Eclipta Alba Research Articles

Evaluation of the potential anti-arthritic effects and evaluation of acute oral toxicity of the active fraction of Eclipta prostrata leaves in rat model

The primary goal of this research was to isolate and assess the bioactive compounds within Eclipta prostrata Linn’s chloroform extract, with a focus on their potential to combat arthritis, validating its traditional use. Initially, antioxidant characteristics were evaluated, followed by fractionation through column chromatography. The in-vivo safety assessment, following OECD TG 425 Guidelines, showed no mortality at doses up to 2000 mg/kg, confirming the fraction’s safety. Subsequently, the active fraction was assessed in a complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis model. It demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on inflammation and improved various parameters, including thermal latency time, dorsal flexion, motility, and motor coordination. Active bio constituents like rutin, stigmasterol, quercetin, and beta-sitosterol were estimated in the active fraction. The findings provide validation for the traditional use of E. prostrata as a potential plant with anti-arthritic properties, suggesting its potential suitability for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Effective weed control through post-emergence herbicides to enhance blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) productivity in South India

Pulses are essential components of vegetarian diet and play a pivotal role in addressing malnutrition by providing a vital source of dietary protein. However, weed competition remains as a significant obstacle to blackgram (Vigna mungo L) production, resulting in 25 to 35% yield losses. A field experiment was carried out at the National Pulses Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vamban, Pudukkottai, India during Kharif seasons of 2020 and 2021, to assess the suitable post-emergence herbicides for appropriate weed control in blackgram grown under irrigated conditions. The experimental field was observed to contain notable grass weed flora, specifically Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Chloris barbata, as well as broadleaved weeds, such as Flaveria australica, Cleome gynandra, Eclipta alba, Convolvulus arvensis, Digera arvensis, Vicia spp., and Celosia argentea. The results demonstrated that among the chemical weed management methods, spraying of Fomesafen @ 220 g + Fluzifop p-butyl @ 220 g ha−1 at 20 days after sowing (DAS) as a post-emergence herbicide treatment exhibited superior weed control efficiency, recording 66.80% and 68.53% at 30 and 45 DAS, respectively and recorded higher seed yield of 1088 kg ha−1. Additionally, this method generated 8.1% higher net income and 12.5% more benefit–cost ratio than hand weeding, making it an economically profitable strategy for maximizing blackgram yield and effective labour management.

Wedelolactone: A Natural Anti-inflammatory Coumarin Derivative

Medicinal herbs have been extensively studied and utilized for centuries in many developing countries as an effective approach to treat various diseases and health conditions. Wedelolactone (WDL), a key bioactive compound found in Eclipta prostrata (also known as Eclipta alba), has shown promising potential for promoting human health, particularly in combating chronic illnesses. However, a thorough investigation into the full range of WDL's pharmacological properties across different conditions has not yet been conducted. This review aims to highlight recent therapeutic research regarding the biological and functional activities of WDL in relation to major chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and androgenetic alopecia. We compiled relevant experimental data on WDL from trusted scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. In conclusion, WDL stands out as a potent antioxidant and a selective modulator of key proteins associated with chronic diseases. Given its therapeutic potential, further exploration of WDL’s pharmacological effects is strongly recommended.

Comprehensive Analysis of Sulfated Flavonoids in Eclipta prostrata for Quality Evaluation

Eclipta prostrata (Asteraceae) is employed as a hemostatic agent in many traditional medicines, owing to its sulfated flavonoid content. In this study, we obtained crude drug samples from three provinces collected in different years and analyzed their sulfated flavonoid contents using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) for quality evaluation. Because sulfated flavonoids are unstable and difficult to isolate from extracts, this study first synthesized a variety of sulfated flavonoids and accumulated spectral data in order to identify the compounds in E. prostrata. The LC–MS analysis of six crude drug samples revealed the presence of luteolin 7-sulfate, apigenin 7-sulfate, diosmetin 7-sulfate, and diosmetin 3′-sulfate. The samples without luteolin 3′-sulfate featured high apigenin 7-sulfate content. Although the samples were collected from the same locality, their compositions differed depending on the year of collection. Further, they were classified according to three patterns: (1) samples with luteolin 7-sulfate as the main component, (2) samples with apigenin 7-sulfate as the main component, and (3) samples with relatively high diosmetin sulfate content. Luteolin 7-sulfate typically exhibits relatively high erythrocyte aggregation efficiency and fibrinogen aggregation rate. These results demonstrate that the analysis of sulfated flavonoids is beneficial for the quality evaluation of E. prostrata for hemostatic applications.

Wedelolactone alleviates inflammation and cartilage degeneration by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway in osteoarthritis

Inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation are two major factors involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Wedelolactone, a natural compound classified as a coumestan, is isolated from the medicinal plants Eclipta alba and Wedelia calendulacea. In this study, we assessed the protective effects of Wedelolactone on chondrocytes in OA. Our findings show that pretreatment with Wedelolactone effectively inhibited the IL-1β-induced upregulation of COX‑2, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL6 in chondrocytes, contributing to inflammation suppression. Moreover, pretreatment with Wedelolactone followed by IL-1β treatment significantly increased the expression of Collagen II and SOX9, while decreasing the expression of Adamts5, MMP1, MMP3, and MMP13, thereby promoting ECM protection. Through Network pharmacology Analysis, we identified 14 key targets that link Wedelolactone and OA. GO and KEGG pathway analysis suggested that Wedelolactone primarily impacted OA by targeting inflammatory responses, particularly the NF-κB signaling pathway. Further studies demonstrated Wedelolactone prevented IL-1β-induced activation of NF-κB signaling pathway by inhibiting the translocation of p65 and the preventing the degradation of IκBα in human chondrocytes. Molecular docking studies also indicated that Wedelolactone can directly bind to the NF-κB complex, thereby inhibited the nuclear localization of p65. In vivo experiments demonstrated that Wedelolactone can alleviate cartilage damage in DMM mice model. In summary, Wedelolactone appears to mitigate inflammation and cartilage degeneration by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby alleviating OA progression. Our results suggested Wedelolactone may offer therapeutic advantages for OA treatment.

Green synthesis of bimetallic Ag-ZnO nanocomposite using polyherbal extract for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity

The current research has involved to develop nanoparticles (NPs) of zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with silver (Ag) through an eco-friendly method. Eclipta prostrate (EP), Eclipta alba (EA), and Tridax procumbans (TP) are subjected to Soxhlet extraction using ethyl acetate. Alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols were quantified using standard methods. Polyherbal extract was used to synthesize silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites (Ag-ZnO NCs) via the sol-gel method. The reduction of metal ions was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Polyherbal plants are found to have higher concentrations of phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids than indigenous plants. Ag-ZnO NCs functional group has been identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy. UV–vis spectroscopy revealed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of silver nanoparticles at 463–477 nm and zinc oxide nanoparticles at 266–267 nm. For Ag-ZnO NCs, the SPR peak was observed at 450 nm. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the spherical morphology of the Ag-ZnO NCs. The anti-microbial activity of the formulated Ag-ZnO NCs was more effective than the extract against all tested pathogens. The most effective antimicrobial activities are achieved for Ag-ZnO NCs at 50 µg and 200 µg for extract. Biosynthesized nanoparticles exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory effect of 68% at a low concentration of 500 µg/mL, greater than the efficacy of diclofenac sodium. Additionally, the synthesized Ag-ZnO nanoparticle demonstrated its stability for 90 days and showed strong antimicrobial properties.

Synthesis of Palladium Nanomaterials Using Plant Leaf Extract and their Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities against Organic Dyes

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to carry out the green synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) using the aqueous leaves extract of Eclipta alba. The appearance of a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 410 nm confirmed the synthesis of Pd NPs. Method: The average particle sizes of 13 nm were observed by using the leaf concentrations of 10 mL with a certain amount of PdCl2 (0.001 M) at 25 ̊ C. The Pd NPs, as synthesized under the optimized conditions (10 mL extract + 60 ̊ C + 0.001 M PdCl2), were spherical in shape, small in size, and uniformly distributed, as depicted by HR-TEM images. Results: FTIR, XRD, DLS, and zeta potential further confirmed the formation of Pd NPs. The Pd NPs synthesized at optimized conditions exhibited strong catalytic activity in dye Eosin yellow, Rose Bengal, Tartrazine, and Ponceau S degradation by discoloration of dyes in 3 hrs. The removal of all dyes by the Pd NPs was optimized by varying specific operating parameters, such as initial dye concentration, solution pH, irradiation time, and temperature. Conclusion: This high activity of Pd NPs may be due to their small size, high dispersion, and surface- capping phytochemicals. result: Bio-fabrication of metallic Pd NPs using different plant extracts compared to other reducing agents is more scalable, rapid, and cost-effective for generating bulk nanoparticles. The phytochemical principles, such as phytoconstituents, reduce the PdCl2 to Pd NPs and are implicated in the capping and stability of the nanoparticles. Hence, the leaves of Eclipta alba have different polyols and are well known. Apart from this, hydroxyl groups in phenolic compounds may participate in the bio-reduction of PdCl2. Such compounds can chelate metal ions to form their quinones form, which is an intermediate palladium complex. Then, stabilization of the intermediate form and reduction of Pd2+ to Pd0 occurred due to free electrons or nascent hydrogen produced during the bio-reduction reaction. Finally, Pd-NPs were prepared due to the collision of neighboring Pd0 atoms. These significant conjugations exist in the keto-enol system within the quinone form of the compound.

Novel 3D Printed Biomaterials Based on Fish Scale Collagen and Plant Extracts and Its Hemostatic Efficacy

AbstractThis study focused on 3D printing‐preparation of novel biomaterials based on fish scale collagen and the following plant extracts: Eclipta alba L. Hassk leaf (EA), Piper betle L. leaf (PB), Perilla frutescens L. Britt leaf (PF), and Styphnolobium japonicum L. Schott flower bud (SJ). The characterizations of the obtained biomaterials were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy and stereo microscopy. Additionally, assessments of the biomaterials were conducted on the water contact angle, simulated body fluid contact angle, scratch resistance, color changes, and swelling degree in simulated body fluid. Furthermore, in‐vitro blood clotting time and the anti‐inflammatory ability of these biomaterials were also performed. The results indicated that the plant extracts contributed to modifying collagen, significantly improving the scratch resistance and water contact angle of the collagen/plant extract biomaterials. The plant extracts were dispersed consistently with the collagen matrix, impacting the vibrations of specific functional groups of collagen. Collagen/plant extract dressings exhibited great biocompatibility and anti‐inflammatory. The in‐vitro tests demonstrated that the ethanol EA extract notably enhanced the hemostatic effectiveness of collagen, suggesting the potential of collagen/plant extract biomaterials in hemostatic applications.

EVALUATION OF WALNUT GREEN HUSK, CAPPARIS SPINOSA, CISTANCHES HERBA, ECLIPTA PROSTRATA, SCUTELLARIA BARBATA, SARGENTODOXA CUNEATA, AND SOPHORA FLAVESCENS EXTRACTS AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS, ESCHERICHIA COLI, AND SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS

Herbs are widely used in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses in humans and animals. They contain an array of natural antibacterial compounds and possess potent antibacterial properties, making them a promising source of low-toxicity, high-efficiency alternative antimicrobial agents that are less likely to develop drug resistance. In this experiment, total phenols and flavonoids, free radical scavenging ability of extracts derived from seven traditional Chinese herbs, including walnut (Juglans regia) green husk, Cistanche herba, Capparis spinosa, Eclipta prostrata, Sophora flavescens, Scutellaria barbata, and Sargentodoxa cuneata, were investigated. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis were assessed. The results showed that the concentrations of total phenols and flavonoids of the seven extracts ranged from 5.45 to 226.89 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mL and 7.34 to 428.04 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/mL, respectively. S. cuneata extract exhibited the highest contents of total phenols and flavonoids, which were significantly higher than those of the other herbs extract (P < 0.05). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging rates of the extracts were ranged from 28.25% to 85.33%. The extracts from S. cuneata and E. prostrata showed the highest antioxidant activity as compared to other extracts (P < 0.05). Extract from the walnut green husk possessed the best antibacterial properties against S. aureus and S. enteritidis with inhibition zone diameters of 13.05 and 8.59 mm, respectively, which were significantly greater than those of the other herbal extracts (P < 0.05). For E. coli, S. barbata extract displayed the highest antibacterial activity of with a diameter of inhibition zone of 9.83 mm. Based on the findings of the current study, it is concluded that the extracts from S. cuneata and E. prostrata exhibited favorable antioxidant capacity and the extracts derived from the walnut green husk and S. barbata have the potential to serve as alternatives for antibiotics. Keywords: Herbs, phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, antibacterial properties

Cross-species substitution matrix comparison of Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) with medicinal plant isolates

The main objective of this study was to estimate and compare substitution matrixes of nucleotide frequencies for Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) with recently identified begomoviral isolates from two medicinal false daisy (Eclipta prostrata) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. The ToLCNDV has become a significant limitation to vegetables production in many countries. A polymerase chain reaction was conducted to conserve the existence of begomoviral infection. The acquired amplicon was amplified using primers appropriate to the sequence in order to retrieve the full genome. The sequence analysis has confirmed the presence of ToLCNDV in symptomatic plants. The complete genome sequence having a 2.6–2.7 kb entire genome of ToLCNDV was obtained. An investigation of the phylogenetic and evolutionary history has verified the connection between this virus and other closely related viruses. The available nucleotide frequencies of codon regions (A, T/U, C, G) with newly isolates revealed 20–28% substitution matrixes. There was a minimal difference of nucleotide frequencies’ with already submitted database of this virus. Substitution matrixes, which quantify the probability of nucleotide substitutions evolving over a period of time, offer valuable information about mutation patterns and the forces driving evolution. This comparative analysis enhanced the comprehension of the genetic diversity of ToLCNDV and its possible consequences on medicinal plants. It also assisted in the formulation of efficient control measures and the preservation of begomoviruses in medicinal plant biodiversity. The information presented here is highly valuable for understanding the ToLCNDV biology and epidemiology, and it would also assist in disease management in the future.

Exploration of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Potential of Eclipta prostrata Leaf Extract

Background: Eclipta prostrate also recognized as Bhringaraja is an annual herbaceous plant, commonly known as king of hairs. It is an erect or prostrate, much branched, roughly hairy, annual, rooting at the nodes; the leaves are opposite, sessile and lanceolate belonging to family Asteraceae. This plant is a significant medicinal plant in the tropical and subtropical areas. It is broadly used in treating different diseases of skin, liver and stomach in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and other countries. Methods: The main aim of this work was to collect and analyze the available information on traditional uses, phytoconstituents and biological activities of E. prostrata. Eclipta prostrata L. methanol extract was evaluated for its phytochemical compounds, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and antibacterial activity. Result: Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, glycoproteins and volatile oil the total saponin content was found to be 84.175 ± 0.575 in mg/g equivalent of diosgenin. The results of antioxidant activity measured by the FRAP method revealed stronger reducing power of the extract. Further antibacterial activity was observed against K. pneumoniae and S. aureus in potential of inhibiting the tested microorganisms. Crude methanolic extract of E. prostrate recorded a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2 mg/ml. The results of current study suggested that antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity could be due to polyphenols, however chiefly by various active compounds or substances present in the extract. Further isolation, characterization and identification of the potential phytochemical compound from crude extract needs to be addressed.

Eclipta prostrata improves alveolar development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia via suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome in a DLD-dependent manner.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the most common late morbidity in preterm infants, is characterized by impaired alveolar development caused by persistent lung inflammation. Studies have shown that NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated inflammation is critically involved in the development of BPD. As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Eclipta prostrata (EAP) exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties. Our study aims to investigate whether EAP could improve the lung development of BPD by suppressing the lung inflammatory response. The BPD rat model was established by intra-amniotic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and postnatal exposure to hyperoxia. Changes in the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis were assessed by treatment with EAP. The effect of EAP on the NLRP3 inflammasome was tested in vitro using the THP-1 cell line and primary alveolar macrophages. Proteomics analysis was used to elucidate the mechanism of action of EAP. Histopathological and immunofluorescence results of lung tissues revealed that LPS and hyperoxia induced lung injury and triggered NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in alveolar macrophages. EAP ameliorated BPD lung injury, inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reduced gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression in alveolar macrophages. EAP downregulated the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway molecules (NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β) and GSDMD in LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages and primary alveolar macrophages. In addition, proteomics analysis identified that dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) interacted with EAP. Inhibition of DLD activity abolished the protective effects of EAP. Our study suggested that EAP could attenuate arrest of alveolar development via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome in a DLD-dependent way, and could be a potential therapeutic method for BPD.

Antipyretic activity of the anti-Dengue herbal formula on yeast-induced pyrexia mice

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is characterised by fever, hemorrhage, and plasma leakage, which can lead to hypovolemic shock, coagulation disorders, and organ failure. If not diagnosed early and treated promptly, Dengue hemorrhagic fever can easily lead to death. Through many years of practice, traditional medicine has been shown to be effective in treating Dengue fever at the level of Dengue hemorrhagic fever (according to the World Health Organization - 2020 classification). The anti-Dengue herbal formula (bamboo leaves, spica prunellae, false daisy, cogongrass, cacumen platycladi, and honeysuckle flowers) was recommended by Professor Bui Chi Hieu for treatment of the febrile phase of Dengue hemorrhagic fever. Both ethanol and water extracts exhibited significant antipyretic effects on yeast-induced pyrexia mice at all tested dose levels. The aqueous extract (at 2.8 and 1.4 g/kg body weight dose), the ethanolic extract (at 2.45 and 4.9 g/kg body weight dose), and the reference drug paracetamol (150 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) reduced the increased rectal temperature as compared to the control.

Bithiophene and coumestan derivatives from Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. and their hepatoprotective activity

One new bithiophene derivative, 5-(but-3-en-1-yn-1-yl)-5′-(methoxymethyl)-2,2′-bithiophene (1), along with twelve known compounds, senecioester (2), tiglinsaureester (3), 5-acetoxymethyl-2′-(but-3-en-1-yn-1-yl)-2,5′-bithiophene (4), 5-(4-isovaleroyloxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2′-bithiophene (5), 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,5′:2′,5′′)-terthienyl tiglate (6), 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,5′:2′,5′′)-terthienyl agelate (7), 5- hydroxymethyl-2,5′:2′,5′′-terthiophene dimethylacrylate (8), 5-methoxymethyl-2,2′:5′,2′′-terthiophene (9), α-terthiophene (10), 1,3,8,9-tetrahydroxycoumestan 3-sulfate (11), demethylwedelolactone (12), and wedelolactone (13) were isolated from the methanol extract of aerial parts of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. All isolated compounds were evaluated for the protective ability on the HepG2 cells. At the concentration of 100 μM, compounds 11-13 showed the highest hepatoprotective effects, with HepG2 cell viability ranging from 38.68% to 48.54%. Bithiophenes showed higher hepatoprotective cell viability than terthiophenes.

REVIEW: THE POTENTIAL OF HERBAL PLANTS AS ANTI-ALOPECIA MEDICINES

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common dermatological condition that affects up to 2% of the world's population. It is often caused by genetic factors, such as male or female pattern baldness, but can also be attributed to various environmental factors, an imbalanced diet, or chronic illnesses. While hair loss is not life-threatening, it can lead to significant anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues, ultimately affecting one's quality of life. Various treatments for baldness, including synthetic drugs like minoxidil and finasteride, or herbal remedies, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Although synthetic drugs are effective, they may come with potential side effects. Natural remedies have been proposed as a viable option for treating baldness because many chronic disorders can lead to alopecia. Therefore, this review focuses on identifying efficient alternative treatment agents with limited side effects. Specifically, it considers medicinal plants as potential healing agents for treating baldness. To gather relevant information for this study, several databases were searched, including Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Comprehensive searches were conducted using various search terms, such as "baldness," "alopecia," "natural remedies for baldness," "herbal treatment for baldness," and others, to extract relevant scientific articles. Many medicinal plants and natural compounds have shown potential for reducing baldness, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. According to existing literature, extracts of medicinal plants and formulations derived from plants, such as Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk, Arctium lappa L., Centella asiatica L., Morinda citrifolia, Acorus calamus var. angustatus, Alpinia zerumbet, ...

Wedelolactone from Eclipta prostrata (L) L. suppresses inflammation and improves insulin resistance

Objective: To evaluate the effects of wedelolactone, a major flavonoid from Vietnamese Eclipta prostrata (L) L., on inflammation and insulin resistance. Methods: Wedelolactone was extracted from the leaves of Vietnamese Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. with methanol by Soxhlet. The effects of wedelolactone on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activities in Raw 264.7 cells were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), specific immunofluorescent dyes and luminometric analysis, respectively. In addition, its effects on glucose uptake and the protein expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) were examined in 3T3-L1 cells by immunofluorescent dyes and Western blot. Results: Wedelolactone at 30 μg/mL significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 (P<0.01) with no noticeable effects on IL-10 level. It also reduced ROS generation and NADPH oxidase activities in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells (P<0.01). Furthermore, wedelolactone showed anti-insulin resistance activity, as evidenced by improved glucose uptake and the upregulated expression of IRS1 and GLUT4 in 3T3-L1 cells (P<0.01). Conclusions: Wedelolactone exhibits anti-inflammation and anti-insulin resistance effects, which may be used for the treatment of diabetes and inflammation-associated diseases.

Cadmium content, metabolite profile, biological properties of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk plant exposed to elevated cadmium in soil

Cadmium (Cd), a highly mobile and hazardous toxic heavy metal negatively affects plant’s yield by regulating synthesis of biomolecules, involved in both physiological and biochemical activities. The present study investigated the Cd content, metabolite profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of methanolic leaf extracts (MLEs) of Eclipta alba L., plant exposed to elevated soil Cd (eCdS). The tested plants were grown in earthen pot and were weekly treated with Cd as CdCl2. H20 (20 mg/L) till 70 days after the plant transplantation. The results showed that eCdS significantly elevated Cd content in root and shoot tissue of E. alba plant (91 % and 94 %, respectively) as compared to the control. UHPLC-HRMS profile of MLEs revealed a significant decrease in the amino acids and its derivatives with an increased level of phenolic contents, fatty acids, and lipids. Metabolites in MLEs were also upregulated and downregulated (31 and 98, respectively) by an eCdS. An eCdS further increased both total phenolics and total flavonoids content in MLEs of E. alba by 71 % and 31 %, respectively over the control. In-vitro antioxidant activities in MLEs were also found to be significantly increased due to eCdS as DPPH > ABTS > FRAP (30 %, 26 % and 21 %, respectively) as compared to the control. Cd treated plant’s MLEs also revealed maximum reduction in an inhibition zone of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), among the tested bacterial strains. The present study concludes that eCdS led to the significant changes in the metabolite profile, phenolics content and biological activities of E. alba’s MLEs suggesting its ameliorating role in improving the medicinal value of E. alba plant. However, direct consumption of raw material of E. alba plant is not recommended due to high accumulation of Cd in its different parts.

Ethno-Medicobotanical Survey in Dharwad-Plants Used for Jaundice

Dharwad district is situated at an elevation of 678 m. above MSL. This district is adjacent to Western Ghats. There are several herbal practitioners who depend mostly on the locally available plants. There is no published data on the ethno-medico botanical study of this district and hence an extensive survey was undertaken between 1999-2001. More than 200 traditional herbal practitioners were contacted, amongst whom 54 are effectively treating the jaundice. Twenty five species belonging to 18 families used for curing jaundice in Dharwad district of Karnataka have been recorded. Amongst these species, the most commonly used are Eclipta prostrata L., Plumbago zeylanica L., Ricinus communis L., Balanites aegyptlaca (L) Delile., Phyllanthus niruri L . and Tinospora cordifolia Miers. The method of preparation of medicines disclosed by few of the practitioners are discussed.

Cytological Studies on the Tribe <i>Helianthoideae</i> (Asteraceae)

Cytological investigations on 7 taxa of the tribe Helianthoideae (Asteraceae) reveal certain interesting features. Meiotic counts reported here are all normal, forming regular bivalents. Karyotypes show homogeneity with graded types of chromosome complement. The occurrence of tetraploid species of Tridax procumbens L. (n = 18) is of interest. The reports of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (n = 11, 2n = 22), Tathonia tagetiflora Desf. ex Juss. (n=17), Xanthium strumarium L. (n = 18) are confirmatory nature. Aneuploid variations are also noted in some cases.

Ethnobotanical evaluation and Traditional uses of medicinal flora used to treat various ailments by local inhabitants

BackgroundThe utilization of medicinal plants and their recipes is widespread across global healthcare systems, particularly prevalent in developing nations. This study focused on ethnomedicinal practices concerning wild flora in the Vehari district of Punjab, Pakistan. MethodsEmploying a semi-structured questionnaire and the Rapid Appraisal Approach (RAA) through in-person interviews, data were collected from a diverse sample of 348 informants, including 115 women and 233 men. ResultsThe study documented twenty-three wild medicinal plant species spanning seventeen plant families, with Fabaceae representing a significant portion of the collected specimens. Notably, whole plants, predominantly leaves, emerged as the primary ingredients in medicinal recipes, emphasizing the importance of these botanical resources in traditional healing practices. The highest Informant consensus factor (ICF) was 0.985, recorded for dandruff, anti-allergic, and fever. Parthenium hysterophorus, Eclipta prostrata, and Citrullus colocynthsis had the highest Use value (UV) i.e., 0.733. The highest Fidelity level (FL) was calculated for Peganum harmala (100%), Parthenium hysterophorus, Eclipta prostrata, and Citrullus colocynthsis (73.33), against joint pain and liver disease, which corresponds to the abundance of these ailments. The highest Jaccard index (JI) was calculated for district Bahawalnagar (17.8), District Vehari (16.27), District Layyah (16.09), and India (10.6), which corresponds to the similarity index with said areas. The following fifteen species were identified with new traditional recipes: Calotropis procera, Chenopodium murale, Citrullus colcynthesis, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus relegiosa, Fagonia indica, Azadirachta indica, Melia azedarach, Acacia nilotica, Cuscuta reflexa, Eclipta prostrata, Corchorus depressus, Fumaria indica, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Peganum harmala. ConclusionThe findings reveal a rich diversity of plant species utilized for various ailments, with a notable emphasis on the utilization of whole plants, particularly leaves, in medicinal recipes. Moreover, the identification of new traditional recipes for several plant species suggests potential avenues for the discovery of innovative phytotherapeutic compounds, highlighting the importance of continued research in this field.