Nigrum Fruits Research Articles

Quantification of total phenol, flavonoid content and pharmacognostical evaluation including HPTLC fingerprinting for the standardization of Piper nigrum Linn fruits

ABSTRACT Objective: To carry out the physicochemical and phytochemical standardization with high performance thin layer chromatography fingerprinting of Piper nigrum L. (P. nigrum) fruits in order to ascertain the standard pharmacognostical parameters of this king of spices. Methods: Many standardization parameters like extractive values, total ash value, water soluble ash value and acid insoluble ash, moisture content, loss on drying and pH values of P. nigrum L. fruits were analyzed. The method of Harborne was adopted for the preliminary phytochemicals screening. Analysis of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, pesticides residues, aflatoxin and heavy metals were also performed. CAMAG-high performance thin layer chromatography system was used for fingerprinting of methanolic extract of P. nigrum L. fruits. Results: The results of phytochemicals testing indicated the presence of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, saponins, lipids, sterols and tannins in various solvent extracts. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in methanolic extract were found to be 1.728 1 mg/g and 1.087 μg/g, respectively. Heavy metals concentrations were found to be within standard limits. Aflatoxins and pesticides residues were absent. Conclusions: The outcome of this study might prove beneficial in herbal industries for identification, purification and standardization of P. nigrum L. fruits.

Piper nigrum Fruit Extract Prevents TMA-Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis by Regulating Th2 Cytokine Production

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) remains a leading skin disease in many countries. In this study, we investigated the preventive effect of Piper nigrum fruit extract (PFE) on trimellitic anhydride (TMA)-induced dermatitis and its potential mechanism of action. Oral administration of PFE and prednisolone (PS) significantly suppressed TMA-induced increases in ear, epidermal thickness, and infiltration of CD4+ cells, while abnormal expression of IgE, mMCP-1, IL-1B and IL-1B mRNA was also significantly counteracted by oral administration of PFE. PFE also significantly suppresses TMA-induced IL-4 and IL-5 production and IL-4 mRNA expression in vivo, as well as OVA-induced IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production and GATA3 mRNA expression ex vivo, and IL-4 induced STAT6 phosphorylation in primary cultured splenocytes and HaCaT cells. Interestingly, the PFE component piperine significantly suppressed OVA-induced IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 secretion ex vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that PFE could be useful in suppressing allergic contact dermatitis.

In vitro and in silico study of Piper nigrum on cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and antioxidant enzymes

The antioxidant potential of the polyphenolic fruit extract of Piper nigrum (Piperaceae), a well known medicinal plant was evaluated. This evaluation was carried out via a reducing power assay; 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide and superoxide radical assays; and a hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay under in vitro conditions and compared with that of the standard reference compound, ascorbic acid. Moreover the phytochemical characterization of the extract was also measured by determining total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents and ascorbic acid content. The polyphenolic extract of P. nigrum fruits (PNE) showed significant and concentration-dependent free radical scavenging of DPPH, nitric oxide, superoxide and hydrogen peroxide radicals with inhibition percentages ranging between 71% and 158%, when compared to the standard compound ascorbic acid (140–201%). In addition to this, the extract had effective reducing power. Total phenolic content was found to be highly correlated with scavenging potential of different reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (r=0.897–0.958). In silico methods were also applied to elaborate the possibility of the interaction of bioactive compounds reported to be present in PNE with molecular antioxidant targets. The compounds showed high binding efficiencies towards catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase. These results enabled us to conclude that P. nigrum fruits can be a potential source of natural antioxidants to be used therapeutically.

LECTINS OF SAMBUCUS NIGRA AS BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE AND DNA-PROTECTIVE SUBSTANCES

The human genome is affected by diverse environmental pollution factors and this is particularly acute for Ukrainians who have suffered from the Chernobyl radiation disaster. At the same time many natural compounds, especially from medicinal plants, are known as agents that prevent DNA lesions which often result in increasing mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. The aim of our work was to study the DNA-protective potential of biologically active compounds found in Sambucus nigra called lectins, a very large group of universally occurring proteins that recognize and specifically bind to carbohydrates/glycoconjugates. Various physiological activities of lectins based on protein-carbohydrate interactions have been demonstrated in all living forms. For example, lectins participate in host defense in plants against stress-related conditions, the attack of phytopathogens and phytophagous insects, as well as modulation of immune response, mitogenic stimulation or induction of apoptosis in animals. Antiviral, immunomodulating, antioxidant and insulin-stimulating properties of S. nigra fruit and flower extracts have been described in scientific literature. Also the elderberry lectins were found in roots, leaves, bark, seeds and fruits, the latter (SNA-IV) being the predominant protein in the juice. In Ukraine, various parts of S. nigra plants are used in folk medicine. Using methods of isoelectric focusing and chromatography, we determined that elderberry flowers and pollen contain rather high levels of lectins agglutinating animal and human erythrocytes, which differ from a commercial preparation of S. nigra bark lectin (SNA-I). The major lectin found in inflorescences, named SNAflu-I, is GalNAc/Gal specific and is supposed to be a heterotetramer with subunits of about 30 and 33 kDa. Sambucus nigra lectins demonstrated protective effects against heavy metals (nickel ions) in soil bacteria Bacillus subtilis. Also it was shown that lectins under study can modulate, in a concentration-dependent manner, the frequency of mutations and genotoxic activity of alkylating agents in eukaryotic cell cultures. Studies focused on the elucidation of cell targets sensitive to S. nigra lectins and demonstrated that at least one of the targets may be the DNA-dependent synthesis of RNA – the way to modulate gene expression. The results obtained lead to the conlusion that the protective functions of lectins both in pro- and eukaryotes involve complex mechanisms including components of the DNA repair system.

Polyphenolic extract of Piper nigrum inhibits sodium oxalate induced oxidative stress in rat kidney

Natural antioxidants can be therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of nephrolithiasis because of the presence of phyto-compounds. Polyphenolic extract of Piper nigrum (Piperaceae) fruits, was investigated for antioxidant potential against sodium oxalate induced oxidative imbalance. The results were also compared with a standard polyherbal drug for nephrolithiasis, cystone. The kidney of female Wistar rats treated with sodium oxalate at different concentrations showed significant increase in lipid peroxidation (208–619%) and decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase (82–25%) and catalase (88–37%). Furthermore, sodium oxalate also caused decrease in reduced glutathione content in rat kidney (84–35%). However, the co-incubation of extract and sodium oxalate showed significant protection in concentration-dependent manner. The results of the present study concluded that P. nigrum can be used in neutraceuticals and food industry for antioxidant activity, however, further detailed studies at the cellular level are needed.

Hepatoprotective effects of Solanum nigrum Linn fruits against cadmium chloride toxicity in albino rats.

The present work is aimed to investigate the toxicity of 1/20 LD50 of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) on male albino rats by oral ingestion and to determine the hepatoprotective effect of Solanum nigrum Linn (SN) dried fruits and their ethanolic extract against CdCl2 toxicity using biochemical parameters. Rats were divided into six groups; the first group is control, second group is CdCl2-intoxicated rats, third group is fed with a semi-modified diet with S. nigrum fruits, fourth group rats ingested with dried extract, and intoxicated rats (groups 5 and 6) were treated with fruits and ethanolic extract of S. nigrum, respectively. The results showed that rats exposed to CdCl2 induced remarkable decrease in body weight gain, feed efficiency, and Hb, Hct, RBC, and WBC count and MCHC, but increase in MCV and MCH values. In the case of plasma enzymes, there were significant stimulations observed in ALT and AST, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and LDH activities of CdCl2-intoxicated rats (group 2) compared to control (group 1). Plasma protein profile showed decreases in total soluble protein and albumin; also globulin content was decreased by CdCl2 ingestion. Under the same condition, plasma total bilirubin and glucose levels were increased in group 2. In addition, lipid peroxidation and antioxidative system (GSH, catalase, and SOD) of liver were harmed by CdCl2 ingestion. Whereas, normal rats treated with SN showed insignificant changes in groups 3 and 4 as compared to control (group 1). The treatment with dried fruits and their ethanolic extract in CdCl2-intoxicated rats (groups 5 and 6) ameliorated and improved these harmful effects in all above parameters either for blood or liver. The results of this study suggest the protective effect of S. nigrum against liver injury happened by CdCl2 which may be attributed to its hepatoprotective activity and thereby.

Methanolic extract of Piper nigrum fruits improves memory impairment by decreasing brain oxidative stress in amyloid beta(1-42) rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

The present study analyzed the possible memory-enhancing and antioxidant proprieties of the methanolic extract of Piper nigrum L. fruits (50 and 100 mg/kg, orally, for 21 days) in amyloid beta(1-42) rat model of Alzheimer's disease. The memory-enhancing effects of the plant extract were studied by means of in vivo (Y-maze and radial arm-maze tasks) approaches. Also, the antioxidant activity in the hippocampus was assessed using superoxide dismutase-, catalase-, glutathione peroxidase-specific activities and the total content of reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl levels. The amyloid beta(1-42)-treated rats exhibited the following: decrease of spontaneous alternations percentage within Y-maze task and increase of working memory and reference memory errors within radial arm-maze task. Administration of the plant extract significantly improved memory performance and exhibited antioxidant potential. Our results suggest that the plant extract ameliorates amyloid beta(1-42)-induced spatial memory impairment by attenuation of the oxidative stress in the rat hippocampus.

Sambucus nigra extracts inhibit infectious bronchitis virus at an early point during replication

BackgroundInfectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a pathogenic chicken coronavirus. Currently, vaccination against IBV is only partially protective; therefore, better preventions and treatments are needed. Plants produce antimicrobial secondary compounds, which may be a source for novel anti-viral drugs. Non-cytotoxic, crude ethanol extracts of Rhodiola rosea roots, Nigella sativa seeds, and Sambucus nigra fruit were tested for anti-IBV activity, since these safe, widely used plant tissues contain polyphenol derivatives that inhibit other viruses.ResultsDose–response cytotoxicity curves on Vero cells using trypan blue staining determined the highest non-cytotoxic concentrations of each plant extract. To screen for IBV inhibition, cells and virus were pretreated with extracts, followed by infection in the presence of extract. Viral cytopathic effect was assessed visually following an additional 24 h incubation with extract. Cells and supernatants were harvested separately and virus titers were quantified by plaque assay. Variations of this screening protocol determined the effects of a number of shortened S. nigra extract treatments. Finally, S. nigra extract-treated virions were visualized by transmission electron microscopy with negative staining.Virus titers from infected cells treated with R. rosea and N. sativa extracts were not substantially different from infected cells treated with solvent alone. However, treatment with S. nigra extracts reduced virus titers by four orders of magnitude at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1 in a dose-responsive manner. Infection at a low MOI reduced viral titers by six orders of magnitude and pretreatment of virus was necessary, but not sufficient, for full virus inhibition. Electron microscopy of virions treated with S. nigra extract showed compromised envelopes and the presence of membrane vesicles, which suggested a mechanism of action.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that S. nigra extract can inhibit IBV at an early point in infection, probably by rendering the virus non-infectious. They also suggest that future studies using S. nigra extract to treat or prevent IBV or other coronaviruses are warranted.

Biphasic effect of Solanum nigrum fruit aqueous extract on vascular mesenteric beds in non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Background:In Asia, Solanum nigrum fruit is traditionally used to manage, control, and treat diabetes.Objective:This study was carried out to investigate the endothelium and nitric oxide roles in Solanum nigrum-induced vasorelaxation in non-diabetic and diabetic rat vessels.Materials and Methods:Diabetes was induced by a single i.p. injection of streptozotocin. Eight weeks later, superior mesenteric arteries of non-diabetic and diabetic groups were isolated and perfused according to the McGregor method. Solanum nigrum fruit extract (SNE) at concentrations of 0.00001 to 0.6 mg/ml was added to the medium and perfusion pressure was recorded.Results:Baseline perfusion pressure of diabetic group was significantly higher than non-diabetic rats in both intact and denuded endothelium. The low concentrations of SNE have vasodilatory effect in the diabetic and non-diabetic, but high concentrations of SNE produce initial significant contractions, followed by secondary relaxations in normal and diabetic rats. We observed vasorelaxation at low and high concentrations of SNE in both diabetic and non-diabetic groups after endothelium denudation. SNE-induced vasorelaxation in diabetic group is mediated by both endothelium and smooth muscle, but the relaxatory effect of SNE in non-diabetic group is not mediated by endothelium, and SNE has direct action on the smooth muscle.Conclusion:Although the part of SNE-induced relaxation in diabetic vessel was mediated by endothelium, nitric oxide didn’t play any role in this action, and maybe we can use SNE in the management of diabetes vessel complications in future.

Effect of Piper nigrum on salivary gland of Wistar rat

Crushed Piper nigrum fruits are used for seasoning and flavouring of food. Some investigators have reported on its efficacy as an aid to the contraction of the uterus in the diet of post-partum women. This study aims at investigating the effect of P. nigrum fruits on the salivary glands for 3, 5 and 7 days of administration orally. Adult male and female Wistar rats (n = 30) weighing between 150 and 250 g were randomly assigned into experimental (n = 24) and control (n = 6) groups. The rats in the experimental groups received a mixed diet of feed consistency of crushed P. nigrum fruits to rat mash in a ratio of 50:50 (Group A, higher doses) and 25:75 (Group B, minimum doses) and water ad libitum for 3, 5 and 7 days. The rats in the control group received equal amount of rat mash without crushed P. nigrum fruits, for the same number of days. The rats were sacrificed on the 4th, 6th and 8th days. The stomach, small intestine and salivary glands were carefully dissected out and quickly fixed in 10% formol saline for histological and histochemical procedure. The body weights of the rats were recorded before and during treatment. The histological finding after 3 and 5 days administration of crushed P. nigrum fruits showed no significant changes in the histology of the salivary glands. There were vacuolations in the mucosa of the stomach and Brunner’s glands of the duodenum of the experimental animals after 7 days administration of crushed P. nigrum fruits. The histological changes in the salivary glands were marked both in the experimental groups that received the higher doses (of feed consistency in the ratio of 50:50 of crushed P. nigrum fruits to rat mash) for 7 days. There was a slight decrease in the body weight in the experimental groups. This was not significant (P > 0.05). The results show that consumption of crushed P. nigrum fruits for 3 to 5 days may not be harmful, but consumption of it continuously for 7 days even when used with minimum doses may be detrimental to health. Key words: Piper nigrum, salivary glands, detrimental, Wistar rats.

The hepato-ameliorating effect of Solanum nigrum against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in Albino rats

The present study was investigated to evaluate the hepato-ameliorating and antioxidant activity of two aqueous extracts of Solanum nigrum (SN) against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. Male Albino rats were divided in four groups with 8 animals in each group. Group (1) was normal group and group (2) was injected intraperitoneal (i.p.) with CCl4 (1ml/kg) 3 times weekly for 2 weeks (control). Group (3) was injected with CCl4 and then treated with extract from whole plant of Solanum nigrum (500 mg/kg) and group (4) was injected with CCl4 and then treated with extract from fruits of Solanum nigrum (250 mg/kg). CCl4 injection enhanced activity of hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT) while it decreased serum total protein and albumin in experimental animals. It also decreased RBC, platelets count, PCV and Hb levels. However it increased WBC count. CCl4 injection increased level of lipid peroxidation resulting in a decrease in the level of enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants. Treatment with two extracts of Solanum nigrum altered these changes to near normal levels. Buthepato-ameliorating and antioxidant effects of extract of Solanum nigrum fruits were found to be better than those of extract from whole plant of Solanum nigrum.

Chaenomeles japonica, Cornus mas, Morus nigra fruits characteristics and their processing potential.

The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica), cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) and black mulberry (Morus nigra) fruits as raw materials for processing. All analyzed fruits were characterized by high antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. Fruits of Japanese quince and cornelian cherry had also high acidity. Products such as fruit wines and liquors were prepared from the tested fruits. In respect of soluble solid content and reducing sugars content the obtained wine should be classified as dry wines. All analyzed liquors were characterized by similar alcohol content and the soluble solid content. Moreover, liquors made from Japanese quince and cornelian cherry were characterized by high total acidity and antioxidant capacity. The results of sensory analysis showed high commercial potential of the examined fruits.

Effect of Solanum nigrum Linn against Lambda CyhalothrinInduced Toxicity in Rats

Introduction: Lambda-cyhalothrin is a type II pyrethroid insecticide and may cause liver damage. Solanum nigrum may act as hepatoprotective agent; therefore we aimed to study the effect of solanum nigrum (dried fruits or its ethanolic extract) against lambda cyhalothrin toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty three male Sprague Dawlay rats were divided into 6 groups (G1: normal; G2 & 3: normal treated with ethanolic extract of the dried fruits, and dried fruits respectively; G4: normal rats intoxicated with Lambda cyhalothrin; G5 & 6: as G2 & 3 but intoxicated with lambda cyhalothrin. At the end of the experiment (6 weeks), the rats were sacrificed and blood was taken for the determination of AST, ALT, Alk Ph, LDH, Hb, Hct, MCH, MCHC and RBC count. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured in serum and brain. Results and Discusion: A significant decrease in body weight, Hb and Hct level was observed in G4 (Lambda cyhalothrin intoxicated rats). The intoxicated groups (G 5 & 6) treated with ethanolic extract or dried fruits of Solanum nigrum showed an improvement of body weight, Hb and Hct where a significant increase compared to G4 but still significantly lower than G1 was observed trying to return to normal or near normal level. A significant increase in AST, ALT and Alk Ph level was observed in G4. Group 5 & 6 showed an improvement of AST, ALT and Alk Ph level where a significant decrease compared to G4, but still significantly higher than G1, was observed trying to return to normal or near normal. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that S. nigrum fruits or alcoholic extract was able to reverse the pathological parameters and may be useful as an antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent.

Effect of the administration of Solanum nigrum fruit on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and sensitivity of the vascular mesenteric bed to phenylephrine in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BackgroundSolanum nigrum fruit is traditionally used in Asia to manage, control, and treat diabetes but there is no scientific evidence of the efficacy of Solanum nigrum fruit in treatment of diabetes. We designed this study to investigate the effect of the administration of oral doses of aqueous extract from Solanum nigrum fruit on plasma glucose, lipid profiles, and the sensitivity of the vascular mesenteric bed to Phenylephrine in diabetic and non-diabetic rats.Material/MethodsAnimals were divided into 5 groups (n=10): 2 groups served as non-diabetic controls (NDC), and the other groups had diabetes induced with a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Solanum nigrum-treated chronic diabetic (CD-SNE) and Solanum nigrum-treated controls (ND-SNE) received 1g/l of Solanum nigrum added to drinking water for 8 weeks. The mesenteric vascular beds were prepared using the McGregor method.ResultsAdministration of Solanum nigrum caused Ca/Mg ratio, plasma glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations to return to normal levels, and was shown to decrease alteration in vascular reactivity to vasoconstrictor agents.ConclusionsOur results support the hypothesis that Solanum nigrum could play a role in the management of diabetes and the prevention of vascular complications in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Synergistic larvicidal effect and morphological alterations induced by ethanolic extracts of Annona muricata and Piper nigrum against the dengue fever vector Aedes aegypti

Phytopesticide combinations of different botanical sources are seldom reported. Annona muricata seed and Piper nigrum fruit ethanolic extracts enriched in acetogenins and piperamides, respectively, were synergistically used as larvicides against the dengue fever vector Aedes aegypti. Individual bioassays of A. muricata and P. nigrum indicated respective LC50 values of 93.48 and 1.84 µg mL(-1) against third-instar larvae. Five combinations of different proportions of plant extracts pointed to synergism between the extracts. The best A. muricata:P. nigrum extract combination was 90:10, which showed 5.12 times the amount of synergism, as confirmed by statistical equations and total concentration log versus combination proportions. Concerning the morphology, A. muricata caused larvae body elongation, mainly in the abdomen, along with the appearance of a cervix. Conversely, P. nigrum induced abdomen and whole body shortening. The morphological effects of A. muricata were prevalent in all of the combinations tested, irrespective of its proportion in the combination. It is suggested that the different mechanisms of action of the larvicidal actives A. muricata acetogenins and P. nigrum piperamides explain the observed synergism. The combination of inexpensive botanicals and a low-cost organosolvent such as ethanol leads to a simple and efficient phytolarvicidal formulation.

Molluscicidal activity of Morus nigra against the freshwater snail Lymnaea acuminata

The molluscicidal activity of Morus nigra fruit, bark and leaf powder against the snail Lymnaea acuminata was time and concentration dependent. Toxicity of fruit powder (96h LC 50 : 166.92 mg/L) was more pronounced in comparison to bark powder (96h LC 50 : 173.17 mg/L) and leaf powder (96h LC 50 : 173.69 mg/L). Ethanolic extracts of M . nigra fruit, bark and leaf was more toxic than their other organic solvent extracts. The molluscicidal activity of ethanolic extract of M . nigra fruit powder (24h LC 50 : 116.23 mg/L) was more effective than the ethanolic extract of bark powder (24h LC 50 : 154.41 mg/L) and leaf powder (24h LC 50 : 139.80 mg/L). The 96h LC 50 of column-purified fraction of M . nigra fruit powder was, 10.03 mg/L whereas that of bark and leaf powder was 8.69 mg/L and 4.97 mg/L, respectively. Column and thin layer chromatography analysis demonstrates that the active molluscicidal component in M . nigra is quercetin (96h LC 50 : 1.11 mg/L), apigenin (96h LC 50 : 1.92 mg/L) and morusin (96h LC 50 : 2.12 mg/L), respectively. Co-migration of quercetin (R f 0.49), apigenin (R f 0.51) and morusin (R f 0.52) with column-purified fruit, bark and leaf of M . nigra on thin layer chromatography demonstrates same R f value. The present study indicates that M . nigra may be used as potent source of molluscicides against the snail Lymnaea acuminata .

Biochemical contents of mulberry (Morus spp.) fruits

Morus alba and Morus nigra are native to Far East and Eurasia, respectively. Fruits and leaves of both species are widely used in folk medicine. Both species are mostly used in Turkey to consume as fresh or dried fruits, juice and jam. Fruits of M.alba are white, purple or black in color whereas M. nigra has only black colored fruits. Study was conducted to compare fruits of M.alba and M. nigra fruits for natural biochemicals and antiradical activities. All fresh fruits were obtained from Southern Turkey and total phenols were analysed by Folin-Ciocalteu method. While spectrophotometric method were used for analysing of total flavonoids. Antiradical activity were measured by DPPH method. M.nigra has the highest phenolic content (368,2 mgGAE/100g FW) when compared to fruits of M.alba. White colored fruits in M. alba has the lowest phenolic content (267,5 mgGAE/100gFW). Amount of total flavonoids (mg CTE/100g FW) ranged from 214,5 in M. alba'black' to 170,0 in M. Alba 'white' but M. nigra (247,9) has more flavonoid than that of M. alba genotypes. Amount of total phenols and flavonoids increased with rising color intensity. M. nigra had superior values for both biochemicals tested when compared to M. alba. Antiradical acivity (1/EC50) was higher in M. nigra (2.81) than all kind of fruits of M. alba ranging from 2.65 in black and 2.46 in white colored fruits. Natural antiradical activity of M. nigra has nearly equal to synthetic antioxidant known as BDH (2.91). M. nigra have superior numbers for all biochemicals tested when compared to M. alba.

CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF THAI TRADITIONAL REMEDIES POTENTIALLY USED FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Background: At present, cholinesterase inhibition and neuronal protection from oxidative stress are well-known mechanisms that widely used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (1,2). According to Thai traditional medicine, brain hypo-function, which has similar symptoms to that of AD, was due to declining in wind-element, blood circulation and neurological system. Trikatuk is herbal remedy, strongly increases wind-element, had been used as nootropic remedy for body balance in rainy season. It’s composed of 3 plants: Zingiber off icinale rhizomes (Zo), Piper nigrum fruits (Pn) and Piper retrofractum fruits (Pr) in either ratio of 1:1:1(Tk1), 3:2:1(Tk2),1:3:2(Tk3) or 2:1:3(Tk4). Aims: This study focused on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and human butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activities by the method of Elman (3, 4) and antioxidant activity by DPPH method(5) of the 4 remedies and ingredients. Methods: Sixty grams of each plants and recipes were extracted by 95 %ethanol (250 ml x 3), then evaporated under reduced pressure and dried in vacuum-dry at 45 C for 24 hour. Piperine and 6-gingerol of each extracts were also determined by HPLC. Results: The results showed that the ethanolic extract of the 4 remedies at dose of 0.1 mg/ml had BuChE inhibitory effect more than 70%. The IC50 of AChE inhibitory activity of Zo, Pn, Pr, Tk1, Tk2, Tk3, Tk4, galantamine were >300, 25.46, 51.60, 45.6, 51.97, 41.19, 42.93, 0.1 μg/ml and that of BuChE were 60.82, 42.94, 34.58, 28.74, 25.39, 33.01, 33.28, 0.37 μg/ml respectively. All Trikatuk remedies exhibited higher BuChE inhibitory activity than that of AChE. The Tk1 and Tk2 exhibited higher BuChE inhibitory activity than single herb. The antioxidant activity of Zo and Tk2 were 16.59 and 48.80 μg/ml which was higher activity than the others. The percentage of piperine and 6-gingerol in Tk2 extract (w/w) were 18.57 ± 0.22 and 1.05 ± 0.01 mg/g. Conclusion: The combined recipes had synergistic effect on BuChE inhibitory activity more than single herb. In addition, the Tk2 might protect neuronal cell from oxidative stress toxicity due to its antioxidant effect. These results revealed that Tk2 was the potential use for AD treatment.

후추 열매 유래 화합물들의 배추좀나방 유충에 대한 살충 활성

잎침지법을 이용하여 후추 열매 메탄올 추출물 및 분리된 화합물들의 배추좀나방(Plutellaxylostella) 유충에 대한 살충 활성을 검정하였다. 후추 열매 메탄올 추출물은 배추좀나방 유충에 대해 5.0과 2.5 mg/mL 농도에서 각각 100%와 97%의 살충 활성을 보였다. 후추 열매에서 유래된 화합물들의 배추좀나방에 대한 살충 활성을 조사한 결과, guineensine (<TEX>$LC_{50}$</TEX>=0.013 mg/mL)의 살충 활성이 가장 높았으며, 다음으로 retrofractamide A (0.020 mg/mL), pipercide (0.033 mg/mL) 그리고 pellitorine (0.046 mg/mL) 순이었다. Piperine의 반수치사농도는 0.5 mg/mL 이상이었다. The larvicidal activities of Piper nigrum fruit methanol extracts and its constituents against larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, were investigated using the leaf dipping method. Administering the P. nigrum methanol extract resulted in 100 and 97% mortality against diamondback moth larvae at 5.0 and 2.5 mg/mL concentrations, respectively. Larvicidal activities of the P. nigrum fruit-derived piperidine alkaloids, piperine, and N-isobutylamide, as well as pellitorine, guineensine, pipercide, and retrofractamide A against P. xylostella varied according to test compound. Based on the 48 h <TEX>$LC_{50}$</TEX> values, the most toxic compound to diamondback moth larvae was guineensine (0.013 mg/mL) followed by retrofractamide A (0.020mg/mL), pipercide (0.033mg/mL), and pellitorine (0.046 mg/mL). The <TEX>$LC_{50}$</TEX> value of piperine was >0.5 mg/mL.

Antioxidant Activity of Mulberry Fruit Extracts

Phenolic compounds were extracted from the fruits of Morus nigra and Morus alba using methanol and acetone. The sugar-free extracts (SFEs) were prepared using Amberlite XAD-16 column chromatography. All of the SFEs exhibited antioxidant potential as determined by ABTS (0.75–1.25 mmol Trolox/g), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (EC50 from 48 μg/mL to 79 μg/mL), and reducing power assays. However, a stronger activity was noted for the SFEs obtained from Morus nigra fruits. These extracts also possessed the highest contents of total phenolics: 164 mg/g (methanolic SFE) and 173 mg/g (acetonic SFE). The presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the extracts was confirmed using HPLC method and chlorogenic acid and rutin were found as the dominant phenolic constituents in the SFEs.