Methanol Extract Of Roots Research Articles

Isolation, cytotoxicity evaluation, and molecular docking of 3,4,3’-tri-O-methylflavellagic acid from Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. root

Cancer kills about 10 million people every year. Medicinal plants remain a major source in the global search for anticancer drugs. In this study, 3,4,3’-tri-O-methylflavellagic acid (MFA) was isolated from the methanol root extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus. The structure was determined by 1D- and 2D-NMR data. The cytotoxic effects of MFA were evaluated against human breast (MCF-7), colorectal (Caco-2), and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl] 3,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. A multi-protein target screening via molecular docking was conducted against ten cancer-related proteins, and ADMET properties were evaluated. MFA exhibited the most potent activity against Caco-2 (IC50: 46.75 ± 13.00 µM). Molecular docking analysis showed that MFA had a strong binding affinity for the colchicine-binding site of αβ-tubulin and polo-like kinase-1 (binding energies: −8.5 and −8.4 kcal/mol, respectively). MFA also satisfied the Lipinski’s Rule of Five. MFA could, therefore, potentially serve as a scaffold for developing new anticancer molecules.

Evaluation of invitro antimicrobial activity of Nauclea latifolia root extracts against multi-drug resistant bacterial isolates from diabetic foot ulcers

Background: Infections caused by multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) are becoming global health crisis especially the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing microbes. The trend in the occurrence of MDROs has been considered by the World Health Organization as critical and urgent need facing medical science. Herbal plants containing phytochemicals that can be synthesized into new antimicrobial agents are potential alternatives for therapy of MDROs. Methodology: Fresh roots of Nauclea latifolia were harvested from the shrub and identified by botanist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University with specimen number NAUH-215A. The roots were washed, chopped into smaller sizes for easy drying, air dried under shade and pulverized using a milling machine. The pulverized plant root was extracted using methanol, hexane, ethyl-acetate, and aqueous extraction. Wound swabs were collected from diabetic patients with foot ulcers and processed using conventional culture isolation and biochemical identification test scheme for bacterial isolates that were used as test organisms. Antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique and multi-drug resistance (MDR) was determined for each isolate. The phytochemical composition of the plant extracts was assessed using standard methods. Antibacterial activities of the methanol root extracts and the fractions were determined at a concentration of 400mg/ml using agar well diffusion method in triplicate and the mean zone diameter of inhibition measured. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the methanol root extracts and the fractions were determined using the serial doubling dilution technique. The time-kill assay was also evaluated. Results: The root extract yield of N. latifolia indicated that methanol extract produced a higher yield of 12.8%, followed by ethyl acetate root fraction at 8.0%, hexane fraction at 7.6%, and aqueous extract produced the least yield at 6.8%. The phytochemical analysis showed that methanol root extracts contain various phytochemicals which included phenols, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, and triterpenes. The methanol root extract produced a higher mean inhibition zone diameter of 25.0±00mm against Escherichia coli, followed by mean inhibition zone diameter of 23.0±1.0mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae, 20.0±2.0mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the least mean inhibition zone diameter of 18.7±1.2mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The MIC of the methanol root extracts for N. latifolia ranged from 3.125 to 12.5mg/ml, and MBC ranged from 6.25 to 25.00 mg/ml. The time-kill assay of methanol extract at 1x MIC, 2x MIC, and 3x MIC showed that reduction in the viable cell count of the initial inoculum was observed within 2-8 hours of incubation at 37oC, indicating high activity. Conclusion: The methanol root extracts of N. latifolia could be a potential source of antibacterial agent, which can complement conventional antibiotics currently used in the treatment of infections caused by MDR bacterial isolates.

Investigation of Cytotoxic Activity of Anthriscus nemorosa (M.Bieb.) Spreng. on Lung Cancer Cells

Medicinal plants are considered an important source of human health due to their therapeutic potential against various diseases including cancer. Cancer is a life-threatening disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and abnormal signaling processes. The incidence of cancer in society is increasing day by day. The search for active biological resources is important for the discovery of new anticancer drugs. Anthriscus nemorosa (M.Bieb.) Spreng. (Apiaceae) is a medicinal plant naturally distributed in Turkiye and traditionally used as food and against various diseases. This study investigated the methanol extracts of aerial parts and roots of A. nemorosa for cytotoxicity on lung cancer (A549) and non-cancerous (L929) cell lines. According to the results, both extracts showed significant dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cells. IC50 value was recorded as 8.29 μg/mL in the aerial parts extract. On the other hand, it was recorded as 3.57 μg/mL in the roots extract. Furthermore, the selectivity indexes were calculated as 5.93 and 3.38 for aerial parts and roots extracts, respectively. In light of the findings, it has been concluded that A. nemorosa deserves further anticancer research

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of root extracts of Georgian medicinal plants obtained using different extraction methods

This study was designed to investigate the impact of different extracting solvents (methanol and DMSO) on the biological activities of root extract of Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii (Lomakin) D. Y. Hong and Sempervivum transcaucasicum Muirhead. In vitro assessment of the antioxidant activity of extracts was performed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH assays), while their antibacterial activity was tested against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 strain. The analysis of the obtained results revealed that the highest anti-DPPH potential and the highest antibacterial activity were achieved in the methanolic root extracts of both plants. The methanolic root extracts of Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii exhibited significantly higher antioxidant and antibacterial activities in comparison with Sempervivum transcaucasicum root extracts. The results of the study indicated the possible use of root extracts of Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii in pharmacy.

GC-MS and HPLC-HRMS Metabolite Profiling and Biological Activities of Blanchetia heterotricha Extracts.

Blanchetia heterotricha is a species popularly used for its medicinal properties. However, few scientific records report the investigation of its chemical composition and biological activity. Herein, a metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis approach was used to assess the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of B. heterotricha essential oil and fixed extracts (non-volatile). Thirty-six metabolites were identified in the essential oil by GC-MS, whereas 59 metabolites were identified in the fixed extracts by HPLC-HRMS. The essential oil and fixed extracts showed varying degrees of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The antioxidant activity varied from 7.27 ± 0.95 μg.mL-1for the root methanolic extract extract to 513.25 ± 7.77 μg.mL-1 for the seed hexane extract. Extracts obtained with ethyl acetate showed the most promising antimicrobial activity, followed by extracts obtained with methanol and hexane. Multivariate statistical analysis allowed the identification of possible contributors to the observed activities within the extracts. This is the first study to assess the antimicrobial activity in any Blanchetia species. The combination of metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis was a powerful tool to identify bioactive compounds, highlighting the potential of B. heterotricha essential oil and fixed extracts as sources of metabolites with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Chitosan Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of Alstonia venenata R.Br. Root Methanolic Extract: A Promising Strategy for Breast Cancer Therapy in DMBA-Induced Breast Cancer in Sprague Dawley Rats.

Alstonia venenata R.Br., a plant native to the Western Ghats, is recognized for its diverse medicinal properties. The plant's extracts, particularly rich in alkaloids and other bioactive compounds, have shown potential anticancer activity. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) loaded with the root methanolic extract (RME) of A. venenata in combating breast cancer induced by dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in female Sprague Dawley rats. The RME-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (RME-EnCNPs) were synthesized and characterized, and their in vivo efficacy was evaluated. Treatment with RME-EnCNPs significantly inhibited tumor progression, which is evidenced by reduced tumor volume, burden, and incidence. Moreover, the nanoparticles demonstrated a sustained release of the active compounds, leading to marked improvements in various biochemical, enzymatic, and histopathological parameters. The study found that both RME and RME-EnCNPs effectively suppressed tumor growth, with RME-EnCNPs showing superior efficacy in modulating tumor progression. Antioxidant assays revealed that treatment with RME-EnCNPs (500 mg/kg) resulted in significant increases in total protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) levels, alongside a marked reduction in lipid peroxidation (LPO) (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that RME-EnCNPs exert a potent antioxidant effect, mitigating oxidative stress within the tumor microenvironment. The root extract of A. venenata and its nanoparticle formulation hold promise as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer, warranting further investigation to isolate active bioactive compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action.

Phytochemical Analysis, Isolation, and Characterization of Gentiopicroside from Gentiana kurroo and Cytotoxicity of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Against HeLa Cells.

Gentiana kurroo Royle, a critically endangered Himalayan herb, is valued in treating leucoderma, syphilis, bronchial asthma, hepatitis, etc. The current investigation performed quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analysis of G. kurroo root extracts prepared in chloroform, methanol, and ethyl acetate. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were the highest in methanol and chloroform extract, respectively. Several pharmacologically important compounds were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant analysis revealed methanolic extract to be the most efficient scavenger of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (IC50 = 114µgmL-1), hydrogen peroxide (IC50 = 109.9µgmL-1), and superoxide (IC50 = 74.63µgmL-1) radicals. Gentiopicroside was isolated from the methanolic root extract through silica-gel column-chromatography, and the characterization of concentrated fractions was achieved employing various analytical techniques. Pertaining to silver nanoparticle (GkAgNPs) synthesis, different physicochemical parameters were optimized and it was observed that root extract treated with silver-nitrate (0.5mM) at 60°C and incubated in dark for at least 120min after initial color change, yielded GkAgNPs optimally. GkAgNPs were anisotropic and polydisperse and exhibited characteristic surface plasmon resonance (424nm), crystalline face-centered cubic geometry, size (50-300nm), and zeta-potential (- 16.3mV). FT-IR spectra indicated the involvement of phenols and flavonoids in AgNPs synthesis. GkAgNPs were evidenced as strongly cytotoxic (IC50 = 1.964µgmL-1) against HeLa cells and also showed deformed cellular morphology, a significant reduction in viable cell counts and colony-forming efficiency (4.08%). The findings suggest potential applications in drug development for treating serious human diseases. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report on the isolation of gentiopicroside, the bio-fabrication of GkAgNPs using G.kurroo root extract, and their strong bioefficacy against HeLa cells.

Evaluating the anti-cancer potential and pharmacological in-sights of Physalis angulata Root Extract as a strong candidate for future research

The research targeting the prevention of complications through natural constituents, instigated by the cancer has recently drawn much more attention over the globe. The research in this direction also revealed that the use of natural constituents would considered a promising strategy for diminishing the aforementioned disease and its consequences. Because of the easy availability and safe nature, the recent years, natural resources as strong anticancer agents. In this regard, here we introduced the possibility of using the methanolic extract of Physalis angulata root as a strong candidate and implemented the applicability of LC-MS to unveil the presence of various phytocompounds. The anticancer potential exhibited by Physalis angulata root followed by its ability to induce toxicity against the microbial population enhanced the interest in unveiling the phytochemical compounds including Absintholide, Curcumin dimer 1, Mytilin A, Ginsenoside F1, Encecalin , Ganoderic acid TQ, Alnustone, Rhamnetin 3-sophoroside, Gibberellin A14 aldehyde, Thiolutin, Euglobal III and Epomusenin B. The presence of various macro and micronutrients suggested that Physalis angulata is a prominent resource for future research targeting pharmacological research, especially anticancer research.

Preparation and Characterization of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) Containing Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract for the Treatment of Skin Hyperpigmentation.

This study aimed to prepare, characterize, and in vitro and in vivo evaluate a novel nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) formulation containing two fractions of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) extract for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Two fractions, one enriched with glabridin (FEG) and the other enriched with liquiritin (FEL), were obtained by partitioning the methanol (MeOH) extract of licorice roots with ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and partitioning the EtOAc fraction with butanol (n-BuOH) and water. The quantities of glabridin (Glab) and liquiritin (LQ) in the fractions were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). FEG and FEL were loaded in different NLC formulations, and surface characterization and long-term stability were studied using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The best formulation was chosen for further surface characterization, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fouriertransform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Moreover, entrapment efficiency percentage (EE%), in vitro drug release, in vivo skin penetration, cytotoxicity on B16F10 melanoma cells, effect on melanin production, and anti- tyrosinase activity were tested for the selected formulation. Based on HPLC results, FEG contained 34.501 mg/g of Glab, and FEL contained 31.714 mg/g of LQ. Among 20 different formulations, NLC 20 (LG-NLCs) showed desirable DLS results with a Z-average size of 185.3 ± 1.08 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.229 ± 0.35, and zeta potential of -16.2 ± 1.13 mV. It indicated good spherical shape, high EE% (79.01% for Glab and 69.27% for LQ), two-stage release pattern (an initial burst release followed by sustained release), efficient in vivo skin penetration, and strong anti-tyrosinase activity. LG-NLCs had acceptable physiochemical stability for up to 9 months and were non-cytotoxic. The LG-NLC formulation has revealed desirable surface characterization, good physiochemical stability, efficient drug release pattern and in vivo penetration, and high EE%. Therefore, it can be a suitable nanosystem for the delivery of licorice extract in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.

Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Safety Profile of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Extract Obtained from Romania.

Glycyrrhiza glabra L., also known as licorice, belongs to the Fabaceae family and is one of the most commercially valuable plants worldwide, being used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, both for its therapeutic benefits as well as for the sweetening properties of the extract. This study evaluates the phytochemical composition, the biological activities, and the safety profile of a methanolic extract of licorice root (LRE) obtained from Romania. Ten phytocompounds were quantified by the HPLC-DAD-ESI+, the most abundant being the triterpene glycyrrhizin (13.927 mg/g dry extract.), followed by these flavonoids: liquiritin, liquiritigenin-apiosyl-glucoside, and apigenin-rutinoside liquiritigenin. The total phenolic content of the LRE was found to be 169.83 mg gallic acid/g dry extract. (GAE/g d.e.), and the extract showed a maximum of 79.29% antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Good antimicrobial activity of the LRE was observed for Gram-negative bacteria, especially for S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes. The mineral content of the LRE was indicative of the lack of toxicity; heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and cobalt were below the detection limit. The safety profile of the licorice extract was assessed using the in vivo hen egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM protocol), indicating no irritability, good tolerability, and biocompatibility. The phytochemical and biological characterization of the Romanian licorice root extract reveals a good source of glycyrrhizin and polyphenols with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, along with a safety profile that may be useful for future therapeutic applications.

Molluscicidal effects of Persicaria senegalensis on terrestrial snails Cornu aspersum in South Africa

Cornu aspersum is an invasive terrestrial snail pest of the family Helicidae. In South Africa, where the snail causes significant crop losses in viticulture areas, synthetic molluscicides are used to control them. However, the latter negatively affects both those who apply it and the non-targeted organisms. Persicaria senegalensis, a plant in the family Polyganeaceae, has demonstrated molluscicidal properties against aquatic snails. The present researchers conducted a quantitative analysis of the total saponin content of the leaves, flowers, stems and roots of P. senegalensis. We evaluated the plant’s molluscicidal properties against C. aspersum using the contact assay method over a period of 24 hours. The total saponin content of P. senegalensis’s methanolic leaf, flower, stem and root extracts was found to be 254.42 ± 0.55, 188.53 ± 0.83, 155.19 ± 0.55 and 68.27 ± 0.79 mg DE/mg, respectively. The standard error LD50 of methanol leaf, flower, stem and root extracts against C. aspersum were determined at 549.54 ± 158.49, 758.58 ± 107.15, 1778.78 ± 114.81 and 1819.70 ± 346.73, respectively. The mortality rate of snails exposed to doses of methanolic extracts of P. senegalensis leaves increased with increasing concentrations. P. senegalensis therefore, contains high concentrations of total saponins and molluscicidal properties against C. aspersum.

Optimizing Solvent Extraction for Potent Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities: A Study on Ampelocissus martini Root

The selection of extraction solvents is a critical factor influencing the composition and concentration of phytochemicals in plant extracts, thereby leading to variations in their biological activities. In this study, Ampelocissus martini Planch., an edible plant traditionally used for its medicinal properties, was investigated for its phytochemical profile and biological activities. We assessed the impact of different solvents used in fractionating the aqueous methanolic root extract of the plant on its phytochemical content, as well as its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial properties. Among the 3 fractions—ethyl acetate, butanol, and water-soluble—the butanol fraction exhibited significantly higher levels of total phenolics and proanthocyanidins, while the ethyl acetate fraction contained the highest levels of total flavonoids and saponins. The water-soluble fraction showed lower concentrations of these compounds compared to the other 2 fractions. The butanol fraction demonstrated superior antioxidant activity, outperforming other fractions and several standard antioxidants, as evidenced by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays. Additionally, the butanol fraction showed greater antidiabetic activity, indicated by a lower IC50 value, although it was still less effective than acarbose, a synthetic antidiabetic drug. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between total proanthocyanidin content and the observed levels of antioxidant and antidiabetic activities across the fractions. All fractions also exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Based on these findings, butanol emerges as the optimal solvent for extracting specific phytochemicals with potent antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activities from the aqueous methanolic extract of A. martini root. The butanol fraction holds promise as a natural source of antioxidants for managing diabetes and its associated complications. HIGHLIGHTS Butanol extract showed strong antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, rich in proanthocyanidins. Strong link was found between proanthocyanidins and bioactivities in A. martini. Butanol fraction showed promise as a natural antioxidant for diabetes management. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Biological evaluation of CH3OH and C2H5OH of Berberis vulgaris for in vivo antileishmanial potential against Leishmania tropica in murine models

Abstract Leishmaniasis is one of the global health issues and is still being handled with costly and sometimes unsuccessful compounds having serious side effects, highlighting the importance of seeking new potent antileishmanial compounds. Herbal medicines have been considered as the main source of prevention and treatment for a wide variety of diseases as well as other photogenetic diseases over the last few centuries. The current study was designed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial efficacy of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Berberis vulgaris root collected from Kurez region of District Orakzai, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Stationary growth-phase metacyclic promastigotes form of Leishmania tropica was incubated in vitro in methanolic and ethanolic extracts using amphotericin B as a positive control. The antileishmanial activity of B. vulgaris extracts was measured after the incubation period using methoxynitrosulfophenyl-tetrazolium carboxanilide assay. For the in vivo study, BALB/c mice were infected with metacyclic L. tropica promastigotes, and lesions appeared after 28 days of inoculum. The results of study research showed that B. vulgaris extract had a powerful antileishmanial activity on promastigotes of L. tropica at different concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50, and 75 μg/mL). The inhibition concentration 50 values for ethanolic and methanolic extracts of B. vulgaris were determined to be 15.37 and 17.55 μg/mL, respectively. In the in vivo activity, it was observed that B. vulgaris ethanolic extract at the concentration of 1.5 mg/kg decreased the lesion diameter in BALB/c infected mice. The ethanolic extract topically and orally reduced the lesion size 0.51 ± 0.023 and 0.56 ± 0.008 mm, while methanolic extract both topically and orally decrease the lesion diameter of 0.63 ± 0.008 and 0.68 ± 0.009 mm relatively, in comparison with negative control (1.45 ± 0.016 mm). Hematological parameters of mice including blood red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin in mice groups (infected non-treated) were found to be decreased, while the mice group treated with extract demonstrated nearly similar results to non-infected group. It is concluded from the current study that antileishmanial activity of B. vulgaris from Pakistan against L. tropica in both in vitro and in vivo showed a promising antileishmanial activity. This study might be helpful in the control strategies of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. tropica.

Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Antidiabetic Activity of &lt;i&gt;Juglans regia&lt;/i&gt; Root Extract: &lt;i&gt;In Vitro&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;In Vivo&lt;/i&gt; Studies

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic illness that occurs due to a malfunction in the production or action of insulin. Prolonged hyperglycemia may lead to dysfunction and failure of several organs, such as the diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. The incidence of diabetes and the number of patients has consistently risen over the last several decades. Juglans regia, a member of the Juglandaceae family, has been used by practitioners of folklore to treat number of illnesses. Aim: To Evaluate the antioxidant and anti-bacterial effects of a root extract from Juglans regia in in vitro studies and anti-diabetic effect Streptozotocin (STZ) induced Wistar albino rats. Methods: Qualitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant assay were done using DPPH, antibacterial assay have been performed by using agar well diffusion method and anti-diabetic effect tested by inducing rats with STZ followed by administering methanolic root extract of Juglans regia alone and with adjuvants metformin and glipalamide. Result: The root extract of Juglans regia can decrease free radicals, possess antibacterial property in agar well diffusion method and in in-vivo studies group 2 (diabetic control) showed elevated FBS and HbA1C from day 3 to day 28 while group 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 showed significant reduction in FBS and HbA1C levels at the end of study. Safety profiles such as CBC, RFT and LFT did not show any significant difference between the groups from baseline to end of the study. Thus, methanolic root extract of Juglans regia was safe and efficacious against STZ induced rats. Conclusion: Juglans regia can reduce hyperglycemia in STZ induced diabetic rats alone and can be used as an adjuvant to Metformin and Glibenclamide. Also, it possesses anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activity in in vitro studies.

Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Tuberculosis Properties of Selected Fabaceae Medicinal Plants through in vitro Studies.

Tuberculosis is among the top ten causes of death in South Africa and worldwide and remains a high priority of the World Health Organization. South Africa has a rich tradition of using medicinal plants to treat various diseases, including TB; however, the safety and efficacy of these plants require thorough investigation and confirmation. This study examined the anti-inflammatory and anti-TB activities of three indigenous medicinal plants against two strains of TB. Water and methanol root extracts of E. elephantina (Burch.), L. lanceolata, and T. burchellianum were tested in vitro for their activity against LAM and EAI lineages. Additionally, the phytochemical screening, anti-inflammatory properties, and cytotoxicity activities of these extracts were evaluated. Aqueous extracts of E. elephantina and T. burchellianum exhibited anti-inflammatory activity at a concentration of 200 μg/ml, while L. lanceolata demonstrated no activity on macrophage cells. The E. elephantina extracts showed no cytotoxicity against the Vero cells at high concentration (200 μg/ml); however, both L. lanceolata and T. burchellianum aqueous extracts were found to be cytotoxic at 200 μg/ml. Unfortunately, none of the three plant extracts showed anti-TB activity against LAM and EAI stains. While the tested extracts lacked direct anti-TB effects, their anti-inflammatory properties and safety profile highlight their potential for adjunctive therapy in TB management or other inflammatory conditions. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms and potential clinical applications of these findings.

Evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of phytochemicals from Gymnostachyum febrifugum-an in vitro study

Gymnostachyum febrifugum an ethnomedicinal plant of Acanthaceae family is used to treat fever, ulcer and metrorrhagia. The current study aimed to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of phytochemicals from methanolic leaf and root extracts of G. febrifugum. In addition, a preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The study revealed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of methanolic extracts of G. febrifugum roots compared to that of leaves. Also, a moderate in vitro cytotoxic effect of the root methanolic extracts was observed against human lung cancer cells. LC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract of root revealed the presence of 11 phytochemicals belonging to classes of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and sugars, of which esculin, 6,7,10-trihydroxy-8-octadecenoic acid, piperlongumine, ardisiacrispin B and berbamine were detected in high abundance. Probably, these phytochemicals were responsible for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of G. febrifugum. However further research on isolation and identification of active compounds is necessary to confirm these results.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity study of aqueous and methanol root extract of Tetracera alnifolia in male albino rats

The aim of this study was to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity of aqueous and methanol extracts of the root of Tetracera alnifolia as well as the effects on some biochemical parameters in albino rats as many plants used in traditional medicine lack scientific and clinical evidence to support a better understanding of their safety and efficacy. Phytochemical screening and proximate analysis of the pulverised root of Tetracera alnifolia was carried out using previously reported protocol. Sub-acute toxicity study of each extract was done for 28 days followed by organs function tests and histopathology studies of the liver, kidney and heart. Evaluation of lipid profile and oxidative stress marker to ascertain the effect of each extract on lipid peroxidation and their antioxidant property was done after administration of 200 mg/Kg body weight of each extract for a period of thirty-five days. Acute toxicity study of each extract gave oral LD50 (rat) of greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight with no signs of toxicity. Sub-acute toxicity study showed both extracts were non-toxic to the liver, kidney, heart and blood at doses between 200 and 3000 mg/Kg body weight assessed by the respective organ function tests, hematological parameters, and histopathology study. However, higher doses seem toxic to the liver particularly at 5000 mg/kg B. W due to increase in plasma AST, ALT and ALP activities accompanied with reduced protein and albumin concentrations. Effects of each extracts at 200 mg/Kg body weight on some biochemical parameters revealed no significant difference in lipid profile parameters and no lipid peroxidation. Each extract may possess antioxidant property due to increase in catalase activity. The result from this research may help validate the safety of the oral use of this plant in traditional medicine.

Phytochemical Analysis and Assessment of Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Alchemilla pseudocartalinica Juz.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibitory activity of extracts, sub-extracts, and fractions prepared from the aerial parts and roots of A. pseudocartalinica. The phytochemical content of the active extracts was also analyzed. According to the results, ellagic acid (38.42 mg/g) was the major compound in the aerial part methanol extract and catechin (185.30 mg/g) in the root methanol extract. The DPPH inhibition activity of all fractions was monitored, with the most active one (Fr B) reaching an IC50 value of (4.92±0.59 μg/mL). All the fractions prepared from the aerial parts' water sub-extract showed higher a-glucosidase inhibitory activity than the positive control acarbose. In the tyrosinase assay, Fr B (58.81±7.50 μg/mL) exhibited the highest inhibitory actions among all fractions. The structure of the major substances of the most active fraction were elucidated as quercetin 7-O-β-glucopyranosyl-3-O-β-glucuronopyranoside- (1), and α-[(2-formyl-5-hydroxymethyl)pyrrol-1-yl]aspartic acid (2).

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Desmostachya bipinnata Roots

This study was conducted for preliminary phytochemical study of different extracts and to study antimicrobial effects of methanolic extract of Desmostachya bipinnata roots. Desmostachya bipinnata Stapf is an official drug of ayurvedic pharmacopoeia, belongs to the family of Poaceae/Gramineae. Phytochemical screening was done to identify the main groups of chemical constituents present in different extract of Desmostachya bipinnata by their colour reactions with different reagents. Four extracts viz: Petroleum, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanolic, were subjected for carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, proteins and amino acids using a test procedure. Preliminary antimicrobial test of D. bipinnata extract was carried out by well diffusion method. The extract was subjected for antimicrobial screening using reference standard, Gentamicin (10µg). The antimicrobial screening of the plant extract revealed the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive microorganism) and Escherichia coli (Gram negative microorganism).

Green synthesis, characterization and biological activity analysis of silver nanoparticles from commercially available root powder of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth., a medicinal plant native to the alpine regions of the Himalayas, is renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties. Recently, green-synthesized silver nanoparticles have gained attention for their potential in pharmaceutical and industrial applications. In this study, silver nanoparticles (Pk-AgNPs) were synthesized using commercially available root powder of P. kurroa. The objective was to evaluate their potential biomedical applications by assessing their antioxidant properties and cytotoxicity. The Pk-AgNPs were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), which revealed their morphology and functional groups. The Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of methanolic root extract of P. kurroa (PkRE) and the Pk-AgNPs was determined using the Phosphomolybdenum method. The results indicated that the antioxidant activity of PkRE was higher than that of the Pk-AgNPs. Moreover, the activity increased with concentration, ranging from 20 µg/mL to 120 µg/mL, demonstrating their capability to eliminate harmful free radicals. The cytotoxicity of PkRE and Pk-AgNPs was evaluated using the MTT assay against the SV40 T-antigen-containing HEK293T cell line, derived from human embryonic kidney 293 cells and the L929 cell line, a mouse fibroblast cell line. The results demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity. L929 cells remained 100 % viable at concentration up to 200 µg/mL for PkRE and 100 µg/mL Pk-AgNPs. In contrast, HEK293T cells didn’t show 100 % viability even at a concentration of 50 µg/mL for both samples. This study highlights the potential use of PkRE and Pk-AgNPs as antioxidants. However, the cytotoxicity findings suggests that they may be harmful to humans if consumed orally, though they could be suitable for use in other organisms. This paves the way for further research into the application of AgNPs synthesized from P. kurroa in biomedical and pharmaceutical domains as well as in veterinary sciences.