Hydro Alcohol Research Articles

Phytochemical Investigations and In-vitro Antioxidant Analysis of Passiflora incarnata L.

The present study aims to investigate the presence of the phytochemical and in-vitro antioxidant study of hydroalcoholic (HA) and ethyl acetate (EA) preparations of Passiflora incarnata L. leaves. The hydroalcoholic (HA) and ethyl acetate (EA) extracts showed strong antioxidant activity when examined in a laboratory setting using DPPH, H2O2, NO, reducing power, total phenol, and TOC assays. Also compounds like saponin, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics were all identified through phytochemical testing. In addition to expanding our understanding of the pharmacological characteristics of P. incarnata L., the results of this study have the potential to change the way medicinal botanicals are viewed forever. Nature’s treasure trove, concealed within the leaves of P. incarnata L., offers a pharmacological narrative that transcends traditional boundaries, suggesting new dimensions for antioxidant-based therapeutic strategies for the development of novel botanical interventions in preventive healthcare and disease management.

Phytochemicals, antioxidant ability and in vitro anthelmintic activity of crude extracts from Vitexnegundo leaves against Haemonchus contortus.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effect of crude aqueous, methanol, ethanol, hydro alcohol and acetone extracts of Vitex negundo leaves against Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae. Phytochemical analysis to identify the number of compounds in extracts was done by chemical tests and gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrophotometer detector (GC-MS). First off all the effectiveness of dried plant materials was evaluated on larval development by mixing powdered material (no nano particles) to faecal cultures from donor sheep. Adding powder to the faecal culture resulted into 100% inhibition in larval development at 200 and 300mg/g of faeces. The anthelmintic activity was assessed using the egg hatch assay (EHA) and the larval mortality assay (LMA). Comparison of mean inhibition percentage of egg embryonation, mean inhibition percentage of egg hatching and mean percentage of larval mortality at different concentrations with control was performed by one-way ANOVA. The means were compared for statistical significance using DMRT at P < 0.05. For both the assays, 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and lethal concentration (LC50) were calculated by probit analysis. Chemical test revealed presence of high concentration of saponin and flavoinoids and moderate concentration of total phenols in leaves. The antioxidant activity (radical scavenging activity, RSA %) measured was 35.47%. On GC-MS, the methanolic leaves extract revealed 30 phyto-compounds. On EHA, there was marked effect on inhibition of egg hatching by aqueous, hydro alcohol and acetone extracts. On LMA all the five extracts showed excellent larvicidal activity. V. negundo leaves methanol extract mediated silver nanoparticles were found very effective at much lower concentrations as compared to crude methanol extract. The results indicated that the V. negundo leaves crude extracts possessed excellent in vitro ovicidal and larvicidal properties against H. contortus which needs more investigation, especially in vivo trials for the control of parasite.

In vitro Evaluation of Anti-obesity Potential of Phyllanthus Fraternus Leaves.

Obesity has been an important health concern for over a decade, causing serious health issues worldwide. Treatments available for obesity include FDA-approved drugs such as Lorcaserin, Orlistat, Bupropion, combinations of Phentermine and Topiramate, and Sibutramine; however, these have adverse effects on health. To address the said issue, the current study was conducted to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of Phyllanthus fraternus leaves. These leaves are a rich source of different phytochemicals (e.g., alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins), and the plant has been shown to exhibit medicinal properties; therefore, it can be used for treating obesity disorders. The crude extract of plants was prepared in three different solvents (e.g., methanol, hydro alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol). Lipid inhibition was determined using lipase inhibition assay, and amylase assay was carried out to determine if the plant extract had anti-diabetic properties. An oil red staining was carried out to determine lipid accumulation in which the cells were incubated with plant extract for 48 h. To determine if the plant extract was toxic to 3T3 cells, an MTT assay was carried out to assess cell viability. Through lipase inhibition assay, we depicted potent anti-obesity properties, isopropyl alcohol extract exhibited 67.45% inhibition at the concentration of 500µg/ml. Methanol extract showed the highest percent of α amylase inhibition i.e., 90.03% at a concentration of 1,000 µg/ml. The MTT assay concluded that the plant extracts were not cytotoxic to the cells at a concentration range between 20µg/ml to 100µg/ml, and the percentage of viable cells was 98-63%. The results obtained from the current study revealed that the plant exhibits potent anti-obesity properties. Thus, this plant extract is a potential source as an alternative treatment to treat obesity.

The ethnopharmacological study of plant drugs used traditionally in Djibouti for malaria treatment

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDjibouti was a country where malaria has been endemic for centuries. The local population use the plants as repellents or first aid for uncomplicated malaria. Aim of the studyThe aim was, for the first time, to collect and identify plants used by the local population to treat malaria and select the most interesting plants (those that are more commontly used, more available, and have fewer studies). These plants were evaluated for their antiplasmodial activity as well as their cytotoxicity on human cell lines for the most active ones. Materials and methodsA semi-structured questionnaire was developed for this study to collect information about the use and identity of botanical drugs used to treat malaria. The use-reports (percentage) of each plant were recorded to determine their use importance. Also, the availability status of the plants was assessed; and those in critical condition were discarded excluded from further study. Fifteen plants, out of the 41 listed, were extracted with hydro alcohol, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane for biological testing. Chloroquine-resistant strain FcB-1 of P. falciparum and a human diploid embryonic lung cell line were used for the antiplasmodial test, and to assess the cytotoxicity for human cells respectively. Preliminary analysis of extract constituents was carried out using thin layer chromatography (TLC). ResultsThis study identifies 41 plant taxa belonging to 32 families and records their use against malaria. Balanites rodunfolia, belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family, was the most commonly used plant, representing 44 % of use-reports. It was followed by Cadaba rodunfolia (15 %) from the Capparaceae family, and then the three species of Aloe: Aloe djiboutiensis (8.2 %), Aloe ericahenriettae (3.4 %), and Aloe rigens (3.4 %) from the Asphodelaceae family. The leaves are the most commonly used part of the plants to treat malaria, accounting for 76 % of usage. The preparation methods were decoction (52 %), maceration (29 %), and boiling (19 %). The administration routes were by oral (80 %), inhalation 19 %), and bathing (1 %). The best antiplasmodial activities were observed in the dichloromethane extracts of Cymbopogon commutatus and the ethyl acetate extracts of Aloe rigens and Terminalia brownii, with IC50 values of 9.8, 5, and 7.5 μg/mL, respectively. Their toxicity/activity levels were very favorable with selectivity indices of 5.6, 8.1, and 11.8 for C. commutatus, A. rigens, and T. Brownii, respectively. ConclusionForty-one species of botanical drugs were listed as being used to treat malaria in Djibouti. All fifteen selected species showed antiplasmodial activity (IC50 < 50 μg/mL). This work will help guide the valorization of botanical drugs used to treat malaria in Djibouti.

Antidiabetic and Anti-inflammatory activity of Green Solvent Extracts of Heterospathe elata fruits

Background: Plants are the prime source of phytoconstituents that can act as potent agents for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Heterospathe elata is a plant belonging to the Arecaceae family having numerous medicinal properties. The present study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities of green solvent extracts of Heterospathe elata fruit. Method: The extraction was carried out with green solvents like isopropyl alcohol, hydro alcohol, and water with increasing order of polarity. In-vitro antidiabetic activity was evaluated by alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the Bovin denaturation method and HRBC membrane stabilization. Result: Our results revealed that out of three green extracts hydro alcohol extract of Heterospathe elata fruit had the highest antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: The results suggest that the fruit of Heterospathe elata is a potential source of antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Hydroalcoholic extract: A potential source from Azadirachta indica a Juss flower for DNA and BSA binding, scavenging, fungicidal, and larvicidal activities

AbstractThe present study focuses on the evaluation of the DNA and BSA binding capability, anti‐fungal, metal chelation, and larvicidal activity of extracts of Azadirachta indica A Juss flower. The different extracts of A. indica was prepared by soxhlet extraction using Petroleum Ether (PE), acetone (AC), and hydroalcohol (HA) as solvents. DNA and BSA binding ability of HA extract was calculated through the UV–Visible titrimetric method. The phytochemicals present in the extract show good binding ability towards DNA and BSA. H2O2 and NO scavenging activity were evaluated and HA extracts shows good antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 62 and 48 μg/mg, respectively. The metal chelating property was calculated, where HA shows good chelating ability with the IC50 value of 32.23 μg/mg. The antifungal activity of these extracts was evaluated against different fungal stains; among them, hydroalcoholic extract shows a higher zone of inhibition in all the fungal stains than Petroleum Ether and acetone extracts and acetone extracts (i.e., 50 μg/μL MIC). The potential extract (i.e., HA extract) was used to estimate the larvicidal activity of parasites. The % of mortality was evaluated through a dose‐dependent assay and it is confirmed that when concentration increases, the mortality rate increases. The correlation between metal chelating activity and total flavonoid and phenolic content was calculated and it was found that there is a good correlation (R2 – .743 and .902, respectively). These results proved that HA extract possesses biologically important phytochemicals that contribute to pharmaceutical and biological activities and could be a natural remedy for various real‐time applications.

Evaluating the thrombolytic property of Juniperus Sabina tincture using spectrophotometry

Objectives: We aimed to explore the thrombolytic property of Juniperus Sabina by measuring the absorbance level of released haemoglobin (Hb) during clot lysis. Materials and Methods: Approximately 0.3 mL of blood was added to four 15 mL centrifuge tubes and blood clots were allowed to form naturally. The clots were incubated for 45 min and washed with normal saline. Using a visible spectrophotometer, the absorbance of Hb was recorded at five wavelengths: 405, 416, 541, 576 and 580 nm. Lyophilised recombinant streptokinase (SK) was used as standard control. J. Sabina mother tincture (83.28% v/v) of 1:10 (T1) and 1:20 (T2) dilutions were studied. Distilled water and ethyl alcohol mixed in a ratio of 1:1 (hydro alcohol) were used as a negative control. Results: Thrombolytic activity was compared by recording the absorbance of Hb at five wavelengths (405, 416, 541, 576 and 580 nm) every 10 min from 0 to 60 min. Absorption of light by the released Hb during thrombolysis was highest at 416 nm for SK, T1 at 405 and 416 nm and HA and T2 at 405 nm. Comparatively, T1 showed higher absorption than HA. In general, the peak absorbance of Sabina concentrations was more when compared to negative controls in the higher wavelengths of 541, 576 and 580 nm. However, this difference was not statistically significant. The mean and standard deviation from the data were calculated to find the amount of dispersion for all the samples at different wavelengths. The within- and between-group significance was determined using analysis of variance. Conclusion: This study has shown that Sabina in the dilutions of 1:10 and 1:20 does not induce thrombolysis in vitro. By and large, further studies with different concentrations of Sabina Q with a sophisticated spectrophotometer need to be tested for thrombolytic activity.

Metabolomic Profile by GC-MS and Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Green Solvent Extracts of Heterospathe elata leaves.

Plants are the prime source of phytoconstituents that can act as potent agents for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Heterospathe elata is a plant belonging to the Arecaceae family having numerous medicinal properties. The present study was undertaken to prepare crude extracts of Heterospathe elata leaves with solvents of different polarity dimethyl carbonate (DMC), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), hydro alcohol (HYA) and water (WTR) by using successive soxhlet extraction method. Further, the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed by the spectrophotometric method and possible bioactive phytoconstituents from the hydro alcohol extract of Heterospathe elata leaves using GC-MS. In our study, it was found that the GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of nineteen bioactive phytoconstituents. The highest antioxidant activity was found in the water extract. In antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity highest potential was shown by hydro alcohol extract and the lowest was in the dimethyl carbonate extract. These findings support the Heterospathe elata leaves showed the high biological potential attributed to a high amount of bioactive phytoconstituents and could be utilized as value-added functional food and medicine.

Effect of Tinospora cordifolia on gestational diabetes mellitus and its complications

ABSTRACT Ayurvedic system of medicine uses giloy or guduchi, also known as Tinospora cordifolia (TC), to treat diabetes and related diseases like hyperglycemia and hyperlipididemia. However, its usage in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not well studied. The primary objective of the study was to examine the effects of water extract of TC called satva, essential oil, and hydroalcoholic (HA) extract on GDM and its complications and to explore their mechanism of action using mice model. We used streptozotocin-induced diabetes in pregnant mice as murine model and tested TC preparations for anti-GDM activities. Blood glucose, insulin, litter size, and placental weight were assessed. ELISA method was used to measure plasma insulin level to compute homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and homeostatic model assessment for assessing beta cell function (HOMA-Beta) levels to estimate insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and beta cell function respectively. TC-treated groups had significantly higher serum insulin levels, QUICKI, average litter size, and lower placental weight (p < .001). TC oil and HA extract increased pancreatic beta cell activity according to the level of HOMA-Beta. TC lowered placenta weight and increased litter size significantly compared to control group. Our findings suggest that TC preparations preserve pancreatic beta cells, increase insulin production, decrease insulin resistance, and improve beta cell function, hence preventing GDM. TC preparations also reduced placental weight and increased litter size in mice. Based on these results, we recommend the clinical trial and testing of TC preparations for management of GDM and associated complications. Refer graphical abstract (Figure S1).

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant potential of Lepidagathis spinosa Wight ex Nees., Whole plant - In vitro method

Aim: To assess the phytoconstituents, total flavonoid, phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity of Lepidagathis spinosa wight ex Nees. (L.spinosa). Objective: To assess the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of L. spinosa with different solvents like petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and hydro alcohol extracts. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were assessed using spectrophotometric method. The total antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activities of various extracts were estimated against DPPH, Hydroxy radical and Nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. Results: The hydro alcohol extract of the whole shrub revealed the maximal polyphenol content when correlated with the other solvent extracts. Total phenolic content of the hydro alcohol extract was found to be 33.53 of GAE/g dry weight of samples. Flavonoid content was found to be 19.63333 mg of quercetin equivalents/g dry weight of the extract. All the extracts were exposed significant antioxidant activity and hydro alcohol extract showing highest antioxidant ability in association with the polyphenol contents. Based on the IC50 values, hydro alcohol extract of the plant revealed the potent DPPH, Hydroxy radical, Nitric oxide radical scavenging ability. Conclusion: This study suggests that hydro alcohol extract of L. spinosa could be a potential source of natural antioxidant and justifies its traditional use in ethnomedicine.

Phytochemical and bioactivity evaluation of secondary metabolites and essential oils of Sedum rubens growing wild in Jordan

Sedum rubens L. (Crassulaceae family) is an interesting succulent medicinal plant that has never been investigated for its phytochemical constituents. Thus, the current study was designed to unveil its chemical constituents and bioactivity potentials. In the current study, the total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and DPPH radical scavenging properties of the hydroalcoholic (HA) and water extracts (W) were determined. Moreover, the presence of selected phenolic acids (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid) and flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, hesperidin) was determined by HPLC-PDA. In addition, hydro-distilled essential oil (HDEO) composition of the plant at the pre-flowering (PF) and full-flowering (FF) stages was determined by GC/MS and GC/FID techniques. Results revealed that the FF hydroalcoholic extract had the highest TPC (136.9 mg gallic acid/g extract), TFC (234.7 mg quercetin/g extract) and DPPH• radical scavenging activity (7.10 × 10-2 ± 1.0 × 10-3 mg/mL). This extract was rich in gallic acid and caffeic acids (366, 243 mg/Kg dry plant, respectively). The study resulted in reporting four known compounds including α- & β-amyrin acetates, β-sitosterol and β-sitosterol glycoside for the first time from the plant. The HDEO at the PF and FF stages were dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes (21.92%) and aliphatic hydrocarbons (45.71%).

Impact of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) membranes pretreatments on their physicochemical properties and fuel cell performances

AbstractThis work focuses on the impact of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (sPEEK) membrane pretreatments on fuel cell performance, starting from two different batches of Fumapem E730 from Fumatech, acquired in 2019 and in 2020. sPEEK membranes are possible lower cost alternatives to perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) applications. Before use, they must be pretreated to ensure a complete protonic substitution and removal of residual reagents/solvent: the simplest protocol consists in soaking the membrane in an acid solution followed by a rinsing step in water. In addition to this acidification step, hydrothermal (HT) treatments in water at high temperature for a few hours to a few days were also considered herein, as well as a hydro‐alcoholic (HA) step, because of their expected effects on membrane nanostructure. Overall, four different protocols were used. The membrane water uptake, water self‐diffusion, proton conductivity, and fuel cell performance—under H2/O2—were measured. It was found that in the best case—membranes from the 2020 batch subjected to HA followed by 72 h HT pretreatments—the fuel cell performances exceeded those obtained with a PFSA membrane (Nafion XL). This is explained by a higher protonic conductivity, probably resulting from a better sPEEK nano‐structuration.

Phenolic-Compound-Rich Opuntia littoralis Ethyl Acetate Extract Relaxes Arthritic Symptoms in Collagen-Induced Mice Model via Bone Morphogenic Markers.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and progressive joint dysfunction. Opuntia littoralis (OL) has a high nutritional content and is thought to offer a number of health advantages. We aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic potential of OL extracts against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). We designed three OL cladode fractions from the concentrated aqueous extract: hexane, ethyl acetate (EAE), and hydro alcohol (HAE). We investigated the nitric oxide and MDA levels of EAE against lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells; then, we administered EAE to the mice with CIA to confirm the anti-inflammatory effects against RA. HPLC analysis of the OL extracts showed a high concentration of phenolic compounds in EAE. Treatment with EAE (10 and 20 mg/100 g body weight of mice) after 10 days of immunization with collagen showed a significant inhibition of joint inflammation, paw swelling, and edemas. MDA and cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6R, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23) were significantly reduced. EAE effectively ameliorated COX-2, NF-kB, STAT-3, PTEN, and RANKL expression. OL-EAE therapy significantly upregulated the expression of miR-28 and miR-199a. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory actions of OL-EAE altered the cellular localization of the inflammatory mediators, therefore preventing joint inflammation via partial epigenetic and metabolic regulations in experimental mice.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy of Gmelina Arborea Roxb. Leaf Extracts

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Gmelina arborea Roxb. (Family Verbenaceae) leaves have long been used in traditional medicine to cure a variety of medical conditions. The purpose of this study is to examine the methanol, hydro alcohol, aqueous, hexane, ethyl acetate, extracts of Gmelina arborea leaves through FTIR spectroscopy method. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) is a quick and nondestructive analysis technique. FTIR was utilised on a spectrophotometer system and performed to the identification of the typical peak values and the functional groups of Gmelina arborea leaf extracts. The presence of various bio-active functional groups in each extract was verified by FTIR analysis.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Development of health mix powder to combat anaemia

In India, anaemia is a leading cause of death. According to statistics, anaemia is the cause of every maternal fatality. Anaemia is a nutritional illness that affects both adults and children of both sexes, however it is more common in pregnant women and teenage girls and is caused mostly by iron deficiency. Iron and other critical elements required for iron metabolism are abundant in leaves of Moringa oleifera. An increasing finding have found extracts of M. oleifera leaves that aqueous alcohol, or hydro alcohol have a variety of extra activities of biologically, including antiulcer, tissue protective (heart, kidneys, testes, liver, or lungs), radio protective, antioxidant, analgesic, immunomodulatory and antihypertensive properties. The Central Council for Ayurvedic Research has issued preliminary recommendations for standardising commonly used formulas. Standardization of herbal formulations is necessary for determining the quality of pharmaceuticals based on the quantity of active ingredients, as well as physical and chemical parameters. We will briefly discuss many elements of herbal medicinal properties of Moringa oleifera.

Efficacy of Ferulic Acid Peel as a Monotherapy for Photoaging.

Objectives: Chemical peels are used to treat photoaging and skin discoloration. Ferulic peel is a non-exfoliating peel having antioxidant properties. The aim of this study is to validate the efficacy of ferulic acid peel as a monotherapy for photoaging. It is a technique-sensitive procedure, and injury must be in a proper tissue plane to achieve the desired results. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study from Feb 2018 to Feb 2020 in which 55 patients were treated with Ferulic acid peel 12 % (hydro alcohol base) with L-ascorbic acid 15% as a monotherapy. The patients were followed up for 6 months. Data were summarised in Mean ± SD. Pre and post data were compared by paired t test. A two-tailed (α=2) p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Two scales were used for assessing the results; Allergan Skin Roughness Scale (ASRS) and Allergan Fine Line Scale (AFLS). Results: The scores were assessed at pre-treatment (pre) and post treatment (post). The results achieved were highly satisfactory as measured using the ASRS and AFLS Scale with p-value &lt;0.001(statistically significant). No complications were observed in our study. Conclusion: Ferulic Peel with L-Ascorbic Acid is very useful as a monotherapy in Photoaging cases; initial results of our six-month follow-up study have yielded promising results.

Chemical Standards and HPTLC Finger Print Profiles of a Siddha Polyherbal Formulation - Kadukkai Legiyam

To study physico-chemical, phytochemical and high performance thin layer chromatography of a Siddha drug “Kadukkai Legiyam” (KL). The prepared Kadukkai Legiyam (KL) was prepared as per the standard operating procedures mentioned in literature. Then the drug was subjected to physicochemical parameters, phytochemical screening, thin layer chromatographic photo documentation (TLC), high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) finger print profile of hexane, chloroform, ethanol and hydro alcohol (1:1) extracts. Different extracts of the drug showed distinct TLC and HPTLC finger print patterns which will be unique to this drug. This study giving information about physiochemical and phytochemical analysis and HPTLC fingerprint profile of different extracts, the integration spectrum which will useful in standardizing the raw drugs and future comparison studies.

ASSESSMENT OF PHYTOCHEMICALS, TOTAL PHENOL, FLAVONOID CONTENT AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTY OF LARGE CARDAMOM EXTRACTS

Amomum subulatum, commonly known as large or black cardamom, is a commonly used spice in Indian kitchens and is traditionally used to treat various ailments. To add more knowledge about the medicinal values of the fruit, this study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activities of aqueous, methanol, ethanol, hydro alcohol, ethyl acetate, acetone and chloroform extracts of the fruit. Preliminary assessment was done to detect the presence of phytoconstituents using identification tests. The antioxidant activity was measured by employing methods such as diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, total antioxidant activity equivalent to ascorbic acid, reducing power assay and superoxide anion scavenging assay. The antioxidant activities were compared with their respective phenol and flavonoid contents. Preliminary assessment revealed that large cardamom fruit is a good source of all the bioactive constituents as well as phenol and flavonoid essential for medicinal values. The extract obtained by polar solvents showed the highest antioxidant efficacy in relation to its phenol content. Also, all the solvent-soluble fractions showed a concentration-dependent antioxidant effect. Results from our study prove that large cardamom can alleviate oxidative stress, suggesting the potential of large cardamom as a functional food

Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil and Hydro-Alcoholic Solutions to Counteract Wooden Artwork Microbial Colonization

Aromatic plants represent a source of natural products with medicinal properties, and are also utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Recently, the need for eco-compatible and non-toxic products, safe for both the environment and human health, have been proposed for the sustainable conservation of historic–artistic artifacts. In this study, in order to counteract microbial colonization (Aspergillus sp., Streptomyces sp., Micrococcus sp.) on wooden artwork surfaces, Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) essential oil (EO) and hydro-alcoholic (HA) solutions were applied in a polyphasic approach. The antimicrobial activities of EO and HA solutions were preliminarily assessed by agar disc diffusion (ADD) and well plate diffusion (WPD) in vitro methods, defining the specific concentration useful for bacterial and fungal genera, identified by optical microscopies, in vitro cultures (nutrient or Sabouraud agar), and DNA base molecular biology investigations. Specifically, the microbial patina was directly removed by a hydro-alcoholic solution (while evaluating the potential colorimetric change of the artwork’s surface) combined with exposure to EO volatile compounds, performed in a dedicated “clean chamber”. This study proposes, for the first time, the combined use of two plant extracts to counteract microbial development on wooden artworks, providing supplementary information on these products as bio-agents.

Pharmacological Study of Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) for their possible Antimalarial Activity with Emphasis on Resistance and Resistant Reversal

Antimalarial effect of some medicinal plants found in Uttarakhand (India) is least explored by the scientific community locally. Advent of resistance to various antimalarial drugs by plasmodium made malaria more fatal and life-threatening disease. Therefore, present need is to invest more effort and interest in research for antimalarials from medicinal plants. Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis (PYn) is multi drug resistance malaria parasite known for resistance to chloroquine (CQ), quinine, quinidine, amodiaquine, halofantrine, mepacrine, and mefloquine. The P. yoelii produces 100% infections in animals. Researchers in this study tried to understand the behavior of CQ -resistant plasmodium PYn with CQ, whole plant extracts of Andrographis paniculata (AP) with possibility of their resistance reversal. Wherever, 3–4 times CQ doses are not able to produce sufficient antimalarial effect in resistant PYn. Most of the pure plant extracts are also not able to produce minimal therapeutic response when given alone. Whereas, plant extract shows a better effect when given with minimal dose CQ than alone. AP whole plant hydroalcoholic (HA) extract doses 300 mg/kg when combining CQ 20 mg/kg shows the best effect among the other extracts alone. Parasitemia and red blood cells count parameters significantly improved. Hemoglobin, survival days and weight are benefitted with HA extract then ethanolic extract. Unexpectedly, HA extract at higher dosage 1000 mg/kg produce efficacy then 300 mg/kg dose group. Higher doses of HA extract causes some sort of negative effect on almost all selected parameters even though with ethanolic extract. Present approach of multi-drug dosage supports also supported here in the study with a thought of using antimalarial plant extracts during regular malaria treatment. Genesis of idea of referring standardized plant extract(s) in combination as oral dosage with prophylactic (travelers) malaria and malaria treatment or side-food for malaria will also possible. Positive results may pave a path for inclusion of herbal extracts or herbs as side treatment or resistance-breaker food for malaria.