Aqueous Methanol Extract Research Articles

Antibacterial Activity of Ginkgo biloba Extracts against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Pseudomonas spp., and Xanthomonas vesicatoria

Phytopathogenic bacteria represent a risk to global food production by impacting a variety of crops. The aim of this study was to characterize the contents of bioactive constituents in extracts from Ginkgo biloba L. leaves and fruits and test their activity against six phytopathogenic bacteria that affect horticultural crops. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC−MS) was used for the chemical profiling of the aqueous methanol extracts, and their bacteriostatic activity against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Pseudomonas cichorii, Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, and Xanthomonas vesicatoria (formerly Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria) was determined in vitro through the agar dilution method. The protective effect of the leaf extract was tested in vivo against the most relevant bacterial pathogens based on their economic/scientific importance, i.e., C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis and P. syringae pv. pisi, in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants, respectively, under greenhouse conditions. The GC−MS characterization of G. biloba extracts revealed the presence of dihydro-4-hydroxy-2(3H)-furanone, 2,4-dimethyl-3-hexanol, catechol, 3-O-methyl-D-fructose, 4,6-di-O-methyl-α-D-galactose, methyl 2-O-methyl-α-D-xylofuranoside, and 3-methyl mannoside. In vitro growth inhibition tests showed that, while the fruit extract had no activity, the leaf extract exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations between 500 and 1000 μg mL−1, which may be attributed to the presence of 2,4-dimethyl-3-hexanol and catechol. In vivo tests of the leaf extract demonstrated full protection in tomato and pea plants at 1000 and 1500 μg∙mL−1, respectively. The results indicate that G. biloba leaves may be employed as a biorational source for integrated pest management in horticulture.

Effective anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds from dandelion: identification and mechanistic insights using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS, fluorescence quenching and anisotropy, molecular docking and dynamics simulation

This novel study identifies the effective anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds in dandelion and provides mechanistic insights into their interactions with receptor proteins (toll‐like receptor 4, TLR4; co‐receptor myeloid differentiation protein-2, MD-2) using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated THP-1 cell line, fluorescence quenching and anisotropy, molecular docking (single ligand and multi-ligand docking) and molecular dynamics simulation. A 50 % aqueous methanol extract had a greater anti-inflammatory effect and higher chicoric acid content, compared with the 100 % water and 100 % methanol extracts. Chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, methylophiopogonone A, caffeic acid, gallic acid monohydrate and 4'-O-demethylbroussonin A had relatively high binding energies and contents in all extracts. Chicoric acid competed with chlorogenic acid, 4'-O-demethylbroussonin A and quercetin for MD-2. Among dandelion’s phenolics, chicoric acid most effectively hindered TLR4-MD-2 complex formation, with a quenching constant of 0.62 × 106 L/mol for MD-2 or TLR4 at 320 K, and binding energies of –6.87 and –5.97 kcal/mol, respectively, for MD-2 and TLR4.

Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Potential of Methanolic Extract of Neurada procumbens Linn. in Mice.

Neurada procumbens Linn. possesses a wide range of phytochemical and bioactive entities such as flavonoids and polyphenols that decrease the oxidative stress and enhance synaptic plasticity, resulting in accelerated healing processes. Almost all parts of the plant have been used in the traditional system of medicine for various disorders including its use as an anticonvulsant, sexual tonic, and anti-rheumatic agent. This study is designed to evaluate the anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of the methanolic crude extract of N. procumbens (Np.Cr) based on its use in traditional medicine and presence of the phytochemical constituents. Aqueous methanolic extract of Np.Cr was prepared under reduced pressure using rotary evaporator, and different chemical constituents were identified by phytochemical screening. Light/dark exploration, elevated plus maze (EPM), and hole board tests were used to assess the anxiolytic activity, while forced swim and tail suspension tests were used to assess the antidepressant potential of the crude extract. Treatment groups treated individually with 3 different doses; i.e., 50, 100, and 200mg/kg of Np.Cr, showed a dose-dependent increase in time spent in light compartment and in open arms as well as increased number of head poking by the experimental animals. Np.Cr showed significant antidepressant potential (P < .05) as evident from marked decrease in behavioral despair. Findings of the present study assure that N. procumbens possess significant anxiolytic and antidepressant potential with the demands of further investigations to identify the active compound(s) responsible for these pharmacological effects.

Phytochemical Screening, Total Phenolic, Reducing Sugar Contents, and Antioxidant Activities of Gelidium spinosum (S.G. Gmelin) P.C. Silva

Gelidium spinosum is edible red seaweed with high economic values and potential pharmacological activities. This research aimed to evaluate phytochemicals, total phenolic content, reducing sugar content, and antioxidant properties of Gelidium spinosum methanolaqueous extracts. Maceration with different solvent ratios of methanol-water was employed to afford various crude extracts. The standard procedures of preliminary phytoconstituents determination were employed to screen the presence of various phytochemicals. Phenolic and reducing sugar contents were determined using Folin-Cioucalteu and 3,5-dinitro salicylic acid methods. The antioxidant activities of seaweed extracts were determined through DPPH and reducing power assays. The 100% methanol extract of G. spinosum was found to be rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, polyphenols, proteins, reducing sugar, saponins, steroids and tannins. The aqueous extract of G. spinosum contained flavonoids, glycosides, polyphenols, reducing sugars, saponins and tannins at a moderate level. The total phenolic content range was 6.43 to 49.78 mg EGA/g extract. The highest reducing sugar content was shown by 100% methanol extract (1278.20 ± 21.25 mg GE/g extract). The highest antioxidant activities were found in 100% methanol extract for reducing power assay, and 75% methanol extract of G. spinosum for DPPH method. There was a positive correlation between reducing sugar, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities. Results further confirmed the potential use of red seaweed in various ailments, however, should further be confirmed through more appropriate similar studies.

Effect of Extraction Solvent on Total Phenol Content, Total Flavonoid Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Euphorbia resinifiera O. Berg

Euphorbia resinifiera is a well-known medicinal plant used by the Moroccans to treat several diseases. This study evaluated the influence of extraction solvents polarities (methanol, aqueous/methanol (3:7), and distilled water) on the polyphenols and flavonoids contents of Euphorbia resinifiera extracts obtained by three extraction methods: infusion, maceration and sonication, as well as their antioxidant activity. The results revealed that the distilled water extract obtained by infusion presented the highest polyphenols and flavonoids contents: 8.89 ±0.01 mgGEA/g dry weight, and 4.98±0.01 mgRE/g dry weight, respectively. The antioxidant activity results revealed that the aqueous-methanol extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity. These findings could support the medical uses of Euphorbia resinifiera.

New Data for Endemic Phlomis cypria Post from North Cyprus: Biological Activities and LC MS/MS Analysis

Abstract: Background: The genus Phlomis includes up to 100 species which are distributed throughout Eurasia. Of these species, Phlomis cypria Post (Lamiaceae) is an endemic plant from North Cyprus. P. cypria is commonly used in North Cyprus as medicinal herbal tea for the winter cold and flu. Phlomis species have antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. Materials and Methods: In this study, herbal part of P. cypria from North Cyprus was sequentially extracted using hexane, dichloromethane and 70% aqueous methanol and using maceration at room temperature. All extracts were investigated for antiradical (DPPH● and ABTS+●), anticholinesterase, antibacterial and the cytotoxic activities and additionally, chemical compositions of the extracts were evaluated by LC MS/MS method. Results: Aqueous methanol extract showed antiradical activities (IC50 0.29 mg/mL in DPPH●; TEAC 1.22, 1.36 in ABTS+●) and cytotoxic activities (IC50 1264 μg/mL on SK-HEP 1 cells). Dichloromethane extract only showed activity in anticholinesterase assay (inhibitions were 37.68% for AChE; 21.73% for BChE). Forsytoside B was found as the main phenolic compound in the active extract with caffeic acid bound to other compounds. Conclusion: According to the results, P. cypria could be a potential candidate as cytotoxic and cholineasterase inhibitor agent. Keywords: Phlomis cypria, Lamiaceae, Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity, Antibacterial, Anticholinesterase.

The Allelopathic Effects of Trewia nudiflora Leaf Extracts and Its Identified Substances.

Trewia nudiflora Linn. is a woody plant of the Euphorbiaceae family. It is well known for its use as a folk remedy, but its potential for phytotoxicity has not been explored. Therefore, this study investigated the allelopathic potential and the allelopathic substances in T. nudiflora leaves. The aqueous methanol extract of T. nudiflora was found to have a toxic effect on the plants used in the experiment. The shoot and root development of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and foxtail fescue (Vulpia myuros L.) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced by the T. nudiflora extracts. The growth inhibition by the T. nudiflora extracts was proportional to the extract concentration and varied with the test plant species. The chromatographic separation of the extracts resulted in the isolation of two substances, identified as loliolide and 6,7,8-trimethoxycoumarin based on their respective spectral analyses. Both substances significantly inhibited lettuce growth at a concentration of 0.01 mM. To inhibit 50% of the growth of the lettuce, the required concentration of loliolide was 0.043 to 0.128 mM, while that of 6,7,8-trimethoxycoumarin was 0.028 to 0.032 mM. Comparing these values, the lettuce growth was more sensitive to 6,7,8-trimethoxycoumarin than loliolide, suggesting that 6,7,8-trimethoxycoumarin was more effective than loliolide. Therefore, the inhibition of the growth of the lettuce and foxtail fescue suggests that loliolide and 6,7,8-trimethoxycoumarin are responsible for the phytotoxicity of the T. nudiflora leaf extracts. Thus, the growth-inhibitory effectiveness of the T. nudiflora extracts and the identified loliolide and 6,7,8-trimethoxycoumarin may be used to develop bioherbicides that restrict the growth of weeds.

Metabolite profiling and bioactivity of Cicerbita alpina (L.) Wallr. (Asteraceae, Cichorieae)

Cicerbita alpina (L.) Wallr. is a perennial herbaceous plant in the tribe Cichorieae (Lactuceae), Asteraceae family, distributed in the mountainous regions in Europe. In this study, we focused on the metabolite profiling and the bioactivity of C. alpina leaves and flowering heads methanol-aqueous extracts. The antioxidant activity of extracts, as well as inhibitory potential towards selected enzymes, involving in several human diseases, including metabolic syndrome (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase), Alzheimer's disease, (cholinesterases: AChE, BchE), hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase), and cytotoxicity were assessed. The workflow comprised ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). UHPLC-HRMS analysis revealed more than 100 secondary metabolites, including acylquinic, acyltartaric acids, flavonoids, bitter sesquiterpene lactones (STLs), such as lactucin, dihydrolactucin, their derivatives, and coumarins. Leaves showed a stronger antioxidant activity compared to flowering heads, as well as lipase (4.75 ± 0.21 mg OE/g), AchE (1.98 ± 0.02 mg GALAE/g), BchE (0.74 ± 0.06 mg GALAE/g), and tyrosinase (49.87 ± 3.19 mg KAE/g) inhibitory potential. Flowering heads showed the highest activity against α-glucosidase (1.05 ± 0.17 mmol ACAE/g) and α-amylase (0.47 ± 0.03). The obtained results highlighted C. alpina as a rich source of acylquinic, acyltartaric acids, flavonoids, and STLs with significant bioactivity, and therefore the taxon could be considered as a potential candidate for the development of health-promoting applications.

Effect of methanol aqueous extract of Satureja montana and two of its bioactive components on memory in rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Satureja montana Lamiaceae extract on cognition in rats.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 128 male, 8-week-old Wistar rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly and equally assigned to 16 groups (n = 8), which were orally given either saline and olive oil (two negative and two positive controls), S. montana Lamiaceae (250 and 500 mg/kg), RA (15 mg/kg), or carvacrol (500 mg/kg). For each experimental model, acute cold stress and chronic unpredictable mild stress models were used to induce memory impairment in rats. A new object recognition test was used to investigate cognition.&#x0D; Results: Acute stress did not produce a significant impact on cognition (p &gt; 0.05). However, S. montana at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly increased the discrimination index, relative to positive control rats (p = 0.001), while the lower dose of dry extract and RA had significant impacts only on time spent on new object investigation (p = 0.025 and p = 0.014, respectively). Chronic stress significantly reduced the duration of new object investigation but not the discrimination index (p = 0.037 and p = 0.009). Both doses of Satureja montana and RA increased levels of all studied parameters when compared to positive saline group, as well as novel object recognition when compared to RA and carvacrol (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Satureja montana and RA (but not carvacrol) have moderate effects on cognition abilities in rat models of acute and chronic stress. More research is required to establish the specific biochemical processes through which S. montana and RA affect memory.

UHPLC-MS profiles and antidiarrheal activity of Quercus coccinea münchh. and Quercus robur L. employing in vivo technique.

Introduction: Quercus L. genus (Oak) belongs to the family Fagaceae and their galls are used commercially in leather tanning, dyeing, and ink preparation. Several Quercus species were traditionally used to manage wound healing, acute diarrhea, hemorrhoid, and inflammatory diseases. The present study aims to investigate the phenolic content of the 80% aqueous methanol extract (AME) of Q. coccinea and Q. robur leaves as well as to assess their anti-diarrheal activity. Methods: Polyphenolic content of Q. coccinea and Q. robur AME were investigated using UHPLC/MS. The antidiarrheal potential of the obtained extracts was evaluated by conducting a castor oil-induced diarrhea in-vivo model. Result and Discussion: Twenty-five and twenty-six polyphenolic compounds were tentatively identified in Q. coccinea and Q. robur AME, respectively. The identified compounds are related to quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and apigenin glycosides and their aglycones. In addition, hydrolyzable tannins, phenolic acid, phenyl propanoides derivatives, and cucurbitacin F were also identified in both species AME of Q. coccinea (250, 500, and 1000mg/kg) exhibited a significant prolongation in the onset of diarrhea by 17.7 %, 42.6%, and 79.7% respectively while AME of Q. robur at the same doses significantly prolonged the onset of diarrhea by 38.6%, 77.3%, and 2.4 folds respectively as compared to the control. Moreover, the percentage of diarrheal inhibition of Q. coccinea was 23.8%, 28.57%, and 42,86% respectively, and for Q. robur 33.34%, 47.3%, and 57.14% respectively as compared to the control group. Both extracts significantly decreased the volume of intestinal fluid by 27%, 39.78%, and 50.1% for Q. coccinea respectively; and by 38.71%, 51.19%, and 60% for Q. robur respectively as compared to the control group. In addition, AME of Q. coccinea exhibited a peristaltic index of 53.48, 47.18, and 42.28 with significant inhibition of gastrointestinal transit by 18.98%, 28.53%, and 35.95 % respectively; while AME of Q. robur exhibited a peristaltic index of 47.71, 37, and 26.41 with significant inhibition of gastrointestinal transit by 27.72%, 43.89%, and 59.99% respectively as compared with the control group. Notably, Q. robur showed a better antidiarrheal effect in comparison with Q. coccinea and, the highest effect was observed for Q. robur at 1000mg/kg as it was nonsignificant from the loperamide standard group in all measured parameters.

Comparison of HPLC and ATR-FTIR Methods for the Determination of Rosmarinic Acid in Aqueous Leaf Extract of Orthosiphon stamineus.

Background: Rosmarinic acid (RA) is an important natural bioactive compound widely distributed in food plants. ATR-FTIR and HPLC methods for comparative determination of RA in aqueous methanolic extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf samples are described. Method: The quantitative determination of RA was performed by using HPLC with UV detection at 340 nm and ATR-FTIR based on peak height location at 1712.29 cm-1. Results: The mean recovery of RA was 99.54 ± 1.23% by the HPLC method and 105.48 ± 2.76 by the ATR-IR method. The relative standard deviation for the intra-day and inter-day precision were less than 5% for the HPLC method and less than 8% for the ATR-FTIR method. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values for the HPLC method were 2 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, respectively. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values for the ATR-FTIR method were 0.14% and 0.83% w/w, respectively. The validated methods were used for the quantification of RA in leaf samples of O. staminues. The results of HPLC and ATR-FTIR methods were comparable. Conclusion: ATR-FTIR method is suitable for the routine determination of RA in herbal medicinal products of O. stamineus.

Growth, Blood Parameters, Immune Response and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) Fed Diets Supplemented with Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)

In a feeding experiment for 75 days, the effects of fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) extract on growth, haematology, immune response and antioxidant enzyme activities in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were evaluated. The aqueous methanolic extract of the plant was mixed with feeds at three different levels, 0.1% (FO1), 0.2% (FO2) and 0.3% (FO3), and feed with no plant extract donated as the control. All four groups (mean initial weight: 13.02 ± 0.02 g) were fed with the prepared diets twice daily ad libitum in a triplicate experiment. Blood and liver samples were taken from the fish on 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days. Also, overall growth parameters were determined based on body weight data recorded from all fish before and at the end of feeding trial. Results indicated that there were variations in nonspecific immune parameters (lysozyme, myeloperoxidase and oxidative radical production), but supplementation of the plant extract did not affect the immune response of the fish significantly. On the other hand, there was a general increase in the antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) evaluated in this study. Furthermore, possibly the most remarkable finding of the study is that the growth performance in the FO3 group was roughly 30% higher than that of the control group. Considering all findings in the present study, we conclude that 0.3% supplementation of fumitory extract would be beneficial for rainbow trout farming with respect to elevated growth and antioxidant status.

Nephroprotective effect of Physalis peruviana L. calyx extract and its butanolic fraction against cadmium chloride toxicity in rats and molecular docking of isolated compounds

BackgroundCadmium is an environmentally toxic metal that has deleterious effects on both animals and humans due to its accumulation in different body tissues. Physalis peruviana L. fruit and calyx contain many active constituents which are used traditionally for their different biological activities. Based on the traditional uses of P. peruviana L. calyx, we aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of their 80% aqueous methanol extract (AME) and n-butanol fraction (Bu.F.) against cadmium chloride-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and to correlate this activity with phytoconstituents isolated using molecular docking studies.MethodsThe n-butanol fraction of P. peruviana L. calyx was fractionated using various chromatographic techniques and the isolated compounds were identified based on their chemical and spectroscopic data. The nephroprotective activity was assessed using cadmium chloride-induced nephrotoxicity in the rat model, by measuring some important parameters such as body weight, kidney weight, serum urea, and creatinine levels, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, and histopathological examinations of kidney tissue. Molecular docking studies of the isolated compounds were performed.ResultsThree withanolides named 4 β-hydroxywithanolide E (1), Physalin B (2) and 3α, 14β-dihydroxywithaphysalin N (3) were isolated and identified from the n-butanol fraction of P. peruviana L calyx extract. The extract and its butanol fraction significantly improved the serum kidney function markers and tissue oxidative status including malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT). Additionally, the extracts significantly decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κβ). Moreover, the histological changes were ameliorated by the extracts. The molecular docking study showed that the isolated compounds displayed a remarkable inhibitory activity against IκB kinase.ConclusionThe AME and its butanol fraction of P. peruviana L calyx showed potential nephroprotective activity against cadmium chloride-induced nephrotoxicity which is correlated at least in part to its considerable withanolides content.

A study of the chemical constituents of Nepeta curviflora from Jordan

A new iridiod, identified as the methyl acetal of nepetalic acid (1), along with other known 11 compounds have been isolated from the aqueous methanol and butanol extracts of Nepeta curviflora growing wild in Jordan. Structural interpretation of all isolated compounds was performed based on spectral data such as HR-ESIMS, UV, IR and NMR spectroscopy.

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Herbal dewormers always remained a constant and consistent source of curing various health constraints including parasitic infestations. In this study, anthelmintic efficacy of aqueous methanolic and ethyl acetate extract of Haloxylon (H.) salicornicum was investigated against Heamonchus contortus. Four serial dilutions (25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125 mg/mL) were tested to evaluate the highest effective dose of both extracts. Levamisol (0.55 mg/mL) in case of adult motility assay and oxfendazole (25, 12.5 and 6.25 µg/mL) in egg hatch assay were used as standard drugs. After administration of extracts, a highest mean paralysis (10.00±0.00) of all adult worms of H. contortus was exhibited only in 8 and 10 hours post exposure respectively, at highest tested dose of 25 mg/ml. Ethyl acetate and aqueous-methanol extracts were found to inhibit egg hatching up to 91 and 63% respectively, at dose of 25 mg/mL. Hence, the results of current study exhibited a strong anthelmintic potential of H. salicornicum leaves against haemonchosis. Further in vivo studies would be needed to determine the optimal non-lethal dose to maximize the anthelmintic potential of H. salicornicum against this parasite in livestock

Development of herbal sunscreen formulations from the leaves of Sri Lankan medicinal plants, &lt;em&gt;Hibiscus furcatus&lt;/em&gt; wild. and &lt;em&gt;Olax zeylanica&lt;/em&gt; Linn

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the sunlight has many deleterious consequences on human skin. In order to alleviate these harmful effects, sunscreen formulations are widely used. Although most of these synthetic sunscreens are highly effective, the adverse effects associated with these products should not be neglected. The current trend, therefore, is to explore natural sources to develop novel sunscreen formulations that are efficacious and more human-friendly. This study was conducted to formulate herbal sunscreens using two Sri Lankan medicinal plants used as remedies for dermatological conditions, <em>hibiscus furcatus </em>wild (nabiriththa) and <em>olax zeylanica </em>linn. (mella) and to evaluate their efficacy. Initially, aqueous-methanolic extracts were prepared from the leaves of the two plants, followed by the preparation of sunscreen formulations from each extract by incorporating different concentrations of the extracts into an aqueous cream base. Thereafter, the uv absorbance and sun protection factor (spf) were obtained. The sunscreen formulations containing 75% of each extract displayed high UV absorbance and the highest spf values. The photostability profiles indicated that some formulations prepared from <em>o. zeyalnica </em>were more effective than the formulations developed from <em>h. furcatus</em>. Therefore, this preliminary study demonstrated the suitability of <em>h. furcatus </em>and <em>o. zeylanica </em>extracts towards the development of commercial herbal sunscreens.

Evaluation of Aqueous -Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Andira inermis for Peptic Ulcer-Protective Activity in Rats

Peptic ulcer disease is one of the commonest gastrointestinal diseases in the world and several orthodox drugs have been employed for the treatment of this disease. Although effective, some of these drugs produce adverse effects with a great tendency for the disease to reoccur. Hence, the need for further screening of medicinal plants for potential antiulcer activity and as sources for antiulcer lead compounds. Andira inermis is one of the plants identified to be used traditionally in ulcer-related conditions. This research work was aimed at evaluating the peptic ulcer-protective effects of aqueous-methanol stem bark extract of A. inermis in rats with acetylsalicylic acid and cold stress-induced ulceration. Adult Wistar rats were grouped into 5 of five rats each. Rats in Group A were administered normal saline (30 ml/kg i.p) to serve as the negative control. Rats in groups B, C and D were pretreated with the graded doses of the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg i.p). Rats in group E were treated with Cimetidine (100 mg/kg i.p) to serve as the positive control group. Thirty minutes post-treatment, ulceration was induced with acetylsalicylic acid (150 mg/kg p.o) and all the rats were subjected to cold restrain stress for a 4h period. The rats were then sacrificed humanely and their stomachs were excised for gross examination and scoring of ulcer indices. The mean ulcer indices, percentage severity of ulceration and percentage ulcer protection were determined using corresponding calculations. The results revealed that acetylsalicylic acid combined with cold stress caused mostly marked congestion, gross erosions and deep ulcers with ecchymotic and petechial hemorrhages on the gastric mucosa of the rats treated with normal saline (30 ml/kg i.p.). The aqueous methanol stem bark extract of A. inermis significantly (p &lt; 0.05) inhibited the formation of these lesions. The extract caused increased secretion of mucous on the gastric mucosa of rats and a dose-dependent reduction in ulcer indices. This was significant (p &lt; 0.05) at the dose of 400 mg/kg i.p of the extract. The extract, at graded doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg i.p produced percent ulcer protection of 60.0%, 73.3%, and 80.0% respectively. This was comparable to Cimetidine which showed a percent ulcer protection of 86.7%. This shows that the stem bark extract of Andira inermis possesses gastro-protective effects and has the potential to be developed as an agent for the treatment of peptic ulcers..

Insecticidal potential of extracts, fractions, and molecules of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall ex. Royle against aphid Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

Aphis craccivora is the major sap-sucking pest of leguminous crops and vector of plant viruses that cause damage to plants and reduce yield. Indiscriminate and nonjudicious use of synthetic insecticides led to resistance development and harmful to environment. Therefore, it is important to discover plant-based lead(s) which can replace synthetic insecticides. In the current study the residual toxicity of extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds of Aconitum heterophyllum were evaluated against A. craccivora to identify lead(s) for further development of botanical formulation. In residual contact assay, ethanolic (LC50 =2837.17 mg L-1 ) and aqueous methanolic extracts (LC50 =2971.59 mg L-1 ) were effective against A. craccivora. Among fractions, the n-butanol fraction of the aqueous methanolic extract (LC50 =986.96 mg L-1 ) was found to be most effective, followed by the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanolic extract (LC50 =1037.52 mg L-1 ) and the n-hexane fraction of both extracts (LC50 =1113.85 to 1233.11 mg L-1 ). Among pure molecules, aconitic acid was found to be the most effective (68% mortality; LC50 =1313.19 mg L-1 ) and was on a par with azadirachtin 0.15% EC (66% mortality; LC50 =1921.10mg L-1 ). Furthermore, from the effect of ethanoic extract on detoxification enzyme inhibition in A. craccivora we concluded that the target site of action of this extract in A. craccivora might be glutathione S-transferase. The parent extract/fractions of A. heterophylum showed promising activity against A. craccivora. Among phytoconstituents of the active extract and fractions, aconitic acid was found to be on a par with azadirachtin 0.15% EC. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Piper longum L. leaf extracts, a candidate allelopathic plant that suppressed the growth of six test plants, could be a source of potent phytotoxic compounds

Using allelopathic plants, particularly those with growth inhibitory action, has gained significant consideration worldwide because such plants do not have detrimental effects on the environment. Piper longum L. (Piperaceae) is a medicinal plant that has already been documented for its diverse ethnomedicinal uses but not for its phytotoxic action. Therefore, aqueous methanol extracts of P. longum were evaluated for their allelopathic activity at plant biochemistry laboratory, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan. The allelopathic efficacy of different concentrations of P. longum leaf extract was investigated against six plant species (alfalfa, cress, lettuce, Italian ryegrass, barnyard grass, and foxtail fescue), and their growth was recorded after 48 h of treatment. The results showed significant inhibition of seedling growth at 0.03 g dry weight (DW) equivalent P. longum extract, and this inhibition was further increased with increasing extract concentration. The maximum inhibitory effect was noted at 0.3 g DW equivalent P. longum extract per mL. The concentrations required for 50% inhibition of shoot and root growth were 0.003–0.070 and 0.003–0.028 g DW equivalent P. longum leaf extract per mL, respectively. The shoot growth of cress, alfalfa, and lettuce, and the root growth of cress, foxtail fescue, and alfalfa were inhibited the most by the P. longum extracts. Thus, these results indicate the potent allelopathic activity of P. longum, which also implies the presence of allelopathic compounds in the P. longum leaf extract.

Effect of dietary celery (Apium graveolens) on the growth performance, immune responses, and bacterial resistance against Vibrio anguillarum of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

In this study, we evaluated to reveal the effects of aqueous methanolic extract of celery (Apium graveolens) on the growth performance, immune responses, and resistance against Vibrio anguillarum in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). For this purpose, twenty fish (initial mean weight of 4.80 ± 0.06g) were placed into twelve tanks (400 L) in triplicate and fish were fed with control (C) and three different levels (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1g/kg) of A. graveolens (AG) extract-containing diets (AG0.01, AG0.05, and AG0.1) for 30days. Blood and tissue (kidney, spleen, and intestine) samples were taken from the fish every 10days during the study to determine the immune responses of the fish. Respiratory burst activity (RBA) was significantly decreased in the AG0.1 group compared to all other groups on the 10th day of the study (P < 0.05). Significance was noticed in the RBA of fish in all AG groups compared to the C group (P < 0.05) on the 30th day of the experiment Lysozyme activity (LYS) was raised on the 10th day of the study in all celery groups compared to the C group (P < 0.05). No differences in the myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) were observed among the experimental groups (P > 0.05). The final mean weight (FMW) was not affected in any experimental groups (P > 0.05). However, in the AG0.05 group, the specific growth rate (SGR) increased, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased compared to other groups (P < 0.05). IL-1β in the kidney was highly elevated in the AG0.01 group on the 20th day of the study (P < 0.05). Similar results were observed on IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α expression in the kidney (P < 0.05). Anti-inflammatory responses (IL-10 and TGF-β) also increased in all experimental groups and tissues compared to the C group (P < 0.05). COX-2 was upregulated on the 20th day of the study in all tissues (P < 0.05). At the end of the feeding trial, the survival rate of the AG0.1 group in fish infected with Vibrio anguillarum infection was higher than the C group. Dietary celery extract did not affect growth performance directly but increased innate immune responses and a high survival rate. Overall, compared to the control group, the growth, immunity, and resistance of European seabass fed with a diet containing 0.05g/kg celery aqueous methanolic extract has been improved, and this could be used as an immunostimulant feed additive.