Hydroalcoholic Fruit Extract Research Articles

Praecitrullus fistulosus Fruit Extract Ameliorates Type II Diabetic Complications in Rats: In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Investigation

This study explored the safety and antidiabetic potential of a hydroalcoholic extract of Praecitrullus fistulosus fruits, along with qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses. The antidiabetic effect was evaluated using in vitro methods, including α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, as well as an in vivo high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic model. Molecular docking studies were conducted to identify phytochemicals responsible for the antidiabetic effects. The fruit extract exhibited maximum inhibition of 52.06% and 58.10% for α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, respectively, at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. The extract also demonstrated a significant (p < 0.001) and dose-dependent antidiabetic effect at oral doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg in the tested animals. In silico analysis revealed that α-tocopherol exhibited the best docking pose, with a docking energy of -8.2 kcal/mol. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the hydroalcoholic extract of Praecitrullus fistulosus contains phytochemicals effective in controlling glucose levels. This study also validates the traditional use of Praecitrullus fistulosus fruits in managing diabetes.

Eugenia uniflora Effects on the Depressive-like Behavior of MPTP-Exposed Female Rats: Apoptosis and α-Synuclein Modulation.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by motor deficits and non-motor symptoms, such as depression, which are associated with dopaminergic loss and α-synuclein aggregation in the brain. Objectives: This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of the purple fruit of Eugenia uniflora (PFEU) on motor ability and depressive-like behaviors in a PD model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in female Wistar rats. Methods: Rats received intranasal administration of MPTP or vehicle, followed by 14 days of oral administration of PFEU (300 or 2000 mg/kg, administered once daily) or vehicle. Depressive-like behavior was assessed using the splash and forced swimming tests, while motor ability was evaluated using the rotarod and open field tests. On day 15, hippocampal tissue was collected for immunoreactivity analysis. Results: MPTP treatment induced depressive-like behavior, which was significantly reversed by PFEU, as evidenced by increased grooming and decreased immobility. No motor coordination or locomotion deficits were observed. Furthermore, PFEU treatment prevented the MPTP-induced increase in hippocampal α-synuclein, p-p53, and Bax while restoring Bcl-2 levels, suggesting neuroprotective effects through the modulation of apoptotic pathways and α-synuclein. Conclusions: These findings support PFEU's potential as a neuroprotective agent for MPTP-induced depressive-like behavior in female rats, highlighting its molecular mechanisms.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Sambucus nigra on superficial digital flexor tendon repair in rabbit by ultrasonography and histopathology.

Adult tendon tissue has limited and slow regenerative capacity. Sambucus nigra plant possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of this plant's fruit on superficial digital flexor tendon repair in rabbits (SDFT). Twenty-five male New Zealand white rabbits weighing 1.5-2kg were selected, quarantined and randomly divided into four groups of six. By performing a partial left posterior limb tenotomy, differentiating the SDFT and creating multiple scrapes were performed. During 3 consecutive days post-surgery, the positive control group was injected with 0.5mg/kg dexamethasone, whereas the treatment groups received extract doses of 200 and 400mg/kg, respectively. The negative control group did not receive any medication. Evaluation of sonographic and histopathological parameters was conducted on days 0, 7 and 28 post-surgeries. Findings were analysed and compared using SPSS22. Both treatment groups showed significant differences in echogenicity, and collagen fibre alignment compared to the control and positive control groups, in sonographic evaluation. Histopathological examination revealed fewer inflammatory cells and increased collagen fibre formation in the treatment groups compared to the other two groups. No significant difference in angiogenesis was observed among the groups on days 7 and 28 (p value <0.05). The results indicate that the S. nigra fruit extract, by stimulating collagen synthesis and reducing inflammation, effectively accelerates the healing process of injured tendons.

The Biochemical Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Quercus brantii Fruit on Morphine-Induced Amnesia in the Presence and Absence of Cholinergic Muscarinic Receptors in Adult Male Mice

Background: In our previous study, we demonstrated that oak hydroalcoholic extract improves memory impairment in a postpartum depression model due to its antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the effect of oak on another amnesia model and explore the mediating role of cholinergic muscarinic receptors. Objectives: This study investigated the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of oak fruit on amnesia induced by morphine in the presence and absence of cholinergic muscarinic receptors, as well as changes in serum biochemical factors. Methods: In this experimental study, adult male mice were divided into groups: Control and morphine-receiving (5 and 7.5 mg/kg) groups to induce amnesia after training. In the groups receiving 7.5 mg/kg morphine, oak extract (1 and 10 mg/kg) was administered one day after training and continued for one week. Atropine (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) was injected only on the first day after training and before the oak extract injection. Passive avoidance memory was evaluated 1, 3, and 7 days after training using a step-down device. Motor activity was assessed using the open field test. Blood biochemical factors, including triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were measured after one week of injections. Results: Morphine (7.5 mg/kg) impaired memory on days 1 and 7 (P &lt; 0.05), while oak extract (1 and 10 mg/kg) improved memory (P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the oak extract maintained its enhancing effect even in the presence of atropine, a cholinergic muscarinic system antagonist. Oak extract significantly increased HDL and TAC levels but did not affect LDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that oak extract can improve morphine-induced amnesia due to its antioxidant effect, without involving the cholinergic system. Additionally, oak extract can increase beneficial lipids without affecting harmful lipids.

Diospyros kaki fruit extract produces antiarthritic and antinociceptive effects in rats with complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis.

Current treatments for rheumatoid arthritis produce untoward effects; thus, considerable effort has been made to recognize effective herbal medicines against the condition. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of Diospyros kaki fruit hydroalcoholic extract (DFHE) on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats was investigated. The extract was characterized using liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESIMS). Male Wistar rats were grouped as follows (eight rats in each): control, CFA, CFA + indomethacin (5 mg/kg), CFA + DFHE (50 mg/kg), and CFA + DFHE (100 mg/kg). Paw volume, mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, and arthritis score were evaluated. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), thiol groups, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evaluated. Carotenoids were found to be the major components of DFHE. Administration of DFHE (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased arthritis score, paw volume, and thermal hyperalgesia, and improved mechanical allodynia. MDA and TNF-α levels were decreased while thiol levels and SOD and GPx activities were increased in DFHE-treated groups compared to the CFA group. These results suggest that D. kaki extract caused an improvement in clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms possibly through suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Antioxidant Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Puguntano Herbs and Andaliman Fruits by Cuprac Methods

Antioxidant Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Puguntano Herbs and Andaliman Fruits by Cuprac Methods

Assessment of anti-diabetic properties of Ziziphus oenopolia (L.) wild edible fruit extract: In vitro and in silico investigations through molecular docking analysis

Abstract Globally, healthcare is concerned about the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants have shown great promise in improving human health. The present study aimed to determine the secondary metabolites of Ziziphus oenopolia (L.) fruit extract that contribute to its anti-diabetic activity. The anti-diabetic properties were assessed by in vitro and in silico approaches using α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays. Gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy analyses were used to profile Z. oenopolia fruit contents, and a total of four bioactive chemicals and eight phytocompounds were tentatively identified, including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, steroids, tannins, and saponins. The Z. oenopolia fruit hydroalcoholic extract inhibits α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 328.76 and 337.28 µg/mL, R 2 = 0.979 and 0.981). Additionally, phytochemicals found in Z. oenopolia fruit exhibit the ability to inhibit anti-diabetic targets, specifically α-amylase and α-glucosidase (2QV4 vs 3A4A; correlation coefficient, r = 0.955), as demonstrated by computational analysis. This establishes the fruit as a promising and environmentally friendly option for treating hyperglycemia, highlighting the positive correlation between anti-diabetic objectives.

Evaluation of antidepressant properties of hydroalcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos fruit (Bael fruit) in Swiss albino mice: A pre-clinical study

Abstract Introduction: Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder affecting 3.8% of the global population. The clinically available antidepressants can cause serious adverse effects. Aegle marmelos fruit has shown a wide range of pharmacological effects. The present study was carried out to elucidate the possible antidepressant activity of Aegle marmelos (Bael) fruit in Swiss albino mice. Objective : To evaluate the possible antidepressant activity of Aegle marmelos fruit extract in Swiss albino mice. Methods : A total of 30 (n=30) male Swiss albino mice weighing 25-35 g, divided into five groups of six animals each were used for the study. Aegle marmelos fruit powder was subjected to solvent extraction in a soxhlet apparatus. The antidepressant activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos fruit was evaluated by using two models –Forced Swimming Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST). Results : One-way ANOVA was used for multiple comparisons followed by a post hoc (Bonferroni test) for comparison between groups. Aegle marmelos fruit at the dose of 100mg/kg and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the immobility time in both the tests (TST and FST) compared to the control. The reduction in duration of immobility at the dose of 200 mg/kg was comparable to the standard drug Imipramine. Conclusion : The Hydroalcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos has significant antidepressant activity in both the animal models of depression (FST and TST).

Investigating the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Prosopis farcta fruit on the toxicity induced by temozolomide in glioblastoma cell line in vitro

Introduction: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common human brain tumors. The use of temozolomide drug can be mentioned among the treatment methods. Researchers are trying to use methods to overcome resistance to temozolomide. Regarding the anticancer effects of Prosopis farcta in traditional Iranian medicine, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of the fruit hydroalcoholic extract of Prosopis farcta on the toxicity induced by temozolomide in the GBM cell line. Method: The T98G cell line was treated with plant extract and temozolomide. The cell survival rate was evaluated by MTT assay. The type of interaction between herbal extract and temozolomide was evaluated using the MTT test and Compusyn software. In addition, the amount of nitric oxide production in cancer cells was measured. Furthermore, the expression of the O-6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT) gene was evaluated by Real-time PCR. Results: Hydroalcoholic extract of the plant and temozolomide decreased cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The combination of extract and temozolomide had a synergistic effect in reducing cell survival. The hydroalcoholic extract and/or temozolomide caused a significant decrease in nitric oxide production and secretion (P&lt;0.05). Considering the expression of MGMT, the hydroalcoholic extract and temozolomide significantly decreased and increased the expression of this gene, respectively (P&lt;0.05). Simultaneous treatment caused a significant decrease in MGMT expression compared to the group treated with temozolomide (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The combination of Prosopis farcta fruit extract and temozolomide had synergistic antitumor potential in GBM cells. This extract could reduce cellular resistance to temozolomide through the downregulation of MGMT expression.

Prophylactic function of Garcinia morella dried fruits in preventing intestinal barrier disruption by lowering tight junction permeability and inflammation

The most frequent cause of gastrointestinal disorders characterized by inflammation and disturbance of the gastrointestinal system, is infection from various bacterial strains. Garcinia morella (Gaertn.) Desr. (Clusiaceae) a well-known traditional food is also used in healing digestive disorders for centuries. However, its protective activity in the pathogenesis of pathogen-induced gut disruption remains unclear. This study investigated the beneficial effect of G. morella fruits in remediating pathogen-induced intestinal disruption in Caco-2 cells. The antimicrobial activity of G. morella hydroalcoholic fruit extract with known chemical composition against the opportunistic pathogens, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis were evaluated. Transepithelial electrical resistance and dextran permeability assay were performed to evaluate the permeability in Caco-2 monolayers. Western blot assays were performed to detect the expression of the intestinal tight junction proteins: zonula occludens-1, claudin-1, occludin, and E-cadherin; and phosphorylation of inflammatory markers: ERK (Extracellular signal-regulated kinase), and JNK (Jun N-terminal kinase). Three bioactive compounds: garcinol, hydroxycitric acid, and hydroxycitric acid lactone were identified, qualitatively and quantitatively assessed with HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). G. morella hydroalcoholic extract and its compounds prevented the decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance caused by pathogen infection in Caco-2 cells. G. morella and compounds also decreased permeability in Caco-2 monolayer, increased by pathogen infection. G. morella and garcinol enhanced tight junction protein expression. A decrease in extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation was observed in G. morella and garcinol-treated cells. Overall, the results showed the potential of G. morella and its compounds in maintaining intestinal integrity and validate its traditional claims in ameliorating stomach ailments. The study also provided new guidance in development of nutraceuticals that aid in curing leaky gut.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Opuntia dillenii Haw Fruit in a Mice Model of Lung Cancer

Introduction: Lung cancer is an important burden, causing a massive rate of deaths every year. Using a specialized treatment regimen can improve treatment outcomes and reduce treatment-related adverse events. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of the Opuntia dillenii fruit hydroalcoholic extract (ODHAE) in a mouse model of lung cancer. Methods: Eight groups of lung cancer-induced BALB/c mice (each containing twelve animals) were included in this study. They were the control group, groups receiving the ODHAE extract at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg by oral gavage, the cisplatin group receiving cisplatin intraperitoneal injection, and groups receiving cisplatin and different doses of ODHAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). Weight and tumor changes were evaluated in the short and long phases of the study, including 30 and 90 days, respectively. Liver transaminase and survival time were evaluated in different groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was evaluated in different groups as an indicator of lipid peroxidation. Statistical tests were performed using GraphPad Prism 8. Graphs were designed using GraphPad Prism 8 as well. Results: The observed weight changes were not statistically significant across all groups, except for group 8. However, in groups that did not receive cisplatin treatment, there was a significant increase in tumor volume. Conversely, tumor volume change did not reach statistical significance in all groups receiving cisplatin. The administration of ODHAE, along with cisplatin, demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in the survival time among the relevant groups. Furthermore, oral administration of ODHAE exhibited a significant reduction in transaminase levels, serving as a reliable biomarker for assessing the hepatoprotective effect of the ODHAE extract. Additionally, ODHAE displayed a dose-dependent reduction in MDA levels, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating oxidative stress. Conclusion: The administration of ODHAE was not effective in reducing tumor growth but significantly increased survival time and healed the liver injury induced by cisplatin.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of whole pomegranate fruit on cariogenic bacteria and its clinical effect on dental plaque formation in 8–10-year-old children

ABSTRACT Background: This study aimed to assess the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of the whole pomegranate fruit on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and its clinical effect on dental plaque formation in 8–10-year-old children. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in two phases of in vitro and clinical trial. In the in vitro phase, the antibacterial effect of 50%–50% hydroalcoholic extract of whole pomegranate fruit on S. mutans and L. acidophilus was assessed by the disc diffusion test. In the double-blind cross-over clinical trial phase, 14 children between 8 and 10 years were randomly assigned to two groups of 38% pomegranate mouthwash and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) after assessing their baseline dental plaque by oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S). The children were asked not to use any other plaque control measure during the study. Their OHI-S score was measured again after 5 and 14 days using disclosing tablets. Data were analyzed by t-test and paired t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of pomegranate showed a positive antibacterial effect on S. mutans and L. acidophilus. However, its inhibitory effect was significantly lower than that of 0.12% CHX (P &lt; 0.05). None of the tested mouthwashes inhibited plaque formation, but pomegranate mouthwash and CHX decreased the OHI-S score by 34% and 36%, respectively (P &lt; 0.05), with no significant difference between them (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The whole pomegranate fruit hydroalcoholic extract showed significant inhibitory effects on S. mutans and L. acidophilus. Furthermore, 38% pomegranate mouthwash had a comparable efficacy to CHX in the reduction of dental plaque.

Assessment of Analgesic Efficacy of Ziziphus jujube Hydroalcholic Fruit Extract

Pain is a term that refers to a spectrum of sensations of varying types and intensities, ranging from unpleasant to intolerable. The struggle to relieve pain began with the advent of mankind. Analgesics can be defined as drugs that reduce the sensation of pain without losing consciousness. Analgesics act in different ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems. They differ from anesthetics in that they reversibly eliminate sensation, acetaminophen [known in the US as acetaminophen, or simply APAP], non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] such as salicylates, morphine and opioids such as opiates. When choosing an analgesic, the severity and response to other drugs determine drug choice. World Health Organization [WHO] pain ladder. Herbal medicines have less side effects and less harm, so they have a higher market value. The nutritious jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujube Mill.) is a member of the Rhamnaceous family and grows mainly in inland areas of Europe, southern and eastern Asia, Australia and especially northern China. Jujubes have a long history as fruit and medicinal. The main bioactive components are vitamin C, phenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids and polysaccharides. Recent phytochemical studies of jujube fruit have highlighted the following biological effects: B. Anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, immunostimulatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and gastrointestinal protective activity in macrophages and inhibition of foam cell formation. Further focus on clinical trials and phytochemical definitions of jujube fruit will be essential for future research efforts. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the analgesic potential of Ziziphus jujube hydroalcoholic fruit extract.

Evaluation of anti-HMG-CoA reductase potential and simultaneous determination of phenolic compounds in hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus cunia fruits by RP-HPLC

Evaluation of anti-HMG-CoA reductase potential and simultaneous determination of phenolic compounds in hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus cunia fruits by RP-HPLC

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Nannorrhops baluchestanica: An Endemic Palm Species in Southeast Iran

Background: Nannorrhops baluchestanica Khodash is a recently introduced shrubby species belonging to the family Arecaceae, distributed in Southeast Iran. Objectives: The antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of this endemic plant were studied. Methods: The seeds and fruits of N. baluchestanica were collected from a natural population in Shark village, and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity of their hydroethanolic extracts was evaluated to determine potential antioxidant properties. In addition, inhibitory, bactericidal, and fungicidal effects of seed and fruit hydroalcoholic extracts were studied against a variety of pathogens, including three fungal strains (Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium oxysporum, and Candida albicans), three Gram-negative (klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli), and three Gram-positive bacterial strains (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes) via broth microdilution and streak plate methods. Results: The IC50 values of 26.20 and 33.90 µg.mL-1 were calculated for the fruit and seed extracts, respectively, using vitamin E with IC50 of 10.40 as standard. The MIC, MBC, and MFC values ranged from 128 to 2048 μg.mL-1. The fruit extract inhibited the growth of all microbial strains except for B. cereus and S. epidermidis, while P. aeruginosa and F. oxysporum were the only strains inhibited by the seed extract. In agreement with antioxidant properties, more broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects were observed in the fruit extract. Conclusions: Excellent antioxidant capacities of N. baluchestanica extracts indicate their great potential for treatment or prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases, but only slight effectiveness against infectious agents was observed.

In vivo healing potential of Vitis Vinifera L. and Punica Granatum L. fruit extracts in excision and burn models in rabbits

Abstract Aim. The present study was carried out to evaluate the wound healing potential of crude Hydroalcoholic fruit extracts of Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) and Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in experimental animals. Material and methods. Extracts were formulated as ointments (250 mg), and their wound healing properties were determined by using two models: i.e. excision and burn models, in rabbits. Wound healing potential was assessed by measuring rate of wound contraction (percentage wound contraction) and the epithelialization period. Tukey test (HSD) test was used to analyze the obtained results. The value of p &lt;0.05 was considered as a level of significance. The reference standard was wadded Cicatryl® ointment. Results. The result showed that crude fruit extracts of Vitis vinifera L. and Punica granatum L. exhibited a significant (p &lt;0.0001) rate of wound contraction and significant (p&lt;0.0001) decrease in the period of epithelialization compared to the control (untreated) group in both the models studied. Conclusion. Our results suggest that topical treatment of fruit extracts of Vitis vinifera L. and Punica granatum L. accelerate wound healing activity, thus our study supports their traditional use. Both extracts can be used as a potential source of wound healing therapeutics.

Effect of Capparis spinosa Fruit Hydroalcoholic Extract on Paraquat-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in the Rat.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a lethal inflammatory disease and there has been no effective medication for this progressive disease up to now. Paraquat is commonly used in agricultural settings to control weed growth and is one of the important risk factors for PF. Additionally, emerging evidence has demonstrated Capparis spinosa (C. spinose) fruit extract has anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. We aimed to evaluate whether C. spinose fruit hydroalcoholic extract has a positive effect against Paraquat-induced PF in rats. 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, which included: a control group, a Paraquat control group, a C. spinose group with a dose of 20 mg/kg, a C. spinose group with a dose of 30 mg/kg, a C. spinose group with a dose of 50 mg/kg. After 21 days of the treatment, levels of hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung tissue were assessed and lung indices and semi-quantitative histopathological changes were determined. The results showed that treatment with C. spinose, led to increased weight gain, whereas reduced lung weight.C. spinose demonstrated a decreasing effect on levels of MDA, and hydroxyproline in lung tissue. Moreover, histopathological data and the number of lung indices indicated the preventive role of C. spinose Paraquat-induced PF in rats.

Standardised Sonneratia apetala Buch.-Ham. fruit extract inhibits human neutrophil elastase and attenuates elastase-induced lung injury in mice.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) along with asthma is a major and increasing global health problem. Smoking contributes to about 80%-90% of total COPD cases in the world. COPD leads to the narrowing of small airways and destruction of lung tissue leading to emphysema primarily caused by neutrophil elastase. Neutrophil elastase plays an important role in disease progression in COPD patients and has emerged as an important target for drug discovery. Sonneratia apetala Buch.-Ham. is a mangrove plant belonging to family Sonneratiaceae. It is widely found in the Sundarban regions of India. While the fruits of this plant have antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and astringent activities, fruit and leaf extracts have been shown to reduce the symptoms of asthma and cough. The aim of this study is to find whether hydro alcoholic fruit extracts of S. apetala inhibit neutrophil elastase and thus prevent the progression of neutrophil elastase-driven lung emphysema. The hydroalcoholic extract, ethanol: water (90:10), of the S. apetala Buch.-Ham. fresh fruits (SAM) were used for neutrophil elastase enzyme kinetic assay and IC50 of the extract was determined. The novel HPLC method has been developed and the extract was standardized with gallic acid and ellagic acid as standards. The extract was further subjected to LC-MS2 profiling to identify key phytochemicals. The standardized SAM extract contains 53μg/mg of gallic acid and 95μg/mg of ellagic acid, based on the HPLC calibration curve. SAM also reversed the elastase-induced morphological change of human epithelial cells and prevented the release of ICAM-1 in vitro and an MTT assay was conducted to assess the viability. Further, 10mg/kg SAM had reduced alveolar collapse induced by neutrophil elastase in the mice model. Thus, in this study, we reported for the first time that S. apetala fruit extract has the potential to inhibit human neutrophil elastase in vitro and in vivo.

Teratogenic Evaluation of 80% Ethanol Extract of Embelia schimperi Vatke Fruits on Rat Embryo and Fetuses.

Introduction Embelia schimperi Vatke (family Myrsinaceae) is a commonly consumed anthelminthic plant in Ethiopia. The plant has significant efficacy in treating intestinal worms. However, there are limited data about the safety/toxicity of the plant. Moreover, the teratogenic effect of the plant is not yet well studied despite significant number of Ethiopian mothers consuming herbal medication during their pregnancy. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the teratogenic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of E. schimperi fruit on rat embryos and fetuses. Methods Pregnant albino Wistar rats were treated with 80% hydroalcoholic fruit extract of E. schimperi at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg dosage, whilst the controls were pair-fed and ad libitum groups. Maternal food intake, maternal weight gain, number of implantations, number of prior resorptions, fetal viability, fetal weight, fetal and embryonic crown-ramp length, placental weight, placental gross morphology and histopathology of placental tissue, number of somites, embryonic system, gross/visceral morphological malformations, and ossification centers were evaluated as teratogenicity indices. Results The crude extract of E. schimperi did not exhibit a significant difference in most developmental indices including the development of a circulatory system, nervous system, and musculoskeletal systems among treated animals and the controls. However, histopathological evaluation of placentas from the treatment groups showed that inflammatory reactions and calcifications compared to the pair-fed and ad libitum controls. Conclusion Administration of the 80% hydroalcoholic extract of E. schimperi fruit during the period of organogenesis in rats did not show a significant toxic effect on embryonic and fetal developmental indices. However, it might affect the structural integrity of the placenta as it is evidenced by inflammatory reactions and calcifications of decidua basalis of rat placenta.

Evaluation of analgesic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of cardamom fruit in male rat

Due to the significance of pain management and the adverse effects of synthetic analgesic drugs, the use of herbal medicine for pain relief has gained popularity worldwide. This study investigated the analgesic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of cardamom fruit in male rats. In this experimental-laboratory study, male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups (6 rats in each group): the control group (treated with normal saline) and the groups treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of cardamom fruit, control group receiving morphine (1 mg/kg), control group receiving naloxone (2 mg/kg), and a group receiving “naloxone (2 mg/kg) + extract (200 mg/kg)”. Tail flick and writhing tests were used to evaluate the analgesic effects of the extract. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. 200 and 400 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of cardamom fruit significantly reduced pain level compared to the control group in the tail flick test and all three doses of the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced pain level in the writhing test. From the results, it can be concluded that the hydroalcoholic extract of green cardamom fruit has analgesic effects and can reduce the sensation of pain caused by central and environmental factors. The use of green cardamom extract as an analgesic substance can be considered by researchers in the clinical field.