Aspera Extract Research Articles

Smilax aspera L. Leaf and Fruit Extracts as Antibacterial Agents for Crop Protection

Smilax aspera L. (commonly known as sarsaparilla) is recognized for its composition rich in flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, steroidal saponins, stilbenoids, and tannins, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the hydromethanolic extracts of its leaves and fruits through vibrational spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, evaluating their potential as biorationals for safeguarding crops. Analysis of S. aspera leaf and fruit extracts revealed the presence of phytochemicals such as lactones and other furan derivatives. In vitro assessments against three phytopathogens—Erwinia amylovora, Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris—demonstrated strong antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 1500 μg·mL−1 for both extracts. Biofilm tests indicated that the leaf extract reduced biofilm formation by 78–85%, while the fruit extract led to a reduction of 73–92.5%. At a concentration of 750 µg·mL−1, the extracts caused a decrease in amylovoran synthesis by 41–58%. Additionally, noticeable alterations in membrane permeability were observed at MIC and MIC/2 doses. Subsequent in vivo trials conducted on Pyrus communis L. trees utilizing the combined aerial part extract yielded substantial protection against E. amylovora at a dose of 1500 μg·mL−1, reaching 80% wilting reduction for the leaf extract. The findings presented herein cast S. aspera extracts as a promising natural-based treatment against these bacterial phytopathogens.

Microwave assisted biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Achyranthes aspera for burn wound healing activity

ObjectiveThe aim of the present work is to develop a silver nanoparticle using aqueous leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera extract for burn wound healing. MethodsAqueous Extraction of Achyranthes aspera leaves was done and used for silver nanoparticle biosynthesis. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized and studied for, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and optimized silver nanoparticles were formulated into gel and their burn wound healing potential were studied. ResultsThe study revealed that the formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by observing Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy peaks at 427.50 nm, 416.00 nm and 409.50 nm. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy revealed the capping and bio-reduction of silver due to the presence of tannins. Saponins, flavonoids in plant extract. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were within the range of 74.6–304.3 nm. Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed that particles were spherical with smooth surface. The study revealed that synthesized silver nanoparticles formulation showed significant antioxidant, antimicrobial activity and burn wound healing by inducing fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts, which enhanced wound contraction, accelerated healing and keratinocyte proliferation after 14 days study as compared to plant extract gel, this was evidenced by histopathological evaluation. ConclusionThe present investigation concluded that the silver nanoparticles were capped with biomolecules of Achyranthes aspera which is responsible for enhancing the burn wound healing activity of plant extract.

Effects of dietary supplementation of Achyranthes aspera extract on growth performance, digestibility, innate immunity, antioxidant capacity, and disease resistance of juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei

AbstractA supplemental effect of Achyranthes aspera extract (200 mg/kg phytosterol) in diets was evaluated for Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) on growth performance, digestibility, innate immunity, antioxidant capacity, and disease resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A fish meal and soybean meal‐based control diet (Con; protein 38.0% and lipid 8.7%) was formulated and five other diets were prepared by adding A. aspera extract into Con diet to be 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mg phytosterol/kg concentration (designated as P05, P10, P20, P40, and P80, respectively). Three replicate groups of 30 shrimp (initial body weight, 0.40 ± 0.001 g) per diet were randomly assigned into 18 acrylic tanks (240 L) and fed one of the diets for 53 days. The growth performance and feed utilization efficiency were significantly higher in shrimp fed P20 and P80 diets than in shrimp fed Con and P10 diets. The dietary phytosterol supplementation improved non‐specific immune response, antioxidant capacity, and apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter and protein of shrimp. The IGF‐binding protein gene expression was also upregulated with dietary phytosterol supplementation. During the challenge test, the disease resistance of shrimp was significantly enhanced against V. parahaemolyticus when shrimp were fed P20 diet. These results indicate that A. aspera extract could be used as a functional feed additive for the improvements in the growth performance, feed efficiency, innate immunity, antioxidant capacity, digestibility, and disease resistance of the shrimp. The optimum dietary inclusion level of the phytosterol seems to be 0.2–0.4 mg/kg diet.

In Vitro Antibacterial, Cytotoxicity and Wound Healing Activities of Methanol and Aqueous Extracts from Achyranthes aspera.

Achyranthes aspera (Amaranthaceae) is a most important plant in the Indian medicinal system of Unani, Ayurveda, and Sidha. It is distributed throughout tropical countries particularly this medicinal herb is found as a weed all over India. The antibiotic-resistant bacteria treatment, many medicinal plants act as alternatives to antibiotics and are considered new resources for producing agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxicity, and wound-healing potential of methanolic and aqueous extracts of A. aspera. Physio-chemical parameters of A. aspera were screened by qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals and it revealed the existence of saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, and flavonoids in each extract. The methanolic extract showed strong scavenging effects against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical in comparison with the aqueous extract. The methanolic extract of A. aspera was bactericidal at 100 μg/ml concentration against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus). In addition, the finding suggests A. aspera extract promotes in vitro wound healing by enhancement of Vero cells and has the potential for the treatment of wounds. The study concludes the strong radical scavenging effect of Achyranthes aspera along with remarkable antibacterial and wound healing actions.

Influence of Ag on the Structural, Electrochemical, Antibacterial, and Photocatalytic Performance of the (CuO-Cu2O)Cu Nanocomposite.

The cost-effective novel Ag-doped (1-7%) (CuO-Cu2O)Cu (C3) heterostructured nanocomposites are successfully synthesized by the facile solution combustion process using the Leucas aspera extract as a green fuel. The structural properties of fabricated nanocomposites were well-characterized by specific spectral techniques for enhanced electrochemical sensor detection, antibacterial activities, and sunlight-driven photocatalytic dye decoloration studies. The existence of Ag+ ions has been confirmed by the appearance of two peaks of Ag 3d5/2 (367.9 eV) and Ag 3d3/2 (373.9 eV), with the chemical binding nature and exchange of the Ag+ state in the nanocomposite lattice as revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The energy band gap value of the doped nanocomposite decreases from 2.2 to 1.8 eV, as measured by the UV-visible absorption spectral technique, hindering the recombination of electron-holes pairs by trapping e- and h+. This result supports that the C3Ag5 nanocomposite has a great potential as a sunlight photocatalyst toward the Alizarin Red (AR) dye, for which an excellent degradation activity of 98% at 180 min was achieved compared to that of the host nanocomposite (78% at 180 min). The variation of redox peak potentials of the prepared graphite nanocomposite working electrode is an effective tool for paracetamol sensing activity in 0.1 M KCl using electrochemical spectral studies. In addition, the antibacterial activities of the C3Ag5 nanocomposite against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were successfully studied. The C3Ag5 nanocomposite exhibited a better performance than C3. The increase in activity is attributed to the presence of Ag as a dopant.

Achyranthes aspera ameliorates stress induced depression in mice by regulating neuroinflammatory cytokines

Background and aimAchyranthes aspera Linn. (A. aspera) (family: Amaranthaceae) is highly recognized in ethnomedicine and traditional systems of Indian medicine as a nervine restorative for several psychiatric disorders. Study presented here was designed to appraise the antidepressant-like effects of A. aspera in murine model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depression. Experimental procedures-Rodents were exposed to different stressor in unpredictive manner during CUMS protocol once a day for 4 weeks. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with A. aspera extract (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) or betaine (20 mg/kg) once daily during day 15–28 of the CUMS protocol. Sucrose preference, motivation and self-care, immobility latency and plasma corticosterone were evaluated after 24 h of last stressor. After behavioral assessments TNF-α, Il-6 and BDNF immunocontent was determined in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Results and conclusionA. aspera extract as well as betaine improved sucrose preference, increased grooming frequency and latency in splash test and ameliorated depression-like condition in CUMS mice in Porsolt test. A. aspera treatment decreased the elevated plasma corticosterone and reversed the effect of CUMS on TNF-α, Il-6 and BDNF immunocontent in mice. The results of the present study suggest A. aspera as a promising indigenous medicine for stress associated neurobehavioral and comorbid complications.

Green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles from Leucus aspera and its application in anticancer activity against alveolar cancer

Leucus aspera is a perennial plant traditionally used as an herbal medicine in many countries. The biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles using medicinal plants is not only economical but also environmentally friendly as well as having miscellaneous biomedical applications. In this study, Leucus aspera extract as a stabilising and reducing agent was utilised to synthesise Ag nanoparticles in the aqueous medium. In addition, the anti-alveolar cancer property of AgNPs was investigated in the in vitro condition. Various techniques containing UV–Vis. spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) were used to characterise the synthesised nanoparticles. On the other hand, the MTT assay was run to evaluate the cytotoxicity activity of AgNPs. The crystal size of AgNPs, according to the XRD analysis, was 34.22 nm. Moreover, the uniform spherical morphology ranging from 40.67 to 58.17 nm was detected in the SEM images for the biosynthesised nanoparticles. In the antioxidant test, the IC50 of AgNPs and BHT against DPPH free radicals were 87 and 41 µg/mL, respectively. The synthesised nanocomposite had very low cell viability and high anti-alveolar cancer activities against A549 cell line without any cytotoxicity on the normal cell line (HUVEC). The viability of malignant alveolar cell line reduced dose-dependently in the presence of Ag NPs. Perhaps notable anti-alveolar cancer activities of the synthesised nanocomposite against common alveolar cancer cell line are linked to their antioxidant activities.

Screening of potential anti-HIV compounds from Achyranthes aspera extracts for SARS-CoV-2: An insight from molecular docking study

Till date millions of people are already infected by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Situation is getting worse day-by-day due to lack of efficient Drug or Vaccine. It is already established that few compounds of Achyranthes aspera extract have significant anti-HIV activity. Present study examines inhibitory efficiency of 8 anti-HIV compounds of A. aspera extract against SARS-Cov-2. Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) of Human body, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and Main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 have been chosen as targets for this study. The binding energies and inhibition constant values of these 8 compounds have been compared with the three drugs (Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine and Remdesivir). Most of the compounds showed good binding energies and inhibition constant values compared to the drugs. Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) profile also reflected that the hits from our analysis are safe. According to the molecular docking study, among these 8 anti-HIV compounds, Oleanolic acid has the highest binding affinity and low inhibition constant value with the three proteases. So, we believe that this study will help in therapeutic efforts against SARS-CoV-2.

Evaluations of Antioxidant Effects of Selected Medicinal Plant Extracts Claimed to Treat Kidney Stone Disease

Introduction: Free radicals are capable of inducing oxidative damage, which causes various human diseases. However, antioxidants reduce the risk of diseases related to reactive oxygen species. Medicinal plants such as Achyranthes aspera leaves, Satureja punctata aerial parts, Aloe pulcherrima gel, Gomphocarpus fruticosus leaves and Commiphora myrrha resins were claimed to treat various ailments including urolithiasis in Ethiopia. Objectives: This study was intended to determine phytochemicals and antioxidant activities of the aforementioned plants. Materials and Methods: Plants were collected and the aqueous crude extracts were prepared. Phytochemicals were screened qualitatively and DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay was measured at 517nm using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA, Dunnett’s comparison test of the Graph Pad Prism version 6. Results: The plant extracts exhibited various phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids and tannins, while these were absent in C. myrrha. Steroids and terpenoides were absent in A. pulcherrima and G. fruticosus extracts, respectively. DPPH scavenging capacities of S. punctata, G. fruticosus, A. pulcherrima and A. aspera aqueous extracts were 92.3%, 81.6%, 72.3% and 54.9%, respectively compared to control (Ascorbic acid) showed 87.6%, 94.5%, 92.3% and 95.6%, respectively at inhibitory concentrations of 0.20 mg/ml, 0.78 mg/ ml, 3.13 mg/ml and 12.5 mg/ml, respectively. The IC50 antioxidant values of S. punctata, A. pulcherrima, G. fruticosus, and A. aspera extracts were 0.01 ±0.003 mg/ml, 0.42 ±0.047 mg/ml, 1.64 ±0.147 mg/ml, and 13.51 ±1.08 mg/ml, respectively compared to Ascorbic acid (0.03 ±0.007 mg/ml). Conclusion: The phytoconstituents in S. punctata aqueous extract has the best capability to scavenge DPPH free radicals. Future characterizations of compounds responsible for the antioxidant activities will be required.

Evaluation of some leaf and seed extracts for their insecticidal properties against Aphis gossypii glover (hemiptera: aphididae)

The insecticidal properties of leaf extracts of Carica papaya, Leucas aspera and seed extracts of Daturastramonium and Mucuna pruriens were evaluated against Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under laboratory conditions. The mortality of aphids (80.0%) was more from D. stramonium seed extract (10ml/l) with LD50 of 0.39% followed by C. papaya leaf extract which caused mortality of 72.5% (10ml/l) with LD50 0.96%. The mortality of A. gossypii in M. pruriens seed extract was 70.0% with LD50 0.65% however the mortality was found to be non significant in L. aspera extract.

Bioactivities of Aeschynomene aspera (Fabaceae) Leaf Extract

Aeschynomene aspera (Family- Fabaceae), a traditionally used medicinal plant, is aquatic, perennial, erect subshrub up to 200 cm tall with compound leaves and locally it is called Shola (Bangladesh), Laugaun (India). The study started with phytochemical screening of ethanolic leaf extract of A. aspera followed by bioactivity study such as in-vitro antioxidant activity by free radical (DPPH) scavenging assay, estimation of total phenolic as well as total flavonoid contents and the analgesic, antidiarrheal and anthelmintic activities. Analgesic, antidiarrheal and anthelmintic activities were evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing inhibition in mice, castor oil induced diarrheal episode in mice and using living parasites Haemonchus contortus, respectively. The presence of carbohydrate, reducing sugar, glycosides, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, gums and flavonoids was estimated with the help of phytochemical screening. In DPPH scavenging assay the extract showed IC50 value of 86.14μg/mL where ascorbic acid showed 12.02μg/mL. It also exhibited total phenolic and flavonoid contents as 461.09 GAE/100g and 297.20mg Quercetin/100g of dried plant extract. About 36% and 61% writhing inhibitions were observed in mice at 250 and 500mg/kg doses of A. aspera leaf extract, respectively. Anthelmintic activity showed by the extract was dose dependent. The extract also showed 46.01 and 71.68% inhibition of defecation in mice at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively. All these suggest that the A. aspera extract possesses antioxidant, analgesic, anthelmintic and antidiarrheal activities. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 23(2): 109-116, 2020

Qualitative Phytochemical Fingerprint and Network Pharmacology Investigation of Achyranthes aspera Linn. Extracts.

Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as the Prickly Chaff flower, is used as herbal medicine in the Ivorian’s culture, Africa. Nonetheless, there is currently a paucity of scientific information on A. aspera from the Ivory Coast. Herein, the antioxidant activity of A. aspera extracts (methanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and infusion) as well as the enzymatic inhibitory potentials towards key enzymes in human diseases, namely Alzheimer’s disease, (cholinesterases: AchE and BChE), type 2 diabetes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) and hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase) were assessed. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content was determined using colorimetric methods and the individual compounds were characterized using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Furthermore, a network pharmacology analysis was conducted to predict putative targets of identified phenolic compounds. The highest TPC was observed in the infused extract (28.86 ± 0.12 mg GAE/g), while the dichloromethane extract (38.48 ± 1.48 mg RE/g) showed the highest level of TFC. UHPLC-HRMS analysis has revealed an abundance of fatty acids, flavonoids, phenols and acylquinic acids. Among tested extracts, the infused extract displayed the highest free radical quenching, reducing and metal-chelating ability. The extracts (except infusion) were effective as enzyme inhibitors against AChE, while only methanolic and infused extracts showed noteworthy anti-BChE effects. The methanolic extract showed a remarkable antityrosinase effect (56.24 ± 5.05 mg KAE/g), as well. Modest to moderate inhibitory activity was observed against α-amylase (all extracts) and α-glucosidase (only dichloromethane extract). Finally, the network pharmacology analysis suggested the carbonic anhydrase II enzyme as a putative target for explaining, at least in part, the traditional use of A. aspera preparations as diuretic and blood clotting agent. Data amassed herein tend to validate the use of A. aspera in traditional medicine, as well as act as a stepping stone for further studies in the quest for novel phytopharmaceuticals. In this context, it is desirable that this study will contribute to the validation of the traditional uses of this plant in the African herbal medicine, and to the valorization of the whole chain production of A. aspera, as a local and sustainable botanical resource.

Insecticidal and Genotoxic effects of some indigenous plant extracts in Culex quinquefasciatus Say Mosquitoes

Five different weed plants viz. Convulvulus arvensis, Chenopodium murale, Tribulus terrestris, Trianthema portulacastrum, and Achyranthes aspera were investigated for their entomocidal and genotoxic effects against Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. High mortality was observed at 72 hours in a dose dependent manner. Among all the tested plants, A. aspera was found highly significant which showed 100% mortality at 250 ppm after 72 hours with LC50 of 87.46, 39.08 and 9.22 ppm at 24, 48, respectively. In combination with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti); A. aspera also caused 100% mortality at 250 ppm concentration after 72 hours (LC50 8.29 ppm). Phytochemical analysis of all the tested weed plants showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, anthrequinones and terpenoids. Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA-Polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) and comet assay were performed to assess the genotoxic effect of A. aspera but no change in DNA profile was observed. Furthermore, FTIR showed the presence of phenolic compounds in A. aspera extract. It is suggested that certain phenolic compounds such as flavonoids modulate the enzymatic activity and, hence, cause the death of larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus. Altogether, current study would serve as an initial step towards replacement of synthetic insecticides to plant-microbe based biopesticide against Culex mosquitoes in future.

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC AND NON-SPECIFIC PARAMETERS OF THE SIMPLICIA AND ETHANOL EXTRACT OF SANGKETAN (ACHYRANTHES ASPERA L.) LEAVES

Objective: With recent advancements in traditional medicine, there is an increasing need for quality assurance assessments using standardizedprocesses. In this study, we aimed to determine the specific and non-specific parameters of the Simplicia and 70% ethanol extract of Achyranthesaspera leaves from three different regions.Methods: Samples were extracted using a maceration method with 70% ethanol as the solvent. The tests for the specific and non-specific parameterswere based on the Herbal Pharmacopoeia of Indonesia.Results: Our results of the specific parameters of the Simplicia showed that the ethanol-soluble extract contained 5.83–9.36% and the water-solubleextract contained 10.25–15.44%. The chromatogram pattern used β-sitosterol as the standard, and the total phenolic content was 0.93–1.15 mg gallicacid equivalent (GAE)/g Simplicia. The results of the non-specific parameters of Simplicia showed a loss on drying of 15.25–15.91%, a total ash contentof 14.58–20.79%, and an acid-insoluble ash value of 1.75–2.19%.Conclusion: Our results of the specific parameters of A. aspera extract showed a total phenolic content of 6.49–7.68% mg GAE/g extract. Our resultsof the non-specific parameters of the extract showed a total ash value of 13.18–14.52%, an acid-insoluble ash value of 0.14–0.29%, and a moisturecontent of 10.42–11.16%.

In vitro anti-HIV activity of some Indian medicinal plant extracts

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) persists to be a significant public health issue worldwide. The current strategy for the treatment of HIV infection, Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), has reduced deaths from AIDS related disease, but it can be an expensive regime for the underdeveloped and developing countries where the supply of drugs is scarce and often not well tolerated, especially in persons undergoing long term treatment. The present therapy also has limitations of development of multidrug resistance, thus there is a need for the discovery of novel anti-HIV compounds from plants as a potential alternative in combating HIV disease.MethodsTen Indian medicinal plants were tested for entry and replication inhibition against laboratory adapted strains HIV-1IIIB, HIV-1Ada5 and primary isolates HIV-1UG070, HIV-1VB59 in TZM-bl cell lines and primary isolates HIV-1UG070, HIV-1VB59 in PM1 cell lines. The plant extracts were further evaluated for toxicity in HEC-1A epithelial cell lines by transwell epithelial model.ResultsThe methanolic extracts of Achyranthes aspera, Rosa centifolia and aqueous extract of Ficus benghalensis inhibited laboratory adapted HIV-1 strains (IC80 3.6–118 μg/ml) and primary isolates (IC80 4.8–156 μg/ml) in TZM-bl cells. Methanolic extract of Strychnos potatorum, aqueous extract of Ficus infectoria and hydroalcoholic extract of Annona squamosa inhibited laboratory adapted HIV-1 strains (IC80 4.24–125 μg/ml) and primary isolates (IC80 18–156 μg/ml) in TZM-bl cells. Methanolic extracts of Achyranthes aspera and Rosa centifolia, (IC801-9 μg/ml) further significantly inhibited HIV-1 primary isolates in PM1cells. Methanolic extracts of Tridax procumbens, Mallotus philippinensis, Annona reticulate, aqueous extract of Ficus benghalensis and hydroalcoholic extract of Albizzia lebbeck did not exhibit anti-HIV activity in all the tested strains. Methanolic extract of Rosa centifolia also demonstrated to be non-toxic to HEC-1A epithelial cells and maintained epithelial integrity (at 500 μg/ml) when tested in transwell dual-chamber.ConclusionThese active methanolic extracts of Achyranthes aspera and Rosa centifolia, could be further subjected to chemical analysis to investigate the active moiety responsible for the anti-HIV activity. Methanolic extract of Rosa centifolia was found to be well tolerated maintaining the epithelial integrity of HEC-1A cells in vitro and thus has potential for investigating it further as candidate microbicide.

Evaluation of acute and sub-acute toxicity of selected traditional antiurolithiatic medicinal plant extracts in Wistar albino rats

IntroductionAchyranthes aspera, Chenopodium murale, Satureja punctata, Rumex abyssinicus and Aloe pulcherrima are traditionally used to treat urolithiasis in Ethiopia. However, there are limited reports on toxicity studies. ObjectiveThis study was intended to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity effects of plants. Materials and MethodsThe crude extracts of A. aspera and C. murale leaves, S. punctata aerial parts, R. abyssinicus rhizomes, and A. Pulcherrima gel were prepared using 70 % ethanol. In acute toxicity, 125, 500 and 2000 mg/kg were tested in a stepwise manner; whereas 2000 mg/kg administrated to female rats using gavage during sub-acute toxicity. On day 14 and 28, blood samples were collected from retro-orbital sinus; liver and kidneys of each animal were collected under anaesthesia. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Dunnett's comparison test of the Graph Pad Prism. ResultsNo mortality and significant weight loss for all extracts in both toxicity tests. In acute toxicity, C. murale extract significantly reduced hemoglobin and platelets (P < 0.01) compared with the control. Likewise, S. punctata (P < 0.05) and R. abyssinicus (P < 0.01) extracts revealed significant reduction in platelet count. An exposure to C. murale and R. abyssinicus extracts reduced the concentrations of platelet distribution width and platelet larger cell ratio (p < 0.05) during sub-acute toxicity test. The level of creatinine reduced due to A. aspera extract administrations(P < 0.05). Liver histopathological examinations revealed focal periportal hepatitis following sub-acute toxicity test of C. murale. Histopathological studies of liver demonstrated that R. abyssinicus, A. aspera and S. punctata extracts showed mild acute liver injury. A. pulcherrima was not associated with any toxicity. ConclusionC. murale extract showed hematological, and histopathological toxicity profiles in rats. Furthermore, chronic toxicity studies of A. aspera, S. punctata and R. abyssinicus extracts would be beneficial to ensure safety.

Anti-diabetic, Anti-cancer Activity and Associated Toxicity of Leucas aspera Extract in Wistar Albino Rats

In regenerative medicine, nanotechnology plays a vital role in the diagnosis, the delivery of therapeutic drugs and the treatment of many diseases and disorders. Due to the growing need to develop environmentally friendly technologies in material synthesis, the biosynthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IOP) has received considerable attention over the past decades. Therefore, the community is now looking back for traditional medicines for various diseases after the practice of allopathic drugs with tremendous side effects. There are an increasing number of biomedical applications for iron oxide nanoparticles; as such uses are essential for in-vitro characterisation and in-vivo to ensure the bio-safety of these particles. The main complication of diabetes due to frequent lipid peroxidation is liver damage and renal dysfunction, but treatment with Leucas aspera has a pronounced effect on these indicators, which protects the organs from further damage. The current research supports the traditional use of Leucas aspera against diabetes mellitus and cancer, as well as the safety, effectiveness and potency of Leucas aspera leaf extract's anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effect in the in-vivo model. The overall results reveal that Leucas aspera has the potential and can be a candidate of choice without side effect.

Effects of Achyranthes aspera Extracts on the Survival and Midgut Histo-architecture of Aedes aegypti L. Early IV Instars

Background: Aedes aegypti L.; one of the most important insect vectors in the world; transmits several diseases of concern; Zika, yellow fever, Chikungunya, dengue and dengue haemorrhagic fever. Despite multifarious problems on humans, non-targets and environment; caused by synthetic chemical insecticides; these are still the prime and preferred control measures against dengue vector. Alternative control strategies using eco-friendly and bio-degradable plant products are being explored. Objective: The present study investigates the toxic potential of the hexane extract of the leaf and stem of Achyranthes aspera against Ae. aegypti. Methods: The larvicidal potential of extracts was evaluated against dengue larvae as per WHO protocol. Subsequent concentration and time-dependent studies assessed their effects on the larval midgut histo-architecture using microtomy techniques. Results: Larvicidal bioassays with A. aspera extracts revealed their appreciable larvicidal potential. Hexane extract of the leaf resulted in respective LC30, LC50 and LC90 values of 67, 83 and 140 ppm while exposure to hexane extract of the stem showed respective values of 55, 68 and 115 ppm. Extract-exposed larvae at various lethal levels exhibited significant damage, shrinkage, distortion and vacuolization of gut tissues and peritrophic membrane. The disintegration of epithelial cells and cytoplasmic organelles evidenced stomach poison potential of the extracts. The extent of toxicity and damage was concentration and time-dependent; the stem extract imparted more deleterious effects as compared to the leaf extract. Conclusion: Present findings suggest the utilization of A. aspera as an alternate control strategy against Ae. aegypti; though further studies against non-targets are needed to ascertain its use in the fields.

ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF LEUCAS ASPERA FLOWERS FROM BIHAR, INDIA.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explicate antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities of Leucas aspera flowers.Methods: Antibacterial activity was done by agar diffusion method. The ethyl acetate extract of L. aspera flower was evaluated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Antifungal activity was also done by agar diffusion method. The agar used for antifungal activity was Czapek Dox Agar. Nitric oxide scavenging assay and free radical scavenging assay were used for the antioxidant activity. Griess reagent was used in nitric oxide scavenging assay. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl was used in free radical scavenging assay.Results: L. aspera flower extract showed good antibacterial activity with the highest zone of inhibition against Vibrio cholera with 23 mm followed by Bacillus polymyxa showing 20 mm zone of inhibition. The ethyl acetate extract of L. aspera flower showed quite a good results with the highest inhibitory activity against Aspergillus niger with 13 mm zone of inhibition and lowest for Trichoderma viridae with 5 mm zone of inhibition. Antioxidant activity of L. aspera flower extract was done by free radical scavenging assay and nitric oxide scavenging assay. Nitric oxide scavenging assay showed prominent results almost performed equal to standard compound Butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA) The values for 10 μl of L. aspera extract was 50.27, for the standard (BHA) showed 50.81. L. aspera extract values for 50 μl was 69.73 and for BHA, the values was 77.30. For 100 μl, the extract gave 82.70, and for standard BHA, the reading was 89.73.Conclusion: The results showed that L. aspera flower has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity ranging from 23 to 13 mm zone of inhibition. L. aspera flower has strong antioxidative power on nitric oxide radicals. The medicinal properties of plant species have made an outstanding contribution to the origin and evolution of many traditional herbal therapies.

Assessment of Achyranthes aspera induced toxicity and molecular analysis of RAPD-PCR profiles of larval genomic DNA of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae).

Current studies investigated the anti-mosquito potential of Achyranthes aspera against the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti. The stems and leaves of A. aspera were extracted in hexane and evaluated for their toxicity against early fourth instars of A. aegypti. The larvicidal efficacy of the extract was validated as per WHO protocol. The mortality counts were made after 24h and LC values were calculated at different levels. The adverse impact of extracts was also explored on the larval genomic DNA. The larvae were exposed to extracts at LC50 levels and the alterations in g-DNA was evaluated through RAPD-PCR technique using three random primers; MA-09, MA-12 and MA-26. Our investigations ascertained the larvicidal efficacy of both the leaf and stem extracts of A. aspera resulting in respective LC50 values of 0.068 and 0.082mg/mL. The extracts also caused variable genotoxic effects with significant changes in the RAPD profiles. The results showed appreciable modifications in larval g-DNA with loss of certain bands and gain of unique bands with 82.35% DNA polymorphism. These alterations suggest the probable DNA damage and mutations in the larval g-DNA caused by certain phytocomponents which could be the possible reason of larval mortality. Our studies evidenced the anti-mosquito potential of A. aspera extracts against A. aegypti causing appreciable larval mortality and significant changes in g-DNA. The A. aspera extracts are suggested as efficient and eco-friendly control agent against A. aegypti, yet further investigations are needed to identify the bioactive constituent and ascertain its effectiveness in the field conditions.