Preliminary Phytochemical Investigation Research Articles

Evaluation of anti-diabetic potential of leaves and stem of Flacourtia jangomas in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Objectives:To study the efficacy of combination of Flacourtia jangomas leaf and stem (1:1) methanolic extract (MEFJ) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and to investigate the qualitative phytochemical present in the extract. The study also aims to evaluate acute and short-term general toxicity of the extract in rats.Material and Methods:MEFJ of leaves and stem was subjected to preliminary qualitative phytochemical investigations by using standard procedures. The extract (400 mg/kg p.o.) was screened for antidiabetic activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats (30 mg/kg, i.p.). Acute oral toxicity study for the test extract of the plant was carried out using OECD/OCED guideline 425.Results:Phytochemical analysis of MEFJ of leaves and stem revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, steroids, tannins, and phenolic compounds. In acute toxicity study, no toxic symptoms were observed for MEFJ up to dose 2000 mg/kg. Oral administration of MEFJ for 21 days exhibited highly significant (P < 0.01) hypoglycemic activity and also correction of altered biochemical parameters, namely cholesterol and triglycerides significantly (P < 0.05). Urine analysis on 1st day showed the presence of glucose and traces of ketone in the entire group except normal control group. However, on 21st day glucose and ketone traces were absent in MEFJ- and glibenclamide-treated groups while they were present in diabetic control. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s test.Conclusion:The observations confirm that methanolic extract of the leaf and stem of the plant has antidiabetic activity and is also involved in correction of altered biological parameters. It also warrants further investigation to isolate and identify the hypoglycemic principles in this plant so as to elucidate their mode of action.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of isolated constituents from the bark of Polyalthia longifolia

The bark of Polyalthia longifolia is traditionally reputed to lower blood pressure, stimulate respiration and help in fever and skin diseases, diabetes, hypertension and vitiated conditions of vata and pitta. Preliminary phytochemical investigation of various extracts of the bark of Polyalthia longifolia showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids and carbohydrates. An attempt has been made to isolate flavonoids and perform antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the same. We carried out DPPH radical scavenging assay, nitric oxide scavenging assay, metal chelating activity and reducing power activity in antioxidant activity. In antimicrobial activity, we used six microorganisms, which included two Gram positive, two Gram negative bacteria and two fungi. Both the isolated flavonoids exhibited a concentration-dependant free radical scavenging capacity. Isolated compounds showed promising results against various micro-organisms in comparison with standard drugs (Penicillin, Gentamicin and Ketoconazol). Key words: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, isolated compounds

Pharmacognostical and phytochemical investigations of Moringa concanensis (Moringaceae) an ethno medicine of Nilgiris

The plant Moringa concanensis Nimmo is a tree belongs to family Moringaceae locally known as Kattumurungai by tribal peoples of Nilgiris hill region in Tamilnadu. In view of its medicinal importance and taxonomic confusion, pharmacognostic studies, microscopical structure, morphological characters, chemical analysis and numerical values in epidermal study were carried out to supplement the necessary information for the systematic identification and authentication of this plant, as per WHO guidelines. Pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical investigations of this plant were carried out and reported.

Preliminary anti-microbial and phytochemical investigation of the extracts and column fractions of &lt;i&gt;Alchornea Floribunda&lt;/i&gt; leaves

The leaves of Alchornea floribunda were collected, identified and reduced to coarse powder. Using various solvent treatments, the powdered drug leaf was fractionated into A1, A2, B, C and D. The fractions were subjected to anti-microbial screening and phytochemical analysis. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts showed the presence of terpenes, sterols, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrate, glycoside, saponins and alkaloids. Only fraction A2 (the terpenoid fraction) showed promising antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (IZD 42 mm) Salmonella keitambii (IZD 34mm) and Bacillus subtilis (IZD 32mm). A2 was further separated into 14 major column chromatographic fractions. The fractions were subjected toanti-microbial and phytochemical investigation. Fraction Af7, Af9, Af12 and Af13 (all terpenoids) showed mild activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella keitambii. In conclusion, the anti-microbial activity of Alchornea floribunda leaves can be attributed to the presence of the terpenoids which may interact synergistically to causeinhibition of the sensitive bacteria.

Antioxidant Activity of &lt;i&gt;Actinodaphne Hookeri&lt;/i&gt; Meissn Leaves

Leaves of Actinodaphne hookeri (AH) Meissn (family, lauraceae, pisa) are used traditionally in the treatment of diabetes, disorders of the urinary tract which are more common in Chhattisgarh and eastern part of India. It contains flavonoids and quercetin-3-rhamnoside as an important constituent. The leaves were extracted with 70% hydro alcoholic solvent. Preliminary phytochemical investigation showed the presence of triterpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides and carbohydrates. The antioxidant activity of 70% hydro alcoholic extracts of AH was evaluated in vitro by various experimental parameters such as b-carotene-linoleic acid, lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity. Our results showed that Actinodaphne hookeri leaves displayed potent antioxidant properties, supporting the ethnomedical use given to this plant to treat diabetes and urinary disorder. Keywords: Actinodaphne hookeri; Antioxidant; Lipid peroxidation; Total antioxidant capacity. © 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i3.2266 J. Sci. Res. 1 (3), 606-614 (2009)

Antidiarrheal activity of methanolic extracts of seeds of Lepidium sativum.

The objective of the present study is to investigate the antidiarrheal activity of the methanolic extract of Lepidium sativum (MELS). The preliminary phytochemical investigation was carried out to identify the various chemical constituents present in the extract. It was found that the MELS contain alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, proteins, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds. Acute toxicity studies revealed that the MELS was safe upto 2000mg/kg. The antidiarrheal activity was observed in three experimentally induced diarrhea models i.e. Castor oil induced diarrhea; Prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2) induced enteropooling in rats and charcoal meal test in mice. In castor oil induced model MELS (50, 100 and 200mg/kg.p.o.) showed significant dose dependent reduction of cumulative wet faecal mass. In PG-E2 induced enteropooling model, MELS (50, 100 and 200mg/ kg.p.o.) inhibited PG-E2 induced secretions. Similarly in charcoal meal test MELS (50, 100 and 200mg/kg.p.o.) decreased the movement of charcoal indicating its antimotility activity. It was observed that MELS possess significant anti-diarrheal activity.

Preliminary phytochemical and antimicrobial investigations of the stem bark and leaves of Psidum guajava L.

Extracts (ethanol, methanol and aqueous) of the leaves and stem barks of Psidum guajava L were studied for their phytochemical constituents. Results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids (all the extracts), saponins (ethanol and methanol), cardenolides with steroided rings, and cardenolides with deoxy sugar (all the extracts). Thin layer chromatographic separation of ethanol and methanol extracts gave three spots each with Rf values ranging from 0.60 – 0.70. Only the aqueous extract inhibited Bacillus subtilis andFusarium spp. The presence of these constituents tends to support the uses of this plant medicinally. Key words: Alkaloid, cardenolides, extracts, saponin.

Preliminary phytochemical and antibacterial screening of crude extract of the leaf ofAdhatoda vasica. L

Preliminary phytochemical and antibacterial investigations were carried out of the crude extracts obtained from the leaf of Adhatoda vasica, using solvents of varied polarity. The presence of phenols, tannins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, saponins, flavanoids, aminoacids and reducing sugars was indicated by the tests conducted. The effect of ethanol, petroleum ether and water extracts were tested on Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Klesiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the crude extracts was determined for various organisms. Key words: Adhatoda vasica, antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration

Total phenolic contents and free radical scavenging activity of certain Egyptian Ficus species leaf samples

The antioxidative phytochemicals in grains, vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants have received increasing attention for their potential role in prevention of human diseases. The methanol extracts of the leaves of eleven Ficus species growing in Egypt were subjected to free radical scavenging activity using 1,1-diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH ) method. Six methanol extracts of six species showed high activity in order: Ficus lyrata Warb. > Ficus afzelli G. > Ficus nitida L. > Ficus virens Ait. > Ficus sycomorus L. > Ficus decora Hort. with SC 50 38.37, 60.22, 61.67, 74.00, 79.50 and 81.62 μg/ml, respectively. The free radical scavenging activity of different fractions obtained from successive fractionation of the six methanol extracts with organic solvents of different polarities; petroleum ether, CHCl 3, EtOAc and n-BuOH; showed that, the EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions have the high activity with SC 50 < 50 μg/ml whereas petroleum ether and CHCl 3 fractions have weak activity at SC 50 > 200 and 100 μg/ml, respectively. The EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions of F. lyrata showed the strongest free radical scavenging activity on DPPH with SC 50 = 8.27 and 12.14 μg/ml, respectively and also the highest antioxidant capacity monitored by phosphomolybdenum method (928.48 and 728.53 mg equivalent to ascorbic acid/g extract). Preliminary phytochemical investigation of the six active EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions guided by review of literatures of this genus showed that phenolic compounds constitute the major components of it. The total phenolic, tannin, flavonoid and flavonol contents of the six active EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions were measured using the well established methods. Linear correlation between the total antioxidant capacity of the six active EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed. More in vivo and in vitro studies along with detailed photochemical investigation are needed in the hope to can use these species (crude extract, fractions, sub-fractions or pure compounds) in the prevention and therapies of diseases in which oxidants or free radicals are involved.

Alleviation of alloxan-induced diabetes and its complications in rats by Actinodaphne hookeri leaf extract

Leaves of Actinodaphne hookeri Meissn (Family Lauraceae; local name: Pisa) has been in use traditionally for the treatment of diabetes and disorders of the urinary tract which are more common in Chattisgarh and eastern part of India. In the present study, leaves of A. hookeri were subjected to phytochemical investigation and evaluated for anti-diabetic activity. The ethanol and the chloroform extract were found to have significant (p&lt;0.01) blood glucose lowering effect. The extracts also significantly (p&lt;0.01) lowered the increased serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels. Preliminary phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids and glycosides as the major constituents in the ethanol extract. The chloroform extract also showed significant (p&lt;0.01) antihyperglycemic activity and contained alkaloids and triterpenes. It is concluded that the antidiabetic activity of A. hookeri may be due to the presence of alkaloids and triterpenes, and might be promising for the development of phytomedicine for diabetes mellitus along with its associated complications.

Antidiabetic activity ofclerodendron phlomoidisleaf extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Ethanol extract of leaves of Clerodendron phlomoidis L. subjected to preliminary qualitative phytochemical investigations showed the presence of alkaloids, phytosterols, glycosides, saponins, phenolic compounds, proteins and flavonoids. The extract was screened for hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (120 mg/kg, i.p.) at two dose levels, viz., 100 and 200 mg/kg. The ethanol extract at 200 mg/kg dose level exhibited significant (p<0.05) hypoglycemic activity and also correction of altered biochemical parameters viz., cholesterol and triglycerides (p<0.05).

Sedative and anticonvulsant activities of the aqueous root extract of Sanseviera liberica Gerome & Labroy (Agavaceae)

The central nervous system (CNS) depressant and anticonvulsant activities of the aqueous root extract of Sanseviera liberica (ASL) were investigated on various animal models including pentobarbitone sleeping time and hole-board exploratory behaviour for sedation tests, and strychnine, picrotoxin, bicuculline and pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions in mice. ASL (100–400 mg/kg, p.o.), like chlorpromazine HCl (1 mg/kg, i.m.), produced a dose-dependent prolongation of pentobarbitone sleeping time and suppression of exploratory behaviour. ASL (100 and 200 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent and significant ( P < 0.05) increases in onset to clonic and tonic convulsions, and at 400 mg/kg, showed complete protection against seizures induced by strychnine, picrotoxin and bicuculline, but not with pentylenetetrazole. ASL up to 10 g/kg, p.o. did not produce death, but i.p. treatment produced mortalities with LD 50 of 668.3 ± 47.6 mg/kg. Preliminary phytochemical investigations of ASL revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponins, reducing sugars and oils. The results indicate that ASL has sedative and anticonvulsant activities, therefore, justifying its use in traditional African medicine.

Anti-Diabetic Activity of Holarrhena antidysenterica (Linn.) Wall, Bark on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: To screen the antidiabetic potential of the bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica Linn. Materials and methods: In the present study, bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica Linn was screened for antidiabetic activity. Bark powder of H.antidysenterica was subjected to hot continuous extraction (soxhlet) with various solvents like petroleum ether (40-60°C), chloroform, butanol, butanone and alcohol. Aqueous extract was prepared by cold maceration. After preliminary phytochemical investigation, all the extracts were evaluated for antidiabetic activity after single dose (acute study) and after prolonged treatment (chronic study) in alloxan induced diabetic albino rats. All the extracts were given orally at a dose of 250 mg/kg b.w., Glibenclamide was used as standard drug (10 mg/kg b.w. p.o.). Results and discussion: Alcohol, butanol, chloroform, aqueous and butanone showed significant antidiabetic activity in acute as well as prolonged treatment compared to control. Petroleum ether extract did not show significant antidiabetic activity on prolonged treatment. Among all the extracts, alcoholic extract had more significantly reduced the blood glucose level after single dose and nearly equal to standard Glibenclamide after prolonged treatment.

Antifertility activity of dried flowers ofWoodfordia fruticosakurz

The study aims at preliminary phytochemical investigation and antifertility activity of dried flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. The dried flowers were extracted successively with various solvents and individually with water and aqueous alcohol (50:50). The extracts were evaluated for phytochemical studies, including qualitative tests and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis. Antifertility activity of successive alcoholic, individual aqueous and individual hydroalcoholic extracts was studied in female albino rats. The results revealed that the alcoholic extract showed significant abortifacient activity, whereas aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts showed moderate activity as compared to the control. Thus, the successive alcoholic extract showed promising abortifacient activity at 100 mg/kg body weight.

ANTIULCER PROPERTIES OF ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF CYNODON DACTYLON IN RATS

ANTIULCER PROPERTIES OF ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF CYNODON DACTYLON IN RATS

Pharmacognostical and Preliminary Phytochemical Investigation of the Fruit of Pergularia tomentosa L

AbstractThis article describes the macro- and microscopical characters of the fruit ofPergularia tomentosa L., a plant with significant effect on the heart and blood pressure. A preliminary phytochemical screening of the various extracts of the pericarp and the seed was also carried out. Many diagnostic elements were found of value in its rapid detection and identification.

Preliminary phytochemical, pharmacological and antibacterial studies of the alkaloidal extracts of the leaves of Synclisia scabrida miers

Preliminary phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Synclisia scabrida indicated the presence of two alkaloids in the water extracts and five alkaloids in the ethanol extracts. The alkaloidal fraction obtained from the cold ethanol extract furnished on column-chromatography, a homogeneous amorphous solid which has been designated as alkaloid C. Alkaloid C showed positive test for alkaloids. The UV and IR spectra and colour reactions of alkaloid C indicated that the compound may be a phenolic bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid. All the extracts delayed the onset and shortened the duration of apomorphine-induced stereotyped behaviour in chicks. In addition, 40 mg kg −1 i.p. of the ethanolic extract induced catalepsy in rats. The cold water extract (CWE) synchronized the EEG of the hyperstriatum, optic tectum and the reticular formation while the EMG activity was slightly enhanced. The hot ethanol alkaloidal extract (HEE) inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration of HEE on Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains I and II were 5 and 2.5 μg/ml while for Staphylococcus aureus strains I and II were 5 and 10 μg/ml, respectively. Up to 1 g kg −1 i.p. of the extract failed to induce any lethal effect in chicks and rats. These effects of the leaf extracts of Synclisia scabrida Miers support some of the local uses of the plant by traditional medical practitioners.

Preliminary Biological and Phytochemical Investigation of two Nigerian Medicinal Plants

AbstractA. total often extracts of two plants Pleioceras barteri Baill and Marsdenia latifolia Schum, normally used in folkloric medicine in Nigeria have been screened for their phytoconstituents and implicated biological activity. Nine (90%) of the extracts gave positive test for alkaloids, four (40%) for flavonoids, five (50%) for saponins, two (20%) for tannins, and four (40%) for sterols. Their antibacterial, hippocratic activity is discussed while the abortifacient activity of Pleioceras barteri is highlighted.

The intensely sweet herb, Lippia dulcis Trev.: Historical uses, field inquiries, and constituents

Lippia dulcis Trev. (Verbenaceae) is the source of hernandulcin, the first known intensely sweet sesquiterpenoid, a compound which is a volatile oil constituent. The literature on the uses of this species, dating back to early colonial times in Mexico, has been examined. This plant began to be used as an official drug in the late 19th century for the treatment of coughs and bronchitis, and at that time preliminary phytochemical investigations were undertaken. Field work carried out in Mexico in 1981 and 1982 has indicated that there is still an active trade involving L. dulcis, which is sold primarily in market places for its alleged abortifacient activity. We have obtained no evidence, either from the literature or from field inquiries, that L. dulcis has ever been used for sweetening foods or beverages. Fourteen L. dulcis volatile oil constituents, mainly mono- and sesquiterpenoids, were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The toxic compound, camphor, was found to constitute 53% w/w of the volatile oil of this species. The potential use of L. dulcis for the extraction of hernandulcin is discussed.

Tissue culture of Matricaria chamomilla L. I. Communication: isolations and maintainance of the tissue culture. Preliminary phytochemical investigations (author's transl)

Tissue cultures of two types of Matricaria chamomillae (E 40 + BK 2) have been isolated, derived from stem and leaf tissue. They were maintained on modified Murashige and Skoog–Medium. α–Naphtylaceticacid (NES) suppressed differentiation better than β–Indolylaceticacid (IES). Essential oils were found to be present in tissue culture of BK 2 derived from stems and in tissue culture of E 40 derived from leaves. The GC of both essential oils showed similarity. The essential oil of the undifferentiated tissue culture had no similarity neither to the oil of in-vitro differentiated leaves nor to the oil of the flowers of the intact plant. Investigations on the identification of the compounds are in progress.