Steroidal Glycosides Research Articles

Revisiting the ethnomedicinal, ethnopharmacological, phytoconstituents and phytoremediation of the plant Solanum viarum Dunal.

Solanum viarum, a perennial shrub, belongs to the family Solanaceae known for its therapeutic value worldwide. As a beneficial remedial plant, it is used for treating several disorders like dysentery, diabetes, inflammation, and respiratory disorders. Phytochemistry studies of this plant have shown the presence of steroidal glycoside alkaloids, including solasonine, solasodine, and solamargine. It also has flavonoids, saponins, minerals, and other substances. S. viarum extracts and compounds possess a variety of pharmacological effects, including antipyretic, antioxidant, antibacterial, insecticidal, analgesic, and anticancer activity. Most of the heavy metals accumulate in the aerial sections of the plant which is considered a potential phytoremediation, a highly effective method for the treatment of metal-polluted soils. We emphasize the forgoing outline of S. viarum, as well as its ethnomedicinal and ethnopharmacological applications, the chemistry of its secondary metabolites, and heavy metal toxicity. In addition to describing the antitumor activity of compounds and their mechanisms of action isolated from S. viarum, liabilities are also explained and illustrated, including any significant chemical or metabolic stability and toxicity risks. A comprehensive list of information was compiled from Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using different key phrases (traditional use, ethnomedicinal plants, western Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh, S viarum, and biological activity). According to the findings of this study, we hope that this review will inspire further studies along the drug discovery pathway of the chemicals extracted from the plant of S. viarum. Further, this review shows that ethnopharmacological information from ethnomedicinal plants can be a promising approach to drug discovery for cancer and diabetes.

Pennogenin 3-O-β-Chacotrioside Attenuates Hypertrophied Lipid Accumulation by Enhancing Mitochondrial Oxidative Capacity.

Excessive lipid accumulation in adipocytes is a primary contributor to the development of metabolic disorders, including obesity. The consumption of bioactive compounds derived from natural sources has been recognized as being safe and effective in preventing and alleviating obesity. Therefore, we aimed to explore the antilipidemic effects of pennogenin 3-O-β-chacotrioside (P3C), a steroid glycoside, on hypertrophied 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Oil Red O and Nile red staining demonstrated a P3C-induced reduction in lipid droplet accumulation. Additionally, the increased expression of adipogenic and lipogenic factors, including PPARγ and C/EBPα, during the differentiation process was significantly decreased by P3C treatment at both the protein and mRNA levels. Furthermore, P3C treatment upregulated the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes such as PGC1α and CPT1a. Moreover, mitochondrial respiration and ATP generation increased following P3C treatment, as determined using the Seahorse XF analyzer. P3C treatment also increased the protein expression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in hypertrophied adipocytes. Our findings suggest that P3C could serve as a natural lipid-lowering agent, reducing lipogenesis and enhancing mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Therefore, P3C may be a promising candidate as a therapeutic agent for obesity-related diseases.

Therapeutic potential of CB1R activation by Qingyangshen glycoside M1 for seizure relief

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCynanchum otophyllum C.K.Schneid.PI.Wilson, commonly referred as ‘‘Qingyangshen’’ (QYS), is a traditional folk medicine from Yunnan, renowned for its efficacy in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Glycosides isolated from QYS have shown promise in alleviating epilepsy, however, mechanisms of action and specific molecular targets remain to be elucidated. Aim of the studyThe study aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of Qingyangshen glycosides M1 (M1), a C21 steroidal glycoside from QYS, on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsions in zebrafish (Danio rerio), and its neuroprotective effect on Glutamate (Glu)-induced damage to PC12 cells, and importantly to identify its potential molecular targets. Materials and methodsTo evaluate anticonvulsant activity of M1, 7 days-post-fertilization (7-dpf) animals were pretreated (by immersion) and then exposed to PTZ (10 mM) solution. Furthermore, Glu-induced PC12 cell damage was employed to investigate the neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic capacity. Cells were pretreated with various concentrations of M1 (0–10 μM) for 12 h and then co-treated with Glu (15 mM) for an additional 24 h. The cell viability, apoptosis rate and apoptosis-related proteins (p-PI3K, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, CREB, p-CREB, BDNF, Bax and Bcl-2) were measured using CCK-8, annexin V/PI and Western blot assays. To model the expected interaction between M1 and candidate cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), ERK phosphorylation, molecular docking, and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) techniques were employed. Finally, CB1R antagonist Rimonabant (Rim) was validated by co-administration in both zebrafish and cells to confirm the requirement of CB1R for M1 efficacy. ResultsAt a concentration of 400 μM, M1 dramatically reversed PTZ-induced convulsive-like behaviors in zebrafish, as evidenced by a significant reduction in locomotor activity. In the context of Glu-induced cytotoxicity, M1 (10 μM) demonstrated a notable increase in cell viability and suppressed apoptosis through modulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of the PI3K/Akt/CREB/BDNF signaling axis. These effects were facilitated through CB1R activation. In contrast, Rim dampened the beneficial activities of M1 as a cannabinoid agonist. ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that M1 as a potential CB1R activator, exhibiting anticonvulsive effects in a PTZ-induced zebrafish model and neuroprotective properties via the PI3K/Akt/CREB/BDNF signaling axis in a Glu-induced PC12 cell injury model. Notably, the observed seizure relief attenuated by CB1R chemical antagonism.

Saponins as therapeutic candidates for atherosclerosis.

Drug development for atherosclerosis, the underlying pathological state of ischemic cardiovascular diseases, has posed a longstanding challenge. Saponins, classified as steroid or triterpenoid glycosides, have shown promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Through an exhaustive examination of scientific literature spanning from May 2013 to May 2023, we identified 82 references evaluating 37 types of saponins in terms of their prospective impacts on atherosclerosis. These studies suggest that saponins have the potential to ameliorate atherosclerosis by regulating lipid metabolism, inhibiting inflammation, suppressing apoptosis, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, as well as regulating gut microbiota, autophagy, endothelial senescence, and angiogenesis. Notably, ginsenosides exhibit significant potential and manifest essential pharmacological attributes, including lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidative stress effects. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the pharmacological attributes of saponins in atherosclerosis, with particular emphasis on their role in the regulation of lipid metabolism regulation and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, saponins may warrant further investigation as a potential therapy for atherosclerosis. However, due to various reasons such as low oral bioavailability, the clinical application of saponins in the treatment of atherosclerosis still needs further exploration.

Identification of potential antiviral compounds from Egyptian sea stars against seasonal influenza A/H1N1 virus

BackgroundOne of the most dangerous problems that the world faced recently is viral respiratory pathogens. Marine creatures, including Echinodermata, specially Asteroidea class (starfish) have been extensively studied due to their miscellaneous bioactivities, excellent pharmacological properties, and complex secondary metabolites, including steroids, steroidal glycosides, anthraquinones, alkaloids, phospholipids, peptides, and fatty acids. These chemical constituents show antiviral activities against a wide range of viruses, including respiratory viruses. ResultsThe present study aimed at the identification of potential antiviral compounds from some starfish species. The bioactive compounds from Pentaceraster cumingi, Astropecten polyacanthus, and Pentaceraster mammillatus were extracted using two different solvents (ethyl acetate and methanol). The antiviral activity against influenza A/H1N1 virus showed that ethyl acetate extract from Pentaceraster cumingi has the highest activity, where the selective index was 150.8. The bioactive compounds of this extract were identified by GC/MS analysis. The molecular docking study highlighted the virtual mechanism of binding of the identified compounds towards polymerase basic protein 2 and neuraminidase for H1N1 virus. Interestingly, linoleic acid showed promising binding energy of −10.12 Kcal/mol and −24.20 Kcal/mol for the selected two targets, respectively, and it formed good interactive modes with the key amino acids inside both proteins. ConclusionThe molecular docking analysis showed that linoleic acid was the most active antiviral compound from P. cumingi. Further studies are recommended for in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of this compound against influenza A/H1N1 virus.

CARDIOPROTECTIVE AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF THE ARILS OF THE FRUIT OF BLIGHIA SAPIDA KD KOENIG (SAPINDACEAE) IN ISOPRENALINE-INDUCED MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN WISTAR RATS

Coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction are major global health issues, with myocardial infarction becoming more common. In the current study, the cardioprotective effects of methanol extract from the aril of the Blighia sapida fruit were assessed in relation to certain cardiac function biomarkers, endogenous antioxidant activity, and the pathology of the heart in Wistar rats that had undergone isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction. Phytochemical screening was according to methods described by Trease and Evans. The LD50 of the extract was calculated using Lorke’s approach. The LD50 was calculated using nine (9) Wistar rats. For cardioprotective and antioxidant activities, six groups of seven Wistar rats each were formed from forty-two (42), which were divided at random. Group 1 were administered 1ml of normal saline daily, group 2 through 4 were pretreated with 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg of the extract, respectively, for 28 days. Group 5 were administered 85 mg/kg of isoprenaline on days 26 and 27, 24 hours apart to cause myocardial infarction. Group 6 served as the positive control (pretreated with 2 mg/kg carvedilol for 28 days). The plant contains bioactive substances like alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, cardiac glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, steroid glycosides, cardenolides, terpenes, and tannins. No mortality even at a dose of 5000mg/kg. Glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase all show considerable increases. Total troponin, troponin c, troponin I, creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, and myoglobin, significantly decreased when compared to the isoprenaline group. Additionally, there was a significant drop in the levels of some biochemical markers in the extract treated groups compared to the isoprenaline control. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and ALT, AST, and ALP significantly decreased. Histological analysis revealed some degree of cardiac modification and a notable improvement. According to the data, the extract contains modest antioxidant and cardioprotective characteristics

Identification and Functional Characterization of Oxidosqualene Cyclases from Medicinal Plant Hoodia gordonii.

Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) are the key enzymes accountable for the cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene to varied triterpenoids and phytosterols. Hoodia gordonii (from the family Apocynaceae), a native of the Kalahari deserts of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, is being sold as a prevalent herbal supplement for weight loss. The appetite suppressant properties are attributed to P57AS3, an oxypregnane steroidal glycoside. At the molecular level, the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenes and phytosterols from H. gordonii have not been previously reported. In the current study, predicted transcripts potentially encoding oxidosqualene cyclases were recognized first by searching publicly available H. gordonii RNA-seq datasets. Two OSC-like sequences were selected for functional analysis. A monofunctional OSC, designated HgOSC1 which encodes lupeol synthase, and HgOSC2, a multifunctional cycloartenol synthase forming cycloartenol and other products, were observed through recombinant enzyme studies. These studies revealed that distinct OSCs exist for triterpene formation in H. gordonii and provided opportunities for the metabolic engineering of specific precursors in producing phytosterols in this plant species.

Four new steroidal glycosides from Lilium lancifolium Thunb. and their antitumor activity

Four new steroidal glycosides (1–4), including two steroidal saponins named lililancifoloside B and C (1–2), one pregnane glycoside named lililancifoloside D (3), and one C22-steroidal lactone glycoside named lililancifoloside E (4), together with five known ones (5–9), were isolated from the bulbs of Lilium lancifolium Thunb. By using spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS, the structures of 1–4 were elucidated. All isolates were tested for their cytotoxic potential against the MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HepG2, and A549 cell lines. Compound 6 distinguished out among them, IC50 values of 3.31, 5.23, 1.78, and 1.49 μM against the four cell lines, respectively. Other compounds such as compound 3, 5, and 9 have also shown specific cytotoxic activity. Next, studies showed that compound 6 might cause HepG2 cells to undergo a cell cycle arrest during the G2/M phase and apoptosis.

Chenopodium murale L.: A Weed of Medicinal Importance - A Brief Review

Weeds are considered a great threat to crops. So weed eradication is an important task to increase crop yield. Chemical weed control in various crops decreases their nutritive potential. To overcome this problem to some degree, it is suggested to use these weeds instead of destroying them. Keeping this in view, such losses can be compensated by exploring their medicinal utility and identifying their future medicinal prospects. Chenopodium murale L. (Amaranthaceae) is an annual weed growing throughout the world. This review aims to summarize the reported pharmacology and phytochemistry of C. murale to explore its medicinal utility and identifying their future medicinal prospects. The review was done by literature collection from textbooks and online databases without a time limit. The weed name was confirmed by ‘The Plant List’. C. murale extracts, their isolated active constituents, and nanoparticles have been reported for various pharmacological actions like hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, anticancer, antimicrobial, nematicidal, antioxidant, and cytotoxic. The pharmacological effects of C. murale may be due to the presence of secondary active metabolites such as phenolic acids, flavonols, terpenes and terpenoids, flavonoids and a steroidal glycoside. Reported phytochemistry and pharmacology suggest that C. murale could be an important medicinal agent for leishmaniasis, hypertension, infections and liver diseases. However, further studies are warranted.

Two New C21 Steroidal Glycosides from the Leaves of Hoya parasitica

Two New C21 Steroidal Glycosides from the Leaves of Hoya parasitica

Lead phytochemicals and marine compounds against ceruloplasmin in cancer targeting

In silico docking studies serve as a swift and efficient means to sift through a vast array of natural and synthetic small molecules, aiding in the identification of potential inhibitors for cancer biomarkers. One such biomarker, ceruloplasmin (CP), has been implicated in various tumor types due to its overexpression, earning it recognition as a marker of aggressive tumors. This study focused on pinpointing inhibitors for the CP –Myeloperoxidase (MPO) interaction site, a complex formation known to impede HOCl production, a crucial process for inducing apoptotic cell death in tumor cells. The initial phase of our investigation involved in silico docking studies, which screened a diverse library of phytochemicals and marine compounds. Through this process, we identified several promising drug candidates based on their binding affinities. Subsequently, these candidates underwent rigorous filtration based on Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) properties. Finally, we subjected the selected compounds to molecular dynamics (MDs) simulation to further assess their viability. Lycoperoside F, a steroidal alkaloid glycoside derived from tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum), stood out with notable interactions at the binding site. Another noteworthy compound was Xyloglucan (XG) oligosaccharides, predominantly found in the primary cell walls of higher plants. During the subsequent MDs simulations, these interactions were accompanied by highly stable root mean square deviation (RMSD) plots, signifying the consistency and robustness of the observed MDs behavior. XG oligosaccharides demonstrated the highest binding affinity with CP, reaffirming their potential as strong candidates. Additionally, Ardimerin digallate, known as a retroviral ribonuclease H inhibitor for HIV-1 and HIV-2, displayed favorable interactions at the MPO interaction site. Given that promising drug candidates must meet stringent criteria, including non-toxicity, effectiveness, specificity, stability and potency, these phytochemicals have the potential to progress to in vitro studies as CP inhibitors. Ultimately, this could contribute to the suppression of tumor growth, marking a significant step in cancer treatment research. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Chemical constituents from Potentilla kleiniana and their chemotaxonomic significance

Phytochemical study of Potentilla kleiniana gave one C21 steroidal glycoside (1), seven ellagic acid derivatives (2–8), five flavonoids (9–13), one alkaloid (14), one nucleoside (15), one aromatic aldehyde (16), one aromatic ketone (17), one phenylacetic acid derivative (18), one phenolic acid (19), one phenolic acid derivative (20), and one dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol derivative (21). The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic methods and comparison with reported data. Among them, compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 3–4, 7–18, 20–21 were first reported from this plant. Moreover, the chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds from the whole plants of P. kleiniana has been discussed in detail.

C21 steroidal glycosides from the root bark of Periploca sepium and their NO production inhibitory and cytotoxic activity

A series of C21 steroidal glycosides were isolated from the root bark of Periploca sepium, including a new compound, perisepiumoside A1 (1), and six known compounds (2-7). Their structures were elucidated by analysis of HR-ESI-MS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. All these compounds were tested for their NO production inhibitory activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Results showed that these C21 steroidal glycosides could remarkably inhibit NO production, particularly 1 and 2 with IC50 values of 30.81 ± 0.18 μM and 44.39 ± 0.21 μM, respectively. In addition, the cytotoxicity of these compounds was measured on A549, MCF-7, and HeLa cancer cell lines. Among them, compounds 1 and 7 displayed cytotoxicity against the A549 cell line with IC50 values of 28.41 ± 0.12 μM and 39.06 ± 0.05 μM, respectively.

Six unprecedented steroidal glycosides from Allium atropurpureum bulbs and their cytotoxicities against SBC-3 human small-cell lung cancer cells

Six unprecedented steroidal glycosides from Allium atropurpureum bulbs and their cytotoxicities against SBC-3 human small-cell lung cancer cells

Three new minor steroidal glycosides from the whole plants of Hoya parasitica (Wall. ex Hornem.) Wight

Three new minor steroidal glycosides were isolated from the whole plants of Hoya parasitica (Wall. ex Hornem.) Wight. Their structures were further elucidated as 3β,4α-dihydroxy-5β-spirost-(25)27-en-1β-yl O-α-L-arabinopyranoside (1), 3β-hydroxy-5β-spirost-25(27)-en-1β-yl O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-xylopyranoside (2), and (23S,24S,25S)-3β,4α,23,24-tetrahydroxy-5β-spirostan-1β-yl O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-fucopyranoside (3) through interpretation of the spectroscopic data (one-dimensional and two-dimensional) and mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of spirostane-type steroidal saponins from the Hoya genus.

Anti-cancer activity of Marsdenialongise A, a new C21 steroidal glycoside isolated from Marsdenia longipes W.T. Wang (Apocynaceae)

C21 steroidal glycosides are a group of natural compounds with biological activities such as anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties. In this study, we isolated and determined the structure of a new C21 steroidal glycoside, named Marsdenialongise A from Marsdenia longipes W.T. Wang, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectra data. Marsdenialongise A is a derivative of tenacigenin B and was isolated for the first time from a plant. The inhibitory effect of Marsdenialongise A on cancer cells was evaluated through MTT and cell migration assays, cell cycle, and apoptosis analyses. The results of the MTT assay showed that Marsdenialongise A reduces the cell viability of cancer cells, with the AGS cell line being more sensitive than other cell lines, with an IC50 value of 5.69 µM (for 48 h of treatment). Marsdenialongise A also exhibited an ability to prevent the migration of cancer cells in AGS cells. Further analysis using flow cytometry has revealed that Marsdenialongise A is capable of inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by Marsdenialongise A can be considered a cause that leads to the influence on the cell cycle and apoptosis of cancer cells. Thus, Marsdenialongise A can be considered a potential anti-cancer agent.

Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand (Apocynaceae): state of the art of its use and applications.

Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand (Apocynaceae), popularly known as milkweed, has been traditionally used to treat diseases particularly associated with gastric disorders, skin disease and inflammatory processes. The present study aimed to review the current scientific evidence regarding the pharmacological effects of C. procera extracted phytochemicals and possible research opportunities as complementary and alternative medicine. Scientific publications were searched in various electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Springer, Wiley, and Mendeley) using the following search terms: Calotropis procera, medicinal plants, toxicity, phytochemical characterization, and biological effects. Collected data showed that cardenolides, steroid glycoside and flavonoids are the main classes of phytochemicals identified in C. procera latex and leaves. In addition, lignans, terpenes, coumarins, and phenolic acids have been reported. These metabolites have been correlated with their biological activities, including mainly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, hypoglycemic, gastric protective, anti-microbial, insecticide, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, among others. However, some of the studies were carried out with only a single dose or with a high dose not achievable under physiological conditions. Therefore, the validity of C. procera biological activity may be questionable. Not less important to highlight are the risks associated with its use and the possibility of accumulation of heavy metals that can be toxic. Furthermore, there are no clinical trials with C. procera to date. In conclusion, the need of bioassay-guided isolation of bioactive compounds, bioavailability and efficacy, as well as pharmacological and toxicity studies, are needed using in vivo models and clinical trials in order to support the traditionally claimed health benefits.

Determination of Structure and Cytotoxicity of Ten Undescribed Steroidal Glycosides from Allium cristophii × A. macleanii 'Globemaster'.

'Globemaster' is an ornamental hybrid cultivar whose parent plants are Allium cristophii and A. macleanii. The chemical constituents of 'Globemaster' bulbs have not yet been examined; thus, a systematic phytochemical investigation was undertaken herein. A series of chromatographic separations of the MeOH extract of 'Globemaster' bulbs afforded 27 steroidal glycosides (1-27), which are classified into 23 spirostanol glycosides (1-8 and 11-25), two furostanol glycosides (9 and 26), a pregnane glycoside (10), and a cholestane glycoside (27). The structures of the hitherto undescribed compounds (1-10) were determined from the two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic data and hydrolysis. The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds (1-27) toward HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells, A549 human adenocarcinoma lung cancer cells, and SBC-3 human small-cell lung cancer cells was evaluated. Compounds 8, 22, 23, 24, and 26 exhibited cytotoxicity toward all cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values in the 1.3-49 µM range.

Exploring the Synergistic Antimicrobial Potential of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts from Melia azedarach and Solanum incanum against Escherichia coli

Medicinal plants have been used for the maintenance of health for many years. Emerging cases of adverse drug reactions, high cost, and antimicrobial resistance using a single antimicrobial drug have heightened the need for research into plant sources of antimicrobial activity like Melia azedarach and Solanum incanum. This research investigated the synergistic antimicrobial activity exhibited by ethanolic leaf extracts obtained from Melia azedarach and Solanum incanum when tested against the pathogenic bacterium Escherichia coli. The study aimed to characterize the presence and composition of phytochemicals in the individual extracts, thereby elucidating their contribution to the observed antimicrobial effects. Additionally, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays and disc diffusion tests were performed to determine the optimal concentration required to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli. Solanum incanum at a concentration of 2g/ml showed an average zone of inhibition of 6.92mm while Melia azedarach exhibited a zone of inhibition of 6.97 mm for Escherichia coli. The combined extracts showed a zone of inhibition of 8.34 mm for Escherichia coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration for Solanum incanum was 0.5g/ml while that of Melia azedarach was 1.4g/ml for Escherichia coli. Leaf extracts of both Melia azedarach and Solanum incanum had moderate to high levels of tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, and anthraquinones. Alkaloids and saponins were in low amounts in both extracts while steroidal glycosides were in moderate amounts in Melia azedarach but high in Solanum incanum. In conclusion, both plant extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial effects with both plants having a similar potency in terms of zone of inhibition diameter. The combined leaf extract of both plants had higher activity compared to individual plant extracts. We thus recommend that the combined extract can be used as an alternative modality for treating E. coli infections of mild severity without complications.

In-vitro Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity of Melia azedarach and Solanum incanum Ethanolic Leaf Extracts Against the Staphylococcus aureus

The increasing challenges of adverse drug reactions, costly medicines, and antimicrobial resistance necessitate the exploration of safe and effective antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of ethanol leaf extracts from Melia azedarach and Solanum incanum against Staphylococcus aureus, a clinically significant pathogen known for its resistance to conventional antibiotics. The research design employed was an experimental study with three concentrations of the plant extracts (1g/ml, 1.4g/ml, and 2g/ml) tested against Staphylococcus aureus, and the standard antimicrobial agent, ciprofloxacin, served as a positive control, while ethanol served as a solvent control. The samples were prepared, and the experiments were conducted in triplicate, following established protocols. The choice of Melia azedarach and Solanum incanum was scientifically justified based on their well-documented traditional medicinal uses and previous reports of antimicrobial activity. Ethical approval was obtained from the Kabarak University Research Ethics Committee (KUREC), and a research permit was obtained from the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI). The results demonstrated significant anti-staphylococcal activity for both extracts, with Melia azedarach exhibiting superior efficacy compared to Solanum incanum at all concentrations tested. Moreover, the combined extracts displayed enhanced antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus compared to the individual extracts. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, and anthraquinones in both extracts, with higher levels of steroidal glycosides in Solanum incanum. We recommend further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations to identify the active antimicrobial constituents in these plants. These findings hold promise in the development of novel therapeutic agents to combat infectious diseases, offering Melia azedarach and Solanum incanum as potential sources for drug development.