Racemosa Bark Research Articles

Multiple integrated computational approach to analyse wound healing potential of Symplocos racemosa bark as Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors

The healing of wounds is the flagging concern in chronic wound cases especially when accompanied by pathogenic, diabetic comorbidities. Matrix metalloproteinases are associated with widespread pathological ailments, and the selective inhibitors for metalloproteinases can be of great interest in wound healing strategies. In the present research study, six constituents of Symplocos racemosa Roxb were evaluated for the docking aptitudes on human matrix metalloproteinase MMP 2 (PDB ID: 1QIB) and MMP 9 (PDB ID: 4H1Q) utilising Autodock Vina followed by the visualisation using Discovery studio (DS). The Pymol was used to generate the poses and the best binding pose was chosen for the docking aptitudes. 2D interactions and the 3D poses of the docked complex were accomplished using DS and LigPlot + software respectively. Working on SWISS ADME and OSIRIS software accomplished the physicochemical characteristics, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, molecular properties, bioactivity score, and toxicity predictions. The molecule’s physiochemical investigations discovered that all of the ligands comply with Lipinski’s rule of five except compound 6, which deviated with two violations. Docking studies against 4H1Q revealed that compounds 1, 3, 5 and 6 exhibited maximum interactions with the target protein, with the free binding energies of −8.3 kJ Mol−1, −9.3 kJ Mol−1, −7.2 kJ Mol−1 and −11.0 kJ Mol−1 respectively. In case of the 1QIB target, compounds 1, 3 and 6 displayed remarkable binding energies of −8.7 kJ mol−1, −9.0 kJ mol−1 and −8.8 kJ mol−1. Bioactivity prediction study revealed that all of the selected Phytoconstituents displayed incredible Bioactivity scores. None of the selected chemical compounds was found to be irritant to the skin as discovered by toxicity studies. The contacts of the ligand-protein complex during the simulation studies revealed that the H-bond interactions of the ligands with LEU188, ALA189, GLN402, ARG420, MET422, PRO421, and ARG424 of 4H1Q were stable for more than 30% of the simulation time. It was thus concluded that the tested compounds predominantly compounds 1, 5 and 6 might rank among the vital supplementary lead drugs in chronic wounds and healing complexities. It is also worth noting the potential aptitude of the compound 3, however, its toxicity concern must be considered.

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Ficus racemosa Linn., Myrica esculenta Buch-Ham. Ex D. Don and Urtica dioica Linn.

Medicinal plants like Ficus racemosa, Myrica esculenta, and Urtica dioica were traditionally used to treat diabetes, cough, fever etc. These plants were collected from Kathmandu and Gorkha district of Nepal and subjected to various biological activities. Methanol extract of all three selected plants when subjected to phytochemical analysis showed the presence of various chemical constituents such polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides. The methanol extract of F. racemosa bark was found with strongest DPPH radical neutralization activity having IC50 value of 41.48 µg/mL, which was comparable with standard ascorbic acid (31.07 µg/mL). The bark of F. racemosa contained the highest level of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents with the values of 168.89 ± 1.08 mg GAE/g and 41.56 ± 1.83 mg QE/g respectively. The methanol extract of bark of F. racemosa showed high α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 164.99 μg/mL. Brine shrimp bioassay showed that the methanol extracts of bark of F. racemosa, bark of M. esculenta, leaves of M. esculenta and U. dioica were lethal to brine shrimp nauplii with LC50 values of 70.79, 177.83, 190.54 and 269.15 µg/mL respectively. Methanol extract of leaves of U. dioica was least active in these biological activities.

ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL OF PLANT PARTS OF Ficus racemosa AGAINST HUMAN PATHOGENS AND GC-MS ANALYSIS

The leaves, stem, bark and fruit samples of Ficus racemosa were collected from Arumparthapuram, Puducherry District. Tamil Nādu. The samples were processed. Powdered plant parts were individually extracted with solvents such as ethanol, methanol, acetone, Dimethyl sulfoxide and water. Antibacterial activity of the extract was done by disc diffusion method. The solvent extracts of plant parts were prepared and tested against MCC cultures such as Acinetobacter baumannii (MCC-2076), Pseudomonas otitidis (MCC-2509), Pseudomonas oleovorans (MCC-2566), Enterococcus faecalis (MCC-2041) and Bacillus cereus (MCC-2039). Antibiotic susceptibility testing of MCC cultures were carried out using 8 antibiotics. All the 5 MCC cultures exhibited antibiotic resistance towards the antibiotics used. Ficus racemosa fruit extract showed maximum activity against Pseudomonas oleovorans (21mm) and Pseudomonas otitidis (21mm). Ficus racemosa stem extract showed maximum activity against Bacillus cereus (13mm). Leaf extract showed maximum activity (8mm) against Pseudomonas otitidis (MCC 2509) and Pseudomonas oleovorans. Ficus racemosa bark extract showed maximum activity against Bacillus cereus (17mm). Among the 4 plant parts of Ficus racemosa analysed, the fruit extract showed highest inhibitory activity. GC-MS analysis was carried out for the Ficus racemosa fruit extract. The major phytochemicals were identified as Acetic acid, 2-Furancarboxaldehyde, Methane Sulfinylbis, 2, 5 anhydro-1-6-dideoxy hexo, 2-furancarboxaldehyde, cyclohexane, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4h-pyran-4-one, and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid.The phytochemicals contribute the antimicrobial properties responsible for the therapeutic effect of plant part.

Sequel of Ficus racemosa Bark Decotion in Infected Wound care Intendence

Ayurveda is historic science having global scope in preventive as well as curative fitness care.in Shayla Tantra Vrana is maximum important factor of pores and skin whether or not shuddha Vrana, sadyo Vrana, and dushta Vrana in Ayurveda its certainly approved that if shuddha Vrana is left untreated then it is directed to dushta vrana so complete measures are taken for Vrana ropana. The destruction/spoil/rupture/discontinuity of body tissue/a part of frame is known as vrana.Vrana having dushta involvement is dushta vrana it actually Compromise of awful ulcer, offensive infected wound. Next are signal and signs and symptoms of dushta vrana ganda (mal-odour), kandu (itching), vedana (ache) taal (floor of the wound), Varna Varna (coloration), vrana strava (discharge) so in this situation series report a set of 5 instances ofwound had been decided on, between age institution of 20–30 years, having a such grievance have been treated with udumber kwathdressing for 15 days. On the end of the remedy by way of udumber kwath dressing patient got good sized development is symptoms. Ayurveda interpreted diverse remedy strategies for the control of sickness use of herbs Ayurveda formula and Kashaya and so on. Those case examine offered on dushta vrana.

Alleviating effect of Ficus racemosa in high-fat-high-fructose diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the chronic liver diseases. Ficus racemosa has been used for many years in the Ayurvedic medicine system and is closely related with the management of metabolic conditions. The study investigated alleviating effects of methanolic extract of F. racemosa (FRM) bark on high-fat-high-fructose (HFHF) diet -induced NAFLD. Materials and Methods: HFHF-based model was developed for a period of 10 weeks. In treatment groups, FRM (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (20 mg/kg) were administered for 6 weeks after initiating HFHF diet and continued for another 4 weeks. Liver functions test, lipid profile, serum leptin, and antioxidant parameters and histopathology were evaluated. Results: Elevated liver enzymes, lipid markers, and leptin were observed, with significant reduction in antioxidants in disease control rats. FRM treatment significantly improved serum aminotransferase activities, lipid profile, and oxidative changes and brought back to normal. Liver histopathology showed the fatty modifications induced by the HFHF diet, and reduction in fatty changes was observed due to FRM. Significant decline in serum leptin was observed with high-dose FRM. Conclusion: FRM showed positive effects in the reversal of NAFLD and different polyphenolic compounds in the plant were responsible for the proven action.

Symplocos racemosa bark assisted copper nanoparticles and its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacilli species

Aim: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of copper nanoparticles using lodhra bark against Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus species. Introduction: Symplocos racemosa also known as Lodhra, is a drug used by Ayurvedic practitioners. Theroot, bark and leaves of this plant is traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhoea, leprosy, uterine and liver disorders. Materials and methods: The plant extract is prepared by mixing 100 ml of distilled water, boiled and filtered using a filter paper. The copper nanoparticles are prepared by mixing copper sulphate powder to 500 ml of distilled water. Readings were taken frequently, and the synthesis of copper nanoparticles were analysed. Agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of both S.aureus and Lactobacilli species. Results: S.aureus showed a higher inhibition area than Lactobacillus. Conclusion: There is a future potential for these copper nanoparticles for combating pathogenic microorganisms.

Bioprospecting the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antiproliferative activity of Symplocos racemosa Roxb. Bark phytoconstituents along with their biosafety evaluation and detection of antimicrobial components by GC-MS

BackgroundPlants provide a ray of hope to combat the ever increasing antibiotic resistance and Symplocos racemosa is a valuable medicinal plant. The study focused on highlighting the importance of this plant’s phytoconstituents as potential source of novel antimicrobials against planktonic as well as biofilm forming microorganisms, along with their antiproliferative activity. The biosafety of the phytoconstituents was also established, followed by detection of probable antimicrobial components.MethodsThe best organic extractant and major groups of phytoconstituents were tested for their antimicrobial activity against reference microbial strains and drug-resistant clinical isolates. The anti-proliferative potential of the most active group of phytoconstituents was evaluated against cancerous cell lines. The in vitro biosafety of phytoconstituents was evaluated by Ames and MTT assay, while in vivo biosafety of the most active phytoconstituents, i.e., flavonoids was determined by acute oral toxicity. Further, the probable antimicrobial components in the flavonoids were detected by TLC and GC-MS.ResultsEthyl acetate extract was the most effective among various organic extracts, whereas phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, triterpenes and phytosterols were the major groups present, with flavonoids being the most potent antimicrobials. The phytoconstituents displayed a significant antibiofilm potential, as exhibited by inhibition of initial cell attachment, disruption of the pre-formed biofilms and reduced metabolic activity of biofilms. The phytoconstituents were significantly active against the drug-resistant strains of E.coli, MRSA and Salmonella spp. Further, flavonoids showed significant cytotoxic effect against the cancerous cell lines but were non-cytotoxic against Vero (normal) cell line. All the test preparations were biosafe, as depicted by the Ames test and MTT assay. Also, flavonoids did not induce any abnormality in body weight, clinical signs, biochemical parameters and organs’ histopathology of the Swiss albino mice during in vivo acute oral toxicity studies. The flavonoids were resolved into 4 bands (S1-S4), where S3 was the most active and its GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of a number of compounds, where Bicyclo [2.2.1]heptan-2-one,1,7,7-trimethyl-, (1S)- was the most abundant.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the phytoconstituents from Symplocos racemosa bark could act as potential source of antimicrobial as well as antiproliferative metabolites.

ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIFERTILITY ACTIVITY OF THE ACTIVE MOIETY FROM THE BARK OF FICUS RACEMOSA L.

Bioactive principles from the hyroalcoholic (50%) extract of Ficus racemosa L. bark were isolated and characterized to evaluate antifertility activity in female albino rats. Oral acute toxicity study was done with crude extract for 24h. The hydro alcoholic extract of F. racemosa bark was subjected to silica gel column chromatography using gradient solvent system Hex:EA, EA: Eth, Eth:Mth and Mth., eight different fractions were collected. The yield of fraction Fr-HA-F5 was 490 mg, further fractionation for purification by using solvent ethyl acetate-methanol (3:2) yielded compound Fr-HA-F5a (20.22 %w/w). Isolated compound Fr-HA-F5a was subjected to evaluation of its antifertility potential by antiovulatory and estrogenic activity. The isolated compound Fr-HA-F5a was found to exhibit significant antiovulatory and antiestrogenic activity at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Isolated compound Fr-HAF5a was subjected to structure elucidation by UV, IR, NMR and MASS spectral analytical methods. The results of the present study provide the evidence of the anti-fertility activity of isolated compound Fr-HA-F5a as claimed in the traditional use. The hyroalcoholic extract of Ficus racemosa L. furnished a compound with structure established as 2, 2’,4’-trimethoxy-5,7,8-trihydroxy-isoflavone on the basis of physical and spectral basis and could be a good source of drug for birth control.

In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Ficus racemosa L. bark using albumin denaturation method.

Introduction:In Ayurveda, many natural plant compounds are used to inhibit inflammatory pathways for centuries with less side effects. Different parts of Ficus racemosa L. (Udumber) plant are used in Ayurveda for many diseases. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate pharmacological activities of F. racemosa.Objective:The objective of the study was to in vitro analyze anti-inflammatory property of F. racemosa bark using albumin denaturation activity.Methodology:F. racemosa bark extraction was performed using cold water and hot water. The concentration gradient of extracts was prepared using egg albumin and phosphate-buffered saline. The extract was incubated in a water bath at 37°C for 15 min and was heated at 70°C for 5 min. One nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and one steroid were used as reference drugs. The percentage inhibition of protein denaturation was calculated.Results:The inhibition rate of egg albumin denaturation for water extraction increased gradually with concentration. Significantly higher inhibition was showed in hot water extracts than cold water extracts at the concentration of 0.01 μg/ml and 0.1 μg/ml. In addition, the inhibition rate of water extraction was significantly higher than the reference drugs (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Anti-inflammatory activity increases with the concentration of F. racemosa bark. Furthermore, the action of this plant is significantly higher than the reference drugs.

Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Phytoconstituents in Some Antifertility Herbs

Antifertility herbs are used to prevent conception or fertilization. This study is aimed to evaluate some antifertility herbs Bambusa arundinacea (leaf), Bauhinia racemosa Lam. and Ficus racemosa (bark) qualitatively and quantitatively in term of their phytoconstituents. The total phenolic content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent using gallic acid as a standard, total flavonoid content by aluminum chloride assay using quercetin as a standard, total tannin content by Folin-Denis' reagent and alkaloid content was determined as equivalents to atropine. Saponin content was determined in crude powder of drugs. The extracts were screened for presence of various phytoconstituents using preliminary chemical tests and TLC was performed for qualitative analysis. Among the four extracts, ethanol extract of B. arundinacea leaves showed maximum amount of phenolic content (2.24±0.34mg/g) and flavonoid content (4.65±0.74 mg/g) as compared to F. racemosa and B. racemosa bark extracts whereas total tannin content was found maximum in F. racemosa bark (8.96±1.54 mg/g). Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, carbohydrates, tannins, phenols and saponins. Thin layer chromatographic studies of various extracts constituted different colored phytochemical compounds with different Rf values. This study gave an insight to the Aerva, the phytoconstituents present in the plant and useful for quantification of the compound in herbal formulation.

ANTIFERTILITY ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF BAUHINIA RACEMOSA LAM BARK IN FEMALE ALBINO RATS

The present study was undertaken with an aim to evaluate the antifertility activity of Bauhinia racemosa bark methanol extract (Br-M extract) by antiovulatory and estrogenic activity models in immature female rats. The extracts were tested for their effect on the estrous cycle at two dose levels of 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. Br-M extract at both the dose levels was found to be effective, showing significant antiovulatory activity. For estrogenic activity, the extracts were administered orally once daily at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg, and the activity was compared with the standard drug ethinyl estradiol (0.02 mg). The extracts caused significant increase in uterine weight compared to the control. The methanolic extract exhibited estrogenic activity. The histological study of epithelium tissues with the 300 mg of Br-M extract-treated animals showed better increases in the height of the luminal epithelium and loose edematous stroma when compared with the 150 mg of Br-M extract-treated group of animals. However, the lower dose was better than the control group of animals. Enhanced uterine weight and increase in the height of luminal epithelium and histological characteristics suggest that Br-M extract may be useful in anti-fertility therapy.

EVALUATE THE ANTIFERTILITY POTENTIAL OF FICUS RACEMOSA LINN BARK IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Objective: The present study was formulated in order to Evaluate the Antifertility Potential of Ficus Racemosa Linn on Female Wistar Rats.Methods: Effects of Ficus Racemosa bark extract was studied on physicochemical parameters, successive solvent extraction and phytochemical screening and antifertility activity. After acute oral toxicity study, antifertility activity in proven fertile female Wistar Rats at the doses 500mg/kg b.wt./day for 30 days. Effects on dimensions of Reproductive outcome, Anti-implantation, Abortifacient, Estrogenic and Antiestrogenic activity were observed.Results: Phytochemical studies of Ficus Racemosa bark shown positive test for Alkaloids, Steroid, Flavonoids, Terpene, Carbohydrates and Tannin. The extract of Ficus Racemosa has anti-fertility effect the control rats showed good number of litters. Treatment of animal with different extracts, resulted a significant (P&lt; 0.05, P&lt; 0.01). antifertility activity (56.5% and 40.3%) was exhibited by AFR and WFR respectively. After 21 days of the extracts free period, the antifertility effect of the extracts was reversed. The extract treatments with AFR, an increase in the resorption index (%) by the extract is an indication of failure in the development of the embryo. The mean percentage of anti-implantation and percent resorption (abortifacient) were found to be highest for AFR-41.21%, WFR 28.07, and AFR-32.56%, WFR-20.76% respectively. The decrement in implantation caused by the extracts may be due to estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity. However, along with standard AFR exhibiting more potent estrogenic and less potent anti-estrogenic when compared with standard.Conclusion: The above results revealed the potential, reversible Female antifertility effect of alcoholic extract F. Racemosa bark.

Anti-giardia activity and acute toxicity of a methanol extract of Senna racemosa bark

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSenna racemosa (Mill.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (syn. Cassia racemosa Mill.) is a plant used in traditional Mayamedicinal practices to treat diarrhea. A methanol extract of S. racemosa bark has been shown to have in vitro activity against Giardia intestinalis. No studies of its efficacy and toxicity in in vivo models have been done. The present study objective was to analyze the activity of this methanol extract of S. racemosa bark against Giardia intestinalis trophozoites in experimentally infected mice, and evaluate its toxicological effects in rats. Material and methodsS. racemosa was collected in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico (21°58′N, 89°36′W) in June 2005. The bark methanol extract was obtained and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) was used to generate a constituent profile. In vivo anti-giardia activity was assayed with an experimental model of G. intestinalis infection in neonatal CD-1 mice. Nine doses ranging from 0.25–15mg extract/kg body weight were tested to determine the dose required to kill 50% of the trophozoites (ED50). An acute toxicity assay was run in which one of four single doses (200, 1000, 2000 and3000mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to adult Wistar rats. Animal weight, death rates, toxic effects and behavioral parameters were observed over a 14-d period. They were then euthanized and a necropsy performed. ResultsThe S. racemosa bark extract inhibited growth of G. intestinalis (ED50=1.14mg/Kg) in neonatal CD-1 mice. No toxic or lethal effects were observed even at the highest dosage (3000mg/Kg), and neither were signs of toxicity observed in internal organs. The active compounds chrysophanol and physcion were present in the extract at a 1.76 ratio. ConclusionsThe results strongly support traditional use of S. racemosa bark for treatment of diarrhea caused by Giardia intestinalis infection.

Evaluation of cytotoxic potential and apoptotic effect of a methanolic extract of Bauhinia racemosa Lam. against a human cancer cell line, HeLa

IntroductionThe tropical medicinal plant Bauhinia racemosa Lam. (family: Caesalpiniaceae) is used within several systems of medicine and is popular among ethnic communities for the treatment of a variety of health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic activity and apoptotic effect of the methanolic extract of B. racemosa bark (MEBR) on a cancer cell line, HeLa. MethodsThe cytotoxic activity and apoptotic effects of MEBR were evaluated by methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium assay and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining test respectively on HeLa, a cancer cell line. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were also assessed by 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazol-carbocyanine iodide and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining tests respectively. Total phenolic content was determined by colorimetric principle using gallic acid calibration curve. ResultsMEBR exposure of HeLa cells significantly decreased the cell viability (p<0.001, IC50=80μg/ml) comparable to that of tamoxifen (p<0.001, IC50=48μg/ml) in a concentration dependent manner. It also led to the depolarization of mitochondria and induced production of ROS initiating apoptotic effect in a concentration dependent manner. Total phenolic content was 886.8252mg gallic acid equivalent per gram dried extract. ConclusionMEBR seems to possess potent cytotoxic activity against a cancer cell line, HeLa and induces apoptosis. This may provide a novel potent chemotherapeutic agent for human cancer which could be considered for further clinical studies for future drug development.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Ficus Racemosa Plant Extracts From North-Western District of Bangladesh

Antioxidant is a new hype in naturopathy and at present it has huge demand in cosmetic, nutritional supplementation and pharmacological industry. It reduces cell damages caused by free-radical which are responsible for various ailment like ageing, cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disorders, atherosclerosis, cataracts and inflammation. At present any comprehensive data on the antioxidant content and extent of their activity of the indigenous medicinal plants of Bangladesh is not available. Therefore, here antioxidant activity of a popular medicinal plant - Ficus racemosa was determined. Methanolic extract was prepared from the leaf and stem bark of F. racemosa. Their total phenolics and free radical scavenging capacity was determined using folin-ciocalteu reagent (FCR) assay and DPPD-radical scavenging assay respectively. Stem bark and leaves of F. racemosa contains 242.97 and 235.45 mg of GAE / gm of dried extract of phenolics respectively. Current studies also show that F. racemosa barks contain a high antioxidant activity. IC50 value of bark extract was found to be 19?g/ml which is even better that of the standard BHT. Therefore, present studies suggest that F. racemosa bark has a huge potential in terms of commercial use as source of antioxidant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v8i0.20152 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 8: 93-99, 2013

A comparative study of antioxidant potential of commonly used antidiabetic plants in Bangladesh

Various literatures recorded approximately 60 medicinal plants in Bangladesh that have antidiabetic properties. Of these medicinal plants, only 14–16 are found in traditional herbal markets and they are being randomly used to treat diabetes. Since diabetes mellitus increases reactive free radicals along with various complications in the body, antidiabetic plants that can potentially neutralize free radicals, may be of central interest to manage the disease. Present study compares functional bioactive components such as total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins contents and antioxidant potential of methanol extracts of antidiabetic medicinal plants that are common in traditional herbal markets. Among the 14 extracts, Syzygium cumini was very rich in total polyphenol content (294 mg gallic acid equivalent, GAE/g) followed by Swertia chirata (183 mg GAE/g) and Ficus racemosa (bark) (154 mg GAE/g). These three extracts also had elevated amount of flavonoids and anthocyanins. S. cumini showed very high DPPH and NO free radical scavenging activities with IC50 of 6.25 and 48.61 μg/mL respectively followed by S. chirata and F. racemosa (bark). S. cumini also showed very high reducing power and total antioxidant capacity followed by S. chirata and F. racemosa (bark). In addition, the study revealed strong correlation between phenolics and reducing power (r = 0.94). Hence, among the 14 extracts, S. cumini, S. chirata and F. racemosa (bark) are potential sources of antioxidant agents. Therefore, these three medicinal plants have diverse beneficial effects on physiological health and they might be the choice of plants to treat diabetes.

Protective effects of Ficus racemosa stem bark against doxorubucin-induced renal and testicular toxicity

Background:Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) bark is a rich source of phenolic compounds known to possess potential antioxidant activity offering numerous health benefits.Materials and Methods:The present study evaluated the protective effects of sequential acetone extract of Ficus racemosa bark at two doses (FR250; 250 mg kg-1 and FR500; 500 mg kg-1 p.o.) against doxorubicin-induced renal and testicular toxicity in rats.Results:Doxorubicin administration resulted in significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in total protein and glutathione concentrations, while increased (P ≤ 0.05) serum urea, creatinine and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Extract pretreatment restored biochemical parameters toward normalization. FR250 and FR500 decreased serum creatinine levels by 22.5% and 44%, while serum urea levels were decreased by 30.4% and 58.8%, respectively. Extract pretreatment (500 mg kg-1) decreased TBARS and increased glutathione levels in the kidney and testis to control levels. These observations were substantiated by histopathological studies, wherein normal renal and testicular architecture was restored in FR500 group.Conclusion:Doxorubicin exposure results in pronounced oxidative stress, and administration of F. racemosa stem bark extract offers significant renal and testicular protection by inhibiting lipidperoxidation-mediated through scavenging free radicals.

Cardioprotective activity of standardized extract of Ficus racemosa stem bark against doxorubicin-induced toxicity

Context: Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) bark is a rich source of phenolic compounds having diverse biological properties including antioxidant activity. The present study evaluated the cardioprotective activity of sequential acetone extract of Ficus racemosa bark against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.Materials and methods: The extract was standardized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and subjected to acute toxicological evaluation in mice. Cardiotoxicity was induced by administration of doxorubicin (10 mg kg−1 i.v.) to the extract pretreated rats (250 and 500 mg kg−1) and compared with that of Arjuna, a standard cardiotonic. Biochemical parameters included CK-MB, LDH, AST, ALT, troponin I, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and glutathione.Results: The HPLC fingerprinting of the extract indicated the presence of bergenin (0.89%) and bergapten (0.07%). In an acute toxicity study, the extract at a dose of 2 g kg−1 did not cause any adverse changes and no mortality was observed. Administration of doxorubicin significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) serum levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, which were decreased to an extent of 68, 63, 41, and 65%, respectively, in extract pretreated group (500 mg kg−1). Troponin I was undetected in control group, while it was found in serum of all the experimental groups. The extract pretreatment significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) TBARS and increased glutathione levels in serum and cardiac tissue. These observations were further substantiated by the histopathological studies.Conclusion: The acetone extract of F. racemosa bark possesses potential cardioprotective activity against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats by scavenging free radicals generated by the administration of the drug.

Antihyperglycemic activity of Ficus racemosa bark extract in type 2 diabetic individuals

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of the endocrine system with disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Ficus racemosa (Moraceae), commonly known as ‘‘Gular’’, is widely used in the treatment of diabetes in India. In an earlier report, we demonstrated the antidiabetic activity of F. racemosa bark in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Because there are no reports on its clinical efficacy, the present clinical trial evaluated the antihyperglycemic potential of an aqueous extract of F. racemosa bark in type 2 diabetic individuals.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of marine halophyte Luminetzera racemosa bark extract in CCL 4 induced hepatotoxicity

Objective To identify the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Luminetzera racemosa (L. racemosa) bark extract. Methods Wistar albino rats were divided into 6 groups: Group 1 served as control; Group 2 served as hepatotoxin (CCL 4 treated) group; Group 3 served as positive control (Silymarin) treated groups; Group 4, 5 and 6 served as (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg bw p.o.) L. racemosa bark extract treated groups. Moreover, in vitro antioxidant indexes, including DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA), NO, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) were also analyzed in the bark extract. Results The results suggested that, the level of serum glutamate oxyloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatise (ALP), bilurubin, cholesterol, sugar and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly ( P<0.05) increased in hepatotoxin treated rats when compared with the control group. But, the maximum reduction of SGOT [(225.36±13.65) IU/L], SGPT [(96.85±17.36) IU/L], ALP [(315.37±17.16) IU/L], bilirubin [(2.97±0.46) mg/dL], cholesterol [(163.73±17.54) mg/dL], sugar [(127.35±27.35) mg/dL] and LDH [(1 784.00±268.36) IU/L] were observed with 300 mg/kg bw of bark extract treated rats. Histopathological scores showed that, no visible changes were observed with high dose (300 mg/kg bw) of bark extract treated rats except mild fatty changes. The in vitro antioxidant assays showed that, the IC 50 values were observed as (44.17±6.87) μg/mL, (42.45±2.81)μg/mL, (62.37±3.98)μg/mL, (54.24±3.09)μg/mL, (87.25±5.90) μg/mL and (71.54±5.42)μg/mL for DPPH, HRSA, NO, FRAP, LPO and SOD radical scavenging activities, respectively. Conclusions The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the bark extract might be to the presence of unique chemical classes such as flavonoids, alkaloids and polyphenols.