Doses Of Crude Extract Research Articles

Efficacy of Albizia malacophylla (A.Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) methanol (80%) leaf extract and solvent fractions against Plasmodium berghei-induced malaria in mice model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNovel drugs are needed to address the issue of malarial infection resistance; natural items can be a different source of these medications. Albizia malacophylla (A. Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) is listed as one of the antimalarial medicinal plants in Ethiopian folk medicine. However, there are no reports regarding the biological activity or phytochemistry of the plant. Aim of the studyThus, this study aimed to evaluate the A. malacophylla crude extract and solvent fractions' in vivo antimalarial activity utilizing 4-day suppressive, preventative, and curative tests in mice infected with P. berghei. Materials and methodsThe parasite Plasmodium berghei, which causes rodent malaria, was used to infect healthy male Swiss Albino mice, weighing 23–28 g and aged 6–8 weeks. Solvent fractions such as methanol, water, and chloroform were given in addition to an 80% methanolic extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses. A Conventional test such as parasitemia, survival time, body weight, temperature, and packed cell capacity were employed to ascertain factors such as the suppressive, curative, and preventive tests. ResultsEvery test substance dramatically reduced the number of parasites in every experiment. Crude extract (with the highest percentage suppression of 67.78%) performs better antimalarial effect than the methanol fraction, which is the most efficient solvent fraction with a percentage suppression of 55.74%. With a suppression value of 64.83% parasitemia level, the therapeutic effects of 80% methanolic crude extract were greater than its curative and preventative effects in a four-day suppressive test. The survival period (17 days) was longer with the hydroalcoholic crude extract dose of 400 mg/kg than with other doses of the materials under investigation. ConclusionsThe results of this investigation validate the antimalarial characteristics of A. malacophylla leaf extract. The crude extract prevented weight loss, a decline in temperature, and a reduction in PCV. The results demonstrate that the plant has a promising antimalarial effect against P. berghei, hence supporting the traditional use of the plant. Therefore, it could serve as a foundation for the development of new antimalarial drugs.

Protein Hydrolysate from Waste of Catfish Fillet Processing for Snakehead Fish Feed Formulation.

The negative impact of fish processing industry waste needs to be minimized, by processing it into valuable products, one of which is fish feed. The objectives of this research were to determine the optimum dose of crude extract of B. cereus RGL.1.1 enzyme in hydrolyzing protein from the waste of catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) fillet processing and to evaluate the effectiveness of using protein hydrolysate in snakehead fish (Channa striata) feed. There were four doses of enzyme treatment for protein hydrolysis designed in a completely randomized design, namely, 0, 4, 6, and 8% (v/w) with three repetitions. Furthermore, to assess the quality of protein hydrolysate, an analysis of soluble protein level, hydrolysis degree, amino acid content, fatty acid content, and digestibility was carried out. The percentage of protein hydrolysate applied in the feed formula was 0, 15, 30, and 45% (v/w), which was designed in a completely randomized design with three replications. Absolute weight growth, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, feed efficiency, and snakehead fish survival were measured to evaluate the effects of the feed formula. Results showed that the crude extract of B. cereus RGL.1.1 enzymes at a concentration of 6% (v/w) enhanced the availability of soluble proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, and feed digestibility. Protein hydrolysate application in snakehead fish feed formula up to 45% (v/w) can improve the growth performance (8.03%), protein efficiency ratio (25.66%), and feed efficiency (23.41%).

Evaluation of the neurocognitive and neuroprotective potentials of selected Nigerian medicinal plants in experimental models of dementia

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have implicated oxidative stress, chronic neuroinflammation, functional cholinergic deficits, and glutamatergic pathway disruptions in the pathophysiology of dementia. However, certain medicinal plants are being used in the management of dementias by the inhabitants of Ibarapa Area of South‐Western Nigeria, hence this study.MethodEthno‐pharmacological survey of medicinal plants used in the management of dementias in Ibarapa Area of Oyo State, South‐Western Nigeria was conducted using semi‐structured questionnaires and open‐ended interviews. Phytochemical, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐nociceptive, and cholinesterase‐inhibiting screenings were conducted on selected medicinal plants (SMPs) using standard assays. Preliminary cytotoxicity screening of promising crude extracts were determined using brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA). LD50, acute and sub‐chronic administrations of the SMPs into groups of mice were determined using Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 423 guideline. Haematological, biochemical, and histopathological examinations following single and repeated doses of crude extracts of SMPs into groups of mice were determined using standard assays. Behavioural studies using relevant mouse models were conducted. Mechanistic studies using cell lines are being carried out on the promising SMPs. Data are expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) and analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post‐hoc test (Student‐Newman‐Keuls test).ResultThe ethnomedicinal survey revealed about 105 medicinal plants belonging to more than 50 families being used as memory enhancers in the management of dementias by the inhabitants of Ibarapa Area of Oyo State in south‐Western Nigeria. Phoenix dactylifera, Combretum mucranthum, Parquitena nigrescens, Crinum jagus, Blighia sapida, Entandrophragma utile, Ficus exasperate showed significant antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐cholinergic activities. Results of BSLA revealed LC50 values of 100 ‐ 1000 ppm for the screened plants. The oral LD50 values of crude methanol extracts of SMPs are 2000 ‐ 5000 mg/kg. Findings from haematological, biochemical, histological and behavioural assays following both single and repeated administrations of the tested SMPs in mice showed that they are safe and possess promising neurobehavioural potentials that warranted further exploration.ConclusionThe SMPs are safe, highly rich in beneficial phytochemicals, exhibited significant antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐cholinesterase, nootropic and neuroprotective potentials thereby suggesting the rationale for their ethnomedicinal use in the management of NNDs.

Neuroprotective effects of crude extracts, compounds, and isolated molecules obtained from plants in the central nervous system injuries: a systematic review.

The number of people with central nervous system (CNS) injuries increases worldwide and only a few therapies are used to mitigate neurological damage. Crude extracts, compounds, and isolated molecules obtained from plants have neuroprotective effects; however, their actions on the central nervous system are still not fully understood. This systematic review investigated the neuroprotective effects of crude extracts, compound, and isolated molecules obtained from plants in different CNS lesions. This PICO (Population/Problem, Intervention, Control, Outcome) systematic review included in vivo and in vitro studies that used small rodents as experimental models of CNS injuries (P) treated with crude extracts, compounds, and/or isolated molecules obtained from plants (I), compared to non-intervention conditions (C), and that showed a neuroprotective effect (O). Fourteen out of 5,521 studies were selected for qualitative analysis. Several neuroprotective effects (improvement of antioxidant activity, modulation of the inflammatory response, tissue preservation, motor and cognitive recovery) in the brain and spinal cord were reported after treatment with different doses of crude extracts (10 studies), compounds (2 studies), and isolated molecules (2 studies). Crude extracts, compounds, or isolated molecules obtained from plants showed promising neuroprotective effects against several CNS injuries in both the brain and spinal cord, regardless of gender and age, through the modulation of inflammatory activity and oxidative biochemistry, tissue preservation, and recovery of motor and cognitive activity.

In vitro determination of the anti-helminthic properties of Anthocleista djalonensis

Medicinal plants have been identified and used throughout human history for its different activities. This study was carried out to screen the aqueous, butanol, ethyl acetate, methanol and n-hexane fractions of the leaves of Anthocleista djalonensis for anti-helminthic activity across various concentrations (10–50 mg/ml) of the crude extract and 10 mg/ml of the different fractions. Albendazole (10 mg/ml) was used as reference standard drug while 20% Tween 80 was used as control. Determination of paralysis time and death times of the worms were recorded. In vitro treatment of the parasite with the highest dose of crude extract (50 mg/ml) resulted in paralysis and death at 20 min and 110 min respectively. Butanol showed greatest anti-helminthic activity even higher than that of the reference drug with paralysis and death times of 13 min and 51 min respectively. The order of sensitivity of the fractions to the worms was butanol > n-hexane > ethyl acetate > aqueous. The overall finding of this study demonstrates that the leaves possess anthelminthic compounds and should be further evaluated as a remedy to various disease conditions associated with worm infestation.

Anti-diabetic activity and Phytochemicals Screening of C. revoluta rachis on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The objective of this study is to examine the control of hastily increasing diabetes mellitus which has become a serious problem all over the world. Traditionally antidiabetic plants help to treat diabetes with no side effect. So, an effort has been made to study the helpful properties of Cycas revoluta rachis extract on alloxan-induced diabetic rat’s protocol. The preliminary phytochemicals analysis has revealed the presence of alkaloids, amino acids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids and terpenoids which might be contributing to antidiabetic activity. The doses of crude extract from 50 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg have shown that the plant is non-toxic in nature under observable conditions. The ~ 70% ethanolic extract of C. revoluta has been administrated at doses level of 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg b.w. orally. The blood samples have been collected from the retro-orbital plexus to examine blood glucose level and biological parameters such as serum cholesterol, TG, HDL and LDL respectively. At the dose level 300 mg/kg, the reduction in blood glucose level by 289.5 ± 24.57 to 98.33 ± 7.89 has been observed at 14th day’s protocol. The serum lipid profile has also been reversed to normal as compared with standard drug.

Evaluation of Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activities of Hydro-Alcoholic Crude Extract of the Shoot Tips of Crinum abyssinicum Hochst. ex A. Rich (Amaryllidaceae) in Mice.

BackgroundDespite the availability of synthetic antihyperglycaemic medications on the market, diabetes is on the rise. Though not scientifically proven, the Crinum abyssinicum Hochst. ex A. Rich. (Amaryllidaceae) has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Crinum abyssinicum was tested in mice to see if it had anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties.MethodsThe hydro-alcoholic extract of Crinum abyssinicum shoot tips doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) were administered to normoglycemic, oral glucose-loaded mice, and single and repeated dose-treated streptozotocin-induced diabetic model. Then, the blood glucose levels were measured for normoglycemic, oral glucose loaded and single dose treated streptozotocin model. Whereas in repeated dose-treated streptozotocin induced diabetic model, blood glucose level, body weight, and lipid profiles were measured.ResultsAfter oral administration, all extract doses (100 mg/kg (p < 0.01), 200 mg/kg (p < 0.001), and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.001)) significantly reduced blood glucose level of normal mice as compared to the control group. Significant reduction of post-prandial glucose was achieved with crude extract at a tested dose of 100 mg/kg (p < 0.05) both at 1st and 2nd hours; 200 mg/kg (p < 0.01) at the 1st hour and (p < 0.001) 2nd hours, and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.001) at the 1st and 2nd hours as compared to the negative control. In diabetic mice, the crude extract 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg; and glibenclamide 5 mg/kg significantly reduced (p < 0.001) blood glucose level on the 14th day as compared to the negative control. All doses of crude extract significantly improved the lipid profiles and the bodyweight of diabetic mice.ConclusionThese findings revealed that the hydro-alcoholic extract of Crinum abyssinicum shoot tips possess significant antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and body weight improvements in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Besides, it showed hypoglycaemic and anti-hyperglycaemic activities on normoglycemic and oral glucose loaded mice, respectively. These justify the claimed use of the plant in ameliorating diabetes mellitus in Ethiopian folk medicine.

A Review of Aristolochia indica: Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological and Toxicological Effects

Background: Aristolochia indica L. of the family Aristolochiaceae is a twining perennial herb with an ancient history of medicinal use. In the Indian Ayurvedic system, it is used for the treatment of snake venom, scorpion venom, pimple, fever and worm infections. Objective: This studay aimed to make accessible the current information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Aristolochia indica. Additionally, the purpose was to emphasize the potential uses of this plant to treat various diseases and to bring a foundation for further research. Methods: The present review is carried out by compiling literature from 1935 to 2020, concerning the morphology, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and toxicological aspects of Aristolochia indica. Results: Diverse chemical compounds including aristolochic acids, aristolactam, Phenanthrenes, alkaloids, lignans, steroids and terpenes have been isolated from this plant. Mostly in-vivo models indicated several pieces of evidence on the use of this plant particularly to regulate fertility. Few in-- vivo studies also proved the usefulness of this plant in inflammation and diabetes. In some in-vitro studies, the anti-snake venom, larvicidal, and anti-oxidant properties have been proved. Conclusion: Preclinical studies have demonstrated remarkable activity that supports the conventional use of the plant as an antivenum, antifertility, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. Although few phytochemicals isolated (aristolic acid, (12S)-7,12-secoishwaran-12-ol, aristololactam- I N-β-D-glucoside, aristolochic acids, β-sitosterol, (-)hinokinin and aristolactam-I) from the plant exhibited remarkable biological activity, it was only confined to preclinical studies. Even though the isolated aristolochic acids showed significant anti-snake venom activity, but it was found to be nephrotoxic and mutagenic. More detailed safety data pertaining to the dose of crude extracts or pure compounds needs to be generated.

Natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES): A strategy to improve the bioavailability of blueberry phenolic compounds in a ready-to-use extract

This study investigated whether a ready-to-use extract obtained using a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) affects the pharmacokinetic profile of blueberry phenolic compounds compared to organic solvent (SORG)-extracted compounds. SORG extract was administered as an aqueous solution after solvent removal. Wistar rats received a single dose of crude extract of blueberry obtained using NADES (CE-NADES) or SORG (CE-SORG), followed by LC-DAD-MS/MS analysis of blood and cecal feces. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that CE-NADES increased the bioavailability of anthocyanins by 140% compared to CE-SORG. CE-NADES increased the stability of phenolic compounds during in vitro digestion by delaying gastric chyme neutralization. These results suggest that besides being an eco-friendly solvent for the extraction of phytochemicals, choline chloride:glycerol:citric acid-based NADES can be used as a ready-to-use vehicle for increasing oral absorption of bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins.

Antimalarial Activity of Seed Extracts of Schinus molle Against Plasmodium berghei in Mice.

Background.Malaria is a major public health problem in developing countries. In Ethiopian, the seeds of Schinus molle are used for the management of malaria. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate in vivo antimalarial activity of hydro-alcoholic crude extract and solvent fractions of Schinus molle seeds in Plasmodium berghei infected mice.Methods.An 80 percent of methanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of Schinus molle seeds were tested for antimalarial activity at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. The parasitemia level, packed cell volume, body weight, survival of date and rectal temperature were used to evaluate the anti-malarial activity of the extracts. One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey’s HSD multiple comparison test was employed and the result was expressed in mean ± SEM (standard error of the mean).Results.The curative activity of the highest dose of crude extract and aqueous fraction of Schinus molle seeds was 69.86% and 73.82% (p < 0.001), respectively. In the prophylactic test, aqueous fraction had 72.39% (p < 0.001) suppression antimalarial activity. Among solvent fractions, only chloroform fraction was significantly attenuated packed cell volume reduction. The mice treated with crude extract and aqueous fraction had longer survival date than vehicle-treated mice (p < 0.001).Conclusion.The experiment finding showed that the crude extract and solvent fractions of Schinus molle seeds had significant curative and prophylaxis anti-plasmodial activity. This result revealed that the Schinus molle seeds extract has promising antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei. However, further confirmatory studies, isolation and characterization of the active constituents are recommended.

Allelopathic effects of mixotrophic dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea on co-occurring phytoplankton: the significance of nutritional ecology

Blooms of Akashiwo sanguinea frequently break out around the world, causing huge economic losses to the aquaculture industry and seriously damaging coastal ecosystems. However, the formation mechanisms of A. sanguinea blooms remain unclear. We investigated the allelopathic effects of A. sanguinea on multiple phytoplankton species, explored the mode of allelochemicals action and the way of nutrient factors regulation of the allelopathic activity. Results show that strains of A. sanguinea could inhibit the growth of co-occurring phytoplankton including Scrippsiella trochoidea, Phaeocystis globosa, and Rhodomonas salina, but inhibition of Prorocentrum micans was not obvious. The inhibition rates on phytoplankton were positively correlated with the cell densities of A. sanguinea. The highest inhibition rate of 94% on R. salina was for A. sanguinea CCMA256 culture of 2 000 cells/mL at 72 h. We observed that cells of S. trochoidea, Ph. globosa, and R. salina were lysed when co-cultured with A. sanguinea, with the shortest time for S. trochoidea. Additionally, the growth rates of A. sanguinea were promoted by co-culturing with S. trochoidea, Ph. globosa, and R. salina. Four components of A. sanguinea culture were all able to inhibit growth of R. salina: the strongest inhibitory effect was found in the sonicated culture, followed by whole-cell culture, filtrates of sonicated culture, and filtrate culture. The crude extract of A. sanguinea culture also lysed cells of R. salina, and the inhibition rates on R. salina increased with the increasing dose of crude extract. It was shown that both nutrient enrichment and nitrogen:phosphorus ratio imbalance enhanced remarkably the allelopathic activity of A. sanguinea. The highest inhibition rate on R. salina of 70% occurred in A. sanguinea JX13 treatment at 2 000 cells/mL under high nutrient condition in 48 h. In JX14 treatment at 2 000 cells/mL for N:P of 10:1, the inhibition rate increased by 1.7 times of that for N:P of 20:1. In addition, the allelopathy of A. sanguinea could not only be a competitive strategy but also a nutrition strategy, playing an important role in formation and/or maintenance of blooms of the mixotrophic dinoflagellate A. sanguinea.

CNS DEPRESSION POTENTIAL EVALUATION, FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LYOPHILIZED HERBAL ORAL CAKE OF TERMINALIA CHEBULA FRUITS

Objective: Terminalia chebula fruits are used as traditional herbal medicine from the ancient era but still now, the extract has not revealed any research data on CNS depression activity as well as its lyophilized herbal formulation. The present study was designed to evaluate CNS depression activity and develop lyophilized oral cake of Terminalia chebula fruit extract.&#x0D; Methods: CNS depression potential of Terminalia chebula fruit was examined using the hole board, hole cross, and thiopental sodium induced sleeping time test. The human equivalent dose was calculated based on US FDA guidelines of dose conversion between animals and humans. A novel lyophilized herbal oral cake of aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula fruits with additives was then formulated. The formulated cake was subjected to characterize its physicochemical properties such as appearance, residual humidity, drug content, dissolution, and drug release profile, extract-polymer compatibility by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and stability. The prepared cake was further evaluated with the hole board and hole cross model in mice and compared with control to ensure its CNS depression activity.&#x0D; Results: Crude extract at the doses of 100, 150, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight showed significant (p&lt;0.01) dose-dependent inhibition of locomotor behavior. Crude extract dose of 200 mg/kg body weight in mice compared with standard diazepam dose (1 mg/kg) was used to calculate the human equivalent dose of 1000 mg/60 kg. The formulation presented a rapid drug release profile while drug content was approximately 99.5%. FTIR spectroscopy of formulation showed no drug-excipient interaction. The oral cake at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight showed significant (p&lt;0.01) CNS depression activity.&#x0D; Conclusion: CNS depression activity, FTIR, and stability analysis ensure the preservation of active ingredients in the lyophilized oral cake as in the crude extract.

Antifungal mechanism of Streptomyces ma. FS-4 on fusarium wilt of banana.

Research on prevention and cure of banana wilt is important to ensure the healthy development of the banana industry. In this study, antifungal mechanism of Streptomyces ma. FS-4 on fusarium wilt of banana was investigated. The physiological strain of banana fusarium pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Race 4 (FOC.4) was used as the target fungus, and the antifungal mechanism of the crude extract of Streptomyces ma. FS-4 was investigated. Eighteen different compounds identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were composed of aldehydes, methyl, hydrocarbons, amides, esters and acids. FS-4 significantly inhibited the spore germination of the target fungi, with an EC50 of 22·78μgml-1 . After treatment with 100μgml-1 FS-4 crude extract, the N-acetylglucosamine content in the mycelium increased 1·95-fold. However, the extract had no significant effect on β-1,3-glucanase. At the FS-4 crude extract dose of 100μgml-1 , the total sugar and protein contents decreased by 28·6 and 29·1% respectively, and the fat content was 41·3%. FS-4 significantly inhibited the activity of the mitochondrial complex III of Foc4, which was reduced by 52·45%. Moreover FS-4 reduced the activity of succinate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in the Krebs cycle, by 60·2%. However, FS-4 had no significant effect on malate dehydrogenase. The membrane potential on the mitochondrial inner membrane was significantly reduced at the test concentration of 100μgml-1 . ROS gradually accumulated in the Foc4 hypha, and the burst was 3·97 times higher than the control. This study demonstrated that the antifungal mechanism of Streptomyces ma. FS-4 against Foc4 includes the destruction of the plasma membrane and mitochondrial dysfunction and finally induction of cell apoptosis. These results may indicate the prevention and control of banana wilt, which is of great significance to the healthy development of banana industry system.

Biochemical and toxicological effects of methanolic extract of Asparagus africanus Lam in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Asparagus africanus Lam. is a plant used traditionally to treat different ailments. Currently, scanty information is available on its safety. The aim of this study is to determine the acute toxicity of the methanolic extract on vital organs and its associated biochemical parameters. Fifteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Group I served as normal control, groups II, III, IV, and V were orally administered single dose of crude extract dissolved in distilled water at 5 mg/kg BW, 50 mg/kg BW, 300 mg/kg BW and 2,000 mg/kg BW. Rats were observed for 14 days and body weights were recorded. On day 15, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemical and haematological analyses, while the liver and kidneys were sampled for histopathological examination. Body weight and haematology parameters results showed significance difference (p < 0.05) among means of HGB, RDW, RBC, and MCHC; likewise, (p < 0.001) for WBC and platelet among treated groups. Histopathology result showed that kidneys appeared normal while livers were congested with mildly swollen hepatocytes and occasional binucleation. Focal lobular hepatitis was observed in all treated animals. However, hepatic enzymes were not significantly affected and no histopathological harmful effects were observed in kidney. In conclusion, methanolic extracts of A. africanus are safe up to 2,000 mg/kg BW. The obtained results could be used as a justification for the traditional application of the plant for treatment of various ailments.

Comparison of purified and crude extracted coagulants from plant species for turbidity removal

The coagulation properties of crude extracts and purified proteins of seeds of Moringa stenopetala and tubers of Maerua subcordata, which are locally used for purification of turbid water in Ethiopia, were studied. The turbidity removal effectiveness was compared using synthetic turbid and natural river water where the initial turbidity of synthetic water was approximately 260 NTU, whereas, for river water, the initial turbidity was 30 NTU. The active coagulants from the extracts were purified by the single-step and the two-step ion exchange (IEX) chromatography technique using 0.1, 0.3 and 0.6 M concentrations of NaCl solutions. The protein quantification of a single-step purified active coagulant eluted using 0.6 M showed that the protein content of the M. stenopetala extract was 1016 µg/mL, whereas the concentration of the M. subcordata extract was 700 µg/mL. The dose for coagulation using crude extracts and purified proteins of M. subcordata on surface water was 4 and 2 mg/L, respectively, with 85% of coagulation activity. In the case of M. stenopetala, 14 mg/L dose of crude extracts, which was seven times higher than that of the purified protein, was needed to obtain the desired residual turbidity (5 NTU). The results also indicated that in the two-step purified coagulants, the sludge volume was reduced compared to crude extracts and alum. In conclusion, active coagulants from seeds of M. stenopetala could be scaled up and used in water treatment technology, whereas purifying the extracts from M. subcordata is not required as the crude extracts performed equally well.

Development and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Herbal Extract: In Vivo Antidepressant Activity.

In alternate systems of medicine like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, Hibiscus rosa sinensis and its extracts have been traditionally prescribed for their antidepressant activity. Crude extracts and rudimentary formulations approaches are good for proof-of-concept studies; however, these formulations are fraught with problems like poor oral bioavailability and high variability between subjects. Systematic drug delivery approaches could prove effective in addressing some of these problems. In this study, we report the development of Hibiscus rosa sinensis extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (HSLNs) using glycerol monostearate or beeswax as lipids. The HSLNs were evaluated for their size, surface charge, and morphology. The optimized HSLNs were tested for antidepressant activity in male Swiss albino mice. It was found that, with the optimized procedure, HSLNs of ~175 nm, carrying negative charge and nearly spherical shape, could be obtained. The in vivo test results suggested that there were marked differences in the immobility times of the test animals. Moreover, with HSLNs, it was found that at doses several times lower than the native crude extract dose, similar pharmacological effect could be obtained. These initial findings suggest that encapsulating phytopharmaceuticals into advanced delivery systems like solid lipid nanoparticles can be an effective strategy in improving their in vivo performance.

Xanthium indicum koenig meyvelerinin metanolik ekstraktının fitokimyasal tarama ve farmakolojik araştırması

Objective: This study aimed to assess the thrombolytic, membrane stabilizing, and antinociceptive activities of the methanolic extract of Xanthium indicum Koenig fruits along with its phytochemical screening. Material and Methods: Qualitative analysis method is adopted to evaluate phytochemicals. In-vivo antinociceptive efficacy was assessed using acetic acid induced writhing method in mice model. In-vitro membrane stabilizing and thrombolytic test were done by % inhibition of hypotonic solution produced hemolysis and clot disruption assay respectively. Results: Crude methanolic extract was used for phytochemical screening which confirmed the presence of reducing sugars, tannin, saponin, protein, phenol and diterpenes. In antinociceptive activity test, 500 mg/kg dose of crude extract showed 40% inhibition of writhing, while 200mg/kg showed 22.64%. 10 mg/ml extract inhibit highest rate of hemolysis with a value of 51.79% in membrane stabilizing activity test; while for acetyl salicylic acid (0.10 mg/ml), this value was 71.35%. In thrombolytic activity test, 10 mg/ml plant extract showed 27.11% of clot-lysis, which was maximum among our tested concentration; however 40.08%lysiswas occurred by the standard drug streptokinase. In all cases, we found the dose dependant response. Tannin and flavonoid are known to be responsible for antinociceptive and thrombolytic response. Conclusion: As the methanolic extract of the fruits of X. indicum possess potential pharmacological effects, the plant should be scrutinized comprehensively to uncover the inherent bioactive components with their exact mechanism of action for the drug development program.

Anticoccidial activity of fruit peel of Punica granatum L.

In the interests of food safety and public health, plants and their compounds are now re-emerging as an alternative approach to treat parasitic diseases. Here, we studied the anticoccidial effect of different solvent extracts of the fruit peel of Punica granatum-a commercial waste from pomegranate juice industries. The hope underlying these experiments was to find a sustainable natural product for controlling coccidiosis. The plant extracts were prepared using solvents of different polarity. Acute oral toxicity study was first carried out to see the safety of crude extracts. A high dose of crude extracts (300 mg/kg body weight) was tested for possession of anticoccidial activity against experimentally induced coccidial infection in broiler chicken. Activity was measured in comparison to the reference drug amprolium on the basis of oocyst output reduction, mean weight gain of birds and feed conversion ratio. Oocyst output was measured using Mc-Masters counting technique. Acute oral toxicity study showed that crude extracts of P. granatum are safe up to dosage of 2000 mg/kg body weight. LD50 was not determined as mortalities were not recorded in any of the five groups of chicken. For anticoccidial activity crude methanolic extract (CME) of the fruit peel of P. granatum showed the maximum effect as evident by oocyst output reduction (92.8 ± 15.3), weight gain of birds (1403.0 ± 11.9 g) and feed conversion ratio (1.66 ± 0.04), thereby affirming the presence of alcohol soluble active ingredients in the plant. We also tested different doses (100–400 mg/kg body weight) of the CME of the fruit peel of P. granatum, the most active extract on E. tenella and observed a dose dependent effect. From the present study it can be concluded that alcoholic extract of the fruit peel of P. granatum has significant potential to contribute to the control of coccidian parasites of chicken.

Effect of Extracts of Khat (&lt;i&gt;Catha edulis &lt;/i&gt;F.) on Glucose Handling in Normoglycaemic, Diabetic, and Glucose Loaded Rodents

Khat (Catha edulis F., Celastraceae) is widely chewed for its euphoric effects and as recreational drug to improve performance. Although khat is also claimed to be useful in diabetic patients, conflicting results appear in the literature on the benefit of khat in managing diabetes. This study was therefore initiated to investigate the effect of khat on blood glucose homeostasis in rodents. Crude extract as well as flavonoid and alkaloid fractions of khat were used to investigate its effect in normoglycaemic, diabetic, and oral glucose loaded animals. Three doses of crude extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg), four doses of flavonoid fraction (50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg), and one dose of alkaloid fraction (200 mg/kg) were employed. Positive and negative controls were treated with 5 mg/kg glibenclamide and 2% Tween-80, respectively. Fractions and doses that provided prominent activity in diabetic mice were selected for oral glucose tolerance test. Blood was then taken from the tail vein at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h to determine blood glucose level using commercial one touch glucometer. The flavonoid fraction at 200 and 400 mg/kg (p &lt; 0.001) as well as the alkaloid fraction (p &lt; 0.05) and glibenclamide (p &lt; 0.05) produced a significant reduction in blood glucose level in normoglycaemic mice compared to the negative control. In diabetic mice, significant decline (p &lt; 0.05) was noted with 400 mg/kg of the crude extract, 50, 100 and 400 mg/kg of the flavonoid fraction, and glibenclamide. In glucose loaded rats, 400 mg/kg of the crude extract was the only group that significantly lowered (p &lt; 0.05) blood glucose level in comparison to vehicle-treated animals. Higher dose of the crude extract was shown to possess antidiabetic activity without producing hypoglycaemia. Antidiabetic effect could be primarily, if not exclusively, linked to the flavonoidal contents. However, since the flavonoid and alkaloid fractions were associated with hypoglycaemia, this effect seems to be counterbalanced by other constituents.Keywords: Catha edulis, flavonoids, alkaloids, blood glucose, diabetes

Anticoccidial activity of Artemisia vestita (Anthemideae, Asteraceae) - a traditional herb growing in the Western Himalayas, Kashmir, India.

Coccidiosis, caused by various species of genus Eimeria, is a major parasitic disease in chicken. The increasing resistance of these parasites to currently used anticoccidial drugs has stimulated the search for new methods of control. As part of this effort, a study was designed to see the anticoccidial effect of different solvent extracts of Artemisia vestita-a traditional herb growing in Kashmir Himalayas. The plant extracts were prepared using different solvents. Preliminary toxicity study was first carried out to see the safety of crude plant extracts. A high dose of crude extracts (300mg/kg body weight) was tested for possession of anticoccidial activity against experimentally induced coccidial infection in broiler chicken. Activity was measured in comparison to the reference drug amprolium on the basis of oocyst output reduction, mean weight gain of birds and feed conversion ratio. Oocyst output was measured using Mc-Masters counting technique. Preliminary toxicity study showed that crude extracts of A.vestita are safe up to dosage of 2000mg/kg body weight. LD50 was not determined as mortalities were not recorded in any of the five groups of chicken. For anticoccidial activity crude methanolic extract (CME) of A.vestita showed the maximum effect as evident by oocyst output reduction (71.5±12.2), weight gain of birds (1406.4±12.2) and feed conversion ratio (1.58±0.06), thereby affirming the presence of alcohol soluble active ingredients in the plant. We also tested different doses (100-400mg/kg body weight) of the CME of A.vestita, the most active extract on E.tenella and observed a dose dependent effect. From the present study it can be concluded that alcoholic extract of A.vestita has the immense potential to contribute to the control of coccidian parasites of chicken. Our results corroborate the use of genus Artemisia and could justify its use in folk medicine for treatment of parasitic diseases.