Stem Bark Research Articles

Assessment of the concentrations and human risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in stem bark samples of Psorospermum febrifugum and soil from Nsukka area in eastern Nigeria

Assessment of the concentrations and human risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in stem bark samples of Psorospermum febrifugum and soil from Nsukka area in eastern Nigeria

Quantitative analysis of selected alkaloids of Mitragyna speciosa using 1H quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Mitragyna speciosa is a perennial plant native to Asia, well known for its psychoactive properties. Its major alkaloid mitragynine is known to have sedative and euphoric effects. Hence, the plant has been a subject of abuse, leading to addiction, necessitating efficient analytical methods to detect its psychoactive constituents. However, current chromatography-based methods for detecting the alkaloids are time consuming and costly. Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) spectroscopy emerges as a promising alternative due to its nondestructive nature, structural insights, and short analysis time. Hence, a rapid and precise qNMR method was developed to quantify selected major psychoactive alkaloids in various parts of M.speciosa. Mitragynine, specioliatine, and speciogynine were quantified in relation to the integral value of the -OCH3 groups of the alkaloids and the internal standard 1,4-dinitrobenzene. The precision and reproducibility of the method gave a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2%, demonstrating the reliability of the method. In addition, the method showed excellent specificity, sensitivity, high linearity range (R2 = 0.999), and limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) values. The analysis revealed that the red-veined M.speciosa leaves contained higher levels of mitragynine (32.34 mg/g), specioliatine (16.84 mg/g) and speciogynine (7.69 mg/g) compared to the green-veined leaves, stem bark, or fruits.

Comprehensive exploration of a traditional Chinese medicinal plant of Magnolia officinalis based on high-coverage mass spectrometry and multidimensional chemical-biological analysis

Magnolia bark is a traditional Chinese medicine used for hypoglycaemia. With the widespread use of Magnolia bark, its resources are facing a serious shortage. To address this issue, a strategy based on high-coverage mass spectrometry (HCMS) and multidimensional chemical-biological analysis (MCBA) was proposed for the comprehensive exploration of Magnolia officinalis which is the main source of Magnolia bark. The strategy is divided into three main steps. In the first step, the stem bark, stem xylem, root bark, root xylem, leaf and rootlet of Magnolia officinalis were comprehensively analyzed using high-coverage mass spectrometry. In the second step, multivariate statistical analysis was used to explore the heterogeneity of the six parts and detect differential chemical components. In the third step, a combination of experimental screening and molecular docking was used to explore α-glucosidase inhibitors from Magnolia officinalis. Multidimensional chemical-biological analysis (MCBA) of Magnolia officinalis was achieved by combining the last two steps. Finally, a total of 103 compounds were identified from the whole plant of Magnolia officinalis. Differential components of stem bark, stem xylem, leaf, root bark, root xylem and rootlet were systematically revealed. A pair of positional isomers, namely magnolol and honokiol, were found to be α-glucosidase inhibitors. The activity of their combination is superior to that of each single compound, indicating that magnolol and honokiol are in a synergistic relationship. This strategy contributes to comprehensive exploitation of functional plants and effective alleviation of resource shortage. This study also provides a research paradigm for other similar traditional Chinese medicinal plants.

Molecular docking studies and in-vitro cholinesterase inhibitory activities of chemical constituents of Calophyllum gracilentum

Calophyllum species are well known due to their abundance of potentially beneficial phytochemicals, such as xanthones, coumarins, and others. However, Calophyllum gracilentum is an understudied specie with very limited information. Medicinal plants have been proven to have therapeutic potential in managing neurological disorders associated with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) dysregulation. Still, there has been little investigation on Calophyllum plants for this purpose. Herein, we report on the isolation of a new oxygenated xanthone 5,10-dihydroxy-9-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-12-(3-methylbut-2-enyl) pyrano[3,2-b] xanthen-6(2 H)-one (1) and eleven known xanthones (2–12), three chromanone acids (13–15), and phytosterols (16–18), respectively from the stem bark of the Calophyllum gracilentum. The evaluation of AChE inhibitory activity showed that all the extracts and xanthones (2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12) tested have potential AChE inhibitory activity. Compounds (5) and (12) are prospective AChE inhibitors with IC50 values of 1.8 ± 0.0001 and 4.0 ± 0.0002 µmol/L. The molecular docking analysis demonstrated compound (5) and compound (12) bind well to the active site which is the anionic site containing Trp 84 and Asp 72 in the of Torpedo californica acetylcholinesterase (TcAChE) through π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and π-donor hydrogen bond from the xanthone ring, besides π-alkyl and π-σ interactions from the substituent group with the binding energy of −11.1 kcal/mol for compound (5) and binding energy of −10.4 kcal/mol for compound (12).

Biological and phytochemical analysis of fractionated extracts of Ziziphus nummularia against pathogenic bacteria, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity

In modern medicine, synthetic drugs are predominant, yet they often pose health hazards. So, there is a need to find natural alternatives. Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. F.) Wight & Arn., belongs to family Rhamnaceae, is well known for its traditional value such as its fruits have been used as natural appetizer and orally consumed around the world. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and bioactivity of crude and fractionated extracts from the stem bark of Ziziphus nummularia. Crude extracts were prepared using cold maceration, followed by partitioning based on polarity into n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions. These extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis and evaluated for antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. The crude methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 136.49 μg/mL in DPPH and 78.9 μg/mL in ABTS assays. Antibacterial tests using the agar well diffusion method revealed that the methanolic extract, ethyl acetate, and chloroform fractions demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis, with inhibition zones ranging from 0 to 8.43 ± 0.23 mm at 400 mg/mL. The brine shrimp lethality assay indicated significant cytotoxicity in the methanolic, ethyl acetate, and chloroform extracts, compared to the negligible effect of the n-hexane fraction. These findings highlight the potential of Z. nummularia as a source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic applications against infectious diseases, toxins, and oxidative stress. Further isolation of pure compounds and animal trials are recommended to explore its potential in drug discovery.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer Potential of the Vegetative and Reproductive Organs of Embelia ruminata

ABSTRACT The antioxidant and anticancer potential of solvent extracts of the leaf, stem bark, fruit, and seeds of Embelia ruminata was investigated. The chloroform seed extracts had the highest TAC of 38.50 mg AAE g−1 DW. In the FRAP and DPPH assays, the methanolic seed extracts exhibited the most effective activity (67.63 mg AAE g−1 and IC50 of 3.54 µg mL−1, respectively), compared to the respective standards. In the MTT assays, the hexane seed extracts were the least cytotoxic and had a more pronounced effect on MCF-7 and A549 cell lines (IC50 of 93.1 and 119.5 µg mL−1, respectively) than the control.

Use of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. Stem Bark Extracts to Prevent High-Fat Diet Induced Metabolic Disorders in Mice.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with ethanolic and aqueous extracts from the bark of the stem of Guazuma ulmifolia in mice submitted to a high-fat diet as well as to evaluate the chemical composition of these extracts. The chemical composition and antioxidant potential was evaluated in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stem bark. The in vivo test consisted of evaluating the effects of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stem bark on C57BL/6 mice receiving a high-fat diet. The animals were evaluated for weight gain, feed consumption, visceral adiposity, serum, and inflammatory and hormonal parameters. The results of the chemical analyses corroborate those obtained by the literature, which reported gallocatechin, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate. Compared with the ethanolic extract, the aqueous extract showed greater antioxidant capacity. Both extracts resulted in lower feed consumption in the animals, but they did not influence weight gain or visceral adiposity and resulted in varied changes in the lipid profile. In addition, they did not influence glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or fasting blood glucose. Furthermore, the leptin levels increased, which may have contributed to satiety, but this was shown to have a negative impact on other inflammatory and hormonal parameters. Therefore, under the conditions of this study, the biologically active compounds present in the plant species Guazuma ulmifolia were not able to contribute to the treatment of metabolic changes related to the consumption of a high-fat diet.

Studies on the Bioactive Components and Antibacterial Activities of Kigelia Africana

Objective: Nature has been a source of medicinal agents for thousands of years and an impressive number of modern drugs have been isolated from natural sources. K. africana is a plant which various part have been used as antibacterial agents, antiprotozoal agents, antineoplastic agents, CNS stimulants e.t.c. Method: Fresh leaves and stem bark of K. africana were collected from Egugwu Agbaja Izzi LGA, Ebonyi State. The plant was washed, soaked, filtered and air-dried to get the aqueous extract. Semi quantitative phytochemical identification, Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry as well as antibacterial assays of the extracts against C. freundii, E. coli, K. pneumonia and S. aureus by agar well diffusion method were carried out. The aqueous extracts were re-extracted to obtain an ethanolic fraction. Result: The aqueous extract of the leaf had more inhibitory effects than that of the stem bark on the test organisms. The aqueous extract had more inhibitory effects against S. aureus, K. pneumonia and C. freundii as compared to E. coli. The ethanolic fraction had a very significant (P˂0.05) inhibitory effect against all the test organism. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts showed the presence of glycosides, tannins, carbohydrate resin and reducing sugar in all extract while saponin and flavonoid was noted only in the aqueous extract of K. africana stem bark. The GC/MS revealed the presence of acetic acid, hydroxy-ethyl ester e.t.c in the leaf aqueous extract whereas phenol, 3-methoxy-2,4,6-trimethyl was revealed in the stem bark. Conclusion: This study revealed that aqueous extract of K. africana contains high amount of phyoconstituents and it may be responsible for its good antibacterial activity.

"Investigation of the Biochemical Effect of Aqueous Extract of Dialium guineense Stem Bark on Haematological Parameters in Rats"

"Investigation of the Biochemical Effect of Aqueous Extract of Dialium guineense Stem Bark on Haematological Parameters in Rats"

Phytochemical Screening, Acute Toxicity and Antibacterial Activity of Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis

Phytochemical Screening, Acute Toxicity and Antibacterial Activity of Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Phytoconstituents of Stem Bark Extract and Vacuum Liquid Chromatographic Fractions of Spondias mombin (Linn)

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Phytoconstituents of Stem Bark Extract and Vacuum Liquid Chromatographic Fractions of Spondias mombin (Linn)

Varvain Glucoside from the Stem Bark of Ceiba Pentandra Controls Postharvest Loss inDioscorea alata Tubers

Varvain Glucoside from the Stem Bark of Ceiba Pentandra Controls Postharvest Loss inDioscorea alata Tubers

Phytochemical Study, Antioxidant Activity and GC-MS Analysis of Soymida febrifuga A. Juss

Objectives: To determine antioxidant activity and identify bioactive compounds present in n-Hexane & Ethyl acetate extracts of stem bark of Soymida febrifuga A. Juss. Methods: In the present study stem bark of Soymida febrifuga A. Juss was powdered and subjected to Soxhlet extraction using n-Hexane and Ethyl acetate as solvents. Extracts were analysed for the presence of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The Bio-active compounds were identified by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Findings: The qualitative analysis revealed presence of various phytochemicals. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of total 28 Medicinally active compounds which included Tetradecane, Hentriacontane, Octacosane, Docosane and Eicosane in n-Hexane extract. 15 Medicinally active compounds were found in ethyl acetate extract which included Purolan, 1,2-Dipropenyl cyclobutane, Hentricontane, 2,6,7-Trimethyl decane, Tetrahydrofurfuryl propionate and Decyl propanoate. Novelty: Though the phytochemical analysis of Soymida febrifuga have been performed by some research groups but there are no reports on identification of Bio-active compounds by GC-MS. The results obtained from present study confirms presence of many compounds of biological significance that warrants further biological and pharmacological study of Soymida febrifuga A. Juss as a potential herbal drug. Keywords: Soymida febrifuga; GC-MS analysis; DPPH assay; n-Hexane; Ethyl acetate

Limonoids, triterpenes, sterols, and flavonoids from Cedrela odorata L. and their cytotoxic activity

The isoflavonoid cedrelin (1), isolated for the first time, and two new limonoids with mexicanolide skeleton, the 15-O-acetyl-12-oxo-fissinolide (2) and 15-O-acetyl-fissinolide (3), were isolated together with fifteen other known compounds from the stem bark of Cedrela odorata. Among the known compounds were the limonoid 7α,11β-diacetoxydihydronomilin (4) and the triterpene pentaol (5), whose 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data interpretation and structural elucidation are discussed here for the first time. Cell culture assays demonstrated that some of the compounds isolated from this plant possess moderate cytotoxic activity in representative human cancer cell lines. These cytotoxicity studies, along with previous reports, revealed that at least 6 of the isolated compounds exhibit activity against cancer cell lines, which aligns with the popular use in the cancer treatment for this medicinal plant.

Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of <i>Crateva adansonii</i> DC leaves and stem bark extracts against some pathogenic bacteria

Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of <i>Crateva adansonii</i> DC leaves and stem bark extracts against some pathogenic bacteria

Chemical composition, antibacterial potential, and toxicity of the extracts from the stem bark of Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHancornia speciosa is a medicinal plant popularly used to treat different medical issues, including infectious diseases. Exploring the therapeutic potentialities of the extracts from medicinal plants combined with conventional antibiotic drugs is a promising horizon, especially considering the rising microbial resistance. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of the ethereal (EEHS) and methanolic (MEHS) extracts of the stem bark of H. speciosa, and also evaluate their antibacterial and drug-modifying activity, and toxicity. Materials and methodsThe extracts were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Additionally, total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined. The antibacterial and antibiotic-modifying activity was evaluated against strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the serial microdilution method, obtaining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The toxicity assay was carried out using the Drosophila melanogaster model. ResultsThirty compounds were identified in the extracts of the stem bark of H. speciosa, with triterpenoids being predominant in both extracts. Additionally, fatty alcohols, carbohydrates, fatty acids, phenolic acids, and phytosterols were identified in both extracts. EEHS and MEHS extracts had considerable phenol contents (346.4 and 340.0 mg GAE/g, respectively). Flavonoids were detected in a lower proportion (7.6 and 6.9 mg QE/g, respectively). H. speciosa extracts did not display intrinsic antibacterial activity against the bacterial strains evaluated, however, they were capable of modifying the activity of gentamicin, erythromycin, and norfloxacin. EEHS increased the efficacy of norfloxacin against E. coli and S. aureus, reducing MIC values by 50%. MEHS potentiated the action of gentamicin against all bacterial strains, especially against E. coli. The extracts did not display toxicity at clinically relevant concentrations against D. melanogaster. ConclusionThe stem bark of H. speciosa was considered a rich source of bioactive compounds. Our findings evidenced the therapeutic potential of H. speciosa extracts for the development of new pharmaceutical therapeutics against bacteria. Although the extracts did not exhibit intrinsic antibacterial activity, they enhanced the efficacy of commercial antibiotic drugs and were non-toxic at clinically relevant concentrations. Future studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action of these extracts, ensuring their safety and efficacy.

Effect of single and combination therapy on methanol extracts of Khaya senegalensis stem bark, Vernonia amygdalina leaves and Garcinia kola seed in Leptospira interrogans-infected mice

Ethnopharmacological relevancePastoralists in Nigeria mix Garcinia kola seed (GK), Khaya senegalensis stem bark (KS), and Vernonia amygdalina leaves (VA) to treat leptospirosis. AimTo determine the in vitro and in vivo effect on single and combination therapy on Leptospira interrogans-infected mice. Materials and methodsEvaluation of in vitro assay for anti-leptospiral motility of the extracts was carried out in triplicates. For the in vivo assessment, 40 adult male mice inoculated with Leptospira were randomly allocated into 8 groups of 5 mice each. Groups IV-IX were treated with 800 mg/kg b.w. of KS, GK, VA, KS + GK, KS + VA, GK + VA for 5 days. Group I was negative control, II was model control, and III was treated with penicillin (3.7 mg/kg b.w.) intramuscularly. ResultsIn vitro, at 90 min, all the extracts at 800, 400, and 200 mg/ml showed complete cessation of motility which was significantly (p < 0.05) different when compared to the negative control. A significant (p < 0.05) IC50 of 0.18 mg/ml was recorded with GK when compared to KS (0.40 mg/ml), VA (0.25 mg/ml), and procaine penicillin (0.31 mg/ml). Mean packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all infected groups and returned to almost pre-infection values. However, significant leucocytosis (p < 0.05) was observed in group II. AST and ALP showed a significant increase (p < 0.001). Histopathological evaluation showed the extracts to prevent the distortion of normal architecture of the selected organs. ConclusionThis study demonstrates the significant potential of Garcinia kola, Khaya senegalensis, and Vernonia amygdalina extracts singly and in combination to combat leptospirosis.

Alstomaphylines A–K, monoterpenoid bisindole alkaloids from Alstonia macrophylla with AChE inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity

Eleven undescribed monoterpenoid bisindole alkaloids, alstomaphyines A−K (1−11), along with three known analogues were isolated from the leaves and stem bark of the Alstonia macrophylla. Compounds 1−3 were unprecedented dimerization alkaloids incorporating a macroline-type motif with an ajmaline-type motif via a C−C linkage. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation, and CD exciton chirality method. Compounds 1−3 displayed potential inhibitory bioactivity against AChE with IC50 values of 4.44 ± 0.35, 3.59 ± 0.18, and 3.71 ± 0.23 μM, respectively. Enzyme kinetic study revealed compounds 1−3 as mixed competitive AChE inhibitors. Besides, compounds 8 and 12−14 exhibited better cytotoxicity against human cancer cell line HT-29 than cisplatin. Flow cytometry data revealed that compounds 8, 13, and 14 significantly induced the HT-29 cells arrest in G0/G1 phase in a concentration-dependent manner.

Insecticidal Activities of Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen Extracts and Feeding Behavior of Schizaphis graminum Rondani: Electropenetrography Approach.

The aphid, Schizaphis graminum Rondani (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is one of the most destructive pests of wheat. It is responsible for significant economic losses in the agricultural sector, with an estimated 45% of wheat fields affected. Plant-based insecticides have seen a rapid increase in popularity in recent years due to their efficacy, cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, and lower toxicity compared to synthetic pesticides. The study aimed to evaluate the toxic potential of S. longipedunculata extracts against S. graminum and investigate the insect's feeding behavior on wheat. Initially macerated in methanol, the different extracts of S. longipedunculata organs were fractionated using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol. The feeding behavior was analyzed by comparing the waveforms generated by the EPG with the control. After 72 h of treatment, the ethyl acetate fraction extracted from root had the highest toxicity against aphids, with mean 26 mortality of S. graminum at LC50 of 330 ppm; 25 mortality S. graminum at LC50 of 400 ppm for leaves; and mean 24.5 mortality S. graminum at LC50 of 540 ppm in stem bark. EPG analysis indicated that the extract fractions enhanced plant tissue resistance by significantly preventing aphid access to the phloem. The toxic effect of the botanical extracts significantly enhanced the chemical composition of the leaf medium, resulting in a drastic reduction in the number of tissue attacks by S. graminum. In summary, besides their toxicity to S. graminum, extracts of S. longipedunculata reinforce the plant's defense mechanisms, significantly reducing the S. graminum population. They also reinforce wheat's defense mechanisms. S. longipedunculata can, therefore, be used as a promising agent in the biological control of S. graminum.

Crystal structure of Staudtienic acid, a diterpenoid from Staudtia kamerunensis Warb. (Myristicaceae).

This title compound, C20H26O2, was isolated from the benzene fraction of the stem bark of Staudtia kamerunensis Warb. (Myristicaceae) using column chromatography techniques over silica gel. The compound was fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, one and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, IR and MS spectrometry. The compound has two fused cyclo-hexane rings attached to a benzene ring, with a carb-oxy-lic acid on C-4. This cyclo-hexene ring has a chair conformation while the other adopts a half-chair conformation. The benzene ring is substituted with a propenyl moiety. The structure is characterized by inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, two C-H⋯O intra-molecular hydrogen bonds and two C-H⋯π inter-actions. The mol-ecular structure confirms previous studies carried out by spectroscopic techniques.