Ethyl Acetate Extract Of Roots Research Articles

Anti-Venom Potential of Canthium parviflorum Against Naja naja Venom by In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Plant extracts are extensively used in folk medicine to treat the snake bites. In the present study, anti-venom potential of Canthium parviflorum root extracts against Naja naja venom was studied by in vitro and in vivo methods. Ethyl acetate and methanolic root extracts were analysed for in vitro neutralization of 5′-nucleotidase, phospholipase A2, acetylcholinesterase, phosphodiesterase, hyaluronidase, phosphomonoesterase and protease enzyme activities. Neutralization of pharmacological activities like fibrinogenolytic, and direct and indirect haemolytic activities with active methanol extract was performed. Lethal toxicity determination and its inhibition by root extract were carried out in vitro on chick embryo and in vivo on mice model. Further, venom induced edema, myotoxicity and its neutralization were carried out in the mice model. Both extracts inhibited all enzyme activities in a dose dependent manner with various IC50 values. However, only methanol extract effectively neutralized protease activity. Active methanol extract significantly neutralized all the pharmacological activities at various concentrations. Lethal dose (LD50) of venom was 2.5 µg/egg and effective dose of plant was 0.79 mg/egg for 2 LD50 of the venom. LD50 value of venom was 0.38 mg/kg body weight of mice and survival time was prolonged due to plant extract. At 1:10 and 1:20 of venom: plant extract concentration (w/w) significantly neutralized edema and myotoxic effects respectively in mice model. The present study revealed the potential of C. parviflorum root extract for its anti-venom properties and the plants could be considered as a potential source of anti-venom phytoconstituents.

Separation of chemical compositions in root of Rumex patientia L. with off-line two-dimensional liquid chromatography

An innovative analytical method based on the off-line two-dimensional reversed-phase/reversed-phase liquid chromatography (2D-RPLC/RPLC) was established to separate the components of root of Rumex patientia L. The chromatograms of ethyl acetate extract of root of Rumex patientia L. on a phenyl/tetrazolium column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 7 μm) and a Unitary C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 7 μm) were compared, and they showed different separation abilities. A phenyl/tetrazolium column was used for the first dimensional separation with 0.1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution and methanol as mobile phases, and 18 fractions was collected. The second dimensional liquid chromatography analysis was carried out on a Unitary C18 column with 0.1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution and methanol as mobile phases. Based on the experiment setup and results, it was concluded that off-line 2D-LC can be an effective method for the separation of the trace components and the screening of active compounds of root of Rumex patientia L.

Phytochemical composition of crude extracts derived from Vernonia spp. and its larvicidal activity against Anopheles gambiae

Tarwish B, Ngeranwa JJN, Matasyoh JC. 2017. Larvicidal activity and phytochemical composition of crude extracts derived from Vernonia spp. against Anopheles gambiae. Bonorowo Wetlands 1: 108-116. This study aimed to elucidate the larvicidal activity of three species of Vernonia, i.e., Vernonia lasiopus, V. auriculifera and V. galamensis against the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. Dried samples from leaves and roots of the three plants were sequentially extracted with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and water. Following rotor evaporation of the solvents, the extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis and larvicidal assays against the third instar larvae of A. gambiae. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides in all extracts. Tannins were present in methanol and water extracts of all the three plants and acetone extract of V. lasiopus roots, V. auriculifera root, and V. galamensis leaf. Phlobatannins were absent in all extracts. Percent mortality for different concentration 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm of the extracts was calculated and subsequently subjected to probit regression analysis to determine LC50 and LC90 values. The most active extract recorded was that of acetone root extract of V. galamensis with an LC50 of 22.85. Vernonia auriculifera and V. lasiopus recorded the highest activity in acetone root extract, and ethyl acetate root extract with an LC50 value of 37.7 and 205.9 respectively. One-Way ANOVA test was performed to compare the mean mortality of all tested groups. At all exposure hours except at 3 hours, the differences were found to be significant. The Tukey post hoc tests indicated that the mortality rate for V. galamensis was substantially different from the mortality rates of V. lasiopus and V. auriculifera after 24 hours. This study underlines V. lasiopus, V. auriculifera, and V. galamensis as an alternative source of new, cheap and readily available larvicides for control of the mosquito vector A. gambiae. Further study is required to determine what secondary metabolites in Vernonia extracts are responsible for the larvicidal activity.

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Profiling in Methanolic and Ethyl-acetate Root and Stem Extract of Corbichonia decumbens (Forssk.) Exell from Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India.

Background:Corbichonia decumbens (Forssk.) Exell (Molluginaceae), recently has moved to Lophiocarpaceae as per angiospermic plant group (APG) III system, is an annual or short-lived, dwarf, glabrous subshrub, prefers to grow on rocky places and on sand-stones in dry, hot areas of Rajasthan. This is the potential plant with medicinal properties. Vegetative organs under study show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antimicrobial, and antinociception activity.Objective:This study was carried out to identify the phytoconstituents present in the methanolic and ethyl-acetate extract of root and stem of C. decumbens by GC-MS analysis.Materials and Methods:Powdered test samples were sequentially extracted with methanol and ethyl-acetate. The compounds obtained as a result of GC-MS screening were identified on the basis of their retention time, peak area and compared with that of literature available and by interpretation of mass spectra.Results:GC-MS analysis of a methanolic extract of root detected mome-inositol (49.53%), guanosine (20.91%), and cis-vaccenic acid (9.25%). While ethyl-acetate extract of root analyzed pentadecanoic acid (17.91%), octadecanoic acid (15.01%) and cis-vaccenic acid (12.04%). Methanolic extract of stem detected mome-inositol (75.47%), pentadecanoic acid (6.04%), and 7-tetradecenal, (Z) (4.54%) while ethyl-acetate extract of stem revealed the presence of 1-heptacosanol (17.35%), hexadecanoic acid (17.17%), and octadecanal (12.64%).Conclusion:The results suggest that C. decumbens (Forssk.) Exell is a plant of potential medicinal value, yielding various bioactive compounds that confirm the application of this plant as a plant-based drug in pharmacy-industry.SUMMARYExtraction is the most important step in the analysis of bioactive compounds present in botanical preparations. The strength of solvent plays a key role in this process, methanol as well as ethyl-acetate showed better response as far as extraction potency is concerned. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis is highly reliable, and the interpretations of the results are of high-quality. This tool is in particular useful for confirming of the presence of bioactive-substances. The results suggest that Corbichonia decumbens (Forssk.) Exell can be used for drug formulations against some major disorders, i.e., cancer, ulcer, tuberculosis, arthritis, etc.Abbreviations Used: GC-MS: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, kPa: Kilopascal, RT: Retention time, MF: Molecular formula, MW: Molecular weight

Studies on Phytochemical Screening, Total Phenolic Content and In vitro Antioxidant activity of Different Extracts of Euphorbia thymifolia Roots

The aim of the study was designed to evaluate the in vitro anti-oxidant activity and total phenolic content of hexane (HE), ethyl acetate (EA), ethanol (EE) and hydroalcohol (HA) extracts of Euphorbia thymifolia roots. Anti-oxidant activity was evaluated by various antioxidant assay including superoxide radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals scavenging activity. Those various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidant such as ascorbic acid. All the extracts of the roots of Euphorbia thymifolia were assessed for their total polyphenolic content. The ethanolic extract of the roots was found to contain higher level of total polyphenols (379.36 ± 6.41 mg GAE/g). All the extracts have superoxide radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals scavenging activities. The ethanol extract of the roots exhibited higher superoxide radical (IC50 147.25±1.3 µg/0.1 ml), Hydroxyl radical (IC50 180.22±3.1 µg/0.1 ml) and DPPH radical (IC50 117.42±3.2 µg/0.1 ml) scavenging activity than remaining extracts exhibited. This antioxidant property depends on concentration and increasing with increased amount of sample. The results obtained in the present study indicated that the Euphorbia thymifolia is a potential source of natural antioxidant. The results of the study showed that the roots of the Euphorbia thymifolia posses’ antioxidant effects which may be due to its bioactive constituents. Further purification of these bioactive constituents may result in the development of potent antioxidant agent with low toxicity and better therapeutic index.

Chemical composition and cytotoxic properties of Clinacanthus nutans root extracts

Context: Clinacanthus nutans Lindau (Acanthaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial and antivenom activities. In Malaysia, it has been widely claimed to be effective in various cancer treatments but scientific evidence is lacking. Objective: This study investigates the chemical constituents, anti-proliferative, and apoptotic properties of C. nutans root extracts. Materials and methods: The roots were subjected to solvent extraction using methanol and ethyl acetate. The anti-proliferative effects of root extracts were tested at the concentrations of 10 to 50 μg/mL on MCF-7 and HeLa by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for 72 h. Morphological changes were observed under light microscope. Pro-apoptotic effects of root extracts were examined using flow cytometric analysis and RT-PCR. The chemical compositions of root extracts were detected using GC-MS. Results: The proliferation of MCF-7 cells was inhibited with the IC50 values of 35 and 30 μg/mL, respectively, for methanol and ethyl acetate root extracts. The average inhibition of HeLa cells was ∼25%. Induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 was supported by chromatin condensation, down-regulation of BCL2 and unaltered expression of BAX. However, only ethyl acetate extract caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. GC-MS analysis revealed the roots extracts were rich with terpenoids and phytosterols. Discussion and conclusions: The results demonstrated that root extracts promote apoptosis by suppressing BCL2 via mitochondria-dependent or independent manner. The identified compounds might work solely or cooperatively in regulating apoptosis. However, further studies are required to address this.

대계근에서 분리한 Polyacetylene계 화합물을 이용한 밀 이삭마름병 방제

Chemical fungicides have reduced Fusarium head blight (FHB) severity. However, by the effects of fungicide residues, they can only be used up to 30 days before time of harvest. Therefore, the development of new biofungicides that are applicable until harvest is required. In order to select plant extracts having antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum for the control of FHB, we investigated the inhibitory effects of 225 medicinal plant extracts on spore germination of F. graminearum. Of these plant extracts, the methanol extract of Cirsium japonicum (CJ) roots showed the strongest antifungal activity. Through solvent partitioning, repeated column chromatography, and spore germination bioassay, two chemicals were purified and then their chemical structures were identified as ciryneol C (CC) and 1-heptadecene-11,13-diyne-8,9,10-triol (HD-ol) which are polyacetylene substances. Two active compounds effectively inhibited the germination of F. graminearum macroconidia; HD-ol (IC50 of 3.17 μg/ml) showed stronger spore germination inhibitory activity than that of CC (IC50 of 28.14 μg/ml). In addition, the wettable powder type formulation of ethyl acetate extract of CJ roots suppressed the development of FHB in dose-dependent manner, with control values of 78.92% and 31.56% at 250- and 500-fold dilutions, respectively. Combining these findings suggest that the crude extract of CJ roots containing polyacetylene compounds could be used as botanical fungicide for the control of FHB.

In vitro and in silico characterization of angiogenic inhibitors from Sophora interrupta.

Sophora interrupta Bedd, (Fabaceae) is used in Indian folk medicine to treat cancer. Angiogenesis is one of the crucial characteristics of cancer metastasis and is regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In this study, we examined the antiangiogenic properties of the root ethyl acetate extract of Sophora interrupta by various methods. In vitro antioxidant activity (100-600μg/ml) of S. interrupta ethyl acetate (SEA) extract was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS, anti-inflammatory activity (50, 100 and 150μg/ml) by estimating nitric oxide (NO) levels, anti-angiogenic activity (200 and 500μg/ml) was validated by chorio allantoic membrane (CAM) assay and in silico molecular dynamic (MD) simulations analyses (25ns) were performed to identify the anti-angiogenic compounds extracted from root extract. The antioxidative activity of SEA extract at IC50 (200 ± 0.6μg/mL) is equal to that of ascorbic acid at IC50 (50 ± 0.6μg/mL), and the anti-inflammatory activity of SEA extract at IC50 (150 ± 0.2μg/mL) was inhibited significantly by nitric oxide (NO) production. The SEA extract significantly reduced the sprouting of new blood vessels at ID50 500 ± 0.13μg/mL in the CAM assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the SEA extract detected 34 secondary metabolites, of which 6a,12a-dihydro-6H-(1,3)dioxolo(5,6)benzofuro(3,2-c)chromen-3-ol (maackiain) and funiculosin formed strong hydrogen bond interactions with Lys 920, Thr 916 and Cys 919 (2H), as well as Glu 917 of VEGFR2, and these interactions were similar to those of the anti-angiogenic compound axitinib. Significant findings in all the assays performed indicate that SEA extract has potential anti-angiogenic compounds that may interfere with VEGF-induced cancer malignancy.

Chemical constituents from Polygonum multiflorum

Six compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the tuberous root of Polygonum multiflorum by silical gel, ODS revsered-phase silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative HPLC. The structures were elucidated as column chromatography over： 2, 3, 5, 4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-(2″-O-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-D-glucoside(1),2, 3, 5, 4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside(2),2, 4, 6, 4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside(3), emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(4), physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(5), and 8-O-methyl-emodin(6) on the basis of spectral analysis. Compound 1 is a new stilbene glycoside.

Antiamoebic Activity of Adenophyllum aurantium (L.) Strother and Its Effect on the Actin Cytoskeleton of Entamoeba histolytica.

In Mexico, the Adenophyllum aurantium (L.) Strother plant is consumed as an infusion to treat intestinal diseases such as amoebiasis, which is an endemic health problem in Mexico and other countries. However, the effect of A. aurantium on Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amoebiasis, is unknown. An aerial part methanolic extract (AaMeA), a root methanolic extract (AaMeR) and a root ethyl acetate extract (AaEaR) were tested on E. histolytica trophozoites. AaMeA and AaMeR did not show antiproliferative activity; however, AaEaR exhibited an in vitro GI50 of 230 μg/ml, and it was able to inhibit the differentiation of Entamoeba invadens trophozoites into cysts. The intraperitoneal administration of AaEaR (2.5 or 5 mg) to hamsters that were infected with E. histolytica inhibited the development of amoebic liver abscesses in 48.5 or 89.0% of the animals, respectively. Adhesion to fibronectin and erythrophagocytosis were 28.7 and 37.5% inhibited by AaEaR, respectively. An ultrastructure analysis of AaEaR-treated trophozoites shows a decrease in the number of vacuoles but no apparent cell damage. Moreover, this extract affected the actin cytoskeleton structuration, and it prevented the formation of contractile rings by mechanism(s) that were independent of reactive oxygen species and RhoA activation pathways. 13C NMR data showed that the major compounds in the AaEaR extract are thiophenes. Our results suggest that AaEaR may be effective in treatments against amoebiasis, nevertheless, detailed toxicity studies on thiophenes, contained in AaEaR, are required to avoid misuse of this vegetal species.

A New Neolignan, and the Cytotoxic and Anti-HIV-1 Activities of Constituents from the Roots of Dasymaschalon sootepense

Bioassay-guided isolation from the ethyl acetate extract of Dasymaschalon sootepense roots led to the isolation of twelve compounds including a new dihydrobenzo-furan neolignan, (+)-(2S,3S)-2,3-dihydro-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-methylbenzofuran-5-carbaldehyde (5), and eleven known compounds (1-4, and 6-12). The chemical structures and stereochemistry of all the isolated compounds were established by spectroscopic techniques. The known compounds 4 and 6 have been fully characterized spectroscopically, including their absolute configurations. Cytotoxic and anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) activities of compounds 1-3, 5 and 8-12 were determined. Among compounds screened, compounds 2, 3 and 10 displayed weak cytotoxic activity with ED50 values ranging from 9.6-47.5 μM and only compound 2 was found weakly active against HIV-1 RT with an IC50 value of 323.2 μM.

Anticancer Activity of Ethyl Acetate Root Extract of Xanthium strumarium Linn. in N-Nitroso N-Methyl Urea Induced Mammary Carcinoma in Female Sprague-Dawley Rats

The objective of the study was to evaluate the anticancer activity of ethyl acetate root extract of Xanthium strumarium Linn. (EAREXS) in N-Nitroso N-methyl urea (NMU) induced mammary carcinoma in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Thirty virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats of 55 day old were divided into five groups (normal control, disease control, EAREXS 200 mg/kg, EAREXS 400 mg/kg, tamoxifen10 mg/kg) of six animals each. The mammary carcinoma was induced by two intraperitoneal doses of N-Nitroso N-methyl urea (NMU) (50mg/kg/body weight each) in 0.9% NaCl (maintained at 4°C) at 55 day of age and 4 week after the prior administration. The drug EAREXS was administered in two doses, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg orally and compared with the oral dose of tamoxifen (10 mg/kg). EAREXS 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and tamoxifen10 mg/kg decreased the tumor incidences by 50%, 66.67%, and 83.33% and the total number of tumors in group by 46.15%, 69.23% and 92.30% respectively, when compared to the disease control. EAREXS 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and tamoxifen10 mg/kg decreased the average tumor burden by 68.61%, 86.65% and 94.91% and average tumor volume by 66.45%, 82.01%, and 92.98% respectively, when compared to disease control group. The results concluded that EAREXS prevent the mammary carcinogenesis induced by N-Nitroso N-methyl urea in female Sprague-Dawley rats.

PRELIMINARY PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON AERIAL ROOTS OF FICUS BENGHALENSIS LINN.

The aerial roots of Ficus benghalensis Linn (Moraceae) have been reported to have immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial and hair growth promoting activities. There are no reports on pharmacognostical and phytochemical investigations of these aerial roots. The aim of the present study was evaluation of sectional microscopy, powder characteristics, preliminary phytochemical screening of successive solvent extracts (petroleum ether, toluene, dichloromethane, methanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts) of the aerial roots. The result of the sectional microscopy indicated the presence of cork cells, phloem and xylem. The powder characteristics indicated the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, lignified fibers. Preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, phenolics and saponins. An extract rich in flavonoids (ethyl acetate rich extract) of the aerial roots was prepared and a quantitative analysis of total flavonoid and total phenolic content was done.

In vitro Antimicrobial Study for Biological Evaluation of Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn.

To explore a scientific idea, this study was examined for evaluation of antimicrobial potency using root, leaf and stem of ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of C. infortunatum (Verbenaceae) due to randomly use in traditional medicine to cure common ailments such as intestinal disorder, diarrhea, tuberculosis and respiratory problems etc. The in vitro application was carried out by using disc diffusion, micro broth dilution and serial dilution techniques against clinically important life threatening organisms. All the extracts showed significant inhibitory activity over the bacteria and fungus comparable to the standard drug tetracycline and fluconazole. The maximum average diameter zone of inhibition was recorded to bacterial strains against B. megaterium, S. typhi, K. pneumoniae and to fungi against A. niger and C. albicans. The MIC values of ethyl acetate and chloroform root extract were determined 64 µg/ml to B. subtilis, and K. pneumoniae; to S.-β-haemolyticus and S. typhi for ethyl acetate extracts, 128 µg/ml to S. aureus, and E. coli for both ethyl acetate and chloroform root extracts but only S. typhi and S.-β-haemolyticus for chloroform extract. The findings evidently appear promising antibacterial and antifungal properties of C. infortunatum against antagonistic pathogens. Leaf possess quite potent activity than root and stem specially root extract > leaf extract > stem extract. One of the more significant achievements of this study to follows and covers the most recent and important patents WO2009075290 (2009) which deals on yeast having immunopotentiating effect and food or feed. This study serves as basis for further research to lead compounds to be isolated so that may be as a template for the implications of these results for bioactivity and drug discovery potential of herbal products are discussed.

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL STUDY OF (Senecio glaucus subsp. coronopifolius ) (MAIRE) C. ALEXANDER GROWING IN EGYPT

Senecio glaucus subsp. coronopifolius (Maire) C. Alexanderis wild annual herb distributed in the Egyptian deserts. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of plant root were determined using both HPLC and colorimetric analysis. Syringic acid and hesperidin (1378.802 and 6638.247 mg / 100 gm. dried plant root powder, respectively) were of the highest concentration compounds resulted from HPLC analysis of total phenolic and flavonoid content. The colorimetric estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid content resulted in concentration of (98.23 ± 0.28 mg/gm. expressed as Gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and35.9± 0.17 mg/gm.expressed as quercetin equivalent (QE), respectively). GC-MS analysis of un-saponifiable matters and fatty acid methyl esters of the plant leaves indicated that octacosane (11.85%) and linolenic acid methyl ester (31.07%) (poly- unsaturated fatty acid) were the major identified compounds, respectively. The DNA of the plant was analyzed using twelve random decamer primers. A total of 52 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were identified. Root extracts (ethyl acetate, acetone and methyl alcohol) were subjected to determine the antimicrobial behavior and also their cytotoxic activity, by using (3- (4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay against colon carcinoma cell lines (HCT-116). Among the fore mentioned extracts, root ethyl acetate extract gave appreciable antibacterial and antifungal behavior and also had promising cytotoxic activity with IC50 = 7.39 ±1.2 µg/ml. Root methyl alcohol extract showed antioxidant activity with IC50 = 79.57 ± 0.74 µg/ml, using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.

FREE RADICAL-SCAVENGING POTENTIAL OF DIFFERENT EXTRACTS FROM AZIMA TETRACANTHA LAM.

Oxidative stress resulted from free radicals and reactive oxygen species are associated with man y diseases. Worldwide several studies are directed towards finding natural antioxidants of plant origin. Plants containing phenolic compounds have been reported to pos sess strong antioxidant activities . The aim of the present study was to investigate the p hytochemical constituent of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanolic root extracts and in vitro antioxidant activities of A zima tetracantha Lam. The different extract s of A. tetracantha root were studied for antioxidant potential by using different in vitro assays such as inhibition of DPPH, ABTS + , Hydroxyl radical and superoxide anions. The total phenolic contents and ferric reducing antioxidant power of the extracts were also determined by using standard phytochemical reaction methods. Butylated h ydroxyl toluene (BHT), Vitam in C and ascorbic acid were taken as standards. The different extract s of A. tetracantha root showed good dose dependant free radical scavenging activity in all the models. The total phenolic content of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanolic root extracts was found to be 3 .30±0.20, 4.20±0.20, 6.30±0.20 and 8.80±0.20 mg GAE /g respectively . Ferric reducing antioxidant power was also found to be increase d with increase in extracts concentrations. All the results of the in vitro antioxidant assays revealed the free radical scavenging potential of A. tetracantha root and compared with standard antioxi dants. These antioxidant activities may be endorsed to its high free radical scavenging and phenolic contents. Thus, our findin gs provide evidence that A. tetracantha is a potential source of natural antioxidants.

Emodin induces neurite outgrowth through PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β-mediated signaling pathways in Neuro2a cells

In this study, a neurite outgrowth-inducing substance was isolated from the ethylacetate extract of the Polygonum multiflorum roots and identified as emodin by gas–liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Emodin displayed remarkable neurite outgrowth-inducing activity in Neuro2a cells, as demonstrated by morphological changes and immunocytochemistry for class III β-tubulin. Emodin exhibited a stronger neutrophic activity than retinoic acid (RA) known as inducer of neurite outgrowth in Neuro2a cells. Emodin treatment resulted in marked increases in phosphorylation of Akt a direct downstream signaling molecule of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), but upstream of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). These augmentations and neurite-bearing cells induced by emodin were remarkably reduced by the addition of PI3K inhibitor LY294002. These results demonstrate that emodin induces neuronal differentiation of Neuro2a cells via PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

Larvicidal Potentiality of Root Extracts of <i>Annona reticulata</i> Linn. Against the Filarial Vector <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> Say (Diptera: Culicidae)

Present study was undertaken to evaluate the mosquito larvicidal potentiality of root extracts of Annona reticulata Linn. ( A. reticulata ), family Annonaceae against filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823 ( Cx. quinquefasciatus ). Petroleum ether, hexane, and ethyl acetate root extracts of the plant were examined to established their larvicidal potentiality against 3 rd instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquito species. Crude and only ethyl acetate root extracts of the plant at different concentrations were examined on 1 st - 4 th instars larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus . LC 50 value of ethyl acetate extract after 24 h of exposure against 3 rd instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were also examined on some non target organisms. Phytochemical analyses of the root extracts of A, reticulata were also investigated. 100% mortality were noticed at very low concentrations of petroleum ether, hexane, and ethyl acetate root extracts of A. reticulata against 3 rd instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus . LC 50 and LC 90 values of ethyl acetate root extract was lower than petroleum ether and hexane root extracts after 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure. Crude and ethyl acetate root extracts showed excellent larvicidal activity against Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquito species. 100% mortality was observed at very low concentration for crude and ethyl acetate root extracts. LC 50 and LC 50 values gradually decreased with time of exposure for crude and ethyl acetate root extracts of A. reticulata . No mortality and sluggishness were observed in control experiments as well as on examined non target organisms. Phytochemical analyses of root extracts of the plant revealed the presence of different secondary metabolites. So crude and ethyl acetate root extracts of A. reticulata can effectively be used for larval mortality against Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquito species at a very low concentration.

Radical scavenging activities of flavonoids from roots of Akschindlium godefroyanum

Chemical constituents of crude ethyl acetate extract of roots of Akschindlium godefroyanum (Kuntze) H. Ohashi were investigated and seven flavonoids were isolated. Their structures were identified based on spectroscopic methods as well as by comparison with spectral data reported in the literature as six flavanonols and a flavonol including 7,4′-dihydroxy-5,3′-dimethoxyflavanonol (1), neophellamuretin (2), taxifolin (3), erycibenin D (4), geraldol (5), fustin (6) and garbanzol (7). Compounds 2, 4 and 7 were found in the genus Akschindlium for the first time. Compounds 3, 5 and 6 appeared to have free radical scavenging activities using DPPH assay with IC50 of 21, 40 and 15 μg/mL, respectively.

Bioactive chemical constituents from the root of Clerodendrum phlomidis

Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Clerodendrum phlomidis roots show antitubercular activity. Bioguided fractionation of active extracts led to the isolation of a new phenylethanoid glycoside, β-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1 → 3)-β-D-(4-O-2′,6′-dihydroxycinnamoyl)-glucopyranoside (phlomidoside, 10) along with 12 known compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis (NMR, Mass and IR). All the compounds except 2, 4, and 8 have been isolated for the first time from C. phlomidis. Antitubercular activity of extracts and isolated compounds was determined by BACTEC radiometric susceptibility assay against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (ATCC 27294). In addition, isolated compounds were also evaluated for their effect on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages for production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. This is the first report on the antitubercular potential of C. phlomidis, indicating the underlying mechanism involved in the therapeutic application of a traditionally used plant.