Icacina Trichantha Research Articles

Chemical constituents, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oils from fresh and air-dried leaves of <i>Icacina trichantha</i> (OLIV.)

We investigated and compared the constituents, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of the essential oils from the fresh and air- dried leaves of Icacina trichantha. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation, antimicrobial activities were tested on Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Pleisomonas shigellosis, Bacillus cereus, Proteus vulgaris, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis by agar diffusion method, while 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used for the antioxidant activities at 6.25-200 μg/mL of the oils compared with ascorbic acid as standard. The fresh and air-dried leaf oils gave 0.39% (w/w) and 0.33% (w/w) corresponding to 17 compounds representing 99.99%, and 10 compounds representing 100% respectively. Major compounds in the fresh leaf oil were 9-oxabicyclo [6.1.0] nonane (15.52%), Methyl isododecanoate(11.91%), Oleic acid (10.51%), 3-Cyclohexen-1-ol,3-methyl-(8.24%) and Phytol (7.70%), while Linoleic acid- (34.61%), Palmitic acid (20.74%), 9,17-Octadecadienal, (Z)- (12.98%), 9-Octadecenal (Z) (7.96%) and gamma-sitosterol (7.13%) were the major constituents of the air-dried oil. The fresh leaf oil 50 mg/mL, gave the highest zone of inhibition of 12 mm against Candida albicans while the air-dried oil had the highest zone of inhibition of 18 mm with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.20 mg/mL against C. tropicalis. The fresh leaf oil had the highest antioxidant activity of 73.85% at 100 μg/mL, while the air-dried and ascorbic acid had 70.25% and 69.23% respectively at 200 μg/mL. The fresh leaf oil comprised mainly oxygenated hydrocarbons (52.51%) while the air-dried oil had fatty acids (58.44%). Both oils were more antifungal than antibacterial and had a comparable antioxidant activity with ascorbic acid.

In-vitro Anti-hypertensive, Anti-oxidant and Anti-fungal Properties of Green Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles from Icacina Trichantha Leaf Aqueous Extract

In-vitro Anti-hypertensive, Anti-oxidant and Anti-fungal Properties of Green Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles from Icacina Trichantha Leaf Aqueous Extract

Stigmasterol and \u03b2-Sitosterol: Antimicrobial Compounds in the Leaves of Icacina trichantha identified by GC\u2013MS

BackgroundThe development of resistance to many antibiotics currently in use has necessitated the search for more effective alternatives. Plants have been used in ethnomedicine in different parts of the world to treat various diseases. Many studies on plants have confirmed their medicinal potentials and have led to the isolation and characterization of several potential drug candidates. This study investigates the leaves of Icacina trichantha for antimicrobial properties and seeks to identify the compounds responsible for the observed activities. The leaves of Icacina trichantha are used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of skin infections. In this study, a solvent-based fractionation of bioactive compounds in the leaves of Icacina trichantha was carried out using hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The resultant extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against six bacteria and four fungi using standard procedures. GC–MS analysis of the most active fraction was carried out.ResultsThe non-polar fraction (hexane) showed better antimicrobial activity than the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts. At 200 mg/mL, the fraction showed inhibition of 28.0 ± 0.82, 23.7 ± 0.47, and 24.6 ± 0.94 against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis,, respectively. At the same concentration, the extract showed zones of inhibition of 18.0 ± 0.82 against Candida albicans and Penicillium notatum. The lowest Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) values of 2.5 mg/mL were obtained against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis. GC–MS analysis of the hexane extract revealed 62 peaks, out of which ten peaks were successfully characterized.ConclusionsNone of the extracts screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities in this study is as potent as the standard drugs, Gentamicin and Tioconazole. The hexane extract, however, showed some activity against the microorganisms and was analyzed using GC–MS. The hexane extract contained many bioactive compounds, some of which could not be identified. Two of the identified compounds, Stigmasterol and β-Sitosterol, are known to possess antimicrobial properties. However, the unidentified compounds could also have contributed significantly to the antimicrobial activities of the extract.

Biochemical and Physiochemical Assessment of Air Pollution Tolerance Index of Selected Plant Species at Ikpoba Okha Gas Flaring Site, Edo State, Nigeria

The Air Pollution Tolerance index (APTI) of six plants located within Ikpoba Okha gas flaring site in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria during wet and dry seasons were assessed. Plant samples for this research work were randomly collected from the vicinity of the flaring site. Six (6) sample of each plant was used for laboratory analysis. The plant parameters assessed include relative water content (RWC), the ascorbic acid content (AAC), total leaf chlorophyll (TLC) and pH extract of the leaves and were used to compute the Air pollution tolerance indices (APTI). Based on the analyzed result, the RWC in Drypetes leonensis, Ficus exasperata Vahl, Chromolaena odorata (Linn) and Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Smith species in dry season were higher than those in wet season. Icacina tricantha showed a relatively high level of acidity when compared to others. A. boonei De Wild has the highest ascorbic acid content in the leaves in both seasons. The highest level of chlorophyll contents was recorded in the dry season with Drypetes leonensis having the highest, followed by Icacina trichantha. There was no statistically significant difference in pH and total chlorophyll contents between samples collected in wet and dry season; however, there were significant difference observed in ascorbic acid and RWC in both seasons. APTI in wet and dry season showed a statistically significant difference. This study recommends planting of tolerant species that can acts as bio-indicators especially in gas flaring stations in Nigeria.

Phytochemical Investigation and Antimicrobial Activity of Hexane, Ethyl Acetate and Methanol Fractions from Stem Bark of Icacina Trichantha Oliv. (Icacinaceae)

Background: Micro-organisms are responsible for the transmission of a large number of diseases. It is hard to comprehend the amount of diseases, deaths and economic losses caused by micro-organisms alone. Plants are good sources of eco-friendly and readily available antimicrobial agents. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical constituents and antimicrobial characteristics of three fractions from ethnomedicinal Icacina trichantha. Oliv. (Icacinaceae).Methods: Methanol extract from Icacina trichantha. Oliv was obtained by maceration and fractionated successively using hexane, and ethyl acetate. The antimicrobial properties of Icacina trichantha. Oliv was assessed using agar cup diffusion method on MRSA, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, C. krusei, S. dysenteriae, S. pyrogenes, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, C. albicans, and C. tropicalis. Phytochemical screening on fractions was also evaluated using standard methods.Results: Phytochemical screening on fractions revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, steroids, tannins, and glycosides. Agar diffusion assay on fractions showed growth inhibitory effect on all the organisms except P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, and C. tropicalis. The MIC revealed that n-hexane fraction was active against MRSA, S. pyrogenes, E. coli, K. pneumonia, C. albicans and C. krusei at 10 mg/mL while S. dysenteriae was active at 5 mg/mL. The ethyl acetate fraction was active against all the organisms at a concentration of 5 mg/mL except P.aeruginosa, S.typhi and C.tropicalis. Methanol fraction showed activity of 5 mg/mL against MRSA, S. pyrogenes, E. coli, S. dysenteriae, C. albicans and C. krusei except for K. pneumoniae with activity at 10 mg/mL. Minimum bactericidal concentration/fungicidal concentration MBC/MFC evaluated on the n-hexane fraction revealed that MRSA, S. pyrogenes, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. dysenteriae, C. albicans, and C. krusei were activeat 20 mg/mL, while the ethyl acetate fraction had MBC/MFC of 10 mg/mL against all the organisms except P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, C. tropicalis. Methanol extract had MBC/MFC of 10 mg/mL against MSRA, E.coli and S. dysenteriae whereas S. pyrogenes, K. pneumoniae, C. albicans and C. krusei had MBC/MFC at 20 mg/mL.Conclusion: Icacina trichantha. Oliv. contain constituents with concentration dependent antimicrobial properties based on type of organism. The plant could be useful in the prevention and treatment of multi-resistant disease causing microorganisms.

19-nor-pimaranes from Icacina trichantha

Four new unusual 19-nor-pimarane-type diterpenes were isolated from the tuber of Icacina trichantha (Icacinaceae, Oliv.). The structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic and HRMS analysis. The absolute configurations were determined by electronic circular dichroism. All four compounds are structural analogues of icacinol and humirianthol, but do not demonstrate the same cytotoxic activity. A plausible biogenetic pathway is proposed.

Ethnopharmacology-aided antiplasmodial evaluation of six selected plants used for malaria treatment in Nigeria

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSub – Saharan Africa has a high malaria burden and Nigeria accounts for majority of malaria cases worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected plants extracts used against malaria in Nigeria for antiplasmodial activity. Materials and methodsAn ethnomedicinal based - approach by literature survey was used to identify plants used in the study. The parts of the plant used were collected and extracted with 70% v/v ethanol; a portion of each extract was used to prepare successive solvent and residual fractions. Chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) P. falciparum strain and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) were used for antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity screening respectively. Hemolysis assay was also carried out on red blood cells (RBCs). Test for in vivo efficacy of an active extract was conducted in a mouse model of established P. berghei ANKA-infection. ResultsA total of six plants; Andropogon schirensis, Celtis durandii, Chasmanthera dependens, Daniellia ogea, Icacina trichantha and Triumfetta cordifolia were selected and screened. Triumfetta cordifolia leaf extract was observed to display moderate in vitro antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 48.09 μg/ml) and was non-toxic to HEK293 cells and erythrocytes. At a dose of 400 mg/kg, T. cordifolia significantly (p<0.001) suppressed parasitemia, significantly (p<0.001) inhibited RBC depletion and prolonged survival in infected mice. ConclusionsT. cordifolia ethanol extract possesses antiplasmodial efficacy and this is the first report of its kind on the plant. It is a potential candidate for further studies to identify its mechanism of action.

Impact of mining on the floristic association of gold mined sites in Southwest Nigeria

BackgroundOccurrences in land use, human activities and climate change have both direct and indirect influences on the environment. Of interest for this study is mining; a common activity in developing countries such as Nigeria which is endowed with over 34 solid minerals. The gold mining sites in the Southwest region of the country is predominantly by Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM). Though the benefits are known, its induced consequences are enormous. To understand its extent of floristic diversity, identification of functional plants and plant species surviving on the mined sites (despite its characterized mining and alteration level); this study compared the floristic composition of an abandoned mining site (Site 1), an active mining site (Site 2) and an undisturbed vegetation sites (Control) of similar vegetation zone.ResultsA total of 54, 28 and 37 species belonging to 31, 20 and 23 families were found on Site 1, Site 2 and the control site, respectively. It shows that the floristic composition of all the sites has been altered due to its past intense agricultural colonization and human activities, but severe on Site 1 and 2 due to mining. Lots of the identified species are functional species and stand as ecological indicators. Species such as Acanthus montanus and Icacina trichantha found on the Control sites are native and significance but species such as Capsicum frutescens and Crassocephalum crepidioides on Site 2 are due to human inference while most species on Site 1 shows both original and altered floristic composition (e.g. Adenia venenata and Grewia flavescens).ConclusionsApart from the on-going farming activities, ASM activities such as pollution, deforestation and exposure of the forest soils to direct sunlight has greatly stressed and disturbed the floristic composition, species richness, life form patterns, of the mined sites as well as introduction of non-native plant species. It is therefore necessary to develop effective approaches and policies to curb these illegal ASM activities, empower the community (especially youths), stabilize the economy and establish sustainable development strategies with adequate reclamation measures.

Evaluation of the Hypoglycemic Activity of Methanol Extract of Icacina Trichantha Tuber in Alloxan‐Induced Diabetic Rats and Isolation of the Active Principle

Icacina trichantha tuber, traditionally acclaimed for its efficacy in the treatment of food poisoning, constipation, diabetes mellitus, malaria, and impotence was in this study evaluated for hypoglycaemic activity in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats, and also the hypoglycaemic principle was isolated and characterized. In vitro toxicity studies was conducted on MDA‐MB‐435 human melanoma, HT‐29 human colon cancer and 3T3‐L1 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell lines while in vivo acute and chronic toxicity studies were performed with varying doses of the extract in rats. The effects of I. trichantha tuber extract on blood glucose levels were investigated in vivo using the oral glucose loading and pancreatic β‐cells destruction with alloxan monohydrate. Thirty (30) rats weighing between 150 and 200 g were randomly assigned to 5 groups (A–E) of 6 rats each. Group A (negative control) was given distilled water (10 ml/kg), group B (positive control) received glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) while groups C, D and E were administered 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg of the extract respectively. The active fractions were isolated following further bioassay‐guided chromatographic separation techniques. Data collected were analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance.. Mean differences were considered significant at p &lt; 0.05. The extract was tolerated by the rats up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg per os. Icacina trichantha tuber extract caused a significant (p &lt; 0.05) dose‐dependent reduction of blood glucose at 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg (per os) when compared to the control group at 6 hours, 12 hours and on days 7, 14 and 21of treatment. The tuber extract also improved the symptoms of Diabetes mellitus by significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increasing the serum HDL and reducing serum LDL and triglycerides. The 400 mg/kg extract and 600 mg/kg extract resulted to a significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in serum triglycerides levels on 21st day when compared to the diabetic control group. Chronic administration of I. trichantha tuber extract in feed did not show any significant (p &lt; 0.05) difference in the haematological parameters nor was there any marked histopathological lesion. Five compounds were isolated from Icacina trichantha tuber extract viz 17‐Hydroxy‐icacinol, Icacinol, Humirianthol, Humirianthenolide C, and Icacenone. 17‐Hydroxy‐icacinol exerted about 48% reduction of hyperglycemia in diabetic rats and thus identified as the most active. All five compounds displayed significant cytotoxicity on the MDA‐MB‐435 cell line (IC50 0.66–6.44 μM), while Icacinol, Humirianthol, and Humirianthenolide C exhibited cytotoxic activity on the HT‐29 cells (IC50 3.00 – 4.94 μM). This study validates the folkloric use of the tuber and led to the isolation of three 9βH‐pimarane diterpenes (17‐Hydroxy‐icacinol, Icacinol, and Humirianthol), and two 17‐nor‐9βH‐pimarane diterpenes (Humirianthenolide C, and Icacenone) from the tuber of I. tricantha.Support or Funding InformationInstitute of International Education of the United States, Fulbright Junior Scholar Development Award (Grantee ID No. 15120356).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Hematology and Blood Serum Chemistry of Albino Rat Fed Variously Processed False Yam (Icacina trichantha) Root Tuber at Varying Replacement Levels for Maize

Hematology and Blood Serum Chemistry of Albino Rat Fed Variously Processed False Yam (Icacina trichantha) Root Tuber at Varying Replacement Levels for Maize

Activity of Icacinol from Icacina trichantha on Seedling Growth of Oryza sativa and Arabidopsis thaliana.

Broadleaf weeds are very costly for crop growers. Additional herbicidal compounds need to be obtained, especially from natural sources. Extracts of Icacina trichantha were evaluated for responses in germinating seeds and seedlings of rice (Oryza sativa) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). An ethyl acetate fraction of I. trichantha tuber and a diterpenoid constituent, icacinol (1), were found to have impacts on germination and growth of seedlings. The seed germination inhibitory activity on rice was minimal, but significant on Arabidopsis. While rice indicated some growth delay in leaf expansion in the presence of 1, the effects appeared temporary; chlorophyll and anthocyanins were not significantly altered compared to DMSO controls. Rice seedlings attained biomass similar to DMSO controls, and rice grains per panicle were not significantly different from the DMSO controls. On the other hand, Arabidopsis exhibited damage to leaf expansion, reduced chlorophyll, and increased anthocyanins in aerial portions of the seedlings. Icacinol (1) may be a suitable chemical agent to investigate further for the treatment of eudicot weeds.

16,17-Dinor- and 17,19-dinor-pimaranes from Icacina trichantha

16,17-Dinor- and 17,19-dinor-pimaranes from Icacina trichantha

In vivo and in vitro antioxidant fffects of Icacina trichantha tuber extract

The phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the methanol extract of Icacina trichantha tuber were evaluated using standard assays. The antioxidant potential was studied with both in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro procedures involved the use of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) spectrophotometrically. The in vivo models quantified the gradation in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities in rats that were fed on graded doses of the extract incorporated in feed for 12 weeks. DPPH assay revealed that the crude extract possessed a high antioxidant capacity of 67.3% compared to 80.3% with ascorbic acid at 400 μg/ml. The findings from the FRAP test buttressed the fact that the extract displayed a remarkably high and dose-dependent antioxidant effect with a maximal value of 6.7 μM at 800 μg/ml. The extract also exhibited potent in vivo antioxidant effects when the plasma MDA levels became depressed while the serum SOD, CAT and GSH values of test rats that received the medium and high dose (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg feed) of the extract were significantly (p<0.05) elevated from days 60-90 compared to values in the control and low dose (0.25 g/kg feed) of the extract. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, sterols and terpenes in the crude methanol extract of I. trichantha tuber. The results of the study demonstrated that I. trichantha tuber extract possessed high in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities. The extract could be a potential source for the isolation of novel plant-derived antioxidant agents. Key words : Antioxidant, Icacina trichantha , Free radicals, Bioassay.

Correction to Di-nor and 17-nor-pimaranes from Icacina trichantha.

Correction to Di-nor and 17-nor-pimaranes from Icacina trichantha.

(9βH)-Pimaranes and Derivatives from the Tuber of Icacina trichantha.

New 17-nor-pimaranes (1, 2), (9βH)-pimaranes (3, 4), and 17-nor-(9βH)-pimarane (5) were isolated from the tuber of Icacina trichantha. The structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic and HRMS data. The absolute configurations of 3 and 5 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 5 possesses a unique 19,20-δ-lactone moiety. Compound 3 showed cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-435 (human melanoma cancer) cells with an IC50 value of 7.04 μM. A plausible biogenetic pathway for compounds 1-5 is proposed.

Icacinlactone H and Icacintrichantholide from the Tuber of Icacina trichantha.

The 17-norpimarane diterpene is a small group of natural products. A new member, icacinlactone H (1), and a new rearranged 17-norpimarane with an unprecedented carbon skeleton, icacintrichantholide (2), were isolated from Icacina trichantha. Their structures including the absolute configuration were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism analysis. A plausible biogenetic pathway for 1 and 2 is proposed. Both 1 and 2 showed no significant activity against herpes simplex viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 as well as the Epstein-Barr virus at 50 μM.

Further (9βH)-pimaranes and derivatives from Icacina trichantha

Further (9βH)-pimaranes and derivatives from Icacina trichantha

Evaluation of Two Indigenous Multipurpose Shrub Species for Agroforestry Practices in Nigeria

Trees integrated with crops in time and space help nutrient cycling on farms by increasing the supply and availability of nutrient in the crop root zone and reducing nutrient losses. An analysis to determine the nutrient composition of two indigenous multipurpose shrubs (Uvaria chamae p. beauv and Icacina trichantha oliv) of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, was conducted in the lowland rainforest agro-ecological zone. The roots and leaves of the shrubs were collected from the three agro-ecological (mangrove, freshwater swamp and lowland rainforest) zones and analysed for nutrient contents including the soils. Nitrogen content was determined using Kjeldahl method while phosphorus and potassium were determined by flame photometry method. The results indicated a great variability in the nutrient composition of the two species. Nitrogen content in the leaves and roots of Icacina trichantha was 2.78% and 1.17% while that of Uvaria chamae was 1.85% and 0.65% respectively. The percentage phosphorus composition in the roots of Icacina trichantha was 0.09% while that of Uvaria chamae was 0.07%. Whereas in the leaves sample, Uvaria chamae had phosphorus content of 0.10%, the percentage composition of potassium in Uvaria chamae was 0.09% while Icacina trichantha had 0.05% respectively. In the roots, Icacina trichantha and Uvaria chamae had 0.11% and 0.09% potassium content respectively. The two indigenous multipurpose shrubs contained essential nutrient sources for growth and high crop yield. It is therefore recommended that farmers could intercrop these species with food crops in their farmland to improved soil fertility.Keywords: Evaluation, indigenous, multipurpose shrubs, agroforestry, Nigeria

Effects of Processing on the Nutrient Composition of False Yam (Icacina trichantha) Flour

False yam (Icacina trichantha) tubers were processed into different flour samples: the raw; steeped-sun-dried; steeped- oven-dried; blanched-sun-dried and blanched-oven-dried samples. The nutrient composition: proximate and mineral elements contents of the flour samples were studied. The lipid, protein and carbohydrate contents of the samples ranged between 1.77 to 5.76%, 3.01 to 60.3% and 85.56 to 93.31% respectively, while the energy values ranged between 394.27 to 412.46 Kcal. Concentration of potassium, sodium, calcium and iron (among others) ranged between 20.835 and 31.51 mg/l, 2.409 and 18.890 mg/l, 90.250 and 112.550 mg/l to 0.777 and 2.840 mg/l respectively. False yam tuber, apart from being a good source of energy for man, is rich in mineral elements (potassium, sodium and calcium). Processing affected the levels of nutrients, in the flour samples.

English

Many Nigerian plants have been hypothesized to have anticancer potentials. However, not many of them have been subjected to acceptable scientific evaluation for their potential anticancer effects. In this study, six of such plants were selected to evaluate the effects of their crude, hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate, detanninfied and tannin fractions for brine shrimp lethality assay and the most cytotoxic fractions of each plant were further tested on gene expressions of TP53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) genes in human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Gladiolus psittacinus (Gps), Icacina trichantha (Itr), Spilanthes filicaulis (Sfi),Curculigo pilosa (Cpi), Anthocleista djalonensis (Adj), and Tapinanthus bangwensis (Tba) medicinal plants were selected for this study. Crude extracts of 80% aqueous ethanol macerated plant materials were fractionated into hexane, chloroform and ethylacetate fractions. The resultant aqueous fractions were detanninfied to produce aqueous detanninfied fractions and tannin fractions. The 36 panel of plant fractions produced from all the plants were used for the study. From our findings, hexane fraction of S. filicaulis (Sfi-HF) showed the highest cytotoxic effect (LC50 21.30 µg/ml) on brine shrimps showing a low signal of p53 gene expression but a high intensity of Rb gene expression in MCF-7 cell lines. Moreso, crude extract of G. psittacinus (Gps-CE) showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in TP53 gene expression in comparison with the control group and also a high intensity of Rb gene expression. Our results demonstrates the modulatory potentials of Sfi-HF and Gps-CE on TP53 and Rb gene expressions in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines suggesting a possible mode of action of Sfi-HF and Gps-CE amongst a panel of 36 extract fractions. Key words: TP53 gene, retinoblastoma (Rb) gene, brine shrimps, cytotoxicity, gene expression, medicinal plants