Phytochemical Assay Research Articles

Phytochemical Profile and Total Antioxidant Capacity of Sempervivum ruthenicum Koch Hydroethanolic Extract

The scope of this work is a phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity assay of a Sempervivum ruthenicum Koch hydroethanolic extract. The hydroethanolic extract was prepared from the dried leaves of the plant by maceration in a water and methanol mixture (50:50 v/v). The total phenolic content of the extract was calculated to be 3.0501�0.0272 mg/mL and the total flavonoid content was determined in a concentration of 3.113�0.0394 mg/mL. The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed phenolic acids and flavonoids, which were quantified. The most prevalent phenolic acids in the extracts were gallic and ellagic acids, with concentrations of 1.2443�0.0475 mg/mL, respectively 0.6339�0.0026 mg/mL. The heteroside astragalin was present in high concentration of 1.1934�0.0754 mg/mL. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay revealed the EC50 value of the extract to be 2.5788�0.003 mg/mL. These results suggest a good scavenging ability of the extract, which is due to the abundance of polyphenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity of the extract demonstrates a high scavenging ability at low doses. Sempervivum ruthenicum Koch shows a promising phytochemical profile that suggests it�s use in pathological conditions that involve high oxidative stress.

Preparation of Marketable Functional Food to Control Hypertension using Basil (ocimum basillium) and Peppermint (mentha piperita).

Functional foods are of great importance which are used to ensure improvements in human health by all aspects. A potential functional food was prepared with five different formulations A, B, C, D and E by using different combination of basil leaf, peppermint leaf and green cardamom to control hypertension. The raw material used for formulation wAS collected from the local market of Shahdara Lahore in September 2017. Selection of raw materials was totally based on the availability of specified bioactive components which can control hypertension. Formulations A, B, C, D and E were sensory evaluated. The overall acceptability for formulation A was 5/10, B was 6/10, C was 8/10, D was 9/10 and E was 7/10. On the basis of sensory analysis, formulation D was selected. For preliminary analysis, ethanolic and ethyl acetate fraction of basil leaf was prepared. Standard methods of phytochemical analysis were performed to identify flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenolics and antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity was measured by using DPPH assay. Quercetin was used as standard. Results were statistically analyzed which showed that IC50 (µg/mL) value of ethyl acetate fraction (389.00±0.99) was higher than the ethanolic extract (1372.00±6.32) of the basil leaf. On the basis of phytochemical analysis and DPPH assay. We formulated herbal tea that showed promising antioxidant properties. Characterization of food product proved it as potentially beneficial dietary supplement and hence recommended as potential functional food for hypertension. Keywords: Hypertension; Functional food; DPPH; Sensory Evaluation and Antioxidant activity.

Antifungal activity of marine sponges (Class Demospongiae) collected from Biak, Indonesia

Sponges produce secondary metabolites that have potential resource for medicine. Sponges have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to determine the antifungal activities of marine sponges Fascaplysinopsis sp. and Haliclona sp. against Candida albicans and Aspergilus flavus, and to identify its bioactive compounds. The research procedure includes extraction, thin layer chromatography, open column chromatography, antifungal test, phytochemical test and GC-MS. The result of the study revealed that the ethyl acetate extracts of Fascaplysinopsis sp. and Haliclona sp. have an antifungal activity against C. albicans and A. flavus. Fascaplysinopsis sp. exhibited strong inhibitory activity (22.71±0.44 mm / 200 μg/disk) against Candida albicans and the rest of the extracts show moderate inhibitory activity (Fascaplysinopsissp. to A.flavus 10.50±0.52 mm, Haliclonasp to C.albicans and A.flavus, 10.76±0.84 mm and 8.71±0.53 mm). Phytochemical screening assays showed Haliclona sp. contained alkaloid and steroid, while GC-MS analysis showed fraction 5 extract Fascaplysinopsis sp. consisted of 39 compounds, one of them is naphthalene which is known to have an antifungal activity.

Preparation of Marketable Functional Food to Control Hypertension using Basil (ocimum basillium) and Peppermint (mentha piperita)

Functional foods are of great importance which are used to ensure improvements in human health by all aspects. A potential functional food was prepared with five different formulations A, B, C, D and E by using different combination of basil leaf, peppermint leaf and green cardamom to control hypertension. The raw material used for formulation wAS collected from the local market of Shahdara Lahore in September 2017. Selection of raw materials was totally based on the availability of specified bioactive components which can control hypertension. Formulations A, B, C, D and E were sensory evaluated. The overall acceptability for formulation A was 5/10, B was 6/10, C was 8/10, D was 9/10 and E was 7/10. On the basis of sensory analysis, formulation D was selected. For preliminary analysis, ethanolic and ethyl acetate fraction of basil leaf was prepared. Standard methods of phytochemical analysis were performed to identify flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenolics and antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity was measured by using DPPH assay. Quercetin was used as standard. Results were statistically analyzed which showed that IC50 (µg/mL) value of ethyl acetate fraction (389.00±0.99) was higher than the ethanolic extract (1372.00±6.32) of the basil leaf. On the basis of phytochemical analysis and DPPH assay. We formulated herbal tea that showed promising antioxidant properties. Characterization of food product proved it as potentially beneficial dietary supplement and hence recommended as potential functional food for hypertension.

ANALYSIS OF PHYTO-CONSTITUENTS, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ALPHA AMYLASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITIES OF PERSEA AMERICANA MILL., RHODODENDRON ARBORETUM SM. RUBUS ELLIPTICUS SM. FROM ARGHAKHANCHI DISTRICT NEPAL

Objective: To evaluate the phytochemical, antioxidant activities, and α-amylase inhibition assay for methanolic extract of three ethnomedicinal plants, namely Persea americana Mill., Rubus ellipticus Sm., and Rhododendron arboretum Sm. collected from Arghakhanchi District of Nepal using in vitro studies.Methods: Methanolic plant extracts were prepared by cold percolation method. Analysis of phytochemical constituents was carried out using standard methods. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to evaluate in vitro antioxidants activities. Furthermore, inhibition effect of extracts on α- amylase enzyme was carried out by using starch as a substrate, pancreatic α-amylase as the enzyme, and acarbose as standard.Results: Phytochemical screening of methanolic extract of all three selected plants displayed the presence of different chemical constituents such as alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, and tannins. The results of DPPH assay revealed that R. ellipticus and R. arboreum were most active with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values 33.41 μg/ml and 47.28 μg/ml, respectively. R. ellipticus was found to be effective toward α-amylase inhibition with IC50 values 269.94 μg/ml.Conclusion: The preliminary results of this study have put forward R. ellipticus into promising herbs with good antioxidant activities and α-amylase inhibition potential although further studies are needed to assess its mechanism of action.

ANALYSIS OF PHYTO-CONSTITUENTS, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ALPHA AMYLASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITIES OF PERSEA AMERICANA MILL., RHODODENDRON ARBORETUM SM. RUBUS ELLIPTICUS SM. FROM ARGHAKHANCHI DISTRICT NEPAL

Objective: To evaluate the phytochemical, antioxidant activities, and α-amylase inhibition assay for methanolic extract of three ethnomedicinal plants, namely Persea americana Mill., Rubus ellipticus Sm., and Rhododendron arboretum Sm. collected from Arghakhanchi District of Nepal using in vitro studies.Methods: Methanolic plant extracts were prepared by cold percolation method. Analysis of phytochemical constituents was carried out using standard methods. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to evaluate in vitro antioxidants activities. Furthermore, inhibition effect of extracts on α- amylase enzyme was carried out by using starch as a substrate, pancreatic α-amylase as the enzyme, and acarbose as standard.Results: Phytochemical screening of methanolic extract of all three selected plants displayed the presence of different chemical constituents such as alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, and tannins. The results of DPPH assay revealed that R. ellipticus and R. arboreum were most active with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values 33.41 μg/ml and 47.28 μg/ml, respectively. R. ellipticus was found to be effective toward α-amylase inhibition with IC50 values 269.94 μg/ml.Conclusion: The preliminary results of this study have put forward R. ellipticus into promising herbs with good antioxidant activities and α-amylase inhibition potential although further studies are needed to assess its mechanism of action.

Effect of Ethanol Extract from Purple Eggplant Skin (Solanum melongena L) On Blood Glucose Levels and Pancreatic β Cells Regeneration on White Rats Male Hypercholesterolemia-Diabetic

To observed secondary metabolite compounds in the purpleeggplant skin fruit ethanol extract, the effect and effective dose on blood glucose levels and regeneration of pancreatic s cells of white rats male Hypercholesterolemia-Diabetic. This research is a laboratory experiment with a Phytochemical assay using a specified reagent for the ethanol extract of purple eggplant skin. The effect and effective dose on blood glucose levels and regeneration of pancreatic s cells animal model using posttest randomized controlled-group design. A total of 30 rats were divided into six groups. Group I; normal control given standard feed: group II; negative control is given Na CMC 0.5%, high cholesterol feed and induced by streptozotocin 30 mg/kg BW; experimental groups were given extract of ethanol from purple eggplant skin each with dose 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW, high cholesterol feed, and streptozotocin 30 mg/kg BW. The data obtained were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test at 95% confidence level and continued with LSD Post Hoc test and description of histologic damage level of the pancreaswas analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney test for observed the difference between treatments. Extracts ethanol of purple eggplant skinaffect blood glucose levels and pancreatic s cell regeneration and an effective dose is a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight was the most effective extract.This research confirm that the ethanol extract from purple eggplant skin (Solanum melongena L) affect blood glucose levels and pancreatic s cell regeneration.

Evaluation of antioxidant and phytochemical activity in solvent extracts from Delonix regia flowers

Background: Antioxidants are biological molecules that prevent oxidation, and with their enormous potency, they are broadly used in food and pharmaceutical industry. Free radicals possess an odd number of electrons that is in turn the primary cause for a variety of human disorders and diseases. Antioxidants react to the oxygen molecules, thereby preventing oxidative damages to the cell and its environment. Many plants and plant parts act as a good source of antioxidants. Materials and Methods: The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and phytochemical potential of flowers of Delonix regia. The dried flower was subjected to solvent extraction with methanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, and chloroform. A broad range of in vitro free radical scavenging and phytochemical assays was performed with the obtained extract. The structural features of the compounds in the flowers were studied through high-performance pre-parative thin-layer chromatography (TLC), TLC, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Results and Discussion: The in vitro free radical scavenging assays shows that the ethyl acetate hot extract of D. regia flowers is very potential even at low concentrations. As a result of phytochemical estimation, it is evident that the extract contains anthocyanin in higher quantity than tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and total phenols. Through FTIR analysis, the presence of conjugated ketone, amide, and phenolic C-O stretch is confirmed. Conclusion: The results suggest that the ethyl acetate extract possesses a significant antioxidant activity and the compounds from D. regia are found to be ideal candidates for antioxidant therapy.

Caracterización bromatológica y evaluación de la actividad antimi- crobiana en cáscara de banano Ecuatoriano (Musa paradisiaca)

Se determinó la composición bromatológica de cáscara de banano (Musa paradisiaca) producida en Ecuador y se identificaron las fracciones y grupos fitoquímicos responsables de su actividad antimicrobiana. El análisis bromatológico determinó un porcentaje de humedad del 88,94% y 11,06% de sólidos totales (1,55% ceniza, 0,47% grasa, 0,74% proteína, 0,87% fibra y 8,3% carbohidratos totales). Para la obtención de las fracciones se aplicaron dos métodos de extracción por maceración. El primero usó cuatro solventes de diferente polaridad como éter de petróleo, cloroformo, acetato de etilo y agua. Los extractos obtenidos fueron sometidos a pruebas de tamizaje fitoquímico identificándose la presencia de compuestos grasos, esteroles, triterpenos, saponinas y taninos. El segundo método usó como solvente etanol al 70% y se generaron cinco fracciones. Ensayos de actividad antimicrobiana por el método de difusión en agar se realizaron en Staphylococcus aureus y Escherichia coli mediante el extracto crudo etanólico y sus fracciones, se evidenció actividad microbiológica. Ensayos de tamizaje fitoquímico y cromatografía en capa fina se realizaron sobre cada fracción y extracto identificándose los principales grupos de compuestos responsables de la actividad antimicrobiana.

Screening of Antiradical Activity From Some Central Sulawesi Mangroves

Antiradicals are substances with important functions for human health. Mangrove leaves are one of potential sources of natural antiradical. The objective of this research was to identify the type and fraction of mangrove leaves extract with the highest antiradical activity. The research procedure included sampling and extraction of mangrove leaves, assay of antiradical activity (DPPH), phytochemical assay and determination of IC50 for the fraction with the highest inhibition percentage. Mangrove leave samples (Rhizophora sp., Avicennia sp. and Sonneratia sp.) used in this study were collected from the Palu Bay coastal. Results showed the highest yield of extracts was from Rhizophora sp., followed by Avicennia sp. and Sonneratia sp. Inhibition percentage was higher from dried compared to fresh mangrove leaves. Additionally, the inhibition percentages of the ethanol fraction was higher than that of the ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions, while Sonneratia sp. gave a higher inhibition percentage than Avicennia sp. and Rhizophora sp. The ethanol fraction IC50 was determined for Sonneratia sp. (46.05 ± 0.18 µg/mL), Avicennia sp. (88.41 ± 0.29 µg/mL) and Rhizophora sp. (103.95 ± 0.38 µg/mL). Phytochemical assays showed that the three ethanol fractions contained flavonoids, phenols (tannins) and steroids compounds. From the research, it can be concluded that the three leaves of mangrove potential as antiradicals.

Pharmacological activities of leaf and bark extracts of a medicinal mangrove plant Avicennia officinalis L.

BackgroundAvicennia officinalis is a medicinally important mangrove plant and used in traditional medicinal practices to treat various ailments like rheumatism, paralysis, asthma, dyspepsia, tumors etc. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the carbohydrate metabolizing enzyme inhibitory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic potentials of ethanol leaf and bark extracts of A. officinalis.MethodsThe carbohydrate metabolizing enzyme inhibition potential was studied by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The antioxidant activity was investigated by measuring the scavenging potential of extracts against DPPH, ABTS and superoxide radicals. The antimicrobial activity was studied by agar well diffusion method and the cytotoxicity potential by MTT assay.ResultsThe study revealed that A.offiicnalis bark extract inhibited the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase in a dose dependent manner with an IC50 value of 0.66 and 0.71 mg/ml respectively. The leaf extract also demonstrated inhibition potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 0.29 and 1.19 mg/ml respectively. The ethanol bark extract also exhibited scavenging potential against DPPH, ABTS and superoxide radicals in a dose dependent manner with IC50 values of 112, 114 and 82 μg/ml respectively and ethanol leaf extract with IC50 values of 200, 41.9 and 207.6 μg/ml respectively. Both leaf and bark extracts exhibited dose dependent antiproferative activity on TC1 murine cell lines. Both leaf and bark extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi (Candida albicans, C. krusei). The qualitative phytochemical assay, UV-Vis and FTIR analysis revealed the presence of different phytoconstituents in the leaf and bark extracts of A.officinalis.ConclusionThe results suggest that ethanol leaf and bark extracts of A.officinalis were effective in inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase and also have antioxidant, antimicrobial potentials which justify the ethnobotanical use of this plant.

Phytochemicals and antidiabetic activity of Eusideroxylon zwageri stem bark collected from East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Eusideroxylon zwagery (Lauraceae), a tropical tree species known as ulin or borneo iron wood and traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes in the Ethnic of Kutai. Plant extract was prepared by maceration using ethanol. The plant extract was evaluated its DPPH and superoxide radicals scavenging activity, the inhibition on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity as antidiabetic potential and the analysis of the total phenolic, total flavonoids and proanthocyanidin contents. The ethanolic extract of the stem bark was 8.62% on the dry weight basis. The IC50 values of antioxidant activity of the extract in DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging mechanisms were 44.90 µg/ml and 30.47 µg/ml. In antidiabetic assay, the E. zwageri stem bark extract showed IC50 value 58.45µg/ml in ɑ-glucosidase inhibition, and 9.04 µg/ml in ɑ-amylase inhibition. Quercetin, an antidiabetic activity-having flavonoid, displayed IC50 values 2.00 µg/ml and 4.04 µg/ml in ɑ-glucosidase and ɑ-amylase inhibitory assays. In phytochemical assay, the extract had 31.28 GAE/g extract (mg), 30.48 CE/g extract (mg) and 183.3 PE/g extract (mg) for the total phenolic, total flavonoid and total proanthocyanidin contents. The limited reports of E. zwageri indicated the needs to search the active compounds from plant as potential antidiabetic agents by considering plant conservation status.

Potential of mangrove Avicennia rumphiana extract as an antioxidant agent using multilevel extraction

Avicennia rumphiana is one of abundant mangrove found in Indonesia. Multilevel extraction methods were simultaneously conducted to screen the antioxidant activity from mangrove. The leaves, fruits and barks were consequently extracted using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol. The presence of phenolic, flavonoids and tannins compounds were characterized by quantitative and qualitative phytochemical assay as well as the antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH-free radical scavenging assay. The phytochemical test revealed that all of the extracts showed positive result. The fruits extract exhibited the highest phenolic, flavonoid and tannin (23.86 mg/g, 13.77 mg/g and 74.63 mg/g), respectively. The extracts were further confirmed for antioxidant using IC50 value and revealed that ethyl acetate extract has antioxidant activity better than n-hexane and ethyl acetate extract. Furthermore, this study indicated that mangrove Avicennia rumphiana could be subsequently explored for other biological activities due to their potential secondary metabolites.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Curcuma longa L. Rhizome and Standardization of its Formulation by HPLC Using Curcumin as Marker

Objective: To evaluate Curcuma longa rhizome by pharmacognostic and phytochemical analysis and standardize one of its formulations by HPLC. The present work includes macroscopic study, microscopic analysis of cross section and powder of rhizome, fluorescence analysis, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical assay and chromatographic fingerprinting of its polyherbal formulation, Pathyashadangam kwath using curcumin as marker carried out as per standard laboratory procedures. The study helps to provide both diagnostic features for identification and preventing adulteration of Curcuma longa L and HPLC chromatogram for standardisation of its formulation. Results: Microscopic analysis revealed the presence of a broad parenchymatous cortex with abundant starch grains in the cross section, spiral vessels, starch grains having hilum towards the narrower end, fibres and cells with oleo resin in powder microscopy. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of three peaks corresponding to curcuminoids in the formulation. Conclusion: Pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation can be used for confirming the identity of Curcuma longa rhizome and HPLC using curcumin as marker can be used for standardisation of its formulations.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties of four Hedychium flowers for flavoured tea

Dried flowers of Hedychium coronarium (HC), H. flavescens (HF), H. neocarneum (HN) and H. speciosum (HS) were extracted by water and ethanol. The percentage yield of water extracts and ethanol extracts ranged from 21.16-28.24 and 9.39-14.14%, respectively. Alkaloids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids were identified by phytochemical screening assays in the extracts. Antioxidant properties were evaluated in all samples. Ethanol extracts showed better antioxidant capacity in the DPPH assay (IC50 0.46-0.61 ppm), total phenolic content (18.73-54.31 mg GAE g-1 extract) and ABTS (30.87-81.74 mg Trolox g-1 extract) than water extracts in most samples tested. These results were the preliminary screening study of Hedychium flowers for the development of flavoured tea and non-caffeine herbal tea. Hedychium flowers could be used as antioxidant ingredients rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids and tannin, in the beverage industry.

Genoprotective, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory evaluation of hydroalcoholic extract of wild-growing Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) native to Romanian southern sub-Carpathian hills

BackgroundJuniperus communis L. represents a multi-purpose crop used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industry. Several studies present the possible medicinal properties of different Juniperus taxa native to specific geographical area. The present study aims to evaluate the genoprotective, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory potential of hydroalcoholic extract of wild-growing Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) native to Romanian southern sub-Carpathian hills.MethodsThe prepared hydroethanolic extract of Juniperus communis L. was characterized by GC-MS, HPLC, UV-Vis spectrometry and phytochemical assays. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH assay, the antifungal effect was studied on Aspergillus niger ATCC 15475 and Penicillium hirsutum ATCC 52323, while the genoprotective effect was evaluated using the Allium cepa assay. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated in two inflammation experimental models (dextran and kaolin) by plethysmometry. Male Wistar rats were treated by gavage with distilled water (negative control), the microemulsion (positive control), diclofenac sodium aqueous solution (reference) and microemulsions containing juniper extract (experimental group). The initial paw volume and the paw volumes at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 24 h were measured.ResultsTotal terpenoids, phenolics and flavonoids were estimated to be 13.44 ± 0.14 mg linalool equivalent, 19.23 ± 1.32 mg gallic acid equivalent, and 5109.6 ± 21.47 mg rutin equivalent per 100 g of extract, respectively. GC-MS characterization of the juniper extract identified 57 volatile compounds in the sample, while the HPLC analysis revealed the presence of the selected compounds (α-pinene, chlorogenic acid, rutin, apigenin, quercitin). The antioxidant potential of the crude extract was found to be 81.63 ± 0.38% (measured by the DPPH method). The results of the antifungal activity assay (for Aspergillus niger and Penicillium hirsutum) were 21.6 mm, respectively 17.2 mm as inhibition zone. Test results demonstrated the genoprotective potential of J. communis undiluted extract, inhibiting the mitodepressive effect of ethanol. The anti-inflammatory action of the juniper extract, administered as microemulsion in acute-dextran model was increased when compared to kaolin subacute inflammation induced model.ConclusionThe hydroalcoholic extract obtained from wild-growing Juniperus communis native to Romanian southern sub-Carpathian hills has genoprotective, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quantitative Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activities of the Mistletoe, Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) Balle Extracted with Different Solvents.

Objective:The investigation aimed to evaluate the in vitro quantitative phytochemical compositions and antioxidant capacity of the dried leaves of Phragmanthera capitata extracted with different solvents.Methodology:Different phytochemical assays were used to evaluate the phenols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidin contents of the acetone, methanol, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of the sample. Antioxidant activity was measured using 2,2diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), nitric oxide, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays.Results:Methanol had the highest extraction yield (21.50%) followed by aqueous (10.87%). Acetone and ethanol yielded 6.87% and 4.3%, respectively. However, acetone and ethanol extracts had more phenolic content (218.6 ± 3.38 and 214.8 ± 3.56 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, respectively) that were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the methanol and aqueous extracts (203.8 ± 1.95 and 175.5 ± 0.32 mg GAE/mg, respectively). Acetone extract also had more flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents (679.8 ± 6.26 mg quercetin equivalent/g and 645.7 ± 6.35 mg catechin equivalent/g, respectively) that were significantly higher than the other solvent extracts (P < 0.05). All the solvent fractions showed great antioxidant activities with the acetone fraction having the highest capacity based on ABTS, DPPH, and TAC assays (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = <5 μg/mL, 24.5 μg/mL, and 85 μg/mL respectively). The methanol extract however had FRAP and nitric oxide antioxidant activities (IC50 = 302 μg/mL and < 25 μg/mL respectively).Conclusion:The findings of this study provide evidence that P. capitata has potential as a natural source of antioxidant with acetone showing to be the best extractant of the polyphenolics with corresponding higher antioxidant activities.SUMMARY The study investigated the in vitro polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities of the mistletoe; Phragmanthera capitata, extracted with different solventsThe resultant outcome of the study showed that while methanol had more yield from the extraction, the highest polyphenolic contents was observed in the acetone extractThe acetone extract also showed the highest antioxidant activity in most of the assaysThere was a positive correlation between the polyphenolics and the antioxidant activities: Higher polyphenol content resulted in a better antioxidant activityIf extracting this plant for preparatory works only, methanol would be preferred, but if it were for bioassay screening, acetone will be the solvent of choice. Abbreviations Used: DPPH: 2, 2diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)ABTS: 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)FRAP: Ferric reducing antioxidant powerTAC: Total antioxidant capacityGAE: Gallic acid equivalentQE: Quercetin equivalentCE: Catechin equivalentBHT: Butylated hydroxyl toluene.

Phytochemical and bioactive compounds identification of Ocimum tenuiflorum leaves of methanol extract and its fraction with an anti-diabetic potential

ABSTRACTPhytochemical screening assay on crude extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum L. leaves and methanol fractions was performed in this study. Phytochemical qualitative assay on aqueous crude extract and aqueous fraction did not show any steroid and terpenoid. However, ethanol and butanol fractions also did not show steroid in the screening test. The result of HPLC identification of active crude extracts and active fractions showed the possible bioactive compounds in this plant extracts, which may control diabetes. These findings showed that the active crude extract (methanol) and its active fractions (ethyl acetate, and butanol) showed the presence of polyphenolic active constituents such as 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid, caffeic acid, diosmetin, luteolin, kaempferol, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, and genistein that control the blood glucose in diabetic rats. Furthermore, isolation of the active components may pave the way for the development of new agents for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Antifungal Activity and Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis of Some Medicinal Plants in Jaffna (Sri Lanka)

Many members of the Labiatae family are used in traditional and folk medicine and also used as culinary and ornamental plants. Leaves are the most used plants parts of this family. Ethanolic extract of the leaves, stem, seeds of Leucas zeylanica, Ocimum canum, Ocimum sanctum and leaves of Mentha arvensis, Ocimum basilicum were subjected to phytochemical screening and antifungal assays against Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Trichoderma sp., Mucor sp., Rhizopus sp. was determined by using the agar streaking assay method after 48 and 72 hours of incubation. All parts of the plants were found to contain flavonoid/s and alkaloid/s except for the absence of alkaloids in seeds of L. zeylanica and stem of O. sanctum respectively. Tannins were present in all parts of plants such as L. zeylanica, O. canum, M. arvensis and absent in O. sanctum and O. basilicum. Phlobatannins were only present in leaves of L. zeylanica and saponins were present only in leaves of O. basilicum. The leaves of L. zeylanica, O. basilicum, M. arvensis, O. sanctum and seeds of O. sanctum and O. canum showed the presence of steroids. Terpenoids were present in all parts of O. sanctum and O. canum than the other plants. The cardiac glycosides were present in all parts of O. sanctum than the other plants tested. Leaves of O. sanctum and M. arvensis exhibited strong positive antifungal activity against Aspergillus sp. Leaves of O. canum, O. basilicum and M. arvensis and stem of O. canum showed strong positive activity against Mucor sp. L. zeylanica only exhibited the antifungal activity against Mucor sp. Penicillium sp. was inhibited by the leaves and seeds extracts of O. sanctum. Degree of activity was low in L. zeylanica compared with other plant extracts. Most of these plant parts did not show any activity against Trichoderma sp. and Rhizopus sp. This study revealed that the antifungal activity of leaves of these plants was high than other plant parts against tested fungi.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH MARINE SPONGE (HALICLONA AMBOINENSIS) VIA REDUCTING NO PRODUCTION AND INHIBITING CYCLOOXYGENASE-1, CYCLOOXYGENASE-2, AND SECRETORY PHOSPHOLIPASE A2 ACTIVITIES

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract and fractions of bacteria associated with sponge (Haliclona amboinensis) and to evaluate their effect in reducing NO production and inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxgenase-2 (COX-2) and secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activity.Methods: All bacterial isolates were cultured and supernatants were collected for the extraction of secondary metabolites using diaion HP-20 to obtain methanol extracts. Evaluation of cytotoxicity property was carried out on macrophage cell lines (RAW264.7) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide assay. Anti-inflammatory screening was done by inducible nitric oxide assay on RAW264.7 cell lines with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Dianion HP-20 was used to remove salt content. A selected methanol extract was subjected to further fractionations by C-18 reverse phase and their anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by COX-1 and COX-2, and sPLA2 enzymatic assay.Results: Seven methanol extracts showed no cytotoxic property against RAW 264.7 cell line (inhibitory concentration 50% &gt; 30 μg/ml) and selected for anti-inflammatory screening assay. Result showed methanol extract HM 1.2 reduced NO production &gt;80% and it has been selected for phytochemical screening, further fractionations and assay. Phytochemical screening showed alkaloids and terpenoids present in the HM 1.2. The HM 1.2 and its fractions (F1, F2, F1C1, F1C2, F1C3, and F1C4) were proven to inhibit COX-1, COX-2, and sPLA2 activity in the range of 60.516-116.886%, 20.554- 116.457%, and 70.2667-114.8148%, respectively.Conclusions: This study revealed that bacteria associated with H. amboinensis have produced anti-inflammatory activity via reducing NO production and inhibiting COX-1, COX-2, and sPLA2 activity.