Indica Fruit Research Articles

Extraction, Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Secondary Metabolites of Coccinia Indica Fruits

In the last few years, there has been an exponential growth in the field of herbal medicine and gaining popularity both in developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and less side effects. Medicinal plants continue to be an important therapeutic aid for alleviating ailments of humankind. Coccinia Indica (C. indica, cucurbitaceae) is found in warmer and humid part of India. It is also known as Kundru, Bimbi, Lindora. The various extracts of fruit, root juice & leaves of the plant have been reported to be anti-diabetic, dysentery, vomiting, mouth ulcers and bronchitis, asthma and gastrointestinal disturbance. The phytochemicals of this plant include saponin, flavonoid, glycosides and polysaccharides, xyloglucan, taraxerol, carotenoids, cryptoxanthin. The aim of the present study is to examine C. indica fruits for phytochemical profile. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenolics and flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoids was carried out by Folins Ciocalteau reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, fixed oil and fats. The total phenolics content of fruits ethanolic extract was (4.3524 mg/100mg), followed by flavonoids (5.0900mg/100mg). The present study concluded that the crude extract of C. indica is a rich source of secondary phytoconstituents which impart significant antioxidant potential. This work also contributes significantly to support the claim about the use of this herb in folk medicines. Further investigation regarding isolation and purification of a number of phytoconstituents from fruits, leaves, stem, flowers and seeds of C. indica may yield optimal combinations of therapeutic alternates.
 Keywords: Coccinia indica, Qualitative analysis, Quantitative analysis, TPC, TFC, Folins Ciocalteau

Synthesis and Characterization of Yttrium Oxide, Copper Oxide and Barium Carbonate Nanoparticles Using Azadirachta Indica (the Neem Tree) Fruit Aqueous Extract

Green chemistry was used to prepare yttrium oxide (Y2O3), barium carbonate (BaCO3), and copper oxide (CuO) nano-particles (NPs) using aqueous Neem fruit extract Azadirachta indica as a capping agent. The resulted metal complexs were calcined at temperature of 650-900oC. The produced NPs were characterized using X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). XRD analysis confirmed the monoclinic structure for CuO NPs, orthorhombic structure for BaCO3 NPs and cubic structures for Y2O3 NPs. XRD data for the three metal oxides were matched with the ICDD standards. The crystallite size for the CuO, BaCO3 and Y2O3 NPs were 29.9, 49.0 and 10.3 nm, respectively. UV-vis spectroscopy showed that lambda max for the scanned suspended oxides were in the UV range which is an indication of the formation of nano-sized materials. STEM results showed agglomerated NPs with an average particle size of < 50 nm for all oxide samples. FTIR results confirmed that the metal-oxide bond existed and represented by bands in the range 500-700 nm-1.

Simultaneous extraction of four different bioactive compounds from Garcinia indica and their enrichment using Aqueous Two-Phase Systems

Garcinia indica fruits contain several important bioactive compounds like anthocyanin, garcinol, isogarcinol and hydroxycitric acid. Simultaneous extraction of these bioactive compounds from the dried G. indica fruit by employing water, acidified water and an aqueous mixture of ethanol and propanol as solvents and subsequent enrichment using Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPS) were studied. Aqueous 1-propanol (60% (v/v)) and aqueous ethanol (80% (v/v)) were found to be a superior solvent to extract anthocyanin, garcinol, isogarcinol and HCA compared to acidified water and water alone as solvent. The crude extract was further subjected to the PEG-salt and alcohol–salt based Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction (ATPE) for the simultaneous enrichment of garcinol, isogarcinol into top phase and anthocyanins and hydroxycitric acid towards the bottom phase. The ATPS containing ethanol and ammonium sulfate system with TLL of 38.60–43.28% was found suitable to enrich 86.33% of anthocyanins and 75.17% of HCA in salt-rich bottom phase and 96.39% of garcinol and 94.26% of isogarcinol in ethanol-rich top phase.

Comparative Studies on Phytochemical Screening and Metal analysis of alcoholic extracts of Musa acuminate, Actinidia deliciosa and Mangifer indica by using ICPOES and Flame Photometer

The acceptance of remedies in any system of medicine depends upon their efficacy and non-toxicity. There were many reports of rejecting Indian herbal products in various countries because of higher levels of heavy metal content than permitted. Though few are regarded as essential, some heavy metals, especially cadmium, mercury and lead, are potentially hazardous due to their intrinsic or selective toxicity, particularly in environmental contexts. In view of the importance of herbal drug standardization, it was contemplated to carry out the heavy metal determination in Musa Acuminate, Actinidia Deliciosa and Mangifer Indica fruits which were procured from local market. The metals like copper, iron, magnesium nickel, sodium and zinc in the alcoholic extracts of them by ICPOES. These extracts were also subjected to general phytochemical screening. Its an alarming bell for humankind if the heavy metal content is more than permitted in common edible commodities. Further study may require understanding the factors influencing the heavy metal content in commonly used fruits.

In vitro antitoxoplasmal activity of some medicinal plants

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a serious zoonotic protozoal disease that is distributed worldwide and can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. In most cases, it is asymptomatic, but in immunocompromised individuals, it is associated with severe neurological and gastrointestinal disorders. A previous serological prevalence investigation in Saudi Arabia indicated that the disease prevalence ranged between 25% and 51% in various areas. Recommended commercial drugs cannot achieve 100% clearance due to side effects. Hence, the development of new safe and affordable drugs is an important goal. Aim: In the present study, extracts from the leaves and fruit of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. collected from different areas, along with two other medicinal plants (Argemone mexicana L. and Xanthium brasilicum Vell.) with established antiprotozoal activity, will be evaluated for antitoxoplasmal activity using an in vitro technique. Materials and Methods: All plants were extracted with 100% methanol and examined for activity against the Toxoplasma gondii RH strain via an intracellularly invaded Vero cell line with calculated inhibition percentages. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay against the Vero cell line was used for cytotoxic evaluation, followed by selectivity index (SI) calculation. Results: X. brasilicum exhibited the best antitoxoplasmal activity with an IC50of 7.19 μg/ml, followed by the A. indica fruits collected from Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and leaves collected from Central Sudan with an IC50of 17.26 and 18.43 μg/ml, respectively. The best SI was obtained from the leaves of A. indica (6.28) collected from Sudan. Conclusion: Although X. brasilicum proved to have very potent antitoxoplasmal activity, the cytotoxicity was also very high, so the isolation of active compounds is highly recommended.

Effect of methyl jasmonate on physico-chemical properties of mango (Mangifera indica) fruits cv Dashehari during cold storage

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits are climacteric in nature and have a very limited shelf-life thereby it is a challenge for prolonged storage. Use of cold storage is alternative approach to enhance the shelf-life of mango. Therefore, an integrated approach for shelf-life extension of fruits is done by pre-treatment with safe chemicals and storage at low temperature. Mature fruits of mango Dashehari were treated with hot water (52±2oC), methyl jasmonate (0.01%), methyl salicylic acid and control (normal tap water) for 3 minutes and stored at low temperature (12±2oC and 85 to 90 % RH). Fruits were withdrawn at weekly interval and assessed for physico-chemical parameters. The cumulative physiological loss in weight (CPLW) was 10.26 per cent in control fruits, while it was 5.12% in fruits treated with methyl jasmonate on 28 day of storage. The CPLW were 13.95 and 8.64% for control and methyl jasmonate treated fruits, respectively on 28+3 days under ambient conditions. The TSS:acid ratio in untreated fruits was 7.39, whereas treated fruits had 7.65 on 28 day of storage. The acidity of the fruits decreased with increase in storage. Total carotenoids content of the treated and control fruits on 28 day of storage were 2.42 and 1.44 mg/100g, respectively. The fruits of mango cv Dashehari on the day of harvest had antioxidant content of 0.54 mili moles trolox equivalent, while it was 2.57 mili moles trolox equivalent compared to control on the 21 day of storage under cold storage (12±2 oC and 85 to 90 % RH). Conclusively methyl jasmonate 0.01% treated fruits of Dashehari could be stored for 28 plus 3 days than normal shelf-life of 21 days under cold storage (12±2o C and 85-90% RH).

The hypolipidemic effects of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract in normal and diet-induced hypercholesterolemic hamsters are associated with altered levels of serum proteins.

The hypolipidemic effects of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract (Ti-FPE) have been earlier reported but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still uncertain. In this study, hamsters fed with Ti-FPE, both in the absence and presence of high-cholesterol diet, were shown to have significantly reduced levels of serum triglyceride, LDL-C and total cholesterol. The Ti-FPE-fed non-hypercholesterolemic hamsters also showed significant enhanced levels of serum apolipoprotein A1, antithrombin III, transferrin and vitamin D binding protein. In diet-induced hypercholesterolemic hamsters, apolipoprotein A1, antithrombin III and transferrin, which were relatively low in levels, became significantly enhanced when the hamsters were fed with Ti-FPE. These Ti-FPE-fed hypercholesterolemic hamsters also showed significant higher levels of serum vitamin D binding protein. When the different treated groups of hamsters were analyzed for the levels of the four serum proteins by ELISA, similar altered abundance were detected. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of the Ti-FPE modulated serum proteins singled out "Lipid metabolism, molecular transport, small molecule biochemistry" as the top network. Our results suggest that the hypolipidemic effects of Ti-FPE are associated with alterations of serum proteins that are known to be cardioprotective and involved in the metabolism of lipids. The MS data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium with the dataset identifier PXD010232.

Indicaxanthin from Opuntia Ficus Indica (L. Mill) impairs melanoma cell proliferation, invasiveness, and tumor progression

Background: A strong, reciprocal crosstalk between inflammation and melanoma has rigorously been demonstrated in recent years, showing how crucial is a pro-inflammatory microenvironment to drive therapy resistance and metastasis. Purpose: We investigated on the effects of Indicaxanthin, a novel, anti-inflammatory and bioavailable phytochemical from Opuntia Ficus Indica fruits, against human melanoma both in vitro and in vivo. Study Design and Methods: The effects of indicaxanthin were evaluated against the proliferation of A375 human melanoma cell line and in a mice model of cutaneous melanoma. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, apoptosis by Annexin V-Fluorescein Isothiocyanate/Propidium Iodide staining, protein expression by western blotting, melanoma lesions were subcutaneously injected in mice with B16/F10 cells, chemokine release was quantified by ELISA. Results: Data herein presented demonstrate that indicaxanthin effectively inhibits the proliferation of the highly metastatic and invasive A375 cells as shown by growth inhibition, apoptosis induction and cell invasiveness reduction. More interestingly, in vitro data were paralleled by those in vivo showing that indicaxanthin significantly reduced tumor development when orally administered to mice. The results of our study also clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the antiproliferative effect of indicaxanthin, individuating the inhibition of NF-κB pathway as predominant. Conclusion: In conclusion, we demonstrated that indicaxanthin represents a novel phytochemical able to significantly inhibit human melanoma cell proliferation in vitro and to impair tumor progression in vivo. When considering the resistance of melanoma to the current therapeutical approach and the very limited number of phytochemicals able to partially counteract it, our findings may be of interest to explore indicaxanthin potential in further and more complex melanoma studies in combo therapy, i.e. where different check points of melanoma development are targeted.

Antinociceptive activity of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem, Meliaceae) fruit through opioid, glutamatergic and acid-sensitive ion pathways in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Neem fruit (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) are popularly used to treat infections, diarrhea, fever, bronchitis, skin diseases, infected burns and hypertension. Although the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential of A. indica has already been investigated in experimental models of pain and inflammation in mice, the current research is the first to report the evaluation of the capacity of A. indica fruit ethanolic extract (EtFrNeem) in acute pain attenuation using the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an alternative model to the use in rodents. EtFrNeem was submitted to antioxidant action, preliminary chemical prospecting, FT-IR and determination of phenol and flavonoid content tests. Subsequently, EtFrNeem was tested for acute nociception and abdominal inflammation, locomotor activity, and acute toxicity in adult zebrafish. Possible neuromodulation mechanisms were also evaluated. EtFrNeem showed low antioxidant activity, but was shown to be rich in flavonoids. EtFrNeem showed no anti-inflammatory action, did not alter the locomotor system, and it was not toxic. However, EtFrNeem significantly reduced the nociceptive behavior induced by formalin, glutamate and acidic saline, when compared to the control group. These effects of EtFrNeem were significantly similar to those of morphine, used as a positive control. The antinociceptive effect of EtFrNeem was inhibited by naloxone, ketamine and amiloride. EtFrNeem has the pharmacological potential for acute pain treatment and this effect is modulated by the opioid system, NMDA receptors and ASICs channels. These results lead us to studies of isolation and characterization of EtFrNeem bioactive principles, using adult zebrafish as an experimental model.

Antitumor effects of candidone extracted from &lt;i&gt;Derris indica&lt;/i&gt; (Lamk) Bennet in cholangiocarcinoma cells

Purpose : To investigate the antitumor effect of candidone extracted from Derris indica , against human cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells. Methods : Candidone was purified from the hexane extract of Derris indica fruit. CCA cell lines, KKUM156 and KKU-M213, were treated with candidone. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining were used to investigate the effects of candidone on cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis, respectively. The effect on cell migration was assessed by wound healing assay. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to assess the effects of candidone on the expression of genes that regulate proliferation and apoptosis. Results : Candidone exerted strong anticancer effects on CCA cells. The agent suppressed CCA cell proliferation and induced apoptotic cell death. RT-qPCR assay revealed that candidone significantly increased the expression of anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic genes, including p21 and Bax, and decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, including Bcl-2 and survivin. Moreover, candidone inhibited the migration of CCA cells induced by IGF-1. Conclusion : Candidone exhibits potent antitumor effect on CCA cells. These findings suggest that candidone is potentially suitable for the management of CCA and, therefore, warrants further investigation. Keywords : Candidone, Derris indica, Cholangiocarcinoma, Cytotoxicity, Apoptosis

EFFECT OF DILLENIA INDICA L. AGAINST OXIDATIVE STRESS-INDUCED CARDIOMYOPATHY ON ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETES MICE MODEL

Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate the antihyperglycemic and antioxidative properties of Dillenia indica fruits.Methods: Aqueous fruit extract and methanolic fruit extract (MFE) were prepared, and preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out. Diabetic mice were prepared with alloxan (150 mg/kg) body weight (b.w.). Antihyperglycemic study of short duration was carried out with doses (150–550) mg/kg b.w. of MFE in diabetic mice. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase) activity assays and histopathological analysis were done in heart tissue of mice.Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the phytoconstituents were strongly present in the MFE and therefore was considered for further studies. From the antihyperglycemic study, it was found that 350 mg/kg b.w. dose was the most effective in reduction of blood glucose level. A significant increase in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes was observed in the MFE-treated group. From the histopathological studies, it was observed that detrimental effects of oxidative stress were attenuated in the treated group.Conclusion: Concluding the studies, it could be ascertained that D. indica fruits were found to be quite effective in proving its potential against hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, and therefore, the fruits could be considered to be of therapeutic value in diabetes.

Reverse screening on indicaxanthin from Opuntia ficus-indica as natural chemoactive and chemopreventive agent

Indicaxanthin is a bioactive and bioavailable betalain pigment extracted from Opuntia ficus indica fruits. Indicaxanthin has pharmacokinetic proprieties, rarely found in other phytochemicals, and it has been demonstrated that it provides a broad-spectrum of pharmaceutical activity, exerting anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and neuromodulator effects. The discovery of the Indicaxanthin physiological targets plays an important role in understanding the biochemical mechanism. In this study, combined reverse pharmacophore mapping, reverse docking, and text-based database search identified Inositol Trisphosphate 3-Kinase (ITP3K-A), Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), Leukotriene-A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), Phosphoserine phosphatase (HPSP), Phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), AMPA receptor (GluA3 and GluA2 subunits) and Kainate receptor (GluK1 isoform) as potential targets for Indicaxanthin. These targets are implicated in neuromodulation, and inflammatory regulation, normally expressed mostly in the CNS, and expressed (or overexpressed) in cancer tissues (i.e. breast, thyroid, and prostate cancer cells). Moreover, this study provides qualitative and quantitative information about dynamic interactions of Indicaxanthin at the binding site of target proteins, through molecular dynamics simulations and MM-GBSA.

Identification of biological activities of Abutilon indicum fruit by in silico and in vitro approach

Abutilon indicum is a plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family, which is distributed throughout a number of tropical and subtropical areas and has been used for various disorders in traditional and folk medicine. The various medicinal applications of this plant include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, demulcent, aphrodisiac, laxative, diuretic, pulmonary and sedative. Thus the present study was formed to identify the biological activities of A. indicum fruit by in silico and in vivo approach. The ethanolic extract was prepared and screened for in vitro antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis and also against a fungi Aspergillus niger. The ethanolic extract was subjected to Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for identification of compounds present in fruit sample. The identified compounds were then screened for anti-inflammatory activity by molecular docking against the Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. Also, Density Functional Theory (DFT) & Absorption Distribution Metabolism Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) studies were carried out to assess the quantum-chemical parameters and pharmacokinetics behaviour respectively. The ethanolic fruit extract of A. indicum showed moderate antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. faecalis and Aspergillus niger at the MIC of 25 μg/μl. AI 1003, AI 1004 and AI 1005 were identified as lead compounds against the target Cyclooxygenase −2 which exhibited strong hydrogen bond interaction & also desirable pharmacokinetic properties. DFT studies also showed the promising reactivity with lowest energy gap of compounds AI 1004 &AI 1005. Thus, owing to the significant interaction of the compounds with the target COX-2 and desirable pharmacokinetic properties of compounds of ethanolic extract of A. indicum could be further explored for anti-inflammatory properties by in vitro &in vivo analysis.

Garcinol Enhances TRAIL-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death through Up-Regulation of DR5 and Down-Regulation of c-FLIP Expression.

Garcinol is a polyisoprenylated benzophenone derived from the Garcinia indica fruit that possess potential therapeutic effects such as inhibition of inflammation and tumor expansion. Here, we investigated whether garcinol induces TRAIL sensitization in renal carcinoma cells. Single treatment with garcinol or TRAIL did not effect on apoptosis. However, combined treatment with garcinol plus TRAIL significantly induced apoptosis in renal carcinoma (Caki, ACHN and A498), lung carcinoma (A549), and hepatoma (SK-Hep1) cells. In contrast, garcinol plus TRAIL did not alter cell viability in normal cells. Garcinol plus TRAIL induced up-regulation of DR5 and down-regulation of c-FLIP expression at post-translational levels. Furthermore, knock-down of DR5 by siRNA and ectopic expression of c-FLIP blocked apoptotic cell death induced by garcinol plus TRAIL. Overall, our study provides evidence that garcinol can be exploited as a potential TRAIL sensitizer.

Isolation of quercetin and mandelic acid from Aesculus indica fruit and their biological activities

BackgroundIn this study Aesculus indica fruit was subjected to isolation of phytochemicals. Two antioxidants quercetin and Mandelic acid were isolated in pure state. The free radical scavenging and acetyl choline esterase inhibitory potential of the crude extract and sub fractions were also determined.ResultsThe antioxidant capacity of crude extract, fractions and isolated compounds were determined by DPPH and ABTS methods. Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method was used to estimate the total phenolic contents and were found to be 78.34 ± 0.96, 44.16 ± 1.05, 65.45 ± 1.29, 37.85 ± 1.44 and 50.23 ± 2.431 (mg/g of gallic acid) in crude extract, ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane and aqueous fractions respectively. The flavonoid concentration in crude extract, ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane and aqueous fraction were; 85.30 ± 1.20, 53.80 ± 1.07, 77.50 ± 1.12, 26.30 ± 1.35 and 37.78 ± 1.25 (mg/g of quercetin) respectively. The chloroform fraction was more potent against enzymes, acetyl choline esterase and butyryl choline esterase (IC50 = 85 and 160 μg/ml respectively). The phenolic compounds in the crude extract and fractions were determined using HPLC standard method. Chlorogenic acid, quercetin, phloroglucinol, rutin, mandelic acid and hydroxy benzoic acid were detected at retention times 6.005, 10.062, 22.623, 30.597, 35.490 and 36.211 in crude extract and different fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction was rich in the targeted compounds and was therefore subjected to column isolation. The HPLC chromatogram of isolated compounds showed single peak at specified retention times which confirms their isolation in pure state. The isolated compounds were then characterized by FTIR and NMR spectrophotometric techniques.ConclusionThe Aesculus indica fruit extracts showed antioxidant and anticholine esterase inhibitory potentials. Two bioactive compounds were isolated in the pure form ethyl acetate fraction. From results it was concluded that the fruit of this plant could be used to minimize oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species.

Characterization and transformation of the Opuntia ficus indica fruits

Opuntia ficus indica fruits have been associated with health effects, due to their protective actions against oxidation. Nevertheless, few studies about processing of Opuntia fruits are available’; therefore, we studied the pulp characteristics and processing of a local variety, for producing beverage nectars. The pulp had an average pH of 5.64, 13.47 °Brix, with total sugars (106 g L−1), K (1180 mg L−1), 503.3 µg L−1 of β carotene, 120 mg L−1 of total phenolic compounds, 4.9 mg and 46.9 mg L−1 respectively for betacyanins and betaxanthins and 243.4 mg L−1 of vitamin C. The formulated nectars with 35% of pulp (N35) and 45% of pulp (N45) had respectively 14 and 15 °Brix. Minor components represent 1109 and 1112 mg L−1 of K for N35 and N45 respectively, β carotene (318.6 µg and 362.8 µg L−1), and vitamin C 227 and 231 mg L−1. We confirmed the stability and acceptability of these beverages after a month of storage, after stability and panel tests. Therefore, we suggest that the pulp processing can be used as a new form of agro industrial utilization of this underutilized fruit.

Dillenia indica fruit prevents cisplatin-induced kidney injury in experimental rats through modulation of oxidative stress, marker enzyme, and biochemical changes

BackgroundDillenia indica fruit is known for its numerous health benefits in folk medicine including its use to cure kidney diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of D. indica fruit extracts on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.MethodsA nephrotoxic dose of cisplatin (3 mg/kg b.w./day, i.p) was administered every fifth day to the animals receiving vehicle or fruit extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether) daily for 25 days. Rats were sacrificed on the 25th day, and the effect of extracts was assessed by determining the alterations in various serum and urine parameters, membrane-bound enzyme, and antioxidant defense system in kidney tissue.ResultsIncrease in serum urea, uric acid, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, phospholipid, and cholesterol and a decrease in urine urea, uric acid, creatinine, and creatinine clearance rate were reported in the cisplatin control group. Cisplatin alters electrolyte balance, brush border membrane marker enzyme (i.e., alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, leucine aminopeptidase) activity, and redox balance significantly. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of D. indica fruit produced beneficial effect and ameliorated serum and urine parameter to normal. Extract administration increases Na+/K+-ATPase activity and different enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants positively, whereas lipid peroxidation reduced significantly. Extracts exhibited a potent in vitro antioxidant activity.ConclusionTaking into account these results, it can be assumed that D. indica fruit could be the future key candidate which may maximize the clinical use of cisplatin in the treatment of different cancer without nephrotoxicity.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Metal Ion Sensing by Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Fruits of Opuntia Ficus Indica Grown in the Abha Region, Saudi Arabia

We developed a green, inexpensive and simple method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from the Opuntia Ficus (OF) Indica fruit juice. The synthesized AgNPs were used as sensor for the detection of toxic metal $$(\hbox {Hg}^{2+})$$ using colorimetric technique as well as to investigate the antimicrobial activities against number of clinical isolates of human microbes. The synthesized AgNPs nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and EDX methods. The green synthesized AgNPs showed surface plasmon resonance absorption band at 441 nm, which confirm the formation of AgNPs that were also established by FTIR and EDX analyses. The colour of AgNPs changes from blood red to white in the presence of $$\hbox {Hg}^{2+ }$$ only, which can be differentiated and detected by the naked eye within few seconds without the prerequisite of surface amendment from other metals (Co, Ni, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cr). A good linear response ( $${R}^{2}= 0.97$$ ) was obtained towards $$\hbox {Hg}^{2+}$$ ions in the concentration range of $$10^{-3}$$ to $$10^{-8}\hbox { M}$$ . In addition, all growth of the tested microbial stains ceased in varied range. OFAg-2 had the highest inhibition effect followed by OFAg-1, while OF did not show any antimicrobial activities. Candida albican and Klebsiella pneumonia are the most susceptible microbes by OFAg-2 and OFAg-1 respectfully. Klebsiella oxytocam, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella oxytoca had the moderate susceptibility from OFAg-2 and OF, while Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the lowest susceptible microbes. Therefore, OFAg-2 and OFAg-1 probably could be promising pharmaceutical agents against many microbial strains.

In-vitro investigation of anti-acne properties of Mangifera indica L. kernel extract and its mechanism of action against Propionibacterium acnes

Propionibacterium acnes has been recognized as a main target for medical treatment of acne since this bacterium promotes acne inflammation by inducing upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines production, resulting in an accumulation of neutrophils and oxygen-free radicals produced by neutrophils within acne lesion. The aims of this study were to evaluate the biological activities of Mangifera indica kernel extracts grown in Northern Thailand (Kaew-Moragot cultivar), related to anti-acne properties including antimicrobial effect against acne-inducing bacteria together with the first elucidation of the mechanism of action against Propionibacterium acnes, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammation. The kernels of M. indica, obtained from raw and ripe fruits, were macerated using various solvents. Agar diffusion and broth microdilution methods were performed to investigate the antibacterial activities of the extracts against P. acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The ethanolic fractions exhibited the strongest antimicrobial effect against P. acnes with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of 1.56 mg/mL and 12.50 mg/mL, respectively. Bactericidal effect against P. acnes of these extracts could be observed after 3 h of incubation from time-kill curve. The chromatograms of high-performance liquid chromatography showed that the extracts existed gallic acid with high total phenolic content. These extracts additionally showed strong free radical scavenging properties on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) as well as a notable inhibitory effect on linoleic acid peroxidation, which highly correlated to their antimicrobial effect, total phenolic, and gallic acid contents. The images, studied through using transmission electron microscopy, revealed that the extract certainly disrupted P. acnes cell membrane after exposure for 1 h as well as induced the consequent leakage of cytoplasmic materials. The inhibitory effects of the extracts on IL-8 secretion from LPS-inducing RAW 264.7 cells were also presented. In conclusion, the kernel extracts of raw M. indica fruit were effective against aerobic and anaerobic acne-inducing bacteria particularly P. acnes and exerted antioxidant along with anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the extracts might be potential agents for inflammatory acne treatment. However, clinical study is needed for further investigation.

Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic and Renal Protective Activities of Garcinia indica Linn. Clusiaceae

To investigate the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and renal protective activities of the aqueous and ethanol extract of Garcinia indica fruit rinds against alloxan induced diabetes in rats. Wistar rats were made diabetic by a single dose of alloxan hydrate [130 mg/kg i.p.]. After the successful induction of experimental diabetes, rats were divided into five groups each comprising a minimum of six rats. The effects of extracts and glibenclamide on fasting blood glucose, plasma lipid levels and renal profile were examined for 21 days. Blood glucose levels and biochemical parameters such as serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, urea and creatinine levels of rats were measured using on weekly intervals i.e day 0, 7, 14 and 21 after daily administration of all extracts at dose of 500 mg/kg. Statistical analysis was performed using Dunnett’s test. p less than 0.01 was taken as the criterion of significance. Oral administration of both aqueous and ethanol extract for 21 days caused a significant [p less than 0.01] reduction in blood glucose levels, lipid profile except HDL; urea and creatinine in diabetic rats. Garcinia indica fruit rind possesses antihyperglycemic activity as well improves total lipid levels and renal profile. It can justify folklore uses of the plant in diabetes.