Methanolic Leaf Extract Research Articles

In vivo hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Stenocarpus sinuatus leaf extract against ifosfamide-induced toxicity in rats.

Ifosfamide (IFOS) is a broad-spectrum chemotherapeutic agent that has been extensively used for breast cancer and other solid tumors. Unfortunately, its use is associated with toxicities of several organs. Stenocarpus sinuatus is an Australian tree belonging to the Proteaceae family. In the current study, the phytochemical constituents of S. sinuatus methanol leaf extract (SSLE) were assessed. In addition, the protective effect of SSLE against IFOS-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity was evaluated. Rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, IFOS (50 mg/kg), IFOS + SSLE (100 mg/kg), IFOS + SSLE (200 mg/kg), IFOS + SSLE (400 mg/kg), and SSLE (400 mg/kg). Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potency of SSLE was assessed using different biochemical parameters. The phytochemical investigation resulted in the isolation of four flavonoid glycosides (kaempferol 3-O-β- d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α- l-rhamnopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-β- d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α- l-rhamnopyranoside, and quercetin 3-O-β- d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α- l-rhamnopyranoside) and a coumarin (scopoletin). This is the first report on the isolated compounds from the genus Stenocarpus. SSLE showed enhancement of kidney and liver functions and reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. The histopathology of the investigated organs confirmed the protective effect of SSLE. In conclusion, SSLE is considered as a promising candidate that can be used in defense against the toxic effects of IFOS after further clinical trials.

QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF FRACTIONS OBTAINED FROM Ficus asperifolia LEAVES MIQ (MORACEAE) AND THE CHARACTERIZATION OF COMPOUNDS IDENTIFIED IN THE RESIDUAL AQUEOUS FRACTION

Ficus asperifolia (Miq), family Moraceae is popularly known as sand-paper tree that is found in marshy areas around river banks. In Nigeria, it is called kawusa by Hausa tribe, ipin by Yoruba tribe and asesa or amerenwa by Igbo tribe. This research aims to quantify secondary metabolites present in the crude methanol extract and fractions and to characterize the identified compounds in the residual aqueous fraction of Ficus asperifolia leaves. The powdered fruit was extracted using 6L of 70% methanol. The crude extract was dissolved in water and fractionated using chloroform, ethylacetate, and n-buthanol. Phytochemical screening was conducted to determine the chemical composition of crude methanol leaf extract of Ficus asperifolia and its fractions. The phytochemical screening conducted revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. Quantitative analysis of total alkaloids, flavoniods, saponins, and cardiac glycosides was also carried out. The crude extract fractionated produced 16.5% of chloroform, 6.8% of ethylacetate, 5.9% of n-butanol and 70.8% of residual aqueous fractions. The extract was further characterized using the available spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, UV, and GC-MS respectively.

Cardiorenal protective effects of extracts of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) in animal model of metabolic syndrome

Every year, metabolic syndrome and cardiorenal diseases cause many deaths worldwide. African bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is known for its numerous therapeutic effects. Potentially, it can lower plasma lipid and glucose levels, which, in turn, may improve the condition of patients with the abovementioned diseases. This research featured the antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic effects of methanol extract of V. amygdalina in an animal model of metabolic syndrome.
 Twenty albino rats were divided into four groups. Groups A to C were orally administered with ghee (3 mL/kg) + high-cholesterol diet (500 mg/kg) + high-sugar diet (10 mL/kg) to induce metabolic syndrome. Group A served as negative control and received no treatment with bitter leaf methanol extract. Groups B and C received 200 and 400 mg/kg of V. amygdalina methanol extract, respectively. Group D received no administration. The cardiorenal injuries and alterations in blood lipids and sugar levels wereassessed via various biochemical analyses.
 The combination of ghee + high-cholesterol diet + high-sugar diet triggered a significant elevation of creatine kinase myocardial band, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, glucose, urea, creatinine, and potassium levels. The histopathological results agreed with the biochemical findings. However, the treatment with 200 and 400 mg/kg of V. amygdalina methanol extract was able to inhibit the adverse alterations causing a dosedependent significant antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic effect (p < 0.05).
 Bitter leaf (V. amygdalina) demonstrated cardiorenal protective effects and may be used to manage metabolic syndrome.

Impact assessment of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi on phytochemical constituents and nutrient uptake in Gomphrena globosa

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are recognized to amend the biosynthesis of metabolites in plants through symbiosis. This relationship provides an opportunity to use host-fungus combinations that maximize secondary metabolite synthesis. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of two different AMFs (Rhizophagus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae) individually and in combination on the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential and nutrient uptake in Gomphrena globosa. The findings showed an increased concentration of total phenols (29.10 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (25.84 mg QE/g DW), saponins (105.77 mg DE/g DW) and tannins (137.38 mg TAE/g DW) in the methanol leaf extract of G. globosa inoculated with the combined AMF treatment. Moreover, the existence of phenol (benzoic acid) and flavonoid (kaempferol) was also observed using HPTLC analysis. GC-MS study of methanol extract revealed that hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester and 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester were the major active compounds with the highest area percentage (26.60 % and 23.74 % respectively) found in the combined AMF treatment. Changes in the functional groups due to AMF associations were observed using FTIR analysis, with the maximum level of metabolites reported in the combined treatment, as evidenced by their higher peak intensity. Furthermore, the plants inoculated with both R. intraradices and F. mosseae showed higher concentrations of P (1477.53 mg/kg), K (28872.88 mg/kg), Mg (10137.96 mg/kg), Ca (28723.07 mg/kg), Fe (125.29 mg/kg) and Mo (0.36 mg/kg), as well as antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 523.09 µg/mL and FRAP 7845.81 µM Fe (II) equivalent) in comparison to control. Overall, it was concluded that co-inoculation of R. intraradices and F. mosseae enhanced the production of secondary metabolites in G. globosa leaves which may be due to the improved mineral nutrition.

Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Leaf and Stem Extracts of Barleria albostellata C.B. Clarke

Barleria albostellata C.B. Clarke (Acanthaceae) is a plant native to South Africa and relatively few studies have been performed on it. Species in this genus are known for their ethnopharmacological and phyto-medicinal values. In this study, the total flavonoid and phenolic contents and the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts were evaluated at five different concentrations (15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 μg/mL). The antioxidant activity of the extracts of B. albostellata was assessed in vitro using the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, while the phenolic content was determined using a Folin–Ciocalteu assay. The extracts’ cytotoxicity was established using a 3-[(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay in human embryonic kidney (HEK293), cervical cancer (HeLa), and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. Methanolic leaf extracts had the highest total flavonoid content (42.39 ± 1.14 mg GAE/g DW) compared to other solvents. Additionally, the total phenolic content was the greatest in the methanol leaf extract (6.05 ± 0.09 GAE/g DW), followed by the methanol stem extracts (2.93 ± 0.73 GAE/g DW). The methanolic leaf and stem extract concentrations needed for 50% inhibition (DPPH) were 16.95 µg/mL and 14.27 µg/mL, respectively, whereas for FRAP, the reducing powers of all extracts were considerably lower than the ascorbic acid standard. The IC50 values of extracts tested in the three cell lines were >63 µg/mL. According to the findings of our study, the leaves and stems of B. albostellata are rich in several bioactive compounds that may be a possible source of natural antioxidants and may have the potential to treat certain diseases. The extraction of the bioactive compounds from the leaves and stems of B. albostellata using bioassay-guided fractionation and the assessment of their safety will be essential for further investigations into this species in the search of potential novel therapeutic drug leads. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the cytotoxic activities of leaf and stem extracts of Barleria albostellata.

Phytochemical Components and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Leaves Extract of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (Chanca piedra)

Oxidative stress has been recognized as a co-occurring pathogenic process that initiates and advances liver injury. Various risk factors, such as alcohol, drugs, environmental toxins, and irradiation, can cause the liver to experience oxidative stress, which in turn can lead to serious liver conditions such as alcoholic liver disease. This study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potentials of methanol leaf extract of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (Chanca piedra). The sample was obtained from Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. The methanol leaves extract was subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro radical scavenging activity, using standard laboratory procedures. The methanol leaves extract of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (Chanca piedra) exhibited a significant antioxidant activity on both hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and di-phenyl-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay with IC50 values of 3.70±0.06 and 6.78±0.01 μg/ml respectively, as compared to the standard (Ascorbic acid) with IC50 values of 2.39±0.01 and 1.25±0.01 μg/ml, respectively. This study therefore suggests that the methanol leaves extract of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (Chanca piedra) possessed antioxidant activity.

Metabolomic profiling and quantification of polyphenols from leaves of seven Acacia species by UHPLC-QTOF-ESI-MS

The genus Acacia (Fabaceae) comprises >1350 species and has been used in traditional medicine as infusions and decoctions to treat wounds, sores, headaches, diarrhea, and cough. The leaf methanolic extracts of seven Acacia species growing in Egypt namely: Acacia saligna, Acacia seyal, Acacia xanthophloea, Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana., Acacia tortilis, Acacia laeta, Acacia albida were analyzed using UPLC-QTOF-ESI-MS. A total of 37 polyphenols were identified and discussed in detail. They included phenolic acids, flavonoids, and procyanidins, among which sixteen polyphenols were identified in Acacia for the first time. Folin-ciocalteau assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, 2,20 -azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation radical and the scavenging capacity against 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical were performed to investigate the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of the Acacia extracts, respectively. Furthermore, the absolute quantification of eighteen polyphenols common to most of the species was performed using UPLC-MS. It was evident that the differences in the chemical composition among the species accounted for the difference in antioxidant activity which was in line together with the total phenolic content.

Phytochemical Compounds and Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Bamboo Against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Plants contain bioactive compounds which can be used to develop novel antibiotics. There is need to search for new antimicrobial compounds to address the problem of microbial resistance against antibiotics. Little research has been done on phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of Bambusa vulgaris. The study was designed to screen phytochemical compounds present in the roots and leaves extracts and to test antimicrobial activity of the extracts of Bambusa vulgaris against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Plants were collected from Maseno University Botanic Garden. Roots and leaves were dried separately, ground into fine powder and extracted using Soxhlet method. Phytochemicals: flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids and glycosides were tested. Thin layer chromatography plate was coated with silica gel. n-Hexane and Ethyl acetate were used as solvents in the ratio 2:3 respectively. Plant extracts were prepared; 25%, 50%, 75%, and100% (stock extract) and Positive control (Amoxicillin). The bacteria were inoculated into the nutrient agar. Antimicrobial activity of acetone extracts of leaves and roots were carried out by disc diffusion method. Diameter of inhibition zones was measured using a ruler. The leaves extracts were found to contain saponins, flavonoids, glycosides tannins and terpernoids. The root extracts contained saponins, glycosides and tannins. TLC revealed that there were 7 spots in the leaves and 4 spots in roots extract. Increase in concentration of the leaves and roots extracts of Bambusa vulgaris significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Leaves extracts showed a higher inhibition activity compared to roots. The growth inhibition may be attributed to the presence of the various phytocompounds. The study has shown that Bambusa vulgaris leaf methanol extract has antimicrobial activity against gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and hence can be used as source of bioactive agents to control these pathogens.

Piper pedicellatum C. DC. Leaf Methanol Extract Inhibits Edema and Granuloma and Modulates Mediators and Cytokines in Rats

Piper pedicellatum C. DC. Leaf Methanol Extract Inhibits Edema and Granuloma and Modulates Mediators and Cytokines in Rats

Phytochemical analysis, biological activities of methanolic extracts and an isolated flavonoid from Tunisian Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss: an in vitro and in silico investigations

In recent years, due to the dramatic increase of the bacteria resistance to antibiotics and chemotherapeutic drugs, an increasing importance is given to the discovery of novel bioactive molecules, more potent than those in use. In this contest, methanol extracts of different parts of the medicinal plant Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss. (Plumbaginaceae), widely occurring in Tunisia, were prepared to evaluate the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. The methanol extract of the roots showed the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and E. faecalis, whereas the stem extract exhibited the highest antiproliferative effects towards a Hela cell line. Analysis of volatile fractions, using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC–FID) techniques, led to the identification of camphor as the most abundant constituent, which represented from 84.85 to 99.48% of the methanol extracts. Multiple chromatographic separation of the methanol leaf extract afforded the flavonoid maeopsin-6-O-glucoside (S1) and a few fractions that were subjected to biological activity assays. One fraction exhibited interesting antibacterial activity against E. coli and E. faecalis (MIC values of 62.5 and 78.12 µg/mL, respectively), and antiproliferative effects against Hela and A549 cells (IC50 = 226 and 242.52 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, in silico studies indicated that maesopsin-6-O-glucoside, which was moderately active against Staphylococcus aureus, strongly interacted with the active site of the accessory gene regulator protein A (AgrA) of Staphylococcus aureus.

The effectiveness of the mixture of basil and betel leaves methanol extracts to suppress Colletotrichum acutatum, the causal agent of anthracnose disease on postharvest cayenne chili

Abstract. Nasahi C, Ramadhanty S, Sudarjat S, Kurniadie D, Bari IN, Subakti-Putri SN. 2023. The effectiveness of the mixture of basil and betel leaves methanol extracts to suppress Colletotrichum acutatum, the causal agent of anthracnose disease on postharvest cayenne chili. Biodiversitas 24: 5513-5522. Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum acutatum, is a major disease in the cultivation of chili plantations in Indonesia. It is usually controlled by farmers using synthetic fungicides with many adverse effects. Therefore, botanical fungicides are applied as alternative control techniques. This research aimed to examine the effect of mixed methanol extract of basil (Ocimum basilicum) and betel leaves (Piper betle) against C. acutatum on cayenne chili (Capsicum annuum). The method used was a randomized block design (RBD) with thirteen treatments and three replications. The results showed that combining basil and betel leaf methanol extracts suppressed C. acutatum. Furthermore, the most effective treatment was a mixture of 1.5% of each of the extracts, which suppressed the development of the disease at 62.07%. The GC-MS profiling of the basil and betel leaf methanol fraction indicated the presence of bioactive compounds that have antifungal effects against anthracnose.

Gastroprotective Activities of Aqueous and 80% Methanol Leaf Extracts of Stephania abyssinica (Quart.-Dill. and A. Rich.) Walp. (Menispermaceae) in Rats.

An ethnobotanical study showed that the leaf of Stephania abyssinica (S. abyssinica) is used for the treatment of gastritis, but there is no scientific investigation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective activities of both aqueous and 80% methanol leaf extracts of S. abyssinica in experimental rats. Decoction and maceration techniques were used to prepare aqueous and 80% methanol leaf extracts, respectively. The extracts were evaluated against pyloric ligation, indomethacin, and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer models at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Negative control received 2% tween 80, while positive controls received 20 mg/kg of omeprazole and 100 µg/kg of misoprostol. Parameters, such as ulcer index, gastric mucin content, gastric juice volume, pH, and free and total acidity were measured. In the pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcer model, all doses of both extracts significantly reduced the ulcer index and gastric juice volume, while doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg exhibited a significant increment in mucus content and gastric juice pH as well as decrease in free and total acidity as compared to negative control. In indomethacin and ethanol induced gastric ulcer models, pretreatment with both extracts significantly reduced the ulcer index and enhanced gastric mucin content in a dose-dependent manner. Phytochemical screening of both extracts showed the existence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and coumarins with high contents of phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids in 80% methanol extract. This study revealed that aqueous and 80% methanol leaf extracts of S. abyssinica possessed remarkable gastroprotective activities against experimentally induced gastric ulcer models, and this possibly justify the traditional use of S. abyssinica leaves to treat gastritis.

Antimalarial activity of Toona ciliata MJ Roem aqueous methanolic leaf extract and its antioxidant and phytochemical properties.

Malaria is a global health issue causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Screening of various traditionally important medicinal plants is a key source for the discovery of new antimalarials. We evaluated the antimalarial and antioxidant activities, and performed detailed phytochemical analyses of Toona ciliata MJ Roem aqueous methanolic leaf extract (TcMLE). Invitro antiplasmodial studies in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) 3D7 and PfCam3.IR539T strains were performed by [3H]-hypoxanthine uptake assays. Invitro cytotoxicity in HeLa and HEK293T cell lines was evaluated using MTT assays. Hemolysis assay was performed using RBCs. Phytochemical analysis by GC-MS and invitro antioxidant studies by DPPH and ABTS assays were performed. Invivo antimalarial studies in Pb-infected mice were carried out using Rane's test and Peters' 4-day test. TcMLE showed significant invitro antioxidant activity and had phytochemicals reported for antimalarial activity. Invitro studies showed prominent antiplasmodial activity against Pf3D7 strain (IC50 ∼22μg/ml) and PfCam3. IR539Tstrain (IC50 value ∼43μg/ml). Invitro cytotoxicity studies, invitro hemolytic assays, and invivo acute toxicity studies further suggested that TcMLE is nontoxic. Invivo antimalarial studies using Rane's test showed a significant decrease in parasitemia by ∼70% at 1200mg/kg doses and delayed the mortality of mice by ∼10-14 days. Peters' 4-day test also showed a similar pattern. The present study demonstrated the antimalarial potential of TcMLE. These findings deliver a platform for further studies to identify the active components of TcMLE and discover new antimalarials.

ANTIOXIDANT, INHIBITION OF ADVANCED GLYCATION END-PRODUCT FORMATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM (SCENT LEAF) METHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST Escherichia coli AND Bacillus SPP

The study investigates the antioxidant, inhibition of advanced glycation end-product formation and antimicrobial activities of methanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum. GC-MS, qualitative, antioxidant scavenging and antiglycation activities of the extract of Ocimum gratissimum were determined using standard procedures. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using standard methods. The GC-MS analysis of Ocimun gratissimum leaf revealed the presence of 49 compounds with P –cymene been the most abundant. The phytochemical screening of the extract shows the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolic, flavonoids, saponins etc. The in-vitro antioxidant assay of the extract was found to have ?-carotene, lycopene, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid compounds, reducing power and DPPH scavenging activities. The extract showed significant inhibitory effects on the formation of compounds containing two carbonyl groups and Advanced Glycated End products formation with IC50 of 75.85 ±4.87 µg/mL. Agar well diffusion assay was characterized by inhibition zones of 21.0 ± 0.30, 19.66 ± 0.20, 33.78± 0.30 and 33.25 ± 0.40 mm for Escherichia coli and Bacillus spp respectively at 250 mg/ml for Ocimun gratissimum and 25 mg/ml for tetracycline solution. The MIC values for E.coli and Bacillus spp were 33.33, 66.67, 0.78 and 0.78 for both extract and tetracycline while their MBC values were 66.67, 133.00, 1.56 and 1.56 respectively. MBC/MIC values showed that Ocimun gratissimum extract and tetracycline had bactericidal effects. These results indicated that Ocimum gratissimum possesses antioxidant, prevents glycation and has antimicrobial activities.

Exploration of Leaves of Picrorhiza kurroa for their Medicinal Potential by Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth is a high-altitude medicinal herb belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae, commonly called Kutki. It secretes various active constituents which impart pharmaceutical value to the plant. The roots and rhizomes of this plant are used for their health benefits since ancient times. Looking at the endangered status of the plant species, the present study was conducted on the leaves of Picrorhiza kurroa. The leaf samples were collected from two sites, Pothivasa (2200 masl) and Tungnath (3600 masl), Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand India. The leaf extracts were prepared using different solvents like petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and methanol and screened for phytochemicals. Quantitative estimation of a few phytochemicals found in the leaf extracts of P. kurroa from Pothivasa (PVLE) and Tungnath (TNLE) was performed. The leaf extracts were further tested for their antibacterial potential. The qualitative screening of all the leaf extracts showed that the maximum number of phytochemicals were present in the methanolic leaf extract of P. kurroa from Pothivasa (Met-PVLE) and the methanolic leaf extract of P. kurroa from Tungnath (Met- TNLE). The quantitative analysis showed that the alkaloid content was 20.23±1.2% in PVLE and 23.73±1.69% in TNLE. The flavonoid content was 8.54±0.43% in PVLE and 17.43±1.72% in TNLE, and Terpenoid content was 18.6±1.02% and 6.1±0.26% in PVLE and TNLE samples, respectively. The saponin content was 12.4±0.05% in PVLE and 16.6±0.45% in TNLE. The total phenolic content (Gallic acid equivalent mg/g) was measured to be 45.99±2.19 mg/g in PVLE and 80.77±2.65 mg/g in TNLE. This study confirms that the leaves of Picrorhiza kurroa contain many vital phytochemicals, which implies that along with the roots and rhizomes, leaves of P. kurroa also impart medicinal value to this plant. Met-PVLE and Met-TNLE showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Acinetobacter sp., and Pseudomonas sp. Further studies can be performed to identify and isolate bioactive compounds from leaf samples of P. kurroa.

Antidiarrheal Activities of the Methanol Leaf Extracts of Olinia rochetiana (Oliniaceae) Against Castor Oil-Induced Diarrhea in Mice.

Olinia rochetiana has been used traditionally to cure diarrheal disease. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute toxicity and antidiarrheal effect of O. rochetiana leaf extracts. Cold maceration was used to extract plant leaf powder with 80% methanol. The extract's antidiarrheal action was tested against a castor oil-induced diarrheal model, a charcoal meal test, and enteropooling tests at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Negative controls received the vehicle at 10 mL/kg, while positive controls received loperamide at 3 mg/kg. From the study, no apparent toxicity was observed when a single dose of 2000 mg/kg was administered. In the castor oil-induced model, the extract delayed the onset of diarrhea, reduced stool frequency, and decreased wet feces weight and number in a dose-dependent manner at 200 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.01). The percent reduction in moist feces at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was 54.2, 23.97, and 18.26%, respectively, indicating a significant dose-dependent decrease. In a charcoal meal test, the extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a peristaltic index of 65 and 46%, respectively, with considerable inhibition of charcoal transport at 23 and 39%. The weight and volume of intestinal contents dropped significantly at a dose of 400 mg/kg (p < 0.01), which is 0.43 mg/kg, in the enteropooling test when compared with the tested dose. The computed in vivo antidiarrheal index revealed diarrheal inhibition values of 46.06 and 71.06% at 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. In the current investigation, O. rochetiana showed significant antidiarrheal activity with no symptoms of toxicity in mice.

Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity Evaluation of the Crude Methanolic Extract of Justicia schimperiana Leaf in Wistar Albino Rats.

This study evaluates the acute and sub-acute toxicity of 80% methanolic extracts of the leaves of Justicia schimperiana in Wistar albino rat models. Dried powdered leaves of Justicia schimperiana were macerated in 80% methanol. The experiment was conducted in accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline 423 for acute and 407 for sub-acute toxicity testing. A single dose of 5000 mg/kg extract was orally administered to three female rats for the acute toxicity study. The plant extract was administered orally for 28 days in daily dosages of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for the sub-acute study. Animals in a control group were given distilled water. A total of 40 rats (5 rats/group/sex) were used for the sub-acute toxicity testing. Daily food intake and weekly body weight measurements were done. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the 28-day treatment period for hematological, biochemical, and histopathological tests. One-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed for the analysis. The single-dose oral administration of the plant resulted in no deaths or serious morbidity. The median lethal dose was >5000 mg/kg. The 28-day oral treatment of the plant extract had no significant effect on general behavior, food intake, organ weight, biochemical parameters, or the majority of the hematological markers, with the exception of the decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit in the 1000 mg/kg extract-treated groups compared to the controls. Both sexes experienced significant weight increases at all dosage levels. With the exception of minor alterations in a few of the organs, no significant histological change was identified. It is concluded that the single-dose and repeated-dose 28-day oral administration of the methanolic leaf extract of Justicia schimperiana is relatively safe.

Quality Standardisation and Comparative Study of Leaf and Root of Kalanchoe pinnata in the Treatment of Wound Healing on Albino Rats

A wound is a disruption of the cellular and anatomic continuity of a tissue, with or without microbial infection. The perennial plant Kalanchoe pinnata (Bryophyllum) is a member of the Crassulaceae family. The present study was based on the quality standardisation and comparative study of leaf and root of Kalanchoe pinnata in the treatment of wound healing on albino rats. The plant was gathered in Uttarakhand, Dehradun, India. The plant leaves were used after being thoroughly rinsed in water. Additionally, the root was scrubbed and allowed to dry at room temperature in the shade and/or away from the sun. The plant was identified and authenticated by Dr Sunita Garg (Reference No. NIScPR/RHMD/Consult/2023/4486-87). The leaves and roots of Kalanchoe pinnata were extracted using methanol solvent. Physicochemical and phytochemical screening was done for both the extracts. The Methanolic extract of Kalanchoe pinnata root and leaf (5% Ointment Topical Application for 15 days) was assessed and compared for its wound healing activity on excisional wound healing animal using Albino rats. GC-MS analysis of the MEKP spectral spectrum showed, the presence of eight essential ingredients was shown as flavone with a retention time of 16.08 and a peak area of 11.9%, palmitic acid with a retention time of 16.73 and a peak area of 8.4%, and phytol with a retention time of 17.82 and a peak area of 39.8%. etc. It was found that MEKP Leaf (5% Ointment) showed superior contraction of wound and faster epithelialization compared to MEKP Root (5% Ointment). Our findings support the possibility of using this plant therapeutically in routine medical care. By following these recommendations, we can drive the development of safe, effective, and accessible phytoconstituent-based wound healing agents.

Safety and risk assessment of methanol extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaf on Wistar rats

Methanol extract of Ocimum gratissimum was investigated for its effects on Wistar rats using some kidney and liver functional indices as ‘markers’. Twenty- eight (28) albino rats weighing 180-200 g was randomly assigned into four groups (A-D) of seven animals each. Animals in groups B-D was orally administered on daily basis with 0.5 ml of the extract corresponding to 50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 14 days while those in the control group received orally 0.5 ml of distilled water. Rats in all the groups were sacrificed 24 hours after the completion of their respective doses and serum, liver and kidney tissue samples were collected for biochemical parameters. The extract significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased serum, liver and kidney ALP, AST and ALT. The extract also significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced serum urea, uric acid and creatinine. Contrastingly, the extract significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increase in serum albumin, globulin and total protein respectively when compared with the normal control at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight respectively. The effect of administration of the extract on serum Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3- ions shows a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease when compared with the normal control with the exception of an increase in K+ ion concentration at 200 mg/kg bwt when compared with the normal control. The biochemical alterations from this result suggest that the extract of Ocimum gratissimum may induce hyponatremia and hypokalaemia at high dosage possibly by altering the Na + /H – exchanger with aldosterone without causing assault or injury to the hepatic, nephrotic and /or tubular function.

Ameliorating effect of Calotropis procera methanol leaf extract against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation induced by fipronil in Wister albino rats

The exposure of humans to oxidative stress inducing chemicals is on the increase due to global industrialization. It has become vital to source for solution by searching for medicinal plants with antioxidant potential. This study was carried out to evaluate the toxicological effect and the antioxidant potential of Calotropis procera in fipronil induced Wister Albino rats. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical and antioxidant screenings of the leaf extract were conducted using standard laboratory protocols. Acute oral toxicity was conducted using Lorke's method to determine the LD50 of the plant extract. The sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated using the Organisation for Economic and Cultural Development method. The in vivo antioxidant potential of the plant extracts was determined using standard methods. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, steroids, terpenoids and coumarines. Quantitative analysis revealed the amounts of saponins (32.67%), cardiac glycosides (7.6 mg/g), phenols (28 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (7.37 mg/g) and steroids (21.53 μg/mg) that were found. The LD50 was calculated to be 2154 mg/kg. Sub-chronic toxicity studies revealed insignificant (p&gt;0.05) increases in body weight. Insignificant (p&gt;0.05) changes in haematological parameters were also observed across treated groups compared to normal control. Liver and kidney function parameters were significantly (p&lt;0.05) altered at higher (dose) of extract compared to normal control. In vivo antioxidant activity of the extract revealed strong antioxidant potentials due to significant (p&lt;0.05) alteration of enzymatic (SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA) and non-enzymatic (vit C and E) antioxidants in the extract treated groups when compared to fipronil treated and normal control groups. Histological screening revealed that the liver and kidney tissues were significantly (p&lt;0.05) altered at higher (dose) of extract administration. In conclusion, the present study validates the antioxidant potential and hence ameliorating effect of C. procera methanol leaf extract from toxic effects of phenyl pyrazole insecticides.