Major Phytochemical Groups Research Articles

EVALUATION BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF Piper Sp INTENDED FOR SKIN FORMULATION PRESERVATIVE

Preservatives are substances added into product to prevent their premature spoilage. Preservative helps to prolong the product’s shelf life by protecting the product from microbial growth and oxidation process. In this study, the potential of a Piper sp. as preservative for cosmetic products is being investigated. The exploration begins with the screening of major phytochemical groups; flavonoid, steroid, alkaloid, saponin and triterpene. Evaluation of biological activities exhibited the plant possessed antimicrobial property towards two strains of Staphylococcus aureus and free radical scavenging capacity. The minimum inhibitory concentration values (MIC) for both S. aureus ATCC 25923 and S. aureus ATCC 6538 is 2500 mg/mL and 312.5 mg/mL respectively. Free radical scavenging capacity of the plant was determined via Superoxide scavenging assay and DPPH radical scavenging assay and the capacity values are 76.4+0.35% and 59.7+0.75% respectively. Cytotoxicity study was also carried out to determine the safety of Piper sp. where median inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for normal kidney cell lines (Vero) is 62.96 mg/mL and normal liver cell lines (WRL-68) is 69.91mg/mL. The extract of Piper sp. was formulated as cosmetic preservative ingredient especially for topical product. The specification of ingredient’s characteristic and performance were described based on colour, odour, pH value as well the solubility in product formulation and stability at 4°C, room temperature and 40°C.

Preliminary phytochemical screening and cytotoxic potentials from leaves of Sanchezia speciosa Hook.f

Background:Sanchezia speciosa Hook.fis an important medicinal plant with several ethnomedicinal properties. In the present experiment the leaves of this plant were screened for the presence of major phytochemical groups. The phytochemicals are the wide variety of compounds produced by plants manipulated widely in the pharmacognostic drug development and in the treatment of the major ailments.Methods:Phytochemical screenings were performed by various functional group tests. All the leaves extracts were subjected to brine shrimp lethality bioassay and standard anticancer drug vincristine sulphate was used as positive control.Results:Phytochemical investigation of the leaves extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, triterpenoids, carbohydrates, steroids, phenolic compounds, saponins and tannins. The ethyl acetate fractionates of the leaves extracts were positive for all the phytochemicals tested while n-hexane fractionates were negative for flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractionates showed significant cytotoxic activities with median lethal concentrations (LC50) 19.95 g/ml and 12.88g/mlwhile LC50 for the vincristine sulphate was 10.96 g/ml.Conclusion: This study shows that the leaves of Sanchezia speciosa Hook.fmay have potentials in control of carcinogenesis in the field of pharmacology.

Comparative Pharmacognostic Study of Different Parts of Withania somnifera and its Substitute Ruellia tuberosa

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. (Solanaceae) is a therapeutically important medicinal plant widely used in Ayurveda and traditional systems of medicine in all over the world. Since this valuable plant is not commercially cultivated in Sri Lanka, traditional practitioners use Ruellia tuberosa L. (Acanthaceae) as a substitute for Withania somnifera. However, use of R. tuberosa as a substitute without scientifically proven data on important quality standards might adversely affect on the therapeutic properties of herbal drugs. Present study investigates the important pharmacognostic aspects of W. somnifera and R. tuberosa. Comparative quality parameters on morphological, anatomical, powder microscopical, phytochemical, physicochemical and brine shrimp toxicity of different parts of (leaf, bark and roots) W. somnifera and R. tuberosa by using established protocols. Results demonstrated that all major phytochemical groups tested were present in leaves, bark and roots of both plants. Physicochemical analysis exhibited the higher total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash in all parts of R. tuberosa. However, TLC profiles exhibited the higher number of spots in all 3 parts for W. somnifera over R. tuberosa. Potent of brine shrimp toxicity was increased as leaf>bark>roots for R. tuberosa and bark>root>leaf for Withania somnifera. Therefore, W. somnifer acould be differentiated from R. tuberosaby comparing polymorphic macroscopic, microscopic, phytochemical, physicochemical characters either singularly or as a whole. The presence of certain similarities in major phytochemical groups, and in brine shrimp toxicity of W. somnifera and R. tuberosa partially justifies the use of R. tuberosa as a substitute for W. somnifera in traditional systems of medicine in Sri Lanka which needs to be confirmed after further clinical trials.

A validated HPLC method for the analysis of herbal teas from three chemotypes of Brazilian Lippia alba

Infusions and decoctions of three chemotypes of Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown (Verbenaceae) were investigated for their quantitative profiles by HPLC–DAD–ESI-MS analyses. An RP-HPLC method was developed which permitted the quality control of the preparations. The correct choice of the column allowed the detailed characterization of the constituents in a total analysis time of 35min. The HPLC method was accordingly validated for linearity range, LOD, LOQ, accuracy and precision. For the quantitative analysis the three major phytochemical groups were taken into consideration, namely iridoids, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids. Comparative quantitative analyses revealed significant differences among the chemotypes that should be taken into account in the uses of the herbal teas. The developed HPLC-UV assay proved to be an efficient and alternative method for the discrimination of the three chemotypes. This is the first report of detailed analysis of the chemical composition of the constituents of L. alba chemotypes’ teas.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Ficus benghalensis (Moraceae) Leaf Extract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of the Ficus benghalensis (F. benghalensis) by in vitro methods. Methanolic extract of F. benghalensis leaves was evaluated for the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic compounds, oil and fats, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins by using standard protocols. Antioxidant activity of the extract was screened by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, total antioxidant assay, iron chelating assay and reducing power assay. Cytotoxic activity of the extract was tested by brine shrimp lethality assay. Estimation of total phenolic content was performed by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent method and estimation of total flavonoid content was performed by aluminium chloride method. Chromatographic detection of polyphenolic compounds was estimated by High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). F. benghalensis showed the presence of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, oil and fats, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins and tannins as major phytochemical groups. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in all methods performed. The extract also found to exhibit significant cytotoxic activity towards brine shrimp larvae. Extract exhibited significant amount of polyphenolic compounds which were further characterized by HPTLC which showed the presence of six bands of polyphenolic compounds. Further analysis of extract with HPLC showed the presence of Gallic acid, Rhein, Anthraquinone, Gallocatechin, Theaflavin-3, 3'-digallate and Flavone. The results of the present study emphasize that the methanolic extract of F. benghalensis is a good source of antioxidant compound and can be used in the field of therapeutics.

Phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity and osmotic fragility effects of Caju (Anacardium microcarpum)

Anacardium microcarpum is consumed as infusion in the Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases in which free radicals assaults have been implicated in their etiology. However, there is no scientific report on this traditional claim. Thus, we investigated for the first time, its antioxidant activity as well as its potential toxic effects on human leukocytes and erythrocytes in vitro. In addition, qualitative and quantitative analyses of the classes of phytochemicals in the various fractions from A. microcarpum were carried out by HPLC–DAD. The results demonstrated that IC50 (for DPPH radical scavenging) varied from 27.88±1.60 (AcOEt fraction) to 32.86±3.05μg/mL (EtOH fraction), and all the fractions strongly inhibited Fe2+ (10μM)-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain and liver homogenates. All the fractions were not cytotoxic to leukocytes and were able to prevent against 2mM H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, the fractions did not have any effect on human erythrocytes osmotic fragility, suggesting that A. microcarpum infusion can be consumed safely. Preliminary phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of phenolics and flavonoids compounds as major phytochemical groups. Taking together, our results indicate that the popular use of A. microcarpum for preventive or therapeutic agents in pathologies where cell oxidative stress is implicated has a scientific basis.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Methanolic Extract ofDendrobium sonia(Orchidaceae) Flower

Dendrobium sonia is a violet blue royal orchid flower, mainly growing in tropical regions. They are mainly used for ornamental purposes, though they possess several medicinal properties as well. In this study, methanolic extract of blue D. sonia Orchid flower showed the presence of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, oil and fats as there major phytochemical groups. Further extract exhibited significant dose-dependent (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity in total antioxidant assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay and reducing power assay. Extract exhibited the presence of high amount of phenolics and flavonoid content which might be the key candidates for the antioxidant potential of the extract.

Phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult. Stem (Amaranthaceae)

ObjectiveTo analyze the phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant properties of aqueous extract of Aerva lanata (A. lanata) stem. MethodsDuring the preliminary phytochemical analysis, the aqueous extract of A. lanata was screened for the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic compounds, oil and fats, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and phytosterols. Antioxidant activity of the extract was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, metal chelating activity, reducing power activity and DNA damage inhibition activity. Analysis of phenolic compounds was performed by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent method and gradient high performance liquid chromatography technique. ResultsPreliminary phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of phenolic compounds, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and phytosterols as major phytochemical groups. The extract exhibited high 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (IC50= 110.74 μg/mL), metal chelating activity (IC50= 758.17 μg/mL), reducing power activity and DNA damage inhibition efficiency. The extract was reported to possess a high amount of total phenolic content and some of them were identified as gallic acid (3,4,5-OH), apigenin-7-O-glucoside (apigetrin), quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin) and myricetin (3,5,7,3,4,5-OH) by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. The extract was found non toxic towards human erythrocytes in the hemolytic assay (IC50 = 24.89 mg/mL). ConclusionsThese results conclud that A. lanata stem possesses high antioxidant activity and can be used for the development of natural and safe antioxidant compounds.

Comparative Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Munronia Pinnata (Wall.) Theob. (Meliaceae) and Its Substitute Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. Ex Nees (Acanthaceae)

Background: Munronia pinnata (Wall) Theob. (Meliaceae), a rare, therapeutically important medicinal plant, which is often adulterated by materials of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees (Acanthaceae). However, adulteration of M. pinnata with A. paniculata without scientifically proven data on important quality standards might adversely affect the therapeutic properties of herbal drugs. Methodology: Therefore, the present study was undertaken to establish a comparative quality standards on morphological, anatomical, powder microscopical, phytochemical, physicochemical and antioxidant activity of M. pinnata and A. paniculata by using established protocols. Principal Findings: Results demonstrated that M. pinnata could be distinguished from A. paniculata by comparing polymorphic morphological characters, anatomical and powder microscopic characters. Major phytochemical groups were present in leaves, stem and roots of both plants. Results of TLC exhibited the highest number of common spots in leaf (Rf 0.10, 0.23, 0.30, 0.56, 0.86 and 0.96) followed by stem and root extracts for both M. pinnata and A. paniculata. Both plant species possess notable total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of all three parts tested. However, higher TAC was exhibited in A. paniculata compared to M. pinnata. Order of increase of TAC was leaf > stem > root for M. pinnata and stem > leaf > root for A. paniculata. Conclusions/Significance: The presence of certain similarities in major phytochemical groups, and in antioxidant capacity of M. pinnata and A. paniculata to some extent justifies the use of A. paniculata as a substitute for M. pinnata in traditional systems of medicine in Sri Lanka which needs to be confirmed after further clinical trials.

Solanum trilobatum (Solanaceae) - An overview

Solanum trilobatum Linn (Family: Solanaceae) is one of the important medicinal plant, more commonly available in Southern India. Solanum trilobatum is an extensively used Indian traditional medicine to cure various human ailments. It was distributed throughout the southern parts of India. S. trilobatum is reported to cure numerous diseases viz., tuberculosis, respiratory problems and bronchial asthma. S. trilobatum was reported to harbour hepatoprotective activity, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, cytotoxic activity, haemolytic activity, protective effect, immunomodulatory activity and antiinflammatory properties. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, phytosterols and tannins in leaf, whereas, stem possess carbohydrates, saponins, phytosterols, tannins, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides as major phytochemical groups.

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of Monechma ciliatum (black mahlab) seed extracts as antimicrobial agents.

Tribes in Nubia Mountains regions of Sudan used Monechma ciliatum seeds for common cold and other chest allergic conditions as a traditional medicine. The aim of this paper is to validate this traditional practice scientifically. Monechma ciliatum seeds were screened for major phytochemical groups using standard methods. Different extracts were bioassayed in- vitro for their bioactivity to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Phytochemical screening results showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, triterpens, and anthraquinones. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be sensitive to both water extract with zones of inhibition 22 - 26 mm at concentrations of 50 and 100mg/ml and ethanol extract 17 mm at concentration of 100 mg/ml. The growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae was inhibited by ethanol extract with zones of inhibition equal to 16, 26, and 33 mm at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg/ml, respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was insensitive to all extracts used. Similarly, all used fungi were found to be insensitive to extracts used. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extracts against microorganisms were ranged from 12.5 to 25 mg/ml. The findings of the current study support the traditional uses of the plant's seed in the therapy of respiratory tract infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Phytochemical composition, mosquito larvicidal, ovicidal and repellent activity of &lt;i&gt;Calotropis procera &lt;/i&gt; against &lt;i&gt;Culex tritaeniorhynchus&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Culex gelidus&lt;/i&gt;

Focus of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and mosquito controlling potential of aqueous extract of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. leaves using in vitro methods. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, glycosides and phytosterols as major phytochemical groups. Aqueous extract of C. procera leaves (1,000 ppm) exhibited 100% larvicidal activity against fourth instar larvae of Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. gelidus. Extract treatment (1,000 ppm) of both mosquitoes’ eggs resulted in to 100% ovicidal activity. At 1,000 ppm, extract provided complete protection from mosquito bite for 240 min against both mosquitoes; however at lower doses the protection time was less. The findings of the current study emphasise the potentiality of C. procera leaves for controlling the mosquito population and their possible way in the developing the natural insecticide for the control of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. gelidus mosquitoes.

Comparative phytochemical characterization of three Rhodiola species

In comparison to the well-recognized adaptogenic herb Rhodiola rosea, phytochemical constituents of two other Rhodiola species ( R. heterodonta and R. semenovii) were elucidated and characterized. Two major phytochemical groups; phenolic and/or cyanogenic glycosides and proanthocyanidins, were isolated and identified in the three species. Chemical similarities among the three species were observed; however, each species displayed differences in phytochemical constituents. R. heterodonta contained a newly detected phenylethanoid glycoside, heterodontoside, in addition to the known compounds tyrosol, viridoside, salidroside, and rhodiocyanoside A. Both R. heterodonta and R. rosea contained phenylethanoid/propanoid compounds that were not detected in R. semenovii. For R. semenovii, the cyanogenic glucosides rhodiocyanoside A and lotaustralin were detected. Although the three species have proanthocyanidins composed of (−)-epigallocatechin and its 3- O-gallate esters in common, the degree of polymerization greatly differed between them. In contrast to R. heterodonta and R. semenovii, R. rosea has higher molecular weight polymeric proanthocyanidins. This study resulted in the identification and isolation of phytochemical constituents for direct cross-comparison between three Rhodiola species of medicinal and pharmacological value.

Flavanols and terpenes/sterols with antimycobacterial activity from the stem bark of &lt;i&gt;Pterocarpuse erinaceus&lt;/i&gt; Poir (Leguminosae)

The antimycobacterial activity of parts of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. ( Leguminosae ) was studied using the agar proportion method. Phytochemical screening was also carried out to determine the major phytochemical groups responsible for the activity. Only the stem bark of the plant was found to possess varying degrees of activity against four Mycobacterial species namely M. smegmatis ATCC 607, M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and M. avium-complex . Phytochemical screening of the active fractions revealed the presence of flavanols and terpenes/sterols in the fraction isolated from the hexane crude and tannins and terpenes/sterols in the fraction isolated from the methanol crude. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the active fractions ranged between 0.25 mg/ml and 2.0 mg/ml. Keywords : flavanols, terpenes/sterols, antimycobacterial activities, Pterocarpus erinaceus East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 7 2004: 40-45