Croton Sparsiflorus Research Articles

Phytochemical and Mineral contents of Croton Sparsiflorus in Bahawalpur

Although a huge quantity of plants has been studied for their medicinal importance, there is still a large number of plant species that have never been subjected to systematic phytochemical studies, proximate or mineral contents analysis. In this study, a phytochemical analysis, proximate, and mineral contents investigations have been carried out on indigenous medicinal plant of Pakistan namely Croton sparsiflorus Morong (syn. Croton bonplandianum Baill.) The proximate and phytochemical compositions of Croton sparsiflorus were investigated following standard procedures. The mineral composition was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and a flame photometer. The result indicated the healthy mineral level of Croton sparsiflorus. It showed a considerable amount of Zinc (49.2 ppm), Iron (333.6 ppm), Manganese (7.6 ppm), and Copper (23.14 ppm). Phytochemical studies of Croton sparsiflorus confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, proline, and carbohydrates in varying concentrations. The proximate analysis showed that the dry contents of Croton sparsiflorus were 98.95%. The moisture content in the dry sample was found to be 0.73%. The crude protein (crude protein included both true protein and nonprotein nitrogen) content was 10.63%. This study is another confirmation of the earlier stated facts that this plant is a good source for bio-prospecting. The study further revealed that the plant, Croton sparsiflorus used has substantiated to be very essential in medical research and development, because of the phytochemicals that are contemporaneous and can be utilized in the medical field. Twigs, leaves, roots, stem, and inflorescence of Croton sparsiflorus seem to have good nutritious, and suitable mineral elements worth crucial to preserve good well-being.

COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF GREEN SYNTHESIS USING CROTON SPARSIFLORUS MORONG LEAF WITH CYNODON DACTYLON LEAF

There is an increasing commercial demand for nanoparticles (NPs) due to their wide applicability in various areas. The development of reliable and eco-friendly processes for synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is an important step in the field of nanotechnology. Plant extracts are eco-friendly and thus can be an economic and efficient alternative for the large-scale synthesis of nanoparticles. This process of plant extracts based synthesis is called as Green Synthesis. We evaluated the silver nanoparticles produced by green synthesis of two different plants leafs. This paper presents Comparative Performance Analysis of Green Synthesis using Croton Sparsiflorus Morong leaf with Cynodon Dactylon leaf. Green synthesis of Exopolysaccharides coated silver nanoparticles uses Croton sparsiflorus morong leaf and silver nanoparticles uses Cynodon Dactylon leaf. Comparative performance analysis uses EDX analysis, UV- Vis Spectral Analysis, FTIR analysis and Antimicrobial Activity. Compare to green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Cynodon Dactylon leaf, Green synthesis of Exopolysaccharides coated silver nanoparticles uses Croton sparsiflorus morong leaf is high efficient in terms of different performance analysis.

Assessment of Plant Diversity: A Medicinal, Conservational and Environmental Study

An assessment study of the plant diversity in the campus of Prananath College (Autonomous), Khordha was carried out during 2019-20 and a checklist was prepared. A total of 241 vascular plant species belonging to 72 different families were recorded including four species of Gymnosperms. Among the families, Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Lamiaceae and Poaceae were the dominating families of the vascular plants in the study area. Aquatic plants, medicinal plants and ornamental plants are included in the study area. The floristic composition also include occurrence of invasive alien species such as Parthenium, Ageratum, Cassia, Croton sparsiflorus. The study also gives attention towards the conservation of bio-resources of the campus, toxic effects of the plants along with their medicinal values, proper utilization of bio-wealth in research and academic activities. Documentation of flora check list will be helpful in the environmental study too.

GC-MS based Phytochemical Profiling and investigation of in vitro pharmacological activity of Croton sparsiflorus

Phytochemicals are major group of compounds responsible for potential pharmacological activity of plant Croton sparsiflorus. It is a herbal plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is reported with diverse therapeutic properties. In the current study, different solvent extracts (Chloroform, Ethyl acetate, Ethanol and Distilled water) of Croton sparsiflorus were examined for phytochemical screening based on GC-MS analysis. Antioxidant activity of plant extracts was examined by DPPH, FRAP, H2O2 assay and anti-inflammatory was performed by in vitro protein denaturation assay. Phytochemical screening reported presence of phenols, terpenoids and fats in aqueous leaf extract and saponins were present in chloroform extract. GC-MS analysis reported presence of six compounds namely methyl palmitate, 9-octadecenoic acid (z)-, methyl ester, methyl stearate, methyl lignocerate pentacosane and tetratetracontane. These compounds were reported to have several biological and industrial applications. Overall antioxidant assays showed that aqueous leaf extract has shown significant comparable activity near to the standard drug ascorbic acid. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity results revealed that as compared to the standard aspirin drug, aqueous leaf extract showed less but appreciable activity. In future, Croton sparsiflorus plant can be used for treating oxidative stress and inflammation related disorders as it possesses potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Medicinal plants of Pakistan and their xanthine oxidase inhibition activity to treat gout: a systematic review

Gout is the most prevalent form of arthritis that arises due to hyperuricemia. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOI) are usually prescribed to treat gout. Although treatment options are available, these therapies are associated with side effects, and natural remedies may be proven helpful in this regard. This systematic review aims to present consolidated information on the xanthine oxidase inhibition potential of the plants located in Pakistan. An extensive literature review reveals that no such study that systematically summarizes existing data is currently available. The present study is registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021247416) and performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Several databases were searched (from January 2000 to April 2021) for the keywords, including "hyperuricemia", "xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity", ?medicinal plants", "gout", "Pakistan", "in vivo", and "in vitro". The SYRCLE?s RoB tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Total 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. Following plants had higher XO inhibitory activity (>75%); Bryophyllum pinnatum, Zingiber officinale, Laggera aurita, Trachyspermum ammi, Tribulus terrestris, Trianthema triquetra, and Croton sparsiflorus. Numerous phytochemicals were also identified, and the followings had potent activity; acacetin 1 (11.92 ± 0.01 µM), ranuncoside (IC50 = 11.69 µM), chrysin 2 (IC50= 73.74 ± 0.02 µM), methyl-3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate (IC50= 59.5 µM), costinone A (IC50= 90.3 ± 0.06 µM), and umbelliferone (IC50= 97.12 ± 0.01 µM). This study will provide beneficial insight into medicinal plants and serve as a reference for future studies on gout treatment. A rigorous pharmacological and clinical evaluation of medicinal plants is required to gauge their efficacy and safety.

Phytoassessment of in situ weed diversity for their chromium distribution pattern and accumulation indices of abundant weeds at South Kaliapani chromite mining area with their phytoremediation prospective.

Release of huge quantities of toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) owing to its widespread use in several industrial and mining activities is a major environmental concern in 21st century. The present in situ vegetation analysis at three study sites gives insight on Cr hyperaccumulation potentiality which evaluates the phytoremediation ability of abundant native weeds growing in and around the Cr contaminated effluent discharge site at South Kaliapani chromite mine area, Odisha, India. Moreover, the study measure the relative bioconcentration of chromium in different plant parts with analysis of uptake related phytoremediation indices viz. Bioconcentration factor (BCF), Transportation index (Ti), Translocation factor (TF) and Metal Extraction Ratio (MER) to assess hyperaccumulation potentiality. Vegetation study near mine effluent discharge site (Site-1) reported maximum abundance for Diectomis fastigiata (8.25) followed by Vernonia cinerea (7.6) with Ti values 56 and 657 respectively. In site-2 (uncultivated barren land near site-1), Croton sparsiflorus showed maximum abundance (6.7) followed by Tephrosia purpurea (5.8) with Ti values 95.2 and 87.8 respectively whereas Kyllinga monocephala reported maximum abundance (6.1) followed by Fern sps. (5.9) with Ti values 62.4 and 81.1 respectively in site-3 (a swampy land flooded with chemically treated mine waste effluent). The highest Cr concentrations was recorded in roots of Diectomis fastigiata (2371mg/kg dry matter) and shoot of Vernonia cinerea (5500mg/kg dry matter) indicating their Cr phytoremediation potential. Moreover, the study provides the early indicative tools for detecting native Cr hyperaccumulators growing in an in situ environment with an in situ phytoremediation perspective.

Green biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using Croton sparsiflorus leaves extract and evaluation of UV protection, antibacterial and anticancer applications

Our study reports greener synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) tethered to the extract of Croton sparsiflorus and in vitro evaluation of UV‐protection, antibacterial and anticancer activities. Sophisticated instrumental analytical techniques such as UV–vis spectrophotometer, FT‐IR, XRD, FE‐SEM, and TEM were employed for the existence and confirmation of the nanoparticles. FT‐IR and HPLC analysis were executed in the identification of the plausible functional groups implicated in the reduction of gold ions to AuNPs. UV protection property and antibacterial action of AuNPs‐coated cotton fabric were also presented. Moreover, in vitro anticancer evaluation against HepG2 cell line was conducted by MTT assay for Croton sparsiflorus extract derived AuNPs in different concentrations (50 to 150 μg/ml). Thus, the results of this work revealed that greener synthesized AuNPs exhibited good therapeutic applications as UV‐protection, antibacterial and anticancer agents.

Croton sparsiflorus whole plant extract mediated biosynthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity

In the present study, the potential of aqueous whole plant extract of Croton sparsiflorus for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was evaluated. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by color changes and UV- Visible spectroscopy, which showed absorbance maxima peak at 417nm. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed the particle size and x-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline character of AgNPs. AFM analysis also confirmed the surface morphology of synthesized AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) authorized the presence of alcoholic and phenolic groups played an important reduction role in the synthesis process. It shows the antibacterial efficiency against gram negative bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella paratyphi. From the results, it is suggested that green synthesized AgNPs could be used effective in future biomedical engineering.
 Keywords: Croton sparsiflorus, Green synthesis, Silver nanoparticles, X-ray diffraction, Antibacterial activity.

The influence of urban stress factors on responses of ground cover vegetation.

A comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ambient air pollution, land use, and soil properties on ground cover vegetation in the urban area of Varanasi city, situated in the Indo Gangetic Plain of India. Twelve leaf functional traits were assessed on eight most dominant herbaceous species belonging to four angiospermic families in three different land uses with varying air pollution loads and soil properties. Particulate matter (PM10 and TSP), gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO2, and O3), land uses (built-up area, shrub, and grass cover), and soil properties showed significant variability among the land uses. Air pollution was identified as the major stress factor which influenced leaf functional traits of ground cover vegetation followed by soil properties and land uses. Among the plants, Croton sparsiflorus was found to be the most responsive plants to all the factors. Plants responded differently under varying environmental factors as Euphorbia hirta was maximally influenced by air pollution, whereas the effect of land use was maximum in C. sparsiflorus. Influence of soil properties was highest in Digitaria ciliaris and Scoparia dulcis. All the environmental factors in combination maximally influenced non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid and polyphenolics) followed by photosynthetic pigments among the different leaf functional traits. Among the environmental factors, NO2 and PM were identified as the most influencing factors regulating leaf functional traits followed by K level in soil and shrub cover. It can be concluded that responses of different leaf functional traits of ground cover vegetation varied with different environmental factors and responses were mostly species specific.

Folk Knowledge on Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Skin Diseases in Bhadrak District of Odisha, India

Only recently there has been an exponential growth in the field of herbal medicine and these drugs are gaining popularity both in developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and less side effects. Ethnic people and tribals of India are endowed with a deep knowledge concerning the utilization of medicinal plants to cure various diseases. However research on the local knowledge related to plant species utilization for skin ailments still lacks adequate attention. The current investigation aims to identify, collect and document the existing folk knowledge related to the utilization of medicinal flora for healing of skin ailments among the local inhabitants of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India. Data were collected through a combination of tools and techniques of questionnaire, group interview and discussion. A total of 57 medicinal plants representing 34 families are reported for their therapeutic use against skin ailments. The predominant families are Euphorbiaceae and Fabaceae. Most preferred species for the management of skin ailments are Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.)Wall. ex. Nees., Annona squamosa L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Calophyllum inophyllum L., Cissampelos pareira L., Croton sparsiflorus Morong., Glinus oppositifolius (L.) A. DC., Lantana camara L., Ocimum sanctum L., Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. and Tridax procumbens L. In most of the skin treatments with medicinal plants, the herbal preparations are administered topically. Further scientific research is required to evaluate biochemical constituent as well as the pharmacologically useful alkaloids, tannins, resins and any other beneficial plant product available from the local flora for the enhanced posterity of mankind.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Croton sparsiflorus morong leaf extract and their antibacterial and antifungal activities

Biologically synthesized nanoparticles have been widely used in the field of medicine. Especially, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) synthesized by the leaf extract lead the biological activity. In the present work, the synthesized Ag NPs by using the leaf extract of Croton sparsiflorus morong Ag NPs were characterized by using UV–Visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) along with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Spectroscopy and Fourier Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, respectively. UV–Vis peak at 457nm confirmed the Ag NPs due to the absorption. Cubic structural analysis and 16nm particle size of the Ag NPs were calculated by using XRD analysis. The surface morphology along with the presence of Ag NPs was identified by using FE-SEM and EDX, respectively. The FT-IR study revealed with the functional groups of the Ag NPs. Finally, the present research has been explored to exhibit the significant antimicrobial activities.

Bioactive constituents from Croton sparsiflorus Morong

Whole plant extracts of Croton sparsiflorus in methanol have shown significant enzyme inhibition and antioxidant activities. Bioassay-guided isolation of chloroform fraction at pH 3 resulted in the identification of crotsparinine (1) and crotsparine (2), while sparsiflorine (3) was purified from the chloroform fraction at pH 9. The structures of the compounds were confirmed through spectral analyses (EI-MS, 1H and 13C NMR). The isolated compounds 1–3 exhibited remarkable enzyme inhibition activity with IC50 values 27.01 ± 1.1, 22.26 ± 1.0 and 18.02 ± 1.3 μM in xanthine oxidase and 48.42 ± 1.5, 48.05 ± 1.4 and 7.42 ± 1.0 μM in acetylcholine esterase assays, respectively. These compounds also showed potent radical scavenging and reducing properties in DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively. The present results suggest the validity of the traditional uses of C. sparsiflorus in rheumatism and gout. Furthermore, the isolated noraporphine alkaloids can be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals from Paper Mill Effluent Soil Using <i>Croton sparsiflorus</i>

Effluents from industries contain appreciable amount of metallic cations like zinc, copper, iron, manganese, lead and cadmium. Release of heavy metal without proper treatment poses a significant threat to public health because of its persistence biomagnifications and accumulation in food chain. To reduce metal pollution problems many processes have been developed for the treatment and disposal of metal containing wastes. Certain plants have the ability to accumulate heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Cd and Zn. At present, phytoremediation of metals may be approaching commercialization. Hence, possibility can be explored to remove heavy metal load, present even in low concentration, in waste water of paper mill effluent soil by using Croton sparsiflorus.

Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals from Paper Mill Effluent Soil Using <i>Croton sparsiflorus</i>

Effluents from industries contain appreciable amount of metallic cations like zinc, copper, iron, manganese, lead and cadmium. Release of heavy metal without proper treatment poses a significant threat to public health because of its persistence biomagnifications and accumulation in food chain. To reduce metal pollution problems many processes have been developed for the treatment and disposal of metal containing wastes. Certain plants have the ability to accumulate heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Cd and Zn. At present, phytoremediation of metals may be approaching commercialization. Hence, possibility can be explored to remove heavy metal load, present even in low concentration, in waste water of paper mill effluent soil by using Croton sparsiflorus.

Effect of Air Pollution on the Anatomy Some Tropical Plants

The problem of impact of air pollutants on vegetation is quite complex. Our knowledge on the impact of air pollutants on different plant species comes largely from the morphological and physiological investigations. The effects of pollutants on different tropical plants have conceived relatively little attention than the tropical animals. The observations recorded in the present study on the extent of circumference of shoot axis, cortex area, pith, xylem area, fibre length, and the number of stomata/field of Abutilon indicum G.Don, Croton sparsiflorus Morong and Cassia occidentalis Linn. has clearly indicated that air pollutants emitted from the clay industry and automobile exhaust exercised a decisive influence on the above parameters. A statistical analysis of the data obtained from the study showed a significant reduction in circumference of shoot axis and xylem area of the plants. But cortex and pith areas did not show any significant variation between the control and the polluted samples.

Enhancement of downy mildew of sorghum by some organic soil amendments: a caution to organic farmers

Matured botanical compost of Croton sparsiflorus and Azadirachta indica were evaluated for promotion of sorghum downy mildew at the rate of 0.5% (w/w). Exceptionally high promotional rates of 26.9% (C. sparsiflorus) and 30.1% (A. indica) were observed as compared to negative control (8.8%). The enhancement of disease was higher than that obtained by the supply of recommended dose of urea (13.3%). As the pathogen (Peronosclerospora sorghi) is a biotroph and cannot multiply by using organics as nutrient source in the absence of a host, the mechanism of disease enhancement is inferred to be through stimulation of oospore germination by organic compounds.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF CREAM PREPARED FROM CROTON SPARSIFLORUS MORONG AND THEIR WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY

Topical application of cream prepared from the chloroform extract of Croton sparsiflorus Morong were formulat ed and evaluated for i ts efficacy and safety. Creams we re prepared at different concentrations i.e. 5%, 7.5% and 10% (w/w) by fusion met hod using different excipients. These topical formulations were tested f or pH, viscosity, spreadability and drug content s uniformity. The stability study was carried out at 4, 25 and 37 0 C. The drug content uniformity of creams was found within the range of 98.09 to 98.21% . All the formulations were evaluated for its acute skin irritancy, wound healing activity in Swiss Alb ino rats. These formulations did not produce any skin irritation for about a week when applied over the skin. Comparative studies showed that the viscosity of the formulations increases, spreadability decreases and vice versa . From the stability studies, c reams showed no changes in properties after keeping at different temperatures for 90 days. All the formulations and the norma l chloroform extracts of C. sparsiflorus Morong showed significant (P<0.001) wound healing activity by excision wound model and com parable with that of the reference standards and control bases. The measurement of the wound areas were taken on 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th and 18th days and the percentages of wound closures were calculated.

Comparative evaluation of composts and dried powdered biomass of botanicals for organic management of downy mildew of sorghum

The biomass of 10 selected botanicals was evaluated as soil amendments, in the form of composts and dry powder biomass, to compare their potential to suppress downy mildew disease caused by oosporic inoculum of Perenosclerospora sorghi. Eight botanicals (Allium cepa, Lantana camara, Polyalthia longifolia, Hyptis suaveolens, Azadirachta indica, Nerium oleander Eucalyptus globulus and Tamarindus indica) proved effectively in the form of dry biomass powder at 4% (w/w) rate to control infection by oospores, while two (Croton sparsiflorus and Tagetes erecta) promoted it. In the form of composts (2% rate), the efficacy of botanicals was generally found reduced with the appearance of more disease than negative control in case of all botanicals except one (A. cepa). At the 4% compost rate, only four botanicals namely, A. cepa, P. longifolia, H. suaveolens and L. camara were found to suppress the disease. At higher amendment rates of 6, 8 and 10%, six botanicals suppressed the disease. Dry powders are not only superior in disease suppression but confer additional benefits like reduced bulk, increased shelf life, consistent composition and results.

Screening of plant extracts for organic management of downy mildew of sorghum

Antipathogenic potential of 38 plants was evaluated in the form of aqueous extracts against Peronoclerospora sorghi, causing downy mildew of sorghum. Conidial suspension and plant extracts were mixed individually and allowed to stand for 5 min and then used to inoculate the host by sprout-dip method. The sprouts thus inoculated were grown in pots, and the disease incidence was observed. Eight plant extracts (Cicer areatinum, Datura metel, Croton sparsiflorus, Parthenium hysterophorus, Nerium oleander, Chromolaena odorata, Duranta repens and Oxalis latifolia) at 20% concentration performed at par with chemical fungicide (Mancozeb 75%) by exhibiting total suppression of disease incidence to 0%, when compared with 64.1% of negative control. Organic management of air-borne inoculum of downy mildew of sorghum is feasible and preferable when compared with chemical control methods, considering human and environmental health concerns. The use of water extract keeps the technology simple so that it can be directly prepared and used by the farmers. Short-listing of eight most effective water extracts would help in self-reliance of farmers, reducing their dependence on commercial products.

Acetylcholine esterase and antioxidant potential of some members of Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae

Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae have great medicinal importance. Keeping this in view, the present study was conducted to evaluate the enzyme inhibition and antioxidant potential of some members of both families. Bidens biternata (Family: Asteraceae), Senecio macrophylla(Family: Asteraceae) and Croton sparsiflorus (Family: Euphorbiaceae) were extracted in methanol and partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform and n-butanol successively. Acetylcholine esterase and antioxidant activities were carried using reported methods. It was concluded that butanolic extract of C. sparsiflorus exhibited maximum enzyme inhibition activity (95.0 ± 2.0% with IC50 = 7 ± 1 µg/ml), while all other extracts showed significant activity except n-hexane extract of S. macrophylla which remained inactive. Total phenolic contents in the extracts ranged from 20 ± 1 to 720 ± 6 mg GAE/g of extract and highest phenols were present in the butanol extract of S. macrophylla. The butanolic extract of B. biternata showed highest antiradical activity (88.9 ± 2.2%, IC50 = 55 ± 3 µg/ml) and FRAPactivity 8.98 ± 0.11 µM/g of the extract. The n-hexane extract of B. biternata and S. macrophylla showed very low response in 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) activity respectively. Key words: Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition.