Dichloromethane Extract Research Articles

Induction of apoptosis and autophagy by dichloromethane extract from Patrinia scabiosaefolia Fisch on acute myeloid leukemia cells.

Patrinia scabiosaefolia Fisch (PS), a perennial herb belonging to the genus Pinus in the family Pinnacle Sauce, has been previously known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor properties. However, the specific mechanism behind its antileukemic effect remains unknown. This study focused on the cytotoxicity and potential modes of action of the dichloromethane extract from PS (DEPS) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Our results demonstrated that DEPS reduced cell viability, arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and upregulated the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and Cleaved caspase-3. However, the impact of DEPS on cell viability and the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins was reversed upon pretreatment with the caspase-3 inhibitor (Z-DEVD-FMK) in HL-60 cells, which demonstrated that DEPS could induce apoptosis through the mitochondria-associated apoptotic pathway. Interestingly, DEPS also influenced autophagy by upregulating the expression of LC3II/I, P62, and Beclin-1 proteins, and the autophagy inhibition chloroquine(CQ) could attenuate the apoptotic effects of DEPS in HL-60 cells. Furthermore, SMART 2.0 analysis predicted that the main components present in DEPS were likely terpenoids. In conclusion, DEPS possibly exerts antileukemic effects by downregulating the PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways, thereby promoting intracellular ROS production, activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and affecting autophagy, providing valuable insights for the potential future application of PS in the treatment of AML.

In silico and in vitro assessment of the anti-β-amyloid aggregation and anti-cholinesterase activities of Ptaeroxylon obliquum and Bauhinia bowkeri extracts

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and dementia constitutes the fifth leading cause of mortality across the globe. Available treatment modalities and drugs have abysmally failed to curtail AD. This study evaluated the mitigation of Aβ aggregation and anti-cholinesterase activities with the crude extracts of Ptaeroxylon obliquum and Bauhinia bowkeri. Computational studies of the most abundant phytochemicals from the crude extracts of both plants with proteins were investigated. The phytochemical composition of the different crude extracts (hexane, DCM, and ethanol) of the plants were analyzed with FTIR and GC-MS. The inhibitory potential of the extracts on BACE-1 and cholinesterase activities was determined with both computational molecular docking studies and in vitro enzyme assays. Their anti-aggregation properties were confirmed with Thioflavin-T assay and TEM. ResultsThe in silico studies revealed that though thunbergol and cyclotetradecatriene (the major constituents of the extracts) inhibited all the proteins, the latter exhibited the best inhibitory potential. The in vitro results showed that while the dichloromethane (DCM) extract of P. obliquum had the highest butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activity (1.77 µg/ml), the hexane and ethanol extract of B. bowkeri exhibited the highest β-site amyloid precursor cleaving enzymes-1 (BACE-1) (30.4 µg/ml) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (58.11 µg/ml) inhibitory efficacy, respectively. The ethanol extract (160 μg/ml) of B. bowkeri had the most efficacious anti-aggregation activity. ConclusionsThis study suggests that the plants could possess neuroprotective effects and could also be sources of anti-AD novel drugs.How to cite: Ojo MC, Mosa RA, Osunsanmi FO, et al. In silico and in vitro assessment of the anti-β-amyloid aggregation and anti-cholinesterase activities of Ptaeroxylon obliquum and Bauhinia bowkeri extracts. Electron J Biotechnol 2024;68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2023.11.004.

Assessment of Chemical Composition and In Vitro Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Anticholinesterase and Microbial Virulence-Quenching Effects of Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor L.) Harvested from Algeria.

Sanguisorba minor is a medicinal vegetable used in seasoning desserts, juices, and beverages. An evaluation of the total flavonoid, phenolic, tannin and anthocyanin contents indicated that these classes of compounds are distributed variably in the different fractions. In summary, the HPLC-DAD analyses enabled the identification and quantification of thirteen phenolic compounds in an ethyl acetate extract (EAE), nine in a dichloromethane extract (DCME), seven in an aqueous extract (AQE) and four in a butanol extract (BE). Rutin was the most abundant phenolic compound in the BE (278.4 ± 1.20 µg/g) and AQE (32.87 ± 0.23 µg/g) fractions, while apigenin was the most abundant in the DCME (84.75 ± 0.60 µg/g) and EAE (156.8 ± 0.95 µg/g) fractions. The presence of phenolic compounds in the fractions conferred good antioxidant capacity, especially the EAE and DCME fractions, which both exhibited higher antioxidant effects than BHA and α-tocopherol in DPPH• and CUPRAC assays. Additionally, in the ABTS•+ assay, EAE (IC50 = 9.27 ± 0.33 µg/mL) was more active than α-tocopherol (IC50 = 35.50 ± 0.55 µg/mL), and BHA (IC50 = 12.70 ± 0.10 µg/mL). At 200 µg/mL, the fractions inhibited acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase as well as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, indicating that they can slow neurodegeneration and hyperglycemia. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.312 mg/mL to 1.25 mg/mL, and fractions showed good biofilm inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The extracts exhibited good violacein inhibition in Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472 and Chromobacterium violaceum CV026, despite the supply of external acyl-homoserine lactone to CV026. The antioxidant, quorum-sensing, antibiofilm and enzyme inhibition attributes indicate the potential for the application of S. minor as a food preservative.

MYCELIAL GROWTH KINETICS, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF A SUBMERGED CULTURE OF THE MEDICINAL FUNGI GANODERMA RESINACEUM GA1M ISOLATED FROM BULGARIA

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the basic bioprocess parameters by applying mathematical modelling of the growth kinetics of Ganoderma resinaceum GA1M isolated from Bulgaria as well as assessment of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the obtained biomass. The models of Monod, Moser, Andrews and Verhulst in combination with the Luedeking–Piret were applied for kinetics modelling of the cultivation process. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by applying four different methods. The disk diffusion method and broth microdilution methods were employed to determine the antimicrobial activity of the mycelium biomass extracts. Mathematical modeling of the kinetics of the cultivation process was performed and basic bioprocess parameters were determined. The obtained experimental data were in agreement with the applied mathematical models. The water extract of the mycelium biomass showed the highest antioxidant potential and the highest total phenolic content. The methylene chloride, methanol and ethanol extracts of the biomass demonstrated antimicrobial activity.

Identifying edible plants with high anti-obesity potential: In vitro inhibitory effect against pancreatic lipase followed by bioactive compound metabolomic screening

The ever-growing number of individuals facing obesity related health problems represents an alarming situation. Within the available obesity control strategies, there is evidence that some natural compounds can inhibit pancreatic lipase (PNLIP, EC 3.1.1.3), a digestive enzyme with pivotal role in the hydrolysis of dietary triacylglycerols, resulting in reduced fat metabolism. In this study, to identify sources of bioactive compounds with anti-obesity potential, 278 extracts originating by 126 food species were prepared in water and dichloromethane (DCM) and their in vitro inhibitory potential against PNLIP was measured. Importantly, 12 extracts exceeded the set cut-off level of significant inhibitory effect (inhibition> 70%) and for them dose-response curves were prepared and metabolomic target screening was performed. By using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-q-TOF-MS), it was possible to tentatively identify 28 and 22 secondary metabolites in the aqueous and DCM extracts, respectively. Several species-specific compounds were detected, e.g., hesperidin and eriocitrin in lemon and lime fruit aqueous extracts or curcuminoids in DCM turmeric extracts. Additionally, the highest percentage of the total analytical signal detected in dill, walnut, caper and bell pepper DCM extracts corresponded to various fatty acids. All in all, the edible plant extracts with strong anti-obesity potential contained various bioactive phytochemicals that may be used in nutraceutical applications.

Preliminarily investigation on the In-vitro Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Sorindeia warneckei Extracts

Abstract Phytochemicals that are naturally occurring in plants are known to be potentially bioactive, having anti-oxidative, antimicrobial and enzyme inhibiting potentials. This study investigated the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the methanol and dichloromethane extracts of the leaf and stem Sorindeia warneckei. The plant extract showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, glycosides, coumarins, steroids, alkaloids, anthraquinones and reducing sugars. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay while the antidiabetic activity was evaluated using an in-vitro α-amylase inhibitory assay. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity was expressed in % inhibition with L Ascorbic acid as standard showing IC50 0.69μg/ml with methanol extract while dichloromethane leaf extract having the highest activity at 0.45μg/ml. The α-amylase assay showed that the extracts exhibited potent alpha amylase inhibitory activity in a dose dependent manner with the leaf methanol extract having an IC50 of 2.33µg/L. The antimicrobial screening using the agar diffusion and agar dilution methods against the bacteria isolates Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhirimurium, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans and the fungal isolates Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oligosporus showed a good positive result. Preliminary investigation reveals that Sorindeia warneckei, contain bioactive compounds that possess promising pharmaceutical potentials that could be exploited.

Coal Pitch Derived Yellow‐Emissive Carbon Dots and Their Application in Luminescent Solar Concentrators

AbstractUsing coal pitch as the carbon source to synthesize carbon dots (CDs), one of the most promising photoluminescence (PL) materials, can play an important role in the global demand for carbon neutralization. However, the reported CDs derived from coal pitch are mainly limited blue emission. Here, a new route to synthesize yellow‐emissive CDs from coal pitch is developed by extracting the lightweight aromatic compounds from coal pitch and solvothermally treating the extracts in dichloromethane in the presence of a small amount of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. Notably, the obtained CDs exhibit excitation independent yellow emission, large Stokes shift and good photostability. The application of the CDs for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) is evaluated. It is found that the CDs can be well dispersed in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix and fabricated transparent LSCs. The synthesized LSC (4 × 4 × 0.2 cm3) with the optimal CDs concentration exhibits an optical conversion efficiency (ηopt) of 3.31% and power conversion efficiency (ηPCE) of 1.95% under simulated sun light illumination (100 mW cm−2). This research offers a new strategy to synthesize new kind of CDs with desired performance by exploiting the native chemistries of coal pitch.

Comparative Analysis of Organic Extracts Bioactivity from Two Limonium. Mill Species Growing Wild in Tunisian Salty Marshes.

Limonium. Mill is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Plumbaginaceae family. The present study aimed to compare two Limonium species (L. pruinosum Kuntze and L. tunetanum (Barratte & Bonnet) Maire) in terms of their chemical composition and bioactivity. Chemical profiling showed that the methanolic (MeOH) extracts of both species were the most enriched with total phenolic (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) contents. The TFC were higher in L. tunetanum compared to L. pruinosum. HPLC-DAD analysis showed that distinctly the gallic acid and L-tyrosine 7-amido-4-methylcoumarin were the main compounds for L. pruinosum and L. tunetanum, respectively. For both Limonium. Mil species, the MeOH extracts displayed the highest antioxidant with IC50 of 7.7 and 8.4 μg/mL for L. pruinosum and L. tunetanum, respectively. The highest anti-15-lipoxygnase activity was recorded in the ethyl acetate (IC50 =14.2 μg/mL) and Methanol (IC50 =15.6 μg/mL) extracts for L. pruinosum. However, for L. tunetanum the best activity was recorded for dichloromethane extract (IC50 =10.4 μg/mL). L. pruinosum extracts displayed the highest cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and HCT-116 cell lines compared to L. tunetanum ones. The obtained bioactivity discrepancy between Limonium. Mill species was discussed in relation to the organic extract chemical richness.

Advancing carotenoid Quantification: A new method for semi-quantitative assessment of β -Carotene and lycopene content in food extracts

Carotenoids, such as lycopene and β-carotene, have been widely recognized for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. Accurate quantification of carotenoids in plant extracts is essential for nutritional assessment, quality control, and research investigations. This study introduces an innovative method for quantifying lycopene and β-carotene, in plant extracts and aims to bridge the gap between complex and expensive carotenoid quantification techniques and the need for accessible methods that can be widely adopted. The primary difference between HPLC and HPTLC lies in the medium used for separation. HPLC employs a liquid phase within columns, while HPTLC utilizes a thin layer of adsorbent on a plate. This distinction impacts factors like equipment, cost, and analysis time. The VisionCats software, combined with the CAMAG Visualizer-2, allows the semi-quantification of metabolites using an image-based evaluation method enabling the simultaneous assessment of qualitative and semi-quantitative information from the HPTLC images.Sample preparation involves washing and drying the vegetal material, followed by dichloromethane extraction. HPTLC analysis is performed using the CAMAG Advanced Herbal System, and the validation studies include establishing calibration curves and determining the detection threshold and minimum quantification threshold for lycopene and β-carotene. Specificity and precision were evaluated to ensure accurate identification and repeatability of the method. Data analysis involves selecting the regression method based on the nature of the data and assessing the goodness of fit using the R2 value. The results showed distinct peaks corresponding to lycopene and β-carotene in the chromatograms of the plant extract samples. The visualizer-based method demonstrates good specificity and precision, with no interfering peaks observed and low relative standard deviation. The method shows promising results regarding specificity, precision, and reliability. It has the potential for broader implementation in carotenoid research and rapid monitoring of carotenoid content in various agricultural and food products, particularly in resource-limited settings. Further optimization and validation on a wider range of samples would enhance the applicability of this method in carotenoid research.Sample preparation involves washing and drying the vegetal material, followed by dichloromethane extraction. HPTLC analysis is performed using the CAMAG Advanced Herbal System, and the validation studies include establishing calibration curves and determining the detection threshold and minimum quantification threshold for lycopene and β-carotene. Specificity and precision were evaluated to ensure accurate identification and repeatability of the method. Data analysis involves selecting the regression method based on the nature of the data and assessing the goodness of fit using the R2 value. The results showed distinct peaks corresponding to lycopene and β-carotene in the chromatograms of the plant extract samples. The visualizer-based method demonstrates good specificity and precision, with no interfering peaks observed and low relative standard deviation. The method shows promising results regarding specificity, precision, and reliability. It has the potential for broader implementation in carotenoid research and for rapid screening and monitoring of carotenoid content in various agricultural and food products, particularly in resource-limited settings. Further optimization and validation on a wider range of samples would enhance the applicability of this method in carotenoid research.

Uncovering chemical profiles, biological potentials, and protection effect against ECM destruction in H2 O2 -treated HDF cells of the extracts of Stachys tundjeliensis.

The genus Stachys L., one of the largest genera of the Lamiaceae family, is highly represented in Turkey. This study was conducted to determine the bio-pharmaceutical potential and phenolic contents of six different extracts from aerial parts of Stachys tundjeliensis. The obtained results showed that the ethanol extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the antioxidant assays. Meanwhile, the ethanol extract displayed strong inhibitory activity against α-tyrosinase, the dichloromethane extract exhibited potent inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase, and the n-hexane extract against α-amylase. Based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometryanalysis, more than 90 secondary metabolites, including hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, and their glycosides, acylquinic acids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and various flavonoids were identified or tentatively annotated in the studied S. tundjeliensis extracts. It was observed that the application of S. tundjeliensis eliminated H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress. It was determined that protein levels of phospho-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), receptor for advanced glycation endproducts, and activator protein-1, which are activated in the nucleus, decreased, and the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 also decreased to basal levels. Overall, these findings suggest that S. tundjeliensis contains diverse bioactive compounds for the development of nutraceuticals or functional foods with potent biological properties.

Insecticidal potential of Streptomyces sp. dichloromethane extracts against the cactus cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell)

Destructive damages caused by Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) to cactus worldwide require an ecofriendly IPM approach. Streptomyces sp. produce wide range of biologically active secondary metabolites that can be an interesting alternative to chemical insecticides for pest control, as they are less toxic and easily biodegradable. The efficacy of dichloromethane extracts of four Moroccan Streptomyces sp. strains: Streptomyces bellus- E23-2, Streptomyces galilaeus- E23-9, Streptomyces africanus- E23-3, and Streptomyces bellus- E25-12 (applied at 11, 13, 15, 17 and 20 mg mL-1) against D. opuntiae nymphs and adult females was evaluated under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Results showed that Streptomyces bellus- E23-2 and Streptomyces galilaeus- E23-9 dichloromethane extracts applied at 20 mg mL-1 were more effective, causing higher mortality against nymphs (92% and 91%, respectively) and adult females (90% and 95%, respectively) after 8 days of exposure, resulting in an LT50 value of 3.0 days (nymph), and 3.0 and 6.0 days (adult female), respectively. Streptomyces bellus- E25-12 extract had the lowest mortalities [88% (nymph) and 68% (adult female)]. In greenhouse experiment, the highest first instar nymph mortality was achieved by Streptomyces bellus- E23-2 (55.5%) and Streptomyces galilaeus- E23-9 (50.5%) dichloromethane extracts at 20 mg mL-1. The metabolites found in dichloromethane extracts of Streptomyces bellus- E23-2 and Streptomyces galilaeus- E23-9 show considerable potential to be used in the development of new biopesticide formulations for use in integrated pest management programs against D. opuntiae.

Investigation of volatile profiles and odor-active compounds in Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus separated by different polarities using GC/MS, GC-olfactometry and electronic-nose system.

This research investigated volatiles and odor active compounds in Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus. Heterocyclics were mainly extracted from hexane and dichloromethane extracts. Ketones were mainly detected from butanol fraction, and alcohols were mainly extracted from the ethanol fraction. GC-O analysis investigated the contents and intensities of three major odor active compounds increasing by ramping up polarity Multivariate analysis, which includes principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), by E-nose data showed 45.83% (PC1) and 29.27 (PC2) variances, respectively, and segregated two clusters. Multivariate analysis by GC-O data showed 65.64% (PC1) and 24.17% (PC2) variances, respectively, and segregated the three clusters, cluster I by ethanol extract, cluster II by dichloromethane extract, and cluster III by hexane and butanol extracts. This study demonstrates that different polarity solvents can collect various volatiles and odor active compound groups. Our findings can support basic research data as a natural and functional food additive.

Investigation of antioxidant activity of \(\textit{Zoanthus vietnamensis’}\)s crude extract and dichloromethane extract

Zoanthid is a potential natural resource with many biological activities, such as antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of 70% ethanol crude extract and dichloromethane fraction from Zoanthus vietnamensis. The total polyphenol content of ethanol and dichloromethane extracts were 19.36 ± 1.37 and 24.95 ± 0.63 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. The DPPH free radical scavenging capacity increased slightly from low to high concentration. The IC50 values reached 9.974 µg/mL and 6.424 µg/mL for ethanol crude and dichloromethane extract. The potassium ferricyanide-reducing power assay result was meager, and the optical density value ranges from 0.015 to 0.105.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential and GC-MS profiling of leaf extracts from Clerodendrum infortunatum L.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceClerodendrum infortunatum L. is commonly distributed in tropical and subtropical countries and is widely used in the indigenous systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy. The plant has important uses in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders which includes asthma, cough, chest complaints, pain, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gastric ulcer, cancer, diabetes, skin diseases etc. Aim of the studyRegarding the extensive healing properties of C. infortunatum in folk medicine, we aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant and analyze its bioactive components. Materials and methodsSequential extracts were prepared from C. infortunatum leaves using n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol and water. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of these extracts were evaluated using membrane stabilization and protein anti-denaturation assays. Toxicity of the extracts was tested using brine shrimp lethality assay. GC-MS analysis has been carried out to analyze and characterize various bioactive constituents present in the plant. ResultsEach of the tested extracts showed significant (p < 0.05) in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Sequential ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the strongest membrane stabilization and protein anti-denaturation activities with IC50 values of 331.3, 308.3 and 279.2 μg/mL for heat and hypotonicity induced membrane stabilization and protein anti-denaturation assays, respectively. Sequential methanol extract also exhibited strong activity in heat and hypotonicity induced membrane stabilization and protein anti-denaturation assays with IC50 values of 371.5, 331.6 and 284.6 μg/mL, respectively. The extracts demonstrated a range of toxicity in the brine shrimp lethality assay with LC50 values of 51.4, 59.7, 47.3, 37.1, 68.1 and 77.3 μg/mL for n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol and water extracts respectively. The GC-MS analysis of direct n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts detected 32 different compounds. The major compounds (> 5%) were phenol, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, estragole, methyl stearate, lanosterol, 9-methoxybicyclo[6.1.0]nona-2,4,6-triene, benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) 4 hydroxy methyl ester, 22,23-dibromostigmasterol acetate, 3-methyl-4-(phenylthio)-2-prop-2-enyl-2,5-dihydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide, benzenemethanol, α-methyl-α-propyl- and 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)- methyl ester. ConclusionsThe findings of our study revealed that C. infortunatum is rich with diverse bioactive phytoconstituents and the scientific evidences support the anti-inflammatory potential of the plant.

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitermite valorization of extractable substances from the heartwood of four major species of the Gabonese forest-timber sectors

The aim of this study was to focus on the chemical characterization and the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-termite properties of extractable substances from the heartwood of Tieghemella africana, Testulea gabonensis, Staudtia kamerunensis, Entandrophragma utile in Gabon with a view to their valorization. The results of cold maceration extractions revealed that the extractable content varies with wood species and solvent. The high extract contents were obtained with acetone and ethanol, except for S. kamerunensis where the levels of dichloromethane and water extracts were high, respectively, 3.40 and 6.35%. E. useful showed a high content with dichloromethane (4.15%). Phytochemical screening indicated the presence in the acetonic, ethanolic, and water extracts of the wood species several groups of bioactive molecules, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, free quinones, sterols and triterpenes, and saponins. The results of the total phenols assay corroborated those obtained during the phytochemical screening. The results of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-termite activities revealed that they vary with wood species, solvent, and concentration in terms of anti-termite activity. The strong anti-inflammatory activities were recorded with the ethanolic, acetonic, and water extracts where the EC50 values of all the essences were the lowest and close to that of our control, diclofenac (555.25 μg/mL). The ethanol extracts of the wood species showed strong activities, particularly those of S. kamerunensis and E. useful where we obtained low EC50 values of 604.13 and 602.38 μg/mL, respectively. The strong antioxidant activities were recorded with the acetonic, ethanolic extracts of S. kamerunensis and E. useful whose respective EC50 values (6.50 and 4.50 μg/mL) for S. kamerunensis and (4.50 and 3.01 μg/mL) for the E. useful. Similarly, the water extract of E. useful whose value is close to that of gallic acid (0.40 μg/mL) our control. The antitermite activity revealed that the acetone and ethanol extracts of the wood species and the water extract of E. useful at 20 mg/mL showed interesting antitermite activities. The strongest activities were recorded with the dichloromethane extracts of the wood species, where the survival rates of the termites were the lowest. Particularly with the dichloromethane extract of E. useful with a survival rate of 30% at 10 mg/mL and 1.70% at 20 mg/mL.

Phytochemistry and Cytotoxic Activity of Aquilaria crassna Pericarp on MDA-MB-468 Cell Lines.

The extracts of Aquilaria crassna pericarp were investigated on the MDA-MB-468, a breast cancer cell line, at desired concentration (1-50 μg/mL). The results showed that the dichloromethane (DCM) extract exhibited the strongest toxicity and was carried out subsequently. A total of nine compounds were isolated from the DCM extract using column chromatography and recrystallization, of which their structures were determined. Intriguingly, in addition to the previously reported compounds, neocucurbitacin A, a cucurbitacin triterpenoid aglycone with a lactone in ring A, was reported for the first time in the Aquilaria genus. Among the isolated compounds, cucurbitacin E highly inhibited MDA-MB-468 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Owing to binding abilities with the SH2 domain in the molecular docking study, cucurbitacin E, neocucurbitan A, neocucurbitan B, and cucurbitacin E 2-O-β-d-glucopyranoside act as STAT3 inhibitors and are suitable for further research. This study suggests thatAquilaria crassnafruits could serve as a promising source of natural compounds with potential anticancer effects, particularly against breast cancer.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Agelas sp., Ircinia sp., and Aaptos suberitoides

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) can be therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases. COX-2 expression which can be triggered by ROS might consequently promote inflammation. Inhibition of ROS by the antioxidant, however, may prevent or decrease the expression of COX-2. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the hexane (H), dichloromethane (DCM), and methanol-water (MW) extracts of marine sponges Agelas sp. (Asp), Ircinia sp. (Isp), and Aaptos suberitoides (As) were determined. The correlation between their antioxidant properties and ability to inhibit COX enzymes was also established. The MW extracts of the marine sponges and the AsDCM contain a significant (p&lt;0&gt;50% of the COX-2 and gave a selectivity index (COX-2/COX-1) &gt;1.0. This suggests that the extracts can be sources of compounds with promising and selective inhibitory properties against COX-2. Correlation analysis further showed a positive linear correlation between the extracts’ inhibitory activity against the COX enzymes and their TPC, reducing power, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Thus, the antioxidant activity of the extracts may have influenced their anti-inflammatory property via COX inhibition.

Antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical assays of organic and aqueous extracts from Sarcophyte piriei

Traditional medicine practice systems employ plants in the era of rising antimicrobial resistance. The current research investigates the antimicrobial activities of Sarcophyte piriei, whose tuber is utilized to manage diseases. There are limited studies on the efficacy, safety, and chemical composition of the Sarcophyte piriei. The objective was to investigate the antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical components. The powdered material was extracted by maceration using water and organic solvents progressively from petroleum ether (100%), dichloromethane (100%), dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) and methanol (100%) and water. Disk diffusion method was used to investigate antimicrobial activity at 100 mg/ml and minimum inhibitory concentration determined. Cytotoxicity of the extracts were evaluated using brine shrimp lethality assay. Phytochemical screening was done using standard procedures. The extracts revealed varied antimicrobial effects, the methanol: dichloromethane (1:1) extracts revealed the highest zone of inhibition 18.0 ± 0.0 mm against S. aureus while aqueous had a zone of 10.0 ± 0.0 mm against C. albicans. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration of the active dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) against Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum inhibitory concentration values obtained were: 18.75 + 00, 14.06 + 4.7 and 28. 13 + 9.4 mg/ml respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentrations values were: 62.5 + 12.5, 20.31 + 9.5 and 40.63 + 19 mg/ml respectively. The petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts had the highest cytotoxic effects against brine shrimp with LC50 value of 55.0 µg/ml while the aqueous extract was nontoxic. Alkaloids, terpenoids, amino acids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, diterpenes, xanthoproteins, anthocyanins, coumarins and oxalates were detected. It was concluded that the extracts of Sarcophyte piriei has antimicrobial activity and the water extracts is safe. Therefore, the secondary metabolites responsible for antimicrobial activity require to be isolated.

Volatile Organic Compounds and Antioxidant, Cytotoxic Activities of Extracts from the Leaves of &lt;i&gt;Grewia bulot&lt;/i&gt;

This research aims to determine the volatile compounds present in Grewia bulot leaf extracts and evaluate their cytotoxic and antioxidant activities. The volatile constituents of the n-hexane and dichloromethane extracts were identified by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The main compounds identified in the former were neophytadiene (18.2%), methyl palmitate (14.4%), methyl linoleate (9.7%), β-sitosterol (4.5%), and methyl stearate (3.4%), while those in the latter were palmitic acid (9.8%), hexadecane (7.4%), octadecane (6.0%), neophytadiene (5.3%), and 2-tert-butoxyethanol (5.3%). The cytotoxicities of the extracts were examined against four human cancer cell lines (SK-LU-1, Hep-G2, MCF-7, and KB), while their antioxidant activities were assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The n-hexane and dichloromethane extracts displayed weak activity against these cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 90.60 ± 3.49 to 98.27 ± 2.77 µg/mL. All extracts showed antioxidant activities, and the methanol extract exhibited the strongest at an SC50 value of 9.39 ± 0.90 µg/mL. This is the first report on the volatile constituents and bioactivities of G. bulot leaf extracts, suggesting their potential application as antioxidants.

Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Tamarindus indica extracts against Fusarium oxysporum and Xanthomonas campestris

Abstract. Gitari FM, Githae EW, Kuria EK. 2023. Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Tamarindus indica extracts against Fusarium oxysporum and Xanthomonas campestris. Intl J Trop Drylands 7: 73-82. Plant-pathogenic bacteria and fungi are a major threat to biodiversity and food security worldwide. The pathogens are difficult to control using cultural methods and have sometimes acquired resistance to conventional pesticides. This has necessitated the search for more efficient active compounds against them. One promising source of such compounds is tropical-medicinal plants such as Tamarindus indica L. This study first determined the phytochemical composition of T. indica extracts from different parts (leaves, bark, roots, and pods). Then it evaluated in-vitro the antimicrobial activity against plant pathogenic bacteria (Xanthomonas campestris) and fungi (Fusarium oxysporum). Crude extracts were obtained using different solvents (dichloromethane, methanol, and acetone). The analysis revealed the presence of nine pharmaco-active phytochemicals; methanol extracts had the highest concentrations of these phytochemicals. All extracts demonstrated inhibitory effects against F. oxysporum. However, the extracts did not show any antimicrobial effect against X. campestris. There was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the percentage of inhibition of F. oxysporum growth by different extracts. Generally, high growth inhibition was observed in media containing different plant extracts at 250 and 500 ppm concentrations. For acetone extracts, the highest inhibition (71.042%) was induced by root extract at a 250 ppm concentration, whereas for dichloromethane extracts, the highest inhibition (68.811%) was induced by 500 ppm of leaf extract. Methanol extracts from stem recorded the highest inhibition of 86.953% at concentrations of 125 ppm. This was followed by root extracts (75.169% inhibition) at 500 ppm. The T. indica, therefore, has great potential as a source of bio-pesticide for use in integrated pest management of F. oxysporum.