Leaf Fractions Research Articles

Activity of Paullinia pinnata leaf fractions on bacterial isolates associated with treatment-failure wounds

The current surge of multidrug resistant infections has led to many cases of treatment failure in clinical practices. This has necessitated the search for new drugs from natural sources which could be used to curb this menace. Paullinia pinnata (Linn.) leaves are deployed traditionally for the treatment of various ailments such as malaria and the treatment of wounds. The essence of this study is to assess the antibacterial potential of P. pinnata leaf fractions on four antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from treatment failed wounds. The n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were obtained from the methanol extract of the leaves of P. pinnata by the one-solvent system fractionation. The antibacterial capacity of the fractions was determined by the agar well diffusion method and gentamicin (30 µg/mL) was the control. Clinical isolates of two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and two Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus vulgaris) bacteria were used. The fractions showed no activity to moderate activity at lower concentrations. The ethyl acetate fraction showed bacteriostatic activity in a dose-dependent manner and was better than that of n-hexane, and could therefore be a good drug target for antimicrobial therapies, especially for wound treatment.

Aktivitas Tabir Surya Secara In-Vitro Ekstrak dan Fraksi Daun Kedondong (Spondias dulcis Sol. Ex G.Forst)

Excessive sun exposure to the skin can cause redness (erythema) and darkening of the skin (pigmentation). This effect can be prevented by using sunscreen. Kedondong leaves (Spondias dulcis Sol. Ex G. Forst) can act as a natural sunscreen because they contain secondary metabolite compounds with a conjugated double bond structure (chromophore), including phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The presence of conjugated double bonds in phenolic and flavonoid compounds is known to be able to absorb UV radiation thereby reducing its intensity on the skin. This study aims to determine the sunscreen activity of kedondong leaves based on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), , the percentage of erythema transmission value (%Te), and the percentage of pigmentation transmission value (%Tp) and determine the secondary metabolite groups in kedondong leaf extracts and fractions. The research stages carried out were extraction of kedondong leaves by maceration, dechlorophyllation, followed by fractionation using n-hexane and dichloromethane, to obtain methanol extract, n-hexane fraction, dichloromethane fraction and methanol fraction. Then phytochemical tests were carried out on the extracts and fractions. Phytochemical tests showed that the secondary metabolite compounds in the methanol extract of kedondong leaves were alkaloids, phenolics, steroids and saponins. Furthermore, in the n-hexane fraction are steroids, the dichloromethane fraction is phenolic compounds, and the methanol fraction is alkaloid, phenolic and saponin compounds. Using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 200-400 nm, the sunscreen activity test showed that the dichloromethane fraction at a concentration of 120 mg/L was included in the extra protection category with an SPF value of 7,86±0,23; fast tanning with a %Te value of 15,99±0,83 and sunblock with a %Tp value of 32,72±1,09.

UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIBAKTERI EKSTRAK ETANOL dan FRAKSI DAUN SEMBUNG (Blumea balsamifera L.) TERHADAP BAKTERI Staphylococcus epidermidis

Sembung Leaves (Blumea balsamifera L.) is a plant with many properties, one of which is antibacterial. Sembung leaves have several chemical compounds such as tannins, saponins, and flavonoids which function as antibacterials. This study aims to determine the diameter of inhibition zone, the value of Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) dan the value of Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of ethanol extract, n-hexane fraction, ethyl acetat fraction and water fraction of sembung leaves (Blumea balsamifera L.) against the staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria. Antibacterial testing by using disc diffusion dan solid dilution methods. Ethanol extract and fractions of sembung leaf (Blumea balsamifera L.) that has been obtained are diluted with a concentration of 10%, 25%, and 50%. The positive control as clindamycin 1% and DMSO as the negative control. The results showed that ethanol extract of sembung leaves (Blumea balsamifera L.) can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria at a concentration of 10% which is 8,1 mm, concentration of 25% which is 9,13 mm, concentration of 50% which is 10,1 mm. The n-hexane fraction can inhibit Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria at a concentration of 10 % which is 6,1 mm, concentration of 25% which is 7,11 mm, concentrarion of 50% which is 7,21 mm. The ethyl acetate fraction can inhibit Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria at a concentration of 10% which is 9,1 mm, concentration of 25% which is 11,16 mm, concentration of 50% which is 12,26 mm. The water fraction there is no inhibition zone diameter. The MIC of ethanol extract of sembung leaves is 10%, n-hexane fraction is 25% and ethyl acetate fraction is 10%. The MBC of ethanol extract was at a concentration of 25%, n-hexane fraction at a concentration of 50% and ethyl acetate fraction at a concentration of 10%.

Literature Review: Aktivitas Antioksidan Ekstrak dan Fraksi Daun Matoa (Pometia pinnata)

Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable molecules that can damage cells. Free radicals can cause various diseases such as kidney disease, cataracts, cancer, even heart attacks, and can cause autoimmune diseases, skin cell aging, and other dangerous diseases. One of the compounds that can fight free radicals is antioxidants. Antioxidants can be produced by the body and can also be obtained from nature, such as the leaf of the Matoa plant (Pometia pinnata), which have been extensively studied, contain flavonoids, steroids, tannins, and saponins. The purpose of this literature review is to provide information on the antioxidant potential of Matoa leaf extracts and fractions. The method used in writing the review uses sources obtained from the Google Scholar, ResearchGate and Garuda (2016-2023) data bases. Based on the results of literature review, 8 journals were obtained. The results of literature reviews from various journals that Matoa leaf can have potential as a good antioxidant. Antioxidant activity with a very active category was shown by ethanol extract of Matoa leaves with IC50 values of 45.78 ppm, 41.83 ppm, 8.62 ppm, 5.46 ppm and 1.403 ppm.

Effects of methanolic leaf extract and fractions of Irvingia gabonensis on hematological parameters in Wistar rats with splenomegaly

Splenomegaly is a medical condition characterized by an enlargement of the spleen, an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen, beneath the ribcage. The spleen plays various essential roles in the body, including filtering blood, removing old or damaged blood cells, and helping the immune system by producing and storing immune cells. Splenomegaly causes negative haematological effects. It is very common in Africa and Asia. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of methanol leaf extract and fractions of Irvingia gabonensis on haematological parameters in splenomegaly-induced Wistar rats. Extraction and fractionation of the plant were carried out through standard procedure using methanol, hexane, butanol and ethyl acetate. A qualitative phytochemical evaluation of the plant was done. The effects of the extract and fractions of Irvingia gabonensis were investigated using a rat model. The presence of various phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins was observed in the extract and fractions of the plant. The methanolic extract and ethylacetate fraction significantly caused the normalization of PCV, HB, and RBC post-treatment. The findings from this study suggest that Irvingia gabonensis could be researched further for the management of splenomegaly and also the isolation of phytochemicals responsible for these effects.

Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity in Extracts and Fractions from Leaves and Stem of Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr

Background: Oxidative stress, a condition characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences, is increasingly implicated in various human diseases. Medicinal plants with potent antioxidant properties hold promise for therapeutic interventions against oxidative stress-related pathologies. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the antioxidant potential of leaf and stem extracts and fractions derived from Geophila obvallata. Methods: Methanolic extracts of G. obvallata leaves and stems were subjected to solvent partitioning to obtain fractions based on polarity. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined. The antioxidant capacities of the extracts and fractions were assessed using established assays, including hydroxyl radical scavenging (HRSA) and ABTS+ cation radical scavenging. Results: The highest concentrations of phenolics (86.35 and 79.72 mg/g tissue gallic acid equivalents – GAE) and flavonoids (67.56 and 64.92 mg/g tissue quercetin equivalents – QE) were observed in the leaf and stem methanol extracts, respectively. Remarkably, the antioxidant activity of both leaf and stem methanol fractions surpassed that of the standard controls (ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and trolox). The antioxidant capacity exhibited a decreasing trend across the various extracts and fractions, following the order: methanol > 1-butanol > chloroform > benzene > ethyl acetate > n-hexane > aqueous. These findings suggest superior free radical scavenging abilities in the leaf extracts and fractions compared to the controls.Conclusion: This investigation unveils the significant antioxidant potential of G. obvallata leaf extracts, highlighting their potential efficacy in combating diseases associated with oxidative stress. These findings warrant further exploration to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and validate their therapeutic potential in vivo models.

In vitro antibacterial activity and phytochemical profiling of Indonesian Anacardium occidentale L. leaf extract and fractions

Context: Uncontrolled practice of antibiotics leads to bacterial resistance. Therefore, investigating the possible utilization of several medicinal plant extracts is necessary. Traditionally, numerous medicinal plants have been widely utilized to treat some human diseases including Anacardium occidentale. Aims: To investigate the antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract and fractions from A. occidentale as well as characterize the phytochemical profile of A. occidentale leaves associated with antibacterial capacity. Methods: The antibacterial activity was determined using minimum inhibitory concentration and time kill assay, which confirmed by streak agar plate. Phytochemical profiling of A. occidentale leaves extract and fractions were evaluated by their total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, terpenoid contents, and metabolite analysis by UHPLC-HR-ESI-MS. Results: Among the extract and all fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction had high killing efficiency against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtillis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which was confirmed by its MIC value of 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. Corresponding to its antibacterial capacity, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest of phenolic (508.89 mg GAE/g dw) and flavonoid (184 mg QE/g dw) contents. Based on HRMS investigation, the extract and fractions contain amino acids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, fatty acid amides, fatty acids, and organic acids as classes of molecules. Moreover, avicularin/quercetin-3-O-arabinofuranoside, myricitrin, and gallic acid were identified as major compounds from the active fraction. Conclusions: The ethyl acetate fraction showed the most remarkable antibacterial activity. There was a significant correlation between the antibacterial activity of active fraction and its phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Antioxidant Activity Of Leilem Leaf Extract Fractions Clerodendrum minahassae Teijsm. and Binn. Using The DPPH Method (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazil)

Clerodendrum minahassae Teijsm. and Binn plant is included in the Clerodendrum genus which contains chemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins and steroids which have an important role in the development of medicine, including as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antibacterial. This study aims to determine the antioxidant activity of leilem leaf fractions using the DPPH method. Leilem leaves were extracted using the maceration method using 70% ethanol, then partitioned using the liquid-liquid extraction method using three different solvents, namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate and water. The fraction of the partition was then tested for antioxidant activity using the DPPH method and its absorbance was measured using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer with a wavelength of 515 nm. The research results showed that the n-hexane fraction had an IC50 value of 185.704 ppm, the ethyl acetate fraction had an IC50 value of 105.357 ppm and the water fraction had an IC50 value of 549.258 ppm with the IC50 value of the quarcetin comparison being 8.86 ppm. It can be concluded that the highest antioxidant activity is found in the ethyl acetate fraction, which is included in the moderate antioxidant category.

In-Vitro antidiabetic potential of Piliostigma thonningii leaf column chromatographic fractions

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar that profoundly affects human health and economy. Although there are a plethora of antidiabetic drugs in the market, the efficacy shown by some medicinal plants sometimes outperforms that of synthetic drugs while being more affordable and less toxic. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of column-chromatographic fractions of Piliostigma thonningii leaf. Phytochemical screening, column, and thin layer chromatography were respectively conducted following standard laboratory protocols. The in-vitro antidiabetic activity of the extracts was assessed using alpha-glucosidase and hemoglobin glycosylation inhibitory methods. A total of 175 column fractions (CF1-CF175) were eluted respectively. Thin layer chromatography protocols employed pooled a total of 11 (A-J) fractions. The result showed significant (P>0.05) inhibition of alpha-glucosidase in only fraction J2, which was significantly greater when compared to standard drug (Voglibose) and crude extract. Also, there was no significant hemoglobin glycosylation inhibitory effect in all fractions compared with crude extract and standard drugs (Voglibose). In conclusion, P. thonningii leaf exhibited alpha-glucosidase and hemoglobin glycosylation inhibitory potentials that further support its usage as a hypoglycemic agent.

Antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, toxicity, and molecular docking analysis of <i>Melaleuca cajuputi</i> leaf extract and fractions

<i>Melaleuca cajuputi</i> plant has piqued the interest of researchers due to its pharmacological properties. However, there is scarce information regarding its enzyme inhibitory effects and possible mechanism of action. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and potential binding interactions of bioactive components in <i>M. cajuputi</i> extract and fractions with the target enzymes. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH) assay was used for the antioxidant activity. The enzyme inhibition potential was assessed using tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes. <i>M. cajuputi</i> methanolic extract (MCME) demonstrated the most potent scavenging activity in comparison to <i>Melaleuca</i> fraction (MF1) and (MF2), as evidenced by IC<sub>50</sub> values of 28.14 ± 0.96, 35.26 ± 0.64, and 80.90 ± 0.17 μg/mL, respectively. Similarly, the results of the enzyme inhibition assay showed that the MCME (IC<sub>50</sub> 65.81± 0.39 μg/mL) had the highest potency on tyrosinase enzyme compared to MF1 (IC<sub>50</sub> 131.3± 0.43 μg/mL) and MF2 (IC<sub>50</sub> 215.3 ± 0.48 μg/mL). However, MF2 (IC<sub>50</sub> 3.35 ± 0.37 μg/mL) showed a remarkable AChE enzyme inhibition than MCME and MF1. On the other hand, MCME possessed a low toxicity effect with an LC<sub>50</sub> of 781 ± 0.07 μg/mL, whereas MF1 and MF2 were non-toxic. The 10-methylanthracene-9-carboxaldehyde, 2-isopropyl-10-methylphenanthrene, 2-tert butylanthracene, β-eudesmol, and α-eudesmol showed a strong binding propensity ranging from -5.1 to -6.2 and -6.4 to -7.6 kcal/mol towards tyrosinase and AChE respectively. The leaf extract of <i>M. cajuputi</i> could be considered a novel source of naturally occurring antioxidants and promising enzyme inhibitors.

OPTIMIZATION OF AFRICAN LEAF EXTRACT CREAM FORMULA (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) AS AN ANTIBACTERIAL Staphylococcus aureus

The use of natural ingredients as active medicinal substances has been developed again, one of which is African leaf extract (Vernonia amygdalina Del.), which is used as an antimicrobial bacterium against Staphylococcus aureus, which causes skin disease. The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial activity of African leaf extracts and fractions, as well as to optimize the cream preparation formula using a factorial design with a combination of stearic acid, triethanolamine (TEA), and Adeps lanae with the critical parameters of pH, viscosity, spreadability, Franz diffusion, and KBM value. This study used experimental methods to determine the highest antibacterial activity by disc diffusion from extracts and active fractions of African leaves using solvents of different polarities. The extract or fraction with the highest antibacterial activity was formulated using a combination cream of stearic acid, triethanolamine, and adeps lanae. After obtaining the cream formula, physical testing of the cream, penetration test, and antibacterial test using macrodilution were performed, and the most optimal formula was determined using a factorial design. The extract standardization test results met both specific and non-specific parameters. In the disc diffusion antibacterial test, the highest activity was found in the African leaf extract (13.23 ± 0.757 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Variations in cream composition affect pH, viscosity, spreadability, and Franz diffusion...

GC-MS Profiling and Anti-quorum Sensing Screening of Leaf and Bark Extracts and Fractions of Acacia ferruginea: A Threatened Medicinal Plant

The present study was carried out to screen the anti-quorum sensing property of the possible bioactive fractions and valuable secondary metabolites from the hexane extract of bark and leaves of Acacia ferruginea. Solvent extraction of the plant material using hexane followed by preparative thin layer separation and centrifugal thin layer separation of the extract using silica gel yields 12 and 5 fractions, respectively. Spectral characterization (UV, FT-IR) and anti-QS screening were done for the fractions. GC-MS was done for both nonpolar extracts and cyclograph fractions. The active moieties from bark and leaves fractions were established on the basis of UV, FT-IR and GC-MS. From the anti-QS screening studies, the active fractions were determined. A total of 17 fractions were obtained from the hexane extract of bark and leaves of Acacia ferruginea. Among these fractions, 5 fractions were shown to exhibit activity against Chromobacterium violaceum, while 2 fractions showed moderate activity.

Exploring anticancer activity of the Indonesian guava leaf (Psidium guajavaL.) fraction on various human cancer cell lines in anin vitrocell-based approach

AbstractBreast and cervical cancers are the leading cause of death in women, and chemotherapy with cytotoxins is the usual treatment. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of guava leaf (Psidium guajavaL.) extracts as an alternative chemotherapeutic drug. Although many studies related to the cytotoxic effects of guava leaf (Psidium guajavaL.) on cancer cells have been reported, the effects of guava leaf fractions on human breast and cervical cancer cells (T47D, MCF-7, and HeLa) have never been evaluated. Herein, we researched candidate activities of ethanol, ethyl acetate, andn-extracts from guava leaf fractions and their effect on various human cancer cell lines (T47D, MCF-7, and HeLa cells). The cytotoxicity test was carried out using the microtetrazolium assay for all fractions. We confirmed and showed thein vitroantitumor activity of guava leaf (Psidium guajavaL.) fractions in human breast and cervical cancer cells. We found that the effectiveness of anticancer activity increased from ethanol to ethyl acetate ton-hexane fraction. This work underlines the potential ofn-hexane fraction as a chemotherapeutic drug. These novel results have important implications for further isolation, identification, and characterization ofPsidium guajavaL.-based anti-cancer extracts.

Chemical composition and in vitro gas production of Brachiaria decumbens harvested at different stages of growth in the hot humid region

The study evaluated the effect of harvesting date on the chemical composition and in vitro gas production of the botanic fractions of Brachiaria decumbens grass. The botanic fractions (leaf, stem and whole plant) of the grass at two maturities (60 and 120 days) in a Completely Randomised Design with factorial arrangement. Samples of botanic fractions at the different harvest dates were chemically analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), fibre concentrations and in vitro gas production (IVGP) was measured at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h to estimate the volume and rate of gas production. Short-chain volatile fatty acids, microbial protein production, in vitro organic matter digestibility, and metabolizable energy were estimated from established models. Organic matter, crude fibre, NDF, ADF and ADL increased (P<0.05) with increasing maturity whereas the reverse was so for CP and ash contents (P<0.05). Significant interactions (P<0.05) between harvest date and plant fraction were present for both ‘b’ and ‘c’ attributable to treatment effects. Potential gas production ‘b’ elicited a negative response for all plant fractions across the two harvest dates as the values decreased linearly. The rate at which the gases were produced ‘c’ also induced a negative response for the leaf and whole fraction but a positive one for the stem fraction. The nutrient composition and gas production characteristics of grasses harvested at day 60 offer a better potential as high quality forage for improved intake and digestibility. The leaf fractions performed relatively better based on the afore-mentioned methods of quality assessment at both maturity periods.

Phytochemical and biological studies on Annona dolabripetala Raddi (Annonaceae)

Annona dolabripetala Raddi is an endemic native Brazilian tree. The featured species was chosen as part of a research project aiming at expanding the phytochemical knowledge of Atlantic Forest species occurring in the Northern Region of the Rio de Janeiro State. The isolation of the major compounds was achieved by fractionation followed by chromatographic techniques, and structural identification was based on NMR spectroscopic data, mass spectrometry, and by comparison with literature data. The second research objective was the evaluation of the biological potential of the extract and leaf fractions, with especial regard to their antineoplastic, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. As a result of this study, 23 compounds were identified/isolated. Compounds were identified as fatty acids, esters, ketones and steroids based on GC-MS data and comparison with the NIST mass spectral library. Six glycoside flavonoids and the alkaloid liriodenine were confirmed by structure elucidation. Liriodenine is considered a chemotaxonomic marker of the Annonaceae family. The leaves flavonoid fraction showed moderate cytotoxic activity with EC50 44.65 ± 1.12 μg/mL in the MTT assay carried on using U937 histiocytic lymphoma cells. In vivo antinociceptive activity was evaluated in mice models. The crude extract and the ethyl acetate fractions were effective in reducing the number of abdominal writhes induced by acetic acid by 66.61% and 63.46%, respectively. In the immersion model of tail in hot water, the fraction in chloroform presented greater significant effect. In vivo anti-inflammatory experiments, the crude extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema by 70.7%. The results achieved contribute to expand the chemical knowledge of the Annonaceae family, and highlight the promising antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic effects of A. dolabripetala, herein described for the first time.

Exploring the phenolic profile, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of walnut leaves (Juglans regia L.).

The aim of this study was to identify phenolic compounds in walnut leaves from northern Iraq and evaluate their ability to act as antibacterial and antioxidant agents. Phenolic compounds were determined by reversed-phase HPLC. Antibacterial activity was tested against various bacteria. Antioxidant properties were evaluated by various assays, including reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The HPLC profiles of walnut leaf fractions revealed quercetin, hydroquinone, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and caffeic acid in three fractions. The inhibitory activity of DPPH was determined as 47.66, 32.41, and 51.90 μg/mL for fractions I, II, and III, respectively. For ferric reducing power activity, fraction II > fraction III > fraction I and the FRAP activity was observed as 64.43, 73.19, and 68.18 μg/mL for fractions I, II, and III, respectively. All extracted fractions had antibacterial properties against all bacterial strains tested. Observations showed that fraction I was able to produce similar zones of inhibition as streptomycin in most cases. These results suggest that the fractions of this plant extract are plausible natural antioxidants that could be used as prime candidates for the synthesis of antioxidant drugs that can be used for the treatment of many oxidative stress-related diseases.

Anti-cancer activity of Carica papaya leaf ethanolic extract and fractions against selected human cancer cell lines

Anti-cancer activity of Carica papaya leaf ethanolic extract and fractions against selected human cancer cell lines

Evaluation of phytochemical constituents, total phenolic contents and in vitro antioxidant activities of Mucuna pruriens fractions leaves

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical annual climbing legume plant used in traditional medicine systems to treat diabetes, arthritis, dysentery, hematinics, inflammation, and cardiovascular conditions. The present study investigates the phytochemical constituents, phenolic contents and in vitro, antioxidant potentials of M. pruriens leaf fractions using spectrophotometric methods. Phytochemical screening of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions of M. pruriens was determined using standard methods. The antioxidant activities of the fractions were assessed against total phenolic contents, total antioxidant contents, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assay, and 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity using standard protocols. Phytochemical screening showed that only the ethyl acetate fraction of M. pruriens leaves contain all the phytochemical constituents tested for, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, phenol. The activities of the fractions against total phenolic contents were high in ethyl acetate fraction (1.958±0.24 mg GAE/g), while chloroform fraction gave the lowest total phenolic contents (1.476±0.19 mg GAE/g). On the contrary, chloroform fraction showed more significant total antioxidant contents (2.078±0.80 mg ASCE/g). The methanol fraction demonstrated higher ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (4.866±1.19 mg ASCE/g). The methanol fraction scavenging activity against DPPH radical exhibited a lower IC50 value of 404.92 (μg/mL) relative to other fractions. It is concluded that ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions of Mucuna pruriens leaves, which contain large amounts of phenolic compounds, exhibited high antioxidant activities. These in vitro assays indicated that Mucuna pruriens leaves fraction is a significant source of natural antioxidants, which might help prevent the progress of various oxidative stresses.

Phytochemical Composition and Anti-Motility Effects of Napoleonae imperialis Methanol Crude Leaf Extract and Fractions in Rats

Background: Extracts from that Napoleonae imperialis leaves have traditionally been used to treat wounds and diarrhoea in south east Nigeria.
 Aim: The present study was carried out to evaluate following scientific principles, the phytochemical composition and anti-motility effect of leaf extract and fractions prepared from the plants in experimental rats.
 Methods: Crude extract was prepared from the plant’s leaves and was subjected to phytochemical and acute toxicity tests. Thereafter, the extract was fractionated using column and thin layer chromatographic techniques. Anti-motility effect of the crude extract and fractions was evaluated using 80 rats assigned to 16 groups of 5 rats each. While group 1 served as control and group 2 was treated with Loperamide (0.5 mg/kg), groups 3-16 were treated with specific dose levels of the crude extract or fraction before charcoal meal 30 minutes after treatments. The animals were sacrificed in a further 30 minutes to assess the extents of movement of the charcoal meal along the gastrointestinal tract.
 Results: Alkaloids (31.09 +0.44 mg/100 g) were the most abundant phytochemical identified in the crude extract and was followed by flavonoids (17.19± 0.90 mg/100 g). Others were saponins (9.61±0.12 mg/100 g), tannins, (3.23±0.06 mg/100 g), phenolics (8.83±0.41 mg/100 g), steroids (5.24±0.10 mg/100 g), terpenoids (2.58±0.11 mg/100 g) and cardiac glycosides (4.95±0.08 mg/100 g). Results of acute toxicity (LD50) test showed no mortality nor obvious signs of toxicity, even at an oral dose of 5000 mg/kg in rats. Results of the anti-motility studies showed that Napoleonae imperialis crude extract and fractions significantly inhibited charcoal meal transit in rat’s gastrointestinal tract with 500 mg/kg of the extract producing an inhibitory effect of 51.44±3.53%. A repeat of the test on chromatographic fractions of the extract showed that fraction 5 had the highest anti-motility effect having produced an inhibitory effect of 87.70±6.04% on intestinal motility.
 Conclusion: Our findings have shown that Napoleonae imperialis leaves contain pharmacologically active components with antidiarrhoeal activities and may be the reason for its antidiarrheoal application in traditional medicine. The observed effects of the extract may be due to its flavonoids and tannins contents and may be via the anticholinergic and osmotic pathway. Solvent combination for fraction 5 may be the most ideal for higher anti-motility effects. More work is required to further establish these findings.

Estimation of the biomass and carbon in Cupressus lusitanica Mill. trees in Costa Rica

[Introduction]: Forest plantations are an important carbon sinks and reservoirs while providing other important environmental goods and services. [Objective]: In this research, we developed models to estimate the biomass and carbon content of Cupressus lusitanica Mill trees and its components or fractions, in forest plantations in Costa Rica. [Methodology]: Through the destructive sampling of 43 trees, a sample of each component was obtained to determine dry matter and carbon content. The models were built through linear regression analysis and ordinary least squares, using the normal diameter as the independent variable. Models were selected through the weighted sum of the calculated statistics and the graphical analysis of the residuals. [Results]: The coefficient of determination (R2) was greater than 83.8 % and the estimation error or bias was less than 7.2 %. The leaf and root fractions were more difficult to model, given their lower fit and higher error. The stem represents 61.7 % of total tree biomass, the branches 17.1 % and the roots 9.1 %. The aerial biomass expansion factor was 1.54 (1.3 and 1.24 for branches and foliage) and 1.12 for roots. [Conclusions]: Allometric models accurately predict biomass and carbon content, are easy to use, and become useful low-cost tools to quantify the ecologic and greenhouse gas emission mitigation functions of these forests.