Methanol Extract Of Plant Research Articles

In vivo anti platelet activity of methanolic leaf extract of Terminalia chebula in experimental animals

The present research work investigates the effect of methanolic leaf extracts of Terminalia chebula in vivo by using wester albino rats. The acute oral toxicity of methanolic leaf extracts of the Terminalia chebula was studied by Lorke method. Lethal dose (LD 50) of the plant extract was entrenched and experimental rats were divided into 4 groups and then rats were administered with various concentration of leaf methanolic extracts (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) respectively. To analyze the hematological parameters, blood was withdrawn from the retro orbital puncture. The LD50 was calculated at 547.72 mg/kg. There was no significant change in hematological parameters (p>0.05) were observed when group I compared with group II which was administered with the dose of 50 mg/kg methanolic leaf extracts of the Terminalia chebula. While group III of which received100 mg/kg of plant methanolic leaf extract of Terminalia chebula showed significance (p

ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF INVASIVE ALIEN PLANT SPECIES (IAPS) – IMPLICATION FOR MANAGEMENT

The antifungal activity of aqueous and methanolic extract of six invasive alien plants species (IAPs) Ageratina adenophora, Ageratum houstonianum, Parthenium hysterophorus, Xanthium strumarium, Ipomoea carnea and Mikania micrantha was investigated against Alternaria brassicae, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, Phytophthora capsici and Sclerotium rolfsii at different concentrations (5, 10, 15 , 20 and 25%). Methanolic extract of plant exhibited strong inhibitory effect than aqueous extract. At 25% maximum antifungal potential was observed with the Methanolic extracts of Ageratum houstonianum and Xanthium strumarium against F. oxysporum (100%), P. capsici (100%), S. rolfsii (100%), followed by A . adenophora, which recorded excellent inhibitory activity against F. oxysporum(100%) P. capsici (100 %) and S. rolfsii (73%). Likewise methanolic extract of I. carnea at 25%, recorded maximum inhibitory activity against F. oxysporum (100%) which was followed by A. brassicae (64.0%), extract of Parthenium hysterophorus had shown excellent inhibitory activity against Fusarium oxysporum (100%) and S. rolfsii (100%). Extract of Mikania micrantha exhibited inhibitory effect on B. cinerea (61.50%), followed by F. oxysporum (61.3%). Test revealed the presence of tannins, cardiac. glycosides, alkaloids, and flavanoids in all the tested extracts. This study demonstrated that all studied plant species could be used as a potential fungicides in plant disease management. Utilization of IAPs as antifungal agent, could be helpful for its management

Treatment Effect of Various Concentration of Plant Extracts on Murine Norovirus

Noroviruses are positive-sense, single-stranded, non-enveloped RNA virus that measures approximately 27 - 35 nm in diameter. It affects humans of all ages and races causing most cases of viral gastroenteritis worldwide. Infection results from ingestion of contaminated food or water as well as causing diarrhea and vomiting in humans. Extracts from plants are known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adhesive properties which are associated with barrier functions. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether plaque reduction was due to an effect of methanolic plant extract directly on the virus, whether the extract affects viral replication, and lastly, whether the extract disrupts the cell surface binding with the virus. The plant extracts of interest were the calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) and the seeds of Zanthoxylum armatum (ZA). Antiviral activities of these extracts were determined against murine norovirus. The logarithmic viral reduction per plaque-forming unit was (22 log10) PFU/ml (control), (15 log10) PFU/ml (treated HS), and (12 log10) PFU/ml (treated ZA) with a significant reduction (68% and 55% respectively) when compared with the control for the direct effect on the virus. The role of extracts on virus replication showed (25 log10) PFU/ml (control) as against the HS treated-virus-infected cells (9 log10) PFU/ml and ZA treated-virus-infected cells (5 log10) PFU/ml (36% and 20% respectively). Finally, effect of the extract on the viral attachment showed (31 log10) PFU/ml (control), (12 log10) (HS-treated) and (9 log10) PFU/ml (ZA-treated), (39% and 29% respectively. Extract treatment with HS and ZA has shown evidence of a reduced number of plaques formation with the latter having fewer plaques. Both extracts have proven potential to reduce the viral multiplication process by interfering with the replication process. This study shows that Hibiscus sabdariffa (calyces) and Zanthoxylum armatum (seed) extracts disrupt murine norovirus from consistent viral replication.

Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activities of two Euphorbiaceae Family Plants, Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia thymifolia

Background: Malaria is a major disease in developing countries, and the main issue is its control of resistance against all available anti-malarial drugs. Our aim was to find affordable therapy for this global problem. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia thymifolia. Methods: The antiplasmodial activity was evaluated against chloroquine-sensitive (MRC-2), and chloroquine-resistant (RKL-9) strains of Plasmodium falciparum through schizont maturation inhibition and Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) activity assays. The cytotoxicity was performed by MTT assay on the Huh7 liver carcinoma cell line. Results: IC50 for PfLDH activity of E. hirta and E. thymifolia methanol extract against P. faciparum MRC-2 strain was 9.6 and 12.6 μg/mL, respectively, and against P. faciparum RKL-9 strain was 10.2 and 11.56 μg/mL, respectively. Methanol extract of E. thymifolia showed lower IC50 (19.3 μg/mL) than methanol extract of E. hirta (24.7 μg/mL) in the MTT assay against Huh7 cell line. Conclusion: Both the plant methanol extracts showed a two-fold lower cytotoxic activity against hepatocyte-derived carcinoma cell line (Huh7) compared to in vitro inhibitory activity against P. falciparum strains (MRC-2 and RKL-9).

Larvicidal activity of selected medicinal plants against dengue vector Aedes aegypti

The use of synthetic chemical pesticides to control mosquitoes has resulted in a slew of issues, including practical, ecological, insecticide susceptibility, financial, and toxicity to co-inhabitant organisms. Therefore, new ways for eradicating Aedes aegypti using medicinal plant active bio compounds. The purpose of this study was to assess the larvicidal effectiveness of Aegle marmelos and Coleus aromaticus plants methanolic extracts against Ae. aegypti larvae and pupa. The 24 hour LC50 values for II, III, IV instars, and pupa for methanolic solvent leaf extracts of A. marmelos are 124.27ppm, 145.07ppm, 178.87ppm, and 225.99ppm, respectively. The LC50 value for C. aromaticus plant extract was 62.46 ppm in the II instar, 81.94 ppm in the III instar, 101.19 ppm in the IV instar, and 124.34 ppm in the pupa. A. marmelos II, III, IV instars, and pupa have LC90 values of 222.74ppm, 283.43ppm, 354.02ppm, and 439.73ppm, respectively, after 24 hr. C. aromaticus, respectively, 162.87 ppm for the II instar and 202.83ppm for the III instar.213.63 for the IV instar and 254.14ppm in the pupa.

Screening of Chloroform and Methanolic Bark Extracts of Commiphora caudata for its In-vitro Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal and In-vivo Anti-inflammatory Activity

Herbal medicines and their preparations have been widely used from the thousands of years in developing and developed countries in the primary health care of society and community. They have great demand due its safety, efficacy with minimum side or adverse effects. Commiphora caudata. It’s known as konda mava in kannada, ikkata in Sanskrit and hill mango in English. It’s widely used in the management of various disorders. Hence the identification of bioactive fractions from various parts of selected medicinal plant is important. In the present research work an attempt has been made to screen and assess the antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities of Commiphora caudata barks. The barks of selected plant material were collected, authenticated, powdered and subjected for extraction procedure. The extracts were screened for presence of various phytoconstituents. The antibacterial activity of chloroform and methanolic extracts were performed against various strains of bacteria and fungi. The extracts also were investigated for its in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The result of investigation concludes that chloroform and methanolic extract of plant were potential to inhibit the growth of selected strains of microorganism and also produced potential anti-inflammatory effect.

Comparative Effects of Methanol and Aqueous Extracts of Corchorus olitorius Plant on Haematology and Some Reproductive Indices of Male Albino Rats (Wistar Strain)

Corchorus olitorius is a vegetable plant/shrub and the leaves are very nutritious and rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers. The study was carried out to identify the effects two extracts of this plant on the reproductive indices of male Wistar rats
 Forty-five adult male rats of about 12 weeks old, each weighing about 120g were used for this study, kept in a cage and fed with commercial rat pellets and water was given at ad-libitum. They were randomly divided into groups A, B and C of 15 rats per group. 250mg/kg of the leaf extract was administered orogastrically using once daily for 21 days. Group A and B were treated with methanol and aqueous leaves of Corchorus extract respectively and Group C was given distilled water and served as the control. The weekly sacrifice of five rats per group was done following
 treatments. In this study, it was observed at the first-week post -treatment that there was significant (p≤0.05) decrease in the PCV and haemoglobin values of group A rats compared to the control group but the values later increased at the second week and third-week post-treatments. There was also a significant decrease in spermatozoa motility in the treated groups A and B compared to the control group C at the first, second- and third-week post treatments. Also, with the results of the serum testosterone level of group A and B compared to group C. The value was higher in group A followed by group B whereas, at the second week and third week, there was no significant difference in the values of the serum testosterone levels compared to the control groups.
 It is therefore concluded that the methanol and aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius leaves significantly decreased sperm motility in male albino rats hence could decrease male fertility.

Comparative Effects of Methanol and Aqueous Extracts of Corchorus olitorius Plant on Haematology and Some Reproductive Indices of Male Wistar Rats.

Corchorus olitorius is a vegetable plant/shrub and the leaves are very nutritious and rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers. The study was carried out to identify the effects two extracts of this plant on the reproductive indices of male Wistar rats Forty-five adult male rats of about 12 weeks old, each weighing about 120g were used for this study, kept in a cage and fed with commercial rat pellets and water was given at ad-libitum. They were randomly divided into groups A, B and C of 15 rats per group. 250mg/kg of the leaf extract was administered orogastrically using once daily for 21 days. Group A and B were treated with methanol and aqueous leaves of Corchorus extract respectively and Group C was given distilled water and served as the control. The weekly sacrifice of five rats per group was done following treatments. In this study, it was observed at the first-week post -treatment that there was significant (p≤0.05) decrease in the PCV and haemoglobin values of group A rats compared to the control group but the values later increased at the second week and third-week post-treatments. There was also a significant decrease in spermatozoa motility in the treated groups A and B compared to the control group C at the first, second- and third-week post treatments. Also, with the results of the serum testosterone level of group A and B compared to group C. The value was higher in group A followed by group B whereas, at the second week and third week, there was no significant difference in the values of the serum testosterone levels compared to the control groups. It is therefore concluded that the methanol and aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius leaves significantly decreased sperm motility in male albino rats hence could decrease male fertility.

Cytotoxic and nitric oxide inhibitory activities of triterpenoids from Lycopodium clavatum L.

Using combined chromatographic separation techniques, three new triterpenoids named lycomclavatols A–C (1–3), a new natural product, methyl lycernuate-A (4), as well as seven known compounds (5–11), were isolated from the methanol extract of the whole plants of Lycopodium clavatum. Their chemical structures were established based on 1 D/2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic analyses. Among the isolates, compound 1 exhibited inhibitory activity on NO production in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells (IC50 = 36.0 μM). In addition, 1 was cytotoxic against both HepG2 and A549 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 40.7 and 87.0 μM, respectively. Compounds 10 and 11 showed cytotoxicity on only HepG2 and A549 cells, with IC50 values of 91.2 and 57.6 μM, respectively. Our results contribute to understanding more the secondary metabolites produced by L. clavatum and provide a scientific rationale for further investigations of anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects for this valuable medicinal plant.

Exploration of Antioxidant Effects of Crude Extract of Mangrove Plant - Avicennia marina

Introduction: Antioxidants are efficient in the prevention of human diseases. Mangroves are high bioactive compounds with good holistic bioactivities including insecticides. Avicennia marina, a mangrove plant which has its origin in South Africa included in the family Acanthaceae.
 Aim: To explore the antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of mangrove plants, Avicennia marina. 
 Materials and Methods: The fresh leaves of Avicennia marina were collected from Pichavaram mangrove forest area. The leaves were washed and then shade dried for 2-3weeks and turned into a fine powder. ​Crude methanolic extract of Avicenna marina was prepared. Total antioxidant activity, DPPH Assay and scavenging activity of hydrogen peroxide were performed and antioxidant potential was assessed using ascorbic acid as standard.
 Results: The scavenging activity increased with increase in concentration of the extract and thus antioxidant activity was dose dependent. The total antioxidant activity was more close to the ascorbic acid equivalence.
 Conclusion: This study concludes that the methanolic extract of Avicenna marina is capable of scavenging a wide range of free radicals for which it can be exploited for the treatment of various free radical mediated diseases. It is evident that mangrove species as a collective are rich sources of antioxidants, phenolics and antimicrobial compounds.

Evaluation of in-Vitro antioxidant and antidiarrheal activities of Peperomia Pellucida methanol extracts on Albino mice

Peperomia pellucida also known as shiny bush is a common plant wildly distributed in the tropical regions of the world including Nigeria. In ethnomedicine, it is used to treat hemorrhages, fevers, lower cholesterol levels and serves as a cough suppressant, emollient, and diuretic. This study evaluated the in vitro and antidiarrhea activities of Peperomia pellucida. For the in vitro antioxidant assay the following methods were used: 2-diphenyl-2-pierylhydrazylhydrate (DPPH) scavenging activity, Superoxide scavenging activity, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, Lipid Peroxidation Assay, Total Antioxidant Capacity, 2,2’-Azinobis (3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic Acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Antidiarrheal activities were studied using Castor Oil-Induced and Intestinal Transit in Mice models. Methanol and aqueous plant extract of Peperomia pellucida at various concentration demonstrated impressive in vitro antioxidant scavenging activities. The onset of diarrheal (**P<0.01) and the % of charcoal travel (*P<0.05) in the mice was reduced at 200 mg/kg compared to the control. Conclusively, this study showed that the aqueous and methanol extract of Peperomia pellucida has in vitro free radical scavenging activities. The plant demonstrated antidiarrheal activities.

Lipid ratios in adriamycin-induced pre-eclamptic Wistar rats exposed to methanolic plant extracts

The study accessed the lipid ratios in preeclamptic Wistar rats exposed to methanolic leaf extracts of Jatropha cacus, Alchonnea cordifolia, and Secamone afzelii. Plant samples (leaves) were washed severally with distilled water, air-dried, and crushed to powder and were filtered, then soaked in 200ml of methanol for 12 hours. The LD50 was determined to ascertain the safety of the plant extracts for use. Female Wistar rats, aged 3 days apart, used in the study, were acclimatized for one week. Peeclampsia was induced used the Adriamycin Model. Results showed that there was elevation of blood pressure (bp) due to preeclampsia. At 3rd trimester, systolic bp (177 mmHg) was higher than at postpartum (160 mmHg). The administration of plant extracts caused a significant reduction in systolic (127 – 150 mmHg) and diastolic (86 – 103 mmHg) bp during the 3rd trimester. Proteinuria was reduced to trace levels when Alchonnea cordifolia was used. Total cholesterol levels were higher in the third trimester (71.6 mg/dl) and postpartum (74.3 mg/dl), respectively. Preeclampsia was linked to similar increases in triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol; with a reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The treatment with the various plant extracts lowered the incidence of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular events during preeclampsia. Although the extracts had a negative effect on systolic blood pressure and proteinuria during the third trimester, indicating that they were beneficial in reducing preeclampsia outcomes, there was no effect on blood pressure or proteinuria during the postpartum period.

Chemical structures and induction of cell death via heat shock protein inhibition of the prenylated phloroglucinol derivatives isolated from Hypericum erectum

Four new prenylated phloroglucinol derivatives (+)-erectumol I (1a), (−)-erectumol I (1b), (−)-erectumol II (2a), and (+)-erectumol II (2b) were isolated from the methanol extracts of the whole plants of Hypericum erectum. These new compounds were isolated as a pair of enantiomers, respectively. The planar chemical structures and relative configurations of the new compounds were suggested by Cu-Kα X-ray diffraction analysis and been confirmed by high-resolution mass and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of the four new compounds were established by comparing the experimental and predicted electronic circular dichroism data. Isolated compounds 1b and 2b induced death of Adriamycin-treated HeLa cells. Their enantiomers 1a and 2a did not. In addition, the apparent mechanism of cell death of 1b was the inhibited expression of heat shock protein 105.

Phytochemical and antimicrobial studies on Hygrophila auriculata Schumach.

In the present study, the medicinal plant Hygrophila auriculata was selected and the screening of the qualitative and quantitative of phytochemicals. The phytochemical profiles were estimated through the Gas chromatography-Mass spectrophotometer, which containing twenty compounds were listed out. The antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extract of the entire plant was studied against five selected bacterial and five selected fungal pathogens using well diffusion method. The results revealed that the methanolic extract of Hygrophila auriculata possessed alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and various other phytochemicals. The extract showed antimicrobial activity against Aspergillus niger, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae with a range of 8-16 mm zone of diameter, This study gives a new route to discovery of new drug for the control of microorganisms.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of Methanol extract of Persicaria hydropiper: An in vivo screening

The present study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of methanolic whole plant extract of Persicaria hydropiper in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity model. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for seven days. The extract was thereafter administered at two different doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight for next seven days. Silymarin was used as a reference standard. The extract revealed hepatoprotective activity in dose dependent manner. The dose of 400 mg/kg exhibited maximum hepatoprotective ability as apparent from several evaluation parameters including liver function profile, bilirubin, antioxidant enzymes as well as histopathological investigation which was comparable to the standard drug Silymarin respectively. These findings sustenance the use of the extract as an adjuvant with existing therapy for treatment of liver ailments.

Efficacy of Extracts of <i>Shorea robusta</i> and <i>Oroxylum indicum</i> Against <i>Callosobruchus chinensis</i> (L.)

The present study evaluates the efficacy of methanolic plant extracts of Shorea robusta and Oroxylum indicum against the pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis (L.). Various phytoactive compounds like alkaloid, terpenoid, flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols, glycoside, phenols and tannins were found in them. The plant extract of S. robuta shows 90% repellency followed by 81.5% with O. indicum at 12%. It was observed that S. robusta shows a potent effect in controlling C. chinensis with 78.30% mortality at 12% followed by O. indicum with 68.30% mortality at 12% concentration.

Antimicrobial activity of Sida acuta, Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus muellerianus against microorganisms implicated in urinary tract infections

Increasing level of antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens causing Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most significant public health challenges globally. Hence, the search for alternatives from medicinal plants. This study investigated the efficacy of Phyllanthus amarus (PA), Phyllanthus muellerianus (PM) and Sida acuta (SA) leaf extracts on microorganisms implicated in UTI. Mid-stream urine samples collected from 100 patients clinically diagnosed with UTI were cultured. The microorganisms isolated were identified using their morphological and biochemical characteristics. Methanol leaf extracts of the three plants were obtained by cold maceration in 60% methanol. Crude extract of PM was thereafter purified by solvent partitioning. Antibiotic susceptibility test was determined using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion. Antimicrobial effects of the extracts and oil was ascertained using agar well diffusion. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) were also determined. Rate of kill and mechanism of action of the purified extract of PM on isolates were investigated. Cytotoxicity of plant extracts were assayed on brine shrimps while synergism of the purified extract with ciprofloxacin was ascertained using overlay inoculum susceptibility disc method. Antioxidant and phytochemical analyses of the extracts were conducted using standard methods. Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins and steroids. Antioxidant assay also indicated SA had the highest total flavonoids and phenol content of 339.86 mgQUE/g and 27.63 mgGAE/g. Microorganisms isolated include: Escherichia coli (24%), Proteus mirabilis (24%), Staphylococcus aureus (19%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13%), Candida albicans (11%), Enterobacter sp. (5%) and Citrobacter sp. (4%). The crude extract of PA had zone of inhibition ranging from 16.7 ± 1.53 mm to 24 ± 1.00 mm while SA crude extract had 14.7 ± 1.53 mm to 27 ± 2.00 mm. PM crude extract had inhibition zones of 17 ± 1.00 mm to 22.3 ± 2.12 mm. The MIC and MBC ranged from 6.25 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml and 12.5 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml respectively. Ethyl acetate fraction of PM showed the highest percentage yield and had a zone diameter range from 13.5 ± 1.00 mm to 28 ± 1.53 mm with MIC and MBC ranges of 6.25 mg/ml – 12.5 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml respectively. Synergism with ciprofloxacin was observed at 25% of the microorganisms, 50% antagonism and 25% additively. Toxicity analysis showed lethal dose concentrations of 19.05 mg/ml, 25.12 mg/ml and 130.11 mg/ml for PM, PA and SA respectively. The findings of this study suggest that the methanol extracts of the medicinal plants used in this study does possess a potent lead molecule in combating microorganisms causing UTI.
 Key words: Antimicrobial activity, Phyllanthus muellerianus, Phytochemicals, Toxicity, UTI,

Study of in-vitro anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect of Ayurvedic plants – Murva

Background and Aims: Toxic chemicals, pathogens and damaged cells trigger the inflammatory process and cause disease in the kidney, heart, brain, liver, lung and reproductive system. The present study evaluates the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect of Ayurvedic plants under the Murva category. Methods: Marsdenia tenacissima is an acceptable source of Murva. Sansevieria roxburghiana is considered as Murva in west Bengal. Methanol extracts of both plants were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by certain in vitro methods. The in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extract Marsdenia tenacissima (MEMT) and methanol extract of Sansevieria roxburghiana (MESR) were assessed by heat and hypotonic induced haemolysis on the red blood cells of rats. Nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) assay and inhibition of TNF-α release in DAL cell lines were conducted to assess the immunomodulatory potential of extracts. Results: MEMT, MESR and a combination of MEMT&MESR showed significant (p<0.001) inhibition of haemolysis on heat and hypotonic induced methods compared with the standard Diclofenac Sodium. In NBT reduction test, MEMT showed a more significant (p<0.001) result than MESR. Similarly, the inhibition of TNF-α release was also significantly enhanced by 400 µg/ mL of MEMT. Conclusion: The present research results revealed that Murva is a safe Ayurveda drug for the treatment of cancer and cardiac disease with the protection of systemic immunity and set free from an inflammatory condition.

Investigation of Antioxidant Activity and Analysis of Phenolic Compounds of some Asteraceae Plants by HPLC: A Comparison Between Methanol and Ethanol Extracts

Background: Medicinal and healing plants have been used in treating human diseases for centuries because of their therapeutic effects. They may assist in curing common ailments such as a multitude of skin problems, various disorders from muscle spasms to cuts and wounds. They can be used to relieve symptoms of different illnesses from cold to some forms of arthritis or some allergies as well. The Asteraceae plant is a strong source of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents and this paper focuses on its specifications. Objectives: The specific aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant potential and radical scavenging of different solvents (Methanol and Ethanol) of five species i.e.Artemisia absinthium L., Arctium lappa L., Centaurea cyanus L., Silybum marianum L., and Echinops ritro L. belonging to the Asteraceae family. Methods: Methanol and ethanol extracts of the above plants were prepared. The obtained extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), chain-breaking activity (CBA), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Also, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging, Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) radical scavenging and Superoxide (O2 -) radical inhibition assay were measured. Phenolic compounds were determined and measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as well. Results: The collected and analyzed data showed that the highest values for the TPC, TFC, TBA, and DPPH were related to methanol extract of A. lappa L. Moreover, maximum values for the CBA, H2O2 and O2 - were observed in the ethanol extract of E. ritro L., while methanol extract of E. ritro L. showed the highest amount of FRAP and NO. Eventually, the highest value for TAC was related to A. absintium L. and it was also realized that methanol compared to ethanol solvent was more successful in the extraction procedure. Conclusions: These findings suggest that A. lappa L. and E. ritro L. extracts can be considered as excellent natural antioxidant agents and the type of the solvent can affect the extraction of phenolic compounds. Sinapic acid as the highest level of phenolic acid was found in S. marianum L.

Evaluation of Marrubium vulgare Growing Wild in Tunisia for Its Potential as a Dietary Supplement.

Marrubium vulgare L., known as horehound, is a widespread and widely known plant that is used in beer breweries and also as a traditional remedy in Tunisia. In this study, methanolic extracts of plants harvested from five different locations were investigated for their antioxidant activities using three assays (ferric reducing power, radical scavenging activity, and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assay) as well as the total phenolic content. The mineral composition of the plant was also investigated concerning the following elements: Fe, Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, K, and three heavy metals, Ni, Pb, and Cd. Marrubiin, the major bioactive diterpenoid lactone, was quantified by NMR in the samples. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation, and their radical scavenging activity was investigated. The toxicity of essential oils was evaluated against Artemia salina (the brine shrimp larva). The essential oil showed a weak radical scavenging activity and low toxicity. Data obtained from the five different locations showed that the antioxidant activity, as well as the total phenolic and marrubiin content, were strongly affected by the harvest sites. The metal content in the samples showed differences with the harvest location, but there was always a great abundance of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.