Plant Extract Treatment Research Articles

English

There is an ever-growing interest to identify plants that boost the immune system functions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of Momordica balsamina (MB) leaves extract in BCG-immunized rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). MB extract was suspended in 1% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).  Firstly, animals were challenged subcutaneously with 0.05 ml BCG. The first group (vehicle control group) received 1% CMC (100 mg/kg body weight; p.o.), and the second group (positive control group) was provided with levamisole (18 mg/kg body weight; p.o.). The remaining groups (test groups) were dosed orally with different doses of MB extracts (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 14 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected on day 0, 7 and 14, and then plasma samples were analyzed for Th1 cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) and Th2 cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β), using cytokine specific enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). MB extracts significantly increased (p ≤ 0.01) IFN-γ production in a dose- and time-dependent manner and elicited significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) of TNF-α level at the dose 200 mg/kg after 14 days. Low doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) TGF-β levels while a high dose (200 mg/kg) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced TGF-β levels in a time-dependent manner. No significant changes were observed on IL-10 level after plant extract treatment. MB shows immunostimulatory effects and significantly activates cell-mediated immunity. Key words: Momordica balsamina, cell-mediated immunity, Th1 cytokine, Th2 cytokine. &nbsp

In vitro apoptosis induction ability of methanolic extract of Paramignya trimera root (Xao tam phan) in breast cancer stem cells

Objective: Cancer has been considered as one of the world's leading causes of death. Recently, the Paramignya trimera plant, locally called ``Xao Tam Phan'', has become a popular Vietnamese medicinal herb that is used as alternative medicine for cancer treatment support with minimal side effects. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the cytotoxicity of methanolic extract of Paramignya trimera on a Vietnamese breast cancer stem cell line (VNBRCA1) in vitro.
 Methods: We used the MTT assay to determine the cytotoxicity of the extract on VNBRCA1 cells and human fibroblast (HF) cell line was used as a control for the plant extract treatment. Clinically used anticancer drug, doxorubicin, was used as a control drug (for relative comparison to the plant extract) to evaluate the selective cytotoxicity of the plant extract on VNBRCA1 and HF cells. We examined the apoptosis induction by the plant extract on VNBRCA1by Annexin V/7AAD staining and flow cytometry analysis. In addition, the morphology of apoptotic nuclei of treated cells was observed by fluorescent microscopy using double fluorescent staining: Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide (PI).
 Results: In comparison between the cytotoxicity of the plant extract and Doxorubicin on both cell lines (VBRCA1 and HF), we observed that plant extract was selectively cytotoxic against VNBRCA1 with an IC50 value of 10610 μg/mL, while Doxorubicin was discriminatorily cytotoxic against HF with an IC50 value of 0.135+/-0.09 μg/mL. We also found that the plant extract induced apoptosis VNBRCA1 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, fluorescent microscopy revealed disintegrated nuclei of plant extract-treated cells, representing a hallmark of apoptosis.
 Conclusions: These results showed that Paramignya trimera methanolic extract selectively killed VNBRCA1 cell lines, indicating that Paramignya trimera methanolic extract may represent a potential agent for cancer treatment.

Biosynthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles and their photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity evaluation for wound healing applications in nursing care

Greener way of synthesizing nanoparticles has emerged as a substitute method, as it is ecological and cost effectual. Numerous efforts have been completed for green synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O NPs) by various plant extracts. Current work disclosed the green combustion synthesis of Ag2O NPs by using Lippia citriodora plant powder. Furthermore, photocatalytic properties of Ag2O NPs were studied on acid orange 8(AO8) dye was assessed under UV light irradiation. The catalyst shows good photocatalytic activity (PCA) for the degradation of AO8 dye, NPs synthesized by Lippia citriodora powder shows high percentage of degradation. The Ag2O NPs act as excellent antibacterial against S. Aureus and antifungal activity against A. Aureus. Further wound healing studies in excision skin wound model in albino wistar rats showed the effective wound healing activity of Ag2O NPs incorporated hydrogels compared to untreated and plant extract treatments. The majority upshot of this research will be recommended that biologically synthesized Ag2O from Lippia citriodora plant powder has more valuable against various disease-causing pathogens and hence could be useful for developing wound dressing agents for nursing care.

Inhibitory effect of medicinal plants from Cameroon on the growth and adhesion of Helicobacter pylori

IntroductionPlants in the Cameroon Pharmacopoeia are used by the population as decoctions, infusions and are macerated to relieve digestive and gastric disorders. The aim of this study was to screen for the anti-Helicobacter pylori and anti-adhesion activities of various plant extracts from Cameroon. MethodsMedicinal plants used for the treatment and stomach pains and digestive disorders were identified and collected in an ethnopharmacological survey in Cameroon. Dried plant material were used to prepare crude extracts and tested against Helicobacter pylori strain P12 . The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of plant extract was determined by broth micro dilution and agar diffusion methods. The anti-adhesion was determined by adhesion of Fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC) labelled Helicobacter pylori to sections of mouse gastric tissue and expression of adhesion gene in response to the plant extract treatment using RT-PCR and western blotting. Results were analyzed statistically by the Bonferroni’s post hoc test. ResultsAll the plant extracts demonstrated anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with MIC values ranging from 0.125 to 100 mg/ml. Spathodea campanulata and Nicotina tabacum showed the highest anti-Helicobacter pylori activity on H. pylori P12 strain. The lowest MIC recorded by Spathodea campanulata and Nicotina tabacum were 0.125 and 1 mg/ml respectively. Seventeen plant extracts reduced H. pylori adhesion to the mouse tissue stomach. In addition, plant extracts decreased the expression of blood group antigen-binding adhesion BabA and H. pylori outer membrane protein HopZ. ConclusionSpathodea campanulata and Nicotina tabacum may be useful in the development of new drugs for the treatment of H. pylori infection. They represent promising natural sources to be used in pharmacology.

Phytoremideation of ethylene glycol induced renal calculi in the vertebrate model Rattus norvigicus

Multicellular organisms have special feature to concentrate and excrete nitrogenous wastes from the body. Normally kidneys in vertebrates have extensive role in the filtration and elimination function. Urinary calculi or stones are the most common cause for chronic / acute obstruction of urinary system. Pathologically urolithiasis (nephrolithiasis) relates with kidney stone disease. Understanding of the pathophysiology of nephrocytes with altered blood and urine constituents found to be thrust area of urolithiasis; therefore, present investigation has intended to focus on mechanism for development of calculus in kidney and phytoremideation against Ethylene glycol (EG) induced nephritic cells. With the intension vertebrate model rat have been used to understand pathogenesis and dose dependent recovery mechanism of two plant extract of Tribulus terrestris (Tt) and Amranthus cruentus (Ac). All animals were subjected to EG induction as a first part of experimental design. The recovery mechanism considering urine profile and histological observations were carried out with treatment of plant extracts. Observations in relations to doses compensation against EG were statically documented. Results of the different toxic concentration and exposure period were observed histologically and interpreted for comparative effects of plant extract (AC: TT) pertaining depleted percentage of crystal formation responsible for stone development. The overall mechanisms of phytoremideation were critically studied and interpreted in universally accepted vertebrate experimental model Rattus norvigicus.

Antihypertensive Indigenous Lebanese Plants: Ethnopharmacology and a Clinical Trial.

Hypertension is highly prevalent among the Lebanese adult population and is indeed the major cause of mortality in Lebanon. Traditional use of antihypertensive medicinal plants has long been practiced. The aim of this study is to document this traditional knowledge and clinically test the antihypertensive capacity of three of the most commonly used wild plant species Mentha longifolia, Viola odorata and Urtica dioica. Ethno-pharmacological data was collected by personal interviews with herbalists and traditional healers using a semi structured survey questionnaire and assessing relative frequency of citation (RFC). The clinical study was conducted by a randomized, blind, placebo-controlled trial in 29 subjects with mild hypertension distributed in four groups, three plant extract treatments and one placebo. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP) as well as mean arterial blood pressures (MAP) were monitored at weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 during the treatment with 300 mL/day of plant extract. Results showed that M. longifolia, U. dioica and V. odorata exhibited the highest values of RCF (0.95) followed by Allium ampeloprasum (0.94), Apium graveolens (0.92) and Crataegus azarolus (0.90). The clinical trial revealed dose- and duration-dependent significant reductions in SBP, DBP and MAP of subjects treated with M. longifolia, U. dioica or V. odorata. Our findings indicate that extracts of these plants present an effective, safe and promising potential as a phyto-therapuetical approach for the treatment of mild hypertension. More research on the phytochemistry, pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanisms is necessary.

Modulation of Growth Performance and Intestinal Microbiota in Chickens Fed Plant Extracts or Virginiamycin.

In this study, the effects of plant extracts (PEs) and virginiamycin (VIRG) on broiler growth performance, as well as on host intestinal microbiota composition and function were investigated. A total of 288 one-day-old male Cobb broiler chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups (with six replicates per group). The duodenal, ileal, and cecal content of six broilers per treatment group after 14 and 28 days of treatment were sampled. This material was used for high-throughput Illumina sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that chickens fed 400 mg/kg plant extracts (HPE group) had significantly higher average body weights at day 28 as compared to the control group (CT; P < 0.05), and lower feed-to-meat ratios over days 15–42 (P < 0.01). Within the HPE group at day 14, the relative abundances of two bacterial phyla and 10 bacterial genera increased significantly in the ileal microbiota, and the relative abundance of three bacterial phyla and four bacterial genera decreased. The relative abundance of the genus Lactobacillus in the cecal microbiota decreased from 21.48% (CT group) to 8.41% (fed 200 mg/kg PEs; LPE group), 4.2% (HPE group), and 6.58% (fed 30 mg/kg virginiamycin; VIRG group) after 28 days. In contrast, Faecalibacterium and unclassified Rikenellaceae increased in abundance in the HPE group (from 18 to 28.46% and from 10.83 to 27.63%, respectively), while Bacteroides (36.7%) and Lachnospiraceae increased in abundance in the VIRG group. PICRUSt function analysis showed that the ileal microbiota of the PE treatment groups were more enriched in genes related to the meolism of cofactors and vitamins. In addition, the cecal microbiotas of the LPE and HPE groups were enriched in genes predicted to encode enzymes within 15 and 20 pathways, respectively. These pathways included protein digestion and absorption, amino acid metabolism, lipid biosynthesis, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), and lipoic acid metabolism. Similarly, the VIRG group was enriched in 55 metabolic pathways (17 in the duodenum, 18 in the ileum, and 20 in the cecum) on day 28 (P < 0.05). Thus, the results indicated that the observed increase in broiler growth performance after PE or VIRG supplementation might be attributed to an improvement in intestinal microbial composition and metabolic function.

The effect of ethanolic extract of Ferula szowitsiana on cognitive deficits and lipid peroxidation induced by ethidium bromide in experimental model of MS

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term microinjection of Ferula szowitsiana extract on the process of spatial memory and lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus in an experimental model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methods: In this experimental study, 35 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Each group has 7 rats. These groups were included control, sham, model of MS and MS groups with plant extract treatments. In the experimental model of MS groups, induction of MS was carried out by single injection of ethidium bromide (EB) into the hippocampus. One week after MS induction by EB (0.01 %), the MS groups were treated by Ferula szowitsiana extract (5 and 10 μg/rat) for 3 consecutive days. Finally following the treatment period, for measuring spatial memory, Morris Water Maze test was carried out and the hippocampus of both sides were dissected and used for measurement of Malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: The results showed that in the experimental model of MS group travelled distance (1022.44±53.29) and escape latency (41.30±3.29) increased compared to travelled distance (885.94±29.56) and escape latency (36.26±0.65) in the control group (p&lt;0.001). Short-term treatment by Ferula szowitsiana extract in this models decreased the travelled distance (838.39±24.16) and escape latency (39.87±1.24) (P&lt;0.001). MDA increased in the experimental model of MS group (3.8±0.51) compared to the control group (0.68±0.13) (p&lt;0.001) and in the Ferula treated group (0.34±0.04) decreased compared to the MS animals (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Treatment with Ferula szowitsiana extract is able to prevent memory and learning reduction, through inhibition of lipid peroxidation in an experimental model of MS.

Applications Various Extracts of Plant On Stem Growth Response of Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

This study aims to determine the response of the growth of red dragon fruit stem cuttings (Hylocereus polyrhizus) with the treatment of various plant extracts and dosage of goat manure. This research was conducted in experimental garden of UMM. This research was conducted from October 2017 until January 2018. The study used a randomized block design, which was repeated 3 times with 2 factors. Factor 1 is a kind of plant extract and factor 2 is the dosage of manure. Factor 1 consists of 4 level, while factor 2 that consists of 3 level. Observation parameters include: Shoots, shoot number, shoot length, root length, root number, total wet weight, shoot dry weight, wet root weight, and root dry weight. The results showed that the treatment of green bean sprout extract and dose 187.5 g / polybag showed the best result on the number of shoot and wet weight of cuttings. Treatment of green bean sprout extract showed relatively good results. Treatment of fertilizer doses of 187.5 g / polybag showed relatively good results.

Effects of anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic herbal extracts on gene expression of eicosanoids signaling pathways in isolated brain cells

IntroductionThe adaptogens modulate expression of genes playing key roles in development of aging-related disorders, which are considered as low-grade systemic inflammatory conditions characterized by an imbalance between pro-and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids. Aim of the StudyWe compared the effects of anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic plant extracts on the expression of genes involved in biosynthesis of eicosanoids with the purpose to find those plants, which selectively upregulated the expression of anti-inflammatory lipoxins signaling pathways and inhibited pro-inflammatory signaling pathways associated with biosynthesis of leukotrienes, prostaglandins and thromboxanes. Materials and MethodsWe conducted transcriptome-wide RNA sequencing to profile gene expression alterations in T98G neuroglia cells upon treatment of plant extract and analyzed the relevance of deregulated genes to eicosanoids signaling pathways using in silico models. ResultsFor the first time, we demonstrated that Rhodiola rosea, Withania somnifera and Eleutherococcus senticosus downregulate the expression of key genes (ALOX5AP, DPEP2, LTC4S) involved biosynthesis of leukotrienes A, B, C, D and E, resulting in inhibition of leukotriene signaling pathway suggesting their potential benefits in Alzheimer disease. The common feature for all tested anti-inflammatory plants extracts was related to downregulation of ALOX12, which was also associated with neuroprotective action of these medicinal plants as well as their potential benefits in neurodegenerative diseases. None of tested anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic plants selectively activated the ALOX15-mediated signaling pathway, which is associated with generation anti-inflammatory lipoxins. Almost all tested plants upregulated the expression of the prostaglandin E receptor 3 gene (PTGER3) suggesting their potential benefits in the treatment of cancer. ConclusionEvery single plant tested in this study revealed a specific “signature” on eicosanoid signaling-related gene expression, regardless of their common features as anti-inflammatory or adaptogenic activity. Further studies of the combination of Rhodiola with Withania (Adaptra) for the treatment of Alzheimer disease are required.

Background autofluorescence induced by plant extracts in human lymphocytes: A flow cytometric analysis of a critical bias

The presence of background autofluorescence sources is considered as an important problem when performing fluorometric methods, due to the possible spectral overlap between it and the fluorescence emission of probes. Regarding that, we evaluated the presence of background autofluorescence in human lymphocytes after the treatment with extracts from three medicinal plants, including ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Ageratum fastigiatum, ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Eriosema campestre and the ethanolic extract from stem of Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with each extract in vitro during 24 h, followed by flow cytometric analysis. Additionally, the fluorescence emission of plant extracts was evaluated by fluorometry, using the same concentrations used in cell cultures. We identified that plant extracts treatment on lymphocytes induced background autofluorescence detectable in several wavelength ranges. Isolated extracts showed no expressive fluorescence emission in fluorometric analyses, suggesting that background autofluorescence was induced in lymphocytes by interactions between cellular components and extracts compounds. Here we discuss the importance to perform previous tests to evaluate a possible background autofluorescence induction after cell treatments with plant extracts or any other substance. In spite of being mandatory, background autofluorescence analysis of cells after treatments and stimulations is still underestimated on literature. In summary, following the precautions herein established should help to reduce the incidence of false positive results.

The Antiproliferative Activity of Colchicum umbrosum Plant Extract and Paclitaxel on C-4 I and Vero Cells

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the antiproliferative effects of paclitaxel (PAC) and Colchicum umbrosum plant extract on C-4 I and Vero cells. In addition, the apoptotic effects of plant extract on these cells were compared. Materials and Methods: C-4 I and Vero cells were treated with PAC and corm extract of C. umbrosum for 24 h. The antiproliferative effects of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL of plant extract and 7.5, 15, and 30 nM of PAC and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were determined by the MTT method. Morphological changes occurring in the C-4 I and Vero cells were observed under phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopes using DAPI staining. Results: The IC50 values were found to be 0.01 mg/mL in C-4 I cells and 1 mg/mL in Vero cells for the plant extract and 15 nM in C-4 I and Vero cells for PAC. The apoptotic index (AI) values of the experimental groups of C-4 I and Vero cells were significantly increased compared to those of the control group (p<0.01) after treatment with IC50 concentration of the plant extract. The AI values of the plant extract treatment in C-4 I cells were higher than those in Vero cells at 24 and 48 h. Conclusion: Treatment with the IC50 concentration of the plant extract induced apoptotic cell death in C-4 I cells. It can worth be considered as a novel promising candidate for the treatment of cancer.

EFFECT OF OPUNTIA ELATIOR ON CHOLESTEROL LEVEL ALTERATIONS INDUCED BY GAMMA RADIATION IN SWISS ALBINO MICE

Objectives: Radiotherapy is deleterious to patient health by making the patient more susceptible to other diseases and often causes death by weakening the immune system and also affects cholesterol level. Based on these studies, it was moved toward the selection of Opuntia elatior as a herbal remedy for serum cholesterol level induced by gamma radiation.&#x0D; Methods: The modulatory effect of O. elatior stem extract was studied in Swiss albino mice at dose, i.e., 6 Gy of gamma radiation in the presence (experimental) or absence (control) of O. elatior extract (OEE) (10 mg/kg body weight) to observe in blood cholesterol level alterations. The animals were scarified and their blood was collected at days 1, 15, and 30 post-irradiation from heart puncture. Cholesterol level was estimated by the modified method of Roeschlau et al., 1974, using kit.&#x0D; Results: The cholesterol level was found almost constant in the control group (without any treatment) and increased in gamma radiation-treated group and decreased in only plant extract-treated group, whereas radiation-induced increased level of cholesterol was reduced by plant extract treatment in experimental animals (in plant extract with radiation-treated group), a normal level was achieved by day 30 post-treatment. Hence, O. elatior is beneficial to control radiation-induced blood cholesterol level.&#x0D; Conclusion: Radiation-induced side effects get lowered by herbal treatment and herbal products do not have their own side effects on body on their physical and chemical processes; thus, OEE is useful to manage blood cholesterol level as an edible part, it is easy to use as treatment and in my results OEE also support to maintain cholesterol level in serum of mice.

INSULIN SECRETAGOGUE EFFECT OF ROOTS OF RAVENALA MADAGASCARIENSIS SONN. - AN IN VITRO STUDY

Objective: The objective of this study was to establish the cytotoxicity profile and to evaluate the insulin secretagogue effect of ethanolic root extract of Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn.&#x0D; Methods: The cell viability of rat insulinoma 5F (RIN5F) cell lines over the treatment of plant extract was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The insulin-releasing effect was evaluated by insulin secretion assay over RIN5F cell lines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.&#x0D; Results: The ethanolic extract of the roots of R. madagascariensis Sonn. showed negligible cytotoxicity at 20–40 μg/ml, and hence, concentrations up to 40 μg/ml were used in insulin secretion assay. The ethanolic root extract at 20 and 40 μg/ml significantly (p&lt;0.05 compared to control) stimulated the insulin release in a dose-dependent manner even in the presence of glucose at lower and higher concentrations (5 and 10 mM).&#x0D; Conclusion: Thus, our results validate its traditional claim in the treatment of diabetes by stimulating the secretion of insulin, thereby suggesting a possible mechanism of its antidiabetic effect.

Effect of plant extracts on activity of some defense enzymes of apple fruit in interaction with Botrytis cinerea

The efficacy of seven plant extracts (neem, fennel, lavender, thyme, pennyroyal, salvia and asafetida) in controlling postharvest of apple (caused by Botrytis cinerea) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, all plant extracts treatments inhibited spore germination. Inhibitory rates of pore germination was 17.41 and 20.83% for neem extract treatment (methanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively) with significant difference compared to control (73.6 and 85.33%) for aqueous and methanol extracts. In the storage conditions, the application of aqueous extract of neem (at concentration of 25%) resulted in 89.11% reduction of disease severity compared with the untreated control. Results of enzymes activity showed the plant extracts can increase the activity of peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, β-1,3-glucanase and polyphenol oxidase in the presence of pathogens, in apple fruits. However, the results of this research revealed that application of neem extracts was more effective than the application of other plant extracts. According to this study, it could be concluded that plant extracts may be useful to control postharvest disease as a safe alternative option to chemical fungicides.

Original article In vitro changes in adaptive cell-mediated immunity under medicinal plant extract treatment in resting horses from different workout backgrounds

Original article In vitro changes in adaptive cell-mediated immunity under medicinal plant extract treatment in resting horses from different workout backgrounds

Study on the ameliorating effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera on Ganga water

The quality of surface water is deteriorating day by day due to various anthropogenic activities. Ganga water is assumed polluted almost in the entire strech of river. The medicinal plants may be useful for amelioration of pollution. The present work deals with the study of several chemical characteristics as well as microbial examination of water samples taken from few sites of Ganga river namely Krishna Ghat, Kali Ghat and N.I.T Ghat (Gandhi Ghat) at Patna. The study was foccused on the evaluation of antimicrobial effect of Moringa oleifera (sahjan) leaves extract in the Ganga water. The aqueous leaves extract of different concentrations (0.1%, 0.16%, 0.23%, 0.3%) showed ameliorating results on pH and chloride content of water as well as microbial activity. Significant ameliorating results were observed on pH and chloride content of water. pH was reduced from 8.1 to 7.4 and chloride was reduced from 82.36 mg/l to 48.14 mg/l under plant extract treatment. Colony Forming Unit (CFU) was assessed by standard plate count (SPC) method and was found to be 468 CFU/ml for raw water, which was reduced to 143 CFU/ml when treated with plant extract. Similar decreasing trend was observed in case of MPN of coliform. So extract of Moringa oleifera may also be applied to purify drinking water. Morever it will be cheaper for the people in comparision to other purification devices.

Evolvulus alsinoides methanolic extract triggers apoptosis in HepG2 cells.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic potentials of Evolvulus alsinoides in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were treated with methanolic extract of E. alsinoides at 20, 40 and 80 µg/ml for 24 hr and cytotoxic effect was analyzed by MTT assay. The apoptosis rate was investigated by Hoechst 33342 and annexin V/propidium iodide staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated by rhodamine staining. Also, the expression of catenin - β 1 protein was analyzed by western blotting. E. alsinoides methanolic extract treatment caused significant cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Dual staining assay confirmed the presence of early and late apoptotic cells only in extract-treated groups. Plant extract treatment also caused nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation in HepG2 cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential also reduced upon E. alsinoides treatments. This treatment also modulated the catenin - β 1 protein expression. In this study, we demonstrated the proapoptotic potential E. alsinoides in HepG2 cells; thus, this plant may be beneficial in the treatment of liver cancer.

Plant extracts treatment along with flower bud thinning promotes cactus pear production and fruit quality

Plant extracts treatment along with flower bud thinning promotes cactus pear production and fruit quality

Improving effects of Echium amoenum aqueous extract on rat model of Alzheimer'sdisease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder greatly accompanied by oxidative stress and acetylcholine reduction in synaptic cleft that leads to dementia. Previously approved there is correlation between nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) degeneration and loss of memory, learning ability and thought. The aim of this study was to investigate improving effects of Echium amoenum aqueous extract on memory deficient, pathophysiological and oxidative damages imposed by NBM lesion in rats as documented AD model. Results showed NBM destruction causes hash oxidative stress that possibly leads to neurodegeneration in hippocampus tissue. Orally administration of plant extract significantly reduced oxidative stress by reactive molecules scavenging that resulted to decrease lipid peroxidation also. Plant extract treatment inhibited acetylcholine esterase enzyme (more than 5 folds) in hippocampus tissue related to NBM lesioned rats. Histological studies approved NBM lesion causes harsh neurodegeneration in hippocampus tissue possibly by acetylcholine reduction that was compensated by plant extract protective effects. Interestingly improving effects of plant in molecular level causes improved spatial learning ability in Morris water maze test. By considering pathophysiological and molecular similarities between AD and NBM lesion model, E. amoenum could be used as a therapeutic adjuvant in patients suffering from Alzheimer or similar cognitive disorders.