Rubus Ellipticus Research Articles

Unlocking Antioxidant-Anticancer Synergy: An Exploration of Therapeutic Bioactives from Methanolic Extracts of Rubus ellipticus and Boerhavia diffusa Using HeLa Cell Line.

This study aimed to assess the synergistic antioxidant and anticancer effects of methanolic extracts derived from Rubus ellipticus and Boerhavia diffusa fruits against the HeLa cell line. The methanolic extracts were prepared from the fruits of R. ellipticus and B. diffusa, and their antioxidant potential was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity assay and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The anticancer effects of benzoic acid and rutin extracted from the aforementioned fruits were also investigated against the HeLa cell line using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay to measure the cell metabolic activity. Using Synergy Finder plus software, the bioactive compounds were tested to explore any synergistic effects. R. ellipticus exhibited higher antioxidant potential as revealed by higher DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP value compared with B. diffusa. The benzoic acid extracted from R. ellipticus demonstrated potent anticancer activity against the HeLa cell line, with an IC50 of 1.07 µg/mL. Similarly, rutin extracted from B. diffusa displayed moderate anticancer activity with an IC50 of 1.4 µg/mL while exhibiting minimal impact on normal cell lines. The combination studies of the extracted bioactive compounds revealed a synergistic effect. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of R. ellipticus and B. diffusa in combating the oxidative stress and cancer. Their bioactive compounds like benzoic acid and rutin were observed to act synergistically. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate their applicability in clinical settings.

Ethnomedicinal Plants and Herbal Preparations Used by Rural Communities in Tehsil Hajira (Poonch District of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan).

The present study emphasizes the importance of documenting ethnomedicinal plants and herbal practices of the local rural communities of Tehsil Hajira (Pakistan). The aim was to document, explore and quantify the traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using various quantitative indices. The results showed that 144 medicinal plant species from 70 families and 128 genera play an important role in herbal preparations. The most common type of preparation was powder (19.0%), followed by paste (16.7%), aqueous extract (15.7%), decoction (14.7%) and juice (11.0%). Fragaria nubicola (0.94) and Viola canescens (0.93) had the highest relative frequency of mention (RFC), while Berberis lycium (1.22) and Fragaria nubicola (1.18) had the highest use value (UV). Geranium wallichianum (85.5), Ligustrum lucidum (83) and Indigofera heterantha (71.5) were the most important species in the study area with the highest relative importance (RI) value. The diseases treated were categorized into 17 classes, with diseases of the digestive system and liver having the highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value, followed by diseases of the oropharynx and musculoskeletal system. Important plants mentioned for the treatment of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are Zanthoxylum alatum, Berberis lycium, Mentha longifolia, Punica granatum, Rubus ellipticus and Viola canescens. New applications of rarely documented plants from this area are: Oxalis corniculata paste of the whole plant to treat vitiligo, Carthamus tinctorius flowers to treat chicken pox, Dioscorea deltoidea tuber powder to treat productive cough, Inula cappa root decoction to treat miscarriage, Habenaria digitata tuber juice for the treatment of fever, Viola canescens leaves and flowers for the treatment of sore throat and Achillea millefolium root and leaf juice for the treatment of pneumonia. These plants may contain interesting biochemical compounds and should be subjected to further pharmacological studies to develop new drugs. Traditional medicinal knowledge in the area under study is mainly limited to the elderly, traditional healers and midwives. Therefore, resource conservation strategies and future pharmacological studies are strongly recommended.

People's Perception and Awareness towards Plant Invasion, Its Impacts on Forest Ecosystem Services and Livelihood: A Tale of Central Himalayas.

Plant invasion is a leading threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services and human wellbeing worldwide. In the central Himalayas intentionally or accidentally introduced invasive alien plant species (IAPS) facilitate their own establishment and spread, which is altering forest structure, vegetation composition, species diversity and livelihood. To understand the perception and awareness amongst local communities about invasive alien and native plants and its effect on local livelihood, a questionnaire-based study was conducted in 10 villages of Nainital district, Uttarakhand, India. Household data of 179 respondents were triangulated with key informants such as community leaders, teachers and older people. A majority of the respondents were found to be more familiar with the native species (Berberis asiatica, Pyracantha crenulata and Rubus ellipticus) than IAPS (Ageratina adenophora and Lantana camara). Both the IAPS negative impacts on native biodiversity, ecosystem services and livelihood. During the last two decades IAPS have encroached on various forests and caused a decrease in native species in the study area. According to the local perception, deforestation, forest fire, climate change, increased transport, light weight seed, no use and grazing etc. have been the main factors behind the spread of IAPS. A. adenophora invaded both chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) and banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) forests while L. camara remained more prominent in low elevation open canopy chir pine forest. Uprooting is the primary method used to control IAPS in crop fields and forests. The studied villages have not reported awareness and education programs about the IAPS. Our study demonstrates the wide range of perspectives on the threat posed by IAPS to forest ecosystems and natural resources. Education could help to raise awareness about the issue and could be beneficial in managing and controlling invasion in the Himalayan region.

A review of botany, traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacological applications, and toxicology of Rubus ellipticus Smith fruits.

Rubus ellipticus Smith. (Family Rosaceae), often known as the yellow Himalayan raspberry (Yellow Hissar), is one of the most widely used edible fruits in Indian folk medicinal systems. The current review aims to identify the gap between research and existing applications of this fruit to help scientists explore the current trends and opportunities for future development. Fruits of R. ellipticus are the source of several classes of compounds. Fruits of R. ellipticus are also rich in nutrients such as carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It has been shown to have significant medical value in a variety of studies, including as an anti-diabetic, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antitumor, wound healing, antifertility, oviposition deterrent, antibacterial, and antioxidant. Fruits of R. ellipticus have been the subject of several in vitro and in vivo investigations, all of which have corroborated their wide range of biological activities and demonstrated their potential for the identification of new therapeutic candidates and the development of innovative herbal food supplements. Additional mechanism-based pharmacological evaluation and clinical research shouldprovide an adequate scientific basis for the traditional usage of R. ellipticus fruits, which is currently not sufficiently supported by the available research on its active components and molecular mechanisms.

Variation in plant leaf traits of Rubus ellipticus and Berberis aristata along the altitudinal gradient and aspects in the Lower Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Variation in plant leaf traits of Rubus ellipticus and Berberis aristata along the altitudinal gradient and aspects in the Lower Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Exploration of Anti-Diabetic Potential of Rubus ellipticus smith through Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and MMPBSA Calculation

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting a majority of the population worldwide. Hyperglycemia leading to diabetes mellitus could be managed through the inhibition of human pancreatic α-amylase enzyme. Phytochemicals are frequently reported to possess anti-diabetic activity through inhibition of normal functioning of α-amylase. This study aims to find potential α-amylase inhibitors from Rubus ellipticus Smith with molecular-level understanding using different computational tools. From the molecular docking calculations, rubuside F and rubuside D possessed good binding affinity of -10.0 kcal/mol and -9.9 kcal/mol, respectively better than the reference drugs (acarbose, miglitol, voglibose and metformin). Both the compounds showed good geometrical stability from molecular dynamics simulation accessed in terms of RMSD, hydrogen bond count, SASA, Rg and RMSF. Binding free energy changes of -27.92±4.15 kcal/mol and -28.75±4.15 kcal/mol, respectively for the two ligands indicated sustained thermodynamic spontaneity present in the adducts. The two phytochemicals could be proposed as potential inhibitors of human pancreatic α-amylase for the treatment of diabetes. Further, in vitro and in vivo experiments are recommended for the verification of computational insights in the course of drug design and discovery process.

Identification and evaluation of antimicrobial and anti-arthritis activities of hydroethanolic extract of Rubus ellipticus leaves.

Rubus ellipticus is a native plant to India's tropical and subtropical regions and has been used as a traditional medicinal. The aim of study was to identify and evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-arthritis activities of hydroethanolic extract of R. ellipticus leaves (HEERE). The leaves were collected from the Narkanda Valley, India and were shade-dried and finely ground to produce the powder. The hydroethanolic extract was utilized for phytochemical analysis to determine the existence of carbohydrate, phenolic, terpenoid, flavonoid, saponin, glycoside, tannin, protein, and alkaloid. The HEERE was futher analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the characterization of the phytoconstituents. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus as well as Aspergillus niger. To assess its anti-arthritic activities, different doses of HEERE were given orally to complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced albino Wistar rats for twenty-one days. The GC-MS analysis of hydroethanolic extracts from leaves detected and identified the presence of 33 phytochemical compounds. HEERE showed significant effects against E. coli, S. aureus, and A. niger strains at 600 ppm. Our data indicated that HEERE 200 mg/kg was more effective than 50 mg/kg as anti-arthritis. Paw volume, ankle-joint diameter, the number leucocytes, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were all significantly reduced in experimental rats. Furthermore, when compared to respective standard drugs, the body weight, erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and synobium healing effect have all improved. These data demonstrated the potential of R. ellipticus for the long-term investigation of antimicrobial and anti-arthritic properties.

Yellow Himalayan Raspberry (Rubus ellipticus Sm.): Ethnomedicinal, Nutraceutical, and Pharmacological Aspects.

Yellow Himalayan raspberry (Rubus ellipticus Sm., Rosaceae) is a native species of the Indian subcontinent, Southern China, and the Philippines, which has been historically used as a traditional medicine and food. All of the parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory ailments, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorder, and as an anti-infective agent. The scientific evaluation revealed a richness of macronutrients, micronutrients, and minerals in the fruits, indicating its potential use as a nutraceutical. Furthermore, this plant has been found to be rich in various secondary metabolites, including polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and terpenoids. Ascorbic acid, kaempferol, gallic acid, and catechin are some of the compounds found in this plant, which have been widely discussed for their health benefits. Furthermore, various extracts and compounds obtained from R. ellipticus have shown antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, antipyretic, anticonvulsant, and anti-infective activities investigated through different study models. These findings in the literature have validated some of the widespread uses of the fruits in folk medicinal systems and the consumption of this nutritious wild fruit by local communities. In conclusion, R. ellipticus holds strong potential for its development as a nutraceutical. It can also improve the nutritional status of villagers and uplift the economy if properly utilized and marketed.

Phyto-mediated synthesis of pure phase α-Bi2O3 nanostructures using Rubus ellipticus plant extract: photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial efficacy

Phyto-mediated synthesis of pure phase α-Bi2O3 nanostructures using Rubus ellipticus plant extract: photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial efficacy

Comparative Analysis of Rhizosphere Fungi in Ageratina Adenophora and Associated Native Species in Far-Western Nepal

Root exudates play a significant role in influencing the rhizosphere microbes. Fungi are an important group of microbes that are influenced by plant root exudates. As invasive alien plant species secretes several allelochemicals and impact soil microbes, this study compared the fungal community in one of the invasive weeds Ageratina adenophora with native species (Rubus ellipticus, Shorea robusta and Imperata cylindrica) in far-western Nepal. The rhizosphere soil was sampled by uprooting respective plants, and the soils were cultured using Czapek Dox Agar and PDA media. A total of 49 fungal species were identified from the plant rhizospheres. A. adenophora altered the species richness, occurrence and frequency of fungi in soil. The pathogenic fungi Aspergillus niger, Myrothecium sp., Phoma sp., Rhizoctonia sp., Pythium oligandrum, Verticillium spp. were the most frequently occurring rhizosphere fungi in all plants and they showed their host specificity in the rhzosphere. The fungi species such as Paecilomyces lilacinus, Aspergillus flavus, Myrothecium sp., Penicillium citrinum, P. chrysogenum, Rhizoctonia sp., Mucor circinelloides, Hypocrea sp., Trichoderma hypoxylon, T. sparsum, Gliocladium sp., Hypomyces sp., Aspergillus niger and M. circinelloides were common in all native plants. Even minor variations in the physicochemical properties of soil can change the presence of fungal species in the root zone, as indicated by the analysis of soil chemicals.

Isolation and Identification of Phenolic Profiles in Selected Himalayan Wild Berries and Determination of their Antimicrobial Activity

A fundamental source of food and medicine for nearby Himalayan populations is the diversity of plants. The percentage yield of extract, phytochemicals, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the extracts Euterpe oleraceae, Vaccinium myrtillu, Phyllanthus embilica, Rubus ellipticus, and Rubus niveus were determined. The clinical and laboratory standards Institute’s micro broth dilution method was used to assess these extracts’ antimicrobial effects on Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the purification of the positive extract was done by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Phytochemical analysis was done to determine the secondary plant metabolites, including alkaloids, polyphenols, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, steroids, and saponins. All five of the studied plants’ extracts showed antibacterial activity against one or more tested microorganisms. Several phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, salicylic acid, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and caffeic acid were detected in all extracts. The R. ellipticus extracts with petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water show a maximum yield between (64–56%) except R. ellipticus extract with hexane (25.82%) showed a low yield. All the extracts have major quantities of carbohydrates, flavonoids, and phenols. These results suggested that produced antimicrobial activity was due to the presence of phytoconstituents in all extracts.

Studies on germination behaviour of Rubus ellipticus seeds collected from different seed sources in Himachal Pradesh, India

A seed germination trial was conducted to study the germination behaviour of Rubus ellipticus seeds collected from different sources in Himachal Pradesh. Significant differences were observed in the germination per cent of seeds collected from different sources. The maximum germination of 84.00% was recorded in seeds collected from the Darlaghat source whereas the minimum germination of 59.00% was recorded in seeds collected from Bharan in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. The seeds collected from Shoghi recorded the highest moisture content of 6.46% whereas the minimum moisture content of 5.39% was recorded from seeds collected from Joharji in the Solan district. The maximum seed weight of 0.07 g (100 seeds) was recorded in seeds collected from Joharji, whereas, the minimum seed weight of 0.05 g was recorded in seeds collected from Beolia in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. It is recommended on the basis of the present investigation that seeds of R. ellipticus be collected from the Darlaghat seed source in Solan district for the raising of seedlings in the nursery owing to better germination.

Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Screening and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Different Parts of Rubus ellipticus Sm.

Free radicals are molecules with reactive unpaired electrons which are produced during cell metabolism and create the oxidative stress inside tissue resulting in tissue damage. The aim of the present study was qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, determination of total phenolic and total flavonoid content, and free radical scavenging activity of different parts of ethnomedicinally used Rubus ellipticus Sm. plant. Root, stem, and leaves of Rubus ellipticus Sm. were collected from Annapurna Rural Municipality, Kaski, Western Nepal. Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of the plant parts were obtained by subsequent maceration process. The phytochemical screening of most of the extract showed the presence of phenols, carbohydrates, flavonoids, and glycosides. The ethanolic extract of stem showed the higher phenolic content with the value of 343.75 ± 2.21 µg GAE/mg. Ethanolic extract of stem had the highest amount of flavonoid content (1563.17 ± 10.79 µg QE/mg of extract), whereas all the ethyl acetate extracts of root, leaves and stem showed comparable flavonoid content. Ethanolic extracts of leaves showed potent DPPH free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value of 5.03µg/ml while ethyl acetate extract of stem showed the maximum free radical scavenging properties. The result depicted that the ethanolic extract of Rubus ellipticus Sm. showed the potent antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals.

Antibacterial, antioxidant and photocatalytic activity of novel Rubus ellipticus leaf mediated silver nanoparticles

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science that has significant applications in applied sciences. In this study, silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesized utilizing the leaf filtrate of Rubus ellipticus. SNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction patterns to determine their morphology and chemical composition. The surface plasmon resonance of SNPs revealed a peak at 415 nm. The synthesized SNPs were mainly spherical crystals with an average size of 21.43 nm. When compared to plant extract and positive controls (AgNO3 and penicillin), SNPs demonstrated significant bactericidal activity against all the tested bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative). The most effective bactericidal activity was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.25 µg/mL. In addition, a dose-dependent antioxidant activity of SNPs was found against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical with an average IC50 value of 72.84 µg/mL. The photocatalytic activity of Methylene blue (MB) dye decomposition under sunlight was studied. The results showed that MB degraded by 98 % after 150 min in the sun. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that R. ellipticus biosynthesized SNPs may have bactericidal and photocatalytic effects.

An updated review of Rubus ellipticus (an edible shrub), its bioactive constituents and functional properties

The vast majority of people continue to view medicinal plants as a low-cost source of medications and treatments. Numerous trees, herbs, plants, and shrubs have been used as remedies for various ailments since the dawn of time. Rubus ellipticus Smith, a weedy wild raspberry that flourishes in damp woods at high elevations, particularly those in the Himalayas and the Nilgiris area, is one of the important ethnomedicinal plants in the genus Rubus. Traditional Tibetan medicine places a great deal of importance on the plant R. ellipticus. Because of the abundance and diversity of phenolics and flavonoids in fruits or berries, which have a high concentration of both, they are generally regarded as inherently healthful foods. The roots and leaves, as well as the fruit, have traditionally been used as therapeutic agents for several illnesses including colic pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, wound healing, diarrhea, antifertility, antibacterial, analgesic, epilepsy, and others. The objective of the current review is to concentrate on the pharmacological characteristics, nutrition profile, phytoconstituents, and folkloric therapeutic applications of R. ellipticus, therefore achieving the review's overall subject.

A new species of Aphis (Aphidinae: Aphidini) feeding on Rubus from China.

A new species of the genus Aphis feeding on Rubus ellipticus in China, Aphis rogeri Qiao sp. nov. is described. The new species is distinguished by the presence in life of successive pleuro-marginal wax spots, rostrum reaching over meta-coxae and short siphunculi. The new species is supported by molecular data and morphological features. An updated key to Aphis species feeding on Rubus is provided.

Biogenic synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using aqueous rhizome extract of Rubus ellipticus for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

In this paper, we have reported the synthesis of CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) by cost effectively and environmental friendly method using the rhizome extract of Rubus ellipticusfor photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. The biomolecules present in the extract acts as reducing agent and stabilizer for the synthesis of CuO NPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by using the different analytical instrument like UV-Visible spectrophotometer, XRD and FT-IR. The absorbance at 595 nm indicates the formation of CuO NPs which on annealing at 400°C for four hours oxidizes and forms CuO NPs which shows maximum absorbance at 265 nm. XRD analysis confirms the formation of crystalline structured nanoparticles without any impurity. So formed nanoparticles were found to be of size 4.8nm and 5.7 nm which was calculated by using Debye-Scherrer equation. The FTIR confirms the presence of various bioactive components, which acts as reducers and stabilizer. In addition, the photocatalytic degradation activity of the CuO NPs was studied for the degradation of the methylene blue in presence of sunlight. The catalytic activity was monitored using the UV-Visible spectrophotometer. It was found that the dye gradually degrade sunlight irradiation. This study highlights the application of CuO NPs for photocatalytic degradation of dye which can be extended for the waste water treatment.

Rubus ellipticus Sm. Fruit Extract Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Green Approach for Dye Degradation and Biomedical Applications.

Rubus ellipticus fruits aqueous extract derived ZnO-nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through a green synthesis method. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of ZnO-NPs were investigated using XRD, FTIR, UV-vis spectrophotometer, XPS, FESEM, and TEM. The Rietveld refinement confirmed the phase purity of ZnO-NPs with hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure and p-63-mc space group with an average crystallite size of 20 nm. XPS revealed the presence of an oxygen chemisorbed species on the surface of ZnO-NPs. In addition, the nanoparticles exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity due to the attachment of the hydroxyl group of the phenols on the surface of the nanoparticles. Among all microbial strains, nanoparticles’ maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity in terms of MIC was observed against Bacillus subtilis (31.2 µg/mL) and Rosellinia necatrix (15.62 µg/mL), respectively. The anticancer activity revealed 52.41% of A549 cells death (IC50: 158.1 ± 1.14 µg/mL) at 200 μg/mL concentration of nanoparticles, whereas photocatalytic activity showed about 17.5% degradation of the methylene blue within 60 min, with a final dye degradation efficiency of 72.7%. All these results suggest the medicinal potential of the synthesized ZnO-NPs and therefore can be recommended for use in wastewater treatment and medicinal purposes by pharmacological industries.

New addition to the larval food plants of Trypanophora semihyalina Kollar, [1844] from India (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae)

Rubus ellipticus Smith 1815 (Rosaceae) is reported as new larval food plant for Trypanophora semihyalina Kollar, [1844] for the first time from India

Traditional Medicinal Values of Rubus ellipticus with Biological Activities Observed from its Crude Extract: A Review

This review article on Rubus ellipticus mainly systematically summarizes classification, morphology, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and biological activities. Rubus ellipticus is commonly known as Yellow Himalayan Raspberry and has been used as a traditional medicine to cure for fever, diarrhoea, gastralgia, skin infection, joint pain, wound healing, diabetes, anti-fertility agent, analgesic, antiepileptic, as renal tonic, ulceretc. Its phytochemicals analysis have revealed the presence of Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids. The crude extract shows biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-diabetic, anticancer, antiulcerogenic etc.