Total Alkaloid Content Research Articles

Quantitative estimation of total tannin, alkaloid, phenolic, and flavonoid content of the root, leaf, and whole plant of Byttneria herbacea Roxb.

Byttneria herbacea Roxb., family Sterculiaceae, commonly called as 'Samarakhai' in local Odia language, is one of the reputed folklore medicinal herb. Its roots, leaves, and whole plant parts are reported for traditional use in the management of dysentery, sores, cuts, wounds, cholera, leucorrhoea, fractures, and sprains. The aim of the present work was to assess the total tannin content, total alkaloid content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) in root, leaf, and whole plant of B. herbacea. The amount of total tannins was analyzed using titrimetric method and total alkaloids by gravimetrical method. TPC was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu's method and calculated as gallic acid equivalents and the amount of total flavonoids by aluminum chloride colorimetric method and calculated as chrysin equivalents. Tannin content was found maximum in the leaf (8.148% w/w) followed by whole plant (3.886% w/w) and root (1.553% w/w); similarly, TAC in the leaf (2.306% w/w) was more than those in root (0.814% w/w) and whole plant (1.319% w/w). The TPC of the methanolic extract of root (372.33 ± 14.29 mg/g) was more than whole plant (267.33 ± 7.63 mg/g); The TFC of the methanolic extract of leaf (620 ± 50 mg/g) was found maximum followed by root (553.33 ± 28.86 mg/g) and whole plant (536.66 ± 28.86 mg/g). The result of study emphasized presence of tannin, alkaloid, phenol, and flavonoid contents in the root, leaf, and whole plant of B. herbacea where the leaf was found to be richest source.

Chemical constituents and antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities of wild and cultivated Corydalis saxicola

The study aimed to investigate the similarities and differences in the chemical constituents and biological activities between wild and cultivated Corydalis saxicola Bunting. Corydalis saxicola is a rare traditional medicine and is mainly distributed in southwest China. The plant is used for treating inflammation, pain, tumors, and other diseases. The extractive process was optimized and chemical compositions, total alkaloid content, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities of wild and cultivated C. saxicola were compared in this experiment. The extraction condition was optimized by response surface methodology as follows: methanol concentration 83 %, liquid to solid ratio of 60:1 mL/g, and ultrasonic time 31 min. Then, high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to identify the overall chemical compositions of the extracts and seventy-eight compounds including sixty-five alkaloids, six flavonoids, and seven other compounds were tentatively identified from C. saxicola using the literatures; among them, wild samples had seventy compounds and cultivated samples had forty-six compounds. The wild C. saxicola had higher total alkaloid content by colorimetry and showed more active inhibition of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in RAW264.7 macrophage cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide, and also showed a stronger inhibition of growth of HepG2 cells, whereas cultivated C. saxicola had better antioxidant activities in the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-(3-ethyl-6-sulfobenzothiazolinone) azine (ABTS), and hydroxyl radical scavenging experiments. This study compared chemical constituents and bioactivities of wild and cultivated medicinal materials to provide reference for further development and utilization of this medicinal plant.

A Study of Chemical Content in Some Species of Tribe Apieae / Apiace

In this study, the flavonoid and alkaloid content in the alcoholic extract of the shoots and flowers were identified in four species of the tribe Apieae / Apiacese : Ammi majus, Ammi visgana, Anethum graveolens and Foeniculum vulgaris, and the flavonoids that were detected are (Apigenin, Coumarin, Kaempferol and Quercetin). The species Foeniculum vulgaris has recorded the highest concentration of total flavonoid content (Shoots and Flowers) among the studied species, reaching 4139.2 µg / ml. The total alkaloids are estimated for these species, and the Foeniculum vulgaris has recorded the highest concentration of the total alkaloid content as well.

Cleaving Ergot Alkaloids by Hydrazinolysis-A Promising Approach for a Sum Parameter Screening Method.

Ergot alkaloids are mycotoxins formed by fungi of the Claviceps genus, which are some of the most common contaminants of food and feed worldwide. These toxins are a structurally heterogeneous group of compounds, sharing an ergoline backbone. Six structures and their corresponding stereoisomers are typically quantified by either HPLC-FLD or HPLC-MS/MS and the values subsequently summed up to determine the total ergot alkaloid content. For the development of a screening method targeting all ergot alkaloids simultaneously, the alkaloids need to be transferred to one homogeneous structure: a lysergic acid derivative. In this study, two promising cleaving methods—acidic esterification and hydrazinolysis—are compared, using dihydroergocristine as a model compound. While the acidic esterification proved to be unsuitable, due to long reaction times and oxidation sensitivity, hydrazinolysis reached a quantitative yield in 40‒60 min. Parallel workup of several samples is possible. An increasing effect on the reaction rate by the addition of ammonium iodide was demonstrated. Application of hydrazinolysis to a major ergot alkaloid mix solution showed that all ergopeptines were cleaved, but ergometrine/-inine was barely affected. Still, hydrazinolysis is a suitable tool for the development of a sum parameter screening method for ergot alkaloids in food and feed.

Determining the Rate of Ergot-alkaloid Degradation in Toxic Endophyte-infected Tall Fescue Hay and Haylage During Long Term Storage

Abstract The objectives of this experiment were to determine changes in the nutritive value and ergot alkaloid concentrations of endophyte-infected tall fescue hay and haylage during a 180-d storage period. Forage from a single field of Kentucky-31 tall fescue was cut for hay in late June and allowed to dry in the field. The dry matter (DM) of the windrow of cut forage was measured every 2 h after clipping. Forage was sampled from the windrow in 6 location blocks once forage DM reached target levels for haylage and hay treatments. Haylage and hay samples were taken when the DM of the windrow reached 50% and 80%, respectively. Seven subsamples of each treatment within block were chopped to 1.91 cm in length with a lettuce chopper and vacuum sealed in oxygen-excluding bags. Sample bags were stored indoors and opened at 30 d intervals over the 180-d storage period. Samples were analyzed for pH, nutritive value, and individual ergot alkaloid concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography. Within each storage day, treatment within block was considered the experimental unit. Data were analyzed in SAS using the MIXED procedure with fixed effects of treatment, day, and the treatment by day interaction. Location block was considered a random effect. As expected, pH was decreased for haylage compared to hay at all time points (P < 0.01) and DM was greater (P < 0.01) for hay compared to haylage. Neutral detergent fiber values were greater (P < 0.01) for hay compared to haylage and declined during storage (P < 0.01). Total ergot alkaloid concentrations did not differ by treatment (P = 0.61), but ergovaline concentrations declined (P < 0.01) during storage. Collectively, these results indicate minimal differences in nutritive value and ergot alkaloid concentrations between hay and haylage during storage, and that ergovaline concentrations decline during storage.

Tropane alkaloid biosynthesis in Datura innoxia Mill. roots and their differential transport to shoots

Pharmacologically important tropane alkaloids such as hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, are synthesized in the roots of several Solanaceae and also accumulate in their shoots. The tropane alkaloids content in roots of D. innoxia seedlings was almost 3-fold higher than in their shoots. Moreover, scopolamine accounted for 77 % of the total tropane alkaloid content in shoots as compared to only 20 % in roots. All candidate genes in the scopolamine biosynthetic pathway were significantly expressed in D. innoxia mature roots with limited expression in mature leaves. Using exogenous isotopically labeled 2H5 L-phenylalanine, we show here that root tissues, but not detached shoots, readily biosynthesize scopolamine. Tropane alkaloids newly synthesized by roots, and preferentially scopolamine, were further transported to shoots. Our evidence indicates that D. innoxia seedlings have the ability to synthesize tropane alkaloids in their roots and differentially transport them to the shoots.

Antibacterial activity of honeys and potential synergism of honeys with antibiotics and alkaloid extract of Sophora alopecuroides plant against antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli mutant.

Objective(s):The increase in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains with an overactivated AcrAB-TolC efflux pump has reduced the effectiveness of synthetic antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin. The activity of this efflux pump can be reduced by using natural products. This study aimed to use a combination of ciprofloxacin, honey, and alkaloid extract of Sophora alopecuroides against an E. coli mutant with an overactivated AcrAB-TolC pump. Materials and Methods:First the physicochemical properties, total alkaloid content, antioxidant activity, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of three local honey samples: Konar (lotus), Avishan (Thyme), and Gavan (Astragalus) were evaluated. Then, the MIC of different combinations of honey, ciprofloxacin, and plant alkaloid extract and expression of acrA and soxS genes were carried out using the agar dilution method and quantitative RT- PCR methods.Results:The net absorbance, total alkaloid content, and DPPH radical scavenging activity of Konar honey were significantly higher than those of Avishan and Gavan honeys (P<0.05). However, the MIC of lotus honey was nearly similar to other honey types, and all honey (30% w/v)-ciprofloxacin combinations decreased the viability of mutant more than ciprofloxacin alone. A synergistic interaction (FICI =0.48) was observed in triplex complex of ciprofloxacin (10 µg/ml), honey (20% w/v), and plant extract (1 mg/ml). A significant decrease (P<0.05) in the expression level of genes was seen in the presence of the triplex complex. Conclusion:It is concluded that the interaction between honey and plant alkaloid extract enhanced the anti-pump activity and reduced the oxidative stress response of the E. coli mutant.

The applicability of different tobacco types to heated tobacco products

Heated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) products develop rapidly because of its low toxicity. In order to evaluate the industrial applicability of the existing types of characteristic tobacco as raw materials for heated tobaccos, this research ascertained differences in the main chemical compositions in tobacco leaves from different types to establish a relationship between chemical composition and sensory evaluation to select types suitable for producing heated tobaccos. Nine tobacco types (K326, Yunyan 97, Cherry-red tobacco, Han tobacco, Dao tobacco, Tiandeng tobacco, Sun-cured yellow tobacco, fresh-cut tobacco, and aromatic tobacco) planted in Yunnan Province, China were selected. Their sensory quality was evaluated by the method for sensory evaluation of heated tobaccos and chemical composition and content of aroma substances in tobacco leaves were determined. In the evaluation of sensory quality of heated tobaccos, the total score of Tiandeng tobacco was significantly higher than those of the other types, followed by Cherry-red tobacco and K326; There were significant differences in chemical composition in the nine tobacco types and the total alkaloid content in Cherry-red tobacco was notably higher than in the other tobacco types. The amounts of total sugar, reducing sugar, and starch in Han tobacco were significantly lower than other types, while the amounts of total nitrogen, potassium oxide, chloride ions, and protein were much higher than in the other tobacco types. The total amounts of polyphenols and aroma compounds in fresh-cut tobacco were significantly higher than in the other tobacco types. The contents of nornicotine, neonicotine, anatabine, and total alkaloid showed a significant positive correlation with the total sensory evaluation score. The contents of nicotyrine and 2,3-bipyridine were significantly and negatively correlated with the total sensory evaluation score. A remarkable negative correlation was found between starch content and score on irritation. Furthermore, the amounts of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and total polyphenols were significantly and positively correlated with the total sensory evaluation score. The amounts of aldehydes and phenolic compounds had a significant negative correlation, while the amount of olefin compounds had a significant positive correlation, with the total sensory evaluation score. These chemicals in tobacco leaves can be used as in analyses screening of other suitable tobacco types, and as reference standards for selecting tobacco raw materials suitable for high-quality heated tobaccos.

Occurrence of Ergot Alkaloids in Barley and Wheat from Algeria.

The natural occurrence of six major ergot alkaloids, ergometrine, ergosine, ergotamine, ergocornine, ergokryptine and ergocristine, as well as their corresponding epimers, were investigated in 60 cereal samples (barley and wheat) from Algeria. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and a QuEChERS extraction method were used for sample analysis. The results revealed that 12 out of 60 samples (20%) were contaminated with ergot alkaloids. Wheat was the most contaminated matrix, with an incidence of 26.7% (8 out of 30 samples). The concentration of total ergot alkaloids ranged from 17.8 to 53.9 µg/kg for barley and from 3.66 to 76.0 μg/kg for wheat samples. Ergosine, ergokryptine and ergocristine showed the highest incidences in wheat, while ergometrine was the most common ergot in barley.

QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF TOTAL PHENOLIC AND ALKALOID CONTENT IN HYDROALCOHOLIC CONTENT IN RAUWOLFIA SERPENTINA

The objectives of this study are to screen the phytochemicals, estimate the content of flavonoid and alkaloids compounds and determine the antioxidant capacity of the Rauwolfia serpentina stem. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenol and alkaloids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. The hydro alcoholic extract of stem of Rauwolfia serpentina was studied for antioxidant activity on different in vitro models namely 1,1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) method. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols and flavonoids. The total flavonoids and alkaloids content of Rauwolfia serpentina stem of hydroalcoholic extract was 1.086 and 2.364mg/100mg respectively. Ascorbic acid used as standards was also evaluated for comparison. The extract showed dose dependent free radical scavenging property in the tested models. Rauwolfia serpentina stem extract showed IC50 value 68.10?g/ml for DPPH method, which was comparable to that of ascorbic acid (IC50=17.68?g/ml). The present study describes the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of Rauwolfia serpentina which will further used for medicinal applications.

Role of nanoparticles in improving callus initiation and growth of Lupinus termis under cadmium stress.

This study included two parts on Lupinus termis. The first comprised experiments that were conducted at the cell level using tissue culture technique. The second was concerned with the seedling stage and comprised experiments conducted in greenhouse. Tissue culture experiments were conducted in order to assess the possible effects of nano Ca either Ca(OH)2 or CaO on the growth and some metabolic activities under CdCl2 at 30 days. Application of nano Ca mixed with Cd significantly increased all callus growth parameters. POD, CAT, SOD and PPO activities was reduced by mixing nano Ca with Cd. On contrary, the activity of both GR and PAL was pronouncely enhanced at nano Ca with 60 mg/l Cd. The content of proline MDA and H2O2 was significantly decreased by mixing nano Ca with Cd and significant increase in DPPH. Total soluble carbohydrates and free amino acids content was markedly increased at 40 mg/l Cd+CaO, while total soluble protein content was increased at 20 mg/l Cd+CaO. Total phenolics and flavonoids content revealed a significant increase and a decrease in total alkaloids content at 60 mg/l Cd+nano Ca. Isozyme profile of POD and amylase varied in their intensity and thickening in response to different treatments. GC.MS profile demonstrated the presence of Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in high percentage known as antimicrobial activity. Lupanine was identified in varied percentages in response to different treatments. A greenhouse experiment showed that addition of nano Ca increased growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments and shoot phenolics contents of lupine relative to bulk CaCO3.

Phyto-constituents profiling of Luffa echinata and in vitro assessment of antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer and anti-acetylcholine esterase activities.

Luffa echinata Roxb. is one of the neglected medicinal plants. It is an important source of bioactive metabolites and used in several Ayurvedic formulations. In the present analysis, mature leaves and fruits were extracted with acetone, ethanol, acetonitrile, methanol and water. Phytochemicals like total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), tannin (TTC), alkaloid (TAC) and terpenoid (TTEC) content were analysed. Further, antioxidant (AOX) activities like 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethyl) benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging, metal chelating activity (MC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and phosphomolybdenum assay (PMA) were studied. Highest TPC and TFC (189.57 ± 1.9 mg TAE/g extract, 30.48 ± 0.7 mg CE/g extract, respectively) were reported from acetone extract of the leaves. Ethanolic fruit extract showed the highest TTC (13.79 ± 0.2 mg CE/g extract). Acetone and acetonitrile fruit extract revealed maximum TTEC (602.79 ± 3.5 mg UAE/g extract) and moderate TAC (19.96 ± 0.9 mg GE/g extract), respectively. In AOX, highest DPPH (50.52 ± 0.03 mg AAE/g extract) and ABTS (26.78 ± 0.03 mg TE/g extract) radical scavenging reported in methanolic extract of fruit; however, acetone extract of leaf showed highest FRAP (376.89 ± 1.95 mg Fe(II)/g extract) and PMA (326.54 ± 4.73 mg AAE/g extract). In contrast, aqueous extract of leaf and fruit revealed highest metal chelating activity (41.67 ± 0.49 mg EDTA/g extract). In anti-diabetic studies, acetonitrile extract of leaves and fruits exhibited appreciable inhibition of α-amylase (83.33%) and α-glycosidase (77.42%) enzymes. Similarly, acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) inhibition was highest in water (88.91%) and acetone (81.87%) extracts of leaf and fruits. Fruit extracts showed potent anticancer activity against breast (MCF-7) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines (LC50 329.36 and 385.17 µg/mL, respectively). RP-HPLC analysis revealed highest cucurbitacin B (CuB) (196.24 ± 1.4 mg/g DW), followed by cucurbitacin I (CuI) and cucurbitacin E (CuE) in the fruits (57.14 ± 4.9 and 2.03 ± 0.03 mg/g DW, respectively). RP-HPLC analysis of extracts revealed presence of gallic acid (GA), catechin (CA), vanillic acid (VA), chlorogenic acid (CHLA) and coumaric acid (COA), in which highest GA found in the fruits (1.26 ± 0.07 mg/g DW). Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed presence of bioactive compounds from various groups. Based on the present findings, it was revealed that the fruit and leaf of L. echinata can be used as potent bioresource for natural antioxidants, anti-diabetic, and anticancer drug.

Determination of content of indole alkaloids in cell biomass of Rauwolfia serpentina Benth. ex Kurz tissue culture

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common human diseases, hence, the production of cardiological (in particular, anti-arrhythmic) medications from the natural sources is an ever-actual task. Rauwolfia serpentina Benth. is a tropical fruticose plant that is able to produce and concentrate indole alkaloids, especially ajmaline and its derivatives, which are the most effective medications against ventricular arrhythmia with low side effects.&#x0D; Aim of the study. Determination of the qualitative and quantitative content of indole alkaloids in cell biomass of Rauwolfia serpentina tissue culture, obtained by the prolonged in vitro growth.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Object: cell biomass of Rauwolfia serpentina tissue culture (K-27 strain), obtained by methods of long-term cell selection in vitro. Alkaloids content determination: TSQ Vantage LC-MS (ThermoFischer Scientific).&#x0D; Results. 20 indole alkaloids are found in cell biomass of Rauwolfia serpentina tissue culture (K-27 strain). The highest content is registered for ajmaline and its derivatives (0.690 % mass. for ajmaline). The contents of reserpine and yohimbine were found to be as low as 0.009 % and 0.020 %, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusions. It is established that the content of indole alkaloids is higher in K-27 strain in comparison to natural plant and is stable over more than 30 years of its growth. Total alkaloids content was found to be 2.8 % of dry cell biomass, and total ajmaline-type alkaloids content (including ajmaline) was found to be 1.6 % of dry cell biomass. In contrast, the total alkaloid contents in the natural plant material is reported to be in the range of 0.8–1.3 %.

Quality comparison of traditional Chuanxiong produced in Dujiangyan City and Sichuan ProvinceC and Chuanxiong from other areas, based on analysis of volatile oil, total alkaloids and total ferulic acid contents

Purpose: To compare the qualities of Chuanxiong from different production areas (authentic and traditional production areas in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province) and other non-authentic production areas, as well as different germplasm sources, using a combination of methods.&#x0D; Methods: A fingerprint spectrum of volatile oils was established, and the qualities of the chuanxiong samples were compared using gas chromatography (GC), while gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC -MS) was used to analyze the chemical compositions of the volatile oils.&#x0D; Results: There were significant differences in the chemical compositions of volatile oils of Chuanxiong from different plants. Most of the qualities of Chuanxiong were higher after transplantation to the germplasm nursery at Dujiangyan, Sichuan. There was increase in the contents of total alkaloids and total ferulic acid in some chuanxiong transplanted to the germplasm nursery.&#x0D; Conclusion: This is the first study that compares the quality of Chuanxiong from different producing areas using a combination of several methods. These methods are feasible and effective, and the results provide a reference for research on standardization and quality control of Chuanxiong.&#x0D; Keywords: Chuanxiong, Volatile oil, Total alkaloids, Ferulic acid, Fingerprint, Dujiangyan City

Effects of different harvesting times and processing methods on the quality of cultivated Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don.

Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don is the major source plants of traditional Chinese medicine Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (FCB). Domestication, introduction, and cultivation is an important strategy to alleviate the shortage of endangered medicinal plants of F. cirrhosa. However, until now, the yield and quality changes of FCB in different harvest periods and drying treatments after harvest were not well understood. Therefore, in this paper, we investigated the yield and quality of cultivated F. cirrhosa at different harvest periods and postharvest processing methods. The results showed that dry weight per bulb ranged from 0.8913 to 1.4681 g and reached the highest at the wilting stage. The soluble sugar content ranged from 0.075% to 0.127% and reached the highest at the wilting stage. The content of total alkaloids ranged from 0.088% to 0.218% and reached the highest at the late‐flowering stage. The contents of peimisine, sipeimine, peimine, and peiminine were 0.01178%‐0.02615%, 0%–0.01713%, 0%–0.00745%, and 0%–0.00621% and reached the highest at the late‐flowering period, wilting period, young fruit period, and initial flowering period, respectively. For the two different postharvest processing methods, the contents of total alkaloids and the 16 main characteristic peaks did not exhibit significant differences. Still, the alkaloid contents of the oven drying after washing were slightly higher than the sun drying. In conclusion, the best harvest period is the wilting period of F. cirrhosa, and oven drying after washing is more beneficial to ensure the quality of FCB and improve productivity.

Determination of principal ergot alkaloids in swine feeding.

Ergot alkaloids are secondary metabolites produced by fungi in the genus Claviceps. They contaminate a large variety of cereals, such as rye, triticale, wheat and barley. The ingestion of contaminated cereals might cause adverse health effects in humans and animals. In fact, pigs, cattle, sheep, and poultry are involved in sporadic outbreaks and, although there are several studies about occurrence of ergot alkaloids in grain cereals, there are scarce studies focused on compound feed. Twelve ergot alkaloids have been quantified in 228 feed samples intended for swine. The analytes were extracted using QuEChERS with Z-Sep+ as sorbent in the clean-up step, which reduced the matrix effect, allowing limits of quantification between 2.1 and 21.7μg kg-1 . The analytes were subsequently quantified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). A total of 29 samples (12.7%) revealed contamination by at least one ergot alkaloid, and among contaminated samples, 65% were contaminated by more than one. Only 6 of 12 target ergot alkaloids showed concentrations above the limit of quantification. The concentrations for individual ergot alkaloids ranged between 5.9μg kg-1 for ergosinine to 145.3μg kg-1 for ergometrine (the predominant ergot alkaloid), while the total ergot alkaloid content ranged from 5.9 to 158.7μg kg-1 . The occurrence of ergot alkaloids in feed samples in Spain seems to be lower than in other regions of Europe. All the samples fulfilled current recommendations of the feed industry about practical limits for ergot alkaloids in pig feeds. This suggests that the feeds are safe for pig consumption, regarding the presence of ergot alkaloids. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

English

Pechuel-Loeschea leubnitziae is a predominant medicinal plant in Namibia. It is traditionally utilized in treatment of gastrointestinal issues, sexually transmitted infections and common cold. Despite its therapeutic potential, the phytochemicals profile and compounds compositions are yet to be scientifically validated. This study was conducted to determine the spectrum and total phytochemical constituents present in P. leubnitziae leaves extract using standard qualitative and quantitative methods. Fine powder of P. leubnitziae was extracted by cold maceration using a serial exhaustive approach in a 1:5 dilution in hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and water. After 72 h, obtained filtrate was concentrated using a rotary evaporator or lyophilizer. Crude fraction of each solvent obtained was screened for phytochemicals using qualitative and quantitative methods. The yield of the extracts post-extraction ranged from 5.361 to 23.93 g. The extracts contain alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and tannins. There were significant differences in the total phytochemical contents of each solvent. Total alkaloids contents (TAC) ranged from 29.12 to 106.44 µg, total flavonoids contents (TFC) ranged from 30.41 to 78.84 µg, total phenolic contents (TPC) ranged from 57.14 to 58.70 µg and total tannins contents (TTC) ranged from 13.06 to 30.85 µg. The leaves of P. leubnitziae contain phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic, terpenoids, tannins and saponins that are known to have pharmacological properties and they can be explored for biological potentials. Key words: Pechuel-Loeschea leubnitziae extracts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, phytochemicals content.

Supercritical fluid extraction with cosolvent of alkaloids from Lupinus mutabilis Sweet and comparison with conventional method

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of supercritical fluid extraction with cosolvent (SFE‐co) as an alternative process in the extraction of lupin alkaloids. A sample of crushed Lupinus mutabilis Sweet seeds, with a high content of alkaloids, was treated using aqueous extraction (AQE) and SFE‐co, where the effect of the operating conditions and the solvent in the SFE‐co were evaluated applying a factorial design. Results showed that both methods reduced the content of total alkaloids in the lupin seed, ensuring its safe consumption. SFE‐co got an extraction yield (39.19 ± 0.14 mg/g) comparable with AQE (39.22 ± 0.16 mg/g) at a temperature of 323 K, a pressure of 27 MPa, using as a solvent supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) and dilute ethanol solution, but limited to a fraction of the treated sample. SFE‐co, unlike AQE, was able to keep the nutritional value of the lupin seeds, reducing the time process from 235 hr (AQE) to 2.5 hr, assuring the non‐use of an excessive amount of water and hazardous solvents. Moreover, the fractions formed in the extraction vessel by SFE‐co allowed the understanding of the extraction mechanism of different components from a complex matrix related to their chemical polarity.Practical ApplicationsThis study shows that it is possible to remove lupin alkaloids with green technology as supercritical fluid extraction with cosolvents, reaching extraction yields comparable with the conventional method (aqueous extraction), keeping the nutritional value of the sample, saving time and resources. However, working with a larger quantity of material than the usual used in a laboratory showed an inhomogeneous extraction of alkaloids from the sample, limiting the optimal extraction yield to one of the fractions formed. This reveals a future problem in the use of this technology at an industrial level, where the characteristics of the extracts are not only important but also the material treated since, in the lupin industry, the debittered seed and the released alkaloids are useful in the food and pharmaceutical industries, respectively.

Endophytic Fungal Community of Huperzia serrata: Diversity and Relevance to the Production of Huperzine A by the Plant Host.

As the population ages globally, there seem to be more people with Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific treatment for the disease. At present, Huperzine A (HupA) is one of the best drugs used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and has been used in clinical trials for several years in China. HupA was first separated from Huperzia serrata, a traditional medicinal herb that is used to cure fever, contusions, strains, hematuria, schizophrenia, and snakebite for several hundreds of years in China, and has been confirmed to have acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. With the very slow growth of H. serrata, resources are becoming too scarce to meet the need for clinical treatment. Some endophytic fungal strains that produce HupA were isolated from H. serrate in previous studies. In this article, the diversity of the endophytic fungal community within H. serrata was observed and the relevance to the production of HupA by the host plant was further analyzed. A total of 1167 strains were obtained from the leaves of H. serrata followed by the stems (1045) and roots (824). The richness as well as diversity of endophytic fungi within the leaf and stem were higher than in the root. The endophytic fungal community was similar within stems as well as in leaves at all taxonomic levels. The 11 genera (Derxomyces, Lophiostoma, Cyphellophora, Devriesia, Serendipita, Kurtzmanomyces, Mycosphaerella, Conoideocrella, Brevicellicium, Piskurozyma, and Trichomerium) were positively correlated with HupA content. The correlation index of Derxomyces with HupA contents displayed the highest value (CI = 0.92), whereas Trichomerium showed the lowest value (CI = 0.02). Through electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), it was confirmed that the HS7-1 strain could produce HupA and the total alkaloid concentration was 3.7 ug/g. This study will enable us to screen and isolate the strain that can produce HupA and to figure out the correlation between endophytic fungal diversity with HupA content in different plant organs. This can provide new insights into the screening of strains that can produce HupA more effectively.

Evaluation of In-vitro Antioxidant Potential, and Screening and Characterization of Phytochemicals Using hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Caesalpinia Pulcherrima

Introduction:Novel Therapeutic Phytochemical studies are based on the use of plants in the production of drugs. The present study was carried out to perform the screening of phytochemicals and their quantitative analysis to assess in-vitro antioxidant activities of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Caesalpinia Pulcherrima. FT-IR and GC-MS analyses of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima were also conducted.Methods:The investigation of qualitative and determination of quantitative phytochemical analysis were performed using standard procedures. The total alkaloid, flavonoid, phenols, and tannin content were determined spectrophotometrically. DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) free radical scavenging activity of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima were estimated by standard protocol. The identification of functional groups was made using plant leaf extracts by FTIR and GCMS.Results:The hydroethanolic leaf extract of Caesalpinia Pulcherrima gives positive results for alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, carbohydrates, tannins, amino acids, and proteins. The content of total alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins varies from 8.4 AE/g, 3.3 CE/g, 2.9, and 3.2 GAE/g, respectively. The antioxidant assay and IC50values were found to be DPPH (43.3μg/ml), ABTS (46.1 μg/ml), and ascorbic acid (41μg/ml), respectively and concentration ranging from 20 to 100 μg/ml. Functional groups were also identified using the extract by FTIR and GCMS.Conclusions:From this work, it can be concluded that the presence of phyto-component makes the plant useful in the treatment of various diseases. As such, it has been found that the hydroethanolic leaf extract of the plant contains more components and is beneficial for further research.