Extract Of Phyllanthus Amarus Research Articles

Antimalarial properties and preventive effects on mitochondrial dysfunction by extract and fractions of Phyllanthus amarus (Schum. and Thonn) in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.

Broad spectrum antimalarial drugs without deleterious effects on mitochondria are scarce. It is in this regard that we investigated the potency of methanol extract and solvent fractions of Phyllanthus amarus on chloroquine-susceptible and resistant strains of Plasmodium berghei, toxicity and its consequential effects on mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore opening. Malaria was induced in male Swiss mice with susceptible (NK 65) strain, divided into groups (n=5) and treated with 100, 200 and 400mg/kg of methanol extract, n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate and methanol fractions daily for seven days. Percentage parasitemia and parasite clearance were determined microscopically. The two most potent fractions were tested on resistant (ANKA) strains. Heme and hemozoin contents were determined spectrophotometrically. The mPT, mitochondrial ATPase (mATPase) and lipid peroxidation (mLPO) were determined spectrophotometrically. Similar groups of animals were used for toxicity studies. Dichloromethane fraction (400mg/kg) had the highest antimalarial curative effect via least parasitemia (0.49) and high clearance (96.63) compared with the negative control (10.08, 0.00, respectively), had the highest heme and least hemozoin contents (16.23; 0.03) compared with the negative control (8.2, 0.126, respectively). Malaria infection opened the mPT, caused significant increase in mLPO and enhanced mATPase; while dichloromethane fraction reversed these conditions. Serum ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, urea and creatinine of dichloromethane fraction-treated mice decreased relative tocontrol. No significant lesion was noticed in liver andkidney tissue sections. Dichloromethane fraction of Phyllanthus amarus had the highest antimalarial activity with the highest mito-protective effect and it was well tolerated without toxic effects.

Effects of Phyllanthus amarus extract on nonspecific immune responses, growth, and resistance to Vibrio alginolyticus in white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

This study investigates the effects of Phyllanthus amarus extract (PAE) on immune responses, growth, and resistance to Vibrio alginolyticus in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In vitro PAE treatment did not alter the cell viability of haemocytes and significantly enhanced immune parameters such as phenoloxidase (PO) activity, phagocytic activity, and superoxide anion (O2−) production. We conducted two feeding trials to examine the effects of PAE on the growth, disease resistance, and innate immune parameters of white shrimp. In the first in vivo trial, shrimps (4.01 ± 0.03 g) were fed a diet containing 0 g (control), 10 g (PAE10), 20 g (PAE20), or 40 g (PAE40) of PAE per kilogram of feed for 56 days. After the feeding period, the PAE20 group showed a significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rate than shrimp fed the control diet. Furthermore, after challenge with V. alginolyticus, shrimp fed a diet containing PAE showed significantly higher survival than those fed the control diet. The second in vivo trial (28 days) was performed to identify the mechanisms of enhanced immunity in PAE-fed shrimp. Shrimp fed the PAE20 diet generally had the highest total haemocyte count, PO activity, phagocytic activity, and O2− production, followed by the PAE40 and PAE10 groups. Thus, our results suggest that administration of 20 g of PAE per kilogram of feed can enhance immunity, growth, and resistance to V. alginolyticus in white shrimp.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT, PRELIMINARY SCREENING AND GC- FID PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AQUEOUS AND PETROLEUM ETHER EXTRACTS OF PHYLLANTHUS AMARUS LEAVES.

The Gas Chromatography– Flame lonization Detector (GC-FID) method was employed in this study to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of both the aqueous and petroleum ether extracts of phyllanthus amarus leaves. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids Glycosides, Phenols, Saponins, and Tannins. Further analysis revealed a total concentration of Phenol as 82.95mg/100g (4.46%) in the aqueous extract, Tannins 722.77mg/100g(38.82%),Alkaloids was 466.82mg/100(25.07%) while in the petroleum ether extract, Flavonoids was 472.59mg/100g (29.50%), Saponins 12.60mg/100g (0.79%) and Glycosides 18.63mg/100g (1.16%). These results are suggestive that P.amarus is endowed with phytochemicals that contains therapeutic potencies which support its use as traditional remedies for the treatment of variety of ailments.

Therapeutic Effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Phyllanthus amarus on 1, 2 Dimethylhydrazine Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Balb/C Mice

Context: Phyllanthus amarus is traditionally used for various infections, inflammation and cancer. 1,2 Dimethylhydrazine is a potent colon cancer inducer in animals.
 Objective: The present study investigated the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus on 1, 2 Dimethylhydrazine induced colon cancer in BALB/c Mice.
 Materials and Methods: 30 female Balb/C Mice of weight 18-30 g were acclimatized for a week and randomized into 6 groups (5 per group). Group A (-DMH), Group B (+DMH), Group C (DMH+250 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of P. amarus), Group D (DMH+350 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic of P. amarus), Group E (DMH + 250 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of P. amarus), Group F (DMH+ 350 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of P. amarus). 20 mg/kg body weight of DMH was administered orally for 21 days (twice a week). The plant extracts were administered daily for 3 weeks with the aid of a gavage immediately after colon cancer induction. Colon cancer was evaluated by the formation of Aberrant Cryptic Foci in the colon of DMH treated mice.
 Results: Administration of the plant extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) ameliorated the carcinogenic effect of DMH in the colon of DMH treated mice in a dose dependent manner by significantly reducing the number of Aberrant Cryptic Foci formed in extract treated mice by 38% for 350 mg/kg body of ethanolic extract and by 22% for 350 mg/kg body of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus.
 Conclusion: The studied extracts had ameliorative potential on DMH induced colon cancer in Balb/C mice in a dose dependent manner providing evidence for the traditional use of this herb for treatment/prevention of cancer. Notably, 350 mg/kg body of both extracts showed better reduction of Aberrant Cryptic Foci compared to 250 mg/kg body of both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus amarus.

Quantitative Phytochemical Composition and Bioactive Constituents of Ethanolic Extract of Phyllanthus amarus (schum. et thonn) Leaves

Herbs are used in the treatment of several human ailment and diseases. The quantitative phytochemical composition, bioactive constituents of ethanol extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaves were determined. The quantitative phytochemical analysis of ethanol extract of Phyllanthus amarus found to be present in this study includes phenol, flavonoid, saponin, tannin and alkaloid. The total content of phenol is 73.163µg/ml, flavonoid is 137.27µg/ml, tannin is 3.581µg/ml, alkaloid is 30.1 % and saponin is 34.822 ppm. The GC-MS analysis of bioactive constituents of the ethanol extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaves resulted in 44 compounds which have diverse use. The various bioactive compounds present in P. amarus confirm its uses for the treatment of various ailments and diseases by traditional practitioners.

Phyllathin From Phyllanthus Amarus Ameliorates Epileptic Convulsion and Kindling Associated Post-Ictal Depression in Mice via Inhibition of NF-κB/TLR-4 Pathway.

Background:Epilepsy is a chronic, complex, unprovoked, and recurrent disorder of the nervous system that affected several people worldwide. Phyllanthus amarus (PA) has been documented to have neuroprotective potential.Aim:To evaluate the potential of standardized extract of PA and its possible mechanism of action against the Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsion and kindling associated post-ictal depression in experimental mice.Materials and Methods:Phyllathin was isolated from methanolic extract of PA and well-characterized using HPTLC, ESI-MS/MS, and LC/MS. Phyllathin containing a standardized extract of PA (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was administered in convulsed and kindled mice, followed by an assessment of various parameters.Results:The spectral analysis confirmed the molecular formula and weight of phyllanthin as C24H34O6 and 418.2342 Da. PA (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated PTZ-induced (p < 0.05) duration, onset of tonic-clonic convulsion, and mortality in mice. It also significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) PTZ-induced kindling in mice. Alteration in brain GABA, dopamine, and glutamate, Na+K+ATPase, Ca+2-ATPase activities, and oxido-nitrosative stress in kindled mice was significantly restored (p < 0.05) by PA treatment. It also significantly (p < 0.05) down-regulated brain mRNA expressions of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, and TLR-4. Histological aberrations induced by PTZ in the brain of a kindled rat was significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated by PA.Conclusion:Phyllanthin containing a standardized extract of PA exerts its antiepileptic potential via balancing excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) brain monoamines, voltage-gated ion channels (Na+K+/Ca+2-ATPase) and inhibition of NF-κB/TLR-4 pathway to ameliorate neuroinflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2) in experimental mice.

Lignans and Polyphenols of Phyllanthus amarus Schumach and Thonn Induce Apoptosis in HCT116 Human Colon Cancer Cells through Caspases-Dependent Pathway.

The anticancer effects of Phyllanthus amarus extract on various cancer cells have been investigated, however, the effects of its major constituents on HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells have not been reported. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of 80% ethanol extract of P. amarus and its marker constituents (phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, gallic acid, niranthin, greraniin, phyltetralin, isolintetralin, corilagin and ellagic acid) on HCT116 and their underlying mechanisms of action. Their antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on HCT 116 were performed using MTT assay and flow cytometric analysis, respectively, while caspases 3/7, 8 and 9 activities were examined using the colorimetric method. The expression of cleaved poly ADP ribose polymerase enzyme (PARP) and cytochrome c proteins was investigated by the immune-blot technique. HPLC and LC-MS/MS analyses demonstrated that the extract contained mainly lignans and polyphenols. The plant samples markedly suppressed the growth and expansion of HCT116 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner with no toxicity against normal human fibroblast CCD18 Co. P. amarus extract, phyllanthin and gallic acid induced mode of cell death primarily through apoptosis as confirmed by the exteriorization of phosphatidylserine. Caspases 3/7, 8, and 9 activities increased in a concentration-dependent manner following 24h treatment. The expressions of cleaved PARP (Asp 214) and cytochrome c were markedly upregulated. P. amarus extract, phyllanthin and gallic acid exhibited an apoptotic effect on HCT116 cells through the caspases-dependent pathway.

Prospecting and Identifying Phyllanthus amarus Lignans with Antileishmanial and Antitrypanosomal Activity.

Ten lignans (1: - 10: ) were isolated from the hexane-ethyl acetate extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaves. Three of them, cubebin dimethyl ether (3: ), urinatetralin (4: ), and lintetralin (7: ) are described for the first time in this species, while phyllanthin (1: ), niranthin (2: ), 5-demethoxyniranthin (5: ), isolintetralin (6: ), hypophyllanthin (8: ), nirtetralin (9: ), and phyltetralin (10: ) have been already reported from P. amarus. Among the lignans tested against Trypanosoma cruzi intracellular amastigotes, 2: was the most active with an EC50 of 35.28 µM. Lignans 2, 5, 7: , and 9: showed inhibitory effects against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes with EC50 of 56.34, 51.86, 23.57, and 43.27 µM, respectively. During in vitro infection assays, 5: reduced amastigotes by 91% at 103.68 µM concentration, whereas 7: and 9: reduced amastigotes by approximately 84% at 47.5 and 86.04 µM, respectively. Lignans 5, 7: , and 9: were more potent in intracellular amastigotes with EC50 of 2.76, 8.30, and 15.83 µM, respectively, than in promastigotes. CC50 for all samples was > 100 µg/mL, thus revealing low cytotoxicity against macrophages, and selectivity against the parasite. L.amazonensis promastigotes treated with compounds 2: and 9: showed decreased respiratory control of 38% and 25%, respectively, suggesting a change in mitochondrial membrane potential and lower ATP production.

Single or Combined Dietary Supply of Psidium guajava and Phyllanthus amarus Extracts Differentially Modulate Immune Responses and Liver Proteome in Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hyphophthalmus).

Guava Psidium guajava L (Pg) and bhumi amla Phyllanthus amarus Schum. et Thonn (Pa) are well-known plants in traditional medicine. However, the capacity of these plants for improving the immune system of aquatic species has received less attention so far. This study aimed to investigate the effects of single supply or mixture of Pg and Pa extracts on immune responses, disease resistance and liver proteome profiles in striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Fish were fed diets including basal diet 0% or one of three doses of each plant extract, either alone or in mixture, 0.08, 0.2, or 0.5% Pg, Pa or mixture (Pg:Pa, v/v) for 6 weeks. The immune parameters (respiratory burst activity (RBA); nitric oxide synthase (NOS), total immunoglobulin, lysozyme, and complement activities) were examined at W3, W6 post-feeding, and after challenge test. The growth parameters and the challenge test with Edwardsiella ictaluri were done at W6. The liver proteome profiles were analyzed in W6 at 0.08 and 0.5% of each extract. The results showed that extract-based diets significantly improved growth parameters in the Pg0.2 group compared to control. The cellular immune responses in spleen and the humoral immune responses in plasma were significantly improved in a dose and time-dependent manner. Diets supplemented with single Pg and Pa extracts, and to lesser extent to combined extracts, could significantly decrease the mortality of striped catfish following bacterial infection compared to control. The proteomic results indicated that some pathways related to immune responses, antioxidant and lipid metabolism were enriched in liver at W6. Several proteins (i.e., CD8B, HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1, PDIA3, CASP8, TUBA1C, CCKAR, GNAS, GRIN2D, PLCG1, PRKCA, SLC25A5, VDAC2, ACTN4, GNAI2, LCK, CARD9, NLRP12, and NLRP3) were synergistically upregulated in mixture of Pg and Pa-based diets compared to control and single dietary treatments. Taken together, the results revealed that single Pg and Pa extracts at 0.2 and 0.5% and their mixture at 0.08 and 0.5% have the potential to modulate the immune mechanisms and disease resistance of striped catfish. Moreover, the combination of Pg and Pa in diets suggested positive synergistic effects liver proteome profile related to immune system processes.

Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antityrosinase Activities and Cytotoxic Effects of Phyllanthus amarus Extracts

Background: Antioxidant and antityrosinase activities of medicinal plants, together with their various health benefits have received attention in recent times. However, with wide ethnobotanical uses of Phyllanthus amarus, data on in-vitro skin depigmentation activity and cytotoxicity, as well as its impact on mediators of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are still lacking. This present study is, therefore, designed to evaluate its tyrosinase inhibitory action, antioxidant potentials and cytotoxic activities. Methods: In this study, quantitative determination of polyphenols, flavanol, flavonol, flavonoids, Oxygen Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC), Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) were performed on the extracts of P amarus. Also, tyrosinase inhibitory efficacy of the hexane, methanol and aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus amarus were evaluated using ELISA-based methods. Cytotoxicity studies were done with mouse Sertoli (TM4) cells, using MTT assay and cell counts. Results: The hexane and aqueous extracts exhibited significant antityrosinase activity (p&lt;0.05) (IC50= 116.08 and 129.25 µg/mL respectively) while its methanolic extract produces no statistically significant finding. Higher total polyphenol, flavonoids and flavonol were seen in the methanol fraction of the extract. Besides, higher radical cation scavenging (TEAC) activity was observed in the aqueous extract. These values were significant (p&lt;0.0001), whereas ORAC results of the methanol extract show significantly (p&lt;0.0001) higher oxygen reducing antioxidant potential than the aqueous extract. The aqueous extract showed the highest mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity at lower concentrations (0.01 to 10 μg/ml). Here, TM4 cell numbers were also significantly higher as compared to the untreated control. Sertoli cell viability was compromised after exposure to higher extract concentrations (100 to 1000 µg/ml). Conclusion: The hexane and aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus amarus possess good tyrosinase inhibitory action when compared to the reference kojic acid. Also, it demonstrated high antioxidant potentials by its ability to scavenge oxygen radicals, reduce ferric ion and inhibit ABTS radical. Lower extract concentrations stimulated Sertoli cell proliferation, which might be due to phytoestrogenic activities of Phyllanthus amarus conferred by its active, components, such as phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin.

Effect of Andrographis paniculata and Phyllanthus amarus leaf extracts on selected biochemical indices in Drosophila melanogaster model of neurotoxicity

Aluminum (Al)-induced toxicity in fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is one of the established models for studying neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases. Alkaloid phytochemicals have been reported to exhibit neuroprotective effects. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effect of alkaloid extracts of Andrographis paniculata and Phyllanthus amarus leaves on Al-induced toxicity in wild type Drosophila melanogaster. The flies were exposed to diets containing 40 mM AlCl3, and the alkaloid extracts (0.1 and 1 mg/ml). Thereafter, the flies were assessed for learning and memory, as well as locomotor performance 14 days post-treatment. This was followed by homogenizing the flies and the homogenates were assayed for acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase and catalase activities, as well as the malondialdehyde content. The results showed that the alkaloid extracts of both leaves could ameliorate the aluminum-induced behavioral and biochemical impairments in the flies. The HPLC analysis of the alkaloid contents revealed that there is an abundance of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, caffeine and carpaine. Thus, alkaloid extracts from these leaves could serve as promising therapeutic candidates for the management of neurodegenerative disease.

Screening and comparative study of in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic extracts of selected Vietnamese plants

ABSTRACT This study aimed to screen the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic extracts from 20 plants and three herbal commercial products empirically used for aquaculture improvement in Vietnam. The results of 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays showed that Phyllanthus amarus extract was the strongest antioxidant, followed by four extracts in the subsequent order: Piper betle > Psidium guajava > Euphorbia hirta > Mimosa pudica. These five plant extracts were very active in a DPPH radical scavenging assay with concentrations needed to scavenge half of the DPPH (IC50) below 30 µg/mL. Seven plant extracts showed an IC50 ranging from 31.9 to 59.7 µg/mL, while eleven extracts showed an IC50 above 70 µg/mL. A positive association was found between phenolic content (expressed as gallic acid equivalents) and antioxidant activity of the plant extracts. Concerning in vitro antimicrobial activities, P. amarus extract showed the highest activity against two different strains of Aeromonas hydrophila as demonstrated by its low minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 156 and 625 µg/mL, respectively; whereas, P. betle displayed a moderate activity against Edwardsiella ictaluri with a MIC value of 625 µg/mL. Tannins were observed as significant factors contributing to antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the plant extracts tested.

Efficacy of Aqueous and Methanolic Leaf Extract of Phyllanthus Amarus for Anti-Trypanosomal Activity in Mice Experimentally Infected with Trypanosoma Congolense

Efficacy of Aqueous and Methanolic Leaf Extract of Phyllanthus Amarus for Anti-Trypanosomal Activity in Mice Experimentally Infected with Trypanosoma Congolense

Potential antileptospiral constituents from Phyllanthus amarus

Background: Phyllanthus amarus (PA) is a well-known herb for its medicinal properties and widely used worldwide. PA has a significant role in Indian Ayurveda system of medicine for treating various ailments such as gonorrhea, menorrhagia, and other genital infections. Objectives: The aim of the study is to investigate antileptospiral activity and isolate the potential antileptospiral constituents of the methanol extract of PA (MPA). Materials and Methods: The primary pharmacological tests for leptospirosis were investigated by test tube dilution technique and microdilution technique. To examine the morphogenesis of experimental leptospirosis by morphologic and histological methods, albino mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with Leptospira interrogans sero group Icterohaemorrhagiae strains. Results: The activity-guided repeated fractionation for MPA through silica gel column chromatography yielded three compounds that exhibited antioxidant and in vitro, in vivo, and in silico antileptospiral activities. Based on diverse physicochemical and spectroscopic analyses (viz.,13C NMR,1H NMR, ultraviolet [UV], IR, and mass spectroscopy), the potential constituents were elucidated as 5-(3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-4-methoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)butyl)-4,7-dimethoxybenzo[d][1,3]dioxole(C1),1-(3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-4-methoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)butyl)-2,3,4,5tetramethoxybenzene(C2), and 4-(3-(3,4dimethoxybenzyl)-4-methoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)butyl)-3,6-dimethoxybenzene-1,2-diol (C3). The histopathological examinations of both kidney and liver showed promising activity with C3 at 75 and 100 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The in vitro , in vivo, and in silico studies revealed that benzo methoxy class of compounds has great potential as antileptospiral agents.

Modulatory effects of stonebreaker (Phyllanthus amarus) and bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) on enzymes linked with cardiac function in heart tissue of doxorubicin-stressed rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) has been linked with impairment in cardiovascular function and redox balance. In the present study, the effect of Phyllanthus amarus (PA) and Momordica charantia (MC) leaves on some biomolecules [Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE), arginase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), adenosine deaminase (ADA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] and antioxidant [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] linked with cardiac function in DOX-stressed rats was evaluated. Animals were grouped and pretreated with PA and MC leaf extracts at different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg/bwt orally), while DOX (15 mg/kg/bwt) was administered intraperitoneally on the last day of the experiment. Result revealed an increase of ACE, arginase, AChE, ADA, LDH activities and MDA level as well as a significant reduction in CAT and SOD activities, and GSH level in the rats treated with DOX compared to the control. However, these were significantly mitigated in the rats pretreated with PA and MC dose dependently. Chemical characterization of the leaf extracts via high performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of some phenolic compounds which included kaempferol, catechin, epicatechin, ellagic acid, gallic acid quercetin, isoquercitrin and rutin. These findings revealed a significant improvement in redox imbalance and other biomolecules associated with cardiac function, which was altered by DOX. This improvement could be linked to the presence of cardioprotective agents present in PA and MC, thereby making these plants therapeutic agents for the treatment of cardiovascular complications associated with drugs such as DOX.

Phyllanthus amarus protects against spatial memory impairment induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice.

Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. and Thonn. is a wide spread medicinal herb with various traditional uses. It is well documented for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the 80% ethanol extract of Phyllanthus amarus (PA) on spatial memory using the 8-radial arm maze (8-RAM) in mice after induction of neuro inflammation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a 14- and 28-days treatment study. LC-MS/MS was performed to profile the chemical composition in PA extract. Mice were treated orally with 5% v/v tween 20, PA extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), or ibuprofen (IBF 40 mg/kg) for 14 and 28 days. All groups were challenged with LPS (1 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection a day prior to the 8-RAM task except for the negative control group which received an i.p. injection of saline. Data obtained were analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Dunnett's test (comparison of all groups against vehicle control). Analysis of LC-MS/MS data revealed the presence of 16 compounds in the PA extract. Administration of PA extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg for 14 and 28 days significantly (*P<0.05) decreased the working and reference memory errors against LPS-induced spatial memory impairment. The observed protective action is possibly due to the putative antineuroinflammatory effects of PA. In conclusion, PA extract possess neuroprotective effects against spatial memory impairment mediated by LPS.

Biocorrosion Inhibitory Potential of Aqueous Extract of Phyllanthus amarus against Acid Producing Bacteria

Biocorrosion is a form of corrosion of metallic and concrete materials mediated by microorganisms. Acid producing bacteria are major culprits in the corrosion of materials in the environment. This study focused on the inhibition of biocorrosion by acid producing bacteria using aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus (PAAE). Acid producing bacteria were isolated from produced water samples collected from oilfields located in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Multiple fermentation tube technique was adopted for the isolation of the acid producing bacteria using phenol red dextrose broth as culture broth medium. The gravimetric analysis was performed with different concentrations of the plant extract incorporated in universal culture bottles containing broth, sample and carbon steel coupon. The setup was incubated at 20ºC, 30ºC and 40ºC for 7 days and for 14 days. The least corrosion rate (CR) at 20ºC, 30ºC and 40ºC for the 7 days test were 1.446mp/y (80mg/ml PAAE); 27.558mp/y (5 mg/mlLeu+20 mg/ml PAAE) and 5.134 mp/y (80 mg/ml PAAE) with corresponding inhibition efficiency (IE) of 81.92, 87.750 and 80.91 respectively. For the 14 days, the CR values at 20ºC, 30ºC and 40ºC were: 3.192mp/y (5mg/mlLeu+20mg/ml PAAE); 1.458 mp/y (5 mg/mlLeu + 20 mg/ml PAAE) and 117.345mp/y (5 mg/mlLeu + 20 mg/ml PAAE) with corresponding IE of 86.09, 83.87 and 98.89 respectively. The results obtained show that the extract could be considered as a good inhibitor for the biocorrosion of carbon steel mediated by acid producing bacteria.

Sciatic Nerve Structural and Functional Recovery with Extract of Phyllanthus amarus and Esculetin in STZ-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats.

Background: Diabetes-instigated nerve damage is a chronic complication including impaired peripheral nerve function with lowered nerve conduction velocity (NCV), demyelination of nerve fibres and alterations in the behaviour. Many clinical and experimental studies have proved that Phyllanthus amarus and esculetin have potential effects against various diseases.Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the neuroprotective role of hydro-ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus amaras (PAE) and esculetin (ESC) on NCV, metabolism, behavioural and structural changes in diabetic rats.Methods: The extent of protection using PAE and ESC in diabetic rats was determined by checking the HbA1c, NO, myeloperoxidase (MPO), total calcium, protein content, Na+-K+ ATPase activity, acetylcholine content and behavioural alterations using rotarod and maze learning tests on 7, 14 and 21 days. NCV was measured on the 21st day.Results: The diabetic rats showed increased HbA1c, nitrite, MPO, calcium and decreased protein, Na+-K+ ATPase activity, NCV, acetylcholine, behavioural alterations and morphological changes of sciatic nerve so that diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is manifested. Continuous treatment for three weeks with Phyllanthus amarus and esculetin significantly minimized the damage to axons and myelin sheath and enhanced the sciatic NCV by reversing all the mentioned parameters.Conclusion: Phyllanthus amarus and esculetin showed the anti-diabetic as well as anti-inflammatory characteristics by prevention of initiation of adverse processes of the sciatic nerve morphology, internal cell functions leading to improved coordination, behavioural and physiological functions in STZ-induced diabetic rats. PAE has shown similar effects with the ESC. However, further studies are essential to confirm their detailed therapeutic effects.

Toxicological Characterization of Six Plants of the Beninese Pharmacopoeia Used in the Treatment of Salmonellosis.

Recent studies reported interesting ethnopharmacological, antibacterial, and phytochemical data on some medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of salmonellosis in Benin. Unfortunately, very little data exists on the toxicity of these species. This study aims to evaluate chemical characteristic of six Benin pharmacopoeial plants used in the traditional treatment of salmonellosis in Benin. The acute toxicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Psidium guajava, Vernonia amygdalina, Cajanus cajan, Phyllanthus amarus, Uvaria chamae, and Lantana camara was evaluated according to OECD Guideline 423 at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight on Wistar rats. Histological sections were performed on the liver and kidneys to confirm hematological and biochemical data. The content of aluminum, chromium, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, zinc, arsenic, selenium, and manganese was measured in 10 mg of each extract by the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICPOES) method. The results of our study generally show the absence of significant effect of the extracts on the hematological and biochemical parameters of the rats. However, with the exception of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Psidium guajava root and the ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus (P>0.05), all the extracts have a significant effect on the aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) level, with a variable threshold of significance (0.0001< P ≤ 0.05). No mortalities and no renal histological conditions were recorded in the treated rats. In general, the heavy metal contents of the extracts do not exceed the standards set by the WHO/FDA except for a few extracts. Arsenic was not detected in any extract, while aluminum and chromium were detected at levels above the WHO/FDA standards. On the basis of these data, it appears that the six plants studied do not show any toxicity. In view of the pharmacological and chemical data previously available, these plants are good candidates for the development of improved traditional medicines with antibacterial and particularly anti-Salmonella properties.

Protective Effects of Phyllanthus amarus Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in Rats.

Background: Phyllanthus amarus (PA) is widely studied for its hepatoprotective properties but has recently received increasing attention due to its diverse anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of PA in modulating immune responses in the central nervous system leading to protection against functional changes remain unexplored. Therefore, we sought to examine the protective effects of 80% v/v ethanol extract of PA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced non-spatial memory impairment and neuroinflammation. Methods: Selected major phytoconstituents of PA extract were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Subchronic neurotoxicity was performed in male Wistar rats given daily oral administration of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the PA extract. Their neurobehavioral activities (functional observation battery and locomotor activity) were scored, and the extracted brains were examined for neuropathological changes. Rats were treated orally with vehicle (5% Tween 20), PA extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), or ibuprofen (IBF; 40 mg/kg) for 14 and 28 days before being subjected to novel object discrimination test. All groups were challenged with LPS (1 mg/kg) given intraperitoneally a day prior to the behavioral tests except for the negative control group. At the end of the behavioral tests, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD11b/c integrin expression, and synaptophysin immunoreactivity were determined in the brain tissues. Results: Gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, geraniin, niranthin, phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, phyltetralin, and isonirtetralin were identified in the PA extract. Subchronic administration of PA extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) showed no abnormalities in neurobehavior and brain histology. PA extract administered at 200 and 400 mg/kg for 14 and 28 days effectively protected the rodents from LPS-induced memory impairment. Similar doses significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the release of proteins like TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS in the brain tissue. NO levels, CD11b/c integrin expression, and synaptophysin immunoreactivity were also reduced as compared with those in the LPS-challenged group. Conclusion: Pre-treatment with PA extract for 14 and 28 days was comparable with pre-treatment with IBF in prevention of memory impairment and alleviation of neuroinflammatory responses induced by LPS. Further studies are essential to identify the bioactive phytochemicals and the precise underlying mechanisms.