Cynometra Cauliflora Research Articles

Unveiling the Underlying Mechanisms Related to the Biological Activities of Cynometra cauliflora

Abstract: Cynometra cauliflora Linn. (C. cauliflora), a member of the Fabaceae family within the Cynometra genus, is an underrated medicinal plant in Malaysia. It features frog-like fruits and is known locally as Namnam. The plant grows in tropical regions and is used in the traditional treatment of various medical conditions. Previous studies have revealed a broad range of its pharmacological benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-lipase, anti-diarrheal, cytotoxic, anti-microbial, and anti-cholinesterase properties. The active constituents identified in C. cauliflora are thought to contribute to its diverse range of biological activities. Research shows that different parts of C. cauliflora contain phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. The leaves and bark also have cardiac glycosides, while the fruit is rich in flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, and tannins. Furthermore, ethanol extracts of its leaves were found to contain vitamin C and its major constituent, vitexin. In this review, the biological activities of C. cauliflora are explored and reviewed through various literature sources, aiming to highlight the mechanisms and compounds that underlie its potential as a source for natural therapies.

The Effect of Cynometra cauliflora Linn. Fruit Extract-Induced Congenital Anomalies on Chick Embryos

Background: Cynometra cauliflora is a traditional folk medicine that is used to treat a variety of unpleasant symptoms without adverse effects. Previous studies have shown that C. cauliflora fruit relieving morning sickness and nausea in pregnant women. However, no research has been performed on the effect of C. cauliflora fruit extract on birth anomalies. Objective: In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of C. cauliflora fruit extract on developing chick embryos. Materials and Methods: Three hundred fertilized eggs were divided into 2 groups; 1) the experimental groups received various doses of C. cauliflora fruit extract at 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and 2) the control group received a 0.9 % normal saline solution. One hundred and fifty eggs at embryonic day-3 (ED-3) were observed for LC50, morphology, and histology, while the 150 eggs at embryonic day-6 (ED-6) were investigated for morphology and histology. Results: At a dosage of 291.70 mg/kg, the C. cauliflora fruit extract induced mortality in ED-3 by more than 50 %. Moreover, fruit extraction can also result in anomalies in ED-3 and ED-6, such as anterior neuropore openings, heart tubes, liver and kidney tissue defects. Conclusion: As a result, it was determined that tissue damage and organ malformation followed dose-dependent and all-or-none laws. Despite having a wide range of medical properties, C. cauliflora fruit extracts have been demonstrated to impair early growth and development and cause birth abnormalities in animal studies. This will allow further determination of regulatory criteria for medical use, particularly for pregnant women. HIGHLIGHTS First report of the cauliflora fruit extract induced embryonic lethality The cauliflora fruit extract induces embryonic organ and tissue anomalies following dose-dependent and all-or-none laws These experimental protocols are beneficial for teratogenesis studies GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Assessment of the health benefits of phytochemicals in Cynometra cauliflora based on an in silico study against Alzheimer’s disease

Aim: Cynometra cauliflora (namnam) belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to eastern Peninsular Malaysia. It grows well with an annual rainfall of 1,500–2,000 mm. Even though a considerable amount of research has been carried out with C. caulifora, there is a dearth of information about biomolecules that may pave the way for drug discoveries and food supplements, which is a gap addressed in this study. Methods: The study presented in this paper has identified several antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory substances, and an in silico approach was used to understand the behaviors of kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside (K-3-Rh) and β-sitosterol acetate against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed with the selected protein ligand complex of two natural molecules and the synthetic ligand to analyze the dynamic behaviors and binding free energy throughout the 100 ns simulation time. Further, both natural molecules that were investigated comply with Lipinski’s drug-likeness rules. Results: The docking scores of both K-3-Rh and sitosterol were found to be compatible with the synthetic AD drug molecules [donepezil analogue (H0L)] used as a reference in the study. Hence, the phytochemicals of Cynometra caulifora showed comparatively similar potency against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Conclusions: Overall, the potential binding affinity from molecular docking and static thermodynamics features from MD simulation suggest that K-3-Rh and β-sitosterol acetate could be considered as a potential therapeutic lead to inhibit AChE leading for AD treatment.

Studi of In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity of Namnam Leaves (Cynometra cauliflora) Extract in Sprague Dawley Rat

Various treatments for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) aim to alleviate hyperglycemia. Although natural products have been extensively utilized, their mechanism of action and efficacy as antidiabetic agents, particularly for T2DM, has not been extensively assessed in vivo. In this research, the leaves of the Namnam (Cynometra cauliflora) were extracted and tested for their activity as an antidiabetic agent. Sprague Dawley rats aged 3.5-4 months, weighing 200-250 g, were used as the experimental model, with a total of 30 individuals. The rats were induced with a high-fat diet and 30% sucrose until their blood glucose concentration reached ≥ 120 mg/dL. Subsequently, the rats were divided into four groups (groups 1, 2, 3, and 4). Over 21 days, changes in blood glucose, triacylglycerol, glycogen, and blood plasma insulin levels were assessed. The results demonstrated that the methanol extract of Namnam leaves (NLME) effectively reduced blood glucose levels by 23-34%, decreased plasma triglyceride levels by 13-30%, and increased liver glycogen levels by 68-96% compared to the control group (Diabetes). Among all the parameters assessed, NLME exhibited similar performance to metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes medication (p<0.05). Furthermore, the study revealed that NLME exerted antidiabetic effects, particularly for T2DM, by promoting liver glycogen formation, enhancing insulin secretion control, facilitating glucose absorption by muscles, and restricting fat metabolism in the blood

The Genus Cynometra: A Review of Ethnomedicine, Chemical, and Biological Data.

Cynometra L. is a Fabaceae genus that is widely distributed throughout the tropics, consisting of tropical forest trees with ecological and economic importance since they are used as food and herbal medicines by the populations of their natural habitats. Our goal is to provide a review of the research data concerning the potential of this botanical genus as a source of herbal medicines and secondary metabolites that are useful for human health. To that end, scientific databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched using the following terms: Cynometra, medicine, chemical, biological activity, toxicity, and “AND” as the Boolean connector. Eleven Cynometra species (9.7%) were reported to be used in traditional medicine to treat different ailments. A total of 185 secondary metabolites of various chemical classes, mainly flavonoids and terpenoids, were identified in eight Cynometra species (7.1%). Vitexin was the only flavonoid identified as bioactive in the sequence of bioguided studies on this botanical genus. Ten species (8.8%) were submitted to in vitro and in vivo biological activity assays. The main evaluated activities were in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities, but no human clinical trials or safety data about this genus were found. Cynometra cauliflora and Cynometra ramiflora were the most studied species. The present work confirms the use of Cynometra species as a source of medicinal plants. However, more experimental studies must be conducted to better understand this botanical genus’s usefulness as a source of raw materials for pharmaceutical use.

CHARACTERISATION OF ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA FROM NAM-NAM PLANTS (Cynometra cauliflora) FOR ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AND PRODUCTION OF PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING FACTORS

Plant-beneficial microorganisms also known as endophytes colonize the inside healthy tissues of living plants and form mutualistic relationships with them. Endophytes are important components of the plant microbiome and give a variety of benefits to their hosts. Nam-Nam plant (Cynometra cauliflora), is an indigenous tree to Peninsular Malaysia with various medicinal properties. This study aimed to isolate and characterize endophytic bacteria from different parts of Nam-Nam plants such as leaves, stems, and roots. The ethyl acetate extracts from the endophytic bacteria were tested for their antibacterial activity against 7 bacterial pathogens. Plant growth promotion traits including starch hydrolysis, phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) production were screened among the endophytic bacteria isolates. Molecular identification by 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for isolates with good antibacterial activity and plant growth promotion traits. A total of 33 endophytic bacteria comprising 27 Gram-negative and 6 Gram-positive bacteria were isolated. The antibacterial activity was demonstrated by 7 isolates in which R1L3 and TKL2 extracts exhibited significant activity against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris. Production of IAA was exhibited by 15 isolates wherein R1S4 produced the highest IAA (20.62 µg/mL). Analysis of the 16S gene sequence revealed that RIR2, TKS2/R1L3, and R1S4/R1S5 belonged to Methylobacterium radiotolerans, Mycobacteroides abscessus, and Sphingomonas sp, respectively. The findings from this study showed that Nam-Nam plants harbored endophytic isolates with the potential to be established as a source of natural compounds that can be used to develop new anti-infection agents in the future. This is the first study to report on antibacterial activity and IAA production by endophytic bacteria from the Nam-Nam plants.

Cynometra cauliflora essential oils loaded-chitosan nanoparticles: Evaluations of their antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities

Nanoencapsulation has appeared as an alternative approach to protect the bioactive constituents of essential oils (EOs) and to improve their properties. In this study, Cynometra cauliflora essential oils (CCEOs) were nanoencapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) using an emulsion-ionic gelation technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images illustrated a well dispersion and spherical shape of C. cauliflora EOs-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CCEOs-CSNPs) with an average size of less than 100 nm. In addition to that, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed the success of CCEOs nanoencapsulation. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) was in the range of 38.83% to 44.16% while the loading capacity (LC) reached 32.55% to 33.73%. The antioxidant activity (IC50) of CCEOs-CSNPs was ranged from 21.65 to 259.13 μg/mL when assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay. CCEOs-CSNPs showed an appreciable antimicrobial effects on diabetic wound microorganisms. Notably, cytotoxic effects against human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells recorded IC50 of 3.72–17.81 μg/mL and 16.24–17.65 μg/mL, respectively, after 72 h treatment. Interestingly, no cytotoxicity against human breast normal MCF-10A cells was observed. Thus, nanoencapsulation using CSNPs could improve the properties of CCEOs in biomedical related applications.

Cynometra cauliflora L.: An indigenous tropical fruit tree in Malaysia bearing essential oils and their biological activities

Cynometra cauliflora L., locally known as “ nam-nam ” or “ katak puru-puru ” in Malaysia is belonging to the Fabaceae family. The tree is native to Malaysia and has been used traditionally as folk medicine. Limited works have been conducted on C. cauliflora regarding its chemical composition. In view of this, the present study aimed to identify the essential oil (EO) composition of the leaf, twig and fruit of C. cauliflora and evaluate their antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. EOs obtained from different parts of the tree were analyzed using capillary GC and GC/MS. Twenty-six, seventeen and fifty constituents were identified in the leaf, twig and fruit EOs of C. cauliflora . Results demonstrated the dominance of monoterpenes hydrocarbons in the leaf oil and oxygenated monoterpenes in the twig oil. On the contrary, fruit oil was abundant in oxygenated sesquiterpenes. Different chemical profiles were found in different parts of EOs which have contributed to varied biological activities. Twig oil (IC 50 37.12 ± 2.84 µg/mL) showed better antioxidant power than the leaf (IC 50 207.17 ± 2.95 µg/mL) and fruit oils (IC 50 461.88 ± 12.61 µg/mL) in DPPH assay. Additionally, twig oil inhibited an entire range of microorganisms tested with inhibition zones ranging 10.3 ± 0.4 to 29.7 ± 0.4 mm. The twig oil displayed low MIC and MBC values against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 125.0 µg/mL; MBC 250.0 µg/mL) and MRSA (MIC 125.0 µg/mL; MBC 250.0 µg/mL). In in vitro MTT assay, twig oil showed anti-proliferative effects against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.

Uji Efektivitas Ekstrak Dekok Daun Namnam (Cynometra cauliflora L.) Terhadap Penurunan Kadar Gula Darah Pada Tikus Putih Jantan (Rattus norvegicus) Yang Diinduksi Aloksan.

Namnam leaf (Cynometra cauliflora L.) is one of the plants that has medicinal properties. Various secondary metabolites, such as phenols and flavonoids, are thought to reduce blood glucose levels. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of namnam leaf dekok extract (Cynometra cauliflora L.) on reducing blood sugar levels in male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced by alloxan. The study was an experimental study, using experiments on male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) using namnam leaf decoction extract (Cynometra cauliflora L.) and data obtained from measuring blood sugar using the microlab 200 levels were statistically analyzed using the One Way ANOVA SPSS 21 method to determine the existence the difference between the treatments. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the extract of namnam leaf dekok (Cynometra cauliflora L.) has an effect in reducing blood sugar levels. The dose of namnam leaf dekok extract dose 3 showed the best reduction in blood sugar levels compared to dose 1 and dose 2. The most optimal dose was found at dose 3 namnam leaf dekok extract (Cynomtetra cauliflora L.). And based on the results of the study, the comparison drug used was metformin, and the dose that was almost as significant as the comparator drug was dose 3.

Isolation and Cytotoxic Activity of The β-Carotene Combination of Trigona Honey and Namnam Leaves Extract (Cynometra cauliflora)

Abstract: Isolation and cytotoxic activity of the β-carotene combination of Trigona honey and Namnam leaves extract (Cynometra cauliflora) were conducted. The urgency of isolating β-carotene compounds because of their known anticancer activity. Namnam leaves are macerated using methanol, then combined with Trigona honey. Fractionation and isolation of β-carotene in combination samples were conducted out by chromatography method. The β-carotene was analyzed using UV-Vis and FTIR spectrophotometer. The cytotoxic activity test was conducted by using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method with mortality analysis using Probit Analysis with SPSS v20 and Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50) as parameters. The result showed that the cytotoxic activity of Trigona honey after combination reached 36.6% with an LC50 value of 168.2 ppm, an increase from the Trigona honey sample (LC50 = 265.2 ppm) and Namnam leaves extract (LC50 = 196.12 ppm). The highest cytotoxic activity belongs to the n-hexane fraction (LC50 = 77.6 ppm). The best eluent for β-carotene isolation is petroleum ether. There was increased cytotoxic activity in isolates (LC50 of 22.85 ppm). Isolates were analyzed by UV-Vis and FTIR and compared with standards compound. FTIR analysis results showed that the isolates had functional groups of -CH3 (v 2850-2960 cm-1), -CH3 aliphatic (v 1350-1470 cm-1), C=C (v 2100-2350 cm-1 and 675-870 cm-1), and C-O (v 1000-1300 cm-1). Thus, the combination of Trigona Honey and Namnam leaf extract can be developed as an alternative chemopreventive agent.Abstrak: Isolasi dan aktivitas sitotoksik β-karoten kombinasi madu trigona dan ekstrak daun namnam (Cynometra cauliflora) telah dilakukan. Urgensi mengisolasi senyawa β-karoten karena telah diketahui adanya aktifitas antikanker. Daun namnam dimaserasi menggunakan metanol, untuk kemudian dikombinasikan dengan madu trigona. Fraksinasi dan isolasi β-karoten pada sampel kombinasi dilakukan dengan metode kromatografi. Kandungan senyawa β-karoten dianalisis menggunakan spektrofotometer UV-Vis dan FTIR. Uji aktifitas sitotoksik dilakukan dengan metode Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) dengan analisis mortalitas menggunakan Probit Analysis dengan software SPSS v20 dan Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50) sebagai parameter. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa aktivitas sitotoksik madu trigona setelah dikombinasikan mencapai 36,6 % dengan nilai LC50 sebesar 168,2 ppm, meningkat dari sampel madu trigona dengan (LC50 = 265,2 ppm), dan ekstrak daun namnam dengan (LC50 = 196,12 ppm). Aktifitas sitotoksik tertinggi dimiliki oleh fraksi n-heksana(LC50 = 77,6 ppm). Eluen terbaik untuk isolasi β-karoten adalah petroleum eter. Terjadi peningkatan aktifitas sitotoksik pada isolat hasil pemisahan (LC50 sebesar 22,85 ppm). Isolatdianalisis dengan UV-Vis dan FTIR dan dibandingkan dengan senyawa standar. Hasil analisa FTIR menunjukkan isolat memiliki gugus fungsi -CH3 (v 2850-2960 cm-1), -CH3 alifatik (v 1350-1470 cm-1), C=C (v 2100-2350 cm-1 dan 675-870 cm-1), dan C-O (v 1000-1300 cm-1). Dengan demikian, kombinasi Madu Trigona dan ekstrak daun namnam berpotensi untuk dikembangkan sebagai agen kemoprefentif alternatif.

Antiviral Activity of an Extract from Leaves of the Tropical Plant Cynometra cauliflora

Antiviral Activity of an Extract from Leaves of the Tropical Plant Cynometra cauliflora

Antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of eight neglected fruit extracts and UHPLC-MS/MS profile of the active extracts.

The 70% ethanolic extracts from eight neglected fruits; Muntingia calabura, Leucaena leucocephala, Spondias dulcis, Syzygium jambos, Mangifera caesia, Ardisia elliptica, Cynometra cauliflora and Ficus auriculata were evaluated for their 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, α-glucosidase inhibitory activities as well as total phenolic content. The results of this study revealed that M. caesia fruit extract demonstrated the most potent radical scavenging activity. Among the fruits examined for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, M. calabura and F. auriculata exhibited strong activity with no significant difference. The Pearson correlation indicated that the activities of M. caesia and F. auriculata contributed by phenolic compounds. A total of 65 metabolites were tentatively identified by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHLPC-MS/MS). These findings suggested that the possible application of M. caesia and F. auriculata as a functional food with antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties.

Biological Activities of Selected Plants and Detection of Bioactive Compounds from Ardisia elliptica Using UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry.

Plants and plant-based products have been used for a long time for medicinal purposes. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant and anti-α-glucosidase activities of eight selected underutilized plants in Malaysia: Leucaena leucocephala, Muntingia calabura, Spondias dulcis, Annona squamosa, Ardisia elliptica, Cynometra cauliflora, Ficus auriculata, and Averrhoa bilimbi. This study showed that the 70% ethanolic extract of all plants exhibited total phenolic content (TPC) ranging from 51 to 344 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight. A. elliptica showed strong 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activities, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 2.17 and 49.43 μg/mL, respectively. Most of the tested plant extracts showed higher inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme activity than the standard, quercetin, particularly A. elliptica, F. auriculata, and M. calabura extracts with IC50 values of 0.29, 0.36, and 0.51 μg/mL, respectively. A total of 62 metabolites including flavonoids, triterpenoids, benzoquinones, and fatty acids were tentatively identified in the most active plant, i.e., A. elliptica leaf extract, by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)–electrospray ionization (ESI) Orbitrap MS. This study suggests a potential natural source of antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitors from A. elliptica.

Identification Of Compounds Flavonoids Namnam Leaf Extract (Cynometra Cauliflora) As Inhibiting A-Glucosidase

Plants namnam (Cynometra cauliflora) has the potential to be developed for a variety of bioactive ingredients in particular flavonoid compounds as inhibitors of α-glucosidase. These compounds can be extracted with various solvents and column chromatography, and can be also characterized by a variety of instruments. In this study, these compounds liquid-liquid extraction with n-butanol followed by column chromatography process. Meanwhile, characterization and separation of the most active fractions using TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) and LCMS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry). Characterization of compounds with FTIR results show similarities with flavonoids for their -OH groups (u 3200-3450 cm-1), C = C aromatic (u 1500-1675 cm-1), -CH aliphatic (u 1350-1470 cm-1), -CO (u 1080-1300 cm-1), and C = O (u 1690-1766 cm-1). While these results Characterization using LCMS showed flavonoid compounds such as xanthotoxin, Fraxetin, capensine, naringenin, malvidin, cyanidin, amorphigenin, nobiletin, isorhamnetin, epigallocathecin, gallate, apigenin and oenin. The compounds are alleged to have inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase among fraxetin, oenin, naringenin, malvidin, and cyanidin. Thus, the plant leaves Namnam has the potential to be developed as a natural therapy of diabetes mellitus through the mechanism of inhibition of α-glucosidase.

Inhibition of namnam (Cynometra cauliflora L.) leaves extract on the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Introduction: Porphyromonas gingivalis growth should be prevented to minimise inflammation in periodontal tissues. Antibacterial herbs need to be considered because there are side effects caused by synthetic antibacterial drugs. Namnam (Cynometra cauliflora L.) leaves are known for having antibacterial effects. The purpose of this research was analysing the inhibition potential, and the highest inhibition concentration of namnam leaves extract on the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Methods: 24 samples were divided into 6 groups. The positive control group was given 0.2% chlorhexidine, and the treatment group was given various concentrations (100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20%) of namnam leaves extract. The disc which spilled by various concentrations of namnam leaves extracts and 0.2% chlorhexidine was placed on a medium which has been inoculated by P. gingivalis, then incubated at 37ºC for 48 hours. The inhibition zone was measured using a vernier calliper. Results: The concentration of 100% had the highest average inhibition zone value, which was 11.43 mm. The content in namnam leaves extracts which serve as antibacterial were tannins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins and quinones. Conclusion: Namnam leaves extract can inhibit the growth of P. gingivalis. 100% of namnam leaves extract has the highest antibacterial inhibition zone.Keywords: Antibacterial, Namnam leaves extract, periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis

Cynometra cauliflora Linn. Attenuates metabolic abnormalities in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCynometra cauliflora Linn. belongs to the Fabaceae family and is known locally in Malaysia as nam-nam. Traditionally, a decoction of the C. cauliflora leaves is used for treating hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Aim of the studyThis study aims to investigate the anti-obesity and lipid lowering effects of ethanolic extract of C. cauliflora leaves and its major compound (vitexin) in C57BL/6 obese mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD), as well as to further identify the molecular mechanism underlying this action. Methods and materialMale C57BL/6 mice were fed with HFD (60% fat) for 16 weeks to become obese. The treatment started during the last 8 weeks of HFD feeding and the obese mice were treated with C. cauliflora leaf extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, orlistat (10 mg/kg) and vitexin (10 mg/kg). ResultsThe oral administration of C. cauliflora (400 and 200 mg/kg) and vitexin significantly reduced body weight, adipose tissue and liver weight and lipid accumulation in the liver compared to control HFD group. Both doses of C. cauliflora also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased serum triglyceride, LDL, lipase, IL-6, peptide YY, resistin levels, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperleptinemia compared to the control HFD group. Moreover, C. cauliflora significantly up-regulated the expression of adiponectin, Glut4, Mtor, IRS-1 and InsR genes, and significantly decreased the expression of Lepr in white adipose tissue. Furthermore, C. cauliflora significantly up-regulated the expression of hypothalamus Glut4, Mtor and NF-kB genes. GC-MS analysis of C. cauliflora leaves detected the presence of phytol, vitamin E and β-sitosterol. Besides, the phytochemical evaluation of C. cauliflora leaves showed the presence of flavonoid, saponin and phenolic compounds. ConclusionThis study shows interesting outcomes of C. cauliflora against HFD-induced obesity and associated metabolic abnormalities. Therefore, the C. cauliflora extract could be a potentially effective agent for obesity management and its related metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia.

Flavonoids from Cynometra cauliflora and Their Antioxidant, α-Glucosidase, and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities

Flavonoids from Cynometra cauliflora and Their Antioxidant, α-Glucosidase, and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities

Phytochemistry and Antibacterial Activity of Cynometra Cauliflora

Here we report the potential of Cynometra cauliflora methanolic leaves extract as potential antibacterial agent against clinical isolated microorganisms. Phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of tannin, flavonoid, saponins, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids. In spot test, antibacterial activity can be observed through the formation of zone inhibition of three types of bacteria only which are at concentration of extract used were 75 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL. The MIC was determined ranging from 6.25 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL. The highest value of MIC showed by MRSA which is 6.25 mg/mL. For MBC test, no antibacterial activity have been observed showed that the extract was bacteriostatic which can inhibit the growth of bacteria at concentration less than 100 mg/mL but not kill the bacteria. The results provide evidence that leaves of C. cauliflora extract might indeed be used as a potential source of effective natural antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical industries. Our findings suggest that C. cauliflora methanolic leaves extract contains antibacterial active compounds and could be potential antibacterial agent.

Antifungal and cytotoxic activities of extracts obtained from underutilised edible tropical fruits

Objective: To evaluate antifungal and cytotoxic activities of four underutilised fruit species, i.e. Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit), Cynometra cauliflora (nam-nam), Mangifera pajang (M. pajang) (Bambangan) and Physalis minima (wild gooseberry). Methods: Extracts from the fresh flesh of Artocarpus altilis and Cynometra cauliflora, the flesh and kernel of M. pajang, and the whole fruit of Physalis minima were obtained by sequential extraction using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and distilled water. Each extract was assessed against six species of human fungal pathogens using a colourimetric broth microdilution method. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using African monkey kidney epithelial (Vero) cells. Results: All 30 extracts showed inhibitory activity against Cryptococcus neoformans. However, none of the extracts were active against Aspergillus fumigatus. The ethanol, methanol and water extracts from the kernel of M. pajang fruit showed the strongest activity against three species of Candida and Trichophyton interdigitale, with a minimum inhibitory concentration range of 0.001 - 0.630 mg/mL. The corresponding mean 50% cytotoxic concentrations for these three extracts were 358.7, 158.4 and 261.3 μg/mL, respectively against Vero cells. In contrast, the flesh of M. pajang fruit (hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts) showed statistically significant (P

Isolation and Structure Determination of Antioxidants Active Compounds from Ethyl Acetate Extract of Heartwood Namnam (Cynometra cauliflora L.)

Active compounds with antioxidant activity were isolated from ethyl acetate extract of namnam stem (C. cauliflora L.) that had undergone maceration and fractionation by gravity column chromatography. The compounds were later identified by by using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry, FTIR, LCMS and 1H-NMR. Ethyl acetate extract of namnam stem showed considerably high antioxidant activity (IC50 value 4.68 ± 0.035 ppm). The results of analysis by UV-Vis and FTIR showed carbonyl group conjugated with an aromatic ring at band I (λmax 330.22 nm), chromophore group of alkene (C=C) at band II (λmax 268.67 nm) and functional groups such as O−H (3343.91 cm-1), C=O (1729.23 cm-1), C=C (1652.64 and 1611.99 cm-1), C−O (1269.89) and C−H ortho (738.23 cm-1). LCMS (m/z 270.9246) and 1H-NMR data showed seven proton signals on the aromatic ring at carbon position C-3 at δH 6.86 ppm (1H, s), C-6 at δH 5.95 ppm (1H, d, J=1.95 Hz), C-8 at δH 6.25 ppm (1H, d, J= 1.95 Hz), C-2’ and C-6’ at δH 7.03 ppm (2H, d, J=7.87 Hz), C-3’ and C-5’ at δH 6.87 ppm (2H, d, J= 7.87 Hz) so that the structure was identified as a flavonoid which was 4 ', 5,7-trihydroxy-flavones or known as apigenin. The isolated apigenin had very strong antioxidant activity, as shown by IC50 value of 5.18 ± 0.014 ppm.