Water Extract Of Roots Research Articles

Antioxidant, Anticancer and Antibacterial Activity of Withania somnifera Aqueous Root Extract

Aims: To evaluate total antioxidant capacity, anticancer activity and antibacterial effects Withaniasomnifera aqueous-root extracts.Study Design: In vitro study.Place of Study: School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, UK.Methodology: Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of whole powder and freeze dried W. somniferaaqueous-root extracts was determined using FRAP, DPPH, Folin and ABTS assays. Anticanceractivity was accessed using MDA-MB-231 breast cells and Sulforhodamine B staining for cellviability. Antibacterial activity was by disk diffusion assay with penicillin, amoxicillin andstreptomycin as positive controls.Results: The TAC for W. somnifera extract was 86, 47, 195,or 443 gallic acid equivalents per 100gdry basis (mgGAE/ 100 g) us ing FRAP, DPPH, Folin or ABTS assays, respectively. CorrespondingTAC values for freeze dried W. somnifera aqueous-root extract were, 418, 553, 1898 or, 1770(mgGAE/100 g). W. somnifera aqueous-root extract inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation in adose-dependent manner with IC50 = 0.19 mg/ml (21 μM GAE). Nil antibacterial effects weredetected for freeze dried W. somnifera extract (0-1 mg/ml) across six species of bacteria tested.Conclusion: Withania somnifera root water extract showed significant antioxidant and anticanceractivity for MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells but no antibacterial activity under the conditions of this study.

Antimicrobial Activity of Various Extracts of Taraxacum officinale

The antimicrobial property of Taraxacum officinale plant extracts have been carried out by Agar Well Diffusion method. Five types of microbial strains viz. (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) have been used for the estimation of antimicrobial effect of Taraxacum officinale. The DCM, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts of stem, root and flower of Taraxacum officinale gave the varying values of IZD, on their application against the microorganisms with the safe conclusion on the fact that the solvents could extract the different bio-organics varying in number and antimicrobial potential(s). The concentration increase of the extracts resulted in the increase of IZD values resulting in the increase in the antimicrobial activities of the extracts. Among all the plant extracts, the methanolic extracts were found to bear the highest antimicrobial potential against the all bacterial strains, followed by the Ethyl acetate extracts of the plant. The DCM extracts were found to possess the antimicrobial potential in between ethyl acetate extracts and the water extracts. The water extracts were found to have little influence upon the growth of micro-organisms. Among the plant parts observed, roots were observed to be more effective in inhibiting the growth of micro-organisms followed by flower extracts. The stem extracts have a little effect upon the growth of micro-organisms.

PTEROCARPUS ANGOLENSIS CRUDE EXTRACTS INDUCE THE EXPRESSION OF COLLAGEN TYPE II IN ARTICULAR CARTILAGE IN VITRO

Background: Pterocarpus angolensis (P. angolensis) is a large deciduous tree native to Sub-Saharan Africa. This tree has
 traditionally been used to treat malaria, gonorrhoea, inflammation and wounds. The use of P. angolensis for tissue
 engineering has not been explored. This study investigated the potential of the bark and root water extracts of P. angolensis
 to induce the expression of collagen type II protein in the articular chondrocytes.
 Materials and Methods: Surface and middle zone chondrocytes, as well as explants, were stimulated with crude root and
 bark plant extracts at different concentrations. After 96 hours of stimulation, microscopic observation, XCELLigence assay
 and collagen type II ELISA, histology and immunohistochemistry assays were done.
 Results and Conclusion: Results showed no significant difference in the cell index between the controls and chondrocytes
 that had been treated with the plant extracts at concentrations of 15 and 30 μg/ml. A significant increase in the expression of
 collagen type II protein by the chondrocytes was observed and found to be optimal at a concentration of 30 μg/ml. There was
 an increase in the production of proteoglycans. However, the plant extracts at a concentration of 50 μg/ml induced apoptosis
 in the middle zone chondrocytes. These results show the potential of P. angolensis extracts in chondrocyte tissue
 regeneration. This potential could be exploited in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

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.

큰잎모자반 뿌리 및 줄기 추출물의 항산화 효과

The present study was to investigate the antioxidant activity in ethanol and water extracts of root and stem of Sargassum coreanum. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by total polyphenol contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity, chelating effect, reducing power, and rancimat method. Total polyphenol contents of ethanol and water extracts were 32.79 mg/g and 15.55 mg/g, respectively. Ethanol extract showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity than water extract and similar activity to BHT. Reducing power of extracts was increased in a concentration-dependent manner and ethanol extract had more reducing power than water extract. Ethanol and water extracts have little chelating effect at all concentrations. Antioxidant index (AI) of ethanol extract measured by Rancimat was higher than that of water extract, but their AI was lower than that of BHT. These results indicate that ethanol extract of S. coreanum root and stem has more potent antioxidant activity than water extract through DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power, and could potentially be used as a good source of natural antioxidants.

Echinacea purpurea root extract inhibits TNF release in response to Pam3Csk4 in a phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase dependent manner

Polysaccharides derived from Echinacea have historically been shown to be immunostimulatory. We describe in this work however the anti-inflammatory effect of a water extract of Echinacea purpurea roots (EPRW) that inhibited Pam3Csk4 stimulated production of TNFα by human monocytic THP-1 cells. The polyphenols and alkylamides typically found in Echinacea extracts were absent in EPRW suggesting that the anti-inflammatory component(s) was a polysaccharide. This anti-inflammatory activity was shown to be mediated by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway as chemical inhibition of PI3K abolished the EPRW anti-inflammatory effect. Demonstration of phosphorylation of Akt and ribosomal S6 proteins, downstream targets of PI3K confirmed EPRW-mediated activation of this pathway. In conclusion, this observation suggests that non-alkylamide/non-polyphenolic phytochemicals from Echinacea may contribute in part to some of the anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects such as reduced severity of symptoms that have been observed in vivo in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections with Echinacea.

Glehnia littoralis Root Extracts Induces G1‐Phase Cell Cycle Arrest in MCF‐7 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Glehnia littoralis (GL) is widely used as an oriental medicine for cough, fever, stroke and other disease conditions. However, the anti‐cancer properties of GL have not been investigated. In order to elucidate the anti‐cancer properties and underlying cell death mechanism, MCF‐7, human breast cancer cells (5 X 104/well) were treated with Glehnia littoralis root extract at 0‐400 ug/ml. The hot water extract of GL root inhibited the proliferation of MCF‐7 cells in both dose‐dependent and time‐dependent manners. Analysis of the cell cycle after treatment of MCF‐7 cells with increasing concentrations of GL root extract for 24 hours showed a significant cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis both revealed that GL root extract significantly increased the expressions of P21, P27 and P38 while CDK2, CDK4 and Cyclin D1 expressions were down regulated. It is demonstrated that GL root extract arrested the proliferation of MCF‐7 cells at G1 phase through the inhibition of CDK2, CDK4 and Cyclin D1 via an increased induction of P21, P27 and P38. In summary, it is suggested that GL could have possible therapeutic potential against human breast cancer.

<i>In vitro</i> studies on the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of <i>Cephalaria gigantea</i>

This study evaluates the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of leaf and root extracts of Cephalaria gigantea . The results showed that the extracts inhibited both bacteria and fungi tested at MIC values which ranged from 3.1 to 12.5 mg/mL. The root water and leaf hydro-ethanol extracts had the highest content of phenolics exhibiting IC 50 values of 310.9 mg/g and 275.2 mg/g respectively. The leaf water extract possessed the highest amount of flavonoids with IC 50 value of 145.4 mg/g followed by root hydro-ethanol extract with IC 50 value of 53.4 mg/g. The leaf and root water extracts had the best DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC 50 values of 0.6 µg/mL and 2.8 µg/mL compared to gallic acid at 14.0 µg/mL. The leaf hydro-ethanol and root water extracts scavenged ABTS radical best. Also the leaf and root hydro-ethanol extract exhibited the best reducing power activity when compared to gallic acid. The root water and leaf ethanol extracts displayed the most potent inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively. It can be concluded that C. gigantea extracts possessed antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials but has poor antimicrobial activities.

Allium hookeri 뿌리 열수 추출물을 첨가한 양념돈육의 저장 중 품질 특성

Allium hookeri 뿌리 70% 에탄올 및 열수 추출물의 총 폴리페놀 함량은 각각 2.51±0.04 mg/g, 3.09±0.06 mg/g으로 열수 추출물에서 더 높았고, DPPH 및 ABTS radical 소거능도 열수 추출물에서 높은 항산화 활성을 보였다. A. hookeri 뿌리 추출물의 항균 활성을 측정한 결과, 식품부패미생물인 Staphylococcus aureus에 대해 70% 에탄올 추출물과 열수 추출물은 양성대조군인 vancomycin의 1/400배의 항균활성을 나타내었다. 추출물 중 생리활성이 더 우수한 A. hookeri 뿌리 열수 추출물을 소스에 5, 10, 15% 첨가하여 양념돈육을 제조한 후 4°C에서 21일간 냉장 저장하면서 양념돈육의 저장성과 미생물학적?관능적 특성에 미치는 영향을 검토한 결과, 수분과 조회분 함량은 열수 추출물의 첨가량이 증가할수록 유의하게 감소하였고 단백질 함량은 10% 첨가군에서 가장 높았다. 양념돈육의 산도는 저장 초기에 첨가량이 증가할수록 증가하다가 저장 12일째부터 첨가량이 증가할수록 유의적으로 감소하였다. 저장기간 동안 미생물 수는 대조군에서 가장 빠르게 증가하였고 추출물의 첨가량이 증가할수록 유의적으로 미생물 생육을 억제하였다. 또한 관능평가에서는 A. hookeri 뿌리 열수 추출물을 10% 첨가했을 때 맛, 질감, 전반적인 기호도 면에서 가장 높은 평가를 받았다. 따라서 항산화 및 항균 활성을 가진 A. hookeri 뿌리 열수 추출물은 양념돈육에서 저장성 향상 및 관능적 특성의 개선에 도움을 주며, 미생물 생육을 억제하여 천연보존제로서도 탁월한 소재라고 사료된다.

Phytochemical analyses and effects of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and Alchemilla persica Rothm. in rat endometriosis model.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the treatment potential of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and Alchemilla persica Rothm. in the experimentally induced endometriosis model in rats. Endometriosis was surgically induced in rats by autotransplanting endometrial tissue to abdominal wall. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups. The groups were orally treated with the methanol:water (80:20) extracts of aerial parts and roots of A. mollis and A. persica. Buserelin acetate (20 mg) was used as the reference drug. The phytochemical contents of the most active extracts were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The cystic formation was determined to be significantly decreased with the aerial part extract of A. mollis. A reduction in the endometrioma was also determined for the aerial part extract of A. persica group. However, significant reduction on the levels of cytokine were recorded for the A. mollis aerial part extract group. Therefore, the phytochemical contents of the aerial part extracts of A. mollis. and A. persica were analyzed. The results of the present study revealed that the aerial part extracts of A. mollis and A. persica could be beneficial in the treatment of endometriosis.

AROMA PROFILE AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF ALCOHOLIC AND AQUEOUS EXTRACTS FROM ROOT, LEAF AND STALK OF NETTLE (Urtica dioica L.)

Medicinal plant can be considered as a great source of new antimicrobial agents due to their enormous therapeutic potential and limited side effects. Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a widespread and common medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine. The present study investigates the antimicrobial potency of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Urtica dioica on some gram positive and negative bacteria and also a particular type of fungi and analyzes the extracts to find the active ingredients by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) method. Results from disc diffusion assay indicated that water extract of root, leaf and stalk had the highest antimicrobial activity respectively and caused significant inhibition zones in P. vulgaris, L. monocytogenes and K. pneumoniae cultures. Antimicrobial efficacy of ethanol extracts was higher in root extract which caused high growth inhibition zones in P. vulgaris, K. pneumoniae and S. aureus cultures. MBC and MIC experiments of the ethanol extract illustrated that the most powerful antimicrobial effect was related to the stem organ extract on K. pnuomonae and S. aureus bacteria. Highest level of antibacterial effects in root can be due to its higher concentration of contents compared to other organs. Based on these results it can be suggested that Urtica dioica and its water and ethanol extracts have noticeable antimicrobial effects against gram negative, positive and Candida albicans fungi that may be applicable as a prophylactic or therpeutic antimicrobial agent in both human and animals.

허혈성 뇌졸중 흰쥐에서 당귀의 부위에 따른 뇌신경보호효과 비교 연구

Objectives : We compared with the effects of different parts (root head, root body and hairy root) of Angelica gigas Nakai (Angelicae Gigantis Radix, AG) with on middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)-induced ischemic rats, and on LPS-induced inflammatory response in BV2 microglia. Methods : The 30% ethanol and water extracts of different parts of AG were prepared. Each extract (50 and 100 mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally once in MCAO-induced ischemic rats. We measured infarction volumes by TTC staining, and investigated the expression of iNOS, Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 by Western blot. BV2 cells were treated with each extract for 30 min, and then stimulated with LPS. The levels of NO was measured by Griess assay. The expression of iNOS, Cox-2 and proinflammatory cytokines (<TEX>$TNF-{\alpha}$</TEX>, <TEX>$IL-1{\beta}$</TEX>, and IL-6) were determined RT-PCR and Western blot. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK was determined by Western blot. Results : Among different parts of AG, the 30% ethanol and water extracts of hairy root significantly decreased infarction volume in ischemic brains and inhibited the expression of iNOS, bax and caspase-3. The extracts of hairy root significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, <TEX>$TNF-{\alpha}$</TEX> and IL-6 in BV2 cells, and suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2. The hairy root extracts attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK in BV2 cells. Conclusions : Our results indicate that the root hairy of AG has a good neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in ischemic stroke compared to other parts.

Effects of different parts of Angelica gigas Nakai on brain damages and neuronal death in transient middle artery occlusion/reperfusion-induced ischemic rats

Objectives : We compared with the effects of different parts (root head, root body and hairy root) of Angelica gigas Nakai (Angelicae Gigantis Radix, AG) with on middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)-induced ischemic rats, and on LPS-induced inflammatory response in BV2 microglia. Methods : The 30% ethanol and water extracts of different parts of AG were prepared. Each extract (50 and 100 ㎎/㎏) was administrated intraperitoneally once in MCAO-induced ischemic rats. We measured infarction volumes by TTC staining, and investigated the expression of iNOS, Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 by Western blot. BV2 cells were treated with each extract for 30 min, and then stimulated with LPS. The levels of NO was measured by Griess assay. The expression of iNOS, Cox-2 and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α , IL-1β , and IL-6) were determined RT-PCR and Western blot. The phosphorylat ion of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK was determined by Western blot. Results : Among different parts of AG, the 30% ethanol and water extracts of hairy root significantly decreased infarction volume in ischemic brains and inhibited the expression of iNOS, bax and caspase-3. The extracts of hairy root significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 in BV2 cells, and suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2. The hairy root extracts attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK in BV2 cells. Conclusions : Our results indicate that the root hairy of AG has a good neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in ischemic stroke compared to other parts.

Yam (Dioscorea batatas) Root and Bark Extracts Stimulate Osteoblast Mineralization by Increasing Ca and P Accumulation and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity.

Yam (Dioscorea batatas) is widely consumed as functional food for health promotion mainly in East Asia countries. We assessed whether yam root (tuber) or bark (peel) extracts stimulated the activity of osteoblasts for osteogenesis. MC3T3-E1 cells (mouse osteoblasts) were treated with yam root extracts (water or methanol) (study I) or bark extracts (water or hexane) (study II) within 0~10 μg/mL during the periods of osteoblast proliferation (5~10 day), matrix maturation (11~15 day) and mineralization (16~20 day) as appropriate. In study I, both yam root water and methanol extracts increased cell proliferation as concentration-dependent manner. Cellular collagen synthesis and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, both the indicators of bone matrix protein and inorganic phosphate production for calcification respectively, were also increased by yam root water and methanol extract. Osteoblast calcification as cell matrix Ca and P accumulation was also increased by the addition of yam root extracts. In study II, yam bark extracts (water and hexane) increased osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, as collagen synthesis and ALP activity and osteoblast matrix Ca and P deposition. The study results suggested that both yam root and bark extracts stimulate osteogenic function in osteoblasts by stimulating bone matrix maturation by increasing collagen synthesis, ALP activity, and matrix mineralization.

Bioactivity of crude extracts of Nerium oleander Linn. extracted in polar and non polar solvents

Today, the world is gradually turning to herbal formulations, which are known to be effective against a large repertoire of diseases and ailments. More importantly, they are not known to cause any notable derogatory effects and are readily available at affordable prices. The present study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of crude extracts of Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae) Linn. Crude extracts from different parts (root, stem and leaf) of the plant were extracted using polar (Water and Methanol) and Non-polar (Petroleum ether) solvents and were screened for antibacterial activity by „Disc Diffusion Assay‟ against three Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Agrobacterium tumifaciens) and two Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis). Minimum inhibitory concentration, Minimum bactericidal concentration and total activity of extracts against each sensitive pathogen have also been evaluated. Mean and Standard Deviation have also been calcultated. B. subtilis found to be the most susceptible organism followed by K. pneumoniae, S. aureus and E. coli. Pet ether extract of root (IZ=24 mm, MIC=0.078 mg/ml, MBC=0.039 mg/ml, TA=141.02 ml/g) and stem (IZ=20 mm, MIC=0.156 mg/ml, MBC= 0.078 mg/ml, TA= 16.02 ml/g) showed the best antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae respectively. Methanolic and water extract of leaf, stem and root, Pet ether extract of stem, Methanolic and water extract of stem and Pet ether extract of root and stem also showed very good activities against B. subtilis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae and A. tumifaciens respectively. The range of MIC and MBC was found to be 1.25-0.078 mg/ml and 0.625-0.039 mg/ml respectively. Results reveal the great antimicrobial potency of tested extracts.

Structural features and complement fixing activity of polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula Nannf. var. modesta L.T.Shen roots

Two pectic polysaccharides, 50WCP-II-I and 100WCP-II-I, were obtained from 50 and 100°C water extracts of Codonopsis pilosula roots by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The study of the sub-fractions obtained after pectinase degradation showed that the complement fixation activities of these pectins are expressed mainly by their ramified regions. The structure studies of native and sub-fractions showed the 50WCP-II-I is a pectic polysaccharide, with long homogalacturonan regions (some of the galacturonic acid units were methyl esterified), interrupted by one short rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) region. The side chains of the RG-I region are arabinogalactan type I (AG-I) and type II (AG-II) attached on position 4 of rhamnose. The 100WCP-II-I has two main ramified regions, one is galacturonan region with AG-I side chain on position 2 of GalA, and the other one is RG-I region with AG-II side chain on position 4 of Rha.

Enhanced Anti-oxidant Activity Effects of Smilax china L. Rhizome Water Extracts Added with Its Fermented Leaf Water Extracts

To evaluate the improving effects of antioxidant activity, we observed antioxidant capacities such as electron donating ability (EDA), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), inhibitory activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) and aldehyde oxidase (AO), and sensory characteristics on mixture of Smilax china L. root water extract added with water extract of fermented S. china L. leaf by Aspergillus oryzae (FSCL). Those contents of mixture with higher ratio of FSCL were proportionally high. And OD475 of mixture with higher ratio of FSCL was almost proportionally high (R 2 = 0.9850). Antioxidant capacities of EDA and FRAP of the mixture was higher than that of non-mixture. In addition, XO inhibitory activity (IC50) of A (1.19) was 59.80% higher than that of F (2.96), and the activity of mixture by the higher ratio of FSCL was proportionally low (R 2 =0.9490). Taste acceptability of A was slightly higher than that of F, whereas that of C was highest. And color acceptability of 40�80% mixture was higher than those of A, F, and B. Overall acceptability of C and D was highest than those of others. Moreover, hot water extract of S. china L. leaf fermented with A. oryzae was maroon color, which looks like Puerh tea style, and mixture of S. china L. root extract added with hot water extract of S. china L. leaf was high acceptability of beverage. These results suggest that mixture of extract of S. china L. root and hot water extract of S. china L. leaf fermented with A. oryzae could improve antioxidant activities.

Allelopathic Potential of Aerial and Root Extracts of Alfalfa Against Germination and Seedling Related Traits of Four Weed Species.

In this study, we investigated the effect of aerial and root water extract of Alfalfa&#x0D; (Medicago sativa) plant on seed germination and seedling growth of four weed species. This&#x0D; study was carried out in the phytochemistry laboratory/Faculty of Agricultural Sciences/Sulaimani&#x0D; University. Factorial experiment conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3&#x0D; replications, including five concentrations 2,4,6,8 and 10 g of aerial and root dry tissues of alfalfa&#x0D; (Medicago sativa L.) plants per 100ml of MeOH 70% v/v, against germination and seedling growth&#x0D; of four problematic weeds, which widely distributed in wheat fields, namely cephalaria (Cephalaria&#x0D; syriaca L.), rye grass (Lolium perenne L.), bitter vetch (Lathyrus linifolius L.) and black mustard&#x0D; (Brassica nigra L.). Results of experiment showed that extracts from dry tissue of aerial and root&#x0D; parts of alfalfa greatly inhibited seed germination and seedling growth of weeds at all&#x0D; concentrations compared to water control. Root extracts had the higher allelopathic potential&#x0D; toward imbibitions and germination of weeds compared to aerial extracts. Root extract reduced&#x0D; imbibitions by 61, 54, 61, 54 % and caused germination inhibition I%, by 51, 37, 34, and 47 % in&#x0D; cephalaria, rye grass, bitter vetch and black mustard respectively. Aerial extracts, significantly&#x0D; reduced hypocotyls, radicle length and dry weight compared to root extracts. The reduction of&#x0D; seedling traits of cephalaria, rye grass, bitter vetch and black mustard respectively due to aerial&#x0D; extracts compared to water control were 52, 52, 32, 35% hypocotyls length reduction, 41, 44, 33,&#x0D; 48% radicle length reduced, 58, 61, 64, 76% hypocotyls dry weight losses and 60, 57, 58, 77% were&#x0D; losses in radicle dry weight. Allelopathicity increased for aerial and root tissues with increase in&#x0D; concentrations and the greatest inhibition was 80% equally for imbibitions and I%, which obtained&#x0D; by 10g dry root tissue per 100 ml MeOH extract occurred in cephalaria, while 10 g dry aerial tissues&#x0D; per 100 ml MeOH extracts shows the highest inhibition percentages of hypocotyls length by 78% in&#x0D; rye grass, radicle length by 79% in cephalaria, hypocotyls dry weight and radicle dry weight by&#x0D; 90% both in black mustard.

Comparison of biological activities of the leaf and root extracts of Smilax china L. (959.11)

This study was carried out to compare the biological activities of leaf and root water extracts of Smilax china L. (SC) by measuring the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, anti‐oxidant activity, inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase, and anti‐inflammatory gene expression. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of SC leaf (SCLE) and root (SCRE) water extracts were 127.93 mg GAE/g and 39.50 mg GAE/g and 41.99 mg QE/g and 1.25 mg QE/g, respectively. The anti‐oxidative activities of SCLE and SCRE were measured using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activity assay and reducing power assay. Both SCLE and SCRE scavenged radicals in a concentration‐dependent manner, and SCLE showed stronger radical scavenging activity and reducing power than those by SCRE; however, the activities of both SCLE and SCRE were lower than that of ascorbic acid. Compared to the anti‐diabetic drug acarbose, which was used as a positive control, in SCLE and SCRE, the α‐glucosidase inhibition activities was low, nevertheless, the activity of SCLE was 3.7 fold higher than that of SCRE. Finally, the SCLE significantly decreased the LPS‐induced cytokines, iNOS, and COX‐2 mRNA expression in RAW264.7 cells, indicating anti‐inflammatory activity. These results indicate that SCLE might be a potential candidate as an anti‐oxidant, anti‐diabetic, and anti‐inflammatory agent.

Effect of Achyranthes bidentata Blume on 3T3-L1 Adipogenesis and Rats Fed with a High-Fat Diet.

The present study investigated the antiobesity effect of Achyranthes bidentata Blume root water extract in a 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation model and rats fed with a high-fat diet. To investigate the effect of Achyranthes bidentata Blume on adipogenesis in vitro, differentiating 3T3-L1 cells in adipocyte-induction media were treated every two days with Achyranthes bidentata Blume at various concentrations (1 to 25 μg/mL) for eight days. We found that Achyranthes bidentata Blume root inhibited 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation without affecting cell viability, and Western blot analysis revealed that phospho-Akt expression was markedly decreased, whereas there was no significant change in perilipin expression. Furthermore, administration of Achyranthes bidentata Blume root (0.5 g/kg body weight for six weeks) to rats fed with a high-fat diet significantly reduced body weight gain without affecting food intake, and the level of triglyceride was significantly decreased when compared to those in rats fed with only a high-fat diet. These results suggest that Achyranthes bidentata Blume root water extract could have a beneficial effect on inhibition of adipogenesis and controlling body weight in rats fed with a high-fat diet.