Water Extract Of Flowers Research Articles

Comprehensive approaches on the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of flowers and leaves of American basil (Ocimum americanum L).

Ocimum americanum L. (Lamiaceae) is a common food condiment and also used in traditional medicine in the management of several human diseases. Nonetheless, there has been no effort to delineate the biological and phytochemical profiles of leaves and flowers prepared by different extractive solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol (MeOH), and water). The pharmacological potential of O. americanum extracts on pro-oxidant/pro-inflammatory mediators in rat colon specimens treated with lipopolysaccharide was investigated. In parallel, the inhibitory effects of the extracts on fungal and bacterial strains involved in ulcerative colitis were studied. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. Water extracts of flowers and leaves showed strong reducing and radicals scavenging potential. Both MeOH and ethyl acetate extracts of the leaves and flowers were able to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase. All the extracts inhibited the selected bacterial and fungal strains, while only ethyl acetate flower extract displayed antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects in rat colon. The water and MeOH extracts stimulated colon lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serotonin (5-HT) and induced spontaneous migration of HCT116 cells. Future investigations should focus on the biological activity of isolated phytochemicals from the leaves and flowers of O. americanum, in order to clarify the mechanism(s) of action substantiating the observed pharmacological properties.

COMPARATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTY OF BARK, FLOWERS AND LEAVES EXTRACTS OF SIMAROUBA GLAUCA

Objective: The current study was to evaluate and compare the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity of bark, flowers and leaves of the tree Simarouba glauca. 
 Methods: The solvent extraction of phytochemicals was carried out using Soxhlet apparatus with ethanol, chloroform, methanol, and water. The antioxidant property was determined by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging, reducing power assay, and nitric oxide radical scavenging assay using gallic acid and ascorbic acid as the standards.
 Results: The extraction yield was found maximum in the water extract of flower (3.7% w/w). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytoconstituents showed that the highest amount of alkaloids and flavonoid content (2.1% w/w) and (3.9% w/w), respectively, was in the chloroform extract of the flower. Phenol and carbohydrate constituent was found to be highest in the methanol extract of leaves 2.5% w/w and 2.2% w/w, respectively. The antioxidant assays showed that the bark possessed maximum antioxidant activity. The water extracts of S. glauca bark exhibited scavenging property (90%) with an IC50 value 39.63 μg/ml, and the least activity (56%) was observed in the methanol extracts of leaves with an IC50 value of 62.96 μg/ml of S. glauca. 
 Conclusion: The study concluded that the water extract of the bark is a potent antioxidant compared to leaves and flowers. Further, in vivo studies are essential to enumerate its medicinal use and prove its efficacy in therapeutic applications.

Efek Antidiare Ekstrak Air Bunga Nagasari (Mesua Ferrea L.) Terhadap Mencit BALB/c yang Diinduksi Minyak Jarak

Nagasari (Mesua ferrea L.) secara empiris digunakan sebagai penanganan diare di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat. Namun, keamanan dan kemanjuran dari ekstrak bunga nagasari belum divalidasi secara ilmiah dalam model hewan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efek antidiare ekstrak air bunga nagasari pada mencit BALB/c. Aktivitas antidiare bunga nagasari diteliti dengan menggunakan minyak jarak sebagai penginduksi diare yang meningkatkan indeks diare pada mencit. Pada pengujian diare menggunakan penginduksi minyak jarak, mencit menerima variasi konsentrasi ekstrak bunga nagasari (0,4% b/v; 0,8% b/v; and 1,6% b/v),sedangkan kontrol negatif menerima CMC-Na 1% dan kontrol positif menerima loperamide 0,7 mg/kgBB per oral satu kali sehari selama satu hari dan feses mencit diamati. Skrining fitokimia bunga nagasari mengandung flavonoid, saponin, dan fenolik. Ekstrak air bunga nagasari pada konsentrasi 1,6% menunjukkan aktivitas penghambatan diare yang signifikan terhadap diare yang diinduksi minyak jarak jika dibandingkan dengan kontrol positif (indeks diare 0,083 ; p>0,05). Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini memberikan dukungan ilmiah untuk penggunaan tradisional ekstrak air bunga nagasari untuk penanganan diare.

Antifungal, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Activities of Acacia Saligna (Labill.) H. L. Wendl. Flower Extract: HPLC Analysis of Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds.

In this study, for the environmental development, the antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of a water extract of flowers from Acacia saligna (Labill.) H. L. Wendl. were evaluated. The extract concentrations were prepared by dissolving them in 10% DMSO. Wood samples of Melia azedarach were treated with water extract, and the antifungal activity was examined at concentrations of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% against three mold fungi; Fusarium culmorum MH352452, Rhizoctonia solani MH352450, and Penicillium chrysogenum MH352451 that cause root rot, cankers, and green fruit rot, respectively, isolated from infected Citrus sinensis L. Antibacterial evaluation of the extract was assayed against four phytopathogenic bacteria, including Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Enterobacter cloacae, Erwinia amylovora, and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, using the micro-dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Further, the antioxidant capacity of the water extract was measured via 2,2′-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the water extract were analyzed using HPLC: benzoic acid, caffeine, and o-coumaric acid were the most abundant phenolic compounds; while the flavonoid compounds naringenin, quercetin, and kaempferol were identified compared with the standard flavonoid compounds. The antioxidant activity of the water extract in terms of IC50 was considered weak (463.71 μg/mL) compared to the standard used, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (6.26 μg/mL). The MIC values were 200, 300, 300, and 100 µg/mL against the growth of A. tumefaciens, E. cloacae, E. amylovora, and P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, respectively, which were lower than the positive control used (Tobramycin 10 μg/disc). By increasing the extract concentration, the percentage inhibition of fungal mycelial was significantly increased compared to the control treatment, especially against P. chrysogenum, suggesting that the use of A. saligna flower extract as an environmentally friendly wood bio-preservative inhibited the growth of molds that cause discoloration of wood and wood products.

Screening of total phenolic, antiradical and antioxidant activities of Wiedemannia orientalis

In this study, it was aimed to investigate total phenolic, antioxidant and antiradical activities of water and ethanolic extracts of the Wiedemannia orientalis (W. orientalis). In order to investigate the antiradical capacities, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activates were employed in the evaluation process. For the evaluation of antioxidant capacities, activities of phosphomolybdenum assay, reducing power and metal chelating were investigated. In the evaluations, the amounts of total phenolics were determined to be 11.95±0.02-17.27±0.09 mg Gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g in W. orientalis extracts, respectively. Additionally, the amount of reducing power and total antioxidant capacity of leaf ethanol extract of W. orientalis were determined to be higher compared to the other extracts of W. orientalis. While the highest activity was observed in flower ethanol extract on the DPPH radical scavenging activity, flower water extract demonstrated better results in metal chelating activity. In the ABTS radical chelating activity, no significant differences were observed. As a result, it was suggested in our study that extracts of W. orientalis could be regarded as a natural and alternative source in pharmacology and medicine and food sectors. Such results can be put to use in pharmaceutical formulations and may lead to the developments of new human drugs from this medicinal plant.

Use of water extract of common reed and johnsen grass flowers to increase yield and storage life of oyster mushroom

Experiments were conducted in the mushroom project, dept. of Hort , college of Agric , Univ. of Baghdad from 2/2/2012 to 25/6/2013 . Pure culture of pleurotus ostreatus (Jaq. Fr.) was imported from Jordan , Plastic bags were filled with 1 KG of moist and sterilized wheat straw and 50 g of mushroom spawn was added to each bag, the bags were transferred to the incubation room at 25 +- 2 C for one month , Humidity was raised to 80-90% and light to 400 lux , Water extract of common reed and Johnson grass flowers of the following concentrations : 0.0% or 5% or 10% or 20% of one of the two extracts was added to the plastic bag after the pin heads formation .Fruiting bodies were harvested , dried and used to determine the concentration of the protein and phenolic compounds , the results showed that the fresh and the dry yield and the biological efficiency (BE) increased significantly with the increase of the concentration of the water extract of Johnson grass flowers , while increasing the concentration of the water extract of the common reed flowers to 20% reduced the fresh and the dry yield and the BE significantly compared with 10% and 5% concentrations , the best result was obtained from using10% of common reed flowers extract compared with all other treatments , the highest percentage of dry matter was obtained from using 10% of both kind of extracts , the concentrations of the phenolic compounds and the protein increased with the increase of both kinds of extracts ,the best concentration of the phenolic compounds and the protein was obtained from using 20% of common reed flowers extracts, the concentration of the protein and the phenolic compounds decreased during cold storage

In vitro protective effects of an aqueous extract of Clitoria ternatea L. flower against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity and UV-induced mtDNA damage in human keratinocytes.

The traditional practice of eating the flowers of Clitoria ternatea L. or drinking their infusion as herbal tea in some of the Asian countries is believed to promote a younger skin complexion and defend against skin aging. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of C.ternatea flower water extract (CTW) against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity and ultraviolet (UV)-induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage in human keratinocytes. The protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity was determined by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay, and mtDNA damage induced by UV was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Preincubation of HaCaT with 100, 250, and 500μg/ml CTW reduced cytotoxicity effects of H2 O2 compared with control (H2 O2 alone). CTW also significantly reduced mtDNA damage in UV-exposed HaCaT (p<.05). CTW was chemically-characterized using high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main compounds detected were assigned as anthocyanins derived from delphinidin, including polyacylated ternatins, and flavonol glycosides derived from quercetin and kaempferol. These results demonstrated the protective effects of C.ternatea flower extracts that contain polyacylated anthocyanins and flavonol glycosides as major constituents, against H2 O2 and UV-induced oxidative stress on skin cells, and may provide some explanation for the putative traditional and cosmetic uses of C.ternatea flower against skin aging.

Antibacterial Activity Of Shin’iseihaito (Xinyiqingfeitang) And its Components Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Objective: Shin’iseihaito (xinyiqingfeitang in Chinese, SSHT), a formula in traditional Japanese Kampo medicine and Chinese medicine comprising nine crude drugs, Gypsum, Ophiopogon Tuber, Scutellaria Root (SR, root of Scutellaria baicalensis), Gardenia Fruit, Anemarrhena Rhizome, Lilium Bulb, Magnolia Flower, Loquat Leaf, and Cimicifuga Rhizome (CR, rhizome of Cimicifuga heracleifolia), is commonly used to treat sinusitis associated with purulent nasal discharge and reddish nasal mucosa. We evaluated anti-bacterial activity of SSHT extract on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one cause of bacterial sinusitis. Materials and Methods: Sterile paper disks impregnated with SSHT extract, the combination of crude drugs composing SSHT according to the traditional pharmacological theory, or each component were placed on Mueller-Hinton agar plates inoculated with several strains of MRSA isolated from the patients. The diameter of inhibitory zone was measured after 18–24 h incubation. Results: SSHT extract showed antibacterial activity against 128/190 (66.8%) MRSA clinical isolates. The effect of the extract of SSHT without heat-clearing drugs (SSHT–HC) or without exterior-releasing drugs (SSHT–ER) were significantly lower than that of SSHT extract. Each water extract of SR, Loquat Leaf, Magnolia Flower and CR showed significant anti-MRSA activity, and SR extract exhibited the largest inhibitory zone. Conclusions: SSHT has antibacterial activity against MRSA clinical isolates, and SR mainly contributes to the antibacterial activity of SSHT against MRSA clinical isolates.

Chemosynthesis pathway and bioactivities comparison of saponins in radix and flower of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen

Ethnopharmacological relevancePanax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen is a well known medicinal plant. Its radix is used in the history while its flower is recently used for health care. In this study we compared chemical ingredients and bioactivities in cell culture for radix and flower of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen. Materials and methodsThe liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system was applied to determine the contents of saponins in flower and radix of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen. Transcription specific luciferase reporter assay and qPCR method for selected RNA were carried out to assess the impacts of flower and radix extract on the transcription signal pathways. ResultsThe results of chemical analysis showed that the contents of saponins in flower and radix are very different: the contents of Rg1, Rb1, Re, R1, Rg3-20R, Rh1 and Rf in radix are abundant; in contrast, the contents of Rb3, Fc, Ft1, Rb2 and Rh2-20s in flowers are plentiful. There are substantial variations of those saponin contents from one batch vs another. Based on relative content of saponins, the chemosynthesis pathway of ingredients in radix and flower are proposed: for radix, both PPT (Protopanaxatriol) and PPD (Protopanaxadiol) type triterpenoids are involved, the main pathway is PPT→Rb1→Rg1→R1 or PPD→Rh2 20s→Rg3(20s)→Rd→Rb1; for flowers, only PPD is main passage with PPD→Rh2 (20s)→Rg3(20s)→Rd→Rb2→Fc.The results of signal transcription assays demonstrated that herb water extract of radix and flower had no significant influences on most of transcription activities. However, total saponins of radix and flower which have highly content of saponins were able to inhibit the inflammatory related transcriptional activities and their related mRNA expression of IFNα, TNFα, il-6 and TGFβ as well as induce anti-oxygen NrF2 activities.In summary, although chemical ingredients and chemosynthesis pathway of flower and radix for Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen were different, these differences might not result in their differences of pharmacological activities.

ALLAMANDA CATHARTICA LINN.: EXTRACTION AND PHARMACEUTICAL EVALUATION OF VARIOUS EXTRACTS OF LEAVES AND FLOWERS

Objective: Extraction and evaluation of the antifungal activity of extracts from leaves and flowers of Allamanda cathartica (Apocynaceae) Linn.Methods: Leaves and flowers of A. cathartica were collected, dried and extracted by using well-established methods for alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and crude extracts in polar and non-polar solvents. Extracts were screened for antifungal activity using ‘Disc Diffusion Assay’ against Candida albicans (Yeast), Aspergillus flavus and Tricophyton mentagrophyte (fungi). Inhibition zone (IZ), Activity index (AI), Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and Total activity (TA) were studied. Mean and standard deviation has also been calculated.Results: C. albicans found to be the most susceptible organism while T. mentagrophyte found to be resistant. Alkaloid of leaf (IZ= 22 mm, AI= 0.65±0.02, MIC= 0.156 mg/ml, MFC= 0.078 mg/ml, TA= 278.85 ml/g) showed the best activity against C. albicans. Pet ether extract (IZ= 12 mm, AI= 0.40±0.02, MIC= 0.312 mg/ml, MFC= 0.156 mg/ml, TA= 57.24 ml/g) and water extract (IZ= 13 mm, AI= 0.43±0.02, MIC= 0.312 mg/ml, MFC= 0.156 mg/ml, TA= 49.68 ml/g) of flower also showed very good activities against C. albicans. The range of MIC and MFC found to be 1.25-0.156 mg/ml and 0.625-0.078 mg/ml, respectively.Conclusion: Results indicate the good antifungal potency of extracts against tested microorganisms. Hence, may be explored for the formation of new antifungal drugs.

DETERMINATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF EXTRACTS OF CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWERS

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) is one of the most popular medicinal plants in the Russian Federation and abroad. The wide range of pharmacological activity of this medicinal plant is determined by carotenoids, flavonoids, saponins. These biologically active substances give total therapeutic effect of flowers of Calendula officinalis and medicines on base of pot marigold. This paper discusses the results of comparative investigations for a determination of antimicrobial activity of aqueous and aqueous- alcoholic extracts from pot marigold flowers. Detection of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was carried out by using the method of double serial dilutions in broth. The following microorganisms were used as test cultures: Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The study showed that the widest spectrum of antibacterial activity has water extract of pot marigold flowers. As for Pseudomonas aeruginosa the most active medicine is tincture (1:10) with 70% alcohol. As for Escherichia coli the only phytopharmaceutical – water extract of marigold flowers, reveals antimicrobial activity. Against Bacillus cereus the most effective properties was indicated for tincture (1:5) with 70% ethanol and the liquid extract (1:2) with 70% alcohol. In case of Candida albicans, tincture (1:10) with 70% alcohol exhibited the highest activity.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Water Extracts from Different Organs of Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense

of flowers, leaves and roots from C. japonicum var. ussuriense. Total polyphenol amounts of the flower extract showed higher than those of leaf and root extract. Flower extract also showed the high antioxidant activities such as DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power. We also investigated the anti-obesity effects of water extracts of flowers, leaves and roots from C. japonicum var. ussuriense in 3T3-L1 cells and high fat diet-induced obesity mice. The mice were divided into four groups (high fat diet (HFD) control, HFD + leaf extract, HFD + flower extract and root extract) and administered with each extract (200 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. The flower and leaf extract significantly suppressed the levels of oil red O and triglyceride content. The flower and leaf extract also significantly reduced the triglyceride, total cholesterol and lower density lipoprotein levels of plasma as well as body and abdominal fat weight. Furthermore, oral glucose tolerance in the flower and leaf extract groups were significantly ameliorated in comparison to the high fat diet group. Therefore, these results indicate that the flower and leaf extract could ameliorate obesity and attenuate blood glucose level in high fat diet-induced obesity mice. We conclude that this study may provide positive insights into water extracts of flowers and leaves from C. japonicum var. ussuriense as a functional food ingredient for treatment of obesity.

Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant Activities and Genotoxic Evaluations of C alendula officinalis

Our study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and genotoxic activities obtained from hot water extracts of flowers and leaves of Calendula officinalis Linn. (Compositae). The extracts effectively prevented the lipid peroxidation induced by different prooxidants (10 μM FeSO4 and 5 μM sodium nitroprusside) in rat liver and brain homogenates. Moreover, the free radical scavenging activities of the extracts were evaluated by the quenching of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (IC50 = 184.16 μg/mL) and deoxyribose (IC50 = 28.1 μg/mL) assays. The results obtained on alkaline comet assay revealed that exposure of human lymphocytes to aqueous extract of flower at a relatively high concentration (0.4 mg/mL) did not induce genotoxic effects. The major phenolic acids, some flavonoid aglycone and glycosides, were identified in flower and leaves by high performance liquid chromatography. These results indicate that C. officinalis has a significant antioxidant activity and can be effectively utilized against oxidative stress-related diseases. Practical Applications C. officinalis is a medicinal plant which has been used in traditional medicine for skin complaints, wounds and burns, conjunctivitis, poor eyesight, menstrual irregularities, varicose veins, hemorrhoids and duodenal ulcers. As oxidative stress has been implicated as one of the inducing factors for the development of various metabolic disorders, the present study proposes to evaluate the antioxidant potential of flower and leaf extracts of plant, which may prove to be beneficial against these disorders.

연화 및 연화주의 영양성분 및 항산화활성

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional components and antioxidant activities of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner flower (lotus flower, LF) and its wine (lotus flower wine, LF wine). The moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, and carbohydrate contents of the LF were 85.90, 1.91, 0.30, 1.04, and 10.85%, respectively, and of the LF wine, 92.87, 1.70, 0.30, 0.15, and 5.17%, respectively. The total amino acids in the LF and the LF wine were 2,168 and 6,341 mg/kg, respectively. Palmitic acid (38.63%) was a major fatty acid in the crude fat of the LF, and oleic acid (76.24%) was a major fatty acid in the crude fat of the LF wine. The levels of potassium in the LF (390.91±9.60 mg/100 g) and the LF wine (27.40±1.86 mg/100 g) were higher than those of the other minerals. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of both the lotus flower water extract (LFW) and the lotus flower ethanol extract (LFE) were higher than those of the LF wine. In addition, the highest antioxidant activities and ORAC values were obtained from the LFW and the LFE. In conclusion, we found that the LF and the LF wine have potential as natural antioxidants due to their higher bioactive compound contents such as their total phenol and flavonoid contents.

Anticancer and antioxidant effects of extracts from different parts of indigo plant

The water, methanol and ethanol extracts of flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds from indigo (Polygonum tinctorium Lour.) were tested in vitro to verify cytotoxic effects on human renal cell line (HEK 293) and inhibitory effects on the proliferation of colon cancer cell line (HCT-116), cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa), liver carcinoma cells (Hep3B), breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7), laryngeal cancer cell line (SNU-1066), and gastric cancer cell line (SNU-601), in order to further increase the use of the indigo plant. Significant differences were found in polyphenols and flavonoids in extracts of different parts of indigo. The highest amount of total polyphenols (22.94±2.18 and 22.81±2.04mgGAE/g DW) were found in methanol extracts of leaves and flowers and flavonoids (4.02±0.43, 3.70±0.34 and 3.28±0.26mgCE/gDW) – in methanol extracts of leaves, flowers and seeds. The highest antioxidant capacities by ABTS+ (99.12±9.18 and 96.35±8.75μMTE/gDW) and CUPRAC (78.37±7.86 and 86.22±8.43μMTE/gDW) were also found in methanol extracts of leaves and flowers. The correlation coefficient (R2) between antioxidant capacities and polyphenols of indigo parts in different extracts varied from 0.7142 to 0.9765, showing the highest correlation for leaves and flowers in methanol extracts. The survival rates at a concentration of 800mg/L for human renal cell line (HEK 293) in indigo plant water extracts from flowers and stems were 17.58%±9.29 and 61.78%±11.00 and in methanol extract of leaves and seeds estimated as 36.47%±18.70 and 28.7%±16.68, respectively. The extracts of stem prolonged the overall survival of cancer cells. The survival rates at a concentration of 800mg/L of colon cancer cell line (HCT-116) and cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) in the ethanol extract of indigo flowers were 5.10%±0.32 and 8.85%±0.11, respectively, and in seeds on HeLa cells was 16.93%±3.09. The survival rates of HeLa and HCT-116 in methanol extracts of indigo leaves at a concentration of 800mg/L were 6.89%±0.53 and 13.22%±8.51, respectively. Proliferative and antioxidant activities were correlated. The highest R2 between the antioxidant capacities and survival rates was in methanol extracts of leaves on HeLa cells. Therefore, investigation in vitro revealed that the extracts of the indigo plant were found to be effective in suppressing the proliferation of cancer cells, although the results varied depending on the different parts of P. tinctorium Lour., the concentrations of solvent and extracts, the antioxidant activities and the types of cancers.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and phenolic compounds of Inula thapsoides ssp. thapsoides

The members of Inula genus are widespread in the world and are used for many disorders by different cultures. Inula species contain terpenic compounds, especially sesquiterpen lactones, flavonoids, glycolipids and anthranilic acid derivatives (1). I. thapsoides (Bieb. ex Willd.) Sprengel which is a rhizomatous perennial herb (45 – 150 cm), has two subspecies in Turkey. In this study, I. thapsoides ssp. thapsoides was investigated for its total phenolic content, antioxidant, antimicrobial potential, and phenolic compound profile (2). Antioxidant activities of water, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of flowers, leaves and roots of the plant were evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods. All the extracts showed antioxidant activity in different concentrations. Water extract of leaves and methanol extract of roots expressed strong antioxidant activities with both methods compared to other extracts. Antimicrobial activities of the methanol extracts of flowers, leaves and roots of the plant were determined against S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans and C. tropicalis by agar dilution method. All extracts exhibited antibacterial and anticandidal activities with different MIC values ranging from 50 to 200 µg/ml. Root extract was found very active against the investigated microorganisms. As the liable antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, myricetin, quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively in the plant parts by RP-HPLC. While chlorogenic and caffeic acids were found in all the investigated extracts, myricetin was not determined in the plant. Consequently, investigated phenolics could be responsible for the potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the plant.

Inhibitory effects of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) flower-water extracts on lipase activity and diet-induced obesity

Litchi flower–water extract (LFWE) contains plenty of phenolic acids, flavonoids, condensed tannins, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins. In this study, we used eight male rats per group that were assigned randomly to one of the following dietary group: (1) normal-caloric diet and distilled water; (2) hypercaloric diet (HCD) and distilled water; (3) HCD and 2.5% LFWE; (4) HCD and 5% LFWE for 10weeks. As results, LFWEs demonstrated a suppressive (p<0.05) effect on in vitro lipase activities; meanwhile, larger sizes of livers, perirenal and epididymal adipose tissues, and cell sizes of epididymal adipose tissues in hypercaloric-diet-fed group were decreased (p<0.05) by drinking LFWEs, especially in 5% LFWE-treated groups. Increased (p<0.05) serum cholesterol and liver lipid levels were measured in hypercaloric-diet-fed rats. However, drinking LFWEs also decreased (p<0.05) those levels to that similar to the NCD group, whereas drinking LFWEs resulted in higher (p<0.05) faecal lipid concentrations. It also corresponded to the liver TNF-α and IL-1β values which were ameliorated (p<0.05) in hypercaloric-diet-fed rats with LFWEs. Therefore, the result of this investigation match the anticipation, which LFWE indeed possesses a potential nutraceuticals for anti-obesity effects.

β-sitosterol in different parts of Saraca asoca and herbal drug ashokarista: Quali-quantitative analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

β-sitosterol is an important component in food and herbal products and beneficial in hyperlipidemia. Its higher concentrations in serum may lead to coronary artery disease in case of sitosterolemia. Therefore, it is essential to determine the quantity of β-sitosterol in food and herbal drugs. Saraca asoca and its preparations have been widely used by traditional healers are also a source of β-sitosterol. In the present study, quantitative estimation of β-sitosterol present in hot and cold water extracts of bark, regenerated bark, leaves and flowers of the S. asoca and Ashokarista drugs were carried out first time using high performance liquid chromatography coupled (HPLC) with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Different concentrations of β-sitosterol and crude extracts were estimated by HPLC and targeted mass spectrometry. Standard curve for β-sitosterol was prepared from the intensities of transitions (397.50 → 147.0987 m/z) having regression coefficient (r2) 0.9952. Out of eight extracts and two drugs used in the study bark water, leaves water and leaves hot water extracts were found to have a considerable quantity of β-sitosterol, i.e. 170, 123.5 and 19.3 ng/mL, respectively. The results showed significant differences in the distribution of β-sitosterol among different organs of S. asoca and drugs prepared from its bark. HPLC/electrospray ionizationmass spectroscopy method is accurate, reproducible and requires less specimen, sample preparation and analysis time over HPLC assay. This type of approaches could be helpful for the quality control of herbal medicines and provides necessary information for the rational utilization of plant resources.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Polar Extracts and Essential Oil of Rose‐scented Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens

Pelargonium graveolens (Geraniaceae) was characterized with respect to its chemical composition, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activities. This is the first investigation focusing on the comparison of both essential oil and polar extracts from this species. The chemical composition of the essential oil of the aerial parts of P. graveolens was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The main constituents of the oil were found to be β-citronellol (21.9%), citronellyl formate (13.2%), geraniol (11.1%), 10-epi-γ-eudesmol (7.9%), geranyl formate (6.2%) and (l)-linalool (5.6%). Nine flavonoids were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-MS in leaf and flower extracts. Kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside-glucoside, isorhamnetin aglycone, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3,7-di-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-pentose and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-pentoside-glucoside, myrisetin 3-O-glucoside-rhamnoside flavonoids were detected in methanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The total flavonoids ranged between 29.9 and 78.2 mg QE/g in flower water and methanol extracts, respectively, and 22.5 and 71.2 mg QE/g dry weight in leaf water and methanol extracts, respectively. The highest antioxidant activities using two methods of free radical scavenging capacities were obtained with the essential oil (9.16 mM of Trolox and 2.68 µg/ml). All P. graveolens essential oil and polar extracts were active against at least one bacterium.

Neuroprotective Effects of Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) Flower Water Extract on MPP+-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rat Brain

In this study, the neuroprotective effect of Dimocarpus longan Lour. flower water extract (LFWE) was investigated. First, an in vitro study showed that LFWE concentration-dependently inhibited lipid peroxidation of brain homogenates incubated at 37 °C. The antioxidative activity of LFWE was more potent than that of glutathione or Trolox. Furthermore, an ex vivo study found that the basal lipid peroxidation (0 °C) and lipid peroxidation incubated at 37 °C were lower in the brain homogenates of LFWE-treated (500 mg/day) rats, indicating that the brain of LFWE-treated rats was more resistant to oxidative stress. Moreover, a Parkinsonian animal model was employed to demonstrate that oral administration of LFWE (125-500 mg/kg/day) dose-dependently attenuated 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+))-induced neurotoxicity in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system of rat brain. In conclusion, this study suggests that LFWE is antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic. Furthermore, oral administration of LFWE appears to be useful in preventing and/or treating central nervous system neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinsonism.