Ethanol Extract Of Bark Research Articles

Phytochemical profile and determination of cytotoxicity, acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Pseudobombax marginatum (A. St.-Hil.) A. Robyns

ABSTRACT Pseudobombax marginatum, popularly known as “embiratanha,” is widely used by traditional communities as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical profile as well as cytotoxicity, acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity attributed to exposure to aqueous (AqEx) and ethanolic (EtEx) extracts of embiratanha bark. Phytochemical screening was conducted using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Cell viability was analyzed using MTT assay with human mammary gland adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) and macrophage (J774A.1) cell lines, exposed to concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 µg/ml of either extract. For acute oral toxicity, comet assay and micronucleus (MN) tests, a single dose of 2,000 mg/kg of either extract was administered orally to Wistar rats. TLC analysis identified classes of metabolites in the extracts, including cinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins, condensed tannins, coumarins, and terpenes/steroids. In the cytotoxicity assay, the varying concentrations of extracts derived from embiratanha induced no significant alterations in the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells. The lowest concentration of EtEx significantly increased macrophage J774A.1 viability. However, the higher concentrations of AqEx markedly lowered macrophage J774A.1 viability. Animals exhibited no toxicity in the parameters analyzed in acute oral toxicity, comet assay, and MN tests. Further, EtEx promoted a significant reduction in DNA damage index and DNA damage frequency utilizing the comet assay, while the group treated with AqEx exhibited no marked differences. Thus, data demonstrated that AqEx or EtEx of embiratanha may be considered safe at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg orgally under our experimental conditions tested.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxicity Against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Lines of <i>Phyllanthus emblica</i> L. Bark Extract

Background: The euphorbiaceous plant family includes Phyllanthus emblica, which demonstrates a variety of pharmacological qualities. Aim: This study aims to investigate any potential medical benefits that the Phyllanthus emblica tree’s bark may have. Methods: An aqueous extract was made with sterile water, and alcohol-based extracts were obtained by macerating with 100% ethanol. Different extraction parameters were changed to evaluate their impact on polyphenol extraction, such as the concentrations of ethanol and aqueous extracts. The phosphomolybdate method was used to assess antioxidant activity and Total Phenol Content (TPC). Both ethanolic and aqueous extracts were found to have antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was used to compare the extracts’ metabolite profiles. The MTT assay was employed to detect cell growth and survival, and the ethanolic bark extract showed potential cytotoxic action against the MCF 7 cancer cell line. Result: The results of the aforementioned tests showed that the ethanolic bark extract had greater antibacterial activity than the aqueous extract. Furthermore, the MTT assay showed that the ethanolic bark extract may have cytotoxic effects on the cancer cell line MCF 7. Conclusion: In summary, more research is necessary to completely understand the antibacterial and chemotherapeutic effects of the active ingredients, opening the door for their possible development as effective anticancer treatments.

Influence of seasonality and habitat on chemical composition, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial properties of the Libidibia ferrea

Libidibia ferrea Mart, belonging to the Fabacee family, is a medicinal plant known for its biological properties and production of phenolic compounds. Previous studies reveal the biological activity of its phenolic constituents, making it very promising for the development of new medicines. Seasonality and geographic distribution of species can modify the production of secondary metabolites in Fabaceae species in terms of the preferentially activated metabolic pathways and, consequently, interfere with the medicinal properties of these species. Studying the influence of seasonality on the production of phenolic constituents is essential to establish conditions for “cultivation,” species collection, standardization, production, and safety in traditional medicine. This unprecedented study proposed to evaluate the influence of seasonal variations and habitat on the production of phenolic compounds and biological properties of the ethanolic extracts of the stem bark from L. ferrea, whose specimens were collected from the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest, biomes of Brazil. Antimicrobial activity was determined by broth microdilution. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through a colorimetric assay using MTT. ABTS and DPPH radical reduction methods estimated antioxidant capacities. Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 spectrophotometric methods quantified total phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. In turn, radial diffusion quantified tannin content. PCA score plot and HCA dendogram were obtained by multivariate analysis of 1H NMR data. The cytotoxicity against C6 glioma cells was observed only for Atlantic Forest extracts (EC50 = 0.13–0.5 mg mL−1). These extracts also showed selectivity against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) [MICs 500–2000 μg mL−1], B. cereus CCT 0096) [MIC = 250 μg mL−1], Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) [MICs = 250–500 μg mL−1], S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228) [62.5–1000 μg mL−1], mainly to Staphylococcus sp. Caatinga extracts showed higher production of flavonoids and antioxidants in the summer [7.36 ± 0.19 μg QE mg−1 extract; IC50ABTS = 4.86 ± 0.05 μg mL−1], spring [5.96 ± 0.10 μg QE mg−1 extract; IC50ABTS = 5.96 ± 0.08 μg mL−1 ], winter [4.89 ± 0.25 μg QE mg−1 extract; IC50ABTS = 6.72 ± 0.08 μg mL−1 ]. Regarding habitat, two discriminating compound patterns in the studied biomes were revealed by NMR. The results indicated that the Caatinga biome offers better conditions for activating the production of phenolics [336.34 ± 18.1 μgGAE mg−1 extract], tannins [328.38 ± 30.19 μgTAE mg−1 extract] in the summer and flavonoids in winter, spring, and summer. The extracts that showed the best antioxidant activities were also those from the Caatinga. In turn, extracts from the Atlantic Forest are more promising for discovering antibacterial compounds against Staphylococcus sp and cytotoxic for C6 glioma cells. These findings corroborated the traditional use of L. ferrea bark powder for treating skin wounds and suggest the cytotoxic potential of these extracts for glioblastoma cell lines.

Comparative Study of Cow Urine Extract and Hydroalcoholic Extract for In-Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Nycanthesarbos-Tritis Leaves

Nyctanthesarbor-tristis, commonly referred to as "Night jasmine," is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. to evaluate Nyctanthesarbor-tristis ethanolic bark extract's potential for anti-inflammatory properties. The results of the preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannin, glycosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids. distinct amounts: 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 µg/ml. Nyctanthesarbor-tristis was used to consider the denaturation of albumin during in-vitro anti inflammatory exercises. The results suggested that the presence of the flavonoid quercetin in Nyctanthesarbor-tristis was logically responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, it can be used as a possible source ofanti-inflammatory agent.

Discovery of new antibiotics using AI-guided spectroscopy and 3D drug-protein computer simulation technologies to combat MDR bacteria-associated mortality

Multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and totally drug-resistant bacteria can cause sepsis and death in patients due to their ability to inactivate most antibiotics, including ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin. This paper aims to review recent advancements in synthetic antibiotics, lantibiotics, and phytoantibiotics and to present our research on phytoantibiotics, specifically focusing on CU1 and NU2. While third- and fifth-generation synthetic antibiotics such as meropenem, moxifloxacin, amikacin, and tigecycline are currently relied upon for treating MDR infections, research is underway to develop peptide antibiotics known as lantibiotics (e.g., nisins, bacteriocins, and salivaricins). Lantibiotics such as nisin-A and salivaricin-B have demonstrated efficacy in curing numerous MDR infections, while phytochemicals such as artemisinin and quinine have shown effectiveness against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum infections (malaria). In our study, we utilized techniques such as mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI) and computer simulation technologies to determine the structure of phytochemicals. Our results revealed that CU1, derived from Cassia fistula bark ethanol extract, exhibits potent antibiotic activity against XDR bacteria by targeting the RNA polymerases of Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Consequently, our MDR-Cure extract containing CU1 represents a promising antibacterial Ayurvedic medicine specifically tailored for skin and nail infections. Similarly, NU2 poly-fluorophosphate-glycosides from Suregada multiflora roots ethanol extract exhibited strong inhibitory effects on XDR bacteria by targeting DNA topoisomerase I. Recently, many cyclic peptide antibiotics have been synthesized in vitro using computer-guided AI technologies to predict 3D drug-enzyme interactions and are currently undergoing clinical trials. Our ultimate goal is to combat XDR bacteria-associated deaths, which are predicted to escalate as we approach 2050.

Antimicrobial of Ethanolic Extract from Marpuyan Stem Bark (Rhodamnia cinerea Jack)

The Bark of Marpuyan Tree (Rhodamnia cinerea Jack) is a plant that has been empirically used by communities in Indonesia for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria and fungi. The bark of Marpuyan contains flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the ethanol extract of the bark of Marpuyan using the disc diffusion method at various extract concentrations, namely 30%, 25%, 15%, 10%, and 5%. The results of the antibacterial activity test against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis) showed inhibitory zones with respective diameters of 11.67±0.21 mm, 12.29±0.43 mm, and 12.78±0.14 mm. These results indicate weak antibacterial activity. In the antibacterial activity test against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi), inhibitory zones were found with respective diameters of 13.05±0.05 mm, 12.58±1.78 mm, and 10.98±0.21 mm. These results also indicate weak antibacterial activity. However, in the antifungal activity test, no activity was found against Candida albicans and Malassezia furfur. Nevertheless, the ethanol extract of Marpuyan bark showed moderate antifungal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, with an inhibitory zone diameter of 15.44±2.02 mm.

In vitro and in vivo antimalarial activities of the ethanol extract of Erythrina sigmoidea stem bark used for the treatment of malaria in the Western Region of Cameroon

BackgroundMalaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and/or mortality in tropical Africa. The spread and development of resistance to chemical antimalarial drugs and the relatively high cost of the latter are problems associated with malaria control and are reasons to promote the use of plants to meet healthcare needs to treat malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate antiplasmodial activities of extracts of Erythrina sigmoidea (Mah quat), which is traditionally used for the treatment of malaria in the western region of Cameroon.Material and methodsThe ethanol extract of E. sigmoidea stem bark was obtained through the maceration process using 95% ethanol, while the aqueous extract was prepared by infusion. The in vitro antiplasmodial effect of extracts against P. falciparum chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains was determined using the Trager and Jensen method. On the other hand, the in vivo antimalarial activity of the extract was evaluated in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei strain NK65 using the Peters’ 4-day suppressive test and Ryley test (curative test). A total of 36 mice were used, subdivided into six groups of six mice each: one normal control, a negative control, a positive control, and three other groups for the tested product. Blood samples were collected on the 10th day of each test for hematological parameters.ResultsThe aqueous extract had an in vitro antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive strain with an IC50 of 29.51 ± 3.63 µg/mL and against the chloroquine-resistant strain with an IC50 of 35.23 ± 3.17 µg/mL. The highest in vitro antiplasmodial activity was observed with the ethanol extract against the chloroquine-sensitive strain with an IC50 of 6.44 ± 0.08 µg/mL and against the chloroquine-resistant strain with an IC50 of 7.53 ± 0.22 µg/mL. The ethanol extract demonstrated suppressive activity in vivo with reduction rates of 87.69%, 86.79%, and 81.08% at doses of 500 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 125 mg/kg, respectively; and curative activity in vivo with reduction rates of 80%, 78.5%, and 77.5% at doses of 500 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 125 mg/kg, respectively. The number of white blood cells in the negative control (44.55 ± 5.02 103/µL) was higher compared to the other groups. As for the red blood cells, we observed a massive destruction of the latter in the infected and untreated group (5.82 ± 1.50 106/µL) compared to the infected and ethanol extract-treated groups (8.74 ± 1.57 106/µL for 500 mg/kg, 7.54 ± 1.77 106/µL for 250 mg/kg, and 8.9 ± 1.50 106/µL for 125 mg/kg).ConclusionThis study provides scientific data on the use of E. sigmoidea by the local population for the treatment of malaria. It shows that E. sigmoidea has antiplasmodial activity, and we also see that there are differences between the parameters that we have in the treated groups and those of the untreated group. However, toxicity tests are necessary to assess its safety.

Antiseizure Activity of Mitragyna inermis in the Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizure Model in Mice: Involvement of Flavonoids and Alkaloids.

This study aimed to investigate whether Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) Otto Kuntze organic and aqueous extracts are able to control seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in mice based on flavonoid fingerprints and alkaloidal contents. Ethanolic extract and decoction-derived fractions from roots, leaves, and stems were subjected to chromatographic fingerprinting using AlCl3 and screening for their antiseizure effects using PTZ-induced acute seizure model. From the fractions that showed potent bioactivities, plausible antiseizure alkaloids were isolated using thin layer chromatography, and their structures were elucidated using 1H NMR, 2D NMR, 13C NMR, and FAB-HR (+ve or -ve). All fractions, with the exception of the dichloromethane and hexane fractions, revealed remarkable flavonoid fingerprints. An acute PTZ-induced seizure test revealed that ethanolic extract of stem bark [500 mg/kg body weight (bw)], ethyl acetate extract of stem bark (500 mg/kg bw), and aqueous extract of leaves (300 mg/kg bw) significantly delayed the occurrence of hind limb tonic extension (HLTE); however, a non-significant delay was observed in the onset of first myoclonic jerk compared with control animals. Isolation yielded four main alkaloids: that are, pteropodine (1), isopteropodine (2), mitraphylline (3) and corynoxeine (4). Corynoxeine is a new compound derived from M. inermis. This study suggests that flavonoid fingerprints are tracers of M. inermis anticonvulsant ingredients. The stem bark ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts and leaf aqueous extracts contain anticonvulsant bioactive principles that delay notifying the HLTE occurring in male naval medical research institute mice. Furthermore, alkaloidal contents also remain plausible bioactive anticonvulsant principles. All observations support the traditional use of M. inermis to manage epilepsy. However, further studies are needed to understand the effects of alkaloid fractions, flavonoids, and the isolated compounds as promising antiseizure agents derived from M. inermis in experimental animals.

Invitro antibacterial activity of bark, leaf and root extracts of combretum molle plant against streptococcus equi isolated from clinical cases of strangles in donkeys and horses

BackgroundEffective therapy for many infections is becoming difficult due to the evolutionary development of drug resistance, and hence, the development of alternative treatment options mainly from herbs is crucial. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of ethanol extracts of stem bark, leaves and roots of Combretum molle against Streptococcus equi isolated from clinical cases of strangles using in vitro tests.MethodsPlant extraction was performed using a maceration technique with 80% ethanol. The mean zone of inhibition was determined using the agar well diffusion method. Six serial dilutions with different concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625% and 0.3125%) of each plant extract were prepared using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). A modified agar microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) of the extracts.ResultsThe results revealed that all plant extracts showed significant antibacterial activity. The root extract showed the best antibacterial effect compared to the others at all concentrations, with MZI values of 27.5, 23.225, 20.5, 17.9, 15.65 and 12.25 for the respective concentrations mentioned above and an MIC of 250 µg/ml. It was followed by the stem bark extract, which had MZI values of 24.67, 22.35, 18.225, 16.175, 11.125 and 8.2 millimeters and an MIC of 375 µg/ml. The leaf extract also had significant activity, with MZI values of 20.175, 18.25, 15.7, 13.125, 9.4 and 6.75 in millimeters and an MIC of 500 µg/ml. There was a direct relationship between the concentrations of the plant extracts and the level of inhibition.ConclusionThe test plant extracts were compared with the conventional antibiotic penicillin G, and the results indicated that the parts of the test plant have significant antibacterial activity, which may support traditional claims and could be candidates for alternative drug discoveries.

Prospects of isolating new antimicrobial compounds from plants: The case of Azadirachta indica bark extract

Objectives: Essential oils and extracts from medicinal plants have been shown to have antimicrobial properties in several investigations carried out in regions with diverse floras. This study intends to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica (Neem plant) bark extract on microbial isolates. Materials and Methods: The plant’s bark was cut out of the tree, dried, and pulverized using a mechanical grinder. The crushed barks were split in half, one half macerated in ethanol and the other put through the Soxhlet apparatus. The ethanol extract of plant bark was used to analyze microbial isolates (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans). The active components in the extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: According to the inhibition zone width, mean inhibition concentration, and lowest bactericidal concentration, all organisms were shown to be sensitive to the antibacterial activities of A. indica at varied doses of the extracts utilized. For every isolate examined, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract was 12.5 mg/mL; however, B. subtilis had a concentration of 25 mg/mL. The extract had bactericidal activity on all the isolates except Bacillus sp. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for the isolates was 12.5 mg/mL for P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and C. albicans, and 100 mg/mL for E. coli. Among the principal compounds discovered are pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-methyl ester, stigmasterol, 9-octadecanoic acid (z)-methyl ester, methyl stearate, n-hexadecanoic acid, linoelaidic acid, and Vitamin E. Conclusion: Our research showed that the ethanol extract from A. indica bark contains several bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities in various parts of Artocarpuslacucha Buch. Ham. ethanolic extract.

Artocarpus lacucha is an endemic plant to North Sumatera, Indonesia. This plant has pharmacological activities, including acting as an antioxidant and antibacterial. The aim of the present study was to analyze the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, and determine the flavonoid compounds from four parts of A. lachuca, namely leaves, barks, twigs and fruits. Antioxidant activity was investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) methods. Antibacterial activity was analyzed using disk diffusion and microdilution methods. Several flavonoids, such as luteolin-7-O-glucoside, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol and apigenin, were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Based on the antioxidant activity test results using the DPPH method, the bark ethanolic extract provided the highest antioxidant capacity, while the CUPRAC method indicated that the twig ethanolic extract had the highest antioxidant capacity. The antibacterial activity test results demonstrated that at a low concentration of 750 µg/disk the bark ethanolic extract obtained the highest inhibition zone and minimum inhibitory concentration level against six of nine pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, A. lachuca bark ethanolic extract could be potentially developed as antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

Study of the pharmacological effects of the ethanol extract of trunk barks of Zanthoxylum gilletii (From Wild Waterman 1975) on the weight parameters of the reproductive organs of male rats

Study of the pharmacological effects of the ethanol extract of trunk barks of Zanthoxylum gilletii (From Wild Waterman 1975) on the weight parameters of the reproductive organs of male rats

In-vivo Pharmacological Evaluation of Anti-Ulcerative Colitis Activity of Ethanolic Bark Extract of Ficus religiosa in Swiss Albino Mice

Ulcerative colitis is an idiopathic chronic disease of the intestine with unknown etiology involving multiple immune, genetic and environmental factors. The present study was carried out based on traditional claims to assess anti-ulcerative colitis activity. The extraction of the bark powdered of Ficus religiosa was carried out using ethanol as a solvent in the soxhlet apparatus. The % yield of the ethanol extract of Ficus religiosa was calculated and it was found to be 21%. The quantitative preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, amino acids, and protein in ethanolic extract of Ficus religiosa. Ulcerative colitis was induced in mice by induction of 2ml of 3% acetic acid through intrarectally. The low dose and high dose (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) of extract was administered orally in mice. Prednisolone (1.14mg/kg) was used as the standard drug for comparison. All acetic acid- induced mice showed typical clinical manifestations of ulcerative colitis. Colon length increased significantly and colon weight decreased significantly of the treatment groups when compared to the standard groups. The MPO activity is significantly higher in Ficus religiosa treated group (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) in comparison to standard drug Prednisolone (1.14mg/kg) treated group. It was observed that the inflammation in the colonic tissue of Ficus religiosa treatment group was significantly higher than standard group. The two treatment group shows nearly equal effect as that of the standard drug. All parameters suggest that the 400 mg/kg dose is more effective than the lower dose.

Isolation and Characterization of Bioactive Compound from Ethanol Extract of Root Bark of Grewia mollis (Dargaza’a) Widely Growing in the Wild in North Eastern Nigeria

Isolation and Characterization of Bioactive Compound from Ethanol Extract of Root Bark of Grewia mollis (Dargaza’a) Widely Growing in the Wild in North Eastern Nigeria

Molluscicidal activity of Nigella sativa seed, Azadirachta indica leaf and Khaya senegalensis bark ethanolic extracts against Bulinus truncatus snails

In order to control schistosomiasis, a strategy involves eliminating the intermediate host responsible for its transmission. Plant-derived molluscicides have been extensively researched as a cost-effective approach to combat this disease, seeking alternative solutions to synthetic molluscicides. The study aimed to analyze the phytoconstituents and assess the molluscicidal impact of ethanolic extracts on adult Bulinus truncatus snails. Dried plant materials were ground into powder, and then extracted using ethanol 96%. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures. In vitro Molluscicidal activity was evaluated for the three plants extracts in different concentrations (125, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm). Every 5 adult snails were placed in a plastic cup containing a specific amount of dechlorinated water with plant sample. Control negative was prepared by placing the snails in dechlorinated water only, the numbers of survived and dead snails were recorded after 24 and 48 hours. The Lethal dose and Standard deviation were calculated. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of different chemical constituents in the three plants samples. The result showed that all the plants extracts possessed molluscicidal activity against B. truncatus snails. The A. indica leaf extract was the most effective with LD50 of 74.32544 ppm. From the findings of this study, Molluscicide of plant origin could be useful against the common snail species in Sudan; therefore, the selected plants can play a big role in community based Schistosomiasis control.

Phytochemical Profiling of Ethanolic Extracts from the Bark and Tuber of Colocasia Esculenta (L) Schott, Identification and Quantification of Compounds Present in Kenya

Bacterial infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality, with high financial impacts among human beings globally. Antibiotics are used in the treatment of bacterial infections. They eliminate or prevent bacteria from reproducing and spreading. Since they do so at different rates, some bacteria may mutate with an under-dose and resist antibiotic treatment through natural selection. The bacteria develop acquired antimicrobial resistance to several drugs due to increased use and misuse of antibiotics. This has resulted in increased interest in the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of bacterial infections. The plants serve as resistance modifying agents from the metabolites that they produce. Previous studies show that metabolites such as tannins, alkaloids and polyphenols may have antimicrobial and resistance-modifying properties. They destroy the microorganisms and interfere with the crucial events in the pathogenic process, reducing the bacteria's ability to develop resistance to botanicals.
 Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott leaves were previously tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the extracts showed higher activity against bacterial infections compared to the use of the antibiotic drug Clarithromycin. Leaves of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Colocasia esculenta in previous studies were found to contain steroids, Flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, Anthroquinones and Alkaloids. The extracts were found to have anti-diabetic activity and anti-helminthic activity compared to the standard drug, Piperazine citrate. This study determined phytochemicals present in ethanolic extracts of the bark and tuber of Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott in Kenya. A qualitative research design was adopted in this study. Colocasia esculenta plant samples used in this study were purposely obtained from Kaimosi Friends University farm in Vihiga County. They were taken to the laboratory of Botany at Maseno University, where they were washed with sterile distilled water, separated into bark and tuber, dried, crushed into powder, packed separately in airtight plastic containers, labelled and stored for later use. Plant ethanolic extracts were prepared separately (from powders) in triplicate for use in experiments. Screening for the presence of phytochemicals was done using standard methods. Qualitative analysis of the plant samples was used to check for the presence of flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic compounds and anthraquinones. Data were collected and then analyzed. Results were presented in the form of a table as the presence or absence of the specific phytochemicals. Results showed that Saponins, steroids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides and phenolic compounds were present in both the tuber and bark ethanolic extracts of Colocasia esculenta. Interestingly, the bark extract had more saponins and tannins than the tuber extract. The results of this study can be used to further determine the antibacterial activity of the extracts on selected sidearm bacteria. The findings could be of commercial interest to both the Kenya Ministry of Health and pharmaceutical companies in the world in the production of new antibacterial drugs. Policymakers may help reduce the increasing mortality due to bacterial infections by using results from this study. The results can also support Kenya's Vision 2030 of ensuring adequate health care for all by integrating traditional healthcare practices into the national healthcare system for the realization of universal health coverage.

Camphor tree bark extract as green corrosion inhibitor of LCS in 0.5 M H2SO4 with and without salt effect

AbstractThis work tested the ethanol extract of camphor tree Cinnamomum camphora bark (CTBEE) as a green corrosion inhibitor of low carbon steel (LCS) in 0.5 M H2SO4 with and without the synergistic effect of 4000 ppm NaCl or 800 ppm of KI. The corrosion protection of LCS was significantly increased in the presence of CTBEE‐KI and CBWE‐NaCl blends compared with CTBEE alone, according to data performed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrochemical polarization (EP) analyses. The formation of a film by the blends blocks the LCS surface area, preventing corrosive gradients from reaching its surface. Inhibition efficiency (IE%) of 81% and 89% were obtained in the presence of 800 ppm CTBEE‐4000 ppm NaCl and CTBEE‐800 ppm KI, respectively, compared with IE of 65% in the presence of 800 ppm CTBEE only. A maximum IE% of 89% and 97% were reached after 72 h of immersion in the presence of CTBEE‐NaCl and CTBEE‐KI, respectively. Potentiodynamic experiments indicate that the blends act as mixed‐type inhibitors. The inhibition efficiency of CTBEE, CTBEE‐KI, and CTBEE‐NaCl remained effectively high during the testing period of immersion time, which proved the excellent stability of CTBEE in the corrosive acidic media.

Stem bark ethanolic extract of Pinus merkusii induces caspase 9-mediated apoptosis in HeLa cells.

Cervical cancer is a severe concern for women throughout the world. This percentage of cancer incidence causes sufferers to die at a high rate. It is believed that the bark of the Pinus merkusii tree contains anti-cancer compounds that inhibit cervical cancer cell growth. This present study aims to examine the cytotoxic ability of P. merkusii tree bark ethanol extract (PMBE) by inducing apoptosis in HeLa cells. We administered the PMBE at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/ml to HeLa cell cultures. We then conducted the MTT cytotoxicity assay, detected apoptosis via Annexin V binding, and observed caspase 9 expression via immunocytochemistry. PMBE showed cytotoxic activity on HeLa cells with an IC50 of 226.6 µg/ml for 24 hours of treatment. PMBE caused early apoptosis in up to 81.31% of HeLa cells, as well as increased caspase-9 expression. Based on this study, PMBE is predicted to have dose-dependent antiproliferative or cytotoxicity effects on the HeLa cell line through the intrinsic pathway apoptosis mechanism.

A review on ecology, distribution, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of the medicinally important plant Pterocarpus santalinus L. (Red sanders)

Pterocarpus santalinus L., commonly known as Red sanders, belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is well-known for its distinctive wood, which has a stunning color, a delicate appearance, and exceptional technical features. The natural dye santalin, which is produced by the red wood, is used to color foodstuffs and pharmaceutical formulations. The decoction made from the heartwood is given numerous therapeutic characteristics in the ancient system of medicine. It has been used to induce vomiting as well as treat ulcers, mental disorders, and eye illnesses. It is known that the heartwood of Red sander trees has diaphoretic, aphrodisiac, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-helminthic, hemorrhage, and dysentery-preventing properties. Additionally, it has served as a cooling agent. It has been claimed that an ethanol extract of stem bark has anti-hyperglycemic properties. Various studies on the phytochemistry of stem bark extracts in ethanol extracts showed the presence of tannins, phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, as well as saponins. Isoflavone glucosides and two anti-tumor lignans, savinin, and calocedrin, are found in the heart wood. However, despite numerous claims of pharmacological activity, the species has not been thoroughly investigated. The current article emphasizes the phytochemistry, pharmacological potential, and applications of P. santalinus.

Cinnamon extracts, trans-cinnamaldehyde and trans-cinnamic acid inhibit HDAC 1 activity.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes play a key role in cell function and are implicated in several diseases such as inflammation, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Studies on natural products have revealed their potential and have led to increased research on natural HDAC inhibitors. Since the progression of these diseases is a prolonged process, dietary supplements and nutraceuticals consisting of plant extracts may be beneficial against HDAC related diseases. Beyond nutritional purposes, cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl), as a regularly consumed dietary additive due to its rich flavor, may present co-benefits during lifelong use. In this study, cinnamon extracts of differing polarities, trans-cinnamaldehyde and trans-cinnamic acid were evaluated for HDAC 1 inhibitory activity. The total phenol and flavonoid contents were quantified by spectrophotometry, while cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid analyses were performed using UPLC-DAD, ESI-MS/MS. Ethanol and dichloromethane extracts yielded the highest cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid contents of 389.17 mg per g extract and 11.85 mg per g extract, respectively. The essential oil (IC50: 51.11 μg ml-1) and 70% ethanol extract (IC50: 107.90 μg ml-1) showed the most potent HDAC 1 inhibitory activity. Individually, cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid were determined to have IC50 values of 7.58 μg ml-1 and 9.15 μg ml-1, respectively. As the 70% ethanol extract was able to yield remarkably lower cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid amounts, the potential of other moderately polar phenolic compounds for HDAC 1 inhibitory activity was revealed. The essential oil and 70% ethanol extracts of Cinnamomum cassia bark can be further evaluated in future studies for use in products against HDAC 1 related diseases.