Ethanol Extract Of Fruit Research Articles

Red dragon (Hylocereus polyrhizus) fruit peel extract increased the motility and viability of spermatozoa of hypercholesterolemic rats (Rattus norvegicus)

This study aims to determine the effect of red dragon (Hylocereus polyrhizus) fruit peel extract (RDFPE) on spermatozoa motility and viability of hypercholesterolemic rats (Rattus norvegicus) as a model. Twenty male rats were randomly divided into negative control (NC), positive control (PC), treatment 1 (T1), treatment 2 (T2), and treatment 3 (T3) groups. All rats were given 2 mL of high cholesterol feed orally every day for 28 days. On day-15, all rats were measured for their blood cholesterol levels, followed by treatment for 14 days. Rats in the NC, PC, T1, T2, and T3 groups were treated with 1% Na-CMC, Simvastatin 10 mg/kg BW, and RDFPE of 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg BW, respectively. On day-29, all rats were sacrificed to evaluate spermatozoa viability and motility. The results showed that spermatozoa viability and motility in the hypercholesterolemic rats (NC) group were the lowest (p <0.05) among the groups. Treatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with Simvastatin 10 mg/kg BW (PC) group showed higher (p <0.05) spermatozoa viability and motility compared to the NC group. RDFPE dose of 1000 mg/kg BW (T3 group) resulted in higher (p <0.05) spermatozoa viability and motility compared to other RDFPE doses (T1 and T2) and the control (NC) groups, and it was similar (p >0.05) compared with the Simvastatin treated (PC) group. It could be concluded that the administration of 1000 mg/kg BW ethanolic extract of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel increased the viability and motility of spermatozoa of hypercholesterolemic rats (Rattus norvegicus) which were the same as the group of rats given Simvastatin 10 mg/kg BW.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles from Citrullus colocynthis Fruit Extracts; Their Biocompatibility and Bioactivities

Modern nanotechnology encompasses every field of life. Nowadays, phytochemically fabricated nanoparticles are being widely studied for their bioactivities and biosafety. The present research studied the synthesis, characterization, stability, biocompatibility, and in vitro bioactivities of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaONPs). The CaONPs were synthesized using Citrullus colocynthis ethanolic fruit extracts. Greenly synthesized nanoparticles had an average size of 35.93 ± 2.54 nm and showed an absorbance peak at 325 nm. An absorbance peak in this range depicts the coating of phenolic acids, flavones, flavonols, and flavonoids on the surface of CaONPs. The XRD pattern showed sharp peaks that illustrated the preferred cubic crystalline nature of triturate. A great hindrance to the use of nanoparticles in the field of medicine is their extremely reactive nature. The FTIR analysis of the CaONPs showed a coating of phytochemicals on their surface, due to which they showed great stability. The vibrations present at 3639 cm-1 for alcohols or phenols, 2860 cm-1 for alkanes, 2487 cm-1 for alkynes, 1625 cm-1 for amines, and 1434 cm-1 for carboxylic acids and aldehydes show adsorption of phytochemicals on the surface of CaONPs. The CaONPs were highly stable over time; however, their stability was slightly disturbed by varying salinity and pH. The dialysis membrane in vitro release analysis revealed consistent nanoparticle release over a 10-h period. The bioactivities of CaONPs, C. colocynthis fruit extracts, and their synergistic solution were assessed. Synergistic solutions of both CaONPs and C. colocynthis fruit extracts showed great bioactivity and biosafety. The synergistic solution reduced cell viability by only 14.68% and caused only 16% hemolysis. The synergistic solution inhibited Micrococcus luteus slightly more effectively than streptomycin, with an activity index of 1.02. It also caused an 83.87% reduction in free radicals.

Formulasi dan Karakterisasi Sediaan Spray gel Ekstrak Etanol Buah Pare (Momordica charantia L)

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) fruit has been empirically used as an antibacterial and reported to have activity against acne-causing bacteria. This study aimed to formulate bitter melon ethanol extract in a spray gel preparation and test its activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis as one of the acne-causing bacteria. Pare fruit extract concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 2.5% are formulated into spray gel preparations with additional ingredients, Carbopol 940 0.1%, triethanolamine 0.5%, propylene glycol 15%, DMDM Hydantoin 0.6% and aquadest. The characterization of the physical properties of the spray gel preparation included organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, and dry time test. The results showed that the spray gel preparation of ethanol extract of Pare fruit had a liquid texture, brownish-yellow colour, and distinctive odour and was homogeneous. The spray gel preparation also meets pH, viscosity and dry time requirements. The antibacterial activity of spray gel preparations resulted in a diameter response of potent and robust inhibition.

In vitro Antibacterial Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers for Treating Urinary Tract Infection in Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia.

Despite the presence of antibacterial agents for urinary tract infection treatment, most of the uropathogenic bacteria reveal multi-drug resistance. Health and economic loss due to these represent a rising burden worldwide which necessitates serious action at regional, national and global levels. Thus, alternative approaches to overcome this problem by using bioactive compounds from traditional medicinal plants are required. This study was designed to evaluate the in-vitro antibacterial activity of Punica granatum fruit peels, Nigella sativa seeds, and Echinops kebericho used in the traditional treatment of urinary tract infections. An experimental study was employed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of methanol and ethanol crude extract of Punica granatum fruit peels, Nigella sativa seeds, and Echinops kebericho roots of six dilutions (25, 50, 100, 125, 250, and 500) mg/mL. Disc diffusion and macro broth dilution methods were used to determine antimicrobial activity test and minimum inhibitory concentration respectively against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, and S. aureus bacterias. Antibacterial activities of ethanol and methanol crude extract of Punica granatum fruit peels against E. coli ATCC25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC27853, S. aureus ATCC25923, K. pneumoniae UK5099 and P. mirabilis UK5999 had highest inhibition zones among tested plants. All tested bacteria were highly sensitive to Punica granatum extract. The second most active plant extract in inhibiting the growth of tested bacteria was Nigella sativa while Echinops kebericho showed the smallest efficacy against tested bacteria. The inhibition zone diameter produced by the methanol extract of each screened plant had higher inhibition zones than ethanol extract. The crude extracts of Punica granatum fruit peels, Nigella sativa seeds, and Echinops kebericho roots have promising antibacterial activity against tested uropathogenic bacteria.

HR LC-MS/MS metabolomic profiling of Yucca aloifolia fruit and the potential neuroprotective effect on rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in rats.

Yucca aloifolia L. fruit (Yucca or Spanish bayonet, family Asparagaceae) is recognized for its purplish red color reflecting its anthocyanin content, which has a powerful antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate yucca (YA) fruit extract's protective effect on Parkinson's disease (PD). In vitro study, the anti-inflammatory activity of yucca fruit extracts was explored by measuring tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNF-R2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB) to choose the most effective extract. Afterward, a detailed in vivo investigation of the protective effect of the most active extract on rotenone-induced PD was performed on male albino Wister rats. First, the safety of the extract in two different doses (50 and 100 mg/kg in 0.9% saline orally) was confirmed by a toxicological study. The rats were divided into four groups: 1) normal control (NC); 2) rotenone group; and third and fourth groups received 50 and 100 mg/kg yucca extract, respectively. The neurobehavioral and locomotor activities of the rats were tested by rotarod, open field, and forced swim tests. Striatal dopamine, renal and liver functions, and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Western blot analysis of brain tissue samples was performed for p-AMPK, Wnt3a, and β-catenin. Histopathological examination of striatal tissue samples was performed by light and electron microscopy (EM). The metabolites of the active extract were characterized using high-resolution LC-MS/MS, and the results showed the prevalence of anthocyanins, saponins, phenolics, and choline. Biochemical and histopathological tests revealed a dose-dependent improvement with oral Yucca extract. The current study suggests a possible neuroprotective effect of the acidified 50% ethanol extract (YA-C) of the edible Yucca fruit, making it a promising therapeutic target for PD.

An In vitro Analysis of Ficus carica’s Antioxidant Potential

Since antiquity, plants naturally produce free radical scavengers and they act as potential source of antioxidants. Researchers show huge interest towards the traditional uses of medicinal plants against ailment related to oxidative stress. The present analysis measures the antioxidant capacity of Ficus carica fruits (Sample A - Pulp with seeds and Sample B - Pulp). Therefore, ethanol extracts of Ficus carica fruits were assessed for determining their anti-oxidative potentials using both free radical scavenging and reducing ability assays which is compared with standard ascorbic acid (control). Results strongly suggest that ethanol extract of fig possess a good antioxidant potential, moreover Sample A - fig pulp with seed possess a better antioxidant activity when compared to pulp alone. This finding is useful for further advancements in the fields of food supplements, food additives and drug synthesis in future.

Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) Fruit Extract Suppressed Aberrant Crypt Formation in 1,2-Dimetylhydrazine-Induced Rats.

Early intervention can significantly improve the colorectal cancer survival rate. Foods rich in phenolic compounds, such as jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora), may prevent tumorigenesis. We investigated the effectivity of jaboticaba whole fruit ethanolic extract (FEX) in suppressing aberrant crypt foci (ACF), the earliest lesion of colorectal cancer (CRC), in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced rats and the underlying mechanisms related to the gut microbiota composition and short chain fatty acid (SCFA). This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of Providence University (Trial Registration Number 20180419A01, registration date: 22 December 2018). The FEX contains gallic acid and an especially high ellagic acid concentration of 54.41 ± 1.80 and 209.79 ± 2.49mg/100g FEX. The highest total ACF number (150.00 ± 43.86) was recorded in the DMH control (D) group. After 56 days of oral FEX treatment, the total ACF number in the low FEX dosage (DL) group was significantly lower compared to the D group (p < 0.05). The large-sized ACF (> 5 foci), which has a higher probability of progressing to later stage, was significantly decreased in the high FEX dosage (DH) group. The 16s rDNA metagenomic sequencing of the cecal material revealed that the CRC biomarker Lachnoclostridium was significantly suppressed in the DH group (p < 0.05), whereas some SCFA-producing taxa and the cecal butyrate concentration were significantly elevated in the DL and DH groups (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated the potential of jaboticaba whole fruit in CRC prevention, especially in the initial stage, by shifting gut microbiota composition and improving cecal butyrate level.

Geniposide-Rich Gardenia jasminoides Ellis Fruit Extract Increases Healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The human life span has been markedly extended since the 1900s, but it has not brought healthy aging to everyone. This increase in life expectancy without an increase in healthspan is a major global concern that imposes considerable health care budgets and degrades the quality of life of older adults. Dietary interventions are a promising strategy to increase healthspan. In this study, we evaluated whether a Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fruit ethanol extract (GFE) increases the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans (C.elegans). Treatment with 10mg/mL GFE increased the life span by 27.1% when compared to the vehicle group. GFE (10mg/mL) treatment improved healthspan-related markers (pharyngeal pumping, muscle quality, age-pigment, and reactive oxygen species accumulation) and exerted a protective effect against amyloid β 1-42 toxicity. These effects of GFE are related to the inhibition of insulin/IGF-1 signaling and activation of SKN-1/Nrf, thereby promoting the expression of stress resistance-related genes. In addition, treatment with 10mM geniposide, the most abundant component of GFE, improved healthspan-related markers and increased life span by 18.55% when compared to the vehicle group. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GFE and its component geniposide increase the life span along with healthspan in C.elegans.

Standardization and GC-MS Analysis of Kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) Fruit Ethanol Extract as an Herbal Raw Material

Standardization and GC-MS Analysis of Kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) Fruit Ethanol Extract as an Herbal Raw Material

Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles through the Piper cubeba ethanolic extract and their enzyme inhibitory activities.

Introduction: The area of "Green Synthesis of Nano-medicine," as compared to its synthetic counterparts, is a relatively safer research technology for various biomedical applications, including identification, therapeutic application, and prevention of pathological conditions, pain control, safety, and development of human wellness. The present study explored the synthesis and characterization of AgNPs using the ethanolic extract of Piper cubeba fruit as a reducing and stabilizing agent and its potential as an enzyme inhibitory agent. Urease inhibitors are helpful against many severe diseases, including gastric ulcers induced by Helicobacter pylori. Method: The fruits of the Piper cubeba plant were taken and ground to a fine powder. Plant material was added to 500 ml ethanol, and the mixture was filtered. The solvent of the filtrate was evaporated, and a thick, gummy extract was obtained and stored at 4°C in the refrigerator. AgNPs were green synthesized from solutions of AgNO3 using the P. cubeba extract, which was indicated by a change in the color from light brown to deep brown. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized via Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results and Discussion: Analysis showed the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 at room temperature (25°C), and the average particle size of AgNPs was in the range of 40-80 nm. Consequently, the synthesized AgNPs were evaluated for their anti-urease activity. The maximum urease inhibition of the Piper cubeba ethanolic extract was 88.5% at 5 mg conc., and of derived nanoparticles was 78.6% at 0.05 mg conc. The results were nearly similar to the control drug, i.e., thiourea (0.5 and 0.6 mM conc., respectively). Conclusion: The study concluded that the P. cubeba extract, as well as its green-derived AgNPs, might prove to be a better and safer substitute for their enzyme inhibitory potential in emerging medicine and novel drug delivery techniques to improve and maintain human health.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTIPYRETIC AND ANALGESIC ACTIVITIES OF ETHANOLIC FRUIT EXTRACT MOMORDICA CHARANTIA ON ALBINO RATS

Diverse natural mechanisms against pain, inflammation, and several other infections are varied for medicinal plants. Inflammation is unique biological defense mechanism against harmful stimuli like infections, harmed cells, or irritants. M. charantia is frequently used to treat a variety of illnesses, including fever, discomfort, and inflammation. The purpose of the current study is to identify the anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties of ethanolic extract of M. charantia. 30 rats were divided into three groups (control, standard and experimental group). Control and standard group contain 5 rats in each group whereas experimental group contained 20 rats. All rats in three groups were treated with carrageenan for induction of oedema, yeast to induce pyrexia and acetic acid to induce pain. Control group rats were treated with normal saline for all the activities. Standard group rats were treated with diclofenac for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and paracetamol for antipyretic activity. The fruit extract was injected into abdominal muscles and intraperitoneal tissues.Carrageenan, an anti-inflammatory substance, was used to assess its ability to reduce spell edema, acetic acid was used to study its ability to cause writhing and yeast, was used to demonstrate its ability to pyrexia. The maximal percentage of fruit extract inhibition in anti-inflammatory action was 31.25%. The maximal percentage of fruit extract inhibition against fever was 83.58%. Maximum percentage of inhibition against stomach pain during analgesic action was 31%. Significant findings in anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic actions were demonstrated at doses of 200 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, when compared to controls. Our research demonstrates and validates the traditional medical usage of M. charantia. It was concluded that ethanolic fruit extract of M. charantia may decrease inflammation, pyrexia and writhing in albino rats effectively.

Potential of Leave and Fruit Ethanolic Extract of Etlingera hemisphaerica as Antihyperuricemic in Mice (Mus musculus).

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Hyperuricemia is a disease triggered by disorders of uric acid metabolism. Therefore, this study evaluated the potential of leaves ethanolic extract of &lt;i&gt;Etlingera hemisphaerica&lt;/i&gt; (LE3H) and fruits ethanolic extract &lt;i&gt;E. hemisphaerica&lt;/i&gt; (FE3H) to restore hyperuricemia in mice. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Six groups (A0, A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5) each consisted of four male mice. Hyperuricemia in mice was induced by giving 0.3 mL of fresh chicken liver juice (FCLJ) for seven days (A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5). The condition of hyperuricemia in A1 is not neutralized. Meanwhile, hyperuricemia conditions in A2, A3, A4 and A5 were neutralized for seven days by giving 0.01 mg g&lt;sup&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; body weight (BW) allopurinol, 0.13, 0.26 and 0.36 mg g&lt;sup&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; BW LE3H. The control group (A0) only received double-distilled water in the same way. Blood uric acid levels were measured with the GCU Meter Device before and after the induction of hyperuricemia and after efforts to neutralize the hyperuricemia condition. Six groups (B0, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5) each consisting of four male mice were also provided to test the potential of FE3H. The recovery potential FE3H against hyperuricemia was tested separately in the same way as was done for LE3H. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Giving FCLJ significantly increased (140.00-187.00%) uric acid compared to the control, so hyperuricemia was achieved. Doses of 0.13, 0.26 and 0.36 mg g&lt;sup&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; BW LE3H significantly recovered hyperuricemia as much as 54.09, 56.14 and 60.88%, respectively. Meanwhile, doses of 0.13, 0.26 and 0.36 mg g&lt;sup&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; FE3H significantly recovered hyperuricemia as much as 60.37, 62.24 and 65.572%, respectively. The LE3H and FE3H at the same dose showed that FE3H had a higher potential to restore hyperuricemia than LE3H. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Leave and fruit ethanolic extract of &lt;i&gt;E. hemisphaerica&lt;/i&gt; can potentially restore hyperuricemia in mice.

Cytotoxic Activity Test Of Ethanolic Extract Of Berenuk Fruit (Crescentia Cujete L.) On Artemia Salina Leach Shrimp Larva Using Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) Method

Introduction. Cancer is one of the leading causes of human death in the world. One of the therapies given to cancer patients is chemotherapy which has cytotoxic effects. One of the plants that have the same effect is the berenuk or calabash (Crescentia cujete L.) plant, from the family of Bignoniaceae, which grows wild and is often referred to as a poisonous plant. However, some people traditionally use this plant as a medicinal plant such as for antifungal, anthelmintic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory. This plant contains naphthoquinones as one of the cytotoxic chemical compounds and another metabolite secondary such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and anthraquinones. Methods. The BSLT (Brine Shrimp Lethality Test) method was used for this study. The powder of berenuk fruit flesh was extracted using ethanol. The obtained solvent was evaporated using a rotary evaporator to obtain a thick extract. The extract was tested on A. salina larva that has been prepared and the value of mortality was observed. Results. The result of the cytotoxic activity test of ethanolic extract of berenuk fruit on A. salina larva had the LC50 value of 529.386 ppm which is categorized as toxic. Conclusion. Extract ethanolic of berenuk fruit on A. salina had cytotoxic activity.

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Ficus Carica Fruit

Hyperuricemia is a purine metabolism disorder characterised by an excess of uric acid in the blood and considered as a risk factor for gout, coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and a variety of other illnesses. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors have key role in management of hyperuricemia and related disorders but multiple adverse effects associated with these agents have minimized their chronic use. Ficus carica fruit has been widely used around world as a therapeutic agent for several disorders. In traditional medicine it has been used to treat gouty arthritis but the effect has not been scientifically established so far. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibition of Ficus carica fruit extract. Method: The ethanolic extract of Ficus carica fruit was evaluated in vitro at five different doses for its xanthine oxidase inhibition. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity was measured spectrophotometrically and inhibitory concentration IC 50 was calculated. The dose dependant inhibition of Ficus carica fruit was compared with inhibition of standard drug allopurinol. Results: Ficus carica fruit extract was found to possess xanthine oxidase inhibition with IC50 27.5 µg/ml in comparison to the allopurinol with IC50 11.0 µg/ml.Thus the agent can be used as alternative to standard drug allopurinol for treatment of hyperuricemia and related disorders. Conclusion: The study showed that Ficus carica fruit has potential to inhibit the xanthine oxidase so can be used as natural source to treat gout and many other xanthine oxidase related medical disorders. Keywords: Ficus carica Extract (FCE), Xanthine Oxidase (XO), Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition (XOI), Hyperuricemeia (HU).

Edible Plant Extracts against Aedes aegypti and Validation of a Piper nigrum L. Ethanolic Extract as a Natural Insecticide.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito significantly impacts public health, with vector control remaining the most efficient means of reducing the number of arboviral disease cases. This study screened the larvicidal and pupicidal activity of common edible plant extracts. Piper nigrum L. (black pepper) extract production was optimized using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and validated following regulatory requirements using HPLC-PDA analytical methodology to quantify its major component-piperine. Larvicidal activity was determined for the standardized P. nigrum fruit ethanol extract (LC50 1.1 µg/mL) and piperine standard (LC50 19.0 µg/mL). Furthermore, 9-day residual activity was determined for the extract (4 µg/mL) and piperine (60 µg/mL), with daily piperine quantification. Semi-field trials of solid extract formulations demonstrated 24-day activity against Ae. aegypti larvae. Thus, the standardized P. nigrum extract emerges as a potential candidate for insecticide development to control the arboviral vector.

QUALTITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF TERPENOID CONTENTS IN SOME IMPORTANT PLANTS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Terpenoid contents of traditionally used ethnobotanically important plants (n=25) were determined. Ethanol extracts of seeds, fruits, pods, branches, bark, rhizome and whole plant parts were prepared and preliminary phytochemical investigation was carried out. Total terpenoid contents in ethanol extracts were determined through qualitative and quantitative analytical assay by Salkowski test. Results of qualitative analysis revealed that the seeds, pods and fruits were rich in terpenoid contents. Whereas the quantitative analysis of ethanol extract showed that fruit of Carissa carandas and Lodoicea maldivica seeds of Erysimum cheiri, whole plant of Fagonia arabica and branches of Withania somnifera had 80% of total terpenoids contents. While, seeds of Ceiba speciosa contained 77%, rhizome of Berberis lyceum, flower of Rosa indica and fruit of Diospyros peregrina had 70% of total terpenoids contents. Terpenoid contents in all other selected plants ranged from 60 to 40%. This study would be helpful in the determination of therapeutic bioactive terpenoids that could be isolated and used for mankind welfare.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extracts from Chrysanthemum zawadskii Flower and Cudrania tricuspidata Fruit Occur via Inhibition of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Chrysanthemum zawadskii (CZ) and Cudrania tricuspidata (CT) are both traditional Korea herbal medicines, which is widely used to treat fever, cough, gastritis, and women's diseases that may be linked to inflammatory response. Although it has been used to treat diseases related to inflammation, there has been no case of the synergistic anti-inflammatory properties of both extracts. Our data revealed that ethanol extracts of dried whole CZ exhibited free radical-scavenging capacity in vitro, reduced LPS-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species, and decreased the LPS-induced upregulations of the mRNAs encoding iNOS, COX-2, and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells, without significant cytotoxicity. This anti-inflammatory effect was most evident from flower extracts: ethanol extracts from flowers significantly reduced the LPS-induced upregulations of iNOS and COX-2 at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. An ethanol extract of the fruit from CT also exerted a radical scavenging capacity and suppressed LPS-induced proinflammatory gene expression: 5.5 μg/ml of the ethanol extract significantly reduced the ability of LPS to induce the mRNA expression levels of iNOS and IL-6 without apparent cytotoxicity. Furthermore, as little as 1.0 μg/ml of the combined ethanol extracts of CZ flower and CT fruit reduced the LPS-induced changes monitored herein, decreasing the upregulations of iNOS and IL-6, and decreasing the nuclear localization of NF-κB p65. These results suggest that the observed synergistic anti-inflammatory effects may be mediated via inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Taken together, these data suggest that ethanol extracts from CZ flowers and CT fruits have synergistic anti-inflammatory effects and that a combination of the two extracts could prove useful for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of extract, fractions and major compounds of Ponciri Fructus in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells

Dried immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., known as Ponciri Fructus, is a well-known traditional Korean medicine for treatment of allergy and gastrointestinal disorders. In previous study, we reported the anti-obesity effects of the extracts, fractions and major compounds of Ponciri Fructus on 3 T3-L1 preadipocytes. In continuation, in this research, we evaluated their anti-inflammatory potential using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RAW 264.7 cells. Results showed that the ethanol extract of fruits and hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of the extract inhibited nitrous oxide (NO) production in LPS stimulated macrophage in all doses. Whereas, butanol fraction of extract showed significant inhibition in production of NO only at higher dose of 80 µg/mL. Some of the isolated compounds such as poncirin, naringin, imperatorin and phellopterin, significantly inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Poncirin and imperatorin showed anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein as evidenced by downregulation of that protein in western blot assay. Imperatorin also inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) responsible for production of NO in macrophages. In conclusion, Ponciri Fructus has strong anti-inflammatory potential and possesses many active flavonoids and coumarins contributing to this activity.

Phytochemical Analysis by FTIR of Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium, DC Fruit Ethanol Extract, N-hexan, Ethyl Acetate and Water Fraction.

Andaliman fruit is used as spice in Batak cuisine, North Sumatera, Indonesia. The potency of andaliman fruit extract as herbal medicine is widely studied. Many studies elaborate the benefits of andaliman fruit extract as an antioxidant, antibacterial or anticancer. The aim of this study was to identify the phytochemical compounds of andaliman fruit extract and its fractions. The andaliman fruit was originated from Balige city, Tobasa Regency, North Sumatera. The extract was made by maceration within ethanol and followed by fractionation with n-hexan, ethyl acetate and water. The phytochemical screening by chemical reactions, thin layer chromatography, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer were performed. This study found andaliman fruit ethanol extract consists of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, triterpens, and steroids. The n-hexan fraction consists of triterpens and steroids, ethyl acetate fraction consists of flavonoids and glycosides, and water fraction consists of alkaloid, flavonoid, and glycosides. Andaliman fruit ethanol extract had eight color spots, n-hexan and ethyl acetate fraction had five color spots and water fraction had two color spots. Andaliman fruit ethanol extract had functional group of C-H alkanes, =C-H alkenes (aliphatic), O-H, C=C alkenes, C=C aromatics, C≡C alkynes, C-O, C=O, and NO2. The n-hexan fraction had C-H alkanes, =C-H alkenes (aliphatic), O-H, C=C alkenes, C-O, C=O, and NO2. The ethyl acetate fraction had C-H alkanes, =C-H alkenes (aliphatic), O-H, C=C alkenes, C=C aromatics, C-O, C=O, and NO2. The water fraction had C-H alkanes, =C-H alkenes (aliphatic), O-H, C=C aromatics, C≡C alkynes, and C-O. Phytochemical screening found that andaliman fruit ethanol extract, n-hexan, ethyl acetate and water fraction positive of phytochemical compounds. The FTIR of andaliman fruit ethanol extract, n-hexan fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and water fraction showed the absorbance of C-H alkanes, O-H, C-O, and C=C alkenes indicating the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and triterpenoid saponin.

LC-MS Analysis, Computational Investigation, and Antimalarial Studies of Azadirachta indica Fruit.

Malaria is a deadly disease that continues to pose a threat to children and maternal well-being. This study was designed to identify the chemical constituents in the ethanolic fruit extract of Azadirachta indica, elucidate the pharmacological potentials of identified phytochemicals through the density functional theory method and carry out the antimalarial activity of extract using chemosuppression and curative models. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of the ethanolic extract was carried out, followed by the density functional theory studies of the identified phytochemicals using B3LYP and 6-31G (d, p) basis set. The antimalarial assays were performed using the chemosuppression (4 days) and curative models. The LC-MS fingerprint of the extract led to the identification of desacetylnimbinolide, nimbidiol, O-methylazadironolide, nimbidic acid, and desfurano-6α-hydroxyazadiradione. Also, the frontier molecular orbital properties, molecular electrostatic potential, and dipole moment studies revealed the identified phytochemicals as possible antimalarial agents. The ethanolic extract of A indica fruit gave 83% suppression at 800 mg/kg, while 84% parasitaemia clearance was obtained in the curative study. The study provided information about the phytochemicals and background pharmacological evidences of the antimalarial ethnomedicinal claim of A indica fruit. Thus, isolation and structure elucidation of the identified phytochemicals from the active ethanolic extract and extensive antimalarial studies towards the discovery of new therapeutic agents is recommended for further studies.