Hydroalcoholic Extract Of Aerial Parts Research Articles

Health-Promoting Properties of Natural Flavonol Glycosides Isolated from Staphylea pinnata L.

Staphylea, also called bladdernuts, is a genus of plants belonging to the family Staphyleaceae, widespread in tropical or temperate climates of America, Europe, and the Far East. Staphylea spp. produce bioactive metabolites with antioxidant properties, including polyphenols which have not been completely investigated for their phytotherapeutic potential, even though they have a long history of use for food. Here, we report the isolation of six flavonol glycosides from the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Staphylea pinnata L., collected in Italy, using a solid-phase extraction technique. They were identified using spectroscopic, spectrometric, and optical methods as three quercetin and three isorhamnetin glycosides. Among the flavonol glycosides isolated, isoquercetin and quercetin malonyl glucoside showed powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing promoting activity and thus are valuable as antiaging ingredients for cosmeceutical applications and for therapeutic applications in skin wound repair.

Sub-Acute Toxicity Study of Hydro-Alcoholic Extracts of <i>Sansevieria cylindrica</i> and <i>Plumeria obtusa</i> in Wistar Albino Rats

Sansevieria cylindrica Bojer ex. Hook (Asparagaceae) and Plumeria obtusa L. (Apocynaceae) are useful traditional medicines. The present study assessed the toxicity of a combination of hydro-alcoholic extract of aerial parts of both these plants through repeat administration in Wistar albino rats. This study is an extension of an acute toxicity study, wherein female rats were orally administered with a single dose of 2000mg/kg of both plant extracts. Sub-acute toxicity of both plants (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) was studied by daily dosing of Wistar rats of both sexes for 28 days. Toxicity, mortality, body weight changes, food and water intake, and neurological assessments were recorded. Hematological, biochemical, and urine analysis was done before and after dosing on day 29. Absolute and relative organ weight and histological evaluation were performed on day 29. The acute toxicity study revealed no lethal effects indicating that LD50 is greater than 2000mg/ kg. The sub-acute study observed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in body weight, feed, and water intake. The body weight gain in rats from the treatment group was non-significant (p > 0.05) compared to the control group. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in lymphocytes, granulocytes, RBC, platelet, creatinine, albumin, triglycerides, and alkaline phosphatase were also observed. The evaluation of different neurobehavior parameters showed a significant increase (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis showed mild liver distortion in male rats in both treatment groups. Most of the significant observations were considered incidental findings indicative of low toxicity of plant extract during long-term use.

Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral Activities of Euphorbia Greenwayi var. Greenwayi Bally & S. Carter

The interest in many traditional natural products is increasing. Natural products continue producing bioactive agents owing to the remarkable available chemical diversity. They were evaluated as prospective therapeutic candidates for the treatment of human and animal infectious diseases. Euphorbiaceae, the spurge family, holds a significant place in the domain of plant families, with scientific evidence of antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, cytotoxic and antitumor properties. In this regard, the current study intends to investigate the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and cytotoxic properties of Euphorbia greenwayi var. greenwayi Bally & S. Carter. The dried aerial parts of E. greenwayi var. greenwayi Bally & S. Carter were used, then extracted with 70% ethanol, solvent was distilled off till dryness. The antimicrobial activity of the extract and both MIC and MBC were evaluated against one strain of Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC9144; four strains of Gram-negative bacteria: Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC10031, Escherichia coli ATCC10536, Salmonella typhi ATCC14028, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC9027and yeast: Candida albicans ATCC10231. The antiviral activity of hydroalcoholic extract against Rotavirus infection was determined as well as the cytotoxic properties. The antibacterial examination revealed potential activity of the hydroalcoholic extract against all tested species with the inhibition zone ranged from 14.7 to 29.7 mm. The highest activity was against S. aureus and C. albicans. MIC and MBC results proved that the extract is potentially bacteriostatic and bactericidal agents against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and against the tested yeast. Also, the extract has the ability to prevent Rotavirus attachment with the cell host. This research revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of E. greenwayi var. greenwayi Bally & S. Carter has significant antimicrobial potential that can be implemented in different pharmaceutical formulations.

Extraction, Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potential of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Aerial Parts of Bauhinia variegata

The goals of this research are to screen phytochemicals, perform thin layer chromatography, assess the quantity of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, and measure the antioxidant potential of Bauhinia variegata. The well-known test methodology available in the literature was used to determine the qualitative analysis of various phytochemical elements as well as the quantitative analysis of total phenol and flavonoids. The hydro alcoholic extract of Bauhinia variegata aerial parts was investigated for qualitative and quantitative analyses, as well as antioxidant activity using an in vitro model, namely the 1,1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The presence of phenols and flavonoids was discovered by phytochemical research. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of Bauhinia variegata hydroalcoholic extract was 1.454 and 1.112mg/100mg, respectively. Ascorbic acid, which was employed as a control, was also assessed for comparison. In the investigated models, the extract demonstrated dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity. Bauhinia variegata aerial parts For the DPPH technique, hydroalcoholic extract had an IC50 value of 60.22g/ml, which was close to that of ascorbic acid (IC50=17.68g/ml). The IC50 value for the hydrogen peroxide technique was determined to be 76.97g/ml, which compares favourably to ascorbic acid (IC50=18.69g/ml). The current study discusses the phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and TLC of Bauhinia variegata, which will be employed for medical purposes in the future.

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Studies on the Aerial Parts Extracts of Crinum latifolium L. (Amaryllidaceae)

The present study was undertaken to find the antimicrobial activities, phytochemical presence in various aerial parts extract of Crinum latifolium (C. latifolium). Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenolics, flavonoids and alkaloids was determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Quantitative analysis of phenolic, flavonoids and alkaloids was carried out by Folins Ciocalteau reagent, aluminium chloride and bromocresol green method respectively. The in vitro antimicrobial activity was done by well diffusion assay method against S. mutans and S. bongori using standard ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin (10-30μg/ml). The antimicrobial activity was determined by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition in term of millimeter (mm). The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins, glycosides, flavonoids and alkaloids ect. The antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts against all microorganisms was concentration dependent manner but less than standard drug. It is concluded that the antimicrobial activity showed by the plant is due to the presence of these phytochemicals. For future studies, phytochemcials responsible for these activities can be isolated and modified for pharmacological purpose.

Evaluation of the anti-diarrheal and anti-ulcer activity of hydro-alcoholic extract of aerial part of Tridax procumbens in experimental rats

Evaluation of the anti-diarrheal and anti-ulcer activity of hydro-alcoholic extract of aerial part of Tridax procumbens in experimental rats

Protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys pilifera on paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity in female rats.

Background and purpose:Stachys pilifera is used in traditional medicine due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. The goal of this study was to examine the renoprotective activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of S. pilifera on paracetamol (PCM)-induced nephrotoxicity.Experimental approach:The Wistar female rats were randomly divided into four groups including control, PCM, S. pilifera hydroalcoholic extract (SPE), and PCM + SPE. The animals received SPE (500 mg/kg) for one week and PCM (3 g/kg) on the 6th day orally. Kidney function tests and oxidant/antioxidant markers were determined in serum and tissue homogenate, respectively. Protein and mRNA levels of TNF-α, as well as hematoxylin and eosin staining, were assessed in the kidney tissue.Findings/Results:Treatment with SPE in the PCM group significantly decreased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine against the merely PCM rats (P < 0.05). The amount of nitric oxide metabolite and superoxide dismutase activity in the group receiving SPE showed a significant increase compared to PCM rats (P < 0.05). A significant difference in TNF-α levels between the groups was not observed. Histological changes were improved in the rats treated with SPE.Conclusion and implications:Totally, our findings showed that SPE can inhibit PCM nephrotoxicity by enhancing kidney function markers, antioxidant status, and histological changes. Though, more researches are required to estimate the possible mechanism of SPE.

Evaluation of renoprotective potential of Ficus religiosa in attenuation of diabetic nephropathy in rats

BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication associated with diabetes and more than 25% of people suffering with diabetes eventually develop several problems related to renal system. The plant Ficus religiosa (Moraceae) is widely used traditional medicine amongst plants for the therapy of pain, inflammation, neuroprotection, diabetes, uterine tonic and disorders related to urinary system. ObjectiveThe aim of current study is to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial part of Ficus religiosa on DN in male wistar rats. MethodThe diabetic nephropathy induced by single injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg, i.p.). Elevated levels of glucose, renal and lipid parameters & altered renal tissue histology suggested development of diabetic nephropathy. ResultAfter 30 days of diabetes induction, treatment with hydro alcoholic extract (HAE) of aerial part of Ficus religiose (50, 100 & 200 mg/kg, p.o.) and standard drug glimepride (10 mg/kg, p.o.) was continued for next 45 days. Histological examination of renal tissue was done after treatment to evaluate the renoprotective effect of Ficus religiosa, Administration of different doses of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial part of Ficus religiosa produced significant antidiabetic activity by decreasing the elevated glucose level. Moreover, levels of renal & lipid parameters along with oxidative stress parameters were also found to be normalized along with renal histology. ConclusionCurrent study concluded that HAE of Ficus religiosa possess significant renoprotective activity in streptozotocin STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Phytochemical analysis and hypotensive activity of Ipomoea pes-caprae on blood pressure of normotensive rats

Abstract Ipomoea pes-caprae (Convolvulaceae), popularly known as “salsa-da-praia”, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases, including hypertension. The aim of this research was to evaluate hypotensive activity attributed to this species and identify the bioactive compounds responsible for this effect. Hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Ipomoea pes-caprae (PIEA) was fractionated by column chromatography with Amberlite XAD-2, thus achieving a methanolic fraction (PIEA-M). The chemical profile investigation of PIEA-M was conducted by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and compound isolation through High Performance Countercurrent Chromatography (HPCCC). Hemodynamic evaluations of PIEA, PIEA-M and isolated compounds were carried out on normotensive rats. The locomotor activity of PIEA and PIEA-M were performed by Rota Rod test using Swiss mice. UPLC-MS analysis of PIEA-M led to the identification of 11 compounds corresponding to seven phenolic acids and four flavonoids. By means of HPCCC, quercetin 6”-O-acetyl-3-O- glucoside (1), a mixture of quercetin-3-O-galactoside and quercetin-3-O- glucoside (2) and quercetin 3-O-glucoside (3) were isolated. PIEA, PIEA-M and the obtained compounds (1 and 2) significantly reduced blood pressure. Also, PIEA and PIEA-M caused significant impairment on mice locomotor activity. These results indicate the potential of Ipomoea pes-caprae as a source of hypotensive agents suggesting that phenolic compounds present in the species are responsible for its hypotensive activity.

Preventive effect of Caralluma fimbriata against high-fat diet induced injury to heart by modulation of tissue lipids, oxidative stress and histological changes in Wistar rats

Objective To investigate whether hydro-alcoholic extract of aerial parts of Caralluma fimbriata (CFE) could attenuate high-fat diet (HFD) induced cardiac damage. Methods Forty rats were divided into five groups: control (C), treated with CFE, treated with HFD, HFD treated with CFE, and HFD treated with metformin (Met). Results CFE treatment significantly (p < .001) attenuated HFD-induced increase in cardiac lipids such as total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acids and decreased phospholipids accompanied by increasing in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. Furthermore, significant reduction in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, creatine kinase and aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase was also observed in HFD fed rats. These changes were alleviated by CFE. Moreover, the histopathological observations of heart are also in agreement with the biochemical findings. Conclusion The present study confirmed that CFE could be used as adjuvant therapy for preventing or managing high fat diet induced cardiac damage.

Phytochemical Screening, Biological Studiesand GC-MS Analysis of Extract of Biden pilosa L

Objective: The aim of the research work was to carry out the extraction of areal parts of Biden pilosa L by hydroalcholic and Hexane, ethyl acetate and acetone mixture followed by qualitative phytochemical analysis, acute oral toxicity test, anti-inflammatory test and GC-MS analysis of the extracts.&#x0D; Method: The hydro-alcoholic and HEA(n-hexane, ethyl acetate and acetone) extraction was done from aerial parts using ethanol and water in the ratio 70:30 and n-hexane, ethyl acetate and acetone in the ratio of 1:1:1 (HEA extract) respectively. Acute oral toxicity testwas performed OECD guidelines. The single spot in TLC was obtained using n-hexane as solvent for HEA fraction and finally phytocomponents were identified by GC-MS present in that spot.In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was performed by human RBC membrane stabilization method.&#x0D; Result: The phytochemical test results obtained indicate that hydro-alcoholic extract of aerial part of Bidens pilosa L. possess alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids and saponins whereas HEA extract possess alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins. Both hydro-alcoholic and HEA extracts were found to be safe up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg BW of the mice. Both extracts showed significant in vitro anti-inflammatory activity in a concentration dependent manner. The GC-MS analysis of HEA extract of aerial parts showed the presence of the sixteen different compounds from partially separated extract from TLC plates.&#x0D; Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic extract of aerial part of Bidens pilosa L. possess alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids and saponins whereas HEA extract possess alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins. Both hydro-alcoholic and HEA extracts were found to be safe up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg BW of the mice. The GC-MS analysis of HEA extract of aerial parts showed the presence of the sixteen different compounds.

The protective effect of Satureja bachtiarica hydroalcoholic extract on streptozotocin‐induced diabetes through modulating glucose transporter 2 and 4 expression and inhibiting oxidative stress

Context: Oxidative stress plays an important role in development of diabetes mellitus. Satureja bachtiarica Bunge (Lamiaceae) is a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties.Objective: This study investigates the antidiabetic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of S. bachtiarica.Methods and materials: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 8) including control (normal saline), diabetic [Streptozotocin (STZ)], intervention (STZ plus hydroalcoholic extract of S. bachtiarica at doses of 75, 150 and 250 mg/kg/d) and positive control (STZ plus captopril 50 mg/kg/d) groups. A single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of STZ (60 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes and IP therapy with drugs was performed for four weeks.Results: In diabetic rats, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) decreased significantly, but glucose, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly as compared to the control (p < 0.05). Treatment with extract (250 mg/kg) caused a significant decline in serum glucose, GGT, ALT, AST and MDA as well as a significant increase in serum TAC (p < 0.05). During the intervention period, diabetic rats showed significant weight loss, but extract (250 mg/kg) treated rats did not show any weight loss. Extract (250 mg/kg) up-regulated GLUT2 expression and down-regulated GLUT4 expression in the liver (p < 0.05). S. bachtiarica extract at all dosage levels prevented STZ-induced histological damage of liver, kidney and pancreas.Discussion and conclusions: S. bachtiarica extract exhibits antidiabetic effects through modulation of oxidative stress and expression of GLUT2 and GLUT4.

The Cytotoxic Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Aerial Parts of Scrophularia striata on MCF-7 Cell Line and Evaluation of BAX and KAI1 Genes Expression

The Cytotoxic Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Aerial Parts of Scrophularia striata on MCF-7 Cell Line and Evaluation of BAX and KAI1 Genes Expression

The effects of Urtica dioica hydroalcoholic extract on the propylthiouracil induced hypothyroidism in rat

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is an important endocrine disorder determined by some depressed symptoms. Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) is a medicinal plant which has been traditionally used for treatment of a wide range of decreased functions of different organs. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of U. dioica on thyroid hormones in propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism in rats.Methods: Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 groups including control, PTU, different doses of Urtica dioica hydroalcoholic extract (UDHAE) treated and levothyroxine treated groups. The animals in various groups received water (control group) or water containing 0.1% W/V PTU and then injected saline (control group) or 25, 50, 100, 150 mg/kg UDHAE, respectively for 4 weeks. Positive control group was fed levothyroxine 0.5 mg/kg during the PTU treatment. Then, the blood samples were collected and the levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measured via the Elisa method.Results: The data showed that PTU decreased the blood level of thyroid hormones but increased TSH, significantly. The 50 or 100 mg/kg doses of UDHAE remarkably increased the blood level of T3 and FT3. The 50 mg/kg doses of UDHAE increased the blood level of T4. None of the UDHAE doses showed significant change in the TSH levels. 25 and 150 mg/kg doses of UDHAE did not change the PTU- diminished level of thyroid related hormones.Conclusion: The findings suggest that 50 mg/kg dose of UDHAE has stimulatory effect on thyroid gland function and raises plasma T3 & T4 & FT3 levels. UDHAE at the dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg could enhance blood level of T3 and FT3 perhaps by increase in T4 to T3 transformation. Higher doses of UDHAE could not increase the level of these hormones probably due to the presence of inhibitory materials.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Artemisia dracunculus against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of aerial parts of Artemisiadracunculus (HAAD) against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by reducing power, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 20-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Rats were pre-treated with either 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of HAAD or silymarin (100 mg/kg; served as the positive control group) for 15 days and they received a single dose of CCl4 on the last day. Hepatoprotective effects were investigated by assessment of serum biochemical enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (TB), malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GST and GSH), along with histopathological studies. Total phenolic content was 197.22±3.73 mg gallic acid equivalent/g HAAD dry weight. HAAD indicated powerful activity in FRAP, DPPH and ABTS tests. Acute toxicity study showed that the extract had an LD50 of >5000 mg/kg. Oral treatment with HAAD exhibited a significant decrease in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP and TB and an increase in the level of TP. The extract significantly diminished MDA levels. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes were significantly augmented in rats pretreated with HAAD 200 mg/kg. Histopathological examination demonstrated lower liver damage in HAAD-treated groups as compared to CCl4 groups. Our findings indicated hepatoprotective effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of A. dracunculus on CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats and suggested that these effects may be produced by reducing oxidative stress.

The Hydroalcoholic Extract of Matricaria chamomilla Suppresses Migration and Invasion of Human Breast Cancer MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 Cell Lines.

Background:Matricaria chamomilla is an aromatic plant with antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the inhibitory role of M. chamomilla on migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells remains unclear.Objective:This study investigated the methods to evaluate these anticancer mechanisms of M. chamomilla on human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines.Materials and Methods:The cells were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of M. chamomilla at different concentrations (50–1300 μg/mL) for 24, 48, and 72 h in a culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. This study quantified the 50% growth inhibition concentrations (IC50) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay; apoptosis and necrosis through Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide staining; cell proliferation and clone formation by clonogenic assay as well as cellular migration, invasion, and attachment. After 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment, the IC50levels were 992 ± 2.3 μg/mL, 893 ± 5.4 μg/mL, and 785 ± 4.8 μg/mL against MDA-MB-468, respectively, and 1288 ± 5.6 μg/mL, 926 ± 2.5 μg/mL, and 921 ± 3.5 μg/mL, against MCF-7, respectively. Furthermore, increasing the extract concentrations induced cellular apoptosis and necrosis and decreased cellular invasion or migration through 8 μm pores, colonization and attachment in a dose-dependent manner.Results:It indicated time- and dose-dependent anti-invasive and antimigrative or proliferative and antitoxic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of chamomile on breast cancer cells.Conclusion:This study demonstrated an effective plant in preventing or treating breast cancer.SUMMARY Antioxidant compounds in Matricaria chamomilla have anticancer effects.Hydroalcoholic extract of M. chamomilla controls cellular proliferation and apoptosis induction.Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide staining suggested that the extract induces apoptosis more than necrosis.Hydroalcoholic extract of M. chamomilla prevents colonization and cellular migration of human breast cancer MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent manner.M. chamomilla has low cytotoxic effects on natural cells. Abbreviations Used: IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer; WHO: World Health Organization; FBS: Fetal bovine serum; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; PI: Propidium iodide; LN: Live cells with normal nucleus; LA: Live cells with apoptized nucleus; DN: Dead cells with normal nucleus; DA: Dead cells with apoptized nucleus; BSA: Bovine serum albumin; ANOVA: Analysis of variance; IC50: 50% growth inhibition concentration; GSE: Grape seed extract

In vitro Inhibition of Calcium Oxalate Nucleation by Extract-based Fractions of Aerial Parts and Roots of Aerva lanata (Linn.) Juss. ex Schult

The current investigation is an attempt to explore the comparative in vitro antiurolithic potential of various phytoconstituent-rich fractions derived from the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts and roots of Aerva lanata (Linn.) Juss. ex Schult (Amaranthaceae). The antiurolithic assay was performed by nucleation method. The analysis revealed the phenolic and flavonoid containing fraction from aerial parts to be the most active (71.01±1.13%) amongst the different extract-derived fractions compared to the one obtained from roots (54.61±2.30%). Besides, fluorescence analysis and physicochemical evaluation were carried out according to the official guidelines and supported the quality control of the plant material. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the fractions was also performed and confirmed the presence of various metabolites. Additionally, the content of tannins, total phenolics and flavonoids were also determined spectrophotometrically and found to be comparatively higher in aerial parts (tannin content of 4.34±0.63 mg tannic acid equivalent/g extract, total phenolic content of 127.84±1.50 gallic acid equivalent/g extract and total flavonoid content of 77.61±3.78 rutin equivalent/g extract) than roots (tannin content of 3.03±0.63 mg tannic acid equivalent/g extract, total phenolic content of 98.09±1.10 gallic acid equivalent/ g extract and total flavonoid content of 62.81±5.69 rutin equivalent/g extract). Hence, the present study aids in screening out the best active extract derived fraction exerting litholytic efficacy, which provides a route to further isolation of lead bioactive compounds contributing to significant antiurolithic potency of this traditionally employed herb of immense pharmacological spectrum.

Anti-inflammatory activity and acute toxicity studies of hydroalcoholic extract of Herissantia tiubae

Hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Herissantia tiubae (K. Schum.) Brizicky, Malvaceae, was evaluated in experimental models of inflammation and toxicity. For toxicity assays, male and female Swiss mice were orally treated with hydroalcoholic extract of H. tiubae (2000mg/kg) and analyzed by consumption of water and food, body weight, mortality and rates of major organ weights, as well as biochemical and hematological indexes. For anti-inflammatory effect, phlogistic agents such as carrageenan or acetic acid were used to evaluate paw edema, cell migration and cytokine production. It was also investigated the hydroalcoholic extract of H. tiubae in RAW 264.7 macrophage lineage by nitric oxide and cytokine productions. Swiss mice treated with hydroalcoholic extract of H. tiubae showed low toxicity and (50 or 100mg/kg) was able to reduce significantly (p<0.01, p<0.001) polymorphonuclear cell migration, TNF-α and IL-1β production in the carrageenan-induced peritonitis. However the hydroalcoholic extract of H. tiubae (50, 100 or 200mg/kg) did not reduce carrageenan-induced paw edema. Additionally, hydroalcoholic extract of H. tiubae did not present cytotoxicity at concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50μg/ml but induced significantly decrease of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 production in macrophage lineage. This study suggests that hydroalcoholic extract of H. tiubae has anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting cell migration mainly by decreasing the inflammatory cytokine levels at the inflamed site independently of the anti-edematogenic effect.

Purification of vandaterosides from Vanda teres (Orchidaceae) by stepwise gradient centrifugal partition chromatography.

Vandaterosides are polar glucosyloxybenzyl eucomate derivatives found in Vanda teres (Orchidaceae), which display biological activities that slow the skin ageing process. In order to obtain larger quantities to allow us to go further in the bioassays, the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts (leaves and stems) of V. teres were fractionated by centrifugal partition chromatography, combining isocratic, gradient, and dual elution modes. The first fractionation was performed on the extract maintained in the stationary phase as water saturated in butanol, while increasing the polarity of the mobile phase by changing the proportions of ethyl acetate/1-butanol/water, in order to obtain two enriched fractions. Vandateroside I was then purified by isocratic mode with ethyl acetate/ethanol/water (46:14:40), while vandateroside II was obtained by combining isocratic elution with ethyl acetate/isopropanol/water (30:20:50) followed by a multiple dual mode with ethyl acetate/ethanol/water (46:14:40). In this manner, hundreds of milligrams of vandateroside I and II were recovered from 10 g of V. teres extract.

&lt;b&gt;Evaluation of &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; biological properties of &lt;i&gt;Senna occidentalis&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Link

Senna species have been widely used by American, African and Indian ethic groups mainly in the treatment of feebleness, constipation, liver disorders and skin infections. Senna occidentalis (L.) Link is a perennial shrub native to South America and indigenous to tropical regions throughout the world. Current study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts from S. occidentalis prepared from different parts of the plant. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against standard pharmaceutical microorganisms by spectrophotometry and microdilution technique. Escherichia coli was sensitive only to compounds extracted from seeds which may be proteinaceous. A broader antimicrobial spectrum was demonstrated by the hydroalcoholic extract of seeds, mostly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The in vitro toxicity using mouse fibroblasts indicated that the extract might be a biocompatible ingredient for topical formulations, while the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts demonstrated to be potentially cytotoxic.