Potential Of Plant Extracts Research Articles

Identification of potential plant extracts for anti-tick activity against acaricide resistant cattle ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

To develop an eco-friendly tick control method, seven plant extracts were prepared using 50 and 95% ethanol and evaluated for acaricidal activity against cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The adult immersion test was adopted for testing different extracts. Based on 72 h screening criterion, 95% ethanolic extracts of Datura metel fruits and Argemone mexicana whole plant were found effective showing more than 50% mortality of treated ticks. The 95% ethanolic extracts of D. metel fruits and A. mexicana whole plant exhibited acaricidal and reproductive inhibitory effects on treated ticks. The LC90 values of D. metel and A. mexicana extracts were determined as 7.13 and 11.3%, respectively. However, although both the extracts were found efficacious against deltamethrin-resistant IVRI-4 and multi-acaricide resistant IVRI-5 lines of R. (B.) microplus, they caused less mortality than treated ticks of the reference IVRI-I line. Phytochemical studies indicated the presence of alkaloids and glucosides in D. metel fruits and alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and phenolics in A. mexicana whole plant extracts. The results indicated that these botanicals may play an important role in reducing the use of chemicals for tick control and possibly to manage resistant tick population in environment friendly manner.

Evaluation of antifungal activity of aqueous extracts of some medicinal plants against Aspergillus flavus, pistachio aflatoxin producing fungus in vitro

Background: Contamination with aflatoxin, by Aspergillus flavus, is one the major challenges in agriculture and food industry. Preparation of organic products using natural components is widely considered these days. Aims: In this study, effects of aqueous extracts of five medicinal herbs, including thyme, senna, mentha, basil, and safflower on the growth of the A. flavus were investigated. Mterials and Methods: The extracts with different concentrations (200-800 µg/mL) and polyethylene glycol with the equal osmotic potential of plant extracts were added to the potato dextrose agar medium to evaluate fungus growth after 7 days using agar dilution method. Benomyl, a fungicide, was used as a positive standard. The tests were performed in triplicate, and the mean diameters of fungus growth were calculated as well. Results and Conclusion: All concentrations of the plants extracts significantly inhibited the fungus growth in comparison with each other and control treatments, while the extracts of thyme and safflower manifested the most effective prohibition compared to benomyl with minimum inhibitory concentration of 200 and 400 µg/mL, respectively.

Medicinal plant extracts and nematode control.

Abstract Several aspects should be taken into consideration in relation to the use of active botanical extracts or compounds in parasite control: extraction, conservation, phytochemical study, determination of lethal concentration in vitro , toxicity to the host, effective dose in vivo , residual period, stability, residues/metabolites generated and costs. The in vitro tests that have been used to screen biological activity were developed to detect parasite resistance to anthelmintics. In this way, the effects of a potent plant extract can be underestimated or dismissed if the selected methods disregard some factors that can influence the results, such as solubility or an indirect effect on the nematode. Despite this, the development of strategies that are less dependent on in vivo testing is important. There is a need for fuller investigations not restricted only to indicating whether or not a phytotherapy was effective against parasites. The divergence between efficacy in vitro and inefficacy in vivo can be attributed to key factors related to bioavailability as well as pharmacology of the botanical substances in the host organism. It is important to focus studies to determinate the most appropriate adjuvants and to develop formulation models that can be adapted according to the nature of the plant extract or bioactive compound isolated, to serve as starting points for the development of semi-synthetic and synthetic substances.

Evaluation of Selected Zimbabwean Plant Extracts as Inhibitors of Hematopoietic Prostaglandin D2 Synthase

Increased expression of hematopoietic prostaglandin D2 synthase (H-PGDS) is responsible for allergic reactions promoting the inflammatory processes. A total of fifteen plant extracts were screened for their inhibitory activity against H-PGDS using 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) as a substrate at 0.3 mg.mL−1. Seven of these plant extracts that were effective inhibitors of H-PGDS were then used to determine the half maximum inhibitory concentrations (IC50s). Parinari curatellifolia leaf ethanol extract was the most potent plant extract with an IC50 of 3.8μg.mL−1 that was comparable to 2.1 μg.mL−1 of the standard Cibacron blue. P. curatellifolia extract directly inhibited H-PGDS activity, which was a kind of reversible inhibition of mixed type with respect to both GSH and CDNB as substrates. The results obtained in this study validate the ethnomedicinal use of P. curatellifolia in the reduction of symptoms of inflammation.

Green Synthesis of Tin Based Nano Medicine: Assessment of Microstructure and Surface Property

The present study is about an eco-friendly and cost effective method of using five potent plant extracts and sunlight as the reaction medium and grinding as a nano technique to prepare nano composite of tin (IV) oxide from tin metal. The equivalent preparation is widely used as a drug formulation in the treatment of spectrum of infectious diseases. The intensive grinding and calcinations with the plant material lead to the formation of nano crystallite with a tetragonal phase with an average crystallite size of 27nm. The elements Ca, P, Na, Mg and Fe at the microscopic level identified at the surface of the nano crystallite by the X – ray Photo Electron Spectroscopy showed the uniqueness of the synthesis. The formation of spherical crystallites with good distribution of pores was indicated by the electron microscopic images and adsorption studies. The presence of oxygen deficiency arising due to nonstoichiometry in the crystal lattice was evident from the Electron paramagnetic Resonance study. The free radical equivalent of DPPH radical calculated for the final stage sample was suggestive of its anti-oxidant property and hence it’s biological activity. The overall research study provided an alternative route of preparing nontoxic nano tin (IV) oxide composite with good biological activity apart from its already proven catalytic and sensor applications.

Potential of Plant Extracts as Growth Exogenous Regulators of Potato Seeds

Potato production in Indonesia has been declining while demand for potatoes remains increasing. One main reason of the decline is the lack of availability for good potato seedling. To optimize the growth of potato seedling, some plant extracts as exogenous growth regulators may be used. This experiment was aimed to select the best plant extract as exogenous growth regulator for potato seedling growth and study the underlying physiological process. Seven plant extracts as exogenous growth regulators for potato seedling were used as treatments namely: water as a control, corn grain (Zea mays L.), onion (Allium ascalonicum L.), coconut water (Cocos nucifera L), snaps (Phaseolus vulgaris L), banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) and mung bean sprouts (Vigna radiata). The experiment was set in the form of randomized complete block design with three replications. Result revealed that one month after sowing, corn grain extract gave the best quality on the potato seedling growth based on percentage of live seedling (100%), seedling height (15.87 cm), number of leaves (9.40 leaves) and root length of the seedlings (13.39 cm). On the other hand, water treatment (control) showed the lowest growth quality on potato seedling indicated in all parameters as follow: percentage of life of potatoes seedling (74.44%), seedling height (3.66 cm), amount of leaves (4.27 leaves) and length of root (4.83 cm).

Antibacterial activity of herbal extracts against five plant pathogenic bacteria

The present study was designed to evaluate in vitro antibacterial activity of herbal extracts against five plant pathogenic bacteria (viz. Xanthomonas campestris, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae, Erwinia spp., Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthomonas citri). Herbal extracts of leaves and rinds of Garcinia indica, rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica, roots of Glyccyrrhiza glabra, leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica were used for screening. Screening was done using agar well diffusion method. Relatively potent extracts were shortlisted from this study and were further studied to find out their minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). From the studies, it was observed that extracts of C. aromatica, G. indica and G. glabra have shown lowest MBC values among other tested plant extracts. This study indicates the potential of these potent plant extracts in the management of diseases caused by plant pathogenic bacteria.

Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Plant Extracts against Papaya Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)

Antifungal activities of nineteen plant extracts were tested in 2010 with the objectives of screening potential plant extracts against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides under in vitro and anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, on papaya (Carica papaya L.) during storage. Ethyl acetate extracts of Lantana camara resulted in the highest inhibition (with inhibition zone of 35.3 mm) and showed strong activity against C. gloeosporioides. Inhibition levels of spore germination that reached 88.7, 85.8, 85.1 and 84.6% were recorded over the control by extracts of Lantana camara, Lantana viburnoides, Echinops sp. and Ruta chalepensis. Four aqueous extracts were evaluated for control of anthracnose under in vivo for 14 days, and Echinops sp. (25%) was found to be most effective in the reduction of disease development and maintaining the overall quality of papaya fruit. Further studies on isolation and characterization of the active (antifungal) compounds are needed.

Screening of Crude Plant Extracts with Anti-Obesity Activity

Obesity is a global health problem. It is also known to be a risk factor for the development of metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes, systemic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis. In this study, we screened crude extracts from 400 plants to test their anti-obesity activity using porcine pancreatic lipase assay (PPL; triacylglycerol lipase, EC 3.1.1.3) in vitro activity. Among the 400 plants species examined, 44 extracts from plants, showed high anti-lipase activity using 2,4-dinitrophenylbutyrate as a substrate in porcine pancreatic lipase assay. Furthermore, 44 plant extracts were investigated for their inhibition of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Among these 44 extracts examined, crude extracts from 4 natural plant species were active. Salicis Radicis Cortex had the highest fat inhibitory activity, whereas Rubi Fructus, Corni Fructus, and Geranium nepalense exhibited fat inhibitory capacity higher than 30% at 100 μg/mL in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, suggesting anti-obesity activity. These results suggest that four potent plant extracts might be of therapeutic interest with respect to the treatment of obesity.

In vitro screening of tumoricidal properties of international medicinal herbs: part II.

With growing use of anticancer complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) worldwide, there is a need to assess and screen commercially available natural products for relative tumoricidal properties under standard experimental conditions. In the current study, we screened and ranked 264 traditional Chinese and Egyptian herbal medicines for tumoricidal potency against malignant neuroblastoma in vitro. The data obtained show that tumoricidal potencies of plants were randomly dispersed throughout similar orders, families and genera under the Division: Magnoliophyta, class: Magnoliopsida, subclasses: Asteridae, Caryophyllidae, Dilleniidae, Hamamelididae, Magnoliidae and Rosidae. The most potent plant extracts (LC₅₀ < 0.08 mg/ml) were prepared from gromwell root also known as 'Hong Tiao Zi Cao' (Lithospermum Erythrorhizon) Family (Boraginaceae) > beth root (Trillium Pendulum), Family (Liliaceae) and galbanum (Ferula Galbaniflua), Family (Apiaceae). Gromwell root is traditionally used in the preparation of Chinese medicinal tea. In addition, galbanum was highly regarded for its sacred and medicinal value according to ancient texts and the bible. Future research will be required to isolate and identify chemical constituents within these plants which are responsible for tumoricidal effects.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity of the extract from Alhagi maurorum (camelthorn)

Gastric hyperacidity, gastro inflammation and ulcer are very common diseases causing human suffering these days. Gastric irritation mechanism is still very poorly understood as mentioned in many scientific articles. Alhagi maurorum (camelthorn) is considered a medicinal plant with its prospective potent flavonoids. GC–MS spectrum has found three flavone structures (2-phenyl-1,4-benzopyrone derivatives) with rate more than 50% in the ethanolic plant extract. In rat experiment, ethanolic A. maurorum extract (oral daily 100mg/kg body weight) and ranitidine the standard ulcer drug (oral daily 100mg/kg body weight) were treated rats to protect against administration of aspirin ASP (oral 200mg/kg body weight) for two times through the 10days. Some rats were sacrificed after first and second aspirin administrations and the rest were sacrificed in the end of the experiment. Gastro fluid volume has been decreased in ASP group, and acid output was decreased for plant extract followed by ranitidine. Ranitidine and plant extract protect liver enzymes, oxidation status (MDA and GSH), fucosidase tumor marker and risk lipid ratio. No ulcer patterns have been shown in the histopathological study, but some inflammation in the gastric wall and vascular change dilatation of blood vessels were detected. More studies should be demonstrated potent natural plant extracts and their active components against gastro inflammation and ulcers.

Extratos vegetais usados no controle de dípteros vetores de zoonoses

Os insetos são importantes transmissores de doenças que cada vez mais ocorrem em áreas periurbanas ou urbanas, devido à introdução ou reaparecimento de seus respectivos vetores. As estratégias de controle das doenças transmissíveis por vetores biológicos são de difícil execução, principalmente quando associadas à existência de reservatórios domésticos e silvestres e aos aspectos ambientais. O uso de inseticidas direcionado ao combate de formas adultas de dípteros vetores tem sido freqüente. Entretanto, o amplo uso dos inseticidas sintéticos desde a descoberta do DDT para o controle de pragas domésticas e da agricultura, como também de vetores que transmitem doenças ao homem, levou a uma maior preocupação em relação à toxicidade e impacto ambiental destes agentes. Além disso, a resistência a inseticidas tornou-se uma preocupação crescente na agricultura, economia e na saúde pública. Um grande número de diferentes espécies de plantas representando diferentes áreas geográficas ao redor do mundo tem se mostrado capaz de causar efeitos letais e subletais sobre insetos. Esta revisão aborda a utilização de extratos de plantas com potencial no controle de dípteros vetores de zoonoses.

Evaluating the effects of cold water diffusates against Xanthomonas oryzae Pv. Oryzae causing bacterial leaf blight (BLB) in rice

The crude extracts of 63 plants were used for testing antibacterial activity against Xanthmonas oryazae Pv. oryzae that causes bacterial leaf blight (BLB) in rice plants. Only ten aqueous extracts of botanicals (Thuja orientalis, Prunus domestica, Citrus limon, Allium sativum, Vitis vinefera, Mangifera indica, Phyllanthus emblica, and Terminalia chebula) showed maximum activity against Xanthmonas oryazae in a plate agar diffusion assay. On a detached leaf, in a glasshouse and in a field assay, two potential plant extracts, namely Allium sativum, and Citrus limon showed maximum efficacy in terms of controlling BLB lesions in rice. After isolation through fractionation of the crude extract of Allium sativum, the bioactive compound was purified and characterized as 8-amino(-8-butoxyoct)-2-(enyldisulfanyl)-3-(2hydroxy-4-methoxyphenylprop-1-enyl) benzene-1,3-diol.

Larvicidal activity of Saraca indica, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, and Clitoria ternatea extracts against three mosquito vector species

Screening of natural products for mosquito larvicidal activity against three major mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Anopheles stephensi resulted in the identification of three potential plant extracts viz., Saraca indica/asoca, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, and Clitoria ternatea for mosquito larval control. In the case of S. indica/asoca, the petroleum ether extract of the leaves and the chloroform extract of the bark were effective against the larvae of C. quinquefasciatus with respective LC(50) values 228.9 and 291.5 ppm. The LC(50) values of chloroform extract of N. arbor-tristis leaves were 303.2, 518.2, and 420.2 ppm against A. aegypti, A. stephensi, and C. quinquefasciatus, respectively. The methanol and chloroform extracts of flowers of N. arbor-tristis showed larvicidal activity against larvae of A. stephensi with the respective LC(50) values of 244.4 and 747.7 ppm. Among the methanol extracts of C. ternatea leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds, the seed extract was effective against the larvae of all the three species with LC(50) values 65.2, 154.5, and 54.4 ppm, respectively, for A. stephensi, A. aegypti, and C. quinquefasciatus. Among the three plant species studied for mosquito larvicidal activity, C. ternatea was showing the most promising mosquito larvicidal activity. The phytochemical analysis of the promising methanolic extract of the seed extract was positive for carbohydrates, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, and proteins. In conclusion, bioassay-guided fractionation of effective extracts may result in identification of a useful molecule for the control of mosquito vectors.

BOTANICAL TREATMENT FOR GRAIN PROTECTION AND THEIR EFFECTS ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING PERFORMANCE OF STORED MAIZE

Apart from being known for having insecticidal activity, several plants and their materials also show effects on seed viability and plant growth. The crude acetone extracts from the seeds of Piper cubeba L, coriander, Coriandrum sativum L. and the shade dried leaves of the aquatic weed, Eichhornia crassipes Mart., wood-apple, Limonia acidissima L, the Indian Tamarind, Tamarindus indica L., the coconut palm, Cocos nucifera L., Indian Badam, Terminalia catappa L., the Indian Cherry Syzygium cumini L. and Ivy Gourd, Coccinia indica Wight&amp; Arn. Were evaluated for finding their influence on germination capabilities and seedling growth of treated Zea mays L. seeds. The effect of extract on germination, root and shoot growth and inhibition of seed borne fungi Aspergillus flavus have been observed in Petri dish bioassays at a concentrations of 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5 mg /g maize seed. In general the extracts had no adverse affects on seed germination and the fungal growth was also quantitatively similar to that of the controls. Present investigation reveals the importance and potential of plant extracts and their allelopathic effects on stored grain.

Leishmanicidal evaluation of extracts from native plants of the Yucatan peninsula

Methanol extracts were prepared from different parts of 18 plants collected in the Yucatan peninsula and evaluated in an in vitro bioassay for leishmanicidal activity against Leishmania mexicana promastigotes. The ten most potent plant extracts (IC 50 < 50 μg/ml) were Aphelandra scabra leaves, Byrsonima bucidaefolia bark, Byrsonima crassifolia bark, Clusia flava leaves, Cupania dentata bark, Diphysa carthagenensis leaves, Dorstenia contrajerva whole plant, Milleria quinqueflora roots, Tridax procumbens whole plant, and Vitex gaumeri bark.

Potential of plant extracts in combination with bacterial antagonist treatment as biocontrol agent of red rot of sugarcane

Plant extracts and antifungal microorganisms were tested singly and in combination for biocontrol of sugarcane red rot disease (Colletotrichum falcatum) using two sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) cultivars, CoC671 and CoC92061, in pot and field experiments. Leaf extracts of Abrus precatorius and Bassia latifolia and the rhizome extract of Curcuma longa reduced Colletotrichum falcatum mycelial growth by 80%, 58%, and 57%, respectively. Although sugarcane- planting materials (setts) treated individually with either Pseudomonas fluorescens Md1 or A. precatorius in pot experiments had the lowest incidences of red rot, 20.1% and 24.2%, respectively, none of the plant extracts were effective in the field. In contrast, when the two varieties were tested separately in two field locations, the setts treated with A. precatorius in combination with a spray or soil application of P. fluorescens Md1 had the lowest incidence of red rot in both locations, e.g., 3.1% and 3.4% incidence for CoC92061 in one location, and had a similar response to the chemical control. The results suggest the applicability of plant-based extracts for the suppression of sugarcane red rot disease in the field as an environment-friendly tool in combination with antagonists.

Search for potential plant extracts in the prevention/treatment of dental caries in animals: GTF inhibition is a poor predictor of biofilm inhibition by plant extracts

Streptococcus mutans plays an important role in the formation of dental plaque. [1]. Colonisation of tooth surfaces by this commensal bacterium and the subsequent formation of a biofilm are considered as the first important steps in the induction of dental caries [2]. The key enzymes in the biosynthesis of the extracellular matrix (glucan) of this biofilm are the glucosyltransferases (GTF). Some natural products, e.g. green tea inhibit GTF, the in vitro adhesion of S. mutans and biofilm formation by the latter in vivo [3]. However, so far there are no reports on a possible relationship between the GTF inhibition by plant extracts (PE) and an effect on S. mutans biofilms in vitro. In the present study, 44 PE (including a green tea extract and an epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) concentrate of green tea) were selected on the basis of their established GTF-inhibiting activity or a phylogenetic relationship to a plant with known GTF-inhibiting properties. All of these PE were tested for their ability to reduce the biomass of S. mutans biofilms on hydroxyapatite disks in a Modified Robbins Device (MRD). In addition, the inhibition of the Leuconostoc mesenteroides GTF mediated formation of dextran was evaluated in a turbidimetric microtiter plate assay. Although for some PE the results suggest a causal relationship between GTF inhibition and prevention of biofilm formation, most extracts exerted either only one or none of these effects. This finding implies that GTF inhibition is a poor predictive indicator of a possible antibiofilm activity by PE. This conclusion was corroborated by the results obtained in both test systems of fractions of a PE showing GTF as well as biofilm-inhibiting properties. The antibiofilm activity was predominantly present in a non-GTF-inhibiting fraction, whereas the tannin-containing fraction that did inhibit GTF had no effect on biofilm formation.

Molluscicidal activity of some Cameroonian plants on bulinus species

To evaluate some locally available plants for their molluscicidal activity on Bulinus camerunensis and B. truncatus (slender form). Experimental studies. Ndongo stream near the University of Buea and the University of Buea Life Sciences Laboratory. Evaluation of molluscicidal activity on snails of Bulinus camerunensis and B. truncatus (slender form). Plant extracts with molluscicidal activity determined. Determination of LC50, LC90 and LC100 of the potent plant extracts. Application of the extracts on aquaria-reared snails. Semi-field application of extracts. A preliminary screening test using 10,000 ppm solution of the water extracts of thirteen plants revealed that 61.5% (8/13) of the plants investigated had molluscicidal properties, with snail mortality rates above 90%. Extracts of Nicotiana tabacum, Aframomum citratum, A. melegueta, Curcuma domestica and Solanum scabrum killed 100% of the snails after twenty four hours exposure. B. camerunensis was more susceptible to the water extracts than B. truncatus. The LC50, LC90 and LC100 of the different plant extracts against B. camerunensis were generally lower than those against B. truncatus. The concentrations that produced 50%, 90% and 100% snail mortalities were lower with the methanol extracts than with water extracts, indicating that the methanol extracts were more toxic. to the snails than the water extracts. Generally, the eggs were more susceptible to the extracts than the young and adult snails. Application of the water extracts at LC 100 on snails reared in aquaria and under semi-field conditions revealed that N. tabacum could kill up to 100% of the snails in aquaria and 61.25% under semi-field conditions. Eight plant species with molluscicidal activity were identified, among which Nicotiana tabacum, Aframomum citratum, A. melegueta, Solanum scabrum and Curcuma domestica presented the highest activity. B. camerunensis was more susceptible to all the plant extracts tested than B. truncatus, and the methanol extracts proved more toxic than the water extracts. Semi-field testing of potent extracts showed promise, with N. tabacum having the highest effects on the snails.

Antilisterial Properties of Cilantro Essential Oil

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of crude essential oil of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) and four fractions recovered by fractional distillation of the crude oil were determined against strains of Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria grayi, Listeria innocua and Listeria seeligeri. Crude oil inhibited all the test strains at concentrations ≤ 0.01% (v/v) and the remaining fractions were effective at concentrations < 0.07% (v/v). One fraction comprising a complex mixture of alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes and terpenes, including high concentrations of (E)-2-decenal, exhibited slightly greater potency than the other fractions. Listericidal activity was demonstrated by a rapid loss in cell viability upon exposure to crude oil dissolved in Tryptic Soy Broth. Cilantro oil is a potent antilisterial plant extract with potential applications as a food preservative or in the formulation of disinfectants for the control of Listeria monocytogenes in the food processing environment.