Root Bark Extract Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory and Anti-angiogenic Effects of Bioconverted Picrasma quassioides Extract: A Comparative Study on NF-κB Signaling Pathway Inhibition and Angiogenesis Suppression

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties of bioconverted Picrasma quassioides extract (B-P.Q) with those of the non-bioconverted extract (P.Q) and peony root bark extract (BOT).Methods: The research utilized several experimental techniques, including cell viability assays on NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, measurement of NF-κB-related signaling protein activation, chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays, tube formation assays, and cell migration inhibition assays using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). These methods were employed to evaluate cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory effects, and anti-angiogenic properties of the extracts.Results: B-P.Q demonstrated no cytotoxicity at the tested concentrations and significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB-related signaling proteins (p-p38, p-Akt-1, p-SAPK/JNK, p-MEK1/2, and p-IκB) compared to P.Q and BOT. In angiogenesis experiments, B-P.Q showed superior inhibition of new blood vessel formation in CAM assays, effectively suppressed tube formation, and significantly inhibited HUVEC migration compared to controls and P.Q.Conclusion: The study found that bioconverted Picrasma quassioides extract (B-P.Q) has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties, consistently outperforming non-bioconverted P.Q and BOT in various experimental models. These results suggest that B-P.Q holds significant promise as a therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory conditions, particularly those involving excessive angiogenesis. The research underscores the effectiveness of bioconversion in enhancing the bioactive properties of natural extracts and opens up new possibilities for developing treatments for inflammatory skin problems.

Chemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Various Parts of Securidaca longipedunculata From South Africa

Objective The objective of our study was to investigate the chemical composition and the biological activities of different parts of Securidaca longipedunculata from South Africa. Methodologies The chemical analysis methods, including chromatography and spectroscopy, were employed to identify the diverse array of compounds present in the roots, leaves, and stems of S longipedunculata. Results The proximate analysis revealed that the leaf extracts had higher ( P < .05) crude protein, gross energy, and ether extract contents when compared to the stem bark and the root bark. A similar trend was observed with the mineral analysis where copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc were in abundance in the leaves. Concurrently, bioassays reveal significant biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, associated with these plant parts. The extracts demonstrated high lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity at the concentration of 250 μg/mL, with the highest percentage inhibition of 94% recorded in the dark leaf extract, followed by 92% and 73% at the concentrations of 125 and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial analysis revealed that the root bark extract was active against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis with the average minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.67 mg/mL (dark type) and 0.63 mg/mL (light type). Conclusion Our findings emphasize the medicinal potential of S longipedunculata and underscore the importance of understanding its chemical makeup in explaining its therapeutic effects. This research provides valuable insights into the pharmacological properties of S longipedunculata, offering a foundation for further exploration in drug development and natural product discovery.

Network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental approaches of the anti-proliferative effects of Rhamnus prinoides ethyl-acetate extract in cervical cancer cells

BackgroundCervical cancer, one of the lethal cancers among women, is a challenging disease to treat. The current therapies often come with severe side effects and the risk of resistance development. Traditional herbal medicine, with its potential to offer effective and less toxic options, is a promising avenue. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential of Rhamnus prinoides (R. prinoides) root bark extracts in selectively inhibiting the proliferation of cervical cancer cells, using the HeLa cell line as an in vitro model. MethodsR. prinoides plant extracts were first screened at a fixed concentration of 200 μg/ml to determine the active extract. The selective anti-proliferative activity of the active extract was evaluated in a concentration dilution assay using the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) MTT assay on cancerous (HeLa) cells and non-cancerous (Vero) cells to determine the half-maximal inhibitory (IC50) and half-cytotoxic concentrations (CC50), respectively. Functional assays on cell morphology (by microscopy), cell migration (wound healing assay) and cell cycle (by flow cytometry) were also conducted. The active extract was analyzed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) to determine any compounds it contained. Following identification of possible gene targets by network pharmacology, the genes were validated by molecular docking and Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). ResultsThe ethyl acetate extract of R. prinoides (EARP), the most active extract, selectively inhibited the growth of cervical cancer cells, their migration and induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase. In silico analysis revealed that squalene, 3,3a,6,6-tetramethyl-4,5,5a,7,8,9-hexahydro-1H-cyclopenta[i]indene and Olean-12-en-3.beta.-ol, acetate showed acceptable drug-like characteristics and may be partly attributed to the bioactivity demonstrated and the deregulation of the mRNA expression of AKT1, NF-κB, p53, Bax, Bcl-2, and Er-b-B2. ConclusionThis study, for the first time, demonstrates the anti-proliferation effects of EARP and forms a firm foundation for further drug development studies.

Assessing anti oxidant, antidiabetic potential and GCMS profiling of ethanolic root bark extract of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC: Supported by in vitro, in vivo and in silico molecular modeling.

Zanthoxylum rhetsa (ZR) is used traditionally to manage a variety of ailments, including diabetes. Oxidative stress may accelerate the diabetic condition. The available antidiabetic and antioxidant drugs have many shortcomings including resistance, inefficiency, higher dose, side effects and costs. The goal of the current investigation was to assess the antioxidant capacity and antidiabetic activity of an ethanolic extract of Zanthoxylum rhetsa root bark (ZRRB) through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods. The antioxidant capacity of the ZRRB extract was measured using both the DPPH radical assay and the total antioxidant activity test. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and alloxan-induced diabetic mice model were also used to examine in vivo antidiabetic efficacy. Phytochemicals identification was done by GCMS analysis. Additionally, computational methods such as molecular docking, ADMET analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) modeling were performed to determine the above pharmacological effects. The extract demonstrated significant DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 42.65 μg/mL). In the OGTT test and alloxan-induced diabetes mice model, the extract effectively lowered blood glucose levels. Furthermore, in vitro inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase studies demonstrated the ZRRB extract as a good antidiabetic crude drug (IC50 = 81.45 μg/mL). GCMS investigation confirmed that the crude extract contains 16 major phytoconstituents, which were docked with human peroxiredoxin-5, α-amylase, and sulfonylurea receptor 1. Docking and pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that among 16 phytoconstituents, 6H-indolo[3,2,1-de] [1,5]naphthyridin-6-one (CID: 97176) showed the highest binding affinity to targeted enzymes, and imitated Lipinski's rule of five. Furthermore, MD simulation data confirmed that the aforementioned compound is very steady to the binding site of α-amylase and sulfonylurea receptor 1 receptors. Findings from in vitro, in vivo and in silico investigation suggest that ZRRB extract contains a lead compound that could be a potent source of antidiabetic drug candidate.

Microstructure of the dentate gyrus and spontaneous alternation behaviour of male Wistar rats following Rauvolfia vomitoria and Gongronema latifolium extracts administration

Rauvolfia vomitoria (RV) and Gongronema latifolium (GL) are medicinal plants used for the local treatment of various health issues. Their activities on the brain motivated this investigation on the histology and immunohistochemistry of the dentate gyrus and spontaneous alternation behaviour (SAB) of adult Wistar rats following RV root bark and GL leaf extract administrations. Twenty young adult Wistar rats (130–160 g) were assigned into four groups: Group 1 served as the control (5 mL/kg of distilled water placebo), while the test groups 2–4 were, respectively, singly administered 200 of mg/kg of RV, 200 of mg/kg of GL, and their combination. The administrations were oral and lasted for seven days. A T-maze SAB test was carried out, and the animals were sacrificed immediately after ketamine hydrochloride intraperitoneal anaesthesia. Serial sections of the hippocampal region from perfused rat brains were stained with Cresyl fast violet and immunolabelled with neuronal nuclei (NeuN) for neurons and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for astrocytes. Results indicated that SAB was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the test groups. Histologically, Nissl was less distributed in the RV and GL-only groups but not in the combined group, while there was less NeuN positivity in the RV group, with the GL and RV + GL groups not affected. There was less positive GFAP expression in individual RV and GL groups, but not in the RV + GL combined group, all compared with the control. In conclusion, the combination of RV and GL did not improve SAB but modulated Nissl, NeuN, and GFAP expression in the dentate gyrus.

Antiplasmodial activity of Azanza Garckeana root bark extract and its effect on hematological indices in plasmoduim berghei infected mice

Antiplasmodial activity of Azanza Garckeana root bark extract and its effect on hematological indices in plasmoduim berghei infected mice

Antilipidemic and Hepatorenal Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Terminalia catappa on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Aims: Diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by glucose receptor abnormalities affecting glucose uptake, affects approximately 600 million individuals globally as of 2021. This study aimed to assess the antilipidemic and renal effects of aqueous extracts from the root bark and flowers of Terminalia catappa on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methodology: Twenty-five Albino rats weighing 160 – 300g were divided into five groups: A - normal control, B - diabetic control, C - diabetic treated with root bark extract, D - diabetic treated with flower extract, E - diabetic rats treated with glibenclimide. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (55mg/kg). The extracts (200mg/kg) were orally administered for 14 days, after which lipid profiles, renal and liver function tests were conducted. Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in total cholesterol, serum liver enzymes, and kidney markers in the diabetic control group compared to the normal control group. Treatment with the Terminalia catappa extracts for 14 days resulted in more than 20% decrease in urea (from 18.58 Mmol/L to between 11.58 and 13.92 Mmol/L), creatinine (from 343.56 Mmol/L to between 223.94 and 266.30 Mmol/L) and uric acid (from 570.54 µmol/L to between 413.55 and 440.62 µmol/L) concentrations by more than 20%, with the root bark extract showing the most significant effect. Additionally, the Terminalia catappa extract-treated groups exhibited a substantial (around 40%) reduction in serum liver enzymes compared to the diabetic control group. The hepatoprotective capacity of the root bark extract was similar to the glibenclimide-treated group. Furthermore, the extracts led to a 3% reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins, along with a significant increase in high-density lipoproteins. Conclusion: The aqueous root bark and flower extracts of Terminalia catappa demonstrate potentials for managing diabetes mellitus at the specified dosage.

Antibacterial and Wound Healing Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Root Bark of Berberis lycium Royle

AbstractInfectious diseases are becoming a worldwide threat due to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare innovative antibiotics against bactericidal activities. The development of nanomedicine has been greatly aided by nanotechnology. A focal point of exploration involves the production of noble metal nanoparticles, owing to their diverse applications. The study's subjects are the synthesis, characterization, and assessment of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from Berberis lyceum Royle root bark (BLR) extract. The study revealed the potent antibacterial properties of BLR‐AgNPs, with heightened efficacy against S. pyogenes (16.7±0.3 mm) and comparatively lower activity against E. coli (1.1±0.1 mm). Minimum inhibitory concentration assessment indicated maximum activity at 10 μg/mL, whereas 2.5 μg/mL demonstrated the least inhibitory effect. Furthermore, the wound healing potential of BLR‐AgNPs was explored, demonstrating superior activity (0.19±0.02 cm) equated to BLR‐extract (0.46±0.02 cm) and untreated wounds (0.77±0.02 cm). These findings underscore the considerable antibacterial and wound‐healing capabilities of BLR‐AgNPs.

Evaluation of <i>in vitro</i> anti-trypanosomal activities of leaves, stem bark and root bark extracts of <i>Acacia nilotica</i> (L) Willd ex Del., <i>Guiera senegalensis</i> j. F. Gmel and <i>Ziziphus abyssinica</i> Hochst ex A. rich

Currently, the control and treatment of African trypanosomiasis are limited by the number of chemotherapeutic drugs with associated side effects. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a non-toxic herbal treatment for African trypanosomiasis. Leaf, stem, and root bark extracts of Acacia nilotica L. and Guiera senegalensis J. F. Gmel and Ziziphus abyssinica Hochst ex A. Rich were sequentially extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water as solvents and evaluated for in vitro anti-trypanosomal activities against Trypanosoma brucei, and phytochemical contents. Results revealed that out of the 36 extracts, Methanol leaf extracts of G. senegalensis, aqueous leaf extract of G. senegalensis, methanol leaf extract of A. nilotica and methanol leaf extract of Z. abyssinica leaf extract (MIC 3.93±2.88, 10.98±3.21, 16.91±3.21 and 18.88±3.44 μg/ml respectively), gave the best in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity against T. b. brucei compare to the control. The quantitative phytochemical analysis of the 4 most trypanocidal plant extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpene, quinines, saponins and tannins, with alkaloids and flavonoids having the highest concentrations (4.3.13±0.05 mg/100 g and 4.5±0.02 mg/100 g respectively) in the methanol leaf extract of G. senegalensis and quinone with the lowest concentration (0.1±0.07 mg/100 g).The methanol leaf extracts of G. senegalensis were found to have the most in vitro anti-trypanosomal activities (MIC of 3.93±2.88 ug/ml), possibly due to the high content of alkaloids and flavonoids. The results of this study revealed the potential of G. senegalensis for the treatment of African trypanosomiasis. Consequently, further studies are needed with this plant to evaluate its in vivo anti-trypanosomal potential, the structures of the bioactive compounds responsible for its activity, and its other medicinal properties.

Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Qualitative Phytochemistry of Leaf, stem bark, and root bark extracts from Prunus africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman

The rise of resistant strains poses a significant public health risk, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 50% of global infectious disease-associated deaths occur, highlighting the urgent need for novel, safe, affordable, and accessible antimicrobials. Accordingly, we investigated the antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and qualitative phytochemistry of the aqueous, hydroethanolic, and acetonic leaf, stem bark, and root bark extracts of Prunus africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman, based on its ethnomedicinal information. The results showed the aqueous root bark and aqueous/acetonic stem bark extracts demonstrated significant (p<0.05) antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus at 800 µg/ml, outperforming other extracts and the reference antibiotic. Growth inhibition zones for most extracts on S. aureus showed a concentration-dependent increase, though not significantly (p>0.05) different. The acetonic root bark extract, particularly at 800 µg/ml, exhibited superior inhibitory effects against B. cereus compared to other extracts (p<0.05), although the positive control antibiotic significantly (p<0.05) outperformed all plant extracts. Notably, none of the studied extracts affected P. aeruginosa and E. coli, while varying effects were observed against C. albicans. Further we observed that the hydroethanolic and aqueous stem bark extracts' exceptionally low Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations (MICs and MBCs) against S. aureus (3.125 µg/ml). Conversely, the acetonic leaf extract showed higher MIC and MBC values against S. aureus (100 µg/ml). Cytotoxicity assessments using brine shrimp nauplii revealed the percentage mortalities caused by Vincristine and aqueous root/stem bark extracts at 1000 µg/ml, were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those caused by other extracts (Median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 513 µg/ml to 24327.82 µg/ml). Qualitative phytochemistry identified alkaloids in root bark and stem bark extracts, flavonoids, phenols, quinones, steroids, and terpenoids across all samples, with saponins in acetonic root bark and all three leaf extracts, and glycosides in acetonic stem bark, hydroethanolic root bark, and acetonic leaf extracts. These findings highlight the diverse antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of P. africana extracts, suggesting potential therapeutic applications and emphasise the need for further exploration.

Antidiabetic Evaluation of Kigelia pinnata Root Bark Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Type-2 Diabetes Model of Rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrine disorder characterized by increased blood glucose levels resulting from defective insulin secretion, resistance to insulin action, or both. DM is often associated with severe complications, and there is an increasing appreciation that cognitive function declines in DM. The aim of this research work was to evaluate Kigelia pinnata root bark extract in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type-2 diabetes. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single administration of STZ (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]), immediately after the STZ administration, and all animals were fed with normal food and water. Nicotinamide was administered (120 mg/kg, i.p.) 15 min before STZ. The development of hyperglycemia was confirmed by the elevated blood glucose levels determined at fixed intervals, which was confirmed by measuring fasting blood glucose levels in rats' blood taken from the tail vein. Supplementation with ethanolic extract of K. pinnata root bark (EEKP) significantly reduced the elevated blood glucose in STZ-induced hyperglycemia in rats. EEKP significantly restored the biochemical and antioxidant defense system. On the final day of the protocol, the extract also reduced inflammatory cytokines in the blood serum.

In vitro and in silico studies reveal antidiabetic properties of arylbenzofurans from the root bark of Morus mesozygia Stapf.

Diabetes remains an important disease worldwide with about 500 million patients globally. In tropical Africa, Morus mesozygia is traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes. Biological and phytochemical investigation of the root bark extracts of the plant led to the isolation of a new prenylated arylbenzofuran named 7-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)moracin M (1) and two congeners, moracins P (2) and M (3). When compared to acarbose (IC50 = 486µM), all the isolated compounds are better inhibitors of α-glucosidase with in vitro IC50 values of 16.9, 16.6, and 40.9 µM, respectively. However, they were not active against α-amylase. The compounds also demonstrated moderate inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4). Based on in silico docking studies, all isolates (1, 2, and 3) exhibit binding affinities of -8.7, -9.5, and -8.5kcal/mol, respectively against α-glucosidase enzyme (PDB: 3AJ7). They are stabilized within the α-glucosidase active site through hydrogen bonds, pi interactions, and hydrophobic interactions. This study provides scientific support for the traditional use of Morus mesozygia in the treatment of diabetes as well as adding to the repository of α-glucosidase inhibitory agents.

MTT assay of human anti-breast cancer cells (MCF-7) in vitro potentials and phytochemicals screening of the root bark extracts from Cassia sieberiana

Abstract Medicinal plant Cassia sieberiana root bark was investigated for phytochemicals and Anti-Breast Cancer cells (MCF-7) properties, using Chemical Separations and MTT assay in vitro. The C. sieberiana root bark was extracted with soxhlet extractor using different solvents based on polarity guided method and the respective extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure. These extracts were screened for their phytochemicals qualitatively using standard methods. Percentage Yields and Physico-Chemical Evaluation of the Extracts from the various fractions were recorded. The results of phytochemicals screening revealed the presence of some secondary metabolites of pharmacological significance in the Methyl acetate, MeOH and 70 % MeOH root bark extracts including Saponins, Quinones, Phenolic, Steroids, Tannins, Flavounoids, Terpenoids, Anthraquinones, Cardiac-glycosides, Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Glycosides and Coumarins. Results obtained from MTT assay revealed that Extracts of MeOH and 70 % MeOH samples shown a certain degree of inhibition towards MCF-7 cell line. IC50 were calculated using Graph Pad Prism 6 and results shown that IC50 of 245.3 μg/ml and 239.6 μg/ml dose dependent inhibitions in MCF-7 cells respectively, compared to Oxaliplatin IC50 of 38.04 μg/ml. Therefore, 70 % MeOH sample with IC50 of 239.6 μg/ml have shown more potential of inhibiting breast cancer cell, MCF-7 cells line. The inhibition of the root bark is attributed to some of the phytochemicals present in the plant.

Antidepressant-Like Activity and Molecular Docking Analysis of a Sesquiterpene Lactone Isolated from the Root Bark of Ximenia americana (L.).

Depression, a global cause of disability and premature death, is often treated by traditional healers in Africa using medicinal herbs such as Ximenia americana (L.). With recent pharmacological studies showing the potential antidepressant properties of X. americana extract, this study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of the compound(s) isolated from X. americana extract using the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) models predictive of depression. The extracts, administered orally within a dose range of 100-400 mg/kg, notably decreased the immobility time in both the FST and the TST. The most significant reduction occurred at the highest dose of 400 mg/kg, with a decrease of 117.66 s in FST and 53.5 s in TST. However, this reduction in immobility was not linked to changes in movements, as observed in an open-field test (OFT), suggesting that the effect of the extracts was not due to activation of locomotion. Subsequently, a sesquiterpene lactone, dehydrocostus lactone (1) was isolated through solubility-based fractionation and column chromatography of the active root bark extract of X. americana. Dehydrocostus lactone (400 mg/kg) demonstrated a 46.50 s reduction in immobility time in the FST, which was comparable to the positive control, imipramine (30 mg/kg). With a highly favorable docking score of -8.365 kcal/mol on an antidepressant target, monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A; pdb ID: 2BXS), dehydrocostus lactone (1) potentially outperforms the standard MAO-A inhibitor drug, isocarboxazid (-5.847 kcal/mol). Dehydrocostus lactone (1) displayed strong interactions involving hydrogen bond and hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions with specific MAO-A binding site residues. These findings highlight that the antidepressant-like activity of X. americana is partly attributed to the presence of dehydrocostus lactone. Additionally, it also supports the traditional medicinal use of the plant for treating depression.

Isolation and Characterization of Bioactive Compound from Ethanol Extract of Root Bark of Grewia mollis (Dargaza’a) Widely Growing in the Wild in North Eastern Nigeria

Isolation and Characterization of Bioactive Compound from Ethanol Extract of Root Bark of Grewia mollis (Dargaza’a) Widely Growing in the Wild in North Eastern Nigeria

Salvadoran Celastraceae Species as a Source of Antikinetoplastid Quinonemethide Triterpenoids

Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are among the most widespread neglected tropical diseases, and their current therapies have limited efficacy and several toxic side effects. The present study reports the chemical and antikinetoplastid profiles of extracts from five Salvadoran Celastraceae species against theTrypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes stage and Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania donovani promastigote forms. The phytochemical profile evinced the presence of flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and triterpenes as the main components in all plant species, whereas quinonemethide triterpenoids (QMTs) were restricted to the root bark of the studied species. Antikinetoplastid evaluation highlights the root bark extracts from Zinowewia integerrima, Maytenus segoviarum, and Quetzalia ilicina as the most promising ones, exhibiting higher potency against T. cruzi (IC50 0.71–1.58 µg/mL) and L. amazonensis (IC50 0.38–2.05 µg/mL) than the reference drugs, benznidazole (IC50 1.81 µg/mL) and miltefosine (IC50 2.64 µg/mL), respectively. This potent activity was connected with an excellent selectivity index on the murine macrophage J774A.1 cell line. These findings reinforce the potential of QMTs as antikinetoplastid agents for the development of innovative phytopharmaceuticals and the plant species under study as a source of these promising lead compounds.

Appraisal of phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of folkloric Pentanema confertiflorum rootbark extracts

BackgroundMedicinal plants have cultural prominence in the management of ailments worldwide. The different organs of Pentanema confertiflorum (hereafter referred as P. confertiflorum) as have been used to ameliorate different diseases in Ethiopia. Thus, this study focused on the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, and antibacterial screening of P. confertiflorum rootbark solvent fractions. MethodsThe rootbark of P. confertiflorum was successively soaked with petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol. The total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and alkaloid contents (TAC) of the different crude extracts were determined through Folin-Ciocalteu Reagent (FCR), aluminum chloride colorimetric, and bromocresol green (BCG) assays, respectively. In addition, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were employed to determine the antioxidant activity of crude extracts. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the crude extracts was assessed against different bacteria strains via the disc diffusion method. ResultsThe qualitative phytochemical investigation study resonated with the abundance of several secondary metabolites, especially in the methanolic rootbark extract (MRBE). In addition, the MRBE had the highest TPC (76.7 mg GAE/g extracts), TFC (86.89 mg QE/g extracts), and TAC (80.68 mg ATE/g extracts) as compared to petroleum ether and chloroform extracts. Consistent with its TPC, TFC, and TAC, the MRBE demonstrated better antioxidant activity against DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 44.53 ppm) and FRAP assays (EC50 = 42.72 ppm). Moreover, all the rootbark extracts induced dose-dependent antibacterial activity against Streptococci pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. ConclusionsThe preliminary findings suggested the presence of a strong correlation between the folkloric use of P. confertiflorum and its observed antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Rigorous studies on the extracts such as the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds, and detailed bioactivity and toxicity studies are desirable to bring about safe and effective lead compounds.

Phytochemical screening, antimicrobial activity, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of Berberis lycium Royle root bark extract.

Antioxidants are materials that scavenge or remove free radicals from living systems. The oxidation process ends in the production of free radicals. These free radicals are the chief birthplace of cancerous cells. Antioxidizing agents remove free radical intermediates by terminating oxidation processes by being oxidized themselves. On the other hand, infectious diseases affect the world on a large scale. To fight these diseases several synthetic compounds have been used. Plant based medications play important role in this regard. So, the current research aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antioxidant effect of Berberis lycium Royle root bark (BLR) extract. Berberis lycium Royle was used for phytochemical analysis and also as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method. Current study revealed that BLR was rich in phytochemicals and toxic against tested pathogenic bacteria. BLR showed the highest activity against S. pyogenes (13.3±0.8 mm). The lowest antibacterial activity was reported against E. coli (0±0 mm). In case of minimum inhibitory concentration, it was observed that BLR with 10 μg/mL concentration showed the highest activity while 2.5 μg/mL of BLR showed the least inhibitory activity. The highest In vitro antioxidant activity was recorded as 65% at 100 µg/mL. In case of in vivo antioxidant activity level of CAT, GSH and SOD were decreased while that of MDA was enhanced in groups treated with CCl4 as compared to the control group. BLR extract treatment reversed all these changes significantly. Current results indicate that BLR is effective against bacterial pathogens and also has antioxidant potential.

ISOLATION AND INHIBITION STUDY OF ERYVARIN D AND E FROM THE ROOT BARKS OF Erythrina variegata AGAINST RECEPTOR TYROSINE KINASES

Erythrina sp. contains alkaloids and flavonoids, which are the primary bioactive compounds found in these species. These organisms are a rich source of secondary metabolites. Two known pterocapans in this study, eryvarin D (1) and eryvarin E (2), were successfully isolated from the root bark extract of Erythrina variegata. The isolated compounds were elucidated using 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Among the two compounds, only compound 2 was evaluated for its inhibitory activity against eight receptor tyrosine kinases (EGFR, HER2, HER4, IGFR, InsR, KDR, PDGFRα, and PDGFRβ). Compound 2 exhibited weak insulin receptor inhibitory activity. Thus, compound 2 could be a lead compound as an anticancer drug targeting insulin receptors for future development.

Streptococcus mutans와 Porphyromonas gingivalis에 대한 상백피(Morus alba root bark) 에탄올 추출물의 항균 효과

This study aimed to analyze the antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract of Morus alba root bark (MAEE) against two critical oral pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The Griess reaction and WST-1 assays were used to analyze the nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of MAEE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The antibacterial activity of MAEE was evaluated using a disk diffusion assay and a growth inhibition assay by determining minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). MAEE treatment dose-dependently inhibited NO production and had no cytotoxic effect on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, MAEE exhibited potent antibacterial activity and more potently generated a clear zone in the presence of S. mutans than P. gingivalis. The MICs of MAEE for S.mutans and P. gingivalis were 0.4 and 0.4~0.8 mg/mL, and its MBCs were 0.4 and 0.8 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, MAEE significantly inhibited the growths of both pathogens, but no dose-dependency was observed. The OD600 of S. mutans treated with MAEE at 3.2 mg/mL for 24 h was 0.146 compared to a control OD600 of 0.509. Absorbance at 600 nm for P. gingivalis treated with MAEE at 3.2 mg/mL for 24 h was 0.154 compared to a control OD600 of 0.486. In conclusion, MAEE showed potent antibacterial activity against both oral pathogens but affected S.mutans stronger than P. gingivalis. The study indicates that MAEE might help prevent dental caries and periodontal diseases.