Aqueous Root Extract Research Articles

Identification of p-Coumaric Acid and Ethyl p-Coumarate as the Main Phenolic Components of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Roots.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) contains a variety of secondary metabolites, including cannabinoids, such as psychoactive (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol. The present study was conducted to identify the major phenolic components contained in hemp root, which has been relatively under-researched compared to other parts of hemp. The aqueous ethanol extract of hemp roots was fractionated into methylene chloride (MC), ethyl acetate (EA), and water (WT) fractions, and high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis was performed. The main ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing phenolic compound contained in the EA fraction was identified as p-coumaric acid by comparing the retention time and UV absorption spectrum with a standard. Silica gel column chromatography was performed to isolate a hydrophobic derivative of p-coumaric acid contained in the MC fraction. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis identified the isolated compound as ethyl p-coumarate. For comparative purposes, ethyl p-coumarate was also chemically synthesized by the esterification reaction of p-coumaric acid. The content of p-coumaric acid and ethyl p-coumarate in the total extract of hemp root was estimated to be 2.61 mg g−1 and 6.47 mg g−1, respectively, by HPLC-DAD analysis. These values correspond to 84 mg Kg−1 dry root and 216 mg Kg−1 dry root, respectively. In conclusion, this study identified p-coumaric acid and ethyl p-coumarate as the main phenolic compounds contained in the hemp roots.

Echinops kebericho Aqueous Root Extract Assisted Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue

Wastewater treatment from industrial effluents is a global problem. Searching for environmentally safe and green technology is in the utmost interest of the scientific community. Especially organic pollutants, due to their difficulty to biodegrade, have posed a problem to human health and the aquatic environment. Hence, we reported plant extract-mediated synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in this study for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under sunlight irradiation. Echinops kebericho root extract was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent during the synthesis of ZnO NPs. The presence of phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids was qualitatively confirmed in the aqueous root extract of the plant under study. These secondary metabolites have a high potential in facilitating capping and stabilizing effects on the formation of ZnO nanostructures. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the crystal structure and chemical bond of ZnO NPs, respectively. The XRD patterns showed the formation of pure phase hexagonal wurtzite ZnO NPs with an average crystal size of 14.67 nm. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZnO NPs (80 mg) to remove 10 mg/L of MB dye was found to be 92.2% at pH=10 and 120 min contact time under direct sunlight irradiation. Therefore, ZnO NPs synthesized using E.kebericho were potential photocatalysts for the degradation of MB from wastewater for at least three cycles.

Effect of Asparagus africanus on Glucose Level and Enzymatic Antioxidants: Antidiabetic Study

The plant, Asparagus africanus is used for treating diabetes mellitus and other diseases in traditional medicine. This research work was aimed at determining the antidiabetic and antioxidant effect of Asparagus africanus root aqueous extract in Wistar rats induced with diabetes using streptozotocin. Oral administration of 10 g glucose/ kg body weight was used for physiological induction of diabetes and intaperitoneal administration of 60 mg streptozotocin/kg body weight was used for chemical induction of diabetes. The animals were administered 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg Asparagus africanus extract orally. The concentration of glucose in the blood was measured in minutes and days. The concentration of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and reduced glutathione [GSH]) in the liver tissues and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level was determined. Asparagus africanus root aqueous extract decreased the concentration of blood glucose and increased antioxidant enzymes (catalase and GSH) levels significantly (p < 0.05) in 21 days treated animals when compared to the untreated animals (control). Asparagus africanus extract decreased TBARS concentration significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with the control. A. africanus extract at 400 mg/kg had a higher antidiabetic and antioxidant activities when compared with 100 mg/kg. This research work suggests that Asparagus africanus root posses antidiabetic and antioxidant properties; and it also reduced lipid peroxidation in 21 days treated diabetic rats.

Sulfonated alkaloids from an aqueous extract of Isatis indigotica roots

Eleven new sulfonated alkaloids (1 − 11) having diverse structures were isolated from an aqueous extract of the Isatis indigotica root (ban lan gen). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data analysis, chemical method, and theoretical calculation, of which (−)-4 was proved by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

Effect of aqueous extract from root and leaf of Sphenocentrum jollyanum pierre on wounds of diabetic rats: Influence on wound tissue cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor and microbes

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSphenocentrum jollyanum is a flowering plant of the Menispermaceae family with bright yellow roots and wedged-shaped leaves. The plant is reputed to possess exceptional wound healing properties and used in folkloric medicine to dress chronic wounds. Aim of the studyWound repair in a hyperglycemic state is known to be impaired and delayed making treatment a difficult challenge. This study sought how the aqueous extracts of root and leaf of Sphenocentrum jollyanum facilitated wound healing by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor and microbial colonization on excision wound created in diabetic rats. MethodsDiabetes (blood glucose >250 mg/dl) was induced by feeding normal rats with high fat diet for 14 days after which intraperitoneal injection of low dose streptozotocin (35 mg/kg b.w.) was administered. Wounds were subsequently created and treatments administered afterwards for 14 days. ResultsAdministration of Sphenocentrum jollyanum root and leaf extracts both orally and topically (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), number of microbial colonies (CFU/ml × 102), activity of myeloperoxidase and significantly increased growth factor secretion on wounds of the diabetic rats. Histological evaluations of wound tissues of treated diabetic rats revealed matured tissue granulation, presence of new blood vessels, collagen and fibroblast with fewer inflammatory cells. ConclusionThe use of Sphenocentrum jollyanum effectively enhanced wound healing which may be related to constituents identified by GC-MS analysis and can thus, be suggested as a therapeutic agent for diabetic wound management.

Phenolic Composition, In-vitro Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Activities of Cardaria draba Different Parts

The plant Cardaria draba (L.) Desv. subsp. draba (Brassicaceae), is traditionally used for various ailments in different cultures. We investigated different solvent extracts such as methanol, ethanol, and water extracts obtained from flowers, leaves, stems, and roots of C. draba for their chemical composition, as well as antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and tyrosinase). RP-HPLC technique was used to determine the phenolic profile of each extracts. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by using DPPH and ABTS method, total phenol and flavonoid content analysis, and iron chelating assay. Enzyme inhibitory potential was evaluated by 96-microplate method. According to the results, aqueous extract of flower demonstrated the highest total phenolic content (64.32 µgGAE/ mg), while leaf ethanol extract showed the highest total flavonoid content (141.47 µgQE/ mg) among all extracts. The methanol, and water extracts of flowers were the most effective DPPH scavenger while aqueous extract of flower was the most active on ABTS scavenging. It is shown that the extracts possess promising activity against α-glucosidase than α-amylase enzyme. The methanolic extract of flower showed anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, and the ethanolic extract of the stem exhibited the best anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity among the 12 extracts. As for the anti-tyrosinase activity, higher kojic acid equivalent values were found for the aqueous extracts of roots and leaves. In conclusion, the data obtained from this study may serve as the basis for the bioassay-guided isolation of active compounds and the development of novel drugs from Cardaria draba.

Two unique C21-diterpenoid alkaloids from Aconitum carmichaelii

Two sulfonated diterpenoid alkaloids possessing different but related novel carbon skeletons, named aconidenusulfonine A (1) and 12,16-secoaconidenusulfonine A (2), respectively, were isolated as minor components from an aqueous extract of the lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii (“Fu Zi”). The structures of 1 and 2, representing the first two C21-diterpenoid alkaloids from nature, were determined by analysis of various spectroscopic data and chemical transformation, of which 1 was further proved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Especially, 1 exhibited dose-depended analgesic activity consistent with the clinical function of Fu Zi.

Studies on Antifungal Activity of DaturastramoniumL Extract on Inhibition of Spore Germination of PucciniatriticinaEriks

Inhibition of spore germination of Pucciniatriticina was tested using aqueous extract of Daturastramonium. Many plants show antifungal activity against many pathogens. These plant contents alkaloids, phenols, steroids, tannins etc. as a chemical compound. The experiment was carried out to check the effect of Daturastramonium against inhibition of spore germination of Pucciniatriticina. The aqueous extracts of leaf, stem, root and flower of Daturastramonium were tested under laboratory condition against spore germination by hanging drop technique. Hexaconazole (0.05%) used as a standard check and distilled water as a control. Aqueous leaf extract (2% and 3%) showed superior inhibition of spore germination than the extracts of root, stem and flower. Maximum inhibition was recorded 86.89 and 82.27% % over control in 2% and 3% leaf extract. Rest of the treatments showed better inhibition than the control. The Daturastramonium is a possible source of fungicide to manage many pathogenic fungi.

A Study on HPTLC Quantification for Quality Control of Myricetin a Nutraceutical from Different Plant Parts of Myrica esculenta Linn

The present study was performed to report the quantification of myricetin present in different extracts (i.e. ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether, chloroform and aqueous extract) of root, leaf, bark, stem and seed of Myrica esculenta using TLC densitometric method. Densitometric scanning was performed at 366 nm for the determination and quantitation of standard compounds. The compact spots were achieved at Rf 0.67 corresponding to myricetin. The content of myricetin present in different solvent extracts of M. esculenta was 0.2159 ± 0.002% w/w, 0.3139 ± 0.003% w/w, 0.0184 ± 0.004% w/w, 0.0139 ± 0.003% w/w and 0.2120 ± 0.005% w/w in ethanolic, methanolic, petroleum ether, chloroform and aqueous extract of M. esculenta stem, stem, bark, leaf and leaf plant parts, respectively. The highest myricetin content was found in the order of methanolic stem extract&gt;ethanolic stem extract&gt;aqueous leaf extract&gt;petroleum ether bark extract&gt;chloroform leaf extract of M. esculenta. The developed HPTLC method was a precise, simple, convenient and accurate for screening of large number of active compounds present in various solvent extracts. Thus, the study concluded that the developed HPTLC method for quantification of myricetin can be used for a routine quality check and analysis of any formulation and composition containing M. esculenta.

English

The plant Asparagus racemosus is used traditionally in Kenya for a variety of medicinal purposes including in the management of pain, asthma, and premature labour. However, a dearth of empirical studies means that there is limited information on the acute toxicity and pharmacological effects to support these uses by the local variety of the plant. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the acute toxicity, analgesic, and smooth muscle relaxation effects of the aqueous root extract of the plant. The powdered root of the locally sourced plant was extracted using decoction method. Analgesic activity was determined using both the hot plate and writhing methods whereas the effects on smooth muscle contraction were evaluated on the rabbit isolated ileum, rat uterus and guinea pig trachea. Acute toxicity was also evaluated in rodents. The LD50 of the root extract in mice was 505 mg/kg and dose-dependent analgesic effects were observed with 65% pain reduction at a dose of 400 mg/kg compared to 77% produced by morphine (20 mg/kg). Concentration-dependent smooth muscle relaxation effects were also observed on the isolated rabbit ileum and rat uterus. Similarly, guinea pig tracheal bronchodilation was observed to be concentration-dependent with over 90% relaxation at an organ bath concentration of 4 mg/ml. In conclusion, the aqueous root extracts of the Kenyan variety of A. racemosus produces analgesic, antispasmodic, tocolytic and bronchodilator activities. Future phytochemical analysis, isolation, and characterisation of candidate compounds responsible for these actions are recommended. Key words: Asparagus racemosus extracts, analgesic, antispasmodic, tocolytic activities.

Effects of Moringa oliefera Lam. Aqueous Root Extract on the Histology of Pancreas in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

This study was to determine the effects of aqueous root extract of Moringa oleifera on antioxidant activities and on the histology of pancreas in Alloxan-induced-diabetic rats. Twenty Albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between100 and 194g were used for the study. The animals were divided in to four groups (Groups I, II, II and IV) of five rats each. Group I was the control group and were administered distilled water per body weight. Group II was induced with diabetes by injecting the rats with 150mg/kg Alloxan single dose and not treated. group III was induced with diabetes and treated with 50mg/kg Moringa for 28 days and group IV were not induced with diabetes but were treated with the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera root for a period of twenty-eight days at 50mg/kg orally. The antioxidant activity of Moringa oliefera aqueous root extract was studied by assaying serum marker substances of Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) to determine the extent of antioxidant activity of the extract on the pancreas. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and the Pancreas processed for routing light microscopic analyses. The results of this study showed that antioxidant activities of Malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly in diabetic not treated and diabetic treated Moringa groups and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), activity increased significantly in diabetic non-treated group and non-diabetic treated group (p&lt;0.05). Glutathione Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase changes were not significant. The results of this study also showed that photomicrograph of pancreas of diabetic non treated rats showed highly lobulated pancreatic tissue, glands exhibits loose collagenous capsule which can be seen extending as delicate septae, chronic inflammation and degeneration of islets of Langerhans. Diabetic treated group also showed septea between the lobule similar to the control group and glandular acini undergoing regeneration. Non-diabetic but treated group showed diffused micro and macro acini and normal islets of Langerhans similar to control.

Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extract of Capsicum chinense Plant.

So far, several studies have focused on the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles making use of extracts from the fruit of the plants from the genus Capsicum. However, as the fruit is the edible, and highly commercial, part of the plant, in this work we focused on the leaves, a part of the plant that is considered agro-industrial waste. The biological synthesis of gold (AuNPs) and silver (AgNPs) nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of root, stem and leaf of Capsicum chinense was evaluated, obtaining the best results with the leaf extract. Gold and silver nanoparticles synthesized using leaf extract (AuNPs-leaf and AgNPs-leaf, respectively) were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ultra Hight Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled to Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (UHR-SEM-EDX) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and tested for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In addition, different metabolites involved in the synthesis of nanoparticles were analyzed. We found that by the use of extracts derived from the leaf, we could generate stable and easy to synthesize AuNPs and AgNPs. The AuNPs-leaf were synthesized using microwave radiation, while the AgNPs-leaf were synthesized using UV light radiation. The antioxidant activity of the extract, determined by ABTS, showed a decrease of 44.7% and 60.7% after the synthesis of the AuNPs-leaf and AgNPs-leaf, respectively. After the AgNPs-leaf synthesis, the concentration of polyphenols, reducing sugars and amino acids decreased by 15.4%, 38.7% and 46.8% in the leaf extract, respectively, while after the AuNPs-leaf synthesis only reducing sugars decreased by 67.7%. These results suggest that these groups of molecules are implicated in the reduction/stabilization of the nanoparticles. Although the contribution of these compounds in the synthesis of the AuNPs-leaf and the AgNPs-leaf was different. Finally, the AgNPs-leaf inhibited the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, S. marcescens and E. faecalis. All of them are bacterial strains of clinical importance due to their fast antibiotic resistance development.

Lolium arundinaceum leaf and root developmental temperatures influence its allelopathic potency on Poa annua

AbstractAllelopathy is a commonly recognized but not fully understood method that could be utilized for weed management. Controlled environment studies in a growth chamber were conducted at Virginia Tech's Glade Road Research Facility in Blacksburg, VA, to determine whether aqueous leaf or root extracts from two Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb) Darbysh (tall fescue) cultivars grown under different growing temperature conditions affected the seed germination and growth of Poa annua L. (annual bluegrass). Two cultivars (‘Falcon III’ and ‘Kentucky 31’) of L. arundinaceum were maintained at cold (day/night 4.4:–1.1°C) or warm (day/night 32.2:26.7°C) conditions for 20 d. Leaf and root extracts were collected via destructive methods and applied to P. annua seed placed in petri dishes. The results indicated that aqueous leaf extracts of L. arundinaceum could inhibit P. annua seed germination, though there was no significant germination reduction with the root extract of L. arundinaceum. The results suggest that temperature may interact with other factors, such as L. arundinaceum cultivar, to influence its allelopathic potency on P. annua seed germination. These results further demonstrate that different cultivars of L. arundinaceum might have different allelopathic effects on P. annua germination.

In-Vitro Catalytic and Antibacterial Potential of Green Synthesized CuO Nanoparticles against Prevalent Multiple Drug Resistant Bovine Mastitogen Staphylococcus aureus.

Nanoparticles prepared from bio-reduction agents are of keen interest to researchers around the globe due to their ability to mitigate the harmful effects of chemicals. In this regard, the present study aims to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) by utilizing root extracts of ginger and garlic as reducing agents, followed by the characterization and evaluation of their antimicrobial properties against multiple drug resistant (MDR) S. aureus. In this study, UV-vis spectroscopy revealed a reduced degree of absorption with an increase in the extract amount present in CuO. The maximum absorbance for doped NPs was recorded around 250 nm accompanying redshift. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the monoclinic crystal phase of the particles. The fabricated NPs exhibited spherical shapes with dense agglomeration when examined with FE-SEM and TEM. The crystallite size measured by using XRD was found to be within a range of 23.38–46.64 nm for ginger-doped CuO and 26–56 nm for garlic-doped CuO. Green synthesized NPs of ginger demonstrated higher bactericidal tendencies against MDR S. aureus. At minimum and maximum concentrations of ginger-doped CuO NPs, substantial inhibition areas for MDR S. aureus were (2.05–3.80 mm) and (3.15–5.65 mm), and they were measured as (1.1–3.55 mm) and (1.25–4.45 mm) for garlic-doped NPs. Conventionally available CuO and crude aqueous extract (CAE) of ginger and garlic roots reduced MB in 12, 21, and 38 min, respectively, in comparison with an efficient (100%) reduction of dye in 1 min and 15 s for ginger and garlic doped CuO NPs.

Green adeptness in the synthesis and stabilization of copper nanoparticles using aqueous root extract of Schrebera swietenioides Roxb, and its catalytic application

The discovery of various advanced materials that are applicable in remediation of environment pollutants was rapidly advancing because of their applications in wide range. Green synthesized Nano particles (NPs) were currently gaining attention in photodegradation of dyes and metals due to its ecofriendly, cost effective and simple production. Hence this study intended to synthesize and characterize the nano sized copper particles using aqueous root extract of Schrebera swietenioides Roxb., as green reducing agent. The synthesized NPs were characterized and proved that the NPs were aggregates with spherical shape to undefined shapes with an average particle size of 32±4 nm and contain 82.5 % of copper metal in the particles. Further, the synthesized NPs were applied for the removal of Sudan red (III) dye, Azure A dye and Lead metal. The findings proved that the NPs had potential degradation efficacy on the degradation of Sudan dye, Azure A dye and Lead metal. The NPs were durable and could be reusable with high degradation efficacy after three cycles of study for both dyes and metal in the study. Therefore, the green synthesized Cu NPs are potential candidates for photocatalytic applications. Keywords: Copper nano particles, Photo catalytic activity, Azure A dye, Lead metal degradation.

Assessment of the activities of Chasmanthera dependens Hochst. combined with other plants on chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei

The prevalence of Plasmodium strains resistant to conventional monotherapy drugs has necessitated the need for more effective and affordable antimalarial agents. This study aimed at evaluating the antimalarial activities of some indigenous plants alone and in combination with chloroquine with a view to proffering herbal combination therapy as an alternative to the currently used antimalarial combination therapy. Extracts obtained separately from the decoctions of the roots of Chasmanthera dependens Hochst. (Menispermaceae), Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae) and methanol extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre (Menispermaceae) leaf were analysed by high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and evaluated for repeated-dose oral toxicity in mice using standard protocols. Assessments of C. dependens and V. amygdalina with their combination were carried out on chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium-infected mice with the 4-day chemosuppressive antimalarial test. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, C. dependens and their combinations with chloroquine (10 mg/kg) were assessed on chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium using the curative test model. The combination of C. dependens and V. amygdalina exhibited chemosuppression (71.1±3.7%) that was not significantly (p>0.05) different from chloroquine (80.1±1.9%). In the curative model, a significant parasite clearance (98.2%) was observed with the combination of C. dependens and chloroquine. The study concluded that the aqueous root extracts possessed potent antimalarial activity in chloroquine-sensitive malaria infection. It also revealed an additive interaction between C. dependens and chloroquine that could be further investigated as a herbal combination for chloroquine-resistant malaria.

Evaluation of the Anti-Sickle Cell Activity of Uvaria Chamea P. Beauv. Roots Aqueous Extract

Sickle cell disease was a very common hemoglobinosis in tropical countries. Several plants were used in traditional Beninese medicine to relieve sickle cell crises. The present work was carried out to test the efficiency of Uvaria chamea roots aqueous extract in the treatment of sickle cell crises.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: Uvaria chamea roots aqueous extract was preincubated at different concentrations with blood cells from SS red blood cells before or after the Emmel Test. Intra-erythrocyte oxidative stress was measured by methaemoglobin assay after incubation of the extract with hemoglobin. In vivo, the action of the extract on Hemoglobin level, Mean Corpuscular Volume, and platelet count was measured in Wistar rats.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The extract significantly prevented the formation of sickle cells at doses of 40 and 20 mg / ml of blood (P &amp;lt;0.05) and significantly reduced sickle cells to the normal biconcave form at the dose of 40 mg / ml (P &amp;lt;0.05). It lowered the production of methemoglobin at a dose of 10 mg / ml, suggesting antioxidant activity. Hemoglobin level, Mean Corpuscular Volume, and platelet count did not significantly increase in treated rats, indicating that the extract did not stimulate erythropoiesis or thrombopoiesis.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Uvaria chamea extract inhibited dose-dependent sickling of red blood cells. It reduced intraerythrocyte oxidative stress but did not show hematopoietic activity. It could therefore be considered in the preventive or curative management of sickle cell crises, but not against anemia.

GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSE OF SESAME (SESAMUM INDICUM L.) TO BITTER LEAF (VERNONIA AMYGDALINA DEL.) LEAF, STEM AND ROOT AQUEOUS EXTRACTS

This study was carried out to assess the effect of leaf, stem and root aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina on seed germination, growth and yield performance of Sesamum indicum. The aqueous extracts of the three plant parts were applied at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% to sesame seeds in petri dish and compared with seeds treated with distilled water (control). The percentage of germinated seeds and lengths of radicle and plumule were measure within 10 days of sowing. The different concentrations of leaf, stem and root extracts of Vernonia amygdalina were applied to the seedlings of Sesamum indicum grown in pots and arranged in Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Data were obtained for number of germinated seeds, lengths of plumule and radicle while number of leaves, height of plant, stem girth, leaf length and leaf breadth were taken at 2,4, 6 and 8 Weeks After Planting (WAP). All data pooled were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) is used to separate means. Significant reduction in germination percentage of sesame seeds was recorded in sesame grown with 100% concentration of aqueous stem extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (78.33%) which indicates inhibitory effect of the extract at the concentration. 25% aqueous root extracts of Vernonia amygdalina significantly stimulated early growth of the shoot (1.70cm) and root (1.60cm) in sesame seed. In this study, growth and yield of sesame were enhanced by 50% root extract of Vernonia amygdalina. This suggests that intermediate concentrations of

Invitro Cytotoxicity of Various Parts of Adhahapushpi (Trichodesma Indicum Linn.R.Br.) Against 3 Cancer Cell Lines

Cancer is a leading cause of death and an important source to the mortality and morbidity worldwide. The management in contemporary medicine is having toxicity to normal cells so the world is looking forward for drugs which are cytotoxic to cancer cells and non toxic to host cells and Medicinal plants are the doing well in this aspect. Adhahapushpi (Trichodesma indicum Linn.R.Br.)Belonging to Boraginaceae family is traditionally used as anticancer to treat breast cancer. Its cytotoxicity against breast cancer and cervical cancer is proved in previous researches. Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate its cytotoxicity against 3 Human cancer cell lines Viz. colon cancer cell line (HCT116), oral cancer cell line (KB) and skin cancer cell line (A375). Method: Alcohol, Methanol and Aqueous extracts of Root, Leaf, Stem and Fruit of Adhahapushpi were used to screen in-vitro cytotoxicity. Cytotoxic effect was analysed by MTT assay.&#x0D; Results: The ethanol Root extract was found to be more cytotoxic in vitro to colon cancer cell line (HCT116) with IC50values 176.5±13.36 µg/ml, ethanol extract of fruit to oral cancer cell line (KB-3-1) with IC50values 154 ± 3.89 µg/ml and root ethanol extract to skin cancer cell line (A375) with IC50values 169± 12.09 µg/ml respectively.

Acute and Subchronic Toxicities of the Aqueous Extract of the Hymenocardia acida (Euphorbiaceae) Roots in Rodents

The roots of Hymenocardia acida are used in traditional African medicine to treat mainly erectile dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the lethal and sub-lethal toxicities of the aqueous extract of Hymenocardia acida roots in in two rodents species, namely Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus. The acute intraperitoneal and oral toxicities of the extract were determined by the method of Miller and Tainter. Subchronic oral toxicity with doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight was assessed according to the slightly modified OECD 408 method. The results showed that the 50% intraperitoneal lethal dose was 223.87 mg/kg body weight in mice. In addition, the 50% oral lethal dose in mice was greater than 12,000 mg/kg body weight. In the subchronic study, the extract induced a significant (P &lt; .001) increase in white blood cell count at 1000 mg/kg body weight after 60 days of treatment. From the thirtieth day of treatment onwards, the extract induced a significant (P &lt; .05) reduction in blood glucose levels at the 500 mg/kg body weight dose and a significant (P &lt; .05) increase in blood glucose levels at the 1000 mg/kg body weight dose. Aqueous extract of Hymenocardia acida roots is toxic by the intraperitoneal route and exerts a non-specific immunity action at high doses. It was harmless to rats at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/Kg of body weight.