Methanolic Leaf Extract Research Articles

Comparison of Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extract of Young and Old Leaves of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.)

Avocado plants (Persea americana Mill.) are widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Avocado leaves contain natural antioxidants for traditional medicine. This study aims to determine the total phenolic content, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity values of young and old avocado leaves, and analyze the relationship between total phenol content and total flavonoids to the antioxidant activity value of avocado leaf methanol extract (Persea americana Mill.). The macerated avocado leaf extract was quantitatively tested for antioxidant activity using the DPPH method and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were calculated using the Follin-Ciocalteu and Follin-Ciocalteu methods, respectively.The results showed that the highest total phenolic content of old avocado leaves was 1.682,27mg GAE/100g dry weight. The highest total flavonoid content of avocado old leaves was 3.858,96mg QE/100g dry weight. Antioxidant activity of methanol extract of young avocado leaves has a value of IC50 321.32 ± 80.43 ppm and avocado old leaves amounted to 288.54 ± 33.06 ppm. Total flavonoid content was more influential on antioxidant activity, with a correlation coefficient of 0.856

In Vitro and In Vivo Nephrotoxicity Evaluation of the Methanol Extract of Ficus deltoidea Jack Leaf

In Vitro and In Vivo Nephrotoxicity Evaluation of the Methanol Extract of Ficus deltoidea Jack Leaf

Identification of Anastatica hierochuntica L. Methanolic-Leaf-Extract-Derived Metabolites Exhibiting Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activities: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

There is a growing interest in the discovery of novel xanthine oxidase inhibitors for gout prevention and treatment with fewer side effects. This study aimed to identify the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory potential and drug-likeness of the metabolites present in the methanolic leaf extract of Anastatica (A.) hierochuntica L. using in vitro and in silico models. The extract-derived metabolites were identified by liquid-chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass-spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Molecular docking predicted the XO inhibitory activity of the identified metabolites and validated the best scored in vitro XO inhibitory activities for experimental verification, as well as predictions of their anticancer, pharmacokinetic, and toxic properties; oral bioavailability; and endocrine disruption using SwissADMET, PASS, ProTox-II, and Endocrine Disruptome web servers. A total of 12 metabolites, with a majority of flavonoids, were identified. Rutin, quercetin, and luteolin flavonoids demonstrated the highest ranked docking scores of -12.39, -11.15, and -10.43, respectively, while the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of these metabolites against XO activity were 11.35 µM, 11.1 µM, and 21.58 µM, respectively. In addition, SwissADMET generated data related to the physicochemical properties and drug-likeness of the metabolites. Similarly, the PASS, ProTox-II, and Endocrine Disruptome prediction models stated the safe and potential use of these natural compounds. However, in vivo studies are necessary to support the development of the prominent and promising therapeutic use of A. hierochuntica methanolic-leaf-extract-derived metabolites as XO inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemic and gout patients. Furthermore, the predicted findings of the present study open a new paradigm for these extract-derived metabolites by revealing novel oncogenic targets for the potential treatment of human malignancies.

Molecular characterization of methanol extract of Artemisia annua leaf and its antifungal activity on clinical isolates of Candida albicans

Molecular characterization of methanol extract of Artemisia annua leaf and its antifungal activity on clinical isolates of Candida albicans

Effects of Methanolic Leaf-extract of Costus pictus D. Don on Swiss Albino Mice with Hyperglycemia Associated Renal Complications

Effects of Costus pictus leaf extract (CPLE) in ameliorating the adverse outcomes of hyperglycemia-associated renal injury is investigated in Swiss Albino Mice. To induce renal injury associated with hyperglycemia, adult mice were given intraperitoneal injections of Streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in 0.5mol citrate buffer for five days. Animals were divided into five groups, namely CMC (vehicle control group, receiving only carboxy methyl cellulose), DC (Disease control group, receiving only STZ and without any treatment), GLD (positive control group, receiving standard drug glibenclamide), LD (experimental group treated with CPLE at 250 mg/kg bw) and HD (experimental group treated with CPLE at 500 mg/kg bw). After a rearing/treatment regimen of 4 weeks, animals were sacrificed to analyze various parameters. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) based area under the curve of plasma glucose (AUCglucose), kidney index, lipid profiling, serum, urine parameters (creatinine, albumin, urea), antioxidant studies and kidney histopathology were carried out. It was found that harmful lipids like cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein-C (LDL-C) levels were significantly elevated in the DC group, whereas LD, HD and GLD showed a tendency towards normalcy. Urine and serum parameters also showed the same trend in treatments and the GLD group, whereas the DC group showed steep abnormalities. Antioxidant study also reveals that treatment with CPLE, balances antioxidant activity by mitigating the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Histopathological investigations displayed significant disruptions in the microstructure of glomeruli of the DC group compared to both the treatments and GLD groups. These preliminary findings indicate that CPLE shows a trend to ameliorate hyperglycemia-associated renal complications and demands further detailed study.

Antioxidant evaluation and bio-guided isolation from methanol leaf extract of Acalypha godseffiana

Acalypha godesffiana is a plant used in conventional medicine for fungal-related illnesses. The plant‘s extracts were investigated in this study, antioxidant, and antimicrobial studies were conducted. Different models were employed in the antioxidant assay; serial dilution was utilized to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The extract from A. godseffiana was purified and characterized by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, respectively. Three biologically active compounds, 3, 5-dihdroxylbenzoic acid (1), 3, 4, 5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (2), as well as Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (3), were identified for the first time in A. godseffiana. The extract and fractions exhibited varying scavenging capacities on different anti-oxidative models. The DPPH of MeOH (IC50= 0.51 mg mL^-1) was comparable with silymarine (SLY) IC50= 0.52 mg mL^-1 and better than gallic acid (GAL) IC50=1.95 mg mL^-1; the ABTS.+ of EtOAc column fraction (ACF, IC50=0.46 mg mL^-1) was comparable with standard SLY, IC50 = 0.47 mg mL^-1; and an OH radical of DCM, IC50= 0.10 mg mL^-1, was better than both standards (SLY, IC50= 6.30 mg mL^-1, GAL: IC50= 1.93 mg mL^-1). ACF showed superior antifungal activities (0.02 mg mL^-1) against Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans, compared to ketoconazole (MIC of 0.250 mg mL^-1). Compounds (1-3) from A. godseffina reportedly displayed antioxidant and other activities. This study validated the antifungal potentials of A. godseffiana leaves and identified bioactive compounds. The extracts should be further investigated, and the compounds should be added to the existing library for further investigation of possible leads.

In-vitro Anti-bacterial Activity of Methanol and Aqueous Crude Extracts of Horsfieldia iryaghedhi

Aims: Over the past two decades, the rise of multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacteria has posed a significant threat to global health. The urgent need for new treatment alternatives has brought attention to the potential of plants, which harbor a wealth of unexplored phytochemicals with therapeutic properties. This study aims to evaluate the anti-bacterial efficacy of methanol and aqueous extracts from the leaves and bark of Horsfieldia iryaghedhi In vitro. Methodology: Aqueous and methanol extracts were obtained from the cold maceration method. In vitro anti-bacterial activity of methanol and aqueous leaf, bark, and combination extracts were determined against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC® 25922) and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC® 25923). The anti-bacterial assay for different concentrations of each extract was conducted through the well-diffusion method, with Gentamycin serving as the positive control. Results: Methanol leaf and combination extracts of Horsfieldia iryaghedhi have shown a positive anti-bacterial response at their highest concentrations of 1000µg/mL and 500µg/mL against gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus while none of the extracts showed anti-bacterial activity against gram-negative E. coli at the experimented concentrations. Conclusion: The study concludes that methanol extracts of H.iryaghedhi should be further analyzed for their anti-bacterial activity, and there could be potential lead molecules that can be developed as antibiotics.

Tinospora malabarica leaf extract fractions-derived silver nanoparticles and their spectral characterisation: evaluation of their toxicity properties against agricultural pests Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera

ABSTRACT Our study specifically delves into the synthesis of AgNPs utilizing Tinospora malabarica leaf extract fractions (Tm-LMEFs) and explore their efficacy in combating the larvae have progressed to the synthesized AgNPs (Tm-AgNPS) and the leaf methanol extract fractions (LMEFs), our investigation focused on their impact on the targeted larvae species over a 24-h exposure period. Significantly noteworthy mortality rates were observed across all Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera post-treatment, indicating pronounced efficacy. Notably, the Tm-AgNPS exhibited higher toxicity compared to the LMEFs these selected polyphagous insect pests. Quantitative analysis yielded the highest mortality (98.99%/90.44% and 55.33%/49.60%) values for the synthesized Tm-AgNPs against S. litura and H. armigera, with no observed mortality in the control group. This study marks the first instance of exploring both Tm-LMEFs, Tm-AgNPs and enzyme activity have toxicity properties against selected agriculture pests, highlighting their promising role in pest management and environmental sustainability.

Discovery of procyanidin condensed tannins of (−)-epicatechin from Kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, as virucidal agents against SARS-CoV-2

Kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, is one of the most popular herbs in the West and Southeast Asia. A number of previous works have focused on bioactive alkaloids in this plant; however, non-alkaloids have never been investigated for their biological activities. Antiviral and virucidal assays of a methanol leaf extract of Kratom, M. speciosa, revealed that a crude extract displayed virucidal activity against the SARS-CoV-2. Activity-guided isolation of a methanol leaf extract of Kratom led to the identification of B-type procyanidin condensed tannins of (−)-epicatechin as virucidal compounds against SARS-CoV-2. The fraction containing condensed tannins exhibited virucidal activity with an EC50 value of 8.38 μg/mL and a selectivity index (SI) value >23.86. LC-MS/MS analysis and MALDI-TOF MS identified the structure of the virucidal compounds in Kratom as B-type procyanidin condensed tannins, while gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) revealed weight average molecular weight of 238,946 Da for high molecular-weight condensed tannins. In addition to alkaloids, (−)-epicatechin was found as a major component in the leaves of M. speciosa, but it did not have virucidal activity. Macromolecules of (−)-epicatechin, i.e., procyanidin condensed tannins, showed potent virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that the high molecular weights of these polyphenols are important for virucidal activity.

Attenuation of Cadmium Toxicity by Methanol Extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta leaves

Highlights:1. This study provides insight into the detrimental effect of cadmium exposure on mammalian cells using a murine model.2. The co-administration of Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta leaf extracts is more effective in ameliorating cadmium-induced toxicity than a single administration of each plant extract.3. The co-administration of Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta plant extracts can upregulate the expression of IL-10 and reverse the derangements in the TNF-α, IL-6, SOD, and GPX levels. Abstract Cadmium has long been known to be an environmental pollutant that can harm human health, with toxicity majorly affecting the kidneys and liver. This study aimed to investigate the mitigating potential of methanol extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta leaves in cadmium-induced liver toxicity. Twenty-five male adult Wistar rats, averagely weighing 200 g, were randomly allocated into five groups, each comprising five rats. Group 1 was unexposed to any substances and only received distilled water. Group 2 was given cadmium at a standard dose of 12 mg/kg bw. Groups 3, 4, and 5 received 12 mg/kg bw of cadmium, and each group was treated with 200 mg/kg bw of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaf extract, Aframomum melegueta leaf extract, and a combination of both extracts, respectively. After 28 days, the animals were euthanized to obtain their livers, which were then excised and processed for histopathological, mRNA expression, and biochemical analyses. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data, and Duncan multiple tests were employed to compare the categorical variables (p<0.05). The results revealed elevated levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) in the rats treated with Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta extracts when compared to Group 2. On the other hand, the treatment groups exhibited a significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels, along with significantly elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Group 5 showed a normal liver histoarchitecture similar to Group 1, reversing the histopathological abnormalities shown in Group 2. In conclusion, the co-administrative treatment using Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta extracts reversed the cadmium-induced toxicity better than using each plant extract individually. This further suggests that Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta leaf methanol extracts may ameliorate the effects of cadmium-induced toxicity, including reducing oxidative stress and fortifying the anti-oxidant system.

Phytochemical Screening, Acute Toxicity and Evaluation of in vitro Antiurolithaitic Activity of Ethanolic and Methanolic Root and Leaf Extracts of Acalypha indica Linn.

Phytochemical Screening, Acute Toxicity and Evaluation of in vitro Antiurolithaitic Activity of Ethanolic and Methanolic Root and Leaf Extracts of Acalypha indica Linn.

Neutralizing Effect of Solanum dasyphyllum Schumach. &Thonn Extract against Naja nigricollis Venom-induced Toxicity

Background: Clinical treatments for snakebite envenomation typically involve the administration of antivenom, which can lead to various side effects. However, due to the limitations of conventional antivenoms in effectively treating snakebite envenomation, scientists are now exploring alternative sources for potential antivenom compounds, particularly those derived from plants. Solanum dasyphyllum belongs to the Solanaceae family. This plant has been found to possess several beneficial properties, including neuromuscular, anti-poisoning, and antispasmodic effects. Aim of the Study: This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and the In-vivo detoxifying effect of S. dasyphyllum extract against N. nigricollis-induced toxicity. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening and anticoagulant assays were conducted using standard procedures. The neutralizing and detoxifying effects of S. dasyphyllum were investigated in-vivo using locally bred adult Swiss mice. The neutralizing effect was evaluated in mice by administering a mixture of N. nigricollis venom and methanol leaf extract of S. dasyphyllum (100-400 mg/kg). The detoxifying effect was investigated by administering S. dasyphyllum via the intramuscular route 10 minutes after inoculation with N. nigricollis venom through the intraperitoneal route. Results: The results of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, and the absence of anthraquinone and starch. The results of the clotting time of human blood treated with N. nigricollis venom showed a significant reduction in the clotting time with an increase in the concentration of methanol leaf extract of S. dasyphyllum. Additionally, the mortality of the mice that were pre-treated with N. nigricollis venom before injected with various doses of plant extract and those that were co-administered with the venom and plant extract significantly lower compared to mice administered with the venom alone. S. dasyphyllum significantly reduced the extent of lipid peroxidation and the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase compared to the untreated group. Conclusions: S. dasyphyllum possesses antivenom activity against N. nigricollis, and this result further supports the ethnomedical use of the plant in the treatment of snakebite envenomation.

Additive Effect of Some Medicinal Plants Extracts Used for the Treatment of Malaria in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

Malaria remains a threat and exert economic and social burdens in most communities in Africa. Medicinal plants have played an important role in the treatment of malaria worldwide. Several studies have shown that, the efficacies of most antimalarial agents are compromised by the emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium species. This research was aimed at evaluating the synergistic effect of some medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. Three (3) plants samples were collected and used for the study. They include Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya and Psidium guajava leaves. They were dried and extracted using 50% methanol. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of three (3) plant extracts was carried out using standard methods. The individual extracts and their combinations were subjected to in vivo antiplasmodial activity. Synergistic effect was determined by checkboard method. Phytochemical screening of Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya and Psidium guajava leaves methanol extracts all revealed the presence of phenols, tannins and glycosides in all the extracts. Extract combination of Carica papaya and Psidium guajava demostrated 100% reduction of parasitemia at both 100 and 200 mg/kg b. wt respectively after 72-hour treatment. Determination of synergistic activity showed that Fractional Activity Index (FAI) of Carica papaya and Psidium guajava is greater than 1.0, hence the effect was considered to be additive. The findings of this study had provided scientific bases supporting the traditional use of the plants for the treatment of malaria.

Evaluation of In-vitro Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Fungal, Thrombolytic, Membrane Stabilizing and Cytotoxic Properties of (Camellia chrysantha Hu Tuyama)

The current study was set out to look into the anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, cytotoxic, thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing activities of the methanolic extract from the leaf of Camellia chrysantha (Hu) Tuyama (MECCL). Primary evaluation of MECCL was performed via phytochemical screening. Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extract revealed the presence of reducing sugar, flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroids. Anti-inflammatory activity test was done using egg albumin denaturation assay. In the result of MECCL’s anti-inflammatory test showed 88.88% compared to the standard acetyl salicylic acid 98.56%. The anti-fungal activity test was performed by Disc Diffusion method using zone of inhibition against four fungi. MECCL showed moderate antifungal activity compared to standard Griseofulvin against Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast), Penicillium notatum. Zones of inhibition of the fungi Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast), Penicillium notatum is 11mm, 14mm and 14mm at the concentration of 700 µg/disc, which is close to the standard Griseofulvin 19mm, 20mm, and 21mm respectively at 50 µg/disc concentration. Mucor hiemalis showed mild zone of inhibition in 300, 500, and 700 µg/disc (7mm). Brine Shrimp lethality bioassay method was used to test the lethality of the methanolic leaf extract. The extract showed significant cytotoxic activity against brine shrimp nauplii with LC50 value of 0.843 µg/mL when compared with the standard Vincristine sulphate (LC50 value: 0.608 µg/mL). Comparison with positive control Vincristine sulphate signifies that cytotoxicity exhibited by MECCL and further bioactivity guided investigation can be done to find potent antitumor compounds. In thrombolytic activity test, MECCL demonstrated 95.69% thrombolysis which was significant compared to standard Streptokinase (SK) which demonstrated 91.304 % thrombolysis. While doing membrane stabilizing activity test, Heat induced hemolysis assay was performed and the percent of protection was 85.35 compared to the standard DS 73.63 which was very significant. The results highlight the potential of Camellia chrysantha (Hu) Tuyama as a valuable source of phytochemicals that possess notable anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, and membrane-stabilizing properties. The methanolic leaf extract also shows moderate antifungal and cytotoxic effects, suggesting potential for future therapeutic advancements.

Cadmium content, metabolite profile, biological properties of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk plant exposed to elevated cadmium in soil

Cadmium (Cd), a highly mobile and hazardous toxic heavy metal negatively affects plant’s yield by regulating synthesis of biomolecules, involved in both physiological and biochemical activities. The present study investigated the Cd content, metabolite profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of methanolic leaf extracts (MLEs) of Eclipta alba L., plant exposed to elevated soil Cd (eCdS). The tested plants were grown in earthen pot and were weekly treated with Cd as CdCl2. H20 (20 mg/L) till 70 days after the plant transplantation. The results showed that eCdS significantly elevated Cd content in root and shoot tissue of E. alba plant (91 % and 94 %, respectively) as compared to the control. UHPLC-HRMS profile of MLEs revealed a significant decrease in the amino acids and its derivatives with an increased level of phenolic contents, fatty acids, and lipids. Metabolites in MLEs were also upregulated and downregulated (31 and 98, respectively) by an eCdS. An eCdS further increased both total phenolics and total flavonoids content in MLEs of E. alba by 71 % and 31 %, respectively over the control. In-vitro antioxidant activities in MLEs were also found to be significantly increased due to eCdS as DPPH > ABTS > FRAP (30 %, 26 % and 21 %, respectively) as compared to the control. Cd treated plant’s MLEs also revealed maximum reduction in an inhibition zone of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), among the tested bacterial strains. The present study concludes that eCdS led to the significant changes in the metabolite profile, phenolics content and biological activities of E. alba’s MLEs suggesting its ameliorating role in improving the medicinal value of E. alba plant. However, direct consumption of raw material of E. alba plant is not recommended due to high accumulation of Cd in its different parts.

Evaluation of the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities of Peltophorum africanum leaf methanolic extract

Evaluation of the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities of Peltophorum africanum leaf methanolic extract

Efficacy of Albizia malacophylla (A.Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) methanol (80%) leaf extract and solvent fractions against Plasmodium berghei-induced malaria in mice model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNovel drugs are needed to address the issue of malarial infection resistance; natural items can be a different source of these medications. Albizia malacophylla (A. Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) is listed as one of the antimalarial medicinal plants in Ethiopian folk medicine. However, there are no reports regarding the biological activity or phytochemistry of the plant. Aim of the studyThus, this study aimed to evaluate the A. malacophylla crude extract and solvent fractions' in vivo antimalarial activity utilizing 4-day suppressive, preventative, and curative tests in mice infected with P. berghei. Materials and methodsThe parasite Plasmodium berghei, which causes rodent malaria, was used to infect healthy male Swiss Albino mice, weighing 23–28 g and aged 6–8 weeks. Solvent fractions such as methanol, water, and chloroform were given in addition to an 80% methanolic extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses. A Conventional test such as parasitemia, survival time, body weight, temperature, and packed cell capacity were employed to ascertain factors such as the suppressive, curative, and preventive tests. ResultsEvery test substance dramatically reduced the number of parasites in every experiment. Crude extract (with the highest percentage suppression of 67.78%) performs better antimalarial effect than the methanol fraction, which is the most efficient solvent fraction with a percentage suppression of 55.74%. With a suppression value of 64.83% parasitemia level, the therapeutic effects of 80% methanolic crude extract were greater than its curative and preventative effects in a four-day suppressive test. The survival period (17 days) was longer with the hydroalcoholic crude extract dose of 400 mg/kg than with other doses of the materials under investigation. ConclusionsThe results of this investigation validate the antimalarial characteristics of A. malacophylla leaf extract. The crude extract prevented weight loss, a decline in temperature, and a reduction in PCV. The results demonstrate that the plant has a promising antimalarial effect against P. berghei, hence supporting the traditional use of the plant. Therefore, it could serve as a foundation for the development of new antimalarial drugs.

In Vitro and In Vivo Nephrotoxicity Evaluation of the Methanol Extract of Ficus deltoidea Jack Leaf

In Vitro and In Vivo Nephrotoxicity Evaluation of the Methanol Extract of Ficus deltoidea Jack Leaf

Biological potentials of Landolphia owariensis leaf methanolic extract against pathogenic fungi isolates from different Dioscorea species

Abstract Regarding economic significance, the Dioscoreaceae family, which includes the well-known Dioscorea (yam) species, is the fourth most important tuber crop globally. A basic meal found all across the world, yams encourage and ensure the food security of households. Although they are challenging to preserve and store however a post-harvest deterioration control must be developed. Over the years, Nigerian farmers have employed medicinal herbs to manage post-harvest pest invasion; nevertheless, the scientific basis for this fungal management has not yet been well documented. As a result, Landolphia owarensis leaf extract was used as a biological control, and fungi were isolated from Dioscorea cayenensis, Dioscorea alata, and Discorea rotundata. Samples of yam tubers – both rotten and healthy – were procured in the markets and brought to the lab for fungus isolation and identification. Leaves of Landolphia oweriensis were collected, air-dried, milled, and macerated in pure methanol for 72 h, extracted and concentrated with a rotary evaporator. The agar-well diffusion method was used for the biological control assay against the fungal isolates. The biological control results were presented as mean ± SD (standard deviation) while analysis of variance (Anova) was used to deduce least significant difference (LSD). A total number of 605 fungi isolates were observed in which D. cayenensis had the highest, 50.58 %, D. alata and Discorea rotundata 24.71 % respectively. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus were found in the three species while Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer, Collentotricum spp. and Penicillium spp. in either of the species. L. owarensis methanolic leaves extracts possesses biological potentials against Colletotrium spp., A. fumigatus, A. niger and A. flavus only. The problem of postharvest fungal invasion of Dioscorea species can be solved with the inhibition observed with L. owarensis methanolic leaves extracts as a biological control measure thereby sustaining food security in the world.

Influence of Solvent Polarity on Phytochemicals, Antioxidants, and Antimicrobial Properties of Delphinium denudatum: A Medicinal Herb from Sainj Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

Plants with medicinal properties play an important role in pharmaceutical industries for their disease prevention and treatment applications. Delphinium denudatum, commonly known as jadwar, is an important medicinal plant of the Himalayan region. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of solvent polarity (using seven different solvents i.e., methanol, ethanol, acetone, chloroform, ethyl acetate, hexane, and water separately) was estimated for its secondary metabolites production, antioxidants, and antimicrobial activities. Among the seven different extracting solvents used, the methanol extract of leaf rendered the highest phenolic content (80.52 mg GAE/g (dry weight (dw)). Acetone extracts for the shoot were found to be most efficient with the extraction of the highest flavonoid content (57.53 mg QE/g (dw) while the methanol extract of root rendered the highest tannin content 18.78 mg TAE/g (dw). Likewise, the methanol extract of the leaf showed the highest flavonol content 34.76 mg QE/g (dw). For antioxidant activity, the IC50 value for ABTS activity ranged from 35.15 to 103.08 µg/mL, and for DPPH activity it was 75.23 to 256.21 µg/mL. Further, all the plant parts i.e., leaf, shoot, and root, showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Serratia marcescens having MIC between 400 to 900 µg/mL. Among all the tested plant parts, polar solvent leaf extracts had higher antioxidant activity. Furthermore, phenols, flavonols, tannins, and ABTS activity from leaf, shoot, and root have shown a positive relation with solvent polarity. In all three plant parts; phenols, flavonols, and tannin positively correlate with antibacterial activity. The present study further revealed that the secondary metabolites in the leaf, shoot, and root extracts of D. denudatum are an excellent source of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, thus validating the species’ therapeutic potential.