Aspera Extract Research Articles

Anticonvulsant activity and acute neurotoxic profile of Achyranthes aspera Linn.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRoot powder of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (A. aspera) belongs to family Amaranthaceae is used in Indian traditional medicine for the management of epilepsy and its efficacy is widely acclaimed among the different rural communities. Aim of the studyThe present study was aimed to establish the possible anticonvulsant effect of A. aspera methanolic root extract using acute anticonvulsant models and to evaluate the acute toxicity and neurotoxic potential A. aspera extract. Material and methodsA. aspera methanolic extract was standardized with respect to betaine using HPTLC. The maximal electroshock (MES), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), picrotoxin and bicuculline induced seizure models were used to evaluate the anticonvulsant potential of standardized A. aspera root extract. The GABA content in cortex and hippocampus of extract treated mice was evaluated using HPLC. Moreover, the animals were also evaluated for acute toxicity study and neurotoxicity test. ResultsA significant enhancement in the seizure threshold was observed by A. aspera extract (5 and 10mg/kg) treated mice in PTZ, picrotoxin and bicuculline models as compared to saline treated mice respectively, whereas the extract failed to show protection in MES induced seizures. Moreover, A. aspera treatment (5 and 10mg/kg) significantly enhances the GABA levels in hippocampus and cortex as compared to saline treated group. A. aspera root extract was devoid of any sign of acute toxicity as well as neurotoxicity. ConclusionsA. aspera root extract exhibits significant anticonvulsant effect by facilitation of GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain.

Synthesis of Leucas Aspera Extract Loaded Gold-PLA-PEG-PLA Amphiphilic Copolymer Nanoconjugates: In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Anti-Inflammatory Activity Studies.

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are synthesized using the medicinal plant Leucas Aspera extract (LAE) and poly lactic acid-co-poly ethylene glycol-co-poly lactic acid (PLA-PEG-PLA) copolymer by water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion method. The proposed method of W/O emulsion technique involves synthesis of GNPs and loading of Leucas Aspera extract on to the PLA-PEG-PLA copolymer matrix simultaneously. The synthesized GNPs are characterized by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The GNPs-LAE loaded polymer NPs are examined for the in vitro cytotoxicity on South African green monkey's kidney cells. The GNPs-LAE loaded polymer nanoconjugates exhibit maximum up to 95% of cell viability with 100 μg concentration of GNPs in the sample. The GNPs-LAE loaded polymer NPs exhibit better anti-inflammatory activity when compared to the pure LAE.

Comparison of UV Protection Properties of Cotton Fabrics Treated with Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Achyranthes aspera and Alhagi maurorum Plants.

UV radiations are high-energy radiations present in sunlight that can damage human skin. Protection against these radiations becomes vital especially in those areas of the globe where UV index is quite high that makes the inhabitants more prone to dangerous effects of UV radiations. Clothing materials are good blockers of UV radiations, particularly when the fabric cover factor is high and/or the fabrics contain suitable UV-blocking finishes. In this study, effect of application of aqueous and methanolic extracts of two different plants, i.e., Achyranthes aspera and Alhagi maurorum on UV protection properties of cotton fabric was investigated. The results showed that the fabric samples treated with extracts of both the plants have excellent UV protection properties as indicated by their ultraviolet protection factor. It was concluded that both the aqueous and methanolic plant extracts are very effective in blocking UVA and UVB radiations, when applied on cotton fabrics. The UV protection performance of Achyranthes aspera extracts was much better as compared to that of Alhagi maurorum, and methanolic extracts of both the plants outperformed the aqueous extracts in terms of UV protection.

Haematological and Immunological Response of <I>Achyranthes aspera</I> Leaf and Root Extracts in Arsenic-Intoxicated Female Mice (<I>Mus musculus</I>)

To evaluate therapeutic efficacy of Achyranthes aspera against arsenic toxicity, mice were given aqueous root and leaf extracts at both low and high doses (100 and 200 mg/kg body wt) after being intoxicated with sodium arsenate (0.1 mg/kg body wt). Significant alterations (P < 0.05, 0.001) were seen in various haematological parameters, Ig level, macrophage yield, viability, phagocytic index and progesterone level. Results clearly depict that both A. aspera extracts significantly restore the unbalanced level up to the normal. This study shows the protective efficacy of A. aspera on altered haematological and immunological system. It is possible that future work on drug formulation may use this plant as a source.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Achyranthes aspera extract against Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study.

Dental caries and periodontal diseases have historically been considered the most important global oral health burdens. Many chemicals and synthetic drugs have marked the side effects. Hence, there has been a paradigm shift from the use of modern drugs to the age-old herbs. Achyranthes aspera is one such important plant with various established pharmaceutical properties. The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of the A. aspera extract against Streptococcus mutans. Aqueous extract of A. aspera was prepared. Different concentrations of the root and stem extracts of A. aspera were transferred to the agar plates, which had been streaked with the bacterium S. mutans. The plates were incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24 h, and the zones of inhibition were measured using cup plate method. A. aspera extract showed statistically significant zones of inhibition. A. aspera showed marked antibacterial activity against S. mutans.

Antineoplastic and immunomodulatory effect of polyphenolic components of Achyranthes aspera (PCA) extract on urethane induced lung cancer in vivo

Polyphenolic compounds of Achyranthes aspera (PCA) extract is evaluated for anti-cancerous and cytokine based immunomodulatory effects. The PCA extract contains known components of phenolic acid and flavonoids such as mixture of quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, quercetin and chrysin along with many unknown components. PCA has been orally feed to urethane (ethyl carbamate) primed lung cancerous mice at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 consecutive days. 100 mg powder of A. aspera contains 2.4 mg phenolic acid and 1.1 mg flavonoid (2:1 ratio). Enhanced activities and expression of antioxidant enzymes GST, GR, CAT, SOD, while down regulated expression and activation of LDH enzymes in PCA feed urethane primed lung cancerous tissues as compared to PCA non-feed urethane primed lung cancerous tissues were observed. PCA feed urethane primed lung tissues showed down regulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α along with TFs, NF-κB and Stat3 while the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and p53 were enhanced in PCA feed urethane primed lung tissues. FTIR and CD spectroscopy data revealed that PCA resisted the urethane mediated conformational changes of DNA which is evident by the shift in guanine and thymine bands in FTIR from 1,708 to 1,711 cm(-1) and 1,675 to 1,671 cm(-1), respectively in PCA feed urethane primed lung cancerous tissues DNA in comparison to urethane primed lung cancerous tissues DNA. The present study suggests that PCA components have synergistic anti-cancerous and cytokine based immunomodulatory role and DNA conformation restoring effects. However, more research is required to show the effects of each component separately and in combination for effective therapeutic use to cure and prevent lung cancer including other cancers.

Assessment of the Chemical Composition and In Vitro Antimicrobial Potential of Extracts of the Liverwort Scapania Aspera

The chemical composition of Scapania aspera extracts was determined by solid phase micro extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME GC-MS) and 96 constituents were identified. The dominant compounds in the methanol extract were beta-barbatene (25.1%), o-cymene (14.0%), alpha-barbatene (5.7%), allo-aromadendrene (4.9%) and beta-bourbonene, while in the ethanol extract, o-cymene (17.8%), beta-barbatene (17.6%), alpha-thujene (6.7%), octen-1-ol acetate (4.9%) and beta-bazzanene (2.4%) were the major components. In the ethyl acetate extract, beta-barbatene (14.3%), undecane (11.8%), 2-methyldecane (11.2%), decane (10.9%) and o-cymene (3.6%) were major components. The antimicrobial activity of the different extracts was evaluated against pathogenic and food spoilage microorganisms using disc diffusion and micro-broth dilution methods. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of extracts of S. aspera varied from 0.4 to 1.5 mg/mL and 1 to 3 mg/mL for yeast and bacterial strains, respectively. The zone of inhibition of the methanol extract for yeast strains was higher than that for bacterial strains. The results suggest that S. aspera extracts have potential as natural antimicrobial agents.

The Effect ofAchyranthes asperaExtracts on Mild Steel Corrosion in Industrial Water Medium

Achyranthes aspera(AA) extracts were studied as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel (MS) in industrial water medium using mass loss and electrochemical techniques. The results of the study revealed that AA extracts inhibit MS corrosion through adsorption process following Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The protection efficiency increased with increase in inhibitor concentration and decreased with temperature. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements showed that the charge transfer resistance increases with increase in the concentration of AA extracts. The polarization curves obtained indicate that AA extracts act as mixed type of inhibitor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the surface adsorbed film.

Antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of the phytochemicals of whole Leucas aspera extract

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of whole Leucas aspera (Labiatae) (L. aspera) alcoholic extract. MethodsWhole L. aspera powder was extracted by absolute ethanol (99.50%). The ethanolic extract was subjected to antioxidant, antibacterial and brine shrimp lethality assay. ResultsThe extract showed potent radical scavenging effect (antioxidant) with IC50 value of (99.58±1.22) μg/mL which was significant (P<0.01) in comparison to ascorbic acid with IC50 value of (1.25±0.95) μg/mL. In case of antibacterial screening, the extract showed notable antibacterial effect against the tested microbial strains. Significant (P<0.05) zone of inhibitions against Gram positive Bacillus subtilis [(12.00±1.32) mm] and Bacillus megaterium [(13.00±1.50) mm], Staphylococcus aureus [(8.00±0.50) mm] and Gram negative Salmonella typhi [(6.00±0.50) mm], Salmonella paratyphi [(8.00±1.00) mm], Shigella dysenteriae [(9.00±1.32) mm] and Vibrio cholerae [(9.00±0.66) mm] was observed. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the extract showed the LC50 value as (181.68±2.15) μg/mL which was statistically significant (P<0.01) compared to positive control vincristine sulfate [LC50=(0.76±0.04) μg/mL]. ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of L. aspera could be used as antibacterial, pesticidal and various pharmacologic actives.

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Thrombolytic Properties of Achyranthes Aspera Leaf Extract

The rural and marginal people of Bangladesh are deprived of modern treatment facilities and hence greatly depend on medicinal plants. Besides, the higher cost and toxicity of synthetic drugs drives scientists towards search for natural source of medication for a number of diseases. Cost-effectiveness, easy availability and fewer side effects are making the herbal medicine more popular both among rural and city people. Plants with Cytotoxic and clot lysis potential are good candidate as source of novel anti-tumor agents and thrombolytic drugs. This study aimed at screening out of phytochemical constituents and evaluation of cytotoxicity and thrombolytic potential of an important medicinal plant Achyranthes aspera methanolic leaf extract. In vitro phytochemical screening of A. aspera leaf extract carried out by qualitative tests revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids and saponins while phlobatannins were absent. Cytotoxicity test of A. aspera leaf extract carried out by Brine shrimp Lethality (BSL) Bioassay showed the highest percentage of mortality (90%) in 1250 µg/ml and LC50 value was 50.12 µg/ml. Thrombolytic test showed 32.87 ± 9.42% clot lytic activity for A. aspera while positive control (streptokinase) and negative control (water) showed 81.19 ± 3.78% and 6.67 ± 2.58% clot lysis, respectively. Synergistic effect of streptokinase and A. aspera extract also produced better result (56.30 ± 6.95%) than A. aspera alone.

In vitro free radical scavenging and anti-hyperglycemic activities of Achyranthes aspera extract in alloxan-induced diabetic mice

Medicinal plants have played an important role in the treatment and prevention of diseases since ancient times. They are also potential sources of nutrients and drugs. This study evaluated Achyranthes aspera ethanolic extracts for their in vitro antioxidant activity and anti-hyperglycemic effects on alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Diabetes was induced in Swiss albino mice through intra-peritoneal administration of alloxan and their blood glucose levels and weight were measured weekly. At the end of the experiment, all animals were sacrificed and tissue samples were collected. A. aspera extracts had potent antioxidant activity compared to reference standard compounds. Treatment with an A. aspera extract at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. A. aspera extract also prevented lipid peroxidation as gauged by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxides. Moreover, A. aspera extract increased the activity of catalase and reduced NO levels in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Results revealed significant anti-hyperglycemic activity of A. aspera extracts in alloxan-treated mice that may be mediated by diminished oxidative stress.

Study of CNS depressant and behavioral activity of an ethanol extract of Achyranthes Aspera (Chirchita) in mouse model.

Achyranthes Aspera Linn., known as Chirchira (Hindi), Agadha (Marathi) is an indigenous herb found in India. The herb has been reported to have variety of activities like antifertility, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic, diuretic and cardiotonic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypnotic, antifungal and antibacterial activity. It has been also reported to have central anti-nociceptive activity in thermal induced pain methods in our earlier studies. We wanted to study its neuropharmacological effects, which may throw light on understanding the underlying mechanism for its central activity. The present study was designed to evaluate CNS depressant and behavioral effects of A. Aspera extract and to study the phytochemical responsible for these activities with possible mode of action. The effects on behavioral activity was studied using open field test (OFT). The extract was given intraperitoneally at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Diazepam (2mg/kg body weight i.p.) was used as standard. Data was analyzed by ANOVA test followed by Dunnett's test. All the results were expressed as Mean (±SEM). P <0.05 was considered significant. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids (betaine, achyranthine) and steroids as major constituents. The result of the study demonstrated that ethanol extract of A. Aspera (400 mg/kg i.p.) decreased locomotor activity, produced muscle relaxation and showed antianxiety activity. Ethanols extract of A. Aspera exhibit CNS depressant action and significant anxiolytic activity comparable to diazepam.

Toxicity of Acalypha indica (Euphorbiaceae) and Achyranthes aspera (Amaranthaceae) leaf extracts to Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Alternative control strategies for the dengue vector Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) include botanical insecticides. They are believed to pose little threat to the environment or to human health and may provide practical substitutes for synthetic insecticides. In this study, we determined the biological activities of methanol extracts of Acalypha indica L. (Euphorbiaceae) and Achyranthes aspera L (Amaranthaceae) leaves individually and in combination as botanical insecticides against Ae. aegypti. Based on LC 50 values for 4th instar Ae. aegypti, the combined extracts showed the strongest larvicidal activity (277 ppm). A. aspera and A. indica extracts individually gave similar results (409 and 420 ppm, respectively). Respective LC 50 values for pupae were 326 ppm, 456 ppm, and 467 ppm. In studies of smoke toxicity, 64% of females exposed to negative control smoke (no extract) blood fed on chicken, whereas 17% blood fed when exposed to smoke containing A. aspera extract and to positive control smoke (0.2% d-allethrin). In the field, treatment of water storage tanks (≈ 0.5 m 3) with combined plant extract reduced larval and pupal populations by 97% and 81%, respectively, after 5 days. Given the results of this study, further evaluation of the combined ( A. indica + A. aspera) extract as a mosquito larvicide is warranted. Mosquito coils with A. aspera extract also show promise as a practical and potentially economical means for mitigating mosquito blood feeding.

Reduction of oxalate-induced renal tubular epithelial (NRK-52E) cell injury and inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallisation in vitro by aqueous extract of Achyranthes aspera

Despite considerable progress in medical therapy, there is no satisfactory drug to treat kidney stones. Therefore, this study is aimed to look for an alternative treatment by using Achyranthes aspera. Here, the inhibitory potency of A. aspera was investigated on nucleation and the growth of the calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals as well as on oxalate-induced cell injury of NRK 52E renal epithelial cells in vitro. Data are expressed as mean values of three independent experiments (each in triplicate) and analysed by the analysis of variance (P <0.05) to estimate the differences between values of extracts tested. A. aspera extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of the growth of CaOx crystals but a similar pattern of inhibition was not observed with increase in the plant extract concentration for the nucleation assay. When NRK 52E cells were injured by exposure to oxalate for 72 hours, A. aspera extract prevented the injury in a dose-dependent manner. On treatment with the different concentrations of the plant, the cell viability increased and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. These studies indicate that A. aspera extract besides having a cytoprotective role also has a potential to inhibit both nucleation and the growth of the CaOx crystals and can prove to be a potent candidate for phytotherapy against urolithiasis. Key words: Achyranthes aspera, calcium oxalate, NRK 52E, phytotherapy, urolithiasis

Amelioration effects against N-nitrosodiethylamine and CCl(4)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Swiss albino rats by whole plant extract of Achyranthes aspera.

Objective:The prevalence of oxidative stress may be implicated in the etiology of many pathological conditions. Protective antioxidant action imparted by many plant extracts and plant products make them a promising therapeutic drug for free-radical-induced pathologies. In this study, we assessed the antioxidant potential and suppressive effects of Achyranthes aspera by evaluating the hepatic diagnostic markers on chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.Materials and Methods:The in vivo model of hepatocarcinogenesis was studied in Swiss albino rats. Experimental rats were divided into five groups: control, positive control (NDEA and CCl4), A. aspera treated (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w.). At 20 weeks after the administration of NDEA and CCl4, treated rats received A. aspera extract (AAE) at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg once daily route. At the end of 24 weeks, the liver and relative liver weight and body weight were estimated. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were assayed. The hepatic diagnostic markers namely serum glutamic oxaloacetic transminase (AST), serum glutamic pyruvate transminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and bilirubin (BL) were also assayed, and the histopathological studies were investigated in control, positive control, and experimental groups.Results:The extract did not show acute toxicity and the per se effect of the extract showed decrease in LPO, demonstrating antioxidant potential and furthermore no change in the hepatic diagnosis markers was observed. Administration of AAE suppressed hepatic diagnostic and oxidative stress markers as revealed by decrease in NDEA and CCl4 -induced elevated levels of SGPT, SGOT, SALP, GGT, bilirubin, and LPO. There was also a significant elevation in the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GSH as observed after AAE treatment. The liver and relative liver weight were decreased after treatment with AAE in comparison to positive control group. The architecture of hepatic tissue was normalized upon treatment with extract at different dose graded at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. b.w. in comparison to positive control group.Conclusion:These results suggest that A. aspera significantly alleviate hepatic diagnostic and oxidative stress markers which signify its protective effect against NDEA and CCl4-induced two-stage hepatocarcinogenesis.

Effect of Achyranthes aspera Extract on Phagocytosis by Human Neutrophils

Obejective: To study the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Achyranthes aspera on neutrophil phagocytic function . Methods: The different concentrations (25,50 and 100 mg / ml ) of extract of aerial parts of Achyranthes aspera was subjected to study its effect on different in vitro methods of phagocytosis such as neutrophil locomotion and chemotaxis, in vitro immunostumulant activity by phyagocytosis of killed Candida albicans and qualitative nitro blue tetrazolium test using human neutrophils. Results: This preliminary study revealed that Achyranthes aspera extract has stimulated chemotactic, phagocytic and intracellular killing potency of human neutrophils at the concentration range of 25 - 100 mg / ml. Conclusion: From the results obtained it can be observed that the hydroalcoholic extract of Achyranthes aspera stimulates cell-mediated immune system by increasing neutrophil phagocytic function.

Effect of stony corals extracts on feeding by Acanthaster planci

The preference of the starfish Acanthasterplanci (Linnaeus, 1758) for 3 species of corals which survive A. planci outbreaks (Diploastrea heliopora, Porites rus, and Coscinaraea colurnna), and the effects of organic and aqueous extracts of these corals on A. planci feeding, were investigated experimentally in the laboratory. We hypothesized that extracts of these corals deter feeding by A. planci, but instead we found no evidence that chemical defenses were produced by these stony corals against A. planci. In whole-coral experiments, D. heliopora and P. rus were consumed significantly less than Acropora aspera, a preferred coral species. Organic extracts from D. heliopora stimulated feeding at low concentrations, but not at higher natural concentrations compared with solvent controls. Organic extracts of P. rus and C. colurnna did not deter or stimulate A. planci feeding at low and high natural concentrations compared with controls. Aqueous extracts from all 3 nonpreferred corals tended to stimulate feeding at high concentrations relative to controls, but only aqueous extracts of P. rus at high concentrations significantly enhanced A. planci feeding. When aqueous extracts of A. aspera were compared with the aqueous extracts of the 3 non-preferred corals, A. aspera extracts were significantly preferred over D. heliopora and C. colurnna, but not over P. rus. Overall, aqueous extracts of all coral species tended to stimulate feeding by A. planci and most organic extracts had no effect on feeding. None of the extracts deterred A. plancifeeding relative to controls as would be expected for extracts of chemically defended species. Some other defense appears to keep non-preferred corals from being consumed by A. planci, and we discuss the possibility that chemical crypsis may be one mechanism.

Effect of stony corals extracts on feeding by Acanthaster planci

The preference of the starfish Acanthasterplanci (Linnaeus, 1758) for 3 species of corals which survive A. planci outbreaks (Diploastrea heliopora, Porites rus, and Coscinaraea colurnna), and the effects of organic and aqueous extracts of these corals on A. planci feeding, were investigated experimentally in the laboratory. We hypothesized that extracts of these corals deter feeding by A. planci, but instead we found no evidence that chemical defenses were produced by these stony corals against A. planci. In whole-coral experiments, D. heliopora and P. rus were consumed significantly less than Acropora aspera, a preferred coral species. Organic extracts from D. heliopora stimulated feeding at low concentrations, but not at higher natural concentrations compared with solvent controls. Organic extracts of P. rus and C. colurnna did not deter or stimulate A. planci feeding at low and high natural concentrations compared with controls. Aqueous extracts from all 3 nonpreferred corals tended to stimulate feeding at high concentrations relative to controls, but only aqueous extracts of P. rus at high concentrations significantly enhanced A. planci feeding. When aqueous extracts of A. aspera were compared with the aqueous extracts of the 3 non-preferred corals, A. aspera extracts were significantly preferred over D. heliopora and C. colurnna, but not over P. rus. Overall, aqueous extracts of all coral species tended to stimulate feeding by A. planci and most organic extracts had no effect on feeding. None of the extracts deterred A. plancifeeding relative to controls as would be expected for extracts of chemically defended species. Some other defense appears to keep non-preferred corals from being consumed by A. planci, and we discuss the possibility that chemical crypsis may be one mechanism.