Stem Bark Research Articles

Pharmacognostic Characterization of Panchatikta, an Ayurvedic Polyherbal Combination—Exploring the Role of Botanical and Phytochemical Techniques in the Standardization and Validation of Traditional Wisdom

Panchatikta is an Ayurvedic multiherbal combination containing five bitter‐tasting drugs—Azadirachta indica, Tinospora cordifolia, Justicia adhatoda, Solanum virginianum, and Trichosanthes dioica. The objective of this study is to develop standards for Panchatikta ingredients using pharmacognostic parameters and to analyze the chemical composition. The plant materials were collected from different natural habitats, authenticated, dried, ground, and the combination was prepared by mixing the ingredients in equal amounts followed by macroscopic, organoleptic, microscopic, histochemical, and physicochemical characterization according to the standard protocol of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Special morphological characteristics of the A. indica (stem bark), T. cordifolia (stem), J. adhatoda (roots), S. virginainum (roots), and T. dioica (aerial parts) were identified. The anatomical structure of each drug was observed, and microscopic markers were developed for identification. Histochemical deposits such as starch, oil, lignin, and tannin were located in each plant material. Powder characters such as fibers from phloem with pointed ends and narrow lumen, parenchyma cells containing starch grains, crystal fibers, fragments of bordered pitted vessels, fragments of pitted vessels, cells containing black powdery masses, and epidermal cells from leaves in surface view with an anomocytic stomata were identified as the key features for the Panchatikta combination. The organoleptic characterization of component drugs and combinations was performed. The physicochemical evaluation of parameters such as ash content (5.53 ± 0.29), water‐insoluble ash (4.57 ± 0.32), acid‐insoluble ash (1.55 ± 0.31), alcohol‐soluble extract (5.9 ± 1.21), water‐soluble extract (9.19 ± 0.21), fiber content (33.27 ± 1.37), total sugar (1.83 ± 0.65), and reducing sugar (1.73 ± 0.40) were evaluated for the Panchatikta combination. Preliminary phytochemical tests were carried out to verify the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, glycosides, and steroids. The HPTLC profile comparison of ethanolic, hydroalcoholic, and aqueous extracts of Panchatikta and single drugs showed some type of synergy and antagonistic activities among the chemical principles present. Marker‐based screening of azadirachtin, betulinic acid, and lupeol was done in Panchatikta ethanol using HPTLC. As Panchatikta is prescribed for various life‐threatening diseases including cancer, the standards developed here ensure the authenticity of the ingredients, which in turn ensures the quality of the prepared medicines.

Harungana Madagascariensis Stem Bark Confers Ameliorative Potential against Subchronic Dichlorvos Induced Oxidative Stress

Dichlorvos (DDVP) is an organophosphate insecticide known to cause oxidative stress, which can have a number of negative public health consequences. Harungana madagascariensis (HM), also known as dragon blood tree/amuje, is a plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found to reduce oxidative stress in a variety of scenarios. In this study, we looked at the ability of HM stem bark extract to reduce subchronic DDVP induced oxidative stress in rats. Forty (40) Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into polyphenylene cages Eight (8) per cage in five groups namely; control (group 1), group 2 (DDVP exposed), and treatment groups (groups 3, 4, 5 ‘DDVP exposed’ + 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg extract, respectively). Male rats were treated with DDVP (10 mg/kg b.w) except for the control. Both the stressor/toxicant and extract were administered orally throughout the study duration of 28 days. At the end of the study, rats were sedated with chloroform, and blood and organ samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as SOD, CAT, GPx, MDA, and NO, were meticulously evaluated in liver, kidney, and serum. Hormonal indicators, such as FSH, LH, and TES, were assessed in serum too. The result revealed that HM stem bark extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect against subchronic DDVP-induced oxidative stress. The extract also influences increased SOD, CAT, and GPx activity and decreased MDA and NO levels in DDVP exposed rats’ liver, kidney, and serum. Additionally, it decreased FSH, LH, and TES levels in DDVP-exposed rats suggesting a potential hormonal protective property. The results are indicative that HM stem bark extract has potential as a therapeutic agent for treatment of subchronic DDVP-induced oxidative stress and its related adverse health conditions. Advance studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of action of HM stem bark extract and to determine its efficacy in human populations.

Investigation of the Subchronic Toxicity of Graded Doses of Extracts of Dialium guineense Stem Bark in Rats

Aim: To investigate the subchronic toxicity of graded doses of aqueous and ethanol extracts of D. guineense stem bark in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of seventy (70) rats (35 per extract) weighing 160 to 180 g (mean weight = 170 ± 10 g) were divided into seven (7) groups of five (5) rats each. Group I served as control, while rats in groups II – VII received graded doses of extract (200 – 5000 mg/kg body weight, bwt) for a duration of 28 days. Weight parameters, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) level and histopathological assessment were carried out. Results: Percentage increases in body weights of rats treated with aqueous or ethanol extract of D. guineense stem bark were significantly reduced, when compared with control group (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in the corresponding relative organ weights and tissue MDA level, among the groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, the extracts did not significantly alter the normal architecture of the liver, but induced mild periportal lymphocytosis and kupffer cell activation. Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of the medicinal plant stem bark did not elicit any deleterious effects on rat liver.

Effects of seasonal variation on phytochemicals contributing to the antimalarial and antitrypanosomal activities of Breonadia salicina using a metabolomic approach

This study involves the investigation of various plant parts of Breonadia salicina (Vahl) Hepper and J.R.I. Wood across multiple consecutive seasons. It aims to delve into the phytochemistry of these different plant parts and establish connections between the findings and their biological activities. This comprehensive approach employs metabolomics techniques, with the ultimate goal of exploring the potential for drug development. Samples were collected in Fondwe, a village in Limpopo (South Africa), based on local reports of the efficacy of this plant used by traditional healers in the area. The antimalarial and antitrypanosomal activities of samples collected over the seasons were determined with the parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) and specific Trypanosoma brucei assays, respectively. Consequently, a total of 24 compounds were tentatively identified through ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Chemical profiles of the different plant parts of Breonadia salicina collected in different seasons produced contrasting metabolic profiles. Chemometric analysis of the UPLC-QTOF-MS data enabled us to determine the chemical variability of the crude stem bark, root and leaf extracts (n = 48) collected over four consecutive seasons by evaluating the metabolomics fingerprinting of the samples using an untargeted approach. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) indicated the existence of two key clusters that are linked to the root, stem bark, and leaves. The stem and root chemistry differed from that of the leaves. Seasonal variations were noted in each plant part, with autumn and winter samples closely grouped compared to spring and summer samples in the methanol leaf extracts. Biochemometric analysis could not relate specific compounds to the antimalarial and antitrypanosomal activities of the active extracts, underscoring the intricate interactions among the secondary metabolites. This study further confirms the optimal plant parts to collect in each season for the most effective antimalarial and antitrypanosomal activities.

Involvement of Phytophthora citrophthora and Phytophthora nicotianae in severe decline and gummosis of grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi Macfad.) in southern Türkiye

AbstractSince the summer of 2020, severe decline and gummosis were observed on 20‐ to 30‐year‐old grapefruit trees cv. Star Ruby in Antalya province in the Western Mediterranean region of Türkiye. Grapefruit trees were examined in affected commercial orchards in Aksu, Manavgat, Muratpaşa and Serik counties, located near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Symptomatic trees exhibited leaf discoloration, defoliation and severe dieback, as well as dark, water‐soaked lesions with gum exudates, characteristic of Phytophthora infections, formed on the bark of the main stem and major limbs. No Phytophthora species could be isolated from these bark tissues, while two were obtained from soil samples taken from around symptomatic trees. Based on morphological characteristics, isolates were identified as P. citrophthora and P. nicotianae. Identifications were confirmed by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the cytochrome oxidase I (cox1) gene regions. Pathogenicity tests, carried out by inoculations of the main stems and branches of grapefruit seedlings cv. Star Ruby indicated that both species were pathogenic. All P. citrophthora and P. nicotianae isolates obtained in this work were sensitive to mefenoxam. EC50 values of P. citrophthora isolates were between 0.284 and 0.285 μg mL−1, whereas those of P. nicotianae were between 0.288 and 0.291 μg mL−1. Phytophthora citrophthora was previously known to cause disease on citrus in Türkiye, but this is the first report of P. nicotianae causing citrus gummosis in the country. Because P. nicotianae is more widespread than P. citrophthora, it should be considered a threat to citrus cultivation in this region of Türkiye.

Effects of Gamma Radiation on Microbial Load and Chemical Constituents from Stem Barks of Luehea ochrophylla

Gamma radiation is an effective method for microbial decontamination of plant materials. However, this treatment can induce changes in the chemical structure of plant constituents. Stem barks of Luehea ochrophylla were exposed to different doses of gamma radiation to evaluate decontamination efficiency and changes in chemical composition of plant material including phenolic fraction. The major microbial contaminants of non-irradiated samples were isolated and identified as the fungal species Eurotium chevalieri L. Mangin and Lecythophora decumbens. The dose of 5.0 kGy was effective to achieve total decontamination of the stem barks of L. ochrophylla. The formation of free radicals was verified in the plant material using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and was supposed to be related to the trans-aconitic acid, a plant constituent. It was the only secondary metabolite to have its concentration significantly altered with radiation in phenolic fraction, as observed by liquid chromatography with diode array detector coupled to mass spectroscopy (LC-DAD-MS). The trans-aconitic acid was isolated and exposed to gamma radiation in aqueous medium. Its concentration decreased after exposition to a dose of 3.0 kGy, corroborating the supposition of its degradation. Citric acid was the main radiolytic product formed by irradiation of trans-aconitic acid in the presence of water.

The anti-pyretic activity of aqueous and alcoholic extract of stem bark of Neolamarckia cadamba on brewer’s yeast-induced wistar rats

The anti-pyretic activity of aqueous and alcoholic extract of stem bark of Neolamarckia cadamba on brewer’s yeast-induced wistar rats

Evaluation of Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Studies for the Development of Quality Control Parameters for Stem Bark of Ximenia americana Linn. (Olacaceae)

Abstract Background: Plants are extremely useful to humankind as medicine, and hence the properties of medicinal plants have to be scientifically evaluated. Aim: The aim of this study is to establish pharmacognostical and phytochemical parameters for stem bark of Ximenia americana Linn. (Olacaceae). Materials and Methods: Macroscopical, microscopical evaluation, powder microscopical studies, quantitative microscopy, physicochemical evaluation, fluorescence analysis, analysis of inorganic elements, and determination of heavy metal contamination were performed as per the World Health Organization guidelines and standard methods. To evaluate various phytoconstituents, phytochemical investigations such as preliminary phytochemical screening, high-performance thin-layer chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography were performed. Results: Microscopical studies showed the presence of thick cortex, periderm cells, phloem parenchyma, phloem fibers, sieve elements, prismatic and granular calcium oxalate crystals, and resinous cells. The length and width of fibers, stone cells, and diameter of starch grains were measured. Physicochemical evaluation like ash values has shown total ash – 8.01% ± 0.02% w/w, acid-insoluble ash – 1.53% ± 0.02% w/w, water-soluble ash – 1.54% ± 0.01% w/w, sulfated ash – 12.02% ± 0.07% w/w, water-soluble hot extraction – 26.48 ± 0.02% w/w, cold maceration – 11.76% ± 0.04% w/w, alcohol soluble – 15.69% ± 0.03%w/w, ether soluble – 2.06% ± 0.03% w/w, and loss on drying – 4.88% ± 0.01% w/w. Conclusion: Pharmacognostical study on the stem bark of Ximenia americana may be reported as first. The results of pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies will be helpful for authentication and provide quality control parameters for the stem bark of this plant.

Evaluation of possible hepatoprotective potentials of Parinari kerstingii methanol stem bark extract and molecular docking of its compounds against CYP2E1 enzyme

Evaluation of possible hepatoprotective potentials of Parinari kerstingii methanol stem bark extract and molecular docking of its compounds against CYP2E1 enzyme

Ceramic Filters Coated with Green Ag-Nanoparticles for Drinking Water Treatment in Rural Households of Nigeria.

A ceramic water filter (CWF) coated with plant-based nanoparticles was used as household water purifier in a rural community. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced from the stem bark of Bridelia ferruginea plant, and their efficacy to enhance the physical, chemical, and microbial quality of raw stream water sample was determined using analytical probes and pour-plate techniques, respectively. The pH of the filtered water sample ranged 7.6 to 8.1, which is within the WHO permissible limit for drinking water, and the electrical conductivity values were also reduced from 110 to 70 µS/cm. The CWF coated with AgNPs (CWF-AgNPs) removed Klebsiella pnuemoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Entamoeba histolytica from the stream water sample. The highest percentage of coliform reduction in the CWF and CWF-AgNPs were 93.18% and 99.64%, respectively. The raw data showed that the CWF-NPs enhanced the quality of the stream water. The surface and internal structure of the CWF-AgNPs can be modified by varying the concentration of the composite materials, so as to determine the most effective combination. The improved CWF-AgNPs will enhance achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.

LC-MS/MS and tandem MS/MS identification of chemical compounds of the stem bark of Acacia macrostachya (Mimosaceae)

LC-MS/MS and tandem MS/MS identification of chemical compounds of the stem bark of Acacia macrostachya (Mimosaceae)

Green synthesis and physicochemical characterization of an eco-friendly zero-valent iron biochar based on Coula edulis shell and morinda bark extract using response surface analysis

In this present study, two biochars obtained from agricultural residue considered as waste were chemically activated with H2SO4 (HN/AC) and also impregnated with zero-valent iron using morinda stem bark extract...

Two Triterpenoids, ARM-2 and RA-5, From Protorhus longifolia Exhibit the Potential to Modulate Lipolysis and Lipogenesis in Cultured 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.

Triterpenoids have been identified as potential novel lipid-lowering drugs for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. This study investigated the potential antilipogenic and/or antilipolytic effects of two triterpenoids (ARM-2 and RA-5) isolated from the stem bark of Protorhus longifolia (Benrh.) Engl. Employing a combination of in silico predictions and in vitro assays, the interactions between these triterpenoids and key proteins involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis were investigated. In silico molecular docking analysis predicted a favourable binding affinity of both triterpenoids to PPARγ, SREBP-1, and AMPK, with lower binding affinity to C/EBPα, pancreatic lipase, and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). Both triterpenoids exhibited in vitro inhibition of pancreatic lipase with Ki and IC50 values ranging from 28.7 to 52.9 μM and 27.6 to 35.8 μM, respectively. Total and neutral lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and the oleic acid-induced HepG2 cell model was inhibited, with ARM-2 showing better inhibition than RA-5. In the HepG2 model, the inhibitory activity of the two triterpenoids (at 25 and 100 μM) was comparable to 50 μM lovastatin, although the latter was cytotoxic, whereas both ARM-2 and RA-2 lacked cytotoxicity. Associated gene expression was similar to the effect of simvastatin where the expression of SREBP-1, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and HSL was reduced and that of AMPK was unchanged. In vitro studies confirmed that ARM-2 and RA-5 also inhibited adipocyte lipolysis, where the reduction in glycerol release by 25 and 100 μM was similar to 50 μM lovastatin and simvastatin. This study identifies that the triterpenoids, ARM-2 and RA-5, have the potential to modulate lipogenesis and lipolysis.

Methanol Fraction of Ethanol Extract of Dialium guineense Stem Bark May Alter the Activity of Glucose 6-phosphatase/Aminotransferases and Levels of Lipids in Tissues of Diabetic Wistar Rats

Methanol Fraction of Ethanol Extract of Dialium guineense Stem Bark May Alter the Activity of Glucose 6-phosphatase/Aminotransferases and Levels of Lipids in Tissues of Diabetic Wistar Rats

Estimation of total phenolic content and total flavonol content in leaves and stem extracts of Ventilago maderaspatana Gaertn. and leaves, stem and stem bark extracts of Ziziphus xylopyrus (RETZ) Willd

Estimation of total phenolic content and total flavonol content in leaves and stem extracts of Ventilago maderaspatana Gaertn. and leaves, stem and stem bark extracts of Ziziphus xylopyrus (RETZ) Willd

Biochemical effects of ingested crude oil contaminated Mangifera indica stem bark aqueous and ethanol extracts in wistar albino rats

Biochemical effects of ingested crude oil contaminated Mangifera indica stem bark aqueous and ethanol extracts in wistar albino rats

Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Leave and Stem Bark Extract of Ficus sycomorous

Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Leave and Stem Bark Extract of Ficus sycomorous

A comprehensive apoptotic assessment of niloticin in cervical cancer cells: a tirucallane-type triterpenoid from Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) Parker.

Pharmacologically active small organic molecules derived from natural resources are prominent drug candidates due to their inherent structural diversity. Herein, we explored one such bioactive molecule, niloticin, which is a tirucallane-type triterpenoid isolated from the stem barks of Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) Parker. After initial screening with other isolated compounds from the same plant, niloticin demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against cervical cancer cells (HeLa) with an IC50 value of 11.64 μM. Whereas the compound exhibited minimal cytotoxicity in normal epithelial cell line MCF-10A, with an IC50 value of 83.31 μM. Subsequently, in silico molecular docking studies of niloticin based on key apoptotic proteins such as p53, Fas, FasL, and TNF β revealed striking binding affinity, reflecting docking scores of -7.2, -7.1, -6.8, and -7.2. Thus, the binding stability was evaluated through molecular dynamic simulation. In a downstream process, the apoptotic capability of niloticin was effectively validated through in vitro fluorimetric assays, encompassing nuclear fragmentation. Additionally, an insightful approach involving surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) re-establishes the occurrence of DNA cleavage during cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, niloticin was observed to induce apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. This was evidenced by the upregulation of upstream regulatory molecules such as CD40 and TNF, which facilitate the activation of caspase 8. Concurrently, niloticin-induced p53 activation augmented the expression of proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bcl-2 and downregulation of IAPs, leading to the release of cytochrome C and subsequent activation of caspase 9. Therefore, the reflection of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis is in good agreement with molecular docking studies. Furthermore, the anti-metastatic potential was evidenced by wound area closure and Ki67 expression patterns. This pivotal in vitro assessment confirms the possibility of niloticin being a potent anti-cancer drug candidate, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive anticancer assessment of niloticin in HeLa cells.

Identification of bioactive compounds and ADMET profile of stem bark of Syzygium samarangense and their potential as antibreast cancer and antiinflammatory

Identification of bioactive compounds and ADMET profile of stem bark of Syzygium samarangense and their potential as antibreast cancer and antiinflammatory

Investigation of CNS depressant and muscle relaxant effects of the ethnomedicinal plant Macropanax dispermus on Swiss Albino mice and its effect against oxidative stress.

Since plant-based natural drugs are widely accepted in modern times and possess numerous pharmacological effects with an extensive therapeutic range, an ethnomedicinal plant native to Bangladesh was selected to investigate for investigation of its various pharmacological effects. Macropanax dispermus has been traditionally used and has demonstrated numerous pharmacological effects in preclinical investigations. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the central nervous system (CNS) depressant and antioxidant activities of the crude methanol extracts of the stem barks (MDMS), leaves (MDML), and their different fractions. The CNS depressant activity was assessed using the hole cross, rota-rod, and elevated plus maze tests on Swiss Albino mice, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) nonradical scavenging, and ferric reducing power assays. The conducted assays successfully demonstrated that the chloroform fraction of MDML is a significantly (P < 0.001) effective CNS depressant, muscle relaxant, and anxiolytic agent with excellent antioxidative effects compared to standard and control. The aqueous fraction of MDML also acted as a significantly (P < 0.001) active CNS depressant and muscle relaxant, and it was a highly active ferric-reducing agent. All effects were dose and concentration-dependent. The presence of various phytochemicals might contribute to these activities. However, further research is suggested to isolate their active compounds and evaluate their mechanisms of action.