Methanol Extract Of Root Bark Research Articles

Appraisal of phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of folkloric Pentanema confertiflorum rootbark extracts

BackgroundMedicinal plants have cultural prominence in the management of ailments worldwide. The different organs of Pentanema confertiflorum (hereafter referred as P. confertiflorum) as have been used to ameliorate different diseases in Ethiopia. Thus, this study focused on the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, and antibacterial screening of P. confertiflorum rootbark solvent fractions. MethodsThe rootbark of P. confertiflorum was successively soaked with petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol. The total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and alkaloid contents (TAC) of the different crude extracts were determined through Folin-Ciocalteu Reagent (FCR), aluminum chloride colorimetric, and bromocresol green (BCG) assays, respectively. In addition, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were employed to determine the antioxidant activity of crude extracts. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the crude extracts was assessed against different bacteria strains via the disc diffusion method. ResultsThe qualitative phytochemical investigation study resonated with the abundance of several secondary metabolites, especially in the methanolic rootbark extract (MRBE). In addition, the MRBE had the highest TPC (76.7 mg GAE/g extracts), TFC (86.89 mg QE/g extracts), and TAC (80.68 mg ATE/g extracts) as compared to petroleum ether and chloroform extracts. Consistent with its TPC, TFC, and TAC, the MRBE demonstrated better antioxidant activity against DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 44.53 ppm) and FRAP assays (EC50 = 42.72 ppm). Moreover, all the rootbark extracts induced dose-dependent antibacterial activity against Streptococci pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. ConclusionsThe preliminary findings suggested the presence of a strong correlation between the folkloric use of P. confertiflorum and its observed antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Rigorous studies on the extracts such as the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds, and detailed bioactivity and toxicity studies are desirable to bring about safe and effective lead compounds.

Antioxidant and Antimalarial Activities of Methanol Extract of Picralima nitida Root Bark

Ethnomedically, the root, stem bark, seed or leaves of Picralima nitida are relevant in local preparations as antimalaria, antipyretic, antihypertensive and gastrointestinal agents. This study was therefore designed to determine the antimalarial and antioxidant effects of the methanol extract of the root bark of Picralima nitida using standard procedures. The antioxidant activity of the methanol root bark extract was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The antimalarial activity of the methanol root bark extract was investigated using the 4-day suppressive test in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. The extract showed a concentration-dependent antioxidant activity with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for free radical scavenging activity of 10.19 µg/mL, while the FRAP value was 0.17 ± 0.00 mM FSE/g Extract. The extract demonstrated significant antimalarial activity with 68.33% and 67.27% parasitaemia suppression at doses of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, respectively. The present study has shown that the root bark extract of P. nitida has antioxidant and antimalarial activities. This study does not only validate the claimed ethnomedicinal use of the plant as antimalaria but also has shown the plant as a potential source of active antimalarial agent.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanomaterial from Cassia sieberiana and determination of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Utilization of plant extracts for the synthesis of nanomaterials is a green technology that is safe to the environment. In the current study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was synthesised using the methanolic root bark extract of Cassia sieberiana as capping and stabilizing agents for the first time. The ZnO NPs were then characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the nanoparticles were analyzed by egg albumin (EA) denaturation assay and DPPH free radical scavenging assay respectively. The agar well diffusion method was also used to access the antimicrobial activity of the ZnO NPs against S. aureus (gram-positive), E. coli (gram-negative), S. typhi (gram-negative) and C. albicans (yeast). Saponins, anthracenosides, triterpenes and polyphenols were the phytochemicals present in the plant extract. The average particle size (TEM) determined was 12.9 ± 3.1 nm with spherical shapes. ZnO NPs demonstrated good antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.480 ± 0.018 mg mL−1) and dose-dependently inhibited the heat-induced denaturation of egg albumin (IC50 = 0.676 ± 0.000 mg mL−1). In general, the synthesized ZnO NPs showed a positive anti-microbial activity against the selected microbes. The ZnO NPs showed a significant zone of inhibition for S. typhi (20.0 mm), S. aureus (24.0 mm), whereas the zone of inhibition was less for E. coli (13.7 mm) and C. albicans (11.7 mm) at 25 mg/mL. The green synthesized ZnO NPs may be used as an effective drug delivery system.

Phytochemical Analysis and In-vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Leaves, Root and Stem Extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum, Cochlospermum tintorium and Erythrina senegalensis

Aim: This Study was design to determine the phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of leaves, roots and stem bark of Cochlospermum tentorium, Bryophyllum pinnatum, and Erythrina senegalensis obtained in Takum Town of Taraba state.
 Methods: The leaves, roots and stem bark of Cochlospermum tentorium, Bryophyllum pinnatum, and Erythrina senegalensis were obtained, dried, ground, and extracted using methanol. The antimicrobial activity of the extract at various concentration was tested using agar well diffusion techniques against three human pathogens by measuring zones of inhibition after incubation 24 hours
 Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycoside, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins and steroids. Flavonoids were however absent in the leaf and stem bark of Cochlospermum tintorium, leaf and roots of Bryophyllum pinnatum, and leaf and roots of Erythrina senegalensis. Phenol and tannins were absent in the roots of Bryophyllum pinnatum. The quantitative screening shows that the leaf of Cochlospermum tintorium had the highest amount of glycoside (1.55mg/dl) while the roots had the least amount (0.81mg/dl). Stem bark of Bryophyllum pinnatum showed the highest amount of tannins (7.51mg/dl) while the leaf had the least (3.54mg/dl). Stem bark of Cochlospermum tintorium showed the highest amount of flavonoid (6.54mg/dl) while the leaf had the least (3.66mg/dl). Stem bark of Cochlospermum tintorium recorded the highest amount of phenol (4.37mg/dl) while the roots had the least (1.48mg/dl). The stem bark of Bryophyllum pinnatum recorded the highest amount of alkaloid (1.30mg/dl) while the leaf recorded the least (0.72mg/dl). Stem bark of Bryophyllum pinnatum showed the highest amount of saponins (2.85mg/dl) while the roots showed the least (1.57mg/dg). The methanolic leaf, root and stem bark extract of Cochlospermum tentorium had potent antibacterial activity, while Bryophyllum pinnatum, and Erythrina senegalensis had minimal antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Klepsiella pneumonae and staphylococcus aureus.
 Conclusion: This result indicates that the methanolic leaf, root and stem bark extract of Cochlospermum tentorium had antimicrobial activity confirming the folklore claim. Thus, making a strong case for the isolation of novel antimicrobial agent from this plant.

Berberis lyceum root bark extract attenuates anticancer drugs induced neurotoxicityand cardiotoxicity in rats.

Traditionally, Berberis lyceum was extensively used for the treatment of several human diseases. This study was undertaken to determine in vivo effects of Berberis lyceum root bark against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. A single dose of doxorubicin (20 mg/ kg i. p) and cisplatin (4mg/kg i.p) was used to induce cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity, respectively. Berberis lyceum methanolic extract was given orally (200 and 400 mg/ kg) to toxicity-induced rats. The cardiac biomarkers i.e. serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and creatine kinase MB were analyzed in blood collected from cardiotoxic rats. The tissue oxidative stress markers included protein, glutathione s-transferase specific activity, catalase activity, total glutathione, and malondialdehyde levels were measured in cardiac and brain homogenate of the respective groups. Berberis lyceum methanolic extract has the potential to reduce the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity significantly (*p<0.05) by reducing the serum markers and oxidative stress parameters. Histopathological analysis exhibited a marked improvement in the morphology of cardiac and brain tissues. It is concluded that methanolic extract of Berberis lyceum root bark has the potential to protect and reverse anticancer drugs induced cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity.

Study of Antibacterial Activity of Root Bark, Leaves, and Pericarp Extracts of Diploknema butyracea and Evaluation of Prospective Antioxidant Activity.

This study was aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of root bark, leaves, and pericarp extract of Diploknema butyracea and to evaluate the prospective antioxidant activity, total flavonoid, polyphenol, and carbohydrate content. The plant parts were collected and extracted by cold maceration, using hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and distilled water. Phytochemical screening of different samples of D. butyracea in different solvents revealed the presence of varied extent of alkaloid, saponin, terpenoid, anthraquinones, tannin, cardiac glycoside, flavonoid, carbohydrate, polyphenol, protein and amino acid, resin, and phytosterol. Our study showed that methanolic root bark extract exhibited the potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Klebsiella pneumonia with an average zone of inhibition of 17.33 mm, 14.33 mm, and 13.0 mm, respectively. Surprisingly, all of the extracts were insensitive to Escherichia coli. The lowest minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), 4.6 mg/ml, was observed with the aqueous pericarp extract against S. epidermidis and the highest was of 50 mg/ml shown by ethyl acetate pericarp against K. pneumonia. Our results showed that both the polar and nonpolar components present in the different parts of D. butyracea exhibit prominent antibacterial activities against different bacterial strains. The in vitro 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity showed that the methanol extract of root barks displayed the most potent antioxidant activity (IC50 : 6.1 µg/ml). The total polyphenol content of the plant part extracts was observed between 19.48 ± 0.23 and 123.48 ± 1.84 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg of dry extract weight. Likewise, flavonoid content ranged from 40.63 ± 1.28 µg to 889.72 ± 3.40 μg quercetin equivalent/mg of dry extract weight and total carbohydrate content ranged from 11.92 ± 0.60 µg to 174.72 ± 0.60 µg glucose equivalent per/mg dry extract weight. Overall, our study showed that the root bark, pericarp, and leaves extract of D. butyracea evinced prominent antibacterial properties against various pathogenic bacterial strains.

Phytochemistry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of bioactive components of methanolic root-bark extract of Boswellia dalzielii (burseraceae)

This study was conducted to identify phytochemical constituents present in the methanolic root-bark extract of B. dalzielii using GC-MS analysis and conventional phytochemical evaluation. The studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids and carbohydrates. A total of forty three compounds composed of eighteen major components were identified thus; oxetane-2,3,4-trimethyl (3.45%), Bicyclo[4.1.0] heptan-3-one-7,7-dimethyl-4-methylene(IR) [2.69%], 2-methyl-2-(−2-oxopropyl) furan (3.20%), Cyclohexane, 2-(dimethylhydrazono)-3-[4-hexenyl]-1-acinitro,(E,) [2.63%], 3,8-Dihydroxy-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)one (4.43%), 2-Tetradocanol (4.89%), 3-methyl-2-(2-oxopropyl)furan (3.46%), (2H)-Naphthalenenone, 6-(1,1-dimethyl ethyl) octahydro-2,8a-dimethyl (3.80%), Pentadecanoic acid (6.18%), undecanoic acid (3.68%), Phthalic acid (4.14%), 1-Allyl-cyclohexane-1,2-diol (3.95%), 1,5,9-cyclotetradecatriene, 1,5,9-trimethyl-12-(1-methyl ethyl) [4.58%], 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-methyl ester (4.75%). 9-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester[E] (4.36%), Tetradecanoic acid-methyl ester(S) [3.90%], (2S,4R)-p-mentha-[1(7),8]-diene-2-hydroperoxide (2.62%) and 1-Naphthalenepropanol, a-ethyldecahydro-8a-(hydroxymethyl)-a, 5-dimethyl-2-methylene (2.93%). Most of the identified compounds have been reported to possess various biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antidiabetics, anti-asthmatic, anti-histamine, antitubercular, anti-diarrhoeal among others. The studies thus concluded that B. dalzielii root-bark possesses potent bioactive compounds and is recommended as a plant of phytopharmaceutical importance. The presence of these bioactive compounds justifies the use of this plant in ethnomedicine.

The efficacy of methanolic root bark extract of Khaya senegalensis against Plasmodium Berghei in laboratory white albino mice

The spread of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum and the alarming emergence of multidrug-resistant strains have raised an urgent need to search for new drugs. In many tropical and sub-tropical countries, plants have traditionally been used to treat fever and other symptoms associated with malaria parasite. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of the methanolic extract of Khaya senegalensis root bark against P. berghei in white albino mice. Two parameters were employed to evaluate the efficacy of the extract against P. berghei in white albino mice. A parallel test was carried out with chloroquine. Twenty-five albino mice were used in the experiment. The albino mice were grouped into six groups. Three groups served as negative, positive, and standard control respectively, groups four, five and six were treated with 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg of the extract for suppressive and curative activity. The extract showed a strong anti plasmodial activity against P. berghei both in the two parameters. (2.0±0.0 and 2.0±1.0) corresponding to 91.7% curative and 93.3% suppressive, while the control groups three, two and one correspond to 76.7%, 00.0 and 00.0 respectively. The mean parasitemia reduction in groups four, five and six were significant (p&lt;0.05). The results indicate that although chloroquine was still effective against the parasite, the extract of Khaya senegalensis reduced the mean parasitemia more than chloroquine which was used as standard control. This implies that the extract has stronger antimalarial activity compared to the standard chloroquine drug.

Haematological and Blood Glucose Evaluation in Rats Treated with Methanolic Root Bark Extract of Chrysophyllum Albidum

Aim: This study investigated the outcome of administration of the methanolic root bark extract of Chrysophyllum albidum orally on normal blood glucose levels and haematological indices in rats. Materials and methods: Twenty adult rats were grouped into 4 groups of 5 rats each. The control group (A) was administered distilled water of 0.5 ml while the treatment groups B, C and D received 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of methanolic root bark extract of C. albidum respectively for 21 days. Before the commencement of the experiment, blood glucose was checked for all the groups. Blood was collected at the end of the test period to analysed changes in blood glucose levels and haematological parameters. Results: The RBC, PCV, Hb, MCH, MCV, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils were not significantly (P&lt;0.05) different in all the extract doses when compared with the control group. Furthermore, WBC, eosinophils, neutrophils and platelets counts were significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) in all the groups treated with the extract in a dose-dependent form when compared to that of the control. Also, a significant (P&lt;0.05) reduction in blood glucose in groups administered with 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of the C. albidum relative to the control group was noted. However, a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in body weight of all groups treated with the extract when compared with the control group was also noted. Conclusion: The results suggest that methanolic root bark extract of C. albidum may be used to boost thrombopoiesis and also has hypoglycemic properties.

Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Activity of 80% Methanolic Root Bark Extract and Solvent Fractions of Pentas schimperiana (A. Rich.) Vatke (Rubiaceae) in Swiss Albino Mice.

Background Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological disorders, responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality due to limited efficacy and negative properties of antiepileptic drugs. Medicinal plants are believed to be an important source of new chemical substances with potential therapeutic effects. Pentas schimperiana (A. Rich.) Vatke is a medicinal plant used in Ethiopian traditional medicine for the treatment of epilepsy. However, it lacks scientific investigation on its anticonvulsant activity. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of 80% methanol root bark extract and solvent fractions of Pentas schimperiana (A. Rich.) Vatke in mice. Methods Anticonvulsant activity was evaluated by using the pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock-induced seizure test. The 80% methanolic root bark extract was subjected to successive fractionation with solvents differing polarity, i.e., chloroform, butanol, and water. The test groups received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bodyweight of extract and its solvent fractions. Result The ME400 and BF400 at the higher dose exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) anticonvulsant effect in both the pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock-induced seizure test compared with control. However, chloroform fraction only showed a significant (p < 0.001) anticonvulsant effect in the PTZ-induced seizure test, while aqueous fraction had least anticonvulsant activity in both seizure-induced tests. Phytochemical screening of Pentas schimperiana (A. Rich.) Vatke root bark extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins. Conclusion This study indicated that the plant has anticonvulsant activity and is considered as a potential source to develop a new antiepileptic drug.

Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial and Radical Scavenging Activities of Root Wood and Root Bark Extracts of Albizia schimperiana

Objective: Different parts of Albizia schimperiana are used for treatment of different types of diseases. In Ethiopia traditionally people use Albizia schimperiana to treat headache and other pains. In Tanzania the stem bark is used to treat warts, the leaf has shown significant antimicrobial and potential anti-helmintic activity. The main objective of the study was to identify the phytochemical constituents, and evaluate antibacterial and radical scavenging activities of root wood and root bark extracts of A. schimperiana. Method: The root of A. schimperiana was collected from east wollega zone, Nekemte town, in May 2018. The collected plant root was washed with distilled water and peeled so that the root wood and root bark were dried separately under shade at room temperature and ground in to powder using analytical mill. The bioactive constituents of the root of A. schimperiana were extracted through maceration technique using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol. The antibacterial assay was determined using disc diffusion method against four bacteria strains while the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts were investigated spectrophotometrically using DPPH. Result: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones and terpenoids and absence of tannins and steroids in both root parts. The root extracts were active against all the tested bacterial strains. The root wood extracts of acetone and ethyl acetate demonstrated strong zone of inhibition against S. aureus (30mm) and E. coli (30 mm) at 100 mg/mL, as compared to the reference antibiotic gentamicin (20 mm). The methanol root wood extract of A. schimperiana has shown better DPPH radical scavenging activity at 1 mg/mL (89.8%) when compared to the methanol root bark extract (71.6%) at the same concentration. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that the root extracts of A. schimperiana owned many phytochemicals that exhibited promising antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Therefore, the root of A. schimperiana can serve as a potential source for development of new drugs as well as finding natural antioxidants that could assist the body in fighting disease like cancers.

Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial and Radical Scavenging Activities of Root Wood and Root Bark Extracts of Albizia schimperiana

Objective: Different parts of Albizia schimperiana are used for treatment of different types of diseases. In Ethiopia traditionally people use Albizia schimperiana to treat headache and other pains. In Tanzania the stem bark is used to treat warts, the leaf has shown significant antimicrobial and potential anti-helmintic activity. The main objective of the study was to identify the phytochemical constituents, and evaluate antibacterial and radical scavenging activities of root wood and root bark extracts of A. schimperiana. Method: The root of A. schimperiana was collected from east wollega zone, Nekemte town, in May 2018. The collected plant root was washed with distilled water and peeled so that the root wood and root bark were dried separately under shade at room temperature and ground in to powder using analytical mill. The bioactive constituents of the root of A. schimperiana were extracted through maceration technique using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol. The antibacterial assay was determined using disc diffusion method against four bacteria strains while the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts were investigated spectrophotometrically using DPPH. Result: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones and terpenoids and absence of tannins and steroids in both root parts. The root extracts were active against all the tested bacterial strains. The root wood extracts of acetone and ethyl acetate demonstrated strong zone of inhibition against S. aureus (30mm) and E. coli (30 mm) at 100 mg/mL, as compared to the reference antibiotic gentamicin (20 mm). The methanol root wood extract of A. schimperiana has shown better DPPH radical scavenging activity at 1 mg/mL (89.8%) when compared to the methanol root bark extract (71.6%) at the same concentration. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that the root extracts of A. schimperiana owned many phytochemicals that exhibited promising antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Therefore, the root of A. schimperiana can serve as a potential source for development of new drugs as well as finding natural antioxidants that could assist the body in fighting disease like cancers.

Antidepressant effect of methanol root bark extract of Acacia seyal Del. (Fabaceae): Possible involvement of the inflammatory pathway

Purpose: To study the involvement of inflammatory pathways in the antidepressant activity of Acacia seyal in mice.Methods: The median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract Acacia seyal (AS) was determined using OECD guideline 425. The antidepressant activity of AS was assessed against BCG (0.2 mg/kg, ip)-induced depression in mice using Tail suspension test (TST) and open field test (OFT) at 4, 24 and 48 hours post BCG administration.Results: The median lethal dose (LD50) for the extract was &gt; 5000 mg/kg orally. The extract AS at all tested doses (250 – 1000 mg/kg) significantly (p ≤ 0.001) decreased the duration of immobility in TST but increased the number of line crossing in OFT post-BCG.Conclusion: The antidepressant activity of the methanol root bark extract of Acacia seyal in mice may involve an inflammatory mechanism. Thus, the extract of Acacia seyal may be suitable for the management of depression in humans resistant to other conventional antidepressant agents. However, further studies are required to ascertain this&#x0D; Keywords: Depression, Acacia seyal, Tail suspension test, Open field test, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

In vitro Antileishmanial, Antitrypanosomal, and Anti-inflammatory-like Activity of Terminalia mollis Root Bark.

This study aims at determining the in vitro antitrypanosomal, antileishmanial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory-like activities of Terminalia mollis root crude extracts. The antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities on Trypanosoma brucei brucei (strain 427) and promastigotes of Leishmania mexicana mexicana (MHOM/BZ/84/BEL46) were evaluated in vitro. The methanolic root bark extract and standards were profiled by HPLC-PDA, and the majority of compounds identified using literature data. The in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-like activities were determined by evaluating the effect of crude extracts on reactive oxygen species produced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated equine neutrophils using lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence and on purified equine myeloperoxidase activity measured by specific immunological extraction followed by enzymatic detection. The methanolic, aqueous crude extract, and aqueous crude extract free of tannins exhibited good growth inhibition on Trypanosoma brucei brucei (IC50 3.72, 6.05, and 4.45 µg/mL respectively) but were inactive against Leishmania mexicana mexicana (IC50 > 100 µg/mL). Suramin (IC50 0.11 µg/mL) and amphotericin (IC50 0.11 µg/mL) were used as standard respectively for the antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity. Very interesting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-like activities were observed with 50% hydroethanolic, aqueous crude extracts, and aqueous crude extract free of tannins as well as with pure punicalagin, gallic, and ellagic acid (IC50 0.38 - 10.51 µg/mL for 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), chemiluminescence, and specific immunological extraction followed by enzymatic detection assays. The study results support traditional medicinal use of the plant for the treatment of parasitical disorders and revealed for the first time the antitrypanosomal potential, anti-inflammatory-like, and antioxidant activity of Terminalia mollis root.

Antidiabetic effect of partitioned methanol extract of Boswellia dalzielii (Frankincense tree) in rats

Medicinal plants have been the major source of bioactive phytochemicals employed for the treatment and management of disease since time immemorial. The present study was aimed at investigating the antidiabetic potentials of various partitioned portions of crude methanol extract of Boswellia dalzielii in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Fresh leaf of Boswellia dalzielii was air-dried, pulverized and extracted using cold maceration method with 85% methanol and concentrated to dryness. The crude methanol extract was partitioned using n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and n-butanol to afford portions encoded BMENH, BMECM, BMEEA, BMENB respectively, and were screened for phytochemicals. The portions were evaluated for their anti-diabetic effects on alloxan-induced rats. The phytochemical studies of the crude methanol leaf, stem and root bark extracts revealed the presence alkaloids, cardiac glycoside, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. The partitioned crude methanol leaf extract yielded 14.12 % ( w/w) n-hexane, 6.85 % (w/w) chloroform, 4.18% (w/w) ethyl acetate and 36.40 % (w/w) n-butanol extracts respectively. Antidiabetic activity of fractions BMEH, BMEC, BMEE at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg bd wt. produced significant (p&lt;0.05) % inhibitions of glycaemia of 13.51, 18.91, 53.36 and 71.21 respectively, as the highest inhibitions at 400 mg/kg bwt. compared to 52.67 % of Glibenclamide 2.0 mg. (a standard drug). Thus, the leaf of Boswellia dalzielii possesses potent antidiabetic activity which increases as the extract is purified. The anti-diabetic effect of the plant in rats may likely be due to the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids.

Phytochemical and antimicrobial studies of the root bark extracts of &lt;i&gt;Strychnos spinosa&lt;/i&gt; Lam

The phytochemical screening and antimicrobial properties of petroleum ethylacetate and methanol root bark extracts of Strychnos spinosa. The extracts were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhii, Klebsiella pneumonia and Candidas albicans by Agar well diffusion and micro-dilution methods. The phytochem screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, glycosides, steroids and terpenoids. The methanol extracts was found to be the most potent against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia with MIC values of 1.56mg/ml. TheMBC revealed that the extracts were more of bacteriostatic than bactericidal.&#x0D; Keywords; Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, Strychnos spinosa, Root bark.

Antidepressant Effect of Methanol Root Bark Extract of Acacia seyal: Involvement of Monominergic, Nitric Oxide and Opiodergic Pathways

BackgroundDepression is a common mental disorder which affects more than 300 million people and is a leading cause of disability worldwide ( WHO, 2017). Available antidepressants are only effective in 50% of patients ( Simon, 2002). The treatment resistance has been linked to the multiple pathways involved in the pathology of depression. Acacia seyal root is used traditionally for the management of depression ( Shehu, 2017). However, there is no report of the scientific validation of this ethnomedicinal claim.ObjectiveTo determine the antidepressant activity of the methanol root bark extract of A. seyal (AS) and its possible mechanism(s) of antidepressant action.Materials and MethodsEthical Approval for the use of laboratory animals was sought and obtained from Ahmadu Bello University Committee on Animal Use and Care (ABUCAUC/2018/094). Antidepressant activity of AS was evaluated using tail suspension test (TST) at a dose of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. For the mechanistic studies, mice were pretreated with Sulpiride (50 mg/kg), Prazosin (1 mg/kg), Yohimbine (1 mg/kg), Metergoline (1 mg/kg), Cyproheptadine (3 mg/kg), L‐Arginine (50 mg/kg), L‐NNA (50 mg/kg), atropine (1 mg/kg) and naloxone (2 mg/kg) 15 minutes prior to AS (500 mg/kg) administration, then assessed using TST one hour later.ResultsThe extract (at the doses of 250–1000 mg/kg) significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased the duration of immobility in the TST. Sulpiride (D2 receptor antagonist), Prazosin and Yohimbine (α1 and α2 receptor antagonists respectively), Metergoline, Cyproheptadine (5‐HT1 and 5‐HT2 receptor antagonist respectively), L‐Arginine and L‐NNA (substrate and inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase enzyme respectively) and naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist) significantly (p&lt;0.05) reversed the antidepressant effect of ASConclusionThe methanol root bark extract of Acacia seyal possesses antidepressant activity possibly mediated via the dopaminergic, serotonergic, adrenergic, nitric oxide and opioidergic pathways.Effect of Methanol Root Bark Extract of Acacia seyal on Duration Immobility of Mice in Tail Suspension TestAnimals were acutely treated with AS (250, 500 or 1000 mg kg, po), distilled water (10 ml/kg, po), or Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, po). Each column represents the mean ± SEM of 8 animals. Data was analyzed using one‐way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test, *p≤0.05, **p≤0.001, ***p≤0.0001 significantly different from distilled water treated group.AS=Acacia seyal, DW= 10 ml/kg of Distilled water, FTX= FluoxetineFigure 1AcknowledgementThe technical assistance of staff of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria‐Nigeria is acknowledged

Effects of &lt;i&gt;Anthocleista Djalonensis&lt;/i&gt; (Chev.) methanol root bark extract on some fertility parameters in male rats

Background: Anthocleista djalonensis is a West African plant with several ethnomedicinal uses.Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of Anthocleista djalonensis methanol root bark extract on fertility parameters in male rats.Material and Methods: The rats were randomly allotted to four groups (n=5). Group A (control) received distilled water (10 ml/kg), groups B, C, D received oral doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of the extract respectively for 28 days. The mean body, testicular, and epididymal weights; sperm indices; and serum testosterone level were assessed.Results: There were no significant changes on the body weights of the treated rats but their testicular and epididymal weights increased significantly (P˂0.05) at the dose of 400 mg/kg in comparison with the control group. Sperm indices such as sperm count, motility, morphology and viability increased significantly (P˂0.05) at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day when compared to the control. There was also a significant (P˂0.05) increase in serum testosterone concentration at the dose of 400 mg/kg/day of the extract.Conclusion: The results suggest that the methanol root bark extract of A. djalonensis improves fertility parameters in male rats thereby justifying its use in ethnomedicine.Keywords: Sperm count, testosterone level, spermatogenesis, oxidative stress

Anti-oxidant, Cytotoxic and Apoptotic studies of root bark assisted Silver Nanoparticles from Aphanamixis polystachya

The aim of the present investigations was to fabricate and prepare silver nanoparticles from the root bark of Aphanamixis polystachya available in Western Ghats of India and also to assess their antioxidant, cytotoxic and apoptotic activity. The root bark extract of the plant, A. polystachya was used for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP). The AgNP were characterized with the help of UV-Vis Spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD)and Thermogravimetric analysis. The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were studied using methanolic extract and AgNP of A. polystachya on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Silver nanosuspension was formulated, and in vitro, antioxidant activity by DPPH assay and Nitric Oxide assay were assessed on a methanolic extract of the root bark and silver nanosuspension of A. polystachya. The percentage cell growth on MCF-7 cells was found to be 39.8, 21.6, 18.0 and 15.6 at 10, 20, 40 and 80µg/ml respectively. In the case of MDA-MB231 cells, the percentage of cell growth was found to be 99.2, 80.0, 67.2 and 54.6 at 10, 20, 40 and 80 µg/ml. Growth inhibition (GI50) of &lt;10µg and &gt;80µg was observed in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cell lines. A. polystachya silver nanosuspension significantly enhanced the antiradical potential against nitric oxide scavenging assay (IC50 4.7µg/ml) as compared with methanolic extract of A. polystachya. The formulation of silver nanosuspension of A. polystachya significantly enhanced the antiradical potential as compared with the methanolic extract of root bark of A. polystachya.

Evaluation of Anti-Diarrheal Activity of Methanol Root Bark Extract of Milicia Excelsa (Welw) C. C Berg (Moraceae) in Rats.

Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) plant is used as an antidiarrheal agent in ethnomedicine but there is no scientific rationale for its claim. Hence, this study examined the acute toxicity (LD50) and anti-diarrheal effect of methanol root bark extract of Milicia excelsa per oral in rats as well as the probable phytoconstituents responsible for this effect. The LD50 was>5000 mg/kg, suggesting its safety. The extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the total number of feces and wet feces in castor oil-induced diarrhea with percentage inhibitions of 41.36 and 50.88% at 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively; it also significantly (p<0.05) reduced the distance travelled by charcoal in a dose dependent manner with percentage inhibitions of 33.85, 43.07 and 50.76% at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively in gastrointestinal motility test indicating anti-diarrheal potentials. The extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the intestinal fluid accumulation with percentage inhibitions of 33.28 and 45.61% at 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively, suggesting antisecretory effect. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p<0.05) inhibited the intestinal propulsion of the charcoal meal through the gastrointestinal tract in castor oil-induced gastrointestinal transit suggesting antimotility effect. Total flavonoids and tannins are the most abundant phytoconstituents therein. This study therefore concluded that the anti-diarrhea action of the extract may at least in part be mediated via antisecretory and antimotility mechanisms, which could be due to the additive, synergy or counter interaction of the phytoconstituents therein, thus supporting its ethnomedicinal claim.