Ethanol Extract Of Aerial Parts Research Articles

Urease and human glioblastoma (U87) cells growth inhibitory iridoid glycoside acetates from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn.

The present study was undertaken on the chemical constituents of ethanol extract of aerial parts of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn., and their determination of growth inhibitory activity against glioblastoma multiforme cell line (U87) and urease inhibitory activity. Six constituents were isolated including two new arbortristoside F tetraacetate (1) and arbortristoside G heptaacetate (2) and four known arborside A tetraacetate (3), arborside C pentaacetate (4), 6,7-di-O-acetyl-6β-hydroxyloganin hexaacetate (5) and nyctanthoside heptaacetate (6) iridoid glycoside acetates. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and mass analyses. Compounds 3 and 6 showed significant growth inhibition of U87 cell line (76.41 and 87.62% inhibition) respectively while 2, 4 and 5 showed moderate inhibition. 3 and 6 showed notable urease inhibition (IC50 = 17.2 ± 0.4 and 17.2 ± 0.7 µM) respectively, and IC50 of 2, 4 and 5 were 23.8 − 56.3 µM. Compound 1 was inactive.

1H-NMR-Based Chemometric Analysis of Echinacea Species to Predict Effectors of Myeloid Progenitor Stimulation

Echinacea, a herbaceous, perennial flowering plant from the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, exhibits stimulating effects on myeloid progenitors (CFU-GMs) in rat bone marrow, as demonstrated in our previous study using a 75% (v v−1) ethanol extract of aerial parts. Expanding on this work, we have investigated eleven different Echinacea samples that belong to three species for their myeloid progenitor-stimulating activity. Simultaneously, we employed 1H-NMR spectroscopy (400 MHz, 0.02–10.02 ppm) and chemometric analysis to predict constituents responsible for activity. Female Sprague–Dawley rats received oral doses of ethanol extracts (0–200 mg extract dry weight kg−1 body weight) of Echinacea for seven days. Bone marrow cells were then cultured with CFU-GM growth factors. Extracts showing a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in CFU-GM, compared to the control, were considered active. Significant CFU-GM increases were observed in rats treated with seven Echinacea samples, ranging from 39% to 91% higher than the control, while four samples were inactive. All five Echinacea purpurea samples showed myeloid progenitor-stimulating activity, while one sample each of Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida also exhibited the same activity. By applying orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to the 1H-NMR spectra, we identified specific spectral bins (0.70–1.98 ppm aliphatic and 6.38–7.76 ppm aromatic) correlating with myelopoiesis stimulation. These findings highlight the potential of chemometric analysis using 1H-NMR spectroscopy to infer the chemical classes that could be responsible for the bioactive properties of complex herbal mixtures, like Echinacea.

Helichrysum arenarium subsp. (L.) Moench aucheri’nin Farklı Ekstraktlarının Antimikrobiyal ve Antioksidan Aktivitesi

Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench subsp. aucheri is a herbaceous perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae. This plant has biological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and antiradical. In this study, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of methanol and ethanol extracts of aerial parts of H. arenarium subsp. aucheri were investigated. To determine the antimicrobial activity pathogenic microorganisms Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus megaterium, Candida glabrata, Candida albicans and Trichophyton sp. Antioxidant activity was determined with total antioxidant value (TAS), total oxidant value (TOS) and 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity. In the results obtained, it was determined that the methanol extract had an antimicrobial effect (9.3 mm) only against C. albicans. It was found that the ethanol extract showed antimicrobial activity at different rates (8.8-20.4 mm) against S. aureus, B. megaterium, C. glabrata, C. albicans and Trichophyton sp. The TAS value of the methanol extract was 3.00 mmol, and the TAS value of the ethanol extract was 3.15 mmol. The TOS value of the methanol extract of the same species was calculated as 6.81 μmol, and the TOS value of the ethanol extract was calculated as 12.64 μmol. The DPPH radical scavenging effects of extracts of goldengrass was found to increase depend on concentrations.

Origanum minutiflorum: phytochemical profile and inhibitory effects on key enzymes associated with inflammation

Origanum minutiflorum, an endemic species in Turkiye, is used for both food and medicinal purposes. 70% ethanol extract of aerial parts of O. minutiflorum was subjected to liquid-liquid extraction using; n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The inhibitory activity of these fractions on lipoxygenase (LOX), cyclooxygenase (COX) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was investigated at 100 µg/mL concentration. The LOX enzyme was most effectively inhibited by the dichloromethane fraction (82.33%), whereas the COX-1, COX-2 and MMP-9 enzymes were most effectively inhibited by the ethyl acetate fraction (78.50%, 83.96% and 45.11%, respectively). The ethyl acetate fraction was selected for activity-guided fractionation based on the COX enzymes’ inhibitory activities by column chromatography. Only the ethyl acetate sub-fraction-1 showed inhibition on the COX-1 with 65.78%. The COX-2 inhibitory activities of the sub-fractions ranged from 59.96% to 97.62%. The main components were determined by HPLC-MS/MS as jaceidine in the dichloromethane fraction and rosmarinic acid in the ethyl acetate fraction. As far as we know, this study is the first to correlate the anti-inflammatory activity of O. minutiflorum extracts with LOX, COX and MMP-9 enzyme pathways and their secondary metabolites. These data showed that O. minutiflorum may contribute to other studies on natural origin anti-inflammatory agents.

IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF AERIAL PARTS OF PHYLLANTHUS FRATERNUSWEB. IN ADULT EARTHWORMS

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of aerial part of Phyllanthus fraternus Web. leaves (EEPF) using adult earthworms (Pheretimaposthuma).
 Methods: Adult earthworms (24in number) were divided into 4 groups with 6 worms in each group (n=6). The anthelmintic activity of EEPF at two different doses (25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml) were evaluated by assessing the time of paralysis (min) and time of death (min) of the earthworms. Albendazole (25 mg/ml) was used as standard and 2% gum acacia as control.
 Results: Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA followed by Bonferroni test. P<0.05 was considered as significant. The result showed that EEPF had significant anthelmintic activity (p<0.001) but less potent than the standard drug albendazole.
 Conclusion: EEPF demonstrated significant anthelmintic activity but less potent than the standard drug albendazole. However, further studies with higher doses are required to evaluate the dose-dependent activity and to evaluate the exact mechanism responsible for anthelmintic activity.

Pimpinella pruatjan Molk: LC-MS/MS-QTFT Analysis of Bioactive Compounds from Decoction and Ethanol Extract of Aerial Parts.

Pimpinella pruatjan Molk is native to Java and well known as aphrodisiac in traditional medicine. A water-boiled extract of the plant has been used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). No study has been found on the phytochemical constituents and identification of corresponding biological activities in water and polar extract. This study is aimed to identify phytoconstituents of a decoction and ethanol extract from the aerial parts of P. pruatjan Molk. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) was used to analyze and predict the bioactive compounds in both extracts. LC-MS/MS revealed both extracts contained two important compounds: Luteolin-7-O-β-D glucopyranoside and Undulatoside A. Luteolin and Luteolin glucoside are also found in P.anisum L. Lutein 7-O glucoside was found in water extract, while more bioactive compounds, including populnin, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin-3'- O glucoside, methylophiopogononeone-A, kaempferol-7-O-α-L-arabinofuranoside, and 7-hydroxy-3,5,6,3',4'- pentamethoxyflavone, were found in ethanol extract. Accumulation of flavonoids, phenols, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, and furanochromone in low quantities was observed in both extracts. This is the first report providing evidence justifying its use as a traditional medicine. Further investigation into the pharmacology mechanism of action is required.

Phytochemical profiling, in vitro biological activity, docking studies, and cytotoxicity assessments of Rondeletia odorata Jacquin: An unexplored plant of the coffee family

Rondeletia odorata Jacquin is a flowering plant that belongs to the coffee family. As a rich source of polyphenols with significant antioxidant potential, R. odorata may have health benefits. Therefore, in the current work, ethanolic extract of aerial parts and its n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol soluble fractions were analyzed for their antioxidant potential and various enzyme inhibition properties. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the crude ethanol extract (ROE) and its n-hexane (ROH), ethyl acetate (ROEA), and n-butanol (ROB) fractions were determined spectrophotometrically, while metabolic profiling was established through UHPLC-MS analysis, which revealed the presence of 58 phytochemicals. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of ROE extract were measured as 51.92mg GA.Eq./g of dry extract and 52.35mg Qu.Eq./g of the dry extract, respectively. In the DPPH radical scavenging activity assay, ROE and ROEA showed the highest potential with values of 62.13 ± 0.62 and 76.31% ± 1.86%, respectively, comparable to quercetin (80.89% ± 0.54%). Similarly, in the FRAP assay, the same pattern of the activity was observed with ROE and ROEA, which displayed absorbance values of 1.32 ± 0.01 and 0.80 ± 0.02 at 700nm, respectively, which are comparable (1.76 ± 0.02) with the reference compound quercetin, whereas the ROH showed maximum metal-chelating capacity (62.61% ± 1.01%) among all extracts and fractions. Antibacterial activity assay indicated that the ROEA fraction was the most active against Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus, while the rest of the fractions showed good to moderate activity. Enzyme inhibition assays showed that ROEA fraction exhibited the highest activity with IC50 values of 2.78 ± 0.42 and 3.95 ± 0.13mg/mL against urease and carbonic anhydrase (CA), respectively. Furthermore, the docking studies of some of the major compounds identified in the extract revealed a strong correlation with their inhibitory activity. All extracts and fractions were also tested for their thrombolytic activity, and the ROB fraction showed a notable potential. Antiviral assay led to remarkable outcomes. Thus, it can be inferred that aerial parts of R. odorata are potential sources of bioactive components with several significant pharmacological activities.

Extracts of Spiraea hypericifolia L. and Spiraea crenata L.: The Phenolic Profile and Biological Activities.

The comparative phytochemical analysis in this study revealed differences in the type and levels of phenolic compounds between Spiraea hypericifolia L. and Spiraea crenata L. The compounds in water–ethanol extracts of aerial parts of both species were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography as chlorogenic, gentisic, and cinnamic acids; quercetin; kaempferol; hyperoside; isoquercetin; nicotiflorin; and apigenin. In the extract of S. hypericifolia, p-coumaric acid and luteolin were also found, which were absent in the extract of S. crenata. Such compounds as avicularin, astragalin, and isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside proved to be specific to S. crenata (and were not found in the S. hypericifolia extract). The viability of liver cancer HepG2 cells and breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells significantly decreased after cultivation with the S. crenata extract. In addition, the S. crenata extract showed higher antioxidant activity than the S. hypericifolia extract. It is most likely that these effects can be explained by the higher content of individual flavonoids in the extract of S. crenata. Thus, the extract of S. crenata holds promise for more extensive research on the mechanism of its action on tumor cells.

Influence of Simulated In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant, and Biological Activity of Thymbra spicata L. Extracts

Plants or plant extracts are widely investigated for preventing/counteracting several chronic disorders. The oral route is the most common route for nutraceutical and drug administration. Currently, it is still unclear as to whether and how the pattern of phenolic compounds (PCs) found in the plants as well as their bioactivity could be modified during the gastrointestinal transit. Recent studies have revealed antioxidant and anti-steatotic properties of Thymbra spicata. Here, we investigated the possible loss of phytochemicals that occurs throughout the sequential steps of a simulated in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of T. spicata. Crude, digested, and dialyzed extracts were characterized in terms of their phenolic profile and biological activities. Total contents of carbohydrates, proteins, PCs, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids were quantified. The changes in the PC profile and in bioactive compounds upon the simulated GI digestion were monitored by HPLC–MS/MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was measured by different spectrophotometric assays, and the antiproliferative potential was assessed by using three representative human cancer cell lines. We observed that the simulated GI digestion reduced the phytochemical contents in both aqueous and ethanolic T. spicata extracts and modified the PC profile. However, T. spicata extracts improved their antioxidant potential after digestion, while a partial reduction in the antiproliferative activity was observed for the ethanolic extract. Therefore, our results could provide a scientific basis for the employment of T. spicata extract as valuable nutraceutical.

Exploration of Pharmacological and Toxicological Properties of Aerial Parts of Blumea lacera, a Common Weed in Bangladesh

Blumea lacera (Family Asteraceae) is a herb found in the uncultivated lands of many Asian countries. This plant is used by quack doctors for some medicinal purposes. Works presented in this manuscript were conducted on the ethanol extract of aerial parts of B. lacera. Various pharmacological tests like antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, diuretic, antibacterial, anthelmintic and toxicological tests like brine shrimp lethality and acute toxicity were evaluated. Antioxidant test was conducted by determining secondary metabolites content and DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Acetic acid-induced writhing method, xylene-induced ear edema method, castor oil-induced diarrheal method, and urinary volume test were performed to evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal and diuretic effects, respectively. The antibacterial test was performed by disk diffusion method, anthelmintic activity by recording the paralysis and death time of P. cervi and finally, cytotoxic activity was performed by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. TPC, TFC and TTC contents of B. lacera extract were found to be 9 mg GAE/g, 31 mg QE/g and 18 mg GAE/g. The SC50 value of the DPPH radical scavenging assay was found to be higher than 3000 µg·mL-1. The LD50 value of B. lacera extract in mice was higher than 5000 mg·kg-1. This extract significantly inhibited writhing reflexes by 24.5% and 43.6% and reduced ear edema up to 24.6% and 41% at 250 and 500 mg·kg-1 bw doses, respectively. It also increased the latency of the first defecation period up to 52.8 min and 106.6 min as well as decreased the stool count by 34.1% and 48.2% at 250 and 500 mg·kg-1 bw doses, respectively. It also showed an increase in urinary output in the diuretic test. Good antibacterial activity of B. lacera extract was confirmed by retardation in bacterial growth and significantly killed P. cervi in a dose-dependent manner. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the LC50 value was found to be 5.4 µg·mL-1. B. lacera showed mild analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal properties. It could be used as a diuretic, antibacterial, anthelmintic and cytotoxic drug which justify the plant's traditional uses in folk medicine.

Cytotoxic effects of extracts obtained from plants of the Oleaceae family: bio-guided isolation and molecular docking of new secoiridoids from Jasminum humile

Context Traditionally, Oleaceae plants are used to treat many diseases, such as rheumatism, hypercholesterolaemia, or ulcers. Objectives To investigate the cytotoxic potential of Jasminum humile L., Jasminum grandiflorum L., and Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae) extracts against selected human cancer cells lines, followed by a phytochemical investigation of the most potent one. Materials and methods The 95% ethanol extracts of aerial parts of three oleaceous plants were examined for their cytotoxicity against HepG-2, MCF-7, and THP-1 cell lines using MTT assay and doxorubicin (positive control). J. humile was bio-selected and submitted to bio-guided fractionation. Chromatographic workup of ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions afforded two new compounds; 1-methoxyjasmigenin (1) and 1-methyl-9-aldojasmigenin (2), along with five known ones (3–7). Structures were unambiguously elucidated using 1D/2D NMR and ESI-HRMS. Isolated compounds were assessed for their anti-proliferative potential, and both selectivity index and statistical significance were determined. Molecular docking was conducted against the Mcl-1 receptor using (AZD5991) as a standard. Results Jasmoside (5) was the most potent anticancer compound showing IC50 values of 66.47, 41.32, and 27.59 µg/mL against HepG-2, MCF-7, and THP-1 cell lines, respectively. Moreover, isojasminin (4) exhibited IC50 values of 33.49, 43.12, and 51.07 µg/mL against the same cell lines, respectively. Interestingly, 5 exhibited the highest selectivity index towards MCF-7 and THP-1, even greater than doxorubicin. Molecular docking results were in full agreement with the MTT assay and the proposed SAR. Conclusion In this study, two new compounds were purified. The biological activity highlighted jasmoside (5) as a lead anticancer drug for further future investigation.

Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical Investigations, and In Vitro Anti-arthritic Activity of Adiantum venustum D. Don

The present investigation deals with pharmacognostical, physicochemical, phytochemical analysis, and in vitro anti-arthritic activity of ethanolic extracts of Adiantum venustum D. Don. The macroscopic and microscopic characters, physical constant values, extractive values, ash values, color analysis, and fluorescence analysis were performed. The stems were 13–14 cm in size while leaves were 3–5 mm. Stems were straight with nodes while leaves were triangular and fan shaped. Transverse section of aerial parts of A. venustum showed epidermis consists of closely packed cells with single layer. No intercellular space was found. Endodermis is indistinct. On microscopic examination, the powder showed wavy epidermis, parenchyma cells, Phloem, fiber, trichome, brownish matter, and crystals. Physical constants performed were loss on drying, ash content, acid insoluble ash, and water soluble ash. Extractive values in chloroform and alcohol were determined. Fluorescence studies of the powder were carried in UV, UVB, and day light with various solvents. Phytochemical screening of successive extracts showed positive reactions for steroids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols, and tannins. In vitro anti-arthritic activity was performed by the inhibition of protein denaturation method. The ethanolic extracts of aerial parts exhibited remarkable anti-arthritic action. The protein denaturation was also found to be maximum at 75.293 ± 0.735 and 79.956 ± 0.9 % at a dose of 500 μg/mL by protein denaturation egg albumin and bovine serum albumin method, respectively.

Fertility control impact of the aerial parts Ferula tingitana L. via alteration of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis responses of female Wistar rats

Ferula tingitana L. has been reported for abortive and\or menstruation inducing properties. However, its contraceptive effect has never been deliberately evaluated. Furthermore, no inclusive chemical profiling of its extract was recorded.  Many Ferula species were known for their effects on the oestrogenic rhythm. During our drug discovery from natural sources F. tingitana L. growing in Libya was selected for evaluation of its contraceptive effect. To evaluate the hormonal effects and bioactive molecules of F.tingitana ethanol extract of aerial parts (EtOH) using in vivo experimental model. Adult female albino rats were divided equally into 4 groups (n=6). One group received distilled water for 14days, 2nd ,3rd and 4th groups received orally the tested extract at a daily dose of 100, 200 and 300 mgkg-1 b.wt. for 14 days, respectively. The administration lasted for 14 days (2 weeks) at 9 A.M.  Rats body and uterus weight were measured. They fasted overnight and then anaesthetized through a diethylether exposure and blood samples were collected through the ocular puncture. Blood was centrifuged to obtain clear sera for hormonal assay. The serum was subjected by ELISA method for assessment of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH), estradiol(E2)and progesterone (P4) levels. Biochemical estimations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerlide(TG) and glucose(Glu) level were measured. GC/MS of the lipoidal profile along with HPLC analysis of the phenolic contents were carried out. EtOH and its successive soluble fractions were subjected for chromatographic analysis. The results displayed significant decrease in levels of FSH, LH, E2 and P4 of adult female Wistar rats. Significant decline in biochemical serum level of TC, TG and Glu were observed. Sesquiterpene daucol, linolenic acid, caffeic acid and hesperidin were the main identified phytoconstituents. CC of EtOH afforded 5 compounds were identified as β-sitosterol 1, colladonin 2, scopoletin 3, caffeic acid 4, 1-(3,4-dihydroxycinnamoyl) cyclopentane-2`,3`-diol 5.  It was concluded that sesquiterpene coumarins as the significant phytoconstituents of EtOH may revealing adverse effect on the menstruation, ovulation of follicles and consequently may impair fertility. EtOH evidenced a hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects.

α- Glucosidase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities of Moluccella aucheri (Boiss.) Scheen Extracts

Background & Objective: α-Glucosidase is one of the main enzymes in the intestinal absorption of carbohydrates. Inhibition of this enzyme can improve postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. Also, antioxidants can ameliorate diabetes complications resulted from oxidative stress. In this study α-glucosidase inhibition, antioxidant activity and total phenol content of different extracts and obtained fractions of Moluccella aucheri have been evaluated.
 Materials & Methods: The ethanol extract of aerial parts of M. aucheri was fractionated using liquid extraction method with petroleum ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate, respectively. The extracts and the resulting fractions of M. aucheri were tested against α-glucosidase enzyme from yeast using an in vitro colorimetric model at λ 405 nm. Antioxidant activity was assessed using two different methods, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the scavenging activity of DPPH radicals’ methods.
 Results: The screening results indicated that the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of the methanol extract were potentially higher than ethanol extract, while the ethanol extract inhibited α-glucosidase enzyme to a greater extent. Ethyl acetate fraction illustrated potentially the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content, but its inhibition activity against α-glucosidase was placed after the petroleum ether fraction. Two previously isolated methoxy flavones; genkwanin, 5-hydroxyl-7, 4'-dimethoxyflavone inhibited the α-glucosidase enzyme strongly.
 Conclusion: Since the ethyl acetate extract has both considerable antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, it may be considered as a potential crude drug for diabetes.

Protective Effect of Vernonia Cinerea Against Sunset Yellow Induced Anxiogenic Behaviour in Mice Model: Counteract Oxidative Damage based Approach

Background: Sunset yellow is a commonly used synthetic food additive in various food beverages. Over usage of this colorant induces the anxiogenic behaviour in mice through oxidative stress. Vernonia cinerea reverses anxiogenic behaviour by counteracting oxidative stress. Objective: The study was designed to screen the protective effect of Vernonia cinerea extract against sunset yellow induced anxiogenic behaviour in mice through counteracting oxidative damage. Methods: The anxiogenic behaviour was induced by the administration of sunset yellow (20 mg/kg, p.o) for 30 days. Ethanol extract of aerial parts of Vernonia cinerea (EEVC) (400 mg/kg, p.o) was administered after 1 hour of sunset yellow treatment. Diazepam (1 mg/kg, p.o) was used as a reference drug for comparisons. Results: FT-IR studies of the extract were done by comparing with standards to determine the presence of phenols and flavonoids. Vernonia cinerea significantly improved the altered anxiogenic behaviour of sunset yellow treated animals. Significant increase in the brain antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) level and decrease in the lipid peroxidation and glutamate neurotransmitter were observed in Vernonia cinerea treated group and also this extract reversed the hippocampus CA3 region abnormalities such as perivascular oedema, haemorrhage and severe vocalisation in sunset yellow group. Conclusion: The Vernonia cinerea possesses significant antioxidant, antiradical and GABA enhancing effects against sunset yellow induced anxiogenic animals.

In vitro antioxidant and ex vivo anti-cataract activity of ethanolic extract of Cineraria maritima: a traditional plant from Nilgiri hills

BackgroundCineraria maritima has a long history of use in the treatment of cataract and other eye-related problems in the homeopathic system of medicines. High oxidative stress is one of the major underlying causes of cataract which results in the precipitation of natural protein present in the lenses with aging. This research has been carried out to determine the anti-cataract activity of C. maritima by performing various antioxidant techniques such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and studies in oxidative stress–induced ex vivo cataract model.ResultsResults of the study conducted in the ethanolic extract of aerial parts (leaves and stems) of C. maritima revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, etc. Total phenol and total flavonoid content was found to be 6.31 ± 0.06 % w/w and 2.14 ± 0.09% w/w respectively, which revealed that the plant contains a good amount of these compounds and hence possesses good antioxidant activity. Furthermore, IC50 values obtained from all the methods gave strong evidence regarding the antioxidant potential of this plant. Anti-cataract activity was also investigated using goat eye lenses and promising results were obtained which speak voluminously about its anti-cataract potential and support its well-prescribed use.ConclusionResults obtained with this study clearly supported the significant antioxidant potential and anti-cataract activity of this plant. Further, this plant demands great attention for the development of suitable novel dosage forms for the effective treatment of cataract.

Evaluation of Acute Toxicity of Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Tricholepis glaberrima

Tricholepis glaberrima is used to treat skin conditions and male infertility. The aim of the research was to evaluate whether the hydro ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Tricholepis glaberrima could cause acute oral toxicity in swiss albino mice and how it affected their behavior. The acute toxicity trials were conducted according to OECD guidelines 423, with a single oral dosage and a 14-day follow-up. After 24 hours, body weight, food and water consumption, signs of toxicity, and mortality were reported. Up to a dosage of 2000 mg/kg, oral administration resulted in no treatment-related mortality in animals. In the acute toxicity study, the hydro-ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Tricholepis glaberrima had an LD50 of greater than 2000 mg/kg, indicating that extract from this plant is acceptable for use in conventional medicine.

The anti-nociceptive effects of ethanol extract of aerial parts of Schkuhria pinnata in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe growing challenge to access conventional analgesics, contraindications, and adverse effects could have led individuals to use Schkuhria pinnata (Lam.) Kuntze ex Thell. (Compositae), as an alternative traditional therapeutic strategy for pain. However, evidence of its safety and efficacy is scarce. Aim of the studyThis study evaluated the anti-nociceptive effect of the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of S. pinnata in mice. MethodsThe mice were randomly assigned to nine groups: (1) vehicle; (2) acetylsalicylic acid (intraperitoneally 150 mg/kg); (3) pentazocine (intramuscularly 1.0 mg/kg); (4 a & b) orally 100 mg/kg extract; (5 a & b) orally 200 mg/kg extract; (6 a & b) orally 400 mg/kg extract. We used an acetic acid-induced writhing model and a tail-flick test. The number of writhes and time taken for the tail to flick was recorded. A one-way analysis of variance followed by Tamhane T2 post hoc was used for multiple comparisons. ResultsCompared to a vehicle (59.0 ± 2.68), S. pinnata ethanol extract at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o reduced writhes to 42.5 ± 1.12 and 27.0 ± 2.62, (p < 0.05) respectively. Similarly, the pain threshold of mice increased dose-dependently; doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, increased time to 5.33 ± 0.42 and 8.67 ± 0.21 min, (p < 0.05) respectively. The extract had an EC50 of 348.8 mg/kg and acute toxicity established an LD50 of 1224.8 (95% CI: 952.2–1575.3). ConclusionS. pinnata ethanol extract had anti-nociceptive activity by central and peripheral mechanisms that could justify its traditional use in pain management. Further studies could now focus on identifying active fractions and pure isolated compounds responsible for anti-nociceptive activity.

IN-VIVO IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF AERIAL PARTS OF PHYLLANTHUS AMARUS PLANT IN CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE INDUCED MICE

Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of ethanolic extract of aerial parts of phyllanthus amarus plant in cyclophosphamide induced mice.&#x0D; Materials and Method: To evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of ethanolic extracts of Aerial parts of phyllanthus amarus plant. on cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppression in mice. ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of phyllanthus amarus plant,  (500mg/kg p.o.) were administered 13 days to albino mice and cyclophosphamide (30mg/kg i.p.) was administered on 11th,12th and 13th days 1 hour after the administration of the respective treatment. On the 14th day blood was collected by retro orbital puncture and the activity was evaluated by determining the RBC, Hb%, Platelet, total WBC and differential counts. Ethanolic extracts of aerial parts phyllantus amarus plant. showed very significant (p&lt;0.001) counteracting effect to cyclophosphamide induced reduction in total WBC, DLC and platelet counts &amp; significant (P&lt;0.01) effect to that of reduction in RBC counts and Hb %. The significant inmmunostimulant effect of the ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of phyllanthus amarus plant on cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression may be attributed towards the collective presence of saponins, sterols and tannins in the extracts, which suggest the immunomodulatory activities of the ethanolic extracts of phyllanthusamarus plant, leaves,stem and fruits.&#x0D; Results: The results of the study revealed the dose dependent effect of theextracts in counteracting the myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide as inducated by increase in RBC total WBC platelet counts, Hb% and DLC in the extract treated group (III &amp;IV), when compared to cyclophoshamide treated group (Group II).&#x0D; Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of phyllanthus amarus would contribute for significant immunostimulating activity of In-Vivo&#x0D; Keywords: Phyllanthus amarus, Cyclophosphamide, Immunomodulatory, Myelosuppression

Potentials of the Extracts of Algerian Saharan Plant Cotula cinerea for the Management of Two Insect Pests, Aphis fabae and Tribolium castaneum

The insecticidal potential of the Saharan plant Cotula cinerea, was evaluated on two insect species namely Aphis fabae and Tribolium castaneum by topical application (contact toxicity) and repellency test. A crude ethanolic extract of aerial part of the plant was prepared and tested in the laboratory on adults of both species. For contact toxicity, five doses were tested on each of the two species 1.56, 3.12, 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/ml for A. fabae and 25, 50, 250, 350 and 500 µg/insect for T. castaneum. The repellency of the extract was studied at the dose 500 μg/insect for T. castaneum and 25 µg/ml for A. fabae. Results showed that the repellency of the extract increased with exposure time and the highest rates were observed after 4 h of exposure (72.33 ± 22% for T. castaneum and 87 ± 3.6% for A. fabae). For insecticidal activity, at the highest doses (25 mg/ml and 500 µg/ml), 100% mortality is obtained 72 h after treatment for A. fabae and after 48 h for T. castaneum. The extract of this plant was found to be more toxic against T. castaneum adults. LD50 calculated 24 h after treatment for the two species is estimated at 1.7 mg/ml for A. fabae and at 30.3 µg/insect for T. castaneum. The extract of this plant inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in both insect species. This result suggests that this plant has a neurotoxic effect on A. fabae and T. castaneum. The results of phytochemical study showed that the plant is mainly rich in flavonoids, gallic tannins, alkaloids, saponosides and glucosides. The insecticidal effect obtained in this study could be due to the synergetic action of all constituents of the extract. Results suggest the possibility of using the extracts of this plant in integrated pest management to replace the chemical insecticides.