Methanol Extract Of Rhizomes Research Articles

Antioxidant activities of methanol extracts of Curculigo pilosa rhizome and Gladilous psittascinus corm against lipid peroxidation in rat’s liver and heart

ABSTRACTAntioxidant activities of methanol extracts of the rhizome of Curculigo pilosa (CP) and corm of Gladiolus psittacinus (GP) were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging effect, reducing power, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolics content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). Lipid peroxidation was induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in the liver and heart of healthy Wistar albino rats (in vitro) and peroxidation was monitored by malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, steroids, and flavonoids in CP rhizomes and saponins and cardiac glycosides in GP corms. The results showed that CP possessed higher TPC, TFC, and TAC than GP and higher DPPH scavenging and reducing power activities. CP and GP inhibited the production of MDA in SNP-incubated heart and liver homogenates in a dose-dependent manner. However, the methanol extracts of the CP rhizomes showed higher reduction in MDA content than the corms of GP.

Assessment of toxicity and differential antimicrobial activity of methanol extract of rhizome of Simaba ferruginea A. St.-Hil. and its isolate canthin-6-one

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSimaba ferruginea A. St.-Hil., Simaroubaceae, popularly known as “calunga” is a typical subtropical shrub used in Central Brazil mainly for infection, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and gastric duodenal-ulcers. It presents in its composition the alkaloid canthin-6-one, an alkaloid indole β-carboxylic. AimThis study aims to investigate the toxicity, antimicrobial activities of methanol extract of Simaba ferruginea (MESf) and canthin-6-one by using different experimental models. MethodsThe present study evaluated the phytochemical analysis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), toxicological potential of MESf and canthin-6-one, using the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity assays with CHO-K1 cells and in vivo acute test in mice. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the broth microdilution assays, while the antimicrobial mechanism of action was also assessed using different in vitro bacterial and fungal models. ResultsThe HPLC analysis of MESf revealed the presence of canthin-6-one, kaempferol and morin. Differential in vitro toxicities were observed between MESf and canthin-6-one. In the cytotoxicity assay, MESf presented toxicity against CHO-K1, while canthin-6-one did not. In the case of in vitro genotoxicity, both showed to be potentially genotoxic. In the in vivo toxicity study, both MESf (up to 1000 mg/kg) and cantin-6-one (up to 100 mg/kg) caused no toxicologically relevant alterations and are thus considered not to be toxic. MESf was shown to be relatively safe with NOAEL (100 mg/kg) when administrate in mice. Both MESf and canthin-6-one also showed differential antimicrobial activities. On one hand, MESf demonstrated good spectrum of antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 12.5 μg/mL) and Escherichia coli (MIC 25 μg/mL) and moderate activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Shigella flexneri (MIC 200 μg/mL) but no antifungal effect. On the hand, canthin-6-one showed no antibacterial activity, except against Staphylococcus aureus (100 μg/mL), but potent in vitro fungicidal activity against clinically important Aspergillus niger and Candida species at MFC intervals ranging from 3.12 to 25 μg/mL. Both MESf and canthin-6-one were bacteriostatic in action. MESf antimicrobial mechanism of actions are associated with changes in the permeability of bacterial membranes, evidenced by the increased entry of hydrophobic antibiotic in Shigella flexneri, intense K+ efflux (Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus) and nucleotides leakage (Staphylococcus aureus). In the antifungal mode of action, canthin-6-one inhibited Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth and including alteration in the cell membrane of Neurospora crassa. ConclusionThe results of this work demonstrated the differential antimicrobial activities of MESf and its alkaloid isolate, canthin-6-one with antibacterial and antifungal activities, respectively. The present study support the popular use of Simaba ferruginea in combatting afflictions related to bacterial infections, and demonstrate that canthin-6-one as a promising antifungal agent. Both MESf and canthin-6-one are considered non-toxic based on the in vitro toxicological study.

Bergenia ciliata ameliorates streptozotocin-induced spatial memory deficits through dual cholinesterase inhibition and attenuation of oxidative stress in rats

Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. rhizomes, family Saxifragaceae, are claimed to possess an array of beneficial effects like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial and anticancer activities. The plant has also been reported to be used by Nepalese folk to alleviate symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease. Oxidative stress is one of the major reasons for cognitive decline observed in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Bergenia ciliata rhizomes have depicted potent antioxidant properties, but their role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is yet unexplored. Therefore, the present study was intended to explore the beneficial effects of methanolic extracts of rhizomes of B. ciliata (BM) in a streptozotocin-induced model of Alzheimer’s disease in Wistar rats. Streptozotocin (STZ) was injected intracerebroventricularly (ICV) on day 1 (3 mg/kg, unilaterally) in Wistar rats. BM was thereafter administered (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w./day p.o.), daily for 28 days. Morris water maze and Y maze test were used to evaluate learning and memory in rats on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days following initiation of dosing. Terminally, acetylcholinesterase activity, butyrylcholinesterase, and levels of oxidative stress markers were assessed in the serum as well as in brain homogenates of rats. Additionally, histopathological studies were carried out to observe effects in brain tissues at the cellular level. STZ produced significant (p < 0.001) learning and memory impairment, oxidative stress as well as a cholinergic deficit in rats. Whereas, BM treatment at various dose levels was able to significantly and dose-dependently diminish STZ induced behavioral deficits and biochemical anomalies in rats. The observed cognitive improvement following BM administration in STZ injected rats may be accredited to its antioxidant activity and refurbishment of cholinergic functions. The results of the study are indicative of the therapeutic potential of Bergenia ciliata in cognitive disorders such as AD as well as other such neurodegenerative disorders.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Ferulago trojana E. Akalın &amp; Pimenov

Ferulago W. Koch is a genus in the Apiaceae family comprising 34 species, of which 18 are endemic in Turkey. Ferulago species have been known since the time of Dioscorides and have been used in folk medicine for their sedative, tonic, digestive, carminative, and aphrodisiac effects, as well as for the treatment of intestinal worms and hemorrhoids. This study was conducted to evaluate the polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activities of methanol extracts of the aerial parts (HFT) and rhizomes (RFT) of Ferulago trojana E. Akalın &amp; Pimenov by measuring their ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation induced by Fe3+-ascorbate, their DPPH· and ABTS·+ scavenging activities, and their ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP value). The methanol extracts were also examined for their antimicrobial activity using the microbroth dilution technique. Results showed that the methanol extracts of the aerial parts of the plant, containing the highest amount of total phenolic content and flavonoids, exhibited antioxidative potential for the chain-breaking inhibition of lipid peroxidation and showed the strongest hydrogen and single electron donor activities, which could thus serve as a free radical scavenger, act as a reductant, and provide protection against oxidative stress. Although the methanol extract of rhizomes did not exhibit any inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation, it is possible that it might also have protective effects against oxidative damage by scavenging free radicals and acting as a reductant. While both the methanol extracts of the aerial parts and rhizomes of F. trojana were effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and S. epidermidis, the extracts showed no activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, the methanol extract of rhizomes of F. trojana exhibited antibacterial activity against Proteus mirabilis and antifungal activity against the yeast Candida albicans.&nbsp;

Chemical Fingerprinting of Rhizomes of Sansevieria roxburghiana Schult and Schult F.

Sansevieria roxburghiana Schult and Schult f. belonging to the family Asparagaceae commonly known as Indian bowstring hemp distributed in India, Indonesia, South Africa and Sri Lanka. The marker standardization of rhizomes of Sansevieria roxburghiana has not been carried out yet.Therefore the present study deals with the chemical characterization of rhizome of Sansevieria roxbughiana using HPTLC fingerprinting method with marker compounds. Camag HPTLC instrument with winCATS software was used to analyze the sample by HPTLC fingerprinting in suitable solvent system. The ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract of rhizomes of Sansevieria roxburghiana showed the presence of rhein and diosgenin.

First report of isolation of maleamic acid from natural source Polygonatum cirrhifolium—A potential chemical marker for identification

ABSTRACTPolygonatum cirrhifolium (Meda) plant is being used in number of rejuvenating Ayurvedic formulations. Ever rising demands, lack of natural sources, and insufficient quantity, to meet the requirements of market, the raw material has led toward the use of official substitutes recommended by the Department of AYUSH that has further encouraged manufacturers for adulteration of formulations by other substandard/spurious raw drugs. Literature reveals that more than 60% Ayurvedic parameters as well as pharmacological actions of Ashtawarga plants do not match with their substitutes leading to reduced efficacy of the drugs along with loss of faith for use of herbal drugs. Consumers are forced to pay for the material which has never been used for high-cost claimed formulation. The situation is being exploited by manufacturers because regulatory authorities lack the tools (marker compound) needed for identification of authentic plant. Methanolic extract of rhizomes of plant was subjected to column chromatography. Isolated compound has been characterized as (Z)-4-amino-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid (maleamic acid/maleamate/maleic monoamide/maleic acid monoamide) by chemical test, melting point, IR/NMR/mass/UV spectral analysis. It is the first report in Polygonatum genus and can be used as a marker for identification of the plant in market formulations.

Inhibitory effect of the extract of rhizome of Curcuma longa L in gelatinase activity and its effect on human skin

Exposure to UV radiation to human skin up-regulates the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. Gelatinases are member of MMPs which have been suggested to play an important role in photoaging such as wrinkle formation. To inhibit gelatinase activity is regarded to be very important to keep healthy skin and to protect wrinkle formation. On the other hand, anti-photoaging agents are expected to be derived from natural resources, especially plants. Plant extracts having gelatinase-inhibitory effect that might be used as safe anti-photoaging ingredient were widely screened. An extract of rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. showed inhibitory effect of gelatinase activity. Curcuminoids and slight amount of compound, 6,11-dihydroxy-3-(4-hydroxy-3-mthoxyphenethyl)-7-[(E)-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxo-3-butenyl]-10-methoxy-2-oxabicyclo[6.3.1.]dodeca-1(11),8(12),9-trien-5-yl (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoate (curcuminoid D) were isolated as the gelatinase-inhibitory components from methanol extract of rhizomes. The structure of curcuminoid D was determined by means of spectral data including 1H- and 13C-NMR, and IR. Curcumin exerted the enhancing effect on deposition of basement membrane component at dermal-epidermal junction in skin equivalent model. Topical application of cream containing turmeric extract significantly improved facial skin elasticity and decreased the number of gelatinase-positive stratum corneum clusters in human facial skins. These results indicated that turmeric is an effective ingredient to improve skin condition and to prevent skin from photoaging by suppressing activation of gelatinase chronically caused by UV.

EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF PARIS POLYPHYLLA SM.

Objectives: Paris polyphylla Sm. is a very important anti-cancerous plant species found in the Himalayan region of India. The present study was carried out to determine the phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of its rhizome.Methods: Antioxidant activity of rhizome extract was evaluated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated through disc diffusion assay against two bacterial and two fungal strains. The bacterial species used in the present study were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and the fungal strains used were Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei. Results: The standard curve of Gallic acid revealed that the phenolic content of our sample is 43.01±0.17 mg Gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (DW). Similarly, flavonoids were obtained as 28±0.12 mg quercetin equivalent/g DW of the sample. It was observed that the methanolic rhizome extract showed higher antioxidant potential than water extract with the IC50 value of 1.09 mg/ml. Further, the rhizome extract of P. polyphylla species exhibited significant antimicrobial activity and it was observed that at concentration of 5 mg/ml of the sample, the percentage inhibition was 95-97% in E. coli, S. aureus and A. niger whereas in case of T. reesei it was 74%.Conclusion: This study is first of its kind in the Indian subcontinent on this plant species and these findings indicate the tremendous and promising potential of this wonder herb. A lot of work has already been done in China on this species, therefore, further studies are required for the conservation and sustainable use in Indian subcontinent before this species is thrown into extinction as it has already been declared vulnerable.

Consumer preference, antibacterial activity and genetic diversity of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) cultivars grown in Sri Lanka

Ginger is a medicinal plant and a valuable spice. The present study was conducted to assess the consumer preference, antibacterial activity and genetic diversity of local ginger in comparison to the Chinese and Rangoon ginger cultivars grown in Sri Lanka. The ginger samples were collected from five districts. The preferred colour, aroma and degree of pungency of rhizomes were recorded by employing a taste panel and the data were subjected to association analysis. The antibacterial activity of the ginger samples were tested against two model pathogens Escherichia coli (JM 109) and Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 4838) using methanol extract of rhizomes using the paper disc method and measured as diameter of zone of inhibition (DZBI). The DNA extracts of the three cultivars were subjected to PCR, using DNA barcoding primers trnH-psbA, followed by DNA sequencing, alignment and cluster analyses. Two trnH-psbA sequences of Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa (as out-group) available in GenBank were used for comparison. There were significant associations among ginger cultivars in colour, pungency and aroma. The highest preferred colour was observed in Chinese ginger and the highest degree of pungency and highest preferred aroma were observed in Local and Rangoon gingers. All ginger samples collected exhibited at least 6 mm of DZBI. E. coli was less affected by methanol extract compared to S. aureus. A clear PCR amplicon was obtained for all three gingers. Another second amplicon of lesser intensity was also observed for Chinese and Rangoon gingers. DNA sequencing helped to generate a clear sequence for local ginger but no sequences were obtained for Chinese and Rangoon gingers. This could be due to the presence of second amplicon that would have inhibited DNA sequencing. The DNA sequence based clustering revealed that local ginger is 0.8 % different from the two Z. officinale sequences available in GenBank implying that local ginger in Sri Lanka is genetically different.

Protective effect of Picrorhiza kurroa on Alzheimer’s disease induced by aluminium chloride in rats

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and behavioural changes. The present work is aimed to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa against aluminum chloride induced Alzheimer’s disease.Methods: Wistar rats were selected in this study and were divided into 5 groups (6 each). Group I served as normal control. Group II received aluminum chloride (300mg/kg, P.O.). Group III and IV received ethanolic extract of Picrorhiza kurroa (200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, P.O. respectively) and inducing agent (AlCl3 300mg/kg, P.O.). Group V received rivastigmine (0.3mg/kg, I.P.) and inducing agent (AlCl3 300mg/kg, P.O.). The rats were given respective treatment for 20 days and behavioural parameters were determined on 20th day. After 20th day rats were sacrificed and anti-oxidant parameters, brain acetylcholinesterase content were determined.Results: Oral administration of ethanolic extract of Picrorhiza kurroa at doses 200, 400mg/kg body weight showed improve in behavioural parameters when compared to AlCl3 induced rats, showed increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and decreased levels of malondialdehyde and showed decrease in brain acetylcholinesterase content when compared to AlCl3 induced rats.Conclusions: The study clearly demonstrated the beneficial effects of Picrorhiza kurroa by improving biochemical and behavioural parameters.

RIMPANG KECOMBRANG (Etlingera elator Jack.) SEBAGAI SUMBER FENOLIK

Kecombrang (Etlingera elatior Jack.) is one of the plants growing in the area of Palopo, South Sulawesi. Kecombrang included in the Zingiberaceae family and rhizome of kecombrang widely used by the community as an antioxidant. This research aimed to determine the phenolic content on the methanol extract of the rhizome kecombrang. Methanol extract of rhizhome kecombrang obtained by maceration method with methanol P. Chemical component analysis used thin layer chromatography (TLC) is characterized by the appearance of spot. Determination of the phenolic content of the methanol extract of rhizomes kecombrang used the TLC-densitometry. The results showed that the phytochemical assay on methanol extract of kecombrang rhizomes positively countains 144.43 µg phenolic compounds.

In vitro membrane stabilizing, thrombolytic and antioxidant potentials of Drynaria quercifolia L., a remedial plant of the Garo tribal people of Bangladesh.

BackgroundDrynaria quercifolia L. (Family- Polypodiaceae) is a fern grows in Bangladesh used in traditional healing by the Garo tribe of Mymensingh district. In the current study, rhizomes and fertile foliage fronds of this plant have been investigated comprehensively to assess their in vitro membrane stabilizing, thrombolytic and antioxidant properties.MethodsRhizomes and fertile foliage fronds of D. quercifolia were collected, dried, powdered and extracted with methanol. Later on, crude methanol extracts of the plant parts were fractionated into petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous soluble fractions. The extractives were then subjected to membrane stabilizing, thrombolytic and antioxidant assays.ResultsIn membrane stabilizing assay, crude methanol extracts of rhizomes and fertile foliage fronds and their petroleum ether fractions were found to be very effective for stabilizing erythrocyte membrane in hypotonic solution. In case of thrombolytic study, crude methanol extract of rhizomes and its aqueous fraction exhibited noticeable clot lysis. However, in antioxidant assays, crude methanol extracts of the tested plant parts and their aqueous fractions exhibited potent 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide and 2, 2’-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. Besides, these extractives also displayed substantial ferric reducing potential in ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Crude methanol extracts of the plant parts and their aqueous fractions were also found rich in phenolics.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the medicinal potentials of D. quercifolia and justifies the local uses of it by the Garo tribal people of Bangladesh for multiple disease management.

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Iris Persica L. (Flowers, Leaves, Bulbs and Rhizomes) Collected in Kurdistan Region-Iraq

The curative properties of medicinal plants are perhaps due to the presence of various secondary metabolites. This paper reports the first investigation of phytochemical constituents present in the methanolic extracts of flowers, leaves, bulbs and rhizomes of Iris persica L. (Iridaceae), collected in Korek Mountain (Rawanduz) in the Kurdistan Region-Iraq, which is used by local people for the treatment of wound inflammation and tumor. The phytochemical analysis was performed to detect the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, protiens and reducing sugar in all extracts of Iris persica. While tannins and saponins were found in bulb and rhizome extracts only, alkaloids, steroids, aminoacids and anthraquinons were found to be absent in all extracts.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC RHIZOME EXTRACT OF ALPINIA CALCARATA ROSC. (ZINGIBERACEAE)

The methanolic rhizome extract of A. calcarata was evaluated for its antibacterial activities against five bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella paratyphi, Bacillus thurungiensis and Staphylococcus faccealis. The extract has inhibited all the tested bacterial species with different manner at various concentration. However the higher level zone of inhibition in 400 (mg/ml) is significant against all the above said bacterial strains of these Salmonella paratyphi. Based on the present study it can be conculuded that the plant rhizome possess potent anti bacterial activity.

Bioprospecting the Curculigoside-Cinnamic Acid-Rich Fraction from Molineria latifolia Rhizome as a Potential Antioxidant Therapeutic Agent.

Increasing evidence from both experimental and clinical studies depicts the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Specifically, disruption of homeostatic redox balance in accumulated body fat mass leads to obesity-associated metabolic syndrome. Strategies for the restoration of redox balance, potentially by exploring potent plant bioactives, have thus become the focus of therapeutic intervention. The present study aimed to bioprospect the potential use of the curculigoside-cinnamic acid-rich fraction from Molineria latifolia rhizome as an antioxidant therapeutic agent. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) isolated from M. latifolia rhizome methanolic extract (RME) contained the highest amount of phenolic compounds, particularly curculigoside and cinnamic acid. EAF demonstrated glycation inhibitory activities in both glucose- and fructose-mediated glycation models. In addition, in vitro chemical-based and cellular-based antioxidant assays showed that EAF exhibited high antioxidant activities and a protective effect against oxidative damage in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Although the efficacies of individual phenolics differed depending on the structure and concentration, a correlational study revealed strong correlations between total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities. The results concluded that enriched phenolic contents in EAF (curculigoside-cinnamic acid-rich fraction) contributed to the overall better reactivity. Our data suggest that this bioactive-rich fraction warrants therapeutic potential against oxidative stress-related disorders.

Hepatoprotective Activities and Bioactive Constituents of Stephania abyssinica

Aims: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Stephania abyssinica (S. abyssinica) and isolate the bioactive constituents. Study Design: The in vivo hepatoprotective activity of the extracts was evaluated by measuring serum levels of biochemical parameters of liver function in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treated rats. Place and Duration of Study: A preliminary survey was conducted in the rural areas of Wolaita (Southern part of Ethiopia) from September to December 2015. Pharmacological and phytochemical studies were conducted at the Laboratories of Department of Pharmacology, and Department of Chemistry of Dilla University. Methodology: The in vivo hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extracts of roots and rhizomes of the plant was studied by determining serum levels of the biochemical markers of liver function including glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and bilirubin concentrations before and after treatments with CCl4 and plant extracts. Bioactive principles were isolated by fractionation followed by concentration by preparative Thin Layer Chromatography. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques including 1H NMR, 13CNMR, DEPT-135, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC and HMBC. Results: Administration of CCl4 alone to the rats significantly increased the total bilirubin concentration, GOT, GPT, and ALP (P = 0.05). However, simultaneous injection of oral dose of 200 mg/kg b.wt of the extracts reduced the serum levels of the enzymes by 53.42, 33.62, and 55.00% respectively. When 100 mg/Kg b.wt standard drug Silymarin was used, the decrease in the enzyme levels was by 44.00, 66.84, and 58.36%. Our fractionation experiments led to the identification of new hasubanan type alkaloid named as 6-(3’-hydroxy-4’-methoxycinnamoyl) stephine and the containing fraction displayed moderate hepatoprotective activity. Conclusions: The observed hepatoprotective activities of methanolic extracts of roots and rhizomes of S. abyssinica lend credence to its claimed traditional use against liver diseases.

Comparative in-vitro evaluation of anthelmintic property of leaves and rhizome of Costus pictus D. Don against albendazole

Background: In developing countries, helminthic infections pose a great threat to public health. Traditional medical remedies using plant products as antiparasitic agents have been in trail throughout the world accounting to limited availability and affordability of modern medicine. More recently, the medicinal plant Costus pict us D. Don has been extensively studied by researchers because of its diverse biochemical properties. Objective: This study was designed to analyze the plant for its primary constituents and to evaluate the anthelmintic property of methanolic and aqueous extract of leaves and rhizomes of C. pictus D. Don in different concentrations and compare it against the standard drug albendazole using earthworm Pheretima posthuma as an animal model. Materials and Methods: Anthelmintic property was tested by exposing the worms (18 groups with 3 worms each) one after another to different concentrations (25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 75 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml) of methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves and rhizomes of C. pictus D. Don. The absence of movement even after dipping the worm in warm water was noted as time of paralysis, and death was noted when its body color became pale. Results: The results of our study showed both the methanolic and aqueous extract of leaves and rhizomes in all concentrations were toxic to the worms. However, methanolic extract of rhizomes at a concentration of 100 mg/ml showed more potency when compared to albendazole (20 mg/ml). Conclusions: Methanolic extracts of leaves and rhizomes of C. pictus D. Don have potent dose-dependent anthelmintic effect when compared to their aqueous extract.

Cyperus rotundus L. prevents non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric mucosal damage by inhibiting oxidative stress.

Since centuries, Cyperus rotundus L. has been used against gastric ailments in traditional Indian medicine, especially in Ayurveda and Siddha. Therefore, it is very obvious that this plant will have a greater potential to treat gastric ulcers. For this reason, in this study, we mainly focused on the ulcer-preventive role of C. rotundus in rats treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Seventy percent methanolic extract of the plant was prepared and fed to 36-h fasted rats. Ulcer was induced in these rats by single oral administration of aspirin (400 mg/kg) 1 h after the administration of the plant extract. After 4 h, the rats were sacrificed, ulcer index was calculated, and antioxidant activity of the extract in gastric mucosa was evaluated by determining the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and tissue lipid peroxidation. Oral administration of different doses of C. rotundus rhizome methanolic extract (CME; 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) significantly inhibited aspirin-induced gastric ulceration in animals in a dose-dependent manner (49.32% and 53.15%, respectively), which was also comparable with the standard gastric ulcer drug ranitidine. Administration of CME also significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, cellular glutathione and glutathione peroxidase, and inhibited the lipid peroxidation in the gastric mucosa of ulcerated animals in a dose-dependent manner. Our results showed that C. rotundus extract has the capacity to significantly inhibit aspirin-induced gastric ulcers through an antioxidant defense mechanism. This study warrants further examination of this plant for its gastroprotective activities.

Study of Antinociceptive Activity of Kaempferia galanga from Bangladesh in Swiss albino Mice

Kaempferia galanga (K. galanga) (Family: Zingiberaceae) has been used in the folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation, chest pain, cholera, headache, toothache, hypertension, and abdominal pain. Previous investigations on this plant suggested that the methanol extract of rhizome showed the analgesic activity. Therefore, the present study investigated the antinociceptive activity of different extracts of rhizome and leaves of K. galanga. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated by using acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and tail immersion tests in Swiss albino mice at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight p.o. The acetone extract of rhizome (ACR), as well as petroether fraction (PEF), chloroform fraction (CHF), methanol fraction (MEF) and acetone extract of leaves (ACL) were examined for antinociceptive activity. In this study, all the extracts displayed significant (p<0.05 and p<0.001) antinociceptive action in a dose dependent manner. In acetic acid induced writhing method, chloroform and methanol extract of rhizome (200 mg/kg) showed 81.22% and 70.12% writhing inhibition, respectively whereas the standard drug Diclofenac-sodium (25 mg/kg) and Aspirin (100 mg/kg) exhibited 80.72% and 61.94% inhibition. In hot plate and tail immersion tests, the petroether extract of rhizome and acetone extract of leaves (200 mg/kg) produced maximum 69.41% and 81.69% nociception inhibition of thermal stimulus respectively. In this study Morphine (5 mg/kg) was used as standard. The present study revealed that the acetone extracts and fractions of rhizome and leaves of K. galanga possess an antinociceptive property which supports its use in traditional medicine and suggesting that the plant may be further investigated to discover its pharmacologically active natural products.

In vitroAnti-Inflammatory Activity ofDrynaria quercifoliaRhizome

In the present study, the methanolic extract of Drynaria quercifolia rhizome was investigated for its anti inflammatory activity by Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) Membrane stabilization method. Different concentration (100, 200 and 300 mcg) of rhizome extract were used and the potency of extract was compared with standard Diclofenac (100, 200 and 300 mcg). Plant extract exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activity in a dose dependent manner. The maximum membrane stabilization was found to be 34.94% for plant extract and 41.62% for standard Diclofenac at a dose of 300 mcg. In conclusion, the results thus obtained suggested that rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia possess considerable anti inflammatory activity and therefore further in vivo studies are needed to establish it as a potent anti-inflammatory agent.