Presence Of Saponins Research Articles

Pharmaceutical standardization of Amrita Bhallataka Rasayana: A compound polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation

Abstract BACKGROUND: Amrita Bhallataka Rasayana (ABR) is one such Ayurvedic polyherbal compound formulation containing Bhallataka as an integral component. It is mainly indicated for rejuvenating purpose. An interesting fact in the preparation of ABR is the quantity of sugar that is to be added as per our convenience and the form of finished product (Avaleha or Ghrita). Earlier research scholars have kept this formulation as Ghrita (medicated ghee) or Avaleha (medicated semisolid preparation) dosage form as the amount of Ghrita is more in this formulation but Paka is to be done as per Avaleha dosage form. Hence, it becomes difficult to prepare and standardize such formulations. To validate the standard manufacturing process (SMP) and quality standards of Amrita Bhallataka Rasayana. METHODS: A total of three batches of ABR were prepared and subjected to organoleptic, physicochemical, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and nutritional analysis to generate an analytical profile of ABR. In phytochemical qualitative analysis, the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and tannins was assessed by using appropriate qualitative testing methods. RESULTS: Using pertinent physicochemical criteria in accordance with the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India, an analysis of raw and Shodhita Bhallataka was conducted. The alkaline pH value of ABR may be observed due to protein-tannins complexes between milk and oil of Bhallataka. HPTLC was done to develop a chromatographic pattern of three samples of ABR. The average water-soluble extractive of ABR was 54.14%, whereas alcohol-soluble extractive was 19.93%. CONCLUSION: The method of preparation given in the current study for ABR may be considered standard. These preliminary parameters may be helpful as standards for further studies as they are not mentioned in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. This study may provide certain leads toward using different proportions of sugar in the preparation of ABR.

Compendium of P. Scrobiculatum: Phytochemical, Physicochemical, Antioxidant, Antiulcer, and Spectroscopic Analysis

Background: Paspalum Scrobiculatum (Kodomillet) plant is found in various regions of India and possesses several pharmacological activities such as nutritive, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, etc. The researchers are more focused these days on exploring other potential activities of this plant and the constituents present. Methods: Present study emphasized preliminary analysis such as macroscopic study, phytochemical analysis, Physicochemical investigation, determination of ash content, (Total flavonoid content), antioxidant property and characterization of extracted components with different spectral techniques and antiulcer potential. later, this study will be helpful in the determination of its medicinal importance in Pharmacy. Results: In macroscopic analysis, it was studied that paspalum scrobiculatum seeds are light brown to dark brown colored, round to oval shaped grain having a size approximately 4mm. Further, the seeds were analyzed for determination of the extractive values and found to be 2.82 % w/w, 0.79 %w/w, 4.26 % w/w 2.40 % w/w in pet. ether, chloroform, ethanol, and water extracts respectively, and extractive value was found highest in ethanol extract. Furthermore, phytochemical analysis of all the different extracts revealed the presence of phenolic components, flavonoids amino acids, protein, and carbohydrates in ethanolic extract, whereas in aqueous extract there was the presence of saponins and carbohydrates. Then, spectral characterization analysis was done with Infrared spectroscopy, Nuclear magnetic resonance, and Mass spectroscopy techniques and revealed the presence of different active metabolites in the ethanolic extract which may be considered for numerous pharmacological properties, thus further processed for anti-ulcer potential. The ethanolic extract has given promising results as an antiulcer agent against the standard drug omeprazole. The present research concluded from various parameters such as macroscopic evaluation, successive extraction, physicochemical investigation, phytochemical investigation, and spectral analysis that ethanolic extract of plant P. Scrobiculatum contains the maximum amount of secondary metabolites and was further investigated for anti-ulcer potential at a dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg and the % Ulcer protection was found to be 26.81% and 49.24 % respectively against the standard drug omeprazole.

Effect of eucalyptus saponin and sophorolipid amendment on soil and sediment microbial communities and seed germination: potential application for PAH bioremediation

PurposeThe potential toxic effects due to the application of sophorolipid and the novel saponin biosurfactant extracted from the leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis for the purpose of bioremediating PAH-contaminated soils and sediments were studied.MethodsThe phytotoxic effects of sophorolipid and eucalyptus saponin were determined based on the seed germination assays carried out using the seeds of Lactuca sativa L and compared with commonly used rhamnolipid and Tween 20 surfactants. Further, biosurfactant-induced changes in soil/sediment bacterial structure and diversity were investigated by conducting Miseq amplicon sequencing of the bacterial genes.ResultsGermination indices (GI) demonstrated the non-phytotoxic effects (GI > 80%) of saponin and sophorolipid biosurfactants (100–500 mg/L), while rhamnolipid demonstrated greater phytotoxicity than Tween 20 at high concentrations (500 mg/L). Saponin-amended soil resulted in greater bacterial diversity and richness compared to controls, while sophorolipid produced the opposite effect. These significant variations were not observed in sediment samples. Incubation of biosurfactants for 20 and 40 days did not result in significant changes in bacterial diversity and structure in any of the samples. Increased abundance of some of the PAH-degrading bacteria was noted at OTU level, in the presence of saponin and sophorolipid. Saponin had less impact on native soil/sediment bacteria relative to sophorolipid based on the prevalence of the significantly shifted OTUs.ConclusionAs saponin and sophorolipid were shown to have no adverse impacts on the microbiome, and non-phytotoxic effects, their sustainable applications to remediate PAH-contaminated soils and sediments can be recommended.

Digestibility, Growth Performance, Body Measurement and Hormone of Sheep Fed with Different Levels of Brachiaria decumbens Diets.

Limited data are available regarding the effects of Brachiaria decumbens on sheep's growth performance at different times. Therefore, this current study focused on sheep's nutrient apparent digestibility, feed efficiency, body index, and growth hormone when they are fed with low and high levels of B. decumbens diets. A total of 30 six-month-old male Dorper cross sheep were divided randomly into three treatment groups with 10 sheep per treatment. Treatment 1 (control) sheep were fed with Pennisetum purpureum and pellets as the basal diet, whereas Treatment 2 and 3 sheep were fed with feed mixed with low (10%) and high (60%) levels of B. decumbens, respectively. The study was conducted in two phases consisting of short-term feeding (seven days) and long-term feeding (90 days). Throughout the experiment, daily fecal voided were collected in the morning for seven days continuous before the end of each feeding phases for the determination of nutrient apparent digestibility. The amount of feed offered and refusals plus body weight gain were recorded daily to determine the feed efficiency (FE). Besides, the body measurements of each sheep from every treatment were measured weekly and blood samples were collected for the analysis of growth hormone (GH) concentration. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the nutrient apparent digestibility, growth performance, body measurement, and GH concentration among treatment sheep throughout the study period. Treatment 3 sheep fed with 60% of B. decumbens diet revealed the lowest dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility during the long-term feeding. Likewise, Treatment 3 (T3) sheep had the lowest total bodyweight gain, average daily gain, total feed intake, and daily feed intake among treatment sheep. The heart girth index (HGI) of T3 sheep was also significantly lower during the short-term feeding. Moreover, the GH concentration of T3 sheep was significantly lower as compared to the control that decreases steadily throughout the study period. In conclusion, high levels of B. decumbens showed the most significant results out of all three treatments indicating the presence of saponins, which produce negative effects on the sheep's overall performance.

Ethnobotany and Antimicrobial Activity of Traditional Plant -&lt;i&gt;Holotelea integrifolia&lt;/i&gt;

Holoptelea integrifolia (Ulmaceae) is a diversely used in Traditional Systems of medicine for healing aliments. The plant is preferred in the treatment and curing diseases like leprosy, inflammation, rickets, leucoderma, scabies, rheumatism, eczema, malaria and many more. The plants exhibits various pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, nociceptive, antiaging ,inflammation, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, adaptogenic, anticancer, wound healing, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic. The study on moprphological and microscopical was carried out on this plant as per the standards laid down by who to find the genuinity of the species. Physical constant values involving moisture content, ash and extractives as well as qualitative and quantitative estimation of various phytochemical have been studied. The presence of Saponins, Tannins, Terpenoids, Steroid, Flavonoids, and some other chemical constituents were recorded followed by antimicrobial activity of the plant against Gram Positive and Gram Negative Bacteria. Looking forward with the potential aspects of the plant used in Traditional system standardization parameters were to be considered for its validation and authentication.

Traditional Chinese medicine: saponins, critical micellar concentrations and partition coefficients.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) revolves around complex mixtures bound to specific roles within the formulation, among which saponin-containing plants with alleged properties of harmonising or detoxifying other compounds present in the preparations. This article deals with the study of these interactions with, as a model, the interaction between saponins and selected active principles. The measurement of the partition coefficient between water and octanol (logP) was used as an indicator and determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for these active principles in the presence of saponins. For each compound, a graph was constructed showing the evolution of logP with increasing concentrations of saponins. Four distinct patterns of interactions were distinguished. Pattern A showed a constant decrease of logP, pattern B showed a decrease followed by a plateau, in pattern C the logP did not vary until the critical micellar concentration (CMC) and decreased afterwards, and pattern D exhibited an increase of logP. These properties were linked to the ability of saponins to form micelles in water once the CMC is reached. The interaction of aconitine and saponins followed pattern D, thus explaining the detoxification of herbal preparations using Aconitum with licorice. The licorice facilitated the extraction of the notoriously water-insoluble artemisinin from Artemisia annua. This investigation confirms that the physical properties of micelle forming saponins are intimately linked to a modification of behaviour of the other molecules in solution, as seen with the alteration of logP and the four types of interactions presented.

Improvement of Detergency Properties and Anti-Microbial Action of Biosoaps Using Saponin-Rich Extract and Α-Bisabolol Essential Oil

In this study, natural ingredients were added to bio-soaps, synthesized from castor oil, a plant-derived ingredient, to improve the detergency, anti-bacterial, and stability capabilities (saponin from Soapacean fruit and essential oil of chamomile) of such soap. The saponin from soapnut fruit was extracted by an extraction process based on ethanol extraction. The saponin concentration in the extract was determined by the UV-Vis spectroscopy method. By evaluating the height and stability of the foam column, the surface tension using the Du Noüy method, and critical micelle concentrations (CMC), we looked into the efficiency of saponin in enhancing soap properties. The results show that saponin will reduce the value of CMC and, at the same time, expand the working limit of soap in brackish water and hard water (containing Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions). In addition, the presence of saponins and α-Bisabolol essential oil enhanced the anti-bacterial properties of the soap. These results expand the possibility of using natural substances in making green products that are clean and safe for humans and the environment.

Evaluation of molluscicidal activity on Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) and phytochemical characterization of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Ricinus communis L. (EUPHORBIACEAE)

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection of great prevalence worldwide, affecting 250 million people in 78 countries. Faced with this problem, studies that seek to analyze molluscicidal activity from plant extracts have stood out. The present work aimed to obtain the phytochemical characterization and investigate the molluscicidal activity in the hydroalcoholic extract of Ricinus communis leaves on Biomphalaria glabrata. The hydroalcoholic extract was prepared by macerated with solvent ethanol P.A 96%, followed by filtration and concentration in rotary evaporator. Next, five groups of snails with 10 animals each, one being the negative control group, were submitted to treatments with four concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100mg/L of hydroalcoholic extract of R. communis. The parameters mortality, physiological and behavioral aspects of mollusks were analyzed during 96h. The chemical characterization of the extract was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Chemical characterization revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids and ricinin alkaloid, but under the conditions analyzed, the presence of saponins was not observed. There was no significant molluscicidal activity of the extract. However, a greater influence was observed in the diet, in addition to the motility and physiological state of the snails (alteration of cephalopodal mass and oviposition). The toxicity test was performed with Artemia salina and no toxicity was observed for this microcrustacean. It is expected that the results obtained contribute to the fight against the expansion of schistosomiasis and that they make room for other studies that investigate the molluscicidal action of plant extracts.

Physicochemical analysis, antioxidant activity and research of saponins in fresh and blanched caruru (Amaranthus deflexus Linn) and ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) leaves

Caruru and ora-pro-nóbis are unconventional food plants rich in proteins, essential amino acids, fibers, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds but contain antinutritional factors. Blanching is one of the recommended methods to eliminate antinutrients, but it can change the chemical composition of foods. Therefore, the study’s objective was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics (pH and acidity), the proximate composition, the bioactive compounds (total phenolic compounds and vitamin C), the antioxidant activity and the presence of saponins in fresh caruru and ora-pro-nóbis leaves and subjected to blanching. The analyzed samples showed significant content of moisture, ash, protein, fiber, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant activity. In caruru, blanching increased pH, total solids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates while decreasing moisture, antioxidant activity and saponins. In ora-pro-nóbis, this processing increased pH, fiber, and total phenolic compounds and decreased vitamin C and saponins.

EFFECTS OF GINGER (Zingiber officinale) and CLOVE (Syzygium aromaticum) EXTRACTS ON THE QUALITY OF Clarias gariepinus PROCESSED WITH KAINJI MODIFIED DRUM KILN

The research was aimed to evaluate the preservative effects of Ginger and Clove extract on the quality and shelf-life of Clarias gariepinus processed with Kainji Modified Drum Kiln. Thirty six (36) Clarias gariepinus species were obtained from Kabod Fish Farm, Jimeta-Yola. Phytochemical compositions of ginger and clove extract indicated the presence of Saponins, Flavonoids and Tannins in both Ginger and Clove, while Glycosides, Steroids and Trepenoids were only detected in Cloves. The Catfish samples were immersed in the aqueous solution prepared (Ginger Aqueous Solution (GAS) and Clove Aqueous Solution (CAS)) separately and transferred to the Kiln for smoking. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in all the fish samples treated with ginger, clove and combine (ginger and clove). The proximate composition of freshly processed and preserved C. gariepinus showed low crude protein (36.31 – 42.47 g/100g Dry matter) and crude lipid (16.65 – 24.35g/100g Dry matter) while crude protein (50.80– 56.87 g/100g Dry matter) and crude lipid decreases (14.98 – 19.00 g/100g Dry matter). The results show that the Catfish samples treated with ginger, clove and combined (ginger and clove) as preservatives prior to processing indicates the effectiveness of these preservatives in controlling yeast and mold growth and capable of inhibiting microbial growth in stored Catfish products that was processed by Kiln. The improvement and development of packaging (using low cost local packaging materials) and good storage conditions will protect the products against spoilage and breakages for more than twelve (12) weeks without any insect

Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Methanolic Leaf and Root Extracts of Gomphocarpus purpurascens A. Rich (Asclepiadaceae) in Mice.

Regardless of the availability of drugs many people still experienced pain and inflammation because current medications often trigger potentially serious adverse effects. A range of medicinal plants with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties have been widely used by traditional healers. Among them, Gomphocarpus purpurascens is one however there are no experimental studies that support this traditional use. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 80% methanolic leaf and root extracts of G. purpurascens. Air-dried leaves and roots of G. purpurascens were extracted with 80% methanol and an acute oral toxicity study was conducted for the 80% methanolic extract of G. purpurascens according to OECD guideline version eighteen. Preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of different constituents was carried out. The hot plate method was used to evaluate centrally mediated analgesic activity while peripheral analgesic activity was tested by an acetic acid-induced writhing test. Carrageenan-induced paw edema test and formalin-induced pedal edema test were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. Dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing test was observed in mice by 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg of root extract with respective values of 16.6%, 68.9%, and 83%. In the hot plate method, the root extract at doses of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed a significant (p < 0.05) analgesic effect. Maximum anti-inflammatory effects by all doses of leaf extracts were observed from 2-4hr post-induction in carrageenan-induced paw edema; and all tested doses of the extract inhibited the formalin-induced inflammation significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.01). The presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, anthraquinone, steroids, and phenols might be responsible for these activities. This study shows that the extract had potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity which supports the traditional claim.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and phytochemical prospection of Eugenia involucrata DC. leaf extracts.

The species Eugenia involucrata DC. is a plant native to Brazil and is traditionally used for intestinal problems, however, little research has documented about its biological potential and phytochemical profile. Thus, the objective of this study was to carry out preliminary phytochemical prospecting, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of E. involucrata extracts. Using the E. involucrata leaves, aqueous and organic extracts were obtained using the following solvents (ethanol, methanol, hexane, acetone, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate). The phytochemical prospecting detected the presence of saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts presented antimicrobial activity for most of the bacterial strains tested, as well as for yeast Candida albicans, with concentrations between 3.12 and 50 mg/mL. The ethanolic and metanolic extract presented high free radical sequestration potential (>90%). The methanol extract showed an IC50 value statistically equal to that found for the commercial antioxidant BHT (p <0.05). The crude extracts obtained with ethanol and methanol were the most promising. These results suggest that methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts are a promising source of natural bioactive.

In Vitro Antioxidant Properties and Methylglyoxal (MGO) Scavenging Effects of Centella asiatica Leaves in Water Extract

Introduction: Advanced glycation end product (AGE) is formed by the non-enzymatic glycation, leading to free radicals’ production and high oxidative stress. Accumulation of AGEs is associated with chronic diseases which are correlated with diabetes mellitus. Centella asiatica is a traditional medicinal herb used in Asia with numerous pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, wound healing, neuroprotective, and gastrointestinal treatment. This research was aim to evaluate the antioxidant, antiglycation, and phytochemical analysis of C. asiatica leaves (L.) water extract. Methods: The antioxidant activity of the plant extract was evaluated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (OH) radicals, nitric oxide (NO), and chelating capacity assays. Total phenolic content (TPC) was performed to determine the presence of bioactive compounds, such as saponins, which have been extensively reported in previous studies. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were used as positive control in the antioxidant assays, while quercetin was used in the antiglycation assays. Antiglycation effects of C. asiatica L. were evaluated through Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-MGO, BSA-glucose, and MGO scavenging assay. The data was expressed in terms of IC50. Result: The plant extract possessed significantly (p &lt; 0.001) lower IC50 value compared to the BHT in DPPH and NO radical scavenging assay. It also showed stronger antiglycative effect with lower IC50 value compared to the quercetin in BSA-glucose and BSA-MGO assay. The TPC of C. asiatica L. was 3.20 mg/GAE/g at 100µg/ml. Conclusion: The antiglycation effects of C. asiaitca L. include the reduction of Amadori products formation, trapping α-dicarbonyl intermediates, and free radical scavenging. It is suggested that the antiglycation effects of C. asiatica L. maybe attributed by the presence of saponins and other phytochemicals.

Investigation of foaming behavior in herbal extracts via the characterization of solution environment for reverse osmosis concentration

Foaming can be a challenge in many herbal extract processing, particularly with membrane technology involved. The foaming behavior of saponins and herbal solution containing saponins in the static system were investigated to gain more fundamental understanding on the correlations of foaming behavior- solution environment properties. To identify the cause and effects of foaming behavior under various conditions, foaming ability, foam sizes, as well as the physical properties (i.e. surface tension, zeta potential, viscosity, conductivity and pH) of the saponin solutions were characterized. The surface tension of mimic solution with the presence of saponins, polysaccharides and proteins was measured at 43.21 N/m, similar to the result of Sijunzi Decoction herbal extracts at 40.99 N/m, while other properties differed substantially. Foaming was confirmed to cause pressure drop in the dynamic concentration by reverse osmosis, while the foam height might pose insignificant impact on the magnitude of pressure drop. Significant feed pressure drop from 1.2 MPa to 1.0 MPa was observed in dynamic reverse osmosis concentration test of herbal extracts operated, while the pressure drop was negligible when operated at lower pressure operation (< 0.6 MPa) with the same feed flow rate. • Solution environment determines the foaming behavior of herbal extract. • Saponins, polysaccharides and proteins are identified as the foaming agents. • Concentrated herbal extract showed higher foam ability than mimic solution. • Larger pressure drop observed from operation RO at high pressure with herbal extracts. • Change in foam height did not cause pressure drop in RO concentration process.

Ethnobotanical Study and Phytochemical Screening of Selected Medicinal Plants in Agusan del Sur

This study assessed the selected medicinal plants in selected municipalities of Agusan del Sur through ethnobotanical study and phytochemical screening. Findings revealed 71 plant species comprising of 36 families and 65 genera used in 14 different disease categories. Lamiaceae, represented with 6 species, had the highest Family Importance Value index. Blumea balsamifera was the most cited plant used to treat respiratory diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. Highest Informant Consensus Factor was for Category VIII or diseases of the respiratory system. Leaves were the most frequently used part in this study due to the accessibility in obtaining these parts. Decoction, employed alone or in combination, was the most common method of preparation. Four plants, Acmella grandiflora, Anodendron borneense, Hellenia speciosa, and Homalomena philippinensis, were used for phytochemical screening. Presence of alkaloids was detected for A. grandiflora. Presence of steroids was evident in A. grandiflora, A. borneense, and H. philippinensis. Presence of flavonoids was evident in A. borneense. Presence of saponins was evident in H. speciosa and H. philippinensis. Presence of condensed tannins was evident in A. grandiflora and H. speciosa. This study concluded that traditional knowledge was still being practiced among Agusan Manobo tribe as indicated in the high percentage of middle and younger age group informants. Most of these plants were safe to use and readily available as they were cultivated. It was recommended to consider thorough study on the biochemical activities, quantitative analyses, and methodical phytochemistry of novel medicinal plants and to intensify policies and priorities to promote conservation and protection of these plants.

Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity of Argyrcia speciosa (Linn.f.) Sweet., collected from Darrang district, Assam

The present study was carried out to analyze the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity, totalphenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antimicrobial activity of Argyrcia speciosa (Linn.f.) Sweet.Preliminary phytochemical analysis was done using standard procedure. Total phenolic content, totalflavonoid content, and antioxidant activities were determined spectrophotometrically in crude aqueous,methanol, chloroform, and hexane extracts. The in vitro antimicrobial activity was determined by well. diffusion method against seven MTCC bacterial species and two MTCC fungal species. Preliminaryphytochemical analysis indicated the presence of saponin, tannin, flavonoid, phenol, trapezoid, cardiacglycoside, and alkaloid, except anthraquinone, steroid, and reducing sugar. The chloroform extract showeda better result than the other extract. Clear antimicrobial activity was observed against Staphylococcusepidermidis and Escherichia coli using methanolic extract while aqueous extract showed moderate activity.Moderate activity was also noted against S. epidermidis and P. vulgaris using methanol and chloroformextract respectively. The percentages inhibition in the case of DPPH and ABTS were recorded highest as83.15 ± 0.000% and 94.80 ± 0.000 for chloroform and methanol extract respectively. The present studyrevealed that both primary and secondary metabolites are present in Argyrcia speciosa (Linn. f.) Sweet., which confer their traditional uses as food and medicine.

Study on the Anti‐inflammatory activity of Saponin from Dioscorea bulbifera using in vitro and in silico methods

Dioscorea bulbifera is commonly known as Aerial Yam is a perennial, non-spiny, climbing plant consist of numerous medicinal benefits. It contains a large number of polyphenols including organic acids and saponins. Aim of the present study is to screen the anti-inflammatory activity of saponin from the aqueous methanol fruit extract of Dioscorea bulbifera. The presence of saponin was tested using the qualitative phytochemical screening and separated using TLC. Total saponin content was 30µg/g. The identification of saponin activity against inflammation was carried out using several assays such as Cyclooxygenase inhibition assay, Lipooxygenase Inhibition assay and Protein denaturation inhibition assay using Diclofenac sodium. In silico study was conducted for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity using the COX-2 as target. The docking results revealed that dioscin was predicted to have the highest binding efficacy with COX-2 receptor with a binding energy of -662.07 kcal/mol. Thus the study shows that the Dioscorea bulbifera fruit contain a safe and effective Anti-inflammatory activity.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF AYURVEDIC FORMULATION SITOPLADI CHURNA OF DIFFERENT BRANDS

In ayurvedic system of treatment, churnas are as good as are asavas and arishtas for the eradication of diseases. As a part of evaluation, Dabur and Baidhyanath brands properties of Sitopladi churna were tested for relevant organoleptic, physiochemical, micromeretics and fluorescence properties. The Dabur formulation is more elegant in colour, odor and in taste. Moisture content of both formulations was found within pharmacopoeial limit. In the present study, Dabur churna emitted white and Baidhyanath emitted off white fluorescence under day light, in short UV light and in long UV light. The micromeretic parameters (bulk density, tap density, angle of repose &amp; Carr’s index) were checked to determine its flow property; both formulations were found with good flow. Preliminary phytochemical screening indicated presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavnoids and phenolics. The results were found in close proximity for both brands. This study on Sitopladi churna was reproducible, precise and may be considered as a method for its quality control.

Co-interaction of nitrofurantoin and saponins surfactants with biomembrane leads to an increase in antibiotic’s antibacterial activity

Limited bioavailability of antibiotics is an urgent problem in the treatment of microbial infections. To increase transport of nitrofurantoin (NFT) into the bacterial cells the proposed strategy is to use the natural surfactants - saponins, extracted from Sapindus mukorossi L. This study aimed to investigate whether and in which way saponins may increase the antibacterial action of nitrofurantoin against Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa NFT3 strain. The results clearly show that the cell activity of bacteria treated with NFT was nearly 35% lower after 8 h, but in the presence of S. mukorossi L. saponins over 75% reduction in the activity of the cells was observed. The Langmuir monolayer technique proved the incorporation of plant surfactant molecules into the phospholipid membrane and the lack of membrane interaction of NFT itself. The analysis with live bacterial cells showed a significant decrease in total cell membrane permeability, which was observed in the presence of NFT (reduction from 16% to 7%) with a negligible effect of saponins alone on this parameter. TEM and AFM imaging confirmed the deformation of the bacterial cell wall in the presence of saponins. To conclude, the synergistic co-action of the S. mukorossi L. saponins and NFT was proved, and it could be explained by membrane relaxation caused by saponins, which facilitates the bioavailability of NFT on the bacteria and increases its effectiveness as a biocidal agent. The research results indicate the possibility of using new, biodegradable surfactants, i.e. saponins, in antibiotic therapies.

Toxicological evaluation of Hb cleanser® bitters on biochemical parameters in Wistar rats

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of HB Cleanser bitters on biochemical parameters in male Wistar rats. Twenty-eight animals were assigned into four groups of seven animals each. Groups A, B, C received 1, 1.03 and 1.29 ml/kg of the HB bitters respectively while group D (control), received 1 ml normal saline. All administrations were done orally and daily for 28 days. The feed and fluid intake were measured daily and the body weight weekly. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. Acute toxicity results showed that the LD50 of HB Cleanser Bitters was greater than 5000 mg/kg with no mortality. There was a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in body weight. In addition, HB bitters caused at 1 ml/kg significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and urea more than the other doses compared to negative control. A significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease was observed in the levels of total protein and albumin compared to negative control. The findings from this study showed that HB cleanser Bitters may adversely affect hepatic and renal indices and therefore should be used with caution.