Methanol Extract Of Roots Research Articles

Invasive Plant Biomass as Source of Polyphenols

Invasive plant species contribute to problems related to the functioning of ecosystems, causing economic damage, damage to human health and reducing quality of recreational resources. They are characterized by rapid and aggressive spread, suppressing endemic species. For the full use of invasive plant biomass, it is necessary to find sustainable, bio-based control solutions, based on the knowledge of their composition. To increase awareness of possible usage of invasive plant biomass, the authors have chosen such plants as Lupinus polyphyllus, Impatiens glandulifera, Heracleum sosnowskyi and Echinocystis lobata, which make stands, and therefore mechanical harvesting can be used to collect plant biomass. In various parts of these plants, total polyphenols using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and antiradical activity using DPPH method are studied. The obtained amount of polyphenols in the analysed samples of plants and their parts are different with highest concentration in Impatiens glandulifera leafs reaching concentration 9.78– 16.75 g GAE / 100g DW. Although in the case of Lupinus polyphyllus, the highest concentrations of polyphenols are identified in the methanol extracts of roots (24.85 g GAE / 100 g DW) and flowers (17.77 g GAE / 100g DW) of the plant as richest parts of polyphenols in the studied plants are leaves and flowers. The obtained results confirm the potential use of invasive plants biomass as a source of biologically active substances – polyphenols, after plants eradication.

Comparative Evaluation of the Phytochemical Contents, Antioxidant and some Biological Activities of Khaya grandifoliola Methanol and Ethyl Acetate Stem Bark, Root and leaf Extracts

Khaya grandifoliola extracts have been conventionally found to be effective in the treatment of wounds and ulcers. This study assessed the phytochemical content of K. grandifoliola methanol and ethyl acetate extracts and used in vitro bioassays for bioactivity testing to confirm the ethnomedicinal uses. Phytochemical content and bioactivity of K. grandifoliola ethyl acetate and methanol extracts; (stem bark, root, leaf) were assessed using spectrophotometric analysis with standard calibration curves for respective phytochemicals and in vitro bioactivity assays including MTT, free radical scavenging activity, lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages assay for cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. The polyphenolic content of methanol extracts (37.49±1.40 -53.57±1.50 mg GAEQ/100 mg) was the highest phytochemical content measured. The methanol root extract had the highest terpenoid concentration (35.78±2.14 mg LIN EQ/100 mg). Methanol stem bark and root extracts exhibited anti-inflammation activity at 200 μg/mL, potent antioxidant activity (IC50; 38.68±5.09 µg/mL and 46.34±9.56μg/mL), and growth inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC; 1 and 2 mg/mg). Ethyl acetate root and leaf extracts inhibited the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes (MIC; 0.25 mg/mL). In conclusion, the high phenolic and terpenoid content of extracts which correlated positively with their biological activities could be the contributing factor to the biological effects such as wound healing of the extracts.

Relative estimation of beta-sitosterol in alcoholic extracts of roots and small branches of oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz by HPTLC for plant part substitution, medicinal uses and conservation

Beta-sitosterol is a common and useful ‘phytosterol’, present in roots and small branches of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz It has mainly cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and dietary properties. O. indicum is a rare medicinal plant in the traditional medicine system. This study comparatively identified and estimated beta-sitosterol in the methanolic extracts of roots and the small branches of O. indicum by the development of a validated HPTLC method. Chromatographic separation was performed on precoated TLC plates by toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid: water (6:3:1:0.2, v/v/v/v) with standard procedures using HPTLC assembly. Marker was identified at RF 0.60 as prominent bands and quantified at 540 nm with sharp peaks corresponding to beta-sitosterol by calibration method. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines with a good linear relationship i.e. r2 = 0.9973 ± 0.000405 in 100 – 500 ng band−1 with respect to the peak area. The LOD and LOQ were calculated as 35.22 and 106.73 ng/band, respectively. The quantity of marker in extracts of roots and the small branches was found to be 268.7% w/w and 208.5% w/w respectively in 0.5 g of the sample. The method was simple, accurate, and reproducible for rapid screening and quantification of beta-sitosterol in roots and aerial parts of O. indicum. The study may helpful for plant part substitution study, medicinal practises, sustainability, and conservation of such vulnerable plant species. It may useful to establish the quality and efficacy of plant in traditional applications and in routine standardization (quality control) of different commercial preparations of O. indicum.

Polyacetylenes from the adventitious roots of Centella asiatica with glucose uptake stimulatory activity.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is an herbaceous perennial plant of the Apiaceae family that has diverse medicinal uses. Its active components are saponin, phenolics, and polyacetylenes. Plant cell cultures have been exploited for the efficient production of metabolites with pharmacological activity. In this work, we prepared adventitious root cultures of C. asiatica and analyzed their content and biological activity. Adventitious root extracts were found to increase glucose uptake by differentiated L6 skeletal muscle cells and to be more efficient than the extract of whole plants. Chromatographic fractionation of the extracts from adventitious roots of C. asiatica led to the isolation of two known polyacetylenes, araliadiol (1) and 8-acetoxy-1,9-pentadecadiene-4,6-diyn-3-ol (2), in addition to a new polyacetylene, which we have named centellidiol (3). All the three polyacetylenes stimulated glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner. The methanol extract of adventitious roots contained 0.53% and 0.82% of compounds 1 and 2, respectively, which are values that were 15 and 21 times higher that are found in mother plants. We therefore suggest that the high content of these polyacetylenes contributes to the high efficacy of C. asiatica adventitious root cultures. Overall, adventitious root cultures of C. asiatica can be part of a secure supply of effective ingredients including polyacetylenes.

Phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS, matK and rbcL DNA barcodes and comparison of chemical contents of twelve Paeonia taxa in Türkiye

Twelve taxa of herbaceous Paeonia species were recorded in Türkiye. All definitions were performed morphologically and/or anatomically and there is no study based on DNA barcode sequences. Three barcode regions were sequenced to determine the phylogenetic relationships of Turkish Paeonia taxa. The chemical comparison of roots was also investigated. The taxons were collected between May and June 2021 from nine cities. Leaf materials were used for DNA isolation and ITS, matK and rbcL regions were amplified and sequenced. There was no difference among taxa in terms of rbcL sequences. But the ITS and matK regions distinguished 12 taxa and structured them in two groups. ITS region distinguished P. peregrina, P. arietina, and P. tenuifolia from other taxa, while matK region distinguished P. arietina and P. witmanniana from other taxa. Both barcode sequences actually showed that the registration of P. mascula subsp. arasicola was actually 100% similar to P. arietina. ITS was the most polymorphic region (n = 54) followed by matK (n = 9). These sequences could successfully discriminate Paoenia species from each other and diploid P. tenuifolia. The methanolic root (100 gr) extracts were examined for total phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activities. Significant variation was found for polyphenolic content, and antioxidant properties (TPC from 204.23 to 2343.89mg, TFC from 7.73 to 66.16mg, and FRAP from 523.81 to 4338.62mg). SC50 values of ABTS and DPPH were ranged from 115.08 to 1115.52μg/ml and 73.83 to 963.59μg/ml, respectively. It was concluded that 11 of 12 taxa had differences in terms of ITS and matK sequences and these region must be used for the correct identification of Turkish Paeonia.

Phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Plectocephalus varians (A. Rich.) C. Jeffrey ex Cufod root extracts

Plants have been used to treat diverse types of diseases in different cultural groups around the globe. In this regard, the root of Plectocephalus varians (P. varians) is claimed to have a beneficiary effect in treating cancer and hemorrhoids in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed at the phytochemical investigation, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of n-hexane, acetone, and methanolic extracts of P. varians root. The different crude extracts of P. varians were obtained through maceration technique. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of the extracts were estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu Reagent (FCR) and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays, respectively. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The antibacterial activities of the extracts were assessed by using disc diffusion method. The results echoed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, tannins, anthraquinones, terpenoids, polyphenols, and glycosides in the root of P. varians. The methanolic root extract (MRE) had the highest TPC (107.18 mg GAE/g) and TFC (120.194 mg QE/g) followed by acetone root extract (ARE) (TPC = 98.68 mg GAE/g; TFC = 64.038 mg QE/g) and n-hexane root extract (HRE) (TPC = 12.39 mg GAE/g; TFC = 9.917 mg QE/g). The DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays demonstrated the antioxidant effects of HRE (IC50 = 681.75 ppm; EC50 = 60.65 ppm), ARE (IC50 = 165.73 ppm; EC50 = 51.67 ppm) and MRE (IC50 = 132.06 ppm; EC50 = 30.97 ppm) of P. varians. Furthermore, the root fractions elicited pronounced dose-dependent growth inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococci pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae with mean zone of inhibition (MZI) ranging from 11 ± 0.38 to 20 ± 0.04 mm at 800 ppm. Overall, the present study provides ethnopharmacological evidence suggesting the medicinal importance of P. varians. The results also call for further bioassay-guided phytochemical screening and in vitro and/or in vivo bioactivity testing.

Phytochemical components and GC–MS analysis of Petiveria alliaceae L. fractions and volatile oils

Abstract Phytochemical constituents are important in the determination of plant activities. Their presence in medicinal plants gives their therapeutic values. These phytoconstituents possesses pharmacological activities that include antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesics, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, antidiarrheal and several other activities. These activities can be determined by the identification of the phytochemicals present in medicinal plants. Petivera alliaceae L. is one of the medicinal plants in the family of phtytolaccaceae used traditionally as an antirheumatic, analgesics, antimicrobial, anticancer and immunomodulators. It is believed to possess rich phytoconstituents especially sulphur containing a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Although the root extracts is been explored but there are limited publication to its root fractions. Therefore, the study is aimed at screening phytochemicals present in the fractions and volatile oil of the root parts of P. alliaceae using qualitative tests and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Fresh root parts of Petivera allliaceae plant were collected and air-dried. The dried root parts was macerated in absolute methanol for 72 h. The solution was extracted and dried. The dried root methanol extract was partitioned into n-hexane (PAH) and methanol fractions (PAM), while volatile oil (PAO) was extracted using Clevenger-type hydrodistillation method. The result shows that alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids were present while cardiac glycosides, phenol, terpenoids and anthraqunione glycosides were absent in both fractions. The GC–MS analysis identified 18 compounds in PAH, 19 compounds in PAM and 28 compounds in PAO. The fractions and volatile oils of P. alliaceae roots are rich in phytochemical constituents and compounds should be isolated from the fractions and explored for their potentials.

Cytotoxic effect of Rotheca serrata on cancer cell lines MCF-7 and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y.

Rotheca serrata (Lamiaceae), a highly medicinal plant is used as an antidote for snakebite and the plant possesses medicinal properties like hepatoprotective, antitussive, antioxidant, anticancer, neuro-protective, used in rheumatoid arthritis and is also a α-glucoside inhibitor. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work aimed to study the anticancerous effect of Rotheca serrata (root and leaf) on cancer cell lines MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line) and Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y. This investigation was a preliminary one which supported the retrospective and safe use of plants as described in Ayurveda. Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium with High Glucose (DMEM-HG) for culturing MCF-7- Human Breast cancer cell line and Minimum essential Medium (MEM)+F12 medium for culturing SH-SY5Y- Homo sapiens bone marrow neuroblast were used. MTT assay measured the cell proliferation rate and conversely, when metabolic events lead to apoptosis or necrosis, the reduction in cell viability. The results indicated that the Methanolic extract of Rotheca serrata (root and leaf) showed high anticancer activity. Different concentrations of plant extracts (25, 50, 100, 200, 400 µg/ml) were used to study the anticancerous activity, amongst which the significant results were obtained for 400 µg/ml concentration (both root & leaf). Effective anticancer activity against MCF - 7 breast cancer cells was shown in methanoilc extracts and were expressed as IC 50 values; in root (IC 50 value = 61.8259 ± 7.428 µg/ml) and in leaf (IC 50 value = 78.1497 ± 6.316 µg/ml). The MTT assay in case of neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell lines revealed that 400 µg/ml concentration of leaf methanolic extract showed effective inhibition of cancer cells with IC 50 value 37.8462 ± 2.957 µg/ml as compared to IC 50 value of root methanolic extract which was 57.0895 ± 2.351 µg/ml. R. serrata possess anticancer activity against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY 5Y) cell lines. This study may to design plant-based drugs without side effects. Dosage compensation for specific type of cancer needs to be monitored in patients with 1st stage.

Chemical Characterization and Several Bioactivities of Cladanthus mixtus from Morocco

The purpose of this work was to investigate, for the first time to our knowledge, the chemical composition and bioactivity of methanolic extracts (roots, stems, leaves, and flowers) from Cladanthus mixtus (L.) Chevall. that grows wild in northern Morocco (the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region). The phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by spectrophotometer methods, and the composition of derivatized methanolic extracts from C. mixtus using N-O-bis(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity was carried out by applying the 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) tests. The micro-dilution technique was chosen to investigate the antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts against two bacterial strains and three fungal species. The results showed that the values of total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be higher in flower extracts (30.55 ± 0.85 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of dried weight (DW) and 26.00 ±1.34 mg of quercetin equivalents (QE)/g DW, respectively). Other groups of chemical compounds were revealed by GC-MS, such as carbohydrates (27.25-64.87%), fatty acids (1.58-9.08%), organic acids (11.81-18.82%), and amino acids (1.26-7.10%). Root and flower methanolic extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity using ABTS (39.49 mg of Trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW) and DPPH (36.23 mg TE/g DW), respectively. A positive correlation between antioxidant activity and polyphenol and flavonoid amounts was found. Antibacterial tests showed that the best activity was presented by the leaf extract against Staphylococcus aureus (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) = 20 mg/mL) and Escherichia coli (MIC of 30 mg/mL and MBC of 35 mg/mL). S. aureus was more sensitive to the extracts compared to E. coli. All extracts showed antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum, with the best efficacy reported by the flower and leaf extracts (MIC = 1.25 mg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) = 2.5 mg/mL). In general, extracts of C. mixtus appeared less effective against Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus.

Evaluation of Analgesics and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Root Extract of Impatiens rothii (Balsaminaceae) in Rodents.

The roots of Impatiens rothii has been used as a traditional remedy for painful conditions, rheumatism, isthmus and crural aches. However, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of this plant have yet to be scientifically confirmed. The purpose of this study was to explore possible analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities 80% methanolic root extract of Impatiens rothii. To obtain the crude extract, the roots of Impatiens rothii that had been dried and ground up were macerated in 80% methanol. The analgesic activity was determined using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests in mice, whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was analyzed using carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. The extract was orally administered at a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. All tested doses of Impatiens rothii extract showed significant analgesic activity (p<0.05) at observations of 30 to 120 minutes compared to the negative control in the hot plate test. In acetic acid-induced writhing test all tested doses of the 80% methanol extract of Impatiens rothii significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the number of writhing. In comparison to the control group, all tested doses displayed a significant decrease in paw edema, which appeared 2-5 hours after induction (p<0.05). From the results of this study, it can be stated that 80% methanolic extract of Impatiens rothii possessed substantial analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, hence providing scientific basis for the use of this plant in the treatment of pain and inflammatory diseases.

Bioactive fraction of Tragia involucrata Linn leaves attenuates inflammation in Freund’s complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar albino rats via inhibiting NF-κB

Tragia involucrata Linn. (T. involucrata) belongs to the family of Euphorbiaceae found in the subtropical regions. Traditionally, the plant parts are used to treat inflammation, wounds and skin infection by people of the Western Ghats, India. Few studies on the acute anti-inflammatory activity of T. involucrata extracts were reported earlier. The present study aims to identify the bioactive fraction of T. involucrata and to evaluate its mechanism in Complete Freund's Adjuvant-induced arthritic rat model. The leaf extract was highly effective among the methanolic leaf and root extracts. The hexane (HF) and a methanolic fraction (MF) of the leaf extract of T involucrata were further identified as a bioactive fraction evaluated through protein denaturation assay. The HF and MF were further studied for their anti-inflammatory potential in a chronic inflammatory model, and their mechanism of action was explored further. Arthritis was induced by administering 0.1ml of CFA intradermally. The treatment was started the next day with HF (100 and 250mg/kg/day) and MF (100 and 250mg/kg/day), while the HF and MF alone group served as the drug control, Indomethacin-treated group served as the positive control. On the 25th day, the animals were euthanized, and their body weight, paw thickness, arthritic score, spleen and thymus weight, haematological parameters, biochemical parameters, radiographs and histopathology were analyzed. Results showed that the MF-treated animals maintained dry weight, reduced paw thickness, arthritic scores, and haematological and biological parameters compared to the HF-treated and CFA-induced arthritic rats. Both radiological and histopathological analyses of the joints revealed that the MF-treated groups restored bone architecture without any erosion and normal tissue architecture with nil signs of active inflammation. Western blot analysis revealed that MF has effectively inhibited the protein expression levels of MMP-3, MMP-9, and NF-κB in the synovial tissues compared to that of CFA-induced arthritic rats. Besides, HPLC analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, including gallic acid, rutin and Quercetin, in the MF of T. involucrata, which had shown to have potent anti-inflammatory potential. Thus, it can be emphasized that T. involucrata could be a potential therapeutic candidate for treating inflammatory diseases, which needs further experimental studies to confirm its safety and efficacy.

GC-MS Profiling of Reproductive Stage Withania somnifera for Antimicrobial and Anticancer Phytochemicals

Withanias omnifera also known as Indian ginseng is commonly found in India and other Southeast Asian countries. Various parts of this plant have been used as herbal medicine to treat a variety of diseases. However, there is a lacuna in the profiling of phytochemical constituents present in the different parts of the plant at reproductive stage. To identify phytochemicals present in the methanolic extracts of leaf, root, and stem parts of W. somnifera at reproductive stage using GC-MS analysis. Methods: The airdried parts of plant (leaf, stem and root) were extracted with methanol and concentrated under reduced pressure at 40°C using a rotary evaporator. The GCMSQP2010, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan with headspace sampler (AOC-20s) and autoinjector (AOC-20i), was used for sample analysis. The phytochemicals were identified with the database provided by National Institute Standard and Technology (NIST11LIB). The GC-MS analysis of leaf, root, and stem methanolic extracts of W. somnifera, revealed a total of eighty-two unique phytochemical peaks in the reproductive stage of the plant. Phytochemicals with antimicrobial and anticancer properties were identified in all the parts. In leaf, 2-pentanone, 5-chloro- was found to be most abundant and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-propoxy-. beta.-methyl-.beta.-nitrostyrene least abundant with antimicrobial nature, whereas, benzene, 1,1'-(1,2-ethenediyl)bis[2-methyl- was found to be most abundant and dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctene, 5,6,11,12-tetrahydro- least with anticancer property. In roots, the most abundant was benzoic acid, 3-methyl-2-trimethylsilyloxy-, trimethylsilyl ester and tris(trimethylsilyl)hydroxylamine the least abundant were identified to be antimicrobial, whereas high abundance uleine and low abundance 2-{4-[2-(4-methoxymethylphenyl)vinyl]phenyl}propan-2-olwere identified to be anticancer. In stem, acetohydroxamic acid was found to be most abundant and trans2,3,6-trimethoxy-b-methyl-b-nitrostyrene least abundant for antimicrobial nature, whereas 3-acetoxy-2,3'-bibenzo[b]thiophene was found to be anticancer phytochemical. In this study, phytochemicals with antimicrobial and anticancer properties were identified in leaf, root and stem parts of W. somnifera at reproductive stage.

Comparison of the Anti-asthmatic Potential of Himalayan Plants Lonicera obovata Royle and Morina longifolia Wall: An in vivo Study

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,2,384-391.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.2.041Published:February 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Pooja Boora, Richa Puri, Sushila Rani, Monika Mehta, and Dechan Angmo Author(s) affiliations:Pooja Boora*, Richa Puri, Sushila Rani, Monika Mehta, Dechan Angmo Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Asthma is a very common and chronic disease in which there is an inflammation of the lungs. Inflammatory airways and narrowing, spasms, over-secretion of mucus, bronchoconstriction, and eosinophilic airway inflammation are generally seen in the asthmatic condition. Globally, its prevalence is rising constantly. The extracts of Lonicera obovata and Morina longifolia of the Caprifoliaceae family were traditionally used by the Himalayan local people to treat asthmatic and inflammatory conditions. Objectives: The goal of this experimental study was to identify the phytochemicals of the plants through GC-MS. To investigate and compare the anti-asthmatic potential of methanolic whole plant extracts of L. obovata and methanolic root extracts of M. longifolia through in-vivo experiments. Materials and Methods: The anti-asthmatic potential of extracts was determined by the method of leukocytosis and eosinophilia induced by milk in the Swiss albino mice model. Results: Various secondary active phytoconstituents were detected through the GC-MS screening method, some of which have anti-allergic (anti-asthmatic) and antihistaminic properties. The in vivo experiment result showed that in the case of increased leukocyte count, M. longifolia shows better results than L. obovata, and in the case of increased eosinophil count, L. obovata shows better results than M. longifolia to reduce the increased count. Conclusion: The anti-asthmatic potential of plant extracts could be due to the presence of the phytoconstituents like 1-Monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether in the L. obovata extracts and Octadec-9-enoic acid and Cis-vaccenic acid in both L. obovata and M. longifolia extracts. Hence, through the experiments, the unexplored anti-asthmatic properties were revealed and justifies the traditional usage of both plants to treat asthma. Keywords:Anti-asthmatic, Eosinophilia, in vivo, leukocytosis, Lonicera obovata, Morina longifolia.View:PDF (366.66 KB)

Comparative Anti-plasmodial and Cytotoxic Effect of the Methanolic Extracts of Leaves, Stem Bark and Roots of Annickia affinis

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the in vitro anti-plasmodial and cytotoxic effect of the methanolic extracts from leaves, stem bark and roots of Annickia affinis.&#x0D; Study Design: This is an experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The work was conducted at the Pharmacochemistry and Natural Substances Laboratories of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala for the extraction and at the Biomedical Chemistry Research Center of Rhodes University in South Africa for the antimalarial and cytotoxic essay. All the experiments were carried out from the 15th October 2019 to the 31th July 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: The anti-plasmodial test was performed on Plasmodium falciparum sensitive strains 3D7 while cytotoxicity was evaluated on the HeLa cell line.&#x0D; Results: The anti-plasmodial tests revealed that the roots and the stem bark exhibited a moderate anti-plasmodial effect with IC50 of 19.7 ± 0.8 and 12.1 ± 0.8 µg/ml respectively. The anti-plasmodial effects of the leaves were classified as low (33.7 ± 1.9 µg/ml). At up to 50 µg/ml, all the extracts showed a high rate of survival among the HeLa cells. No effect was observed with the leaf extracts (100% of survival).&#x0D; Conclusion: This is the first report on the cytotoxic study and comparative anti-plasmodial effect of Annikia affinis. It highlights the potential of Annickia affinis as an important source of anti-plasmodial drugs with less cytotoxic in vitro. In agreement with the use in traditional medicine, the stem bark was more active than wood, while leaves showed low activity.

Bioactive constituents from Flacourtia vogelii Hook.f. (Flacourtiaceae)

The chemical investigation of the methanolic root extract of Flacourtia vogelii led to the isolation of a new arylbenzoate derivative, vogelinal (1), together with thirteen known compounds (2–14). The structures of the isolates were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses (1D and 2D NMR, ESI-MS) and by comparison with previously reported data. All the compounds were tested for their antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial activities. Compound 7 exhibited the highest antioxidant potential, with RSa 50 of 11.80 ± 2.13 µg/mL, RSa 50 of 42.60 ± 6.32 µg/mL and RC50 of 51.60 ± 7.71 µg/mL for the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assay, respectively. Compound 13 displayed weak antifungal effect with MIC value of 125 μg/mL against Candida parapsilosis. Compound 8 showed weak antibacterial effect with MIC value of 125 μg/mL, against Shigella dysenteria. The present study, conclude that this species could be a promising source of antioxidant and antibacterial constituents.

Antiproliferative Effects of Methanolic Root Extracts of Eichhornia crassipes Against a Skin Melanoma Cell Line: An In Vitro Study.

Background Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, accounting for 3% of all malignant cancers. Phytochemicals and their related compounds are found in various parts of the plant Eichhorniacrassipes and have a variety of pharmacological actions. The current research was intended to compare and evaluate the anti-proliferative action of methanolic extracts of E. crassipes roots and petioles against the Sloan Kettering Melanoma (SK-Mel-5) cell line. Materials and methods The waters around Ezhikkara, Ernakulum, Kerala, were discovered to contain E. crassipes. We used a Soxhlet extractor to get this concentrated liquid. For this test, we employed a methanolic extract of roots and petioles to determine the extent to which different concentrations of the extract inhibited cell proliferation. Data on absorbance were reported as a mean standard deviation. Using Probit analysis, the IC50 was calculated by evaluating the gradient of the regression line to get a value. Results Concentrations of methanolic root and petiole extracts of 12.5 µg/ml, 25 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml, and 200 µg/ml were analyzed. The methanol petiole extract reduced the viability of SK-Mel-5 cells more than the root extract, with IC50 values of 323.59 µg/ml and 174.70 µg/ml of the test sample concentration, respectively. The regression equation for the root extract was y = -0.1264x + 90.902 and R2 = 0.845, and for the petiole extract, it was y = -0.2187x + 88.206 and R2 = 0.917. Conclusion The current study found that increasing the concentration of methanolic extracts of roots and petioles of E. crassipes exhibited an increased cell growth inhibition rate. However, methanolic petiole extracts were more cytotoxic than the roots. Thus, the current study demonstrated the therapeutic use of E. crassipes as an anticancer agent, thereby providing a valuable alternative for enabling the early management of melanoma.

Insight into the phytochemical, biological, and in silico studies of Erythrina suberosa roxb.: A source of novel therapeutic bioactive products from a medicinal plant

BackgroundErythrina suberosa (E. suberosa) Roxb. also known as corky coral tree is used as a folklore medicine to treat ulcers and piles. This study explored the phytochemical profiles of methanol and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts from the aerial, root, and flower parts of E. suberosa. MethodTotal bioactive contents, high-performance liquid chromatography array (HPLC-PDA) polyphenolic quantification, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) analysis were used to evaluate the phytochemical profile. Biological potential was evaluated by determining their antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, Phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating) and enzyme inhibitory (cholinesterase, amylase, glucosidase, and tyrosinase) effects. ResultsThe phenolic (46.26 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (32.46 mg QE/g extract) contents were found to be highest in the methanolic extract of roots (EsR-M). HPLC-PDA analysis determined the presence of numerous bioactive compounds, including catechin, syringic acid, p-hydroxy benzoic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, epicatechin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, carvacrol, sinapinic acid, and naringenin in considerable amounts. A total of 143 phytochemicals, belonging to phenolic, flavonoid, coumarin, terpenoid, chalcone, saponin, and glycoside classes, were tentatively identified by UHPLC-MS analysis. Aerial methanolic extract (EsA-M) exhibited highest radical scavenging (DPPH 86.81 mgTE/g extract, ABTS 245.17 mgTE/g extract) as well as reducing potential (FRAP 177.12 mgTE/g extract, CUPRAC 177.12 mgTE/g extract). Likewise, it was also noted to be most active for BChE (5.70 mg GALAE/g extract) and tyrosinase inhibition (148.35 mg KAE/g extract). While, roots-DCM extract (EsR-D) presented considerable inhibition for AChE (4.69 mg GALAE/g extract) and amylase (0.81 mmol ACAE/g extract) enzymes. Coreopsin, davallioside A, and isovitexin were docked to tyrosinase to depict possible interaction. ConclusionThis study has established baseline data on the biological and phytochemical profile of E.suberosa which was found to possess antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties which tend to validate its traditional uses. However, further studies to identify the molecular targets responsible for these activities are warranted which could be explored as a functional food.

The mitigative effect of lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) extract on acute alcoholism through activation of alcohol catabolic enzyme, reduction of oxidative stress, and protection of liver function.

Lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) is a common medicinal-food dual-use vegetable. In this study, the effects of lotus root extract on acute alcoholism were investigated. The Walle-Hoch method was used to determine the ADH activity of lotus root extracts in vitro. Lotus root methanol extract were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS based metabolomics analysis. Then 109 active ingredients with achievable oral doses and drug-like properties were explored using the TCMSP platform. SwissTargetPrediction Database to predict lotus root treatment targets for acute alcoholismSTRING database (https://www.string-db.org/) was used to construct protein-protein interaction network graphs. Gene ontology (GO) functional, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of genes common to lotus root and alcoholism by Metascap database. Molecular docking simulations were performed using AutoDock 1.5.6 software. Animal experiments verified the relieving effect of lotus root extract on acute alcoholism after intervention. Results indicated the methanol extract of lotus root showed the highest activation rate of ethanol dehydrogenase in vitro (18.87%). The 433 compounds of lotus root methanol extract were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS based metabolomics analysis. Bioinformatics analysis indicate that there were 224 intersectioning targets between lotus root extract and acute alcoholism. KEGG enrichment analysised shows that lotus root extract may play a role in treating acute alcoholism by intervening with the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) analysis found that HSP90AA1, MAPK1 and STAT3 played a key role in lotus root extract-modulated PPI networks. Molecular docking showed that (7R, 8S)-dihydrodihydrodipine cypressol had the best binding ability with MAPK1. Experiments in mice indicate that lotus root extract improved the activity of liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), increase glutathione (GSH) and reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, decrease glutamate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in the serum of mice with acute alcoholism, and accelerate the metabolic rate of alcohol after drinking. This study reveals the mechanism of lotus root to alleviate acute alcoholism, which provides a basis for further research on functional foods using lotus root and offers new possibilities for the treatment of acute alcoholism. The results of the current study showed that the methanolic extract of lotus root had the highest activation rate of ethanol dehydrogenase. Network pharmacology results suggest that lotus root extract may play a role in the treatment of alcoholism by regulating signaling pathways, such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, as well as biological processes, such as regulation of secretion, regulation of ion transport, response to lipopolysaccharides, and response to alcohol. Animal experiments confirmed the therapeutic effect of lotus root on acute alcoholism mechanistically through activation of alcohol catabolic enzyme, reduction of oxidative stress and protection of liver function.

Rhizophora mucronata Lam., a halophyte from Mauritius Island, inhibits the entry of Zika virus in human cells (A549)- an in vitro and in silico analysis

The recent appearance of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil should serve as a wake-up call to international authorities, as it poses a threat to global public health. In the present study, we investigated whether a mangrove plant, Rhizophora mucronata Lam. (R. mucronata) collected in Mauritius, possesses anti-ZIKV activity at the non-cytotoxic doses. ZIKVMC-MR766NIID (ZIKVGFP) was used for assessing anti ZIKV activity. In silico docking (Autodock 4) and molecular simulation were performed on collected data. Using a recombinant ZIKV expressing reporter green fluorescent protein(GFP) protein, we discovered that fruit and root methanolic, decocted fruit and root extracts were effective inhibitors of ZIKV infection in human epithelial A549 cells at negligible cytotoxicity. The mechanisms by which such extracts prevented ZIKV infection are linked to the inability of the virus to attach to the host cell surface. The outcomes of this study were supported by the docking calculations in which some of the dominant compounds have shown high binding affinity against ZIKV. The scientific data gathered in this study might pave the way for the future development of possible R. mucronata inhibitors to combat ZIKV.f Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Phytochemical Screening and Acute oral Toxicity Study of Root Extracts of Combretum hereroense Schinz and Balanites aegyptiaca Del. Traditionally Used to Treat Female Infertility in Baringo County, Kenya

Aims: To carry out phytochemical screening and acute oral toxicity test to validate their safety and efficacy.&#x0D; Study Design: Standard phytochemical screening tests were used to highlight phytochemical compounds of roots of the plants. The evaluation of acute toxicity of the root extracts of the plants followed the model of Acute Toxicity Class based on OECD 423 Guideline, 2001.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: The study was undertaken at the Department of Chemistry &amp; Biochemistry for the extraction for samples extraction and phytochemical screening. Acute oral toxicity studies were done at the Department of Biological Sciences for acute toxicity study, University of Eldoret, Between June and September 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Phytochemical screening for presence of Tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, anthocyanin, terpenoids, steroids, coumarins, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates were carried out. Acute oral toxicity studies were done using the fixed dose method at a dose of 2000mg/kg body weights of rats. Three groups were used: control and test groups for each of the respective plant root extracts. Signs of toxicity and/or mortality were monitored daily for 14 days. Weekly fasting body weights were also recorded.&#x0D; Results: The phytochemical screening results showed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, anthocyanin, terpenoids, steroids, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates present in the root extract of Combretum hereroense. Tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, and carbohydrates were present in root extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca. Following the acute oral toxicity study, there were no abnormalities observed in physiological parameters. In addition, no deaths were recorded during the study period. The LD50 was therefore greater than 2000 mg/kg. The fasting body weights of extract treated rats increased stably compared to the control [p = .05].&#x0D; Conclusion: The results showed C. hereroense and B. aegyptiaca methanol root extracts were considered safe in acute oral exposure. Long-term toxicity studies are needed for further toxicological profile elicitation of the plant, and a possible reinforcement of clinical relevance of the results of laboratory studies.