Total Methanolic Extract Research Articles

Investigation of the Chemical Composition, Antihyperglycemic and Antilipidemic Effects of Bassia eriophora and Its Derived Constituent, Umbelliferone on High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

This study was designed to investigate the chemical profile, antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic effect of total methanolic extract (TME) of Bassia eriophora and isolated pure compound umbelliferone (UFN) in high-fat diet (HFD)- and streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. TME was subjected to various techniques of chromatography to yield UFN. Diabetes was induced after eight weeks of HFD by administration of STZ (40 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, and experimental subjects were divided into five groups. The diabetic control showed an increase in levels of blood glucose throughout the experiment. Treatments were initiated in the other four groups with glibenclamide (GLB) (6 mg/kg), TME (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) and isolated UFN (50 mg/kg) orally. The effect on blood glucose, lipid profile and histology of the pancreatic and adipose tissues was assessed. Both 200 and 400 mg/kg of TME produced a comparably significant decrease in blood glucose levels and an increase in insulin levels with GLB. UFN began to show a better blood sugar-lowering effect after 14 days of treatment, comparatively. However, both 400 mg/kg TME and UFN significantly returned blood glucose levels in diabetic rats compared to normal rats. Analysis of the lipid profile showed that while HFD + STZ increased all lipid profile parameters, TME administration produced a significant decrease in their levels. Histopathological examinations showed that treatment with TME and UFN revealed an improved cellular architecture, with the healthy islets of Langerhans and compact glandular cells for pancreatic cells distinct from damaged cells in non-treated groups. Conversely, the adipose tissue displayed apparently normal polygonal fat cells. Therefore, these results suggest that TME has the potential to ameliorate hyperglycemia conditions and control lipid profiles in HFD + STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Metabolite Profiling and Biological Activity Assessment of Casuarina equisetifolia Bark after Incorporating Gold Nanoparticles.

Casuarina equisetifolia bark is rich in various active metabolites and selected to be studied due to limitation of the synthetic antioxidants that have adverse side effects. The present study aimed to enhance efficiency of the most effective extract by incorporating gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs). The phytochemical and biological measurements were carried out in total methanolic extract and its successive fractions. Moreover, these measurements were assayed in the most effective extract after incorporating Au-NPs. The study revealed that total methanolic extract exhibited the highest biological and cytotoxic activities as compared to other fractions. Therefore, it is considered as good candidate for nano-extract preparation. The methanolic extract incorporated with Au-NPs showed higher antioxidant, scavenging and cytotoxic activities in addition to higher inhibitory effect against α-amylase activity as compared to native extract itself. To pinpoint active agents in total methanolic extract, the secondary metabolite profiling via HPLC-MS showed that 33 and 17 metabolites were annotated in the extract before and after incorporating Au-NPs, respectively. The median lethal dose (LD50) showed that gold total methanolic nano-extract is safer than total methanolic extract. This study concluded that total methanolic C. equisetifolia bark extract is a valuable bioresource to synthesize an eco-friendly Au-NPs with health-enhancing effect as antioxidant, antidiabetic and cytotoxic agents. The present study is considered as the first report on utilization of C. equisetifolia bark in synthesis of Au-NPs by mean of green nanotechnology and investigation of its biological activity in relation to its metabolite fingerprint.

Chemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Lipoxygenase Enzyme Inhibition Activities of Wild Edible Truffle (Terfezia boudieri) from Northern Borders of Saudi Arabia

Truffles are natural food product very famous for its health benefits for being significant biosource of essential fatty acids, proteins and other antioxidant and phenolic compounds. The current study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemicals, antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibition activities of Terfezia boudieri of Saudi origin. Various phytochemicals were screened applying standard procedures. The total methanol extract (TME) of the truffle was subjected to several chromatographic procedures. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH antioxidant procedure, comparing results with trolox as standard. Results demonstrated that Terfezia boudieri chemically characterized by the availability of various constituents such as flavonoids, steroids, saponins, tannins and carbohydrates at different levels. Phytochemical investigation led to the isolation of β-sitosterol and gallic acid that were identified using 1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HMQC and HMBC NMR spectroscopic data. Results demonstrated high antioxidant activity with IC50: 50.4 μg/ml and 31.4 μg/ml for TME and gallic acid, respectively. TME and gallic acid exhibited lipoxygenase inhibitory activity with IC50 values 4.59 and 0.53 μg/ml for TME and gallic acid, respectively. The higher lipoxygenase inhibitory activity was presumably correlated to the high antioxidant activity. In conclusion, current investigation confirms the folklore use of Terfezia boudieri as antinflammatory food. Hence, the studied Terfezia boudieri may have a great potential as antioxidant and antinflammatory functional food and nutraceuticals products for pharmaceutical applications.

Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis Leaf Extract Alleviates Gentamicin-Induced Hepatorenal Injury in Rats-Possible Modulation of IL-1β and NF-κB Activity Assisted with Computational Approach.

Background: Recently, crop byproducts are considered a hot topic and can be converted into beneficial products. Cauliflower is well-known for its protective effects against oxidative stress-induced damage. The current study aimed to investigate the chemical profile and the ameliorative effects of cauliflower leaf extract (CL) on gentamicin-induced renal and hepatic injuries in rats. Methods: Cauliflower leaf was extracted with methanol to give the total methanol extract (TME) followed by the determination of total phenolic contents (TPC). Rats were divided into five groups; Group I was assigned as the control group, while the other groups were injected with gentamicin for ten days. Group II was given distilled water. Rats in groups III and IV were treated with oral CL (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively). Group V received L-cysteine (as a positive control). The functions of the kidneys and liver; oxidative stress and morphological and apoptotic changes of renal and hepatic tissues were assessed. Results: The TME was subjected to chromatographic techniques to yield ferulic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid and quercetin. TPC was 72.31 mg GAE/g of dried extract. CL treatment dose-dependently ameliorated gentamicin-induced impaired kidney and liver functions and improved the histopathological appearance of both organs. It also reduced gentamicin-induced oxidative stress. CL demonstrated downregulation of mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β and NF-κB compared to nontreated rats. In silico interaction of the isolated compounds with amino acid residues of IL-1β and NF-κB might explain the current findings. Conclusion: Taken together, this study raises the waste-to-wealth potential of cauliflower to mitigate gentamicin-induced hepatorenal injury and convert the waste agromaterials into valuable products.

Metabolic Profiling of Heliotropium crispum Aerial Parts Using HPLC and FTIR and In Vivo Evaluation of Its Anti-Ulcer Activity Using an Ethanol Induced Acute Gastric Ulcer Model.

This study explored the antiulcer potential of methanol extract and fractions of Heliotropium crispum roots against the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Metabolic profiling of H. crispum aerial parts using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of different metabolites with various functional groups. Meanwhile, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) revealed the presence of three main peaks assigned to myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. In vivo, antiulcer activity results showed that the disease control group displayed five tiny ulcers less than 2 mm in diameter in addition to two hemorrhagic streaks. However, in the standard control group, only one small ulcer was visible for the total methanol extract. Gastric tissues and contents were evaluated to determine many parameters such as ulcer score, ulcer index, percentage inhibition of ulcer, gastric pH, gastric juice volume, and acidity. Results were endorsed by histopathological evaluation; gastric pH and mucus content were significantly increased, but gastric juice volume was significantly decreased. All fractions showed a significant decrease in ulcer index and % inhibition except the n-hexane fraction, whose results were insignificant compared to the disease control group. Thus, it was concluded that H. crispum shows an antiulcer effect by decreasing gastric juice volume and acidity, whereas gastric pH and mucus contents were increased that is attributed to the synergistic action of its detected polyphenolic compounds.

Chemical Composition and Valorization of Broccoli Leaf By-Products (Brassica oleracea L. Variety: Italica) to Ameliorate Reno-Hepatic Toxicity Induced by Gentamicin in Rats

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is reported to possess antioxidant activity that could potentially prevent oxidative damage to tissues caused by many diseases. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effect of broccoli leaf by-product extract (BL) on gentamicin-induced renal and hepatic injury by measuring tissue antioxidant activities and morphological apoptotic changes. Broccoli leaf was thoroughly extracted with 70% methanol to yield the total methanol extract (TME). The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined. Thirty male rats were divided into five groups (six animals/group). Group I received phosphate-buffered saline orally, while group II was treated with gentamicin (100 mg/kg i.p. intraperitoneal) for ten days. Group III and group IV animals were given BL (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively) plus gentamicin treatment. Group V received L-cysteine (1 mmole/kg) plus gentamicin. Antioxidant and biochemical parameters, such as transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, and urea, and mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) were determined in various groups, along with the quantification of inflammatory and apoptotic cells in hepatic and renal tissues. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined in liver and renal samples. Histopathological studies of the liver and kidneys were also carried out. The TME was subjected to various and repeated techniques of chromatography to yield caffeic acid, gallic acid, and methyl gallate. The TPC was 6.47 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/g of dry extract. Gentamicin increased the levels of serum AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, and urea. The MDA and GSH contents and theactivity levels of the antioxidant enzyme SOD decreased in liver and kidney samples with gentamicin administration. BL administration dose-dependently prevented the alteration in biochemical parameters and was supported by low levels of tubular and glomerular injuries induced by gentamicin. This study valorizes the potential of BL as a preventive candidate in cases of gentamicin-induced liver and kidney toxicity and recommends further clinical studies using BL to validate its utilization for human consumption and as a source of phenolics for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical purposes.

Iron Chelating Activity of Nepeta Crispa Willd., an Endemic Plant in the West of Iran

Background: Nepeta crispa Willd., a member of Lamiaceae family, is an annual plant native to western Iran, especially Hamedan, with many traditional uses. The plant effects have not been investigated yet. Iron chelating activity is a suitable test for measuring antioxidant activity. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate Iron-chelating activity of extract, fractions, and essential oil of the N. crispa, in vitro. Methods: The methanolic extract of N. crispa was prepared adopting maceration method. Then, the total methanolic extract was fractionated using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water. The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. Chelating activity of total extract, each fraction and essential oil of N. crispa on Fe2+ ions was determined using Iron-chelating assay. EDTA was employed as positive control. Results: EDTA as positive control had the best activity with IC50=0.02±0.001 mg/mL, and ascorbic acid came second in this regard (IC50=0.386±0.021 mg/mL). The hexane fraction was the most active fraction among the different fractions of N. crispa (IC50=0.435±0.032 mg/mL). Chelating activity of hexane fraction was followed by aqueous, ethyl acetate, chloroform fractions, and methanolic extract with ICs50 of 1.433±0.098, 2.158±0.074 mg/mL, 3.624±0.112, and 3.051±0.174, respectively. The essential oil showed extremely poor activity in the tested concentrations. Conclusion: It was concluded that the n-hexane fraction had promising Iron chelating activity, and was likely capable of reducing Fe2+ ions concentration and preventing oxidative damage.

Phytochemical Characterization and Heavy Metal and Thermal Analyses of Saussurea hypoleuca Root and Evaluation of Its Anthelmintic and Antioxidant Activity In Vitro and In Silico

Phytochemical characterization of the ethyl acetate fraction of Saussurea hypoleuca root extract resulted in the isolation of oleic acid (1) and luteolin (2), which were isolated for the first time from Saussurea hypoleuca root. A heavy metal analysis of the root powder performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy showed that the contents of iron, cadmium, lead, zinc, nickel, and copper were within the certified limits according to the WHO guidelines. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed its crystalline and amorphous nature; meanwhile, standardization of the root with UHPLC revealed the presence of 14.79 ± 0.015 µg/mL of luteolin. Both the total methanol extract and the ethyl acetate fraction of the plant root held significant anthelmintic activity. Oleic acid and luteolin exhibited potent antioxidant activity, evidenced by their IC50 values, which were equal to 47.0 and 119.8 µg/mL, respectively, in a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. In silico studies showed that luteolin exerted the highest fitting within the binding sites of NADPH oxidase (Nox). For myeloperoxidase (MP), oleic acid revealed the best fitting in its active sites. The results of ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) and TOPKAT (toxicity prediction) protocols revealed acceptable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics, in addition to reasonable toxicity characteristics for both compounds. Thus, they can be incorporated into pharmaceutical dosage forms to combat oxidative stress.

Ameliorative Effect of Ocimum forskolei Benth on Diabetic, Apoptotic, and Adipogenic Biomarkers of Diabetic Rats and 3T3-L1 Fibroblasts Assisted by In Silico Approach.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complicated condition that is accompanied by a plethora of metabolic symptoms, including disturbed serum glucose and lipid profiles. Several herbs are reputed as traditional medicine to improve DM. The current study was designed to explore the chemical composition and possible ameliorative effects of Ocimum forskolei on blood glucose and lipid profile in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and in 3T3-L1 cell lines as a first report of its bioactivity. Histopathological study of pancreatic and adipose tissues was performed in control and treatment groups, along with quantification of glucose and lipid profiles and the assessment of NF-κB, cleaved caspase-3, BAX, and BCL2 markers in rat pancreatic tissue. Glucose uptake, adipogenic markers, DGAT1, CEBP/α, and PPARγ levels were evaluated in the 3T3-L1 cell line. Hesperidin was isolated from total methanol extract (TME). TME and hesperidin significantly controlled the glucose and lipid profile in DM rats. Glibenclamide was used as a positive control. Histopathological assessment showed that TME and hesperidin averted necrosis and infiltration in pancreatic tissues, and led to a substantial improvement in the cellular structure of adipose tissue. TME and hesperidin distinctly diminished the mRNA and protein expression of NF-κB, cleaved caspase-3, and BAX, and increased BCL2 expression (reflecting its protective and antiapoptotic actions). Interestingly, TME and hesperidin reduced glucose uptake and oxidative lipid accumulation in the 3T3-L1 cell line. TME and hesperidin reduced DGAT1, CEBP/α, and PPARγ mRNA and protein expression in 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, docking studies supported the results via deep interaction of hesperidin with the tested biomarkers. Taken together, the current study demonstrates Ocimum forskolei and hesperidin as possible candidates for treating diabetes mellitus.

Anti-obesity effects of the n-butanol fraction of the methanolic leaf extract of Artemisia campestris from Tunisian pharmacopeia in male Wistar rats

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the n-butanol fraction of the methanol leaf extract of Artemisia campestris (BFAC), growing wild in the arid zone of Tunisia, on induced obesity in male Wistar rats. The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the BFAC were estimated. The main phenolic composition of the BFAC was determined using the high-performance chromatography system coupled with a diode array detector technics. Five groups of rats received either a standard diet (SD group), a high-fat diet (HFD group), or an HFD supplemented with oral administration of BFAC for eight weeks. The BFAC showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant potential than the total leaf methanol extract. Chlorogenic acid, rutin, and dicaffeoylquinic acids were identified in the BFAC. HFD increased body and relative liver weights, as well as serum and hepatic levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, compared to SD. HFD generated significant oxidative stress in the liver by increasing lipid peroxidation and reducing glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, compared to SD. These HFD-altered parameters were restored to normal values by oral treatment with the BFAC. These findings give first evidence about the antiobesity efficacy of A.campestris. Such a study would enhance existing information and promote the use of this species.

Isolation and biological activities of compounds from Rumex vesicarius L. and their use as a component of a synbiotic preparation.

The study evaluated prebiotic potential and the enzyme inhibition of extracts and isolated compounds of Rumex vesicarius (ruby dock), family Polygonaceae. Eight known compounds were identified in the roots of R. vesicarius. Extracts and compounds (1-8) increased the growth rate of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 differentially compared to controls. The highest prebiotic index (PI) and activity score was recorded for EcN in the presence of compound 4, followed by, in descending order, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and total methanol extracts. The compounds and extracts reduced protease, α-amylase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme activities. This inhibitory activity was positively correlated with PI, Pscore, µu, and Ymax. These findings suggest that R. vesicarius is a good source of potential prebiotic and can boost beneficial bacteria. It may also be considered promising for treatment of diabetes mellitus, controlling weight, and regulating blood pressure.

Validation of the potential anti-inflammatory activity of Plumbago auriculata Lam

This study targets scientific validation of the claimed anti-inflammatory activity of Plumbago auriculata Lam. The total methanolic extract of the aerial parts of P. auriculata Lam. and its different fractions were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats followed by bio-guided isolation of the anti-inflammatory principles from the active fractions. As a result, sixteen compounds were isolated and identified based on different spectroscopic techniques. Two of them exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activities proved through inhibition of the paw swelling by 81.4 ± 0.2 and 85.2 ± 3.6% at a dose of 10 mg/kg, while the others exhibited varying activities. Throughout the study, some compounds are reported for the first time, of them, a unique polyoxygenated chromone-C-glucoside; biflorin together with a well-known coumarin; umbelliferone, are of a great importance for their chemotaxonomic significance of the studied species.

Metabolomics-Based Profiling of Clerodendrum speciosum (Lamiaceae) Leaves Using LC/ESI/MS-MS and In Vivo Evaluation of Its Antioxidant Activity Using Caenorhabditis elegans Model.

We investigated the antioxidant activity of the total methanol extract of C. speciosum leaves (CST), the ethyl acetate (CSE), and the remaining aqueous (CSR) fractions in vitro, in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans model, and in silico. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis was employed for metabolic profiling of CST. ADME/TOPAKT prediction was performed to determine the potential pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and toxicity properties of the major identified phytoconstituents. All examined samples showed considerable antioxidant activity where CST, CSE, and CSR displayed EC50 values of 27.1, 16.2, and 21.3 µg/mL, respectively, in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) assay, whereas they showed 11.44, 16.27, and 12.16 Fe2+ equivalents/mg of sample, respectively, in ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. CST, CSE, and CSR displayed total phenolic content of 262, 326, and 289 mg GAE/g sample, respectively. In vivo antioxidant study revealed that CST at 150 μg/mL increased the survival rate of C. elegans by 71.88% compared to untreated group. Regarding intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), worms treated with 150 μg/mL of CSE exhibited 60.42% reduction of ROS compared to the untreated group. Quantitation of hsp-16.2/GFP expression in Caenorhabditis elegans showed that worms treated with 150 μg/mL of CSR exerted 40.43% reduction in fluorescence with respect to the untreated group. LC-ESI-MS/MS of CST revealed the presence of sixteen secondary metabolites belonging mainly to polyphenolics with phenyl propanoids constituting the major detected class. The in silico study showed that rosmarinic acid displayed the best fitting within the active sites of Daf-2 protein with considerable safety profile and limited pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic that could be slightly enhanced by certain treatment.

Vasodilating effect of Hypericum revolutum (Vahl) (Clusiaceae) methanol extract in rats


 
 
 
 Purpose: To investigate the vasodilating effect of Hypericum revolutum Vahl (Clusiaceae) in rats.
 Methods: H. revolutum aerial parts were extracted with methanol. The total methanol extract was fractionated with chloroform to yield fraction I. The remaining aqueous solution was chromatographed on Diaion HP-20 using water, 50 % methanol, and methanol to yield three fractions (II- IV). Total methanol extract and fractions I-IV were applied to phenylephrine-pre-contracted (10 μM) rat aortic rings at doses of 1, 3, and 10 μg/mL. Subsequent decreases in aortic tension were recorded by an isometric force transducer to evaluate the vasodilation. Column chromatography was utilized to separate the active components of the bioactive fraction.
 Results: Remarkable decreases in aortic tension (p<0.05) revealed that fraction I (3 and 10 μg/mL) produced a vasodilating effect, whereas fractions III and IV did not possess any substantial effect. Vasodilation induced by fraction I was endothelial-dependent because it was significantly (p<0.05) blocked by endothelial denudation. Phytochemical inspection of fraction I led to the isolation of β- sitosterol (1), 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone (euxanthone) (2), and 2,3,4-tirmethoxy xanthone (3).
 Conclusion: Fraction I of the H. revolutum extract was responsible for its vasodilating effect. This fraction may be used as a possible anti-hypertensive preparation after in vivo testing and successful clinical trials.
 
 
 

Potential of hydroxybenzoic acids from Graptopetalum paraguayense for inhibiting of herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase – metabolome profiling, molecular docking and quantum-chemical analysis

According to our previous investigation the total methanol extract from Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther demonstrates a significant inhibitory effect on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). To clarify what causes this inhibitory activity on HSV-1, a metabolic profile of the plant was performed. Three main fractions: non-polar substances, polar metabolites and phenolic compounds were obtained and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out. Since it is well known that phenolic compounds show a significant anti-herpes effect and that viral DNA polymerase (DNApol) appears to play a key role in HSV virus replication, we present a docking and quantum-chemical analysis of the binding of these compounds to viral DNApol amino acids. Fourteen different phenolic acids found by GC-MS analyses, were used in molecular docking simulations. According to the interaction energies of all fourteen ligands in the DNApol pockets based on docking results, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on the five optimally interacting with the receptor acids. It was found that hydroxybenzoic acids from phenolic fraction of Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther show a good binding affinity to the amino acids from the active site of the HSV DNApol, but significantly lower than that of acyclovir. The mode of action on virus replication of acyclovir (by DNApol) is different from that of the plant phenolic acids one, probably.

Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic Activity of Rotula aquatica Lour Leave

The present study was aimed to evaluate analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti pyretic activity of methanolic extract and aqueous extract of leave of Rotula aquatica L. in mice and rats. The methanolic extract of R. aquatica L. leave at a dose of 200mg/kg body weight has shown significant analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity as compared to aqueous extract. The result of hot plate method indicated that the total methanolic extract showed significant increase (P<0.01) in reaction time at a 3,4and 6 hours comparable to the reference drug Pentazocin but lesser (P<0.05) after 2hr. The tail immersion and hot plate tests revealed that plant has high analgesic activity. Both tests showed highest degree of analgesia in methanolic extract compared to aqueous extract. The total methanolic extract of R.aquatica L. leave at the a dose of 200mg/kg body weight has shown significant (p<0.01) antipyretic activity as compared to aqueous extract, methanolic extract also found to have significant result in Carrageenin-induced paw oedema; suspect edmodeo faction may be due to possible inhibition of lipooxygenase pathway.

Radical Scavenging and Antibacterial Activities of Ruta buxbaumii Poir. (Rutaceae) Growing in Raman Mountain-Batman

The members of the Rutaceae genus have found a wide application area in traditional medicine in many countries from ancient times to today, they have been used for many purposes in Turkey. Ruta species have many pharmacological properties such as abortive treatment, as antirheumatic, hypoglycemic, ant-helmintic, antipyretic, antiepileptic, in the treatment of diabetes, epilepsy, vertigo, headache and eye dise-ases, in the elimination of intestinal worms and in poisoning. In this paper, it was aimed to determine the antimicrobial and radical scavenging activities of methanol (MeOH), Petroleum ether, EtOAc and ethanol (EtOH) extracts of wild Ruta buxbaumii Poir. Antimicrobial activities of extracts were evaluated using disc diffusion method. The extracts were also found to have microbe inhibiting activities. The antioxidant properties and activities were evaluated by using total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The results showed that while ethanol extract of Ruta buxbaumii was higher (54.10±0.13) than other extracts in terms of total phenolic substance content, met-hanol and ethanol extracts were found higher (47.52±0.19 and 46.86±0.16) than other extracts in terms of total flavonoid content, respectively. Also, radical scavenging activities such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) of extracts was investigated, and according to the solvent, it was revealed that MeOH extracts (73.6 %) of Ruta buxbaumii exhibited high activity. This study indicates that R. buxbaumii Poir. extracts could be used as a natural medical application in antimicrobial and antioxidant treatments.

Antifungal Activity of Extracts, Fractions, and Constituents from Coccoloba cowellii Leaves.

Coccoloba cowellii Britton (Polygonaceae, order Caryophyllales) is an endemic and critically endangered plant species that only grows in the municipality of Camagüey, a province of Cuba. A preliminary investigation of its total methanolic extract led to the discovery of promising antifungal activity. In this study, a bioassay-guided fractionation allowed the isolation of quercetin and four methoxyflavonoids: 3-O-methylquercetin, myricetin 3,3′,4′-trimethyl ether, 6-methoxymyricetin 3,4′-dimethyl ether, and 6-methoxymyricetin 3,3′,4′-trimethyl ether. The leaf extract, fractions, and compounds were tested against various fungi and showed strong in vitro antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and various Candida spp. with no cytotoxicity (CC50 > 64.0 µg/mL) on MRC-5 SV2 cells, determined by a resazurin assay. A Candida albicans SC5314 antibiofilm assay indicated that the antifungal activity of C. cowellii extracts and constituents is mainly targeted to planktonic cells. The total methanolic extract showed higher and broader activity compared with the fractions and mixture of compounds.

Diterpenes and sterols from the Red Sea soft coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum and their cytotoxicity and anti-leishmanial activities

The ethyl acetate and dichloromethane-soluble fractions, from a soft coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum total methanolic extract, exhibited significant anti-leishmanial and cytotoxic activities. These active fractions yielded a new cembranoid diterpene (1), two known analogues [sarcotrocheliol (2) and sarcophine (3)], and two sterols [(24S)-24-methylcholesterol (4) and gorgosterol (5)]. The structure of the new diterpene (1) was determined via a detailed analysis of its spectroscopic data. Compounds 3 and 5 demonstrated noticeable cytotoxicity on A549 (IC50 17.4 ± 1.9 µg/ml) and HepG2 (IC50 17.7 ± 1.5 µg/ml) cell lines, respectively. None of the isolates 1‒5 showed detectable anti-leishmanial activity (IC50 >100 µg/ml).

In vitro Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic and Ethanolic Extracts of seeds of Macrotyloma uniflorum

Objectives: To study the antioxidant activity of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of seeds of Macrotyloma uniflorum. Methods: The seeds of M. uniflorum were extracted with methanol and ethanol and used for the phytochemical analysis and determination of antioxidant activity. The in vitro antioxidant activity was studied using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical scavenging methods. Result: Ethanolic extracts of M. uniflorum showed more phenolic content (63.48 mg GAE/g) than methanolic extract of M. uniflorum (45.84 mg GAE/g). In total flavonoid content analysis, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of M. uniflorum showed the presence of flavonoid content of 15.31 mg Rutin/g and 15.44 mg Rutin/g, respectively. In DPPH assay, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of M. uniflorum exhibited 50% free radical scavenging activity at 797.71 ± 34.38 μg/mL and 938.80 ± 66.05 μg/mL (mean ± standard deviation; n = 3), respectively. In hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of M. uniflorum exhibited 50% fee radical scavenging activity at 770.27 ± 11.64 μg/ mL and 844.94 ± 35.12 μg/mL (mean ± standard deviation; n = 3), respectively. Ascorbic acid exhibited potent free radical scavenging with IC50 value of 60.54 ± 5.23 μg/mL in DPPH method and 207.98 ± 14.26 μg/mL (mean ± standard deviation; n = 3) in hydroxyl radical scavenging method. Conclusion: Ethanolic extracts of M. uniflorum showed more phe­nolic content than methanolic extract of M. uniflorum. In both, DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of M. uniflorum exhibited antioxidant activity at higher concentration.