Methanolic Fruit Research Articles

Mosquitocidal and water purification properties of Ocimum sanctum and Phyllanthus emblica

<em>Ocimum sanctum</em> was tested for its larvicidal and water sedimentation properties; the fruit ethanol and methanol extracts of <em>Phyllanthus emblica </em>were tested for phytochemical, larvicidal, oviposition-deterrent and ovicidal activities. Results emphasized that plant extracts have high toxicity against the egg and larvae of the malarial vector <em>Anopheles stephensi</em> and also have water sedimentation properties. LC<sub>50</sub> of <em>Phyllanthus emblica </em>against <em>Anopheles stephensi </em>larvae ranged from 33.08 ppm to 81.26 ppm and from 23.44 to 54.19 ppm for ethanol and methanol extracts, respectively. <em>Phyllanthus emblica</em> also showed excellent ovipositional deterrent and ovicidal activities. The oviposition activity index value of ethanol and methanol extracts of Phyllanthus emblica at 500 ppm were -0.80 and -0.92, respectively. <em>Ocimum sanctum</em> includes both insecticidal secondary compounds, amino acids (glycine, lysine), vitamin C and other substances, that make treated water suitable for human consumption. Water quality parameters such as color, turbidity and pH were analyzed in the water samples (pre-treatment and post-treatment of plant extracts) taken from the breeding sites of mosquitoes. Hence, the plant product can be used as both mosquitocidal and water purifier.

AgNPs: Green Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxicity Studies of Methanol and Aqueous Extracts of Pseudocydonia sinensis (Chinese Quince) Fruit

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the emerging nanoproducts that have gained increasing interest in the field of nanomedicine due to their unique properties and obvious therapeutic potential in treating a variety of diseases. The authors used a methanol and aqueous fruit extracts of Pseudocydonia sinensis to synthesize AgNPS. To their knowledge, this is the first report where Pseudocydonia sinensis fruit was found to be a suitable plant source for the green synthesis of AgNPs. The AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Green synthesized Meoh-AgNPs and aqueous-AgNPs were found toxic against S. aureus (KCTC 1916), B. substilis (lab culture), E. coli (KCTC 2441), C. albicans (lab culture), and S. cerevicae (KCCM 1020). MTT assay showed (B16/F10 melanoma cancer cell line) minimum cell inhibition (1.01%) was observed at 0.12mM and maximum cell inhibition (81.85%) at 1mM. Meoh-AgNPs appeared to be more active than aqueous-AgNPs. Furthermore, this green synthesis is a rapid and simple alternative to chemical synthesis.

후추 열매 유래 화합물들의 배추좀나방 유충에 대한 살충 활성

잎침지법을 이용하여 후추 열매 메탄올 추출물 및 분리된 화합물들의 배추좀나방(Plutellaxylostella) 유충에 대한 살충 활성을 검정하였다. 후추 열매 메탄올 추출물은 배추좀나방 유충에 대해 5.0과 2.5 mg/mL 농도에서 각각 100%와 97%의 살충 활성을 보였다. 후추 열매에서 유래된 화합물들의 배추좀나방에 대한 살충 활성을 조사한 결과, guineensine (<TEX>$LC_{50}$</TEX>=0.013 mg/mL)의 살충 활성이 가장 높았으며, 다음으로 retrofractamide A (0.020 mg/mL), pipercide (0.033 mg/mL) 그리고 pellitorine (0.046 mg/mL) 순이었다. Piperine의 반수치사농도는 0.5 mg/mL 이상이었다. The larvicidal activities of Piper nigrum fruit methanol extracts and its constituents against larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, were investigated using the leaf dipping method. Administering the P. nigrum methanol extract resulted in 100 and 97% mortality against diamondback moth larvae at 5.0 and 2.5 mg/mL concentrations, respectively. Larvicidal activities of the P. nigrum fruit-derived piperidine alkaloids, piperine, and N-isobutylamide, as well as pellitorine, guineensine, pipercide, and retrofractamide A against P. xylostella varied according to test compound. Based on the 48 h <TEX>$LC_{50}$</TEX> values, the most toxic compound to diamondback moth larvae was guineensine (0.013 mg/mL) followed by retrofractamide A (0.020mg/mL), pipercide (0.033mg/mL), and pellitorine (0.046 mg/mL). The <TEX>$LC_{50}$</TEX> value of piperine was >0.5 mg/mL.

The influence of ripening stage and cultivation system on the total antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds of yellow passion fruit pulp

This work aimed to investigate the influence of both ripening stage and cultivation system on the total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) of passion fruit pulp. TPC extraction was optimized using a 2³ central composed design. The variables were fruit pulp volume, methanol volume and extraction solution volume. TPC was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reaction, and TAA using the ABTS radical reaction. The conditions to extract TPC were 2 mL passion fruit pulp and 9 mL extraction solution containing 40% methanol:water (v/v). TPC values increased in the passion fruit pulp during ripening for both cultivation systems, ranging from 281.8 to 361.9 mg gallic acid L⁻¹ (P ≤ 0.05) for the organic pulp and from 291.0 to 338.6 mg gallic acid L⁻¹ (P ≤ 0.05) for the conventional pulp. TPC values increased during ripening for both organic and conventional passion fruit. The same was true for TAA values for conventional passion fruit. For organic passion fruit, however, TAA values were highest at the initial ripening stages. These results suggest that antioxidant compounds exert strong influence on the initial ripening stages for organic passion fruit, when TPC still did not reach its maximum level.

Rubus crataegifolius Bge. 열매 추출물의 항산화 활성

식물자원으로부터 항산화 물질을 확보 하기위해 한국 등에서 전통적으로 phytotherapy로 이용되어 온 Rubus crataegifolius Bge. 열매를 조사하였다. R. crataegifolius의 열매를 메탄올로 추출하였고 순차적으로 n-hexane, diethyl ether, and ethyl acetate로 분획화하였다. 각 분획물의 항산화 활성은 DPPH와 <TEX>$H_2O_2$</TEX>에 대항 인간 primary 세포인 keratinocyte (HK)를 이용하여 세포 독성 및 효능을 검증하였다. R. crataegifolius 열매 추출물은 비타민 C와 비슷한 강력한 DPPH (75.04%, 50%)와 <TEX>$H_2O_2$</TEX> (79.9%, 54.1%) 소거능을 보였다. 분획물의 DPPP에 대한 소거능을 측정하였는데 n-hexane fraction (HF)은 20.3%, diethyl ether fraction (DF)은 68.8%, ethyl acetate fraction (EF)는 67.1% 그리고 residue fraction (RE)은 67.1%의 소거능을 보였으며 <TEX>$H_2O_2$</TEX>에 대해서는 2.2%, 1.6%, 10%, 그리고 50%로 각각 나타내었다. H2O2에 대한 HK의 세포 보호능을 확인하기 위해 산화적 스트레스 모델을 확립하였고(1 mM) 0.005-0.02%의 RE 분획물에서 <TEX>$H_2O_2$</TEX>에 대한 보호능을 발휘하였다. 따라서, R. crataegifolius의 열매 추출물은 <TEX>$H_2O_2$</TEX>유발 상처에 대하여 HK세포의 보호능을 가지며 강력한 항산화 활성을 가지고 있다. We investigated the fruits of Rubus crataegifolius Bge, a plant which has been traditionally used in Korea in phytotherapy, to describe antioxidant materials from plant sources. R. crataegifolius fruits were extracted with methanol and further fractionated into n-hexane, diethyl ether, and ethyl acetate. The antioxidant activity of each fraction and the residue was assessed using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), <TEX>$H_2O_2$</TEX> radical scavenging method, and their cytotoxicity on human primary kerationcyte (HK) was determined by an MTS assay. The R. crataegifolius fruit methanol extract showed strong antioxidant activity (75.04%, 50%) compared with vitamin C (79.9%, 54.1%) by the DPPH, and <TEX>$H_2O_2$</TEX> method, respectively. The measured activity from the subsequent extracts of the methanol extract were 20.3% for n-hexane fraction (HF), 68.8% for diethyl ether fraction (DF), 67.1% for ethyl acetate fraction (EF), and 67.1% for the residue fraction (RE) by DPPH and 2.2% for HF, 1.6% for DF, 10% for EF, and 50% for the RE by <TEX>$H_2O_2$</TEX> assay. An oxidative stress model of HK was established under a suitable concentration (1 mM). The cell viability of the RE treated group increased and the percentage of apoptotic cells decreased at concentrations of 0.005-0.02% RE compared with the <TEX>$H_2O_2$</TEX> treated group. Fruit extracts of the medicinal plant R. crataegifolius showed potent antioxidant activity and the ability to relieve cell damage from <TEX>$H_2O_2$</TEX> induced injury to HK.

Solanum torvum Swartz. fruit containing phenolic compounds shows antidiabetic and antioxidant effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

In this study, quantification of phenolic compounds and the investigation of antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of the fruit of Solanum torvum Swartz. are described. S. torvum fruit methanol extract (STMe) was administered orally at a dose of 200 and 400mg/kg/day to streptozotocin induced diabetic rats for 30days. The levels of glucose, insulin, total protein, hemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, liver glycogen and marker enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, hepatic function and antioxidants were analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that STMe contained high levels of phenolic compounds, mainly rutin (1.36%w/w), caffeic acid (12.03%w/w), gallic acid (4.78%w/w) and catechin (0.46%w/w). STMe at 200 and 400mg/kg reduced blood glucose level by 17.04% and 42.10%, respectively in diabetic rats. The levels and/or activities of other biochemical parameters were restored significantly compared to diabetic control rats due to treatment with fruit extract. Histology of liver and pancreas in STMe treated groups substantiated the cytoprotective action of the drug. Immunohistochemical observation of islets in extract treated diabetic rats showed apparent β-cells regeneration. These findings suggest that S. torvum fruit containing phenolic compounds has great potential as a natural source of antidiabetic and antioxidant drug.

Isolation of Triterpenoids from &lt;i&gt;Catunaregam spinosa&lt;/i&gt;

Investigation on the antifeedant activity and toxicity of Catunaregam Spinosa (Rubiaceae)fruits revealed that the n-butanol fraction from methanolic extractof Catunaregam Spinosa fruits showed effective antifeedant activity and toxicity against the larvae of Pieris rapae and Plutella xylostella. Continued chemical investigation on the n-butanol fraction yielded five triterpenoids. Use of NMR, MS and sugar analysis gave structures of three triterpenoid saponins with branched monosaccharide chain as 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-6-O-methyl-glucuronopyranosyl oxy]-2β-hydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (1), 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyran -osyl]-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (2), 3-O-[β-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl- (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-12-en-28-oic acid (3), and along with triterpenoids as Oleanolic acid (4), 3β,23-dihydroxy-olean-12-ene-28-oic acid (5), respectively.

Effects ofXylopia aethiopica(Annonaceae) fruit methanol extract on γ-radiation-induced oxidative stress in brain of adult male Wistar rats

Xylopia aethiopica (XA) (Annonaceae) possesses great nutritional and medicinal values. This study was designed to investigate the effects of XA fruit methanol extract on oxidative stress in brain of rats exposed to whole body gamma-radiation (5 Gy). Vitamin C (VC) served as standard antioxidant. Forty-four rats were divided into 4 groups of 11 rats each. One group served as control, two different groups were treated with XA and VC (250 mg/kg), 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after irradiation, and fourth group was only irradiated. Rats were sacrificed 1 and 8 weeks after irradiation. The antioxidant status, viz. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and glutathione (GSH) were estimated. Results indicate a significant increase (p < 0.05) in levels of brain LPO after irradiation. LPO increased by 90% and 151%, after 1 and 8 weeks of irradiation, respectively. Irradiation caused significant (p < 0.05) decreases in levels of GSH and GST by 61% and 43% after 1 week and, 75% and 73%, respectively, after 8 weeks of exposure. CAT and SOD levels were decreased by 62% and 68%, respectively, after 8 weeks of irradiation. Treatment with XA and VC ameliorated the radiation-induced decreases in antioxidant status of the animals. These suggest that XA could have beneficial effect by inhibiting oxidative damage in brain of exposed rats.

A fraction of unripe kiwi fruit extract regulates adipocyte differentiation and function in 3T3‐L1 cells

Adipocyte dysfunction is strongly associated with the development of insulin resistance and diabetes, and regulation of adipogenesis is important in prevention of diabetes. We prepared a 100% methanol fraction of methanolic extract from unripe kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa), designated KMF (kiwi fruit methanol fraction). When applied to 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells, KMF promoted adipocyte differentiation, increased glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity, and increased triglyceride (TG) content. KMF markedly increased mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma)-the master adipogenic transcription factor-and its target genes. Moreover, KMF increased mRNA expression and protein secretion of adiponectin, whereas mRNA expression and secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were decreased. Compared with troglitazone, KMF decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB) activation. Glucose uptake was stimulated by KMF in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Taken together, these results indicate that KMF may exert beneficial effects against diabetes via its ability to regulate adipocyte differentiation and function.

Protective Effects of Persimmon Leaf and Fruit Extracts against Acute Ethanol-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Persimmon is well-known as a Korean traditional medicine for alleviating coughs and enhancing blood circulation; it is also used for treatment of hypertension, cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis. To evaluate the protective properties of persimmon leaf methanol extract (PLME) and persimmon fruit methanol extract (PFME) administration on acute ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity, C57BL/6 male mice were gavaged with or without persimmon extracts for 1 week. Hepatotoxicity was then induced by gavage of 5 g/㎏ BW ethanol. After 12 hr of ethanol administration, blood and liver were collected and analyzed for biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity. The results showed PLME and PFME treatments decreased the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) compared with ethanol control. Both PLME and PFME reduced serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, but elevated alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity. Serum triglyceride (TG) and hepatic cholesterol levels were significantly decreased when treated with PLME and PFME. Liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased in PLME and PFME groups compared with ethanol control. Furthermore, the administration of PLME and PFME significantly increased the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GSH-red). In summary, PLME and PFME appeared to prevent hepatic injury by accelerating alcohol metabolism by increasing alcohol-metabolizing enzyme activities, by activating the antioxidative enzyme system against oxidative stress, and by decreasing fat accumulation, which is evidenced by decreased hepatotoxic indices in serum.

Anti-inflammatory activities of the methanol extracts and an isolated furanoditerpene constituent of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre (Menispermaceae)

Sphenocentrum jollyanum crude extracts and an isolated constituent were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity using the carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema of healthy adult albino rats and utilizing the oral route of administration. The fruit methanol extract (79.58% inhibition at 200mgkg−1) gave a higher anti-inflammatory activity than the root extract (53.75% inhibition at 200mgml−1). Further purification of the most active fruit methanol extract (MFE) led to the isolation of three furanoditerpenes identified as columbin, isocolumbin, fibleucin (uv, ir, nmr and ms) as well as a flavonoid-rich fraction (FDE). Both columbin (67.08% inhibition at 20mgkg−1, p<0.05) and FDE (76.25% inhibition at 200mgkg−1; p<0.05) gave significant anti-inflammatory activities in comparable range with reference acetylsalicylic acid (72.50% inhibition at 100mgkg−1). The results provide some justification for the folkloric uses of Sphenocentrum jollyanum in the treatment of inflammatory-based diseases across the West African sub-region.

1-O-trans-Cinnamoyl-β-ᴅ -glucopyranose: Alcohol Cinnamoyltransferase Activity in Fruits of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.)

Abstract Methyl and ethyl cinnamate are aroma volatiles frequently occurring in fruits. Evidence was obtained that the enzymatic transfer of cinnamic acid to endogenous alcohols present in fruits (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol) depended on energy-rich 1-O-glycosyl esters of cinnamic acid which served as acyl donor molecules. A putative 1-O-trans-cinnamoyl-β-ᴅ-gluco-pyranose; alcohol cinnamoyltransferase from cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) was active towards 1-O-trans-cinnamoyl-β-ᴅ-glucopyranose and 1-O-trans-cinnamoyl-β-ᴅ-gentiobiose. The enzyme was purified 290-fold by a protocol including ammonium sulphate precipi­tation, solubilization by Triton X-100, gel permeation and affinity chromatography on concanavalin A. The acidic glycoprotein (pI = 4.8) most probably is membrane bound. The distribution of alcohol cinnamoyltransferase activity in gel chromatography fractions suggests a native Mr of 75,000. For 1-O-trans-cinnamoyl-β-ᴅ-glucopyranose, an apparent Km of 69 μm was determined. At pH &gt; 6.0, non-enzymatic transesterification superposes the enzymatic transformation.

Adult response of the almond seed wasp, Eurytoma amygdali, to chemicals from its host and certain nonhosts

AbstractFemales of the almond seed wasp, Eurytoma amygdali Enderlein (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae), responded in an olfactometer positively to odours from almond flowers and unripe fruits, but not to almond leaf odours and odours from flowers and unripe fruits of certain other nonhost Prunus species. Males responded to none of these odours. Extracts of undamaged unripe almond fruits (using ethanol, methanol, acetone, hexane, dichloromethane, or petroleum ether) stimulated female aggregation on glass surfaces treated with these extracts; in addition, certain fruit extracts (ethanol, methanol, or acetone) stimulated oviposition. Extracts of undamaged almond leaves (ethanol, methanol, or acetone) and flowers (ethanol or methanol) also stimulated female aggregation and oviposition. Aggregation and oviposition in response to an ethanol extract of almond fruits was intense in females aged 5 to 14 days and from 12:00 to 18:00 h (photophase between 06:00 and 20:00). Certain almond fruit (ethanol, methanol, acetone or hexane) and flower extracts (ethanol or methanol) also provoked female response in the olfactometer. The results strongly suggest that certain chemical stimuli emanating from parts of the almond tree play a major role in host selection and oviposition. Some of the extracts tested may be a good source for the isolation, identification and synthesis of compounds stimulating attraction, aggregation and oviposition in nature.

Anti-implantation activity of the fruit of Lagenaria breviflora Robert

The fruit of Lagenaria breviflora Robert ( Adenopus breviflorus Benth) family Cucurbitaceae used by natives as an abortifacient in Nigeria, was investigated for anti-implantation activity. The ethyl acetate extract of the whole fruit and methanol extract of the seed were very toxic to rats. Using ten female virgin albino rats for each extract, the World Health Organization special protocol and doses on a moisture-free basis: 20 g/kg whole fruit methanol extract gave 60% anti-implantation activity 2.5 g/kg fruit pulp gave 80% and 5 g/kg fruit pulp gave 100% activity while 2 g/kg seed also gave 100% activity but four of the rats died. Statistical evaluation of the data showed that the results were significant.