Crude Fruit Extract Research Articles

Biocontrol evaluation of extracts and a major component, clusianone, from Clusia fluminensis Planch. & Triana against Aedes aegypti

Studies evaluated the effects of hexanic extracts from the fruits and flowers ofClusia fluminensis and the main component of the flower extract, a purified benzophenone (clusianone), against Aedes aegypti. The treatment of larvae with the crude fruit or flower extracts from C. fluminensis did not affect the survival ofAe. aegypti (50 mg/L), however, the flower extracts significantly delayed development of Ae. aegypti. In contrast, the clusianone (50 mg/L) isolate from the flower extract, representing 54.85% of this sample composition, showed a highly significant inhibition of survival, killing 93.3% of the larvae and completely blocking development of Ae. aegypti. The results showed, for the first time, high activity of clusianone against Ae. aegypti that both killed and inhibited mosquito development. Therefore, clusianone has potential for development as a biopesticide for controlling insect vectors of tropical diseases. Future work will elucidate the mode of action of clusianone isolated from C. fluminensis.

Scientific basis for use of Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. fruit in gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.

Background Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. has been used conventionally by many communities in the Himalayan region for the management of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and vascular complications. Set against this background, this study was carried out to justify the scientific basis to validate folkloric uses of fruits of Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. (Pp.Cr) in traditional systems of medicine.MethodsThe crude ethanol extract of fruits of Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. (Pp.Cr) was tested in vitro on isolated rabbit jejunum, tracheal, and aorta preparations. The responses of tissues were recorded using isotonic transducers coupled with a PowerLab data acquisition system.ResultsThe Pp.Cr on application (0.01–5.0 mg/ml) to isolated rabbit jejunum preparation exhibited relaxation through decrease in magnitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions. The Pp.Cr also exerted a relaxant (0.01–5.0 mg/ml) effect on K+(80 mM) induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations and caused shifting of the Ca2+ curves (1.0–3.0 mg/ml) toward right in a manner similar to that of verapamil (3μM), possibly suggesting presence of Ca2+ channel blocking activity. Subsequently, Pp.Cr in a concentration-dependent fashion (0.01–10.0 mg/ml) caused relaxation of CCh (1μM) and K+ (80 mM) induced contractions in isolated rabbit tracheal preparations in a manner comparable to that of dicyclomine, suggesting that the observed relaxant effect is likely to be mediated through antimuscarinic and/or Ca2+ channel blocking activities. Moreover, when evaluated against isolated rabbit aortic preparations, the Pp.Cr in concentrations up to 10 mg/ml exhibited a contractile response that was found to be abolished subsequent to pretreatment of isolated tissue preparation with cyproheptadine (1μM), phentolamine (1μM), and losartan (1μM), suggesting that Pp.Cr may have some α-adrenergic, muscarinic, serotonergic, and angiotensin II activities.ConclusionsThe aqueous ethanolic extract of Pyrus pashia (Pp.Cr) exhibited spasmolytic, bronchodilator, and vaso-constrictive activities possibly through different mechanisms. The spasmolytic and bronchodilator activities are likely to be mediated through blockade of Ca2+ channels, while vasoconstrictive activity may be due to presence of a α-adrenergic, muscarinic, serotonergic, and angiotensin II agonistic component.

In-vitro cholinesterase inhibitory activity of dry fruit extract of Phyllanthus emblica relevant to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a common type of progressive neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by low level of neurotransmitter (acetylcholine), oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation in brain stream. Effective treatment strategies rely mostly on either enhancing the cholinergic function of the brain by stimulating the cholinergic receptors, improve the level of acetylcholine from being a breakdown by cholinesterase enzymes or induce antioxidant therapy and anti-inflammatory agents. Phyllanthus emblica fruits are well known for its antioxidant activities with a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols. A crude methyl extract (CME) of dry fruit of P. emblica evaluated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activity by Ellman’s method and were found active in inhibiting AChE and BuChE with IC50 of 53.88 µg/ml and 65.12 µg/ml respectively, which strongly implies that that the CME of P. emblica is a rich source of AChE and BuChE inhibitors.

Effects of Crude Extract of Dry Fruits of Piper guineense on Male Fertility Parameters of Adult Sprague Dawley Rats

Objective: To study the effect of aqueous extract of dry fruits of Piper guineense on male fertility parameters of adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: 30 adult male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 120g -150g were used. They were divided into three (3) groups. The control (group A), Short term treatment Group A (Group B) received 200 mg/kg of extract for 4 weeks (28 days) and long term treatment (Group C) received 200 mg/kg of extracts for 8 weeks (56 days). Extract was given via gastric intubation. The controls as well as treated animals were allowed free access to pelleted feed and water ad libitum. Original Research Article Memudu et al.; EJMP, 5(3): 297-303, 2015; Article no.EJMP.2015.029 298 The animals were sacrificed and blood taken for serum biochemical analysis. Testicular weight was taken and recorded. Caudal epididymis excised for semen analysis. Results: There was an increase in animal body weight gained throughout the duration of the experiment as compared with the control. There was also a significance increase in testicular weight. Serum testosterone level increased in treated groups. Semen analysis reveals normal parameters no oligospermic or azoospermic condition was detected. Sperm morphology was normal and no teratozoospermic sperm found. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Piper guineense at dose of 200mg/kg for 4 weeks and 8 weeks respectively had a positive impact on male fertility parameters. From results obtained, Piper guineese enhances testicular hormone secretion. This study revealed no deleterious effects of aqueous extraction of dry fruits of Piper guineense on male fertility.

Effect of Ethanolic Crude Extracts of Nauclea latifolia Smith (Rubiaceae) Leaves, Fruits, Stem and Root Barks on the Liver of Chinchilla Rabbit

Effect of Ethanolic Crude Extracts of Nauclea latifolia Smith (Rubiaceae) Leaves, Fruits, Stem and Root Barks on the Liver of Chinchilla Rabbit

Vasorelaxant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Methylene Chloride Fraction of F oeniculum vulgare Fruit Extract

This study investigated the vasorelaxant and anti-inflammatory activities of the methylene chloride fraction of crude methanolic Foeniculum vulgare fruit extract (FV). The vasorelaxant activity was examined on isolated rat aortic ring preparations precontracted with phenylephrine where as the anti-inflammatory activity was examined in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. FV attenuated the vasoconstriction of precontracted aortic strips in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was found to be endothelium-dependent and through the nitric oxide (NO)-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate pathway. In the anti-inflammatory assays, FV reduced NO release by inhibiting inducible NO synthase protein and mRNA and also suppressed cyclooxygenase-2 expression. It decreased the lipopolysaccharide-induced secretions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 and significantly reduced the phosphorylation of c-Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNK1) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK1/2). Our results demonstrate that the methylene chloride fraction of the crude methanolic FV possesses potent vasorelaxant and anti-inflammatory activities. Practical Applications Foeniculum vulgare mill is used traditionally for treatment of a good number of diseases. This study revealed that the methylene chloride fraction of the extract possesses significant vasorelaxant activity and also showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, it stands as a promising candidate for further studies in the synthesis of vasorelaxant and anti-inflammatory drugs after identification of biomarkers.

Effective Dose of Crude Ethanol and Aqueous Extracts of <i>Phytolacca Dodecandra</i> (L’ Herit) on <i>Anopheles Gambiae</i> (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae

Objective: malaria vector control is either by adult or larvae management. This study reports on the effective dose of crude ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaf and mature green fruits of Endod; Phytolacca dodecandra (L’ Herit) as a larvicide against Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes. Material & Methods: Batches of twenty freshly hatched or moulted larvae (1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th instars) of An. gambiae were transferred using droppers into plastic containers measuring 6 cm mouth and 5.7 cm base diameter by 3.5 cm height arranged in sets. Each container contained an approximate of 33 millilitre solution of a particular concentration of leaf (shoot or midsection) or fruit extracts of Endod. Endod plants were sourced from Nyando and Eldoret. The solutions were a serial dilution of 40, 20, 10, 5 and 5 mg/100 mls of the crude extracts. Solutions of Neem and deltamethrin were used as positive control and that of water only as negative control. Three replicates were set up for each concentration. WHO threshold of > 80 % mortality was used as standard to assess effectiveness of the larvicide. Results: Over 80% of all larvae (L1s, L2s, L3s and L4s) died from exposure to concentrations of 20mg and higher of ethanol extracts of mature green fruits of Endod irrespective of source. Only 40 mg/100 mls of aqueous extracts of Endod leaves of the shoot sourced from Eldoret killed > 80% of exposed L1s. Higher mortalities were observed for extracts from leaves of the shoot of Endod than those from the midsection. Conclusion: Higher doses of ethanol and water extracts of Endod leaves and fruits were lethal to all stages of An. gambiae larvae.

Adulticidal bioassay and repellency potentiality of fruits of<i> Drypetes roxburghii </i>on<i> Culex quinquefasciatus</i> and<i> Anopheles stephensi</i>

The present study was designed to evaluate adulticidal efficacy and repellency potentiality of crude and ethyl acetate extracts of mature fruits of Drypetes roxburghii (Wall.) Hurus., against the adult Culex quinquefasciatus Say and Anopheles stephensi Liston following appropriate protocols. In both the species of mosquitoes, mortality rate increased gradually with increased concentrations of ethyl acetate extract. LC 50 and LC 90 values of ethyl acetate extract were 109.62 ppm and 189.01 ppm for Cx. quinquefasciatus and 95.41 ppm, 181.96 ppm for An. stephensi respectively in adulticidal bioassay. An. stephensi was more susceptible to ethyl acetate extract than Cx. quinquefasciatus. Both crude and ethyl acetate extracts showed significant repellency potentiality. 99 % concentration of ethyl acetate extract conferred 100 % protection against biting activity of both the species of mosquitoes up to 120 minutes.

Evaluation of the Safe Use of the Larvicidal Fraction ofCapparis cartilagineaDecne. AgainstAedes caspius(Pallas) (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae

Larvicidal activity and cytotoxicity of fruit and leaf extracts of the Capparis cartilaginea were evaluated. No previous studies have been reported on the larvicidal activities of crude and column chromatographic fractions of fruit and leaf extracts of Capparis cartilaginea. In this study, HPLC analysis of the alkaloidal active fraction F2 of methanolic fruit extract showed the presence of a major peak. Crude aqueous fruit extract of C. cartilaginea was less toxic against Aedes caspius (LC50 = 172.02) compared to its column chromatographic fraction F2 (LC50 = 29.17). Cytotoxicity studies on HepG2 and MCF7 at 24 h post-treatment recorded survival rates ranging from 90 to 110 %, respectively. Light and fluorescent microscopy revealed no effect on cell morphology at 100 µg/ml. The plasma membrane remained well defined and the nuclei were normal and exhibited diffused staining of the chromatin. Most active component(s) responsible for toxic activity against Aedes caspius was present in the fraction F2 of C. c...

Antispasmodic and antidiarrhoeal activity of the fruit of Rosa moschata (J).

BackgroundThe fruit of Rosa moschata has traditionally been used for the treatment of abdominal spasm and diarrhoea. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate mechanism(s) responsible for its medicinal use in gut spasm and diarrhea.MethodsHydro-methanolic extract of Rosa moschata (Rm.Cr) was studied in isolated rabbit’s jejunal preparations for possible antispasmodic activity. Based upon in vitro relaxant activity in isolated gut preparations, in vivo antidiarrheal activity was carried out in mice to confirm its antidiarrheal effect. Acute toxicity study was performed to determine safe dose range before in vivo experiments.ResultsIn isolated rabbits’ jejunal preparations, Rm.Cr inhibited the spontaneous and high K+-induced contractions with respective EC50 values of 0.66 (0.44-0.97; n = 5) and 2.28 mg/mL (1.43-3.62; n = 5), like that of verapamil. This suggests the presence of calcium channel blocking (CCB) activity as a possible mode of action. The Ca++ channel blocking activity was further confirmed when pre-treatment of isolated jejunums with Rm.Cr (1-5 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in the Ca++ concentration-response curves (CRCs), similar to verapamil. Rm.Cr was safe up to 2000 mg/kg for in vivo acute toxicity. Rm.Cr provided 55% and 80% protection from diarrhoea in respective doses of 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. These data indicates that the crude extract of Rosa moschata possesses Ca++ antagonist-like constituent(s), which explains its inhibitory effect on gut motility; a mechanism that underlies its antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities.ConclusionThe study shows that the crude extract of fruits of Rosa moschata possesses antispasmodic effects mediated possibly through voltage gated Ca++ channel blockade, which provides sound pharmacological base to its medicinal use in gut spasms and diarrhoea, though additional mechanism(s) cannot be ruled out.

Biological activity of Melia azedarach extracts against Spodoptera exigua

Melia azedarach is a plant species whose fruits posses nematicidal and insecticidal activity. In this study, we tested two M. azedarach extracts: a crude methanolic fruit extract (CRU) and its limonoids fraction (LIM) produced after partitioning with dichloromethane to check their insecticidal activity against beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua. Both extracts disturbed development of S. exigua. After exposure to CRU and LIM, hatching success was slightly lower, larval-pupal and pupal-imago moulting was significantly disturbed. In physiological studies, CRU extracts decreased the heartbeat of S. exigua pupae. Electron microscopic studies revealed that both extracts caused malformations of fat body and midgut cells. The most common observed malformations were: vacuolization of mitochondria, swollen endoplasmic reticulum and degeneration of nuclei. Obtained results indicated that M. azedarach fruits are a source of substances that may be used in plant protection against S. exigua. Despite the fact that M. azedarach extracts do not cause acute effects, their usage may lead to serious disturbances within exposed insects and significantly decrease activity of pests.

Evaluation of passive permeability through GIT of a set of natural compounds and plant extracts with the Hexadecane Membrane Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay

Many high-throughput screening (HTS) assays have been developed for the early stage of drug discovery to predict ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, toxicity) properties. The Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay (PAMPA) is a HTS tool to predict passive absorption of drugs through biological membranes [1]; such as the hexadecane artificial membrane (HDM) which predicts passive absorption for the gastrointestinal track (GIT) [2]. While many studies concern the prediction of pharmacokinetic of commercial drugs, studies focusing on natural products are sparse. Recently, the applicability of PAMPA to natural products and plant extracts was demonstrated for the Blood Brain Barrier [3]. The present study focuses on the prediction of passive permeability through GIT of natural compounds with the original HDM-PAMPA. Firstly, major classes of plant secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoid aglycones and glycosides, coumarins and carboxylic acids were tested with HDM-PAMPA at different iso-pH [2]. The compounds were discriminated from high to low permeant depending on their chemical families. Hydrophilic flavonoid glycosides were not permeant, unlike some of their corresponding aglycones. Alkaloids, carboxylic acids and coumarins were permeant depending on iso-pH conditions. Secondly, a crude methanolic fruit extract of Angelica archangelica containing three furanocoumarins (imperatorin, bergapten and xanthotoxin) and an acetonic leaves extract of Ginkgo biloba containing flavonoid glycosides were studied with HDM-PAMPA. The presence of the plant extract matrix in the assay showed no influence on the passive permeability values of these selected compounds. The results were in agreement with the above study concerning the various phytochemical families. This work has demonstrated the applicability of the HDM-PAMPA assay to predict passive absorption through the GIT of natural compounds and plant extracts.

Dual catalytic activity of hydroxycinnamoyl-coenzyme A quinate transferase from tomato allows it to moonlight in the synthesis of both mono- and dicaffeoylquinic acids.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), like other Solanaceous species, accumulates high levels of antioxidant caffeoylquinic acids, which are strong bioactive molecules and protect plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. Among these compounds, the monocaffeoylquinic acids (e.g. chlorogenic acid [CGA]) and the dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs) have been found to possess marked antioxidative properties. Thus, they are of therapeutic interest both as phytonutrients in foods and as pharmaceuticals. Strategies to increase diCQA content in plants have been hampered by the modest understanding of their biosynthesis and whether the same pathway exists in different plant species. Incubation of CGA with crude extracts of tomato fruits led to the formation of two new products, which were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry as diCQAs. This chlorogenate:chlorogenate transferase activity was partially purified from ripe fruit. The final protein fraction resulted in 388-fold enrichment of activity and was subjected to trypsin digestion and mass spectrometric sequencing: a hydroxycinnamoyl-Coenzyme A:quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT) was selected as a candidate protein. Assay of recombinant HQT protein expressed in Escherichia coli confirmed its ability to synthesize diCQAs in vitro. This second activity (chlorogenate:chlorogenate transferase) of HQT had a low pH optimum and a high Km for its substrate, CGA. High concentrations of CGA and relatively low pH occur in the vacuoles of plant cells. Transient assays demonstrated that tomato HQT localizes to the vacuole as well as to the cytoplasm of plant cells, supporting the idea that in this species, the enzyme catalyzes different reactions in two subcellular compartments.

Effects of crude water-soluble extract of Momordica charantia on viability, caspase activity, cytochrome c release and on cytosolic calcium levels in different cancer cell lines

Prior to the availability of chemotherapeutic agents, dietary measures, including traditional medicines derived from plants, were the major forms of cancer treatment. One such plant is Momrdica charantia (Family: Cucurbitaceae), whose fruit is known as corilla or bitter gourd/melon. M. charantia possesses anti-carcinogenic properties and it can modulate its effect via xenobiotic metabolism and oxidative stress. This study investigated the anti-cancer effect of an active water soluble extract (s) of M. charantia on cell viability and its cellular mechanism of action in inducing cell death. The fruit was washed and cut in to small pieces, liquidised in deionised water using a blender and subsequently, dried using a rota evaporator and oven. Both time course (800 µg/ml) and dose- dependent (200 µg/ml-800 µg/ml) experiments were performed treating six different cancer cell lines, namely 1321N1, Gos-3, U87-MG, Sk Mel, Corl -23, Weri Rb-1 and normal L6 muscle cell line with the crude fruit extract for 24 hours at 37 °C. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. The results show that the crude water soluble extract of M. charantia can evoke both time-course at (800 µg/ml) and dose-dependent (20 µg/ml - 800 µg/ml) decreases in cell viability (cell death) with maximal increases in cell death with 800 µg/ml over a period of 24 hours following incubation. The results of this study have also shown that the crude water-soluble extract of M. charantia (800 µg/ml) can elicit marked and significant (p < 0.050) increases in the activities of caspase - 3 and caspase - 9 in all the cell lines. The crude water soluble extract of M. charantia can stimulate the release of cytochrome-c and elevated intracellular free calcium concentrations [Ca 2+ ] i in the different cancer cell lines compared to untreated cell lines. These results clearly show that M. charantia is exerting its anti- cancer effect via an insult to the mitochondria resulting in apoptosis, calcium overloading and subsequently, cell death.

Immobilization of Tyrosinase from Avocado Crude Extract in Polypyrrole Films for Inhibitive Detection of Benzoic Acid

Abstract: Inhibition-based biosensors were developed by immobilizing tyrosinase (Tyr, polyphenol oxidase) from the crude extract of avocado fruit on electrochemically prepared polypyrrole (PPy) films. The biosensors were prepared during the electropolymerization of pyrrole in a solution containing a fixed volume of the crude extract of avocado. The dependence of the biosensor responses on the volume used from the crude extract, values of pH and temperature was studied, and a substrate, catechol, at different concentrations, was amperometrically detected by these biosensors. Benzoic acid, a competitive inhibitor of Try, was added to the catechol solutions at specific concentrations aimed at obtaining the inhibition constant, K’ m , which ranged from 1.7 to 4.6 mmol∙L −1 for 0.0 and 60 µmol∙L −1 of benzoic acid, respectively. Studies on the inhibition caused by benzoic acid by using PPy/Try films, and catechol as a substrate, allowed us propose how to develop, under optimized conditions, simple and low-cost biosensors based on the use of avocado fruit.

English

Efficacy of Cucumis myriocarpus fruit crude extracts on suppression of Meloidogyne incognita is well documented in Indigenous Cucumis technologies. Currently, test fruits are collected from the wild, and this unreliable source cannot meet the quantities required for producing a commercial bio-pesticides. Thus, objective of this work was to evaluate effect of temperature-exposure of C. myriocarpus seeds on seedling emergence. Treatments comprising 5, 25, 35, 45 and 55°C, arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with 10 replications. Seedling emergence responded linearly to temperature ranges, which suggested additional work to determine maximum temperature for denaturing inhibitory germination chemicals on seeds of wild cucumber. Key words: Bio-pesticides, indigenous cucumis technologies, seed dormancy, seedling emergence, temperature pre-treatment.

Physicochemical composition, antioxidant and anti-proliferative capacity of a lilly pilly (Syzygium paniculatum) extract

Lilly pilly (LP) fruit (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn.) is widely grown in eastern Australia and has been used as food by indigenous Australians. However, there is limited information on its bioactivity. This study investigated the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of the crude fruit extract, identified its bioactive compounds and also assessed its potential anti-proliferative effect on pancreatic cancer cells. Our data showed that the LP extract was water-soluble and possessed a total phenolic content of 96mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, flavonoid levels of 52mg catechin equivalents (CAE)/g, proanthocyanidin levels of 29mg CAE/g. Several phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin and epicatechin were identified in the LP extract with levels of 0.39, 2.35, 0.47 and 2.9mg/g, respectively. Results from six different antioxidant assays revealed that the LP extract pocessed potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity. Although antioxidant capacity of the extract was lower than that of vitamin E, vitamin C and BHT, it could be significantly improved if the extract was to be further purified. We also showed that the LP extract (200μg/mL) significantly reduced the viability of MiaPaCa-2 and ASPC-1 pancreatic cancer cells to levels comparable to that of the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine. For this reason lilly pilly should be further investigated for its health promoting and potential anti-cancer benefits, particularly for pancreatic cancer.

Laboratory assessment of molluscicidal and cercariacidal effects of Glinus lotoides fruits

BackgroundThe negative impact of synthetic molluscicides on the environment and their high cost necessitated search for an alternative approach of using plant extracts for the control of schistosomiasis. The objective of this study was, therefore, to evaluate aqueous and ethyl acetate crude extracts of Glinus lotoides fruits for their cercariacidal activity and molluscicidal effect against schistosome snail intermediate hosts.MethodsAssessment of the molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria pfeifferi was made by immersion method in accordance with WHO guideline. The results of mortality were statistically analyzed using probit analysis. The attenuating effect of the plant on Schistosoma mansoni cercariae was determined using establishment of adult worms as a parasitological parameter post exposure.ResultsThe 24 and 48 hour-LC50 values for the aqueous extract of G. lotoides fruits were 47.1 and 44.1 mg/L, respectively, whereas that of ethyl acetate were 66.1 and 59.6 mg/L, respectively. The 24 and 48 hour LC90 values for the aqueous extract of G. lotoides fruits were 56.96 and 51.0 mg/L, respectively, while that of ethyl acetate were 77.2 and 70.0 mg/L, respectively. The in vitro cercariacidal activity was determined after 2 hrs of exposure to the aqueous plant extract. It was found out that the LC50 and LC90 values were 18.7 and 41.7 mg/L, respectively. Besides, infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae to mice was determined by exposing mice to cercariae pre-treated with the sub-lethal concentrations (3.7, 11.6 and 18.7 mg/L) of the aqueous extract. A significant reduction in worm burden in mice was obtained at 11.6 mg/L (p < 0.05). Moreover, the reduction in number of worms recovered was highly significant at 18.7 mg/L (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results showed that G. lotoides has molluscicidal activity against B. pfeifferi snails and cercariacidal activity against S. mansoni. Yet, further comprehensive evaluation is recommended for the possible use of G. lotoides against B. pfeifferi and the schistosome parasite.

HYPOGLYCEMIC, CELL MEMBRANE STABILITY, THROMBOLYTIC, TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT AND FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITIES OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ZIZIPHUS MAURITIANA FRUITS (RHAMNACEAE)

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate in vitro free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content ; hypoglycemic activity, cell membrane stabilizing activity and thrombolytic activity in mice model of methanolic cru de extract of Ziziphus mauritiana fruits. T he coarse powder of dried fruits was soaked with methanol for several days with occasional stirring. After that it was extracted at room temperature and dried extract was partitioned into pet ether, chloroform, ca rbontetrachloride and aqueous soluble fraction . Among all the fraction s , aqueous soluble fraction revealed highest free radical scavenging activity having IC 50 value 26.77 µg/ml flowed by chloroform soluble fraction of 43.46 µg/ml with respect to BHT havin g IC 50 value 24 µg/ml. The amount of total phenolic content of different extractives ranged from 29.30 mg to 52.18 mg of GAE / g of extractives of Z. mauritiana and pet ether soluble fraction showed the highest phenolic content 52.18 mg of GAE / g of extra ctives. Crude extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight moderately lowered the blood glucose level after 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd hour having 37.81, 43.65 and 44.4 percent of fall of blood glucose level and exhibited highest thrombolytic activity 50.22 % clot lys is in mice model. In h ypotonic solution induced co ndition carbontetrachloride and pet - ether soluble fraction inhibited 54.55 % and 52.8 % haemolysis of RBC with respect to 69.9 % revealed by acetyl sali cylic acid (0.10 mg/mL); heat induced condition crude extract, pet ether and aqueous soluble faction revealed moderate inhibition about 29.39, 30.90 % and 28.19 % compared with 40.20 % inhibition by acetyl salicylic acid in heat induced condition.

Macroscopial, anatomical and physico-chemical studies on fruits of Coccinia indica Wight & Arn. (Cucurbitaceae)

ObjectiveTo rationalize the macroscopial, anatomical and physico-chemical studies on fruits of Coccinia indica Wight & Arn. (Cucurbitaceae). MethodsThe crude ethanolic extract of fruits of Coccinia indica Wight & Arn. (Cucurbitaceae) was using physico-chemical parameters, fluorescence analysis, and preliminary photochemical investigation (TLC, HPTLC, column chromatography). ResultsAn attempt has been made to highlight this folk herbal medicine through present study which will assist in the identification of fresh as well as dried crude samples of fruits anatomically and physico chemically. TLC fingerprint profiling and fluorescence analysis of powdered fruits were also carried out and the salient qualitative and quantitative parameters are reported. ConclusionsThe present study will provide referential information for correct identification and help in checking adulteration in market samples used in the preparation of various herbal medicines. The present observation will also be helpful in macroscopial, anatomical and physico-chemical studies on fruits of Coccinia indica Wight & Arn. (Cucurbitaceae).