Plant Fractions Research Articles

Ameliorative potential of Operculina turpethum against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats: biochemical and histopathological studies.

The study aimed to investigate the acute toxicity, antidiabetic potential (in-vitro and in-vivo) of the Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso at fraction level. The plant was fractionated into different fractions, i.e., flavonoid fraction (OTFF), tannin fraction (OTTF), saponin fraction (OTSF). In-vitro alpha-amylase inhibition assay revealed that OTFF was found to be more potent than standard Acarbose. The plant fractions were evaluated by MTT assay at different concentrations ranging from 100 to 1000µg/ml. All the fractions were further evaluated for their safety profile, and the biochemical, hematology and histopathology result exhibits that the OTFF fraction produces mild toxicity at organ level at a concentration of 2000mg/kg in albino mice. The in-vivo antidiabetic study was carried out on Sprague-Dawley rats using high-fat diet (HFD) feeding streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic model, and the biochemical, histopathology research findings represent that OTFF at a concentration of 500mg/kg, p.o. was found to be highly significant among all the fractions and found to be more potent than the standard Acarbose. LC-MS characterization of the bioactive fraction OTFF showed the presence of rutin with m/z 610.52 in 50.50% and Apigenin 7-O-6'' acetyl-glucoside with m/z 475.42 in 24.10%; from molecular docking study, it is predicted that the fraction primarily acts as an alpha-amylase inhibitor and PPAR gamma agonist. In conclusion, the plant's OTFF fraction acts as a potential therapeutic agent for Type II diabetes mellitus.

Safety Evaluation of <i>Carex baccans</i> Nees. (A Traditional Anthelminthic Remedy), in Swiss Albino Mice: An Acute and Sub-acute Toxicity Study

The medicinal properties of Carex baccans Nees. (Cyperaceae) has widely been exploited in traditional healing practices for the treatment of various ailments. Though, this is a widely used herb, not much is known about the adverse implications it may have. Therefore to shed some light into this aspect, acute and sub-acute toxicity study of the plant's crude extract and fractions were carried out in Swiss albino mice following Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 423 and 407 guidelines respectively. Additionally, the phytochemical composition of the crude extract was also determined. Effect of the extract and the fraction was analyzed taking into consideration the body weight, organs weight, blood physiology, key markers of liver and kidney functions, and microscopic analysis of liver, kidney and intestine structural composition using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the crude extract exert no observable signs of acute toxicity even at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight of mice, however, the butanol fraction proved to be toxic with a mean lethal dose of 4677.35 ± 103.38 mg/kg. Repeated oral sub-acute test of the mice with crude extract and fraction of the crude extract was also found to exert adverse effects on the animals at high doses (500 mg/kg body weight and above) when compared to control group. These adverse implications were manifested in the body weight, hematology, biochemistry, and the structural and ultrastructural composition of some important organs. Therefore, it may be concluded that the plant C. baccans, if taken in its crude native form has a high safety margin at a single dose but not the butanol fraction. Furthermore, repeated exposure to the plant, both in its crude and fractionated (butanol fraction) form at high doses should be discouraged as it may have severe implications.

Assessment by Simulation of Different Topological Integration of Solar Photovoltaic Plant in Medium Voltage Distribution Networks

Fossil fuels are diminishing day by day and are being utilized for various purposes like transportation, electricity generation, cooking and other uses which emits harmful gases. Global warming is increasing due to greenhouse gases. Sunlight is abundant compared to fossil fuels. Photovoltaic (PV) power plant could be one of the best techniques to lessen using of fossil fuels. Effect of different topological integration of solar photovoltaic plant in medium voltage distribution network had been analyzed in this research. Analysis had been done based on 1. loadability (capability of an electrical grid to run the connected load) 2. maximum power input. Fractioning (a way of splitting the total photovoltaic power generation into different size and number of plant) generation effect of PV generators in distribution systems had been found by a comparative study. Results show that change in loadability was due to placement and fraction of solar power plant in various buses. In addition, maximum input power of PV system varied with the placement of generation units among picked buses. Interaction among PV systems, and induction machine had been carried out and the result shows that interaction among PV and induction machine was different in terms of loadability because of fractioning. It had been found that change of loadability occurred due to fractioning and distribution of photovoltaic systems on different types of designed topology.

Analysis of Fire Catchers in Sago Palm Smallholding Plantations on Peatland in Tebing Tinggi Timur, Kepulauan Meranti District, Riau Province

Fire on peatlands takes place not only in areas where preparation for cultivation is in progress, but also in areas that have been cultivated, such as for sago palm growing. One of the important factors that influence the vulnerability of cultivated peatlands to fire is the availability and amount of biomass fuel that easily catches fire, such as ferns, grasses, and broadleaved shrubs in their living as well as dead (litter) stages. The present study concerns the vulnerability of peatland utilized for sago growing by smallholders, focused in Tebing Tinggi Timur, Kepulauan Meranti District, Riau Province. The objectives of this study were to analyze the composition and assess the biomass of fire catchers in the sago palm plantation. Data collection was conducted in three locations in Kepau Baru Village. In each location, a 1000 m-long transect line was drawn and 10 sampling plots of 2 m x 2 m were established along the line with 100 m intervals. Results showed that total biomass of fire catchers in this growing system was averaged at 24681 kg/ha, in which the dead plant fraction was predominating (average at 17478 kg/ha or 70.81%) over the living plant fraction (in average 7203 kg/ha or 29.19%). The latter consisted of ferns that averaged at 2.191 kg/ha or 30.42%, grasses (20 kg/ha or 0.28%), non-woody broadleaved shrubs (581 kg/ha or 8.07%), and woody broadleaved shrubs (4411 kg/ha or 61.24%). The amount of fire catchers in relatively large quantities in this plantation system could magnify fire risk during drier months, especially during El-nino years.
 Keywords: biomass, fire risk, grasses, non-woody broadleaved shrubs, woody broadleaved shrubs

Improving Biogas Yield Using Organic Fraction of Plant and Animal Wastes by Co-Digestion

This study presented the effects of co-digestion and catalysts on the performance of biogas production. Poultry dropping and walnut waste were used as feedstock materials while clay, KOH and NaOH were used as catalysts. The experiment was divided into five setups. The retention time was 45days. The digester temperature floated around 20-44°C while the PH varies from 5.7-8.7. Gas composition, physicochemical properties, calorific value as well as elemental composition of the organic waste were analyzed. The result revealed that the gas produced has high methane content ranging from 66.52 – 73.44% with low CO2 concentration ranging from 9.97 -16.92%. The total volume of gas was noted to be 135.2l, 115.2l, 82.2l, 162.4l and 115.7l for each sample. The physicochemical properties revealed that the TS varies from 3.04% – 4.15%, while VS varies from 3.27% – 4.49%. The TOC ranges from 3.13% – 3.84% while the nitrogen content ranges within 0.112% – 0.392%, while Crude fibre ranges from 0.70 – 1.79%. Ash content ranges within 1.16 – 2.67% and moisture content varies between 87.77 – 92.34%. The COD and BOD were also obtained. The calorific values of the samples obtained ranges from 15,882 – 22,036KJ/kg. The phosphorus content was between 0.33% and 0.43% while potassium was between 0.29and 0.42% on average.

Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries

Natural products represent promising starting points for the development of new drugs and therapeutic agents. However, due to the high chemical diversity, finding new therapeutic compounds from plants is a challenging and time-consuming task. We describe a simplified approach to identify antimicrobial and antibiofilm molecules from plant extracts and fractions.

Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries.

Natural products provide structurally different substances, with a myriad of biological activities. However, the identification and isolation of active compounds from plants are challenging because of the complex plant matrix and time-consuming isolation and identification procedures. Therefore, a stepwise approach for screening natural compounds from plants, including the isolation and identification of potentially active molecules, is presented. It includes the collection of the plant material; preparation and fractionation of crude extracts; chromatography and spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-HRMS and NMR) approaches for analysis and compounds identification; bioassays (antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities; bacterial "adhesion strength" to the salivary pellicle and initial glucan matrix treated with selected treatments); and data analysis. The model is simple, reproducible, and allows high-throughput screening of multiple compounds, concentrations, and treatment steps can be consistently controlled. The data obtained provide the foundation for future studies, including formulations with the most active extracts and/or fractions, isolation of molecules, modeling molecules to specific targets in microbial cells and biofilms. For example, one target to control cariogenic biofilm is to inhibit the activity of Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferases that synthesize the extracellular matrix' glucans. The inhibition of those enzymes prevents the biofilm build-up, decreasing its virulence.

Phytochemical and In-vitro Antioxidants Potential of Aristolochia Bracteolata Root Extract

The study investigated the phytochemical and in-vitro antioxidants potential of Aristolochia bracteolata root extracts. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the plant extract and fractions were carried out. The total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of extract and fractions were measured by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, FRAP and TBARS methods. Results obtained showed that total saponins (10.10 ± 0.05d) as well as antioxidant activity were found to be significantly (p< 0.05) higher in the methanol extract compared to the fractions. From the findings above, Aristolochia bracteolata root contains bioactive phytochemicals that might be helpful in preventing or slowing the progress of various oxidative stresses.

Protective effect of leaf extract of Ficus carica L. against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic toxicity in mice and HepG2 cell line

Purpose: To determine the in vivo and in vitro hepatoprotective effects of Ficus carica.Methods: The methanol leaf extract of Ficus carica L was further fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. For in vivo study, male albino mice were divided into twelve groups. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the mice using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The extract of F. carica and its fractions were administered at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Silymarin was used as standardhepatoprotective drug. The protective effects of the extract and fractions were determined via assay of biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzymes in the liver. The histopathology of the liver was also studied. Moreover, the in vitro hepatoprotective effect of the extract and fractions against CCl4-induced damage was determined in HepG2 cell line.Results: There were significant increases in the serum levels of liver biomarkers in CCl4-treated group, whereas treatments with plant extract and fractions significantly reduced the levels of these parameters (p < 0.05). In addition, results from histopathology revealed evidence of protective effect of Ficus carica through reversal of CCl4-induced decreases in the activities of liver antioxidant enzymes.Conclusion: These results indicate that methanol leaf extract of Ficus carica L. and its fractions exert significant and dose-dependent hepatoprotective effects in vivo and in vitro.
 Keywords: Ficus carica, Hepatoprotection, Carbon tetrachloride, Liver biomarkers

Bioguided Fractionation of Local Plants against Matrix Metalloproteinase9 and Its Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cell Models: In Silico and In Vitro Study (Part II).

In our previous work, the partitions (1 mg/mL) of Ageratum conyzoides (AC) aerial parts and Ixora coccinea (IC) leaves showed inhibitions of 94% and 96%, respectively, whereas their fractions showed IC50 43 and 116 µg/mL, respectively, toward Matrix Metalloproteinase9 (MMP9), an enzyme that catalyzes a proteolysis of extracellular matrix. In this present study, we performed IC50 determinations for AC n-hexane, IC n-hexane, and IC ethylacetate partitions, followed by the cytotoxicity study of individual partitions against MDA-MB-231, 4T1, T47D, MCF7, and Vero cell lines. Successive fractionations from AC n-hexane and IC ethylacetate partitions led to the isolation of two compounds, oxytetracycline (OTC) and dioctyl phthalate (DOP). The result showed that AC n-hexane, IC n-hexane, and IC ethylacetate partitions inhibit MMP9 with their respective IC50 as follows: 246.1 µg/mL, 5.66 µg/mL, and 2.75 × 10−2 µg/mL. Toward MDA-MB-231, 4T1, T47D, and MCF7, AC n-hexane demonstrated IC50 2.05, 265, 109.70, and 2.11 µg/mL, respectively, whereas IC ethylacetate showed IC50 1.92, 57.5, 371.5, and 2.01 µg/mL, respectively. The inhibitions toward MMP9 by OTC were indicated by its IC50 18.69 µM, whereas DOP was inactive. A molecular docking study suggested that OTC prefers to bind to PEX9 rather than its catalytic domain. Against 4T1, OTC showed inhibition with IC50 414.20 µM. In conclusion, this study furtherly supports the previous finding that AC and IC are two herbals with potential to be developed as triple-negative anti-breast cancer agents.

Fractional Harvest of Fodder Galega for Improved Herbage Nutritive Value

Fodder galega (Galega orientalis Lam.) is a long-lived perennial legume grown for forage and green manure in northern and central Europe. It is distinguished by a high proportion of leaves in the aboveground mass, tall hollow stems, and rhizomes. A method to harvest galega allowing the separation of leaves, upper stem fragments, and inflorescences from the thick, woody parts of the stem is therefore justified. This would significantly expand the possibilities of using galega herbage, including as feed for monogastric animals. A modified flail chopper (MFC), a machine originally used for harvesting green forage, was used for the fractionated harvest of galega. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield potential of various plant fractions of the first and second cut of fodder galega at three development stages and their nutritive value when harvested with an MFC. With this harvest system, 68–78% of the potential dry matter yield of galega was harvested, where leaves accounted for 73% of the dry matter on average, while the proportion of leaves in the yield of galega harvested with a mower (M) ranged from 50% to 60%. In the biomass of the first cut of galega, harvested with the MFC, protein concentration was 215 g kg−1, 11.5% greater than in the biomass of the whole aboveground mass harvested with a mower. In the second cut, this difference, in favor of the MCF, was greater by 14%. The concentration of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was 7.5% lower and acid detergent fiber 11% lower in galega forage harvested with the MFC compared to with a mower. Furthermore, galega harvested with MFC had 13% greater NDF digestibility and 6% greater in vitro true digestibility. The stubble remaining after MFC harvest accounted for 33% of the total height and 27% of the plant dry mass, and its qualitative composition indicates that it could be used in rations of livestock with low nutritional requirements or for non-forage purposes. Galega harvest with the MFC resulted in greater protein concentrations and overall improved nutritive value of the forage even at advanced development stages.

Biodegradable/disintegrable nanohybrids for photothermal theranostics

Nanohybrids using biocompatible and biodegradable materials are explored for their photothermal mediated theranostic applications. These hybrids are so chosen that they are biocompatible and biodegradable. Gold-based different nanosystems have NIR absorption which is highly favored for PTT, but they are limited by their toxicity, stability, and clearance. To overcome these challenges, we have demonstrated thermosensitive liposome-gold hybrid nanosystem for photothermal therapy and its clearance in vivo for the first time. We have also explored the possibility of using the same hybrid as drug (curcumin) carrier for triggered delivery and were successful in using curcumin as an adjuvant to PTT. Thermoresponsive polymers coated with gold for photothermal therapy and X-ray imaging of deep seated tumors has been evaluated. Fluorescent Poly (ethylene glycol) encapsulated metal nanoparticles were also synthesized and their application for cancer theranostics has been explored. Biodegradable and biocompatible polymer (PLGA) and liposomes loaded with anticancer plant fraction and a NIR dye showed synergistic photo-chemo therapy against cancer in-vitro & in-vivo. The intracellular changes with PTT and the mechanistic action of anti-cancer agent were explored in detail.

Penghambatan Enzim Alpha-Glukosidase oleh Daun Mimba (Azadirachta indica) dan Rimpang Temu Mangga (Curcuma mangga)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease of the digestive system characterized by high blood glucose levels. The main enzyme in carbohydrate metabolism is α-glucosidase. One of the therapeutic approaches to treat T2DM is to make glucose uptake into the blood delayed through inhibition of the α-glucosidase enzyme activity. Neem leaves and mango ginger are reported to reduce blood glucose levels. This study aims to determine the potential inhibitor of neem leaves extract and mango ginger extract and their respective fractions on α-glucosidase activity. Simplicia of neem leaves and mango ginger were macerated using 96% ethanol for 24 hours. The ethanol extract of neem leaves and mango rhizome were fractionated using silica gel 60 GF254 as adsorbent and a combination of ethyl acetate and n-hexane as eluent. The extracts of neem leaves and mango rhizome and fractions of both plants were tested for α-glucosidase inhibition with acarbose as a comparison. The results showed that both plants provided inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase with the lowest IC50 value from the semi-polar fraction of neem leaves about 24.16±4.58 μg/mL. Neem leaves and mango ginger have potential as α-glucosidase inhibitors to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Influence of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Two Terrestrial Wild Plant Species.

Most current studies on the relationships between plans and engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are focused on food crops, while the effects on spontaneous plants have been neglected so far. However, from an ecological perspective, the ENMs impacts on the wild plants could have dire consequences on food webs and ecosystem services. Therefore, they should not be considered less critical. A pot trial was carried out in greenhouse conditions to evaluate the growth of Holcus lanatus L. (monocot) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. DC. (dicot) exposed to cerium oxide nanoparticles (nCeO2). Plants were grown for their entire cycle in a substrate amended with 200 mg kg−1 nCeO2 having the size of 25 nm and 50 nm, respectively. nCeO2 were taken up by plant roots and then translocated towards leaf tissues of both species. However, the mean size of nCeO2 found in the roots of the species was different. In D. tenuifolia, there was evidence of more significant particle aggregation compared to H. lanatus. Further, biomass variables (dry weight of plant fractions and leaf area) showed that plant species responded differently to the treatments. In the experimental conditions, there were recorded stimulating effects on plant growth. However, nutritional imbalances for macro and micronutrients were observed, as well.

Luffa cylindrica: a promising herbal treatment in progesterone induced obesity in mice.

The present study investigates the anti-obesity activity of Luffa cylindrica in progesterone induced obesity model. Swiss albino mice were grouped into 7 (n = 6). Obesity was induced by administration of progesterone (10mg/kgs.c.) for 28days. Normal group received ad libitum and water. Disease control, positive control and treatment groups received progesterone (10mg/kgs.c.). Further positive control group received Orlistat (10mg/kg p.o). Treatment groups received hydro-alcoholic and fractionation extract of Luffa cylindrica at doses 400, 200, 100mg/kg b.w. Food and water intake were recorded daily, Body weight, BMI and blood glucose were checked weekly. On completion of the study, animals were sacrificed and blood serum being utilized to accesses in vitro to estimate the various biochemical parameters. Serotonin levels and antioxidant biomarkers were also estimated. Histopathology of liver and adipose tissue was studied. After the 28days of treatment with plant extract and fraction, it was observed to improve the progestrogen-induced obesity by improving BMI, body weight, brain serotionin, locomotor activity, blood glucose level, anti-oxidant biomarkers, and lipid profile. After assimilating the In vivo and in vitro studies Luffa cylindrical extract highlighted the antilipidemic, anti-hyperglycaemic, antioxidant potential in hormone-induced obesity.

Concentrating rosmarinic acid from Orthosiphon aristatus extract for high antioxidative candies

Extraction and fractionation were carried out to concentrate the rosmarinic acid from Orthosiphon aristatus in order to increase the value of herbal candy formulated using polyphenolic rich extract. The herb was extracted and fractionated in column chromatography, and then analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The collected plant fractions with similar chromatographic profiles were combined and determined for antioxidant capacities expressed in radical scavenging activity. The results showed that the antioxidant capacity was in good agreement with the concentration of rosmarinic acid in the combined fractions. The combined fraction II showed the highest rosmarinic acid content, 3.8%w/w and the highest antioxidant capacity (IC50=14.922 ppm). The incorporation of rosmarinic acid rich extract into candy formulation did not statistically affect the antioxidant capacity. Hence, the rosmarinic acid rich extract could be another choice of ingredient to enhance the beneficial property of candies. Candy is another form of carrier to deliver herbal ingredient for health promotion.

High-performance thin-layer chromatography fingerprinting and anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Pyracantha coccinea M.Roem.: A laboratory-based study.

This study aimed to investigate the high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting and in-vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of different leaf extracts (ethanolic extract, n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) of Pyracantha coccinea M.Roem. plant. A total of one hundred and twenty-four Wistar rats for anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive tests (carrageenan and formalin tests, respectively) were treated with two doses of the ethanolic extract (100 and 300 mg/kg), two doses of other plant fractions (30 and 100 mg/kg), Diclofenac (25 mg/kg) as the positive control, and normal saline as the negative control group, by oral gavage route. HPTLC fingerprinting is used for assay of terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and antioxidant activity. Treatment of the animal with the ethanolic extract at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg, both ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions at the dose of 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg decreased the pain score in the formalin test and paw edema caused by carrageenan relative to control group significantly. Moreover, these extracts reported the highest amounts of flavonoid contents. In conclusion, phytochemicals present in Pyracantha coccinea M.Roem. leaves have anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Future studies are needed to identify the compounds with the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential present in the plant.

OPTIMIZATION OF ETHYLENE PLANT FRACTIONATION PROCESS

Research and Study of Ethylene Plant Fractionation Process

Single and Repeated Applications of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Differently Affect the Growth and Biomass Accumulation of Silene flos-cuculi L. (Caryophyllaceae).

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nCeO2) have a wide variety of applications in industry. Models demonstrated that nCeO2 can reach environmental compartments. Studies regarding the relationships between plants and nCeO2 considered only crop species, whereas a relevant knowledge gap exists regarding wild plant species. Specimens of Silene flos-cuculi (Caryophyllaceae) were grown in greenhouse conditions in a substrate amended with a single dose (D1) and two and three doses (D2 and D3) of 20 mg kg−1 and 200 mg kg−1 nCeO2 suspensions, respectively. sp-ICP-MS and ICP-MS data demonstrated that nCeO2 was taken up by plant roots and translocated towards aerial plant fractions. Biometric variables showed that plants responded negatively to the treatments with a shortage in biomass of roots and stems. Although not at relevant concentrations, Ce was accumulated mainly in roots and plant leaves.

Evaluation of multifunctional activity of bioactive peptide fractions from the leaves of Nauclea diderrichii (De Wild. and T. Durand) Merrill and Ixora brachypoda DC

Bioactive peptides are known for health-promoting properties due to several pharmacological effects they modulate in physiological systems. Herein, the presence of peptides particularly cyclic peptides, was investigated in two Rubiaceae members; Nauclea diderichii (De Wild. and T. Durand) Merrill and Ixora brachypoda DC by thin layer chromatography (TLC) chemical detection, and their multifunctional bioactivity evaluated. Crude and pre-purified peptides were obtained from both plants using aqueous and solid-phase extractions, respectively. The peptide fraction of N. diderrichii showed good DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 3.43 µg/mL) compared to the standard Gallic acid (IC50 = 1.44 µg/mL). Peptide fractions of both plants displayed inhibitory effects (MIC = 6.25 μg/mL) against bacteria and fungi strains except Escherichia coli, relative to standard drugs (MIC = 0.31 µg/mL). Both displayed significant toxicity to brine shrimp nauplii (LC50 ≤ 220.8 μg m L−1) as well as MCF-7 and RD cancer cells (IC50 ≤ 34.0 μg m L−1). The enterovirus species B and C tested were remarkably susceptible to the peptide fractions (IC50 ≤ 3.20 μg/mL).