Cumini Extract Research Articles

Development and Characterization of Film-Forming Solution Loaded with Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels for Topical Application in Post-Surgical Therapies.

Considering the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties attributed to compounds in Syzygium cumini extract, this research aimed to advance postoperative therapeutic innovations. Specifically, the study assessed the physicochemical properties of a film-forming solution (FFS) incorporated with S. cumini, evaluating its therapeutic potential for postoperative applications. The S. cumini extract was meticulously characterized to determine its chemical composition, with particular emphasis on the concentration of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant and antimicrobial assays were conducted to assess the extract's efficacy in these domains. Following this, an FFS containing S. cumini was formulated and evaluated comprehensively for skin adhesion, mechanical and barrier properties, and thermal behavior. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the S. cumini extract demonstrated promising results, indicating its potential utility as an adjunct in postoperative care. The developed FFS exhibited favorable physicochemical properties for topical application, including adequate skin adhesion and appropriate pH levels. Moreover, chemical and thermal analyses confirmed the formulation's stability and the retention of the extract's beneficial properties. Overall, the findings suggest that the S. cumini-loaded FFS holds significant potential as a valuable therapeutic tool for post-surgical management.

Enhanced efficiency, electron lifetime, and eco-friendliness of dye-sensitized solar cells using nanofibrous TiO2/ZnO composite photoanodes and natural anthocyanin sensitizer

Semiconductor is the main part of the photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this study, an evaluation was conducted on two different morphological shapes of TiO2/ZnO semiconductors, namely nanoparticles (NPs) and nanofibers (NFs), to enhance the efficiency of DSSCs. The nanofibrous semiconductors were fabricated using the electrospinning technique. Furthermore, a natural sensitizer, anthocyanin dye, was used to promote the environmental friendliness of the fabricated cells. These cells were then compared to those that used a synthetic dye known as N719 to determine their efficiencies. The UV-vis results confirmed the extraction of anthocyanin from black plum fruits (Syzygium cumini). The structural characteristics of the composites were examined using XRD, FE-SEM, and BET experiments. The XRD results revealed that the anatase phase of TiO2 was dominant in the crystal structure of the semiconductors, while the crystallite sizes of the composites were 25.04 nm and 12.24 nm in NPs and NFs forms, respectively. The FE-SEM analysis revealed the formation of quasi-spherical NPs with an average diameter of 48.26 ± 17.75 nm and NFs with an average diameter of 153.99 ± 26.18 nm. The BET results showed that the surface characteristics of the nanocomposite were enhanced by changing the shape from NPs to NFs. Photovoltaic studies showed that utilizing NFs semiconductors in the photoanodes of DSSCs resulted in increased conversion efficiency of light to electricity. The results of the sun simulator studies confirmed that the use of natural dye led to a decrease in the effectiveness of the DSSCs. This phenomenon can be attributed to the weaker binding of the natural dye to the photoanodes. Furthermore, the EIS investigations illustrated that the electron lifetime in the natural dye is more than twice that of N719, leading to a reduced rate of electron recombination in the Syzygium cumini extract. The TiO2/ZnO NFs photoanodes exhibited superior performance compared to their nanoparticle counterparts in DSSCs. Their high surface area promoted superior dye adsorption and light absorption. Moreover, the interconnected nanofiber network facilitated efficient electron transport, minimizing recombination losses. Increasing the binding strength of the chosen natural dye to the photoanode will also make the cells more environmentally friendly and improve their ability to produce electricity.

Examination and Chemical Analysis by GC-MS of Syzygium Cumini Extract(Bark)

The investigation focused on the analysis of the hexane extract obtained from the bark of Syzygium cumini originating from India. Through chromatographic techniques, both traditional column chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the oily fraction of the bark was examined, leading to the identification of numerous ester and hydrocarbon compounds. While the initial hexane eluate yielded waxy substances, which were challenging to separate through column chromatography due to their limited quantity, GC-MS analysis facilitated the identification of 39 compounds. These compounds were matched with existing literature through comparisons of retention times, Kovats indexes, and interpretation of mass spectra. Many of these identified compounds find applications across industries such as perfumery, flavoring, deodorants, antiseptics, and pharmaceuticals. This study aimed to elucidate the chemical composition of the hexane extract from S. cumini bark, particularly focusing on the identification of hydrocarbons and esters. Key words: Syzygium cumini (bark), esters, hydrocarbons, signals, peak gas chromatography -mass spectrometry

Optimization of Herbal Drug Formulations for Syzygium Cumini (Linn) Extracts: Enhancing Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Properties

The prevalence of diabetes and its associated complications continues to rise globally, creating a pressing need for effective and safe therapeutic approaches. Herbal remedies have gained significant attention as potential adjuncts or alternatives to conventional diabetes management. Syzygium cumini (Linn), commonly known as Jamun or Indian blackberry, possesses established antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. This research paper aims to optimize herbal drug formulations using Syzygium cumini extracts to enhance their antidiabetic and antioxidant effects. The study will involve extraction optimization, formulation development, and evaluation of the final products for potential therapeutic application.

Chemical compositions and antifungal activity of Corymbia citriodora, Cupressus macrocarpa, and Syzygium cumini extracts: GC–MS and HPLC analysis of essential oils and phenolic compounds

AbstractThis study was undertaken to explore the content and the chemical constituents of the essential oils (EOs) and methanol leaf extracts (MLEs) from Corymbia citriodora, Cupressus macrocarpa, and Syzygium cumini. Chromatographic analyses of GC–MS and HPLC were used. The EOs and MLEs were prepared at concentrations of 0, 6, 12, 25, and 50 mg/L, while the extract was prepared at concentrations of 0, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/L. Sapwood blocks of Pinus sylvestris in the dimension of 0.5 × 2 × 2 cm were prepared and autoclaved at 121 °C, and each wood block received 100 µL of the prepared concentrations from the EOs and MEs. The bioactivities of wood-treated EOs or MEs were measured against the growth of Fusarium solani MW947256. By GC–MS, the main compounds in the EOs from C. citriodora were citronellal, citronellol, p-cymene, spathulenol, and isopulegol with values of 23.95, 9.80, 9.32, 9.29, and 5.38%, respectively, in Cup. macrocarpa leaves were sabinene (11.94%), 4-terpinenol (11.34%), citronellol (9.59%), citronellal (9.85%), p-cymene (7.67%), spathulenol (5.24%), γ-terpinene (5.05%), camphor (4.31%), and limonene (3.2%), and in S. cumini leaves were trans-β-ocimene (19.11%), α-pinene (18.79%), caryophyllene (9.30%), (Z)-β-ocimene (8.16%), and limonene (6%). By HPLC, the most abundant phenolic compounds in the methanol extract from C. citriodora benzoic acid (8.11 μg/g), and gallic acid (7.96 μg/g), from Cup. macrocarpa were syringic acid (7.59 μg/g), catechol (6.85 μg/g), and gallic acid (6.78 μg/g), and from S. cumini were cinnamic acid (10.66 μg/g), caffeic acid (9.87 μg/g), and ellagic acid (8.76 μg/g). The highest percentages of inhibition (65.71% and 35.71%) against the growth of F. solani were seen in the wood treated with Cup. macrocarpa EOs at 50 and 25 mg/L, respectively. The maximum level of inhibition was seen (92.85%) when S. cumini MLEs at a dose of 4000 mg/L was applied to wood samples, followed by Cup. macrocarpa MLEs (70.00%) compared to the positive control of azoxystrobin + difenoconazole (1000 mg/L), which caused 100% inhibition to F. solani. The findings indicated that bioactive chemicals present in the extracts and EOs from these trees have strong antifungal properties.

Sun Protection Factor Activity of Jamblang Leaves Serum Extract (Syzygium cumini)

Background: The development of serum preparations containing natural ingredients for sun protection is growing rapidly. Jamblang (Syzygium cumini) leaves are rich in phenolic compounds that can inhibit free radicals causing premature aging. Therefore, this study aims to determine the potential of S. cumini serum extract as sun protection. Methods: The extract was prepared and included in the serum base. The formulations were evaluated for rheological, pH, dispersion coefficient, and stability examinations. Furthermore, Sun Protection Factor was tested using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Results: The test of phytochemical compounds showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, quinones, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, and steroids. The result also showed that all serum formulations met the predetermined requirements. Furthermore, the extract has protective activity against ultraviolet rays, which was indicated by the SPF value. The higher the dose of S. cumini extracts in the serum formulation, the higher the value obtained. Formulations 1, 2, and 3 have SPF of 9.35±0.11, 13.26±0.16, and 26.05±0.31, respectively. This indicates that they all met the Indonesian National Standard, that a sun protection preparation must have a minimum protection factor of 4. Conclusion: S. cumini extract serum has the potential to be developed as a new sun protection agent against ultraviolet radiation. However, further studies are still needed to determine the mechanism of its constituent active compounds.

Effect of syzygium cumini leaf extract as a green corrosion inhibitor on API 5l carbon steel in 1M HCL

Corrosion in API 5L steel under 1M HCl is a common issue; hence, creating a more effective and naturally-based inhibitor is critical. In this research, Syzygium Cumini leaf extract (SCLE) was used as a new green corrosion inhibitor under acidic conditions. The inhibition properties of the novel cumini extract were thoroughly characterized using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results show that the cumini inhibitor has excellent corrosion inhibition with 93 % inhibition efficiency. The adsorption behavior of the inhibitor follows the Langmuir Adsorption Isotherm due to the nearness of R2 to unity. The potentiodynamic and electrochemical measurements demonstrate the mixed type of corrosion inhibitor. Thermodynamic calculation of ΔGads is – 18.41 kJ mol-1 showing the physical adsorption process between the inhibitor and metals. Further inspection of ΔHads at ‒58.93 kJ mol-1 considers releasing energy during adsorption. The FTIR results agree with the increased growth of passive layers due to the adsorption of polyphenol and flavonoids on metals. Remarkably, the adsorption peak at 3266.59 cm-1 corresponds to the adsorption of –OH. The peak at 1612.56 and 1698.4 cm-1 is attributed to C=C and C=O functional groups. The above functional groups serve as adsorption centers to reduce the corrosion effect. The surface treatment of AFM indicated a good relationship with the functional group characterization and confirmed the significant corrosion rate reduction. This work can be used as a benchmark to develop a natural plant as a corrosion inhibitor.

Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities of Syzygium cumini Extracts

Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities of Syzygium cumini Extracts

Ethanolic Extract of Syzygium cumini Causes Toxic Effects on Ethanol-induced Liver and Kidney Damage in Albino Wistar Rats: A Biochemical and Histological Study

Background: The therapeutic value of Syzygium cumini (S. cumini) has been documented in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases and ailments. Various preparations of this plant have been made and used especially for liver inflammatory conditions in livestock. Further, many liver diseases in humans are inflammatory conditions, which are caused by alcohol intake. This study sought to examine the effect of S. cumini on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Methods: Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. The first group was control and the other four were administered ethanol at varying doses to induce liver and kidney damages. Two doses of the S. cumini extract were administered at a concentration of 200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg. Silymarin was administered to the last group at 10 mg/kg. The liver and kidney tissue samples were collected and preserved for histological analyses and the rat sera were analyzed for the associated biochemical biomarkers. Results: Histopathological analyses revealed pyknotic nuclei and distortion in the arrangement of the hepatocytes in extract-treated groups. The kidney tissue samples showed signs of interstitial bleeding and aggregation of lymphocytes in the peri-glomerular areas. The analyses of the biochemical parameters revealed that there were significant increases in the aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), Urea and creatinine in the sera of the groups treated with the extract compared to those of the controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: The S. cumini extract caused elevation of serum hepatic and renal biomarkers at 400 mg/kg and did not have a hepatoprotective effect.

Syzygium cumini (L) Extract Ameliorates Aluminium Chloride-Induced Acute Hepatic and Renal Toxicity in Rats

Syzygium cumini (L) Extract Ameliorates Aluminium Chloride-Induced Acute Hepatic and Renal Toxicity in Rats

Biological Screening of Medicinal Plants Collected from Eastern Ghats of India Using Artemia salina (Brine Shrimp Test)

Medicinal plants constitute important components of flora and are widely distributed in different regions of India. Based on ethnomedical significance, we have collected several medicinal plants used in traditional medicine from Eastern Ghats of India and evaluated for their biological activity. In the present study, a method utilizing brine shrimp (Artemia salina Leach) lethality was used to screen medicinal plants for their biological activity. Aqueous extracts from 118 Indian medicinal plants were screened by the brine shrimp lethality assay and found eleven out of the 118 extracts showed significant toxicity to the brine shrimp (＜60 μg/ml). Polygonum cuspidatum and Syzygium cumini extracts have exhibited potent activity with LC50 13.5 and 20, respectively. The results were analyzed within the context of the available traditional knowledge and uses for these plants. Present study could be useful in the search for new antitumor compounds from the Indian flora.

Assessment of anti-diabetic activity of alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna & Syzygium cumini in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Wistar rats

We aimed to evaluate the effect of anti-diabetic activity of Terminalia arjuna, and Syzygium cumini extracts in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in Wistar rats. STZ (55mg/kg) followed by nicotinamide (100mg/kg) was given to rats by intraperitoneal route to induce diabetes. Oral administration of alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extracts of T. arjuna (TAAE) (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg), S. cumini (SCAE) (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) and their composite extract were given to rats along with standard anti-diabetic drug Glibenclamide (5mg/kg). We evaluated body weight, glucose level, lipid profile and biochemical parameters in STZ induced diabetic rats. Also, histopathological studied were done in liver, kidney and pancreatic tissues of rats. Our finding revealed that TAAE and TAHE at 250mg/kg b.w. and 500mg/kg b.w., SCAE and SCHE at 400mg/kg b.w. and combination of TAAE (250mg/kg b.w.)+SCAE (400mg/kg b.w.) had a positive effect in lowering the blood glucose level and body weight on 28th day as compared to the initial observation on 0th day and also restored all the biochemical parameters such as LDL, VLDL, triglycerides and total Cholesterol and HDL towards the normal levels as well as histopathological improvement in Kidney, Liver and Pancreas. Data analysis showed that composite extract of TAAE (250mg/kg) and SCAE (400mg/kg ) improved diabetic consequences more effectively than composite extract of TAHE (500mg/kg) and SCHE (400mg/kg). TAAE and SCHE, in combination, demonstrate as a potential therapeutic agent against diabetes.

WHO prescribed shelf life assessment of Syzygium cumini extract through chromatographic and biological activity analyses

BackgroundRegulatory guidelines recommend shelf life of herbal products to be established through systematic stability studies. ObjectiveThe study was designed to establish shelf life of Syzygium cumini extract through accelerated and long-term stability testing as per WHO guidelines. Material and methodsThe extract was stored under accelerated (40°C/75 %RH) and long-term (25°C/60 %RH) stability conditions for 6 and 30 months, respectively. Samples were withdrawn at periodic intervals and analysed through two validated HPLC-UV methods (I and II) for fingerprint and quantitative analysis of markers. Antidiabetic activity of control and stability samples was evaluated by α-glucosidase inhibitory model. ResultsMethod I generated a well resolved fingerprint of the control sample that was found to contain gallic acid (GA, 1.45 % w/w) and ellagic acid (EA, 3.97 % w/w). The content of GA did not change under both the stability conditions, but that of EA varied insignificantly (3.97–4.77 % w/w) under long-term conditions up to 24 months and subsequently decrease to 3.15 % w/w after 30 months. There was no visible change in LC-UV fingerprint of any stability sample with respect to control. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity of all stability samples also remained unaltered as compared to control sample (IC50 1.48 mg/mL). GA and EA did not elicit any activity at the concentrations present in the extract. ConclusionPhytochemical composition and antidiabetic efficacy of S. cumini extract remain unchanged during its storage under both accelerated and long-term stability conditions, which suggest its shelf life to be 30 months. Also, GA and EA are not appropriate anti-diabetic markers.

Phenolic contents-based assessment of therapeutic potential of Syzygium cumini leaves extract.

Syzygium cumini (S. cumini) is an evergreen tropical plant that is well recognized for its therapeutic potential of common diseases. In this study, the therapeutic potential and biomedical application of S. cumini are assessed in vitro and in vivo to find its effectiveness for different complications. The methanolic crude extract of S. cumini leaves were screened for total phenolic and flavonoid content. In vitro, the DPPH scavenging assay, XTT assay, prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time were used to assess antioxidant, cytoprotective and thrombolytic activity of the S. cumini extract, respectively. The anti-inflammatory potential and the analgesic activity of the S. cumini extract were analyzed in rabbits by the Carrageenan induced paw edema method and the writhing method, respectively. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of considerable amounts of total phenolic (369.75 ± 17.9 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (75.8 ± 5.3 mgRE/g) content in the S. cumini extract. The DPPH assay demonstrated a higher antioxidant potential (IC-50 value of 133 μg/ml), which was comparable to the IC-50 of ascorbic acid (122.4 μg/ml). Moreover, the S. cumini extract showed a dose dependent cytoprotective effect against H2O2 treated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). S. cumini also possesses significant anticoagulant activity with a prothrombin time of 28.3 ± 1.8 seconds vs 15.8 ± 0.2 seconds of control, p<0.05. The leaf extract also demonstrated an analgesic effect in rabbits as indicated by the decrease in writhing (12.2 ± 1.7 control vs. 3.7 ± 0.6 treated) and anti-inflammatory activity in rabbits paw with a protection against inflammation of 64.1 ± 2.4%. Our findings suggest that the methanolic extract of S. cumini leaves has antioxidant, cytoprotective, anticoagulant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore, can be applied for treating cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Phytochemical screening of Syzygium cumini (L.) extracts in different solvents

Phytochemical screening of the secondary metabolites was performed with acetone, chloroform, methanol and n-hexane extracts of the leaves, roots, stem bark and seeds of the plant Syzygium cumini (Linn.) and were detected using various tests for identifying the isolated components. Acetone extract of the leaves showed the presence glycosides, phenols, proteins, resins and saponins while the stem bark extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, proteins, resins and saponins. All the above constituents except saponins were detected in the root extract. The seed extract contains alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenols, proteins and tannins. Chloroform extract of the leaves showed the presence of alkaloids, proteins and steroids while root extract contains alkaloids and steroids and that of seed extract alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenols, proteins and tannins, however, alkaloids and tannins were found in the stem bark extract. Methanol extract of the leaves and stem bark showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, resins, saponins, steroids and tannins while the root extracts contain all the above constituents along with proteins. N-hexane extract of the leaves contain only alkaloids, roots contain alkaloids and resins and that of seeds contain carbohydrates and proteins while alkaloids, proteins and tannins were found in stem bark extract. The present findings reveal the presence of various medicinally important phytochemicals from the plant S. cumini extracts may have application in traditional system of medicine to cure various ailmentsJ. bio-sci. 24: 11-18, 2016

Improvement of the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 using Colombian Caribbean species (Syzygium cumini) as natural sensitizers: Experimental and theoretical studies

Natural dyes composed by anthocyanins extracted from natural Caribbean species S. cumini, were employed to evaluate their effects on the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 thin films. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the anthocyanins were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-DAD). From the chemical characterization of the S. cumini extract three main anthocyanins were identified and the most abundant compound was delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside (44%). The total anthocyanin content expresses as delphinidin chloride (TAEDC) per mL of the extract was equal to 124 ± 5 μg TAEDC/mL. After the identification, a sensitization process was performed and verified by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and absorption diffuse reflectance. Afterwards, the Methylene Blue photodegradation process was studied under visible light irradiation on the S. cumini-sensitized TiO2 material (TiO2/S. cumini). The results indicated that the photocatalytic activity of the sensitized material TiO2/S. cumini was ∼3 times greater than unmodified TiO2 thin films, which let us to propose that the extract from Caribbean Colombian S. cumini could have a great potential as source of photosensitizers for photocatalytic applications. Finally, the electronic structure of each anthocyanin found in the extract (delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside, malvidin-3-5-diglucoside and petunidin-3-5-diglucoside) and their interaction with a TiO2 model was studied by means of the density functional theory (DFT).

Versatile chromatographic method for catechin determination in development of topical formulations containing natural extracts.

Catechin is found in several natural sources, as Eugenia dysenterica and Syzygium cumini extracts. Its antioxidant and UV-protective properties suggest a potential use in cosmetic and dermatological formulations. A simple analytical method capable of giving support to experiments performed along the development of topical formulations containing this natural substance (i.e. drug assay, skin permeation and stability studies), however, is still needed. Thus, this work aimed to develop and validate a selective HPLC method for catechin determination during the development of topical formulations. Separation was achieved using an RP-C18 column (300 × 3.9 mm; 10 μm), with a mobile phase of methanol-phosphoric acid 0.01m (15: 85, v/v), a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min, temperature set at 40°C and UV detection at 230 nm. The method was linear in a range from 0.5 to 10.0 μg/mL (r = 0.9998), precise with an overall variation coefficient of 5.5% and accurate with catechin recovery from the skin layers >85%. Additionally, the method was sensitive (limit of detection, 0.109 μg/mL; limit of quantification, 0.342 μg/mL) and selective against plant extracts, skin matrices and formulation interferents, as well as catechin degradation products. It was also robust regarding both methodology parameters and analytical stability.

Engglis

ABSTRACT Introduction. Chronic stress disturbs the equilibrium of oxidant-antioxidant redox in the human body which accelerates cellular aging. This condition promotes earlier onset of age-related diseases. Human body needs exogenous antioxidant to fight stress. Syzigium cumini has high antioxidant activity because it’s rich in anthocyanin. It has potential to become natural antioxidant source thus it needs to be developed. Aim. This study aims to investigate the effect of Syzigium cumini (Pulp) extract on the stress biomarkers which are Malondialdehyde and blood pressure in rat induced by restraint stress. Method. Chronic stress phase is conducted with male Wistar rats (n=20) which were divided into 4 groups (normal control, negative control, and two treatment groups with the ethanol extract of Syzygium cumini (Pulp) at 20 mg/200 gram and 40 mg/200 gram body weight). Restraint stress was carried out by placing the animal in narrow tube for 30 minutes daily (7 days). Blood pressure was evaluated before and after the treatment while Malondialdehyde was evaluated after the treatment. The One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the parameters. Results. Based on chronic stress phase, treatment groups show significant result in preventing the increase in blood pressure (P < 0,001). The increased levels of Malondialdehyde were prevented significantly in all treatment groups (P < 0,001) Conclusion. In chronic stress phase, Syzygium cumini (Pulp) extract can become an antihypertensive agent. Syzygium cumini (Pulp) extract shows an effect in decreasing lipid peroxidation products. This result shows that the Syzygium cumini (Pulp) extract has potent antioxidant function. Keywords. Syzigium cumini , restraint stress, malondialdehyde, MDA, blood pressure

Effects of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Syzygium cumini&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Seed Extract on the Memory Loss of Alzheimer’s Disease Model Rats

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prominent dementia-related disease and characterized by the presence of insoluble amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) fibers in or around the brain neurons of the affected person. Therefore, agent(s) capable of inhibiting brain amyloid deposition might delay the occurrence or retard the progress forwards of AD and related neurobehavioral symptoms. Here, we report whether, chronic oral administration of Syzygium cumini (locally known as Jam)-seed extract exerts protection against the progressive cognitive decline in the Aβ1-40-infused AD model rats. After 12 weeks of feeding with S. cumini seed extract (at 300 mg/kg BW), we evaluated the learning-related memory of the rats by 8-arm radial maze task, where we determined two types of memory errors, namely reference memory errors (RMEs) and working memory errors (WMEs). After completion of memory tests, rats were sacrificed and the levels of lipid peroxide (LPO), the Aβ1-40-burden, Aβ1-40-oligomers, proinflammatory TNFα, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Tyrosine-kinase B (TrkB), postsynaptic-density protein 95 (PSD-95) and Synapse-associated protein (SNAP-25) were determined in the corticohippocampal tissues of the brain. In addition, in vitro antioxidative effects of S. cumini seed extract were evaluated. The oral administration of S. cumini extract significantly increased the memory-related learning ability of the AD model rats, concomitantly with reductions in the levels of corticohippocampal Aβ1-40-burden and Aβ1-40-oligomers. Furthermore, the extract suppressed the levels of TNFα and LPO in the corticohippocampal tissues of the AD rats and also the later in the plasma, suggesting an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of the S. cumini extract in the brains of AD model rats. S. cumini extract also increased the levels of brain cognition and memory-related proteins, including BDNF, TrKB, PSD-95 and SNAP-25. We thus suggest that S. cumini-seed extract could be used in neurobehavioral deficits and associated pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Antifungal potential of Sideroxylon obtusifolium and Syzygium cumini and their mode of action against Candida albicans

Context The emergence of resistant pathogens and toxicity of antifungals have encouraged an active search for novel candidates to manage Candida biofilms.Objective In this study, the little known species Sideroxylon obtusifolium T.D. Penn (Sapotacea) and Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae), from the Caatinga biome in Brazil were chemically characterized and explored for their antifungal potential against C. albicans.Materials and methods We determined the effects of hydroalcoholic extracts/fractions upon fungal growth (minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations, MIC/MFC), biofilm morphology (scanning electron microscopy) and viability (confocal laser scanning microscopy), proposed their mode of action (sorbitol and ergosterol assays), and finally investigated their effects against macrophage and keratinocyte cells in a cell-based assay. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey-Kramer post-test (α = 0.05).Results The n-butanol (Nb) fraction from S. obtusifolium and S. cumini extract (Sc) showed flavonoids (39.11 ± 6.62 mg/g) and saponins (820.35 ± 225.38 mg/g), respectively, in their chemical composition and demonstrated antifungal activity, with MICs of 62.5 and 125 μg/mL, respectively. Nb and Sc may complex with ergosterol as there was a 4–16-fold increase in MICs in the presence of exogenous ergosterol, leading to disrupted permeability of cell membrane. Deleterious effects were observed on morphology and viability of treated biofilms from concentrations as low as their MICs and higher. Sc was not toxic to macrophages and keratinocytes at these concentrations (p > 0.05), unlike Nb.Conclusions Nb and Sc demonstrated considerable antifungal activity and should be further investigated as potential alternative candidates to treat Candida biofilms.