol (3.233%) and 1‐Tetradecanol (2.16%).ConclusionAPCD possesses neuropharmacological properties with anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activities but without prominent effect on motor coordination. The presence of various phytochemical constituents may be responsible. This report validates the ethnomedicinal use of the plant for the treatment of neurological diseases.

Acute Oral Toxicity, Cognitive-Enhancing and Anti-Lipid Peroxidation Efficacy, and Qualitative Phytochemistry of the Aqueous Aerial Part Extract of Launaea Cornuta (Hochst. Ex. Oliv. &amp;Hiern) C. Jeffrey

Acute Oral Toxicity, Cognitive-Enhancing and Anti-Lipid Peroxidation Efficacy, and Qualitative Phytochemistry of the Aqueous Aerial Part Extract of Launaea Cornuta (Hochst. Ex. Oliv. &amp;Hiern) C. Jeffrey

Strong Antihemolytic and Antioxidant Properties of Aqueous Extract from Algerian Hammada elegans (Bge.) Botsch (Chenopodiaceae)

Background: Research on medicinal plant antioxidants has emerged as a potential therapeutic to prevent free radical generated damage in the human body. Hammada elegans Botsch (popularly known as “Ajram”) is a xerophytic plant widely found in Laghouat region, but there are only a few reports about the biological or chemical properties of these species. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant and the antihemolytic activities of hexanic, acetonic, methanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Algerian Hammada elegans Botsch by employing different in vitro assay systems. Methods: The total phenolic content, the flavonoid content and the condensed tannin amount were analyzed using Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride and vanillin assays, respectively. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of extracts was assessed by CUPRAC, iron chelating, ABTS•+ and antihemolytic assays, and was expressed as EC50 values. Results: Among the analyzed extracts, the aqueous extract had the highest phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents. Also, this extract displayed the highest antioxidant capacities compared to the other extracts and standards. Its EC50 value for ABTS radical-scavenging activity was 0.265 ± 0.003 mg/L. Moreover, this extract showed high iron (II) chelating ability (EC50 = 0.958 ± 0.001 mg/L), and good antioxidant activity in the cupric ion reducing activity (CUPRAC) in a concentration dependent manner (EC50 were 0.709 ± 0.002 mg/L). Additionally, this extract had the best antihemolytic activity against AAPH-induced hemolysis (EC50=0.090 ± 0.004 mg/L). Conclusion: Our study revealed that the aqueous extract of Hammada elegans Botsch, is a potential source of antioxidants which possess a high protective effect of membrane against free radical.