Extraction Of As Research Articles

효소처리 농도 및 시간에 따른 섬쑥부쟁이 추출물의 품질 특성

The Aster glehni extract has many therapeutic and medicinal values. Therefore, it is essential to set appropriate conditions for enzyme treatment to efficiently extract A. glehni. In this study, changes in the quality of A. glehni extract depending on the concentration and time of enzyme treatment was investigated to increase its effective utilization. Compared to the control, the pH of the extract of A. glehni its soluble solid content increased with the enzyme treatment. The color of the A. glehni extract changed from green-yellow to reddish-yellow with the increase in treatment duration. The fructose and sucrose contents of the extract were the highest at 7.73% and 6.78%, respectively, in the control group without the enzyme treatment. Glucose and maltose contents were 6.91% and 4.44% in the C group (3.2% enzyme concentration and 60 min for enzyme treatment), respectively. Total polyphenol content, which shows antioxidant activity, was the highest at 7.38 mg GAE/g in the E group (1.6% of enzyme concentration and 120 min for enzyme treatment). 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) showed the highest radical scavenging activity in the C group (3.2% of enzyme concentration and 60 min for enzyme treatment). These results enable setting appropriate conditions of enzyme treatment in terms of enzyme concentration and time for the production of dry powders using A. glehni extract.

Antiviral COVID-19 protein and molecular docking: In silico characterization of various antiviral compounds extracted from Arisaema jacquemontii Blume.

Arisaema jacquemontii Blume is a highly medicinal and poisonous plant belong to the family Araceae. It is used to treat several deadly diseases, including viral infections. It has antioxidant, anti-cancerous, antimalarial, anti-vermicidal, and antiviral activities. Therefore, five parts of the Arisaema jacquemontii Blume plant, such as leaf, seed, stem, pulp, and rhizome extract, were evaluated for metabolic and in silico characterization of probable compounds using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. A total of 22 compounds were isolated from the methanolic extracts of A. jacquemontii Blume. A selected antiviral COVID-19 protein i.e., protease (6LU7) was docked against the obtained compounds. Different affinities were obtained through various compounds. The best results were shown by three different compounds identified in the rhizome. The maximum binding affinity of these compounds is 8.1 kJ/mol. Molecular docking (MD) indicate that these molecules have the highest binding energies and hydrogen bonding interactions. The binding mode of interaction was discovered to be reasonably effective for counteracting the SARS virus COVID-19. The findings of this study could be extremely useful in the development of more phytochemical-based COVID-19 therapeutics.

A potential herbal therapeutic for trichinellosis.

BackgroundTrichinellosis is a helminthic disease caused by Trichinella spiralis via the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat of infected animals. Current estimates indicate that 11 million humans have trichinellosis, worldwide. The effective use of anti-trichinella medications is limited by side effects and resistance which highlight the critical need for safe and effective drugs, particularly those derived from medicinal plants. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the ethanolic extract of Artemisia annua (A. annua) in treatment of experimentally induced trichinellosis.Materials and methodsTrichinellosis was induced experimentally in male 6–8 weeks BALB/c mice. BALB/c mice were divided into four groups, 10 mice each. One group was left uninfected and untreated, whereas three groups were infected with T. spiralis. One infected group of mice was left untreated (negative control) while the remaining two infected groups received either 300 mg/kg of the ethanolic extract of A. annua or 50 mg/kg of albendazole (positive control). All treatments started from the third day post-infection (dpi) for 3 successive days. All animals were sacrificed on the 7th dpi for evaluation of treatment efficacy.ResultsOur findings showed that A. annua treatment reduced the T. spiralis adult-worm count in the intestine of infected animals. Moreover, treatment with A. annua restored the normal intestinal architecture, reduced edema, alleviated inflammation as demonstrated by reduced inflammatory infiltrate and expression of TGF-β in intestinal tissues of A. annua-treated animals compared to infected untreated animals.ConclusionsOur findings show that A. annua extract is effective in treating experimentally induced trichinellosis which highlight the therapeutic potential of A. annua for intestinal trichinellosis.

Experiment on the effect of Artemisia sieversiana extract on hair loss prevention and cell growth

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the safety, effects on proliferation of hair papilla cells, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms of Artemisia sieversiana Ehrh. ex Willd. (AS) extract.Methods: Safety tests through purity testing, acute toxicity tests, and repeated toxicity tests were performed using AS extract (ASE) which had been dried for over two years. Cell culture and proliferation tests were conducted; VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor), and EGF (epidermal growth factor) and protein expression analyses were performed for mechanistic evaluation; and inhibitory effects of ASE on the RNA expression of testosterone, 5α-reductase, and aromatase was assessed. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of ASE was confirmed by measuring the levels of nitric oxide, inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and PGE2), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8), and chemokine MCP-1.Results: The safety of ASE was confirmed. The mechanism of cell proliferation in human hair follicle dermal papilla cells involved the promotion of VEGF, bFGF, and EGF expression. ASE decreased mRNA expression of testosterone, 5α-reductase, and aromatase-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. PGE2 and TNF-α production by inflammatory mediators was also significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, and inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression was inhibited.Conclusions: ASE is suggested to promote papillary cell growth at the cellular level, to suppress expression of various enzymes involved in hair cycle and cell death, and to inhibit hair loss through anti-androgen, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

Optimization and Characterization of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Leaves Extract of Alphonsea madraspatana

Background: Literature evidence as well as traditional uses of genus Alphonsea reveal significant antimicrobial and anti-oxidant activitiesencouraging to consider A. madraspatana to have potent antimicrobials, there by offering potential adjuncts to synthesize improved antimicrobial Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The objective of the present exposition is to optimize reaction parameters to synthesize antimicrobial Biogenic Silver nanoparticles (BAgNPs) from the extract of A. madraspatana leaves (AML) and to evaluate the effect against bacteria. Methods: BAgNPs were synthesized by the optimized reaction. The Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV, IR, ICP-MS and XRD analysis. The antibacterial potency of optimized BAgNPs was evaluated against E. coli by comparing with positive controls. Results: Results of the optimization process indicate nanoscale BAgNPs were produced at 45°C for 120 min at pH 8 with 1:5 volume ratio of AgNO3 and extract. Optimized BAgNPs exhibits relatively higher antimicrobial activity (31±1mm) compared to Ciprofloxacin (27±1mm) and marketed nanosilver (28± 2 mm). The developed BAgNPs show comparable biofilm inhibition (86.50%) as compared to marketed nanosilver (88.10%) and Ciprofloxacin (83.10%). Conclusion: Experimental evidence suggests methanolic extract of AML under predefined conditions, which successfully generate nano-template of silver with better antibacterial response against E. coli.

The role of Akkermansia muciniphila in obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Alteration in the composition of the gut microbiota can lead to a number of chronic clinical diseases. Akkermansia muciniphila is an anaerobic bacteria constituting 3-5% of the gut microbial community in healthy adults. This bacterium is responsible for degenerating mucin in the gut; its scarcity leads to diverse clinical disorders. In this review, we focus on the role of A. muciniphila in diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis, as well as the use of this bacterium as a next-generation probiotic. In regard to obesity and diabetes, human and animal trials have shown that A. muciniphila controls the essential regulatory system of glucose and energy metabolism. However, the underlying mechanisms by which A. muciniphila alleviates the complications of obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis are unclear. At the same time, its abundance suggests improved metabolic disorders, such as metabolic endotoxemia, adiposity insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. The role of A. muciniphila is implicated in declining aortic lesions and atherosclerosis. Well-characterized virulence factors, antigens and cell wall extracts of A. muciniphila may act as effector molecules in these diseases. These molecules may provide novel mechanisms and strategies by which this bacterium could be used as a probiotic for the treatment of obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

The Role of Allium subhirsutum L. in the Attenuation of Dermal Wounds by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Wistar Albino Rats.

In our study, Allium subhirsutum L. (AS) was investigated to assess its phenolic profile and bioactive molecules including flavonoids and organosulfur compounds. The antioxidant potential of AS and wound healing activity were addressed using skin wound healing and oxidative stress and inflammation marker estimation in rat models. Phytochemical and antiradical activities of AS extract (ASE) and oil (ASO) were studied. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups: group I served as a control and was treated with simple ointment base, group II was treated with ASE ointment, group III was treated with ASO ointment and group IV (reference group; Ref) was treated with a reference drug “Cytolcentella® cream”. Phytochemical screening showed that total phenols (215 ± 3.5 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (172.4 ± 3.1 mg QE/g) were higher in the ASO than the ASE group. The results of the antioxidant properties showed that ASO exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 0.136 ± 0.07 mg/mL), FRAP test (IC50 = 0.013 ± 0.006 mg/mL), ABTS test (IC50 = 0.52 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.34 ± 0.06 mg/mL). In the wound healing study, topical application of ASO performed the fastest wound-repairing process estimated by a chromatic study, percentage wound closure, fibrinogen level and oxidative damage status, as compared to ASE, the Cytolcentella reference drug and the untreated rats. The use of AS extract and oil were also associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress damage in the wound-healing treated rats. Overall, the results provided that AS, particularly ASO, has a potential medicinal value to act as effective skin wound healing agent.

Bioactive Constituents and Potency of Aqueous-Methanolic Extract of <i>Asclepias syriaca</i> on <i>Plasmodium falciparum </i>Infected Albino Rats

High mortality rate couple with the economic effect of deadlyPlasmodium falciparumcaused by malaria necessitated this study. Evaluation of bioactive constituents and antimalarial properties of the aqueous-methanolic extract ofAsclepias syriaca (A. syriaca) was investigated. Bioactive constituents were determined by GC-MS analytical detector. Albino rats were five in each group of six groups (A-E) in which group A was non-infected withP. falciparum(negative control). Groups B, C, D, E were infected with 1×107/mlP. falciparumwithout treated, treated with standard drugs of 20mg of chloroquine/kg, 100, 200 and 400mg of extractedA. syriaca/kg, respectively.Hematological and biochemical parameters ofPlasmodium falciparuminfected albino rats were determined. Aqueous-methanolic extract ofA. syriacaleaf made up of high content of pyrimidine, quinolone and silane derivatives with synergetic properties with potency for therapeutic of malarial and viral infectious diseases. MCV, PLA, RBC, total protein and albumin were significantly elevated upon infectedP. falciparumand gradually increases with dosage and time when treated with chloroquine andA.syriacaleaf extract but vice visa for the case WBC and creatinine. Parasitemia level significantly declined when administered with chloroquine andA, syriacaleaf extract for 36 hours. Hence serves as an effective medication in place of chloroquine due to its availability, avoidable and as a source of relevant medications toPlasmodium sppand viral infectious diseases.

Preventive effects of the antioxidant and antigenotoxicAchyrocline satureioides extract against zearalenone-induced mammal cytogenotoxicity and histological damage

Zearalenone (ZEN), aFusarium’s mycotoxin, is immunotoxic, genotoxic, hepatonephrotoxic and, affects the reproductive system. ZEN induces toxic and genotoxic effects on humans and other animals.Achyrocline satureioides has several medicinal properties. Moreover, the aqueous extract ofA. satureioides is a safe agent that exerts low cytotoxicity and no genotoxicity. This extract is a promissory candidate to counteract ZEN effects. The present study aimed to investigate the capacity of cold aqueous extract fromA. satureioides to protect against ZEN multi-target toxicity in different experimental mammal models. Anticytotoxicity was evaluated by neutral red uptake and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium reduction assays. Comet assay and micronuclei test, oxidative stress (TBARs), and histopathological damage were evaluated in Balb/C mice. Anticytotoxic studies indicated that cold aqueous extract (100 and 300 μg/ml) protected from damage induced by ZEN (50 μg/ml) on Vero cells.In vivo studies indicated that ZEN (40 mg/kg body weight) induced an increase of genotoxicity: micronuclei (34 MNPCE/1000 PCE) and increase of damage (tail moment) in blood cells. Also, it increased lipid peroxidation in liver and kidneys and generated several histopathological alterations in both organs. Cold aqueous extract (100 mg/kg body weight) protected from genotoxicity induced by ZEN in both tests. Cold aqueous extract, also, reduced the lipid peroxidation and histopathological damage in liver and kidneys. In conclusion, the cold aqueous extract ofA. satureioides that contains bioactive flavonoids prevents the multi-target toxicity induced by ZEN improving all the parameters evaluatedin vitro andin vivo, which is a valuable and original finding in order to develop future treatments for human and veterinary medicine.

Antioxidant Activity of Hydro-Acetonic, Hydro-Methanolic and Aqueous Leaf and Bark Extracts of <i>Sclerocaria birrea</i> (A. Rich.) Hochst

Bioactive compounds in plants are associated with the reduction of chronic diseases. The free radical scavenging activity of different extracts of a medicinal plant, Sclerocarya birrea, has been investigated using the DPPH test, ABTS test and FRAP. Three extracts were prepared from the leaves and bark: hydro-methanolic, hydro-acetonic and aqueous. Phytochemical screening was carried out the standard methods followed by the determination of the polyphenol by Folin-Ciocalteu method. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the STATISTICA 7.1 and statistical significance was set at p 0.05. Evolution of percent inhibition (PI) as well as the IC50 of the extracts was obtained using the Origin Pro 8.5 software and Microsoft Excel. The results show that the bark extracts are about twice as rich in polyphenols as the leaves. With DPPH at 1.25 mg/mL, the bark has a PI of 91.04% ± 0.001% while leaves, reach 99.80% ± 0.021%. As for the ABTS test, the bark extract reached its maximum activity at 1.25 mg/mL with a PI of 99.80% ± 0.003% while leaves extract greater value of PI is 99.75 ± 0.003 at 2.5 mg/mL. With FRAP test at 1.25 mg/mL, the bark has a PI of 79.29% ± 0.005% while leaves, reach 80.33% ± 0.001%. The IC50 of the bark and leaf extracts on the smallest DPPH are 0.156 ± 0.001 mg/mL in hydro-methanol, 0.301 ± 0.00 mg/mL in hydro-acetone and 0.407 ± 0.00 mg/mL in aqueous extract. With ABTS test, the best IC50 are obtained with hydro-acetone extracts with value of 0.247 ± 0.001 mg/mL for bark and 0.248 ± 0.0005 mg/mL for leaves while in hydro-methanolic and aqueous extracts the best IC50 are respectively 0.255 ± 0.00 mg/mL and 0.463 ± 0.00 mg/mL. Using ascorbic acid as our standard, the PI was 94.86% ± 0.008% with an IC50 of 0.213 ± 0.00 mg/mL. According to these results, the reducing power of the bark is slightly higher than that of the leaves. We can say that the bark has better activity than the leaves and the alcoholic extracts have given better results than the aqueous extract.

Allium subhirsutum L. as a Potential Source of Antioxidant and Anticancer Bioactive Molecules: HR-LCMS Phytochemical Profiling, In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacological Study.

This study investigated Allium subhirsutum L. (AS) anticancer and antioxidant effects and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis in a murine model of skeletal metastases due to inoculation of Walker 256/B cells. Phytochemical composition of AS extract (ASE) was studied by High Resolution-Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (HR-LCMS). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) were determined. In vitro, the antioxidant properties were evaluated by reducing power and antiradical activity against DPPH. Cancer cells’ proliferation, apoptosis, metastatic development and angiogenesis were evaluated using Walker 256/B and MatLyLu cells. The p-coumaric acid was the major phenolic acid (1700 µg/g extract). ASE showed high levels of TPC and TFC and proved potent antioxidant effects. ASE inhibited Walker 256/B and MatLyLu cells’ proliferation (Half-maximal inhibitory concentration: IC50 ≃ 150 µg/mL) and induced apoptosis. In silico and in vivo assays confirmed these findings. ASE effectively acts as a chemo-preventive compound, induces apoptosis and attenuates angiogenesis and osteolytic metastases due to Walker 256/B malignant cells.

Chemical characterization and evaluation of antimicrobial and cutaneous wound healing potentials of gold nanoparticles usingAllium saralicumR.M. Fritsch

The use of herbal medicines dates back a long way in history. Herbal medicines have been widely used all over the world since ancient times and have been recognized by physicians and patients for their good therapeutic value as they have fewer adverse effects than modern medicines. Recently, researchers have used gold nanoparticles synthesized by plants in the prevention, control, and treatment of infectious disorders and cutaneous wounds. The aims of this study were to synthesize gold nanoparticles from aqueous extract ofAllium saralicumR.M. Fritsch (AuNPs) and assess their therapeutic capacities. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FT‐IR results offered polysaccharides and protein inA. saralicumwere the sources of reducing power, reducing gold ions to AuNPs. According to XRD analysis, the crystal size of the nanoparticles was 41.6 nm. TEM and FE‐SEM images exhibited average diameters of 45 nm for the biosynthesized nanoparticles. The synthesized AuNPs had great cell viability on HUVECs line and showed this method was nontoxic. The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging test indicated similar antioxidant potentials forA. saralicum, AuNPs, and butylated hydroxytoluene. To determine the antifungal and antibacterial properties of HAuCl4,A. saralicum, and AuNPs, agar diffusion tests were used. The aim of the application both HAuCl4andA. saralicumin microbial tests was to investigate the synergism effects between them. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were specified by macro‐broth dilution assay. AuNPs exhibited higher antifungal and antibacterial effects than all standard antibiotics (p≤ 0.01). The MIC and MBC of AuNPs against all bacteria were in the ranges 1–4 mg/ml and 2–8 mg/ml, respectively. The MIC and MFC of AuNPs against all fungi were in the ranges 1–4 mg/ml and 2–4 mg/ml, respectively.In vivopart, AuNPs ointment group raised significantly (p≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, vessel, hydroxyl proline, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, fibroblast, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate and decreased significantly (p≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, and lymphocyte compared to other groups in rats. The results of FT‐IR, UV–Vis, XRD, TEM, and FE‐SEM analyses confirm that the aqueous extract ofA. saralicumleaves can be used to yield gold nanoparticles with a notable amount of remedial effects without any cytotoxicity against HUVECs.

Activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway by Amomum villosum Extract Suppresses LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress In Vitro and Ex Vivo.

Despite its deleterious effects on living cells, oxidative stress plays essential roles in normal physiological processes and provides signaling molecules for cell growth, differentiation, and inflammation. Macrophages are equipped with antioxidant mechanisms to cope with intracellular ROS produced during immune response, and Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2)/HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1) pathway is an attractive target due to its protective effect against ROS-induced cell damage in inflamed macrophages. We investigated the effects of ethanol extract of A. villosum (AVEE) on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated inflammatory responses generated via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in murine peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells. AVEE was found to suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway, thus, to reduce proinflammatory cytokine, nitric oxide, and prostaglandin levels in peritoneal macrophages and Raw 264.7 cells treated with LPS, and to enhance HO-1 expression by activating Nrf2 signaling. Furthermore, these anti-inflammatory effects of AVEE were diminished when cells were pretreated with SnPP (a HO-1 inhibitor). HPLC analysis revealed AVEE contained quercetin, a possible activator of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. These results show A. villosum ethanol extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in LPS-stimulated macrophages.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, and Protein Kinase Inhibition Potential in Aloe vera L.

Aloe vera is a multifunctional plant that has gained acceptance as an excellent home remedy source in Asia and the world. The present study was intended to evaluate the phytochemical contents and in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, antileishmanial, and protein kinase inhibition activities in different fractions of A. vera leaf. Methanolic extract of A. vera leaves was fractionated using column chromatography and ten fractions (AV1-AV10) were obtained. Phenolics composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antileishmanial, and protein kinase inhibition activities were evaluated using standard protocols. Well-known compounds of A. vera were used for in silico study against enzymes involved in brine shrimp and antileishmanial and hyphae formation inhibition assay on the basis of results. Five fractions (AV3 to AV7) possess potential total phenolics and flavonoids contents along with significant biological activities. AV4 fraction exhibited the highest total phenolics content 332.4 ± 32.6μg GAE/mg and total antioxidant activity 150.4 ± 25.815μg AAE/mg determined by phosphomolybdenum complex assay. Fraction AV6 showed 95% antileishmanial effect as well as the lowest LD50 value of 0.5305μg/mL in brine shrimp lethality assay. The Protein Kinase inhibition potential in A. vera leaves was determined for the first time and three fractions AV1, AV6, and AV7 depicted activity with the highest zone of inhibition up to 21±0.5mm (AV7). Docking analysis showed that A. vera contains anthraquinones, anthrones, chromones, and polysaccharides responsible for synergistic cytotoxic, antileishmanial, antibacterial, and antioxidant potential of this plant. Therefore, with more studies, A. vera could probably have the potential to be used for drug development against leishmaniasis.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activities of Atalantia monophylla (L) Correa and Atalantia racemosa Wight and Arn

Background: Infectious diseases are major leading cause of death in all parts of the world, because of the appearance of new multi drug resistant microbes. Therefore, the discovery of potential drug for effective treatment will help the slaughter of the microbes. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the presence of photochemical and antimicrobial activities of various crude extracts of leaves, fruits and root bark of Atalantia monophylla and Atalantia racemosa against human pathogens by using well diffusion method. Methods: Antimicrobial properties of the various extracts of Atalantia monophylla and Atalantia racemosa were studied against some human pathogenic microbes such as Gram-positive Bacteria, (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus) Gram-negative Bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) and human opportunistic fungal pathogens (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). All the extracts were comparable with standard drugs (Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Nystatin. and Amphotericin B). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal /fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) values were determined through a microdilution method. The phytochemical analysis of these plant extracts were carried out using standard mthods. Results: Methanolic leaf extract of A. monophylla has showed excellent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (40mm). As well, the A. racemosa methanolic leaf extract shows notable inhibitory activity against S. aureus (38mm). At the same time, the least inhibition was observed in aqueous extract of A. monophylla against E.coli (9mm). The MIC ranged from 0.78 µg/mL to 50 µg/mL and MBC/MFC 1.56 to 50 µg/mL were recorded. Phytochemical analysis of alkaloids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, phenolics and cardiae glycoside were recorded in various extracts of A. monophylla and A. racemosa respectively. Flavonoids, phenolics and cardiac glycoside were present only in methonalic leaf extract of A. monophylla. Conclusion: The result of this study concluded that methanolic leaf extract has possessed novel compounds with significant antimicrobial properties. Hence, we recommend this plant for further studies on the isolation and characterization of that lead antimicrobial potential molecule.

Alpinia oxyphylla Fruit Extract Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis through the Regulation of Th1/Th17 Cells.

Alpinia oxyphylla is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used for treating diarrhea, ulceration, and enuresis. Moreover, A. oxyphylla is effective for cognitive function improvement and nerve regeneration. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuronal inflammatory autoimmune disease that commonly affects young adults in high-latitude regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of A. oxyphylla in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model, which is an extensively used model for human MS. The ethanolic extract of A. oxyphylla fruit (AO-1) was orally administered to EAE mice. Our results showed AO-1 significantly reduced EAE symptoms. Histopathological analysis showed AO-1 reduced demyelination, inflammation, gliosis, and axonal swelling in the spinal cord. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) studies revealed that the infiltration of CD4+, CD8+ T cells, and CD11b+ monocytes into the spinal cord decreased in the AO-1-treated group. Mechanistically, the Th1 transcription factor T-bet, Th17 transcription factor retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor γ (RORγt), and inflammatory cytokines interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17 were reduced in the spinal cords of mice treated with AO-1. The expression levels of T-bet and RORγt were also lowered in the spleens of those mice. Further in vitro study showed AO-1 inhibited production of IFN-γ, IL-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α from MOG35-55-peptide-stimulated splenocytes. One component isolated from AO-1, yakuchinone A, inhibited IL-17 production in vitro and reduced EAE symptoms in the mice. Collectively, our results indicate that AO-1 ameliorated the severity of EAE in mice and may involve the regulation of Th1/Th17 response. A. oxyphylla warrants further investigation, particularly regarding its clinical benefits for MS.

Toxicity Evaluation of Anacardium occidentale, the Potential Aphrodisiac Herb.

Anacardium occidentale L. leaf demonstrates sexual enhancement effect. Therefore, it can be used as the potential supplement and functional ingredient. However, the ethanolic leaf extract of this plant is a modified form of traditional application and the toxicity evaluation is required. To assess cytotoxicity of the extract, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with A. occidentale leaf extract in the concentration range between 0.625 and 10 mg/mL. Our results showed that the extract showed more than 90% cell viability at the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL after 24-hour exposure. To assure the consumption safety, the acute and subchronic toxicity must be studied. Acute toxicity showed that the extract is safe even at the highest dose of 2 g/kg in both sexes of Wistar rats. No changes in behavior, physiology, gross pathology, and histology were observed. To determine the subchronic toxicity of extract, both sexes of Wistar rats were orally given the extract at doses of 20, 100, and 500 mg/kg once daily for 90 days. No changes in body weight, food, and water intake, motor coordination, behavior, and mental alertness were observed. The significant reduction of white blood cell, platelet, and cholesterol together with increase in MCHC was observed in male rats. The reductions of white blood cell and platelet together with the elevations of hemoglobin and hematocrit were also observed in female rats. However, all changes were in normal range. The current results revealed that an ethanolic extract of A. occidentale leaf was well tolerated via oral consumption up to dose of 500 mg/kg BW for 90 days and did not produce any toxicity. Our in vitro cytotoxicity test also confirmed this safety.

Aloe vera stimulate cell proliferation, cell migration, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase-1 (JNK-1) on fibroblast of diabetic rat models

The disturbance of cell migration and cell proliferation,diminished production of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase-1 (JNK-1) are important factors in wound healing process. Aloe vera contains active compounds which can help in the wound healing process. Thestudy aimed to investigate the effect of ethanol extract ofA. veraon cell proliferation, cell migration, VEGF-A and JNK-1 expression of skin fibroblast cells of diabetic rats. The primary skin fibroblast cells were isolated from diabetic Wistar rat and incubated with the A. vera extract in various concentrations i.e. 500 (AV500), 250 (AV250), and 125 µg/Ml (AV125) for 24, 48 and 72 h.The cell proliferation was examined visually by counting the cells number, the cell migration was observed using in vitro scratch assay, whereas VEGF-A and JNK-1 expression were examined using RT-PCR. In 24 and 48h incubation,the cell proliferation of AV500 and AV250 groups had higher number of cells than negative control group,but there was no significant difference (p>0.05). However in72 h incubation,the cell proliferation of AV500 group (29.33±1.28x104 cells/mL)was significantly different compared to negative control group (22.91±3.21x104 cells/mL) (p 0.05).The expression of VEGF-A and JNK-1 after incubation with the AV500 for 48 h, weresignificantly higher than those of negative control group (p<0.05).In conclusion, A. vera increases cell proliferation, cell migration, VEGF-A and JNK-1 expression offibroblast cellof diabetic rat skin.

Anthriscus sylvestris root extract reduces allergic lung inflammation by regulating interferon regulatory factor 4-mediated Th2 cell activation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAnthriscus sylvestris L. Hoffmann (AS) is a perennial plant that grows in Asia and Eastern Europe. Its dried root is used to treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and cough. Aim of the studyThe present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of whole AS extract (ASE) on allergic lung inflammation in vitro and in vivo as well as the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsWe used an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model and in vitro primary T helper (Th)2 polarization system. Five groups of 8-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were divided into the following groups: saline control, or OVA-induced allergic asthma with vehicle, ASE (100 or 200 mg/kg), or dexamethasone (5 mg/kg) treatment for 7 days. ResultsASE attenuated mucus secretion in airway epithelial cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, eosinophilia, and Th2 cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Mice administered ASE showed reductions in the activated cluster of differentiation 4+ T cell population and GATA-binding protein-3 gene expression in the lung, and diminished Th2 cell differentiation and activation in vitro. Furthermore, ASE-treated mice showed decreased interleukin-6 and interferon regulatory factor (IRF)4 expression, with corresponding reductions in nitric oxide levels in the lungs of asthmatic mice and in stimulated RAW cells. ConclusionASE exerts anti-asthmatic effects by inhibiting IRF4 expression and thereby suppressing Th2 cell activation.

Volatile Oil of Amomum villosum Inhibits Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via the Gut-Liver Axis.

Background The dried mature fruit of Amomum villosum has been historically used in China as food and in the auxiliary treatment of digestive system disorders. Numerous studies have shown that gastrointestinal function is closely related to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via the “gut-liver” axis. Objective The present study aimed to explore whether the mechanism underlying the regulation of lipid accumulation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may affect related disorders using the active ingredients in A. villosum. Design Male Sprague-Dawley rats on a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce NAFLD were administered water extract of A. villosum (WEAV), volatile oil of A. villosum (VOAV), or bornyl acetate. After treatment, serum and liver total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were measured. The regulatory role of A. villosum in the microecology of the intestines was assessed using the V4 region of the 16S rDNA sequencing. The expression of the intestinal tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1 was also measured. The influence of A. villosum on TLR4-mediated chronic low-grade inflammation was evaluated based on the concentrations of key proteins of the TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway. Results. A. villosum effectively inhibited endogenous lipid synthesis, reduced TG, TC, and FFA accumulation, regulated the expression of LDL-C, and decreased lipid accumulation in liver tissues. VOAV effectively regulated the intestinal microflora, improved chronic low-grade inflammation by promoting ZO-1 and occludin protein expressions, and inhibited the TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway. Conclusion The present study provides scientific basis for the potential application of A. villosum in NAFLD prevention and treatment. Additional chemical constituents other than bornyl acetate also contributed to the preventive effects of A. villosum on NAFLD.