Insect Bites Research Articles

Correction: Intradermal and serologic testing for insect bite hypersensitivity in a Dahomey-Ox

Correction: Intradermal and serologic testing for insect bite hypersensitivity in a Dahomey-Ox

Pretravel medical consultation

Many patients seek pretravel advice during routine consultations in a general practice so that basic knowledge of travel medicine is warranted. Using the example of trips to Bali, Peru and Tanzania, the most relevant topics of apretravel consultation for these popular destinations are depicted. These include vaccinations, malaria prevention and recommendations on exposure prophylaxis for insect bites. Furthermore, special risk situations, such as travel to high altitudes or freshwater contact are discussed. In special cases, the advice of an expert in travel medicine is needed.

Study of clinical profile and outcome of children presented with poisoning in tertiary care hospital

Background: Poisoning is a common paediatric emergency. Worldwide estimate suggests that the rate of poisoning in under 20 years is 1.8 per one lakh population and for India it ranges between 0.6 to 11.6%. Methods: The study was conducted at B. J. Medical College Ahmedabad and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. A prospective analytical study consisting of total 110 patients, admitted in the intensive care unit during the period from June 2018 to November 2018 with inclusion criterion of children <12 years of age, presented with history of consumption of poisonous substances/insect bite irrespective of signs and symptoms excluding cases of food poisoning and idiosyncratic drug reactions. Detailed proforma was filled after taking necessary consent from the parents. Routine investigations and gastric samples for forensic analysis were sent in all irrespective of type or route of poisoning. Specific investigations done wherever required. Analysis of outcomes done using chi square. Results: The most common age group was 3-6 years with male to female ratio of 1.5:1. 99.1% poisoning were accidental with hydrocarbon poisoning being the most common of all (27.2%), followed by household substance poisoning in 20.9%. Snakebite was the most common insect bite (10.9%). The average duration of stay was 3.9 days, 8.1% children died with maximum mortality happened in children presented after 6 hours of intoxication. Conclusions: Management of poisoning requires immediate advice and first aid, followed by a directed treatment. Decontamination, enhanced elimination, antidotes, and supportive care are commonly used to manage poisoning cases.

A case control study of risk factors in chronic urticaria

Urticaria presents as erythematous, often pruritic, raised transient wheals. The aetiology of Chronic Urticaria (CU) is not well understood. Autoimmunity, chronic infections, allergens and metabolic syndrome are some known implicated factors. But the role of life style factors like diet, smoking, alcohol, occupation, family history etc is relatively unknown. This study aims to uncover the role of these modifiable factors in causation of CU.Data from 20 individuals with chronic urticaria (duration <1 year) and 20 age and sex matched Controls (healthy/patients without chronic urticaria) was collected using questionnaires to assess lifestyle and risk factors like diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, medications, stress, sleep etc in the implication of CU.Our study revealed notable if not significant associations. Out of these, 6 cases (30%) had a family history of CU, while 10 cases (50%) had a prior history of acute urticaria episodes. Additionally, 6 cases (30%) reported food allergies, and 10 cases (50%) had a documented medical history. Furthermore, 7 cases (35%) reported insect bites as a factor, while 1 case (5%) was linked to H. Pylori infections. Notably, 12 cases (60%) showed a lower consumption of fruits, while 9 cases (45%) exhibited a relatively higher intake of foods containing dyes and additives. These findings collectively suggest some potential connections in the development of CU.This study underscores the intricate connections between risk factors, lifestyle choices, and CU. Differences in sleep quality, food allergies, dietary habits, and seafood consumption provide potential insights into associations. This investigation may contribute to improved CU management approaches.

Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanol extract of Melicope pteleifolia, an ethnomedicine in Southwest China

BackgroundTraditionally, Melicope pteleifolia has been used for heat clearing and detoxifying, traumatic injuries, bruise, and snake or insect bite. Up to now, its effect on sepsis remains unknown. MethodsMinimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and dynamic antibacterial curve, and bacteria-induced sepsis mouse models were used to assess the anti-bacterial effect of Melicope pteleifolia ethanol extract (MPE) in vitro and in vivo. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and cecum ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis mouse model were used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of MPE in vitro and in vivo. ResultsMPE treatment significantly inhibited the growth of some pathogenic bacteria and increased survival rates of the sepsis mice challenged with the bacteria. In addition, MPE markedly reduced increased supernatant TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Further, it remarkably downregulated protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the LPS-treated cells. Similarly, MPE significantly increased the survival rate, reduced the serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels of the CLP-induced sepsis mice. Importantly, it attenuated the CLP-induced pathological injuries of small intestines. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects of MPE in vitro and in vivo were not significantly abolished in presence of TAK-242 or JSH-23. In addition, MPE changed composition of intestinal flora at phylum and genus levels. Further, MPE affect some metabolism pathways such as carbohydrate, lipid metabolism, other amino acids metabolism, drug resistance, and others. Kaempferol (KAF), quercetin (QC), and N-p-coumaroyl-tyramine (NPC) were characteristic components possessing moderate binding to pathogenic associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) kdo2-Lipid A ammonium (KLA) and ODN 1826. ConclusionIn summary, MPE exerts anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and its anti-inflammatory activity is independent of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Identification and Functional Analysis of PR Genes in Leaves from Variegated Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)

Tea is a healthy beverage made from the leaves of the tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]. The tea plant is a perennial evergreen plant that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. PR proteins (pathogenesis-related proteins, PRs) are defense-related proteins induced under pathogenesis-related conditions. Currently, there are a few studies on PRs in plants. Tea leaf color mutants have been of wide interest to scientists as special materials. A tea plant displaying variegated spontaneous albinism found in a local tea plantation in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China, was used as the material sample in this study. An analysis of preexisting transcriptomic and proteomic data revealed the significant upregulation of three classes of PRs. In order to investigate the correlation between PRs and variegated tea plants, a series of studies were conducted on PR genes. The results revealed the identification of 17 CsPR1, 3 CsPR4 and 31 CsPR5 genes in tea plants using bioinformatics methods, and their structures and promoter sequences. The expression of three PR1, two PR4 and one PR5 genes was determined to be induced in stress treatment experiments involving mechanical damage, insect bites, low temperature treatment, and fungal infections. Additionally, the ribonuclease activity of CsPR4 was successfully verified. This is the first study to report the ribonuclease activity of CsPR4 in tea plants. The results can serve as a reference for future studies on PRs in tea plants, offering new insights into information on albinism in tea plants.

A bite force database of 654 insect species

Bite force is a decisive performance trait in animals because it plays a role for numerous life history components such as food consumption, inter- and intraspecific interactions, and reproductive success. Bite force has been studied across a wide range of vertebrate species, but only for 32 species of insects, the most speciose animal lineage. Here we present the insect bite force database with bite force measurements for 654 insect species covering 476 genera, 111 families, and 13 orders with body lengths ranging from 3.76 to 180.12 mm. In total we recorded 1906 bite force series from 1290 specimens, and, in addition, present basal head, body, and wing metrics. As such, the database will facilitate a wide range of studies on the characteristics, predictors, and macroevolution of bite force in the largest clade of the animal kingdom and may serve as a basis to further our understanding of macroevolutionary processes in relation to bite force across all biting metazoans.

Assessment of self-perceived risk and risk rating among chemical sprayers in selected tea plantations in South India

Introduction: Chemical sprayers of the tea plantation industry perceive various degrees of risk involved in their daily work. The objective of the study was to assess self-perceived risk and to rate these risks among the pesticide sprayers working in selected tea plantations in South India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 chemical sprayers in six selected tea plantations in South India from September to October 2018 after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee and permission from the plantations. Data was collected by structured interview schedule with the chemical sprayers and key informant interviews were conducted with their supervisors. The risks perceived by the sprayers were rated and expressed using the Risk Rating Matrix. Results: The mean age of the participants was 45.6±8.5 years and all of them were males. The most common risks encountered were leech bites (76%), other insect bites (58%) and bruises (46%). Chemical spills, splashes, slips, falls and backaches were considered as minor hazards in risk rating. Animal attacks and falls from trees were assigned the highest risk rating scores. Conclusion: Insect bite was the most common risk perceived and animal attacks attained the highest risk score. Regular supervision and monitoring of work-related risk factors can help in the reduction of common injuries thereby ensuring safety at the workplace.

Effect of Champakadi Agad in the Management of Shitapitta w.s.r. to Urticaria - A case study

Introduction: Shitapitta is a skin ailment that was first reported in Madhava Nidan which can be correlated to urticaria. It is a disorder characterized by symptoms comparable to Insect and scorpion bite, such as wheals resembling those from a wasp sting, itching, pain, fever, and burning feeling. Champakadi Agad is one of the Ayurveda formulations listed in Chapter 37/71-72 of Ashtanga Hridaya Uttarasthana by Acharya Vagbhata. Agadas are used to cure a variety of toxic conditions. Aims: To study the effect of Champakadi agad for local as well as internal use in case of Shitapitta. Case Report: This article is a case study about a 24 yrs old female patient who came to the OPD of Panchakarma Dept of Dr. D. Y. Patil College and hospital, Pimpri, Pune complaining of itchy skin, raised reddish bumps over the skin along with burning and pricing pain over her both palms and cheeks. She was treated with Champakadi Agad’s Local application for 30 days. Results after 30 days was found satisfactory. With no negative side effects, the therapy methods significantly reduced the disease's indications and symptoms. Discussion:This is a case study based on the management of Shitapitta (Urticaria). This study established the role of Champakadi Agad in the treatment of Shitapitta (Urticaria). Conclusion:The treatment of Shitapitta by Ayurvedic measures has been thoroughly examined and discussed here. Her progression is also shown here, step by step. This case study will encourage further research and aid in the development of an ayurvedic treatment protocol for Shitapitta (Urticaria).

Spatial variation in constituents of essential oils from fruit pericarp of Zanthoxylum armatum DC of Nepali origin and their antibacterial activity

The fruit pericarp of Zanthoxylum armatum DC is used in spices and to manage different diseases like toothaches, inflamed gums, arthritis, swollen joints, insect bites, diarrhea, common flu, and respiratory difficulties by local people. In this study, the essential oil was extracted from the fruit pericarp of Z. armatum DC collected from different commercial sites in Nepal using the hydro-distillation method. The chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to identify the chemical compounds present in the essential oil with their stereochemistry. Major constituents identified in all samples included linalool, limonene, and methyl trans-cinnamate. Linalool, a monoterpene alcohol, exhibited the highest percentages in all three samples, recording 58.31%, 58.45%, and 80.37% in Salyan, Surkhet, and Myagdi respectively. Notably, twenty-five enantiomeric components were identified using chiral GC/MS among its sixty constituents. The enantiomeric component distribution of linalool and limonene was in their (+) dextrorotatory form, while others were dominant in the levorotatory form. This research underscores that Z. armatum from the Myagdi district of Nepal, is a prominent source of the medicinally and industrially important compound linalool, along with exhibiting higher antimicrobial activity. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first report of a chiral GC/MS study conducted on this plant.

Mechanical and chemical itch regulated by neuropeptide Y-Y1 signaling.

Itch is a somatosensory sensation to remove potential harmful stimulation with a scratching desire, which could be divided into mechanical and chemical itch according to diverse stimuli, such as wool fiber and insect biting. It has been reported that neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons, a population of spinal inhibitory interneurons, could gate the transmission of mechanical itch, with no effect on chemical itch. In our study, we verified that chemogenetic activation of NPY neurons could inhibit the mechanical itch as well as the chemical itch, which also attenuated the alloknesis phenomenon in the chronic dry skin model. Afterwards, intrathecal administration of NPY1R agonist, [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY (LP-NPY), showed the similar inhibition effect on mechanical itch, chemical itch and alloknesis as chemo-activation of NPY neurons. Whereas, intrathecal administration of NPY1R antagonist BIBO 3304 enhanced mechanical itch and reversed the alloknesis phenomenon inhibited by LP-NPY treatment. Moreover, selectively knocking down NPY1R by intrathecal injection of Npy1r siRNA enhanced mechanical and chemical itch behavior as well. These results indicate that NPY neurons in spinal cord regulate mechanical and chemical itch, and alloknesis in dry skin model through NPY1 receptors.

Electropenetrography with Alternating Current Reveals In Situ Changes of Aedes aegypti Probing Behaviors Associated with Dengue Virus Infection.

Human infection with dengue virus (DENV) results in significant morbidity and mortality around the world. Current methods to investigate virus-associated changes in insect feeding behaviors are largely restricted to video analysis of feeding events outside of the host or intravital microscopy. Electropenetrography, a method originally developed for plant-feeding insects, offers a promising alternative by allowing high-resolution recording of voltage changes across the insect bite interface. We compared recordings from DENV-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes feeding on uninfected mice and uninfected A. aegypti feeding on DENV-infected mice to controls of uninfected A. aegypti feeding on uninfected mice. We found significant mosquito behavioral changes in both DENV-infected groups compared with controls including longer feeding times and longer preingestion probing events for A. aegypti feeding on DENV-infected mice and a higher number of sequential probing events in DENV-infected A. aegypti feeding on uninfected mice. By recording mosquito feeding and probing events beneath the surface of the skin, we have been able to both confirm and add new dimensions to previous findings regarding DENV-associated behavior changes in A. aegypti. This provides a foundation for increasingly in-depth studies focusing on the transmission of the DENV between vectors and hosts.

Ayurvedic management of Unknown Insect Bite (Keeta Visha) - A Case Report

Acharya Charaka in Chikitsasthan of Charaka Samhita, Acharya Sushruta in Kalpasthan of Sushruta Samhita and Acharya Vagbhata in Uttartantra of Ashtanga Hridaya recited the origin of Visha and Keeta Visha. Acharya Sushruta has explained Keeta Visha under Jangama Visha (Animate poison) and categorized 67 different type of Keeta under mainly 4 groups. It causes acute as well as severe manifestations in the human beings. The main characteristics of insect bite are itching, burning sensation, erythema at the site of bite. As there are various types of Keeta Visha, hence they vary in their diagnosis and treatment and most of the time they are unidentified as signs and symptoms may resembles the skin disease. This is case report of 25 year old female who had given the history of unknown insect bite and presented to the outpatient department with the complaints of itching, burning sensation, spreading erythema over the skin of neck region. In Sushruta Samhita in Kalpasthan Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Dushivishari Agad as a most potent Agad for all types of Visha. Hence, patient was treated with Dushivishari Agad orally along with local application of Shatdhautghrita which also has Vishaghna properties. In present case Dushivishari Agad and Shatdhautghrita have shown assuring results in the management of unknown insect bite.

Melaleuca cajuputi Powell Essential Oil: A Review of Botanical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties

Melaleuca cajuputi Powell essential oil (MCEO) is widely used in Malay traditional medicine for the treatment of stomach cramps, cough, acne, insect bites, thrush problems and many more. The demand for medicinal applications of MCEO is gradually increasing among the Southeast Asian community. All information regarding MCEO was collected via internet sources such as Google Scholar, Elsevier, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Web of Science and local books. Meta-analysis method was performed to identify all publications or relevant books regarding the MCEO range from 1998 to 2021. The main bioactive compounds of MCEO include terpenes, esters, aldehydes and alkenes. Scientific research on MCEO has revealed a wide range of pharmacological activities such as contact and fumigant toxicity, repellence, antibacterial activity and many more. The MCEO has a huge potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, but comprehensive toxicity studies must be conducted to ensure their safety. Research on pharmacokinetics studies and potential drug interactions with standard-of-care medications is still limited, which calls for additional studies, particularly in humans. Further assessments and clinical trials should be performed before it can be integrated into medicinal practices.

Phytochemical Screening of Secondary Metabolites, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Kalangkala Plant (Litsea Angulata): A Review Article

Litsea angulata, more commonly known as Kalangkala, is a type of plant that belongs to the Lauraceae family. Empirically, the plant has been used traditionally by local people for the treatment of boils, diarrhea, stomachache, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, diabetes, insect bites, and anti-irritation. This review article aims to find out the results of phytochemical screening of metabolites from parts of Kalangkala plant with various solvents as well as the results of the tests of antioxidant and antibacterial activities that several researchers have carried out. The method used was a literature search on Google Scholar and Pubmed with the keywords kalangkala, Litsea angulata, phytochemical screening, antioxidant, and antibacterial. The results of this review showed that various solvents, such as water, ethanol, methanol, N-hexane, and ethyl acetate in seed, fruit flesh, bark, stem, and leave parts of Kalangakala plant produces different amounts of secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins extracted well using etanol as a solvent due to their polarity. The results of the antioxidant activity showed that the part of kalangakala plant such as the bark of the tree, has a very good antioxidant activity of 2.41 ppm when tested using ethyl acetate solvent. Furthermore, the results of the antibacterial activity test show an inhibition of 50 mm on S. mutans bacteria when tested using ethanol solvent. In conclusion, kalangkala plant has secondary metabolites which act as antioxidants and antimicrobials that also potential to developed as traditional medicine.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Xanthium strumarium-Mediated Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles.

Background Green synthesis of nanoparticles is a growing trend. The annual plant Xanthium strumarium L. (X. strumarium) belongs to the Asteraceae family. The herb has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments, including leucoderma, dangerous insect bites, epilepsy, salivation, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, etc.Inorganic, biocompatible, and non-toxic titanium is a substance employed in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries as well as in fields like bone tissue engineering. The aim of the study is to characterize titanium dioxidenanoparticles (TiO₂NPs), which were synthesized from X.strumarium. Also, this study aims to assess the cytotoxic properties of the synthesized leaf extract and the TiO₂NPs. Materials and methods In this study, the biosynthesis of TiO₂NPs was made from X. strumarium leaf extract. The characterization of the green-synthesized TiO₂NPswas done using the spectral analysis of an ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The advantage of usingTiO₂NPs is that they possess antimicrobial,antibacterial, chemical stability, and catalytic properties.The leaf extract and the biosynthesized nanoparticles were tested against human fibroblast cell lines for biocompatibility using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results SEM investigation showed that TiO₂NPs were crystalline in nature. FTIR confirms the presence of alkyne and amine functional groups, and the pointed vertices in the X-ray diffraction(XRD) pattern show the crystalline nature of TiO2NPs. The study found that the cell viability of TiO₂NPs was 110%. Conclusion TiO₂NPs were synthesized from X. strumarium leaf extract and characterized usingSEM, FTIR, and XRD. The TiO₂NPs were found to be crystalline in nature with various functional groups. MTT assay shows that the synthesized nanoparticles are promising biocompatibleagents that can be used in future research in the medical field.

Advances in Aloe Vera Pharmacology: An In-Depth Analysis of its Properties and Principal Active Compounds

Aloe vera, traditionally used for treating skin wounds (burns, cuts, insect bites) and digestive ailments, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Recent research focuses on validating these traditional uses and elucidating the mechanisms behind them, with an emphasis on identifying responsible compounds. Key compounds like aloe-emodin, aloin, aloesin, emodin, and acemannan have been extensively studied. Moreover, contemporary research has explored new applications for Aloe vera and its active constituents. This review synthesizes the latest pharmacological studies (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials) published in English over the past six years (2014–2019). Particularly noteworthy is the emerging pharmacological evidence showing predominant research in anti-cancer activities, skin and digestive system protection, and antimicrobial properties. While most research to date has been in vitro and in vivo, clinical trials have primarily involved Aloe vera as a whole, rather than its isolated compounds. Consequently, investigating the clinical effects of key metabolites in various human conditions and diseases could provide valuable insights. The encouraging outcomes of basic research in these areas suggest a need for more extensive clinical trials to evaluate the practical application of Aloe vera and its primary compounds, particularly in areas like bone health, cancer, and diabetes management.

Buruli Ulcer: A Neglected Tropical Disease

Buruli ulcer is a neglected trophical disease. It is characterized by the development of painless open wounds. It causes large skin ulcers mainly in children aged 5 to 15 years. Buruli ulcer is a skin infection caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium ulcerans. The disease is concentrated in West Africa and coastal Australia, with occasional cases in Japan, Papua, New Guinea and the Americas. In West Africa, the disease is predominantly reported from remote, rural communities, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria. In endemic areas, the disease occurs near stagnant bodies of water. This is in agreement with the long-standing hypothesis that M. ulcerans is somehow transmitted to humans from aquatic environments. The first sign of Buruli ulcer is a painless swollen bump on the arm or leg, often similar in appearance to an insect bite. Over the course of a few weeks, the original swollen area expands to form an irregularly shaped patch of raised skin. Buruli ulcer can be diagnosed using microscopy, culture, and polymerase chain reaction. For microscopy, fluid is typically taken from the ulcer's edge by fine-needle aspiration or by swabbing the edge of the ulcer. The fluid is then stained with the Ziehl–Neelsen stain which makes Mycobacterium visible. Buruli ulcer is treated with a combination of antibiotics such as streptomycin, azithromycin to kill the bacteria, wound care and surgery to support the healing of the ulcer. Buruli ulcer can be prevented by avoiding contact with aquatic environments in endemic areas. The risk of acquiring it can be reduced by wearing long sleeves and gardening gloves, and using suitable repellents to avoid the contamination of this disease. Buruli ulcer is a public health challenge especially in rural areas of developing countries that should be given more attention by the government and policy makers.

Borrelial lymphocytoma of the areola in a 9-year-old boy: a case report

Purpose: This study presents a rare skin manifestation of Lyme borreliosis, specifically affecting the areola in a child in the absence of a history of a tick bite or erythema migrans. 
 Case report: A 9-year-old boy presented with symptomless erythematous swelling of the breast areola for one month. Initial treatment for gynecomastia and then mastitis proved ineffective. A biopsy was performed, with histological findings revealing lymphocytoma, likely stemming from an insect bite. Serology for Borrelia burgdorferi was positive. Following a two-week course of oral amoxicillin, the lesion completely resolved. 
 Conclusion: The consideration of Lyme disease should be a component of the differential diagnosis of skin lesions localised in typical areas, particularly in patients living in endemic regions.

Phytochemically analysed extract of Ageratina adenophora (Sprengel) R.M.King & H. Rob. initiates caspase 3-dependant apoptosis in colorectal cancer cell: A synergistic approach with chemotherapeutic drugs

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAgeratina adenophora (Sprengel) R.M.King & H.Rob. has been used as traditional indigenous medicine all across the globe for its diverse therapeutic applications such as anticancer, analgesic, antipyretic, thermogenic, antiseptic, antimicrobial as well as astringent. The various ethnic groups of India use plant parts to treat cuts and wounds, venomous insect bites, skin lesions, blisters, scabies and other skin irritations, gastritis and indigestion problems, cough, stomach ache and dysentery. The Portuguese traditionally extract the juice from the plant and use it for cancer, diabetes, liver disorder, gallbladder and stomach ailments. Nigerian healers use different parts of the plant to treat diabetes, fever and inflammation. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic potential of A. adenophora hydroalcoholic leaves extract (AHL) on Colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines (HCT-116, HCT-15 and HT-29), synergistic potential with chemotherapeutic drugs 5FU and Cisplatin as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, based on the sample collected from Mao district of Manipur, India. Identification of bioactive phytocompounds in AHL was also performed by HRLCMS. MethodsThe AHL was evaluated for its cytotoxic as well as antiproliferative activities by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, clonogenic and cell migration assays. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were quantified by Folin-ciocalteu and Aluminium chloride assays respectively. Caspase 3 activation was evaluated using Caspase-3 Assay Kit. Apoptosis detection by flow cytometry was carried out using annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit. The apoptotic cells were also visualized by Giemsa and 4′,6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. The intracellular Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was also evaluated using fluorescent probe 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein di-acetate (H2DCFDA) in flow cytometry. The combination effects of AHL with chemotherapeutic drugs 5FU and Cisplatin were also evaluated. The identification of phytochemical constituents of AHL were analysed by HR-LCMS. ResultsThe AHL induced cytotoxic activity significantly in HCT-116 with IC50 of 65.65 ± 2.10 μg/mL, but non-cancerous cell HeK-293 was least cytotoxic. Colony formation and cell migration were inhibited in a dose and time dependent manner. The cell morphology upon AHL treatment was significantly altered with apoptotic features. The extract was rich in total phenolic (82.09 ± 0.35mgGAE/g) and total flavonoid (58.31 ± 0.55 mgQAE/g) contents. AHL induced apoptosis as detected by AnnexinV/PI, via activation of caspase 3 and elevated production of Reactive oxygen species (ROS). AHL in combination with 5FU and Cisplatin acts synergistically and potentiates the therapeutic properties of the extract. Sesquiterpenes, phenolic as well as flavonoid derivatives with anticancer properties were detected in AHL by HRLCMS, and these phytoconstituents may be attributed for anticancer property of AHL. ConclusionThe present study evaluates the effectiveness of AHL against Colorectal cancer cell lines. AHL is cytotoxic and induces apoptosis in HCT-116 cells by caspase 3 activation and increased ROS production that can be attributed to sesquiterpenoids. Thus, the plant A. adenophora has therapeutic potential for Colorectal cancer and can be further exploited for developing anticancer drug.