Ethanolic Leaf Extract Research Articles

Discovery of Active Antibacterial Fractions of Different Plant Part Extracts of clove (Syzigium aromaticum) Against Streptococcus mutans

Nowadays, dental cavities caused by Streptococcus mutans are a major focus of research in Indonesia. While several antibiotics are available to combat this bacterium, concerns about antibiotic resistance have prompted researchers to explore natural remedies. Clove (Syzigium aromaticum) is a commonly studied natural remedy against dental cavities and S. mutans. Among the different parts of the clove plant, clove bud is the most widely used against dental cavities or S. mutans, and the potential of other clove parts has not been thoroughly explored. Identifying which parts of the clove plant have higher concentrations of active ingredients and exhibit the strongest antibacterial activity is important. Therefore, this study evaluated the antibacterial activity of three different parts, i.e., leaf, stems, and buds of the clove plant ethanolic extracts against S. mutans. The ethanolic extracts of clove leaf, stems, and buds were prepared using the maceration method with 70% ethanol, and their activity against S. mutans was tested using the disc diffusion method at three different concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5% b/v). Fractionation was carried out using hexane and water to obtain two fractions: hexane and water fraction. These fractions were then subjected to antibacterial assays. The ethanolic leaf, stems, and bud extracts exhibited varying antibacterial activity levels. The best activity was observed with the 10% clove bud ethanolic extract, which produced an inhibition zone of 20.83 ± 0.77 mm. The leaf and stem extracts showed inhibition zones of 16.38 ± 3.84 mm and 17.95 ± 5.15 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the hexane-soluble fraction of the clove bud displayed the highest activity with an inhibition zone diameter of 23.7 ± 3.21 mm at 10%. This activity was twice as high as ampicillin, used as the positive control. In conclusion, clove bud remains the best source of antibacterial compounds against S. mutans. Fractionation of the bud extract using hexane can significantly enhance its activity. Further investigation should be conducted to optimize the effectiveness of this active fraction for use as an anti-dental caries treatment.

Nanoemulsion of Ethanolic Extract of Sungkai Leaves (Peronema Canescens Jack) for Anti-Acne Therapy.

This study investigates the phytochemical profile, total flavonoid content, antibacterial properties, antioxidant activities, and cytotoxicity effect of nanoemulsion ethanolic extract of Sungkai leaves. The ethanolic extract was formulated into three concentrations: 50, 100, and 150 ppm. Phytochemical screening revealed flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoids. The total flavonoid content was 90.542, 91.993, and 91.744% for the respective concentrations. Antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes showed inhibition zones of 17.6, 21.2, and 24.1 mm, indicating strong to very strong activity. Antioxidant activities, evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, showed IC50 values categorized as very strong. The cytotoxicity test exhibited moderate activity. These findings suggest that Sungkai leaf ethanol extract nanoemulsion has rich bioactive compounds with significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties, along with moderate cytotoxic activity, highlighting its potential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

MACROSCOPIC AND MICROSCOPIC GASTROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF MUCOADHESIVE GRANULE FORMULATIONS OF CLOVE LEAF ETHANOL EXTRACT

Gastric ulcers can be triggered by excessive HCl secretion, and the regenerative capacity of mucosal cells can be weakened by high alcohol levels and anti-inflammatory drugs, including NSAIDs. This study aims to evaluate the macroscopic and microscopic gastroprotective activity of clove leaf ethanol extract mucoadhesive granule formulations. The study used 25 rats divided into five groups: normal control, negative control, positive control, clove leaf ethanol extract group, and mucoadhesive granule formulation of clove leaf ethanol extract group. All groups except the normal control were administered acetylsalicylic acid. Treatments were conducted over 9 days, with surgical examination and observations performed macroscopically and microscopically on day 10. Macroscopic assessments revealed ulcer damage improvement in the positive control, extract, and mucoadhesive granule groups, all scored at 1. Microscopic assessments also indicated a significant difference between the negative control and the positive control, extract, and mucoadhesive granule groups, showing better gastric repair, scored at 0.5. Therefore, it can be concluded that the administration of the mucoadhesive granule formulation of clove leaf ethanol extract exhibits gastroprotective activity comparable to that of the clove leaf ethanol extract

Assessment of the Potential Mechanisms of Anti-diarrhoeal Activities of Ethanol Extract of Monoon longifolium Leave in Wistar Rat

Background: Numerous diseases related to diarrhea are the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in underdeveloped countries, accounting for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Polyalthia longifolia, the false ashoka, commonly referred to as Monoon longifolium is a tree species from Asia. It is commonly found in southern india, Sri Lanka and Nigeria. Polyalthia longifolia has been utilized for decades to treat an extensive variety of illnesses, including diarrhea. Method: The plant was extracted with ethanol using cold maceration. Preliminary qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of Polyalthia longifolia leaf was conducted using the techniquees of Harbone (1998); Trease and Evans (1978). The Lorke (1983) approach was used to calculate the Median Lethal Dose (LD50). Diarrhea caused by castor oil was produced using the Awouter et al., 1973 method. The testing for gastrointestinal transit was conducted using the Mascolo et al. (1996) technique. The Tietz (1994) method was used to conduct the electrolyte levels assay. The assay for kidney function indicators was conducted using Bartels and Bohmer's (1972) methodology. Results: The results of phytochemical screening showed that alkaloids and tannins occurred in high concentration, flavonoids and steroids occurred in moderate concentration, whereas terpenoids, glycosides and phenolic acid occurred in lowest concentration. The acute toxicity study revealed that the plant extract was not toxic even at the dose of 5000 mg/kg. Groups treated with 200,400, and 600 mg/kg b.w of extract showed significant (P < 0.05) inhibition in the frequency of defecation of wet feces and total fecal output compared with positive control. Similarly, Groups treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight of extract demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) antimotility activity when compared with the positive control. However, groups treated with 200,400 and 600mg/kg body weight showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in chlorine and sodium with corresponding decrease in bicarbonate and potassium level when compared with the positive control. The results from kidney function markers showed that groups treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w in a dose dependent manner showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in creatine and urea when compared with positive control. Conclusion: The ethanol leaf extract of Polyalthia longifolia has considerable antidiarrheal activity on castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility models, confirming the reason for its wide use in traditional treatment of diarrheal conditions.

Phytochemical Analysis and Nanoparticle Formulations of Extracts Myristica fragrans Houtt Leaves as Antibacterial

Myristica fragrans Houtt leaves contain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, terpenoids and alkaloids, which have antibacterial properties. At the nanoscale, the particles have a bigger surface contact area, resulting in increased amounts and solubility of the active chemical. This leads to a stronger antibacterial activity. This study aims to examine the influence of several chitosan variations on particle size, antibacterial properties and the form of nanoparticles produced from Myristica fragrans leaves ethanol extract. Ethanol extract was analyzed using the UV-Vis spectrophotometric method to quantify total flavonoid content. Nanoparticles were synthesized using the ionic gelation technique with several ratios of chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate, specifically 8:1, 10:1 and 12:1. Nanoparticles were analyzed with a Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Agar diffusion test for bacteria germs using a paper backer. Myristica fragrans leaves ethanol extract was 50, 40 and 30 %, while nanoparticle extract was 5, 4 and 3 %. The overall flavonoid concentration in the QE/ethanol extract was 39.7252 ± 1.9596 mg. Antibacterial test results against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria and Myristica fragrans leaves extract limit inhibition area at 30 % (13.35 mm), 40 % (13.68 mm) and 50 % (13.93 mm) for Staphylococcus aureus and 30 (13.28), 40 (13.45) and 50 % (13.81 mm) for Escherichia coli. Myristica fragrans leaves extract chitosan nanoparticles included 3 (14.70), 4 (15.30) and 5 % (15.56 mm) for Staphylococcus aureus and 3 (14.60), 4 (14.65) and 5 % (15.05 mm) for Escherichia coli. Ionic gelation can create nanoparticles of Myristica fragrans leaves ethanol extract with chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate. Myristica fragrans leaves nanoparticle ethanol extract exhibits better antibacterial activity than ethanol extract. Increasing chitosan concentration affects particle size. The ethanol extract of Myristica fragrans nanoparticle leaves showed slightly better antibacterial activity than the ethanol extract. HIGHLIGHTS Nanoparticles of extracts and extracts have proven excellent antibacterial activity against human pathogens through paper disc diffusion method. Antibacterial test results against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria and Myristica fragrans leaves extract limit inhibition area at 30 % (13.35 mm), 40 % (13.68 mm), and 50 % (13.93 mm) for Staphylococcus aureus and 30 % (13.28 mm), 40 % (13.45 mm), and 50 % (13.81 mm) for Escherichia coli. Myristica fragrans leaves extract chitosan nanoparticles included 3 % (14.70 mm), 4 % (15.30 mm), and 5 % (15.56 mm) for Staphylococcus aureus and 3 % (14.60 mm), 4 % (14.65 mm), and 5 % (15.05 mm) for Escherichia coli. The synthesized extract nanoparticles can be used against human pathogens acts as antibacterial drugs. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Antiradical effect and phytochemical characterisation of the leaves of Parkia platycephala Benth

The objective of this study was to isolate and identify compounds present in the leaves of Parkia platycephala Benth (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) and evaluate the antiradical potential of the derived extracts and fractions. Seven compounds were successfully isolated from the ethanolic leaf extract, comprising gallic acid, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phytosteroids. Structural identification was accomplished through comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, including NMR and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and comparison with existing literature. The antiradical efficacy of both the extract and its fractions was determined in vitro through assays measuring 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and quantifying total phenolics via UV/Vis, revealing notable antioxidant activity in extracts from P. platycephala Benth, especially in the EtOH, EtOAc, and aqueous fractions, attributed to their high phenolic content and prevalence of flavonoids. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Parkia’s chemical composition and its potential biological benefits.

Ethanolic Cashew Leaf Extract Encapsulated in Tripolyphosphate–Chitosan Complexes: Characterization, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities

Ethanolic cashew leaf extract (ECL-E) is rich in phenolic compounds and shows remarkable antioxidative and antimicrobial activities. Encapsulation could stabilize ECL-E as the core. Tripolyphosphate (TPP)–chitosan (CS) nanoparticles were used to load ECL-E, and the resulting nanoparticles were characterized. The nanoparticles loaded with ECL-E at different levels showed differences in encapsulation efficiency (47.62–89.47%), mean particle diameters (47.30–314.60 nm), positive zeta potentials (40.37–44.24 mV), and polydispersity index values (0.20–0.56). According to scanning electron micrographs, the nanoparticles had a spherical or ellipsoidal shape, and a slight agglomeration was observed. The appropriate ratio of CS/ECL-E was 1:3, in which an EE of 89.47%, a particle size of 256.05 ± 7.70 nm, a zeta potential of 40.37 ± 0.66 mV, and a PDI of 0.22 ± 0.05 were obtained. The nanoparticles also exhibited high antioxidant activities, as assayed by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Low minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.38, 75.00 mg/mL) and Shewanella putrefaciens (4.69, 75.00 mg/mL). In addition, ECL-E loaded in nanoparticles could maintain its bioactivities under various light intensities (1000–4000 Lux) for 48 h. Some interactions among TPP, CS, and ECL-E took place, as confirmed by FTIR analysis. These nanoparticles had the increased storage stability and could be used for inactivating spoilage bacteria and retarding lipid oxidation in foods.

Exploring Cynara cardunculus L. by-products potential: Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

Cynara cardunculus L. (cardoon), a perennial crop indigenous to the Mediterranean region, has gained recognition for its remarkable resilience to diverse weather conditions and its multifaceted applications across various industries, which includes the use of the flower as a vegetable rennet to produce some cheeses, as a source of biomass for energy, or its seed oil for human consumption, biodiesel, and animal feed. In some applications (e.g. biomass or seed production), when crop is harvested at the end of the growth cycle, the leaves remain as the main by-products, along with the flowers. In the context of a circular economy, the aim of this work was to undergone studies to determinate their biological properties (antioxidant and antimicrobial). Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of C. cardunculus L. (globe artichoke var. scolymus (L.) Fiori) and cultivated cardoon (var. altilis DC.)) leaves and flowers were characterised in terms of their polyphenol profile (total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid compounds (TFC), and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ToF-MS)), antioxidant capacity (free radical DPPH inhibition system, β-carotene bleaching assay), and antimicrobial capacity (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), antifungal). In addition, the cultivated cardoon leaves extracts were assessed before and after they were dried in an oven with forced air circulation to evaluate if this treatment affected their bioactive profile. Chlorogenic acid, apigenin, and luteolin were the most quantified of a total of sixteen compounds identified by UHPLC-ToF-MS. Cultivated cardoon dry leaf extract presented the best antioxidant capacity for both methanolic (EC50 = 0.8 mg/mL, antioxidant activity coefficient (AAC) = 279.67) and ethanolic (EC50 = 2.1 mg/mL, AAC = 448.06) extracts, compared to the cardoon flower extracts and the globe artichoke leaf extracts. Dried cultivated cardoon leaf extracts presented higher antioxidant capacity than fresh cultivated cardoon leaf extracts, but a greater number of polyphenolic compounds were identified in fresh cultivated cardoon leaf extract. The Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to the activity of both ethanolic and methanolic extracts than the Gram-negative and cultivated cardoon dry leaf ethanolic extract presented lower MIC and MBC values (125–2000 µg/mL) for most of the tested microorganisms, thus showing higher antimicrobial activity. As for the cultivated cardoon leaf extracts, the dried leaf extracts exhibited better antimicrobial activity, with lower MIC values, than the fresh leaf extracts. The extracts only demonstrated a slight inhibition against the fungi Aspergillus fumigatus. In conclusion, studies performed indicate that dried leaves maintain their biological activities compared to fresh leaves, and that flowers present significant biological activity which suggests the great potential of the by-products of this crop as a source of active compounds in different industrial applications (e.g. food industry).

Garcinia cowa Leaf Ethanolic Extract Induces Vasorelaxation Through eNOS/NO/sGC Pathway, Potassium, and Calcium Channels in Isolated Rat Thoracic Aorta

Garcinia cowa Leaf Ethanolic Extract Induces Vasorelaxation Through eNOS/NO/sGC Pathway, Potassium, and Calcium Channels in Isolated Rat Thoracic Aorta

Sleep-improving effect and the potential mechanism of Morus alba L. on mice

As insufficient sleep has become a widespread concern in modern society, potential sleep-improving effect of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf ethanol extract (MLE) and the related mechanism were investigated in the present study. According to the results, MLE could significantly shorten sleep latency by 33 %, extend sleep duration by 56 % and increase sleep ratio of mice through increasing 5-HT and GABA release in serum, hypothalamus and hippocampus. Metabonomic analysis showed that phenylalanine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism might be the potential pathways of MLE to improve sleep. Network pharmacological and LC-MS analysis suggested that the key sleep-improving active ingredients in MLE might be luteolin, kaempferol, naringenin, morin, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. Further molecular docking and qRT-PCR results demonstrated that the key targets for MLE to improve sleep might be MAOA, GABRA1 and GABRA2. In conclusion, MLE showed outstanding sleep-improving effect and great potential for the application as novel sleep-improving functional food.

Antihypertensive Effects of Lindera erythrocarpa Makino via NO/cGMP Pathway and Ca2+ and K+ Channels.

Studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of Lindera plants. This study was undertaken to reveal the antihypertensive properties of Lindera erythrocarpa leaf ethanolic extract (LEL). Aorta segments of Sprague-Dawley rats were used to study the vasodilatory effect of LEL, and the mechanisms involved were evaluated by treating specific inhibitors or activators that affect the contractility of blood vessels. Our results revealed that LEL promotes a vasorelaxant effect through the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate pathway, blocking the Ca2+ channels, opening the K+ channels, and inhibiting the vasoconstrictive action of angiotensin II. In addition, the effects of LEL on blood pressure were investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats by the tail-cuff method. LEL (300 or 1000 mg/kg) was orally administered to the rats, and 1000 mg/kg of LEL significantly lowered the blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure decreased by -20.06 ± 4.87%, and diastolic blood pressure also lowered by -30.58 ± 5.92% at 4 h in the 1000 mg/kg LEL group. Overall, our results suggest that LEL may be useful to treat hypertensive diseases, considering its vasorelaxing and hypotensive effects.

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity Related to the Mechanism of Work of the Active Fraction of Moringa Leaves (Guilandina Moringa L.) to Staphylococcus Aureus

Biofilm-associated S. aureus bacterial infections are difficult to treat because bacterial cells encased in biofilms can be highly resistant to antibiotics and the immune response of the host. Moringa leaf extract contains active compounds of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and phenols that have activity as antibacterial and antibiofilm. This study aims to determine the antibacterial activity and of extracts, mechanism of action of the most active fraction of moringa leaf ethanol extract against S. aureus.Extraction of Moringa leaves using maceration method with 96% ethanol solvent, fractionated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water solvents. Antibacterial test using disc diffusion method, followed by dilution test. Observations were made using SEM and AAS. Data from the diffusion test, inhibition of biofilm formation, and biofilm degradation were analyzed using One Way ANOVA. Based on the results of the study, the ethyl acetate fraction is the most active fraction in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus in the diffusion test with an inhibition zone diameter of 15,7 mm at a concentration of 100 mg/mL and a minimum kill concentration value of 25 mg/mL. The water fraction was the most active fraction in inhibiting the formation and degradation of biofilm against S. aureus with an IC50 value of 4,049 ± 0,063 mg/mL and an EC50 value of 4,246 ± 0,050 mg/mL

Safety evaluation of Avicenna germinans leaf extracts in rats

BackgroundAvicenna germinans is one of Nigeria's dominant mangrove plants and has valuable pharmacological and therapeutic activity. It is widely employed in traditional medicine to treat many ailments and diseases, including cancer. However, little is known about the safety of the plant. Acute and sub-acute toxicity profiles of the plant extracts were assessed in this study. MethodsThe oral acute toxicity was determined with 5000 mg/kg body weight each of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts of Avicenna germinans leaf in rats. The rats were monitored for mortality, clinical manifestations, and weight changes over 14 days. During the sub-acute toxicity study, twenty-five female rats were fed with 0–1000 mg/kg ethanol extracts of Avicenna germinans for 21 days. The body weight was monitored during treatment, while changes in gross organ morphology, relative organ weights, hematology, serum biochemistry, and limited histological analysis were evaluated after treatment. ResultsAcute administration of the three extracts did not result in mortality or any obvious adverse effects. The gross pathology, relative organ weights, hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathology were similar to the control, except for the 1000 mg/kg dose that evoked marked increases in relative heart, intestinal, thymus, and adrenal weights. In addition, foci of inflammatory cells in the interstitium and lymphoid hyperplasia were found in the heart and lungs, respectively, in the 1000 mg/kg group. ConclusionThe findings indicate that LD50 of the three extracts of Avicenna germinans were > 5000 mg/kg and sub-acute administration of the ethanol extract is relatively safe at least up to 750 mg/kg body weights.

Effects of the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) Ethanolic Extract on Streptocuccus Pyrogenes Induced Wister Rats

Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of V. amygdalina leaf extract on the remediation of the cytological and physiological damages on albino rats caused by streptococcus pyogenes. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design with multiple treatment groups. Research was done at the department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Calabar, Cross River state, between March 2023 and June 2023. Methodology: Bitter extract was obtained through Soxlet extraction, and screened for the presence of secondary metabolites using standard phytochemical screening procedures. A pure culture of S. pyogenes was gotten from Microbiology Laboratory University of Calabar. Thirty five albino rats (100-175g), obtained from the Pharmacology department, University of Calabar were placed in 7 groups (A-G). Rats in groups A-F each was injected with the bacterium, observed for five days. Group A-E rats were subsequently treated with 0g/200 ml, 20g/200 ml, 40g/200 ml, 60g/200 ml, and 100g/200ml crude extract of bitter leaf respectively. While group F was treated with standard antibiotics. 0.5ml Cefuroxime Axetil tablets usp was injected into the rats. Group G rats served as negative control. Results: Results showed the presence of alkaloids, acidic compounds, tannins, flavonoids and Saponins. Haematocrit increased slightly in group A-E (18.3-46.3%) treated with 0g/200ml, 20g/200ml, 40g/200 ml, 60g/200 ml, and 100g/200ml concentrations of the extract, respectively. But more in group F (50.2%) that received antibiotics treatment, when compared with the control. Similar trend was observed for haemoglobin (Hb) values (15.3g/dl) and red blood cell (RBC) counts (3.0 x1012/l) that increased with increasing concentration of 100g/200ml extract treatment and antibiotics treatment (Hb = 15.7g/dl; RBC = 3.3 x1012/l) respectively. The white blood cell counts decreased with antibiotic treatment. Conclusion: Study established that in vivo administration of bitter leaf extract on albino rats was best at 60g/200 ml, and 100g/200ml in ameliorating haematotoxicity caused by S. pyogenes.

In Vivo Evaluation of Anti-obesity and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Anredera cordifolia in Rats

In Vivo Evaluation of Anti-obesity and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Anredera cordifolia in Rats

Evaluation of the In vitro and In silico Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitory Activity of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Tapinanthus cordifolius and its Effect on Oral Glucose Tolerance in Mice

Evaluation of the In vitro and In silico Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitory Activity of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Tapinanthus cordifolius and its Effect on Oral Glucose Tolerance in Mice

GC-MS-employed Phytochemical Characterization and Anticancer, Antidiabetic, and Antioxidant Activity Screening of Lagerstroemia Thorelli.

Lagerstroemia thorelli (L. thorelli) is a member of the Lythraceae family and has not been previously researched. Thus, this study aimed to investigate its unexplored potential and identify novel therapeutic prospects. This research evaluated antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic potentials along with compound characterization of the ethanolic leaf extract of L. thorelli. The antioxidant potential was assessed using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging assays, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) determination, antidiabetic property was assessed using α-amylase inhibition, and the cytotoxic effect was examined on HeLa and Vero cells using MTT colorimetric assay. Chemical characterization was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The findings demonstrated strong antioxidant, strong antidiabetic, and moderate cytotoxic activities. Comprehensive phytochemical analysis revealed its abundance in flavonoids, phenols/phenolics, tannins, glycosides, steroids, resin, etc. GC-MS analysis of the L. thorelli extract identified 80 important compounds including cis-11-eicosenamide, beta-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-, alpha-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-, phthalic acid, gamma-sitosterol, phytol, silicic acid, squalene, butanoic acid, cyclobarbital, etc. which are well-documented for their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Thus, it can be inferred that L. thorelli could hold new promises in treating diseases like diabetes and free radical-induced conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases.

Evaluation of volatile and bioactive compounds of ethanol leaf extracts of Justicia secunda using GC-MS and GC-FID analysis.

The study evaluated the volatile and bioactive constituents of ethanol extracts of Justicia secunda using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for volatile composition while bioactive compound were assessed using gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The leaf extracts were prepared by being collected, air-dried, macerated in 96% ethanol, filtered and concentrated at 450C. The result obtained revealed the presences of bioactive compound such as flavonoid that include: Spartein (28.10 µg/ml), Ruti (15.6 µg/ml), Oxalate (12.70 µg/ml), Naringin (12.4 µg/ml), Steroids (11.7 µg/ml), Epinedrine (11.10 µg/ml), Cardiac glycoside (10.10 µg/ml), Flavonone (10.10 µg/ml), Ribalinidine (9.30 µg/ml), Anthocyanin (7.70%), Flavone (7.30 µg/ml), Sapogenin (7.30µg/ml), Proanthocyanin (6.90 µg/ml),Resveratol (6.70µg/ml), Epicatechin (5.70 µg/ml), Phytate (5.70µg/ml), Kaempferol (3.90 µg/ml),Catechin (2.00 µg/ml), Tannin (2.00 µg/ml). The GC-MS Screening of the plant’s extract identified eighty-two (82) bioactive compounds, which include Ethyl palmitate (5.54%), 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (4.04%),9,17-Octadecadienal, (4.05%), Linoleic acid ethyl ester (4.05%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester (4.00%), Decane, 2-methyl (3.82%), Hexadecane (3.82%), Heptadecane, 2,6-dimethyl (3.26%), N-(3-methylButyl) acetamide (3.02%), Sulfurous acid, butyl octyl ester (3.25%), Hexane,1-(hexyloxy)-5-(3.06%) as the major bioactive compounds. The result of the GC-MS analysis showed that the ethanol extract of Justicia secunda contains many pharmacologically important bioactive compounds such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic anti-cancer effects. Traditionally, Justicia species are used in the treatment of inflammation, rheumatism, arthritis gastrointestinal diseases, anaemia and respiratory tract infection. The proximate analysis of the ethanol extract of the leaves revealed notable levels of various components, where carbohydrates were found to be the highest, followed by moisture content, protein, fats, fiber, and ash content, respectively.

Effects of Bryophyllum pinnatum on Dysfunctional Autophagy in Rats Lungs Exposed to Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Lung inflammation as a result of exposure to toxicants is a major pathological problem. Autophagy (AP) is a process of cell self-digestion and can be disrupted by environmental toxicants, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular damage. Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken has been used in folklore medicine to manage pathological abnormalities, including inflammation, but mechanisms remain unclear. This work investigated the effects of Bryophyllum pinnatum ethanol leaf extract (BP) on dysfunctional AP in the lungs of Wistar rats exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs). The experimental rats were orally administered ZONPs for seven days (10 mg/kg). Some exposed rats were post-treated with BP (62.5 and 125 mg/kg) through oral gavage. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic and autophagic parameters were assessed using biochemical assay and gene expression methods. Several indices of pulmonary damage were also evaluated. PCR analysis suggested that ZONP downregulated the expression of pro-autophagy-related genes (Beclin 2, ATG5, DAPK, and FOXP3) and upregulated the expression of the TNF-alpha, NF-Kb, LC3 and Bcl2 genes. In contrast, BP significantly (p < 0.0001) reversed ZONP-induced pulmonary toxicity and oxidative stress. It reduced MDA levels and increased SOD, CAT, GSH and GPxD activities. BP significantly (p < 0.0001) downregulated the expressions of proinflammatory genes (IL-6 and JNK) and upregulated the expressions of IL-10, CAT and SOD genes in ZONP-exposed rats. BP restored the lung’s histoarchitectural structure after ZNOP-induced distortion. The results suggested that BP has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and could effectively restore ZNOP-induced dysfunctional AP in the lungs of Wistar rats.

Combination Effects of African Leaf Ethanol Extract (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) with Red Onion Peel (Allium cepa L.) as Antidiabetes in Streptozotocin-induced Mice

Type 2 diabetes arises when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of reducing blood glucose levels in white male mice through the administration of an ethanol extract of African leaves and onion peel, as well as to determine the duration of these effects. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in the mice, and the experiment was conducted over a period of 21 days. The mice were divided into seven groups: Group 1 received a placebo (CMC Na 0.5%), Group 2 received glibenclamide (0.013 mg/20 g body weight), Group 3 received a single dose of African leaf extract (4.2 mg/20 g BW), Group 4 received a single dose of onion peel extract (4 mg/20 g BW), and Groups 5, 6, and 7 received combinations of African leaf and onion peel extracts at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1, respectively. The results demonstrated that the combined administration of African leaf and onion peel extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels, with decreases of 44.701%, 49.929%, and 51.996% in the 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 group, respectively. The 1:1 combination was particularly effective, showing a reduction in blood glucose levels comparable to the positive control, which achieved a 45.957% decrease. The administration of the test preparations effectively reduced blood glucose levels over 21 days, with significant reductions observed on both the 14th and 21st days.