Pod Extract Research Articles

Characterization and Antimicrobial Profiling of Ethanol-Toluene Extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth Pod

The research reports the characterization and antimicrobial profiling of an ethanol-toluene extract of the Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod. The sample was powdered and extracted with a solvent system of ethanol-toluene (2:1). The extract was characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis, as well as a wet analysis investigation. The qualitative and quantitative analysis reveals the presence of flavonoids (0.307), phenols (0.4545), alkaloids (1.7165), tannins (6.118), saponins (5.700), and glycosides (0.2375). The FTIR revealed the presence of 1723cm-1, which was assigned to carbonyl groups, and the peaks within the range of 3416.10–3777.54cm-1 were attributed to hydroxyl groups. The GC-MS reveals the presence of 34 molecules in the chromatogram, which is consistent with the mass spectra. The ethanol-toluene extract contains 19 guaiacyl and its derivatives, as well as 15 syringyl and its derivatives. The molecule, propenylsyringol (cis)b has the highest yield based on the height of the peak. Other lignin-derived molecules with a good percentage of extraction were vanillin, syringaldehyde and synapylalcohol (cis). The antimicrobial analysis of the extract was tested on nine pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus bacilli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Candida species, Aspergillus Niger, Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus fumigates). The result therefore reveals that the ethanol-toluene extract of PMBP was more effective on S. pyogenes (0.9mm), P. bacilli (0.5 mm), and Fusarium spp. (0.9mm) at the MIC of 6.25mg/mL. The standard antimicrobial agents, Focknazol (antifungal) and Ciprotab (antibacterial), have the highest zone inhibition at an MIC of 6.25mg/mL, when compared with the ethanol-toluene extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod. The ethanol-toluene extract of the Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod can be used as a source of guaiacyl or syringyl derivatives and also clinically since it is sensitive to some pathogens.

Anti-Angiogenesis Screening of Moringa oleifera Pod Extracts by In-Ovo Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assay

Moringa oleifera has many therapeutic benefits one out of it is anti-cancer property. Therefore, many researchers have been screening the therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera. The main objective of this study was to screen and explore the angiogenesis inhibition potential of Moringa oleifera pod extracts. With the aim of screening anti-angiogenic potential, extracts of Moringa oleifera pods were prepared by decoction method. The extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening to identify the nature of phytochemicals present in the pods. In-ovo chorioallantoic membrane assay was chosen to achieve the objective of the study. Water-soluble extractive value (15.00% w/w) was higher than that of alcohol-soluble extractive value (3.89% w/w), indicating that the Moringa oleifera pods have more water-soluble constituents. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed presence of flavonoids. Angiogenesis inhibition effect was studied and compared with sunitinib. Statistical analysis revealed highest anti-angiogenesis activity in 100% methanolic extract. Least effect was observed in 50% aqueous extract. Anti-angiogenic potential of 100% methanolic extract was statistically significant when compared with other study groups. It is concluded that Moringa oleifera pods exert anti-angiogenic potential and more intensified and diversified studies are needed to enable a thorough investigation of this plant components in anti-cancer treatment.

Study on the anti-gout activity of the lotus seed pod by UPLC-QTOF-MS and virtual molecular docking

The lotus seed pod is one of the main organs of the lotus plant and is commonly used in traditional medicine. It is believed to have dehumidifying and anti-rheumatic effects. This study, utilized the non-targeted approach of identification via UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS to identify the main chemical components in the lotus seed pod extracts and found a total of 118 compounds. Among them, 25 components were identified for the first time in the lotus seed pod. Next, using the molecular docking technique, common gout receptors (PDB ID: 1N5X, 1FIQ, 2EIQ) were docked to the compounds in the extracts, and their activities were screened using the LibDock and CDOCKER modules. In order to screen compounds with anti-gout activity in the lotus seed pod, acid precipitation (AP) fractions were prepared by an established extraction method of flavonoids, which were then analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Finally, a rodent model bearing acute gout and hyperuricemia was established by ankle injection of sodium urate and intraperitoneal injection of xanthine and potassium oxonate. The results of this study showed that AP could not only significantly alleviate joint swelling and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, but also reduce synovial and renal pathological damage. This indicated the efficacy of AP in the treatment of gouty arthritis.

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract of Prosopis f arc ta pods

The present study has been designated lo evaluate the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract of Prosopis farcta pods. The antimicrobial activity of the extract against five fungal strains and four bacterial strains were tested by using Agar Well Diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration MIC values. The results showed that aqueous extract of P.farcta had antifungal and antibacterial effects against all the tested microorganisms, wherease Nystatin failed to show any effect against C.cladosporides. Therefore, these results suggest that the aqueous extract of P. farcta possess compounds with antimicrobial properties which can be used as antimicrobial agents in new drugs for therapy ofmicrobiaJ diseases in human

Polyphenolic contents, free radical scavenging properties, and enzyme inhibitory activities of Acacia nilotica (L.) delile seed and pod extracts

Polyphenolic contents, free radical scavenging properties, and enzyme inhibitory activities of Acacia nilotica (L.) delile seed and pod extracts

Antioxidant and Vasorelaxant Properties of Phaseolus vulgaris Linn (Fabaceae) Immature Pods Extract on the Thoracic Aorta of NMRI Mice

Introduction: Oxidative stress, through the increased bioavailability of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a major cause of hypertension. The resulting endothelial remodeling promotes the production of vasoconstrictor substances leading to an increase in blood pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and vasorelaxant properties of the decoction (PAD), ethyl acetate (EAP), and residual aqueous (ARP) fractions of immature Phaseolus vulgaris pods on NMRI mice thoracic aorta rings. Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum trichloride colorimetric methods were used to quantify total polyphenol compounds (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC), respectively. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by 2,29-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic (ABTS●), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●), and ferric ion (FRAP) radical reduction methods. The DMT 620M ADInstruments myograph technique was used to evaluate the ex-vivo vasodilatory effects of Phaseolus vulgaris extracts on aortic rings. Results: Chromatographic fingerprints showed the presence of flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, steroids, triterpenes, and saponins in the extracts studied. The TPC (61.07±0.04 mgGAE/g) and TFC (6.16±0.03 mgQE/g) of EAP were statistically significant compared to that of PAD and ARP (p<0.001). The antioxidant power of Trolox was statistically significant compared to all studied extracts (p<0.05). It should be noted that among these extracts, EAP showed the better antiradical capacities for ABTS (IC50=71.87±0.30 µg/mL) and DPPH (IC50=9.93±0.00 µg/mL). However, for FRAP activity, it was the PAD extract (T=170.68±0.11 µgAAE/g) that obtained the best score. In terms of vasorelaxant activity, all extracts induced concentration-dependent relaxation of aortic rings precontracted with U46619. Pharmacodynamic parameters were significantly in favor of EAP [EAP(E+)=(Emax=100.06±0.00%; pD2=1.24±0.01) and EAP(E-)=(Emax=101.01±0.00%; pD2=0.84±0.02)] followed by PAD and then ARP. Conclusion: Phaseolus vulgaris immature pod extracts possess concentration-dependent vasorelaxant effects on isolated mouse aorta. These preliminaries results were scientific evidence to support the use of this plant in traditional and complementary medicine for the treatment of hypertension.

Antifungal activity of chili pepper extract with potential for the control of some major pathogens in grapevine.

In recent years, biofungicides have drawn increasing interest in vineyards for a more sustainable integrated and copper-limited pest management. Among alternatives, botanicals could represent valuable tools, being rich sources of biologically active compounds. Conversely to the well-known antioxidant and biological properties in relation to health benefits, investigation on bioactivity of hot pungent Capsicum sp. products against fungal phytopathogens in vineyards is still scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed at exploring the biologically active compounds profile of a chili pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) pod extract and its antimicrobial properties against some of the major fungal and Oomycetes pathogens of grapevine, including Botrytis cinerea Pers., Guignardia bidwellii (Ellis) Viala & Ravaz and Plasmopara viticola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Berl. & De Toni. The ethyl acetate-extracted oleoresin from the most pungent varieties was rich in capsaicinoids and polyphenols (371.09 and 268.5μg mg-1 dry weight, respectively). Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids and quercetin derivatives were the most abundant, while carotenoids represented only a minor fraction. The oleoresin was efficient to inhibit all three pathogenic fungi and ED50 values were determined, evidencing that G. bidwellii was the more sensitive (0.233 ± 0.034 mg mL-1 ). The results suggested a potentiality of chili pepper extract for the control of some important grapevine pathogens, their possible application being helpful for the recommended limitation in extensive use of copper in vineyard. The complex mixture of high amounts of capsaicinoids, associated to specific phenolic acids and other minor bioactive components might contribute to the observed antimicrobial action of chili pepper extract. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Protective Effect of Carob Pods Extract on Esomeprazole-Induced Changes on the Renal Cortex of Rats: Histological, Immunohistochemical and Statistical Study

Protective Effect of Carob Pods Extract on Esomeprazole-Induced Changes on the Renal Cortex of Rats: Histological, Immunohistochemical and Statistical Study

Corrosion Inhibition Efficacy of Hybrid Organic Extracts from Prosopisafricana and Citrulluslanatus on Mild Steel in Acidic Medium

Each of Prosopis Africana pod extract (PAPE) and Citrulluslanatus (WMPE) performed quite well as green inhibitors in the electrochemical corrosion in acidic solution at ambient temperature in previous research. However, the hybridization of these compounds was varied with the concentration ratio in this study to optimize the efficiency of the green inhibitor in a hydrochloric acid medium using mild steel. The extraction process of the inhibitor samples was carried out with the Soxhlet apparatus using n-hexane as the solvent. Furthermore, the potential inhibition efficiency was monitored using various corrosion measurement techniques at room temperature. The inhibitive response of the extracts could be attributed to the adsorption of the extracts’ components on mild steel surface by physisorption mechanism according to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The results revealed that inhibition efficiency (IE%) depends on the concentration of the extracts. The peak IE% values were obtained with a hybrid ratio of 3:1 (PAPE: WMPE) for gravimetric technique. The Tafel polarization and gasometrical measurement technique is 96.7%, 98.5% and 83.1% respectively at the concentration of 1.0 g/L, which are above the peak IE% for PAPE (93.7%, 80.96% and 77.8%) and WMPE (92.7%, 80.5% and 75.6%).

Cytotoxic effect of various solvent extracts of Acacia nilotica pods on human erythrocyte cells

Acacia nilotica is a multipurpose medicinal plant. Different parts of this plant are used to alleviate or treat various diseases. In the current study, an attempt was made to study the cytotoxicity of Acacia nilotica pod extracts towards normal human erythrocytes. The pods of A. nilotica were ground, then three different solvents were used in different ratios to prepare crude extracts, which were screened for in vitro hemolytic activity. UV-visible spectrophotometric method was used for the quantification of the hemolytic effect. The hemolysis percentages of the different extracts were found to be very minimal (Methanol extract: 4.65±0.24%; Ethanol extract: 3.77±0.48% and Aqueous extract: 2.69±0.51%), while Triton X-100 produced total hemolysis at the lowest concentration. These findings suggested that this plant could be considered as safe to human erythrocytes. However, further studies through in vivo toxicological tests should be considered in the future in order to best justify its safety.

Allelochemical of Archidendron jiringa Pods and Sorghum bicolor Biomass Extracts Combined with a Premixed Formulation of Atrazine and Mesotrione

The aim of this research was to evaluate the allelochemicals in jering pods and sorghum biomass extracts combined with premixed formulations of the herbicides, atrazine and mesotrione. The research was conducted in the laboratory and experimental field of the Department of Agronomy, University of Bengkulu, Indonesia, from December 2019 to July 2020. The allelochemicals in jering pods and sorghum biomass extracts and their combination with the herbicides were tested on seed germination, and weed control was tested on corn grown in polybags. The results showed that aqueous extracts of jering pods and sorghum biomass combined with the herbicide mixtures of atrazine and mesotrione did not inhibit the seed germination of corn but suppressed the length and the weight of the radicles and plumules. The study of the efficacy of jering pods and sorghum biomass extracts on the weeds (total of grasses and broadleaves) revealed that the two agents, when applied separately, suppressed weed biomass by 27 and 32%, respectively. When the two extracts were combined, their combined efficacy increased to 56%. Furthermore, the plant height, stem diameter, and corn stover weight increased with the allelochemicals and herbicide treatments. The cobs yield per plant increased from 19 to 22% with the separate application of the allelochemicals found in the jering pods and sorghum biomass, respectively, and from 27 to 34% when the allelochemicals were combined with the herbicides. This research provided a novel approach using the allelochemical extracts from jering pods and sorghum biomass as natural herbicides for weed control.

Production of herbal toothpaste: Physical, organoleptic, phyto-compound, and antimicrobial properties

ObjectiveTo investigate the possibility of producing dental antimicrobial toothpaste from Allium cepa L skin chaff, Azadirachta indica A. seed, and Tetrapleura tetraptera pod extracts. MethodsEthanolic extracts of the three plant materials were obtained. These were subjected to phytochemical and GC-MS analyses. The different extract combinations were used for the production of various toothpaste. The toothpaste's physical, organoleptic, and antimicrobial properties were determined. ResultsFrom the phytochemical analysis, Allium cepa has the highest phenolic (1.20 mgGAE/g), saponin (14.80%), tannin (0.11 mg/g) and DPPH (82.80%), Tetrapleura tetraptera has the highest flavonoid (0.33 mg RE/g), and alkaloid (20.50 mg/g) while, Azadirachta indica has the highest oxalate (77.50 mg/g). The GC-MS revealed significant chemical components of Allium cepa as 1-heptatriacotanol, germacra-1(10),4,11(13)-trien-12-oic acid, 6-alpha-hydroxy-,gamma-lactone, (E,E)-, 11H-Indeno [1,2b] quinoxaline, 2-methyl- while Azadirachta indica have butyl benzoate, benzoic acid, hexyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester and Tetrapleura tetraptera have the following 15-hydroxypentadecanoic acid, cis-9-hexadecenal, and 11,13-dimethyl-12-tetradecen-1-ol acetate. All the produced toothpaste has a brown colour and a pleasant smell, with pH from 7.30 to 8.10 and foamability from 19.23% of stand-alone toothpaste to 44.44% of Allium cepa-based. Amongst the produced toothpaste Allium cepa-based toothpaste has the best antimicrobial activities against the tested bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca) and fungi (Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis). The stand-alone toothpaste has the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.25 mg/mL against bacteria and fungi. Clinical significanceThe study provides information on the production of human health-friendly dental antimicrobial toothpaste from plant materials.

Conceptual Process Design to Produce Bio-Acrylic Acid via Gas Phase Dehydration of Lactic Acid Produced from Carob Pod Extracts

This work discusses the conceptual process design for the integrated production of bio-based acrylic acid from carob pod aqueous extracts. CHEMCAD was used for the process simulation and cost estimation of the relevant equipment. The process was designed for a capacity of 68 kt of carob pod per year, operating 8000 h annually, and involving extraction, fermentation, catalytic dehydration, and distillation to achieve 99.98%w/w acrylic acid as the main product. The economic assessment for the base case suggests a fixed capital investment of EUR 62.7 MM with an internal rate of return of 15.8%. The results obtained show that carob pod is a promising biomass source for the production of bio-acrylic acid.

Characterization of the microbiota dynamics associated with Moniliophthora roreri, causal agent of cocoa frosty pod rot disease, reveals new viral species.

Theobroma cacao, the cocoa tree, is a target for pathogens, such as fungi from the genera Phytophthora, Moniliophthora, Colletotrichum, Ceratocystis, among others. Some cacao pathogens are restricted to specific regions of the world, such as the Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV) in West African countries, while others are expanding geographically, such as Moniliophthora roreri in the Americas. M. roreri is one of the most threatening cacao pathogens since it directly attacks the cacao pods driving a significant reduction in production, and therefore economic losses. Despite its importance, the knowledge about the microenvironment of this pathogen and the cocoa pods is still poorly characterized. Herein we performed RNA sequencing of spores in differential stages of culture in a medium supplemented with cacao pod extract and mycelium collected of the susceptible variety ICT 7121 naturally infected by the pathogen to evaluate the diversity and transcriptional activity of microorganisms associated with the in vitro sporulation of M. roreri. Our data revealed a great variety of fungi and bacteria associated with M. roreri, with an exceptional diversity of individuals from the genus Trichoderma sp. Interestingly, the dynamics of microorganisms from different kingdoms varied proportionally, suggesting they are somehow affected by M. roreri culture time. We also identified three sequences similar to viral genomes from the Narnaviridae family, posteriorly confirmed by phylogenetic analysis as members of the genus Narnavirus. Screening of M. roreri public datasets indicated the virus sequences circulating in samples from Ecuador, suggesting a wide spread of these elements. Of note, we did not identify traces of the viral sequences in the M. roreri genome or DNA sequencing, restricting the possibility of these sequences representing endogenized elements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of viruses infecting the fungus of the genus Moniliophthora and only the third description of viruses that are able to parasite elements from the Marasmiaceae family.

Bioprospecting of pods of Moringa oleifera Lam. as novel antibacterial agent

In the treatment of bacterial diseases, increasing resistance to traditional chemotherapeutics has drawn the necessity for substitute remedies. In this context, here, we evaluated the bactericidal activity of pods of Moringa oleifera Lam., an ethno medicinal plant, against eight pathogenic bacterial strains, both Gram positive (Bacillus licheniformis, B. mycoides, B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. fluorescens and P. putida). Different organic solvent extracts, like ethyl acetate, acetone and alcohol, of pods of M. oleifera were examined for bactericidal activity against test microorganisms. Minimum inhibitory concentration, chromatographic analyses along with infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was carried out for chemical characterization of active ingredient responsible for antibacterial activity. Both the Gram positive and Gram negative organisms showed variable sensitivity to different solvent extracts of M. oleifera pods. Ethyl acetate extracts showed maximum antibacterial activity with MIC value ranging from 1.30 to 4.10 mg/mL. IR analysis provided preliminary information about the amines, amides, aromatics and sulphur containing compounds of the active ingredient. GC-MS and NMR analyses indicated the presence of principal bioactive antibacterial compound 2-(benzoylsulfanyl)-1,3- thiazol,4-yl, benzoate with molecular formula C17H11NO3S2 from ethyl acetate extract of M. oleifera pods. The study concludes that the compound 2-(benzoylsulfanyl)-1,3-thiazol,4-yl, benzoate from ethyl acetate extract of pods of M. oleifera possess the antibacterial activity against the tested strains.

Characteristics of leather produced by using Acacia nilotica ssp tomentosa pods as tanning materials from Blue Nile State-Sudan

Chrome salt utilization in tanning industry become spread over the world owing to its preferred quality in leather industry. However, Environmental concerns of chromium have shifted the interest of current research to metal-free and friendly processing options. Vegetable tanning, have been proven to be environmentally safe and manageable, while producing good quality leather with similar characteristics as that of chromium tanned leather. So, the objective of this research work is to determine the properties of leather using vegetable tanning materials from the pods of Acacia nilotica ssp tomentosa in the form of powdered pods and extract. Results indicated a significant difference in the properties of the tanned skin. Chemical properties of the tanned leathers by extracts of Acacia nilotica ssp tomentosa pods are found to be quite normal. Tensile strength values of tanned skin with pods extracts are higher than that tanned with powdered pods. On the other hand, tanned skin with tannin extract produced greater skin elongation 44.39% compared to tanned with pods powder which was 34.94%. This work provides useful information on the potential leather production by using vegetable tannin materials for leather industries in Sudan and beyond.

Chitosan-Based Green Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Pod Extract Gel Film: Characterization and Application in Food Packaging

This work focuses on studying the preparation, characterization (physical, mechanical, optical, and morphological properties as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities) and packaging application of chitosan (CH)-based gel films containing varying empty green pea pod extract (EPPE) concentrations (0, 1, 3, and 5% w/w). The experiments revealed that adding EPPE to CH increased the thickness (from 0.132 ± 0.08 to 0.216 ± 0.08 mm), density (from 1.13 ± 0.02 to 1.94 ± 0.02 g/cm3), and opacity (from 0.71 ± 0.02 to 1.23 ± 0.04), while decreasing the water vapour permeability, water solubility, oil absorption ratio, and whiteness index from 2.34 to 1.08 × 10-10 g-1 s-1 pa-1, from 29.40 ± 1.23 to 18.75 ± 1.94%, from 0.31 ± 0.006 to 0.08 ± 0.001%, and from 88.10 ± 0.43 to 77.53 ± 0.48, respectively. The EPPE films had better tensile strength (maximum of 26.87 ± 1.38 MPa), elongation percentage (maximum of 58.64 ± 3.00%), biodegradability (maximum of 48.61% after 3 weeks), and migration percentages than the pure CH-gel film. With the addition of EPPE, the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the film improved. SEM revealed that as EPPE concentration increased, agglomerates formed within the films. Moreover, compared to control samples, packing corn oil in CH-based EPPE gel films slowed the rise of thiobarbituric acid and peroxide values. As an industrial application, CH-based EPPE films have the potential to be beneficial in food packaging.

GC/MS and LC/MS Phytochemical Analysis of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp Pod.

Vigna unguiculata (L. Walp) or Cowpea pod methanolic extracts phytochemical analysis, total phenolic content (TPC), and secondary metabolite profiling were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. GC/MS analysis revealed twenty compounds in the extract, while LC/MS analysis identified twenty-four compounds. GC/MS chromatogram analysis suggested the presence of opioid α-N-Normethadol a major constituent found in methanolic extract and fatty acid esters carotenoid is found second major constituent. LC/MS chromatogram and the mass spectral analysis demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, carotenoids, and alkaloids as major phytochemicals. We investigated the antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant activity of pod methanolic extract. The extract was found equally effective against E. coli, S. pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa with MIC 100 μg/mL similar to the standard Ampicillin (MIC 100 μg/mL). C. albicans were found to be most susceptible to Vign unguiculata pods methanolic extract with a MIC of 250 μg/mL. The pod extract showed significant DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 =78.38±0.15) which suggests its antioxidant potential.

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


 
 
 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.
 
 

Antileishmanial effects of Crotalaria spectabilis Roth aqueous extracts on Leishmania amazonensis.

Fifteen polar extracts from leaf, seed, pod, stem, flower and root of Crotalaria spectabilis were prepared using aqueous systems, based on the principles of green chemistry, and showed different protease inhibitor (PI) activities on trypsin, papain, pepsin and the extracellular L. amazonensis serine protease (LSPIII). The most pronounced inhibitory effect on LSPIII was observed in leaf (CS-P), root, stem, flower (CS-FPVPP) and pod (CS-VA) extracts. Crotalaria extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity on macrophages; however, they decreased the viability of L. amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes, as observed in leaf (CS-AE, CS-P, CS-T and CS-PVPP), seed (CS-ST), flower and root (CS-RA) extracts. CS-P was chosen to study PI and secondary metabolites and a 10-12 kDa protein, analyzed by mass spectrometry, was identified as a serine PI homologous with papaya latex serine PI. Glycosylated flavonoids, such as quercetins, vitexin and tricin were the major secondary metabolites of CS-P. The presence of PIs in C. spectabilis is a new finding, especially in other organs than seeds since PIs have been reported only in seed legumes. Besides, this is the first report of antileishmanial activity of C. spectabilis extracts and the identification of serine polypeptide PI and glycosylated flavonoids from leaf.