Ethanol Extract Of Plant Research Articles

In-vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer activity of Aerial parts of Xanthium indicum koenig (Asteraceae)

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the in-vitro anti-cancer effect of the ethanolic extract of Xanthium indicum Koenig (Asteraceae) Materials and Methods: The plant was chosen and extracted by Maceration method. The extraction was processed using the following solvents such as Petroleum ether, Chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. TLC and HPTLC analysis was performed using the solvents, and the Rf values was noted. The in vitro antioxidant using DPPH scavenging assay and in-vitro anti-cancer activity using MTT assay and Apoptosis by ethanolic extract of Xanthium indicum plant. The IC50 value was noted accordingly. Result: Ethanol was considered as a better solvent; in each test, only ethanol showed comparatively high value than others. MTT assay revealed that the viability of the cell increases with increase in concentration, similarly in Apoptosis method cell death was seen as concentration increases. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Xanthium Indicum was found to possess high potentiality. Hence, it can be subjected to study further, and prominent anti-cancer research can be done.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants

The antimicrobial activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Myrtus communis, Ammi visnaga, and Equisetum arvense was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans by using the agar well diffusion method. Serial concentrations (15%, 30%, and 50%) of the extracts of each plant were tested and compared with gentamicin (10 μg) and fluconazole (25 μg). Most of the extract concentrations showed a relatively high antimicrobial activity against all the tested microbes, and the ethanolic extract was more effective than the aque¬ous extract. The activity of plant extracts increased with the increasing extract concentration of Myrtus communis, which appeared to possess a more antimicrobial activity than the other plants assessed; in fact, its ethanolic extract exhibited the highest inhibition zone against S. aureus (32 mm). The ethanolic plant extracts at a concentration of 50% displayed the maximum activity against the herein assessed isolates. Moreover, E. coli showed a higher sensi¬tivity to most extracts, while the lowest effect being noticed on C. albicans.

Phytochemical investigation, in-vitro antiplasmodial assessment and cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract of whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria (Benth)

Crotataria arenaria (Benth) is a native plant from Northern part of Nigeria which is employed as antimalarial herb in traditional medicine in the communities where it grows. The phytochemical composition, In-vitro antiplasmodial activity and in-vitro cytotoxic effect of the extract and fractions of the whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria were investigated. The mature and fresh whole plant of C. arenaria were collected, air dried and pulverized. The pulverized form of the plant were soaked in ethanol for two weeks and later decanted, filtered and concentrated using rotatory evaporator at 40oC and evaporated to dryness and labeled CRA-1. The dried ethanol solid extract (CRA-1) was patitioned/fractionated using water, chloroform, ethyl acetate, 18% aqueous methanol, n-hexane which afforded chloroform fraction (CRA-1-01), water fraction (CRA-1-02), ethyl acetate fraction (CRA-1-03) aqueous methanol fraction (CRA-1-04) and n-hexane (CRA - 1- 05) and they were dried and tested for their photochemicals and In-vitro antiplasmdial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strain (K1). The ethanol extract and its fractions were found to significantly inhibited/suppressed multi-drug resistant strain of P. falciparium (K1) in the range of 86.73% - 65.31% at varied concentrations of 5000 µg/ml, 2000 µg/ml, 1000 µg/ml and 500 µg/ml. The ethanol extract and its fractions showed the presence of tannins, saponins and alkaloids which could be responsible for the In-vitro antiplasmodial activity of the whole plant extract of C. arenaria and each of its fractions. Ethanol crude extracts of whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria and its fractions were investigated for cytotoxicity in Brine shrimp lethality Test (BSLT). Larvicidal activities were noticed with dosage concentration from 1000 µg/ml down to 10 µg/ml of the plant extract and all its fractions. The relative cytotoxic effects of extract and fractions obtained from whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria were found to be dose-dependent because higher dosage brought about an increase in mortality of Artemia salina Leach. Sea salty water of the crude ethanol extract and its fractions served as the negative control. The chloroform fraction was observed to be most cytotoxic killing 30% of brine shrimp larvae at lowest concentration of 10 µg/ml with average percentage lethality of 46.67%. Aqueous methanol and ethanol crude extract appears to show similar and closely related activities against brine shrimp larvae at highest concentration of 1000 µg/ml. The ethanol crude extract and aqueous methanol fractions are toxic at higher dosage as they were found to induce significant mortality effect (In-vitro) against Artemia salina Leach particularly at concentration of 1000 µg/ml and therefore not safe for oral consumption especially at higher uncontrolled doses but at relatively low/moderate doses. The findings in this present study demonstrated that the extract of C. arenaria (whole plant) and fractions have significant in vitro antiplasmodial activity and this has justified the traditional use of the whole plant extract of Crotaria arenaria in the folklore medicine to cure malaria related illness. The results obtained in this study may serve as key data for utilization of Crotalaria arenaria in the development of bioactive agents which could be used as antimalarial, anticancer, pesticidal, insecticidal and anti-proliferation agents. The study recommended in-vivo antiplasmodial assay of the extract of the whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria to further substantiate the findings of this present study.

Alkaloids from Zanthoxylum nitidum and their anti-proliferative activity against A549 cells by regulating the EGFR/AKT/mTOR pathway

Zanthoxylum nitidum is frequently used as a traditional Chinese medicine and food supplement. Our previous study revealed that its constituent compounds were able to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. In our continuous exploration of bioactive compounds in Z. nitidum, we isolated ten alkaloids (1-10), including one new natural compound (1), and nine known alkaloids (2-10), from an ethanolic extract of the whole plant. The chemical structures were elucidated based on a combination of comprehensive NMR and HRESIMS analyses. Compounds 5, 8 and 10 exhibited significant antiproliferative effects against A549 cancer cell lines. We further elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms of the antiproliferative activity of compound 8 in A549 human lung cancer cells. Compound 8 was found to induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase via p53 activation and CDK4/6 suppression. Compound 8 also effectively inhibited cell migration through the modulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as indicated by the expression of biomarkers, such as N-cadherin downregulation and E-cadherin upregulation. Compound 8 significantly suppressed the activation of the EGFR/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway in A549 cells. These results indicate that alkaloid 8 from Z. nitidum has potential to be a lead antiproliferative compound in cancer cells.

Phytochemicals and antimicrobial properties of Thai edible plant extracts and their prebiotic-like effects

In this study, the phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic extracts of Thai edible plants, green tea, red cotton tree flower, fingerroot and ginger were evaluated. The plant extracts were taken for evaluation of antimicrobial activities against Cutibacterium acnes DMST 14916, Staphylococcus epidermidis TISTR 518, and Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 746. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of green tea, fingerroot, and ginger extracts against C. acnes DMST 14916 were 3.92, 0.49, and 7.85 mg cm-3, respectively and the minimum bacteriostatic concentrations (MBCs) were 3.92, 0.49, and 7.85 mg cm-3, respectively. The MICs and MBCs of fingerroot extract against S. epidermidis TISTR 518 were 0.12 and 0.49 mg cm-3, respectively, while those against S. aureus TISTR 746 were 0.12 and 0.98 mg cm-3, respectively. Red cotton tree flower extract showed no antimicrobial activity against the acne-causing bacteria. By scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation, the bacterial cells treated with the plant extracts revealed visible shrinkages compared to the smooth cell surfaces of the controls. The phytochemicals in the plant extracts were analysed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Well-known antimicrobial compounds like azelaic acid, embelin and kaempferol 3-rutinoside-4′-glucoside were identified in all extracts. The cytotoxic effects of the plant extracts on human cell lines were further investigated. The green tea extract was slightly toxic to HaCaT cells found at the initial concentration of 62.5 mg cm-3, but not toxic to MRC-5 cells. The fingerroot and ginger extracts had no cytotoxicity on HaCaT cells, but promoted the MRC-5 cell proliferation. The combination effects of the plant extracts were prebiotic-like and indifferent effects. Regarding all results, the ethanolic extracts of green tea, fingerroot, and ginger could be used individually as natural anti-acne ingredients capable of further product development to improve human skin health.

Evaluation of in vitro anti-cancer potential and apoptotic profile of ethanolic plant extract of Wrightia tinctoria against oral cancer cell line.

For decades, Wrightia tinctoria (W. tinctoria) has been important in the field of traditional medicine. The identification and isolation of numerous chemically potent and pharmaceutically advantageous phytochemicals isolated from this plant extract has contributed to its resurrection into evidence-based modern medicine. This plant is inexpensive and indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. An in vitro study was carried out using KB (KERATIN-forming tumour cell line HeLa) oral cancer cell line. The control drug doxorubicin along with the test drug W. tinctoria was tested for anti-cancer potential by using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and for apoptotic activity by using DNA fragmentation assay and western blotting assay. The study was conducted using MTT assay to determine the cytotoxicity of plant extract against oral cancer cell line by determining the IC50 values at the end of 24 hours by the MTT calorimetric assay. The IC50 value of 48.89 and 9.62 was arrived for the W. tinctoria extract and doxorubicin, respectively, by using MTT calorimetric assay. DNA fragmentation assay showed a ladder pattern when treated with 59 μg/mL extract of W. tinctoria, and western blot analysis revealed the presence of cleaved caspase 3, confirming the apoptotic potential of the extract. The current study demonstrated that the plant extract has effective anti-cancer and apoptotic potential and can be used as a natural source for the production of new anti-cancer and cytotoxic agents against oral cancer.

Simultaneous effect of medicinal plants as natural photosensitizers and low-level laser on photodynamic inactivation.

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) technology is a promising alternative to antibiotics. This technology is defined as the inhibition of bacterial growth with photosensitizers while irradiated with low-level laser light in the wavelength of 532 ± 2.08nm. A challenging area in this field is selecting photosensitizers with antibacterial potential. In this paper, to enhance the antibacterial efficiency, the photosensitizers (the selected plant extracts) with a high absorption peak at the selected laser frequency, 532nm, were prepared. Low-concentration ethanolic plant extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Opuntia ficus-indica were found to exhibit significant antibacterial activity against, Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606 and, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33591 as two important human pathogenic bacteria. The effectiveness of these natural photosensitizers was measured by determining their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values and by performing a time-killing assay in the absence and the presence of laser irradiation. Our results showed that the combination of low-level laser irradiation and the selected photosensitizers had excellent potential for treating in vitro bacterial infections. Therefore, PDI technology has great potential as a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics for combating bacterial infections. This study presents a promising avenue for further exploration of PDI and the use of laser technology in medical science.

Beninese Plant Extracts with Antiplasmodial Activity Select New Allele Variants Msp1 and Msp2 in Plasmodium falciparum.

Natural medicinal products are commonly used as a remedy against malaria infections in African populations and have become a major source of information for the screening of new and more effective antiplasmodial molecules. Therefore, in vitro studies are needed to validate the efficacy of these medicinal products and to explore the potential effects of such drugs on the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum. The current study has investigated the impact of some Beninese plant extracts with antiplasmodial activity on the genetic diversity of P. falciparum. Five (5) ethanolic plant extracts (Dissotis rotundifolia, Ehretia cymosa Thonn, Hibiscus surattensis L., Cola millenii K. Shum, and Costus afer Ker Gawl) and a compound extracted from Ehretia cymosa Thonn (encoded CpE2) were tested against asexual stage parasites of a culture-adapted strain of P. falciparum. Subsequently, the P. falciparum Msp1 and Msp2 markers were genotyped, and the number of allelic variants and the multiplicity of infection (MOI) were compared between drug-exposed and unexposed parasites. All plant extracts have shown inhibitory activity against asexual P. falciparum and selected new allelic variants of the Msp1 and Msp2 genes compared to unexposed parasites. The newly selected allelic variants were K1_100bp and RO33_300bp of the Msp1 gene and FC27_150bp, FC27_300bp, FC27_400bp, and FC27_600bp of the Msp2 gene. However, there was no significant difference in MOI between drug-exposed and unexposed parasites. Our study highlights a source for the selection of new Msp1 and Msp2 alleles after exposure to antimalarial drugs. These findings pave the way for further studies investigating the true roles of these newly selected alleles in P. falciparum.

Phytochemical and in vitro biological profiling of Portulaca grandiflora whole plant extracts

P. grandiflora is a small herbaceous annual herb from Portulacaceae family and found useful in mitigating the health care crisis. The study aimed to determine the phytochemicals and to examine the in vitro antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer potential of Portulaca grandiflora. Crude methanolic, ethanolic and n-Hexane extracts of whole plant were used for this study. Antimicrobial properties were estimated through disk diffusion assay, antioxidant activity was determined by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl scavenging (DPPH), total antioxidant capability and reducing power assays. From the results it was found that methanolic extract of P. grandiflora showed the highest zone of inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans i.e. 36 ±1mm and 18 ±1 mm respectively with MIC of 25 μg/ml. The highest amount of gallic acid equivalent phenolic and quercetin equivalent flavonoid content were found in methanolic extract of P. grandiflora i.e. 77 ± 0.68 μg GAE/mg extract and 63 ± 1.08 μg QE/mg extract. The significant DPPH scavenging activity (P< 0.05) wasrecorded for methanolic extract of P. grandiflora (87%). Considerably greater antioxidant capacity (10 ± 1.18 μg AAE/mg) and reducing power (4.06 ± 0.18 μg AAE/mg) was observed in methanolic extract. MTT cell viability assay methanolic extract of P. grandiflora showed the IC50 of 42.70 μg/ml at 72h. Whole plant extracts in different solvents exhibit strong pharmacological properties thus suggesting it as a major source of pharmaceutical industry.

In vitro Study of the Synergistic Effect of Different Concentrations of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash and Ethanolic Extract of Pinus Gerardiana on Oral Pathogens (Streptococcus Mutans and Candida Albicans)

Introduction: Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in the world. Streptococcus mutans is the most important bacteria that cause tooth decay. The most common chemical method to prevent tooth decay is using mouthwash. Chlorhexidine is used as a standard mouthwash. The use of herbal compounds with antibacterial effect is preferable to chlorhexidine due to less side effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the combination of different concentrations of chlorhexidine mouthwash and ethanol extract of Pinus gerardiana medicinal plant on oral pathogens (Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans). Method: A combination of different concentrations of chlorhexidine mouthwash and ethanol extract of Pinus gerardiana medicinal plant was prepared and its effect in different dilution against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans was investigated by disc diffusion, well diffusion, and prevention of biofilm formation methods. Results: The results of disc diffusion, well diffusion, and biofilm method showed that the ethanolic extract of Pinus gerardiana medicinal plant alone had no significant antimicrobial effect on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans and it was not comparable to chlorhexidine. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the antibacterial and antifungal effects of chlorhexidine gradually increased with the increase in concentration, and 0.2% chlorhexidine had the highest inhibitory effect on bacteria and fungi under the present study.

Phytochemical Evaluation, Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Indigenous Plant Ethanolic Extracts and ADMET Properties of its Phytocompounds

The scientific investigation was made to study the phytochemical and antimicrobial analysis of ethanoic extract of some indigenous plants and ADMET properties of its phytocompounds. We investigated 27 active phytochemical components in ethanolic extracts of four medicinal plants: Andrographis paniculata, Centella asiatica, Psidium guajava, and Solanum trilobatum. The extracts were subjected to a standard procedure of qualitative phytochemical screening. The phytocompounds in the leaf extracts of the selected plants were identified using IR and GC-MS spectroscopy. The extracts were then tested for in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), as well as antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus, using Agar-diffusion methods and reference drugs Amikacin and Nystatin. Psidium guajava ethanol extract was found to be the most efficient against Enterococcus, with an inhibition area of 19 mm when compared to Amikacin. Centella asiatica showed a 13 mm zone of inhibition against Candida albicans, which is comparable to Nystatin's 15 mm zone. Molecular docking experiments revealed that Andrographis paniculata's Stigmasterol (-9.3 kcal/mol) is a good inhibitor of Staphylococcus (PDB:3FYM), and Lupeol (-9.6 kcal/mol) is a promising inhibitor of Candida albicans (PDB:4HOF). Both showed binding energies equivalent to common antibiotics amikacin (-7.2 kcal/mol) and nystatin (-8.6 kcal/mol).

Pyrroloquinolones B–F: Five unusual alkaloids from Vernonia glabra (Steetz) Vatke (Asteraceae)

Five unusual alkaloids featuring a pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolone skeleton (pyrroloquinolones B–F, 1–5) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the whole plant of Vernonia glabra (Steetz) Vatke, along with sixteen known compounds. Their structures were established by means of spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR, and ECD) and high resolution mass spectrometric techniques as well as by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. The ethanol extract and some isolated compounds were assessed for their antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains. The extract was significantly active against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC1026 and S. epidermidis ATCC35984 (MIC = 64 μg/mL). All the tested compounds showed moderate activity against S. epidermidis (16 ≤ MIC ≤ 64 μg/mL). Furthermore, this is the first report on tricyclic pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolone alkaloids from a plant source. A biosynthetic pathway for the formation of these compounds is also proposed.

Anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity of Helichrysum odoratissimum Sweet. against lung cancer

Lung cancer remains the top killing cancer worldwide despite advances in treatment. Seven ethanolic plant extracts were selected and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against the two main types of lung cancers: non-small cell (A549) and small cell lung cancer cells (SHP-77). An ethanolic extract of Helichrysum odoratissimum Sweet (HO) showed significant antiproliferative activity against lung cancer, with a fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 83.43 ± 1.60 µg/mL (A549), 49.46 ± 0.48 µg/mL (SHP-77) and 50.71 ± 2.27 µg/mL, against normal lung epithelial cells (MRC-5), resulting in a selectivity index (SI) value of 0.61 on A549 cells and 1.03 on SHP-77 cells, which was compared to the positive drug control, actinomycin D where the SI values were found to be 2 and 0.25 against A549 and SHP-77 cells, respectively. Against murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and hepatocytes (HepG2), the HO ethanolic extract showed IC50 values of 60.15 ± 1.98 µg/mL and 23.61 ± 1.06 µg/mL, respectively. Microscopy showed that the HO ethanolic extract induced apoptosis in the A549 and HepG2 cells at 50 µg/mL and 300 µg/mL, respectively. The HO ethanolic extract, furthermore, inhibited the pro-inflammatory enzymes, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) with IC50 values of 7.94 ± 3.84 µg/mL and 2.08 ± 1.35 µg/mL, respectively, whereas the positive controls Ibuprofen (COX-2) and Zileuton (5-LOX) showed IC50 values of 0.85 ± 0.14 µg/mL and 0.06 ± 0.05 µg/mL, respectively. The activity of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), which is a direct target of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (NRF2), was significantly inhibited in the A549 cells by the HO ethanolic extract (at 125 µg/mL) when compared to the positive control, brusatol (at 500 nM). Using the ex ovo yolk sac membrane (YSM) assay, the HO ethanolic extract (at 18.5 µg/egg) showed a 31.65 ± 12.80% inhibition of blood vessel formation. This is the first report of the noteworthy antiproliferative activity of the HO ethanolic extract on lung cancer cells including its potential to target several enzymes associated with inflammation and therefore, should be considered for further analysis.

Elimination of detached Listeria monocytogenes from the biofilm on stainless steel surfaces during milk and cheese processing using natural plant extracts

Bacterial cells can form biofilm on food contact surfaces, becoming a source of food contamination with profound health implications. The current study aimed to determine some Egyptian medicinal plants antibacterial and antibiofilm effects against foodborne bacterial strains in milk plants. Results indicated that four ethanolic plant extracts, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), Marigold (Calendula officinalis), and Sage (Salvia officinalis), had antibacterial (12.0–26.5 mm of inhibition zone diameter) and antibiofilm (10–99%) activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium. The tested extracts had minimum inhibitory concentration values between 0.14 and 2.50 mg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration values between 0.14 and 12.50 mg/ml. L. monocytogenes was more sensitive for all tested ethanolic extracts; Sage and Cinnamon showed a bacteriocidal effect, while Chamomile and Marigold were bacteriostatic. The ethanolic extracts mixture from Chamomile, Sage, and Cinnamon was chosen for its antibiofilm activity against L. monocytogenes using L-optimal mixture design. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis showed that this mixture contained 12 chemical compounds, where 2-Propenal,3-phenyl- had the maximum area % (34.82%). At concentrations up to 500 µg/ml, it had no cytotoxicity in the normal Vero cell line, and the IC50 value was 671.76 ± 9.03 µg/ml. Also, this mixture showed the most significant antibacterial effect against detached L. monocytogenes cells from formed biofilm in stainless steel milk tanks. At the same time, white soft cheese fortified with this mixture was significantly accepted overall for the panelist (92.2 ± 2.7) than other cheese samples, including the control group.

Investigation of the Antibacterial Effect of Taraxacum officinale Extracts Extracted in Different Solvents on Bacteroides fragilis ATCC 25285 Standard Strain by Broth Microdilution Method

Bacteria causing hospital-associated infections continue to become resistant due to antibiotic resistance, which has become a global problem worldwide and accordingly, the antibiotic options used in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by these bacteria are limited. In the light of the data obtained from experimental studies on plants, it is thought that plant extracts may be a promising option in the treatment of infectious diseases. In this study, it was aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of Taraxacum officinale extracts on Bacteroides fragilis ATCC 25285 standard strain by broth microdilution method and to pioneer different studies that will investigate the antibacterial effects of plant extracts on resistant B.fragilis strains that cause hospital-acquired opportunistic infections after invasive interventions and trauma. In this study, the T.officinale plant collected as a result of field work was divided into root, leaf and flower parts and dried at 70 °C for 24 hours and then turned into powder. Dried plant samples were extracted in ethanol and methanol for 24 hours. The obtained extracts were stored at -80 °C to be used in the broth microdilution method. B.fragilis ATCC 25285 standard strain was used as the bacterial strain. As a result of the experiments performed with broth microdilution method, the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) value of root, leaf and flower extracts with ethanol was determined as 200 μg/ mL, the methanolic root extract as 100 μg/mL and the methanolic leaf and flower extracts as 200 μg/mL. As a result, ethanol and methanol plant extracts were found to be effective on B.fragilis strain.

Biological activities and phytochemical prospection of plant extracts of Myrsine Umbellata mart

Myrsine umbellata is a Brazilian native species from the Primulaceae family, popularly known as “Capororocão.” Considering that plants have been used to treat various illnesses, explaining interest in research with Brazilian native species in the search for plant bioactives with biological potential that can act on the control of pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, the present study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds of the leaves of the native species M. umbellata, as well as to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Methanolic (ME), Acetonic (AE), Ethanolic (EE), and Hexanic (HE) plant extracts against bacteria of clinical and veterinary importance. The presence of secondary metabolites was analyzed by observing color changes or precipitate formation reactions, and the antimicrobial activity was determined by broth microdilution methodology. Through phytochemical prospecting, the presence of nine classes of metabolites was detected: tannins, saponins, free steroids, alkaloids, anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, flavones, flavonoids, and flavanonols. The extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all tested strains. ME showed the best MIC results for the standard strains. The most susceptible strains were gram-positive: Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis and gram-negative: Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis besides the yeast Candida albicans. The results indicate that the species M. umbellata shows the potential for isolating natural bioactives and the potential development of products such as non-synthetic antimicrobials.

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.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Activities, and Phytochemical Characterization of Acacia nilotica and Hibiscus sabdariffa

Antibiotic abuse has caused the emergence of an alarming number of resistant pathogens. Hence, there is an urgent need for novel agents. Most of the Sudanese people in rural areas rely on traditional medicine for the treatment of many infectious diseases. This study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial antioxidant activities and phytochemical contents of Hibiscus sabdariffa fruits and Acacia nilotica pods. Antimicrobial assays of the ethanolic extracts of both plants showed that they exhibit diverse inhibitory activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and three Gram-negative bacteria Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella and Escherichia coli, and one fungi Candida albicans, with the zone of inhibition ranging from 16 to 20 mm in length. The antioxidant activity of A. nilotica was about 91 %; it was highly significant compared with the standard (Propyl gallate) which gave (94%). While the extract of H. sabdariffa showed weak antioxidant activity. Phytochemical screening of A. nilotica indicates the presence of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, and saponins, while alkaloids were absent. The extract H. sabdariffa was rich in phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids, but no tannins, triterpenes, or saponins were detected. These findings provide scientific evidence to support the traditional medicinal uses of these extracts and indicate the promising potential of these plants for medicinal purposes.

Mitigation of Diabetes Mellitus Using Euphorbia helioscopia Leaf Ethanolic Extract by Modulating GCK, GLUT4, IGF, and G6P Expressions in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder. Synthetic antidiabetics are the commonly used treatment options associated with complications. The objective of this study was to explore the antioxidative and antidiabetic potential of Euphorbia helioscopia whole plant ethanolic extract using in vitro and in vivo models. For that purpose, the antioxidative potential was explored by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl analysis. In vitro antidiabetic potential of the extract was evaluated using amylase inhibitory analysis. In vivo antidiabetic activity of the extract was assessed in diabetic rats using streptozotocin/nicotinamide (60 mg/kg/120 mg/kg) as an inducing agent. Metformin was used as standard. The results indicated the presence of significant quantities of phenolic 82.18 ± 1.28 mgg-1 gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and flavonoid 66.55±1.22 mgg-1 quercetin equivalent (QE) contents in the extract. Quantitation of phytoconstituents exhibited the presence of sinapic acid, myricetin, and quercetin using HPLC analysis. The extract inhibited α-amylase by 84.71%, and an antiglycemic potential of 50.34% was assessed in the OGTT assay. Biochemical analysis demonstrated a reduction in urea, creatinine, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.001) as compared to diabetic control rats at the dose of 500 mg/kg. An upregulation in the expressions of glucokinase, glucose transporter 4, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and insulin-like growth factor was observed in treated rats in contrast to G6P expression, which was downregulated upon treatment. In conclusion, this study provided evidence of the antioxidative and antidiabetic potential of E. helioscopia whole plant ethanolic extract through in vitro and in vivo analysis and emphasized its promising role as a natural alternative.

Fungitoxic effect and phytochemical characteristics of Brazilian Cerrado weeds against Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina fungi.

The use of natural products obtained from plants, for example, invasive plants, offers a variety of allelochemicals with fungicidal potential. With this in perspective, the objective was to evaluate the fungicidal potential of ethanolic extracts of Cerrado plants on Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. The ethanolic hydroalcoholic extract of the 12 plants identified as invaders in the Brazilian Cerrado was prepared (Anacardium humile Saint Hill; Baccharis dracunculifolia DC.; Cenchrus echinatus L; Commelina erecta L.; Erigeron bonariensis L.; Digitaria horizontalis Willd.; Digitaria insularis L.; Porophyllum ruderale Jacq. Cass; Richardia brasiliensis Gomes; Sida rhombifolia L.; Turnera ulmifolia L.; Smilax fluminensis Steud)) and phytochemical screening and determination of total phenols and flavonoids were performed. To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity, the hydroalcoholic solutions at concentrations of 800, 1200, 1600, 2000, and 2400 µL 100 mL-1 were separately incorporated into BDA agar and poured into Petri dishes, followed by the mycelium disk of the fungus. As a control, two solutions were prepared, one ethanolic solution added to the BDA medium (2400 µg 100 mL-1) and the other with BDA medium only. They were poured into Petri dishes, followed by a 0.5 cm diameter disk of mycelium of the fungus, incubated (23±2 ºC), with a 24-hour photoperiod. Among the constituents found in the plants, 75% are phenolic compounds, 58.3% are cardiotonic heterosides, 50% are steroids, 33.3% are flavonoids, 16.7% are anthraquinones, and 8.3% are alkaloids, saponins, and reducing sugars. Out of the 12 species, only the extracts of C. erecta and R. brasiliensis were active for M. phaseolina and R. solani. Thus, it is concluded that the ethanolic extract of C. erecta has the fungicidal potential to control diseases caused by fungi that are soil inhabitants. Of the other species, A. humille, B. dracuncufolia, D. insulares, C. erecta, D. insulares, P. ruderale, and R. brasiliensis have natural fungitoxic potential because they stand out in the content of polyphenols efficient in reducing the mycelial growth of M. phaseolina and R. solani.