Medicinal Plant Extracts Research Articles

Zaluzanin-D enriched Vernonia arborea extract mediated copper oxide nanoparticles synthesis and their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and DNA methylation altering properties.

Metal oxide nanoparticles synthesized with the aid of medicinal plant extracts are showing potential as treatment options for inflammatory diseases. Two key benefits of this synthesis method is: the synthesis process is environmentally benign and the utilization of medicinal plant-derived extracts adds to the medicinal value of the synthesized nanoparticle. Earlier, sesquiterpene lactone zaluzanin-D (ZD) has been isolated from leaves of Vernonia arborea. ZD showed ability to reduce inflammation in activated monocytes. Copper oxide nanoparticles (bCuO-NPs) were synthesized using ZD-enriched leaf extract of V. arborea and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, particle size analyzer, and TEM. Synthesized bCuO-NPs did not show significant toxicity to human monocytic cell lines (THP-1) at the tested concentrations. The bCuO-NPs showed radical scavenging ability indicating anti-oxidant properties. Flow cytometry experiments proved the capability of bCuO-NPs to reduce intracellular ROS in peroxide-activated THP-1 cells. The NPs also showed a significant ability to reduce inflammatory adhesion in PMA-activated THP-1 cells. In the DNA methylation studies, bCuO-NPs behaved similarly to ZD and prevented DNA hypomethylation at the MMP-9 promoter region. These properties strongly indicate the ability of bCuO-NPs to reduce inflammation in the activated monocytes. Furthermore, in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, the developmental toxicity of bCuO-NPs was assessed. The studies indicated the reduced toxicity and compatibility of the NPs with biological organisms. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the bCuO-NPs produced from ZD-enriched leaf extract have significant anti-oxidant capabilities and the ability to reduce inflammation in monocytic cell lines. Overall, reduced in vitro and in vivo toxicity, along with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, makes bCuO-NPs a potential candidate for anti-inflammatory drugs.

Gastroprotective Efficacy of North African Medicinal Plants: A Review on Their Therapeutic Potential for Peptic Ulcers

ABSTRACTPeptic ulcer disease remains a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Current treatments often have limitations, sparking interest in alternative therapies from medicinal plants. This review examines the gastroprotective potential of 54 North African medicinal plants against peptic ulcers. An extensive literature search was conducted, focusing on plants with preclinical and clinical evidence of anti‐ulcer efficacy and documented use in North African traditional medicine. The review identified several promising plant species, such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), olive (Olea europaea), pomegranate (Punica granatum), Aloe vera, and black seed (Nigella sativa), along with their bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. These compounds exhibit gastroprotective properties through multiple mechanisms, such as enhancing the gastric mucosal barrier, inhibiting acid secretion, displaying antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, promoting ulcer healing, and combating Helicobacter pylori infection. The evidence presented includes in vitro assays, animal models, and some clinical studies. While many of the 53 plants reviewed demonstrated significant anti‐ulcer effects compared to standard drugs, further clinical research is needed to establish efficacy and safety in humans. The synergistic actions of phytochemical mixtures in medicinal plant extracts likely contribute to their therapeutic potential. This review highlights the role these North African medicinal plants may play in the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcers and identifies promising candidates for further research and development of evidence‐based botanical therapies.

Isolation and characterization of Streptococcus agalactiae inducing mass mortalities in cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with trials for disease control using zinc oxide nanoparticles and ethanolic leaf extracts of some medicinal plants

BackgroundStreptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus, GBS) induces a serious infection that can harm not only aquatic life but also humans and other animals. In a fish farm in southern Egypt, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has developed an epidemic with clinical symptoms resembling piscine streptococcosis.ResultsInitial microscopic inspection of the affected fish brain and kidney indicated the presence of Gram-positive cocci. S. agalactiae was effectively isolated and identified using nucleotide homology of the 16S rRNA and species-specific PCR. The partial 16S rRNA sequence was deposited in the GenBank database at the NCBI and given the accession number MW599202. Genotyping using RAPD analysis indicated that the isolates in the present study belonged to the same genotypes and had the same origin. The challenge test, via immersion (9.2 × 107, 9.2 × 106, and 9.2 × 105 CFU/ml for 1 h) or intraperitoneal injection (4.6 × 107, 4.6 × 106, and 4.6 × 105 CFU/fish), elicited clinical symptoms resembling those of naturally infected fish with a mortality rate as high as 80%. The ability to create a biofilm as one of the pathogen virulence factors was verified. Zinc oxide nanoparticles and the ethanolic leaf extracts of nine medicinal plants demonstrated considerable antibacterial activities against the tested S. agalactiae strain with low minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The ethanolic leaf extracts from Lantana camara and Aberia caffra showed potent antibacterial activity with MBC values of 0.24 and 0.485 mg/ml, and MIC values of 0.12 & 0.24 mg/ml, respectively.ConclusionThis study isolated S. agalactiae from O. niloticus mortalities in a fish farm in Assiut, Egypt. The pathogen persists in fish environments and can escape through biofilm formation, suggesting it cannot be easily eliminated. However, promising findings were obtained with in vitro control employing zinc oxide nanoparticles and medicinal plant extracts. Nevertheless further in vivo research is needed.

Apoptosis and genotoxicity effects of Zygophyllum album and Suaeda palaestina extracts on Ehrlich solid carcinoma in mice

BackgroundVarious medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds exhibited promising anticancer activities by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and modulating several signaling pathways in cancer cells. This study aims to assess whether two medicinal plant extracts have anticancer properties, Suaeda Palaestina and Zygophyllum album.MethodsThis study used Ehrlich solid tumor mice as its in vivo model. We divided male mice into five groups (n = 5 per group). Group I was used as a control for Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Groups 2 and 3 were given Z. album extract 180 mg/kg and 360 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. Groups 4 and 5 were given the same dose of S. palaestina and treated three times a week for 2 weeks, starting on day 10 after EAC implantation. After 3 weeks, we collected blood samples and thigh skeletal muscle, homogenized them, and processed them for analysis. The results showed that Ehrlich solid rats (EST) treated with low-dose dichloromethane extracts from Z. album and S. palaestina had significantly smaller tumor sizes than the control group. Protein expression levels of p53, caspase 3, and Bcl-2 were quantified by western blotting.ResultsThe extracts from both plants induced the hunger mechanism, leading to increased expression of p53 and caspase 3 and decreased expression of Bcl-2 at the protein level in EST mice treated with Z. album and S. palaestina. In addition, the comet assay indicated that these plants have a genotoxic potential for solid tumor cells. The T3 and T4 levels in EST blood samples revealed that both plants had significantly reduced the concentration of T3 and significantly increased T4 compared to the EST mice untreated group. Furthermore, these results showed that Z. album and S. palaestina had antiproliferative effects in EST mice through apoptosis-mediated genotoxicity.ConclusionsThese findings indicated that S. palaestina and Z. album could be considered potential natural sources of anticancer agents.

Phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitor potential for both skin and physical health: test of extract, skin content and content of Garcinia Cowa fruit

Skin aging leads to reduced structural integrity and reduced skin function. Medicinal plant extracts that have antioxidant properties and are able to inhibit tyrosinase have become a trend in various uses for anti-aging. One of the commonly used plants in traditional medicine that grows in many Asian countries is garcinia cowa. Currently, no one has studied the fruit from two different aspects, namely for the skin and to help in physical improvement. The purpose of this study is to test the phenolic content, antioxidants, and tyrosinase inhibition activity of the extract from the skin and pulp of garcinia cowa as well as its effectiveness on the physical ability and function of the skin. The stages carried out start from the collection of garcina cowa fruits, the determination of total phenolic levels, the determination of antioxidant activity, and the determination of tyrosinase inhibition activity. The total phenolic content was determined by the folin-ciocalteu method. The phenolic content of garcinia cowa fruit peel extract is 17.789 mg of gallic acid equivalent extract (GAE)/g, while the meat extract is 12.078 mg GAE/g extract. Furthermore, the flesh of garcinia cowa showed weak antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 490.2 μg/mL, but the fruit peel extract showed moderate antioxidant activity at 243.3 μg/mL. The skin of garcinia cowa fruit shows tyrosinase inhibition activity in vitro, which is more significant than the pulp. Garcinia cowa peel and pulp extracts both contain phenolic compounds and show the antioxidant activity, but it was found that the fruit peel extract has a higher content. This means that with its antioxidant content, it can ward off free radicals, prevent cell damage, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The combination of phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitor potential provides significant benefits for skin health and overall physical health.

Role of Plant-derived Bioactive Compounds in Potential Snakebite Envenoming: A Review

: The issue of snakebite continues to be a distinctive matter of public health in various regions across the globe, with a particular emphasis on India, where the ailment is widely prevalent. Snakebites in the country disproportionately affect rural and indigenous populations, resulting in some of the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Regrettably, in numerous tropical nations, the accessibility of antivenom is frequently postponed or restricted, thereby rendering antiserum the only targeted therapeutic alternative. Nevertheless, administering antiserum in isolation does not provide adequate safeguard against the adverse effects of venomtriggered hypersensitivity complications, which may be grave. Hence, this study aims to review the plant-derived bioactive compounds used to treat snakebites in India. This review compiles a list of medicinal plants and plant-derived bioactive compounds used in treating snakebites in India, which were reviewed from the available literature in public databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, and Scopus). Search words used were 'bioactive compounds,' 'treatment for a snakebite,' 'antivenom and snakebite,' 'Medicinal plants for snakebite, and 'composition of snake venom'. : A list of 200 medicinal plants traditionally used in several countries for treating snake bites was obtained. Based on scientific data, we reviewed only 83 medicinal plant extracts and bioactive compounds obtained from various families, tested under in-vivo and in-vitro conditions to determine their neutralization potency of snakebite envenomation. In this article, we have presented a comprehensive review, judgmentally analyzed medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds for their therapeutic potential against snake envenomation, and offer a thorough discourse on diverse herbal plants employed globally for managing snakebites.

Effects of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oil Supplementation on Growth Performance of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Fed a High-Inclusion Soybean Meal Diet.

Soybean meal (SBM) has become a common dietary replacement for fish meal (FM) in aquafeed. However, at high inclusions, SBM has been shown to have negative impacts presenting as reduced feed intake and intestinal inflammation. Medicinal plant extracts, namely essential oils, have been used to promote growth performance and immune response. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil (OEO) inclusion on utilization of a high-inclusion SBM diet using zebrafish as a model. Five diets were used in this study: reference-FM-based diet, control-55.7% inclusion SBM diet, and three experimental SBM-based diets OEO1, OEO2, and OEO3 that were supplemented with 1%, 2%, or 3% of oregano oil, respectively. The FM group had overall better growth performance when compared with the other treatment groups; however, the OEO3 mean weight and feed conversion ratio were not significantly different from the FM group (p > 0.05) and were significantly improved compared with the SBM group (p < 0.05). Similarly, OEO2 total length was not significantly different from FM (p > 0.05) but significantly higher than the SBM group (p < 0.05). Expression of inflammation-related genes did not significantly differ between the OEO groups and the SBM-only group. However, the OEO2 and OEO3 groups displayed improved growth performance compared with the SBM group, suggesting that inclusion of OEO at or above 2% inclusion may help to alleviate common symptoms induced by a high-inclusion SBM diet.

Comparative analysis of antifungal properties in medicinal plant extracts for sustainable agriculture

The escalating environmental repercussions of pesticide use in pest and disease management underscore the urgency for alternative strategies. One promising avenue involves harnessing natural antifungal properties present in plant extracts. This study aimed to assess the antifungal efficacy of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from five medicinal plants, viz., C. sativa L., S. moorcraftiana L., S. nigrum L., F. vesca L., and R. pseudoacacia, which were screened for their antifungal activity against various soil-borne fungi, viz., A. niger, A. flavus, A. terreus, R. stolonifer, M. mucedo, F. oxysporum, A. alternata, P. notatum, C. cladosporioides, and C. lunata. Phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of phenols, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, quinines, and terpenoids. Results revealed potent antifungal activity across all tested fungi, significantly inhibiting mycelial growth compared to control. S. nigrum and C. sativa extracts exhibited the highest efficacy against multiple fungal pathogens. The inhibition in mycelial growth in ethanolic and aqueous plant extracts of C. sativa against A. niger varies between 3.00 mm to 6.00 mm and 4.00 mm–6.33 mm, against A. flavus 3.33 mm–11.66 mm and 4 mm–12.66 mm, A. terreus (3.00 mm–6.00 mm and 3.66 mm–7.00 mm), R. stolonifer (3.00 mm–5.33 and 3.66 mm–6.33 mm), M. mucedo (8.33 mm–17.66 mm and 9.66 mm–18.66 mm), F. oxysporum (6.66 mm–12.33 mm and 7.33 mm–13.33 mm), A. alternata (4.66 mm–11.33 mm and 5.33 mm–14.00 mm), P. notatum (9.33 mm–23.00 mm and 9.66 mm–24.33 mm), C. cladosporioides (4.33 mm–8.66 mm and 5.33 mm–9.66 mm), and C. lunata (14.00 mm–20.33 mm and 17.00 mm–21.33 mm) in different concentrations of plant extracts respectively. Likewise, the inhibition in mycelial growth in ethanolic and aqueous plant extracts of S. nigrum against A. niger at different concentrations varies between 8.00 mm to 17.66 mm and 9.00 mm–18.66 mm, A. flavus (8.33 mm–12.66 mm and 9 mm–14 mm), A. terreus (2.33 mm–5.66mm and 3 mm–7 mm), R. stolonifer (13.33 mm–20.33 mm and 17.66 mm–24.66 mm), M. mucedo (10.66 mm–12.00 mm and 11.66 mm–13.00 mm), F. oxysporum (15.66 mm–22.33 and 18.00 mm–24.00 mm), A. alternata (10.66 mm–13.00 mm and 11.66 mm–14.00 mm), P. notatum (5.33 mm–13.33 mm and 6.33 mm–18.66 mm, C. cladosporioides (3.33 mm–7.66 mm and 4.00 mm–8.00 mm), and C. lunata (3.66 mm–6.33 mm and 4.66 mm–6.66 mm), respectively. These findings suggest that these plant extracts have the potential to be natural fungicides, providing promising alternatives for disease management in agriculture.

Влияние ополаскивателей полости рта на стабильность цвета эстетических реставраций

Over the past decades, intensive work has been carried out to expand the possibilities of aesthetic dentistry; the range of demands from patients has also increased. One of the main conditions for the long service life of filling material is careful oral care using the full arsenal of available hygiene products. We analyzed the effect of mouth rinses with various active ingredients (fluorine, chlorhexidine digluconate, medicinal plant extracts) on the level of oral hygiene, as well as on the quality of the filling, in particular on the color of the aesthetic restoration after their use. At the end of the study, all subjects experienced a significant improvement in oral hygiene (decrease in API scores). However, a negative effect of a liquid product containing chlorhexidine digluconate (Waterdent “Chlorhexidine mouthwash with mint flavor”) on the quality of composite restorations has been established. The use of additional oral hygiene products can reduce the risk of caries, but their selection must be personalized so as not to have a negative impact on the aesthetics of composite restorations.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts: Insights into Potential Therapeutic Applications .

This study evaluates the phytochemical composition and in-vitro antioxidant activities of various extracts such as Boswellia serrate (Bs), Zingiber officinale (Zs), Tribulus terrestris (Tt), Camellia sinensis (Cs), Withania somnifera (Ws), and Piper longum (Pl). Using soxhlet extraction, the plants were processed with various solvents, including n-hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, ethanol, and water. Phytochemical screening revealed a diverse range of compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, varying by extract. The antioxidant activities were assessed using superoxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, and lipid peroxidation assays. The hydroalcoholic extract of C. sinensis exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with significant superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging capabilities. T. terrestris and W. somnifera also demonstrated strong antioxidant properties, aligning with their traditional medicinal uses. Moderate activity was observed in P. longum, attributed to its bioactive compound, piperine. Meanwhile, B. serrata and Z. officinale showed lower antioxidant activities but are noted for their anti-inflammatory benefits. This research corroborates previous findings on the antioxidant potential of these plants, highlighting the importance of further investigations into their pharmacological applications. The study underscores the therapeutic potential of these extracts in oxidative stress-related conditions and supports their continued exploration in modern medicine.

Green Synthesis of Au-Doped Tin Oxide Nanoparticles Using Teucrium Polium Extract with Potential Applications in Photodynamic Therapy.

Objective: The green synthesis of Tin(IV) oxide (SnO2): Gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) using Teucrium polium medicinal plant extract was investigated, and the NPs were characterized and tested as photosensitizers to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Methods: The cytotoxic effect on C26 cells was investigated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) technique. The results showed their toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The green synthesis of SnO2:Au NPs was achieved for the first time using an extract of T. polium medicinal plant as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The produced NPs were examined for their application in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer. Results: Methylene blue and anthracene were used to confirm that the photosensitizer could produce ROS when excited with UVA radiation. The anticancer activity of SnO2:Au was investigated in vitro using the C26 cell line and an MTT assay, showing that PDT with SnO2:Au NPs could inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Conclusions: The significant afterglow of the SnO2:Au NPs could cause the generation of ROS to continue several minutes after switching off the light source.

Solar Still Extraction of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Yield, Quality, and Efficiency Analysis

Solar Still Extraction of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Yield, Quality, and Efficiency Analysis

Inhibition of Oral Pathogenic Bacteria, Suppression of Bacterial Adhesion and Invasion on Human Squamous Carcinoma Cell Line (HSC-4 Cells), and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts from Acanthaceae Family.

Medicinal plants have traditionally been used to treat various human diseases worldwide. In this study, we evaluated the leaf extracts of plants from the Acanthaceae family, specifically Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau, Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl., and Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl., for their compounds and antioxidant activity. The ethanolic extracts of A. ebracteatus showed the highest total phenolic content at 22.55 mg GAE/g extract and the strongest antioxidant activities, with IC50 values of 0.24 mg/mL and 3.05 mg/mL, as determined by DPPH and ABTS assays. The antibacterial efficacy of these extracts was also tested against Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The diameters of the inhibition zones ranged from 14.7 to 17.3 mm using the agar well diffusion method, with MIC and MBC values ranging from 7.81 to 250 mg/mL. Anti-biofilm formation, antibacterial adhesion, and antibacterial invasion assays further demonstrated that these medicinal plant extracts can inhibit bacterial biofilm formation and prevent the adhesion and invasion of oral pathogenic bacteria on the human tongue squamous cell carcinoma-derived cell line (HSC-4 cells). The ethanolic extracts of C. nutans and A. ebracteatus were able to inhibit the gtfD and gbp genes, which facilitate biofilm formation and bacterial adherence to surfaces. These findings provide new insights into the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of plant extracts from the Acanthaceae family. These activities could enhance the clinical and pharmaceutical applications of plant extracts as an alternative therapy for bacterial infections and a dietary supplement.

Anti-Coronavirus Activity of Chitosan-Stabilized Liposomal Nanocarriers Loaded with Natural Extracts from Bulgarian Flora.

Disease's severity, mortality rates, and common failures to achieve clinical improvement during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic exposed the emergency need for new antiviral therapeutics with higher efficacy and fewer adverse effects. This study explores the potential to encapsulate multi-component plant extracts in liposomes as optimized delivery systems and to verify if they exert inhibitory effects against human seasonal betacoronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) in vitro. The selection of Sambucus nigra, Potentilla reptans, Allium sativum, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. plant extracts was based on their established pharmacological and antiviral properties. The physicochemical characterization of extract-loaded liposomes was conducted by DLS and electrokinetics. Encapsulated amounts of the extract were evaluated based on the total flavonoid content (TFC) and total polyphenol content (TPC) by colorimetric methods. The BALB 3T3 neutral red uptake (NRU) phototoxicity/cytotoxicity assay was used to estimate compounds' safety. Photo irritation factors (PIFs) of the liposomes containing extracts were <2 which assigned them as non-phototoxic substances. The antiviral capacities of liposomes containing medicinal plant extracts against HCoV-OC43 were measured by the cytopathic effect inhibition test in susceptible HCT-8 cells. The antiviral activity increased by several times compared to "naked" extracts' activity reported previously. A. hippocastanum extract showed 16 times higher inhibitory properties reaching a selectivity index (SI) of 58.96. Virucidal and virus-adsorption effects were investigated using the endpoint dilution method and ∆lgs comparison with infected and untreated controls. The results confirmed that nanoparticles do not directly affect the viral surface or cell membrane, but only serve as carriers of the active substances and the observed protection is due solely to the intracellular action of the extracts.

Hepatoprotective activity of medicinal plants, their phytochemistry, and safety concerns: a systematic review.

Medicinal plants and their derivatives represent a promising reservoir of remedies for various ailments. Especially secondary metabolites of these plants, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, tannins, and anthraquinones, play crucial roles in hepatoprotection. Studies have identified several prominent phytoconstituents, such as silymarin, quercetin, luteolin, glycyrrhizin, curcumin, gallic acid, chebulic acid, catechin, aloin, emodin, liquiritin, liquiritigenin, cudraflavone B, and karaviloside, as effective agents for addressing hepatotoxicity. The mechanisms underlying their efficacy include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, and the ability to block oxidative stress, cytokine production, and stabilize liver cell membranes. The application of natural products derived from medicinal plants in treating liver injuries is rooted in their efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and safety profile, contributing to their popularity. Many studies, encompassing invitro, invivo, preclinical, and clinical investigations, have demonstrated that the extracts of medicinal plants mitigate chemical-induced liver damage using animal models. However, intensive research efforts regarding the safety, regulatory standard, and quality control issues for using medicinal plants as hepatoprotective agents remain the strong task of scholars. The primary focus of this systematic review is to analyze the current state of the literature regarding treating liver ailments using extracts from medicinal plants, examining their phytochemical composition, and addressing associated safety considerations.

Methodological advances in formulation and assay of herbal resources-based topical drug delivery systems.

Medicinal plants have been utilized for centuries as a source of healing compounds, which consist of thousands of known bioactive molecules with therapeutic potentials. This article aims to explore and emphasize the significance of medicinal plants and bioactive compounds in the development of topical pharmaceutical formulations. The journey from the extraction of phytochemicals to the development of topical pharmaceutical formulations is described with the aid of scientific evidence selected from PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Articles published in English during 2018-2023 period were considered and selected randomly. The review discusses the extraction process of medicinal plants, solvent selection, and green synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Subsequently, various biological activities of plant extracts are elaborated especially focusing on antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sun protection activities, along with the corresponding invitro assays commonly employed for the evaluation. The article presents the process of compound isolation through bioactivity-guided fractionation and also the toxicity evaluation of isolated fractions. Finally, the formulation of medicinal plant extracts into topical pharmaceuticals is addressed, emphasizing the stability evaluation procedures necessary for ensuring product quality and efficacy.

Neuroprotective effect of Lannea egregia Alkaloid-rich leaf extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BackgroundStudies suggest that medicinal plant extracts can help reduce the neuron degeneration associated with diabetes. In this study, the neuroprotective effect of the alkaloid-rich extract from the leaves of Lannea egregia was assessed in rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). MethodsLannea egregia alkaloid-rich analysis was carried out via a known procedure. The rats were randomly assigned into five treatment groups (n = 8): normal control, diabetic-induced rats (45 mg/kg STZ), and diabetic rats treated with low doses of Lannea egregia leaf alkaloid-rich extract (50 mg/kg b.w, LEL) and high (100 mg/kg b.w, LEH) (300 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg), and metformin (200 mg/kg). On 22nd day of the experiment, animals were sacrificed, and their blood and brains were collected for neuro-biomarker analysis. ResultsDiabetic-induced rats that received metformin, LEL and LEH exhibited considerably reduced levels of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, NO, MDA, and AChE, BChE activities when compared to untreated diabetic animals. Additionally, rats with diabetes that received treatment with metformin, LEL and LEH displayed a noticeable increase in ENTPDase, Na/K ATPase, GST, CAT, GPx, and SOD activities when compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Histological examination revealed improved brain architecture in the treated groups in contrast to those in diabetic-induced rats. ConclusionThe alkaloid-rich extracts of Lannea egregia might be effective in normalizing brain damage caused by complications of diabetes mellitus.

In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Hemolytic and Cytotoxic Effects of Traditional Mexican Medicinal Plant Extracts on Human Erythrocytes and Cell Cultures.

Plant extracts of fifteen plants of ethnomedicinal use in Mexico were analyzed to provide scientific knowledge of their medicinal properties through the evaluation of different biological activities such as anti-hemolytic, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects in normal cells. Therefore, methanolic extracts were obtained from each of the plants by the Soxhlet extraction. The hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes was evaluated, as was their potential to protect the erythrocyte membrane against the 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Finally, the toxicity of the extracts in normal cell cultures of African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction method. Most of the extracts showed low hemolytic activity and high anti-hemolytic activity as well as high selectivity indices (SI) and antioxidant effects. Extracts of H. inuloides, J. dioica, and J. spicigera induced cell proliferation of the Vero cells. K. daigremontiana, A. adstringens, S. mexicanum, J. spicigera, L. tridentata, and M. tenuiflora extracts showed PBMC cell proliferation. In the present study, it was observed that the evaluated extracts did not present hemolytic activity, and some presented low toxicity when Vero and PBMC cell cultures were exposed. In conclusion, traditionally used plants possess beneficial health properties, and it is hoped that this study will serve as a basis for understanding the biological effects of traditionally used plants and may complement future studies.

Study of the qualitative and sensory properties of yogurt manufactured by adding medicinal and aromatic plant ex-tract(mint)

This research aimed to study yogurt, to which an aqueous extract of the medicinal and aromatic plant (mint) was added to manufacture a new dairy product to improve and treat many different digestive system problems. They were using the lactic acid bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus). The yogurt product was manufactured by adding an aqueous extract of mint with three concentrations of (1%), (2.5%), and (4%) (v/v) mint, and they were represented by N1, N2, and N3 treatments, respectively, as well as the control (C) treatment in which the yogurt was prepared without any addition. The treatments were stored for 21 days at (5±1)°C. The physicochemical and rheological properties were studied, which included measurement (pH, total acidity, viscosity, syneresis, and hardness), microbiological tests, as well as sensory evaluation on the first day of manufacture and after 7, 14, and 21 days of cold storage. The results showed no significant differences in the values of pH and total acidity, While significant differences were found in the values of syneresis, viscosity, and hardness. It was also observed that the numbers of starter bacteria varied for all treatments immediately after manufacturing, but during storage, a gradual decrease in their numbers was observed for all treatments, and the N3 treatment recorded the highest numbers of starter bacteria compared to the other treatments. Also, the results showed superiority of N2 and N3 treatments in the sensory evaluation of flavor, taste, texture and general acceptance.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Barleria albostellata C.B. Clarke Leaves and Stems: Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activity

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have increasingly gained attention owing to their distinctive physicochemical and biological properties. The objective of the investigation was to biologically synthesize AgNPs using plant extracts from Barleria albostellata. The synthesized AgNPs, obtained from B. albostellata (leaves and stems), were characterized through various techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated utilizing the disk diffusion method. The cytotoxicity effects of the synthesized AgNPs were determined using the MTT assay (3-[(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide]) in cervical cancer (HeLa), embryonic kidney (HEK293), and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. The results indicate that B. albostellata extracts could serve as eco-friendly biofactories for the synthesis of AgNPs. UV-vis spectroscopy of the leaf and stem extracts revealed absorption peaks within the range of 400–450 nm, thereby confirming the synthesis of AgNPs. Elemental Ag was highest in the methanol leaf extracts (16.87 ± 0.89%) and lowest in the powdered stem extracts (7.13 ± 1.44%). Synthesized AgNPs were predominantly spherical in shape. HRTEM revealed that synthesized AgNPs from the methanolic stem extracts (34.32 ± 16.99 nm) were larger in size, while those from the powdered stem extracts were smaller (16.57 ± 5.55 nm). AgNPs synthesized from both the leaf and stem extracts exhibited zeta potential values between −8.8 and −32.1 mV, with hydrodynamics diameters ranging from 34.3 to 111.3 nm. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of various functional groups on the AgNPs. AgNPs synthesized from the leaf and stem extracts displayed significant antibacterial activity and were sensitive to Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity (diameter of the zone of inhibition) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.67 ± 2.87 mm) in the leaf methanolic extract. Synthesized AgNPs exhibited selective in vitro cytotoxicity against HEK293, HeLa, and MCF-7 cell lines. The IC50 values of the AgNPs synthesized from the various extracts were all above 9 µg/mL. Significant cytotoxic levels (IC50 16.11 and 27.23 µg/mL) were observed for the MCF-7 cell line upon exposure to the methanolic leaf and stem AgNPs. This study recommends the use of medicinal plant extracts in producing economically effective AgNPs, due to their efficient capping. Overall, AgNPs synthesized from B. albostellata extracts comprised novel antibacterial and anticancer agents, and warrant further investigation. Bio-synthesized AgNPs show great potential in the area of nanotechnology and may be used as an affordable, eco-friendly alternative for the delivery of conventional therapeutics.