Hydromethanolic Extract Research Articles

Inhibition of Serum Lipase as a Mechanism of Action for Anti-Obesity Potentials of Dioscorea bulbifera Extracts on Wistar Rats

Objectives: Dioscorea bulbifera possesses profound therapeutic potential and is commonly used in traditional Indian, African and Chinese medicine. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a hydromethanolic extract of Dioscorea bulbifera on the serum lipid profile, lipase, ghrelin, food intake and body weight of high-fat obese Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty (30) male Wistar rats weighing 200 – 250 g were used for the study. Obesity was induced using a formulated high-fat diet for six (6) weeks. They were divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each. The negative control received distilled water, while the positive control received a standard antihyperlipidemic drug, simvastatin. Obese rats were treated with hydromethanolic extract of Dioscorea bulbifera at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for a period of two (2) weeks. Results: The results showed significantly decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), lipase, fasting blood glucose and body weight of experimental animals compared to the negative control (P < 0.05), while serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and ghrelin were found to be significantly higher in experimental animals compared to the negative control (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in the food intake of the animals. Conclusion: The antiobesity potentials of hydromethanolic extracts of Dioscorea bulbifera may be attributable to their ability to reduce lipase activity while attenuating the lipid profile in high-fat obese Wistar rat models. Therefore, this study considers Dioscorea bulbifera as a potential natural anti-obesity agent with possible anti-lipase activity.

The Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Potential of Phenolic Acids-Enriched Extract of Elicited Hairy Roots of Salvia bulleyana.

Hairy root cultures are valuable sources of a range of phytochemicals. Among them, Salvia bulleyana root culture is a promising source of polyphenols, especially rosmarinic acid (RA), a phenolic acid depside with pleiotropic activity and a wide application in medicine and cosmetology. The aim of the study was to enhance the culture productivity by finding suitable elicitation protocol and to determine its biological potential in terms of antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial properties. The total content of phenols and the levels of particular constituents in root extracts were analyzed using HPLC-PDA. Among four elicitors tested (yeast extract; methyl jasmonate, MJA; trans-anethol; and cadmium chloride), MJA was found to be the most effective. The greatest boost in phenolic production (up to 124.4 mg/g dry weight) was observed after three-day treatment with MJA at 100 µM, with an almost 100% improvement compared to the controls (non-treated root culture). The hydromethanolic extract from the elicited culture exhibited strong antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 11.1 µg/mL, 6.5 µg/mL and 69.5 µg/mL for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and superoxide anion radical, respectively. Moreover, in concentrations of 0.5–5 mg/mL the extract inhibited the growth of LoVo, AGS and HeLa cell lines, but was safe for the L929 cells up to the concentration of 5 mg/mL. The extract also exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity. Thus, the results confirmed that elicitation can be a beneficial strategy for increase the phenolic acid biosynthesis in hairy roots of S. bulleyana, and that such a highly productive culture can show significant biological potential.

Evaluation of the Effect of Hydromethanolic Seed Extract of Lepidium sativum L. (Fetto) on Deep-fried Palm Oil Diet Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Male Swiss Albino Mice.

IntroductionNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent disease due to a dramatic change in dietary habits, especially an increase in consumption of fat and carbohydrates in deep-fried foods.ObjectiveThe objective was to evaluate the effect of hydromethanolic seed extract of Lepidium sativum on deep-fried palm oil diet induced NAFLDon male mice.MethodsAn experimental study design was conducted. Twenty-four male mice aged 8 to 10 weeks, weighing 32–42 g were divided into four groups. The four groups were divided into two controls and two treatments. Mice in normal control (C0) were administered only with the basal diet whereas negative control (C1) provided only with the deep-fried palm oil diet. The treatment groups T1, and T2 were administered with deep-fried palm oil diet and HMSELS at dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively for 28 days. Then on day 29, the mice were fasted overnight, anaesthetized and sacrificed by cervical dislocation after blood was taken by cardiac puncture for liver function tests while liver tissues were taken for histopathology investigation.ResultsThe serum ALT and total bilirubin showed significant decrement whereas the serum albumin levels showed significant increment in T2 group. However, serum AST and ALP levels were decreased significantly in both T1 and T2 groups. Besides, the T2 group liver sections of mice were showed better effect of HMSELS on restoring the damaged liver histopathology almost toward normal.ConclusionThe HMSELS at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day (T2) was more effective on the liver function tests and liver histopathology that altered by feeding deep-fried palm oil diet. The good protective effect of HMSELS against deep-fried palm oil diet-induced NAFLD might be due to its antioxidant content.

Antidiabetic Activity of Hydromethanolic Extract of Crude Dorstenia barnimiana Root: Validation of In Vitro and In Vivo Antidiabetic and Antidyslipidemic Activity.

BackgroundDespite modern therapeutic armamentaria, DM remains a 21st-century public health menace. Novel phytomedicines are a rapidly expanding focus of research. The juice of Dorstenia barnimiana roots has long been used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in traditional Ethiopian medicine, but its efficacy has not been supported by in vitro or in vivo scientific study. To investigate this, the present work was performed.MethodsIn this experimental study, simple random sampling was applied. Healthy male mice were used in normoglycemic and oral glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) models. Streptozotocin (IP, 150 mg/kg)–administered diabetic male mice were utilized. Animals were randomly divided into five groups of six each. Group I received 10 mL/kg distilled water, groups II–IV received 100 (DB100), 200 (DB200), and 400 (DB400) mg/kg crude extract, respectively, and group V received glibenclamide 5 mg/kg. A sham group (group VI) was added that received 10 mL/kg distilled water. All treatments were given orally. FBG, serum-lipid profiles, and body-weight changes were then measured. In vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity was also evaluated.ResultsThe doses were atoxic up to 2,000 mg/kg. There was α-amylase inhibition activity of 67.52% at 500 μg/mL with an IC50 of 4.595 μg/mL. The OGTT revealed an antihyperglycemic effect of the crude extract. This was not attributed to a hypoglycemic side effect. In the diabetic mouse model, it shrank FBG levels remarkably. There were also significant reductions in serum TC, TGs, VLDL-C, and LDL-C. Nevertheless, HDL-C and body-weight levels returned.ConclusionThe present study confirmed the safety and promising in vivo antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic activity of D. barnimiana, thus corroborating the traditional claim.

Mineral and phenolic compositions, antioxidant activity and GC-MS analysis of the leaves of Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl. from Côte d’Ivoire

The main objective of this study is to contribute to the valuation of Anchomanes difformis, a plant whose leaves are used for its oxytocic effect at the end of pregnancy and its use in the treatment of rheumatism in Côte d'Ivoire. The X-ray fluorescence spectrometer assay showed that the leaves of Anchomanes difformis contain (mg / 100g): K / 2061; P / 315.2; Ca / 1268; Na / 206.9; Mg / 653.8; Fe / 116.4; Cu / 0.79; Zn / 10.03 and Mn / 68.59. The quantitative spectrophotometric analysis of the phenolic compounds of the hydromethanolic crude extract of the leaves made it possible to determine the contents of total polyphenols (6.12 mg EAG / g), total flavonoids (mg EC / g), condensed tannins (0.637%) and hydrolyzable (0.312%). The evaluation of the antioxidant activity, measured by spectrophotometry against the stable free radical DPPH, revealed that the study extract (0.598 mg / ml) is less effective than vitamin C (0.032 mg / ml) taken as a reference. GC-MS analysis of the hydromethanolic extract revealed the existence of several phenolic compounds, the presence of which would be responsible for the therapeutic virtues of the leaves of Anchomanes difformis.

Ameliorative role of mixed hydro-methanolic (60:40) extract of Andrographis Paniculata on chromium (VI)-induced immunomodulation in male albino rats

The immune system controls the body’s homeostatic state and helps to defend against infections. Activation and expansion of many biomolecules are crucial for the homeostatic state. Chromium, a common heavy metal found in nature, is an active in its hexavalent state. The abundant use of chromium in paints, steel plants, intoxicated the workers and modulates their body homeostasis. In this article, we were intended to evaluate the role of Andrographis paniculata Nees extract on restoration of the body homeostatic state in terms of immune system. For the present investigation, a group of male albino rats (80–100 g) were induced by intraperitonial injection of vehicle (0.9% NaCl), Potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) (0.8 mg / 100 g body weight / day), K2Cr2O7 plus mixed hydro-methanol solvent extract in the ratio of 60:40 at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight daily at an interval of six hours after injection of K2Cr2O7 for a period of 28 days. We found that Cr (VI) induces a hyper response of pro-inflammatory cytokines followed by apoptosis in liver and lung tissue. Excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is controlling the whole phenomena. The A. paniculata Nees extract successively inhibit the ROS generation, as a result a significant quenching of pro-inflammatory cytokine production was noted. A. paniculata Nees extract prompted decrease amount of ROS and its associated inflammation provoke the cell survival and helps to maintain a homeostatic state of the body.

Polyphenol Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Tapirira guianensis Aubl. (Anarcadiaceae) Leaves.

Tapirira guianensis (Anacardiaceae) is a natural resource from the Amazonian Forest and is locally known in French Guiana as “loussé” (creole), “tata pilili” (wayãpi), or “ara” (palikur). The tree is used by indigenous populations for medicinal purposes. To increase the potential of this tree for cosmetic, agro-food, or pharmaceutical uses, extracts were obtained through ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) from T. guianensis leaves using various extraction solvents such as water, methanol, and methanol–water (85/15; v/v). Chemical (DPPH, TEAC, ORAC) tests were applied to assess the anti-radical potential of these extracts. The polyphenol contents were determined by spectrophotometric (UV/Visible) and by means of chromatographic (UPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-MSn) methods. Tapirira guianensis leaf hydromethanolic extract produced the highest polyphenol content and exhibited antiradical activities in chemical assays (DPPH, TEAC, and ORAC) similar to (or higher than) those of a well-known antiradical plant, green tea. In T. guianensis, two classes of polyphenols were evidenced: (1) galloylquinic acids (identified for the first time in the studied species) and (2) flavonols and flavanols (present in small amounts). Flavonols seemed to play a major role in the antioxidant activity of DPPH. These findings provide a rationale for the use of T. guianensis in traditional medicine and to pave the way for seeking new biological properties involving this Amazonian tree.

The hematological and histological studies for the hepatoprotective-like effect of the hydromethanolic extract and the fractions of Viola serpens Wall.

Traditionally, Viola serpens has been used in the treatment of several human disorders including liver diseases without any scientific evidence. As the current therapies are not very effective and face challenges of unwanted effects and patient compliance, therefore more effective and safe agents are highly needed. The current study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of the crude extract and subsequent fractions of the whole plant in the in-vivo model using various hematological and histopathological parameters followed by an HPLC study for the identification of phenolic compounds. Rabbits (1000-1200 g) were used in the study. Paracetamol (2g) was used to induce hepatotoxicity in experimental rabbits. The plant extract was used in two doses (150 and 300 mg/kg body weights) for eight days. The hematological parameters AST, ALT and ALP values were determined along with the histopathology of the liver. Phenolic compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) Agilent-1260 infinity from their retention time, UV spectra and available standards while quantification was done taking the percent peak area. The doses 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight seemed to be more effective. The hematological values and the histopathological slides show the hepatoprotective effect of the plant. Regeneration indicated the presence of nuclei, nuclear cleaning, prominent nucleoli, RBC's, central veins and plates of hepatocytes. The HPLC studies revealed the presence of a number of phenicol compounds. The crude extract and the subsequent fractions of the plant possess strong hepatoprotective activity, providing a scientific rationale for its uses in the treatment of liver toxicities.

Additive effect of the probiotics Lactobacillus exopolysaccharides and the Satureja calamintha extracts on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli adhesion

This study assessed the inhibitory potential of the probiotics Lactobacillus (LB) exopolysaccharides (EPS) with or without extracts of Satureja calamintha on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEc) responsible for gastroenteritis. Methanolic and hydromethanolic extracts were prepared by cold maceration and subjected to phytochemical screening. The compounds of the extracts were determined with the colorimetric assays and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Antioxidant activities of the extracts were also evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging. Antibacterial effect on EPEc was evaluated by using both agar disc diffusion and microdilution methods. The in vitro test of auto-aggregation was investigated. Microbiological analysis showed that 63% of the isolated LB were producing EPS, with the amount ranging from 8.21 to 43.13 mg/L. Chemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids, more abundant in the hydromethanolic extract, which presented the highest content with 2.11 mg EGA/g of polyphenol and 1.64 mg EC/g of flavonoids and 1.71 mg EGA/g of polyphenol and 1.15 mg EC/g of flavonoids in the methanolic extract. Hydromethanolic extracts and EPS exhibited a more important activity than did the methanolic extract against EPEc. The combined action of EPS and extracts reduced the aggregation ability of EPEc and decreased the rate of their adhesion.

Antimalarial Activity of Solvent Fractions of the Stem Bark of Periploca linearifolia Quart.-Dill. & A.Rich. (Asclepiadaceae) Against Plasmodium berghei in Mice.

BackgroundCurrently, malaria elimination is intimidated by the emergence of antimalarial drug and insecticide resistance. This scenario urges scientists to develop new antimalarial drugs, where plant-based compounds are the major candidates.ObjectiveThe objective of this experiment was to examine the antimalarial activities of the solvent fractions of the stem bark of P. linearifolia in mice.MethodsThe dried hydromethanolic extract was treated with n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate solvents based on increasing order of polarity. For the suppressive test, after three hours post-inoculation of P. berghei, the first group was administered the vehicle 2 mL/100 g. The second group was given chloroquine 25 mg/kg, whereas the remaining nine groups were administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of each of the chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. Furthermore, the aqueous fraction was evaluated using Rane’s model for the curative test. The result was statistically analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results were considered significant at P < 0.05.ResultsIn the suppressive test, the solvent fractions suppressed parasitemia level significantly (P < 0.01 for 100 mg/kg, P < 0.001 for 200 and 400 mg/kg of the aqueous and P < 0.01 for 200 mg/kg, P < 0.001 for 400 mg/kg of chloroform fractions) as compared to vehicle-treated mice, whereas in the curative model 400 mg/kg of the aqueous fraction (P < 0.01) showed a significant parasitemia level reduction.ConclusionThe results of this study indicated that the solvent fractions have promising antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei, which is consistent with the earlier in vivo study of the hydromethanolic extract.

Phytochemical Screening and Protective Effects of Prunus persica Seeds Extract on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a dynamic environmental toxin released from chemical factories and its concentration in the atmosphere is accelerating at an alarming proportion. The potential presence of CCl4 in the human body causes liver injury via free radical stimulated inflammatory responses. In this study, protective effects of hydromethanolic seeds extract of Prunus persica (PPHM) were evaluated for free radical scavenging potential in CCl4 mediated acute liver toxicity in the murine model. Followed by acute oral toxicity analysis, liver cells of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with CCl4 and subsequently, the chemoprophylactic effect of extract (400 mg/Kg dose) was evaluated using in vivo studies including, silymarin as the positive control. Biochemical parameters, staining (hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and Masson's Trichome) and quantitative gene expression analysis via real-time PCR were used to evaluate hepatic damage control. The results illustrated that PPHM extract exhibit strong anti-oxidant activity, comparable to the positive control, gallic acid. Research study results also demonstrated that the extract treatment at 400 mg/Kg concentration is highly effective in protecting liver damage due to CCl4 exposure. Mechanistic investigations indicated that the therapeutic action of PPHM was correlated with the increase in Nrf2, NQO-1 and decrease in collagen III mRNA genes expression compared to CCl4 treated group. Accordingly, our research study indicated that PPHM alleviated CCl4-mediated oxidative stress through Nrf2/NQO-1 pathway, thereby protecting liver damage against environmental toxins. Our findings provide supportive evidence to suggest PPHM as a novel nontoxic hepatoprotective agent.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. extract from Algeria

The present study evaluates the antioxidant and antibacterial activities as well as the chemical composition of the aerial part of Adiantum capillus-veneris L., which are endemic to the flora of Algeria. The total phenolic amount of the hydromethanolic extract, as measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent procedure, was found to be about 23.44 ± 0.14 mg GAE/g DW, while the flavonoid content value was 4.66 ± 0.01 mg CE/g DW, as measured by aluminum chloride colorimetric method. The antioxidant power of the extract was analyzed using the DPPH method. DPPH radicals were scavenged with an IC50 value of 65.85 µg/mL. The antibacterial activity of hydromethanolic extract against five bacterial strains of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 25853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pneumoniae and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 10876) were carried out using the disc diffusion test and the microdilution method. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most sensitive bacterium with inhibition zone of 9.0 ± 1.1 cm and MIC=10 mg/mL. Based on HPLC analysis, we find that quercetin 3-O-glucoside was the most abundant compound in the plant extract. This study demonstrates that Adiantum capillus-veneris could be a potential natural source of antibacterial and antioxidant compounds.

Chemical constituents from Carica papaya Linn. leaves as potential cytotoxic, EGFRwt and aromatase (CYP19A) inhibitors; a study supported by molecular docking.

The phytochemical investigation of the hydromethanolic extract of Carica papaya Linn. leaves (Caricaceae) resulted in the isolation and characterization of ten compounds, namely; carpaine (1), methyl gallate (2), loliolide (3), rutin (4), clitorin (5), kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside (6), isoquercetin (7), nicotiflorin (8) and isorhamnetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (9). The compounds 2, 3, 5–7 and 9 were isolated for the first time from the genus Carica. An in vitro breast cancer cytotoxicity study was evaluated with an MCF-7 cell line using the MTT assay. Methyl gallate and clitorin demonstrated the most potent cytotoxic activities with an IC50 of 1.11 ± 0.06 and 2.47 ± 0.14 μM, respectively. Moreover, methyl gallate and nicotiflorin exhibited potential EGFRwt kinase inhibition activities with an IC50 of 37.3 ± 1.9 and 41.08 ± 2.1 nM, respectively, compared with the positive control erlotinib (IC50 = 35.94 ± 1.8 nM). On the other hand, clitorin and nicotiflorin displayed the strongest aromatase kinase inhibition activities with an IC50 of 77.41 ± 4.53 and 92.84 ± 5.44 nM, respectively. Clitorin was comparable to the efficacy of the standard drug letrozole (IC50 = 77.72 ± 4.55). Additionally, molecular docking simulations of the isolated compounds to EGFR and human placental aromatase cytochrome P450 (CYP19A1) were evaluated. Methyl gallate linked with the EGFR receptor through hydrogen bonding with a pose score of −4.5287 kcal mol−1 and RMSD value of 1.69 Å. Clitorin showed the strongest interaction with aromatase (CYP19A1) for the breast cancer receptor with a posing score of −14.2074 and RMSD value of 1.56 Å. Compounds (1–3) possessed a good bioavailability score with a 0.55 value.

Antitrypanosomal Effect of Hydromethanolic Extract of Solanum anguivi Lam on Field Isolates of Trypanosoma congolense Infected Mice.

Introduction Trypanosomiasis is one of the world's most serious infectious diseases caused by Trypanosoma parasites. Concern about resistance to conventional antitrypanosomal drugs, mosquito vector resistance to existing insecticide side effects of existing antitrypanosomal drugs justifies the urgent need for more effective, tolerable, and affordable drugs. Objective The present study is aimed at determining the in vivo antitrypanosomal effect of the hydromethanolic extracts of Solanum anguivi fruit extracts against the field isolates of T. congolense. Methods The 80% methanol extracts of S. anguivi fruits were prepared by cold maceration technique. In vivo curative tests were done to check the effect of plant extract against T. congolense in Swiss albino mice. Plant extracts were administered at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/body weight. Acute toxicity of the extracts at 2000 mg/kg was performed according to OECD guidelines. Data obtained from the experiment were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test. Results This study indicated that extract did not exhibit any sign of acute toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg/body weight. In curative test, extracts reduced parasitemia, preventing the drop in packed cell volume and body weight significantly (p < 0.05), compared to control. Groups provided with the extract before infection got prolonged incubation period with chemoprophylactic effect at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Phytochemical analysis showed presence of flavonoids, steroids, triterpens, saponins, glycosides, tannins, and alkaloids. Conclusion The extract showed promising curative. Further effort is required to isolate and purify specific compounds responsible for antitrypanosomal activity of studied plant.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities of Jasminum multiflorum (Burm. F.) Andrews Leaves towards MCF-7 Breast Cancer and HCT 116 Colorectal Cell Lines and Identification of Bioactive Metabolites.

The plants of high phenolic contents are perfect antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents and participate in biological studies as effective agents towards different cancer cell lines. To investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of the hydromethanolic leaf extract of Jasminum multiflorum (Burm. f.) Andrews. (J. multiflorum), and phenolic profiling of the extract. The antioxidant activity for the extract was estimated using β-Carotene-linoleic and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by histamine release assay. Cytotoxicity of J. multiflorum was performed using a neutral red uptake assay towards breast cancer (MCF-7) and colorectal cancer (HCT 116) cell lines. Phenolic profiling of the leaves was characterized using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detector-mass spectroscopy-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS), and chromatographic isolation and identification of the isolated compounds were performed using spectroscopic and NMR data, and virtual docking was performed to the isolated compounds against HSP90 (HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 90). At a concentration of 75 μg mL-1, J. multiflorum extract showed high antioxidant power; 68.23±0.35 % inhibition and 60.30±0.60 a TEAC (μmol Trolox g-1) for β-Carotene-linoleic assay and FRAP assay; respectively, and possessed anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 67.2 μg/ml. J. multiflorum showed high cytotoxic activity with IC50 of 24.81 μg/ml and 11.38 μg/ml for MCF-7 and HCT 116 cell lines, respectively. HPLC-PDA-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified 39 compounds; major compounds are secoiridoid glycosides, kaempferol, and quercetin glycosides, in addition to simple phenylethanoid compounds. Isolation of active metabolites was performed and led to the isolation and identification of four compounds. On the basis of docking study using HSP90 legend, kaempferol neohesperidoside showed a high cytotoxic potential supported by a high affinity score towards HSP90 legend protein. Jasminum multiflorum is a good candidate to isolate cytotoxic agents.

Carissa macrocarpa Leaves Polar Fraction Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rats via Downregulating the Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers.

Chemotherapeutic-related toxicity exacerbates the increasing death rate among cancer patients, necessitating greater efforts to find a speedy solution. An in vivo assessment of the protective effect of the C. macrocarpa leaves polar fraction of hydromethanolic extract against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced neurotoxicity was performed. Intriguingly, this fraction ameliorated Dox-induced cognitive dysfunction; reduced serum ROS and brain TNF-α levels, upregulated the brain nerve growth factor (NGF) levels, markedly reduced caspase-3 immunoexpression, and restored the histological architecture of the brain hippocampus. The in vivo study results were corroborated with a UPLC-ESI-MS/MS profiling that revealed the presence of a high percentage of the plant polyphenolics. Molecular modeling of several identified molecules in this fraction demonstrated a strong binding affinity of flavan-3-ol derivatives with TACE enzymes, in agreement with the experimental in vivo neuroprotective activity. In conclusion, the C. macrocarpa leaves polar fraction possesses neuroprotective activity that could have a promising role in ameliorating chemotherapeutic-induced side effects.

HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY QUANTIFICATION OF OLEANOLIC ACID IN LAUNAEA TARAXACIFOLIA AND LARVICIDAL ACTIVITY AGAINST ANOPHELES GAMBIAE

Objective: One of the measures used to prevent malaria is the management of breeding sites. For preventive and ecologically profitable control, the use of bio-larvicides made from active plant extracts would be an asset for the control of malaria vectors, in particular Anopheles gambiae. Advances in pharmacognosy have revealed the benefits of several phytochemicals with very rich and varied therapeutic effects. Among the latter, oleanolic acid (OA) is quite remarkable because of its various and multiple properties, much of which is demonstrated with the leaves of Launaea taraxacifolia. Methods: After a liquid-liquid fractionation with different organic solvents of the hydro-methanolic extract of Launaea taraxacifolia, we obtained three fractions named Fhex (hexane fraction), FDCM (dichloromethane fraction) and FHM (hydro-methanolic fraction) which were tested on 3rd instar Anopheles gambiae larvae. Results: Fhex proved to be the most active with LC50 of 120.11 ppm and 69.50 ppm respectively in 24 and 48 hours of contact. We then developed a new method of Ultra-Violet High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC / UV) method and determined the quantity of oleanolic acid in the Fhex and FDCM fractions to be respectively 0.46% and 0.23% . Conclusion: Launaea taraxacifolia has a larvicidal potential due to the presence of oleanolic acid whose inhibitory effect against Anopheles gambiae larvae.

Phenolic Constituents of Anethum graveolens Seed Extracts: Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Effect Studies

The Aim of the Research: Anethum graveolens (dill) is a common herb used in traditional Romanian cuisine, as well as in phytotherapy. Dill seeds have been reported to be rich in antioxidants. As interest in food additives of natural origin has increased in recent years, the purpose of this paper was to study the composition and antioxidant potential of Romanian dill seeds.&#x0D; Methodology: In this study, the total phenolics contents, the phenolic profile, and the antioxidant properties of the methanolic and hydromethanolic extracts of Romanian dill seeds were investigated. Folin-Ciocalteu assay, DPPH spectrophotometrically method and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography RP-HPLC, respectively were applied.&#x0D; Results: The highest content of total phenolics was found in acidified methanol samples (46.5 - 46.8 mg GAE/g dry seeds). RP-HPLC analysis highlights important content of quercetin, kaempferol, caffeic acid, sinapic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, (±) - catechin and umbelliferone. Antioxidant activity, measured via DPPH free radical scavenging ability, showed very high values (93.5 - 95.6% for the crude extracts and 67.5 - 93.2% for extracts at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL). Methanolic extract exhibited the best IC50 value (88.7 ± 0.01 μg/mL).&#x0D; Conclusion: All experiments proved the antioxidant activity of dill seed extracts.

Comparative study of chemical composition, antioxidant and anticancer activities of both Turbinaria decurrens Bory methanol extract and its biosynthesized gold nanoparticles

Turbinaria decurrens Bory (T. decurrens), an Egyptian marine brown macroalga scattered along the coastline of the red sea, is used in some countries as food and medicine containing a diverse group of phytochemicals with unique bioactivities. Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has also received a lot of attention as an alternative to physical and chemical methods. Thence, the primary goal of this work is to develop a green synthesis of AuNPs using hydromethanolic extract (HME) of T. decurrens. UV–visible spectra, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, XRD, and TEM analyses were used to investigate the size, shape, crystal structure, and agglomeration of biogenic AuNPs. AuNPs were virtually spherical and had a medium size ranges between 10.07 and 19.72 nm. The presence of functional groups of algal extract compounds adsorbed on the surface of AuNPs was confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. HME was assayed for polyphenols (28.86 ± 0.57 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), flavonoids (11.63 ± 0.17 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract), total protein (35.05 ± 0.45 mg/g extract), and soluble sugars (15.45 ± 0.26 mg/g extract). Also, the HPLC analysis was used to analyze the phenolic profile of HME. Using the MTT assay against four cell lines of human cancer, the efficacy of both HME and biogenic AuNPs as cytotoxic agents was investigated and compared to both normal WI-38 cell lines and Doxorubicin as a standard drug. Results of the acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining method, DNA fragmentation, and upgrade of the caspase activity confirmed the apoptotic mechanisms for cytotoxicity. In the case of HME, there was a discriminative inhibition of cancer cell growth of HEPG-2, whereas AuNPs had strong activity against three cancer cell lines and moderate activity against A549. Besides, HME and AuNPs were tested for antioxidant activity using DPPH and ABTS assays in comparison to Trolox, a standard drug, and the results revealed that both HME and AuNPs have effective antioxidant activity in a dose-based way. Our findings confirm the antioxidant and anticancer activities of HME and its AuNPs, as well as their potential as a therapeutic candidate in the treatment of oxidative stress diseases, particularly cancer.

Introduction pages

Notulae Scientia Biologicae (http://www.notulaebiologicae.ro), Issue 4, Volume 13, 2021: The papers published in this issue represent interesting novelties in different topics of life science. Among the exciting researches or reviews, we invite readers to find news about: Haemato-biochemical alterations and acute toxicity study of hydro-methanol root extract of Anacardium occidentale in cockerels; Diversity of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India; Molecular detection of Trypanosoma species and haematological alterations in four trypanosome-infected Nigerian horses; Cryopreservation of aromatic ginger Kaempferia galanga L. by encapsulation-dehydration; Comparative study of some physicochemical and biological properties of effect host species variation on the relationship Saharan parasitic plant Cistanche violaceae (Desf.) Beck.; Comparative leaf anatomy of ten Nepenthes L. species (Nepenthaceae) from Peninsular Malaysia; Seed germination response of Indian wild pear (Pyrus pashia) to gibberellic acid treatment and cold storage; Molecular and morphological characterization of Globodera rostochiensis (Wollenweber, 1923) Skarbilovich, 1959 from Egypt.