Crude Aqueous Extract Research Articles

Evaluation of Vernonia amygdalina Leaves for Gastroprotective Activity on Experimental Models of Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Background: Vernonia amygdalina del. (Arecaceae) leaf, popularly known as ‘Bitter leaf’ is widely used as a leafy vegetable in soups and in folkloric medicine against many ailments including stomach discomfort.
 Aim: The current study aimed to assess the gastroprotective effect of the crude aqueous extract of V. amygdalina leaves (AEVAL) on Hydrochloric acid (HCl)/Ethanol gastric ulcer models.
 Study Design: An animal experimental study which was conducted for 14 days.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Animal House, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, between May 2013 and August 2014.
 Methodology: Preliminary acute toxicity testing was performed. Twenty (25) rats were divided into five groups (n=5). Groups I and II were normal and ulcer control groups respectively. Groups III, IV and V were pretreated with cimetidine (100 mg/kg), 250 mg/kg AEVAL and 500 mg/kg AEVAL respectively. Cimetidine and AEVAL were administered intraperitoneally and orally, respectively, once daily for 7days. After drug treatments on Day 7, gastric ulcers were induced using HCl/ethanol solution (1ml/rat) prior to sacrifice. Ulcer indices and percentage ulcer inhibition were determined. The stomach tissues were excised, histologically processed and evaluated for histopathological alteration under light microscopy.
 Results: Acute toxicity testing revealed that AEVAL at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight did not cause any mortality. Macroscopical evaluation of the gastric mucosa revealed severe lesions following induction with HCl/ethanol. However, profound protective effects were observed with cimetidine and AEVAL (250 and 500 mg/kg) pretreatments with ulcer inhibition of 79%, 58% and 76% respectively. Histopathological findings were consistent with the macroscopical features observed.
 Conclusion: Data from this study suggest that oral treatment with V. amygdalina leaves extract exhibited gastroprotective activities against the injurious effects of acidified ethanol on the gastric mucosa of albino rats.

Formulation, characterization and antimicrobial activity of Rhus coriaria aqueous crude extract

Currently used copper-based pesticides and fungicides caused bacteria and fungi to develop resistance. Therefore, other environmentally friendly methods are being encouraged. Successful biopesticide usage is greatly reliant on suitable development of formulation. Four different surfactants (Emereen 1810, Emereen 1604, Emereen 1820 and Tween 20) were used to formulate Rhus coriaria aqueous extract. Stability, thermostability, particle size distribution, surface tension, shelf life were tested. The formulation was evaluated for its efficacy in controlling two of the most destructive fungi (Fusarium oxysporum (Acc No. KM039054) and Colletotrichum boninense (Acc No. KM039057) and two common bacteria (Xanthomonas vesicatoria (Acc No. KU661975) and Ralstonia solanacearum (Acc No. KT783476) in vitro and in vivo. From the four surfactants Emereen 1820 showed to be the best surfactant and was stable after six months of storage. A surface tension value of nanoemulsion solution was 27.174 mN/m, while particle size was 70.44 nm. Even after incubation and storage for up to twelve months, the formulation was stable and effective as well as efficient as compared to common commercial fungicides and antibiotics. Results indicate that R. coriaria nanoemulsion can effectively be used for the management of tomato pathogens as an eco-friendly approach.

In vitro uterotonic activities of cold aqueous stem bark extract of Erythrophleum suaveolens on estrogenized uterus of Nulliparous Guinea Pig

Medicinal plants have been used for different purposes. Interests in pharmacological and other scientific screening for the authentication of folkloric claims and drug development has become imperative. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of cold aqueous crude stem-bark extract of Erythrophleum suaveolens (CASBEEs) on estrogenized uterus of nonpregnant Guinea pig. Stem-bark of E. suaveolens were harvested, gently rinsed with clean water and dried under shade in a well-ventilated environment, ground into powder and cold aqueous crude extract of the processed plant material was obtained via maceration. Guinea pigs were estrogenized with 0.2 mg/kg diethylstilbestrol intraperitoneally 24 hours prior to in vitro drug administration. The uterine muscle of the animal was isolated and contractile responses were obtained using different graded volumes with CASBEEs (1 x 10-2 g/ml), oxytocin (1 x 10-4 g/ml), ergometrine (1 x 10-4 g/ml), and Acetylcholine (1 x 10-4 g/ml). The CASBEEs, caused contraction of the isolated estrogenized uterine muscles of the guinea pig in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum contraction (100%) for CASBEEs is at 0.6ml with a final bath concentration of 1.2 x 10-4 g/ml. comparatively, maximum contractile responses for the standard drugs was oxytocin 0.8 (1.6 x 10-6 g/ml) and ergometrine 0.8ml (1.6 x 10-6 g/ml) and Acetylcholine 0.4ml (8 x 10-7 g/ml). Aqueous crude extract of the stem-bark of Erythrophleum suaveolens exerted a dose-dependent and sustained uterotonic effect on estrogenized isolated uterine muscle of nulliparous Guinea pigs, thus authenticating the folkloric claim for its use to induce labour. Further studies on its mechanism of action and its use for fertility control should be explored.

Anthelmintic, haematological and antioxidant potential of Spondias mombin L. in young dogs

Associated side effects and anthelmintic resistance to synthetic anthelmintics limit their use. This study evaluated the anthelmintic, haematological and antioxidant activities of Spondias mombin (SM) in young dogs. In addition, phytochemical analyses and in vitro antioxidant assays of SM’s fractions were done using standard methods. Ten Nigerian indigenous dog breed (aged 2-6 months), were randomly allocated into two groups (A and B) and pre-treated with 200 µg/kg ivermectin subcutaneously. Two weeks after, each dog was infected with 400 L3/mL Ancylostoma caninum suspension orally and topically. On day 31 post infection, Group A was administered 5 mg/kg pyrantel pamoate (PP) once, while Group B was administered 500 mg/kg aqueous SM leaf extract for two days. Their physical condition, faecal egg count, body weights (BW), haematological, antioxidant and serum biochemistry were evaluated before and two weeks post treatment (PT). Data were presented as mean ± SEM, analyzed using student t-test and Chi-square, and p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Melanic faeces voided by dogs in both groups returned to normal colour and consistency PT, with SM aqueous extract comparing well with PP. There was slight decrease in WBC (8.74±4.85 to 8.37±1.78x 103/μL), improvement in PCV (30.60±6.54 to 33.20±4.87%), serum biochemistry and antioxidant values for Group B, though not statistically significant (p=0.2). Total cholesterol and phospholipids were significantly reduced PT in Group B (p = 0.05). Nine phytochemicals were identified in SM fractions and the plant demonstrated high free radical scavenging activity. Crude aqueous extract of Spondias mombin leaf is an effective anthelminthic, which can be developed further in the management of canine helminthosis.

In Vitro Anthelmintic Areca catechu Crude Aqueous Extract Against Haemonchus contortus in The Sheep

Haemonchosis is a gastrointestinal parasitic disease in sheep caused by Haemonchus contortus. The biggest economic losses due to this disease are mortality, decreased production, stunted growth, and low body weight. The existence of resistance to synthetic anthelmintics causes the development of research on alternative treatments to herbal anthelmintics to be a strategic step. This study aims to analyze the effect of Areca catechu on Haemonchus contortus in vitro so that the Lethal Concentration 50 (LC 50) can be determined. This study was divided into 9 groups. Group I was treated with 2.5% A. catechu crude aqueous extract; group II was treated with 5% of A. catechu crude aqueous extract; group III was treated with 7.5% A. catechu crude aqueous extract; group IV was treated with 10% of A. catechu crude aqueous extract; group V was treated with 12.5% A. catechu crude aqueous extract; group VI was treated with 15% A. catechu crude aqueous extract; Group VII was treated with 17.5% A. catechu crude aqueous extract, group VIII was a negative control (0.9% NaCl) and group IX was a positive control (Albendazole). The mortality of H. contortus was recorded every hour until the worm mortality was 100%. The results were then analyzed using the Reed and Muench method. Based on the in vitro test of Areca catechu crude aqueous extract against H.contortus it can cause mortality in worms with an Lethal Concentration 50 (LC 50) calculation result of 11.11%.

Effect of fractions from Carissa edulis (Forssk.) Vahl (Apocynaceae) leaves on hypertension induced in Wistars rats

High blood pressure is an important health problem because of its prevalence and its several complications. The high cost of its management and the side effects of conventional drugs have led patients to use medicinal plants. Carissa edulis is one of the plants used in the traditional management of hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of crude extract and fractions of Carissa edulis in L-NAME hypertension rats models. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts was carried out by using the thin layer chromatography method. The pharmacological effect was evaluated in Wistar rats rendered hypertensive by administering the N (ω) -Nitro-L-Arginine-Methyl Ester (L-NAME). The crude extract was administered at 500 mg / kg (b/w) and the fractions at 20 mg / kg (b/w). Blood pressure was measured by a non-invasive method. Four fractions were obtained after fractionation. Many chemical compounds were detected diversely distributed in either in the crude extract or in the fractions. The crude aqueous extract induced a significant decrease in blood pressure from 137, 00 ± 8,01 mmHg to 94,75 ± 2.84 mmHg. In the other hand, only the aqueous fraction exerted the highest effects by reducing the blood pressure from 137,00 ± 8,01 mmHg to 93,5±8,54 mmHg.

Polyphenol Characterization of the Aqueous Extract from Hubertia ambavilla L. (Asteraceae) by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn and Assessment of Its Antioxidant Activity.

In this work, phytochemical components, and the antioxidant properties of an aqueous extract obtained from a medicinal plant Hubertia ambavilla, endemic to Reunion Island, were investigated. A total of 37 compounds were detected and identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) using a photodiode-array detector (DAD) coupled with electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (ESI/MSn ). From calibration curves, the quantity of secondary metabolites in the aqueous extract was calculated. The mean amounts of phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins found were 158.38±1.20 mg GAE/g DE, 60.41±1.65 mg AE/g DE and 23.77±1.36 mg CE/g DE, respectively. The in vitro antioxidant properties of the Hubertia ambavilla plant were measured using three methods: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power. The results showed that crude aqueous extract of H. ambavilla had effective radical scavenging and reducing power in comparison with standard antioxidant compounds. In conclusion, the crude extract herein presented offers a natural alternative biosource of antioxidants with potential applications in food and health industries.

Assessment of antibacterial and antioxidant activity of aqueous crude flower, leaf, and bark extracts of Ethiopian Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn: geographical effects and Co2Res2 /Glassy carbon electrode

ABSTRACT Ethiopian Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn contains a variety of bioactive phytochemicals, which possess several biological activities. This study aims to analyze the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of aqueous crude flower, leaf, and bark extracts of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, as well as to see the geographical effects and method development of Co2Res2/Glassy carbon electrode. The secondary metabolites of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis extracts were investigated by maceration techniques. Disc diffusion methods are used for antimicrobial activities against a total of four human pathogens bacteria such as E. coli, K. pneumonia, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis, respectively. Antioxidant activities were assessed using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), whereas, the phytoconstituents of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis extracts were profiled using FTIR and UV-Vis analysis. The phytochemical investigations showed that phenols, flavonoids, and quinines were observed more exist in crude flower, whereas quinines and flavonoids moderately exist in leaf, but steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides have not existed in leaf and bark extracts of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, respectively. The plant extracts showed a growth inhibitory effect against S. aureus and S. epidermidis in the range of 6.33 ± 0.33 to 11.50 ± 0.29 mm, whereas a growth inhibitory effect was recorded against K. pneumonia and E. coli in the range of 6.67 ± 0.33 to 13.00 ± .58 mm, respectively. The XRD analysis confirmed that Co(II) based MOF, Co2Res2 was a nanosize structure with an average crystal size of 27.17 nm. Furthermore, the DPV showed that the observed net modified current peaks and potentials were the most significant compared to the pure net current peaks and the potential of aqueous fresh flower, leaf, and bark extracted from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. These extracts of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis have shown an improved potential source of natural antioxidants and as well as antibacterial activities. Chemically and thermally stable porous crystalline MOF, Co2Res2 serves as catalytic reactions to increase current and decrease potential in modified GCE, this might be due to the synergetic cumulative effect of the presence of bioactive ingredients and Co2Res2 catalyst. Abbreviations: ABS: Acetate buffer solution; ANOVA: Analysis of variance; ATR: Attenuated total reflectance; CFU/ml: Colony forming unit per milliliter: Co2Res2: Co(II) based metal-organic framework (ResH2: resorcinol); DPV: Differential plus voltammetry: FTIR; Fourier transforms infrared radiation; GCE: Glassy carbon electrode; JCPDS: A joint committee on power diffraction standards; MOF: Metal-organic framework; PBS: Phosphate buffer solution; SPSS: Statistical package for the social sciences; UV-Vis: Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy; XRD: X-ray diffraction

Fractions of Aqueous Extract of Plumbago zeylanica (L.) Root Induced Mitochondrial Membrane Permeability Transition Pore Opening in Rats

Mitochondrial membrane permeability pore opening is recognized as a molecular mechanism involved in programmed cell death. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of certain fractions crude aqueous extract of the root bark of Plumbago zeylanica (PZ) on the opening of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore in rat liver. Pore opening, mitochondrial ATPase activity, lipid peroxidation and liver function markers were assessed spectrophotometrically while caspase 9 activity and liver morphology were monitored by immunohistochemistry and histology respectively. All fractions of PZ induced pore opening and enhanced the activity of caspase-9. Significant increases were observed in the mitochondrial ATPase activity while the level of malondialdehyde was significantly reduced. Sinusoidal dilation and hypertrophy were observed in liver sections of treated rats. These results suggest that aqueous fractions of PZ have bioactive agents capable of altering mitochondrial bioenergetics and inducing the opening of MMPT pore with mild hepatotoxicity.

Characterization, stability, and feasibility of long-term use of light-absorbing components of aqueous spinach extract-based photogalvanic electrolyte

In the present work, the photogalvanic cells have been studied with respect to the photo-stability and the long-term use of the electrolyte based on crude aqueous spinach extract sensitizer for solar energy harvesting. Further, the nature of chemical components present in the old and photo-decayed electrolyte and their current generation capacity has also not been investigated so far otherwise it is of much significance for durable use of the same electrolyte in cells. In earlier studies, the steady-state photo-generation of current for about two hours from crude spinach extract-based cell has been shown during illumination. But, the data for only two hours of the steady-state current generation is not sufficient to show the feasibility of working with photogalvanic cells. Therefore, to fill this research gap of lack of characterization of sensitizers’ molecules of crude spinach extract and lack of study on long-term use of this electrolyte (crude spinach extract-surfactant-reductant-alkali-water), the present extensive study has been done. The observed spectrum of crude spinach extract resembles that of chlorophyll–protein complex showing it is the main chemical component in extract absorbing light. A strong acid adversely affects the extract’s photogalvanics and high pH is friendly to the physiological and photogalvanic activity of the extract. The spectra of illuminated and very old crude spinach extract-NaOH-Sodium lauryl sulfate (NaLS)-Fructose photogalvanic electrolyte solution show negligible absorbance (540–700 nm) and zero absorbance (at 700 nm) suggesting the absence of chlorophyll due to its photo-degradation. When this photo-degraded electrolyte is again illuminated, the power output obtained is nearly equal to that for the first time illuminated fresh electrolyte. The observed current at zero time and after 2641 h from the same electrolyte used in long term is 50 mA cm−2 and 40 mA cm−2, respectively. It means that the fresh crude spinach extract, as well as the photo-degraded extract at high pH, are almost equally capable of power generation.

Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activities of aqueous and ethanolic crude extracts of soursop (Annona muricata) leaves against selected clinical pathogens

This study investigates phytochemical composition and the antimicrobial activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of soursop (Annona muricata) leaves against some selected bacterial pathogens. Susceptibility effects of these extracts were determined by disc diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the efficacy of the aqueous extracts was more pronounced against the test bacterial, especially P. aeruginosa at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.2 mg/mL. The ethanol extract was more pronounced again S. pyogenes with diameter of zones of inhibition ranging from 15.00 – 32.00 mm at concentrations of 0.2 – 0.8 mg/mL respectively. The pathogens were susceptible to the aqueous extracts of the leave at concentrations between 0.4 – 0.8 mg/mL. Phytochemical compounds such as tannins, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and phenols were detected in A. muricata leaf extract. The significant antimicrobial properties of the leaf extract could be attributed to the presence of these bioactive compounds. Thus, this investigation proves to an extent that the Soursop leaf extracts when used against microorganisms, has sufficient antimicrobial property.

Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activities of aqueous and ethanolic crude extracts of soursop (Annona muricata) leaves against selected clinical pathogens

Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activities of aqueous and ethanolic crude extracts of soursop (Annona muricata) leaves against selected clinical pathogens

In vivo investigation of the potential hypoglycemic activity of Pennisetum setaceum: Justification of the traditional use among Jordanians

Objectives: Pennisetum setaceum has been used traditionally as herbal hypoglycemic and slimming medicine by Jordanians. However, its claimed benefits are still elusive. The current in vivo study aimed to justify the folk use of this herbal tea and evaluate its effect. Materials and methods: plant material was collected from South Jordan and identified. Crude aqueous extract of Pennisetum setaceum aerial parts was prepared. The lethal dose was estimated after given groups of mice oral doses of the herbal extract (1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 g/Kg mouse weight). The potential weight reduction activity was measured by recording the animal weight for 30 days after feeding them 1 g/Kg oral doses of the herbal medicine for 10 consecutive days. The hypoglycemic activity was evaluated in two different concentrations: 1 and 2 g/Kg mouse weight. Male mice with an average weight of 26.5 ± 2.76 g were rendered diabetic by an intraperitoneal dose of streptozocin. Groups of mice were given the herbal medication orally. A negative control group was given d. water. Blood sugar levels were measured from tail blood every 30 min for 3 h. LD50 was estimated. Results: The plant was identified to be P. setaceum by the local authority in Jordan. LD50 was estimated to be 10 g/Kg mouse weight after oral administration. Significant weight reduction of the orally fed group (27 ± 3.1 to 24 ± 2.2) with minor undesirable effects. A significant decrease in blood glucose level in the treated diabetic animals were measured compared with the control group. Significant variation in time-dependent hypoglycemic effect was found between the two tested doses. Conclusion: P. setaceum aqueous extract can be considered as a promising candidate for amelioration of blood sugar profile with potential slimming activity.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity, Phenolic Content and Microscopical Characterization of Terfezia claveryi.

Terfezia claveryi (T. claveryi) is used by traditional healers in the Middle East region to treat several diseases, including diabetes. The present study evaluated the total phenolic and investigated the blood-glucose-lowering potential of different aqueous extracts of this selected truffle using in vitro and in vivo models. The phytochemical profile was examined using UPLC-MS. The macerate and the microwave-assisted extract were the richest in phenolic compounds. All T. claveryi extracts exhibited a remarkable α-glucosidase inhibitory effect in vitro, with an IC50 of 2.43, 3.26, 5.18 and 3.31 mg/mL for the aqueous microwave-assisted extract macerate, infusion and decoction, respectively. On the other hand, in the high-fat diet alloxan-induced diabetic mice model, all tested crude aqueous extracts exhibited a significant antihyperglycemic activity (p < 0.05). Four hours after the administration of the 250 mg/kg dose, the macerate was able to induce a 29.4% blood-glucose-lowering effect compared to a 24.8% reduction induced by the infusion, which was sustained for a further two hours. The hypoglycemic effect (29.3% and 32.4%) was also recorded six hours after the administration of the single dose 500 mg/kg of the macerate and the infusion, respectively. Truffle extracts exhibited antidiabetic activity both in vitro and in vivo, providing a rationale for the traditional use as a natural hypoglycemic.

Pharmacological Validation for the Folklore Use of Ipomoea nil against Asthma: In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation.

Oxidative stress is the key factor that strengthens free radical generation which stimulates lung inflammation. The aim was to explore antioxidant, bronchodilatory along with anti-asthmatic potential of folkloric plants and the aqueous methanolic crude extract of Ipomoea nil (In.Cr) seeds which may demonstrate as more potent, economically affordable, having an improved antioxidant profile and providing evidence as exclusive therapeutic agents in respiratory pharmacology. In vitro antioxidant temperament was executed by DPPH, TFC, TPC and HPLC in addition to enzyme inhibition (cholinesterase) analysis; a bronchodilator assay on rabbit’s trachea as well as in vivo OVA-induced allergic asthmatic activity was performed on mice. In vitro analysis of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) expressed as % inhibition 86.28 ± 0.25 with IC50 17.22 ± 0.56 mol/L, TPC 115.5 ± 1.02 mg GAE/g of dry sample, TFC 50.44 ± 1.06 mg QE/g dry weight of sample, inhibition in cholinesterase levels for acetyl and butyryl with IC50 (0.60 ± 0.67 and 1.5 ± 0.04 mol/L) in comparison with standard 0.06 ± 0.002 and 0.30 ± 0.003, respectively, while HPLC characterization of In.Cr confirmed the existence with identification as well as quantification of various polyphenolics and flavonoids i.e., gallic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and others. However, oral gavage of In.Cr at different doses in rabbits showed a better brochodilation profile as compared to carbachol and K+-induced bronchospasm. More significant (p < 0.01) reduction in OVA-induced allergic hyper-responses i.e., inflammatory cells grade, antibody IgE as well as altered IFN-α in airways were observed at three different doses of In.Cr. It can be concluded that sound mechanistic basis i.e., the existence of antioxidants: various phenolic and flavonoids, calcium antagonist(s) as well as enzymes’ inhibition profile, validates folkloric consumptions of this traditionally used plant to treat ailments of respiration.

Geranium wallichianum D. Don Ex Sweet Ameliorates Rheumatoid Arthritis by Curtailing the Expression of COX-II and Inflammatory Cytokines as Well as by Alleviating the Oxidative Stress.

Geranium wallichianum D. Don ex sweet traditionally been used as home remedy for backaches, joint pain, colic, and rheumatism. The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic benefits of plant in an adjuvant-induced arthritis paradigm. Immune-mediated rheumatoid arthritis was developed by injecting complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into the hind paws of rats and the aqueous methanolic crude extract was administered. The animals were physically monitored for changes in paw edema size and arthritic score. Hematological parameters and systemic inflammatory indicators evaluated. Genetic expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6), necrosis factor (NF-κB), and cyclooxygenase (COX-II) enzyme were studied using real-time qPCR. PGE2 levels in blood were quantified through Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). On the 14th day, Immunoglobulin E (IGE) exhibited a substantial decline in paw edema and arthritic score. At the doses of 500 mg/Kg (P ≤ .05) and 1000 mg/Kg (P ≤ .001), IGE significantly reduced TNF-α, interleukins, and COX-II mRNA expression. IGE significantly lowered the MDA levels at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/Kg (13.18 ± .70 and 9.04 ± .26 μM/L respectively) as compared to arthritic control (30.82 ± 1.12 μM/L) group. IGE significantly improved the antioxidant enzyme activities of CAT and SOD (P ≤ .001) in treated animals. TNF-α, interleukins, and COX-II mRNA expression were also significantly reduced at the doses of 300 (P ≤ .05), 500 (P ≤ .01) and 1000 mg/Kg (P ≤ .001) which were expressed as fold changes. This study shows that Geranium wallichianum D. Don ex sweet has a strong potential to alleviate immune-mediated arthritis by lowering oxidative stress and downregulating the proinflammatory cytokines signaling mechanisms.

Pharmacological Investigation of Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. for its Potential Against Thrombosis in Experimental Models.

BackgroundThrombosis is a major disorder which is an outcome of an imbalance in the hemostatic system that develop undesirable blood clot and hinder blood circulation.PurposeThe current study was designed to verify the potential of aqueous methanolic crude extract of Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (At.Cr), used traditionally as remedy in circulatory problems.Research DesignAntioxidant activity, FTIR, and HPLC analysis were performed. In-vitro clot lysis assay was performed on human blood samples, and in-vivo acute pulmonary thromboembolism model was developed by administering the mixture of collagen and epinephrine in tail vein of mice. Carrageenan-induced thrombosis and FeCl3-induced carotid arterial thrombosis models were developed in rats.ResultsAt.Cr demonstrated significant increase in lysis of human blood clot. Bleeding and clotting times were increased dose-dependently. Lungs histology showed clear alveolar spaces with decreased red blood cells congestion. Reduction in infarcted tail length, augmentation in prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time with decrease in platelet count were observed. At.Cr also prolonged the arterial occlusion time and reduced the weight of thrombus and TXB2 levels dose-dependently.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated the antithrombotic and thrombolytic potential of At.Cr due to activation of coagulation factors through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity-directed investigation and UPLC–MS fingerprint of promising extracts and fractions from Terminalia ivorensis A. Chev. and Terminalia brownii Fresen.

Ethnopharmacological significanceMedicinal plants from the Terminalia genus are widely used as remedies against many infectious diseases, including malaria. As such, Terminalia ivorensis A. Chev. and Terminalia brownii Fresen. are famous due to their usefulness in traditional medicines to treat malaria and yellow fever. However, further information is needed on the extent of anti-Plasmodium potency of extracts and fractions from these plants and their phytochemical profile. Aim of the studyThis study was designed to investigate the in vitro antiplasmodial activity and to determine the chemical profile of promising extracts and fractions from T. ivorensis and T. brownii stem bark. Materials and methodsCrude aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic, hydroethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts were prepared by maceration from the stem barks of T. brownii and T. ivorensis. They were subsequently tested against chloroquine-sensitive (Pf3D7) and multidrug-resistant (PfDd2) strains of P. falciparum using the parasite lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) assay. Extracts showing very good activity on both plasmodial strains were further fractionated using column chromatography guided by evidence of antiplasmodial activity. All bioactive extracts and fractions were screened for their cytotoxicity on Vero and Raw cell lines using the resazurin-based assay and on erythrocytes using the hemolysis assay. The phytochemical profiles of selected potent extracts and fractions were determined by UPLC–QTOF-MS analysis. ResultsOf the ten extracts obtained from both plant species, nine showed inhibitory activity against both P. falciparum strains (Pf3D7 and PfDd2), with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 0.13 μg/ml to 10.59 μg/ml. Interestingly, the aqueous extract of T. ivorensis (TiW) and methanolic extract of T. brownii (TbM) displayed higher antiplasmodial activities against both strains (IC50 0.13–1.43 μg/ml) and high selectivity indices (SI > 100). Their fractionation led to two fractions from T. ivorensis and two from T. brownii that showed very promising antiplasmodial activity (IC50 0.15–1.73 μg/mL) and SI greater than 100. The hemolytic assay confirmed the safety of crude extracts and fractions on erythrocytes. UPLC–MS-based phytochemical analysis of the crude aqueous extract of T. ivorensis showed the presence of ellagic acid (1) and leucodelphidin (2), while analysis of the crude methanol extract of T. brownii showed the presence of ellagic acid (1), leucodelphinidin (2), papyriogenin D (3), dihydroactinidiolide (4) and miltiodiol (5). ConclusionsThe extracts and fractions from T. ivorensis and T. brownii showed very good antiplasmodial activity, thus supporting the traditional use of the two plants in the treatment of malaria. Chemical profiling of the extracts and fractions led to the identification of chemical markers and the known antimalarial compound ellagic acid. Further isolation and testing of other pure compounds from the active fractions could lead to the identification of potent antiplasmodial compounds.

Analytical study on phytochemical screening and antifungal activity of certain species of Hydrogonium (C. Muell.) Jaeg. A Moss

The purpose of the present research paper was to determine the presence of bioactive phytochemicals and its antifungal activity of aqueous crude extracts of Hydrogonium arcuatum (Griff.) Wijk. Marg. and Hydrogonium consanguineum (Thwait. & Mitt.) Hilp. against fungus Alternaria solani. Phytochemical screening of crude extracts of both the plants revealed the presence of Flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and sterols. Antifungal study showed to reduce colony diameter with increasing concentration of aqueous crude extracts from 10 to 100 per cent. H. consanguineum extract was more potent than H. arcuatum to inhibit the fungal growth. Further this study also suggested that the presence of naturally occurring compounds in both the plants can be used treat various phytopathogenic fungal diseases.

The Effects of the Fractions of Piper sarmentosum Leaves on Inhibition of Adipogenesis of 3T3 L1 Preadipocytes

Piper sarmentosum Roxb. was reported to have anti-obesity, hypoglycaemic and anti-oxidant properties. The aim of this study was to identify the fractions of P. sarmentosum leaf extract in inhibiting adipogenesis of 3T3L1 preadipocytes. The crude extract of the P. sarmentosum leaves was fractionated to produce hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, and aqueous fractions. Various dilutions of the fractions; hexane (0.1 - 1 µg/mL), dichloromethane (9.76 - 97.6 µg/mL), methanol (3.6 - 36 mg/mL), and aqueous (1 - 10 mg/mL), were treated onto the 3T3L1 preadipocytes from 3rd to 15th day of culture. The crude extract (1 - 10 mg/mL) and glycyrrhizic acid (GCA) (0.24 - 2.4 mg/mL) were used as positive controls. The viability of the adipocytes was measured by MTT assay at the 15th day of culture. The content of each fraction was quantified with reference standards of naringin, naringenin, pellitorine, sarmentosine and β-sitosterol by using HPLC. The results showed that 49.1% of the crude extract contained aqueous fraction, 0.12% in hexane fraction, 9.7% in dichloromethane fraction and 36% in methanol fraction. The aqueous fraction and crude extract at the dose of 7 mg/mL and GCA at the dose of 1.92 mg/mL showed potent inhibitory effects on the adipogenesis. However, none of the reference standards were identified from the fractions using HPLC analysis. In conclusion, the aqueous fraction was the main fraction in the crude extract of the P. sarmentosum and contributed a significant role in inhibiting adipogenesis of the 3T3L1 preadipocytes.