Extract Of Phyllanthus Amarus Research Articles

The effect of Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract on the lipid profile of gentamicin-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

Phyllanthus amarus is a medicinal plant, used in traditional practice for treating diseases like hypertension, liver damage and diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to provide a potent therapeutic alternative to conventional drugs in managing liver diseases. Ethanol leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight was investigated for its acclaimed hepatoprotective activity in gentamicin-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Thirty albino rats weighing 120-150 g were assigned into six groups (I-VI) of five animals each. Rats in group I (control) received distilled water orally. Rats in groups II, III, IV, V and VI were induced with 100 mg/kg of gentamicin for seven days. Groups III-V were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively while group VI was treated with 200 mg/kg bw of silymarin. The lipid profile that relates to hepatotoxicity was assessed using standard methods. The significantly increased serum and liver lipid profile: cholesterol, triglyceride, Low-density lipoprotein and reduced high-density lipoprotein in the untreated animals were attenuated by the extract. Overall, the extract possesses hepatoprotective activity with 200 mg/kg body weight being the most effective dose. The coronary Heart Index (CRI) was not significantly different from the control. Therefore, the ethanol leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus could be explored in controlling some of the metabolic dysfunctions usually associated with hepatotoxicity.

Morphofunctional efficacy of Phyllanthus amarus alkaloid extract on semen quality, hormonal profile and gonadal histomorphometric status in Plasmodium berghei-induced mice

The mainstay for malaria treatment is drug, but currently, the treatment is failing and making malaria infection worrisome. The alkaloid extract of the plant Phyllanthus amarus has been demonstrated to possess antimalarial activity. This present study evaluated the changes in semen quality, hormone profile and gonadal histomorphometric features in Berghei-induced mice treated with alkaloid extract of Phyllanthus amarus. Thirty-six BALB/c mice were divided into six groups (n=6 per group). The first two groups were positive (not infected, not treated) and negative (infected, but not treated) control mice, while the remaining groups (Groups 3–6) were the experimental mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (NK 65) malaria parasite and respectively treated with standard drug Lonart® DS (20 mg/kg) with 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 225 mg/kg of the Phyllanthus amarus alkaloid extract (PAAE) for 4 days. Then, 10 days later, the animals were euthanized and blood samples were collected for biochemical investigation. Testes tissues were harvested for histological assessment and semen samples were collected for analysis using standard procedures and documented methods. Data from our study revealed that Plasmodium berghei malaria-induced infection significantly (p<0.05) increased testicular hormones of testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels were significantly (p<0.05) reduced, semen quality were compromised and the microstructural architecture of the testes were distorted. However, treatments with the graded doses of PAAE protected the gonads, improved semen quality and restored the hormone levels in a dose-dependent manner and in pattern that compared favourably with the mice treated with standard drug of Lonart® DS. Alkaloids of Phyllanthus amarus are promising as antimalarial agent. Therefore, the active antimalarial alkaloid compounds of Phyllanthus amarus should be identified for further study.

Stimulatory Effects of Phyllanthus amarus Extract on the Growth Performance, Hematobiochemical Activity, Antioxidative Status and Immune Response of Clarias gariepinus

This study investigated the antibacterial activity of Phyllanthus amarus extracts and its influence on the performance of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. The fish were fed diets containing 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 g P. amarus methanol extract (PAE) / kg basal diet for 84 days. Thereafter, blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses. At the end of the 84-day feeding trial, fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila, after which immune response parameters were measured. The data obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance at p&lt;0.05. The results showed significant antibacterial activity of PAE against A. hydrophila, and its application at 0.5-1.5 g significantly promoted growth performance, with the highest at 1.0 g. Hematocrit, hemoglobin and lymphocytes were enhanced at 0.5-1.5 g PAE. All the fishes fed PAE-supplemented diets had lower concentrations of serum liver enzymes; while the values of creatinine, glucose and total bilirubin did not differ among the treatments. Glutathione peroxidase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, lysozyme, phagocytic and respiratory burst activities increased in all PAE-fortified treatments, with highest fish survival in 1.0 g PAE treatment. Therefore, the inclusion of 1.0 g Phyllanthus amarus extract is recommended as a dietary supplement for Clarias gariepinus.

Effects of Psidium guajava and Phyllanthus amarus extracts on digestive enzyme activity and growth of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings under high-temperature stress

The rise in water temperature by global warming is of high concern to aquaculturists. In this study, the effects of extracts-based diets on digestive enzymes, and growth performance in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings under elevated temperatures were investigated. Four distinct diets (control, Psidium guajava, (0.2%/kg) – Pg0.2, Phyllanthus amarus (0.5%/kg) – Pa0.5, and a mixture of Pg0.2 and Pa0.5 - Mix.) were administered to fish fingerlings for 42 days, followed by 4 days of temperature elevation. Fish were then continuously subjected for 42 days to temperatures of 27, 31, and 35°C to evaluate enzymatic activities and growth performance of fish. The results showed that although there is no interaction between two experimental factors on digestive enzyme activity and growth performance of fish, Pg0.2 followed by Mix groups accelerated digestive enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylases and pepsin). Besides, enzymatic activities increased from 31°C to 35°C. The highest growth was observed from fish at 35°C followed by those at 31°C (p&lt;0.05) which was significantly higher than the control (27°C); however, there was no significant difference in survival rate. In conclusion, these findings suggested 2 appropriate diets (Pg0.2 and Mix) for optimizing growth of this species and consequently contributing to the sustainable aquaculture under the global warming scenario.

Safety and antimalarial therapeutic index of alkaloid-rich extract of Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. in mice

BackgroundMalaria fever is known to cause around one million passings per annum. This life-threatening infection is predominant in most part of Africa. Malaria vaccinations are challenging in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. Drugs derived from plants have been utilized customarily to treat malaria. In this manner, assurance of the harmfulness and antimalarial capacity of plant derived drugs can demonstrate to be the source of novel lead compound to control malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and antimalarial therapeutic index of alkaloid-rich extract of Phyllanthus amarus in mice. MethodsThirty rats (n = 5/group) were used for the oral acute toxicity study and administered with varying doses (0, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg b.wt) of alkaloid-rich extract of P. amarus. The oral acute toxicity was carried out according to OECD guidelines.After 21 days of monitoring, serum liver function tests and liver histology were performed using documented methods. The antimalarial index was determined using median effective dose (ED50) of thirty five mice divided into 7 groups (n = 5). Resultsshowed that up to the highest dose (5000 mg/kg), there were no biochemical derangements in liver function. Physical signs of toxicity were also not observed. Antimalarial activity indices showed high potency with therapeutic index of 30.13. ConclusionAlkaloid-rich extract of Phyllanthus amarus is therefore, non-toxic with reputable antimalarial activity. The active alkaloid(s) deserve further study as source for possible development of new and more potent antimalarial agent.

RETRACTED: Aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus protects against oxidative stress and misfiring of dopaminergic neurons in Paraquat-induced Parkinson's disease-like model of adult Wistar rats

Background of the studyPhyllanthus amarus has high nutritional value and is beneficial in managing and treating diverse ailments. This study assessed the role of aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus on Paraquat (PQ) induced neurotoxicity in the substantia nigra of Wistar rats. Materials and methodsThe role of aqueous leaves extract of Phyllanthus amarus was assessed using an open field test (OFT) for motor activity, oxidative stress biomarkers [Catalase (CAT), and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)], histological examination (H and E stained) for cytoarchitectural changes and immunohistochemical studies using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) as a marker for dopaminergic neurons. Forty-two (42) rats were categorized into six groups (n = 7); group 1: control was administered 0.5 ml/kg distilled water, group 2: received 10 mg/kg PQ + 10 mg/kg L-dopa as reference drug, group 3; received 10 mg/kg PQ, while group 4: received 10 mg/kg PQ + 200 mg/kg P. amarus, group 5: received 10 mg/kg PQ + 300 mg/kg P. amarus, and group 6: received 10 mg/kg PQ + 400 mg/kg P. amarus respectively, for 14 days. All administrations were done orally; a significant difference was set at p < 0.05. Results and discussionThe study's open field test (OFT) revealed no motor activity deficit with Paraquat (PQ) exposure. Also, cytoarchitectural distortions were not observed with Paraquat (PQ) only treatment group compared to the control and other groups pretreated with P. amarus and L-dopa. Moreover, the Paraquat (PQ) only treatment group showed oxidative stress by significantly decreasing the antioxidant enzyme (SOD) compared to the control and L-dopa pretreated group. A significant decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expressing dopaminergic neurons was also observed in Paraquat (PQ) only treatment. However, P. amarus treatment showed therapeutic properties by significantly increasing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expressing dopaminergic neuron levels relative to control. ConclusionAqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus possesses therapeutic properties against Paraquat (PQ) induced changes in the substantia nigra of Wistar rats.

Efficacy of the Whole Plant Ethanol Extract of Phyllanthus Amarus on Trypanosoma Brucei-Induced Pathology in Wistar Rat

African animal trypanosomiasis is one of the most important protozoal diseases affecting animal health and production. This study was conducted to assess the phytochemical composition of Phyllanthus amarus ethanol extract and to assess its safety and efficacy on Trypanosoma brucei-induced pathology in Wistar rats. The plant sample was obtained from around the residential area in Ahmadu Bello University, main campus, Zaria, Nigeria, and subjected to phytochemical screening following standard procedures. Sixteen Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each rat in the groups receiving 0.1 mL of 10⁶ T. brucei trypomastigotes. After three days of patency, rats in groups III to V were given different plant extract treatments for four days, while rats in groups I and II served as negative and positive controls. Following treatment, clinical parameters, parasitaemia, gross pathology and biochemical analysis were observed and recorded. The results showed that the ethanol extract contained primary constituents such as alkaloids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, triterpenes, anthraquinones, tannins, and steroids. The extract was found to be non-toxic and orally safe for Wistar rats. It showed moderate suppressive ability against parasitaemia, ameliorating fever, weight loss, and anaemia in Trypanosoma brucei-infected rats. It also demonstrated significant modulatory activity in reducing internal organ pathologies, liver enzyme pathology, and oxidative stress in the heart, kidney, and spleen. The study highlights the safety and efficacy of Phyllanthus amarus ethanol extract in managing African animal trypanosomiasis.

Nutriphytochemical Profiling and Changes in Cardiovascular Risk Index in Malarial Infected Mice Treated with Ethanol Root Extract of Phyllanthus Amarus

Purpose: The use of medicinal plants in malarial treatment has become popular in Nigeria, an endemic country, due to failing chemotherapy and high cost of antimalarial drugs. One of such commonly used herbs is Phyllanthus amarus. The antimalarial activity of P. amarus has been consistently reported, giving credence to its traditional use. Nevertheless, effects of such treatment on reducing cardiovascular risk indices is yet to be fully documented. This is imperative since certain metabolic complications like increased plasma lipids have been associated with considerable risks of fatty liver and cardiovascular diseaes in severe cases of malaria in humans. Methods: In this present study, therefore, the antiplasmodial action of the ethanol root extract of P. amarus and its ED50 dose were determined and associated cardiovascular risk indices were evaluated in BALB/c malarial infected mice, having ascertained the nutritive quality and phytochemicals of plant root. Results: Results showed that P. amarus root is abundant in alkaloid phytochemical and the roots extracts demonstrated significant antiplasmodial activity in a dose-dependent trend with optimal ED50 and maximal potency in reducing cardiovascular risk indices (Atherogenic index of plasma, AIP and heart disease risk, HDR) and fatty liver, which compared well with the values obtained from the uninfected control mice. Conclusion: The roots of P. amarus possess a wide array of nutrients and phytochemicals, with significant antimalarial activity. The roots also reduced the risks of cardiovascular diseases associated with severe malaria, in experimental mice.

Evaluation of the anti-bacterial activity of aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus on Streptococcus pyogenes for the treatment of tonsillitis

Phyllanthus amarus belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, it is a tiny herb that is known for its medical benefits and used widely globally. It is also an essential plant in the Indian Ayurveda medical system, and is used to treat stomach, genitourinary, liver and kidney problems and disorders. It is an astringent with bitter, stomachic, diuretic, febrifuge, and antiseptic in gonorrhea, menorrhagia, and other genital disorders, the entire plant is employed in eastern Asia for the treatment of infections. It helps with gastritis, diarrhea, dysentery, intermittent fevers, scabies, ulcers, and wounds. The present study aimed at addressing its activity against Streptococcus pyogenes for the treatment of tonsillitis and also it’s potential as a possible source of new antimicrobial product for tonsillitis. Distilled water (maceration method) was used in the extraction of aqueous leaf extracts of Phyllanthus amarus. Different phytochemical screening techniques were used to identify the phytochemicals present in the aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus. The Agar well diffusion and broth dilution test methods were used to test for the in-vitro anti-bacterial activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus against Streptococcus pyogenes. The percentage yield of Phyllanthus amarus aqueous leaf extracted was 13.88% (83.3mg). From the results of this research Phyllanthus amarus could be a good source for future drug developments, from the aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus in order to address the issue of need for new antibiotics due to the alarming burden of antimicrobial resistance. Keywords: Phyllanthus amarus aqueous leaf extract, Tonsillitis, Streptococcus pyogenes.

West African medicinal plants: a review of their antimalarial activity

Nowadays, the use of medicinal plants in the fight against malaria must be based on scientific results of safety and quality. However, reviews of the antiplasmodial activities of plants in West Africa in recent years are rare. This study analyzes scientific publications from 2010 to 2021 on plants traditionally used in antimalarial treatments in West Africa. A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed and google scholar databases using the following keywords: Malaria, Antiplasmodial activity, extract, medicinal plant, West Africa; for articles published from 2010 to 2021. These articles concern ethnobotanical studies, antiplasmodial tests, isolated molecules and toxicity tests. A total of 8 West African countries were explored and 54 papers from 2010 to 2021 were selected with 78 plants studied. Nigeria and Burkina Faso recorded more work with 28 and 7 papers respectively and studied more plants with 31, and 16 respectively. The most active extracts for in vitro tests are found in Nigeria with ethanolic extracts of Phyllanthus amarus and Ipomoea purpurea with respectively an Inhibitory Concentratin of 0.05 μg /mL and 0.06 μg / mL. The most active extract in vivo is found in Nigeria with the methanolic fraction of Parkia biglobosa with a 100% suppression rate at a dose of 100 mg/kg/Day. It is clear that the traditional West African pharmacopoeia is a potential source of effective phytomedicines for the management of malaria.

Antibacterial properties of Allium sativum against Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale and Phyllanthus amarus extracts against Escherichia coli

Antibacterial activity of garlic extracts (Allium sativum) against Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) and Phyllanthus amarus extracts against Escherichia coli (E. coli) were evaluated by agar diffusion assay. The results showed that ORT were sensitive to pure garlic extract and garlic extract from alcohol. The diluted extract inhibited ORT at moderate levels. Relating to E. coli, 250 mg/mL of Phyllanthus extract destroy the bacteria while minimal bactericidal concentration of doxycycline and amoxicillin against Escherichia coli were 16 μg/mL and 64 μg/mL, respectively. The results contribute to evaluate garlic extract and Phyllanthus extract as antibiotic alternatives in animal production.

Free radical scavenging activity, pancreatic lipase and a-amylase inhibitory assessment of ethanolic leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus

Oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of diabetes and obesity. The key enzymes involved in the carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms are a-amylase and pancreatic lipase respectively. The phytochemicals present in medicinal plants are known to be potent free radical scavenging agents and great inhibitors of metabolizing enzymes. Phyllanthus amarus leaves have antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity properties. This research is aimed at elucidating the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism inhibitory activities of P. amarus leaves through in-vitro screening. The phytochemical screening revealed that P.amarus is having high phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, and saponin content. The total protein content of P.amarus showed 2.720±0.001 mg BSAE/g. Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed 0.0001mg/mL, Nitric oxide assay revealed 0.452 mg/mL, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay showed a value of 0.132±0.010 mg RE/g, Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) indicated a value of 2.217±0.002 mg GAE/g and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzotiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) inhibitory activity at the peak concentration (1.2 mg/mL) was 40.29%. The enzyme inhibitory assessment showed a decrease in a-amylase activity as the concentration increased while there was a slight decrease in a-lipase activity but a slight increase at 18.75 mg/mL.

Antibacterial Activity of &lt;i&gt;Phyllanthus&lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt; &lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt;Amarus&lt;/i&gt; (Schum and Thonn) Extract Against &lt;i&gt;Salmonella &lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt;Typhi&lt;/i&gt; Causative Agent of Typhoid Fever

The study was conducted to assess the antibacterial activity of Phyllanthus amarus (Schum and Thonn) extract against Salmonella typhi causative agent of typhoid fever at the laboratories of the Departments of Chemistry and Theoretical and Applied Biology of the College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. The objectives were to determine the highest yield of crude extract of P. amarus using different proportions of water to ethanol and to determine the sensitivity of Salmonella typhi to these. Three different extraction procedures were carried out. In the first procedure, seven extraction setups each containing different proportions of the two extract (water and ethanol) were used with 10g of the plant sample. In the second procedure, eight setups were used for the two solvents. Ten grams of both fresh and dry plant sample were extracted in two different 200ml of water and in another two different 200ml of water; 20g of both fresh and dry plant sample were again extracted. The same procedure was repeated using ethanol as the solvent. In the third procedure, 10g each of fresh plant sample were boiled in 100ml and 200ml of water for 30 minutes. A sensitivity test to determine the zones of inhibition for the various plant extracts was done on Salmonella typhi isolated from human. Results from the crude yield of P. amarus using water only had the highest crude yield of 2.57g, followed by ethanol only which was 2.52g. The sensitivity studies conducted on the fresh P. amarus indicated that aqueous extract of P. amarus inhibited S. typhi to a zone of 5.00mm in 10g/200ml and 7.17mm in 20g/200ml. Ethanol extract also recorded an inhibition zone of 2.67mm and 5.33mm in 10g/200ml and 20g/200ml respectively. Again, sensitivity studies using dry P. amarus samples showed that the aqueous extracts recorded a zone of inhibition of 7.33mm in 10g/200ml and 13.50mm in 20g/200ml. Also ethanol extracts also recorded an inhibition zone of 6.83mm in 10g/200ml and 10.50mm in 20g/200ml. Significant differences were observed among the extracts and the control in both 10g/200ml and 20g/200ml concentrations (P&lt;0.05). Aqueous and ethanol extracts of P. amarus proved inhibitory to S. typhi.

Active Blood Pressure Lowering Fractions from the Aqueous Extract of the Leaves of Phyllanthus amarus Schum and Thonn (Euphorbiaceae)

Background: The blood pressure-lowering effffect of aqueous leaves extract of Phyllanthus amarus&nbsp;has been reported in earlier work in normotensive albino rabbits. The effffects of organic solvent&nbsp;fractions were evaluated in Wistar rats. Methods: The aqueous fraction obtained from the crude extract of the leaves was evaluated for blood pressure-lowering effffect in anaesthetized normotensive Wistar rats, at the graded doses of 2.5-40&nbsp;mg/kg after which it was subjected to vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) using combinations of chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water. This yielded eleven fractions which were bulked into six samples (A-F) after thin layer chromatograph analysis, and samples A, B and C were evaluated for&nbsp;activities on the blood pressure of hypertensive Wistar rats at the graded doses of 5 to 20 mg/kg.&nbsp;Fraction “C” showed the highest blood pressure lowering effffect and was further subjected to column&nbsp;chromatographic and VLC analysis, to obtain fraction (BVLC2) which was evaluated for possible blood&nbsp;pressure lowering effffect in hypertensive Wistar rats. Results: The aqueous fraction caused a dose de pendent decrease in the blood pressure of normotensive Wistar rats, decreasing the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) from a basal level of 104.58 ± 8.29 mmHg to 45.22 ± 6.71 mmHg (p&lt;0.0001; 66.4%) at the dose of 40 mg/kg. Fraction “C” caused signifificant decrease in the MAPfrom 116.99 ± 10.28 mmHg to 68.33 ± 6.78 mmHg (p &lt; 0.001;&nbsp;0.01%) at the dose of 20 mg/kg, while the fraction BVLC2 decreased the MAPfrom 146.11 ± 8.29 mmHg&nbsp;to 79.33 ± 6.18 mmHg (***p&lt; 0.001) at the dose of 10 mg/kg, indicating a trend of increasing potency&nbsp;along the course of purifification. Conclusion: The aqueous fraction of the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus yielded column&nbsp;chromatographic sample (BVLC2), that might possibly serve as a lead sample from which pure active&nbsp;hypotensive constituent(s) could be isolated.&nbsp;

Evaluation of antiplasmodial activity and inhibitions of lipid peroxidation and parasite haem polymerization activity by medicinal phytochemicals of Phyllanthus amarus

Despite the dedicated struggle to eliminate malaria, the current trend of the infection, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa remains worrisome due to failing control and treatment approaches caused by a myriad of factors. Therefore, the search for new, affordable, and more potent antimalarial drugs, from plants especially, have become the frontline in recent times. This study thus, evaluates the in vitro antiplasmodial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of the phytochemical (alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones) extracts of Phyllanthus amarus using documented methods. Antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities were determined by parasite growth inhibition assay and microassay technique by the lactate dehydrogenase method, respectively. Antioxidant activities were determined by measuring inhibition of both lipid peroxidation and heam polymerization by extracts. Results show that the alkaloid extract was noncytotoxic (CC = 60.26 μg/mL) and most selectable (SI = 125.5) with the highest antiplasmodial (IC = 0.48 μg/mL) and 50 50 haem polymerization inhibition (IC = 0.63 μg/mL) activities, but moderate antioxidant lipid peroxidation inhibition, (LPI; 50 IC = 500μg/mL) capacity. However, the ethanol and flavonoid phytochemical extracts displayed the highest antioxidant 50 activity in inhibition of heam polymerization (IC = 0.46 μg/mL) and lipid peroxidation (IC = 218.78 μg/mL), respectively, 50 50 with significant antiplasmodial activity (IC = 0.48 μg/mL and 1.10 μg/mL, respectively). Our results show that all 50s phytochemical extracts studied were non-cytotoxic. Although the antioxidant activities of the flavonoid and ethanol phytochemical extracts were greater in comparison to the alkaloid phytochemical, alkaloid was the most selectable active antiplasmodial phytochemical of P. amarus and one of its mechanisms of action is by inhibiting parasite haem detoxification.

Evaluation of erythrocyte viability, antioxidant capacity and antiplasmodial activity induced by alkaloid extract of Phyllanthus amarus

Introduction: The production of large amounts of reactive oxygen species in severe malarial infection is due to parasite invasion to erythrocytes. Malaria resistance to medication has left malaria-endemic countries with no alternate source of medications but traditional medicine. One of such plants utilized by traditional healers is Phyllanthus amarus. Therefore, this study aims at ascertaining the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of P. amarus and its specific actions on retaining erythrocyte viability and antioxidant activity. Methods: Antiplasmodial and erythrocyte viability activities were determined in vitro via parasite suppression and tetrazolium-based colorimetric assays, respectively. Antioxidant capacity was determined by measuring extract’s ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation, scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide ions, reduce iron(III) ions, and chelate iron in vitro using documented methods. Results: Alkaloid extracts of P. amarus showed great antiplasmodial activity (IC50=0.52μg/mL) and low cytotoxic activity (CC50=54.95 μg/mL). Erythrocyte viability assay showed the minimal impact of the extract on the uninfected erythrocytes but improved viability of the infected RBC in a dose dependent manner, and antioxidant activity manifested mainly in its iron chelating activity (EC50=0.34 μg/mL). Conclusion: This study suggests that the alkaloid extract of P. amarus has significant antiplasmodial and antioxidant activities. These activities promoted the repair of parasite-induced free radical damage to the erythrocyte membrane but distorted the parasites redox balance and defense mechanism, and hence survival rate as indicated by the parasite suppression associated with alkaloid extract treatment of malarial infection.

Effect of Phyllanthus amarus in sodium arsenite-induced tissue damage

This study aims to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaves on arsenic-induced histological changes in Wistar rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups: Group I: normal control; Group II: rats received sodium arsenite (40 mg/kg); Group III: rats received sodium arsenite (40 mg/kg) + P. amarus extract (100 mg/kg); Group IV: rats received sodium arsenite (40 mg/kg) + extract (200 mg/kg). All groups were treated by oral gavage with sodium arsenite for 28 days and the animals were subsequently administered (oral) with 100 and 200 mg/kg extract, once daily for two weeks. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last treatment and different organs were collected for histopathological analysis. Results revealed mild to severe type of necrosis and degenerative changes in brain, kidney, and liver of arsenic fed animals. In rats administered with extract showed significant improvements, and the normal histological feature of the cells was almost restored in rats. These suggest that P. amarus can be used to treat arsenic-induced multi-organ damages.

Changes in CD and Correlation with Hepatic Insulin Resistance Index and Triacylglycerol 36 Level in Liver of Malarial Infected Mice Treated with Phyllanthus amarus

Phyllanthus amarus is an herb for the treatment of various ailments including malaria. Its antiplasmodial properties and antioxidant capacity have been reported, but very little is known about its effect on CD36 in relation to hepatic insulin resistance and triacylglycerol level. Hence, this study was undertaken to evaluate the changes in soluble CD36 concentrations and correlation with hepatic insulin resistance index and triacylglycerol levels in liver of Plasmodium berghei malarial parasite infected mice treated with graded doses of Phyllanthus amarus ethanolic leaf extract. Thirty (30) adult Swiss albino mice of both sexes weighing between 20-30g were assigned into six (6) groups (n=5/grp). Crude ethanolic leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus was administered at 150, 300 and 450mg/kg/d as single daily dose for 7 days. On the 8th day of study, the mice were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia after an overnight fast. Blood sample was collected by cardiac puncture and centrifuged to obtain serum which was used for the assay of serum CD36, glucose and insulin, while, liver of each mouse was excised and processed for the assay of varying doses (150, 300 and 450mg/kg/d) of Phyllanthus amarus crude ethanolic leaf extract to experimental mice infected with P. berghei malarial parasite for seven days maintained serum soluble CD36 (3.40±0.52pg/ml, 3.47±0.46pg/ml and 3.37±0.46pg/ml), hepatic insulin resistance index (0.85±0.10, 0.77±0.17 and 0.82±0.13) and liver triacylglycerol (134.33±15.95mg/dl, 174.00±11.27mg/dl and 163.67±11.02mg/dl) levels, respectively, in trends that compared well with the Control and chloroquine – treated data ( C D 3 6 = 3.03±0.12pg/ml, liver TAG = 139.33±12.01, HIR index = 0.64±0.07). Correlation of CD36 with liver triacylglycerol for the malarial infected group without treatment was strongly positive, while, that with hepatic insulin resistance index was strongly negative. The control and chloroquine treated groups produced similar correlation pattern, but those for the extract-treated were weaker. Malarial infection in experimental mice significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased serum soluble CD36 and this impacted HIR index and liver TAG. However, extract and chloroquine treatments ameliorated the malaria-induced level of serum soluble CD36 and hepatic triacylglycerol, using documented methods. Results indicate that infection of mice with Plasmodium berghei malarial parasite yielded significant increase in level of CD36 (5.40±0.70pg/ml) and liver triacylglycerol, TAG (259.00±7.21mg/dl), but abnormal reduced (p&lt;0.05) hepatic insulin resistance, HIR index (0.37±0.05) when compared with the control mice (CD36 = 3.47±0.46pg/ml, liver TAG = 161.00±10.00, HIR index = 0.68±0.18) at the 5% probability level. However, administration of as starting materials for drugs (Sofowora, 1993). Plants have provided an alternative strategy in research for new drugs. It is likely that plants will continue to be a valuable source of new molecules which may after possible chemical manipulations provide new and improved drugs (Shan et al., 2006). One of such plants is Phyllanthus amarus.Phyllanthus amarus belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae (the spurge family) from which the largest genus is the Euphorbia. It has about eight hundred (800) species which are found in tropical and subtropical countries of the world (Mazumder et al., 2005). Phytochemicals identified in the leaf extract include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, anthraquinone and glycosides (Onyesom et al., 2015). The antimalarial activity of P. amarus has been observed (Onyesom and Adu, 2015). Malaria is a mosquito borne infectious disease of humans caused by eukaryotic protists of the genus Plasmodium. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions of the world including much of the sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, malaria is mostly caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The association with HIR index and liver TAG in manners that were similar to the control trend.

Purification and Identification of the Active Principles in Ethanol Extract Fractions of Phyllanthus Amarus Leaves

All organisms have their own antioxidant defense system that protects them against free radical damage by enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase or compounds such as ascorbic acid, tocopherol and glutathione. However, our body system sometimes cannot work efficiently to mop up these free radicals thus, leading to unavoidable damages caused by oxidation. As a result, consumption of additional antioxidants through herbs such as Phyllanthus amarus , foods or supplements (phytochemicals) are beneficial to the body system, defending it against these harmful ROS. This research is aimed at ascertaining the presence of various antioxidants in ethanolic extract fractions of Phyllanthus amarus leaves. Phyllanthus amarus leaves were collected from Federal University Wukari premise, Taraba State, Nigeria and dried. The dried leaves were crushed into a fine powder manually using mortar and pestle. The ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaves was placed under fan to evaporate the ethanol before subjecting it to further assays. The results obtained from this study revealed that for beta carotene inhibition assay, fraction 4b (445.9459%) with the solvent combination Chloroform:ethyl acetate (50:50) has the highest bleaching inhibition capacity while fraction 4a (81.08109%) has the lowest bleaching inhibition capacity. Fraction 2a (56.9565 mg/mL) has the highest phenolic content while fraction 6b (7.608669 mg/mL) has the lowest phenolic content. The assay for total flavonoid content showed that fraction 3a (145.71428 mg/mL) has the highest flavonoid content while fraction 8a (121.42857 mg/mL) has the lowest flavonoid content. The results for anti-lipid peroxidation increased with increasing extract concentration. Fraction 3b (55.732 mg/mL) with the solvent combination (chloroform 100:00) has the highest antioxidant capacity while fraction 6a (2.775 mg/mL) with the solvent combination of ethyl acetate: ethanol (50:50) has the lowest antioxidant activity. The correlation between total antioxidants capacity and total Phenolic content and that of antioxidant and flavonoid was found to be weak negative (r 2 =-2.058, r 2 =-0.024 respectively), while the correlation between phenolics and Betacarotene and that of the total antioxidant capacity and total flavonoid content was found to be weak positive (r 2 =0.245 and r 2 =0.313 respectively). The results of the analysis revealed that Phyllanthus amarus leaves contain significant nutritional components that are good for human health, such as flavonoids which is a subclass of the phytochemical, polyphenols. It is reasonable to conclude that fractions 2a and 2b has the highest antioxidant activities which have good potentials for drug development, especially against diseases of oxidative stress origin. Keywords: Antioxidant, Flavonoids, Phyllanthus amarus, Ethanol extract DOI: 10.7176/ALST/94-01 Publication date: August 31 st 2022

Antiradical and inhibitory activities of hydroethanolic extracts of Phyllanthus amarus and Striga hermonthica on α-amylase

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiradical and inhibitory activity of whole plant extracts of Phyllanthus amarus and Striga hermonthica on α-amylase.&#x0D; Methods: The crude 70% (v/v) hydroethanolic extracts obtained were used for the assay of polyphenols, the antiradical test with DPPH, the test for the inhibition of α-amylase with DNS (3,5-dinitrosalicylic). The enzyme extracts were obtained from sorghum malt (Sorghum bicolor).&#x0D; Results: It appears from this study that the extract of P. amarus was richer in polyphenols than the extract of S. hermonthica. Regarding the antiradical activity, the extract of S. hermonthica showed an IC50 of 339.06 ± 1.43 µg/mL against 77.74 ±2.73 µg/mL for the extract of P. amarus. Regarding the anti α-amylase activity, the extract of P. amarus inhibited IMS127 and KMTC 274 respectively 43.64 ±0.59% and 66.28 ±1.97%. On the other hand, the extract of S. hermonthica presented an inhibition of 3.93 ±0.91% on IMS127 and 14.85 ±1.62% on KMTC 274. The extract of P. amarus presents a good antiradical activity and anti α-amylase compared to S. hermonthica extract. In conclusion, these results partly explain the use of these plants in traditional medicine to treat or relieve people suffering from diabetes.&#x0D; Keywords : α-amylase, inhibition, polyphenols, antiradical, diabetes