Previous Phytochemical Studies Research Articles

Chemical and metabolic profiling of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in the bulbs of Narcissus tazetta L. var. chinensis Roem using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with data mining strategy

RationaleThe bulbs of Narcissus tazetta L. var. chinensis Roem (BNTCR) has been used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of carbuncles in China. The previous phytochemical studies indicated that the main active components of BNTCR were Amarllidaceae alkaloids (AAs). However, the comprehensive chemical and metabolic profiling of AAs in BNTCR remains underexplored. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an accurate and rapid approach for chemical characterization and metabolic profiling of AAs in BNTCR.MethodsThe structural elucidation of natural products by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS) with outstanding properties is still limited due to complex mixtures that contain hundreds of compounds. In this study, we employed UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS with a data mining strategy, including diagnostic fragment ions (DFIs) and neutral loss (NL), for rapid classifying and identifying AAs in BNTCR and prototypes absorbed into the blood of mice after oral administration of BNTCR extract.ResultsAs a result, 87 AAs, including 13 narciclasine type, 13 homolycorine type, 17 lycorine type, 12 galanthamine type, 25 haemanthamine type, and 7 tazettine type, were tentatively characterized (6 verified with authentic standards). In addition, a total of 44 prototypes were identified in mice plasma, urine, and fecal samples. Among them, 8 prototypes were found in plasma, 36 in urine, and 40 in feces, respectively. Lycorine, pseudolycorine, homolycorine, 8‐O‐demetylhomolycorine, and tazettine, as major AAs in BNTCR, were absorbed into the blood.ConclusionsOur findings provided a crucial step for the elucidation of the active compounds in BNTCR for treatment of carbuncles. In the future, the developed strategy could also be applied for identifying AAs in other herbal medicines from Amarllidaceae.

Phytochemical Constituents, Antimicrobial Activity of Daniellia oliveri, and X-ray Crystal Structure of Polyalthic Acid

Objectives: Daniellia oliveri Rolfe is a well-known plant of Fabaceae family whose previous phytochemical and pharmacological studies led to the identification of triterpenoid, phenol, anthraquinone oxalate with antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities. This study aimed to investigate chemical constituents and evaluate the antimicrobial potency of the root of D. oliveri. Methods: The methanol extract of the root barks of D. oliveri was subjected to silica gel chromatographic separation. The structures of the isolated compounds (1-9) were determined by analyzing their spectrometric and spectroscopic spectra. Single-crystal-Xray analysis was used to establish the absolute skeletal structure of compound 1. Crude extract, fractions and compounds were investigated against four bacteria vis Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853, Escherichia coli 5, Staphylococcus aureus 25923 and Streptococcus sp . 9619 and, two yeast vis Candida albicans14053 and Candida tropicalis 018 using broth microdilution method. Results: The phytochemical prospection of the methanol extract of D. oliveri allowed the isolation of a naturally crystallized diterpenoid type furolabdane: polyalthic acid 1, as well as eight amorphous compounds (2-9). Among the tested samples, the crude extract, fractions and compounds selectively showed inhibitory effects against the tested microorganisms with MIC values ranging from 4 to 1024 μg/mL. Fraction D1 and compounds 1, 4, 7, 8 and 9 exhibited the broadest antimicrobial effects among fractions and compounds while D5 and compound 1 showed the best activity with MIC values of 16 and 4 μg/mL respectively against E. coli which appeared to be the most sensitive strain . Conclusion: Polyaltic acid (1) showed the best activity with significant MIC value of 4 μg/mL identical to that of ceftazidine against E. coli. The MIC values of the active compounds 1, 4 and 7 are comparable to those of ceftazidime. Then, these compounds from natural origin, could serve as markers in the standardization of Daniellia plant as phytomedicine.

Antimicrobial Plants Used by Fang Populations and Phytochemical Profiling of Erismadelphus exsul.

Gabon has a rich flora, many species of which are used in traditional medicine. However, little research has been carried out on this wealth. An ethnopharmacological survey in the Fang language was carried out among traditional practitioners to collect antimicrobial medicinal plants. Phytochemical profiling of ethanolic and methanolic extracts from Erismadelphus exsul Mildbr leaves was carried out using HPLC-ESI-Q/TOF and a molecular network approach. Antibacterial activity was assessed with disk diffusion and microdilution methods, antioxidant activity via DPPH and FRAP methods, and in vitro cell viability via Cell Counting Kit-8. A total of 21 medicinal plants were collected, grouped into 10 families, of which the Fabaceae is the most represented. Erismadelphus exsul was chosen for chemical and biological studies due to its citation frequency (RCF = 0.59) and the absence of previous phytochemical studies. These studies revealed 4 major families of natural compounds and annotated 19 compounds for the first time. The crude leaf extract showed significant antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Cytotoxicity studies showed that the leaves were not cytotoxic, unlike the bark. This study underlines the importance of preserving the ancestral knowledge of the Fang populations, while showing promising results for Erismadelphus exsul.

Essential oil analysis of Rhaponticum repens (L.) Hidalgo, and its application in green synthesis of iron nanoparticles to remove Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solutions

Acroptilon repens is a widespread weed in Asia, and has a complicated taxonomy. Recent taxonomical treatment explored that Acroptilon species must be classified in the genus Rhaponticum. Therefore, the scientific name of this species has been converted into Rhaponticum repens. In the current study, essential oil composition, and its ability to green synthesis of iron nanoparticles for future use to adsorb Cr (VI) ions pollution of aquatic solution were evaluated for the first time. The GC-MS analysis revealed oxygenated monoterpenes constituted great proportion of the essential oil, with 1,8-cineole and camphor as the main essential oil components. Several appropriate methods, including UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, DLS, and VSM revealed the green synthesis of a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles by the extracted essential oil. Sizes of the produced nanoparticles were not equal and detected in the range of 3 to 50 nm, with an average size of 31.5 nm and the magnetic property of 15 emu/g. The green-synthesized nanoparticles could adsorb Cr (VI) ions pollution from aquatic solutions. However, under an optimum condition, the Cr (VI) ions adsorption capacity and removal were 167.6 mg/g and 91%, respectively. Findings revealed the major essential oil composition highly differed from those reported in the previous phytochemical studies. Although the synthesized nanoparticles were not uniform, they could remove Cr (VI) ions pollution.

Boswellianols A-I, Structurally Diverse Diterpenoids from the Oleo-Gum Resin of Boswellia carterii and Their TGF-β Inhibition Activity.

Olibanum, a golden oleo-gum resin from species in the Boswellia genus (Burseraceae family), is a famous traditional herbal medicine widely used around the world. Previous phytochemical studies mainly focused on the non-polar fractions of olibanum. In this study, nine novel diterpenoids, boswellianols A-I (1-9), and three known compounds were isolated from the polar methanolic fraction of the oleo-gum resin of Boswellia carterii. Their structures were determined through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis as well as experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data comparison. Compound 1 is a novel diterpenoid possessing an undescribed prenylmaaliane-type skeleton with a 6/6/3 tricyclic system. Compounds 2-4 were unusual prenylaromadendrane-type diterpenoids, and compounds 5-9 were new highly oxidized cembrane-type diterpenoids. Compounds 1 and 5 showed significant transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) inhibitory activity via inhibiting the TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smad3 and the expression of fibronectin and N-cadherin (the biomarker of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition) in a dose-dependent manner in LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells, indicating that compounds 1 and 5 should be potential anti-fibrosis agents. These findings give a new insight into the chemical constituents of the polar fraction of olibanum and their inhibitory activities on the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

Optimization of extraction conditions for phytochemicals from Senna fistula using cheminformatics

Senna fistula (commonly called golden shower tree) is a tropical plant renowned for its established medicinal properties. Additionally, it serves as a popular ornamental tree for homesteads and roadside plantings. But previous phytochemical studies on the plant adopted the conventional methods of extraction without optimal yield of the plant extract. This study investigated on the phytochemistry of S. fistula leaf, stem bark and flower using ethanol, aqueous and palm wine extracts. Also, optimization of extraction with the aid of design expert was carried out to determine the extraction condition that would give the optimum yield using different solvent. Result of qualitative analysis on phytochemicals showed presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, phenols, cardiac glycosides and tannins. An extraction of 10 g of S. fistula for 24 h at 300 rpm, with an orbital shaker time of 30 min, gave an optimal yield of 3.6 g. The bio-active compounds found in S. fistula are subjects of more exploratory research with usable products that can benefit mankind as the focus.

Anthelmintic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Leaves Of Cyclea Peltata Lam and it’s Statistical Analysis

The aim of this research is to develop a safe and effective anthelmintic from plants, due to the resistance and toxic effect of synthetic anthelmintics on animals and humans. There are several side effects for synthetic drugs including drug resistance, toxicity, and drug residual in animal products. So there is a need for the exploration of medicinal plants for the treatment of different types of worm infections.
 In this research a medicinally and traditionally important plant is used, leaves of Cyclea peltata Lam. The methanolic extract of the leaves were prepared by maceration technique and are monitored for the anti-helminthic activity against adult Pheretima posthuma worms. The reason for selecting this plant is due to the presence of tannins, which have been proved by previous phytochemical studies. Tannins have the capability to bind free proteins in the cuticle, oral cavity of helminths, thus causing the death. Albendazole (25 mg/5ml) is used as a controlled drug by using the adult motility assay method. Three concentrations were prepared (25, 50, and 100mg/5ml). The time required for the immobility and death of the worms were determined. This study deals with the statistical analysis by one way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test at 95% confidence interval using graph pad prism software version 9.0.0 reveals the result that the methanolic extract of the Leaves of Cyclea peltata Lam causes the immobility and death of the vermicular in a concentration-dependent manner as compared to the standard drug Albendazole.

A review of the desert gold jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) whole plant, oil, and meal: Phytochemical composition, medicinal uses, and detoxification

AbstractSimmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K. Schneider (Jojoba) is a valuable shrub that can bear harsh conditions and is cultivated in many countries globally. Its prominence originates from the unique oil that constitutes more than 50% of the seeds. The great economic value of jojoba oil is highlighted in many fields, especially the cosmetic industry. The remaining meal, which is rich in proteins, constitutes a good source for cattle feeding. However, the presence of antinutritional principles in the meal limited its use and encouraged the researchers to find different ways for its detoxification. The detoxification ways of jojoba meal included physical, biological, and chemical treatments. The phytochemical composition of the oil was deeply studied, but for the remaining plant, only few studies have reported its chemical composition. Jojoba oil composed of wax esters (97%), fatty acids, fatty alcohols, sterols, and small percentage of vitamin E. Jojoba possesses a long traditional history. It has been used in folklore for treatment of cold, dysuria, and obesity. Many recent studies reported its medicinal and pharmacological properties like antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti‐acne, anti‐psoriasis, wound healing, and hepatoprotective activities. Many of these biological activities have been attributed to the presence of several phytochemicals such as simmondsin and phenolic compounds. In this review, the authors will highlight the previous phytochemical studies, medicinal applications of jojoba oil and different plant parts, and the various ways of meal detoxification.

STRESS-PROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF THE COMPLEX REMEDY IN ACUTE IMMOBILIZATION STRESS

Relevance. The range of medicinal remedies in the traditional Tibetan medicine contains several tens of formulae named bchud len. They are multicomponent remedies of natural origin having a stimulating non-specific effect on the human body. The analysis of such formula under the name ‘Rejuvenating-35’ has been presented in the paper. The complex remedy on the base of this formula was developed. Its composition includes 14 species of the plants and chitosan as a source of mineral substances. Previous phytochemical studies have revealed that the given remedy contains a wide spectrum of biologically active substances, namely triterpene saponins, flavonoids, ether oils, tannins, polysaccharides, etc. The aim of the present work was to evaluate stress-protective activity of the complex remedy in acute restraint stress. Material and methods. Experiments were carried out on white Wistar rats. The acute stress was simulated by immobilization of animals in supine position for 18 hours. The tested remedy was introduced in the form of decoction for 7 days before exposure to stress. Results. It has been established that the course administration of the complex remedy decreases the manifestation of the Selye’s triad signs: 26% decrease of adrenal glands hypertrophy, 45% and 60% decrease in involution of thymus and spleen respectively as compared to the data in the control group of animals. Besides, its administration prevents the development of rough destructions in the stomach mucosa in the form of erosions and linear ulcers. Against the background of the complex remedy administration there was noted twofold decrease of TBA-active products concentra-tion, fourfold increase of superoxide dismutase activity, 30% increase of catalase activity and the content of the reduced glutathione was 30% in-creased as compared to the data in the control. Conclusions. The preventive administration of the complex remedy has stress-protective effect against the background of acute restraint stress. Molecular-cell mechanisms of its anti-stress effect are connected with the inhibition of free-radical oxidation processes and the increased activity of the endogenic antioxidant system.

Study the Effect of Ferula hermonis Extract on HepG2 cell line culture

Ferula hermonis Boiss (Apiaceae) is known in the Midleast as
 "zallouh". In the last decade, scientists paid attention to study
 
 chemistry and biological activity of the plant. In this study Ferula
 hermonis were collected and evaluated for cytotoxic activity. The
 plant was extracted with methanol The cytotoxic effect of the
 extracts was examined in-vitro on human cell line (Human liver
 carcinoma cell line HepG2). Results were shown that significant
 decrease of HepG2 cells viability. The effect of F. hermonis on cell
 viability of HepG2 cell line culture show that plant extract cause
 significant decrease ( p< 0.05) of HepG2 cell viability, and this
 decrease in cell viability is increased with the increasing the extract
 concentrations in comparison with the negative control, and the
 growth inhibition percentage reach to (78.3%).
 Introduction
 
 Ferula hermonis Boiss. (Apiaceae), commonly known as " Shilsh-
 el-zallouh" , "Hashishat-al-kattira" or "The Lebanese Viagra" ,is a
 small perennial shrub that grows abundantly at more than 2500 m on
 the high mountain areas of northern Lebanon, and on the biblical
 Mount Hermon in Southern Lebanon, (El-Taher et al., 2001). Middle
 East herbalists have used the seeds and roots of this plant for
 centuries as a folk remedy as an aphrodisiac to treat frigidity in
 women, and erectile and sexual dysfunction in men by increasing
 blood flow to sexual organs. The antimicrobial activity of the crude
 extract and the isolated compounds has been reported (Hilan et al.,
 2007). Previous phytochemical studies on this plant have revealed
 the presence of various sesquiterpenes, mainly of the daucane ester
 type (Galal et al., 2001). On roots of Ferula hermonis, several
 sesquiterpenes have been isolated, most of which display biological
 activities. The active constituents are believed to be daucane alcohols

A Review of the Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of the Fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle): A Traditional Chinese Medicinal Food.

Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey ex Lu et Z. Y. Zhang is a unique economic and medicinal plant of Cucurbitaceae in Southern China. For hundreds of years, Chinese people have used the fruit of S. grosvenorii as an excellent natural sweetener and traditional medicine for lung congestion, sore throat, and constipation. It is one of the first species in China to be classified as a medicinal food homology, which has received considerable attention as a natural product with high development potential. Various natural products, such as triterpenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, and lignans, have been released from this plant by previous phytochemical studies. Phar- macological research of the fruits of S. grosvenorii has attracted extensive attention, and an increasing number of extracts and compounds have been demonstrated to have antitussive, expectorant, antiasthmatic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, immunologic, hepatoprotective, antibacte- rial, and other activities. In this review, based on a large number of previous studies, we summarized the related research progress of the chemical components and pharmacological effects of S. grosvenorii, which provides theoretical support for further investigation of its biological functions and potential clinical applications.

Comparison of betulinic acid extraction techniques from Eugenia florida DC (Myrtaeae) leaves

Eugenia florida DC belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Previous phytochemical studies with leaves extracts of E. florida revealed the occurrence of triterpenes, such as betulinic acid (BA) which presents a vast literature with different biological activities: anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of different extraction methods (static maceration, dynamic maceration, percolation, soxhlet and ultrasonic waves) to extract BA from the leaves of Eugenia florida. The solvents and particle sizes were also evaluated. The results showed that the better solvents to extract BA were ethyl acetate and chloroform. The highest percentages of BA were obtained by percolation and maceration, probably due to the swelling of the plant material and the renewal of the solvent process. In the assays using different particle sizes of leaves of E. florida, relating to BA recovery and extraction yield, different extraction profiles were observed among the various solvents used. Ethyl acetate and chloroform showed no significant differences in both yields, however 50% of decreasing on extraction efficiency was observed when plant smaller particles were used with methanol and ethanol.

New Monoterpene-Conjugated Phenolic Constituents from Nutmeg and Their Autophagy Modulating Activities.

The seed of Myristica fragrans Houtt (nutmeg) is one of the important spices that have been extensively used in the culinary, food, beverage, and also in medicinal products industry. Previous phytochemical studies on nutmeg were mainly focused on lignans and neolignans. However, the other constituents have been poorly studied. In this study, 11 new monoterpene-conjugated phenolic derivatives, named myrifratins A-K (1-11), and five known compounds were isolated from nutmeg. The novel neolignan-diarylnonanoid-monoterpene conjugates (1 and 2) were first isolated in nature. Compounds 3-7 were rarely monoterpene-diarylnonanoid-conjugated derivatives, and 8-11 were the first examples of monoterpene-neolignan conjugates. Compounds 4-6, 12, and 13 showed potent autophagy inhibitory activities in a concentration-dependent manner. Our findings showed an uncommon class of monoterpene-conjugated phenolic derivatives in nature and reported their autophagy inhibition activities for the first time, which may give a new insight into the benefits or safety of nutmeg in foods.

Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Three Bioactive Diterpenoids of Rabdosia serra Extract in Normal and Con A-Induced Liver Injury Rats Using UPLC-MS/MS.

Rabdosia serra (Maxim.) Hara (R. serra), one of the source plants of “Xihuangcao”, has been widely used as a Chinese folk herb with the concomitant function of both medicine and foodstuff for the prevention and treatment of liver disease. Diterpenoids were considered as the major bioactive components in R. serra, responsible for their effect on hepatoprotection in previous phytochemical and pharmacological studies, while few comparative pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted under the physiological and pathological conditions. To reveal the difference in the pharmacokinetics process of R. serra extract (RSE) in normal and Con A-induced liver injury rats, a rapid ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method (total running time: 5 min) was established to simultaneously determine three bioactive diterpenoids (enmein, epinodosin, and isodocarpin) in rat plasma. The results showed significant differences in the pharmacokinetic properties of three analytes between the physiological and pathological states. Compared with normal rats, the AUC of the three analytes was remarkably higher in liver injury rats, while the Tmax, T1/2, and MRT were shortened. It indicated that RSE has higher exposure and quicker elimination in liver injury rats than that in normal rats. Our results suggested that the pharmacokinetics of hepatoprotective medications was affected by liver injury, which prospected to provide essential information for guiding the healthcare and clinical application of R. serra in pathological states.

Bioassay-guided Isolation of Ursolic Acid as the Major Cytotoxic Compound Present in the Methanolic Extract of the Leaves of Arbutus pavarii Pamp.

Arbutus pavarii Pamp. (Fam. Ericaceae), an endemic Libyan medicinal plant, is commonly known as “Shmeri”, “Shmar” or “Libyan Strawberry”, and almost exclusively found in the Al-Jabel Al-Akhdar mountainous region in Libya. This plant is a forage species for honeybees and thus, is important for honey production. A. pavarii has long been used in Libyan traditional medicine to treat both gastritis and kidney diseases. Previous limited phytochemical studies on this plant furnished the presence of simple phenolics like arbutin and gallic acid, and polyphenolics including flavonoids and tannins, for example, apigenin, epicatechin, hesperidin, kaempferol, naringin, quercetin and rutin, as well as some triterpenes and sterols. This paper describes, for the very first time, a cytotoxicity assay-guided isolation of the major active compound from the methanol extract of the leaves of A. pavarii, and its identification as ursolic acid (1) by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 20(3): 267-274, 2022 (June) Centennial Special Issue

The Antimicrobial Activity of Red Palm (Cyrtostachys renda) In Leaf Ethanolic Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus

Medicinal plants are a rich source of secondary metabolites and been utilized since time immemorial as powerful drugs in traditional or alternative healthcare systems. In the light of this marvel, Cyrtostachys renda (Red Palm) is known to possess phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, and steroids. Previous phytochemical studies on Cyrtostachys renda has revealed, the presence of steroids, tannins and flavonoids but none have tested its antimicrobial capabilities. In this study, the researchers used the red palm tree (Cyrtostachys renda) leaves extract as a viable antimicrobial concoction against Staphylococcus aureus. The determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) as well as the Zone of Inhibition (ZI) was highlighted in this study for the researchers to assess the overall capability of the Red Palm leaf ethanolic extract as a viable antimicrobial concoction. Apart from the Red Palm ethanolic extract, the researchers had used the ampicillin vial as their positive control and distilled water as their negative control in order to have a point of comparison and synthesis. This study utilized a post test experimental design with three treatments and three repetitions following a complete randomized design format (CRD) to ensure the validity and integrity of the experimental process. Results had shown that Red Palm (Cyrtostachys renda) showed potential viability as an antimicrobial extract as there was a notable presence of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of (30 mm) using a 30 ml solution and a Zone of Inhibition with a mean of 9.33 mm. The researchers recommend to venture out different species of Palm for comparison of its potential antimicrobial viability.

Phytochemistry, traditional uses, and pharmacology of the genus Ekebergia (Meliaceae): A review

Ekebergia (Meliaceae) is a genus of flowering shrubs and trees widely distributed in the African continent. It is represented by four species namely E. capensis Sparrm, E. benguelensis Welw. ex C.DC, E. pterophylla (C.DC.) Hofmeyr and E. pumila I.M.Johnst. The information for this review has been collected via a survey performed through several online libraries including the Plantlist, Jstor, Scifinder, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Dictionary of Natural Products. So far, about 69 distinct compounds have been isolated during the previous phytochemical studies of Ekebergia genus plants. These compounds belong to diverse classes of metabolites such as limonoids, triterpenoids, coumarins, steroids, alkaloids, stilbenes and phenolic compounds. Some of these isolates displayed various bioactivities including antiplasmodial, antimicrobial, antiproliferative or uterotonic activities. This review covers the traditional uses, the phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of the genus Ekebergia over the last four decades (1980 to 2020).

Bioactive fractions and compound of Ardisia crispa roots exhibit anti-arthritic properties mediated via angiogenesis inhibition in vitro

BackgroundArdisia crispa (Thunb.) A.DC (Primulaceae), is a medicinal herb traditionally used by Asian people as remedies to cure inflammatory related diseases, including rheumatism. The plant roots possess various pharmacological activities including antipyretic, anti-inflammation and antitumor. Previous phytochemical studies of the plant roots have identified long chain alkyl-1,4-benzoquinones as major constituents, together with other phytochemicals. Hexane fraction of the plant roots (ACRH), was previously reported with anti-angiogenic and anti-arthritic properties, while its effect on their anti-arthritic in vitro, is yet unrevealed. Considering the significance of angiogenesis inhibition in developing new anti-arthritic agent, thus we investigated the anti-arthritic potential of Ardisia crispa roots by suppressing angiogenesis, in vitro.MethodsArdisia crispa roots hexane extract (ACRH) was prepared from the plant roots using absolute n-hexane. ACRH was fractionated into quinone-rich fraction (QRF) and further isolated to yield benzoquinonoid compound (BQ), respectively. In vitro experiments using VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and IL-1β-induced human fibroblast-like synoviocytes for rheumatoid arthritis (HFLS-RA) were performed to evaluate the effects of these samples on VEGF-induced HUVECs proliferation and tube formation, and towards IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis, respectively. Therapeutic concentrations (0.05, 0.5, and 5 μg/mL) tested in this study were predetermined based on the IC50 values obtained from the MTT assay.ResultsACRH, QRF, and BQ exerted concentration-independent antiproliferative effects on VEGF-induced HUVECs and IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA, with IC50 values at 1.09 ± 0.18, 3.85 ± 0.26, and 1.34 ± 0.16 μg/mL in HUVECs; and 3.60 ± 1.38, 4.47 ± 0.34, and 1.09 ± 0.09 μg/mL in HFLS-RA, respectively. Anti-angiogenic properties of these samples were verified via significant inhibition on VEGF-induced HUVECs tube formation, in a concentration-independent manner. The invasiveness of IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA was also significantly inhibited in a concentration-independent manner by all samples. ACRH and BQ, but not QRF, significantly enhanced the apoptosis of IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA elicited at their highest concentration (5 μg/mL) (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings highlight the bioactive fractions and compound from Ardisia crispa roots as potential anti-arthritic agents by inhibiting both HUVECs and HFLS-RA’s cellular functions in vitro, possibly mediated via their anti-angiogenic effects.

Analgesic Activity of Conyza Floribunda Extracts in Swiss Albino Mice

Traditional medicine still plays an important role in managing infections especially in Africa. Extracts of Conyza floribunda Kunth are used to treat sore throat, ringworm and other skin related infections, toothache and to stop bleeding from injuries. Extracts from the plant have been reported to exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activities. Previous phytochemical studies on the plant yielded terpenoid, sterols and flavonoids. The aim of the present study was to determine the analgesic activity Conyza floribunda extracts. Methanol, DCM and n -hexane extracts of the plant were subjects to toxicity, hot plate latency and acetic acid induced-writhing tests using Swiss Albino Mice. The plant extract showed analgesic activity in both hot plate latency and acetic acid induced-writhing tests. The extracts significantly increased the response time in the animals compared to the negative control. In the hot plate latency test, the analgesic activity of the extracts and that of morphine rose over time to peak at 90 minutes and then decreased afterwards. In the acetic acid-induces writhing test, administration of the plant extracts significantly reduced the number of abdominal contractions compared to the negative control. The percentage inhibitions of abdominal contractions were 67.2, 46.5 and 39.4 for methanol, DCM and n -hexane extracts respectively. The findings from this study have confirmed the folkloric information that extracts from C. floribunda have analgesic properties. We therefore recommend the extracts from the plant for use in pain management. Further studies should be carried out to isolate and characterize the analgesic principles from the plant. Keywords: Conyza floribunda , Toxicity test, Analgesic activity, Hot plate test, Writhing test DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-12-01 Publication date: June 30 th 2021

Pharmacognostical Standardisation of Ailanthus Excelsa Leaves and Randia Dumetorum Fruit Along with Antioxidant Activity and Free Radical Scavenging Capacity of Its Fractions

The world is observing an unprecedented development in the usage of herbal product at national as well as international levels. This requires the improvement of current and aimed standards for estimating the quality, safety and efficacy of these drugs. The leaves of Ailanthus excelsa and the fruits of Randia Dumetorum are medicinal plants that are used for many diseases around the world. We then collected the flavonoids and saponin fraction extracted from the leaves of Ailanthus excelsa and the fruits of Randia dumetorum. To determine the reliability, quality and purity of these particles, we provide a crucial pharmacological profile along with the antioxidant activity. Pharmacological studies, such as morphological, physicochemical, TLC, and phytochemical analysis of all fractions containing total phenol and flavonoids, were performed according to specific methods. DPPH tests estimated the antioxidant action of all fractions, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay, and reducing power assay method. Previous phytochemical studies discovered the occurrence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and especially phenolic chemicals. All fractions have antioxidant effects, depending on the existence of a phenolic compound. The above parameters are vital to establishing pharmacological rules for the authentication of Ailanthus excelsa leaves and Randia Dumetorum fruits.