Methanol-soluble Extractives Research Articles

Methanol soluble extractives of Pinus merkusii bark and its antioxidant activity

The major function of bark in trees is to protect the living tissues. This is due to the chemical extractives in the bark such as polyphenols and terpenoids. In Indonesia, the bark of Pinus merkusii is of high economic value due to its use in the production of wood and oleoresins. Also, the presence of polyphenols in its bark has the potential of being used as antioxidant agents. Based on this, the aim of this study was to investigate antioxidant activity from the methanol extract of P. merkusii bark. This methanol extract of P. merkusii was subjected to gas chromatography mass spectrometric (GC-MS) method and antioxidant activity assay using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The GC-MS analysis showed that the extract sample contained phenolics and sugars as minor compounds with fatty acids and alcohols as major components. The antioxidant activity (IC50) of the sample was 1452.8 ± 208 μg/mL, which could be as a result of the presence of phenolic compounds, fatty acids and alcohols, as well as steroids and alkaloid in it.

Pharamacognostic Profile and Comparative in vitro Anti- Inflammatory Activity Study of Ethanomedicinal Plants of North East India

Background: In ethno-medicinal practices, the leaves of Alocasia macrrorhizos, Canavalia ensiformis, Amaranthus cruentus, Averrhoea carambola, Bauhina tenifloara and Capsicum Chinese have different pharmacological activities. The problem encountered with the proper utilization of herbal drugs is lack of documentation and standard parameter, which create problem in acceptance and importance of these plants. Objective: The objectives of our study are to establish scientifically evaluated pharmacognostic profile and in vitro antiinflammatory screening of six plants. Methods: Leaf sample from each plant was evaluated by macroscopic, microscopic and physicochemical parameters (As per WHO recommended methods of standardization). The anti-inflammatory activity screening of methanolic extracts was carried out against inhibition of protein denaturation method taking diclofenac sodium as a benchmark. Results: The macroscopic characteristic and microscopical evaluation reveals the type of stomata within the leaves and presence of parenchyma cells, collenchyma cells, upper epidemis, lower epidermis, vascular bundle, palisade cells and trichomes in the transverse section of leaves. Physicochemical parameter reveals the total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble, methanol soluble extractives and moisture content. The IC50 value of MEAM, MECE, MEAC, MEAC1, MECC and MEBT against inhibiton of protein denaturation was found to be 72.88, 841.78, 735.12, 303.75, 188, and 354.1855 μg/mL respectively. Conclusion: The present study contributes useful information that will help in the exact identification as well as assessment of purity of crude drugs. Methanolic extract of Alocasia macrorrhizos could be a potential anti-inflammatory agent from the natural sources.

Medico-botanical assessment of a weed plant: Cassia obtusifolia

Cassia obtusifolia Linn. is commonly known as “Takla” or “Chakunda” in India, a common weed, also used as vegetable Family-Caesalpiniaceae. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the different organ, observations and differential microchemical test have been carried out for the authentication of the samples. Physiochemical values such as the Moisture contents, percentage of total ash, acid insoluble ash, acid soluble ash, water soluble ash, extractive values like petroleum ether-soluble extractives, ethanol-soluble extractives, methanol-soluble extractives and water-soluble extractives were calculated as well as colour reactions of powder and extract with different chemicals were performed to observe fluorescence analysis. The extracts were subjected to qualitative screening test for various constituents. This revealed the presence protein, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compound, steroid reducing sugars, saponin glycosides and fats. These observations will help in the Pharmacognostical identification and standardization of the plant as a drug in the crude form and also to distinguish the material from its adulteration.

Performance of recent and old sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) wood

Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) heartwood is one of the most durable European commercial wood species. Various aspects that could potentially influence the durability were studied in the present research: presence of extractives, ring width and weathering. The properties of wood that had been in outdoor use for 35 years were also examined. The results indicate that ring width and weathering (outdoor use) did not influence the durability. None of the fungi used were able to degrade sweet chestnut heartwood in a modified EN 113 experiment. After extraction with methanol or water, specimens lost between 11% and 15% of total mass by leaching of extractives. However, extraction only slightly decreased the durability of the leached wood. This indicates that other components (in addition to water and methanol soluble extractives) could be responsible for durability. Furthermore, analysis of 35-year-old wood showed that not all relevant properties of the old sweet chestnut wood deteriorated within the mentioned time frame. This proves that old sweet chestnut hardwood can potentially be reused for a variety of applications.

PHARMACOGNOSTIC CHARACTERIZATION OF ENICOSTEMMA LITTORALE BLUME

Enicostemma littorale Blume, Syn.Enicostemma axillare (Lam.)Raynal. is a well-known plant used as drug in Ayurved, Unani-Tibbi, Siddha, Allopathy, Homeopathy, Naturopathyand Home Remedies. The present communication deals with the pharmacognostic evaluation on the different parts of Enicostemma littorale Blume (Enicostemma littorale) Family-Gentianaceae. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the different organ, observations and differential microchemical test have been carried out for the authentication of the samples. Physiochemical values such as the moisture contents, percentage of total ash, acid insoluble ash, acid soluble ash, water soluble ash, extractive values as petroleum ether-soluble extractives, ethanol-soluble extractives, methanol-soluble extractives and water-soluble extractives were calculated as well as color reactions of powder and extract with different chemicals were performed to observe fluorescence analysis. The extracts were subjected to qualitative screening test for various constituents. This revealed the presence protein, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compound, steroid reducing sugars and saponin glycosides. These observations will help in the Pharmacognostical identification and standardization of the drug in the crude form and also to differentiate the drug from its adulteration.

Pharmacognostic Characterization and Phytochemical Screening of Achyranthes Aspera Linn

Achyranthes aspera Linn. is a well-known plant drug in Ayurvedic, Unani-Tibbi, Siddha, Allopathic, Homeopathic, Naturopathic & Home Remedies. The present communication deals with the pharmacognostic evaluation on the different parts of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae). Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the different organ, observations and differential microchemical test has been carried out for the authentication of the samples. Physiochemical values such as the Moisture contents, percentage of total ash, acid insoluble ash, acid soluble ash, extractive values like petroleum ether-soluble extractives, ethanol-soluble extractives, methanol-soluble extractives and water-soluble extractives were calculated as well as colour reactions of powder and extract with different chemicals were performed. The extracts were subjected to qualitative screening test for various constituents. This revealed the presence protein, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compound, steroid reducing sugars and saponin glycosides. These observations will help in the Pharmacognostical identification and standardization of the drug in the crude form and also to distinguish the drug from its adulteration.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation of root of Solanum nigrum Linn.: An ethnomedicinally important herb

Background: Roots of Solanum nigrum Linn. (Solanaceae), commonly known as black night shade (Kakamachi), is traditionally used in the treatment of worms and abdominal pain. Until date no scientific evaluation has been reported on its roots. Aim: The present study deals with the microscopical, histochemical, physicochemical, fluorescence analysis, preliminary phytochemical and chromatographic study of roots of S. nigrum L. Materials and Methods: Thin sections of fresh root were used for the microscopical and histochemical evaluation. Root powder was used for physicochemical and fluorescence analysis. For preliminary phytochemical study water, methanol and ether soluble extractives were used. Chromatographic study was carried out on methanol soluble extractive. Results: Diagnostic features of the roots are presence of prismatic crystals, border pitted vessels, and tannin content. Physico‑chemical analysis of root powder shows ash value 3.99% w/w, 13.04% w/w and 11.85% w/w of water and alcohol soluble extractive values respectively. Phytochemical investigations of root shows presence of alkaloids, tannins and saponins along with other phytoconstituents in different extracts. In chromatographic study, alcoholic extract of root shows 10, 7 and 8 number of spots at 256 nm, 366 nm wavelengths and after spray of vanillin sulphuric acid, respectively. Conclusion: The information generated in this study will be helpful for the proper identification and authentication of roots of this herb. Key words: Kakamachi, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, Solanun nigrum Linn

Spectral and chemical analyses of mould development on Scots pine heartwood

Scots pine heartwood specimens were exposed to mould in controlled humid atmosphere (RH 95%, T =20 °C) and the responses of electrical impedance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (EIS and FTIR) methods were studied. The concentration of methanol soluble heartwood extractives and the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) were determined from the parallel samples. Results show that the spectral responses and VOC emissions were related to the mould development. According to this study, VOC emissions might be used for discriminating mould susceptible and resistant samples. FTIR spectra showed that the relation of amide (1655 cm-1) and carbonyl peaks (1736 cm-1) was significantly affected by mould. In the EIS analyses, there also were electrical parameters, which were significantly affected by mould. In conclusion, both spectral methods hold potential for non-destructive mould detection and monitoring of mould development.

Discolouration of birch wood: analysis of extractives from discoloured surface of vacuum-dried European white birch (Betula pubescens) board

A discolouration that appeared on the surfaces of a European white birch (Betula pubescens) board during vacuum drying was studied by means of colour measurements (CIEL*a*b*), elemental analysis and the analysis of extractives. The discoloured surface layer of the dried board contained substantially more methanol-soluble extractives than did the light-coloured part (50.7 mg g−1 vs. 26.7 mg g−1 dry wood), and the colour difference (ΔE*ab 20.0) between the two extracts was notable. Characterization by means of GC and 13C NMR spectroscopy showed that the extracts contain sugars (mainly glucose and fructose), low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds, proanthocyanidins, Brauns’ lignin and fatty acid esters. Concentrations of sugars, low-molecular-weight phenols, proanthocyanidins and Brauns’ lignin were higher in the discoloured surface layer than in the light-coloured part. The yellowness of the surface layer was associated with the accumulation of low-molecular-weight phenolic extractives, and the redness with Brauns’ lignin and possibly proanthocyanidins.

Phenolic compounds in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) wood

Abstract Three new phenolic compounds (4-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl-6-O-syringoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl-6-O-syringoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, and 4-hydroxymethyl-2-methoxyphenyl-6-O-syringoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside) and 15 known phenolic compounds (two phenyl glucoside esters, five lignans, three diarylheptanoids and five simple aldehydes or ketones) were isolated from the secondary xylem of mature Betula pendula Roth. The compounds were identified on the basis of their NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectral data. In total, 23 phenolic extractives present in the sapwood of two winter-dormant B. pendula trees felled at different growing sites (rich in nutrients and scarce in nutrients) were quantified by GC. Their amounts were mostly low, 0.01–0.18 mg g−1 of dry wood. Total amounts of the phenolic extractives isolated were 1.2 mg g−1 of dry wood (5.6% of the total methanol-soluble extractives) in the tree felled at the site rich in nutrients, and 1.9 mg g–1 of dry wood (10% of the total methanol-soluble extractives) in the tree felled at the site scarce in nutrients.

Effects of heartwood extractive fractions of Thuja plicata and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis on wood degradation by termites or fungi

The effect of selective removal of extractives on termite or decay resistance was assessed with matched samples of Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D.Don) Spach heartwood. Samples were extracted using a variety of solvents and then exposed to the subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki in a no-choice feeding test or to the brown-rot fungus Postia placenta (Fr.) M. Larsen & Lombard in a soil bottle test. At the same time, the effect of naturally occurring variations in heartwood extractives on termite or decay resistance was evaluated by testing samples from the inner and outer heartwood of five trees of each species against C. formosanus and P. placenta and analyzing matched wood samples for their extractive content. The results suggest that the methanol-soluble extractives in T. plicata and C. nootkatensis play an important role in heartwood resistance to attack by C. formosanus and P. placenta. Total methanol-soluble extractive content of the heartwood was positively correlated with both termite and decay resistance; however, there was much unexplained variation and levels of individual extractive components were only weakly correlated with one another. Further studies are under way to develop a better understanding of the relationships between individual extractive levels and performance.

Effect of growth site type, felling season, storage time and kiln drying on contents and distributions of phenolic extractives and low molar mass carbohydrates in secondary xylem of silver birch Betula pendula

AbstractThe effect of growth site type, felling season, storage time and kiln drying on the contents and distributions of phenolic extractives and low molar mass carbohydrates in secondary xylem of silver birchBetula pendulawas studied. The results indicated that the total amount of methanol-soluble extractives did not change markedly under the prevailing conditions of the study. However, the contents of phenolic compounds, (+)-catechin and (+)-catechin-7-O-β-D-xylopyranoside, and low molar mass sugars, D(+)-xylose, D(−)-fructose, D(+)-glucose, sucrose, maltose and raffinose, changed with season, storage time, radial location in the stem or growth site type. The glycosidic bond in (+)-catechin-7-O-β-D-xylopyranoside, sucrose, maltose and raffinose was hydrolysed with kiln drying, resulting in elevated contents of the monosaccharides, D(+)-xylose, D(−)-fructose, D(+)-glucose, in kiln dried boards. Surprisingly, the content of (+)-catechin did not increase simultaneously with the breakdown of (+)-catechin-7-O-β-D-xylopyranoside, indicating that (+)-catechin may polymerise or have another bonding pattern with other wood components due to elevated temperatures during kiln drying. In addition, the relative amount of phenolic compounds, (+)-catechin monomer and its glycoside, (+)-catechin-7-O-β-D-xylopyranoside, in the methanol extracts decreased with partial vacuum drying.

Hemmung einiger Ektoenzyme von Fomes annosus (Fr.) Cke. durch Holz- und Bastextrakte aus Picea abies (Karst.)

Inhibition of several ectoenzymes of Fomes annosus (Fr.) Cke. by wood and bark extracts from Picea abies (Karst.). Methanol soluble extractives of sapwood, heartwood and reaction zone from Norway spruce as well as acetone soluble extractives of spruce bark were tested at a concentration of 0.05 percent for inhibition of Fomes annosus enzymes cellulase, pectinase

The cankers of Exocarpos cupressiformis Labill

The morphology and anatomy of cankers formed on Exocarpos cupressiformis Labill. are described. The pathogen is fungal, though it is uncertain whether one or more species of fungus is involved. The cankers consist of a woody framework of lignified, pitted, and distorted fibre tracheids and occasional vessel elements, the pathogen developing in "nests" within this framework. "Witches' brooms" formed on the cankers develop reaction wood. The reaction wood fibres have tannins deposited within their lumina and in the terminal lamellae of "gelatinous" layers. Enhancement of tannin deposition in the wood and bark of cankered trees is one of the main effects of infection. The water-soluble and methanol-soluble extractives in the heartwood of an infected tree were approximately double the amounts in the heartwood of a healthy tree of comparable size.