Dichloromethane Extract Of Leaves Research Articles

Characterisation of Chemical Compounds from the Root and Leaf Extract of Abrus precatorius

A total of five secondary metabolites were isolated and purified from dichloromethane root and leaf extracts of Abrus precatorius using different chromatographic methods. The structures were elucidated using different spectral data and were confirmed to be 5,7-Dimethoxyflavanone (1), Xanthoxylin (2), Hexadecanoic acid (3) successfully isolated from the root extract, and Beta-eudesmol (4) and Squalene (5) successfully isolated from the leaf extract. 5,7-Dimethoxyflavanone (1) and xanthoxylin (2) were reported for the first time from the root extract and this contributed to the pharmacological importance of A. precatorius.

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.

Antibacterial Activities and Chemical Compounds of Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) and Plantago major (Broadleaf Plantain) Leaf Extracts

Background: Plantago lanceolata L. (ribwort plantain) and Plantago major L. (broadleaf plantain) are widely used in ethnobotanical studies and for treating various diseases. This study aims to investigate the antimicrobial activity and chemical compounds of these plants. Methods: The leaf extracts of P. lanceolata and P. major were fractioned using different solvents. The phytochemical screening was carried out by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The antibacterial activity of extracts was assessed using the disc diffusion method, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were measured by microtiter-broth dilution method. Results: The dichloromethane leaf extract of P. lanceolata and P. major showed the highest antibacterial activity against Salmonella paratyphi (diameter of the inhibition zone: 18.83 and 20.00 mm, respectively) at 100 mg/mL concentration. The lowest MIC was related to dichloromethane extracts of both plants against S. paratyphi (500 µg/mL). The lowest MBC (1000 µg/mL) was related to the dichloromethane extract of P. major against S. paratyphi. The main compounds of P. lanceolata leaf extracts were bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (41.96%), 1-methoxy-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)nonane (32.69%), bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, 2,6,6-trimethyl- (1.alpha.,2.beta.,5.alpha.)- (10.45%), and cycloheptasiloxane tetradecamethyl- (27.96% and 31.33%). The main compounds of P. major leaf extracts were eicosane (23.62%), cyclohexasiloxane dodecamethyl- (18.21%), 1-methyl-3-n-propyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (18.08%), cycloheptasiloxane tetradecamethyl- (33.85%), and 1,2-benzisothiazole-3-acetic acid, methyl ester (34.26%). Conclusion: Fractionation of the methanolic leaf extract of P. lanceolata and P. major can help better isolate active components from these plants. The antibacterial properties of the extracts of two plants may be due to the presence of antibacterial compounds detected in GC-MS.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Fibroblast Migration Activities of Fractions Eluded from Dichloromethane Leaf Extract of Marantodes pumilum.

(1) The complexity of diabetes and diabetic wound healing remains a therapeutic challenge because proper and systematic wound care and management are essential to prevent chronic microbial infection and mechanical damage to the skin. Marantodes pumilum, locally known as 'Kacip Fatimah', is an herb that has been previously reported to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antinociceptive and antipyretic properties. The current study aims to assess the antioxidant and fibroblast cell migration activities of the fractions eluded from the dichloromethane extract of M. pumilum leaves. (2) The total antioxidant capacity of M. pumilum was assessed using the total proanthocyanidins and phosphomolybdenum assays, while DPPH, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide free radical scavenging assays were tested to determine the antioxidant potential of M. pumilum. An in vitro scratch wound assay was performed to measure the fibroblast cell migration rate using normal and insulin-resistant human dermal fibroblast cells. (3) All M. pumilum fractions exhibited good antioxidant and fibroblast cell migration activity, among which fractions A and E displayed the greatest effect. (4) M. pumilum's fibroblast migration activity could be attributed to its strong antioxidant properties along with its previously reported properties.

Evaluation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of dichloromethane leaf extracts of Ficus trichocarpa and Lasianthera Africana

This study evaluated the bioactive compounds present in the dichloromethane leaf extracts of Ficus trichocarpa and Lasianthera africana and also assessed the antioxidant activities of the same leaf extracts. The plant materials were washed under running water to remove foreign matters, air-dried at ambient temperatures under a shade for up to 2 weeks, and afterwards pulverized into coarse powders. The bioactive compounds were analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) while the antioxidant activities were assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay, and hydroxyl radical assay. The results of phytochemical content showed that the leaves are rich in secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids and non-flavonoid phenolics. Quantitatively, alkaloids were the most abundant secondary metabolites (55.73%) present in the leaf of F. trichocarpa. On the other hand, terpenes were the most abundant secondary metabolites present in the leaf of L. Africana (55.45%). The results of antioxidant assay revealed that both F. trichocarpa and L. africana leaves exhibited high antioxidant activities in a dose-dependent manner: 69.52% and 52.08% respectively at 100 μg/ml for DPPH scavenging activities; 73.18% and 65.65 % respectively at 200 μg/ml for FRAP assay; and (86.25% and 67.08 % respectively at 200μg/ml for hydroxyl radical activities. In conclusion, the dichloromethane leaf extracts of F. trichocarpa and L. africana are rich in secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids and non-flavonoid phenolics. The leaf extracts also have high antioxidant property.

Steroids and Fatty Acid Esters from Cyperus sexangularis Leaf and Their Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Elastase Properties.

Cyperus sexangularis (CS) is a plant in the sedges family (Cyperaceae) that grows abundantly in swampy areas. The leaf sheath of plants in the Cyperus genus are mostly used domestically for mat making, while they are implicated for skin treatment in traditional medicine. The plant was investigated for its phytochemical contents as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-elastase properties. The n-hexane and dichloromethane leaf extracts were chromatographed on a silica gel column to afford compounds 1-6. The compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The inhibitory effect of each compound against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) and ferric ion radicals were determined by standard in vitro antioxidant methods. The in vitro anti-inflammatory response was measured using egg albumin denaturation (EAD) assay, while the anti-elastase activity of each compound in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells was also monitored. The compounds were characterized as three steroidal derivatives, stigmasterol (1), 17-(1-methyl-allyl)-hexadecahydro-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene (2) and β-sitosterol (3), dodecanoic acid (4) and two fatty acid esters, ethyl nonadecanoate (5) and ethyl stearate (6). Stigmasterol (1) exhibited the best biological properties, with IC50 of 38.18 ± 2.30 µg/mL against DPPH, 68.56 ± 4.03 µg/mL against NO and 303.58 ± 10.33 µAAE/mg against Fe3+. At 6.25 µg/mL, stigmasterol inhibited EAD by 50%. This activity was lower when compared to diclofenac (standard), which demonstrated 75% inhibition of the protein at the same concentration. Compounds 1, 3, 4 and 5 showed comparable anti-elastase activity with an IC50 ≥ 50 µg/mL, whereas the activity of ursolic acid (standard) was double fold with an IC50 of 24.80 ± 2.60 µg/mL when compared to each of the compounds. In conclusion, this study has identified three steroids (1-3), one fatty acid (4), and two fatty acid esters (5 and 6) in C. sexangularis leaf for the first time. The compounds showed considerable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-elastase properties. Thus, the findings may serve as a justification for the folkloric use of the plant as a local skin ingredient. It may also serve to validate the biological role of steroids and fatty acid compounds in cosmeceutical formulations.

In Vitro effects of petroleum ether, dichloromethane, methanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Eucalyptus grandis on selected multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance is of grave concern, requiring the search for newer and more effective antimicrobials to combat infections caused by resistant microbes. This study assessed the antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus grandis crude extracts against selected multidrug resistant bacteria. Four different crude leaf extracts of E. grandis were prepared using petroleum ether, dichloromethane, methanol, and water, with the aid of the Soxhlet extraction method. These were screened against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and multidrug resistant Escherichia coli, using the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening was carried out to evaluate the bioactive phytochemical constituents responsible for the antimicrobial effect. Each of the extracts, except for the one prepared from water, had antimicrobial activity against the screened bacteria. The non-polar petroleum ether extract had the highest antimicrobial activity (19.33-24.33 mm), including bactericidal effects, compared to the medium polar dichloromethane and polar methanol extracts, which recorded zone diameter ranges of 14.33-16.67 mm and 16.33-17.67 mm, respectively. The Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) were the least susceptible in comparison with the Gram-positive bacterium (MRSA), probably owing to differences in their cell wall structures. Furthermore, phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and flavonoids. The findings suggest that E. grandis could be potentially useful in the treatment of infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria.

Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant Potential of Dichloromethane Extracts of Strychnos henningsii Gilg. and Ficus sycomorus L.

Medicinal plants are a rich source of antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and alkaloids among others and are currently used as alternative and complementary drugs in the management of stress-related disorders. Strychnos henningsii and Ficus sycomorus have been traditionally used by the people of Mbeere, Embu county, Kenya, as medicine for the treatment of various oxidative stress-related disorders such as diabetes and rheumatism; however, no empirical data are available to authenticate the said claim. The aim of this study was to evaluate preliminary phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activity of dichloromethane (DCM) leaf extract of S. henningsii and stem bark extract of F. sycomorus using DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, and ferric reducing power assays; total flavonoids and phenolic compounds were also determined by colorimetric assay and Folin–Ciocalteu reaction, respectively. Phytochemical screening showed that both extracts possessed saponins, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides; however, terpenoids were found to be absent in S. henningsii. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the DCM stem bark extract of F. sycomorus was lower than that of the leaf extract of S. henningsii. These extracts significantly exhibited strong antioxidant activities at different concentrations tested. The IC50 values of S. henningsii and F. sycomorus were 0.325 mg/ml and 0.330 mg/ml for hydrogen peroxide and 0.068 mg/ml and 0.062 mg/ml for DPPH, respectively. Both DCM leaf and stem bark extracts of S. henningsii and F. sycomorus were found to have strong ferric reducing power. Therefore, both extracts showed significant nonenzyme-based antioxidant activities. The two plants possess phytochemicals that have significant antioxidant properties.

Phytochemical profiling, salt impurities removal and in vitro antibacterial evaluation of Calotropis procera twig, leaf and flower extracts

• Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol leaf, twig, and flower extracts of Malaysian Calotropis procera (CP) have been studied first time against 10 Gram-positive and 9 Gram-negative bacteria, and methanolic extracts were found to be potent. • Different in vitro antibacterial methods were carried out and Bacillus sp. , Staphylococcus spp. Klebsiella pneumoniae and proteus vulgaris were found to be sensitives against extracts. • An easy, low-cost, and efficient trituration method was developed for the purification of crude extracts from salt impurities and it has removed salts and other undissolved impurities (approximately 38%). This purification strategy is very important prior to any biological activities especially antimicrobial. • Trituration method was found to be suitable for removing salts and undissolved impurities from crude extracts of plants growing near coastal and high salt concentration regions. • A new HPLC method was developed for the separation of constituents of methanolic C. procera extract and it shows the presence of different types of metabolites. Calotropis procera (family Apocynaceae) is a medicinal plant that is useful against microbial infections. The current work aimed to profile Malaysian C. procera for its phytochemical composition, develop a simple strategy to remove salt impurities from its crude extracts and assess its antibacterial activity in vitro . Ground twigs, leaves and flowers of the plant were extracted in n -hexane, dichloromethane and methanol by successive cold maceration method. Standard qualitative phytochemical tests were applied for phytochemical profiling of the extracts. The crude extracts were then subjected to clean-up procedure (trituration method) for removal of salt impurities. The antibacterial activity of the extracts (3 mg of 100 mg/mL/well) was assessed against 10 Gram-negative and nine Gram-positive bacteria by using the agar well diffusion method. Both minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the potent extracts were determined by the MTT assay and spread plate method, respectively. The potent methanolic extract was analysed by the HPLC for its metabolites pattern. The present findings confirmed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, phenolics, carbohydrates and resins in the crude extracts. The trituration method was effective in eliminating the salt impurities from the crude extracts. The methanolic (MeOH) extracts were more effective (ZOI; 8.5–12.5 mm) against Gram-positive bacteria when compared to the Gram-negative counterparts. The tested bacteria that were most sensitive to the extracts included Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus spp. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus vulgaris . The MIC and MBC values of the MeOH extracts were in the range of 5–40 mg/mL against B. cereus, Staphylococcus spp., K. pneumoniae and P. vulgaris . The antibacterial potential of MeOH C. procera extracts could be attributed to its polar phytochemicals as indicated by the HPLC analyses. The current results warrant in-depth phytochemical and antimicrobial investigations of methanolic C. procera twig, leaf and flower extracts.

Behavioural Response of Female Melon Fruit Fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) of Bitter Gourd Accessions/Variety

The biochemical factors can provide a source of resistance and chemical stimuli play a vital role in host plant selection by feeding and oviposition. The development of genotypes/varieties resistant to melon fruit fly is an essential component of Integrated Pest Management. Field experiments were conducted during 2018-19 in farmer’s field at Ellamanam village and laboratory studies were conducted at the Department of Plant Protection, Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tiruchirappalli District. A screening of 12 accessions/varieties (2 resistant, 6 moderately resistant, 3 susceptible, and 1 highly susceptible) was selected for y- tube olfactometer studies to confirm resistance. The behavioral response of fruit fly, Z. cucurbitae, to kairomone compound emitted from bitter gourd leaves and fruits were extracted using different solvents viz., hexane, dichloromethane, and distilled water. The result concluded that hexane and dichloromethane leaf and fruit extract of TCR 393 showed high duration for fruit fly attraction and lower attractancy, followed by Musiri local-1, MC-10, Ucha small, Bikner -2 , Musiri local-2, and CO-1 and if identified kairomone compound may be useful for monitoring and managing of Z. cucurbitae.

Phytochemical constituents and larvicidal efficacy of leaf extracts of Aristolochia elegans (Aristolochiaceae)

The crude extracts of leaves of Aristolochia elegans Mast (Aristolochiaceae) collected from Rombo district in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (3˚11ʹ15.4ʹʹS 37˚37ʹ05.5ʹʹE), were obtained by maceration of sample at room temperature followed by phytochemical analysis by GC-MS. The GC-MS analysis of the extracts showed that the main content was Caryophyllene among all extract investigated, followed by Calarene and Bicyclogermacrene. The crude extracts were then evaluated for larvicidal activity using World Health Organization (WHO) procedures against the third Instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae and monitored at an interval of 24 h, from 24 to 72 h and activity was recorded for various concentrations of the ranging from 25 to 200.0 μg/mL. Mortality effect of investigated extracts against laboratory-reared larvae had variations indicated by their LC50. LC50 for ethanol leaf extract were 165 µg/mL and 135 µg/mL after 48 and 72 h, respectively. LC50 for dichloromethane leaf extract were 145 µg/mL and 136 µg/mL after 48 and 72 h, respectively. For n-hexane extract, LC50 were 34 µg/mL and 33 µg/mL after 48 and 72 h, respectively. The remarkable differences in the larvicidal activity of crude extracts against the larvae of A. gambiae were due to qualitative and quantitative variations of the components, exemplified by the presence of sesquiterpenes with caryophyllene skeleton. The findings indicate that n-hexane leaf extract has potentials for use in the control of A. gambiae larvae and may be useful in the search for novel and effective natural compounds as larvicides.

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activity of leaf and cell cultures extracts of Randia aculeata L. and its chemical components by GC-MS

Randia aculeata (Rubiaceae) is a medicinal plant distributed in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. In folk medicine it is used to counteract the effects produced by the bite of snakes and other poisonous insects. However, there are no reports of new alternatives to use the plant in a sustainable way. The main objective of this study was to establish a cell culture of R. aculeata, evaluate its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential and determine the phytochemical profile. In addition, we determine the total phenolics content and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts. Cell suspension cultures (CSC) was established with 2.0 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid and 0.5 mg/L 6-furfurylaminopurine in MS culture medium. CSC produced 13.77 ± 0.49 g/L biomass in dry weight at 36 days of culture. GC-MS analysis showed high amounts of β-sitosterol for hexane (HE-L: 22.02 ± 0.44%) and dichloromethane (DE-L: 19.69 ± 0.49%) leaf extracts. Hexane CSC extract (HE-CSC) stood out for containing high amount of palmitic acid (43.95 ± 0.02%) and dichloromethane extract (DE-CSC) had mainly palmitic acid (30.16 ± 2.14%) and vanillic acid (10.23 ± 0.34%). The methanol CSC extract (ME-CSC) showed antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 16.49 ± 0.25 µg/mL, which was almost equal to the methanol leaf extract (ME-L) that showed a IC50 of 14.37 ± 0.20 µg/mL. The HE-CSC and DE-CSC were the only ones that showed inhibition against S. aureus, S. aureus-MRSA, S. typhimurium and E. coli. However, S. aureus was the most susceptible with HE-CSC (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL) and DE-CSC (MIC = 125 µg/mL). The HE-CSC exhibited the highest percentages of inhibition of NO production (36.88 ± 4.35%) at 40 µg/mL in RAW 264.7 macrophages, which was slightly lower than indomethacin (47.45 ± 7.41%) tested at 30 µg/mL. This extract was also the most effective against bacteria. The results suggest that cell culture extracts of R. aculeata may be a sustainable source for obtaining bioactive compounds.

Isolation and Antimalarial Activity of a New Flavonol from Tithonia diversifolia Leaf Extract

An antiplasmodial activity-guided isolation was carried out on the dichloromethane extract of Tithonia diversifolia dried leaves. A total of five germacranolide type sesquiterpene lactones and a new flavonol, 3,6-dihydroxy-2-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one, were isolated. The flavonol reported an IC50 above 6.00 µM against the chloroquine sensitive strain, NF54. The antimalarial activity of the Tithonia diversifolia dichloromethane leaf extract was attributed to orizabin and tagitinin C.

Isolation of a Morphinan Alkaloid and a Methoxybenzoic Acid with The Investigation on The Antibacterial Effect of Alphonsea cylindrica King Leaves

Alphonsea cylindrica King belongs to the family Annonaceae, which is traditionally used to treat rheumatism, bruises, and edema. Investigation of its antibacterial properties was carried out on hexane and dichloromethane crude extracts using agar diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration against ESKAPE pathogens. Both extracts showed positive results in inhibiting E. faecium, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae, while the dichloromethane extract showed further inhibition against P. aeruginosa. A morphinan alkaloid, O-methylpallidinine (1), along with a methoxybenzoic acid, isovanillic acid (2), were isolated from the dichloromethane leaf extract of the plant and elucidated via NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and GC-MS, and compared with the reported data. Both compounds are reported for the first time from A. cylindrica, while O-methylpallidinine was isolated as natural product for the first time from the family Annonaceae. Both 1 and 2 showed low activity against S. aureus with an IC50 value of 371.82 μg/mL and 385.37 μg/mL, respectively. This is the first report on the antibacterial activity of compound 1. The results can be used as future references for the discovery of morphinans and the potential of A. cylindrica as an antibacterial source.

Anti-inflammatory potential of dichloromethane leaf extracts of Eucalyptus globulus (Labill) and Senna didymobotrya (Fresenius) in mice

Inflammation is an immune response characterized by swelling, redness, pain and heat. Inflammation is mainly managed using conventional medicines that are associated with many side effects. Plant-based remedies are considerably better alternative therapies for they have fewer side effects. This study aimed at determining the anti-inflammatory potential of dichloromethane (DCM) leaf extracts of Eucalyptus globulus and Senna didymobotrya in mice. Fresh leaves of these plants were harvested from Embu County, Kenya. Quantitative phytochemical analysis was done using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Anti-inflammatory test comprised nine groups of five animals each: normal, negative, positive controls and 6 experimental groups. Inflammation was induced with Carrageenan. One hour post-treatment, the different groups were intraperitoneally administered with the reference drug, diclofenac, 3% DMSO and six DCM leaf extracts at doses of 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250mg/kgbw. GC-MS results revealed α-phellandrene, camphene, terpinolene, and limonene among others. Anti-inflammatory effects showed that extract doses of 100,150,200 and 250mg/kg bw significantly reduced the inflamed paw. Doses of 200 and 250mg/kgbw in both plants were more potent and compared with diclofenac. E. globulus extract dose of 250mg kg bw reduced inflamed paw in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th hours, by 2.27,6.52,9.09 and 10.90% respectively while S.didymobotrya at similar dose ranges, inflamed paw reduced by 2.41, 5.43, 8.31 and 9.05% respectively. E. globulus and S. didymobotrya have potent anti-inflammatory activities, attributed to their constituent phytochemicals. This study confirms the traditional use of these plants in treating inflammation.

Antimicrobial activity and toxicity of extracts from the bark and leaves of South African indigenous Meliaceae against selected pathogens

Species of the family Meliaceae in traditional medicine are well documented. This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity of aqueous, methanolic and dichloromethane leaf and bark extracts of South African Meliaceae against selected pathogens. The species sampled represent four of the seven indigenous genera and seven of the 14 indigenous species. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the micro-plate dilution assay and the toxicity potential was determined using the brine shrimp lethality assay. About 69% of the extracts investigated showed moderate (0.25— 0.50 mg/ml) activities against the oral pathogens (Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25,175 and Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25,586) tested. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. mutans was recorded as the most susceptible pathogens to the extracts. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts from Ekebergia pterophylla, Nymania capensis and Turraea obtusifolia (here documented for the first time) demonstrated varied activity depending on the pathogen. The aqueous extracts showed no antimicrobial activity with some exceptions against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25,175), where Ekebergia capensis and Trichilia dregeana exhibited noteworthy activity (0.13 mg/ml). In the brine shrimp assay, all DCM extracts of the studied parts of the plant species demonstrated minimal to no toxicity levels. The results obtained have lent credence to folkloric usage of some of the South African species of Meliaceae for anti-infective purposes including traditional uses against oral pathogens.

Analgesic potential of dichloromethane leaf extracts of Eucalyptus globulus (Labill) and Senna didymobotrya (Fresenius) in mice models

Introduction: Pain is managed using conventional drugs like paracetamol, aspirin and diclofenac among others. Synthetic drugs have many side effects. This study aimed at evaluating the analgesic potential of the dichloromethane leaf extracts of Eucalyptus globulus and Senna didymobotrya in mice.Methods: The dichloromethane leaf extracts of E. globulus and S. didymobotrya were subjected to quantitative phytochemical analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). In vivo analgesic evaluation comprised of nine groups of animals (Swiss albino mice): normal, positive, negative control and six experimental groups that received 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg body weight of each plant extract intraperitoneally. Thirty minutes later, they were injected with 0.01 mL of 2.5% formalin. The animals in positive control group were administered diclofenac (15 mg/kg) and formalin, the normal control mice received 3% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in normal saline, while the negative group received DMSO in normal saline and formalin. All the doses were administered intraperitoneally. The duration of shaking and licking of the injected paw was scored and analyzed.Results: The analysis revealed that E. globulus contained alpha-pinenes, endo-fenchol, α-eudesmol, myrcene, camphene, alpha-phellandrene, limonene, and camphor while S. dymobotrya possessed camphene, alpha-phellandrene, limonene, and camphor. In the late phase, E. globulus at the doses of 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg reduced the paw licking time by 34.03%, 60.79%, 84.33 %, 90.65%, 94.49%, 98.52%, respectively while S. didymobotrya extract reduced the paw licking time by 26.48%, 32.96%, 87.04%, 91.27%, 93.40%, 90.97%, and 96.82%, respectively.Conclusion: The results of this study validate and support the traditional uses of these plants as analgesics.

Effects of DCM Leaf Extract of Gnidia glauca (Fresen) on Locomotor Activity, Anxiety, and Exploration-Like Behaviors in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats.

Obesity is the main component of metabolic syndromes involving distinct etiologies that target different underlying behavioral and physiological functions within the brain structures and neuronal circuits. An alteration in the neuronal circuitry stemming from abdominal or central obesity stimulates a cascade of changes in neurochemical signaling that directly or indirectly mediate spontaneously emitted behaviors such as locomotor activity patterns, anxiety, and exploration. Pharmacological agents available for the treatment of neurologic disorders have been associated with limited potency and intolerable adverse effects. These have necessitated the upsurge in the utilization of herbal prescriptions due to their affordability and easy accessibility and are firmly embedded within wider belief systems of many people. Gnidia glauca has been used in the management of many ailments including obesity and associated symptomatic complications. However, its upsurge in use has not been accompanied by empirical determination of these folkloric claims. The present study, therefore, is aimed at determining the modulatory effects of dichloromethane leaf extract of Gnidia glauca on locomotor activity, exploration, and anxiety-like behaviors in high-fat diet-induced obese rats in an open-field arena. Obesity was experimentally induced by feeding the rats with prepared high-fat diet and water ad libitum for 6 weeks. The in vivo antiobesity effects were determined by oral administration of G. glauca at dosage levels of 200, 250, and 300 mg/kg body weight in high-fat diet-induced obese rats from the 6th to 12th week. Phytochemical analysis was done using gas chromatography linked to mass spectroscopy. Results indicated that Gnidia glauca showed anxiolytic effects and significantly increased spontaneous locomotor activity and exploration-like behaviors in HFD-induced obese rats. The plant extract also contained phytocompounds that have been associated with amelioration of the main neurodegenerative mediators, viz., inflammation and oxidative stress. These findings provide “qualified leads” for the synthesis of new alternative therapeutic agents for the management of neurologic disorders. However, there is a need to conduct toxicity studies of Gnidia glauca to establish its safety profiles.

Antipyretic potential of dichloromethane leaf extract of Eucalyptus globulus (Labill) and Senna didymobotrya (Fresenius) in rats models

IntroductionFever is managed using synthetic drugs such as aspirin, paracetamol among others. Synthetic drugs are associated with many side effects. Herbal medicines form alternative therapy since they possess fewer side effects and are readily available. This study aimed to determine antipyretic potential of DCM extracts of E. globulus and S. didymobotrya in Swiss albino rats. Materials and methodsThe plant leaves samples were obtained from Embu County, Kenya. Dichloromethane solvent was used to extract bioactive constituents from the plant samples. Three grams of DCM leaf extracts of Eucalyptus globulus (Labill) and Senna didymobotrya (Fresenius) samples were obtained and analyzed to determine quantitative phytochemical composition at ICIPE laboratory using GC-MS. Albino rats were used in the antipyretic activity study. Nine groups of five experimental animals were used in each test: Positive control, normal control, negative control and experimental (25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg body weight extracts) groups. Pyrexia was induced by injection of turpentine in albino rats intraperitoneally. One hour later, the pyretic animals received the leaf extracts at various dose levels, reference drug (aspirin100 mg/kg body) or the vehicle (DMSO). ResultsResults of antipyretic in vivo bioscreening revealed that E. globulus and S. didymobotrya possess potent antipyretic activity which was comparable to that of the reference drug aspirin. Both extracts exhibited highest antipyretic activity at a dose of 250 mg/kg bw. Results of the GC-MS revealed that these plants possess bio-compounds such as Terpinolene, Alpha-pinene, Borneol, Globulol and Terpineols that are associated with antipyretic activity. ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study revealed that these plants are endowed with bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, and flavonoids that possess antipyretic activity in rats.

Anti-obesity effects of dichloromethane leaf extract of Gnidia glauca in high fat diet-induced obese rats

BackgroundObesity is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased adipose tissue mass due to positive energy balance. Prescription of anti-obesity drugs can be useful adjuncts to diet and exercise for obese patients who have failed to achieve weight loss. However, these drugs are ineffective and are associated with adverse effects. In recent times, medicinal plants have drawn a sharp focus owing to their biocompatibility and effectiveness. Attempts to determine the therapeutic effects and identification of bio-active principles from herbal prescriptions have become the prime focus in the validation of their folkloric usage and in drug discovery programs. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the anti-obesity effects of Dichloromethane leaf extract of Gnidia glauca in high-fat-diet-induced obese rats. MethodsObesity was induced experimentally in white albino Wistar rats by feeding them with prepared high-fat-diet and water ad libitum for a period of 12 weeks. The in-vivo anti-obesity effects were determined by oral administration of Gnidia glauca at dosage levels of 200, 250 and 300 mg/kg body weight from the 6th to 12th week of study. Phytochemical analysis of Gnidia glauca was conducted using gas chromatography linked to mass spectrophotometer. ResultsThe results indicated that Gnidia glauca exhibited potent anti-obesity effects. It significantly reduced the body weight, organ weights, organo-somatic indices, anthropometric indices, the total fat content, adiposity index, atherogenic index as well as various lipid profiles. It also decreased the total feed intake. However, it significantly increased levels of high-density lipoproteins and rectal body temperature of rats. Quantitative phytochemical analysis also revealed the presence of various phytocompounds that have shown to be associated with anti-obesity effects. ConclusionThe anti-obesity effects of Gnidia glauca maybe attributed to the phytochemicals present. The present study, therefore, scientifically validates the traditional use of Gnidia glauca as a potential candidate for the synthesis of new effective anti-obesity supplement.