Crude Fruit Extract Research Articles

Comparative study of in-vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical composition of <i>Sida cuneifolia</i> fruits, leaves, and stem bark extracts

Background: Sida cuneifolia plant parts are important in ethno-veterinary medicine, but no studies exist on a comparative evaluation of phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of fruits, stem bark and leaves. This study evaluated and compared extraction yields, phytochemical composition as well as antibacterial and antifungal properties of ether, methanol and aqueous crude extracts of fruits, leaves, and stem bark of S . cuneifolia . Methods: Yields of extracts were determined, and qualitative phytochemical screening tests were carried out to establish their composition. Crude extracts were screened against five bacteria and two fungi. Agar disk diffusion technique was used to determine the inhibition zone diameters. Broth micro-dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC). Results: Triterpene aglycones, sterols, tannins, athracene derivatives, polyuronides and glucides were found in intense mounts in S . cuneifolia fruits. Leaves contained intense amounts of carotenoids, tannins, polyuronides and coumarin derivatives. For the leaves, methanol extracts had MICs and MBCs as low as (≤3.13 mg/ml) against the majority (6/7) microorganisms hence had the best activity. Considering the stem bark, the ether extracts had the best antimicrobial activity with MICs as low as ≤3.13 mg/ml against 6/7 microorganisms. For the fruits, the ether extracts had the best antibacterial activity with MICs and MBCs as low as (≤3.13 mg/ml) against all tested bacteria. Conclusion: The study provides scientific evidence for ethno-veterinary use of S . cuneifolia leaves, fruits and stem bark, and this can be exploited in the transformative development of ethno-medicine.

Antineoplastic activity of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) crude extracts on B16-F10 melanoma cells

The antiproliferative and differentiation potential of anthocyanin-rich strawberry fruit crude extracts (SE) were investigated on B16-F10 murine melanoma cells. Treatment of melanoma cells with SE produced a remarkable reduction of cell proliferation, paralleled with both the lowering of the intracellular levels of polyamine, and the enhancement of tissue transglutaminase (TG2, EC 2.3.2.13) activity (used as a differentiation marker). To gain further insight into profiling altered protein expression as a potential biomarker of the SE action on melanoma cells, analysis of the proteomic profile was performed on the treated B16-F10 cells, compared to the control. Following SE treatment, 30 proteins resulted up-regulated, and 87 proteins were down-regulated. In particular proteins overexpressed in cancer cells, involved in tumor progression and metabolism, were down-regulated. The possibility that SE may affect the Warburg effect in B16-F10 melanoma cells is discussed.

Isolation of cyanidin 3-glucoside from blue honeysuckle fruits by high-speed counter-current chromatography

Blue honeysuckle fruits are rich in anthocyanins with many beneficial effects such as reduction of the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancers. High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was used for the separation of anthocyanin on a preparative scale from blue honeysuckle fruit crude extract with a biphasic solvent system composed of tert-butyl methyl ether/n-butanol/acetonitrile/water/trifluoroacetic acid (2:2:1:5:0.01, v/v) for the first time in this paper. Each injection of 100mg crude extract yielded 22.8mg of cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) at 98.1% purity. The compound was identified by means of electro-spray ionisation mass (ESI/MS) and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra.

English

  The crude methanol extract of Citrullus colocynthis fruit and Emex spinosa leaves were examined for  antimicrobial and antioxidant potentialities. The phytochemical analysis revealed presence of some  bioactive principles, such as alkaloids, flavonoids and anthraquinones for E. spinosa and saponin,  flavonoids, terpenoids and alkaloids for C. colocynthis. The antimicrobial activities were determined  against seven bacterial strains (Proteus vulgaris NCTC 8196, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922,  Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 53651, Salmonella typhi NCTC  0650, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Bacillus cereus NCTC 8236) and one fungal strain  (Candida albicans ATCC 7596). E. spinosa leaf methanol extract was most active against fungus, while  C. colocynthis fruit methanol extract was most active against bacteria, particularly E. coli ATCC 25922  and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853. The antioxidant properties of extracts were investigated in vitro using  1,1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and in vivo in rats using serological  and enzymatic tests. Both plant extracts showed considerable antioxidant activities. The promising  findings of this investigation could be used as a novel natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.     Key words: Emex spinosa, Citrillus colocynthis, antimicrobial, antioxidant activity. 

Acute toxicity, brine shrimp cytotoxicity, anthelmintic and relaxant potentials of fruits of Rubus fruticosus Agg

BackgroundRubus fruticosus is used in tribal medicine as anthelmintic and an antispasmodic. In the current work, we investigated the anthelmintic and antispasmodic activities of crude methanol extract of fruits of R. fruticosus on scientific grounds. Acute toxicity and brine shrimp cytotoxicity activity of the extract were also performed.MethodsAcute toxicity study of crude methanol extract of R. fruticosus was performed on mice. In vitro Brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay was performed on shrimps of Artemia salina. In vitro Anthelmintic activity was tested against Raillietina spiralis and Ascaridia galli. Relaxant activities were tested on spontaneous rabbits’ jejunal preparations. Calcium chloride curves were constructed to elucidate possible mode of action of the extract.ResultsLD 50 of the extract for acute toxicity studies was 887.75 ± 9.22 mg/ml. While CC 50 of the extract for Brine shrimps cytotoxicity assay was 13.28 ± 2.47 μg/ml. Test samples of crude methanolic extract of R. fruticosus (Rf.Cr) at concentration 20 mg/ml showed excellent anthelmintic activity against Raillietina spiralis. Anthelmintic activity was 1.37 times of albendazole against the Raillietina spiralis at concentration 40 mg/ml. At higher concentration (40 mg/ml), Rf.Cr has 89. 83% parasiticidal activity. The mean EC50 relaxation activity for spontaneous and KCl-induced contractions was 7.96 ± 0.1 and 6.45 ± 0.29 mg/ml, respectively. EC 50 (Log[Ca++]M) for control calcium chloride curves was −1.75 ± 0.01 vs. EC 50 −1.78 ± 0.06 in the presence of 3.0 mg/ml of Rf.Cr. Similarly, EC 50(Log[Ca++]M) in the absence and presence of verapamil (0.1 μM) were −2.46 ± 0.01 and −1.72 ± 0.02, respectively.ConclusionsThe anthelmintic and relaxant activities explained traditional uses of R. fruticosus on scientific grounds. Relaxant activity follows the inhibition of voltage gated channels. Although the plant extract has cytotoxic effects, yet it is evident from acute toxicity study that it is safe in concentration 100 mg/kg. Further work is required to isolate pharmacologically active compounds.

Determination and pharmacokinetics of geniposidic acid in rat plasma after oral administration of Gardeniajasminoides fruit crude extract and Zhi‐zi‐chi decoction

A simple and efficient liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of geniposidic acid in rat plasma. After the addition of internal standard salidroside and acidification (0.1% formic acid, pH = 3.2), plasma samples were carried out by protein precipitation with acetonitrile and separated on a Kromasil C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) within a run time of 9.0 min. Analysis was performed in selected ion monitoring mode with a positive electrospray ionization interface. No endogenous interference was observed at retention times of the analytes because of the high specificity of selected ion monitoring mode. The linear range was 0.02-4.0 µg/mL and the lower limit of quantification was 0.02 µg/mL. The mean extraction recoveries of geniposidic acid and internal standard from rat plasma were all >88.0% and the matrix effects were within acceptance criteria (90-110%). The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of geniposidic acid in rat plasma after oral administration of G. jasminoides fruit crude extract and Zhi-zi-chi decoction, respectively.

Microbiological Quality of Asadero Cheese Manufactured with a Plant Based Coagulant from <i>Solanum elaeagnifolium</i>

In Chihuahua, north Mexico, the berries of Solanum elaeagnifolium (trompillo or silverleaf nightshade) have been used in the manufacture of artisanal filata-type asadero cheese. Solanum elaeagnifolium is a wild plant that possesses proteases in its fruit; those enzymes exhibit general proteolytic activities, which are useful in traditional asadero cheesemaking as a rennet substitute. These type of cheese is softer than those made with rennin or chymosin due to their water content and proteolysis. Thus, the aim of this work was to explore microbiological susceptibility of asadero cheese made with an extract from ripe berries and compared with those elaborated with commercial rennet. Crude extract of such fruit was obtained by salting out with ammonium sulfate (40%). Cheeses were obtained by a standardized process only changing the enzyme, packaged in plastic bag or vacuum bag and storage at 4℃ - 6℃. The study included the analysis of spoilage bacteria (total aerobic count, yeasts and molds), indicators of hygiene (total coliforms and E. coli) and fecal contamination (fecal coliforms) after 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of production. Although cheese made with S. elaeagnifolium had lower microbial growth, the aerobic count and yeasts and molds count of all cheese samples showing a 28 days shelf life. Total coliforms, in limits beyond the established ones by the Mexican legislation for human consumption with no effect of the enzyme type used for production, as well as for fecal coliforms. Differences were detected just for packaged method, suggesting that good manufacturing practices take place not the plant coagulant.

Antidiarrheal activity of ethanolic fruit extract of Psidium guajava (Guava) in castor oil induced diarrhea in albino rats

Background: Diarrhea is one of the common health conditions affecting people in less developed countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that 1.5 billion episodes of diarrhea occur every year in developing countries, resulting in 3 million deaths. Aims & Objective: This study was done to evaluate anti-diarrheal potency of the ethanolic fruit extract of Psidium guajava using Wistar albino rats to scientifically validate its continued use by the local people. I was also aimed at determining the acute toxicity in mice and phytochemical composition of the extract. Materials and Methods: The fruits were collected in July, 2012 from the College of Veterinary Medicine farm, Makerere University, dried for 1 week, ground and macerated in 70% ethanol. The dry extract was reconstituted using normal saline and orally administered to different groups of rats at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/Kg. Anti-diarrheal activity was determined using the percentage reduction in the frequency of defecation in rats with castor oil-induced diarrhea. Loperamide (1 mg/Kg) was used as positive control. Phytochemical composition was qualitatively determined as described by Harborne (1998). Acute toxicity was evaluated by determination of LD50 and observations of toxic signs. Results: The ethanolic crude fruit extract of Psidium guajava showed significant (p

Effects of Flower and Fruit Extracts ofMelastoma malabathricumLinn. on Growth of Pathogenic Bacteria:Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli,andSalmonella typhimurium

Melastoma malabathricum Linn. is a shrub that comes with beautiful pink or purple flowers and has berries-like fruits rich in anthocyanins. This study was carried out with the aim to evaluate the inhibitory activities of different concentrations of the M. malabathricum Linn. flower and fruit crude extracts against Listeria monocytogenes IMR L55, Staphylococcus aureus IMR S244, Escherichia coli IMR E30, and Salmonella typhimurium IMR S100 using the disc diffusion method. The lowest concentrations of the extracts producing inhibition zones against the test microorganisms were used to determine their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). In addition, the growth of Listeria monocytogenes IMR L55 and Staphylococcus aureus IMR S244 grown in medium supplemented with the respective extracts at different temperatures (4°C, 25°C, and 37°C) and pHs (4, 6, 7, and 8) was determined.

Ethnopharmacological studies of Tribulus terrestris (Linn). in relation to its aphrodisiac properties.

Synergism and antagonism impact of different plant metabolites present in crude fruit extract of Tribulus terrestris 'the herbal Viagra' have been studied. Variability in plant composition, biomass and metabolites concentration in different modules was significantly contributed by spatial factor. However the edhaphic parameters also changes with both spatial and temporal factors significantly. Fruit is the officinal part and the fruit production significantly related with soil nitrogen (P<0.01), whereas the soil nitrogen and pH also influenced the alkaloid content in fruit (P<0.05). The linear relation between fruit protein and fruit alkaloid (P<0.01) also observed and the relationship in between different soil parameters were established. Bioassay work confirmed its aphrodisiac properties, and site III is suggested for maximum biomass and high concentration of different metabolites.

Induction of electrophile-responsive element (EpRE)-mediated gene expression by tomato extracts in vitro

The market for food products with additional health benefits is increasing rapidly and tools for identification of bio-functional characteristics of food items are essential. To facilitate the detection of beneficial effects of tomato on gene expression, methods to prepare tomato extracts suitable to test in the EpRE LUX assay and other cell-based reporter gene assays for health-related bioactivity mechanisms, were developed. An isoprenoid-containing chloroform extract of tomato fruit and most individual isoprenoids did not induce electrophile-responsive element (EpRE)-mediated gene expression. A semi-polar extract of tomato fruits, enzymatically hydrolysed to remove the glycosyl residues from the phenolic ingredients was able to induce EpRE-mediated luciferase expression at both mRNA and protein level, which might be partly due to the presence of quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin and naringenin chalcone. It was concluded that induction of EpRE-regulated genes, such as detoxifying phase II and antioxidant enzymes, may contribute to the beneficial health effects of tomato.

Acute mammalian toxicity of four pesticidal plants

Many plant species show potential as alternatives to synthetic pesticides but little is known about their acute mammalian toxicity. The single-dose acute oral toxicities of crude aqueous extracts of Strychnos spinosa and Bobgunnia madagascariensis fruits and the foliage of Vernonia amygdalina and Cissus quadrangularis (plant species that are commonly used as pesticides in Southern Africa) were evaluated in BALB/c mice. Plant extracts (up to 75% w/v or v/v) were orally administered to sexually mature mice. Behavioural changes, clinical signs and mortality were monitored for 4 days. Mice that received S. spinosa had generalized tonic muscle spasms and a high mortality of 83%. Those that received B. madagascariensis exhibited signs of buccal and nasal irritation with occasional sneezes during administration and a high mortality of 75% was recorded. C. quadrangularis consumption resulted in much lower mortality of 21% while no clinical signs of toxicity were evident on mice administered V. amygdalina. Chemical analysis showed the presence of secoiridoids in the seedless pulp of S. spinosa. These results indicate that aqueous extracts of S. spinosa and B. madagascariensis fruits and foliage of C. quadrangularis may have deleterious health implications on humans and animals; hence, advice on their safety should accompany promotion of their use.

Identification of 28-O-[β-L-6-rhamnopyranosyl]-R1-barrigenol from Ternstroemia sylvatica Schltdl. Cham. (Theaceae) as a New Compound with Toxic Effects in Rodents

Fruits of several species from Ternstroemia genus are commonly used in Mexican traditional medicine to alleviate anxiety, sleep disorders and seizures [1,2]. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuropharmacological profile of Ternstroemia sylvatica fruits and identify their active components. Crude extracts of Ternstroemia sylvatica fruits, separated in seed and pericarp, showed sedative effects in mice. The methanol (ED50=13.8±1.7mg/kg) and aqueous (ED50=4.9±0.8mg/kg) seed extracts were the most active. The methanol and aqueous extracts also showed anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and myo-relaxant effects, decreased locomotor activity and disrupted motor coordination. Methanol and aqueous extracts were also the most toxic extracts (LD=3.8±2.6mg/kg and 5.0±1.4mg/kg, respectively). In addition, aqueous extract from T. sylvatica seeds (10mg/mL –100mg/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased the platelet count in rats. The close values of ED50 and LD50 suggest a toxic rather than a neuropharmacological effect of T. sylvatica fruits. From the aqueous extract we identified a novel natural product, the 28-O-[β-L-6-rhamnopyranosyl]-R1 -barrigenol, as the major component of a mixture of triterpene saponines that showed the major thrombocytopenic effect. Acknowledgements: Thanks go to DGAPA, Proyecto IN210112–2.

Extraction of L-synephrine by Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid/n-octanol Reversed Micelles

In this study, reversed micelles of Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid/n-octanol was prepared to investigate the purification of L-synephrine in Citrus aurantium fruit crude extract. The reverse micellar system formed was confirmed with atomic force microscopy and the effect of important factors on extraction efficiency, such as the pH of the aqueous phase, molar ratio of water to surfactant, surfactant concentration, cationic ion concentration, and extraction time, was studied. Under the optimal operational conditions, the purity of L-synephrine was improved to be >85% and the total yield >98%. Mathematic analysis and experimental results exhibited that the extraction process in this system was effectuated mainly via electrostatic interactions between L-synephrine and the surfactant.

Potentials of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Melastoma malabathricum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Linn. Flower and Fruit Extracts as Antimicrobial Infusions

Melastoma malabathricum Linn. is a shrub that belongs to the family Melastomataceae and a common herbal plant used in folk medicines to treat inflamed wounds. This study was carried out with the aim to evaluate the inhibitory activities of different concentrations of the M. malabathricum Linn. flower and fruit crude extracts against a variety of microorganisms. The inhibitory effects of both extracts were tested against the microorganisms using the disc diffusion method. The lowest concentrations of the extracts producing inhibition zones against the test microorganisms were used to determine their Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Microbicidal Concentrations (MMCs). Both crude extracts showed strong inhibitory activities against Gram-positive bacteria. The range of MIC values for the crude flower and fruit extracts on all the bacteria tested were 12.5 to 100.0 mg/ml. Overall, Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the crude extracts compared to Gram-negative species, potentiating a possible use of the extracts to inhibit or kill potential pathogens.

Annonacin in Asimina triloba fruit: Implication for neurotoxicity

IntroductionThe acetogenin, annonacin, from the tropical annonaceous plant Annona muricata, is a lipophilic, mitochondrial complex I inhibitor reported to be more toxic than rotenone to mesencephalic neurons. The temperate annonaceous plant Asimina triloba (pawpaw) is native to the Eastern United States and products are available online. This study determined whether annonacin is in the pawpaw fruit pulp and whether it or the crude ethyl acetate extract is toxic to cortical neurons. MethodsPawpaw extract was prepared by pulp extraction with methanol and liquid–liquid partitioning with ethyl acetate (EtOAc). Annonacin was isolated from the crude EtOAc extract via column chromatography using a gradient solvent system of increasing polarity. Mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy were used to compare isolated material with synthetic annonacin data and a natural annonacin sample. Toxicity of isolated annonacin and the total EtOAc extract was determined in primary rat cortical neurons using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. ResultsThe average concentration of annonacin in the fruit pulp was 0.0701±0.0305mg/g. Purified annonacin (30.07μg/ml) and crude EtOAc extract (47.96μg/ml) induced 50% death of cortical neurons 48h post treatment. Annonacin toxicity was enhanced in the presence of crude extract. DiscussionPawpaw fruit contains a high concentration of annonacin, which is toxic to cortical neurons. Crude fruit extract also induced neurotoxicity, highlighting the need for additional studies to determine the potential risks of neurodegeneration associated with chronic exposure to pawpaw products.

Evaluation of the use of Syzygium cumini fruit extract as an antioxidant additive in orange juice and its sensorial impact

This work is an exploratory study of the possibility of promoting the consumption of Syzygium cumini fruit by adding its extract to orange juice making good use of its functional (antioxidant) properties. S. cumini fruit extract was characterized in terms of its anthocyanin content (2.11 g/100 g expressed in cyanidine-3-glucoside equivalents), total phenolic compounds (360 mg/100 g expressed in gallic acid equivalents) and antioxidant capacity evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging method. The effects of the addition of S. cumini fruit crude extract as well as its chromatographic fractions on the juice were assessed chemically by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometry detector. Only six compounds had their chromatographic peak intensities clearly changed and the results are discussed in terms of the inhibition of the formation of 2-octanone, hexanol, α-copaene, and α-panasinsene and the conservation of octyl acetate and p-menth-1-en-9-ol. Sensory evaluation of orange juice with and without S. cumini crude extract addition did not show any significant differences in the sensorial profile, discriminative and acceptance tests.

Repellent and Insecticidal Activities of Melia azedarach L. against Cotton Leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.)

A crude acetone extract and oil of ripe fruits from Melia azedarach L. were evaluated against the 2nd and 4th instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Both oil and extract exhibited highly significant growth inhibition at all concentrations tested, while the oil of M. azedarach recorded higher insecticidal activity against both instars than the crude extract. GC-MS analysis of the oil revealed the presence of linoleic acid methyl ester, oleic acid methyl ester, and free oleic acid as the main components in addition to hexadecanol, palmitic acid, methyl esters of stearic acid and myristic acid. Fatty acids and their esters were not only the main constituents of essential oil from the ripe fruits of M. azedarach, but also mainly responsible for the insecticidal and growth inhibition activity against S. littoralis.

Assessment of Antioxidant Properties in Fruits of Myrica esculenta: A Popular Wild Edible Species in Indian Himalayan Region

Crude extract of Myrica esculenta fruits, a wild edible species of Indian Himalayan Region, was evaluated for phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. Results revealed significant variation in total phenolic and flavonoid contents across populations. Among populations, total phenolic content varied between 1.78 and 2.51 mg gallic acid equivalent/g fresh weight (fw) of fruits and total flavonoids ranged between 1.31 and 1.59 mg quercetin equivalent/g fw. Antioxidant activity determined by 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) exhibited considerable antioxidant potential and showed significant positive correlation with total phenolic and total flavonoids content. High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed significant variation (P < .01) in phenolic compounds (i.e., gallic acid, catechin, hydroxybenzioc acid and ρ-coumaric acid) across populations. This study provides evidences to establish that consumption of M. esculenta fruits while providing relished taste would also help in reduction of free radicals. Therefore, this wild edible species deserves promotion in the region through horticulture and forestry interventions.

Preliminary in vitro antisickilng properties of crude juice extracts of Persia Americana, Citrus sinensis, Carica papaya and Ciklavit®.

The antisickling properties of crude juice extracts of the edible portions of three commonly consumed tropical fruits namely Persia americana, Citrus sinensis, and Carica papaya were investigated in vitro alongside a new drug preparation called Ciklavit® that has antisickling activity. Four different solvent extracts of the crude juice of each fruit including aqueous, acidic, alkaline and alcoholic extracts were prepared and their antisickling effects on sickle cell trait (HbAS) and sickle cell disease (HbSS) blood samples checked alongside Ciklavit®. Blood samples were stabilized using normal saline and the antisickling effects were checked by counting the number of sickle cells remaining after incubation of the blood samples with the crude fruit extracts and Ciklavit® for twenty-four hours. The results showed that Ciklavit® produced a sustained reduction in the number of sickle cells in both HbAS and HbSS blood samples. Also the alkaline and alcoholic extracts of P. americana and C. papaya produced significant reduction in the number of sickle cells.