Root Bark Extract Research Articles

Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from the root bark of Schisandra sphenanthera

• Two new dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans were obtained from the root bark of Schisandra sphenanthera . • The structures were elucidated by NMR, MS, IR and CD data analysis. • Nine compounds showed cytotoxic activities with IC 50 values ranging from 13.5 to 48.8 μM. Two new dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, schisphenlignan M and N ( 1 and 2 ), together with nine known analogues, schisantherin B ( 3 ), gomisin G ( 4 ), schisantherin D ( 5 ), schisantherin A ( 6 ), epigomisin O ( 7 ), gomisin O ( 8 ), (+)-gomisin K3 ( 9 ), schisanhenol B ( 10 ) and gomisin A ( 11 ) were isolated from the 80 % ethanol extract of root bark of Schisandra sphenanthera . Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis including IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR and CD spectra data. Compounds 1 - 11 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against human lung cancer cell line A549, and human colon cancer cell lines HTC116 and SW620, and the results showed that all of the lignans, except 3 and 8 (>50 μM), exhibited cytotoxic activities with IC 50 values ranging from 13.5 to 48.8 μM.

Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and brine shrimp cytotoxicity of different solvent extracts of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans

BackgroundThe root, root bark, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans are used for managing bacterial and fungal infections among the Luo community of Kisumu East Sub County in Kenya. However, data on the efficacy of these plants against common bacterial and fungal pathogens is not available. The safety of these plants is also not known. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial properties, and safety of different solvent extracts of the roots, root barks, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans. The broth microdilution method evaluated the antimicrobial activities of the root, root bark, and root tuber extracts (water, acetone, and methanol) of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans. Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus), gram-negative (Escherichia coli), and fungal (Candida albicans) microorganisms were used in the evaluation. The safety of the extracts was evaluated in Artemia salina. The phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined using qualitative and quantitative assays.ResultsIn general, the extracts of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans displayed poor antimicrobial properties relative to conventional antimicrobial agents including Amoxicillin, Gentamicin, and Nystatin. The aqueous extract of Acanthus polystachyus and the aqueous, acetone, and methanol extracts of Keetia gueinzii were safe in Artemia salina but all other extracts were cytotoxic to Artemia salina.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the use of the roots, root barks, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans is limited by poor antimicrobial efficacy and cytotoxicity.

Safety Profile, In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity, and In Vivo Antiulcerogenic Potential of Root Barks from Annona senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae).

Annona senegalensis (Annonaceae) is a tropical shrub widely distributed in Burkina Faso. This plant is traditionally used as a medicine against many pathologies including typhoid fever, gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, and inflammatory and infectious diseases. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antiulcer properties of Annona senegalensis root bark extracts. Therefore, toxicity tests were first performed, followed by other biological tests. For this purpose, we first undertook to evaluate the toxicity tests before considering the other biological tests in a second step. The results showed that the extracted fractions had a significant effect for the different methods used (protein denaturation inhibition activity, hyaluronidase inhibition activity, and xanthine oxidase inhibition activity). However, of the extracted fractions used, the ethyl acetate fraction was the most anti-inflammatory fraction. The antiulcer activity was evaluated using the best bioactive fraction. The antiulcer effect of the ethyl acetate fraction may be due to both the reduction of gastric acid secretion and gastric cytoprotection. The results of this study also showed that the bioactive fraction reduced ethanol-induced ulceration and pyloric ligation in a dose-dependent manner, and at the highest dose (200 mg/kg), the effect was similar to that of the reference drug. In summary, the ethyl acetate fraction was found to have the best anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activities. The ethyl acetate fraction at a dose of 200 mg/kg also showed a rather interesting level of cytoprotection. The anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities could be due to the different secondary metabolites contained in the fractions extracted from Annona senegalensis, notably flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, saponins, and tannins. As the mechanisms of action are still little or not understood, we will consider in the future identifying the phytoconstituents and the mechanisms of action involved in the results.

Phytochemical Analysis and Acute Toxicity Studies on the Methanol Extract of Securidaca longepedunculata (Fresen) Root Bark in Mice

The methanol extract of Securidaca longepedunculata root bark was screened phytochemically and its intraperitoneal acute toxicity evaluated in mice. The phytochemical screening was carried out based on standard methods. The Median Lethal Dose (LD50 ) was determined using Lorke’s method while the Maximum Tolerated Dose (LD0 ) was determined by the method described by Mosser and Padilla. The root bark extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins and flavonoids. The extract produced intraperitoneal LD0 and LD50 values of 6.92 mg/kg and 6.0 mg/kg, respectively. Based on the research findings, the methanol extract of S. longepedunculata root bark was found to contain important phytochemicals which may be attributed to its enormous use in traditional medicine, but it was a highly toxic extract in mice with intraperitoneal LD50 and LD0 values of 6.92 mg/kg and 6.0 mg/kg, respectively.

Analgesic Effect of Ziziphus abyssinica Involves Inhibition of Inflammatory Mediators and Modulation of KATP Channels, Opioidergic and Nitrergic Pathways.

The diversity offered by natural products has timelessly positioned them as a good source for novel therapeutics for the management of diverse medical conditions, including pain. This study evaluated hydro-ethanolic root bark extract of Ziziphus abyssinica (ZAE) as well as β-amyrin and polpunonic acid isolated from the plant for analgesic property. The study also investigated the mechanism responsible for this action in the extract. The antinociceptive potential of ZAE (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p. o.) was assessed using the tail-immersion test (TIT), acetic acid-induced writhing test (AAT), and formalin test (FT). The extract’s effect on acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain was also assessed by administering carrageenan unilaterally into the rat gastrocnemius muscles and measuring pain at 12 h and 10 days for acute and chronic pain respectively. The involvement of pro-inflammatory mediators (prostaglandin E2, bradykinin, TNF-α, and IL-1β) was assessed. The possible pathways mediating the observed analgesic effect of ZAE were further assessed using the antagonists: naloxone, glibenclamide, NG-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), atropine, nifedipine, and yohimbine in the FT. Also the analgesic effect of two triterpenoid compounds, β-amyrin and polpunonic acid, previously isolated from the plant was assessed using the TIT. The anti-nociceptive activity of ZAE was demonstrated in the TIT by the significant (p < 0.05) increase in tail withdrawal threshold in ZAE-treated mice. ZAE also markedly reduced writhing and paw licking responses in both AAT and FT and significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated both acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. ZAE also significantly reversed hyperalgesia induced by intraplantar injection of PGE2, bradykinin, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Furthermore, data revealed the involvement of opioidergic, ATP-sensitive K+ channels and NO-cGMP pathways in the analgesic effect of ZAE. Both β-amyrin and polpunonic acid exhibited analgesic activity in the tail suspension test. Our study demonstrates ZAE as an important source of new therapeutic agents for pain management.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effects of Acacia macrostachya.

Acacia macrostachya is used in Burkina Faso folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation and cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of this plant. The cytotoxic effects of root (dichloromethane B1 and methanol B2) and stem (dichloromethane B3 and methanol B4) bark extracts of A. macrostachya were assessed on chronic K562 and acute U937 myeloid leukemia cancer cells using trypan blue, Hoechst, and MitoTracker Red staining methods. The antioxidant content of extracts was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) methods. The root bark extracts B1 and B2 of A. macrostachya demonstrated higher cytotoxicity with IC50 values in a low µg/mL range on both U937 and K562 cells, while the stem bark B4 extract selectively affected U937 cells. Overall, healthy proliferating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (pPBMCs) were not or barely impacted in the range of concentrations cytotoxic to cancer cells. In addition, A. macrostachya exhibited significant antioxidant content with 646.06 and 428.08 µg ET/mg of extract for the B4 and B2 extracts, respectively. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids/steroids. The results of this study highlight the interest of A. macrostachya extracts for the isolation of anticancer molecules.

Effect of N Acetyl Cysteine and Aqueous Extract of Berberis Lycium Royale Root Bark on Uric Acid of Albino Rats

Background: N acetyl cysteine and Berberis lycium Royale root bark have been used to treat kidney diseases. Objectives: To evaluate the individual and combined effect of N acetyl cysteine and aqueous extract of Berberis lycium Royale root bark in Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Study Design: Randomized control trial. Settings: Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi in collaboration with NIH, Islamabad. Duration: 1 month from September 2020 to October 2020. Methodology: Fifty Wister albino rats of 10-12 weeks old were divided into five groups with 10 in each group. Group 1 was normal control given food and water only and remaining 40 were in treatment groups. Nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Gentamicin (80mg/kg) for 6 days in group 2, 3, 4 and 5. After induction of nephrotoxicity, Group 3 was administered N acetyl cysteine 140mg/kg per oral, Group 4 was given aqueous extract of Berberis lycium Royale root bark 400 mg/kg per oral and Group 5 was given both N acetyl cysteine 140mg/kg per oral and aqueous extract of Berberis lycium Royale root bark 400 mg/kg per oral for 21 days. Serum uric acid was measured in all groups after 30 days to observe the reversal of renal injury. Results: The results of this study indicate that Group 3, Group 4 and Group 5 showed a decrease in serum uric acid level as compared to Disease Control Group (Group 2). However, Group 5 significantly reduced uric acid (p 0.05). Conclusion: Combined effect of N acetyl cysteine and aqueous extract of Berberis lycium Royale root bark showed improvement in uric acid level in Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Phytochemical investigation of Croton macrostachyus crude extracts and evaluation of their antibacterial activity

Croton macrostachyus is one of the most common traditional medicinal plants used in Ethiopia. The parts of this plant such as bark, twigs, fruits, leaves, roots, and seeds showed varieties of medicinal properties and cure various human and animal diseases and ailments. This paper reports the phytochemical constituents of the extracts from Croton macrostachyus plant parts grown in horo guduru wollega zone of Ethiopia and their antibacterial activities against different bacteria as well as isolation of a compound from the plant extract. Antibacterial activities of ethanol extracts of leaf, root, seed, and stem bark of Croton macrostachyus were screened against Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using disc diffusion method on Mueller – Hinton Agar (MHA). All the extracts showed inhibitory activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli. However no activity was recorded against Staphylococcus aureus. A compound, labeled as 1-18D, was isolated from the stem bark, and its structure was elucidated by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR and compared with previously reported literature. The isolated compound showed antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, but no inhibitory activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The finding of this study indicates that the ethanol extracts and the isolated compound is a promising antibacterial agent against several human pathogens.

Spathodea companulata (African tulip tree) stem and root barks extracts ameliorated N-nitroso diethylamine induced hepatic impairment in male rats

Spathodea campanulata Beauv. is an important plant widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hepatic disease. In the present study, we evaluate the phytochemical composition and hepatoprotective potential effect of the stem and root bark extracts of Spathodea companulata on dimethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatic impairment in albino rats. Phytochemical compositions were analyzed using standard protocols. Forty-five male rats were grouped into 9 (A-I) of 5 rats each. Groups A-F were treated with stem bark extract, root bark extract, quercetin, DEN + stem bark extract, DEN + root bark extract, DEN + quercetin respectively while groups G-1 serve as control groups and were treated with corn oil only (Vehicle control), DEN only (Toxicant control), and distilled water (normal control) respectively. DEN was given at 25 mg/kg b.w., i.p on a weekly basis while all treatments were administered at 100 mg/kg BW orally for 60 days. Serum transaminase activities, body weight, and liver body weight ratio were evaluated. Results revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycoside, saponins, anthraquinone, steroids, and flavonoids in stem bark extract of Spathodea companulata, while the root bark contains cardiac glycoside, saponins, anthraquinonoid, steroids, and flavonoid. The DEN non-treated rat exhibited significant (p&lt;0.05) weight loss and increase serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities when compared with the normal control. Treatment with stem and root bark extracts of Spathodea companulata significantly ameliorated the toxicant induce alterations in the transaminase activity and body weight loss when compared with the DEN nontreated rats. In conclusion, this study provides scientific validation of the use of this plant in traditional medicine for the management of hepatic disorders

Haematological and Blood Glucose Evaluation in Rats Treated with Methanolic Root Bark Extract of Chrysophyllum Albidum

Aim: This study investigated the outcome of administration of the methanolic root bark extract of Chrysophyllum albidum orally on normal blood glucose levels and haematological indices in rats. Materials and methods: Twenty adult rats were grouped into 4 groups of 5 rats each. The control group (A) was administered distilled water of 0.5 ml while the treatment groups B, C and D received 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of methanolic root bark extract of C. albidum respectively for 21 days. Before the commencement of the experiment, blood glucose was checked for all the groups. Blood was collected at the end of the test period to analysed changes in blood glucose levels and haematological parameters. Results: The RBC, PCV, Hb, MCH, MCV, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils were not significantly (P&lt;0.05) different in all the extract doses when compared with the control group. Furthermore, WBC, eosinophils, neutrophils and platelets counts were significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) in all the groups treated with the extract in a dose-dependent form when compared to that of the control. Also, a significant (P&lt;0.05) reduction in blood glucose in groups administered with 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of the C. albidum relative to the control group was noted. However, a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in body weight of all groups treated with the extract when compared with the control group was also noted. Conclusion: The results suggest that methanolic root bark extract of C. albidum may be used to boost thrombopoiesis and also has hypoglycemic properties.

Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Activity of 80% Methanolic Root Bark Extract and Solvent Fractions of Pentas schimperiana (A. Rich.) Vatke (Rubiaceae) in Swiss Albino Mice.

Background Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological disorders, responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality due to limited efficacy and negative properties of antiepileptic drugs. Medicinal plants are believed to be an important source of new chemical substances with potential therapeutic effects. Pentas schimperiana (A. Rich.) Vatke is a medicinal plant used in Ethiopian traditional medicine for the treatment of epilepsy. However, it lacks scientific investigation on its anticonvulsant activity. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of 80% methanol root bark extract and solvent fractions of Pentas schimperiana (A. Rich.) Vatke in mice. Methods Anticonvulsant activity was evaluated by using the pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock-induced seizure test. The 80% methanolic root bark extract was subjected to successive fractionation with solvents differing polarity, i.e., chloroform, butanol, and water. The test groups received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bodyweight of extract and its solvent fractions. Result The ME400 and BF400 at the higher dose exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) anticonvulsant effect in both the pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock-induced seizure test compared with control. However, chloroform fraction only showed a significant (p < 0.001) anticonvulsant effect in the PTZ-induced seizure test, while aqueous fraction had least anticonvulsant activity in both seizure-induced tests. Phytochemical screening of Pentas schimperiana (A. Rich.) Vatke root bark extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins. Conclusion This study indicated that the plant has anticonvulsant activity and is considered as a potential source to develop a new antiepileptic drug.

Anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the ethanol root bark extract of Salacia lehmbachii in rats and mice

Background: The decoction of the roots of Salacia lehmbachi is used in traditional medicine for the treatment different diseases such as malaria pains diabetes and microbial infections.Methods: Phytochemical screening and oral acute toxicity tests were carried out on the ethanol root extract of the plant. Anti-nocicetive activity using acetic acid induced writhing and tail immersion method in mice, anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats and xylene induced ear oedema test in mice and antipyretic activity using Brewer’s yeast and D-amphetamine induced pyrexia in rats were determined at 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses of the root extract.Results: The ethanol root extract contain alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. The oral acute toxicity tests was found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. The root extract and the standard drug (Aspirin) significantly (p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.01) decreased the number of writhes caused by acetic acid. The extract and morphine significantly (p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.01) prolonged reaction time in tail immersion model. The extract produced significant (p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.01) dose dependent inhibition of oedema which was comparable to aspirin in carrageenan induced paw oedema model. The root extract also demonstrated significant (p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.01) effect in xylene induced mouse ear oedema test compared to dexamethasone. The extract significantly decreased high temperature in both Brewer’s yeast and d-amphetamine induced pyrexia.Conclusions: Findings show that S. lehmbachii may provide a good source of plant compounds with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities.

Extraction and Characterization of 2-Isopropenyl-1-methoxy-7, 7-dimethyl-4, 9-imidazo-5-hydroxy pyrimidine called Alchorneinol from root bark of Alchornea hirtella used for the treatment toothache, and diarrhoea is Sierra Leone

A new compound LK001 identified as 2-Isopropenyl-1-methoxyl-7, 7-dimethyl-4, 9-imidazo-5-hydroxy pyrimidine and named Alchorneinol has been extracted from the root bark of Alchornea hirtella plant. It was isolated using solvent-solvent extraction method from the powdered root bark of A. hirtella. The white powdered compound was slightly soluble in water, ethanol chloroform and tested positive for unsaturation. The compound LK001 contained Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen during elemental analyses. It also tested positive for the presence Hydroxide group thus making it slightly different from the already reported drug Alchorneine. The fragmentation patterns proposed from the Mass spectrum for Sample LK001 and by McLafferty rule support a new compound named Alchorneinol in the root bark extract. Itis therefore one of the active compounds responsible for the treatment of pain, particularly tooth ache, as purgative, stomach-ache and to treat tiredness after intoxication in Sierra Leone.

In vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo aphrodisiac activity in male Cavia porcellus of Albizia adianthifolia (Schum.) W. Wight and Pericopsis angolensis (Baker) Meeuwen

This study was carried out to evaluate the aphrodisiac and antioxidant activities of aqueous and methanolic extracts of two plants used as aphrodisiac in traditional medicine in Kampemba municipality, in Lubumbashi DR Congo. Aqueous and methanolic root bark extracts of both Albizia adianthifolia and Pericopsis angolensis were administered orally to male Cavia porcellus before evaluating their physical behavior in the presence of females and their testosterone, cholesterol and triglyceride contents. The antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH method. At 200 and 250 mg kg-1 body weight (bw), the extracts exhibited a decrease in rise time and intromission time and an increase in ejaculation time, ascending frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency and testosterone compared to the control group that received sildenafil (10 mg kg-1 bw) used as a reference. A positive relationship between testosterone level and antioxidant activity has also been observed. The aphrodisiac and antioxidant activity observed in the two species justify their uses in traditional medicine as aphrodisiacs. Further work is needed in order to proceed to the isolation and the identification of the active compounds.

Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial and Radical Scavenging Activities of Root Wood and Root Bark Extracts of Albizia schimperiana

Objective: Different parts of Albizia schimperiana are used for treatment of different types of diseases. In Ethiopia traditionally people use Albizia schimperiana to treat headache and other pains. In Tanzania the stem bark is used to treat warts, the leaf has shown significant antimicrobial and potential anti-helmintic activity. The main objective of the study was to identify the phytochemical constituents, and evaluate antibacterial and radical scavenging activities of root wood and root bark extracts of A. schimperiana. Method: The root of A. schimperiana was collected from east wollega zone, Nekemte town, in May 2018. The collected plant root was washed with distilled water and peeled so that the root wood and root bark were dried separately under shade at room temperature and ground in to powder using analytical mill. The bioactive constituents of the root of A. schimperiana were extracted through maceration technique using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol. The antibacterial assay was determined using disc diffusion method against four bacteria strains while the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts were investigated spectrophotometrically using DPPH. Result: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones and terpenoids and absence of tannins and steroids in both root parts. The root extracts were active against all the tested bacterial strains. The root wood extracts of acetone and ethyl acetate demonstrated strong zone of inhibition against S. aureus (30mm) and E. coli (30 mm) at 100 mg/mL, as compared to the reference antibiotic gentamicin (20 mm). The methanol root wood extract of A. schimperiana has shown better DPPH radical scavenging activity at 1 mg/mL (89.8%) when compared to the methanol root bark extract (71.6%) at the same concentration. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that the root extracts of A. schimperiana owned many phytochemicals that exhibited promising antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Therefore, the root of A. schimperiana can serve as a potential source for development of new drugs as well as finding natural antioxidants that could assist the body in fighting disease like cancers.

Phytochemical and Cytotoxic Test of Durio kutejensis Root Bark on MCF-7 Cells

Durio kutejensis has known potential as herbal medicine in Kalimantan. Many things can be explored from D. kutejensis related pharmacological activity in every part of the plant included root bark. This study investigated the phytochemical content with a qualitative test and tested cytotoxic activities of D. kutejensis root bark on MCF-7 cell lines. Cytotoxic activity tested on MCF-7 cells with MTT assay method. The result showed that D. kutejensis root bark contains flavonoid, tannin, terpenoid, phenol, and saponin. IC50 value for ethanol extracts of root bark, n-hexane fractions, ethyl acetate fractions, and doxorubicin on MCF-7 cells are 761.29; 280.5; 207.08; and 0.25 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, D. kutejensis root bark has some secondary metabolites but no cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cells. Further research on other compounds to be investigated and test to other pharmacological activity.

In vitro antioxidant and anti-arthritic effect of the aqueous and ethanolic leaf and root bark extract of Alafia barteri

Alafia barteri (Apocynaceae) is a climbing shrub having white or pink flowers. Traditionally, it has been used to treat diseases like malaria, sickle cell anemia, and eye infections. This research is focused on investigating the antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities of the aqueous and ethanol leaf and root extract of Alafia barteri plant in vitro. In-vitro antioxidant methods used were 2, 2 -diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, reducing power activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay while the anti-arthritic activity was studied using the assay method of protein denaturation. Results revealed that aqueous and ethanol root extracts scavenge free radicals, thus inhibiting damage caused by oxidative stress in arthritis while the ethanol extracts of both the leaf and roots had good anti-arthritic activities as seen in its ability to decrease protein denaturation.

Morus alba Prevented the Cyclophosphamide Induced Somatic and Germinal Cell Damage in Male Rats by Ameliorating the Antioxidant Enzyme Levels.

Cytogenetic analysis is essential to determine the effect of mutagens and antimutagens on genetic material. This study was done to evaluate the protective effect of root bark extract of Morus alba (M. alba) against cyclophosphamide induced somatic and germinal cell damage in male rats. The ethanolic extract of M. alba (0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/kg, 2 weeks) was evaluated against cyclophosphamide (75 mg/kg, single dose) induced nuclear damage. The sampling was done after 48 h of the clastogen treatment. The somatic and germinal nuclear damage was studied by bone marrow micronucleus and sperm analysis, respectively. Serum superoxide and catalase levels were estimated to determine the antioxidant status in each group. The results were analyzed statistically to find the significant variation. The administration of M. alba for 2 weeks suppressed dose-dependently the changes induced by cyclophosphamide. M. alba (0.5 g/kg) decreased the frequency of micronucleated erythrocyte, sperm shape abnormality and enhanced the sperm count, sperm motility and polychromatic-normochromatic erythrocytes ratio significantly (p < 0.05) in comparison with the cyclophosphamide treated group. The highest tested dose of M. alba (1 g/kg) produced more prominent suppression (p < 0.01) in the cyclophosphamide-induced somatic and germinal cell defects. The results also showed significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the serum antioxidant enzymes levels with M. alba when compared with the challenge group. The lower dose of M. alba extract (0.25 g/kg) prevented the CP-induced changes but was found to be statistically insignificant. Therefore, antimutagenic potential of the high dose of the extract of M. alba is possibly due to its antioxidant nature. The ability of the M. alba extract to prevent the nuclear damage could play an important role in overcoming several mutational defects that are associated with anticancer chemotherapy.

A novel tryptophan-derived alkaloid and other constituents from Guettarda speciosa (Rubiaceae: Cinchonoideae–Guettardeae)

Phytochemical examination of two Thai accessions of the widespread paleotropical Guettarda speciosa (Rubiaceae: Cinchonoideae–Guettardeae) led to the isolation of the hitherto undescribed tryptophan-derived alkaloid 5α-carboxystrictosidinic acid together with 5α-carboxystrictosidine, the iridoid glucoside loganic acid and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid from the root bark extract. The leaf extract further yielded 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by NMR and MS techniques and compared to other species of Guettarda. In addition, the structural differentiation of alkaloids within this genus is discussed with special emphasis on 5α-carboxy derivatives suggesting a pathway apart from the strictosidine biosynthetic route.

Safety assessment and antimalarial property of methanol extract of Fagara zanthoxyloides root-bark on Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Fagara zanthoxyloides Lam. (Rutaceae) is an indigenous Nigerian medicinal plant used traditionally for treating fever, malarial infection, sexual impotence, gonorrhea, malaria, dysmenorrhea, and abdominal pain. This study investigated the safety profile and antimalarial activity of methanol extract of Fagara zanthoxyloides root-bark on Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity (LD50) of MEFZRB were determined using standard methods. Thirty-six Swiss mice (28–34 g) were distributed into 6 groups (n = 6). Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and negative control respectively. Group 3 mice were parasitized and treated with 5 mg/kg body weight of Coartem® (positive control). Groups 4–6 were P. berghei infected and orally treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight of MEFZRB respectively for 4 days. P. berghei infection was initiated by an intraperitoneal injection of 0.2 ml parasitized red blood cells. The effect of MEFZRB on percentage parasitemia, hematological indices, antioxidant status, liver and kidney functions, and lipid profile parameters was assessed. The LD50 of MEFZRB was 4073.1 mg/kg b.w. A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in percentage parasitemia of treated groups were observed relative to the negative control. Treatment with MEFZRB led to significant (P < 0.05) increases in packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and red blood cell concentrations, whereas white blood cell count significantly (P < 0.05) decreased relative to the negative control. Similarly MEFZRB significantly (P < 0.05) restored altered antioxidant status, liver enzyme activities, and lipid profile indices of the treated groups following P. berghei-infection in mice, thus, indicating the antimalarial property of MEFZRB.