Diethyl Ether Fraction Research Articles

Mitigating the negative impacts of marine invasive species – Sargassum muticum - a key seaweed for skincare products development

Sargassum muticum is a highly invasive species, threatening marine biodiversity worldwide. One strategy to reduce marine invaders' impacts is to promote their use as valuable biomass for new products development. On the other hand, there is a rising conscience of natural compounds importance as health promoters. The present work was designed to sustainably use the marine invasive seaweed S. muticum collected off the Portuguese shore for novel skincare products. The antioxidant, anti-enzymatic (collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, tyrosinase), antimicrobial (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes, Malassezia furfur), photoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties of five fractions (F1–F5) obtained by a sequential extraction of S. muticum were evaluated. The diethyl ether fraction (F2) demonstrated the most promising results, with the highest antioxidant and photoprotective capacity, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production promoted by UVA and UVB radiation in 3T3 cells. On the other hand, the ethyl acetate fraction (F3) exhibited the highest anti-enzymatic capacity, inhibiting the activities of collagenase, hyaluronidase and tyrosinase (IC50 of 97.5, 23.7 and 72.3 μg/mL, respectively). Moreover, fractions from S. muticum showed anti-inflammatory potential by reducing tumor necrosis factor – α and interleukin-6 release. A chemical screening by 1H NMR of S. muticum fractions evidenced signals that can be attributed to the presence of different chemical classes, including lipids, pigments, amino acids, polyphenols, and sugars, being related to the observed multitarget properties. This work highlights a strategic valorisation of S. muticum as a source of treasured ingredients for skincare applications.

The GC–MS analysis of the diethylether and ethylacetate fraction of the peel of Solanum incanum and the study of their antibacterial activity

The diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions of the peel of the fruit of Solanum incanum. (S. incanum) were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). 105 compounds were identified in the diethyl ether fraction and 75 compounds were identified in ethyl acetate fraction. Among them, 5 compounds were analyzed by fragmentation pattern, discussed, and compared with NIST database. The antibacterial screening was also conducted for bothdiethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions of the fruit peel of S.incanum using four pathogens, two Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) and two Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumonia), at various concentrations (250, 500, 750 and 1000 μg/ml). The diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions of the peel of S. incanum exhibited activity against E. coli and K. pneumonia at 1000 μg/ml concentration.

Decaffeinated Tea Extract and its Fractions attenuate Clonidine- induced Aggressive Behavior in Mice

Introduction: Considerable data have been generated on anti-aggressive drugs of different pharmacological profiles. Present study was based on research findings that caffeine produced inverted ‘U’ shaped aggressive behavior in mice, lower and very higher doses reducing aggressive behavior and moderate doses increasing aggressive behavior. Therefore, we studied effect of decaffeinated tea and its fractions on clonidine- induced aggression in mice. Objective: Objective was to evaluate the effect of polyphenol rich Decaffeinated Tea Extract (DTE) and its fractions namely chloroform fraction (DTCf), ethyl acetate fraction (DTEa), diethyl ether fraction (DTDe) and acetone- water fraction (DTAw) against clonidine- induced aggressive behavior in mice. Methods: Mice were pretreated with caffeine (10 mg/Kg, i.p.), DTE (100- 300 mg/kg) or its fractions (100, 200 mg/kg) and clonidine (30 mg/Kg, i.p.) was administered after 30 min. Diazepam (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as reference standard. Aggressive behaviour viz: latency to first attack and total no. of attacks were observed in transparent activity chamber for1hr duration. Results: DTE 300 mg/Kg, i.p. increased latency to first attack and decreased total no. of attacks significantly (P< 0.0001) as compared to control group. DTCf, DTDe and DTAw at doses 100 & 200 mg/kg significantly decreased number of attacks (P<0.0001) while DTEa in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, significantly increased latency to first attack (P<0.0001) as compared to control group.

Anti-Termite Activity of Melia azedarach Extracts

Natural preservatives have been widely considered as non-synthetic materials that can prevent the biodegradation of wood due to subterranean termite attacks, namely Coptotermes curvignathus. Melia azedarach is a fast-growing species that has been widely studied for its antifeedant compounds and shows good potential to be developed as a biopesticide, especially as an anti-termite. This study aimed to identify the termicide and antifeedant properties of the wood, leaves, and bark extracts of Melia azedarach against subterranean termites and identify their bioactive compounds. The acetone extract from the three parts of the tree was fractionated. The most active fractions were selected from each part based on the percentage of termite mortality and antifeedant activity and analyzed for its bioactive compounds by pyrolysis GCMS. The ethyl acetate fraction of Melia azedarach bark exhibited strong toxic properties compared to other fractions. In the leaf section, the diethyl ether fraction showed the best termite repellent (antifeedant) properties. The anti-termite properties influenced phenolic compounds and organic acid that dominated the bark ethyl acetate fraction and leaf diethyl ether fraction. These findings show the great potential of bioactive compounds from biomaterials to be developed as a promising biopesticide. Keywords: anti-termite, bioactive compound, Melia azedarach, natural preservative

Bioassay-Guided Identification of Bioactive Compounds from Senna alata L. against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Senna alata (Linn) Roxb. plant is widely used to manage various infections in folkloric medicine. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection continues to be a major global public health problem. This study aims to investigate the bioactive components of S. alata leaves active against MRSA. The leaves of S. alata were sequentially extracted and fractionated using standard methods and screened for activities against MRSA. The diethyl ether active thin layer chromatography (TLC) spot was subjected to infrared (IR) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopic (GC-MS) studies. The aqueous extract and diethyl ether fraction of S. alata leaves elicited the highest activity against the MRSA. The GC-MS analysis of the fraction produced 15 eluates; only the sub-fraction 13 was effective. The TLC analysis of the sub-fraction 13 revealed three spots; only the second spot produced activity. The GC-MS result of the spot showed six peaks. The spectral results for peak 3 match the data from the IR study, suggestive of 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester. Senna alata leaves possess bioactive compounds closely related to 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester with potent antibacterial activity against MRSA.

Antiglycoxidative Properties of Extracts and Fractions from Reynoutria Rhizomes.

Hyperglycemia, when sustained over a long time in diabetes mellitus (DM), leads to biochemical and cellular abnormalities, primarily through the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). In the treatment of diabetes, beside blood-sugar-lowering medications, a consumption of herbal products that can inhibit the AGEs’ formation is recommended. This study investigated the in vitro antiglycoxidative potential of extracts and fractions from the rhizomes of Japanese, Giant, and Bohemian knotweeds (Reynoutria japonica (Houtt.), R. sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Nakai, and R.× bohemica Chrtek et Chrtkova). Their effects on glycooxidation of bovine and human serum albumin were evaluated by incubation of the proteins with a mixture of glucose and fructose (0.5 M) and 150 µg/mL of extract for 28 days at 37 °C, followed by measuring early and late glycation products, albumin oxidation (carbonyl and free thiol groups), and amyloid-β aggregation (thioflavin T and Congo red assays). The highest antiglycoxidative activity, comparable or stronger than the reference drug (aminoguanidine), was observed for ethyl acetate and diethyl ether fractions, enriched in polyphenols (stilbenes, phenylpropanoid disaccharide esters, and free and oligomeric flavan-3-ols). In conclusion, the antiglycoxidative compounds from these three species should be further studied for potential use in the prevention and complementary treatment of DM.

Antioxidant, Antifungal and Phytochemical Investigations of Capparis spinosa L.

The antioxidant and antifungal activities of crude hydro-ethanolic extract from Capparis spinosa L. (Capparidaceae) leaves and their fractions, obtained by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) using solvents with increasing polarity (hexane, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water), were investigated. The crude extract and the obtained fractions were characterized by colorimetric analysis, pyrolysis-gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectroscopy (MS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and their antioxidant and antifungal capacity were determined. It was observed that the ethyl acetate fraction was enriched in polyphenols, the butanol fraction resulted in purified from proteins and the residual aqueous fraction contains more hydrophobic compounds. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction possesses an interesting capacity 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical scavenging with a percentage of inhibition of 84.02% at a concentration of 2 mg/mL and better ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) 4.275 ± 0.011 mmol/g of dry sample than the other fractions tested. Regarding the antifungal activity, the diethyl ether fraction showed the highest activity against Aspergillus niger with 58.78% of inhibition. The results obtained in this work showed the relevance of the valorization of the leaves of Capparis spinosa L., given its richness in bioactive molecules can be regarded as a natural source of antioxidant and antifungal and may be considered in the future to replace synthetic preservatives in food, pharmaceutic products and cosmetic.

The Effect of Crude Extract and Fractions of Teucrium polium L. on the Brain, Liver, and Kidney of Male Rats

Background: Teucrium polium (TP) is a medicinal plant with a long history of consumption as a folk remedy for curing many diseases, including diabetes, common cold, obesity, anxiety, etc. Objectives: The present study aimed at investigating the effects of TP crude extracts (TPCE), as well as its diethyl ether (DE) and petroleum ether (PE) fractions, on the brain, kidney, and liver tissue of male rats in the subchronic phase. Methods: In the study, 45 adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups as the PBS (receiving phosphate buffer saline), vehicle (receiving dimethyl sulfoxide), as well as CE, PE, and DE receiving 3 mg/kg (100 µL) TPCE, PE, and DE, respectively, for six weeks. Histopathological examinations by hematoxylin and eosin staining investigated morphological changes in all specimens. Also, the brain samples were stained by the immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique with Ki-67, CD31, p53, Nestin, and GFAP markers. Results: The findings showed that the prolonged consumption of TP caused the formation of histological lesions as apoptosis, degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolization of neurons, and foamy cells in the brain. The liver, displayed cytoplasmic vacuolization, apoptosis, degeneration, and dilated sinusoids. Moreover, TP led to atrophy, vacuolization, and necrosis in renal cells. IHC studies evidenced an increase in the expression of P53, whereas the expression of Ki67 and CD31 decreased. It should be noted that TP crude extract and fractions were toxic; however, the PE fraction was more cytotoxic than others. Conclusions: The study findings indicated that long-term administration of a sublethal dose of TP impairs cellular integrity in vital orangs, including the liver, brain, and kidney, through triggering the cell death mechanisms.

REVERSAL OF CLONIDINE-INDUCED HYPOTHERMIA BY DECAFFEINATED TEA/COFFEE EXTRACT, AND THEIR FRACTIONS IN MICE

Objective: To study the effect of decaffeinated tea extract (DTE) and decaffeinated coffee extract (DCE) and their respective fractions viz: chloroform fractions (DTCf and DCCf), ethyl acetate fractions (DTEa and DCEa), diethyl ether fractions (DTDe and DCDe) and acetone-water fractions (DTAw and DCAw) against clonidine-induced hypothermia in mice. Methods: Clonidine (0.1 mg/kg, i. p.) administered to a group of mice pretreated 30 min before with the dose of DTE or DCE or their respective fractions. Rectal temperature was measured at the time of clonidine administration and thereafter at every 30 min up to 2 h test period. Results: DTE 200 DTE 300 has significantly inhibited clonidine-induced hypothermia. Among the fractions tested, DTE fraction-DTEa 100 and 200 and DCE fractions DCDe 200 and DCAw 200 significantly (p<0.0001) reversed clonidine-induced hypothermia; the effect of DTEa was found to be more sustained. Conclusion: Both, the decaffeinated tea and coffee contain ingredients that reverse clonidine-induced hypothermia, but they are required to do so in very large doses which are not achievable with normally administered doses of decaffeinated tea or coffee.

In vitro cytotoxicity analysis of Zizyphus spina-christi stem bark extract on human cancer cell lines.

Zizyphus spina-christi (Rhamnaceae family) is an edible plant used in folk medicine. Therefore, it is of interest to report the cytotoxic effects of Z. spina-christi bark crude extract on human cell lines. Crude ethanol extract of Z. spina-christi bark was fractionated with increasing polarity (diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions). The fractions were examined for their cytotoxicity against human colon cancer (HCT-116 and CACO-2), cervical cancer (HeLa and HEp-2), lung carcinoma (A-549), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2), breast cancer (MCF-7) and prostate cancer (PC-3) cell lines using viability assay. Diethyl ether fraction of Z. spina-christi showed the highest cytotoxic effects among the four extracts of Z. spina-christi. The IC50 of diethyl ether fraction was 7.14, 11.2, 11.6, 15.4, 39.8, 42.2, 84.2 and 153.8 µg/ml on HepG-2, A-549, CACO-2, HCT-116, MCF-7, PC-3, HeLa, and HEp-2 cell lines, respectively. Data shows that the diethyl ether fraction of Z. spina-christi showed effective cytotoxic effects in colon, lung and hepatocellular cancer cell lines.

Anticholinesterase Activities of Different Solvent Extracts of Brewer's Spent Grain.

Cholinesterases, involved in acetylcholine catabolism in the central and peripheral nervous system, have been strongly linked with neurodegenerative diseases. Current therapeutic approaches using synthetic drugs present several side effects. Hence, there is an increasing research interest in naturally-occurring dietary polyphenols, which are also considered efficacious. Food processing by-products such as brewer’s spent grain (BSG) would be a potential bio-source of polyphenols. In this study, polyphenol-rich BSG extracts using 60% acetone and 0.75% NaOH solutions were generated, which were further subjected to liquid–liquid partitioning using various organic solvents. The water-partitioned fractions of the saponified extracts had the highest total polyphenol content (6.2 ± 2.8 mgGAE/g dw) as determined by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, while the LC-MS/MS showed ethyl acetate fraction with the highest phenolics (2.9 ± 0.3 mg/g BSG dw). The best inhibitions of acetyl- (37.9 ± 2.9%) and butyryl- (53.6 ± 7.7%) cholinesterases were shown by the diethyl ether fraction of the saponified extract. This fraction contained the highest sum of quantified phenolics (99 ± 21.2 µg/mg of extract), and with significant (p < 0.01) inhibitory contribution of decarboxylated-diferulic acid. Amongst the standards, caffeic acid presented the highest inhibition for both cholinesterases, 25.5 ± 0.2% for acetyl- and 52.3 ± 0.8% for butyryl-cholinesterase, respectively, whilst the blends insignificantly inhibited both cholinesterases. The results showed that polyphenol-rich BSG fractions have potentials as natural anti-cholinesterase agents.

Phenolics compounds, evaluation of Alpha-amylase, alpha‐glucosidase inhibitory capacity and antioxidant effect from Globularia alypum L

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antioxidant and inhibitory Alpha-amylase and Alpha-glucosidase activities of fractions from Globularia alypum. Phenolic and flavonoids contents were estimated by Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Identification of phenolic constituents was carried out by RP-HPLC–PDA method for diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, FRAP and antihemolysis assays. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated as the first report on in vitro inhibitory effect of fractions on key diabetes enzymes: Alpha-amylase and Alpha-glucosidase. Fractions from G. alypum revealed high enzyme inhibitory activities and potent antioxidant effect. They showed significant antihemolytic results (HT50 from 194 ± 4.86 to 289 ± 5.67 min). Diethyl ether fraction presented the highest amounts in phenolic (331.88 ± 17.80 µg GAE/mg DF) and flavonoids (223.46 ± 2.37 µg CE/mg DF). HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, naringenin and quercetin. It exhibited the highest antioxidant activity assayed by DPPH (IC50 = 20.54 ± 0.48 µg/ml) and FRAP (EC50 = 283.7 ± 82.59 µg/ml). It showed the best inhibitory effect on Alpha-amylase (IC50 = 0.57 ± 0.05 mg/ml) and Alpha-glucosidase (IC50 = 0.52 ± 0.02 mg/ml). Globularia alypum is rich in phenolics and flavonoids. It is a promising source of potent natural antioxidants. It is suggested as an effective plant material for antidiabetic drugs.

In Vitro Anticancer Potential of Jasione montana and Its Main Components against Human Amelanotic Melanoma Cells.

Jasione montana L. (Campanulaceae) is used in traditional Belarusian herbal medicine for sleep disorders in children, but the chemical composition and biological activity have not been investigated. In this study, the activities of J. montana extracts, their fractions and main compounds were evaluated in amelanotic melanoma C32 (CRL-1585) cells and normal fibroblasts (PCS-201-012). The extracts and fractions were analyzed using liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (LC–PDA–ESI–MS/TOF) to characterize 25 compounds. Further, three major and known constituents, luteolin (22) and its derivatives such as 7-O-glucoside (12) and 7-O-sambubioside (9) were isolated and identified. The cytotoxic activities against fibroblasts and the amelanotic melanoma cell line were determined using the fixable viability stain (FVS) assay. The influence of diethyl ether (Et2O) fraction (JM4) and 22 on apoptosis induction was investigated using an annexin V binding assay. The obtained results showed significant cytotoxicity of JM4 and 22 with IC50 values of 119.7 ± 3.2 and 95.1 ± 7.2 μg/mL, respectively. The proapoptotic potential after 22 treatment in the C32 human amelanotic melanoma cell line was comparable to that of vinblastine sulfate (VLB), detecting 29.2 ± 3.0% apoptotic cells. Moreover, 22 displayed less necrotic potential against melanoma cells than VLB. In addition, the influences of JM4 and 22 on the dysfunction of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cell cycle and activity of caspases 3, 8, 9, and 10 were established. The effects of JM4 on MMP change (74.5 ± 3.0% of the cells showed a reduced MMP) corresponded to the results obtained from the annexin V binding assay and activation of caspase-9. JM4 and 22 displayed a significant impact on caspase-9 (40.9 ± 2.4% of the cells contained active caspase-9 after JM4 treatment and 16.6 ± 0.8% after incubation with 22) and the intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathway. Moreover, studies have shown that JM4 and 22 affect the activation of external apoptosis pathways by inducing the caspase-8 and caspase-10 cascades. Thus, activation of caspase-3 and DNA damage via external and internal apoptotic pathways were observed after treatment with JM4 and 22. The obtained results suggest that J. montana extracts could be developed as new topical preparations with potential anticancer properties due to their promising cytotoxic and proapoptotic potential.

GC-MS and LC-ESI-MS analysis of biologically active fractions from Verbascum letourneuxii; efficient protocol for in vitro propagation

Verbascum species (family: Scrophulariaceae) have a wide range of medicinal properties; one of these species is Verbascum letourneuxii which is an important rarely distributed plant in Egypt. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the 70% aqueous methanol extract and the four successive fractions (diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol) were evaluated. The results of the DPPH assay (100 μg/mL) suggested differential scavenging properties as ordered in descending: methanol > aqueous methanol > diethyl ether > chloroform > ethyl acetate with % values of 85.7, 80, 76, 64 and 23, respectively, compared to ascorbic acid (98.4%). Moreover, the diethyl ether and the chloroform fractions showed significant cytotoxic effects (100 μg/mL). The diethyl ether fraction showed IC50 52.5 μg/mL against HepG2, while the chloroform fraction revealed IC50 70.1, 63.6 and 73.4 (μg/mL) against HepG2, MCF-7 and PC3 compared to doxorubicin with IC50 27.4, 28.2 and 28.7 (μg/mL), respectively. The analysis of the GC/MS for diethyl ether and chloroform fractions led to detection and recognition of 53 chemical compounds, while the LC–ESI–MS analysis of the MeOH fraction revealed the identification and characterization of 21 compounds (eight iridoid glycosides, five phenylethanoids, five phenylpropanoids and three flavonoids). Additionally in this study, a first protocol for in vitro propagation of V. letourneuxii was established for conservation of this plant.

Bridelia ferruginea Benth leaves attenuates diabetes nephropathy in STZ-induced rats via targeting NGAL/KIM-1/cystatin c gene

BackgroundRenal failure is among the main complications of diabetes disorders and free radical from hyperglycemia is the major cause of this nephrotic complication. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of Bridelia ferruginea Benth on nephrotic damage in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of 50 mg/kg b. w. of STZ (intraperitoneal) in rats fasted overnight. Effect on nephropathy was assessed using biochemical, histological indices and gene expression of kidney tissue.ResultsThe total flavonoids and phenolic content of petroleum ether fraction of B. ferruginea (PEFBF) was observed to be higher compared to diethyl ether fraction of B. ferruginea (DEFBF). The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl scavenging activity of the fractions were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced across the concentrations compared to the standard (gallic acid). The STZ-induced diabetic animals treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. of PEFBF and DEFBF showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in blood glucose level on days 7, 11 and 14 compared to untreated diabetic rats. STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly (P < 0.05) exhibited increase plasma urea, creatinine, protein and albumin level while treatment with both fractions of B. ferruginea reduced the level of these parameters in treated diabetic rats. B. ferruginea also caused down-regulation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1 and cystatin c genes.ConclusionThese results revealed that, the plant has hypoglycemic activity therefore provides a pharmacological basis for its folkloric use in the management of hyperglycemia and its associated renal dysfunction.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF EXTRACTS AND FRACTIONS OF Dillenia suffruticosa LEAVES

Dillenia suffruticosa or ‘Simpur bini’ is known to have ethnomedicinal properties and had been used traditionally to heal wounds, relieve fever and rheumatism. There has been limited studies carried out on this species, therefore, this study aims to evaluate the phytochemical contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of aqueous extract, methanol extract and its fractions obtained from the leaves of D. suffruticosa. The dried leaves were extracted using methanol before successive solvent partitioning was carried out on the extract using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and diethyl ether. In addition to this, aqueous decoction was conducted. The antioxidant activities were determined using Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging methods. Phytochemical screening had shown that most of the extracts and fractions contained alkaloids, steroids, phenolics, flavonoids and saponins. The diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions showed higher TPC and TFC values. The diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions also showed higher antioxidant activities determined via DPPH assay. Antibacterial activities determined using disc diffusion assay showed the methanol extract and its fractions had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with the diethyl ether fraction having comparable activity with the standard antibiotic streptomycin. However, inhibition against Bacillus subtilis was only observed in hexane, chloroform and diethyl ether fractions. No inhibition was observed against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study identified the diethyl ethyl and ethyl acetate fractions of D. suffruticosa leaves as potential sources of bioactive compounds. Further investigations on the bioassay-guided isolation of bioactive compounds of this species may lead to the discovery of new pharmaceutical or effective antimicrobial agents.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PHYTOCONSTITUENTS FROM STEM OF Elytranthe parasitica(L.) Danser

Mistletoes have earned a strong profile in treating cancer. Elytranthe parasitica (L.) Danser (EP), a hemi-parasitic plant belonging to Mistletoe family or Loranthaceae is known for its potent anti-cancer properties. Exploring the phytochemistry by isolating and characterizing phytoconstituents from unidentified mistletoes such as Elytranthe parasitica (L.) Danser would prove useful for cancer therapy. Stem parts of Elytranthe parasitica were extracted with methanol and sequentially fractionated with solvents in the increasing order of polarity. The diethyl ether fraction was selected for bioactivity guided fractionation. Fractionation was performed via gel filtration chromatography and analytical TLC to isolate the phytochemical(s). Activity guided fractionation led to the isolation of two phenolic compounds and two phytosterols: a phenolic acid (gallic acid), a flavanone (pinostrobin), a triterpenoid (lupeol) and a phytosterol (s-sitosterol)

Bioactive Fractions from the Chinese Caterpillar Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycetes), Elucidate Adaptogenic Role against Hypoxia Stress.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis, a high-altitude medicinal mushroom, is widely revered in traditional medicine for its antiproliferative, antihypercholesterolemic, energy enhancement, etc. properties. These properties are attributed to the presence of steroids, terpenoids, polyphenolics, glycosides, and glycoproteins in it. The current study presents characterization of three phenolic rich fractions (PRFs) separated from aqueous extract of O. sinensis using diethyl ether and ethyl acetate. These fractions possessed considerable antioxidant potential in terms of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ferric ion reducing power, and free radical scavenging efficiency. Chemical characterization of the PRFs was carried out using HPTLC and GC-MS. The diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions elucidated appreciable antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi. The aqueous extract and residual phenolic fraction displayed protective effect on HEK 293 cell lines against hypoxia stress and also bestowed appreciative adaptogenic role against cold, hypoxia, and restraint stress in vivo, by decreasing levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase and incrementing reduced glutathione concentrations.

Extraction and GC-MS Analysis of the Essential Oil from the Peel of Solanum incanum and its Antibacterial Activity Studies

Phytochemicals were extracted from the peel of Solanum incanum (S. incanum) with methanol (70% v/v). The phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract showed the presence of glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins and phenolic compounds. The successive partitioning of the methanolic extract was carried out with three solvents hexane, diethyl ether and ethyl acetate. The diethyl ether fraction yielded two immiscible fractions. The oil was separated as essential oil fraction and analyzed by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil indicated 17 compounds including 2,3-butanediol (76.76%), diethyl phthalate (8.32%), benzyl benzoate (3.02%), 2,6-dimethyl-6-nitro-2-hepten-4-one (2.56%) and 1,2-dimethoxy- 4-(1-propenyl)benzene (1.88%). Among them, the mass spectral patterns of three compounds were analyzed, discussed and confirmed with NIST database. The antibacterial study of essential oil was conducted using four pathogens (E. coli, K. pneumonia, S. aureus and S. pyogenes) at four different concentrations (250, 500, 750 and 1000 μg/mL). The result indicates that the essential oil extracted from the peel of Solanum incanum exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against E. coli and K. pneumonia in 1000 μg/mL, respectively compared with the positive control gentamicin (10 μg/mL). The result of this study revealed the presence of various organic components and the antibacterial activity of this plant essential oil may be as a result of the major compounds.

BBB-permeable aporphine-type alkaloids in Nelumbo nucifera flowers with accelerative effects on neurite outgrowth in PC-12 cells.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB)-permeable components in the methanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera flowers showed accelerative effects on neurite outgrowth in PC-12 cells. Among the constituents isolated from N. nucifera flowers in our previous study, aporphine-type alkaloids, lirinidine, asimilobine, N-methylasimilobine, and pronuciferine, showed accelerative effects. Lirinidine, N-methylasimilobine, and an alkaloid-rich diethyl ether fraction at low concentrations increased the expression of mRNAs coding for TrkA, Vav3, and Rac1. In addition, good permeability of asimilobine and N-methylasimilobine was confirmed using an in vitro BBB model. Asimilobine and N-methylasimilobine are considered to be suitable as seed compounds of drugs for Alzheimer's disease, because of their activity and BBB permeability.