Methanol Stem Bark Research Articles

Larvicidal Efficacy of Root and Stem Bark Extracts of the Plant, <i>Annona reticulata</i> against Filarial Vector, <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i>

The present study assessed larvicidal efficacy of different concentrations of chloroform: methanol (v/v 1:1), acetone, and ethanol extracts of root and stem bark of Annona reticulata L. (Annonaceae) against early 3 rd instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823 ( Cx. quinquefasciatus ) up to 72 hours. Among all the solvent extracts used, chloroform: methanol (v/v 1:1) root and stem bark extracts of the plant showed highest larvicidal activity. Further, the effect of chloroform: methanol (v/v 1:1) root and stem bark extracts of the plant was investigated on early 1 st – 4 th instars larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus . Early 1 st - 3 rd instars larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus showed 100% mortality with remarkably very low concentrations of chloroform: methanol (v/v 1:1) root and stem bark extracts. Non- target organisms were non responsive to chloroform: methanol (v/v 1:1) solvent root and stem bark extracts. So, chloroform: methanol (v/v 1:1) root as well as stem bark extracts of A. reticulata can effectively be used as potential sources to control Cx. quinquefasciatus population.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Selected Tanzania Medicinal Plants

Objective: To evaluate antibacterial activity from four selected medicinal plants namely Mystroxylon aethiopicum, Lonchocarpus capassa, Albizia anthelmentica and Myrica salicifolia used for management of bacterial infection in Tanzania. Methods: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of plants extracts against the tested bacterial species was determined by using 96 wells microdilution method. In this method, 50 μL of nutrient broth were loaded in each well followed by 50 μL of extract (100 mg/mL) to make a final volume of 100 μL. Subsequently 50 μL were transferred from first rows of each well to the second rows and the process was repeated down the columns to the last wells from which 50 μL were discarded. Thereafter, 50 μL of the selected bacterial suspension were added to each well thus making a final volume of 100 μL. The lowest concentration which showed no bacterial growth was considered as MIC. Results: It was revealed that L. capassa leaf ethyl acetate extract exhibited antibacterial activity against Salmonella kisarawe and Salmonella typhi with MIC values of 0.39 and 0.781 mg/mL respectively. Likewise, L. capassa root bark ethyl acetate extracts inhibited growth of S. typhi and E. coli with MIC values of 0.39 and 0.781 mg/mL respectively. The M. aethiopicum leaf and root bark chloroform extracts displayed antibacterial activity against S. kisarawe and S. typhi respectively with MIC value of 0.781 mg/mL. The M. salicifolia stem bark ethyl acetate exhibited antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa with MIC value of 0.39 mg/mL whereas the methanolic stem and root bark of the same plant inhibited the growth of Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae with MIC value of 0.781 mg/mL. Conclusion: It was concluded that M. aethiopicum, L. capassa, A. anthelmentica and M. salicifolia are potential source of antibacterial agents. Further studies to establish structures of antibacterial and evaluate active ingredients are recommended.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic, Ethanolic and Acetonic Extracts of Stem Bark and Leaf of Neem Plant (<i>Azadirachta indica</i>)

This study was carried out on phytochemicals and in vitro screening of antibacterial potentials of ethanolic, methanolic and acetonic extracts of stem bark and leaves of Neem plant (<i>Azadirachta indica</i>) by using the methods of AOAC; and agar diffusion technique. The extracts of the leaves and the stem bark were prepared and screened for the presence of different phytochemicals. The results obtained showed that both the leaf and stem bark extracts contain alkaloid, flavonoid, reducing sugar, tannin, saponin and polyphenol. The extracts were tested against selected pathogens; <i>Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans </i>by using agar well diffusion technique. In this present research work, the acetonic, ethanolic and methanolic leaves and bark extracts of Neem plant were investigated for antimicrobial activity against these selected pathogens. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The MIC for the bacterial isolates was 25 mg / ml of the leaf extracts and that for stem bark was 6.25 mg / ml. The MBC was 25 mg / ml. Results showed that the bark extract exhibited strongest antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi at different concentrations when compared with the activity of the leaf extract. The acetonic stem bark extract had the highest antibacterial activity with a zone of inhibition of 22 mm, and then followed closely by the stem bark's ethanol extract with a zone of inhibition of 21 mm. More so, the methanolic stem bark extract had the highest antifungal activities with a zone of inhibition of 22.50 mm. Thus, this work showed that both leaf and stem bark extracts had some phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity.

Newtonoate as an active principle of Newtonia griffoniana for anxiolytic activity in Swiss mice.

Newtonia griffoniana (Mimosaceae) is a Central African rain forest tree, whose bark extracts are used in Cameroonian folk medicine for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. We evaluated the anxiolytic effects of N. griffoniana stem bark methanol extract and its major isolated constituent 2,3,4-trihydroxybutylpentatriacontanoate (newtonoate) on the elevated plus maze. Significant increases in the percentage of entries into open arms were induced by both N. griffoniana extract (100 and 150 mg/kg BW; p<0.01) and newtonoate (doses of 3 and 15 mg/kg BW; p<0.05). Conversely, decreases in the percentage of entries into closed arms were observed at the same doses. In addition, N. griffoniana methanol extract (100 mg/kg) and the isolated newtonoate (30 mg/kg) induced significant (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) increases in the time spent in the open arms, while inducing a decrease in the time spent in the closed arms. Newtonoate treatment also decreased head dipping number at doses of 3 and 15 mg/kg, while N. griffoniana methanol extract induced the same effect at 200 mg/kg. These results suggest that N. griffoniana bark extract has anxiolytic properties, which justify its use in folk medicine. Such effects are at least partly mediated by newtonoate.

Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antipyretic Potential of the Stem Bark Extract of &lt;em&gt;Stachytarpheta indica&lt;/em&gt;

Aim of study: Stachytarpheta indica is used as herbal remedy for pains in Nigeria. Methods: To validate this claim, the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of the stem bark extract were examined in mice and rats by using acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion, xylene and egg albumin-induced paw oedema. While yeast and amphetamine induced pyrexia were used to study antipyretic activity in rats. LD50 of the stem bark extract was carried out to determine its safety. Results: The methanol stem bark extract of Stachytarpheta indica showed significant (p<0.05) dose dependent effect in the parameters assayed. The activity of the extract was comparable to acetylsalicylic acid and morphine respectively. The acute toxicity test was greater than 5000 mg/kg. Conclusions: It may be possible that the methanol stem bark extract of Stachytarpheta indica contains biologically active substances with potential value for the treatment of painful and feverish conditions.

English

Trypanosoma brucei brucei, a haemo-protozoan parasite causes African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT). Khaya senegalensis (KS) and Anogeissus leiocarpus (AL) are medicinal plants used either individually or in combination by local farmers in Northern Nigeria in the treatment of many diseases including trypanosomiasis. There is however, no information on the efficacy of the plants used in combination. In this study, the antitrypanosomal activity of combined methanolic stem bark extracts of K. senegalensis and A. leiocarpus were determined in vivo using suppressive and repository tests. The combined extracts were administered at 250 mg/kg to T. b. brucei infected rats in ratios 1:4, 2:3, 1:1, 3:2 and 4:1 (K. senegalensis to A. leiocarpus). Diminor&reg; (3.5 mg/kg) was positive control and Tween-80 the negative control. Trypanocidal activity was recorded in all four ratios with the highest in the 4:1 ratio for both tests. All ratios in repository test had varying levels of prophylactic activity which were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than the negative control group. Chemo-prophylactic activity in the 4:1 ratio compared (p&gt;0.05) favorably with the positive control. The extracts however had significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) parasite suppressive activity compared to Diminor&reg; (100%). The 1:4 combinations had the lowest activity (4.35%). In the repository test, packed cell volume (PCV) levels varied in the groups with an increase as the quantity of K. senegalensis in the dose increased. The results therefore show that the antitrypanosomal activity and haemolytic effects of the extracts was dependent on the ratio of K. senegalensis to A. leiocarpus. A higher quantity of K. senegalensis provided a more effective prophylaxis and normal PCV. The use of a threefold quantity of K. senegalensis to A. leiocarpus in the local management of animal trypanosomiasis is therefore suggested. &nbsp; Key words: Antitrypanosoma, suppressive test, repository test, Khaya senegalensis, Anogeissus leiocarpus. &nbsp

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Stem Bark Extracts of Anthocleista nobilis

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of extracts of Anthocleista nobilis. Methodology: Acetone and methanol stem bark extracts of A. nobilis were investigated for their free radical scavenging activity in the presence of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) using ascorbic acid as positive control. The phytochemical evaluation of the plant extracts was carried out using standard methods. Results: In the phytochemical screening of the plant extracts, both extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and glycosides. The acetone and methanol stem bark extracts of A. nobilis exhibited reasonable free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH assay with the acetone Original Research Article Ngwoke et al.; EJMP, 8(2): 107-111, 2015; Article no.EJMP.2015.095 108 extract recording better activity. The antioxidant activity of the two extracts was however, lower than that recorded by the positive control-ascorbic acid. Conclusion: The results suggest that the extracts of A. nobilis have potential antioxidant properties which could be exploited in medicine.

Crude Flavonoids Isolated from the Stem Bark of Annona senegalensis have Antimicrobial Activity

This study was aimed at determining the in vitro antimicrobial activity of crude flavonoids isolated from the stem bark of Annona senegalensis. The study was carried out in the laboratory of Biochemistry department, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria, between July and October, 2013. The antimicrobial activity was carried out using agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening of the methanolic stem bark extract of Annona senegalensis revealed the presence of steroids, saponins, anthraquinones, flavonoids, tannins and cardiac glycosides. Crude flavonoid of 1.956g was found to be present in 10g of stem-bark extract of the plant. Streptomycin was used as standard which gave the zones of inhibition of 23mm against Escherichia coli, 26mm against Salmonella typhi and 28mm against Shigella specie while the isolated crude flavonoids from the stem bark of Annona senegalensis gave the zones of inhibition of 18mm against Escherichia coli, 25 mm against Salmonella typhi and 26 mm against Shigella specie. Crude flavonoids exhibited Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against Shigella specie and Escherichia coli at 100mg/ml while against Salmonella typhi at 50mg/ml. In Original Research Article Jada et al.; JABB, 2(1): 24-29, 2015; Article no.JABB.2015.004 25 conclusion, the crude flavonoids isolated from the stem bark of Annona senegalensis have antimicrobial activity against the test organisms.

Lack of in vitro antihyaluronidase activity of methanolic leaf extract of Indigofera tinctoria L and methanolic stem bark extract of Stereospermum suaveolens DC

Objective: To assess the antihyaluronidase activity of methanolic leaf extract of Indigofera tinctoria L (I. tinctoria) (family: Fabaceae/Leguminosae) and stem bark extract of Stereospermum suaveolens DC (S. suaveolens) (family: Bignoniaceae) in vitro with a view to develop an antiaging skin formulation. Materials and Methods: The antihyaluronidase activity of different concentrations (0.19 mg/mL, 0.38 mg/mL, 0.75 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, and 3.0 mg/mL) of methanolic leaf extract of I. tinctoria, methanolic stem bark extract of S. suaveolens, and reference drug epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) of different concentrations (12.5 μg/mL, 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, and 200 μg/mL) were determined spectrophotometrically using hyaluronic acid (from rooster combs) and bovine testicular hyaluronidase. Results: There is no in vitro antihyaluronidase activity in the methanolic extracts of I. tinctoria leaves and S. suaveolens stem bark even at high concentrations. On the contrary, EGCG, the reference agent, showed marked concentration-dependent (r2 = 0.92) antihyluronidase activity [in terms of percentage inhibition: half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) 92.64 ± 0.64 μg/mL]. Conclusion: It is unlikely that skin antiaging effects of I. tinctoria leaves and S. suaveolens stem bark, as claimed in traditional and folk medicines in Sri Lanka, are mediated via antihyaluronidase activity.

Haemostatic effect of methanolic stem bark extract of anacardium occidentale L. in male albino rats

Anacardium occidentale L. stem bark has been reported locally to stop tooth bleeding. However, scientific report on this assertion is relatively scanty. This study was therefore conducted to scientifically investigate the possible haemostatic effect of methanolic stem bark extract of Anacardium occidentale L. using albino rat as a model. Twenty four (24) albino rats weighing 110 to 160 g were divided into four groups of six (6) rats each. Control group received 10 ml/kg of vehicle (normal saline) while Group I, II, and III served as the experimental groups and were given 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the methanolic stem bark extract of Anacardium occidentale L. intraperitoneally once a day for two weeks. In all groups, the blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture under diethyl ether anaesthesia to determine prothrombin time, clotting time, activated partial thromboplastin time and platel et count. A skin puncture was made quickly using disposable lancet to determine bleeding time. The result s obtained revealed that methanolic leaf extract of A. occidentale significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the bleeding time, prothrombin time, clotting time and activated partial thromboplastin time respectively in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, platelet count significantly increased (p < 0.05). The study suggests that methanolic stem bark extract of Anacardium occidentale L. possesses haemostatic activities, justifying its use to stop bleeding traditionally.

Isolation and characterization of the alkaloid Nitidine responsible for the traditional use of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excell stem bark against bacterial infections

Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excell (family Euphorbiaceae) stem bark methanol extract inhibited the growth of Clostridium sporogenes and Streptococcus pyogenes, responsible for gas gangrene and suppurative and non suppurative diseases, respectively. After the HPLC fingerprint acquisition a bioguided fractionation of the defatted methanol extract allowed the isolation of six fractions whose activity was evaluated against the two pathogen bacteria. A further purification of the most active fraction afforded a pure compound responsible for the very interesting inhibitory activity against C. sporogenes and S. pyogenes (MIC 0.91μM, MIC 3.64μM). 1H NMR and MS analytical techniques allowed the identification of the bioactive as Nitidine; this quaternary ammonium alkaloid was observed in the genus Phyllanthus for the first time. A study on Nitidine counter ion, performed using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) coupled with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also carried out.

Potential of novel phytoecdysteroids isolated from Vitex doniana in the treatment depression: Involvement of monoaminergic systems

Vitex doniana Sweet (Verbanaceae) is used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of neurological disorders including depression. In our previous studies, three new phytoecdysteroids were isolated from methanol stem bark extract of V. doniana (VD) (11β-hydroxy-20-deoxyshidasterone, 21-hydroxyshidasterone, and 2,3-acetonide-24-hydroxyecdysone) along with known ecdysteroids. This study was designed to investigate antidepressant-like effect of VD and the isolated phytoecdysteroids in behavioral models of despair, forced-swim test (FST) and tail-suspension test (TST) in mice. VD (100 and 200mg/kg, p.o.) treatment reduced (P<0.05) the duration of immobility in both tests without affecting the locomotor activity and exploratory behavior as observed in the open field test. Similarly, 21-hydroxyshidasterone, 11β-hydroxy-20-deoxyshidasterone, ajugasterone and 24-hydroxyecdysone acute oral treatments significantly reduced immobility time with peak effect at 10mg/kg, which was similar to the effect of conventional antidepressants (imipramine and fluoxetine) in the FST. Conversely, pretreatment of mice with yohimbine (1mg/kg, i.p., α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), ketanserin (5mg/kg, i.p., 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist) or sulpiride (dopamine D2 receptor antagonist) prevented the antidepressant-like effect of 21-hydroxyshidasterone while the effects of 11β-hydroxy-20-deoxyshidasterone and 24-hydroxyecdysone were blocked by yohimbine or ketanserin in the FST. Moreover, the anti-immobility effect elicited by ajugasterone was prevented by prazosin (62.5μg/kg, i.p., α1-adrenoceptor antagonist) pretreatment. Our findings demonstrated that V. doniana and its phytoecdysteroids constituents elicited antidepressant-like effect in behavioral paradigm of despair. Furthermore, 21-hydroxyshidasterone produces its antidepressant-like effect through interaction with α2-adrenoceptor, 5-HT2A/2C receptor and dopamine D2-receptors but 11β-hydroxy-20-deoxyshidasterone and 24-hydroxyecdysone effects depend on interaction with α2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT2A/2C receptors while ajugasterone produces its action through interaction with post-synaptic α1-adrenoceptors. Thus, phytoecdysteroids could play a pivotal role in the treatment of major depression.

Total Polyphenols, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Leaves and Stem Bark Extracts of Allophylus cobbe (L.) Raeusch

Allophylus cobbe is a small tree and an ethnomedicinally important plant species belonging to the family Sapindaceae, traditionally used to treat various ailments. Previous work on the species led to show ethanolic extracts to be active against Ranikhet disease virus and have showed effects on central nervous system and hypothermia. However, literature on its polyphenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity is inadequate. Because of its wide use in traditional medicine, it was decided to evaluate total polyphenols, antioxidant activity and to screen the antimicrobial activity of leaves and stem bark of A. cobbe. Leaves yielded 63.20 mg tannic acid equivalent per gram total phenolics and 17.39 mg quercetin equivalent per gram total flavonoids. A 0.01 % extract was sufficient to produce 32.78 % radical scavenging activity (RSA). 2,2′-Azinobis (3-ethyl benzo thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) activity using ascorbic acid and Trolox® as standards were higher than ferric reducing antioxidant power activity. Both the extracts were more effective on gram positive organism, than gram negative organisms and were ineffective on fungal strains. The results herein report methanolic leaf and stem bark extracts of A. cobbe to possess good antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

Isolation of antileishmanial, antimalarial and antimicrobial metabolites from Jatropha multifida

To investigate the antileishmanial, antimicrobial and antimalarial activities of the pure metabolites from Jatropha multifida used in African ethnomedicine. The methanolic stem bark extract of Jatropha multifida used in Nigerian folk medicine as remedy against bacterial infections was subjected to column chromatography and HPLC analyses to obtain three known metabolites, microcyclic lathyrane diterpenoids (1-3). Structures were confirmed by comparison of 1D and 2D spectral data with literature. The three compounds exhibited inhibition of antileishmanial, antimalarial and antimicrobial actions against the tested organisms with compouds 2 and 3 active against Cryptococcus neoformans at IC50 of 8.2 and 8.7 µg/mL, respectively. The research lends support to the ethnomedicinal use of the plant in combating microbial infections, leishmaniasis and malarial infections.

Antibacterial effects of cyanogenic glucoside isolated from the stem bark of &lt;i&gt;Bauhinia rufescens&lt;/i&gt; Lam

The chemical contents and in vitro antibacterial effects of the n-butanol column fractions, stem bark methanol extracts of Bauhinia rufescens Lam. were evaluated in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using disc diffusion technique. The n-butanol soluble portion from the stem bark methanol extract was successively eluted to afford 10 pooled fractions by comparison of TLC chromatograms. The bioactive fraction (fraction D) was further chromatographed using the bioassay guided protocol to afford 4 sub-fractions from which a pure compound was isolated and characterized using spectral studies as: (4S, 6R)-(Z)-6-(â-Dglucopyranosyloxy)-4-hydroxy-2-cyclohexenyl-Ä1,á-acetonitrile–a cyclohexenyl cyano methylene known commonly as menisdaurin. Test bacteria were Bacillus subtilis, Corynaebacterium spp., Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae. The diameters of inhibition zone on the Gram-positive bacteria was found in the range from11.83±0.17 (n-butanol Fraction D) to 17.33±0.67 (Fraction D2-8); while on Gram-negative organism the values ranged from 11.50±0.29 (n-butanol Fraction D) to 19.67±0.33 (Fraction D2-8). The activity index (AI) showed that Fraction D2-8 (51.18%) and Compound I [menisdaurin] (127.36%) was highly sensitive to Corynaebacterium spp. and E. coli when computed with Erythromycin and Gentamicin respectively. Highest AI was exhibited by Fraction D2-8 (93.89%) against S. dysenteriae when computed with ciprofloxacin. In continuation of our chemical studies and search for bioactive compounds from medicinal plants; this work, therefore, was aimed at characterizing and testing the antibacterial efficacy of the isolated compound in order to further confirm our earlier reports on use of this part of B. rufescens in some parts of Northern Nigeria as atreatment against diarrhoea and dysentery. This is the first report of the isolation and antibacterial activity of menisdaurin from B. rufescens.© 2013 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Antibacterial, Bauhinia rufescens, cyanogenic glucoside, isolation, menisdaurin.

Anti Diabetic activity of Terminalia superba (Combretaceae) Stem Bark Extract in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Aims:&nbsp;The present study was designed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of the methanol stem bark extract of&nbsp;Terminalia superb (T. superba),&nbsp;a traditionally used medicinal plant in Cameroon.Place and Duration of Study:&nbsp;Departement of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon and Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Physiopathologie Expérimentales, Université Montpellier I, France. Between Ferbruary 2011 and September 2011.Methodology:&nbsp;In one set of experiments, repeated doses of&nbsp;T. superba&nbsp;extract (37.5– 300mg/kg, p.o.) were administrated once daily for 21 days to groups of diabetic rats. In another set of experiments, acute effect of the plant extract (37.5–300mg/kg) in diabetic rats was evaluated.Results:&nbsp;Following acute treatment, the plant extract produced a significant reduction in the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.&nbsp;T. superba&nbsp;(75–300mg/kg) significantly decreased the blood glucose levels in glucose loaded rats. Oral administration of&nbsp;T. superba&nbsp;extract for 21 days resulted in a 31.43% and 21.42% significant reduction in blood glucose levels at the dose of 75mg/kg and 300mg/kg respectively. The plant extract significantly, reduced the plasma urea levels (20%) and induced a significant elevation in plasma insulin in treated rats. The extract did not significantly change elevated plasma cholesterol and triglycerides resulting from diabetic conditions.Conclusion:&nbsp;The antidiabetic effect of the methanol stem bark extract of&nbsp;T. superba&nbsp;seems to be a result of increase in glucose utilization due to stimulatory action on insulin release.

Anti-hepatitis C virus activity of crude extract and fractions of Entada africana in genotype 1b replicon systems.

Entada africana (Ea) is a medicinal plant from the family of Fabaceae, used in Western and Central Africa regions to treat liver diseases. Antiviral properties of this plant were reported against Hepatitis B virus, while effects against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remained unknown. This study reports for the first time, the effects of Ea crude extract and fractions on HCV replication. Furthermore, the effect of one Ea fraction on the transcriptional expression of two interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was also investigated. A methylene chloride-methanol (MCM) stem bark crude extract and different MCM fractions (EaF0, EaF5, EaF10, EaF25, and EaF100) were prepared and tested on LucUbiNeo-ET and Huh 5.15 cells lines used as genotype 1b (GT1b) replicon systems. The cells were incubated with crude extract and fractions at various concentrations. Then, the antiviral activity was assessed by luciferase reporter assay and the cell viability by MTT assay. Gene expression was also analyzed using quantitative real time RT-PCR. Results showed that the Ea crude extract dose-dependently inhibited HCV replication after 24 and 72 h of incubation. The MCM fraction (EaF10) exhibited the strongest anti-HCV properties with an IC50 = 0.453 ± 0.00117 mg/ml and no reduction of cell viability at antiviral concentrations. This fraction also significantly induced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (5.36-fold), and 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase-3 (OAS-3) by 4.46-fold after 6 h and 2.31-fold after 24 h at the mRNA levels. Taken altogether, these results suggest that Ea may contain ingredients that indirectly regulate HCV replication.

Growth inhibition and apoptosis of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells by the methanol extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Context: Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (Myrtaceae) is a tall evergreen tree found commonly in Bangladesh. Its use in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of various health complications are well known.Objective: To explore the in vivo antitumor effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis stem bark methanol extract (ME) against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice.Materials and methods: The antitumor activity of ME was studied by determining viable tumor cell count, recording tumor weight and survival time, observing morphological changes and nuclear damage of EAC cells, and estimating hematological as well as biochemical parameters of experimental mice (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day for 5 d, i.p.).Results: ME showed 96% (p < 0.001) cell growth inhibition and reduced tumor burden significantly (81.4%; p < 0.01) when compared with control mice. It also increased the lifespan of EAC-bearing mice significantly (71.36%; p < 0.01). It also restored the altered hematological and biochemical parameters towards normal level. The high LD50 value (1120 mg/kg) of ME indicated its low host toxic effects. ME-treated EAC cells showed membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation (apoptotic features) in Hoechst 33342 staining under fluorescence microscope. The DNA profile in agarose gel (1.5%) electrophoresis also confirmed that ME caused EAC cell death by apoptosis.Discussion and conclusion: Results showed that ME exhibits strong anticancer activity through apoptosis and stimulation of host immunity. Thus, E. camaldulensis may be considered as a promising resource in cancer chemotherapy.

Gastroprotective Potential of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Stem Bark against Diclofenac-Induced Gastric Damage in Rats

ObjectivesDalbergia sissoo Roxb. stem bark possesses anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antioxidant properties. This plant is used traditionally in the Indian system of medicine to treat emesis, ulcers, leucoderma, dysentery, stomach complaints, and skin disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate the antiulcer effects of D. sissoo stem bark methanol extract (DSME) against the diclofenac sodium-induced ulceration in rat. MethodsThe DSME (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to rats once a day for 10 days in diclofenac-treated rats. The gastroprotective effects of DSME were determined by assessing gastric-secretory parameters such as volume of gastric juice, pH, free acidity, and total acidity. Biochemical studies of gastric mucosa were conducted to estimate the levels of nonprotein sulfhydryls (NP-SHs), lipid peroxidation [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs)], reduced glutathione (GSH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), levels of scavenging antioxidants, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Moreover, adherent mucus content and histological studies were performed on stomach tissues. ResultsAdministration of DSME significantly decreased the ulcer index, TBARSs, H2O2, and MPO activity in gastric mucosa of the ulcerated rats. Activities of enzymic antioxidants, CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, GST and GSH, and NP-SH contents were significantly increased with DSME administration in the gastric mucosa of diclofenac-treated rats. Volume of gastric juice, total and free acidity were decreased, whereas pH of the gastric juice was increased with the administration of DSME + diclofenac. Our results show that DSME administration is involved in the prevention of ulcer through scavenging of free radicals. Results of histopathological studies supported the gastroprotective activities of DSME. ConclusionThe results of this study showed that DSME exhibit potential gastroprotective activity probably due to its antioxidant and cytoprotection ability.

Antibacterial Potential of the Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Stachytarpheta Indica

Objective: There is increasing need for potent antimicrobial agents to tackle the problem of diseases in man. In view of this, the activities of methanol stem bark extract of Stachytarpheta indica was evaluated against some disease causing microorganisms. Method: The activity of the extract against S. aureus, P.aeruginosa, E. coli, S. typhi and Shigella spp was determined using agar diffusion technique. Results: The methanol stem bark extract demonstrated significant activity against the test organisms. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the stem bark extract ranged from 12-60 μg/ml. Conclusion: Further isolation of active compound responsible for the antibacterial activity could be the potential sources of new antibacterial agents. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-4 (2013), Pages 5-10 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i4.8248