Aqueous Root Extract Research Articles

UPLC-HR-ESI-MS ANALYSIS AND ANTIPROLIFERATIVE AND ANTI-DIABESITY SCREENING OF FLOWERS, ROOTS, AND AERIAL PARTS OF SOLANUM ELAEAGNIFOLIUM CAV.

Objective: Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. is an invasive summer-growing wild perennial herb but is traditionally used to treat some health conditions, including toothache and constipation. This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of various parts of this herb (flowers, roots, and aerial parts) and explore its biological properties. Methods: Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was used for the first time for the root to analyze the hydro-alcoholic extract besides flowers and aerial parts of S. elaeagnifolium. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was used to assess the antiproliferative effects of the same extracts on the colorectal cancer cell lines (CACO2, SW620, HT29, and HCT116). The aqueous extracts of the plant’s three parts were evaluated in vitro for their anti-diabesity properties. Results: For the first time, other compounds in three plant parts were identified using UPLC-MS: hyperoside and apigenin (flavonoids), in flowers and roots, naringin (flavonoid) in the roots, and apigenin (flavonoid) in aerial parts, diosgenin (steroids sapogenin) solamargine, and solasodine (alkaloids) in the three parts. In addition to the previously identified compounds; chlorogenic acid and kaempferol were in the aerial part, and flowers; and luteolin (flavonoids) were in the aerial parts. Pharmacologically, the aqueous extracts of flowers and roots proved anti-diabesity activity, and no anti-proliferative effect was detected for their hydro-alcoholic extracts. Neither anti-obesity nor anti-proliferative activities were detected in the aerial part extracts. Conclusion: Further in vivo and in vitro investigations are required for the different parts of S. elaeagnifolium to explore more biological activities and evaluate the plant’s toxicity.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ СОЗДАНИЯ ПРОФИЛАКТИЧЕСКИХ ПРЕПАРАТОВ С АНТИОКСИДАНТНОЙ АКТИВНОСТЬЮ ИЗ РАСТЕНИЙ КАСПИЙСКОГО РЕГИОНА

The antioxidant activity of root extracts and seeds of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. was studied using a physi-cochemical method using a spectrophotometer; preparation “licorice extract “Glycirfite”, containing a group of flavonoid compounds, saponins, terpenoids, resins; Sophora japonica L. fruit extract con-taining 8 flavonoids, rutin, kaempferol-3-sophoroside, quercetin-3-rutinoside and genistein-4-sophorabioside, Juglans regia L. pericarp extract containing phenolic acids, ascorbic acid flavonoids (up to 3%) , tannins. Antioxidant activity was assessed using a method based on the DPPH inhibition reaction. The control drugs were a 5% aqueous-salt solution of ascorbic acid (50 mg/ml) and a 10% solution of α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) in oil. The greatest antioxidant activity was demonstrated by extracts of the fruits of Glycyrrhiza glabra, the fruits of Sophora japonica and the drug “GLYCIRFITE”, which, in our opinion, contained the largest amount of antioxidant components. A high degree of inhibition of free radical processes was demonstrated by an aqueous extract of licorice root and an extract of the pericarp Juglans regia. Studies have shown low AOA of ascorbic acid and vitamin E drug solutions in this experiment.

Co-administration of Acarbose with Aqueous Extract of Root and Leaf of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Accelerates Wound Closure in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Co-administration of Acarbose with Aqueous Extract of Root and Leaf of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Accelerates Wound Closure in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Melatonin-induced development of adventitious roots, biosynthesis of secondary cell products and greener synthesis of silver nanoparticles for biological activities using Indigofera heterantha

Indigofera heterantha is a medicinal shrub of the family Fabaceae that naturally produces pharmaceutically important polyphenolics and at the verge of extinction due to ruthless exploitation. The adventitious roots provide bases for the conservation of endangered plants by decreasing pressure on their wild populations and help in the large-scale production of pharmacologically important secondary metabolites. The main objective of the current study was to establish a feasible protocol for adventitious roots and to investigate the effect of melatonin on the biosynthesis of biomass, secondary cell products, and greener synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for various biological activities. Melatonin is an important growth promoter and plays a key role in plant defense that can be used as elicitors for large-scale production of secondary metabolites. Different concentrations of melatonin revealed that 1.5 mg l−1 melatonin was effective for the biosynthesis of maximum biomass during log phases of growth kinetics. The same melatonin concentration enhanced total phenolics content (TPC; 68.28 mg/g-DW), total flavonoids content (TFC; 24.34 mg/g-DW), total phenolics production (TPP; 153.63 g l−1), total flavonoids production (TFP; 54.80 g l−1), antioxidant activity and total secondary metabolites in adventitious roots. The melatonin-treated roots (300 mM) were able to produce maximum biogenic AgNPs, characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy (UV), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and were used for various biological activities. These NPs displayed maximum antimicrobial activities and further revealed that AgNPs and aqueous root extract displayed higher cytotoxic activities. The protocol developed here provides an alternative strategy for germplasm conservation and melatonin proved to be one of the best elicitors for different activities and has the potential of scaling up by various pharmaceutical industrial applications.

Preparation and analysis of silver Nanoparticles (Ag Nps) by plant extract techniques of green tea and study optical and structural properties

Aqueous root extract has been used to examine the green production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by reducing the Ag+ ions in a silver nitrate solution. UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyze the produced AgNPs. The AgNPs that were created had a maximum absorbance at 416 nm, were spherical in form, polydispersed in nature, and were 685 nm in size.The AgNPs demonstrated antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus. The dengue vector Aedes aegypti's second instar larvae were very susceptible to the AgNPs' powerful larvicidal action.

In vitro Evaluation of Sersia Lancea Root Extract for the treatment of Common Microbial Infections

Searsia lancea (SL) has been exploited by native healers in the Southern African region for the treatment of various bacterial and fungal infections. This study was aimed to analyze the antimicrobial activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration of SL root extract against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, E.coli and Staph aureus. The maceration technique was used as the extraction method. The antifungal and antibacterial activity was determined by the agar well diffusion method. The agar dilution method was used for estimating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The biological investigations in this study clearly demonstrate the antibacterial and antifungal potential of SL aqueous and organic extract. The aqueous and organic Sersia Lancea root extract achieved zone of inhibition from 17.1-40.2mm against the tested organisms. The order of susceptibility of the pathogens to the tested extracts was found to be S.aureus>Candida Albicans>E.coli>Candida Glabrata. The results of the MIC experiment demonstrate that Candida Albicans and E.Coli were susceptible to the MIC of 3.12mg/mL for the SL distilled water root extract . The MIC of the aqueous extract against Candida glabrata and Staph Aureus were 6.25 and 12.5mg/mL respectively. All the microrgaisms were susceptible to MIC 6.25mg/mL for the DCM extract except for Candida Glabrata with MIC of 12.5mg/mL. The current work has not performed any isolation or structural elucidation studies for the potential compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity. This is the first report to demonstrate the antibacterial and antifungal property of SL root extract. The results in this work provide scope for future studies to elucidate the structure of potential actives in SL root extract and to test their potential as possible antibacterial and antifungals.

Ovulation Inducing Activity in PCOD Induced Female Wister Albino Rats and In vitro Studies of Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Kadugurogini chooranam (Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora)

Siddha system of medicine is oldest traditional system in south India. In these system herbals plays a vital role in prevention and curing the disease. Siddhar’s who told the amazing solution for aging process. Causes of aging are due to increased level of free radicals that damage the major constituents of the cell. Herbals naturally have free radical scavenging activity because Presence of phyto-constiuents like polyphenols generally indicates the rejuvenating properties. The present study also to validate the Estrodial induced PCOS female wistar albino rats to treat with extract of Kadugurogini Chooranam (Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora) and the level of hormones were detected for the ovulation inducing activity and analysis the anti-radical properties from the decoction of Kadugurogini Chooranam (Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora) through the four parameters superoxide, nitricoxide, lipid peroxidation, ABTS radical activity with standard antioxidant and positive control is used as a ascorbic acid. Therefore, aqueous root extracts of Kadugurogini Chooranam have considerable antioxidant properties. In preliminary study, the Kadugurogini Chooranam posse’s significant effects on hormonal level on PCOS induced female wister albino rats.

Experimental research on the development of composition of complex action ointment based on phytocomplex

The aim of the work is to develop the composition of a complex action ointment based on active pharmaceutical ingredients of natural origin for the treatment of cheilitis of various etiologies. Materials and methods. The development of the ointment base by selecting active pharmaceutical ingredients and auxiliary substances determined by organoleptic, physicochemical, rheological and microbiological research methods. Results. Studies of the antimicrobial activity of experimental samples have established that the optimal ointment base is a water/oil emulsion, which provides better API release rates than absorption bases. According to the results of structural and mechanical studies, the introduction of the API complex reduces the structural viscosity of the ointment base. Furthermore, the ability of the ointment to thin out with an increase in the gradient of the shear rate is shown, which will contribute to the uniform distribution of the API during the technological process and the easy application of the ointment to the skin. The study of textural properties of the experimental ointment samples (cohesion, adhesion, and elasticity) also confirmed the satisfactory spreadability of the sample. The optimal container for its consistent properties was chosen according to the results of the ointment's structural, mechanical and textural properties. A test of the effectiveness of antimicrobial preservatives was conducted, resulting in the minimum effective concentration of sodium benzoate in the amount of 1 % was substantiated. Furthermore, based on the results of a complex of studies, the composition of the emulsion ointment was developed, which includes vaseline (liquid paraffin) 20 %, emulsifiers glycerol monostearate 5.5 %, polysorbate-80 3.5 %, viscosity regulator of the aqueous phase hydroxyethyl cellulose 3 %, phytocomplex API "Phytol" (concentrated aqueous extract of burdock root: oak bark: pot calendula in the ratio 5:1:1.5, respectively) and essential oils of tea tree 1 % and geranium 1.5 %, purified water. Conclusions. Based on organoleptic, physicochemical, rheological and microbiological studies, the composition of the ointment of complex action was developed based on active pharmaceutical ingredients of natural origin for the treatment of cheilitis of various etiologies.

Exploring the Antibacterial Potential of Green-Synthesized MgO and ZnO Nanoparticles from Two Plant Root Extracts.

The green approach-based nanoparticle synthesis is considered a more cost-effective and ecologically responsible method of producing nanoparticles than other standard techniques. A major accomplishment in resolving these issues is the use of nanoparticles for environmental pollution remediation. This article describes a simple method for producing MgO and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale and Glycyrrhiza roots as the stabilizing and reducing agents, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersed X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy methods were used to characterize the biologically synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles (MO NPs). The XRD results showed that the mean crystallite sizes of synthesized ZnO and MgO NPs, which have excellent purity, are 12.35 nm and 4.83 nm, respectively. The spherical or elliptical shape of the synthesized NPs was confirmed by the SEM analysis. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized NPs against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was thoroughly investigated. With a medium zone of inhibition of 7 to 10 mm, the as-synthesized MgO NPs and ZnO NPs demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity towards various bacterial strains.

Hepatoprotective effects of Niudali (Callerya speciosa) root aqueous extracts against tetrachloromethane-induced acute liver injury and inflammation.

Niudali (Callerya speciosa) is commonly grown in southeastern regions of China and consumed as a food ingredient. Although Niudali root extracts showed various biological activities, the hepatoprotective effects of Niudali root phytochemicals are not fully studied. Herein, we prepared two Niudali root aqueous extracts, namely, c and Niudali polysaccharides-enriched extract (NPE), and identified an alkaloid, (hypaphorine) in NEW. The hepatoprotective effects of NWE, NPE, and hypaphorine were evaluated in an acute liver injury model induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice. Pathohistological examination and blood chemistry assays showed that treatment of NWE, NPE, and hypaphorine alleviated CCl4-induced liver damage by lowering the liver injury score (by 75.51%, 80.01%, and 41.22%) and serum aspartate and alanine transaminases level (by 63.24%, 85.22%, and 49.74% and by 78.73%, 80.08%, and 81.70%), respectively. NWE, NPE, and hypaphorine also reduced CCl4-induced hepatic oxidative stresses in the liver tissue by decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde (by 40.00%, 51.25%, and 28.75%) and reactive oxygen species (by 30.22%, 36.14%, and 33.54%) while increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (by 21.36%, 21.64%, and 8.90%), catalase (by 22.13%, 33.33%, and 5.39%), and glutathione (by 84.87%, 90.65%, and 80.53%), respectively. Mechanistic assays showed that NWE, NPE, and hypaphorine alleviated liver damage by mediating inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., pro-inflammatory cytokines) via the signaling pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB. Findings from our study extend the understanding of Niudali's hepatoprotective effects, which is useful for its development as a dietary intervention for liver inflammation.

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Activities of Aqueous Root Extract of Senna alata in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Activities of Aqueous Root Extract of Senna alata in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

In vivo Anti-anaemic Effect of an Aqueous Root Extract of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Exell in Model Rats

Background: Anaemia is a very serious condition in Zambia. One of the plants that has been used traditionally is Phyllanthus muellerianus where different parts of shrub are used to treat a number of diseases in Zambian folklore medicine. Earlier studies have investigated medicinal properties of its aqueous root extracts. This study evaluated the effect of P. muellerianus roots on the haematological indices of albino rats and determined its phytochemical profile. In order to prove this, we carried out phytochemical screening of the root extract and assessed the anti-anaemic effect of the aqueous extract on laboratory rats with tail-bled induced anaemia. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male albino rats placed in six groups were used for the study. The groups comprised the 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg plant extract, Ranferon (200 mg/kg positive control), anaemic (non-treated control) and a normal (non-anaemic control) groups. Anaemia, induced through bleeding of the rats, was defined as haemoglobin (Hb) levels less than 12 g/dL. The anti-anaemic potential of the plant was determined by comparing its effect on the haematological parameters of rats on treatment to that of the control group. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed positive results for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, triterpenoids and tannins with varying amounts. After treatment, rats on the 400 mg/kg plant extract dose showed the greatest increase in the mean values for Hb, Packed cell volume (PCV) and RBC count were 43.31.2%, 15.40.3 g/dL and 6.30.3 x106 /L respectively, when compared to the negative control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The aqueous root extract of P. muellerianus was efficacious against anaemia in a dose-dependent manner. The phytochemical compositions seem to be responsible for its haematopoietic properties. Thus, the root decoction of P. muellerianus is useful in alleviating anaemia and the results lend credence to its use in traditional medicine in the management of anaemia.

The efficacy and mechanism of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels root aqueous extract based on RNA sequencing and 16S rDNA sequencing in alleviating polycystic ovary syndrome

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) leads to persistent anovulation, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovary, and is mainly characterized by menstrual disorders, and reproductive dysfunction. Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels root has been used in many classical formulas of traditional Chinese medicine, and is commonly used to treat various gynecological diseases. PurposeTo investigate the protective effect of water extract of A. sinensis root (WEA) on PCOS rats, and the mechanism by RNA sequencing, and 16S rDNA sequencing. MethodsThe PCOS rat model was established by letrozole combined with high-fat diet (gavage; 2 months), and treated with WEA (gavage; 2 g/kg, 4 g/kg or 8 g/kg; 1 month). To evaluate the therapeutic effect of WEA on PCOS rats, vaginal smear, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and biochemical indicators detection were performed. The rat ovarian tissue was analyzed by RNA sequencing, and the results were verified by qRT-PCR, and Western blot. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota of rats. ResultsThe results of the vaginal smear, and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that WEA improved estrous cycle disorder, and ovarian tissue lesions. WEA (4 g/kg or 8 g/kg; 1 months) alleviated hormone disorders, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. RNA sequencing showed that WEA intervention significantly changed the expressions of 2756 genes, which were enriched in phosphatidylinositol3-kinase/phosphorylated protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and insulin signaling pathways. 16S rDNA sequencing found that WEA increased the species diversity of gut microbiota, and regulated the abundance of some microbiota (genus level: Dubosiella, Bifidobacterium, Coriobacteriaceae (UCG-002), and Treponema; species level: Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus murinus, and Lactobacillus johnsonii). ConclusionWEA regulated hormone, and glycolipid metabolism disorders, thereby relieving the PCOS induced by letrozole combined with high-fat diet. The mechanism was related to the regulation of PI3K/AKT, PPAR, MAPK, AMPK, and insulin signaling pathways in ovarian tissues, and the maintenance of gut microbiota homeostasis. Clarifying the efficacy and mechanism of WEA in alleviating PCOS based on RNA sequencing and 16S rDNA sequencing will guide the more reasonable clinical use of WEA.

Enhancing Anti-cancer Activity: Green Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Turmeric-Gold Nanocapsules on A549 Lung Cancer Cells.

Background Lung cancer remains a major global health concern, with a notable increase in new cases in recent years. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxic effects of polymeric turmeric-gold nanocapsules on A549 human lung cancer cells, utilizing green-synthesized gold nanoparticles from Curcuma longa L. and ethyl cellulose-based nanocapsules. Methods Gold nanoparticles were synthesized using the aqueous root extract of Curcuma longa L., and the resulting nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) techniques. Subsequently, polymeric nanocapsules of turmeric with encapsulated gold nanoparticles were prepared. The cytotoxicity of these nanocapsules was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on both A549 lung cancer cell lines and normal cell lines. Results The turmeric-gold nanocapsules exhibited a halfmaximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 40 μg/ml, while the gold nanoparticles alone showed an IC50 value of 60 μg/ml when tested on A549 cells. Furthermore, apoptosis was observed in A549 cells treated with turmeric-gold nanocapsules. The combination of gold nanoparticles and turmeric polymer (gold turmeric nanocapsules) demonstrated a more potent anti-cancer effect on the lung cancer cell line, with an IC50 value of 40 μg/ml compared to green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (IC50 of 60 μg/ml). Conclusion The utilization of polymeric nanocapsules of turmeric, with green-synthesized gold nanoparticles, presents a promising solution to overcome the limited water solubility of turmeric. The results suggest that the combination of gold nanoparticles and turmeric enhances the cytotoxic effects on A549 human lung cancer cells. These findings contribute to the potential application of turmeric-gold nanocapsules as a novel therapeutic approach in lung cancer research.

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Study of In vitro Antibacterial Activity on H37RV Strain using roots of Ziziphus nummularia

Objective: To evaluate the invitro antimicrobial and anti-tuberculosis activity by screening its bacterial resistance using Ziziphus nummularia root extracts. Methods: Ziziphus nummularia root extracts such as aqueous and ethanol were prepared by using soxhalation process. The antimicrobial activity was screened by agar well diffusion method and antituberculosis activity were screened by MABA (Microplate Alamar Blue Assay). Results and conclusion: In preliminary phytochemical screening the extracts showed the presence of major phytoconstituents such as alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, terpenoid, sterols, carbohydrate and protein. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were noted in both invitro activity screening. In Antimicrobial screening, the ethanolic extract of Ziziphus nummularia root was more susceptible to Staphylococci with a maximum zone of inhibition 24mm, while aqueous extract showed zone of inhibition 14mm at 80 mg/ml. It shows that ethanolic extract of Ziziphus nummularia root has good potential antimicrobial activity against aqueous extract and standard drug. Similarly in antituberculosis activity, the aqueous extract of Ziziphus nummularia root showed minimum inhibitory at a concentration of 25 μg/ml, while ethanolic extract showed minimum inhibitory concentration at 100 μg/ml. The aqueous extract of Ziziphus nummularia has moderate antituberculosis activity when compared with ethanolic extract and standard drug we used.

Effect of Stimulating Maize Seeds with Potassium Nitrate and Licorice Extract on the Seed Viability and Vigor

Germination and field emergence are delayed and their duration is prolonged due to the declining soil temperature during the spring season, which is reflected in the subsequent stages of crop growth, therefore, this study aimed to improve germination. Under a wide range of environmental conditions, a laboratory factorial experiment was carried out to study the effect of seed stimulation with potassium nitrate (distilled water only (0), 2, 4, and 6 mg L-1) and with an aqueous extract of licorice roots (distilled water only (0), 3, 6, and 9 g L-1) on the seed viability and vigor. The laboratory experiment was carried out according to the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four repetitions. The results showed the superiority of the interaction treatment between the two concentrations 6 gm L-1 and 6 mg L-1 for each of licorice root extract and potassium nitrate by giving the highest average of the final germination 99%, the seedling vigor index reached 3846, the germination percentage at accelerating age test of 75%, and the germination percentage at the cold test of 76%. We can conclude that there was a response to soaking the seeds in licorice root extract at specific concentrations, with a clear response to potassium nitrate, and the response could be better when soaking in potassium nitrate at concentrations higher than 6 mg L-1. We also recommend that the soaking duration in any of the two factors is 18 hours to improve germination under a wide range of environmental conditions.

Toxicological evaluation of aqueous extracts of Clematis hirsuta and Rhamnus prinoides

_Clematis hirsuta_ leaves and _Rhamnus prinoides_ roots have a long history of medicinal use in Nyeri County, Kenya. However, there is no evidence to back up their safety. The acute and subacute toxicity of _Clematis hirsuta_ aqueous leaf and _Rhamnus prinoides_ aqueous root extracts in _Wistar_ rats was investigated in this study. Changes in body weight, feed and water consumption were used as toxicity indicators in the acute toxicity study, while changes in weight, biochemical and hematological parameters were used as toxicity indicators in the subacute toxicity study. The data from the acute toxicity study was summarized as mean±standard deviation and analyzed using the unpaired Student’s t-test. The data from the subacute toxicity study was summarized as mean ±standard deviation and analyzed using Two Way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. The significance level was set at _p≤0.05_. The extracts reduced feed and water consumption in rats but caused no physical signs of toxicity or death, nor did they have any significant effects on weight, biochemical, or hematological parameters when compared to controls. These findings indicate that oral administration of _Clematis hirsuta_ aqueous leaf and _Rhamnus prinoides_ aqueous root extracts to _Wistar_ rats is generally nontoxic.

The potential protective effect of aqueous extract of Acanthophyllum glandulosum root on Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.

Treatment of diabetes using traditional medicine has attracted attention in recent decades because of its unique benefits. Acanthophyllum glandulosum is known as an herb with therapeutic potential. This research explored the likely protective effects of Acanthophyllum Glandulosum Root (AGR) in mice with Streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to provide complementary therapy. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of Streptozotocin (STZ) in mice. STZ-diabetic mice were treated with oral dosages of AGR (25, 50, 100, and 200mg/kg) on different experiment days. During the experiment, the effect of a topical extract of AGR on Glucose level, serum lipid profile, and liver and kidney biomarkers, with the histopathological assessment of heart, kidney, spleen, and liver, were investigated. The gene expression level of inflammation biomarkers (Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1)), apoptosis factor (Caspase3), glucose regulatory genes (Glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 and 2), and lipid regulatory gene (Adenosine 50-monophosphate protein-kinase (AMPK)) were investigated. Administration of AGR to STZ-diabetic mice decreased blood glucose level (p < 0.01), normalized the lipid profile (p < 0.01), improved the serum level of kidney (p < 0.01) and liver biomarkers (p < 0.01), and normalized Kidney hypertrophy (p < 0.01), inflammation (p < 0.001), and apoptosis (p < 0.01). The AGR effect was better at 100mg/kg than Metformin (100mg/kg) on healing T2DM condition in mice. AGR possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-glycation activity, thus exhibiting a protective function in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Further in vitro and in vivo works are necessary, especially to elucidate the mechanism of action of AGR at the cellular and molecular levels.

Ashwagandha- Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal as a multipotent neuroprotective remedy for genetically induced motor dysfunction and cellular toxicity in human neurodegenerative disease models of Drosophila

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAshwagandha-Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, well known for its multipotent therapeutic properties has been used in Ayurveda for 3000 years. The plant with more than 50 active phytoconstituents is recognised for its anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and neurotherapeutic properties demonstrated in in vitro studies and chemically induced rodent models. Genetically targeted Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disease models have been created in Drosophila and have been used to get mechanistic insight into the in vivo cellular events, and genetic pathways that underlie respective neurodegenerative condition. But hitherto, there aren’t enough attempts made to capitalize the genetic potential of these disease models to validate the therapeutic efficacy of different reagents used in traditional medicine, in the context of specific disease-causing genetic mutations. Aim of the studyDrugs discovered using in vitro platforms might fail in several instances of clinical trials because of the genetic heterogeneity and variability in the physiological context found among the patients. Drosophila by virtue of its genetically regulated experimental potential forms an ideal in vivo model to validate the candidate reagents discovered in in vitro screens for their efficacy under specific genetic situations. Here we have used genetically induced α-synucleinopathy and tauopathy transgenic fly models to study the efficacy of Ashwagandha treatment, assessing cellular and behavioural parameters. MethodsWe have expressed the disease-causing human gene mutations in specific cell types of Drosophila using GAL4/UAS targeted expression system to create disease models. Human α-synuclein mutant (A30P) was expressed in dopaminergic neurons using Ddc-GAL4 driver strain to induce dopaminergic neurodegeneration and assayed for motor dysfunction. Human TauE14, mutant protein was expressed in photoreceptor neurons using GMR-GAL4 driver to induce photoreceptor degeneration. Microtubular destability and mitotic arrest in the dividing photoreceptor precursor cells were studied using αPH3 antibody. Lysosomal dysregulation caused necrotic black spots were induced by TauE14 with GMR-GAL4 driver, in a white mutant background. These flies mimicking neurodegenerative conditions were supplemented with different concentrations of Ashwagandha aqueous root extract mixed with regular fly food. The treated flies were analysed for cellular and behaviour parameters. ResultsLifespan assay shows that, Ashwagandha-root extract imparts an extended lifespan in male Drosophila flies which are intrinsically less stress resistant. Motor dysfunction caused due to human α-synuclein mutant protein expressed in dopaminergic neurons is greatly brought down. Further, Ashwagandha extract treatment significantly reduces TauE14 induced microtubular destability, mitotic arrest and neuronal death in photoreceptor neurons. Our experiment with tauopathy model in white mutant background exemplify that, Ashwagandha-root extract treatment can bring down lysosomal dysregulation induced necrosis of photoreceptor neurons. ConclusionWe have carried out a multifaceted study which elucidates that Ashwagandha can serve as a comprehensive, phytotherapeutic formulation to combat neurodegeneration, targeting multiple causative genetically defective conditions.

Cannabis sativa L. roots from Northeast Brazil reduce abdominal contortions in a mouse model of primary dysmenorrhea

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAlthough the root of Cannabis sativa L. has been mentioned in some regions, such as the Vale do São Francisco, for its potential traditional medicinal use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, and against gastrointestinal diseases, it has received little exploration and discussion. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to perform a chemical analysis of an aqueous extract of Cannabis sativa roots (AqECsR) and evaluate its pharmacological effects against uterine disorders, in vivo and ex vivo, in rodents. Materials and methodsThe roots were provided by the Brazilian Federal Police, and the freeze-dried extract was used for the chemical analysis of the AqECsR by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The sample was subsequently used in three doses for pharmacological assays (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg), which included the spasmolytic activity test and the primary dysmenorrhea test. The primary dysmenorrhea test aimed to verify the effect of AqECsR on induced abdominal contortions in female mice in vivo and to perform a morphometric analysis of the organs. Association tests at subtherapeutic doses of AqECsR with antidysmenorrheic drugs were also performed. ResultsThe data obtained by HPLC-MS suggested the presence of four substances: cannabisativine, anhydrocannabisativine, feruloyltyramine, and p-coumaroyltyramine. In the pharmacological assays, the AqECsR showed no spasmolytic effect. However, in the antidysmenorrheal activity test, AqECsR demonstrated a significant in vivo effect of reducing oxytocin-induced abdominal contortions. Morphometric analysis of the uterus showed no significant organ enlargement effect, and the association of AqECsR with subtherapeutic doses of three drugs used in antidysmenorrheal therapy (mefenamic acid, scopolamine, and nifedipine) showed an effect in reducing abdominal contortions. ConclusionsIn conclusion, AqECsR contains four chemical compounds and exhibits an antidysmenorrheic effect both alone and in association with drugs, reducing abdominal contortions in female mice without generating organ enlargement in the animals. Further studies are needed to prove the mechanism of action by which AqECsR promotes its effect on primary dysmenorrhea and to explore its associations.