N-hexane Soluble Fraction Research Articles

Light-absorbing properties of polar- and non-polar brown carbon fractions of aerosols in Delhi

In the present study, PM2.5 samples (n = 104) were collected during February 2020–March 2021 on diurnal basis in Delhi (a site of Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP)), with a view to investigate seasonal and diurnal patterns of ambient brown carbon (BrC) with consideration of their potential sources. Given that the polarity of ambient aerosol influences their chemical and physical processing in the atmosphere, we compared the light absorption properties of brown carbon (BrC) in PM2.5 samples extracted with three different solvents i.e., water, methanol, and n-hexane. Methanol extracts showed much stronger light-absorbing ability followed by water and hexane extracts in the wavelength range of 300–600 nm. Peak values of mass absorption coefficient (babs-BrC-365nm) were observed during post-monsoon season in both polar- (water-and methanol-soluble) and non-polar (n-hexane soluble) fractions of BrC, mainly due to the influence of biomass-burning (BB) aerosols. This point is further supported by air mass back trajectories which are well correlated with fire-count data, and marker species such as EC, OC and non-sea-salt K+. Comparison of babs-BrC-365nm, mass absorption efficiency (MAE365nm), absorption Ångstorm exponent (AÅE) and simple forcing efficiency (SFE300–700) from this study with that in published datasets reveal the significant contribution of biomass-burning activities to BrC absorption and abundance in the ambient atmosphere. Furthermore, the optical properties of HULIS (humic-like substances) (n = 40, during day- and nighttime) in post-monsoon (October – November 2020) and winter aerosols (January – February 2021) were also characterised. Based on UV–Vis analysis, similar average babs-365nm of HULIS was observed for daytime and nighttime samples i.e., 9.96 ± 3.8 and 9.89 ± 3.3 Mm−1, respectively in post-monsoon samples. Opposingly in winter period, significantly high daytime value of babs-365nm of HULIS (7.24 ± 2.7 M m−1) compared to that of nighttime (4.45 ± 2.8 M m−1) was found. These results along with indicative E2/E3 (ratio of absorbance at 250 nm and 365 nm, respectively) and AÅE values in HULIS fraction suggest a more significant contribution from regional crop-residue burning emission in the formation of HULIS in post-monsoon. While in winter period local emissions and subsequent secondary formation of HULIS are important. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first attempt to investigate light absorption properties of different polarity BrC extracts (methanol, water, n-hexane, HULIS) in aerosol samples collected throughout the year at a representative site in Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP).

Hydro-liquefaction of the ashless coal from de-polymerization of Shengli lignite

This work performed de-polymerization of Shengli lignite (SL) to remove minerals, and the resultant product (denoted as SDP) was subjected to hydro-liquefaction to prepare value-added aromatic products, especially n-hexane soluble fractions (HS for abbreviation). Compared with raw lignite, SDP is easily converted to light products (HS) with low H2 consumption due to its small molecular weight and less free radicals generated during hydro-liquefaction. Appropriate temperatures (e.g., 400 °C) are required for efficient conversion of SDP into HS fractions. Ni-Mo-S/Al2O3 catalyst effectively promotes hydrogenation of SDP into HS during the reaction, moreover, the condensation reaction is effectively reduced. The yield of HS (YHS) reaches to 73.7% and the yield of THFI (YTHFI) is only 2% with the use of Ni-Mo-S/Al2O3 at 400 °C. The Aromatic fractions in the solvent effectively reduce YTHFI through suppression of condensation reaction, and the hydrogen donor solvents remarkably increase YHS. The HS fractions primarily consist of aromatic hydrocarbons with 1–3 rings and aromatic derivatives containing alkyl as well as various oxygen-containing functional groups.

TGA-FTIR Analysis of Biomass Samples Based on the Thermal Decomposition Behavior of Hemicellulose, Cellulose, and Lignin

The slow pyrolysis characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass and its three major components via a Thermogravimetric Analyzer coupled with a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (TGA-FTIR) was studied. Different compositions and ratios of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, olive pomace, sunflower waste, and pinecone were selected. The main decomposition temperature ranges of xylose (hemicellulose) and lignin showed a broad range between 173–690 and 170–835 °C, respectively, whereas that of cellulose was detected to be 291–395 °C. All biomass samples presented a three-stage pyrolysis model that is explained by the superposition of the weight losses of major components. Simultaneous FTIR analysis of the evolved gases demonstrated that the greater the cellulose and hemicellulose contents, the higher the CO and CO2 concentrations. Chemical kinetics were computed with the Coats–Redfern model. The activation energy required for the initiation of the thermal decomposition of biomass samples is in the range of 53–94 kJ/mol. Moreover, the product yields of all samples were determined via laboratory-scale pyrolysis. Pyrolytic oil and char yields were determined to be between 18.9–32.4 wt.% and 26.6–31.2 wt.%, respectively, at 550 °C final temperature for the biomass samples. It is concluded that the bio-oil yield was not only controlled by the cellulose content but also affected by the presence of n-hexane soluble (oil) fraction as well as inorganics.

Comparison of Antimicrobial and Membrane Stabilizing Properties of Leaf and Stem Extracts of Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. (Family: Fabaceae)

Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. (Family: Fabaceae), a recognized medicinal plant colloquially known as ‘Kalilata’ in Bangladesh, has been traditionally used as analgesic in Thailand. This study was intended to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial and membrane stabilizing potentials among the methanol extracts of D. scandens leaf and stem, and their fractionates. The stem and leaves of the plant were extracted by methanol separately and fractioned into aqueous, dicholoromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate and n-hexane soluble fractions. They were tested for antimicrobial activity by using the agar-well diffusion method where ciprofloxacin and fluconazole were used as references. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against a Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) by the DCM soluble fraction of the leaf and stem extracts with 20 mm and 15 mm zones of inhibition, respectively. The n-hexane soluble fraction of methanol extract of stem revealed weak to moderate antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The ethyl acetate soluble fractionates of methanol extracts of leaf and stem showed similar antifungal property against Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a zone of inhibition of 12 mm. The membrane stabilizing potential of the extractives was estimated based on the prevention of hemolysis of RBC prompted by hypotonic solution as well as heat. The n-hexane and DCM soluble fractions of both extracts showed around 75% inhibition of hypotonic solution- and heatinduced hemolysis. All in all, the extracts and several fractionates showed moderate antimicrobial and membrane stabilizing properties and further investigations are warranted to find out active phytoconstituents responsible for these properties. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 26(1): 67-72, 2023 (January)

Evolution of the Composition and Melting Behavior of Spinnable Pitch during Incubation.

The physical and chemical properties of spinnable pitch showed a huge impact on the performance of resultant pitch carbon fiber even if its physical and chemical properties were slightly changed. Various polycyclic aromatic compounds and abundant free radicals existed in spinnable pitch, and there are many interactions among molecules and free radicals. The molecular structure and composition of spinnable pitch were investigated during incubation, and the effect of molecular evaluation on rheological properties of spinnable pitch was illustrated using various characterization methods in this work. It indicated that n-hexane soluble fraction mainly occurred condensation or cleavage, and a small number of heavy components were generated after a long period. The fraction of n-hexane insoluble/toluene soluble underwent molecular condensation and cross-linking in the presence of oxygen-containing radicals and aromatic hydrocarbon radicals, while toluene insoluble/tetrahydrofuran soluble fraction tended to change in large molecules of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Lastly, tetrahydrofuran insoluble fraction was condensed due to its high aromaticity during the incubation process, and the content of aromatic carbon increased. These changes of composition and structure of spinnable pitch led to its softening point, increase in viscosity and flow activation energy, and deterioration of the rheological property.

Antifungal activity of simply fractionated organosolv lignin against Trametes versicolor

In an effort to achieve sustainable development goals, a reevaluation of the materials used in wooden buildings must be done, including the preservatives used to treat the materials. Since typical wood preservatives use toxic heavy metals, their handling and use can contaminate the environment. Therefore, substances such as lignin-derived components have been investigated as bio-based preservatives. Organosolv treatment is a promising technique for separating components of lignocellulosic biomass, which enables the utilization of each component. The present report describes components of lignocellulose with antifungal effects that were recovered after organosolv treatment using water and 1-butanol solvent at 473 K for 2 h, followed by simple solvent fractionation. The organosolv lignin was divided into three fractions: n-hexane soluble, ethyl acetate soluble, and ethyl acetate insoluble, yielding 23 wt%, 52 wt% and 13 wt%, respectively. Antifungal activity was determined using an agar plate method. White rot fungi (Trametes versicolor) was dispersed on the agar plate with a cellulose disc containing each lignin-derived fraction obtained from Japanese cedar. Results showed inhibition of fungal growth over the cellulose disc containing the n-hexane soluble fraction. To examine the effect in greater detail, the chemical structure of the n-hexane-soluble fraction on the antifungal activity was investigated. The content of phenolic hydroxyl group in n-hexane-soluble fraction was the highest (4.6 mmol/g), and the results from the chemical modification suggested that the functional group was required for antifungal action. In addition, the n-hexane-soluble fraction imparted some water resistance. The procedures used for cedar as a feedstock were applied to another type of biomass—bagasse—and its fractions showed antifungal activity similar to those of Japanese cedar.

ANTIPLASMODIAL ACTIVITY AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF EXTRACTS FROM THE ROOTS AND STEM BARK OF JATROPHA CURCAS

The powdered roots and stem bark of Jatropha curcas were extracted using 95% ethanol. The ethanol extracts obtained from parts of plants were partitioned into fractions using chloroform, distilled water, ethyl acetate, methanol and n-hexane solvents of varying polarity. The crude ethanol extract and five soluble fractions of both the roots and stem bark were tested against plasmodium falciparum. The results shown a good anti-plasmodial potency at high concentration of the fraction of the roots and stem bark of J. curcas. Chloroform and n-hexane soluble fractions recorded good activity on the test organisms with 94.3% and 97.1% inhibition. The results indicated that the roots and stem bark extracts contained active compounds which have anti-malaria property. Test for the presence of secondary metabolites in the plant extracts revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, steroids, tannins and alkaloids.

Antioxidant Activity Study of Zingiber Zerumbet Rhizome Extract and Fraction

Zingiber zerumbet is a member of the Zingiberaceae family with known pharmacological potentials. This study aims to characterize the phytochemical elements and evaluate the antioxidant potential of the methanol extract, soluble ethyl acetate, and n-hexane-soluble fractions of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome. Identify secondary metabolites for the alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and steroids/triterpenoids using the chemical reaction method in test tubes. Antioxidant activity was determined based on DPPH absorbance measurements using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry. The methanolic extract contained alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols/tannins, steroids, and triterpenoids. The ethyl acetate soluble fraction contained flavonoids and polyphenols/tannins, and the n-hexane soluble fraction contained alkaloids and flavonoids. The free radical scavenging activities of ascorbic acid, methanol extract, ethyl acetate, and the n-hexane soluble fraction were 7.79; 100,956; 69,476, and 77,780 ppm, respectively. The findings indicated that the methanolic extract, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane soluble fraction were suitable sources of natural antioxidants.

ScreeningofDodonaea Viscosa Linn (Sapindaceae) for Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities

The crude ethanol extract of DodonaeaviscosaLinn (Sapindaceae) was partitioned into chloroform, aqueous, ethyl acetate, methanoland n-hexane soluble fractions. The extract and five fractions were tested against the larvae of Artemiasaline[Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BST)]. The aqueous and methanol extracts were found to exhibited remarkable toxicity on brine shrimp larva at LC50value of 0.1326 and 62.5 μg/ml, while no activity recorded in the ethanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fractions LC50value >1000 μg/ml. The crude ethanol extract and five solvent fractions were tested for antimicrobial activity using agar diffusion method and the results revealed the zone of inhibition 15.0 mm at 10,000μg/ml was exhibited by the aqueous soluble fraction of the leaves of Dodonaeaviscosaagainst S. typhi. Meanwhile, methanol and ethanol fractions of Dodonaeaviscosaexhibited zone of growth inhibition 15mm and 30mm against S. aureus, at 10,000μg/ml.

Identifikasi Senyawa Fraksi Larut n-Heksana Rimpang Temu Mangga (Curcuma mangga Val) Menggunakan LC-MS/MS dan Review Potensinya sebagai Antibakteri

Plants are like the pharmaceutical industry that provides products that have the potential as active medicinal ingredients. In order to search for compounds useful for health, the purpose of this study was to identify secondary metabolites of Curcuma mango (temu mango) growing in the experimental garden of Biopharmaca LPPM IPB and review its activity as antibacterial. Identification begins with phytochemical screening, then separation and purification by chromatographic techniques. Intersection mango simplicia was extracted with methanol, and the crude extract of methanol was partitioned with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, respectively. The n-hexane soluble fraction was carried out by phytochemical tests, fractionation by vacuum liquid chromatography (KCV) and radial (KR), and the selected fractions was analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The results of the phytochemical test of the soluble n-hexane fraction showed a positive presence of alkaloids and terpenoids through successive tests with Mayer, Wagner, Dragendorff (alkaloid), and Lieberman-Burchard reagents. Fractionation of the n-hexane soluble fraction with KCV resulted in 9 fractions (H1-H9) and the H5 fraction showed good separation between spots in the n-hexane: ethyl acetate eluent mixture (97:3). Purification of H5 with KR obtained 7 fractions (H5.1-H5.7). Based on LC-MS/MS, the H5.2 fraction was dominated by the terpenoid group, and the results of the literature review showed the contribution of terpenoids as antibacterial compounds

Essential oil and smoke components of Carissa spinarum

ABSTRACT. Carissa spinarum Linn. is an incense plant traditionally used in Ethiopia and other countries for the treatment of numerous diseases. It also exhibits different biological activities, and different classes of natural compounds were previously reported from the plant. In this study, the essential oil from the roots of C. spinarum together with medicinal smoke obtained from burnt roots of C. spinarum were analyzed by GC-MS. The essential oil of C. spinarum roots was predominantly composed of 2-hydroxyacetophenone (82.97%). The dominant components in the n-hexane soluble fraction of the smoke derived from the roots of C. spinarum were 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (14.16%), 2-methoxyphenol (10.34%) and 2-hydroxyacetophenone (9.51%). On the other hand, the major components in the MeOH-soluble fraction were 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (17.51%), 2-methoxyphenol (13.02%) and 2-hydroxyacetophenone (10.98%). The smoke derived from the roots of C. spinarum showed 92.60 ± 0.34% DPPH inhibition at concentration of 100 µg/mL. At the same concentration, standard ascorbic acid scavenged the DPPH radical by 96.09 ± 0.16%. This result supports the traditional medicinal use of the plant material as a skin-care and wound healing agent most likely due to the presence of simple phenols and other biologically active compounds.
 
 KEY WORDS: Carissa spinarum Linn., Medicinal smoke, Essential oil, Antioxidant activity, Phenolic compounds
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 641-649. 
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.13

Evaluation of the antioxidative properties of different Fractions of Ethanol extract of Jatropha tangorensis

The antioxidant potential of crude ethanolic as well as ethyl acetate and n-hexane soluble fractions of Jatropha tanjorensis which is widely used in indigenous system of medicinal for different purposes were studied. The antioxidant potential of extract different Fractions were evaluated using different in vitro antioxidant models which includes Ascorbic acid, Beta carotene, flavoniods, total phenols, ABTS, H202, FRAP and reducing power. The estimation of the crude extract showed ascorbic acid (93.51mg/kg), beta carotene (10.564mg/kg), flavoniods (7.88mg/kg), total phenols (64.03mg/kg), ABTS (64.21%), H2O2 (6.39%), FRAP (0.221µmol/ml) and Reducing power (2.913µmol/ml). That of ethyl acetate fraction and n-hexane fractions for Ascorbic acid, beta carotene, flavoniods, Total phenols, ABTS, H202, FRAP and reducing power are as; 227.8mg/kg, 9.21mg/kg, 0.59mg/kg, 33.94mg/kg, 96.47%, 2.5%, 1.1911 µmol/ml, 4.500µmol/ml and 228.7mg/kg, 9.21mg/kg, 0.59mg/kg, 33.94mg/kg, 98.93%, 2.32%, 1.578µmol/ml, 4.456µmol/ml respectively. However, the result of this Study reveals the plant contains some appreciable amount of the antioxidant models analyzed which is vital to illnesses associated with oxidative stress thereby revealing that the plant is a good source of natural antioxidant.

A Sesquiterpene Aldehyde Isolated From Ethyl Acetate Extract of Lansium Domesticum Fruit Peel

Lansium domesticum (fam. Meliaceae) contains various compounds with various biological activities. Based on the previous research, extracts from several parts of the plant have biological activity. This study aimed to isolate a compound from the fruitpeel of L. domesticum and evaluate cytotoxic activity against T47D, WiDr and HepG2 cell lines. Powdered peels were macerated with ethyl acetate and the filtrate was evaporated to give EtOAc extract. Dried extract was triturated with n-hexane to give n-hexane soluble fraction (A) and insoluble fraction (B). The fraction B was separated using vacuum column chromatography (VLC) with mobile phase n-hexane: ethyl acetate and given 5 fractions. Fractions B3-B5 were combined and separated using VLC with n-hexane and ethyl acetate as mobile phase. This VLC separation gave 18 subractions, subfractions 6-9 with the similar TLC profile were combined. This subfraction was separated further using preparative thin layer chromatography to give compound 1. The Isolated compound (1) appeared as liquid. The chemical structure of 1 was identified acoording to spectroscopic data and comparison with literature. Cytotoxic bioassay was performed on T-47D, WiDr and Hep G2 cell lines in a series of concentrations at 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 and 5µg/mL, with Doxorubicine used as positive control. According to spectroscopic data, compound 1 was identified as 2-ethyl,3-(1’-hydroxy-2’-menthene) propenal, and demonstrate the strongest cytotoxicity against T-47D cell lines (IC50=39.18+1.54 µg/mL).

Fractions and isolated compounds from Lansium domesticum fruit peel exhibited cytotoxic activity against T-47D and HepG2 cell lines

Abstract. Fadhilah K, Wahyuono S, Astuti P. 2021. Fractions and isolated compounds from Lansium domesticum fruit peel exhibited cytotoxic activity against T-47D and HepG2 cell lines. Biodiversitas 22: 3743-3748. Lansium domesticum (Fam. Meliaceae), a tropical fruit (local name, Duku), has been reported to have various biological activities. At the moment we emphasize on searching compounds to have cytotoxic activity from the peel of L. domesticum. The study was initiated by extraction with EtOAc followed by fractionation that was monitored by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and cytotoxicity against T-47D and HepG2 cells. The EtOAc extract of the sample was triturated with n-hexane to give n-hexane soluble (A) n-hexane insoluble fractions (B). The B fraction was fractionated by vacuum column chromatography using gradient solvent composition of n-hexane: acetone to give 18 fractions. According to TLC similarity pictures, fractions were combined to give 6 fractions (I-VI). Isolation was performed using preparative TLC, and the cytotoxic assay was performed using MTT method. The isolated compound was identified as a sesquiterpene having one aldehyde functional group, based on spectroscopic data.The isolated compound displayed cytotoxic activity on T-47D (IC50, 48.58 + 0.96 µg/mL) and HepG2 (IC50, 127.45 + 25.76 µg/mL).

A bioactive compound isolated from Duku ( Lansium domesticum Corr) fruit peels exhibits cytotoxicity against T47D cell line.

Background: Breast cancer is a major health problem for women globally. Many attempts have been promoted to cure cancer by finding new anticancer medicines from natural resources. Despite the richness of biodiversity discovered, there are some natural resources that remain unexplored. Fruit peels of Duku ( Lansium domesticum Corr.) are rich with compounds that may have the potential to be developed as anticancer drugs. This study aimed to isolate cytotoxic compounds from the fruit peels of L. domesticum and assess their cytotoxic nature against T47D cells. Methods: Powdered peels were macerated with ethyl acetate and the filtrate was evaporated to give EtOAc extract A. Dried extract A was triturated with n-hexane to give n-hexane soluble fraction B and insoluble fraction C. The cytotoxic nature of these three samples were assessed using MTT assay using T47D cells and doxorubicin as a control. Results: Fraction C that showed the smallest IC50 (25.56 ± 0.64μg/mL) value compared to extract A and fraction B. Fraction C was further fractionated by vacuum liquid chromatography to give 6 subfractions. Subfraction 2 showed a single compound based on thin layer chromatography, and this compound was identified as Lamesticumin A on the basis of its spectroscopic data. Lamesticumin A demonstrated cytotoxic activity against T47D cell lines with an IC 50 value of 15.68± 0.30µg/mL. Conclusions: Further research is needed to investigate the potential of the natural compound Lamesticumin A derived from L. domesticum fruit peel as an anticancer therapy.

A bioactive compound isolated from Duku ( Lansium domesticum Corr) fruit peels exhibits cytotoxicity against T47D cell line

Background: Breast cancer is a major health problem for women globally. Many attempts have been promoted to cure cancer by finding new anticancer medicines from natural resources. Despite the richness of biodiversity discovered, there are some natural resources that remain unexplored. Fruit peels of Duku ( Lansium domesticum Corr.) are rich with compounds that may have the potential to be developed as anticancer drugs. This study aimed to isolate cytotoxic compounds from the fruit peels of L. domesticum and assess their cytotoxic nature against T47D cells. Methods: Powdered peels were macerated with ethyl acetate and the filtrate was evaporated to give EtOAc extract A. Dried extract A was triturated with n-hexane to give n-hexane soluble fraction B and insoluble fraction C. The cytotoxic nature of these three samples were assessed using MTT assay using T47D cells and doxorubicin as a control. Results: Fraction C that showed the smallest IC50 (25.56 ± 0.64μg/mL) value compared to extract A and fraction B. Fraction C was further fractionated by vacuum liquid chromatography to give 6 subfractions. Subfraction 2 showed a single compound based on thin layer chromatography, and this compound was identified as Lamesticumin A on the basis of its spectroscopic data. Lamesticumin A demonstrated cytotoxic activity against T47D cell lines with an IC 50 value of 15.68 ± 0.30µg/mL. Conclusions: Further research is needed to investigate the potential of the natural compound Lamesticumin A derived from L. domesticum fruit peel as an anticancer therapy.

HEXANE SOLUBLE BIOACTIVE COMPONENTS OF Chenopodium murale STEM

Chenopodium murale L. is a common winter weed mostly growing along the road-sides. In the present study, n-hexane soluble fraction of methanolic stem extract of this weed was subjected to GC-MS analysis that showed the presence of 28 compounds in this fraction. Major compounds included oleic acid (16.55%), palmitic acid (11.22%), β-sitosterol (9.63%), hexadecanoic acid (7.71%) and methyl oleate (5.90%). Other prominent compounds were piperine (4.75%), nonacosane (4.69%), monoplalmitin (4.21%), γ-sitosterol (3.91%), methyl linoleate (3.88%), neocurdione (3.86%) and ethanonone (3.25%). The compounds such as stigmasterol (2.92%), 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (2.78%), tetracosanoic acid (1.19%), stearic acid (1.36%), tridecanoic acid (1.35%), tridecanal (1.30%), phytol (1.29%), docosanoic acid, methyl ester (1.23%), octadecanoic acid (1.20%), 4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid (1.05%), 2-hydroxy-2-phenylbutanamide (0.91%), hexacosanoic acid (0.76%), cholestrol (0.61%), methyl octacosanoate (0.55%) and tetracosanoic acid (0.30%) were present in low concentrations. A thorough literature survey showed that most of the identified compounds possessed antifungal and/or antibacterial properties while very few of them also possessed antioxidant potential. This study concludes that n-hexane soluble fraction of methanolic stem extract of C. murale is a big storehouse of antimicrobial compounds.

Effect of lupeol from Vernonia glaberrima (Asteraceae) on pain and inflammation

Background: Steroids have been reported to possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, and Vernonia glaberrima also possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of lupeol isolated from the n-hexane soluble fraction of the methanol leaf extract of V. glaberrima on pain and inflammation. Method: Lupeol was re-isolated from the leaf of V. glaberrima by using chromatographic procedures; it was subjected to analgesic and anti-inflammatory studies by using acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice and formalin-induced pain and inflammation in rats, respectively. The intraperitoneal lethal dose (LD 50 ) of lupeol was determined by using Lorke’s method. Results: The results of the study showed that lupeol significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased writhing response at doses 12.5 mg/kg, 25.0 mg/kg and 50.0 mg/kg corresponding to percentage inhibition of 83.60%, 83.63% and 80.02%, respectively. This was higher than piroxicam, the standard drug (73.8%), at 10 mg/kg. The compound was also able to significantly ( p < 0.05) reduce nociceptive response in both phases of the formalin test, and there was a remarkable reduction of oedema by the compound at the second, third and fourth hours. The median LD 50 of the compound was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that lupeol from the leaf of V. glaberrima has good analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity that validates the ethnomedicinal use of the plant in the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions.

A bioactive compound isolated from Duku ( Lansium domesticum Corr) fruit peels exhibits cytotoxicity against T47D cell line.

Background: Breast cancer is a major health problem for women globally. Many attempts have been promoted to cure cancer by finding new anticancer medicines from natural resources. Despite the richness of biodiversity discovered, there are some natural resources that remain unexplored. Fruit peels of Duku ( Lansium domesticum Corr.) are rich with compounds that may have the potential to be developed as anticancer drugs. This study aimed to isolate cytotoxic compounds from the fruit peels of L. domesticum and assess their cytotoxic nature against T47D cells. Methods: Powdered peels were macerated with ethyl acetate and the filtrate was evaporated to give EtOAc extract A. Dried extract A was triturated with n-hexane to give n-hexane soluble fraction B and insoluble fraction C. The cytotoxic nature of these three samples were assessed using MTT assay using T47D cells and doxorubicin as a control. Results: Fraction C that showed the smallest IC50 (25.56 ± 0.64μg/mL) value compared to extract A and fraction B. Fraction C was further fractionated by vacuum liquid chromatography to give 6 subfractions. Subfraction 2 showed a single compound based on thin layer chromatography, and this compound was identified as Lamesticumin A on the basis of its spectroscopic data. Lamesticumin A demonstrated cytotoxic activity against T47D cell lines with an IC50 value of 15.68± 0.30µg/mL. Conclusions: Further research is needed to investigate the potential of the natural compound Lamesticumin A derived from L. domesticum fruit peel as an anticancer therapy.

The Effect of Ursolic Acid from Plantago Lanceolata Leaves on Leukocytes Migration and Chemokines Level

Initially considered as a normal body response to injury, inflammation is currently known as a major event contributing to the development of many human disorders. Many drugs and bioactive molecules have been discovered from medicinal plants and the number is still growing by time. Among those medicinal plants used in folk medicines, Plantago lanceolata is used to cure inflammatory-related diseases. In our previous study, we showed that the n-hexane insoluble fraction of P. lanceolata leaves (HIF) demonstrated a potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting leukocytes migration in mice. This study aimed to identify the anti-inflammatory compound from the HIF and to investigate the effect on the chemokines level. P. lanceolata leaves were initially macerated with dichloromethane. The dried extract was partitioned using n-hexane to obtain n-hexane soluble fraction (HSF) and n-hexane insoluble fraction (HIF). Both fractions were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities in thioglycollate-induced leukocyte migration. The active fraction (HIF) was subjected to preparative thin-layer chromatography (TLC) to isolate the major compound. The structure of the compound was identified based on NMR, IR, and Mass spectra. Moreover, we investigated the effect of the compound on the level of chemokines responsible for leukocytes migration. The active compound was identified as ursolic acid, based on its spectral data. Ursolic acid at the dose of 30, 60, and 120mg/kg BW inhibited leukocyte migration and reduced chemokines level (IL-8 and MCP-1).