Phytochemical Composition Of Extracts Research Articles

Copaifera mildbraedii Desf.: Phytochemical Composition of Extracts, Essential Oil, and In Vitro Biological Activities of Bark

Copaifera mildbraedii Desf. is an evergreen tree with an umbrella-like crown. It is distributed from south-eastern Nigeria eastward to the Central African Republic (CAR). The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition and biological activities of C. mildbraedii bark, as well as the chemical composition of the essential oil. Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) extracts showed a high total phenolic content (TPC) (149.9 and 148.8 mg GAE/g dry residue (dr), respectively), which was related to good antioxidant activity (DPPH) with an IC50 of 21.2 and 12.9 µg/mL, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) analysis revealed seven phenolic compounds with myricitrin (13.3 mg/g dr) and 2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethyl benzoic acid (30.7 mg/g dr) as major compounds, while gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis enabled detection of 13 volatile compounds (3 before and 10 after derivatization). Thirty compounds were identified in the essential oil, which corresponds to 65% of all identified compounds. Among the latter, E,E-farnesylacetone and γ-gurjunene were considered as major compounds (8.08 and 10.43%, respectively). The EtOAc extract showed a potent potential, simultaneously, against anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE), anti-15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX), anti-xanthine oxidase (XOD), and cytotoxic (OVCAR) activities, whereas cyclohexane (CYHA) and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts showed a cytotoxic effect with high percentages of inhibition (95.2%).

Phytochemical Composition of Extracts from Acacia nilotica Pods and Albizia lebbeck Stem Bark and Their Effect on Morphologies of Rat Spermatozoa

The study evaluated the phytochemical constituents of crude extracts from Acacia nilotica pods and Albizia lebbeck stem bark and tested the potential effects of their extracts on M. natalensis spermatozoa morphologies. A portion of the grounded materials from each plant was extracted in distilled water and 70% methanol. The aqueous and methanolic plant extracts were assessed for the phytochemicals with antifertility potentials. Also, a total of 90 male rats were randomized into 9 groups (n = 10) and treated with either A. lebbeck or A. nilotica methanolic extracts for 15, 30, or 60 days. Results indicated that in both plants flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and phenols were present in the aqueous and methanolic extracts. Judged by the intensity of colour change after a chemical reaction, saponin was more intensely present in both the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the A. lebbeck stem barks while flavonoids and tannins were relatively more present in the A. nilotica sourced corresponding extracts. Spermatozoa with normal head-abnormal tail, normal head-tailless, abnormal head-normal tail, and both head and tail distortion were more revealed in rats treated with either A. nilotica or A. lebbeck extracts relative to the control. In conclusion, the studied A. nilotica and A. lebbeck extracts are rich in flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and phenols that possess some antifertility properties as reflected on the observed adverse effects on rat spermatozoa morphologies.

Enzyme inhibitory activity of Dioscorea nipponica Makito hydroethanolic extracts of leaves and tubers in relation to their major secondary metabolites

Different anatomical parts of Dioscorea nipponica Makito have been used in foods and folk medicines for their nutritional and pharmacological properties; however, the scientific data on enzyme inhibitory activities and phytochemicals in plant extracts remain rather scarce. Such information is important for expanding possible uses of plant origin preparations in nutrition. This study, using commonly applied assays, evaluated inhibitory activity of 70% ethanol extract of D. nipponica leaves and tubers against such physiologically important enzymes as α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acethylcholinesterase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Inhibition of α-glucosidase and acethylcholinesterase required lower leaf extract concentrations as compared with other two enzymes. The IC50 values of α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition were 66.08 and 438 μg/mL, respectively, while the inhibition of ACE at 250–1250 μg/mL was from 28.02 ± 1.17% to 77.13 ± 0.78%. The mode of inhibition of α-glucosidase and acethylcholinesterase was evaluated by the kinetic studies. Leaf and tuber extracts displayed a mixed-type non-competitive mode of α-glucosidase inhibition. Phytochemical composition of extracts was determined by UPLC-QTOF/MS and HPLC-UV methods. Leaf extract was remarkably stronger enzyme inhibitor than tuber extract and it may be explained by the differences in the secondary metabolite composition. Quinic, chlorogenic acids and quercetin glycosides, which are well-known enzyme inhibitors, were the main phytochemicals in the leaf extract, while steroidal glycosides, peptides and oligomeric sugars were the major constituents in the tuber extract. It is expected that new knowledge on D. nipponica will serve for its valorisation in developing new health beneficial ingredients for functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Various Organic Extracts from Apocynum hendersonii (Hook.f.) Woodson.

Apocynum hendersonii is a traditional medicinal plant used primarily as tea. It has a potential health benefit from its rich bioactive substances. This study investigated the reactivity of solvents of different polarities (ethanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, methanol, and water) extracts of the A. hendersonii leaf. The phytochemical composition of the extracts was evaluated using a Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), UHPLC-MS, and Higher Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The result revealed the presence of medicinally important bioactive constituents, including phenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Methanol extracts exhibited the highest flavonoid contents (20.11 ± 0.85 mg QE/g DW) and the second-highest in terms of phenolic (9.25 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g DW) and polysaccharide (119.66 ± 2.65 mg GE/g DW). It also had the highest antioxidant capacity with 60.30 ± 0.52% and 4.60 ± 0.02 µmol Fe2+ per g DW based on a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), respectively. Ethanol extract displayed the maximum antibacterial action against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and the highest inhibition activity against the enzymes tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase, followed by methanol extract. The principal component analysis revealed a positive correlation between the constituents, bioactivities, and extracts. The overall result showed A. hendersonii as a rich natural source of antimicrobial and antioxidant bioactive compounds and may be used for future applications in pharmaceuticals and food industries.

Phytochemical characteristics and the study of acute toxicity of extracts from fruit Рrunus domestica

The increased demand for modern phytopreparations is dictated by their wide application in the complex treatment of various diseases, the presence of low toxicity and the pharmacoeconomic component. Phytochemical analysis of medicinal plants reveals not only potential therapeutic effects, but also assumes their toxicological properties. In this context, the Prunus domestica, widely spread on the territory of our country and well known for its medicinal properties and applications in folk medicine, has attracted our attention.
 The aim of the work was to investigate the phytochemical composition of extracts obtained from fruit Prunus domestica and to study their toxic properties.
 Phytochemical analysis of the extracts obtained from fruits Prunus domestica was carried out according to the original method of extracting biologically active compounds, using instrumental research methods using modern laboratory analytical equipment.
 Studies of the safety of four extracts from Prunus domestica (liquid EC-1, EC-2 and dry CEPC, CEV) with the calculation of median lethal doses were carried out on mice and rats with the single intragastric and intraperitoneal routes of administration according to the method of T. V. Pastushenko. The degree of toxicity was determined according to the classification of K. K. Sidorov.
 Phytochemical study of extracts from fruit Prunus domestica provided information on the presence in their chemical composition of flavonoids, the sum of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, neutral sugars, amino acids, organic and hydroxycinnamic acids. A higher content of the sum of phenolic compounds in the aqueous (ЕС-1) and alcoholic extracts (ЕС-2) as well as the presence of neutral sugars as products of hydrolysis of homopolysaccharides (СEV extract) and heteropolysaccharides (CEPC extract).
 Experimental studies proved that EC-1, EC-2, CEPC and SEV extracts had low toxicity beyond 15 000 mg/kg when administered orally and 3 000 mg/kg when administered intraperitoneally. The LD50 of the studied extracts of mice and rats after intraperitoneal injection was determined, which was more than 3 000 mg/kg.
 The chemical composition of biologically active compounds of extracts from the fruit Prunus domestica, which provides promising directions for further study of their pharmacological properties, has been investigated.
 Analysis of experimental data on acute toxicity of the studied extracts showed that they belong to the IV class of toxicity “relatively harmless substances", according to K. K. Sidorov classification. The LD50 of extracts from the fruit Prunus domestica for oral administration could not be determined, and the LD50 of the studied extracts for mice and rats after intraperitoneal administration was more than 3 000 mg/kg.

Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and brine shrimp cytotoxicity of different solvent extracts of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans

BackgroundThe root, root bark, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans are used for managing bacterial and fungal infections among the Luo community of Kisumu East Sub County in Kenya. However, data on the efficacy of these plants against common bacterial and fungal pathogens is not available. The safety of these plants is also not known. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial properties, and safety of different solvent extracts of the roots, root barks, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans. The broth microdilution method evaluated the antimicrobial activities of the root, root bark, and root tuber extracts (water, acetone, and methanol) of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans. Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus), gram-negative (Escherichia coli), and fungal (Candida albicans) microorganisms were used in the evaluation. The safety of the extracts was evaluated in Artemia salina. The phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined using qualitative and quantitative assays.ResultsIn general, the extracts of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans displayed poor antimicrobial properties relative to conventional antimicrobial agents including Amoxicillin, Gentamicin, and Nystatin. The aqueous extract of Acanthus polystachyus and the aqueous, acetone, and methanol extracts of Keetia gueinzii were safe in Artemia salina but all other extracts were cytotoxic to Artemia salina.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the use of the roots, root barks, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans is limited by poor antimicrobial efficacy and cytotoxicity.

Screening Papaveraceae as Novel Antibiofilm Natural-Based Agents.

The antimicrobial properties of herbs from Papaveraceae have been used in medicine for centuries. Nevertheless, mutual relationships between the individual bioactive substances contained in these plants remain poorly elucidated. In this work, phytochemical composition of extracts from the aerial and underground parts of five Papaveraceae species (Chelidonium majus L., Corydalis cava (L.) Schweigg. and Körte, C. cheilanthifolia Hemsl., C. pumila (Host) Rchb., and Fumaria vaillantii Loisel.) were examined using LC-ESI-MS/MS with a triple quadrupole analyzer. Large differences in the quality and quantity of all analyzed compounds were observed between species of different genera and also within one genus. Two groups of metabolites predominated in the phytochemical profiles. These were isoquinoline alkaloids and, in smaller amounts, non-phenolic carboxylic acids and phenolic compounds. In aerial and underground parts, 22 and 20 compounds were detected, respectively. These included: seven isoquinoline alkaloids: protopine, allocryptopine, coptisine, berberine, chelidonine, sanguinarine, and chelerythrine; five of their derivatives as well as non-alkaloids: malic acid, trans-aconitic acid, quinic acid, salicylic acid, trans-caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol; and vanillin. The aerial parts were much richer in phenolic compounds regardless of the plant species. Characterized extracts were studied for their antimicrobial potential against planktonic and biofilm-producing cells of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. The impact of the extracts on cellular metabolic activity and biofilm biomass production was evaluated. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts introduced to the polymeric carrier made of bacterial cellulose was assessed. Extracts of C. cheilanthifolia were found to be the most effective against all tested human pathogens. Multiple regression tests indicated a high antimicrobial impact of quercetin in extracts of aerial parts against planktonic cells of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, and no direct correlation between the composition of other bioactive substances and the results of antimicrobial activity were found. Conclusively, further investigations are required to identify the relations between recognized and unrecognized compounds within extracts and their biological properties.

Evaluation of extracts of wild Cannabis sativa L. for genotoxicity and phytochemical composition

Cannabis sativa L. is used as medicine and narcotic in Lesotho. Phytochemical composition and total phenolics content (TPC) for hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of aerial parts of C. sativa were determined. Ethyl acetate extract (0.1875, 0.375 and 0.75 mg mL-1) and methanol extract (0.75, 1.5 and 3.0 mg mL-1) were evaluated for cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and modulation of cyclophosphamide (CP, 1.25 mg mL-1)- and ethylmethane sulphonate (EMS, 0.25 mg mL-1)-induced genotoxicity using Allium cepa root meristem assay. CP or EMS did not reduce mitotic index (MI) of cells, hence not cytotoxic when compared with negative control using the t-test (p>0.05), but genotoxic. Both extracts were genotoxic with methanol extract also being cytotoxic. Genotoxicity was the number of aberrant cells per 100 mitotic cells. Modulatory effect (ME) was obtained by comparing mutagen-induced genotoxicity with mixture-induced genotoxicity and expressed as the number of units of mutagen-induced genotoxicity that equalled the mixture-induced genotoxicity. ME was either positive or negative and significant only if ME = ≥ 2. Both extracts were genotoxic with methanol extract also being cytotoxic. Aberrations observed were sticky chromosomes, c-metaphase, anaphase and telophase bridges, chromosome fragments and laggards. Mixture of methanol extract with CP or EMS was more genotoxic (+ME range = 1.61-11.89) than the mutagen or extract alone which suggested synergistic interaction. Mixture of ethyl acetate extract with CP induced insignificant +ME. Mixture of ethylacetate extract with EMS was significantly more genotoxic (+ME = 2.20) than EMS only at high extract concentration. The methanol and ethylacetate extracts of C. sativa were not anti-genotoxic to CP- or EMS- induced genotoxicity. TPCs for hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were 39831.46, 2544.94, 2438.20 and 56601.12 mg GAE/gram dry weight respectively. The differences in the cytotoxicity and MEs of the extracts were attributed to differences in phytochemical composition of extracts.

Aspergillus flavus as a Model System to Test the Biological Activity of Botanicals: An Example on Citrullus colocynthis L. Schrad. Organic Extracts.

Citrullus colocynthis L. Schrader is an annual plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, widely distributed in the desert areas of the Mediterranean basin. Many pharmacological properties (anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-epileptic) are ascribed to different organs of this plant; extracts and derivatives of C. colocynthis are used in folk Berber medicine for the treatment of numerous diseases—such as rheumatism arthritis, hypertension bronchitis, mastitis, and even cancer. Clinical studies aimed at confirming the chemical and biological bases of pharmacological activity assigned to many plant/herb extracts used in folk medicine often rely on results obtained from laboratory preliminary tests. We investigated the biological activity of some C. colocynthis stem, leaf, and root extracts on the mycotoxigenic and phytopathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus, testing a possible correlation between the inhibitory effect on aflatoxin biosynthesis, the phytochemical composition of extracts, and their in vitro antioxidant capacities.

Effects of gamma irradiation and comparison of different extraction methods on sesquiterpene lactone yields from the medicinal plant Thapsia garganica L. (Apiaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThapsia garganica L. roots are used in Algerian traditional medicine for a number of ailments. It is used in a poultice as an antitussive treatment of acute bronchitis and pneumonia, in preparations with milk or oil taken orally to treat common lung diseases, and with the direct application of root sections for the soothing of dental pains. Aim of the studyThe objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of microwave assisted extraction and gamma irradiation on sesquiterpene lactones in T. garganica extracts Materials and methodsTo evaluate the combined effect of microwave assisted extraction and gamma irradiation on the highly bioactive compounds found in extracts of Algerian T. garganica, samples from different locations in Algeria were prepared by extraction from dried leaf and root samples of dried plant material, using different extraction methods Quantification of the compounds of interest was done using an HPLC. The antioxidant activity extracts was determined using the two free radical scavenging assays: the 2,2-diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS). ResultsIt was found that location and extraction method had significant impact on the phytochemical composition of extracts. Gamma irradiation was found to have no effect on the phytochemical composition of the plant extracts or on their antioxidant properties. ConclusionThe study has shown that microwave assisted extraction is an effective method for investigating chemical compounds in T. garganica and the results support the notion that gamma irradiation for sterilisation do not alter the chemical composition.The authors wish to clarify that we cannot recommend the usage of any parts of T. garganica, in any form, for any remedy due to its very high toxicity.

Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Organic Extracts from Cleome spinosa Jaqc.

Due to the use of Cleome spinosa Jacq. (Cleomaceae) in traditional medicine against inflammatory and infectious processes, this study evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial potential and phytochemical composition of extracts from its roots and leaves. From leaves (L) and roots (R) of C. spinosa different extracts were obtained (cyclohexane: ChL and ChR; chloroform: CL and CR; ethyl acetate: EAL and EAR, methanol: ML and MR). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the broth microdilution method to obtain the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and microbicidal (MMC) concentrations against 17 species, including bacteria and yeasts. Additionally, antimicrobial and combinatory effects with oxacillin were assessed against eight clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. All C. spinosa extracts showed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, as they have inhibited all tested bacteria and yeasts. This activity seems to be related to the phytochemicals (flavonoid, terpenoids and saponins) detected into the extracts of C. spinosa. ChL and CL extracts were the most actives, with MIC less than 1 mg/mL against S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Micrococcus luteus. It is important to note that these concentrations are much lower than their 50% hemolysis concentration (HC50) values. Strong correlations were found between the average MIC against S. aureus and their phenolic (r = −0.89) and flavonoid content (r = −0.87), reinforcing the possible role of these metabolite classes on the antimicrobial activity of C. spinosa derived extracts. Moreover, CL and CR showed the best inhibitory activity against S. aureus clinical isolates, they also showed synergistic action with oxacillin against all these strains (at least at one combined proportion). These results encourage the identification of active substances which could be used as lead(s) molecules in the development of new antimicrobial drugs.

Health attributes of ethnic vegetables consumed in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey: Antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory properties

BackgroundFour ethnic vegetables from the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, Malva neglecta Wallr., Plantago lanceolata L., Cichorium intybus L. and Eryngium bornmuelleri Nab. are commonly used by the local population for food preparation. This study aimed at understanding their potential health attributes. MethodsHydrophilic extracts obtained from roots, stems, leaves and flowers were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities [total phenolics (TP), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays] and suppression of two isolated key enzymes relevant to metabolic syndrome: α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. Phytochemical composition of extracts was investigated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). ResultsThe evaluated extracts exhibited pronounced antioxidant capacities, comparable to those of common spices and herbs, and effectively suppressed the activities of isolated α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase enzymes. These activities correlated well with total phenolics contents. Plantago lanceolata was an effective inhibitor of α-glucosidase and C. intybus of pancreatic lipase enzyme. High performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analyses revealed the dominance of luteolin glycosides in P. lanceolata. The same compound was present in C. intybus, where it was accompanied by significant amounts of cichoric, chlorogenic and caftaric acid. Malva neglecta and E. bornmuelleri contained the lowest levels of phenolic compounds and exhibited the lowest antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. ConclusionsAmong the investigated ethnic vegetables, P. lanceolata and C. intybus represent a valuable source of antioxidant phytochemicals of phenolic nature that modulated in vitro the activities of digestive enzymes. These ethnic food sources diversify diet and enhance health attributes of foods.

Phytochemical composition of extracts from wheat grain fractions obtained by tangential abrasive dehulling

This study examined the phytochemical content and composition of extracts from wheat bran fractions obtained by abrasive dehulling.Wheat grain was fractionated using a Tangential Abrasive Dehulling Device (TADD). The aqueous ethanol extracts of whole wheat, bran, TADD and commercial aleurone samples were analyzed for their total phenolic content (TPC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (DPPH). The fractions with the highest antioxidant capacity were further analyzed for their tocopherol, phenolic acid, carotenoid and organic acid contents. The correlations between chemical composition and antioxidant properties of wheat extracts were developed.All TADD samples had higher tocopherol contents than the bran from a quadrumat senior mill. Lutein was the primary carotenoid in all the samples. Ferulic and caffeic acids were the strongest contributor to DPPH and TPC of the extracts, respectively. Correlation between ORAC and tocols content of the samples was positive and strong (r = 0.75793, p < 0.0001). This study demonstrated that TADD was more effective than quadrumat senior mill to obtain wheat bran fractions enriched in health beneficial phytochemicals. The correlations between chemical composition and antioxidant properties of TADD bran extracts developed in this study are helpful to formulate products with desired efficacy.

Antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition of unripe fruits ofFlacourtia jangomas(Lour.) Raeusch

The present study has been carried out to investigate the antioxidant activities and phytochemical composition of extracts of the unripe fruit of Flacourtia jangomas. The antioxidant activities of the extract were determined by evaluating free radical scavenging activity using DPPH (1, 1,-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl), total antioxidant activity, reducing power assay, total phenolic content and flavonoids. All the extracts showed significant antioxidant activity with the standard DPPH radical scavenging and total antioxidant activity for unripe fruits ranging from 44.1% to 98.2% and 0.043% to 0.144% respectively. The antioxidant activity increased with concentration of the extracts. Unripe fruits also contain phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and total phenols.

Supercritical fluid extraction of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. was performed ( P = 300/450 bar, T = 40/60 °C, EtOH addition = 0/5/10%) in order to determine preferable process conditions. Phytochemical composition of extracts were analyzed by means of TLC, GC–MS, LC–MS, RP-HPLC. Total of 11 pentacyclic triterpenes and β-sitosterol were identified. The results indicated that SFE is an advantageous method over Soxhlet extraction in terms of yield and recovery of target compounds. Overall extraction curves revealed that pressure had little influence on extraction yield, while temperature and amount of co-solvent increased it. The optimum SFE condition was 300 bar/60 °C/10% EtOH, where the amount of extracts was 3.81% compared to n-hexane (2.56%). Highest amount of betulin, betulinic acid and lupeol was 3.57, 2.95 and 14.33 g/100 g extract, respectively, depending on the applied SFE condition. Ethanolic Soxhlet extraction ensures the highest yield (40.90%), but provides the extracts diluted with undesirable substances hence the concentration of triterpenes in the extract was very low.