Hexane Fraction Research Articles

Exploration of several plants from Baung Forest on bone formation cell models.

Osteoporosis is an ailment described by a skeletal degradation of bone skeletal dominating to increases the chance of fracture. In order to find out the bone formation agents from Baung Forest plants, this research analyzed the effects of 96% ethanol extract of several plants from Baung Forest on antioxidant activity and the effect of osteoblast differentiation-related to the bone formation on the most potent extract. The antioxidant effect and osteoblast differentiation of 96% ethanol extracts were evaluated by measuring DPPH scavenging and alkaline phosphatase in p-nitrophenyl phosphate effects by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader method, respectively. The 96% ethanol extract of Elaeocarpus serratus L. from Baung Forest had the strongest DPPH radical scavenging as anti oxidant (82.17%) and stimulated osteoblast differentiation (116%). Then, this extract had been fractionated based on polarity to become hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous fractions. All the fractions stimulated their alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity to 138.11±9.72%, 108±5.05%, 148.56±8.47, and 144.58±1.04, respectively. The extract and fractions of E.serratus L. can successfully inhibit DPPH radical scavenging value and increase ALP activities as markers of osteoblast functions.

Bioactive fractions and compound of Ardisia crispa roots exhibit anti-arthritic properties mediated via angiogenesis inhibition in vitro

BackgroundArdisia crispa (Thunb.) A.DC (Primulaceae), is a medicinal herb traditionally used by Asian people as remedies to cure inflammatory related diseases, including rheumatism. The plant roots possess various pharmacological activities including antipyretic, anti-inflammation and antitumor. Previous phytochemical studies of the plant roots have identified long chain alkyl-1,4-benzoquinones as major constituents, together with other phytochemicals. Hexane fraction of the plant roots (ACRH), was previously reported with anti-angiogenic and anti-arthritic properties, while its effect on their anti-arthritic in vitro, is yet unrevealed. Considering the significance of angiogenesis inhibition in developing new anti-arthritic agent, thus we investigated the anti-arthritic potential of Ardisia crispa roots by suppressing angiogenesis, in vitro.MethodsArdisia crispa roots hexane extract (ACRH) was prepared from the plant roots using absolute n-hexane. ACRH was fractionated into quinone-rich fraction (QRF) and further isolated to yield benzoquinonoid compound (BQ), respectively. In vitro experiments using VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and IL-1β-induced human fibroblast-like synoviocytes for rheumatoid arthritis (HFLS-RA) were performed to evaluate the effects of these samples on VEGF-induced HUVECs proliferation and tube formation, and towards IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis, respectively. Therapeutic concentrations (0.05, 0.5, and 5 μg/mL) tested in this study were predetermined based on the IC50 values obtained from the MTT assay.ResultsACRH, QRF, and BQ exerted concentration-independent antiproliferative effects on VEGF-induced HUVECs and IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA, with IC50 values at 1.09 ± 0.18, 3.85 ± 0.26, and 1.34 ± 0.16 μg/mL in HUVECs; and 3.60 ± 1.38, 4.47 ± 0.34, and 1.09 ± 0.09 μg/mL in HFLS-RA, respectively. Anti-angiogenic properties of these samples were verified via significant inhibition on VEGF-induced HUVECs tube formation, in a concentration-independent manner. The invasiveness of IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA was also significantly inhibited in a concentration-independent manner by all samples. ACRH and BQ, but not QRF, significantly enhanced the apoptosis of IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA elicited at their highest concentration (5 μg/mL) (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings highlight the bioactive fractions and compound from Ardisia crispa roots as potential anti-arthritic agents by inhibiting both HUVECs and HFLS-RA’s cellular functions in vitro, possibly mediated via their anti-angiogenic effects.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity profile of crude extract and fractions of Gymnema sylvestre

BackgroundGymnema sylvestre is a reputable medicinal plant commonly explore for the management of diabetes and other ailments in traditional medicine. In the present study, we investigated the phytochemical compositions and effect of crude extract, hexane, and ethyl-acetate fractions of Gymnema sylvestre on biochemical and hematological parameters of Wistar rats.MethodsAlbino rats were distributed randomly into a control group and nine treatment groups orally administered crude extract and fractions of Gymnema sylvestre (100, 300, and 600 mg/kg BW) for 21 days. Liver and kidney function indices, as well as hematological parameters, were monitored.ResultsOur results revealed that the crude methanol extract contains flavonoids (8.56 ± 0.50 mg/g), alkaloids (13.84 ± 0.67 mg/g), total phenol (1.98 ± 0.50 mg/g), saponins (23.85 ± 0.35 mg/g) and tannins (16.00 ± 0.34 mg/g). The crude methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions of Gymnema sylvestre had LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg BW in acute oral toxicity test. The extract and fractions at 300 and 600 mg/kg BW cause loss of body weight of the rats, significantly altered (p < 0.05) the levels of biochemical indices including the aspartate transaminases, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphates, bilirubin, proteins, urea, creatinine, and white blood cells (WBC) counts when compared with the non-treated control. However, the extract and fractions at 100 mg/kg BW did not cause any significant (p > 0.05) alterations to the levels of biochemical and hematological parameters when compared with the non-treated control.ConclusionGymnema sylvestre at sub-acute doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg BW could compromise the functional integrity of the rats’ liver and kidney. The study, therefore, suggested the use of Gymnema sylvestre for oral remedy at a dose of 100 mg/kg or below.

Urease Inhibitory Kinetic Studies of Various Extracts and Pure Compounds from Cinnamomum Genus.

Urease is an enzyme that plays a significant role in the hydrolysis of urea into carbonic acid and ammonia via the carbamic acid formation. The resultant increase in pH leads to the onset of various pathologies such as gastric cancer, urolithiasis, hepatic coma, hepatic encephalopathy, duodenal ulcers and peptic ulcers. Urease inhibitors can reduce the urea hydrolysis rate and development of various diseases. The Cinnamomum genus is used in a large number of traditional medicines. It is well established that stem bark of Cinnamomum cassia exhibits antiulcerogenic potential. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of seven extracts of Cinnamomum camphora, Cinnamomum verum and two pure compounds Camphene and Cuminaldehyde on urease enzyme. Kinetic studies of potential inhibitors were carried out. Methanol extract (IC50 980 µg/mL) of C. camphora and a monoterpene Camphene (IC50 0.147 µg/mL) possess significant inhibitory activity. The Lineweaver Burk plot analysis suggested the competitive inhibition by methanol extract, hexane fraction and Camphene. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis of hexane fraction revealed the contribution of various terpenes. The present study targets terpenes as a new class of inhibitors that have potential therapeutic value for further development as novel drugs.

Anticancer, Free Radicals, and Digestive Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Rubus sanctus Schreb Root Four Solvent Fractions.

Background Humankind used herbal products as a source of medicines since they understood their therapeutic benefits from ancient times. Therefore, the current research aimed to determine the anticancer, antioxidant, and metabolic enzyme inhibitory activities of Rubus sanctus (RS) root four solvent fractions for the first time. Methods The antioxidant, antilipase, and anti-α-amylase potentials of (RS) four solvent fractions were evaluated using standard biomedical assays. Moreover, the DNA cell cycle of liver cancer was assessed using a propidium iodide (PI) assay. At the same time, the apoptosis activity was estimated utilizing flow the cytometry method. Results The methanol and acetone (RS) fractions showed the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 0.078 ± 0.22 and 0.67 ± 0.25 μg/ml, respectively, compared with Trolox, which has an antioxidant IC50 value of 2.039 ± 0.52 μg/ml. Moreover, the methanol (RS) fraction has the highest anti-α-amylase activity with an IC50 value of 20.12 ± 0.34 μg/ml compared with acarbose, which has an IC50 value of 6.565 ± 0.3 μg/ml. Also, the acetone (RS) fraction revealed the highest antilipase activity with an IC50 value of 6.03 ± 1.23 μg/ml compared with the positive control orlistat which has an IC50 value of 0.39 ± 0.45 μg/ml. The aqueous, methanol, acetone, and hexane fractions of the (RS) roots decreased the secretion of the α-fetoprotein in the liver cancer cells. The acetone fraction was the most potent α-fetoprotein inhibitor with an average of 237 ± 12.5% compared with the average of the untreated cells, which was 4066.6 ± 202%. The hexane fraction was the most effective in diminishing apoptosis with an average of 14.5 ± 1.6%, compared with 49% ± 2 untreated cells' average. In inhibiting cell cycle progression, it was recognized that methanol fraction seems to be the most powerful amplifier of the (RS) effect, as it increased the proportion of the cells with an average of 24.5 ± 2.2%, compared with 7.4 ± 1.8% in the doxorubicin (DOX). Data indicated a decrease in cell proliferation rate by prolonging the G2-M phase and thus slowing cancer progression. Our results suggest that (RS) roots four solvent fractions have potential anticancer activity. Conclusion The (RS) roots four solvent fractions have potential anticancer, antioxidant, antilipase, and α-amylase inhibitory activities. It could be a promising source for applications in the functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial and DNA damage protecting potential of hot taste spices: a comparative approach to validate their utilization as functional foods.

Hot taste spices have enormous health benefits starting from kitchen to pharmaceutical laboratories. Our present study is focused on phytochemical and pharmacological screening of six hot taste spices namely Zingiber officinale (ginger), Capsicum annuum (chilli), Piper chaba (java long pepper), Piper nigrum (black pepper), Syzygium aromaticum (clove), Trachyspermum ammi (carom). Among all six spices, clove and ginger exhibited strong antioxidant activity owing to higher phytochemical contents. Significant antifungal activity (IZD ≥ 11mm) was revealed by all six spices except hexane fraction of carom whereas strong antibacterial activity with lowest MIC was displayed by clove, ginger and chilli. DNA was successfully protected from oxidative damage by clove, ginger followed by chilli, java long pepper and carom but black pepper could only partially protect DNA damage even at 4mg/ml concentration. Based on the DNA damage protecting potentials and antioxidant activities clove, ginger, java long pepper and carom may be utilized for neutraceuticals development. Antimicrobial activities suggested that clove, ginger, java long pepper and chilli may be useful as food preservatives. Fractionated bioactivity of the all the six HTS would help for targeted extraction and development of nutraceuticals from these commonly used medicinal spices.

COMPARISON STUDY OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY FROM THREE BANANA LEAVES EXTRACTS

Banana (Musa spp.) is mainly grown in the tropical and subtropical countries. Previous study reported that Musa spp. leaves had a potential antioxidant activity, but it was still rarely studied further. In this research, leaves of Musa balbisiana, Musa acuminate, and Musa paradisiaca were extracted using maceration method for 24 hours with three kinds of solvent having different polarities: ethanol (polar), ethyl acetate (semi polar), and hexane (nonpolar). The goal of this research was to compare and determine the stability of the antioxidant activity extracted from different Musa sp. leaves. The highest antioxidant activity is found from Musa balbisiana leaves extract with IC50 value 340.07±22.54 ppm (hexane fraction). Correlation analysis between antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid of the extracts cannot conclude that the active antioxidant substances in these three banana species leaves were from phenolic or flavonoid groups. This crude extract from Musa balbisiana was then subjected to various pH levels (3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0) and temperatures (50, 70, and 90°C) to determine the stability of its antioxidant activity. It is found that the best stability condition is at pH 3.0 and temperature of 50°C with an increase of 63.1% in IC50, a decrease of 15.72% in total phenolics, and a decrease of 3.67% in total flavonoids as compared to before treatment.

Inhibition of Haemoglobin Glycosylation, Glucose Uptake and In Vitro Antidiabetic Activities of Solvent Fractions from Daucus carota Seed

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder which result from either absolute or relative insulin deficiency and may lead to dysfunction in some organ systems. Pancreatic α- glucosidase and α- amylase inhibition are an effective strategy to decrease levels of postprandial hyperglycemia through starch control breakdown. The aim of the study is to assess the in vitro antidiabetic activities of fractions from Daucus carota seed extract, a plant used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The aqueous extract (AQE) of Daucus carota seed was partitioned in ethyl acetate (EAE), n – hexane (HEX) and diethyl ether (DEE) to obtain the various fractions. The AQE and EAE expressed significant α – amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 637.0±18.6 μg/mL and 603.0±25.8 μg/mL respectively. AQE, EAE, HEX and DEE expressed α – glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 135.85±1.21, 147.59±0.57, 132.64±1.17, and 143.56±0.49 μg/mL respective compared with acarbose (ACA) with 5.42±0.20 μg/mL. Furthermore, DEE fraction expressed inhibitory effects on % glucose uptake in yeast cell comparable with metronidazole. All Daucus carota fractions expressed various inhibitory effects on haemoglobin glycosylation at a concentration of 200 – 1000 μg/mL. The results show that fractions from the aqueous seed extract of Daucus carota possess in vitro antidiabetic potentials with EAE and HEX fractions having most promising inhibitory activities against α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively.

Ulva lactuca Extract and Fractions as Seed Priming Agents Mitigate Salinity Stress in Tomato Seedlings.

The present study investigates the effect of Ulva lactuca extract as seed-priming agent for tomato plants under optimal and salinity stress conditions. The aims of this experiment were to assess the effect of seed priming using Ulva lactuca extract in alleviating the salinity stress tomato plants were subjected to, and to find out the possible mechanism of actions behind such a positive effect via means of fractionation of the crude extract and characterization. Salinity application decreased the plant biomass and altered different physiological traits of tomato. However, the application of Ulva lactuca methanol extract (ME) and its fractions (residual fraction (RF), chloroform fraction (CF), butanol fraction (BF), and hexane fraction (HF)) at 1 mg·mL−1 as seed priming substances attenuated the negative effects of salinity on tomato seedlings. Under salinity stress conditions, RF application increased the tomato fresh weight; while ME, RF, and HF treatments significantly decreased the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration and antioxidant activity in tomato plants. The biochemical analyses of Ulva lactuca extract and fractions showed that the RF recorded the highest concentration of glycine betaine, while the ME was the part with the highest concentrations of total phenols and soluble sugars. This suggests that these compounds might play a key role in the mechanism by which seaweed extracts mitigate salinity stress on plants.

Evaluation of the anti-gout effect of Sonchus Arvensis on monosodium urate crystal-induced gout arthritis via anti-inflammatory action - an in vivo study.

Sonchus arvensis is an Indonesian plant with strong therapeutic effects. Various studies have shown that this plant is useful in treating kidney stone disorders, and recent studies have shown that S. arvensis extract can reduce inflammation caused by monosodium urate crystal deposition in the synovial tissue. This study was aimed to explore the extract of Sonchus arvensis, via fractionation, to optimize the specific content of S. arvensis with anti-inflammatory potential in gout arthritis. The study included 30 rats (Rattus norvegicus) Wistar strain obtained from the Eureka Research Laboratory (Palembang, Indonesia) weighing between 200 - 250 grams. After one week of acclimatization, the rats were randomly divided into six groups, each group containing five animals; normal control group, monosodium urate group (negative control), colchicine group, hexane fraction of S. arvensis group, ethyl-acetate fraction of S. arvensis group and water fraction group. Before monosodium urate administration, rats in the colchicine group, as a positive control group, were given orally for seven days with 0.28 mg/kg/day colchicine. IL-1β levels in joint synovial fluid were examined with Rat ELISA interleukin-1β. S. arvensis water fraction showed the most significant reduction in inflammatory cells compared to the hexane or ethyl acetate fractions. The water fraction of S. arvensis group had an equal effect with positive control in reducing the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the synovial tissue. Sonchus arvensis water fraction has anti-gout effects in monosodium urate-induced gout arthritis in rats by decreasing the inflammatory response in the synovial joint.

Preparation of Low-Diacylglycerol Cocoa Butter Equivalents by Hexane Fractionation of Palm Stearin and Shea Butter.

Herein, we prepared 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoyl glycerol (POP)-rich fats with reduced levels of diacylglycerols (DAGs), adversely affecting the tempering of chocolate, via two-step hexane fractionation of palm stearin. DAG content in the as-prepared fats was lower than that in POP-rich fats obtained by previously reported conventional two-step acetone fractionation. Cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs) were fabricated by blending the as-prepared fats with 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl glycerol (SOS)-rich fats obtained by hexane fractionation of degummed shea butter. POP-rich fats achieved under the best conditions for the fractionation of palm stearin had a significantly lower DAG content (1.6 w/w%) than that in the counterpart (4.6 w/w%) prepared by the previously reported method. The CBEs fabricated by blending the POP- and SOS-rich fats in a weight ratio of 40:60 contained 63.7 w/w% total symmetric monounsaturated triacylglycerols, including 22.0 w/w% POP, 8.6 w/w% palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-3-stearoyl-rac-glycerol, 33.1 w/w% SOS, and 1.3 w/w% DAGs, which was not substantially different from the DAG content in cocoa butter (1.1 w/w%). Based on the solid-fat content results, it was concluded that, when these CBEs were used for chocolate manufacture, they blended with cocoa butter at levels up to 40 w/w%, without distinctively altering the hardness and melting behavior of cocoa butter.

Phytochemical Fingerprinting and In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of the Aerial Parts of Thymus marschallianus Willd. and Thymus seravschanicus Klokov Growing Widely in Southern Kazakhstan.

The chemical composition of the hydroethanolic extracts (60% v/v) from the aerial parts of Thymus marschallianus Willd (TM) and Thymus seravschanicus Klokov (TS) from Southern Kazakhstan flora was analyzed together with their hexane fractions. Determination of antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of both extracts was also performed. RP-HPLC/PDA and HPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS showed that there were some differences between the composition of both extracts. The most characteristic components of TM were rosmarinic acid, protocatechuic acid, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, and apigenin 7-O-glucuronide, while protocatechuic acid, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, and eriodictyol predominated in TS. The content of polyplenols was higher in TS than in TM. The GC-MS analysis of the volatile fraction of both examined extracts revealed the presence of thymol and carvacrol. Additionally, sesquiterpenoids, fatty acids, and their ethyl esters were found in TM, and fatty acid methyl esters in TS. The antioxidant activity of both extracts was similar. The antibacterial activity of TS extract was somewhat higher than TM, while antifungal activity was the same. TS extract was the most active against Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43504 with MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) = 0.625 mg/mL, exerting a bactericidal effect. The obtained data provide novel information about the phytochemistry of both thyme species and suggest new potential application of TS as a source of bioactive compounds, especially with anti-H. pylori activity.

Potential antioxidant and hypoglycaemic effect of the flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. (Nyctaginaceae)

The study evaluated the antioxidant and hypoglycaemic potentials of the ethanol flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis . Flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis were obtained by cold maceration method. The preliminary phytochemical screening and hypoglycaemic effect were carried out using standard methods. Antioxidant screening was carried out using DPPH antioxidant assay test. Five rats were used for each group; normal control, standard control, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. doses of the crude ethanol flower extract of B. spectabilis to test the hypoglycaemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were measured at different time intervals. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, strerols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and carbohydrates. The crude ethanol fraction demonstrated least antioxidant activity while the chloroform fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity followed by the hexane fraction. The ethanol flower extract showed a significant dose dependent hypoglyceamic effect after 24 hours of administration. Of the doses tested, highest hypoglycaemic effect was observed by the ethanol flower extract of the dose 400 mg/kg at 24 hours. The findings revealed that non-polar fractions have more antioxidant activity than the polar fractions while the ethanol flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis possesses a delayed hypoglycaemic effect.

In vitro Anti-colorectal Cancer Potential of the Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma neo-japonicum Imazeki in Hyperglycemic Condition: Impact on Oxidative Stress, Cell Cycle and Apoptosis

Clinical efficacy of chemotherapy is often compromised by diabetogenic glucose on colorectal cancer (CRC). High glucose has been shown to diminish the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs. The issue can potentially be addressed with natural products. Recently, we revealed that Ganoderma neo-japonicum exhibits inhibitory activities against human colonic carcinoma cells. In this study, the impacts of hexane fraction (Hex, sterol-enriched) and chloroform fraction (Chl, terpenoid-enriched) were further elucidated. The cellular responses, including oxidative stress, cell cycle, and apoptosis were compared between the presence of normal glucose (NG, 5.5 mM) and high glucose (HG, 25 mM). HG promoted cell viability with concomitant elevation of GSH level. Both Hex and Chl fractions stimulated NO production, in addition, induced cell cycle arrest. The apoptotic effect of Hex fraction was glucose-dependent, but Chl fraction triggered apoptosis with an equivalent extent in NG and HG conditions. Overall, the active fractions from G. neo-japonicum show therapeutic potential in managing hyperglycemia-associated CRC.

Determination of the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Eugenia copacabanensis and Myrciaria tenella Leaves (Myrtaceae) Using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Model.

Eugenia copacabanensis and Myrciaria tenella are present in restingas of the Atlantic Forest, but little information is available about their chemical and biological potential. In this context, the hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions from the leaves of methanolic extract were analyzed by GC/MS and HPLC-DAD and the antioxidant potential was determined by DPPH and ABTS assays and using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. Dereplication allowed the identification of 68 compounds, 42 and 41 of which, respectively, are first reported here for E. copacabanensis and M. tenella. In vivo results revealed that the ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed expressive antioxidant protection in the BY4741 and Δgsh1 strains, with greater impact on glutathione-deficient cells. With a high diversity of phenolic compounds, these polar fractions of E. copacabanensis and M. tenella leaves are potential protectors against intracellular oxidative stress.

Antigenotoxic Effects and Possible Mechanism of Red Yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) on Aflatoxin B1-Induced Mutagenesis.

Red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus), obtained from glycerol waste in the biodiesel process, has been used as a mycotoxin sorbent in some agricultural products. This study focused on the antigenotoxic effects of red yeast on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced mutagenesis, using a Salmonella mutation assay and a rat liver micronucleus test. Red yeast was sequentially extracted to obtain hexane, acetone, hot water, and residue fractions. Carbohydrates were mainly found in hot water extract (HWE), while proteins were observed in the residue fraction. The amount of lycopene in hexane extract (HE) was higher than the amount of β-carotene in HE. All red yeast extracts were not mutagenic in the Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 under the presence and absence of metabolic activation. Among the extracts obtained from red yeast, HE presented the strongest antimutagenicity against AFB1-induced mutagenesis in both strains, but HWE did not show any antimutagenicity. The oral administration of red yeast, HE, and HWE for 28 days was further investigated in rats. These extracts did not induce micronucleated hepatocytes. Furthermore, they modulated the activities of some detoxifying enzymes but did not alter the activities of various cytochrome P450 isozymes. Notably, they significantly decreased hepatic micronucleus formation in AFB1-initiated rats. HE altered the activity of hepatic glutathione-S-transferase but did not affect its protein expression. Taken together, the antigenotoxicity of red yeast against AFB1-induced mutagenesis might be partly due to the modulation of some detoxifying enzymes in AFB1 metabolism. β-Carotene and lycopene might be promising antigenotoxic compounds in red yeast.

Determination of antiradical activity and phenolic and flavonoid contents of extracts and fractions of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk) seeds

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk) is a plant from the Moraceae family that is widespread in Indonesia. Empirically, jackfruit can be used to cure hypertension, diabetes, cancer, asthma, dermatosis, coughs, wounds, acne, and diarrhea. The bioactive compounds in jackfruit include phenolics and flavonoids, which function as natural antioxidants. This research investigated the antiradical activity of jackfruit seed extracts and fractions using DPPH (2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and examined the total phenolic and flavonoid contents which may be developed as functional medicines and foods. The jackfruit seed powder was extracted using the maceration method. Radical scavenging activities were measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Total phenolic contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Meanwhile, the contents of flavonoids were determined using the aluminum chloride complex colorimetric method. The IC50 value of ethyl acetate fraction, methanol extract, n -hexane fraction, and water fraction was 5.435±0.064 µg/mL, 5.639±0.302 µg/mL, 7.201±0.475 µg/mL, and 9.134±0.2911 µg/mL, respectively. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of ethyl acetate fraction, methanol extract, n-hexane fraction, and water fraction were 49.597±1.589, 47.949±1.966, 41.214±4.354 and 35.504±0.913 g GAE/100 g of sample, respectively for phenolic, and 70.199±0.458, 65.228±0.615, 59.907±0.719, and 54.234±0.351 g of quercetin equivalent/100 g of sample, respectively of flavonoids, with a correlation value (R2 ) to antiradical power of 0.4582 for phenolic and 0.5281 for flavonoids. The ethyl acetate fraction of jackfruit seeds can be further developed as an anti -radicals and functional food.

Bioactivity Guided Fractionation of Methanol Leaf Extract of Phyllanthus Muellerianus for its Anticonvulsant and Anxiolytic Activities in Mice

Introduction Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Exell. (Phyllanthaceae) is an evergreen monoecious shrub widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In South-eastern Nigeria, preparations from the leaf is used in treating pain, epilepsy, convulsion, and other central nervous system disorders. This study was aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant and anxiolytic properties of leaf extract of Phyllanthus muellerianus (PM) in mice. Materials and methods The methanol leaf extract (ME) of PM was fractionated successively with solvents of increasing polarities to obtain hexane (HF), ethyl acetate (EF) and methanol (MF) fractions. The extract and fractions (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o) were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity using pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure model in mice as activity-guide. EF being the most active fraction was further fractionated with column chromatography and afforded six sub-fractions (F1-F6). The sub-fractions (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o) were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity using PTZ-induced seizure model. ME, EF and F5 which gave the most potent anticonvulsant activity were evaluated for anxiolytic and neurotoxic activities using open field and motor coordination tests respectively at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. Acute toxicity of ME was carried out using Lorke's method. Results were analysed using ANOVA followed by LSD post hoc test. Differences between means were considered significant at p<0.05. Results ME at 200 and 400 mg/kg offered 20% and 40% protection to the mice in PTZ-induced seizures respectively. EF and its F5 sub-fraction completely abolished seizures in mice offering 100% protection and 0% mortality each better than the phenobarbitone standard group (83.3% protection). In the open field test, ME at 400 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) decreased both the number of line crossing and the number of assisted rearing and was similar to that produced by diazepam. At 200 mg/kg ME significantly (p<0.05) increased the exploratory activities. EF and F5 elicited significant (p<0.05) increase in line crossing. EF significantly (p<0.05) increased both the locomotor and exploratory activities in the mice. ME, EF and F5 significantly (p<0.05) decreased the duration of grooming and number of urination streaks. The total duration of freezes in the ME, EF and F5 were significantly (p<0.05) increased. ME at 400 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) reduced the time of fall of the mice from the rotarod in the same way as diazepam while EF and F5 (at a lower dose of 200 mg/kg) evoked significant (p<0.05) increase in the time of fall from the rotarod. In acute toxicity study, no mortality was recorded after both phases of the toxicity study. Therefore the LD50 was found to be greater than 5 g/kg. Conclusion The ME possesses anticonvulsant, sedative, and anxiolytic activities while EF and its sub-fraction, F5 possess anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activities devoid of sedative and cognitive impairment. Therefore, F5 may provide a lead for the development of non-sedating anticonvulsant and anxiolytic formulations.

Chemical Constituents of the Hexane Fraction of the Lichen Parmotrema dilatatum and their α-Glucosidase Inhibition Activity

Chemical Constituents of the Hexane Fraction of the Lichen Parmotrema dilatatum and their α-Glucosidase Inhibition Activity

Effect of microwave-assisted extraction on bioactive compounds from industrial tomato waste and its antioxidant activity

The bioactive compound of tomato waste from industry was microwave-assisted extracted in different conditions including microwave powers of 180, 300 and 450 W and the extraction time of 30, 60 and 90 s. After extraction, the fractionation was performed to separate the hydrophobic fraction (hexane fraction) and hydrophilic fraction (ethanolic fraction). The bioactive compound and its DPPH radical scavenging activity were determined. For the hydrophobic part, the results showed that the microwave power of 300 W for 60 s gave the highest trans-lycopene and beta-carotene (5.74 mg lycopene/100 g and 4.83 mg beta-carotene/100 g) while the highest DPPH radical scavenging was the extracts at a microwave power of 180 W for 90 s. For hydrophilic parts, the best extraction condition giving the highest total phenolic compound (280.10 mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid content (9832.52 mg CE/100 g DM) were at 180 W for 90 s and 450 W for 30 s, respectively. However, the highest antioxidant activity was the extract of 300 W for 60 s. Fuzzy assessment analysis exhibited that the best condition was microwave power of 300 W for 60 s with high antioxidant activity of both fractions.