Methanol Extract Of Plant Research Articles

Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Phagnalon niveum and Its In Vivo Anti-Diabetic Effect against Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats.

Background: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a non-communicable, life-threatening syndrome that is present all over the world. The use of eco-friendly, cost-effective and green synthesised nanoparticles (NPs) as a medicinal therapy in the treatment of T2DM is an attractive option. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of the phyto-synthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained from Phagnalon niveum plant methanolic extract. Methods: The green synthesised AgNPs made from Phagnalon niveum plant methanolic extract were analysed by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and the functional groups involved in the reduction of the silver ions (Ag+) were characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The size and crystallinity were assessed via X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The morphology of AgNPs was confirmed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The amount of silver (Ag) was estimated via energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. An intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg alloxan per kg albino Wistar rats’ body weight, at eight weeks old and weighing 140–150 g, was used to induce diabetes mellitus (N = 25; n = 5/group). Group C: untreated normal control rats that only received distilled water, group DAC: diabetic control rats that received alloxan 200 mg/Kg body weight, DG: diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide at 0.5 mg/kg body weight, DE: diabetic rats that received methanolic P. niveum extract at 10 mg/Kg body weight, and DAgNPs: diabetic rates that received AgNPs synthesised from P. niveum at 10 mg/kg body weight. The blood glucose levels were monitored on days 0, 7, and 14, while lipid, liver, and kidney profiles were checked after dissection at the end of treatment (day 21). On the final day of the period study (day 21), an oral glucose tolerance test was carried out by administering orally 2 g/kg body weight of glucose to the respective groups, and the blood glucose level was checked. A fasting glucose level was measured using a glucometer. Urine samples were collected from each animal and analysed using lab-made assay kits for glucose, bilirubin, pH, leukocytes, and nitrite, among other factors. For statistical analyses, a one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s test were applied. Results: The green-mediated synthesis of AgNPs using P. niveum methanolic extract produced spherical and mono-dispersed NPs with a size ranging from 12 to 28 nm (average: 21 nm). Importantly, a significant reduction of blood glucose levels and an increase in body weight, as well as a remarkable improvement in lipid, liver, and kidney profiles, were noticed. Conclusions: The biosynthesised AgNPs significantly improved the abnormalities in body weight, urine, and serum levels, indicating that it is a promising anti-diabetic agent.

Biosynthesis of Cu nanoparticles using Polyalthia longifolia roots extracts for antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity applications

ABSTRACT Copper-based nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were prepared using methanol plant extract of Polyalthia longifolia roots (PLR) for the first time. The extract is potential to be as reducing and stabilising agent for the formation of Cu-based nanoparticles. The results of the reduction reaction of Cu(II) ions by PLR extract to Cu, CuO2, Cu2O and CuO NPs were confirmed using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). UV-Vis Spectrophotometer revealed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 420 nm for Cu-based NPs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed the interaction between polyphenols in PLR extracts with Cu-based NPs and the average particle size of 30 nm. The obtained Cu NPs showed highly effective activity against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans fungi.This finding showed that the obtained Cu NPs are potential for antibacterial and biomedical applications.

Characterization and antimicrobial evaluation of green synthesized silver nanoparticle thin films with reusable applications

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using medicinal plants are compartivley easier and have gained much interest due to their high surface to volume ratio and enhanced antimicrobial activity. In this study, we have synthesized AgNPs using methanolic leaf extract of Senna alata plant and characterized them using UV–Visible Spectroscopy, (Transmission Electron Microscope) TEM, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Raman Spectroscopy (RS). Further, AgNPs and plant leaf extracts were impregnated in an agar matrix and dehydrated to prepare a thin-filmnanocomposite. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of obtained thin-film was in the range of 29–58 µg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis. The release of leaf extract-AgNPs from the nanocomposite was time-dependent against test organisms and allowed reuse.

Determination of α-Amylase Inhibitory potential of leaf extracts of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. and Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don

The biological activity of plant-derived substances/metabolites may be considered as a source of new anti-enzyme drugs. Therefore, traditional Indian plants i.e. Rhododendron arboreum and R. campanulatum which are commonly used as remedies to control different diseases were screened to discover possible plant-derived α-amylase inhibitors. In the present investigation, inhibitory effects of leaf extracts of Rhododendron arboreum and R. campanulatum were determined against porcine α-amylase at a concentration range of 0.2-1.0 mg/mL. R. arboreum displayed 51.10, 44.00 and 35.40% inhibition at a concentration of 1 mg/mL for methanol, acetone and aqueous leaf extracts respectively. On the other hand, R. campanulatum showed 21.15, 18.25 and 15.85% α-amylase inhibition for methanol, acetone and aqueous extracts respectively at 1 mg/mL. The inhibitory activity increased altogether with increasing concentration of each plant extract. The results further indicated that methanol extracts of medicinal plants exhibited maximum inhibitory effects than other solvent (acetone, methanol) extracts.
 Keywords: Rhododendron arboreum, Rhododendron campanulatum, porcine α-Amylase, Leaf extracts, Inhibition

Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on Global Cerebral Ischemia-induced Motor Incoordination


 
 
 
 Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Mucuna pruriens on ischemia-induced motor incoordination.
 Methods: Male Wistar rats were used in this study were divided into eight groups of six rats each. The bilateral common carotid artery (BCA) was occluded to induce global cerebral ischemia. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was used as a vehicle for this while quercetin was used as the standard. The rats were fed with the methanol plant extract of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seeds for ten days. The treatment groups include treatment plus BCA occlusion. Various behavioral parameters such as locomotor activity, motor coordination, spatial learning, and cerebral infarction area were evaluated.
 Results: A decline in locomotor activity, motor coordination, and spatial learning was observed in the ischemia-induced Wistar rats. The group treated with Mucuna pruriens showed significant protection against brain damage when compared with negative control group.
 Conclusion: Mucuna pruriens provides effective neuroprotective activity in BCA occlusion-induced cerebral ischemia in rats, and thus a potential therapeutic agent for the clinical management of cerebral ischemia.
 
 
 

Dereplication and Quantification of Major Compounds of Convolvulus arvensis L. Extracts and Assessment of Their Effect on LPS-Activated J774 Macrophages.

Convolvulus arvensis is used in Pakistani traditional medicine to treat inflammation-related disorders. Its anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated on hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts of whole plant on pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS-activated murine macrophage J774 cells at the non-cytotoxic concentration of 50 µg/mL. Ethyl acetate (ARE) and methanol (ARM) extracts significantly decreased mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, COX-2, and iNOS. Furthermore, both extracts dose dependently decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 secretion. Forty-five compounds were putatively identified in ARE and ARM by dereplication (using HPLC-UV-HRMSn analysis and molecular networking), most of them are reported for the first time in C. arvensis, as for example, nineteen phenolic derivatives. Rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, chlorogenic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, N-trans-p-coumaroyl-tyramine, and N-trans-feruloyl-tyramine were main constituents identified and quantified by HPLC-PDA in ARE and ARM. Furthermore, chlorogenic acid, tyramine derivatives, and the mixture of the six identified major compounds significantly decreased IL-6 secretion by LPS-activated J774 cells. The activity of N-trans-p-coumaroyl-tyramine is shown here for the first time. Our results indicate that ARE, ARM and major constituents significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, which supports the use of this plant to treat inflammatory diseases.

In silico, in vitro screening of plant extracts for anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and evaluation of their acute and sub-acute toxicity

BackgroundIn the absence of a specific drug for COVID 19, treatment with plant extracts could be an option worthy of further investigation and has motivated to evaluate the safety and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of plant extracts. PurposeTo screen the phytochemicals for anti-SARS-CoV-2 in silico and evaluate their safety and efficacy in vitro and in vivo. MethodThe phytochemicals for anti-SARS-CoV-2 were screened in silico using molecular docking. The hits generated from in silico screening were subjected for extraction, isolation and purification. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of Zanthoxylum piperitum (E1), Withania somnifera (E2), Calophyllum inophyllum (E3), Andrographis paniculata (E4), Centella asiatica (E5) ethanol extracts. The aerial parts were used for E1, E3, E4, E5 and root was used for E2. The in vitro safety and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of plant methanol extracts were performed in VeroE6 cells using Remdesivir as positive control. The acute and sub-acute toxicity study was performed in Wistar male and female rats. ResultsThe percentage of cell viability for E4, E5 and E2 treated VeroE6 cells were remarkably good on the 24th and 48th hour of treatment. The in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of E4, E5 and E2 were significant for both E gene and N gene. The percentage of SARS-CoV-2 inhibition for E4 was better than Remdesivir. For E gene and N gene, Remdesivir showed IC50 of 0.15 µM and 0.11 µM respectively, For E gene and N gene, E4 showed IC50 of 1.18 µg and 1.16 µg respectively. Taking the clue from in vitro findings, the E4, E5 and E2 were combined (E 4.5.2) and evaluated for acute and sub-acute toxicity in Wistar male and female rats. No statistically significant difference in haematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters were noticed. ConclusionThe study demonstrated the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro and safety of plant extracts in both in vitro and in vivo experimental conditions.

BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS PROFILING IN Rumex vesicarius AND Terminalia catappa PLANTS USING GC-MS

Medicinal plants constitute an innumerable number of valuable therapeutic metabolites. Their easy availability and lesser side effects, make them a suitable choice for bioactive compounds against various infectious diseases. This study highlights the phytochemical profiles of Terminalia catappa extract and Rumex vesicarius whole plant extract. Extracts of the plant prepared using soxhlet and preliminary phytochemical analysis done following standard chemical methods. The identification of the phytochemical was further done using FTIR and GC-MS techniques. The results indicate the presence of a wide range of phytochemical constituents in ethanolic, methanolic, aqueous, hexane, and acetone extracts of Terminalia catappa and Rumex vesicarius plant.

Effect of saccharides on secondary compounds production from stem derived callus of Datura inoxia

Datura inoxia is a subshrub plant known for its toxicity which results from the presence of the tropane alkaloid scopolamine and hyoscyamine. Saccharides are one of the most important elicitors that can alter physiological and biochemical responses in plants. This study targeted to increase the production of secondary metabolites in Datura inoxia avoiding genetic alteration and processes using different nontoxic and biodegradable compounds, utilizing calli induced from Datura inoxia stems to observe the effects of mannitol and sorbitol on the production of the two major secondary metabolites, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. Methanolic extract of the whole plant and callus was used to examine the production of two secondary metabolites in Datura inoxia using HPLC in a qualitative and quantitative manner which revealed the increased production of scopolamine and hyoscyamine in calli. The addition of mannitol and sorbitol in the media had a negative effect on both the fresh and dry weight of the calli but production of scopolamine and hyoscyamine increased significantly. In-vitro anti-microbial assay of hyoscyamine against Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and Candida albicans resulted in total inhibition of both the microbes in concentrations as low as 200 µg/ml.

Protective Efficacy of Spilanthes acmella Murr. Extracts and Bioactive Constituents in Neuronal Cell Death

Spilanthes acmella Murr., a well-known Thai traditional medicine, has been used for treatment of toothache, rheumatism, and fever. Diverse pharmacological activities of S. acmella Murr. have been reported. In this study, antioxidative and neuroprotective effects of S. acmella Murr. extracts as well as bioactive scopoletin, vanillic acid, and trans-ferulic acid found in the aerial parts of this plant species have been described. Protective effect of S. acmella Murr. extracts and bioactive compounds on dexamethasone-induced neuronal cell death was investigated. Different plant crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) extracts including pure compounds of S. acmella Murr. were evaluated in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Cytotoxic effects were performed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Mechanisms involved in the antioxidant effects of S. acmella Murr. regarding the activation of antioxidant marker proteins such as superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) were determined using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay, Western blot analysis, and immunocytochemistry. Dexamethasone significantly caused the decrease of SH-SY5Y cell viability. Conversely, the increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), autophagy, and apoptosis were observed in dexamethasone-treated cells. S. acmella Murr. MeOH and EtOAc extracts, as well as the bioactive compounds, reversed the toxic effect of dexamethasone by increasing the cell viability, SIRT3 protein expression but reducing the ROS, autophagy, and apoptosis. This study demonstrated that S. acmella Murr. may exert its protective effects against ROS through SOD2 and SIRT3 signaling pathways in dexamethasone-induced neurotoxicity. S. acmella Murr. may be a candidate therapy for neuroprotection.

Cytotoxicity, Antioxidant Activity, Molecular Docking, and Dynamics Simulation Analysis Against SARS-CoV-2 M and N Protein Models of Phytoconstituents of Micromelum Minutum

Phytochemical investigations of the methanolic extract of the whole plant of Micromelum minutum provided two coumarins, namely micromelin and murrangatin, and one sterol stigmast-4-en-3-one, the latter being reported for the first time from M. minutum. To evaluate bioactivities, different fractions of the crude methanol extracts of the plant obtained by partitioning were screened for antioxidant and cytotoxic activity by DPPH radical scavenging method and the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, respectively. Among the different fractions of M. minutum tested, pet ether and chloroform soluble fractions showed prominent antioxidant activities with IC50 values of 49.46 and 67.53 μg/mL compared to the standard butylated hydroxytoluene (IC50 31.02 μg/ml). The pet ether and chloroform fractions of M. minutum showed good brine shrimp larvicidal activity with LC50 values of 1.15 and 1.50 μg/ml, respectively, compared to vincristine sulfate (LC50 0.27 μg/ml). The results obtained from molecular docking, Stigmast-4-en-3-one exerts the highest negative binding affinity (-9.1 kcal/mol) for interaction with SARS-CoV-2 M protein and develops a strong network with eleven hydrophobic bonds established by ADMET profile studies and YASARA Dynamics program.

Phytochemical Analysis, Tuberculosis Effect, Purification and Characterization of Aerial Parts of Avicennia alba

The present study deals with phytochemical, pharmacological (In vitro antioxidant), purification and characterization studies of aerial parts of Avicennia alba. The phytochemical analysis for qualitative and quantitative investigation revealed the presence of more bioactive compounds in methanolic extract than hexane and chloroform extracts of Avicennia alba. The methanolic extract showed better activity on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical than remaining free radical tests i.e hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. The methanolic extract was potent in inhibiting the free radicals upon comparison with standard ascorbic acid. The tuberculosis effect of the plant was not up to the mark when compared with standard control. The methanolic plant extract was subjected to column chromatography and three compounds were isolated. The isolated compounds were characterized by ultraviolet, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, carbon nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectral data studies and were identified as stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol and lupeol. The work carried out was distinctive as the source of plant was taken from coringa mangrove, Kakinada, first of its kind and the tuberculosis effect was also reported for the first time, though it was not up to the mark the work reported inspires the researcher to enlighten and save their time. The natural compounds selected were reported previously but an in depth characterization was reported for a thorough look.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Antihyperglycemic Property of Lindernia crustacea (L.) F. Muell.

Lindernia crustacea (L.) F. Muell is a small herbaceous plant with several ethnomedicinal values. The present study investigated the phytochemical content and alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory property of Lindernia crustacea. Methanolic crude extract of plant was obtained following the Soxhlet method. The crude extract was studied for alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Phytochemical analysis was carried out using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. Furthermore, docking study was carried out with the phytocompounds to see the binding affinity with the enzymes. In silico drug-likeness and pharmacological properties were also carried out using Swiss absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity lab tools. The plant extracts showed concentration-dependent inhibition of enzyme activities with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 3.11 mg/ml and 548.9 μg/ml for alpha-amylase and alphaglucosidase, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry study identified ten phytocompounds with molecular weights ranging from 264.4 to 561 g/mol. Docking study showed 1-(4-Hydroxybenzoyl)- 6,7-dimethoxyisoquinoline as the best binding compound with the enzymes. Phytocompounds identified from Lindernia crustacea were predicted to have substantial drug-likeness and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity properties. The enzyme inhibition study and binding interactions of phytocompounds suggest promising alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Lindernia crustacea. Therefore, the aerial part of Lindernia crustacea may be further investigated to know the exact mode of biological actions.

Screening and Characterization of Vitexin from Vitex negundo by LCMS, pHPLC and 13CNMR Analysis

Complementary herbal medicines are currently required to overcome the drastic side effects of chemical based Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Herbal based drugs may include herbal preparations, purified compounds, vitamins and their products. Vitex negundo commonly called ‘Nochi’ in Tamil is an annual edible medicinal plant predominantly used as mosquito repellent. Traditionally leaves and root of V. negundo are used to treat cough, asthma, colitis, dysentery, diarrhoea, flatulence, fever, vomiting, and rheumatism. V. negundo is also found to possess analgesic, anti-oxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-hyper pigmentation, immuno-stimulant, hepato-protective, anti-androgenic, pesticidal, anti-cancerous and anti-metastatic activity. V. negundo contains ample bioactive leads that might be pharmacologically beneficial. Therefore, the scientific validation of this folkloric herbal practice is needed. The present study aimed to assess the free radical scavenging role of methanolic extract of leaf and root of Vitex negundo. The study also focused on screening, isolation and characterization of bioactive compound Vitexin. Vitexin is a pharmacologically beneficial flavonoid found to be in the root extract of V. negundo. The roots of V. negundo were subjected to in vitro qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening and the results showed that both the leaf and root extract may possess effective free radical scavenging role. Studies on root extract revealed the presence of abundant flavonoids in comparison with leaf extract of V. negundo. The root extract was further subjected to preparative Thin Layer Chromatography (pTLC), Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry (LCMS), and preparative High performance Liquid Chromatography (pHPLC) for the screening and isolation of flavonoids. The structure of Vitexin was confirmed by 13C NMR characterization analysis on comparison with the literaure. The present work may develop simple and reliable method for the purification of bioactive flavonoids from the methanolic root extract of the medicinal plant V. negundo which may possesses abundant biomedical importance against inflammatory diseases.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of methanolic leaf extracts of some Annonaceous plants found in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of the methanol extract of the root of Uvaria afzelii (Annonaceae)OFEIMUN Josephine Omose, EZE Gerald Ikechi, OKIRIKA Ogochukwu Marvin,UANSEOJE Sylvester O.

Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory activities of Hexane and Methanol extracts of Acmella uliginosa from Terai region of Uttarakhand

Acmella uliginosa, an edible herb belonging to Asteraceae family, was collected from the Terai region of Uttarakhand, India. Methanol and hexane extracts of the whole plant were prepared using soxhlet apparatus. The GC-MS analysis of plant extracts identifies 22 and 35 major compounds of methanol and hexane extracts which comprises of 74.21% and 73.20% of the total composition of extracts, respectively. The major compound in hexane was 2, 4-heptadienal (7.99%) whereas trans, trans-9, 12-octadecadienoic acid propyl ester (16.96%) was major compound in methanol extract. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Methanol extract showed higher free radical scavenging and reducing power activities with IC50 value 153.82±1.69 μg/mL and RP50 value of 152.28±0.41 μg/mL, respectively. The metal chelating activity was higher in hexane extract as compared to methanol extract i.e., 62.08±0.25 μg/mL. The anti-inflammatory activity assessed by its ability to inhibit denaturation was higher in methanol having IB50 value 87.33±0.15 µg/mL. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and ortho-dihydric phenol content (ODP) of methanol and hexane extracts were also evaluated. TPC, TFC and ODP was higher in methanol extract having value of 122.23±0.22, 35.01±0.29 and 8±0.86 mg/mL, respectively. Acmella uliginosa, might be considered as a natural source for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Effect of Some Seed Borne Fungi on Seed Germination and Seedling Emergence of Soybean and Antifungal Impact of Certain Botanicals

An investigation was carried out to examine the effect of some seed borne fungi on seed germination and seedling emergence of soybean. A total of five fungi species comprising four genera namely <i>Aspergillus flavus</i>, <i>Aspergillus niger</i>, <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i>. <i>Penicillium chrysogenum</i> and <i>Colletotrichum sp</i> were isolated from the tested seeds. The effects of the mycelial suspension of the isolated fungi on percentage seed germination and seedling emergence was studied. Ten seeds were soaked in mycelial suspension of each fungus for 1hour before placing on Petri-dishes and sowing in bags containing 3 kg sterilized soil in triplicates. It was observed from the study that <i>Penicillium chrysogenum</i> had the highest inhibitory effect on seed germination while <i>Aspergillus niger</i> had no effect on seed germination. Also, the result showed that all the isolated fungi had a significant effect (p<0.05) on length of radicle with <i>A. flavus</i> recording the least length of radicle (2.10 cm) as compared with the control (4.75 cm). <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i>, <i>Penicillium chrysogenum</i> and <i>A. flavus</i> significantly reduced shoot length. While all the isolated fungi had significant differences at p<0.05 on root length with <i>P. chrysogenum</i> recording the least root length (5.15 cm) as compared with 10.13 cm observed on the control. The efficacy of both the aqueous and methanol extracts of <i>Aframomum melegueta</i> and <i>Petiveria alliacea</i> was assessed against the mycelial growth of the isolated fungi at 10, 20 and 30% concentration. The methanol extract of both plants most especially that of <i>Aframomum melegueta</i> performed better in inhibiting the radial growth of <i>Aspergillus flavus</i>, <i>Aspergillus niger</i>, Fusarium oxysporum and <i>Colletotrichum sp</i>.

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.