Aqueous Root Extract Research Articles

Antilipase, antiacetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities of Moringa oleifera extracts

Pancreatic lipase is critical for the catabolism of lipids in the intestine, making it a prime target for obesity management. Acetylcholinesterase is an important enzyme that hydrolyses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It inhibition is paramount in enhancing systemic acetylcholine level. Side effects of conventional drugs lead to continued search for alternative anti-obesity and anticholinesterase agents. The present study assessed lipase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition, as well as antioxidant activity of Moringa oleifera extracts. The inhibitory activities of the extracts on lipase and acetylcholinesterase were dose dependent. Aqueous leaf extract (IC50 = 3.26 ± 0.26 mg/ml) and hexane root extract (IC50 = 0.08 ± 0.00 mg/ml) exhibited the highest antilipase and antiacetylcholinesterase activity respectively. Aqueous extracts of root and leaf (IC50 of 1.43 ± 0.03mg/ml and 1.86 ± 0.10 mg/ml respectively) had the highest N, N-dimethyl-p-phenylene diamine dihydrochloride radical scavenging activity, while ethyl acetate leaf extract had the highest nitrite scavenging activity (IC50 = 2.20 ± 0.06 mg/ml). Compared to other extracts, methanol leaf extract exhibited the highest ferric reducing power. These findings suggest that M. oleifera possess promising antilipase, antiacetylcholinesterase and antioxidant potentials. Therefore, may be employed as food additive for the management of obesity, Alzheimer and other degenerative diseases.

LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, toxicity and anti-anaemic activity of Rubia tinctorum L. aqueous extract

The present study investigated the chemical profile, toxicity, and anti-anaemic activity of Rubia tinctorum root aqueous extract against phenylhydrazine induced hemolytic anaemia. Phenolic compounds were analyzed by LC-ESI-MS/MS; acute toxicity test was evaluated by administering a single dose of 2,000 mg.kg-1 of the extract; anaemia was induced by administration of 40 mg phenylhydrazine by intraperitoneal injection for 2 days. Moreover, the anti-anaemic activity was evaluated by measuring the haematological parameters of rats treated with iron and aqueous extract for 15 days. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis results revealed the presence of 31 phytochemical compounds, among them, citric acid was found as the most abundant. No signs of toxicity or death were recorded, indicating that the LD50 of R. tinctorum root extract is higher than 2,000 mg.kg-1. Furthermore, the aqueous extract increased red blood cell levels by 69.82 and 71.67 % in the groups treated with 200 and 400 mg.kg-1 of the extract, respectively. Besides, a significant increase in hemoglobin from 12.05 ± 0.15 to 12.9 ± 0.52 g.dL-1 was noted in rats treated with 400 mg.kg-1 of extract. Thus, the data indicate that the root extract could be considered a natural source for the treatment of anaemia.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Rhodiola imbricata and Withania somnifera root extract and their potential catalytic, antioxidant, cytotoxic and growth-promoting activities.

This study presents the development of a sustainable production process of environmentally benign silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous root extract of Rhodiola imbricata (RI) and Withania somnifera (WS) for mitigating environmental pollution and investigating their potential applications in agriculture and biomedical industry. RIWS-AgNPs were characterized using several analytical techniques (UV-Vis, DLS, HR-TEM, SAED, EDX and FTIR). The antioxidant and anticancer activity of RIWS-AgNPs were estimated by DPPH and MTT assay, respectively. UV-Vis and DLS analysis indicated that equal ratio of RIWS-extract and silver nitrate (1:1) is optimum for green synthesis of well-dispersed AgNPs (λmax: 430nm, polydispersity index: 0.179, zeta potential: -17.9 ± 4.14). HR-TEM and SAED analysis confirmed the formation of spherical and crystalline RIWS-AgNPs (37-42nm). FTIR analysis demonstrated that the phenolic compounds are probably involved in stabilization of RIWS-AgNPs. RIWS-AgNPs showed effective catalytic degradation of hazardous environmental pollutant (4-nitrophenol). RIWS-AgNPs treatment significantly increased the growth and photosynthetic pigments of Hordeum vulgare in a size- and dose-dependent manner (germination (77%), chlorophyll a (12.62 ± 0.07μg/ml) and total carotenoids (7.05 ± 0.04μg/ml)). The DPPH assay demonstrated that RIWS-AgNPs exert concentration-dependent potent antioxidant activity (IC50: 12.30μg/ml, EC50: 0.104mg/ml, ARP: 959.45). Moreover, RIWS-AgNPs also confer strong cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cancer cell line in dose-dependent manner (cell viability: 9.51 ± 1.55%). Overall, the present study for the first time demonstrated a green technology for the synthesis of stable RIWS-AgNPs and their potential applications in biomedical and agriculture industry as phytostimulatory, antioxidant and anticancer agent. Moreover, RIWS-AgNPs could potentially be used as a green alternative for environmental remediation.

Optimization of biodegradable film production containing aqueous extract of Chubak root and nanoemulsion of rosemary essential oil based on gelatin by response surface methodology

Optimization of biodegradable film production containing aqueous extract of Chubak root and nanoemulsion of rosemary essential oil based on gelatin by response surface methodology

Effect of liquorice (root extract) mouth rinse on dental plaque and gingivitis - A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background:Around the world, an increasing number of people are turning towards nature by using the natural herbal products not only because they are inexpensive but also for better cultural acceptability, better compatibility with the human body and minimal side effects. This study assessed the effectiveness of liquorice (root extract) mouth rinse against dental plaque and gingivitis and compared it with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate mouth rinse.Materials and Methods:A double-blind, concurrent parallel randomized controlled clinical trial (CTRI/2016/09/007311) of four months duration was conducted. Forty-four volunteers who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups through the computer-generated random sequence. Based on in vitro minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration evaluations on periodontal pathogens, a concentration of 20% (w/v) of aqueous liquorice root extract mouth rinse was prepared. Both the groups were asked to rinse with their respective mouthwash twice daily for 15 days. Gingivitis was evaluated using gingival index (GI), and dental plaque was evaluated using the Turesky modification of the Quigely Hein Plaque Index (PI). The evaluation was carried out at day zero, 8th and 23rd (15 days after intervention). Intra- and intergroup comparisons of indices for both the arms were done using the paired sample t-test and unpaired t-test, respectively.Results:There was a statistically significant (P = 0.000) reduction in mean PI and GI scores for both the groups after a follow up of 15 days. The intergroup comparison of plaque and gingival index scores for both the mouth rinse groups came out to be statistically significant (P = 0.000).Conclusion:Both liquorice and CHX gluconate mouth rinse restricted plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Considering the established side effects of long-term use of chemical formulations, the herbal mouth rinse preparation can promise to be an effective self-care therapy.

Phytochemical screening and potential anticonvulsant activity of aqueous root extract of Decalepis nervosa Wight & Arn.

Phytochemical screening and potential anticonvulsant activity of aqueous root extract of Decalepis nervosa Wight & Arn.

Plant Based Biosynthesis of Copper Nanoparticles and its Efficacy on Seed Viability and Seedling Growth in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea Linn.)

Nano-fertilizers can easily adsorb into the plant and can increase the reactive points in the plant and hence are treated as an efficient alternative to the conventional fertilizers. Based on this, the present study was intended to synthesize copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using aqueous root extract of Schrebera swietenioides Roxb. as green reducing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were studied for its effectiveness on enhancement of seed germination and plant growth promotion on peanut (Arachis hypogaea Linn.). The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by observing colour change in the reaction mixture, which shows characteristic absorption maxima at 340 nm. The SEM and TEM analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles were in monodispersed with spherical to irregular shape with an average particle size of 35 nm. The EDX analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles contain 82.5% copper metal. The synthesized nanoparticles were applied for its seed germination enhancement activity on peanut seeds and results confirms that the nanoparticles were significantly enhances the germination of peanut seeds with decrease in mean germination time. The peanut plant growth also enhances when compared with metal solution treatment and untreated plants. The root length of CuNPs treated plants was observed to be 9.27 ± 0.15 cm, which is significantly more than the untreated (6.40 ± 0.10 cm) as well as treated copper metal (7.13 ± 0.25 cm) plants. The shoot length of 19.13 ± 0.20 cm was observed for nano-treated plants and is greatly enhanced than the untreated (10.30 ± 0.20 cm) and treated copper metal (11.27 ± 0.25 cm) plants. The protease activity on day 5 of the germination study was found to be 0.904 ± 0.004, 0.133 ± 0.002 and 0.095 ± 0.002 units/mL, respectively for the peanut seeds treated with CuNPs, copper metal solution and untreated conditions. The catalase activity at 5th day of seed germination studies the activity was observed to be 45.177 ± 0.192, 23.691 ± 0.074 and 18.331 ± 0.209 units/min/g, respectively for CuNPs treated, copper sulphate treated and untreated pea nut seeds. The water update of the nano treated seeds was observed to be very high along with high quantity of photosynthetic pigments when compared with the other treatments in the study. Based on the results achieved, it can be confirmed that the nano-treatment enhances the seed germination and plant growth promotion on peanut seeds.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Root Extracts of Rubus ellipticus Sm. and Comparison of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity

The fabrication of metal nanoparticles through green synthetic pathways using plant extracts has increased attention due to low cost, benevolent methods, fewer hazardous byproducts, and applications. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by reacting to aqueous root extracts of Rubus ellipticus Sm. (RERE) with AgNO3 solution (1 mM) at an ambient condition. The visual change of color from light yellow to reddish brown and the absorption peak at 416‐420 nm in the UV‐visible spectra indicated the formation of AgNPs in the solution. The shifting of the positions in the FTIR spectra indicated the potential role of the functional groups as capping and stabilizing agents. The powder XRD diffractogram exposed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. The surface morphology and the elemental composition of the AgNPs were established by the FESEM and EDX analysis. The TEM images revealed the spherical and monodispersed nanoparticles of size ranging from 13.85 to 34.30 nm with an average of 25.20 ± 7.01 nm (n = 10). The biogenic AgNPs showed a better 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with lower IC50 (13.83 ± 0.33 μg/mL) as compared to that of the RERE with IC50 (15.86 ± 4.14 μg/mL). The synthesized AgNPs showed higher zones of inhibition (ZOI) on the agar well diffusion method against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 700603). The result of this study highlights the potential benefits of R. ellipticus root extract‐based AgNPs for biomedical practices.

In vitro and in vivo Experimental Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Peucedanum japonicum Aqueous Extract by Suppressing the LPS-Induced NF-[Formula: see text]B/MAPK JNK Pathways.

Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg has been used to treat cold, cough, and inflammatory diseases in Southern and Eastern Asia. The effects of P. japonicum root aqueous extract (PJ) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation were investigated in RAW264.7 macrophages and an animal model of septic shock. Lipopolysaccharides are endotoxins that trigger excessive inflammatory responses, similar to those elicited by gram-negative bacteria. Inflammation is characterized by a primary defense system against pathogens and the onset of sundry diseases or illnesses, and macrophages are important components of the phagocytic system during inflammatory processes. The present study evaluated the effects of PJ on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, and assessed the expression of enzymes that induce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators using western blotting. We also evaluated the production and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Using western blotting, we determined whether nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-[Formula: see text]B) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) are involved in the molecular mechanisms induced by PJ that suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory responses. We also found that PJ inhibited NF-[Formula: see text]B and JNK pathways in macrophages and reduced LPS-induced mortality in the mouse model of septic shock by inhibiting the activation of NF-[Formula: see text]B and JNK pathways that downregulated the expression of inflammatory mediators. These results indicated that PJ is an effective inflammatory suppressor.

Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Potential of Centaurea behen L. Root Extracts

Plants have been used by humans as a natural source for treatments and cures since ancient times, and medicinal herbs have gained popularity due to their widespread usage and lack of adverse effects. Plant study has grown in popularity across the world in recent years, and a large body of data has been gathered to demonstrate the enormous potential of medicinal plants employed in diverse traditional systems. Centaurea behen L (C. behen) is a South Asian root that belongs to the Astarcease family and is known as Safed Behman. C. behen is used to treat brain, heart, and liver weakness, as well as palpitation, hepatitis, melancholia, sexual debility, neurasthenia, spermatorrhoea, weariness, and stomach and bowel problems. It is also a heart tonic and is used to treat jaundice. Several sesqueterpene lactones, the guaianolides cyanraopicrin, augerin B, desacylcynaropicrin, grosshemin, and traces of a ketone closely related to solstitialin A were found in aerial sections of C. behen. The goal of this study was to assess in vitro antioxidant activity, as well as qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses of C. behen root gathered in the Bhopal region of Madhya Pradesh. The well-known test methodology was used to determine qualitative analysis of various phytochemical ingredients and quantitative analysis of total flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of an ethyl acetate extract of the roots was tested in vitro using conventional techniques against DPPH and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging assays. Phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and other phytochemicals were discovered by phytochemical investigation. Ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous root extract of C. behen contained 0.740, 0.381, and 0.465 mg/100mg of total flavonoids, respectively. The anti-DPPH and anti-NO actions of ethyl acetate extracts were concentration dependant. The plant's broad variety of phytochemicals implies that it has medicinal potential, which might be investigated in the pharmaceutical sector as well as in traditional medicine.

Evaluation of the Modulatory Effect of Annona muricata Extracts on the Activity of Some Selected Antibiotics against Biofilm-Forming MRSA.

The study investigated the influence of Annona muricata extracts on the action of selected antibiotics against biofilm-forming MRSA. The various parts of the plant were processed into powder and extracted with ethanol or hot water and then screened for the presence of phytochemicals. The modulatory effect of the Annona muricata extract was also tested on some antibiotics against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The findings from this study revealed that the various parts of the Annona muricata extract (ethanolic and aqueous) contained different proportions of secondary metabolites. Varied antimicrobial activities were observed when the extract of the A. muricata was exposed to MRSA strain at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The stem recorded the highest (17.00 and 18.00 mm) inhibitory activity against MRSA for both the aqueous and the ethanolic extract, respectively, and this was not different from the control, tetracycline. Again, the results on the modulatory action indicated that out of the 10 extracts of A. muricata, 4 of them antagonized the activity of ampicillin against the tested MRSA by a factor of 0.5 folds and the rest potentiated the drug within 1–4 folds, respectively. On the other hand, the various test extracts significantly potentiated the efficacy of streptomycin and tetracycline against the MRSA by a range of 1–32 folds with the aqueous root extract recording the highest synergistic effect and ethanol seed extract with the least effect. The findings of this study support the antibacterial activities of the A. muricata plant parts.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Tunisian Ziziphus lotus Extracts: Evaluation of Drying Effect, Solvent Extraction, and Extracted Plant Parts.

The Tunisian Ziziphus lotus plant was investigated to determine its phytoconstituents and evaluate its biological activities. In particular, the GC/MS technique was used to describe the chemical composition of Z. lotus active extracts and fractions. Among the obtained extracts, the yields of the dried root methanolic extract (29.80%) and the fruit aqueous extract (48.00%) were the highest ones. The dried root methanolic extract exhibited the highest amount in the total phenolics (186.44 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoids (102.50 ± 3.53 mg QE/g DW), and tannins (60.714 ± 2.2 mg catechin/g DW). The root aqueous extracts revealed the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 8.96 ± 0.38 mg/L and 16.46 ± 0.60 mg/L for the ABTS•+ and DPPH• assays, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity was accorded to the methanolic extract of the dried roots with a value of 304.07 ± 1.11 µg AAE/mg. The drying process was found to improve the qualitative and quantitative properties of the Z. lotus extracts. The evaluation of the cytotoxic activity against the SH-SY5Y cell line was carried out using MTT assay. The petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts of the dried roots showed relevant cytotoxic activities. The thin layer chromatography and the GC-MS/GC-FID analysis led to the identification of the 13-epimanool as a potent cytotoxic compound.

Protective Effect of Chichorium Intybus (Kasni) Roots on Hepatotoxocity Induced By Pyrazinamide in Male Mice

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is major health issue across the world. Yearly 2 million deaths are reported from this disease. Pakistan has been ranked in the top six countries that are bearing the major brunt of TB. Aim: To observe hepatoprotective role of aqueous extract of kasni (Chichorium intybus) roots on hepatotoxicity caused by Pyrazinamide in male BALB/c mice. Study Design: Randomized control Trial. Methodology: Healthy male albino Balb/C mice, fifty six in number were selected randomly and further grouped into four groups (n=14 mice). Group A labelled as control group and maintained on rodent diet with no medication. Group B was labelled as disease control group and only pyrazinamide was administered to mice in this group in dose (500mg/kg BW). Groups C and D designated as exploratory groups. Both group C & D were administered a combination of Anti TB drug, pyrazinamide along with aqueous extract preparations of Kasni roots in low (200mg/kg) & high doses (400mg/kg) respectively. Baseline blood samples were drawn at day zero. Results: Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) were improved in group C & D given aqueous extract of Chicorium intybus roots. Conclusion: It was concluded that high doses of aqueous extract preparations of kasni (Chichorium intybus) roots showed more improvements of serum markers in drug induced hepatotoxicity than low doses of aqueous preparations. Keywords: Chichorium intybus, Hepatoprotective, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP),

Efficacy of Butanolic Fraction of Cocos Nucifera's Root Aqueous Extract on Induced Anemia Treatment

Cocos nucifera was a coastal plant whose roots were used in pharmacopoeia to treat anemia in Benin. The aqueous extract from its roots stimulated the synthesis of hemoglobin. The aim of this work was to test in vivo the efficacy of the butanolic fraction of the extract in the treatment of anemia. Methods: Wistar rats were anemic with phenylhydrazine for two days. From D2 to D15, some were treated by gavage with the butanolic fraction of the aqueous extract of Cocos nucifera roots at the dose of 40 mg or 60 mg / kg of body weight / day, others were treated with vitafer (an anti-anemic drug) or with distilled water. The rats blood were collected on days D0, D2, D7, D10 and D15 for the complete blood count and the osmotic resistance of the red blood cells. Results: On D2, phenylhydrazine significantly lowered the hemoglobin level and the number of red blood cells, which were respectively corrected on D10 and D15 by the fraction of extract with release of hypochromic macrocytes. However, the effect was slower than that of the crude extract, was not specific to erythropoiesis because it also stimulated thrombopoiesis and was not dose-dependent. Conclusion: The butanolic fraction of the aqueous extract of Cocos nucifera roots corrected anemia by stimulation of hematopoiesis. The observed biological activity would probably be linked to anthocyanins which are mainly isolated by butanol. These results contribute to a better knowledge of bioactive compounds of our antianemic plants.

Acute Toxicity, Phytochemical Screening, Analgesic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aqueous and Methanol Root Extracts of Maerua triphylla A. Rich. (Capparaceae).

Maerua triphylla root extracts are used by Maasai and Kikuyu communities in Kenya to manage headaches, stomachaches, migraines, and rheumatism. However, scientific data on their safety and efficacy are limited. The current study aims to investigate the safety, phytochemical constituents, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities of M. triphylla root extracts. Aqueous and methanol M. triphylla root extracts were prepared by cold maceration, and the extracts' safety was evaluated using Wistar rats according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (2008) guidelines. Standard qualitative phytochemical screening methods were used for the detection of various phytochemical groups in the extracts. Analgesic activity assay in Swiss albino mice was done using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, while anti-inflammatory activity was determined in Wistar rats using the acetic acid-induced paw edema method. The methanol and aqueous extracts revealed LD50 > 2000 mg/kg bw, classifying them as nontoxic. The presence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols was observed in both extracts. However, saponins were only present in the methanol extract. In the analgesic study, mice that received 100 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw of aqueous root extract of M. triphylla had significantly lower acetic acid-induced writhing than mice that received acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg (reference drug) (p < 0.05). Additionally, mice that received 500 mg/kg bw of methanol root extract of M. triphylla had significantly lower acetic acid-induced writhing than mice that received the acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg (p < 0.05). In the anti-inflammatory study, there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between the inhibitory activity of different doses of the aqueous root extract of M. triphylla and a 50 mg/kg dose of diclofenac sodium (reference drug) on acetic acid-induced paw edema in rats. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the inhibitory activity of 100 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw doses of the methanol root extract of M. triphylla and a 50 mg/kg dose of diclofenac sodium on acetic acid-induced paw edema (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the roots of M. triphylla may be useful in the safe mitigation of pain and inflammation and therefore support their ethnomedicinal use in the management of pain and inflammation.

Determination of Impact of Acute and Chronic Administration of Aqueous Root Extract of E. Tremula (Burburwa) on some Haematological parameters in Wistar Albino Rats

Eragrostis tremula (Burburwa) is an herbal plant native to tropical Africa, India and Myanmar. It is found in sandy soils and abandoned cultivations. It is used locally for sweeping, used as fodder for cattle and extensively being used in traditional medicine practice without assessing its safety. This study investigated the impact on blood cells (WBCs) on chronic/acute use of aqueous root extract of Eragrostis tremula among males/females wistar rats. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrate, phenols, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and diterpene. Lorke's method was used for oral acute toxicity study (LD50 determination). A total of 20 wistar rats were used, divided into four groups of five rats each. Group I was control and administered with distilled water, Group II, Group III and Group IV were respectively administered with 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg of the extract per kilogram body weight, for 21 days. The result of acute oral toxicity study was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Total and differential (neutrophil, lymphocyte, and mixed cells) leukocyte counts were analysed. Eragrostis tremula aqueous root extract significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased lymphocyte and total leukocyte counts, but no significant changes (p&gt;0.05) were observed in neutrophil and mixed cells count when the treated groups were compared with the control group. In conclusion, the findings of the present study have shown that, aqueous root extract of Eragrostis tremula has impact on lymphocyte and total leukocyte count in the wistar rats which is dependent on dose of the extract. The extract at high doses increases the lymphocyte and total leukocyte counts of the treated groups.

Histopathological Profiles of Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Induced with Streptozotocin and Treated with Aqueous Root Extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious worldwide health threat since the number of people with DM is forecasted to grow annually. Thus, effective and affordable treatment is urgently needed. Our previous studies used n-hexane and hydroethanolic root extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L. which significantly affected diabetic rats. In this study, aqueous R. tuberosa L. root extracts were used as treatments for the diabetic rat model and their effects were evaluated. Diabetes was generated by the administration of streptozotocin (STZ) at 20 mg/kg within 5 sequential days. Male Wistar rats were orally treated with the extracts and standard drug (metformin 200 mg/kg) and vehicle every day for 4 weeks. Hypoglycemic effects were assessed for normal, diabetic control, standard, and extract-treated groups. Histopathology was also carried out for the pancreatic, hepatic, and kidney tissues. The progression of diabetes was considerably diminished after extract treatment. In treated rats, the highest dose of extract induced a decline in blood glucose and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels at 25% and 35%, respectively. Furthermore, aqueous extract of R. tuberosa L. treatment decreased MDA levels in the pancreas by 12%. Histologic examination of the organ tissues of diabetic rats showed deteriorating alterations. After treatment, histopathological damages to the tissues and cells were reversed. The results of the experiments recommend that aqueous extract of R. tuberosa L. has antidiabetic effects on STZ-induced diabetic rats; nevertheless, a higher dose of the aqueous extracts is needed to achieve more significant results.

Development of nanobiomaterial for wound healing based on silver nanoparticles loaded on chitosan hydrogel.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03030-0.

Antiproliferative, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib aqueous extracts in gut and liver perspective

BackgroundBauhinia strychnifolia Craib is an herb in Thai traditional medicine. Its decoction is traditionally used as an anticancer, antidiarrheal, and hangover remedy for centuries. Several studies described bioactivities of its organic solvent extracts, however, only few demonstrated the usefulness of the decoction. Here, we aimed to determine the bioactivities of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib root and stem aqueous extracts in gut and liver perspective.MethodsTo achieve the goal, we performed MTT test, microscopic analyses, disc diffusion assay, broth microdilution assay, free radicals scavenging assays, and LC-MS analysis.ResultsWe found that the extracts inhibited the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Moreover, they also inhibited the growth of gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus but not inhibited the growth of gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited moderate antioxidant activity and increased GSH production in HepG2 cell line when compared with untreated. Our LC-MS analysis confirmed the existence of anticancer and antioxidant; 3,5,7,3′,5′-pentahydroxyflavanonol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and β-sitosterol, in the extracts.ConclusionThe results from our study supported that the administration of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib root and stem decoction would really aid colon or liver cancer patients and detoxify the alcoholic drunkard as it is claimed in Thai traditional medicine.

Bioherbicidal Actions of Common Purslane on Seed Germination and Growth of Some Crop and Weed Species

This study was conducted to examine allelopathic actions of Common Purslane Portulaca oleracea L. aqueous shoot and root extracts on germination of seeds and some growth parameters of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rapeseed (Brassica napus). The experiment was performed in sterilized Petri dishes for one week at 22 °C. The experiment was arranged for completely randomized design. The concentrations were chosen for this study as (0%, 3%, 6% and 9%). The results indicated that the higher concentrations (6% and 9%) of both shoot and root extracts of common purslane caused significant reduction in seed germination whereas the lowest concentration caused the least negative impact on seed germination. Other growth polarimeters such as shoot and root length and shoot and root oven dry weight were significantly inhibited by the application of both Common Purslane aqueous shoot and root extracts at concentrations (6% and 9%) in wheat T. aestivum and rapeseed B. napus. However, dicot B. napus turned out to be more effected than monocot T. aestivum. The findings of this study suggest that common purslane aqueous shoot and root extracts can be recommended to utilize as bio-herbicide to supress seed germination and growth of weeds.