Latifolia Roots Research Articles

Betulinic and ursolic acids from Nauclea latifolia roots mediate their antimalarial activities through docking with PfEMP-1 and PfPKG proteins

BackgroundChemotherapies target the PfEMP-1 and PfPKG proteins in Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria, in an effort to prevent the disease’s high fatality rate. This work identified the phytochemical components of Nauclea latifolia roots and docked the chemical compounds against target proteins, and examined the in vivo antiplasmodial effect of the roots on Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.MethodsStandard protocols were followed for the collection of the plant’s roots, cleaning, and drying of the roots, extraction and fraction preparation, assessment of the in vivo antiplasmodial activity, retrieval of the PfEMP-1 and PfPKG proteins, GCMS, ADME, and docking studies, chromatographic techniques were employed to separate the residual fraction’s components, and the Swis-ADME program made it possible to estimate the drug’s likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. The Auto Dock Vina 4.2 tool was utilized for molecular docking analysis.ResultsThe residual fraction showed the best therapeutic response when compared favorably to amodiaquine (80.5%) and artesunate (85.1%). It also considerably reduced the number of parasites, with the % growth inhibition of the parasite at 42.8% (D2) and 83.4% (D5). Following purification, 25 compounds were isolated and characterized with GCMS. Based on their low molecular weights, non-permeation of the blood–brain barrier, non-inhibition of metabolizing enzymes, and non-violation of Lipinski’s criteria, betulinic and ursolic acids were superior to chloroquine as the best phytochemicals. Hence, they are lead compounds.ConclusionIn addition to identifying the bioactive compounds, ADME, and docking data of the lead compounds as candidates for rational drug design processes as observed against Plasmodium falciparum target proteins (PfEMP-1 and PfPKG), which are implicated in the pathogenesis of malaria, the study has validated that the residual fraction of N. latifolia roots has the best antiplasmodial therapeutic index.

Nutritional properties of Nauclea latifolia root and leaves

Nauclea latifolia is a medicinal plant that is valuable and native to Africa and Asia. It has served as herbal medicine for treating different ailments and diseases. The importance of herbal plants is not just for their medicinal effects but also their nutritional value. This study determined the proximate, vitamin, and mineral compositions of N. latifolia root and leaves using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The result revealed that N. latifolia root has moisture (5.436%), ash (7.377%), crude fat (5.012%), crude fibre (4.769%), crude protein (6.30%), carbohydrate (71.106%), while the leaf contains moisture (4.127%), ash (5.998 %), crude fat (3.998 %), crude fibre (6.713 %), crude protein (11.90 %), and carbohydrates (67.264%). On the other, vitamins A, C, D and E were 28.65 mg/L, 188.165 mg/100g of extract, 42 mg/L, and 23.86 mg/L, respectively, in the root and 15.197 mg/L, 783.20 mg/100 g, 45.60 mg/L, and 14.095 mg/L, respectively in the leaves. The root and leaf mineral content ranges from 0.351 to 8.278 ppm and 0.135 to 7.988 ppm, respectively. N. latifolia root and leaves have an appreciable content of vitamins A, C, D, and E. They contain reasonable amounts of minerals like phosphorus, calcium, zinc, ıron, magnesium, sodium and potassium. They could be a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre for the development of the body. Their low ash and moisture contents make their storage easy. Therefore, N. latifolia root and leaves will make a good nutrient source for the ever-growing human population

Chemical characterization and biological activity of Molineria latifolia root extract as dermal antiaging: Isolation of natural compounds, in silico and in vitro study

Premature skin-aging is a disorder in human skin tissue caused by the effects of environmental factors. It is important to prevent and treat this disorder using natural ingredients. One of them is the Molineria latifolia plant, which is reportedly anti-aging. This study aims to characterize the chemical content of M. latifolia extract and evaluate its biological activity as a skin anti-aging. The 70% ethanol extract of M. latifolia roots was fractionated by a chromatography column using a solvent based on a gradient. The fractions obtained were evaluated for antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-elastase activities. The active fraction was purified, and its chemical structure was characterized. The compounds were assessed for anti-aging activity in silico using 2Y9X and 3HGN proteins and continued with in vitro evaluation. The isolation results obtained six secondary metabolite compounds, namely 2,6 dimethoxy-benzoic acid (1), curculigoside-A (2), curcapital (3), syringic acid (4), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl-2,3-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzoate or curlatifolia-SN (5), and luteolin (6). Compound 5 is newly phenolic discovered and has not been reported in previous research. Compounds 3, 5, and 6 interact best with 2Y9X (tyrosinase) and 3HGN (elastase) proteins in silico based on the obtained binding affinity. In vitro activity shows that compounds 3, 5, and 6 have strong to very strong activity inhibiting 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, tyrosinase, and elastase. Compounds 3, 5, and 6 inhibit tyrosinase through a mixed inhibition mechanism, while elastase inhibits competitively. Compounds 3, 5, and 6 are phenolic derivatives with the best anti-aging activity, which can be used as anti-aging skin agent for future development.

An Investigation into the Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Wound-Healing Activities of Curculigo latifolia Found in Brunei Darussalam.

This present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical content and antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Curculigo latifolia leaves (CL) and C. latifolia roots (CR) found in Brunei Darussalam. Phytochemical screening showed that CL and CR extracts contain saponins, tannins, glycosides, and terpenoids. CR showed higher total phenolic content (TPC), but lower total flavonoid content (TFC) when compared to CL. The high TPC in CR contributed to its potent radical scavenging activity (RSA) against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and strong ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Additionally, CR exerted significant inhibition of ∝-glucosidase and ∝-amylase, suggesting a potential link between the chemical compounds and its antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. In the animal study of antihyperglycemic activity, treatment with 250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of the CL extract normalised the blood glucose levels and improved body weight gain of alloxan-induced diabetic rats within 14 weeks. Furthermore, our investigation into the wound-healing effects of young C. latifolia leaves (YCL) and matured C. latifolia leaves (MCL) showed a significant reduction in wound size on Day 3, 5, and 7 of the experimental study, indicating its wound-healing potential. Based on our findings, C. latifolia can be consumed as part of a balanced diet due to its antioxidant and antidiabetic properties.

Performance evaluation and microbial profiling of integrated vertical flow constructed wetland (IVFCW) for simultaneous treatment of domestic and pulp and paper industry waste water

The present study demonstrates the potential of an integrated vertical flow-constructed wetland (IVFCW) for simultaneously treating black liquor and domestic wastewater. IVFCW was operated and monitored for 12 samples with the frequency of one sample per week with the following specifications viz,4 L of wastewater, a blend of 1:1 of pulp and paper industry effluent (black liquor BL), and domestic wastewater, was fed daily in a continuous mode with organic loading rate (OLR) of 1230 mg COD/L-Day, at a temperature range of 40-45℃ (natural temperature of the workstation). Valves controlled each chamber's hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 3 days and flow rate of 10 mL/minute. The IVFCW showed remarkable efficiency in removing various pollutants, including total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS), by 100 % and 83 %, respectively, and organic contaminants such as chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) by 80 % and 81 %, respectively. Moreover, the IVFCW efficiently reduced nutrients such as sulfates (SO₄-2), phosphates (PO₄-3), and total nitrogen by about 81 %, 63 %, and 61 %, respectively. The treatment also led to the reduction of lignin content by 83 %. Microbiological analysis revealed a significant reduction in fecal coliforms, and microbial profiling of Typha latifolia roots confirmed the presence of bacteria involved in lignin degradation. Seed germination and seedling survival were found to be negativelyaffected by untreated wastewater in a phytotoxicity study, suggesting that the wastewater's toxic chemicals could be harmful to plant life.This study highlights the effectiveness of IVFCW as a sustainable, economically viable, and resilient wastewater treatment system for mitigating environmental concerns related to the release of untreated wastewater.

Investigation of In-vitro Antiproliferative activity of Ampelocissus latifolia root extract on MCF-7 breast cancer cells Ampelocissus latifolia root extract against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Background: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related death in women worldwide. Treatment of cancer has been plagued with toxic side effects of anticancer drugs. The need of the hour is the development of novel compounds with maximum cytotoxic effect on cancer cells with minimal toxicity to normal cells. The current direction of researchers worldwide is to identify anticancer compounds from natural sources. In India, traditional medicine has employed use of herbaceous climbers of grape family for treatment of ailments ranging from snakebites to diabetes. In the current study, an attempt has been made to explore the in vivo antiproliferative property of ethanolic extract of root of Ampelocissus latifolia against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: The antiproliferative effect of Ethanolic extract of root of Ampelocissus latifolia (ERAL) was estimated by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl--tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The MCF -7 cell viability in various concentrations of ERAL including 7.8mcg/ml, 15.6mcg/ml, 31.2mcg/ml, 62.5mcg/ml, 125mcg/ml, 250mcg/ml, 500mcg/ml and 1000mcg/ml was tested. The IC50 value was calculated. All the experiments were done in triplicates. This was followed up with DNA fragmentation assay and fluorescent staining and microscopy. Results: The MCF -7 cell viability in various concentration of ERAL including 7.8mcg/ml, 15.6mcg/ml, 31.2mcg/ml ,62.5mcg/ml, 125mcg/ml, 250mcg/ml, 500mcg/ml and 1000mcg/ml was found to be 69.01%, 62.39%, 55.04%, 48.00%, 41.17%, 33.82%, 26.78% and 20.06% respectively .The IC50 concentration was found to be in the range of 62.5mcg/ml.The cell viability was found to be dose dependant.DNA fragmentation assay and DAPI and PI staining of cells treated with IC50 concentration of ERAL were indicative of significant cell death. Conclusion: The concentration dependent inhibition of MCF-7 cells supported by DNA fragmentation and fluorescent staining indicate that Ampelocissus latifolia can be a source of novel anticancer molecules.

Determination of the Phytochemical and Antimicrobial properties of Nauclea latifolia Root Smith. (Rubiaceae)

Nauclea latifolia is a valuable medicinal plant for treating different ailments. Infectious diseases constitute a world health concern. This work describes the phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial properties of the root of N. latifolia. Collected root samples were extracted via cold maceration with methanol. The methanol crude extract was fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions. Phytochemical analyses and antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract/ fractions were assessed using agar well diffusion method. Four different fractions were obtained from the methanol (crude) extract. The phytochemistry carried out showed the presence or absence of certain phytochemicals. The methanol (crude) extract and the different fractions had good antimicrobial properties. It was concluded that N. latifolia root revealed the presence of phytochemicals and has antimicrobial activity.

Chronic Toxicological Assessment of Aqueous Extract of a Combination of Nauclea latifolia Root and Acalypha torta Leaf on the Liver, Kidney and Heart of Wistar Rat

Background: Nauclea latifolia and Acalypha torta are medicinal plants found in Nigeria with scientifically validated anti-diabetic properties. Although these herbal preparations are derived from natural sources, some of them may still possess the potential to cause some adverse reactions on the vital organs of the body.
 Aim: This study was therefore designed to assess the chronic toxicological effects of orally administered aqueous extract of a combination of N. latifolia root and A. torta leaf on the liver, kidney, and heart of Wistar rats.
 Materials and Methods: Hot aqueous extraction of the mixture of dried, pulverized samples was carried out for 24 hours at the laboratory temperature. After filtrations, the final filtrate was evaporated to dryness using Rotary Evaporator. Effects of the Nauclea latifolia Acalypha torta extract ( NLAT), on the liver, kidney, and heart were assessed following daily oral administration of the extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats at the dose of 100.0 mg/kg for six months. Changes in body weight and blood glucose levels were monitored. All the indices of liver, kidney, and heart functions were estimated with the aid of Randox Diagnostic Test Kits following the manufacturer’s methods and a total of eighty-four rats (120-150g) were used.
 Results: Results showed that the extract, NLAT, had a positive impact on body weight which correlates with the concomitant reduction in the average blood sugar levels. There was no observable significant differences (P>0.05) in the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) when compared with the controls. Total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), creatinine, and urea levels were within the normal ranges. Histopathological evaluations showed no perturbation of the normal architectures of the liver, kidney and heart.
 Conclusion: The combination at the dose tested was well tolerated by the animals and there was no indication of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or cardiotoxicity.

Isolation of a pentacyclic triterpenoid from the antiplasmodial bioactive fraction of Nauclea latifolia (Sm) roots

Purpose: To research the antiplasmodial property of aqueous extract, fractions, and residue of Nauclea latifolia roots and to isolate the components responsible for the antiplasmodial activity.Methods: Roots of N. latifolia were macerated with distilled water; the extract was obtained, successively partitioned with ethyl acetate and butanol. The extract, fractions, and the residue obtained were evaluated for their in vivo antiplasmodial activity and compared with amodiaquine and artesunate. The residue (which exhibited the best therapeutic index) was subjected to column and thin layer chromatography to isolate its components. Purification led to the isolation of betulinic acid, which was characterized with the aid of spectroscopic techniques (1H, 13C NMR, and EI-MS).Results: The residue significantly inhibited parasite growth from 42.8 % (D2) to 77.6 % (D5). Therefore, residue exhibited the highest therapeutic index against Plasmodium berghei in the three in vivo antiplasmodial (prophylactic, suppressive, and curative) models and it compared favourably with amodiaquine (80.5 %) and artesunate (85.9 %). The major component of the residue was betulinic acid.Conclusion: The results validate the antiplasmodial claims of the roots of N. latifolia in folkloric medicine, and demonstrated that the isolate has a high therapeutic index in this regard. Further investigations, however, are required to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of the compound/isolate.

Enhanced Cd-Accumulation in Typha latifolia by Interaction with Pseudomonas rhodesiae GRC140 under Axenic Hydroponic Conditions.

The Typha genus comprises plant species extensively studied for phytoremediation processes. Recently, Pseudomonas rhodesiae GRC140, an IAA-producing bacterium, was isolated from Typha latifolia roots. This bacterium stimulates the emergence of lateral roots of Arabidopsis thaliana in the presence and absence of cadmium. However, the bacterial influence on cadmium accumulation by the plant has not been determined. Moreover, the P. rhodesiae GRC140 effect in Cd phytoextraction by T. latifolia remains poorly understood. In this work, an axenic hydroponic culture of T. latifolia was established. The plants were used to evaluate the effects of cadmium stress in axenic plants and determine the effects of P. rhodesiae GRC140 and exogenous indole acetic acid (IAA) on Cd tolerance and Cd uptake by T. latifolia. Biomass production, total chlorophyll content, root electrolyte leakage, catalase activity, total glutathione, and Cd content were determined. The results showed that Cd reduces shoot biomass and increases total glutathione and Cd content in a dose-dependent manner in root tissues. Furthermore, P. rhodesiae GRC140 increased Cd translocation to the shoots, while IAA increased the Cd accumulation in plant roots, indicating that both treatments increase Cd removal by T. latifolia plants. These results indicate that axenic plants in hydroponic systems are adequate to evaluate the Cd effects in plants and suggest that T. latifolia phytoextraction abilities could be improved by P. rhodesiae GRC140 and exogenous IAA application.

Nitrogen transformations in constructed wetlands: A closer look at plant-soil interactions using chemical imaging

Constructed wetlands have long been used for domestic wastewater treatment. Despite the widespread application of constructed wetlands for wastewater remediation, they are still regarded as a black box in terms of the complex biogeochemical processes occurring internally, particularly with respect to plant-soil (and nitrogen) interactions. Additionally, many critical processes pertaining to nitrogen transformations in constructed wetlands are thought to occur in microzones within the rhizosphere, highlighting the need for studies with sub-cm spatial resolution. In this study we coupled nitrogen porewater measurements with chemical imaging to determine spatio-temporal patterns in porewater O2 and pH to assess the extent of plant-induced changes in soil redox dynamics that influence nitrogen biogeochemical cycling during dosed application of nitrogen-rich artificial wastewater. Planar optode imaging revealed extensive O2 fluxes to otherwise anoxic sediment via radial oxygen loss (ROL) from Typha latifolia roots. The contribution of photosynthetic O2 from this plant species was minimal as a strong oxic signal persisted in darkness (diel cycles). NH4+ and NOx− removal were strongly correlated with the extent of oxic and anoxic areas, a function largely attributed to the presence of plants and the associated enhanced microbial communities supported. The distribution of nitrogen species within the Typha rhizosphere exhibited reproducible trends as a function of distance from roots, with concentrations highest close to roots (1–5 mm from root surface) and subsequently decreasing at greater distances. Microscale spatio-temporal redox heterogeneity within the rhizosphere due to ROL imposed by plants promoted nitrogen removal likely by stimulating the coupling between nitrification and denitrification in these systems. Collectively, this study highlights the profound importance of plants in exerting controls on soil conditions and nitrogen cycling in constructed wetland systems. With careful considerations, constructed wetlands designed to promote wetland plants' functions may enhance nitrogen removal and mitigate nitrogen pollution.

Selenium speciation and bioavailability from mine discharge to the environment: a field study in Northern Quebec, Canada.

The speciation, behaviour, and bioavailability of released selenium (Se) from mine effluent discharge to sediments and plants were assessed. Discharged mine effluent containing 65±0.9 μg/L of total Se subsequently contaminated the exposed sediment with an average total Se concentration of 321 mg/kg as well as exposed Typha latifolia plants where 534 and 92 mg/kg were found in roots and leaves, respectively. The strategy of T. latifolia in Se phytoremediation consisted of a phytostabilization and accumulation of Se predominantly in roots. Se plant root uptake was promoted by synergistic effects of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd while Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Na, K, and Mg had antagonistic effects. Se plant uptake was also governed by sediment characteristics mainly pH, total Se, and iron concentration. Se speciation results demonstrated that the most accumulated Se species by T. latifolia roots were selenite and selenomethionine with average concentrations of 2.68 and 2.04 mg/kg respectively while other Se species were the most translocated (average translocation factor of 1.89). Se speciation in roots was positively correlated with sediment pH, organic matter, electrical conductivity, and iron concentration. This study confirms deploying corrective measures for mine effluent treatment before discharge in a sediment-plant environment to protect living organisms from toxic effects. T. latifolia is recommended as a Se-hyperaccumulator to be used for mine soil phytoremediation in cold regions in Canada.

Black-box modelling, bi-objective optimization and ASPEN batch simulation of phenolic compound extraction from Nauclea latifolia root

Nauclea latifolia root (NLR) extract is one of phytochemicals used to treat various ailments in most of developing countries. This investigation focuses on modelling, optimization and computer-aided simulation of phenolic solid-liquid extraction from NLR. The extraction experiments were conducted at extraction temperature (ET: 33.79–76.21 °C), process time (PT: 2.79–4.21 h) and solid-liquid ratio (SLC: 0.007929–0.018355 g/ml). Regression models (RM) were developed, using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in Design Expert software, for predicting and optimizing total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) and also compared with adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) modelling in Matlab environment. Aspen Batch Process Developer (ABPD) V10 was used to simulate phenolic extract production and perform material balance of the process. Both Coefficients of determination (R2) of RSM (TFC: 0.9996, TPC: 0.9932) and ANFIS models (TFC: 0.99998, TPC: 0.9982) were compared and predicted satisfactorily. Optimization results show: ET (2.79 h), PT (38.8 °C), SLC (0.0198 g/ml), TFC (25.92 25.92 μg RE/g) and TPC (8.47 mg GAE/g). The phenolic extraction base case simulation results gave batch throughput, annual throughput, number of batches per year 0.0089 g/batch, 0.139 g/year and 1019 batches, respectively. The ABPD predicted TPC and experimental TPC results were compared and gave mean relative deviation error of 3.75%. Thus, ABPD simulation model is reasonably reliable for the scale-up design engineering of the phenolic extract production from NLR.

Cadmium-tolerant endophytic Pseudomonas rhodesiae strains isolated from Typha latifolia modify the root architecture of Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 in presence and absence of Cd.

In this work, we isolated four Cd-tolerant endophytic bacteria from Typha latifolia roots that grow at a Cd-contaminated site. Bacterial isolates GRC065, GRC066, GRC093, and GRC140 were identified as Pseudomonas rhodesiae. These bacterial isolates tolerate cadmium and have abilities for phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, indole acetic acid (IAA) synthesis, and ACC deaminase activity, suggesting that they are plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Bacterial inoculation in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings showed that P. rhodesiae strains increase total fresh weight and number of lateral roots concerning non-inoculated plants. These results indicated that P. rhodesiae strains promote A. thaliana seedlings growth by modifying the root system. On the other hand, in A. thaliana seedlings exposed to 2.5mg/l of Cd, P. rhodesiae strains increased the number and density of lateral roots concerning non-inoculated plants, indicating that they modify the root architecture of A. thaliana seedlings exposed to cadmium. The results showed that P. rhodesiae strains promote the development of lateral roots in A. thaliana seedlings cultivated in both conditions, with and without cadmium. These results suggest that P. rhodesiae strains could exert a similar role inside the roots of T. latifolia that grow in the Cd-contaminated environment.

Suppressive and curative antiplasmodial properties of Nauclea latifolia root extract and fractions against erythrocytic stage of mice-infective chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK-65

Background: Malaria remains a devastating disease, particularly in the tropics, where it is the highest killer of pregnant women and children under the age of 5 years. Significant efforts and resources have been vested in malaria control and eradication programmes, but the unavailability of malaria vaccine and the emergence of resistance of malaria parasite to existing antimalarial drugs have continued to hamper attempts at controlling or eradicating the disease. This warrants the development of new antimalarial drugs. Nauclea latifolia root is widely applied for malaria treatment in Nigeria. Aim: This study investigated the antimalarial property of N. latifolia roots. Setting: N. latifolia roots were collected from Ikwuano, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. Methods: To extract the bioactive constituents, an aqueous infusion of the plant was prepared and fractionated by solvent-solvent extraction with n -hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol, respectively. Antimalarial property was evaluated using suppressive and curative assays in mice infected with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK-65 strain. Results: The extract and fractions produced significant suppressive and curative antiplasmodial activities ( p < 0.05). The aqueous extract and n -hexane and butanol fractions gave 85.22%, 84.52% and 91.32% chemosuppression, respectively, which were comparable to that of chloroquine used as positive control. The extract and fractions gave considerable curative effects in the range 52.23% – 77.00%. Conclusion: These findings indicate that N. latifolia roots possess antimalarial property and reflect its ethnomedicinal use for malaria treatment. Thus, N. latifolia roots may be exploited for development of herbal formulations and isolation of novel bioactive compounds for malaria treatment.

Subcritical Water Extraction of Antioxidants from Curculigo latifolia Root

This study aims to extract antioxidant compounds from Curculigo latifolia root by subcritical water extraction (SWE). The influence of extraction temperature and time on the antioxidant activity of C. latifolia root extract was investigated in terms of extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2, 2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The highest extraction yield (36.5%), TPC (92.55 mg GAE/g), TFC (13.26 mg RE/g), and antioxidant activities by ABTS (66.8 mg trolox equivalent/g sample) and DPPH (128.7 mg trolox equivalent/g sample) were detected at 180°C and 30 minutes extraction time. Based on the results, the optimum condition was selected at 180°C and 30 minutes of extraction. The sample was screened by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis where the phenolic compounds detected were structured based on their [M-H]-peak. The detected phenolic compounds were monobenzone, hydroquinone, phloridzin, pomiferin, mundulone, scandenin, and dimethyl caffeic acid. According to these findings, SWE is a promising, environmentally friendly, and efficient technology in the exploitation of natural products for the development of food and nutraceutical commodities.

Inhibitory activity of Scorzonera latifolia and its components on enzymes connected with healing process

Ethnopharmacological relevanceScorzonera latifolia (Fisch. & Mey.) DC. (Asteraceae) grows naturally in Eastern Anatolia, northeastern Iran, and Caucasus. Latex of S. latifolia roots is used in Turkish folk medicine for its analgesic effects, externally to cure infertility in women, and internally as an antihelmintic. The milk obtained from the stem of the Scorzonera species is used for wound healing activity. Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities have previously been reported for S. latifolia. Aim of the studyA methanol extract of the aerial parts of Scorzonera latifolia that had been shown to possess wound-healing activity, was used to elucidate the possible mechanism of the wound-healing activity and to identify the compound(s) responsible for the effect by means of bioassay-guided fractionation. Materials and methodsThe wound-healing activity potential of methanol extract of S. latifolia was detected by evaluating the inhibitory activity on the collagenase, hyaluronidase and elastase, which play important roles in the wound-healing process. Succesive fractionation of the methanol extract using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, respectively, and the residual wateryielded four respective fractions. The ethyl acetate part, which was determined as the most active fraction, was selected for further separation using chromatographic techniques. ResultsEthylacetate fraction exhibited significant inhibitory activities on collagenase and elastase. Chromatographic separation of the ethylacetate extract yielded an active subfraction, from which was used to isolate quercetin-3-O-β-apiofuranosyl-(1′′′→2′′)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), quercetin-3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-galactopyranoside (2), isoorientin (3), and 7-methylisoorientin (4). Of the compounds tested, 7-methylisoorientin (4) exerted inhibitory activity on collagenase and elastase, while quercetin-3-O-β-apiofuranosyl-(1′′′→2′′)-β–glucopyranoside (1) inhibited collagenase only. None of the fractions, or isolated compounds showed any inhibitory effect on hyaluronidase. It must be mentioned, that in vitro tests showed that compounds 1–4 inhibit the collagenase and elastase and could help wound-healing process. However, the inhibititory effect of the methanol extract appears to be greater than that of both of the ethylacetate fraction, subfraction G and the isolated compounds, which suggest that a synergistic interaction of several compounds could be responsible for the wound-healing activity of the aerial parts of S. latifolia.

Isolation and characterization of components from roots of Premna latifolia Roxb

The aim of the current work was to isolate and characterize structurally fascinating and biologically intriguing compounds from the dried roots of Premna latifolia. Dried plant roots were subjected to soxhalation with ethyl alcohol and later to column chromatography. The individual compounds were isolated by preparative thin-layer chromatography followed by structural characterization using various spectral ways like LCMS, IR, 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR (1H-1H NMR and 1H-13C NMR). Three totally different compounds were isolated and characterised as Compound 1: n-Tridecanyl n-Tetracosanoate, Compound 2: Stigmanstan -3β-olyln-octadec-9ʹ, 12ʹ-dienoate and Compound 3: n-Tetracosanol for the first time from Premna latifolia roots.

In vitro study of nutritional and antioxidant properties of methanol extract of Nauclea latifolia root bark.

The study investigated some nutritional and anti-oxidant properties of methanol extract of Nauclea latifolia root bark. The nutritional and antioxidant study of the extract were carried using standard analytical procedures. Phytochemical analysis showed that the extract contains high amount of protein, saponin, total phenolics and carbohydrate with very low amount of cyanide and tannins. Vitamins C and E were found in high amounts while vitamin A was present in moderate concentrations. The extract also possesses moderate levels of zinc, copper and manganese, however, low levels iron, nickel and selenium were detected. The extract showed no significant difference (P>0.05) when compared with the standards in the dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging capacity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation ability, hydroxyl radical (OH) scavenging potential. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between superoxide anion (O2-) scavenging capacity of the extract and ascorbic acid. The extract (500 µg/ml) had the highest nitric oxide radical (NO) scavenging capacity when compared to 250 µg/ml ascorbic acid standard. High contents of vitamins C and E, phenolics compounds and moderate concentrations of trace elements like selenium might account for the good antioxidant properties exhibited by the methanol extract of Naulea latifolia root bark. The results indicate that the extract possesses high levels of antioxidant compound that could be responsible for its high antioxidant activity, thus the extract could effectively mop up free radicals and prevents its associated complications if consumed in right quantity.

Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticle from ampelocissus latifolia root extract

In the present research work, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been demonstrated using root extract of Ampelocissus latifolia (Vitaceae family) reducing aqueous silver nitrate. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by different instrumental techniques. Change of color and stability studies were identified by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrometer; Surface morphology and elemental composition of AgNPs studied by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX); Selected Area Diffraction Pattern (SAED) and TEM micrographs showed spherical particles with an average size of 35-45 nm. The FCC structure and crystalline nature of prepared nanoparticles identified by the XRD technique based on the characteristic Bragg peaks of (111), (200), (220), (311) and (222). Further, prepared silver nanoparticles showed effective antibacterial activity toward gram positive and negative bacteria. This examination demonstrated that silver nanoparticles posses extensive antibacterial activity in correlation with standard antibacterial agents, and hence further investigation or clinical applications is necessary.