Methanolic Extracts Of Different Parts Research Articles

Investigation of antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory effects and total secondary metabolite quantification of Ornithogalum nutans L. methanol

This study was designed to determine the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of methanol extracts of different parts (aerial and bulb) of Ornithogalum nutans as well as to investigate the total phenolic and flavonoid amounts. While the total phenolic content of the extracts varied between 1.43±0.01/3.05±0.04 mg GAE/g of extract equivalent, the total flavonoid amount varied between 0.33±0.01/1.79±0.02 mg QE/g. Antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH, ABTS, ß-Carotene/Linoleic acid, CUPRAC, and FRAP methods. The antioxidant activity studies determined that the aerial methanol extract exhibited a higher activity than the bulb. Acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory activities of the extracts were determined, and the extracts showed lower activity than galantamine (89.41±0.05 %) and kojic acid (89.41±0.05 %) used as standard. The results reveal the potential of O. nutans extracts to be used in pharmacological studies in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Phytochemical analysis, biological activities of methanolic extracts and an isolated flavonoid from Tunisian Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss: an in vitro and in silico investigations

In recent years, due to the dramatic increase of the bacteria resistance to antibiotics and chemotherapeutic drugs, an increasing importance is given to the discovery of novel bioactive molecules, more potent than those in use. In this contest, methanol extracts of different parts of the medicinal plant Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss. (Plumbaginaceae), widely occurring in Tunisia, were prepared to evaluate the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. The methanol extract of the roots showed the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and E. faecalis, whereas the stem extract exhibited the highest antiproliferative effects towards a Hela cell line. Analysis of volatile fractions, using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC–FID) techniques, led to the identification of camphor as the most abundant constituent, which represented from 84.85 to 99.48% of the methanol extracts. Multiple chromatographic separation of the methanol leaf extract afforded the flavonoid maeopsin-6-O-glucoside (S1) and a few fractions that were subjected to biological activity assays. One fraction exhibited interesting antibacterial activity against E. coli and E. faecalis (MIC values of 62.5 and 78.12 µg/mL, respectively), and antiproliferative effects against Hela and A549 cells (IC50 = 226 and 242.52 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, in silico studies indicated that maesopsin-6-O-glucoside, which was moderately active against Staphylococcus aureus, strongly interacted with the active site of the accessory gene regulator protein A (AgrA) of Staphylococcus aureus.

Analysis of phytochemical constituent and biological significance of rhododendrons collected from capital of Laliguras, Laliguras municipality, Tehrathum district, Nepal

The largest genus of the Ericaceae family, Rhododendron includes an inspiring number of species. Some of which have been used in the treatment of various ailments such as diseases associated with heart, dysentery, diarrhea, detoxification, fever, constipation, bronchitis and asthma around the world including Nepal. However, systematic study on phytochemistry and pharmacology of Rhododendrons grown in the Capital of Laliguras, Laliguras Municipality, Tehrathum of Nepal is lacking. So this study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity, α-amylase inhibition activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Rhododendron arboretum and Rhododendron campanulatum from Laliguras Municipality, Tehrathum of Nepal. Plant extracts were prepared in methanol by cold percolation method. Phytochemical constituents were analyzed by following standard methods. Antioxidant activity was measured through 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were estimated using Folin–Ciocalteau and aluminum chloride method respectively. Alpha amylase inhibition assay was carried out by starch iodine method. Phytochemical screening of methanolic extract of flower and leaf of R. arboretum and leaves of R. campanulatum displayed the presence of different chemical constituents such as flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, saponins and quinins. Samples showed dose-dependent radical scavenging and α-amylase inhibition activity. Radical scavenging activity and α-amylase inhibition activity of the methanolic extracts of different parts of R. arboretum and R. campanulatum ranged from 19.46 to 95.88% and 13.23 to 68.44% respectively. Flower extracts of R. arboreum showing the strongest radical scavenging activity and α-amylase inhibition with IC50 values 33.61 and 443.44 μg/mL respectively. Among the tested samples, flower extract of R. arboretum showed the strongest antioxidant activity, alpha amylase inhibition activity and contained the highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid content.

Chemical profiling and in-vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity of Sesbania sesban and Sesbania grandiflora seeds

ABSTRACT S. sesban is mainly used as economical purpose and S. grandiflora is known for medicinal as well as economical. Chemical characterization and antidiabetic activity of seed extracts were not explored yet. Seeds of S. sesban and S. grandiflora were separated in seed coat, germ, and endosperm by domestic grinder mixer. Successive soxhlet extraction of separated parts of Sesbania seed were carried out. Chemical profiling of methanolic extract was carried out by GC-MS, HPLC, and in vitro alpha amylase inhibitory assay. D-pinitol was found to be maximum (48.39%) in seed coat and minimum in seed (8.35%) of methanolic extracts of Sesbania seed. Alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of methanolic extracts of different parts were also studied in which DSSh, DSSp, & DSSe showed similar IC50 to acarbose, antidiabetic drugs. The result showed that S. sesban and S. grandiflora seed and endosperm is rich in health promoting mineral like Na (241 mg/100 gm and 238 mg/100 gm), K (103.1 mg/100 gm) and (60.2 mg/100 gm), Ca (525 mg/100 gm) and (500 mg/100 gm) and Fe (67.5 and 91.9 mg/100 gm). Hence, it is similar to some edible legumes which possess bioactive compound with therapeutic value and can be efficiently explored for the development of new functional or nutraceutically valued food products.

Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Angelica sylvestris L. var. stenoptera Avé-Lall ex Boiss.: An Endangered Medicinal Plant of Northeast Turkey.

Angelica sylvestris L. var. stenoptera Avé-Lall ex Boiss. (ASS) is an endangered endemic plant to Turkey. The objective of the study was to determine antioxidant activities, total phenolics, and phytochemical properties of methanolic extracts (MEs) and essential oil (EO) from ASS for the first time with the methods of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH⋅) radical scavenging activities, 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS⋅+ ), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), the Folin-Ciocalteu, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The leaf extract of ASS was found to be the richest in phenolic content (543.91±6.33 GAE, μg/mL) and showed the highest DPPH⋅ and FRAP activities (IC50 : 0.1140±0.0011 mg/mL, 675.62±15.01 μM TEAC). EO of ASS root showed DPPH⋅ and FRAP activities (IC50 : 1.3248±0.0572 mg/mL, 346.67±12.75 μM TEAC). 19 phenolics were detected in MEs of different parts of ASS by LC/MS/MS. In the chemical composition of ASS root EO by GC/MS, globulol (70.70 %) was found to be the major compound. Our results indicate that ASS can be used a source of phytochemicals and antioxidants for conservation and sustainability of endangered plants.

Extraction, Isolation and Characterization by HPLC-ESI-MS and Evaluating Chemical Constituents of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of the Invasive Weed Cleome viscosa L.

The aim of this study was to extract, identify and isolate the chemical constituents of the root and leaves of Cleome viscosa by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). The antioxidant activity and content of associated secondary metabolites in the extracts from different parts of the plant were also measured. The free radical scavenging activity of the methanol extracts of different parts of C viscosa was determined using DPPH assays. A wide range of polar and non- polar compounds were characterized by LC-ESI-MS. Based on the obtained results, 22 and 21 compounds were characterized in the extracts of leaf and root of C viscosa, respectively. Among these compounds, cleomeolide and 57,4′.trihydroxy-6,3.5-trimethoxyflavone, in the leaf extract, and nevirapine and vincetoxicoside A, in the root extract, were considered as main compounds. Phytochemical analysis also showed that the content of bioactive compounds varied remarkably in the extract of different parts of C viscosa. The leaf ethanol extract contained higher amounts of secondary metabolites, namely total phenols and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was also dependent on the plant parts, which was significantly correlated with the content of bioactive compounds studied. A strong free radical scavenging activity was observed for the methanol extract of the leaf (50.3%), followed by the flower (35.2%). In general, this study confirmed a wide range of compounds in different parts of the invasive weed C viscosa, especially in the leaf, with a high free radical scavenging activity.

Screening of potential cytotoxic activities of some medicinal plants of Saudi Arabia

Phytochemicals from plant extracts belong to an important source of natural products which have demonstrated excellent cytotoxic activities. However, plants of different origins exhibit diverse chemical composition and bioactivities. Therefore, discovery of plants based new anticancer agents from different parts of the world is always challenging. In this study, methanolic extracts of different parts of 11 plants from Saudi Arabia have been tested in vitro for their anticancer potential on human liver cancer cell line (HepG2). Particularly, for this study, plants from Asteraceae, Resedaceae and Polygonaceae families were chosen on the basis of locally available ethnobotanical data and their medicinal properties. Among 12 tested extract samples, three samples obtained from Artemisia monosperma stem, Ochradenus baccatus aerial parts and Pulicaria glutinosa stem have demonstrated interesting cytotoxic activities with a cell viability of 29.3%, 28.4% and 24.2%, respectively. Whereas, four plant extracts including Calendula arvensis aerial parts, Scorzonera musilii whole plant, A. monosperma leaves show moderate anticancer properties bearing a cell viability ranging from 11.9 to 16.7%. The remaining extracts have shown poor cytotoxic activities. Subsequently, GC-MS analysis of methanolic extracts of four most active plants extracts such as C. comosum, O. baccatus, P. glutinosa and A. monosperma detected the presence of 41 phytomolecules. Among which 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionitrile (1), 8,11-octadecadiynoic acid methyl ester (2), 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin (3) and 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl) ethenone (4) were found to be the lead compounds of C. comosum, O. baccatus P. glutinosa and A. monosperma, respectively.

Hunting for bis-bibenzyls in Primula veris subsp. macrocalyx (Bunge) Lüdi: Organ-specific accumulation and cytotoxic activity

Twenty-one accessions of Primula veris subsp. macrocalyx (Primulaceae) were chemically analyzed to clarify the presence of naturally rare macrocyclic bis-bibenzyls (BB). These compounds are typically found in liverworts but not known from higher plants, with the exception of the species under study. However, data are scarce concerning organ specific accumulation of BB in populations of the Primula. Comparative HPLC profiling of methanolic extracts of different parts of the plants revealed that these compounds are predominantly accumulated in the rhizome parts of the plant, in varying and sometimes quite small amounts. This is suggestive for a possible role as dihydrostilbenoid phytoalexins. Riccardin C was isolated as the main BB derivative, and its structure was elucidated on basis of NMR and mass spectral data, which is in alignment with earlier publications. In addition, cytotoxic bioassays of structurally related BB riccardin C, perrottetin F, perrottetin E, and marchantin A, were carried out against three human cancer cell lines, the non-small cell lung carcinoma – A549, the colon carcinoma – SW480, and the ovarian teratocarcinoma −CH1/PA‐1, respectively. Riccardin C and perrottetin E showed a pronounced activity in concentrations between 23–36 μM with low dependence on intrinsic resistance of the cell lines. These tests might be a useful basis for future research. The possible ecological role of BB accumulation in the rhizomes of Primula is briefly addressed.

Tamarix articulata Extracts Exhibit Antioxidant Activity and Offer Protection against Hydrogen Peroxide-Mediated Toxicity to Human Skin Fibroblasts.

Tamarix articulata (TA) is a wild halophytic plant growing in extremely harsh environmental conditions in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Evaluating the protective effect of the methanolic extract of different parts (fresh and dry leaves, stem, and root) of TA was determined by MTT assay using Hs27 skin fibroblasts as the cellular model. The study was designed and conducted in two sets. The first set assesses the toxicity profile of TA extracts in both concentration- and time-dependent ways on Hs27 cells. Our MTT results showed that methanolic extracts from all four parts of TA at varying doses (27.5, 55, 110, and 220 μg/mL) display negligible toxicity when exposed for 4 h. However, exposure of Hs27 cells to varying doses of all four TA extracts for 24 and 48 h promotes significant 23%, 24%, 26%, and 25% (p < 0.05) and 35%, 36%, 39%, and 41% (p < 0.05) cell toxicity at 220 μg/mL of all four TA extracts compared to untreated control cells. To evaluate the protection offered by TA extracts against H₂O₂, we perform a second set of experiments to preincubate Hs27 cells with the TA extracts in both dose- and time-dependent way. This is followed by 300 μM hydrogen peroxide- (H₂O₂-) mediated oxidative insult for 1 h. Using MTT assay, we found that methanolic extracts of TA at different time points (4, 24, and 48 h) and higher doses (220 μg/mL) provide significant protection in cell viability when challenged with H2O2-induced oxidative stress in Hs27 cells. The protective effect was more pronounced at 48 h and 220 μg/mL and the amounts were 39%, 41%, 41%, and 44% for stem, root, fresh leaf, and dry leaf TA extracts (p < 0.05), respectively, compared to untreated cells (2–4%). Collectively, the current study demonstrates that methanolic extracts of TA contain potential bioactive compounds and offer significant protection against H2O2-mediated oxidative stress in Hs27 skin fibroblasts.

Bioassay screening of 12 Iranian plants and detection of antibacterial compounds from Heracleum persicum using a TLC bioautography method

Allium paradoxum, Buxus hyrcana, Convolvulus persicus, Cyclamen coum, Eryngium caucasicum, Heracleum persicum, Pimpinella affinis, Parrotia persica, Primula heterochroma, Pyrus boissieriana, Ruscus hyrcanus, and Smilax excelsa are some medicinal and food flavoring plants found in the Hyrcanian forests in Iran. This study was designed to determine the most potent antibacterial compounds from the plants. The MIC values of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of different parts of the plants (63 extracts) were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, B. cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella entritidis. The antibacterial compounds of the most potent extracts were determined by TLC bioautography, against S. aureus. According to the results, the n-hexane extract of the roots of H. persicum was selected to identify its bioactive phytochemicals. In the following, eight furanocoumarins, heratomin, xanthotoxin, isobergapten, bergapten, pimpinellin, isopimpinellin, moellendorffilin, and sphondin were identified by comparing with purified standards in different solvent systems. Among these compounds, moellendorffilin played a dominant role and exhibited significant activities against S. aureus, B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, and S. entritidis, with MIC values 31.25, 31.25, 62.5, and 15.62 µg/mL, respectively. Accordingly, H. persicum could be regarded as a promising high-potential plant and inexpensive source of antibacterial compounds for the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Comparison of Total Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activities of Different Parts of the Endemic Plant Geranium ibericum subsp. jubatum

This paper includes the results of the first study on the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of endemic species Geranium ibericum subsp. jubatum found in Turkey. In this study, the methanol extracts of different parts (leaf, stem, flower, and root) of the Geranium ibericum subsp. jubatum exhibited different free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The synthetic antioxidant BHT and the natural antioxidant α-tocopherol were evaluated as a positive control and compared with methanol extracts of the plant parts. There was a positive correlation between the total phenolic content and the free radical scavenging activity in different parts of Geranium ibericum. It has been found that the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found in the roots. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH) showed statistically significant differences among the different parts of the G. ibericum subsp. jubatum (p&amp;lt;0.05).

Studies on the Antioxidant Property of Some Weeds Found in Agricultural Fields

The object of the present study was to determine the phenols, flavonoids contents and antioxidant potential of some weeds growing in agriculture fields. Ten common weed species viz. Acalypha indica (kuppi), Amaranthus spinosus (kanta chaulai), Argemone Mexicana (satyanashi), Bacopa monnieri (brahmi), Calotropis procera (aak), Cannabis sativa (bhang), Cuscuta reflexa (amar bel), Mimosa pudica (chui-mui), Tinospora cordifolia (gulbel) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) were assessed for the secondary metabolites content and antioxidant potential in the different parts of these plants. Methanolic extracts were prepared by the maceration method. Total phenolic, flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging activity and reducing power of methanolic extracts of different parts of weeds were performed using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Maximum content of phenolics were reported in Withania somnifera (295.48±1.9 mg GAE/g) and lowest in Mimosa pudica (7.86±0.6 mg GAE/g). The flavonoid content was also reported to be highest in Withania somnifera (108.43±1.4 mg QE/g) and lowest in Mimosa pudica (9.12±0.2 mg QE/g). All the species of weeds having high phenol and flavonoid content, also have strong antioxidant potential in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging activity and reducing power of different extracts. The DPPH inhibition (%) was reported to be highest in Withania somnifera leaves (89%) and lowest inhibition in DPPH radical was observed by Mimosa pudica leaves (20%). The nitric oxide scavenging activity was also reported to be highest (93%) in Withania somnifera leaves and lowest (25%) in Mimosa pudica leaves. The reducing power of these extracts also exhibited the same pattern with highest reducing power shown by leaves of Withania somnifera (90%) and lowest (10%) in Mimosa pudica leaves. Our results demonstrate that, these weeds could be a potential source of natural antioxidants in future for the pharmaceutical industry.

Polyphenolic profiling of two Embelia spp. endemic to South Western Ghats of India by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry analysis

This study for the first time illustrates a comprehensive picture of the phenolic composition of Embelia adnata and Embelia gardneriana by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analysis with ESI in negative ionisation. The analysis was performed in the methanolic extracts of different parts of these two species separately and identifies 54 individual phenolic compounds present in them. Among this by individual 36 and 28 compounds were recorded from E. adnata and E. gardneriana, respectively, and in this, 10 compounds were common in both the two species. The detected compounds come under the classes flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, isoflavonoids, benzenoids, coumarins, stilbens, chalcones, polyphenols, gallic acid derivatives, tannins and different derivatives of various organic acids.

UHPLC-QTOF-MS phytochemical profiling and in vitro biological properties of Rhamnus petiolaris (Rhamnaceae)

The genus Rhamnus has a great attention as source of bioactive compounds. So, this work aimed to investigate phytochemical profile and biological activity of water and methanolic extracts of different parts of Rhamnus petiolaris Boiss. & Balansa, namely twigs, leaves, mature and unmature fruits. The in vitro antioxidant activity, enzyme inhibitory properties, along with their polyphenol and anthraquinone profiles were determined by untargeted metabolomics. Results showed that methanolic and aqueous unmature fruit extracts were the most effective 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) scavenger (470.96 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g and 394.96 mg TE/g, respectively). The aqueous unmature fruit extract displayed the most potent cupric and ferric reducing power and showed the highest total phenolic contents (TPC) (137.17 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g). The methanolic twig extract showed the highest enzymatic inhibitory property against of α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). On the basis of the correlation coefficients calculated separately for all experimental parameter pairs, flavonols and anthocyanins highly correlated with DPPH, whereas tyrosols correlated with BChE activity. Multivariate statistics following untargeted metabolomics allowed to describe the differences in polyphenols and anthraquinones, as affected by the extraction solvent used. Mature and unmature fruits were substantially comparable and were affected in a similar way by the extraction conditions, while different profiles were recorded for Rhamnus leaves and twigs. These findings indicate that the recovery efficiencies of specific subclasses of compounds (above all when considering flavonoids, phenolic acids and anthraquinones) as a function of the matrix and extraction chosen, significantly affect the phytochemical profile and biological activity of Rhamnus.

An Approach to Evaluate Anti-arthritic and Thrombolytic Activity of Different parts of Solanum torvum Sw. (Solanaceae) and Smilax zeylanica L. (Liliaceae)

Phytochemical screening of chloroform and methanolic extracts of different parts of Solanum torvum and Smilax zeylanica was done. In vitro thrombolytic and anti-arthritic activities were assessed using the clot lysis method and egg albumin denaturation technique respectively. Between the chloroform and methanolic extracts, Chloroform extracts of both plants showed higher clot lysis activities (at 100 ppm solution). On the other hand, extracts of both plants performed better in terms of anti-arthritic activities (at 500 ppm solution). In the case of thrombolytic activity, between the plant extracts, the performance of S. torvum is higher compared to S. zeylanica plant. Among chloroform extracts of different plant parts, stem of S. torvum and root of S. zeylanica showed the highest, 35.44±1.89 % and 33.63±0.83 % activities respectively. Whereas, among the methanolic extracts of the plants, the root extracts of both plants showed the highest activities, 31.96±2.86 % for S. torvum and 32.01±1.46 % for S. zeylanica. In the case of anti-arthritic activity, the performance of S. zeylanica plant extracts is higher compared to that of S. torvum. Methanolic extract of leaf of S. zeylanica samples showed the best protein denaturation activity (52.38±2.12 %) followed by the Methanolic extract of stem sample of S. torvum (44.29±2.14 %).

INVESTIGATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY (IN VITRO) AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY PROFILING OF PORTULACA OLERACEA L. AND PORTULACA GRANDIFLORA HOOK. EXTRACTS

Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate the antioxidant activity (AOA) of the methanolic extracts of different parts of Portulaca oleracea and Portulaca grandiflora.&#x0D; Methods: The plant different parts were extracted with methanol. The methanolic extracts of both species were screened for 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging abilities and researched by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.&#x0D; Results: GC-MS analysis of P. oleracea root extract revealed the presence of 39 biologically active compounds. 32 biologically active compounds were identified in P. grandiflora root extract. Both extracts revealed the AOA.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of the investigation could be useful for further pharmacological and phytochemical researches to assess the beneficial properties of both these species.

In vitro antioxidant activity of Erycibe paniculata Roxb. - An ethnomedicinal plant.

Background:Erycibe paniculata Roxb. (Family-Convolvulaceae) has been reported for its potential ethno medicinal value. Leaf, stem, bark, and root of this plant are being used either single or in the mixture of the whole part in different disease conditions by different tribes.Aims and Objectives:The aim and objective of this study is to assess the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of different parts (leaf, stem, bark, and root) of Erycibe paniculata Roxb (E. paniculata).Materials and Methods:Different in-vitro assay such as free radical-scavenging assay by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate method, reducing power, super oxide radical scavenging, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays were used to determine the antioxidant activity of different parts of E. paniculata. Ascorbic acid, sodium nitrite, and gallic acid were used as the standards for antioxidant activity.Results:The percentage inhibition for all methods were plotted against different concentration and suggested that the obtained activities were concentration and dose depended. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of methanolic extract of leaf, stem, bark, and root of E. paniculata in different in vitro activities exhibited significant antioxidant activity. Methanolic extract of bark showed higher IC50 value in all antioxidant assays than other parts of E. paniculata.Conclusion:Methanolic extract of leaf, stem, bark, and root of E. paniculata has potential antioxidant activity.

Dendrobium nobile orchid in traditional medicine-A phytochemical analysis

The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the native orchid Dendrobium nobile was taken into consideration to validate the uses in traditional medicine. Methanol extracts of different parts of Dendrobium nobile reveal the presence of bioactive compounds such as, Vitamin A Aldehyde; Longifolene; 1-Heptatriacotanol; Z, Z-6, 28-Heptatriactontadien-2-One and Dendroban-12-One. The pharmaceutical properties would draw attention of the modern medical science.

Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content of Berberis aristata DC. and Berberis thomsoniana C.K. Schneid. from Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Background: Medicinal plants are the major sources of the crude drugs and natural antioxidants. Berberis species have been used in the treatment of various ailments around the world including Nepal. However, systematic study on phytochemistry and pharmacology of Berberis species from Nepal is lacking. Objectives: To evaluate the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Berberis aristata and Berberis thomsoniana from Sagarmatha National Park. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity was measured through 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were estimated using Folin–Ciocalteau and aluminum chloride method respectively. Results: Samples showed dose-dependent radical scavenging activity. Radical scavenging activity of the methanolic extracts of different parts of B. aristata and B. thomsoniana ranged from 19.38 to 98.47%, with leaf extracts of B. thomsoniana showing the strongest activity. The total phenolic content of the samples varied from 11.04 to 65.30 mg GAE g-1 dry weight whereas total flavonoid content was in between 2.4 to 16.46 mg quercetin/g dry weight. Conclusion: Among the tested samples, leaf extracts of B. thomsoniana showed the strongest antioxidant activity and contained the highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid content.

Inhibitory effects of methanol extracts of selected plants on proliferation of two human melanoma cell lines

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to investigate the in vitro antiproliferative activity of methanolic extracts of six plants regardless of their claimed ethnopharmacological application.Methods: Methanol extracts of different parts of Glycyrrhizaglabra L. (Licorice), Matricaria chamomilla L. (Chamomile), Salvia triloba L. (Sage), Rheum palmatum L. (Rhubarb), Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fenugreek) and Sambucusebulus L. (Dwarf Elder) were prepared. The antiproliferative effects of the extracts were tested on two skin cancer melanoma cell lines namely A375.S2 (low tyrosinase expression) and WM 136.1A (high tyrosinase expression) using MTT assay. The IC50 values for the active extracts were determined against the two melanoma cell lines.Results: The methanolic extracts of G.glabra, M. chamomilla, S. triloba, R. palmatum inhibited the melanotic WM1361A proliferation in a dose-dependent manner revealing IC50 values of 35.2, 25.2, 20.6, 17.8, μg/ml, respectively but not A375.S2 cell line. However, the extracts of T. foenum-graecum and S. ebulus did not exhibit any significant cytotoxic activity on both melanoma cell lines.Conclusion: The results of these experiments show that methanol extracts of licorice, chamomile, sage and rhubarb have significant antiproliferative activity onWM1361A cell line; a representative human melanotic melanocyte tumor cell line. This renders these plants as potential sources of new lead compounds for the development of new drugs for melanoma cancer.Keywords: Melanoma, Plant extract, tyrosinase, Licorice, Chamomile, Sage, Rhubarb, WM1361A