Phytochemical Screening Of Extracts Research Articles

Preparation of Chitosan Nanoparticle from Crab Shells and Evaluation of ‎Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Chitosan-loaded ‎Haematostaphisbarteri Hook. f. Stembark Extract

Haematostaphis barteri Hook. f. is a tree belonging to the Family Anacardiaceae whose morphological parts have been used for decades for treating various diseases in Northern Nigeria. This study aimed to prepare chitosan nanoparticles from crab shells and evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of chitosan loaded with stembark extract from H. barteri. Phytochemical screening of extract, preparation of chitosan, and evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were carried out following standard procedures. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides while steroids, triterpenes and anthracenes were absent. The LD50 of the crude methanol extract in Wistar albino rats was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight and after 14 days of single dose oral administration. No signs of toxicity were recorded. Prepared chitosan nanoparticle loaded with extract has a yield of 26.54 %, particle size of 210 ± 1.01 nm, zeta potential of 25.4 ± 1.02 V, drug entrapment efficiency of 68.4 %, cumulative drug release of 88.24 % and swelling index of 58.14 %. The extract produced a dose-dependent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The chitosan-loaded extract produced the highest inhibition of writhing and paw oedema diameter in the rats, which was significant (p < 0.05) when compared with the normal controls and standards. In conclusion, the study showed that chitosan-loaded stembark extract from H. barteri possessed more potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities than those delivered without chitosan nanoparticles. The study further affirms the potential usefulness use of the stembark extract for the treatment of pain and inflammation.

Antibacterial Activity Test of the Combination of Methanol Extract of Arumanis Mango Leaves (Mangifera indica L) and Taro Leaves (Colocasia esculanta L) on Escherichia coli Bacteria Causes of Diarrhea Diseases

Arumanis mango leaves (Mangifera indica L) and taro leaves (Colocasia esculanta L) are plants that have the potential to be antibacterial and can be used as an alternative to treat infectious diseases caused by bacteria. Arumanis mango leaves contain secondary metabolite compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, polyphenols, tannins, and saponins, and taro leaves contain secondary metabolite compounds in the form of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, formic acid, glucosides, citric acid, and several minerals. Secondary metabolite compounds that have potential as antibacterials are flavonoids and tannins. This study aims to determine the antibacterial activity of a combination of methanol extracts of arumanis mango leaves (Mangifera indica L) and taro leaves (Colocasia esculanta L) against Escherichia coli bacteria. The research was carried out starting from the plant determination and preparation of simplisia, extraction, phytochemical screening of extracts and KLT tests, and antibacterial testing using the disc paper method. The concentration series of extract combinations used are 6.25%, 12.5%, and 25%. The antibacterial test results of the combination of arumanis mango leaf extract (Mangifera indica L) and taro leaf (Colocasia esculanta L), which showed the highest inhibition zone diameter was at a concentration of 6.25% (1:1), a concentration of 12.5% (1:2). At a concentration of 25% (2:1). From the results of this study, a single extract of arumanis mango leaves and taro leaves with a concentration of 6.25%; 12.5%; 25% and a combination of extracts in a ratio of 1:1. 1:2, 2:1, which has potential antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria, so that further research can be carried out by utilizing a combination of arumanis mango leaf extracts and taro leaves and as a source of information and insight into the combination of arumanis mango leaves and taro leaves that have antibacterial properties.

Antibacterial Potency of Jackfruit Leaf Extract (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) Against Salmonella typhi

Typhoid fever is a chronic disease caused by S. typhi bacterium. This disease can be transmitted via contaminated water or food, and close contact with an infected person. The symptomps of typhoid fever include high fever, stomach pain, headache, and constipation. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) leaves extract contain active compounds with antibacterial activity. This research aims to determine the inhibitory activity of jackfruit leaves extract against S. typhi. Jackfruit leaves were extracted by maceration using 70% ethanol as solvent. After that, organoleptic test, ethanol-free test and phytochemical screening of extract were carried out. Inhibitory activity of extract was conducted using well diffusion method, followed by determination of MIC and MBC. The results showed that jackfruit leaves extract contained flavonoid, tannins, saponin, and triterpenoid. Inhbitory activity of extract was found at concentration 20% (5.24 mm), 40% (6.78 mm), and concentration 60% (8.08 mm). The MIC value of extract was 12.5%. while the MBC could not be found. According to the results, ethanol extract of jackfruit leaves (70%) have potential compounds to inhibit the growth of S. typhi

The Effectiveness of Ethanol Extract of Robusta Coffee Seeds on Blood Glucose, Urea, and Creatinine Levels of Male White Rats Induced by Streptozotocin

Background: Traditional medicine plays a role in alternative treatment systems for diabetes mellitus. Objectives: This study aimed to screen the secondary metabolite of the ethanol extract from robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre) seeds. We aimed to clarify the effects of these extracts on blood glucose, urea, and creatinine levels in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Material and Methods: Phytochemical screening of extracts was carried out qualitatively according to standard methods. The rats were administered ethanol extracts of C. canephora Pierre seeds at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Blood glucose, urea, and creatinine levels were then compared between the control and diabetes groups. Results: The ethanol extract of C. canephora Pierre seeds contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. Group doses of 100-300 mg/kg body weight can significantly reduce blood glucose, urea, and creatinine levels. It can be concluded that the ethanol extract C. canephora Pierre seeds is a potential source of antidiabetic. Conclusions: The ethanol extract of C. canephora Pierre seeds shows potential as an antidiabetic agent.

Effect of extraction process on phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of Rosmarius officinalis and Globularia alypum extracts

Rosmarinus officinalis and Globularia alypum are well known and commonly used in Algeria as species and medicinal plants. The composition and the biological activities of plants depend on several factors. We investigated the influence of one factor: the extraction process. Water and methanol (80%) were used as solvent in the extraction by infusion, decoction and cold maceration. The extracts were evaluated regarding yields, thin layer chromatography, phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Results showed that temperature increase plants extraction biomass efficiency (15.90% for rosemary and 28.10% for globular). Phytochemical screening of extracts revealed the presence of several phenolic classes, including flavonoids and tannins. In addition, G. alypum contains irridiods. Thin layer chromatography showed the presence of some phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, of which methanolic extracts gave the highest separation. Levels of total phenolics, flavonoïds and tannins were highly influenced by method and solvent system applied. Methanolic extracts were richest in flavonoïds (39.90 mg QE/g for rosmary and 17.97mg QE/g for globular). While, for both plants, higher concentrations of tannins were noted for aqueous extracts prepared by decoction (15.9 mg CE/g and 28.10 mg CE/g respectively). Regarding the antioxidant activity, the antiradical effect of the extracts against the DPPH radical was interesting with an IC50 between 0.024 and 0.33 mg/ml, noting that R. officinalis methanol extract was the most powerful. However, G. alypum extracts, presented a higher reductive power than rosemary. Aqueous extracts, were the most active, reaching optical densities of 1.41 for water infusion extract and 1.53 for water decoction extract.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Essential Oil and Phytochemical Screening of Extracts of Aerial Parts of Thymus atlanticus

Thymus plants has been used for several beneficial health properties including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial potential in vitro of aerial part of Thymus atlanticus essential oil and phytochemical screening of the extracts. Results showed that carvacrol was the major component of the essential oil (85.13%). Phytochemical screening of the extracts showed that gallic tannins, flavonols, triterpenes, sterols and mucilage are present on high amount. Antioxidant activity (IC50), total phenolic and total flavonoid content of the extract obtained by soxhlet method and using hydromethanolic solvent recorded the highest values (0.029 mg/mL, 5.92 mg GAE/g and 0.86 mg QE/g respectively) compared to other extracts. The IC50 of the essential oil was equal to 0.990 µg/mL and therefore has exhibited an antioxidant power higher than the extracts. The essential oil of Thymus atlanticus showed a strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli compared to the fifteen pathogenic bacteria with an average inhibition zone of 32±1.0 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.3 µL/ mL. These findings indicate that Thymus atlanticus essential oil and extracts could be a source of potential antioxidant and antibacterial natural compound.

Morphology, biological and chemical profiling of three Polyscias species, endemic to Mauritius

The aim of the study is to screen the morphological, anatomical, biological, and chemical profiles of the leave extracts of endemic Polyscias species namely P. dichroostachya (PD), P. gracilis (PG), and P. mauritiana (PM) from Mauritius. The morphology and anatomy of the leaves were studied using a microscope. Phytochemical screening of extracts using LC-MS/MS was carried out by ionization in both positive and negative modes. The leaves are pinnately compound, hypostomatic, dorsiventral, with a prominent mid vein with secretion cavities, and they can be distinguished by their midrib shape and anatomy. From the molecular mass and fragmentation data, 31 terpenoid saponins, 19 flavonoids, 17 acids, 7 terpenes, and 10 miscellaneous compounds including pyrrolidines and acetylenes in different extracts (hexane, ethanol, and aqueous) were identified. Extracts from the three species using DPPH radical scavenging activity exhibited good to moderate antioxidant activities with IC50 values in the range of 2.1-70.8 mg/ml and the ethanolic extract of PD showing the highest activity. Aqueous extracts of PG and PM potently inhibited alpha-glucosidase with IC50 values of 0.50 and 2.62 mg/ml. The different leaf extracts exhibited moderate activity against a panel of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This is probably the first report on the extensive chemical profiling and morphology of these endemic Polysias spp. from Mauritius and the results indicate that these leaf extracts have beneficial health properties and are thus worth exploiting further.

Analisis Metabolit Sekunder dan Aktivitas Ekstrak Etanol Kulit Buah Salak (Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss) Terhadap Kadar Glukosa dan Ureum Kreatinin Tikus Putih Jantan (Rattus norvegicus)

The snake fruit peel (Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss) traditionally has several health benefits, one of which is to treat diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to determine the content of secondary metabolites in the ethanolic extract of snake fruit peel and its activity on glucose and urea creatinine levels in male white rats (Rattus norvegicus). Phytochemical screening of extracts was carried out qualitatively and quantitatively using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry. This study is a laboratory experimental study using 30 test animals divided into 6 treatment groups (normal control, negative control, positive control, 70 mg/kg BW, 140 mg/kg BW, and 280 mg/kg BW). The results showed that the ethanol extract of the bark of the salak fruit contained 7.61 %w/w alkaloids, flavonoids 0.041% w/w, tannins 1.18% w/w, and saponins 2% w/w. Ethanol extract of salak fruit peel dose of 140 mg/kg BW affected decreasing blood glucose and urea creatinine levels. The skin of the salak fruit has the potential to be further investigated as an antidiabetic.

ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC EFFECT OF TEPHROSIA VILLOSA IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC HYPERLIPIDEMIA RAT MODELS

Atherosclerosis plays a pivotal role in various cardiovascular disorders. Most of the antiatherogenic currently available drugs are associated with many side effects than plant derived formulations. Tephrosia villosa (Fabaceae) plant is being used traditionally, in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, diabetes, jaundice and used as antioxidant and antimicrobial. The objective of the current experiment is to evaluate the antihyperlipidemic potency of chloroform (CETV) and ethanolic extract of Tephrosia villosa (EETV) in acute (Triton WR-1339 induced) and chronic (cholesterol diet-induced) hyperlipidemia models. Simvastatin, standard drug used to compare the effect of the both extracts at 125mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg b.w). The serum lipid parameters were analysed using enzymatic kits. The preliminary phytochemical screening of extracts of Tephrosia villosa showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, glycosides and alkaloids. In acute model, the pretreatment with both extracts for 7 days showed significant reduction (p<0.001) in serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and subsequent rise (p<0.01) in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels after 24h tritonisation in hyperlipidemic rats. Similarly, in chronic hyperlipidemia model, all the lipid (TG, TC, LDL-C & VLDL-C) levels were reduced significantly (p<0.001) with successive rise in HDL-C level after 30 days of study with 15 days of extract treatment. The current study indicates the antihyperlipidemic activity of Tephrosia villosa is probably due to the phenolic constituents in extracts, which may inhibit HMG CoA reductase or activate lipoprotein lipase and lecithin acyl transferase (LCAT). The results would provide a larger insight in design and development of newer therapeutics for a wide arena of lifestyle disorders.

Pharmacognostical evaluation and anti-convulsant property of Annona reticulata Linn. (Annonaceae) root

BackgroundThe present investigation was aimed at establishing the pharmacognostical parameters and preliminary phytochemical screening of Annona reticulata Linn. (Annonaceae) root. Pharmacognostical studies and phytochemical evaluation of A. reticulata root were carried out by following standard procedures to provide information that help to identify the species. The species of Annonaceae family are documented to possess anticonvulsant property, while A. reticulata and its root are reported to be used as a folklore medicine to treat epilepsy. In this study, anti-convulsant activity of the root extract was further investigated in mouse model with seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; 60 mg/kg, i.p.). Diazepam (5 mg/kg) was used as a standard anti-convulsant drug. Prior to induction of seizures, ethanol extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.,) and 0.1% sodium CMC were administered. Later, the onset, duration of convulsions along with recovery was recorded.ResultsA. reticulata can be recognized by its crown shape, leaves with lengthy petioles, fleshy petals and heart-shaped fruits. Roots are cylindrical with rootlets and have aromatic odour. Presence of oil globules and rhomboidal calcium oxalate crystals in cortex, sclerenchyma cells in cortex and secondary phloem, starch grains in cortex, secondary phloem and secondary xylem, and uni- to tri-seriate medullary rays are the key diagnostic characters of root. Preliminary phytochemical screening of extracts revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, proteins, fixed oil and fats. The total alkaloid content in the root was 0.524% w/w, while total flavonoid and total phenolic content in ethanol extract were 16.65 mg QE/g and 59.54 mg GAE/g, respectively. Based on the values obtained from anti-convulsant activity, it is evident that the ethanol extract offered significant protection against PTZ-induced convulsion in mice.ConclusionThe current pharmacognostical study aids not only in identification of crude drug material but also in establishing the standardization parameters. Further, the findings of this study indicated that the ethanolic extract of Annona reticulata Linn root displayed significant anti-convulsant property and this property could be attributed to imperative bioactives like flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, in addition to other secondary metabolites.

Inhibitory effects of hydroethanolic extracts from three Cameroonian medicinal plants on proteins inflammation and growth of multi-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The present work aimed to determine the phytochemical components and evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-mycobacterial effects of hydroethanolic extracts of Allium sativum L bulbs, Drypetes gossweileri S. MOORE stem-barks and Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baill roots against several resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The phytochemical screenings of extracts were carried out according the colorimetric and precipitation tests to reveal the presence of phytochemical compounds. The anti-inflammatory effects of extracts were evaluated using in vitro Bovine Serum Albumin denaturation and proteinase inhibitory action assays. The inhibitory parameters of hydro-ethanol extracts were evaluated by the microdilution method agaisnt Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The phytochemical screening of hydro-ethanol extracts revealed the presence of phenols, polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, cathechic tannins, triterpens, steroids, anthocyanins and leucoanthocyanins. The anti-inflammatory activity of hydro-ethanol extracts of D. gossweileri, P. brazzeana and A. sativum have shown the inhibitory concentrations 50 (IC50) values ranging from 356.70, 183.30 and 226.30 mg/mL for BSA denaturation and 31.92, 33.62 and 56.93 mg/mL for proteinase inhibitory action respectively. The hydroethanolic extracts of D. gossweileri, P. brazzeana and A. sativum exhibited moderate and weak anti-mycobacterial activities with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 312.5 to 2500 μg/mL. A. sativum hydro-ethanol extract has shown the highest anti-mycobacterial activity with MIC of 312.5 μg/mL against isoniazid resistant of M. tuberculosis and extremely resistant drug strain of M. tuberculosis. These results suggest that hydro-ethanol extracts of A. sativum, D. gossweileri and P. brazzeana are efficient against tuberculosis caused by multi-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and are able to resorb the inflammation induced during infection.
 Keywords: Anti-inflammatory activity, Anti-mycobacterial effect, Hydroethanolic extracts, Medicinal plants, Phytochemical screening.

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of the anti-diarrhoea properties of Diodia sarmentosa leaves in castor oil-induced diarrhoea in albino rats

PurposeThis study aims to report the phytochemical screening and anti-diarrhoea properties of methanol extract of Diodia sarmentosa Swartz (DSS) leave (at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) in albino rats.Design/methodology/approachThree types of diarrhoea models (castor oil-induced diarrhoea, castor oil-induced gastrointestinal motility and castor oil-induced enteropooling), as well as an assay for serum and faecal electrolyte concentrations, were used. Acute toxicity study and phytochemical screening of the extract were carried out using standard techniques.FindingsThe percentage inhibition of diarrhoea by DSS 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg was obtained as 25.7%, 55% and 84.6%, respectively, compared with loperamide that had 87.6% inhibition. DSS dose dependently modulated the number and frequency of defecation, the weight of the faeces of the diarrhoea rats, the distance that was travelled by charcoal meal, mean differences in the full lengths of the intestines and the distance travelled by charcoal meal, weight and volume of intestinal contents, serum and faecal concentrations of potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, bicarbonate, iron and zinc relative to the negative control and in a manner akin to loperamide (for the extract at 600 mg/kg). DSS or loperamide attenuated the loss of calcium in the faeces of the rats. DSS possesses anti-diarrhoea properties, which may be attributed to the phytochemicals in it. Finally, the study showed the safety in the usage of DSS.Originality/valueDSS exerted its anti-diarrhoea action in castor oil-induced diarrhoea rats, by modulating their intestinal secretory and motile activity in a manner akin to loperamide (for DSS at 600 mg/kg).

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Property of Sansevieria liberica Gerald and Labroy (Dracaenaceae) Leaf Using Alloxan Induced Diabetes Model

Background: The phytochemical screening and antidiabetic activities of the methanol leaf extract and fractions of Sansevieria liberica Ger. and Labr. were investigated.Objectives: To identify the phytoconstituents present and evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of the leaf of S. liberica Ger. and Labr.Material and Methods: A 1.2 g of the pulverized leaf was cold macerated in methanol to obtain 240 g of the crude extract (CE), fractionation was done using n-hexane, ethylacetate and butanol. The CE and the fractions were screened for phytochemical and antidiabetic analysis using standard procedures. Diabetes was induced by intraperitonial injection of alloxan. The blood glucose levels were analyzed as indices of diabetes.Results: After 24 hours, alloxan increased the blood glucose level of rats indicating hyperglycaemia. Treatment of the rats with the extract and fractions reduced the blood glucose level within 3 to 7 days of treatment. The standard antidiabetic, metformin (500 mg/kg) also showed similar effect. Extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg) of the crude extract decreased significantly (p<0.05) the blood glucose level. The antidiabetic potency of the extract and fractions were in the order of CE ˃ ethylacetate fraction > n-Hexane fraction > butanol fraction. The phytochemical screening of the extract and fractions revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides etc.Conclusions: From the findings, S. liberica leaf posses antidiabetic activity which may be due to the phytochemical constituents present, and this justifies its use by local users as traditional remedy for diabetes mellitus.

Suppression of Proinflammatory Cytokines by Etlingera alba (A.D.) Poulsen Rhizome Extract and Its Antibacterial Properties.

Etlingera alba is one of the Etlingera plants that has not been studied intensively. Plants that belong to the same genus have similar constituents and pharmacological activities. Thus, we aim to investigate the chemical composition and pharmacological activities, namely, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, of E. alba rhizome extract (EA). The chemical constituent was detected using the test tube method. The inflammatory model rats were obtained by inducing them with 1% carrageenan, and their palm edema volume and cytokine levels, namely, IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α, were measured. Antibacterial activity was performed with broth microdilution. The phytochemical screening of EA was detecting alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and phenols. The EA has anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the palms' edema volume and cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α), and the optimal concentration was 400 mg/kg body weight (BW). On the other hand, EA also exhibited antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. enterica. In conclusion, similar to other Etlingera plants, EA also demonstrates pharmacological activities, namely, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Establishment of a Cell Suspension Culture of Eysenhardtia platycarpa: Phytochemical Screening of Extracts and Evaluation of Antifungal Activity.

Eysenhardtia platycarpa (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Mexico. Biotechnological studies of its use are lacking. The objective of this work was to establish a cell suspension culture (CSC) of E. platycarpa, determine the phytochemical constituents by spectrophotometric and gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS) methods, evaluate its antifungal activity, and compare them with the intact plant. Friable callus and CSC were established with 2 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid plus 0.1 mg/L kinetin. The highest total phenolics of CSC was 15.6 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight and the total flavonoids content ranged from 56.2 to 104.1 µg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry weight. The GC‒MS analysis showed that the dichloromethane extracts of CSC, sapwood, and heartwood have a high amount of hexadecanoic acid (22.3–35.3%) and steroids (13.5–14.7%). Heartwood and sapwood defatted hexane extracts have the highest amount of stigmasterol (~23.4%) and β-sitosterol (~43%), and leaf extracts presented β-amyrin (16.3%). Methanolic leaf extracts showed mostly sugars and some polyols, mainly D-pinitol (74.3%). Compared with the intact plant, dichloromethane and fatty hexane extracts of CSC exhibited percentages of inhibition higher for Sclerotium cepivorum: 71.5% and 62.0%, respectively. The maximum inhibition for Rhizoctonia solani was with fatty hexane extracts of the sapwood (51.4%). Our study suggests that CSC extracts could be used as a possible complementary alternative to synthetic fungicides.

Therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds from Punica granatum extracts against aging and complicity of FOXO orthologue DAF-16 in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Some natural fruits have significant importance in improving health which provides many nutritional supplements essential to maintain proper metabolism with the age. In this study, phytochemical screening of extract (methanolic) of Punica granatum arils, outer and inner peels was confirmed by the respective spot tests. Quantification of phytochemical constituents revealed the plentiful of total phenols in the outer peels in comparison to inner peels and juice whereas total flavonoids and vitamin C are abundant in inner peel and juice, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography, Gas chromatography along with mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of compound 9, 17-octadecadienal, (Z) in the outer/inner peels. A compound N-hexadecanoic acid was also observed in the outer peels. Extracts from every section of the fruits were comprehensively evaluated for their antioxidant activity. Contrary to fruit aril juice, the extracts of outer and inner peels exhibited significant and dose-dependent in vitro antioxidant and radical-scavenging potentials. The supplementation of P. granatum extracts (PGEs) significantly enhanced the lifespan of C. elegans. The protective effect of PGEs was also observed against oxidative stress in C. elegans. Additionally, the involvement of FOXO orthologue DAF-16 dependent longevity was obtained with PGEs (outer peel and inner peel) fed TJ356 worms. Overall, the results indicate the vital role of PGEs especially the extracts of outer peels in life-saving mechanisms of C. elegans by virtue of their antioxidant asset and life-prolonging effects via daf-16 dependent Insulin signaling pathway. See also Figure 1(Fig. 1).

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY OF AYURVEDIC ANTIMICROBIAL FORMULATIONS USING IN VIVO ANIMAL EXCISION AND INCISION METHODS

Wound healing comprises of four phases, namely inflammation, proliferation, re-epithelialization and remodelling which re-establish integrity of damaged tissue. This experimental study evaluates wound healing action of two Ayurvedic stem bark formulations, RFNA (containing Neem & Ashoka) and RFUL (containing Udumber & Lodhra) using 5% & 10% aqueous extract concentrations for preparation of ointment for external wound application using excision and incision methods. Phytochemical screening of extracts indicated presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and carbohydrates while total flavonoid content was 54.76 and 59.14 µg QE/mg and total phenol content was 205.00 and 225.67 µg GAE/mg for RFNA and RFUL. This 14-day study used Swiss albino rats divided into six groups, each group having six animals. While Group A was control group, Group B used Framycetin Sulphate IP as standard drug. Groups C, D, E and F were administered ointment containing 5% and 10% RFNA and RFUL respectively. While excision wound model study evaluated the percentage of wound contraction and amount of pus formation, the incision wound model assessed reduction in wound length and histopathological microscopic examination of wound skin, on the 4th, 7th and 14th day. During this study, 10% RFNA and RFUL exhibited similar therapeutic efficacy as standard drug while 5% concentrations showed a little lower but highly significant properties, possibly due to high concentration of phenolic and flavonoidic compounds. The results showed that highest therapeutic efficacy was shown by 10% RFNA followed by 10% RFUL, 5% RFNA and 5% RFUL groups respectively in both excision and incision models.

English

This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Camellia sinensis (Green tea) against Escherichia coli implicated in urinary tract infections. Antibacterial activities of these plant extracts were tested against 10 multi-drug resistant E. coli isolates obtained from clinical specimens of UTI patients. Forty-five (45) Wister albino rats were used for this study and exactly 0.1 ml of standardized (0.5 McFarland’s) E. coli suspension was each inoculated into the 45 rats through intra-urethral route and observed after 48 h. This was followed by oral administration of different concentrations of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of C. sinensis, and ciprofloxacin antibiotic for 14 days. Phytochemical screening of extracts showed the presence of bioactive components. Results revealed that methanol extract was better than ethyl acetate extract of C. sinensis in the treatment of UTI caused by E. coli. Body weight, white blood cell count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate level returned to normal values after treatment with methanol extract of C. sinensis at 200 mg/kg body weight when compared to ethyl acetate extract of C. sinensis. This study has shown that C. sinensis possess bioactive ingredients with antimicrobial activities. Information from this study adds to the current information on the potential health benefits of green tea. Thus, further studies on other plant products should be explored so as to understand their potential health benefits and as alternative therapeutics in the treatment of bacterial infections. Key words: Antibacterial activity, E. coli, Camellia sinensis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), plant extract

Phytochemical screening of extracts from Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil. (Rutaceae) leaves and their in vitro antioxidant and anti-Listeria monocytogenes activities

Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil (Rutaceae), a shrub whose common name is manacá do Cerrado in Brazilian Portuguese, is about 1-m high and has been used by folk medicine to treat stomachache, kidney and liver infections, headache, rheumatism and as a blood purifier. This study aimed at preparing hexane, ethyl acetate, methanolic, hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts from S. odoratissima leaves, at carrying out preliminary phytochemical screening and at evaluating their in vitro antioxidant and anti-Listeria monocytogenes activities. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis-3-ethybenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) methods. Antibacterial activity was investigated against L. monocytogenes and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of plant extracts were calculated by the broth microdilution method with the use of 96-well plates. In aqueous, methanolic, hydroethanolic, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts from S. odoratissima leaves, the following classes of compounds were investigated: organic acids, reducing sugars, flavonoids, saponin compounds, coumarin compounds, phenolics, tannins, purine compounds, catechins, flavonol derivatives, sesquiterpene lactones and anthraquinones. All plant extracts, except the hexane one, exhibited high antioxidant activity. Regarding antibacterial activity, the most polar extracts showed high activity against L. monocytogenes; their MIC values ranged between 12.5 and 62.5 µg mL-1, while the hexane one exhibited low activity (MIC = 1000 µg mL-1). In short, extracts from S. odoratissima leaves may be considered promising sources of secondary metabolites with relevant antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Prospecção fitoquímica de infusões aquosas de ramos e folhas de amora (Morus nigra L.) utilizando delineamento composto central rotacional

O cultivo da amoreira tem apresentado grande crescimento ao longo dos anos pelo seu baixo custo de produção e benefícios a saúde. É de grande interesse para indústria alimentícia uma vez que possui aproveitamento quase total de todos os seus componentes desde seus frutos até seu caule e folhas. O consumo das folhas e ramos tem aumentando em função de suas propriedades antioxidantes, consequentemente o aumento no consumo de infusões de folha de amora tem gerado grande destaque. Neste estudo, os parâmetros avaliados para obtenção da infusão das folhas de amora, foram tempo de infusão, temperatura de extração e a concentração das folhas em função da água. O objetivo do trabalho foi com estas variáveis dependentes realizar um Delineamento Compostos Central Rotacional 2³ para verificar as propriedades fitoquímicas de duas marcas diferentes de folhas de amora preta (Morus nigra L.). A prospecção fitoquímica avaliou qualitativamente a presença de açúcar redutor, alcaloide, aminoácidos, esteroides, fenol, flavonoides, glicosídeos cardíacos, saponinas, taninos e terpenos. Com relação a triagem fitoquímica os extratos das duas marcas (A e B) confirmaram presença de fenóis, flavonoides, glicosídeos cardíacos, taninos, terpenos e saponinas, no entanto apenas a marca B apresentou aminoácidos.