Hydroalcoholic Extract Of Plant Research Articles

Evaluation of antiplasmodial potential of Cissampelos pareira L.: Characterization and quantification of isoquinoline alkaloids responsible for the biological activity

Globally, based on traditional knowledge, different parts of Cissampelos pareira plant are being used individually or in combination in various forms to manage malaria. However, the scientific investigation for validating the most effective part of this plant against malaria parasite has not been done. Thus, the study aims to explore the antiplasmodial potential of different parts of the plant against malaria parasite by bio-assay guided isolation of compounds from different extracts and fractions. Antiplasmodial activities of the whole plant parent extract and its fractions along with decoctions (roots, stem, leaves and whole plant) and isolated molecules were evaluated against chloroquine-sensitive Pf3D7 and chloroquine-resistant PfINDO strains of Plasmodium falciparum. A UPLC-DAD based method was developed to quantify the marker compounds in all samples by utilizing isolated molecules as analytical standards. The chloroform fraction of the whole plant was found to be the most potent with IC50 (µg/mL) of 0.79 (Pf3D7) and 2.26 (PfINDO) followed by root decoction with IC50 (µg/mL) 10.22 (Pf3D7) and 7.7 (PfINDO). Further, phytochemical analysis of active chloroform fraction led to the isolation of two potent bisbenzylisoquinoline compounds, namely O,O-dimethylcurine (1) [IC50 (µM) 1.46 (Pf3D7) and 0.51 (PfINDO)], and curine (2) [IC50 (µM) 1.46 (Pf3D7) and 0.51 (PfINDO)]. Analysis of developed UPLC-DAD method showed the highest quantities of curine (2) (∼107 mg/g) and O,O-dimethylcurine (1) (∼15 mg/g) in chloroform fraction which might be responsible for its potent activity. This study showed that the root decoction was more effective than decoctions of each of the other parts of the plant and the whole plant hydroalcoholic extract.

In vitro Anti-Proliferative Evaluation of Tridax procumben Plant on Colon Cancer Cell Lines

Every year it is estimated that 9.6 million deaths occur due to cancer disease according to the current census. Therefore, development for novel, safe and efficacious drug for treating cancer is needed. Medical plants are used for the treatment of various types of cancer since ancient times. In the present study, one attempt has been made to explore the medicinal properties of Tridax procumbens L. To prepare plant extract of Tridax procumbens using maceration method and to evaluate in vitro anti-proliferative activity on colon cancer cell line by MTT assay of the plant extract, the Tridax procumbens plant was used involving anti-proliferative potential as hydroalcoholic extract using ethanol and water (70:30v/v). The preliminary phytochemical analysis resulted in the presence of phyto-constituents in hydroalcoholic plant extract and cytotoxic potential was carried out on colon cancer cells (HT-29) using cell viability by MTT assay and plant extract showed significant anti-proliferative activity on colon cancer cells with IC50 value (74.10 μg/ml) as compared with normal epithelial cells (IEC-6) which showed the non-toxic effects. Hence it can be stated that Tridax p has excellent anti-proliferative activity and plant extract can be used in making of herbal based anticancer drugs which can be less expensive and available to all.

Chemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Hyoseris radiata L., a Plant Used in the Phytoalimurgic Tradition.

Hyoseris radiata L. (Asteraceae), known as "wild chicory", is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and West Asia. Collected from the wild, the plant is largely used in Italy for culinary purposes and in popular medicine, so that it can be included in the list of phytoalimurgic plants. The present study aimed to investigate for the first time the plant's chemical profile, through a combined UHPLC-HR-ESI-Orbitrap/MS and NMR approach, and its potential healthy properties, focusing on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The LC-MS/MS analysis and the isolation through chromatographic techniques of the plant's hydroalcoholic extract allowed the authors to identify 48 compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, megastigmane glucosides, coumarins, and lignans, together with several unsaturated fatty acids. The quantitative analysis highlighted a relevant amount of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, with a total of 12.9 ± 0.4 mg/g DW. NMR-based chemical profiling revealed the presence of a good amount of amino acids and monosaccharides, and chicoric and chlorogenic acids as the most representative polyphenols. Finally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of H. radiata were investigated through cell-free and cell-based assays, showing a good antioxidant potential for the plant extract and a significant reduction in COX-2 expression.

Behavioral and electrophysiological (ECoG) effects of haplophyllum robustum and TRPA1 antagonist in adult male wistar rats

This article aimed to investigate the effects of Haplophyllum robustum hydroalcoholic extract on animals’ behavioral and electrocorticographic changes. This plant is mainly found in Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia, and is reported to have convulsive effects.In this article, we worked on the effects of its hydroalcoholic extract on electrocorticography (ECoG), along with changes induced by intracerebroventricular administration of GABAA antagonists. Furthermore, the effects of low doses of this extract on behavioral depression were examined.Four animal sets were used to compare ECoG in Wistar rats. A group of negative control, a group of positive control (PTZ), and two groups received an injection of plant extract (500 mg/kg, ip), with or without administration of Diazepam (5 mg/kg).Also, three sets were applied to compare receiving and not receiving intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 antagonist (HC-030031) (2 μg/kg) on plant-induced seizure delay and animal death. Two groups of control and a group with plant extract together with TRPA1 antagonist were administrated.Furthermore, in the present study, the forced swimming test (FST) was used as a model of depression. The behaviors of animals in three groups of negative control and positive control (Fluoxetine) and plant extract (200 mg/kg, ip) were compared.According to the ECoG, high doses of extract of plants led to seizures similar to PTZ, which were then reduced by diazepam injection. At this dose, injection of TRPA1 antagonist did not significantly delay the onset of seizures or the death of the animals. Further, a subconvulsive dose of hydroalcoholic plant extracts was equally effective in treating depression as Fluoxetine injections.

Environmental Protection and Superior Recovery of Vegetal Waste and Biomass, Major objectives in the Applied Research Activity

Vegetable biomass consumes a small part of the solar energy, about 1%, but enough to cover the energy needs of mankind and maintain the life of the entire planet [1]. Vegetable biomass is generators of minerals, chemical compounds, materials and fibres for industry and animal husbandry feed. The enormous interest in the superior recovery of biomass and vegetable waste has led to the additional research within the Research and Development Department at Hofigal SA, which I am a member of, in 2022 for: Making soils and substrates, from vegetable waste, for the growth of fungi. Industrial reuse of waste from industrial production activity. Obtain liquid, natural fertilizers and solid compost (humus) by recovering vegetable waste resulting from industrial activity and vegetable biomass resulting from crop maintenance. Create new sources of raw materials by acclimatizing new plants. Create new aqueous and hydroalcoholic plant extracts from spontaneous flora to protect agricultural crops against pests without using synthetic chemicals and other research activities. The major objective of this research is to reduce the amount of waste and plant biomass resulting at Hofigal, as well as to create new resources of plant raw materials, leading to new products and food supplements for health care. For this purpose, we aimed to reduce the amount of vegetable waste, from industrial activity, from 30 tons to one ton/year. We also aimed to obtain 5 tons of plant protection solutions and 20 tons of liquid organic fertilizer from the aerobic fermentation of compost on concrete platforms. This liquid fertilizer will be used for fertilizing the plants with the irrigation/watering of the plants, because it is applied diluted. We managed to acclimatize, in industrial cultures, in a 1-year cycle of culture, five new plants, three from the local spontaneous flora (wormwood, black wormwood and orpine-Sedum telephium) and two from the specific flora of China and Japan (lophantus and perilla). The achievements of the Hofigal Research and Development Department were validated by the Hofigal Scientific Council and proposed in the production plan for the year 2023-2024.

Antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects of Oxalis corniculata on human Hepatocarcinoma (Hep-G2) cell line: an in vitro and in silico evaluation

BackgroundOxalis corniculata is a well-known medicinal plant used in folk medicine for the management of many diseases. The aim is to determine the physico-chemical properties, microscopic study, phytochemical properties, in-silico, in-vitro antioxidant and anticancer activity on human Hepatocarcinoma (Hep-G2) cell line of O. corniculata plant extract.ResultsMicroscopical study reaveals that presence of pericyclic fibres, starch gains, trichomes etc, and phytochemical screening is carried to find out secondary metabolites. The molecular docking study concluded that some of the phytocompounds showed inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase domain (PDB ID: 1M17) inhibitor. Furthermore, ADMET and drug likeness study hints some of phytocompounds may act as lead for anticancer drug discovery and development. Among selected phytocompounds, compound apigenin possesses − 7.90 kcal/mol as compared to standard drug doxorubicin possesses − 7.63 kcal/mol against the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase. The plant extract shown antioxidant activities based on the different tests were performed. The hydroalcoholic plant extracts were found to be selectively cytotoxic in vitro to human Hepatocarcinoma (Hep-G2) cell line with IC50values 34.494 ± 0.42 µg/ml and EAF showed at IC50 value 30.245 ± 0.58 µg/ml of the cells were inhibited at the concentration of 50 µg/ml as compared with standard doxorubicin at IC50 value 24.8939 ± 0.25 µg/ml, respectively.ConclusionThe present study concluded that O. corniculata possesses potential antioxidant and cytotoxic properties based upon the computer aided drug design models and in-vitro activity.

In Vitro Investigation of Anti-Urolithiatic Potential from Different Types of Hydroalcoholic Plant Extracts

In Vitro Investigation of Anti-Urolithiatic Potential from Different Types of Hydroalcoholic Plant Extracts

The antioxidant and antiglycation activities of selected spices and other edible plant materials and their decay in sugar-protein systems under thermal stress

Antiglycation activities of herbs and spices, have been described in relation to their in vivo anti-diabetic or anti-aging activity at physiological temperature. Under the hypothesis that those natural antioxidants may inhibit the formation of Maillard intermediates, the behavior of several hydroalcoholic plant extracts was analyzed in sugar–protein systems. Allspice, thyme, green pepper and black pepper extracts were the most efficient inhibitors, decreasing furosine formation by 60, 45, 40 and 30%, respectively. 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural formation decreased in the presence of the extracts and protein glycation was inhibited by the thyme extract in advanced stages. Antiglycation activities were related to polyphenols content, to radical scavenging and to iron-reducing power. In the protein–sugar systems studied at the time in which 4000 ppm of furosine were formed, the antioxidant activity dropped between 30 and 40%. Polyphenols inhibit Maillard intermediates formation, revealing the incidence of oxidative pathways, but they are depleted as a function of time.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Alternanthera brasiliana improve cutaneous wound healing in rats.

Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze is recognized for its healing properties; however, its therapeutic effects remain unclear. Therefore, our study aimed to elucidate the wound healing activities of A. brasiliana using in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro assays were used to evaluate the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of A. brasiliana extract. For the in vivo study, two dorsal excisions were established in Wistar rats using a punch (1.5cm in diameter), which were topically treated daily with 2% carbopol gel (Ctrl group) or 20% hydroalcoholic plant extract with 2% carbopol gel (A. brasiliana-Ab group). After the 2nd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days, inflammation, oxidative damage, antioxidants, angiogenesis, tissue formation, and re-epithelialization were evaluated. In vitro, Ab reduced nitric oxide, anion superoxide, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. In vivo, Ab presented lower levels of inflammatory infiltrate, although increased levels of IL-1β and TGF-β1 were observed. The plant extract controlled oxidative damage by antioxidants, which favored angiogenesis, collagenesis, and wound re-epithelialization. Thus, the topical application of the hydroalcoholic extract of 20% A. brasiliana was distinguished by its important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities both in vivo and in vitro. The plant extract also stimulated angiogenesis and tissue formation, accelerating total re-epithelization, which is promising for wound healing.

Efficiency of botanical extracts against Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) nymphs in Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp

The present study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of hydroalcoholic plant extracts on Aphis craccivora Koch nymphs in cowpea. The experiments were carried out under greenhouse conditions in a randomized block design with five repetitions. Hydrated ethanol was used as a solvent in the botanical extract preparation. Cowpea plants were infested with five female adult aphids, eleven days after planting. After 48 hours, the adults were removed from the plants, leaving the recently bred nymphs. The evaluation of the nymphs’ survival was carried out forty-eight 48 hours after the application of the plant extracts. The botanical extracts with more than 50% efficiency were: Allium tuberosum leaf, Caesalpinia ferrea leaf, Piper aduncum leaf, Carica papaya seed, Dieffenbachia picta leaf, Cucurbita moschata seed and the control treatment, Annona squamosa seed. The botanical extracts with less than 50% efficiency were: Allium sativum bulb, Anacardium occidentale leaf, Borreria verticillata leaf plus flower, Coffea arabica leaf and seed, Delonix regia leaf and flower, Euphorbia tirucalli leaf, Leucaena leucocephala leaf, Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia leaf, Nerium oleander leaf, Syzygium cumini leaf, endocarp and pericarp, Syzygium malaccense leaf, Zingiber officinale rizome and Ziziphus joazeiro leaf. The highest efficiency levels were obtained by D. picta and C. moschata, rendering these extracts suitable for field trials to further evaluate their efficieny against the cowpea black aphid.

Bioactive Polyphenols Modulate Enzymes Involved in Grapevine Pathogenesis and Chitinase Activity at Increasing Complexity Levels.

The reduction of synthetic chemistry use in modern viticulture relies on either the biological control of microorganisms or the induction of pathogenesis-related proteins. In the present study, the effects of hydro-alcoholic plant extracts (PEs) (i.e., by-products of Vitis vinifera L., leaves of Olea europaea L. and Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) were tested on purified enzymes activity involved in plant-pathogen interactions. The polyphenolic composition was assayed and analyzed to characterize the extract profiles. In addition, suspension cell cultures of grapevine were treated with PEs to study their modulation of chitinase activity. Application of grape marc’s PE enhanced chitinase activity at 4 g L−1. Additionally, foliar treatment of grape marc’s PE at two doses (4 g L−1 and 800 g L−1) on grapevine cuttings induced a concentration-dependent stimulation of chitinase activity. The obtained results showed that the application of bioactive compounds based on PEs, rich in phenolic compounds, was effective both at in vitro and ex/in vivo level. The overall effects of PEs on plant-pathogen interaction were further discussed by applying a multi-criteria decision analysis, showing that grape marc was the most effective extract.

Design and study of anticaries effect of different medicinal plants against S.mutans glucosyltransferase

BackgroundThe present study was aimed to evaluate the molecular level anticaries effect of different medicinal plants against Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) glucosyltransferases (gtf).MethodsA total of six natural sources named as Terminalia chebula (T.chebula), Psidium guajava (P.guajava), Azadirachta indica (A.indica) and Pongamia pinnata (P.pinnata); two essential oils, clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and peppermint oil (Mentha piperita) were selected as test samples. Hydroalcoholic plant extracts and essential oils were examined for their inhibitory potential on gtf isolated from S.mutans. Polyherbal mouth wash was prepared and its effect on gtf activity was compared with commercial chlorhexidine mouth wash (5%w/v). Enzyme kinetic study was carried out in order to explore the molecular mechanism of enzyme action.ResultsOut of six natural sources tested, A.indica has shown maximum inhibitory effect of 91.647% on gtf and T.chebula has shown IC50 of 1.091 mg/ml which is significant when compared to standard chlorhexidine. From the final result of kinetic analysis it was found that T.chebula, P.guajava and P.pinnata have show uncompetitive inhibition where as A.indica has shown non-competitive inhibition. Surprisingly, both essential oils have shown allosteric inhibition (sigmoidal response). The polyherbal moutwash has shown significant inhibitory potential on gtf (95.936%) when compared to commercial chlorhexidine mouthwash (p < 0.05).ConclusionAll the tested samples have shown considerable gtf inhibitory action. Moreover polyherbal mouth wash has shown promising noncompetitive inhibitory activity against gtf and it could be the future formulation to combat dental caries.

Toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of fruit leaves from the Peruvian Amazon in Artemia salina

Background: Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times, receiving interest in their healing potential because of their active components. The Amazon rainforest in the east of Peru has great diversity of flora, especially monocotyledons (Cocos nucifera, Mauritia flexuosa and Coffea spp.) and dicotyledons (Theobroma cacao L. and Musa spp. The toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract of plant leaves from the Peruvian Amazon in Artemia salina was evaluated in this study. Methods: The leaves of the plants Cocos nucifera, Mauritia flexuosa, Theobroma cacao L., Coffea sp, and Musa sp were collected in the district of Cacatachi, San Martín. Phytochemical analysis of the leaves was carried out to identify their active components. The eggs of Artemia salina were provided by the Department of Animal Physiology of Universidad Nacional de Trujillo. The hydro-alcoholic extraction was carried out via the maceration method using 300 g of leaves and 500 mL of 96% ethanol for 15 days in agitation. The solutions were taken to a vertical rotavapor to obtain dry extracts and concentrations of 10, 100 and 1000 μL/ml were prepared. To test toxicity, 10 larvae were given the extract for each plant species and concentration in triplicate. The CL50 toxicity of Artemia salina samples was classified as: ˃ 1000 μL/ml (non-toxic), 500˂CL50 ≤ 1000 (low toxicity), 100˂CL50 ≤ 500 (moderate toxicity), CL50˂100 (high toxicity). Results: It was observed that Mauritia flexuosa and Musa sp. at concentrations of 10, 100 and 1000 μL/ml have high, medium and low toxicity, respectively. However, only low toxicity was observed in Cocos nucifera, Theobroma cacao L. and Coffea sp. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the obtained results are in accordance with other studies that examined different extracts, indicating that if a sample is non-toxic to Artemia salina, then its effects will also be similar in humans.

Phytochemical Screening, Free Radical Scavenging and α-Amylase Inhibitory Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants from Western Nepal.

Background: More than 700 plants are reported to be used for medicinal purposes in Nepal; however, many of them are not studied for their scientific evidences. The aims of the present study were the estimation of the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and the evaluation of the free radical scavenging and α-amylase inhibitory activities of five selected medicinal plants from western Nepal: Aeschynanthus parviflorus Wall. (Gesneriaceae), Buddleja asiatica Lour. (Loganiaceae), Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae), Drepanostachyum falcatum (Nees) Keng f. (Gramineae) and Spondias pinnata (L. f.) Kurz (Anacardiaceae). Methods: The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. A 1,1–diphenyl–2–picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay was used to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity and an α-amylase inhibitory assay was carried out to determine the in vitro antidiabetic activity. Results: The phytochemical screening of five hydroalcoholic plant extracts revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, reducing sugars, saponins, terpenoids and tannins. The amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids were found to be the highest in B. asiatica leaf extract, which also showed the most potent free radical scavenging activity. Extract of C. papaya fruits showed the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity, whereas the extracts of B. asiatica leaves and S. pinnata leaves exhibited moderate activity. Conclusions: Some of the medicinal plants selected in this study showed high TPC and TFC values and potent bioactivities. These results may provide the scientific evidences of the traditional uses of these plants. However, further detailed studies on bioactive compounds isolation and identification and evaluation of in vivo pharmacological activities should be performed in future.

Air assisted - vesicle based microextraction (AAVME) as a fast and green method for the extraction and determination of phenolic compounds in M. officinalis L samples

In this research, a simple, rapid, and efficient air assisted - vesicle based microextraction (AAVME) approach was developed for the extraction of phenolic compounds and their analysis in different Melissa officinalis L. samples. The extraction method is based injection an aqueous mixture of CTAB and 5-methyl salicylic acid, into the hydroalcoholic plant extract in a conical test tube to form a cloudy solution. Suction and dispersion were then applied to accelerate the dispersion process. After centrifugation, the sediment phase was removed and injected into HPLC system. The optimized extraction conditions were as 450 μL of a mixture of CTAB and 5-methyl salicylic acid (3:5 mol ratios), 10.0 mL sample solution at pH 8.0 and 30 suction-dispersion cycles. Under these extraction conditions, the proposed method was able to provide a good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9994) within the range of 0.5–2500.0 ng mL−1, low detection limits (0.1–0.5 ng mL−1), good extraction replicability (relative standard deviations below 3.5%, n = 7), and enrichment factors of 97–118. Finally, the developed method was successfully used for determining the mentioned analytes in Melissa officinalis samples. Recoveries for all compounds in real samples were between 82.5% and 91.8.%

Hypolipidemic and antioxidant potential of hydroalcholic leaf extract of Talinum Portulacifolium against Triton WR-1339 induced dyslipidemia in experimental animals

Talinum portulacifoliumwhich is known as water plant is traditionally used for its various properties and hence in present study hydroalcoholic extract of plant leaves has been screened for its hypolipidemic activity. Hyperlipidemia is a highly prognostic risk factor for atherosclerosis, coronary artery diseases and cerebrovascular diseases. Triton WR-1339, a non ionic surfactant has been widely used to produce acute dyslipidemia in animal models in order to screen hypolipidemic activity of the extract and serum levels of various biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL and HDL cholesterol and atherogenic index were determined. The animals are grouped into normal, Triton treated group, Triton + Standard, Triton + herb extract (200mg/kg) and Triton + herb extract (400mg/kg). The plant extract showed significant hypolipidemic effect by lowering all biochemical parameters and increases HDL cholesterol levels. These biochemical observations are also confirmed by Histopathological examination of liver. The plant extract also showed good antioxidant potential by increasing SOD, CAT, GSH and decreasing lipid peroxidation.

“In vitro” testing of the antimicrobial action of certain hydroalcoholic plant extracts to control major bacterial diseases in bees

“In vitro” testing of the antimicrobial action of certain hydroalcoholic plant extracts to control major bacterial diseases in bees

Decontamination of Mikania glomerata Leaves by Gamma Irradiation: Coumarin Determination by HPLC-DAD, Microbiological Control and Genotoxicological Studies.

Gamma irradiation as a decontaminating physical agent could be an important tool in the production chain of herbal medicines by improving the microbiological quality of raw materials and the safety of final products. This study was undertaken to investigate the genotoxic potential and eventual chemical modifications of a batch of Mikania glomerata raw material decontaminated by different doses of gamma irradiation (2.0, 3.5, and 5.0 kGy), using a cesium-137 source. DNA damage was assessed in vitro by agarose gel electrophoresis in regard to double-chain breaks of plasmid pUC 9.1 DNA and in vivo by micronucleus test in bone marrow cells of Wistar rats. Cytotoxicity in bone marrows was assessed by scoring polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocytes ratio. An HPLC-DAD method was adapted and validated for the enhancement of coumarin selectivity from the other matrix constituents. The microbial load was satisfactorily reduced, leading to sterilization at the highest dose. Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects were not increased in the in vitro and in vivo models. The concentration of coumarin and the chromatographic profiles of the hydroalcoholic plant extracts (ethanol 70% v/v) were not modified after such process. Therefore, this work suggests that gamma irradiation of M.glomerata raw material is suitable and safe for microbiological control purposes at the employed doses.

Silymarin content in Silybum marianum extracts as a biomarker for the quality of commercial tinctures

Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertner (Milk thistle) extracts have been widely used for the treatment of liver pathologies and as a hepatoprotectant against alcohol-induced liver diseases and other harmful drug metabolites or toxins. Silymarin, the active fraction of Silybum marianum tinctures, accounts for 70–80% of the plant's hydro-alcoholic extract and consists of a mixture of flavonolignans and a flavonoid. Silybum marianum tinctures are commonly prescribed by herbal practitioners for the treatment of liver diseases. However, previous studies have showed inconsistency in the therapeutic efficacy of Silybum marianum tinctures, which is believed to have arisen from the content variability of silymarin, resulting from lack of standardized and regulated manufacturing processes. This work was conducted to quantify the silymarin content in commercial Silybum marianum tinctures in order to evaluate their quality. In this study, we report the determination of the total silymarin content in eleven different commercial tinctures retailed in the U.K. using a convenient and accurate HPLC-UV method. The tinctures analyzed differed in the ratio between herb and liquid as well as percentage of ethanol used during the extraction process. Our results showed a direct correlation between the silymarin content in tinctures and the alcohol strength. Following our protocol, silymarin could not be detected in tinctures extracted with 25% ethanol. Effective therapeutic doses were found only in tinctures with a concentration ratio herb to liquid 1:1 (kg/L) and an alcoholic content of 70%. To guarantee quality and safety of herbal medicinal products, legal requirements to produce plant-based products under regulatory frameworks are needed.

In vitro larvicidal and in vivo anthelmintic effects of Oxalis tetraphylla (Oxalidaceae) hydroalcoholic extract against Haemonchus contortus in lambs.

The in vitro larvicidal and in vivo anthelmintic effects of Oxalis tetraphylla hydroalcoholic extract (HE), against Haemonchus contortus in experimentally infected lambs, were assessed. We used a microtitration plate method, comprising the following two stages. Stage 1: 20 μl of water containing 200 sheathed H. contortus infective larvae (ShHcl) were deposited in every well of three series; then, the series 2 and 3 wells were treated with 80 μl 1% ivermectin and O. tetraphylla HE at 20 mg/ml, respectively. Stage 2: the same procedure was performed replacing the ShHcl with exsheathed larvae (ExShHcl). Evaluations were performed after 24 and 48 h. The total numbers of dead and live larvae were counted. A second experiment evaluated the reduction in nematode egg populations in the faeces of lambs treated orally with the O. tetraphylla HE. The 27 lambs used were divided into Groups 1, 2 and 3 (n = 9), which were administered water (positive control), levamisole 1 m (7.5 mg/kg body weight (BW), as a unique dose) and O. tetraphylla HE (20 mg/kg BW), respectively. The plant HE was administered daily for 8 days. The in vitro assay showed 80.9% and 86.5% larval mortality of ShHcl after 24 and 48 h, respectively, while the corresponding mortality values for ExShHcl were 97 and 99%, respectively. The in vivo assay showed variability in the eggs/gram of faeces (epg) values; however, at the end of the trial, the average reduction in the epg values of the O. tetraphylla HE group was 45.6% (P < 0.05). Oxalis tetraphylla HE contains compounds that belong to the flavonol group with anthelmintic activity.