Preliminary Phytochemical Screening Research Articles

In vitro biological activities and preliminary phytochemical screening of different extracts from Achillea sintenisii Hub- Mor

This study was designed to investigate in vitro biological activities and phytochemical composition of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Achillea sintenisii Hub- Mor. (AS). To determine the chemical composition of AS extracts, phytochemical analyses were performed by using HPLC–ESI-Q-TOF-MS-MS. Afterwards, both extracts were investigated in terms of their effect on fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and hydrogen peroxide-induced damage. In addition to cell culture analysis, antibacterial, antioxidant, hyaluronidase inhibitory activities and total phenolic contents of the extracts were analyzed in cell-free systems. Our results demonstrated that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts did not show cytotoxic activity on fibroblasts, on the contrary, promoted fibroblast proliferation. Both AS extracts potently inhibited hyaluronidase activity and the inhibitory effect of ethanolic extract was comparable with the positive control, especially at high concentrations. The aqueous extract was the potent stimulator of collagen synthesis at 200 µg/mL concentration. Although the ethanolic extract showed antibacterial activity against all gram-positive bacteria, the aqueous extract was only effective against K. pneumoniae and B. subtilis. The ability of AS extracts, which have a rich phenolic compound content (≥50 mg GAE/g), to scavenge free radicals and protect fibroblasts against hydrogen peroxide-induced damage can be considered as a result of their antioxidant potential. Our findings scientifically support the widespread use of this plant, by demonstrating the pharmacological properties of the extracts.

Physico Chemical Analysis and HPTLC Evaluation of Kokilakshadi Kwatha Churna

Kokilakshadi Kashaya mentioned in Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Vataraktadhikara, it is a therapeutic formulation to treat Vatarakta. It is also used by Ayurvedic practitioners for treating hyperuricemia. The symptoms of hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis are similar to Vatarakta, a disease explained in classical Ayurvedic textbooks. Kokilakshadikwatha contains Kokilaksha and Guduchi and Pippalichurna given as Anupana of this formulation Physico chemical analysis of individual drug and formulation with modern parameters increase their scope and acceptance. The study was based on standard analytical parameters proposed by API. Method: Kokilakshadi Kwatha powder was evaluated for physico chemical analysis and phyto chemical screening. The analysis was done by using the parameters like Organoleptic features, loss on drying, acid soluble extractive, water soluble extractive. Results: Analytical parameters of individual drugs were done. All analytical parameter were within limit. Analytical parameter of Kokilakshadi Kwatha Churna like loss on drying 10.4%w/w, acid insoluble ash 0.79%, alcohol soluble extractive 11.2%w/w, water soluble extractive 7.8%w/w, pH 5.78 were obtained. High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) profile of Kokilakshadikwatha powder showed 13 peaks at 254nm and 14 peaks at 366nm. Preliminary phytochemical screening test revealed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids. Conclusion: The obtained data can be used for future comparative references

The total phenol, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of Zehneria maysorensis stem and leaf extracts

Zehneria species have enormous ethno-botanical value and are used by different tribes for food as wild edible plants and treatment of various ailments. The present study was designed to carry out the preliminary phytochemical screening, total phenol, flavonoid quantification followed by an investigation of the in vitro antioxidant activities of Zehneria maysorensis. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponins, steroids, alkaloids, phenols and tannins. Ethanol extracts of stem and leaf showed maximum phenol and flavonoid content. The extract also confirmed DPPH radical scavenging activity. A marked dose dependent antioxidant activity was observed in the trials.

Phytochemical Analysis, GC-MS Profiling, and In Vitro Evaluation of Biological Applications of Different Solvent Extracts of Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br. Flower Buds.

Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br.is a medicinally important herb belonging to the family Lamiaceae. The plant is typically found in tropical regions, and its leaf and root extracts are renowned for their ethno-botanical and therapeutic applications. This study was designed to determine the presence of various bioactive components, and to evaluate antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative activities. The preliminary phytochemical screening and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of different solvent extracts revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, of which methanol extract showed 24 compounds, petroleum ether extract revealed 26 compounds, and 24 compounds in hexane extracts. The major bioactive components including λ-sitosterol (16.20%) in methanol extract, 1-nonadecanol (15.48%) in petroleum extract, and eicosane (13.22%) in hexane extract have been reported with various bio-therapeutic applications. In addition, the flower bud methanolic extract of L. nepetifolia exhibited inhibitory potential against all tested bacterial and fungal pathogens. The DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed that methanolic extract possessed the highest antioxidant activity. The scavenging activity increased in a concentration-dependent manner, as indicated by a 74% inhibition rate at 1000µg/ml. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxic effects of the methanolic extract on the HepG2 cell line were evaluated. The IC50 value of methanolic extract against HepG2 cells was determined to be 83.28µg/ml. The findings reveal that different solvent extracts of L. nepetifolia flower buds contain a significant amount of various bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant and anticancer activities; and thus, the plant could serve as a potential source of pharmacological applications.

Evaluation of xanthine oxidase inhibitory, antioxidative activity of five selected Papua medicinal plants and correlation with phytochemical content

Some medicinal plants from Papua have been used traditionally as hyperuricemia and antioxidant agents for many ethnic in Papua Islands. The present study aims to evaluate inhibitory xanthine oxidase, antioxidative activities, total phenolic, and total flavonoid of five Papua selected medicinal plants, Myrmecodia beccarii, Villebrunea rubescens, Breynia cernua, Bridelia spp. and Dodonaea viscosa. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds with TLC-densitometric analysis, which is responsible for the biological activities of different plant extracts. Antioxidant was tested by 2,2- diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and cupric ion antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) methods and expressed as the Antioxidant Activity Index (AAI). Xanthine oxidase inhibitory (XOI) activity was evaluated by a spectrophotometer. The ethyl acetate of Myrmecodia beccarii extract (MEA) showed the highest antioxidative and XOI activity. The MEA extract from Papua may be developed as a new potential source of antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory agent.

Phytochemical screening and anti-oxidant property of Diospyros melanoxylon used by Gothi Koya and Konda Reddi Tribes of Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctury, Paloncha, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana

The Present study emphasizes that the preliminary phytochemical screening and the anti-oxidant activity of an important medicinal plant which was often used by primitive tribal groups of Gothi Koya and Konda Reddi located at Kinnerasani wildlife Sanctuary, Paloncha, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana state, India. Based on the uses of whole plant, phytochemical constituents, anti-oxidant property Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb was considering an important medicinal plant. Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb leaf extracts were screened for phytochemical components and for anti-oxidant activity. DPPH, Nitric Oxide, Superoxide, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity of methanol leaf extracts at different concentrations were studied (ascorbic acid used as standard). The present study revealed the presence of phytochemical compounds and anti-oxidant activity of the extracts of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb at all concentrations tested.

Chemical Constituents and Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Hibiscus articulatus Hochst. ex A. Rich. (Malvaceae) on Glucose- and Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycaemia using Wistar Rats

Hibiscus articulatus is an herbaceous plant that is consumed over decades as diet, in management stomach pain and diabetes in north central Nigeria. The aim of the study is to determine the chemical constituents and evaluate the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Hibiscus articulatus (ELEHA) on glucose- and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia using Wistar rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening, proximate and gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometric (GC-MS) analyses was conducted on ELEHA. Acute toxicity, blood glucose levels of ELEHA in Wistar rats was evaluated using; glycaemic index (GI) test, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia test. Secondary metabolites; alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, triterpenes and primary metabolites; carbohydrates, proteins and fats, were present in ELEHA. Ascorbic acid, linoleic acid, coumaran, phytol hexadecanoic acid are some chemical constituents present in ELEHA. The oral median lethal dose was estimated to be > 5000 mg/kg body weight in rats. The glycaemic index and glycaemic load of ELEHA were calculated to be 41.60 % and 17.83 respectively. There was significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the blood glucose level (250 and 500 mg/kg of ELEHA administered) in OGTT and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia test compared with diabetic group. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde and glutathione reductase were evaluated however, only superoxide dismutase levels (250 and 500 mg/kg) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Moreso, the level of low density lipoprotein (125 mg/kg) and HOMA IR values (125 and 250 mg/kg) were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased when compared with diabetic group. In summary, the ethanol leaf extract of Hibiscus articulatus possesses important phytochemicals with anti-hyperglycaemic activity on Wistar rats.

Estimation of phytoconstituents and screening of antibacterial and antioxidant activity of different extracts from Moringa oleifera

The present study deals with the preliminary phytochemical screening and determination of antibacterial and antioxidant activity of various extracts from leaves and flowers of Moringa oleifera. The results revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins and steroids in the extracts. All the extracts exhibited antibacterial effect against the tested bacteria with the diameter of inhibition zone ranging from 7 to 22 mm. However, highest antibacterial activity was observed by methanol and ethyl acetate extracts. The scavenging effect of the n-hexane extracts of leaf and flower on DPPH radicals increased with increasing concentration and highest activity was 70.94% and 73.50%, respectively while ascorbic acid was the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (82.91%) at a concentration of 180 μg/ml. These results indicated that n-hexane extracts of flower and leaf of Moringa oleifera have a noticeable effect on scavenging free radical, however, it can be categorized as a good and potential antioxidant agent and could be one of the areas which attached a great deal of attention is the possible therapeutic potential of antioxidants in controlling degenerative diseases associated with marked oxidative damage. The preliminary studies on Moringa oleifera extracts exhibited their antibacterial and antioxidant potential which could be exploited further as future antimicrobials for pharmaceutical treatment, natural therapies, food preservation and cosmetic applications.

Evaluation of physicochemical parameters of Acacia catechu Willd.

Introduction: Acacia catechu willd. (Mimosoideae) is a deciduous, thorny tree which grows up to 15m height; widely distributed throughout India. This plant is rich source of flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds. It is used traditionally for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, pain in chest, ulceration, wound healing, mouth ulcer, colic, vitiligo, cancer, sore throats, and diarrhoea. It possesses antioxidant, antipyretic, antileprotic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, spasmolytic, antibacterial, hypoglycaemic, antifertility, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, hypotensive and wound healing properties. Material and Method: In the present study, plant has been explored for detailed pharmacognostic and microscopic study. Preliminary phytochemical screening has been performed for evaluation of various phyto-constituents present in the plant. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, ash value, extractive values have been determined as per procedure given in IP. Presence of heavy metal, aflatoxin, microbial contamination and pesticidal residue has been assessed as per WHO guidelines. Result: A. catechu stem is reddish brown, cylindrical, hard to fracture and astringent in taste. Microscopy showed the presence of medullary rays, vessels, xylem fibres, parenchyma, fibres and calcium oxalate crystals. Heavy metal, aflatoxin, microbial contamination and pesticidal residue contents were found within limits as per WHO guidelines. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids and reducing sugar. Conclusion: Present study was carried out to establish quality parameters for A. catechu plant which will be further utilised for evaluation of pharmacological activity.

Anticonvulsant Activity of Methanol Extract of Harungana madagascariensis Leaf on Mice Model of Isoniazid-induced Siezure

Background: Epilepsy is a neurological illness that affects people of all ages and is characterized by excessive electric activity in the brain. This causes social embarrassment coupled with side effect of orthodox medication; hence, the needs to search for plant with antiepileptic agent.
 Aims: This study aimed at investigating the anticonvulsive effects of Methanol extract of Harungana madagascriensis leaves on the isoniazid-induced (300 mg/kg, i.p) seizure in adult mice.
 Study Design: This is an original research carried out in the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of pharmaceutical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani, Enugu State, Nigeria, between Jan and June, 2021.
 Methodology: The pulverized leaf of Harungana. madagascariensis was extracted using cold maceration and the phytochemical screening was carried out by the method of Treas and Evans The acute toxicity study was evaluated by the method of Lorke’s and Anticonvulsant study was carried by the method of Webster and Velluci. Data generated was statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA.
 Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids and steroids. Flavonoids, Phenols, and terpenoids appeared in abundant concentration (4264.00 ±360.2,14065.00 ±538.4, 5484.00±30.4). Acute toxicity tests showed no toxicity and mortality at doses up to 5000 mgkg-1. Anticonvulsant study revealed that the extract significantly (p =.05) delayed the onset of clonic seizure in a dose dependent manner and abridge the duration of siezure on the group treated with 100, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w of extract compared with normal control when induced with isoniazid (300 mg/kg, i.p.).
 Conclusion: The results suggest that methanol extract of Harungana. madagascariensis leaves may have anticonvulsant activity, coupled with the presence of active secondary metabolites such as saponins, steriods and flavoniods which has a potentials for the management of epilepsy.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidative, Antiobesity, Antidiabetic and Antimicrobial Investigations of Artemisia scoparia Grown in Palestine

Validating ethnobotanical data from underexplored traditional plant remedies provides an infinite source of new pharmaceutical chemicals. The purpose of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and several biological activities (antioxidant, anti-lipase, anti-α-amylase, anti-α-glucosidase, and antimicrobial) of aqueous, ethanol, hexane, and acetone Artemisia scoparia leaf extracts. An exhaustive technique was employed to extract A. scoparia four extracts. At the same time, standard analytical and biochemical assays were utilized to determine preliminary phytochemical screening, anti-DPPH, anti-lipase, anti-α-glucosidase, and anti-α-amylase activities. Furthermore, the antimicrobial effects against seven microbial strains were evaluated using a broth micro-dilution assay. Acetone A. scoparia extract exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging and anti-α-glucosidase activities (IC50 = 21.87 ± 0.71, and 149.75 ± 1.33 µg/mL, respectively), as well as the ethanol extract, exhibited the highest anti-α-amylase activity (IC50 = 251 ± 1.34 µg/mL) while the aqueous extract had the best anti-lipase activity (IC50 = 102 ± 0.27 µg/mL) among other extracts. Moreover, A. scoparia hexane extract has more powerful activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa than Ciprofloxacin and Ampicillin antibiotics with MICs of 0.78 ± 0.01, 0.39 ± 0.01, 0.78 ± 0.01, and 1.56 ± 0.22 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, hexane and acetone extracts of A. scoparia have the same antifungal power as Fluconazole (1.56 ± 0.22 µg/mL). The outcomes of the current study indicated that the A. scoparia acetone, ethanol, and aqueous extracts had promising antioxidant, anti-lipase, and anti-α-amylase effects, while hexane and acetone extracts had interesting antimicrobial potential. A. scoparia four extracts of potentially bioactive compounds can be selected for further isolation and purification. Moreover, clinical investigations and in vivo approaches should be implemented to confirm the pharmaceutical benefits of these extracts against diabetes, obesity, oxidative stress, and microbial infections.

Preliminary Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Screening of Leaves of Cosmostigma racemosum (roxb.) Wight.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation are necessary for drug authentication and for prediction and confirmation of pharmacological activities of any plant part. Cosmostigma racemosum (Roxb.) Wight, a traditional and folklore drug in Kerala with many reputed usages, locally called as Vaattuvalli, is a shrubby twiner of Apocynaceae family. Leaves are the most used plant part. As no scientific data regarding its standards were available, preliminary pharmacognostic, physico-chemical and phytochemical evaluation of the leaves were done as per the guidelines of Ayurveda Pharmacopoiea of India and WHO. The study revealed that leaves of Cosmostigma racemosum (Roxb.)Wight are simple, opposite, exstipulate, apex caudate, base cordate and with a characteristic chilly odour. Microscopic examination of leaves revealed the presence of characteristic features such as lacticifers, secreting cells, absence of stomata on the upper epidermis, presence of paracytic stomata on the lower epidermis and presence of calcium oxalate crystals especially druse crystals. The preliminary phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, steroids, saponins which indicates the wide range of pharmacological activities of the plant. The 13 peaks in the HPTLC profile indicate a wide pharmacological prospect of the leaves. The ICP-MS analysis confirmed that heavy metals like Cd, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb and As present in the leaves are within permissible limits. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, different ash values, volatile oil content, different extractive values, ph, fibre content, and sugar content were also determined. All these findings can serve as standards for assuring the safety, quality and purity of the drug.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on leaves of Launaea sarmentosa (Willd.) Schultz - Bip. Ex Kuntze

Launaea sarmentosa (Willd.) schultz-bip.ex Kuntze (Family Asteraceae) commonly known as Sagar Pathari by several tribal communities in Maharashtra. The plant leaves used by traditional healers for Anti-inflammatory activity, rheumatoid arthritis, skin disorders etc. This plant has never been scientifically documented. Natives and traditional medical practitioners are the sole sources of information available. The information on leaves in terms of pharmacognostic and phytochemical identification will be provided in this study. Upper epidermis, lower epidermis, vascular bundles, mesophyll, palisade, and cuticle are visible on a microscopic level in the leaves. Qualitative analysis was carried out, including ash value, sulphated ash value, water insoluble value, and so on. Flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and phenolic compounds, proteins, amino acids and other chemicals have been detected in preliminary phytochemical screening.

Computational modelling and theoretical calculations on hydroxy citric acid and mangostine and comparing the corrosion inhibition effect of aqueous and alcoholic extracts Garcinia cambogia leaves for mild steel in hydrochloric acid

The utility of Garcinia cambogia leaves aqueous and alcoholic (GCLW and GCLA) extracts were used as a green candidate for mitigating the mild steel corrosion in 0.5N HCl solution. The protective efficiency was monitored electrochemically and theoretically using different soft wares including Gaussian09, Biovia material studio, and also with Fukui function analysis procedure from D Mol 3 calculations. The preliminary phytochemical screening of active components of the extracts were done using IR and UV-Visible spectral studies. Mangostine and hydroxy citric acid (HCA) were identified as the active constituents of the extracts and their presence on the metal surface after inhibition is confirmed using XPS elemental analysis. The increased activity of the aqueous extract may be due to the increased percentage of HCA in the water extract than the alcoholic counterpart. 4V/V% GCLW has 84 % efficiency at room temperature whereas the same volume percentage alcoholic extract has only 81% efficiency. The inhibition efficiency decreases with rise in temperature suggesting the physical mode of adsorption of the inhibitor system on the metal surface. But the results of computational modelling suggest chemisorption resulted from the donation of electron pairs from O22, H46, and H38 of mangostine and O12 of HCA. This bond is strengthened by the back acceptance of electron pairs from the filled metal orbital to C2 of mangostine and O3 of HCA. Tafel extrapolation studies suggest mixed type inhibition nature for both GCLW and GCLA with anodic prominence. Thermodynamic adsorption suggests the Langmuir monolayer model for GCLW and Temkin model for GCLA.

Effect of some Pseudomonas strains and Agave americana L. on wheat germination under salt stress

Currently, several efforts focus remedying the problem of agricultural soil salinity using eco-friendly strategies. This study aimed particularly the study of Triticum durum (durum wheat) seeds germination in the presence of Pseudomonas strains and hydro-alcoholic extract of Agave americana L. under saline stress conditions. The preliminary phytochemical screening of A. americana, phylogenetic identification and production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) by Pseudomonas strains, in vitro impact of hydro-alcoholic extract and Pseudomonas strains combination on salt stress resistance, preliminary effects of A. americana on Triticum durum germination and phytopathogenic fungi inhibition under salt stress were carried out using corresponding protocols. In in vitro trials, phytochemical screening revealed the richness of A. americana in polyphenols (1014.062±161.017 mM GA equivalent/g FW) and flavonoids (51.065±27.391 mg quercetin equivalent/g FW). The ability of Pseudomonas strains to produce the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) varied from 116.67±8.25 µg/ml to 857.14±80.50 µg/ml. The leaf extract of A. americana is an effective osmoprotectant that improves the resistance of the strain P1 Pseudomonas plecoglissicida to saline stress. In in vivo experiments, the extract of A. americana did not show any effect on the germination of wheat seeds. However, it effectively inhibited the contamination of seeds by phytopathogenic fungi during germination and saline conditions. Findings of the study revealed that Pseudomonas plecoglissicida and A. americana extract are very promising for the inhibition of phytopathogenic fungi and the alleviation of salt stress.

Analgesic and Sedative-Hypnotic Potentiality of Crude Methanolic Extract of Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer Leaves.

Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer (leaves) belonging to the family Stemonuraceae was investigated for preliminary phytochemical screening and evaluating their pharmacological activities in various pharmacological models. The crude methanolic extract was screened with different chemical reagents for the qualitative detection of different phytochemical groups. The peripheral analgesic function was determined using the acetic acid-induced writhing procedure and sedative-hypnotic behaviors were assessed using hole-board, open field, and hole-cross tests using different doses of the extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight). Phytochemical screening revealed that methanolic extract of G. tetranda leaves contains steroids, gums, mucilages, phytosterols, carbohydrates, and flavonoids. The crude methanolic extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses showed statistically significant activity in acetic acid-induced writhing inhibition test with 60% (p<0.01) and 76.47% (p<0.01) inhibition, respectively, compared to control. The extract also had dose-dependent substantial (p<0.01) sedative-hypnotic activities compared with diazepam in the hole-board, open field, and hole-cross tests. It may be assumed that the methanolic leaf extract of G. tetrandra possesses a strong possibility of having analgesic and sedative-hypnotic activity due to the presence of bioactive compounds in its leaves. Moreover, observed results have opened a new era of in-depth research to discover the possible mechanism of analgesic and sedative-hypnotic activity.

Evaluation of In-Vitro Antioxidant Potential and Antimicrobial Activity of Nephrolepis biserrata (sw.) Schott. Leaf Extracts

Objective: This study aims to determine the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott leaf extracts against different microbial strains, including 4 gram-positive bacteria, 4 gram-negative bacteria, 3 yeast, and 4 mould. Methods: The agar well diffusion method examined the antimicrobial activity of Nephrolepis biserrata leaf extracts against test micro-organisms. Additionally, TPC (total phenolic content), TFC (total flavonoid content), and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay of extracts were determined. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of all three extracts revealed the presence of tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponin glycosides, and flavonoids. Results obtained were compared with the antibiotics Amphotericin B, Fluconazole, and Gentamicin used as standards. The mean zones of inhibition of methanol extract varied from 7 to 25 mm. However, with petroleum ether extract, the range varied from 9 to 12 mm and with acetone extract, the range was from 8 to 13 mm at two different concentrations of 250 and 500μg/disc. All extracts possessed significant antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains including Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermis, Pseudomonas aeuginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus Vulgaris, and Klebsiella pneumonia compared to fungal microbes such as Cryptococcus luteolus, Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, Aspergillus candidus, A. niger, and Mucor hiemalis wehmer, respectively. However, amongst all the three extracts, methanol leaf extract showed maximum antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: From the present study, it has been summarized that the antimicrobial activity of plants might be due to the presence of flavonoids and tannin components. In conclusion, still advanced research is required to isolate the active principles from plant extracts, showing antimicrobial activity that may lead to the development of a phytomedicine.

Ameliorative effect of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) extract with spectific reference to phytochemical properties

Objective of the present study was to carry out the phytochemical standardization of Ocimum sanctum leaves to develop the standard phytochemical parameters of this valuable medicinal plant. Many standardization parameters of Ocimum sanctum were analyzed and Standard method was adopted for the preliminary phytochemicals screening. Analysis of pesticides residues, aflatoxin &amp; heavy metals were also performed. The sections of Ocimum sanctum leaves were prepared for quantitative microscopic parameters. The air dried powdered plant material was subjected for determination of physicochemical standardizations like ash value, Extractive value and fluorescence nature of the powder drug using light of short and long wavelength of 254nm and 366nm respectively. Phytochemical screening was performed for the identification of phytoconstituents in the plant which was helpful in the development of analytical profile. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, saponins and lipids in the drug extract and flourescence nature of drug was confirmed by fluorescence analysis in different solvent. Concentrations of heavy metals,ash value and extractive value were determined and found within acceptable Pharmacopoeial limits. Pesticides residues and aflatoxins were also determined but not detected in the tested samples. The physicochemical and phytochemical standards which are outcome of this research may be utilized as substantial data for identification and standardization of Ocimum sanctum leaves.

Comparative Phytochemical Screening and Acute Toxicity Study of Two Varieties of Ginger, Zingiber officinale

Phytochemicals are a wide range of compounds that exist naturally in plants, enhancing them with a defensive role that prevents the advancement of chronic diseases. The present study was conducted to determine and compare the presence of phytochemicals and acute toxicity of the two varieties of Zingiber officinale. Samples of Z. officinale were extracted with methanol by maceration, and the extracts were screened for phytochemicals by conventional techniques, while extracts were evaluated for acute toxicity to estimate the LD50 through oral administration in albino mice. Results showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates and the absence of anthraquinone in all the two varieties of the methanolic extracts for both the leaves and the rhizomes. The acute toxicity study showed that the local variety (LV) had oral LD50 values of 2154.1mg/kgBW (leaves) and 3807.8 mg/kgBW (rhizomes). In comparison, the improved variety (IV) had LD50 values of 3807.8 mg/kgBW (leaves) and &gt; 5000 mg/kgBW (rhizomes) in the mice. Findings from the preliminary phytochemical screening implies that both two varieties of Z. officinale are rich in phytochemicals and that both varieties are less toxic with the local variety having higher toxic effect with respect to the LD50 values.

In vitro Anti-cancer, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-arthritic activity of Ethanolic extract of Ochna obtusata leaves

Objective: The objective behind this study was to expose the prospective of ethanolic extract of Ochna obtusata (EEOO) for its in vitro anti-cancer anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities. Methods: The fresh leaves were used to prepare the extracts using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, methanol and water in increasing order of the polarity of solvents. The EEOO was reported to have the presence of a few major phytoconstituents such as, Flavonoids, Phenolics, Glycosides, and Reducing Sugars which was confirmed by preliminary phytochemical screening. The in vitro MTT assay method has been performed with EEOO to evaluate the anti-cancer activity. Similarly, the HRBC Membrane Stabilization assay, Protein denaturation assay, and Protease inhibition assay methods were performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of EEOO. Results and Discussion: From the study, it was confirmed that the various phytoconstituents such as Flavonoids, Phenolics, and Terpenoids were responsible for the anti-cancer activity. Similarly, the prevention of RBC Membrane from its lysis, decrease in albumin denaturation, and protease inhibition was observed which significantly confirmed the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of EEOO. Conclusion: It was finally concluded that the phytoconstituents present in the extract were responsible for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic activities.