Aqueous Root Extract Research Articles

Modeling of Aqueous Root Extract Compounds of Ruellia tuberosa L. for Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibition Through in Silico Study

This study aims to analyze the inhibitory activities of aqueous root extract compounds of Ruellia tuberosa L. toward alpha-glucosidase protein by computational docking analysis. Three major compounds contained in the extracts (i.e., betaine, daidzein, and hispidulin) were selected as ligands; quercetin and acarbose were used as the reference. Computational docking analysis was performed using the HEX 8.0.0 program and visualized using the Discovery Studio Visualizer v19.1.0.18287 (2019 version) on the basis of the scoring functions. The interactions between ligands and alpha-glucosidase protein showed different binding patterns. The types of bonds involved in the interaction between the enzyme and these ligands were hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds. Energy generated from docking of betaine, daidzein, hispidulin, quercetin, and acarbose to alpha-glucosidase protein were −167.6, −249.5, −251.2, −241.5, and −322.1 cal/mol, respectively. Acarbose had the lowest energy, indicating that it has the strongest interaction with alpha-glucosidase, followed by hispidulin, daidzein, quercetin, and betaine. Amino acid residues that interacted with the ligands were His717, Met363, Arg608, Pro361, Phe362, Leu865, Glu869, Arg594, andAsp356. The current research shows that R. tuberosa L. aqueous root extracts have the potential to be used as an inhibitor for the alpha-glucosidase protein and as an antidiabetic agent. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to support this modeling study.

Effects of Autotoxicity on Seed Germination, Gas Exchange Attributes and Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Melon Seedlings

In recent years, continuous cropping is more and more common in melon production, which shows significant adverse effects on melon cultivation. Autotoxicity is a critical factor for continuous cropping obstacle. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the changes of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters could sensitively reflect the degree of melon autotoxicity and its damage. The root aqueous extract of melon plant was used to simulate the autotoxicity. The effects of autotoxicity on seed germination, seedling morphology, photosynthesis and chlorophyll a fluorescence transient (OJIP) were determined. The results showed that autotoxicity significantly inhibited seed germination and subsequent growth. The content of chlorophyll and carotenoid, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, water-use efficiency and transpiration rate decreased significantly in melon seedlings under autotoxicity. The OJIP test parameters showed slight improvement or no obvious change at low treatment concentration (0.01 and 0.02 g·mL−1) and deteriorated rapidly at high concentration (0.03 and 0.04 g·mL−1), which was consistent with the concentration-dependent characteristics of autotoxicity. Under high autotoxicity stress concentration, most parameters related specific fluxes or activities per photosystem II (PS II) reaction centers (RC), such as absorption flux per active RC (ABS/RC), dissipated energy flux per active RC (DIo/RC) and other parameters, increased significantly in OJIP test. At the same time, most parameters related yields or flux ratios and performance index, such as maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (φPo), performance index on absorption basis (PIabs) and other parameters, decreased significantly. Photoinhibition induced by autotoxicity affected both the donor and the acceptor side of PS II, and then inhibited the growth of plants, decreased of photosynthetic pigment content. OJIP test parameters can be used to measure effectively the effect of autotoxicity on melon seedlings.

α-Glucosidase and advanced glycation end products inhibition with Vernonia amygdalina root and leaf extracts: new data supporting the antidiabetic properties.

This study aims to investigate antidiabetic activity of several Vernonia amygdalina extracts to study their potential use in medicine. Aqueous and ethanol extracts were obtained by maceration and Soxhlet extraction from roots and leaves of V. amygdalina. The extracts were tested as inhibitors of α-glucosidase activity and of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation. Further, radical scavenging activity was examined detecting the oxygen radical absorbance capacity, while the potential cytotoxicity of extracts was estimated with MTT assay. In aqueous and ethanol extracts, several polyphenolic compounds were identified; in detail, (-)-catechin and luteolin were found in leaf extracts, while caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and the terpenoid vernodalol were recognized in root extracts. Regarding antidiabetic activity, the aqueous root extracts efficiently inhibited α-glucosidase activity in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 5.6 µg/ml and 39.8 µg/ml, respectively of macerated and Soxhlet extracts), whereas those obtained from leaves exhibited lower potency. Furthermore, AGEs formation was reduced by all V. amygdalina extracts starting from 10 µg/ml. The aqueous extracts of V. amygdalina roots obtained by maceration and Soxhlet extraction show remarkable anti-α-glucosidase activity, and all extracts have favourable antiglycation and antioxidant activities.

Study the Effect of Rubia Cordifolia Extract on Different Type of Cancer Cell Lines and Different Microbial

Rubia cordifolia (Manjistha, Indian madder) is a plant in the Rubiaceae coffee family distributed in the lower Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Japan. It was mainly used as a red pigment, R. Cordifolia can be used for the management of jaundice in Ayurvedic medicine., inflammation of the joints, and cough. R. Cordifolia is becoming increasingly popular in western culture as an alternative treatment for skin disease such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Past studies have also shown R. Cordifolia is a promising regulator of the spread of breast cancer cells.This research aims to find a solution to conditions such as cancer and multi-drug resistant bacteria that are difficult to treat and fungi by using R.Cordifolia aqueous root extract. Methods used in this inquiry to assess the antimicrobial and anticancer effects of low concentration R. cordifolia aqueous extracts were MTT assay on three cancer cell lines (HepG2, BxPC-3 and MCF-7) and the minimum inhibitory concentration MIC for antimicrobial susceptibility against six microorganisms,three are bacteria (P.aeruginosa (Pseudomonas aeruginosa),E. coli ( Escherichia coli) and B.subtilis (Bacillus subtilis) and three are antibiotic resistant fungi (F. oxysporum, T. basicola and T. phaseolina). The findings indicate that R. Cordifolia In addition to its function as an antimicrobial and antifungal agent, it may have a potential use as an adjunct therapy to pancreatic, liver and breast cancer., as demonstrated in this study against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and F. oxysporum, T. basicola and T. phaseolina strains.

Antioxidant and antimalarial properties of Sophora exigua Craib. root extract in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

BackgroundSophora exigua Craib. is commonly used in Thailand to reduce fever and increase postpartum breast milk production in women who have hypogalactia. However, there has been no report on the antioxidant and antimalarial properties of this plant. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antimalarial activities of S. exigua root extract and to evaluate its acute toxicity in mice to confirm its safety.MethodsThe in vitro antioxidant activities were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. The in vivo antioxidant activities were determined by detecting the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the livers of malaria-infected mice. The in vivo antimalarial activity was determined by Peters’ 4-day suppressive test in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and orally administered S. exigua root aqueous and ethanolic extracts at different doses (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight). In addition, the acute oral toxicity of the plant extracts was assessed in mice at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight.ResultsThe ethanolic extract of S. exigua root exhibited inhibition of DPPH radicals, superoxide anions, and hydroxyl radicals, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 24.63 ± 1.78, 129.78 ± 0.65, and 30.58 ± 1.19 μg/ml, respectively. Similarly, research on the in vivo antioxidant activity indicated that the ethanolic extract of S. exigua root exerted a stronger effect than the aqueous extract. The aqueous extract at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg had stronger antimalarial activity than the ethanolic extract. The aqueous extract at 600 mg/kg exhibited 60.46% suppression of parasitemia. Increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected in the mice treated with 2000 mg/kg ethanolic extract, which was related to the results of histopathological analysis of liver tissue, showing ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes, diffuse hepatic hemorrhage, and infiltration of inflammatory cells.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the ethanolic S. exigua root extract possessed antioxidant properties, and the aqueous extract also had antimalarial activity. Therefore, this plant is an alternative source of new antioxidant and antimalarial agents.

Allelopathic Effects of Three Herb Species on Phytophthora cinnamomi, a Pathogen Causing Severe Oak Decline in Mediterranean Wood Pastures

The ability of three herbaceous plants (Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC., Eruca vesicaria L. and Raphanus raphanistrum L.) from Iberian wood pastures to reduce Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands pathogen populations through allelopathic relationships is studied. The inhibitory capacity of their aqueous root extracts (AREs) on mycelial growth and production of P. cinnamomi reproductive structures is analysed in vitro. In addition, Quercus seedlings were grown in infested by P. cinnamomi-soils and with the presence or absence of allelopathic and susceptible herb species to the pathogen to assess the defensive chemical response of Quercus seedlings through their leaf phenolic compounds. Results show a strong inhibitory capacity of AREs on P. cinnamomi activity in vitro and a protective effect of these herb species on Quercus plants against P. cinnamomi in vivo. D. tenuifolia would be especially suited for biological control in the pathogen suppression.

In vitro antioxidant and anti-arthritic effect of the aqueous and ethanolic leaf and root bark extract of Alafia barteri

Alafia barteri (Apocynaceae) is a climbing shrub having white or pink flowers. Traditionally, it has been used to treat diseases like malaria, sickle cell anemia, and eye infections. This research is focused on investigating the antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities of the aqueous and ethanol leaf and root extract of Alafia barteri plant in vitro. In-vitro antioxidant methods used were 2, 2 -diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, reducing power activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay while the anti-arthritic activity was studied using the assay method of protein denaturation. Results revealed that aqueous and ethanol root extracts scavenge free radicals, thus inhibiting damage caused by oxidative stress in arthritis while the ethanol extracts of both the leaf and roots had good anti-arthritic activities as seen in its ability to decrease protein denaturation.

Establishment and productivity of cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or alfalfa–hybrid bromegrass mixtures

Cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) (CMV) is a non-bloating, perennial legume that has shown persistence under grazing. Limited information is available on its seedling establishment and subsequent forage yield and nutritive value in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) mixtures. Field plots were seeded in May 2013 at Melfort, SK, Canada, to evaluate ‘Oxley II’ cicer milkvetch performance in ‘AC Grazeland’ alfalfa or alfalfa and ‘AC Success’ hybrid bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehmann× Bromus inermis Leyss.) mixtures from 2014 to 2017. Two controlled environment tests were also conducted by treating seeds of CMV using alfalfa root aqueous extract. Seed germination and seedling height of CMV were significantly reduced in aqueous extract. In the field, establishment of CMV in a mixture containing alfalfa was reduced, and CMV dry matter proportion in the mixture increased only 3.5% over three years. Increasing CMV seeding rate did not increase its dry matter (DM) percent in the mixtures, indicating a high allelopathic effect of alfalfa. Forage DM yield of all mixtures was linearly correlated to the proportion of alfalfa, and adding hybrid brome did not increase the DM yield. Forage DM yield was higher for the three-cut than the two-cut treatments for CMV–alfalfa mixtures, but there was no difference between the cutting frequency for CMV–alfalfa–hybrid brome mixtures. Fiber concentrations decreased linearly with increased CMV seeding rate in the mixtures. This study showed that CMV establishment in alfalfa mixtures was reduced in a same-row seeding, and the allelopathic effect was not reduced by lower alfalfa seeding rates or adding a grass.

Antioxidant and Anti-proliferative Activities of Smilax Zeylanica Root and Rhizome Extract against Liver Carcinoma Cells

ABSTRACT The antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-cancer potential of aqueous root and rhizome extract (ARRE) of Smilax zeylanica was investigated against human liver carcinoma cells. The phytochemical composition was evaluated by standard methods, and confirmed by thin-layer chromatography. Free radical scavenging activity was determined by DPPH assay, cytotoxic activity by brine shrimp lethality assay, and anti-cancer potential was investigated using liver carcinoma HepG2 cells. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, proanthocyanins, tannins, and polyphenols. The total phenolic and flavonoid content varied from 0.28 to 5.26 mg gallic acid equivalent 100 mg−1 and 0.25–50.26 quercetin equivalent 100 mg−1, respectively. There was a linear relationship between the free radical scavenging activity and phytochemical concentrations with an IC50 value of 108 ± 1.2 µg mL−1 compared to the standard (IC50: 2.59 ± 0.02 µg mL−1). The brine shrimp lethality assay showed strong cell killing ability (IC50: 84 ± 0.7 µg mL−1) and the extract induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells (77 ± 1.52%) at 300 µg mL−1, comparable to the positive control (camptothecin).

Biochemical Assessment of Fertility-Enhancing Effect of Aqueous Extract of Symphonia globulifera (Linn. F.) In Adult Male Wistar Rats

The present study investigated the effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of Symphonia globulifera root on fertility in addition to its effect on some biochemical indices in adult male Wistar rats. After the aqueous extraction, phytochemical screening was carried out. Twenty-four (24) mature and healthy adult male wistar rats of weights between 150-220 g were used. The rats were randomly divided into four (4) groups each containing six (6) rats. Group 1 rats were gavaged with distilled water which served as control group. Group 2, 3 and 4 rats were orally treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of S. globulifera respectively for 21 days. After the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their organs (heart, liver, kidney and testes) were excised. Hormonal analysis which include seminal fluid analysis (SFA), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leutenizing hormone (LH), testosterone and prolactin were carried out following standard procedures. The data were analysed using students t-test and ANOVA with the aid of SPSS with P < 0.05 level of statistical significance. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed presence of major phytochemicals. There was dose-dependent decrease in the body weight of the rats after the treatment. In hormonal analysis, SFA increased significantly when compared to that of the control rats. The analysis also revealed that the blood level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was significantly increased whereas; there was decrease in testosterone level when compared with the control animals. In conclusion, aqueous extract of S. globulifera was found to be safe and showed significant fertility enhancing effects.

Phytochemical profiling and cytotoxic evaluation of Premna serratifolia L. against human liver cancer cell line.

Premna serratifolia L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant, widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions and commonly used in traditional medicine. The current study was focused to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of aqueous extract of root of P. serratifolia (AEPS) against human hepatoblastoma cancer cell line (Hep G2).The yield of the dried extract was 5.8% and used for further studies.Cytotoxic potential of AEPS was analyzed by MTT assay, which exhibits IC50 value 1000µg/mL after 48h incubation. Hoechst and AO/EtBr staining, ROS measurement, mitochondrial membrane potential, clonogenic and wound healing assays also confirmed the cytotoxic efficacy of AEPS in dose and time-dependent manner. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis of AEPS confirmed the presence of 12polyphenolic compounds, namely 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid, linarin, peonidin-3,5-O-di-beta-glucopyranoside, diosmin, trans-cinnamic acid, daidzein, saponarin, homoorietin, acacetin, sarsasapogenin, phytol and sissotrin. The cytotoxic potential of AEPS might due to presence of biologically active polyphenolic compounds.

Effect of botanical insecticides against Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Spodoptera frugiperda or Fall Armyworm is an insect pest that highly polyphagous and considered to have greater damage than the other Spodoptera. Two botanical insecticides, i.e. aqueous extract of tobacco leaf (Nicotiana tabacum) and tuba roots (Derris elliptica) were examined for their effects in mortality (applied by contact and residue) and as a feed reduction. The mortality study was designed in a Completely Randomized Design with three treatments and thirty replications. One replication consists of one larva, then there are thirty larvae in one replication. The results showed that the aqueous extract of tobacco leaf and tuba roots which were applied by contact gave mortality rates as much as 50.0% and 56.7% consecutively, whereas by residual application, the aqueous extract of tobacco leaf (40% mortality) was more toxic compared to aqueous extract of tuba root (23.6% mortality). Aqueous tobacco leaf and tuba root caused feeding reduction of FAW as much as 12.30% and 21.53%, respectively. This showed that these insecticides have potential to be used in the field by farmers because of its has simple preparation method.

Cannabis roots: Pharmacological and toxicological studies in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThere are many studies and therapeutic properties attributed to the flowers and leaves of the Cannabis species, but even with few pharmacological studies, Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae) roots presents several therapeutic indications in folk medicine.Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic effects as well as the toxicological profile of the aqueous extract of Cannabis sativa roots (CsAqEx) in mice. Materials and methodsWe assessed the anti-inflammatory effect with carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration assay, and carrageenan and histamine-induced paw edema methods; The spasmolytic effect was assessed through in vitro assays with isolated mice trachea. To assess motor coordination and mobility, mice went through the rotarod and open field tests, respectively. For the single-dose toxicity study, we administered CsAqEx at the dose of 1000 mg/kg by gavage. In a repeated dose toxicity study, animals received CsAqEx at doses of 25 mg or 100 mg/kg for 28 days. ResultsThe CsAqEx inhibited the migration of leukocytes at the doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. The CsAqEx showed anti-inflammatory activity after the intraplantar injection of carrageenan, presenting a reduction in edema formation at all tested doses (12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg). The dose of 12.5 mg/kg of CsAqEx prevented edema formation after intraplantar injection of histamine. In an organ bath, 729 μg/mL of CsAqEx did not promote spasmolytic effect on isolated mice tracheal rings contracted by carbachol (CCh) or potassium chloride (KCl). We did not observe clinical signs of toxicity in the animals after acute treatment with CsAqEx, which suggested that the median lethal dose (LD50) is greater than 1000 mg/kg. Repeated dose exposure to the CsAqEx did not produce significant changes in hematological, biochemical, or organ histology parameters. ConclusionsThe results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of CsAqEx is related to the reduction of vascular extravasation and migration of inflammatory cells, without effects on the central nervous system. Moreover, there was no spasmolytic effect on airway smooth muscle and no toxicity was observed on mice.

In vitro antifungal activity, phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography profiling of Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich root extracts

Background: The emergence of microorganisms’ new resistance mechanism, the emerging and re-emerging of new infectious disease and side effects of antimicrobials threatening our ability to treat infectious diseases. Therefore, researches for the innovation of new drugs are needed through identification of the best candidate like plants which are used in traditional medicine. In Ethiopia, women dye their palms and nails by a root paste of the study plant (Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich) as a beauty treatment, to toughen the skin and to control fungal infections.Objectives: To investigate the antifungal activities, phytochemical screening and Thin Layer Chromatography profiling of aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate root extracts of Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich.Methods: The roots of Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich were collected from Gurage Zone around Butajira town and processed and extracted using solvents of ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. Agar well diffusion and agar dilution methods were used for screening the antifungal activity of the extracts and for determination of minimal inhibitory concentration, respectively. The minimum fungicidal concentration of the extracts was determined and the plant extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening.Result: From the tested fungi T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes were more susceptible. The study screened the presence of at least 7 phytochemicals (alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinens, terpenoids, glycosides, quinones and saponins) and 6 compounds in the roots of the study plant. Ethyl acetate extract was more potent and broader spectrum of antifungal activities than ethanol and aqueous extracts.Conclusion: The roots of the study plant showed notable antifungal potency. However, further research should be undertaken to elucidate the involved phytochemicals and compounds present in the extracts and mechanism of action which clear out the road for developing new antifungal drugs.

Variation in Anti-Glycation and Cross-Link Breaking Effects of Crude Extracts of Moringa oleifera Leaf, Seed and Root

Study and comparing the anti-glycation and cross-link breaking effects of Moringa oleifera leaf, seed and root extracts with aminoguanidine, a known inhibitor of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Their phytochemical composition and extraction yields were also assessed. All seed and root extracts demonstrated significantly higher anti-glycation effect than aminoguanidine against total immunogenic AGEs (p < 0.05). Both seed and root polar (methanol and water) extracts exhibited significantly higher anti-glycation effect against N′-(carboxymethyl)lysine than aminoguanidine (p < 0.05). Polar extracts of all M. oleifera tested parts demonstrated higher anti-glycation activity against fluorescent AGEs than aminoguanidine (p < 0.05). With exception to the aqueous root extracts, all leaf, seed and root extracts of M. oleifera demonstrated an ability to break AGE-protein cross-links. The highest cross-link breaking effect was exhibited by ethyl acetate extract of leaves.The methanol extract of seeds of M. oleifera showed the presence of all tested secondary metabolites.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of an aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra and of glycyrrhetinic acid against gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants.

This study evaluated the in vitro anthelmintic activity of a liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root aqueous extract and of glycyrrhetinic acid at 30, 10, 5, 1, and 0.5mg/mL against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), using the egg hatch test (EHT), the larval development test (LDT), and the larval migration inhibition test (LMIT). The compounds were applied on a mixture of GIN eggs and larvae, mainly Trichostrongylus spp. and Teladorsagia/Ostertagia spp. Cytotoxicity assays were also performed. In the EHT, both candidates showed significant concentration-dependent efficacy and were significantly more effective (p<0.001) at the highest concentrations (30 and 10mg/mL) than the lowest ones. In the LDT, only G. glabra showed a concentration-dependent effect (R2=0.924), but glycyrrhetinic acid (R2=0.910) had significantly higher efficacy than G. glabra root extract. Moreover, the efficacy of glycyrrhetinic acid at 30, 10, and 5mg/mL was significantly higher (p<0.001) than at lower concentrations. In the LMIT, G. glabra showed concentration-dependent efficacy (R2=0.971), while considerably reduced efficacy was observed for glycyrrhetinic acid (R2=0.855) at the lowest concentrations. These data suggest that the two compounds may have different mechanisms of action. In the LMIT, the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of glycyrrhetinic acid (~5.12mg/mL) was > 2.0-fold lower when compared to G. glabra (12.25mg/mL). Analysis and previous findings indicated low toxicity for both compounds. The results obtained encourage in vivo studies aimed at evaluating the potential use of the tested compounds as natural de-wormers in ruminants.

Effects of Rauwolfia Vomitoria extracts on monoamine oxidase activity in wistar rats

Monoamine Oxidase (MAO; EC 1.4.3.4.) is a widely distributed mitochondrial enzyme with two isoforms: MAO-A and MAO-B. It has high expression levels in gastro-intestinal and hepatic as well as neuronal tissues. The enzyme catalyzes the oxidative deamination of a variety of monoamines, both endogenous and exogenous, and has major roles in metabolizing released neurotransmitters, and in detoxification of a large variety of endogenous and exogenous amines. Drugs which inhibit MAO are currently in clinical use for treatment of affective disorders. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), the most prevalent mood disorder is the leading cause of worldwide disability. Core symptoms of MDD include depressed mood, irritability, anhedonia (defined as the reduced ability to experience pleasure from previously rewarding activities), difficulty concentrating, and disrupted appetite and sleep habits. Several clinical studies report a high prevalence of MDD comorbidity with inflammatory diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic disorders, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. Medicinal plant play a significant role in providing primary health care services to rural people serving as therapeutic agents as well as important raw materials for the manufacture of traditional and modern medicine. A large number of medicinal plants are claimed to possess the antidepressant properties in the traditional system and are also used extensively by people worldwide R. Vomitoria, a shrub of the family Apocynaceae is commonly called serpent wood or swizzler stick and is used locally in the treatment of mental disorders, nervous disorders and insomnia.The aim of this article is to review the findings of the studies on antidepressant effects, mechanism of action of medicinal plants with emphasis on monoamine oxidase enzyme. Ninety male Wistar rats were orally administered 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of aqueous and ethanol root extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria for 14 and 28 days. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and monoamine oxidase activity was determined spectrophotometrically. Rauwolfia vomitoria root decreased MAO significantly compared to standard imipramine, citalopram and control.

Germination inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts of native grasses from South America

Abstract Soluble allelochemicals have generated great interest since they can be used for the biological control of pests, especially of weeds. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of soluble compounds of exudates on germination in relation to exposure time. Here we evaluate the inhibitory effect of aqueous root, stem and leaf extracts of five South American species of Bothriochloa on the percentage of seed germination of four target species (lettuce, lovegrass, maize and wintergreen paspalum) over three exposure periods (48, 120 and 168 h). Aqueous extracts of the five Bothriochloa species inhibited germination; germination inhibition was strongly correlated with exposure time, with the longest treatment period (168 h) being the one of greatest inhibitory activity. Inhibitory activity differed among types of aqueous extracts. The suitable management of allelopathy might improve crop productivity and environmental protection through biologically friendly control of weeds.

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles, doxycycline, collagen and their amalgamation – An in vitro study

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous root extract of Delphinium denudatum (Dd). The fabricated DdAgNPs were characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The spectrum of brownish yellow color colloid exhibited notable peak at 416 nm. The size of DdAgNPs was ranging from 40 to 85 nm and was spherical in shape. The advent of multi-resistant pathogens has imposed the search of new strategies. In this situation, we combined silver nanoparticles (DdAgNPs) with doxycycline (DO) and collagen to assess the potency of this hybrid as a bactericidal agent against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella paratyphi, Shigella dysentriae and Vibrio cholera. DdAgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against only two test organisms but combination with collagen exhibited strong antibacterial activity against all test organisms. Doxycycline showed no activity against Escherichia coli, Shigella dysentriae and Vibrio cholera but combination with collagen exhibited antibacterial activity towards all test organisms with increased zone of inhibition except Bacillus cereus. Synergistic action of DdAgNPs, doxycycline and collagen resulted in enhanced antibacterial effect. Moreover, simultaneous action of doxycycline and DdAgNPs has made it difficult for pathogenic bacteria to develop resistance and hence, this combinational therapy can be further studied to develop new formulations of DdAgNPs in conjunction with doxycycline and collagen.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Acute Oral Toxicity, and Qualitative Phytochemistry of The Aqueous Root Extract of Launaea cornuta (Hochst. Ex Oliv. & Hiern.).

The root and leaf extracts of Launaea cornuta have been locally used in traditional medicine for decades to manage inflammatory conditions and other oxidative-stress-related syndromes; however, their pharmacologic efficacy has not been scientifically investigated and validated. Accordingly, we investigated the in vitro antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) efficacy, acute oral toxicity, and qualitative phytochemical composition of the aqueous root extract of L. cornuta. The ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the 2,2-diphenyl-2-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test methods were used to determine the studied plant extract’s antioxidant activity. Besides, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the studied plant extract was investigated using in vitro (anti-proteinase and protein denaturation), ex vivo (membrane stabilization), and in vivo (carrageenan-induced paw oedema in Swiss albino mice) methods. The studied plant extract demonstrated significant in vitro antioxidant effects, which were evidenced by higher DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP activities, in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Generally, the studied plant extract exhibited significant in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy, respectively, and in a concentration/dose-dependent manner compared with respective controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, the studied plant extract did not cause any observable signs of acute oral toxicity, even at the cut-off dose of 2000 mg/Kg BW (LD50 > 2000 mg/Kg BW), and was thus considered safe. Additionally, qualitative phytochemistry revealed the presence of various antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory-associated phytochemicals, which were deemed responsible for the reported pharmacologic efficacy. Further studies to characterise bioactive molecules and their mode(s) of pharmacologic efficacy are encouraged.