Aqueous Extract Solution Research Articles

Potential of Silver Nano Particles Synthesized from <i>Ficus sycomorus</i> <i>Linn</i> Against Multidrug Resistant <i>Shigella species</i> Isolated from Clinical Specimens

Ficus sycomorus Plant was known traditionally for its medicinal properties, Shigella species as a bacterial was also known for their resistance to orthodox medicine. Hence the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Ficus sycomorus. This study was carried out to investigate the anti-shigellosis potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Ficus sycomorus Linn stem bark aqueous extract against Multi-drug Resistant (MDR) Shigella species isolated from clinical specimen collected from patients attending Yobe State Specialist Hospital Damaturu, Nigeria. A total of 400 diarrhoeagenic stools were screened for isolation of Shigella species and determined their antibiotic susceptibility pattern using standard methods. Phytochemical constituents of Ficus sycomorus extract were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles using green synthesis approach. The nanoparticles was analyzed for transmittance, functional groups, sizes and shapes using Uv-vis, FTIR and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and was tested for antibacterial activities on MDR Shigella isolates. There is no significant difference in Shigella recovery relation to patients gender (P 30 years (21). Shigella were also found to be sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (92%), Augmentin (87%), Cefuroxime (85%), Streptomycin (83.5%) while the most frequent resistance was showcased against Nalidixic Acid (48%), and Tetracycline (27%). Phytochemicals detected include saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycoside and tannin. Uv-vis showed broad peaks around 460nm, the FTIR showed C-H stretch of hydroxyl group of alkanes and the SEM showed nanoparticles with wide range of shapes and sizes. Anti-Shigella activities of silver nanoparticles is higher at zones of inhibition between 10mm and 30mm higher compared to the activities of crude aqueous extract and AgNO3 solution against the MDR Shigella species which showed an enhanced activities. The high prevalence of shigellosis among children in this study, indicated that improved hygiene is needed for children in the area and detailed examination is required for the treatment of diarrhoea in adults. Ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillin Clavulanate, Nalidixic acid could be used only where culture and sensitivity results prevailed. Enhanced traditional medicine should be given priority because of its potentials. This study have demonstrated feasibility of the green synthesis of F. sycomorus as a potent anti-shigellosis to combat the global burden of the disease. This is the first study On Stem bark aqueous extracts of F. sycomorus against Shigella species in the area.

Preparation of Chlorophyll-free Young Barley Leaf Extract Powders Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Modified with Cosolvent

In this study, we attempted to prepare chlorophyll-free young barley leaf extract powders using three different supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) drying processes. The pure SCCO2 drying process for a methanolic extract solution resulted in a ~30% increase in the antioxidant (saponarin and isovitexin) content and a ~75% decrease in the chlorophyll content compared to a solvent evaporation method. The drying process with ethanol-modified SCCO2 increased the antioxidant content considerably and completely removed the chlorophylls. However, this process could not dry an aqueous ethanolic extract solution with a more than 30% water content. The ethanol-modified SCCO2 drying process that employed a periodic flush with pure SCCO2 was found to effectively dry an aqueous ethanolic extract solution with more than 30% water content.

Comparative Evaluation of Anticorrosive Properties of Mahaleb Seed Extract on Carbon Steel in Two Acidic Solutions.

Aqueous extract solution of Mahaleb seed (ASMS) was prepared using a simple and safe method. ASMS was tested to examine its potential to act as a green corrosion inhibitor for preventing the dissolution of Carbon steel in highly concentrated corrosive 2 M H2SO4 and 2 M H3PO4 using an electrochemical polarization Tafel plot and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. ASMS provided a slight increase in the inhibition efficiency of H3PO4 (89%) compared with H2SO4 (86%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electronic scanning microscopy (SEM) were used to prove that adsorption of ASMS occurred on the metal surface. The thermodynamic adsorption and thermodynamic activation parameters were calculated at a range of concentrations and temperatures. The physisorption of ASMS followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm (R2 = 0.98). Finally, the role of ASMS as a protection mechanism was discussed.

One-pot green synthesis of gold nanoparticles and its supportive role in surface activation of non-woven fibers as heterogeneous catalyst

Development of eco-friendly and sustainable approaches for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles are elucidating extensive research in the emerging interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology. Herein, we demonstrate a complete green chemistry and atom-economy route for the rapid production of noble metal-based nanoparticles by utilizing an aqueous extract solution of Chinese native Osmanthus fragrans leaves as reducing and capping agent, irradiated by natural sunlight. Success in the generation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was initially monitored by optical absorption spectroscopy showing the surface plasma resonance (SPR) band around ca. 545 nm range. The size and morphology of AuNPs were controlled and systematically characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, the composition of the gold element was assured by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The crystallinity state and purity of AuNPs specimen was demonstrated by X-ray diffraction examination. Studying the infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed the presence of biomolecules on the surface of particles that are responsible for the reduction and stabilization process. Moreover, by adopting the metal-polymer hybrid synthetic approach for surface activation, in situ reduction of AuNPs on non-woven cellulosic fibers acted as support and facilitated catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol via hydrogenation reaction in the presence of NaBH4. The micro-nanocomposite fibers are found advantageous in quick and energy-free recovery and stayed stable for numerous cycles. Overall, exclusion of toxic chemicals by the inclusion of plant extract as reducing agent and photo-energy as a driving force for the generation of AuNPs in aqueous medium makes this process eco-friendly, sustainable and economically viable for large-scale production.

Biogenic Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Some Medical Plants and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial and Toxicity Potential.

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are employed in various applications in the areas of catalysis, optoelectronics, detection and diagnostics, antimicrobials, and therapeutics. Objective: The aim of this work was to study the antimicrobial activity of aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of Thymus vulgaris and Urtica dioica and biologically prepared silver nanoparticles, as single or in combination treatments, against Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was quantified by using a microdilution method in sterile 96-well microtiter plates. The assessment of the toxicity of AgNP solutions was evaluated on human blood lymphocyte cells. Results: The results of this study revealed that all AgNP solutions have the lowest MIC values against the bacterial isolates in relation with the methanolic and aqueous extract solutions. However, the results showed that the increasing AgNP concentration was a critical factor influencing the interaction between AgNPs and the human lymphocytes. Conclusions: The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles increased significantly (P < 0.05) at high concentrations. In addition, the biosynthesized AgNPs have an increased antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial isolates. Highlights: AgNPs have been recognized as an effective antimicrobial agent that exhibits low toxicity in humans and has diverse in vitro and in vivo applications.

In vivo efficacy of biocompatible silver nanoparticles cream for empirical wound healing

Wound healing is a complicated process that begins at the onset of injury and a continued process till complete healing. The emergence of nanotechnology has provided a new therapeutic modality to silver nanoparticles in treatment of wounds. However, the safety of these silver nanoparticles in the process of wound healing is yet to be elucidated; nevertheless, biocompatibility is the primary concern. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was synthesized using aqueous clove extract and silver nitrate solution under microwave and the obtained particles size were 30–60 nm and roughly spherical in shape. The present study focused on the efficacy of biocompatible silver nanoparticles in vivo wound healing process. Consequently, this study supported the incorporation of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles in wound dressings as a cream formulation for improved healthcare.

Green synthesis of platinum nanoparticles using Saudi’s Dates extract and their usage on the cancer cell treatment

Green synthesis of the Platinum nanoparticle of dates is carried out for examining their effect on various cancer cells. The extract solution of Dates (biodegradable surfactant) is used for this purpose. The bio-degradable plant-based surfactant, used in the study, occurs naturally, and no other reducing, or capping agent is used for cancer cell treatment. The aqueous extract solution of popular dates Ajwa and Barni acts as a stabilizing and reducing agent during the production of PtNPs at ambient condition because of simplicity, long-time stability, and cost-effectiveness. In order to achieve the best size and shape of nanoparticles, different ratio of extract and metal salt were mixed and developed. Additionally, nanoparticles of varying size were furnished by altering the pH of the reaction. Spectroscopic techniques like FTIR, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), EDX, thermos-gravimetric analysis (TGA), UV–vis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied to identify PtNPs. In this study, electrochemical HPCL and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPCL) are combined for better understanding and effectiveness. The metabolites such as amino acid, sugar, organic acid, flavonoids, phenol, and minerals, in the Dates produced in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, have been analyzed with the help of the techniques employed in the study.PtNPs' anticancer activities were evaluated for different cancer cells including the colon carcinoma cells (HCT-116), breast cells (MCF-7), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG-2). Commonly used effective anticancer agent, Doxorubicin HCl, is used in the current study related to anticancer activitiy. To discover the antibacterial effect, antibacterial agents Ampicillin and Gentamicin are used. Lastly, the Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (RCMB 010052) and Gram-Positive Bacteria: Bacillus subtilis (RCMB 010067) were used to determine the antibacterial application of PtNPs.

Theoretical and experimental studies of dried marjoram leaves extract as green inhibitor for corrosion protection of steel substrate in acidic solution

ABSTRACTDried marjoram leaves (DML) aqueous extract solution was prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The effect of DML solution concentration on corrosion protection of mild steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 at different temperatures was studied using anodic and cathodic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. It was determined from the polariazation curves that the DML acts as a mixed type inhibitor since, both the cathodic and anodic reactions of mild steel corrosion were inhibited. The protection efficiency increases with increasing concentration of DML and decreasing temperatures. The surface morphology was investigated before and after adsorption of DML molecules on the steel surface using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The activation and adsorption parameters were calculated and discussed. The results were supported using density functional theory (DFT), and the quantum chemical parameters were estimated. These parameters reveal the effect of the electronic structure of Thymol, the main component of DML, on its electron donating ability at the B3LYP/6-311 + G (d, p) level.

Allelopathic Effect of Bidens Pilosa on Seed Germination and Growth of Amaranthus Dubius

Allelopathy is the inhibitory effect of one plant on another by releasing chemicals through leaching, root exudation and residue decomposition. Allelopathic inhibition involves the interaction of different classes of chemicals which affect germination, plant growth and development. Studies have been done showing that Bidens pilosa has allelopathic effects on maize, sorghum and lettuce but information on it’s effect on Amaranthus dubius is lacking. Amaranthus dubius has become one of Kenya’s most important vegetables. It’s famous for its high protein content and medicinal properties. This study was done to investigate allelopathic effects of B. pilosa on germination and growth of A. dubius. Different concentrations of B. pilosa extract were prepared (0%,25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) using tap water as control . Twenty seeds were germinated in petri dishes lined with filter paper, then soaked with the aqueous extract solutions. The treatments were replicated four times and data was collected for two weeks. Growth tests were carried out in the greenhouse using 24 3Litre pots. Twenty seeds were planted in each pot and leaves of B.pilosa of different amounts (0g, 20g, 40g, 60g, 80g, and 100g) were added into the soil. Treatments were replicated four times and data collected for six weeks and subjected to Analysis of Variance using SAS package. Treatment means were compared using Least Significance Difference (P≤0.05). The aqueous extract of B. pilosa significantly reduced germination rate. Fresh leaf biomass of B. pilosa significantly increased shoot height, leaf number,and leaf area, fresh and dry weights. Leaf biomass of B. pilosa had no significant effect on root length and chlorophyll content. The study revealed that B. pilosa has potential use as green manure in crop production.

Antioxidant and fermentation properties of aqueous solutions of dried algal products from the Boso Peninsula, Japan

Abstract The mineral and saccharide contents, and antioxidant properties in aqueous extract solutions of eleven dried algal products obtained from the Boso Peninsula, Japan, were investigated. Potassium content was high in the brown alga Sargassum fusiforme. Polysaccharides content and viscosity were high in the red algae Gloiopeltis furcata, Chondrus ocellotus and C. elatus. Total phenolic compound content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity, and Fe-reducing power were high in brown algae Eisenia bicyclis, S. fusiforme and the red alga Pyropia sp. Superoxide anion (O2−) radical-scavenging capacity was high in G. furcata, C. ocellotus, C. elatus and the green alga Monostroma nitidum. Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from the coast could ferment G. furcata, C. elatus and M. nitidum. The O2− radical-scavenging capacities of the red algae were increased by fermentation. These results suggest that some macroalgal beach-cast brown algae without fermentation and red algae with fermentation can be utilized as natural resources for functional foods.

In vitro and in vivo intestinal absorption of Huanglian decoction in multi-component environment

The effect of drugs in the body is always inseparable with the dynamic processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. For oral drug, absorption, as the first link to enter the body, is particularly valued. Traditional Chinese medicine has multiple components and multiple targets, and the nature of its single composition is different from that in the multicomponent environment. Alkaloids in Huanglian extract was used as the main object in this study to establish an analytical method for determining the content of alkaloids in Huanglian. In addition, the compositions of the Huanglian aqueous extract solution which can be absorbed through intestinal wall into blood, were initially determined by the means of everted gut sac and in intestinal perfusion with venous sampling experiment. This paper can provide data reference and support for the further study on the absorption and metabolism of Huanglian.

Chemotherapeutical effects of the herbal medicine Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC.

The use of medicinal plants dates back to the beginning of humanity, and today their application as complementary therapy has been widely disseminated as an alternative to conventional therapy. The medicinal plant named Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC. (known as cat's claw) is a common woody vine of the Amazon forest that has traditionally been used in the treatment of arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic, mutagenic, and antimutagenic potentials of this medicinal plant. The biological activities of U. tomentosa were determined on bone marrow cells of Wistar rats that were treated in vivo. For the cytotoxic and mutagenic analyses, aqueous plant extract solutions were administered by gavage (1, 2, or 3 mg/mL) for 24 h (an acute treatment) or 7 days (a subchronic treatment). For the antimutagenic analyses, aqueous plant extract solutions (1 mg/mL) were administered by gavage before (pretreatment), simultaneous to (simultaneous treatment), or after (post-treatment), the administration of cyclophosphamide (1.5 mg/mL). U. tomentosa did not show any cytotoxic or mutagenic effects in any of the cytological or chromosomal analyses. Besides, the antimutagenic tests showed that the plant extracts displayed antimutagenic activities, which significantly reduced the percentages of the chromosomal aberrations that were induced by cyclophosphamide at 53.91, 58.60, and 57.03%, respectively, for the simultaneous treatment, pretreatment, and post-treatment. The results suggested a safe use of this herbal medicine that is available free of charge from the Brazilian Public Health System for the treatment of arthritis. This medicinal plant can also effectively contribute to improving the quality of life and the recovery of people undergoing chemotherapeutical treatments.

Protective Effects of Mekabu Aqueous Solution Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum Sanriku-SU7 on Human Enterocyte-Like HT-29-luc Cells and DSS-Induced Murine IBD Model.

Most wakame Undaria pinnatifida, a brown algae, products are made from the frond portion. In this study, the polysaccharide content and antioxidant property of aqueous extract solutions (AESs) of the four parts (frond: wakame, stem of the frond: kuki-wakame, sporophyll: mekabu, and kuki-mekabu) of wakame were investigated. Polysaccharide content was high in both the wakame and mekabu. Superoxide anion (O2-) radical-scavenging capacities were high in the mekabu. These AESs could be fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum Sanriku-SU7. The O2- radical-scavenging activity of the kuki-wakame, mekabu, and kuki-mekabu were increasedby the fermentation. Fermented mekabu clearly showed a protective effect on human enterocyte-like HT-29-luc cells and in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulphate-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These results suggest that the mekabu fermented by L. plantarum Sanriku-SU7 has anti-IBD effect related to O2- radical-scavenging.

Anti-glycation properties of the aqueous extract solutions of dried algae products harvested and made in the Miura Peninsula, Japan, and effect of lactic acid fermentation on the properties

To clarify the anti-oxidant and anti-glycation properties of traditional edible algae, aqueous extract solutions (AESs) from eight dried algal products that were commercially available in the Miura Peninsula of Japan were prepared. AESs of the red alga, Pyropia sp. (nori), demonstrated strong Fe-reducing power with a high total phenolic compound content. On the other hand, the sporophyll of the brown alga Undaria pinnatifida (mekabu) exhibited high superoxide anion radical-scavenging capacity. Anti-glycation activity in bovine serum albumin (BSA)-fructose (Fru) and in BSA-methylglyoxal (MGO) was high for nori and the stem of Sargassum fusiforme (naga-hijiki). The results of the BSA-MGO model agreed with those of the phenolic content and Fe-reducing power. Anti-glycation activities of mekabu, Sargassum horneri (akamoku), naga-hijiki, the frond of U. pinnatifida (wakame), and Gelidium elegans (tengusa) in the BSA-Fru model were clearly increased by fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum Miura-SU1 isolated from the Miura Peninsula. The results of the present study suggest that, once fermented with lactic acid bacteria (LAB), akamoku and other edible algae will have a potential role in preventing diabetes- and aging-related glycation.

Naturally occurring proteinaceous nanoparticles in Coptidis Rhizoma extract act as concentration-dependent carriers that facilitate berberine absorption.

Pharmacological activities of some natural products diminish and even disappear after purification. In this study, we explored the mechanisms underlying the decrease of acute oral toxicity of Coptidis Rhizoma extract after purification. The water solubility, in vitro absorption, and plasma exposure of berberine (the major active compound) in the Coptidis Rhizoma extract were much better than those of pure berberine. Scanning electron microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), and dynamic light scattering experiments confirmed that nanoparticles attached to very fine precipitates existed in the aqueous extract solution. The LSCM experiment showed that the precipitates were absorbed with the particles by the mouse intestine. High-speed centrifugation of the extract could not remove the nanoparticles and did not influence plasma exposure or acute oral toxicity. However, after extract dilution, the attached precipitates vanished, although the nanoparticles were preserved, and there were no differences in the acute oral toxicity and plasma exposure between the extract and pure berberine. The nanoparticles were then purified and identified as proteinaceous. Furthermore, they could absorb co-dissolved berberine. Our results indicate that naturally occurring proteinaceous nanoparticles in Coptidis Rhizoma extract act as concentration-dependent carriers that facilitate berberine absorption. These findings should inspire related studies in other natural products.

Anti-glycation properties of the aqueous extract solutions of dried algae products and effect of lactic acid fermentation on the properties

The antioxidant and anti-glycation properties in aqueous extract solutions (AESs) of 11 dried algae products were investigated. AESs of brown algae Ecklonia kurome (kurome) and Ecklonia stolonifera (tsuruarame) showed a strong DPPH radical-scavenging capacity and Fe-reducing power with high total phenolic compound content. On the other hand, superoxide anion radical-scavenging capacities of Porphyra sp. (iwanori, red alga), sporophyll of Undaria pinnatifida (mekabu, brown alga), and Gelidiaceae sp. (tengusa, red alga) were also high. Anti-glycation activities in BSA-fructose and BSA-methylglyoxal glycation were also high in kurome, while iwanori showed high activity. Results of the BSA-fructose model agreed with those of superoxide anion radical-scavenging. On the other hand, those of the BSA-methylglyoxal model agreed with those of the phenolic content, DPPH radical-scavenging capacity, and Fe-reducing power. Anti-glycation activities of iwanori, U. pinnatifida (wakame), and mekabu in the BSA-fructose model were clearly increased by fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum AN6.

Induction of the superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity of dried 'funori'Gloiopeltis furcata by Lactobacillus plantarum S-SU1 fermentation.

To understand the beneficial properties of edible algae obtained from the north-eastern (Sanriku) Satoumi region of Japan, the antioxidant properties of hot aqueous extract solutions (AES) obtained from 18 dried algal products were determined. The samples included 4 Ceratophyllum demersum (matsumo), 5 Undaria pinnatifida (wakame), 5 Laminaria japonica (kombu), and 2 each of Gloiopeltis furcate (funori) and G. tenax (funori). Of these products, the total phenolic content and Fe-reducing power were highest in matsumo. On the other hand, the polysaccharide content, viscosity, and superoxide anion radical (O2˙(-))-scavenging capacity were highest in funori. Lactobacillus plantarum S-SU3, isolated from the intestine of Japanese surfperch, and Lb. plantarum S-SU1, isolated from salted squid, could ferment the AES of matsumo and funori, respectively. Although the Fe-reducing power of the matsumo solution was reduced due to fermentation, the O2˙(-)-scavenging capacity of the funori solution was increased by fermentation. Furthermore, the fermented funori suspension protected Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a live cell model, against H2O2 toxicity. These results suggest that the fermented funori is a promising functional food material that is capable of protecting against reactive oxygen species.

Comparisons of pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution profile of four major bioactive components after oral administration of Xiang–Fu–Si–Wu Decoction effective fraction in normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceXiang–Fu–Si–Wu Decoction (XFSWD) has been widely used to treat primary dysmenorrhea in clinical practice for hundreds of years and shown great efficacy. One fraction of XFSWD, which was an elution product by macroporous adsorption resin from aqueous extract solution with 60% ethanol (XFSWE), showed great analgesic effect. The present study was conducted to investigate the possible pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution profiles of four major bioactive constituents (berberine, protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine and tetrahydropalmatine) after oral administration of XFSWE in dysmenorrheal symptom rats, and to compare the difference between normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats. Materials and methodsEstradiol benzoate and oxytocin were used to produce dysmenorrheal symptom rat model. The experimental period was seven days. At the final day of experimental period, both normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats were orally administrated with XFSWE, and then the blood and tissues samples were collected at different time points. Berberine, protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine and tetrahydropalmatine in blood and tissue samples were determined by LC–MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the plasma concentration–time data using non-compartmental methods. The differences of pharmacokinetic parameters among groups were tested by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). ResultsThere were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in Cmax, Tmax, AUC0−t, AUC0−∞, MRT0−t, MRT0−∞ and CL/F between normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats that orally administered with same dosage of XFSWE. In tissue distribution study, the results showed that the overall trend was CSpleen>CLiver>CKidney>CUterus>CHeart>CLung>COvary>CBrain>CThymus, CM-60min>CM-120min>CM-30min>CC-60min>CC-120min>CC-30min. The contents of protopine in liver, spleen and uterus were more than that in other tissues of dysmenorrheal symptom rats. Compared to normal rats, partial contents of the compounds in dysmenorrheal symptom rats׳ tissues at different time points had significant difference (P<0.05). ConclusionsThis study was the first report about pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution investigation in dysmenorrheal symptom animals. The results indicated that berberine, protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine and tetrahydropalmatine have higher uptake and slower elimination in the rats with dysmenorrheal syndrome, which suggests that the rate and extent of drug metabolism were altered in dysmenorrheal syndrome rats. And the results also demonstrated that berberine, protopine and tetrahydropalmatine in normal and dysmenorrheal symptom rats had obvious differences in some organs and time points, suggesting that the blood flow and perfusion rate of the organ were altered in dysmenorrheal symptom animals.

Evaluation of the Local Analgesic Effects of a Commercial Aqueous Extract of Sarracenia purpurea and Ammonium Sulfate in the Equine Abaxial Sesamoid Block Model

Sarracenia purpurea is a carnivorous plant whose aqueous extracts have been proposed to exert analgesic effects by neurolytical action on peripheral nerves. The aim of this study was to determine the local analgesic effects of a commercially available aqueous extract solution of S. purpurea (P-Bloc, St. Joseph, Missouri) and a 1% ammonium sulfate solution, using the horse abaxial sesamoid block model. Twenty horses were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group (n = 10) was used to evaluate the effect of P-Bloc. The horses received a bilateral (medial and lateral) abaxial sesamoid block with 5 mL of P-Bloc in one random forelimb, while in the contralateral forelimb, they received either 5 mL of 2% lidocaine as a positive control (n = 5) or 5 mL of 0.9% NaCl as a negative control (n = 5). The second group (n = 10) was treated as the first but received 5 mL of 1% ammonium sulfate in NaCl (0.9% NaCl) solution instead of P-Bloc. The period of hoof withdrawal reflex latency (HWRL, in seconds) was measured using a custom-made heat projector lamp as a source of a noxious skin heating stimulus applied to the pastern. Lidocaine (2%) prolonged (P ≤ .05) the HWRL period, returning to the negative control basal values after 240 minutes. Neither the treatment with P-Bloc nor 1% ammonium sulfate modified the HWRL period. The lack of effect of these compounds in this model reinforces the results reported elsewhere and suggests a nonlocal anesthetic mechanism of action for the aqueous extract of S. purpurea in the horse.

The potentials of henna (&lt;i&gt;Lawsonia inamis L&lt;/i&gt;.) leaves extracts as counter stain in gram staining reaction

The potentials of aqueous and ethanol extract solutions of the henna plant (Lawsonia inamis L.) leaves adopted as alternative counter stain in Gram staining reactions were studied. Different extracts were formulated into various staining solutions of different concentrations. The solutionswere modified with hydrogen peroxide, ferric chloride, potassium alum and potassium permanganate. These staining solutions were used to stain bacterial isolates of Lactobacillus spp and Escherichia coli strains. The experimental henna plant extracts solutions were used with usualcounter stains (neutral red, safranin and dilute carbol fuchsin) as positive controls. The result obtained showed that aqueous extracts (cold and hot) oxidized with potassium permanganate with neutral pH gives a better staining reaction. While the ethanol extract after oxidized with potassiumpermanganate had no staining reaction. The result obtained therefore implied that the aqueous henna leaves extracts (cold or hot) when oxidized with potassium permanganate can be a substitute to the usual counter stains used in Gram staining reactions.Keywords: Aqueous Extract, Dyes, Henna, Counter-Staining