Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extracts and fractions of Mangifera indica

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extracts and fractions of Mangifera indica in in vitro conditions.MethodsIn vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition assays were used to evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities respectively. Methanolic extract (MEMI), successive water extract (SWMI) and ethyl acetate fraction (EMEMI), n-butanol fraction (BMEMI) and water soluble fraction (WMEMI) of methanolic extract were evaluated along with respective reference standards.ResultsIn in vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity, the MEMI, EMEMI and BMEMI have offered significant antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 13.37, 3.55 and 14.19 μg/mL respectively. Gallic acid, a reference standard showed significant antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 1.88 and found to be more potent compared to all the extracts and fractions. In in vitro LOX inhibition assay, the MEMI, EMEMI and BMEMI have showed significant inhibition of LOX enzyme activity with IC₅₀ values of 96.71, 63.21 and 107.44 μg/mL respectively. While, reference drug Indomethacin also offered significant inhibition against LOX enzyme activity with IC₅₀ of 57.75. Furthermore, MEMI was found to more potent than SWMI and among the fractions EMEMI was found to possess more potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the MEMI and EMEMI possess potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in in vitro conditions.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Passiflora foetida L

ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Passiflora foetida (P. foetida) leaves.MethodsEthanol extract of P. foetida leaf was evaluated for analgesic action by acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate method in albino mice. The anti-inflammatory property of ethanolic leaf extract was tested by carrageenan induced acute paw edema and histamine induced acute paw edema in rats.ResultsThe dose 200 mg/kg of P. foetida leaf extract exhibited highest significant analgesic activity [(13.50±0.43) min] at a reaction time of 20 min in hot plate method in mice. The ethanol extract of leaf dose 100 mg/kg produced a highly significant anti inflammatory effect [(1.302±0.079) mL] in rats.ConclusionsIt is very clear that P. foetida also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities for the pharmaceuticals.     

In vivo antiinflammatory activity and chemical composition of Hypericum scabroides

ObjectiveTo evaluate the methanolic extracts of aerial parts of Hypericum scabroides (HSM) (200 mg/kg, p.o.) for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.MethodsThe anti-inflammatory activity of HSM was tested in mice weighting (25±5) g. Either vehicle (control group), the methanolic extracts (200 mg/kg) or diclofenac (50 mg/kg), was administered (p.o.) for 60 min before an edema was induced in the mice paw by subcutaneous injection of carrageenin. The mouse-paw volume was measured 1 h, 3h and 6 h after injection of carrageenin.ResultsThe HSM showed significant reduction of edema in carrageenan induced mice paw edema model at 1 h and 3 h for (78.03±15.54)% and (40.44±16.36)%, respectively. The diclofenac 50 mg/kg exhibited % reduction in paw volume (31.00±11.52)%, (0.80±0.09)% and (9.39±1.99)% after 1 h, 3 h and 6 h, respectively compared to control group. The obtained results revealed that HSM has significant anti inflammatory activity. Furethermore, the chemical composition of HSM was analyzed by using high performance liquid chromatography–diode array dedector. The plant contained pseudohypericin (trace) hypericin (trace), chlorogenic acid (0.014 0±0.000 5)%, rutin (0.005 0±0.000 6)%, hyperoside (0.016±0.005)%, isoquercitrin (0.034 0±0.000 5)% and kaempferol (trace).ConclusionsThe obtained results of the present investigation revealed that methanol extract of Hypericum scarbroides has significant anti-inflammatory activity.     

Pharmacological properties and related constituents of stem bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (Fabaceae)

ObjectiveTo screen methanol and dichloromethane extracts of stem bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, in vitro antioxidant activities and phytochemical analysis.MethodsAnti-inflammatory activity was determined by using carrageenan induced-edema of mice paw and croton oil-induced edema of mice ear; analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing. Phytochemical screening of extracts was performed by thin layer chromatography. The chromatographic fractionation led to the isolation of main active components as friedelin, lupeol and epicathechin. The structures were established by TLC and nuclear magnetic resonance studies.ResultsBoth methanol and dichloromethane extracts, friedelin, lupeol and epicatechin showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect using croton oil induced-ear edema. Furthermore, the action of dichloromethane extract was more important. At the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, the methanol extract was able to reduce the carrageenan induced-hind paw edema, while at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, it showed an important analgesic effect against writhing induced by acetic acid injection of 38.8%, 68.0% and 74.3%, respectively. Antioxidative properties of methanol extract and its dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were assessed by using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method. The methanol extract showed the stronger radical scavenging activity than dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions, with an antiradical power of 5, 3.5 and 2 respectively. The main components isolated from these extracts as friedelin, lupeol and epicathechin were responsible of these activities.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the stem bark extracts of Pterocarpus erinaceus possessed important anti-inflammatory, analgesic activities and strong antioxidant properties, therefore, they could be used as natural potential ingredients for pharma ceutical industry.     

Evaluation of antiinflammatory activity of Tephrosia purpurea in rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antiinflammatory activity of orally administered ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea in acute and subacute inflammation in rats.MethodsAn ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea was prepared. Carrageenan induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma were the models for acute and subacute inflammation respectively. Four groups of rats in each model were treated orally with 2% gum acacia, 100 mg/kg of aspirin, 500 mg/kg and 1 000 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea respectively. In carrageenan induced paw edema model, subplantar injection of 1% carrageenan was made into the hind paw of the rats sixty minutes after the administration of the respective drugs. The paw volume was measured immediately after injection of carrageenan, at 3 hours and at 6 hours. Then percentage inhibition of edema was calculated. In the cotton pellet granuloma model, animals were administered drugs for six days after placing cotton pellets in the axilla on each side. On the 7th day, dry weight of granuloma was calculated.ResultsThe rats treated with Tephrosia purpurea did not exhibit any significant decrease in paw volume and serum ceruloplasmin levels as compared to the control and aspirin treated groups in the acute inflammation model; while, there was a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the weight of granuloma in Tephrosia purpurea and aspirin treated groups as compared to control in subacute inflammation.ConclusionsThe ethanolic extract of orally administered Tephrosia purpurea shows significant antiinflammatory effect in subacute inflammation but not in acute inflammation in rats.     

Antioxidant and antipyretic properties of methanolic extract of Amaranthus spinosus leaves

ObjectiveMethanolic extract of Amaranthus spinosus (A. spinosus) leaves was screened for antioxidant and antipyretic activities.MethodsAntioxidant activity was measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazile (DPPH) free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydroxyl free radical scavenging, nitric oxide radical scavenging, 2,2 '-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazole-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assays and total phenolic content was also determined. Antipyretic activity of methanolic extract of A. spinosus was measured by yeast induced pyrexia method at concentration of 200 and 400 mg/kg using paracetamol as standard drug.ResultsMethanolic extract of A. spinosus showed potent antioxidant activity. The IC 50 value was (87.50 ±3.52) μg/mL, (98.80±1.40) μg/mL, (106.25±0.20) μg/mL, (88.70±0.62) μg/mL and (147.50±2.61) μg/mL for DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl, nitric oxide and ABTS radical scavenging activities. Methanolic extract of A. spinosus showed significant (P <0.01) antipyretic activity.     

Studies on the hypoglycemic effects of Murraya paniculata Linn. extract on alloxan-induced oxidative stress in diabetic and non-diabetic models

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of extract of Murraya paniculata Linn. (Family – Rutaceae) on blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and lipid level and antioxidant status in alloxan induced diabetic and non-diabetic rats.MethodsHydro-alcoholic extract of M. paniculata leaves (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was administered orally for 14 days and its effect on blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and lipid level were estimated in serum. Liver free radical (lipid peroxidation, LPO) and antioxidant (Super oxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; and reduced glutathione peroxidase, GPx) were also measured after 14 days treatment with extract. Glucose level in non-diabetic rats was estimated after 21 days treatment with M. paniculata extract.ResultsOral administrations of M. paniculata extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) for 14 days significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride and lipid level. Liver free radical (LPO) significantly reduced and antioxidants (SOD, CAT and GPx) status significantly increase after 14 days treatment of extract in diabetic rats. M. paniculata 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly decrease glucose level in non-diabetic rats after 21 day and caused hypoglycemia in normal rats.ConclusionsM. paniculata leaves extract posses hypoglycemic effect in oxidative stress condition and also in non-diabetic condition. Hypoglycemic action may be by potentiating of the insulin effect by increasing either the pancreatic secretion of insulin from beta cells of islets of langerhans or its release from the bound form. M. paniculata could be a potential source of hypoglycemic agent with antioxidant properties.     

Phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant evaluation of different fractions of Amaranthus graecizans subsp. silvestris (Vill.) Brenan.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant ability of methanolic extract and different fractions of Amaranthus graecizans subsp. silvestris (A. graecizans subsp. silvestris).MethodsMethanolic extract of A. graecizans subsp. silvestris was obtained by cold maceration and then methanolic extract was subjected to fractionation and different fractions i.e. n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions were obtained. Methanolic extract and all other fractions were subjected to phytochemical investigation by performing different phytochemical group tests like alkaloid, tannins, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, etc. In vitro antioxidant activity of A. graecizans subsp. silvestris was evaluated by using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), ferric thiocyanate assay, total antioxidant activity by phosphomolybdenum, ferric reducing antioxidant power, total phenolic content and lipid peroxidation methods.ResultsMaximum antioxidant activity was shown by n-hexane fraction of the extract by carrying out DPPH (86.44±0.23), ethyl acetate fraction by total antioxidant (0.95±0.06) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (299.45±1.48) methods, while by employing total phenolic contents and inhibition of lipid per oxidation assays, methanolic extract (92.88±4.16) and n-hexane fraction (69.47±0.68) exhibited maximal activity. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the least IC₅₀ values by DPPH assay, hence a more pronounced potential for antioxidant activity.ConclusionsThe results indicate that A. graecizans subsp. silvestris has antioxidant potential and can be utilized as a natural source of antioxidant.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of crude extracts of Ipomoea involucrata leaves in mice and rats

ObjectiveTo investigate antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of crude extract from Ipomoea involucrata leaves (Convolvulaceae) in mice and rats.MethodsThe antinociceptive activity was tested using acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using egg albumin induced oedema of rat paw.ResultsPhytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and tannin. At the doses of 25–100 mg/kg, Ipomoea involucrata exhibited dose-dependent and significant increase in pain threshold in acetic acid –induced writhing test of mice (P<0.05, student t-test) The administration of Ipomoea involucrata leaf extract (25–100 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent decreases in paw volume of egg albumin induced oedema in rats and a significant higher anti-inflammatory activity compared to the standard control (Aspirin).ConclusionsThese results support the claims on the traditional use of the of Ipomoea involucrata leaves in the treatment of toothache, rheumatic pains and other inflammatory conditions. Studies on the isolation and structural elucidation of the active principle are still needed being carried out.     

Estimation of total phenolic content,cytotoxicity and in–vitro antioxidant activity of stem bark of Moringa oleifera

ObjectiveTo assess the phytochemical constituents, total phenolic content, cytotoxicity and in-vitro antioxidant activity of stem bark extracts of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) (Moringaceae).MethodsBrine shrimp lethality (BSL) bioassay was used to investigate the cytotoxic effects. DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity was used to demonstrate antioxidant activity.ResultsPhytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, steroids and alkaloids. The LC₅₀ values were obtained for extracts as 850 μg/mL for petroleum ether extract, 800 μg/mL for chloroform extract and 900 μg/mL for methanol extract. The total phenolic content of the methanolic extract was 50.72% w/w, equivalent to gallic acid. Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanolic extracts of M. oleifera and standard ascorbic acid were found to be scavenger of DPPH radical with an IC₅₀ of 124.75, 112.08, 54.34 and 13.86 μg/mL, respectively. Methanolic extract was found to be good scavenger of DPPH radical. Petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate soluble fraction of methanolic extracts of M. oleifera and ascorbic acid were found to be scavenger of nitric oxide radical with an IC₅₀ of 93.32, 65.12, 54.83 and 12.59 μg/mL, respectively. Ethyl acetate soluble fraction was found to be good scavenger of nitric oxide radical.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that the crude extracts of M. oleifera is a potential source of natural antioxidants, and this justifies its uses in folkloric medicines.     

Analgesic and anti—inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Helianthus Annus in Wistar rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the ethanol extract of leaves of Helianthus annus L. (H. annus) in acclimatized Wistar rats.MethodsIt was undertaken using the albumin induced paw edema model of inflammation as well as both the hotplate and tail immersion analgesic test methods. Doses of the extract tested in experimental rats were 0.5 g/kg, 2 g/kg and 4 g/kg while negative and positive control rats received distilled water and indomethacin respectively.ResultsIt was shown that treatment with the tested doses of the extract effectively inhibited paw edema induced by egg albumin. This effect was comparable if not better than the observations made in rats treated with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin orally. Treatment with the extract was also observed to have significantly increased the mean tolerance time of rats to thermal noxious stimuli compared to control animals that had distilled water and appeared to be more effective than 10 mg/kg of indomethacin treatment.ConclusionsThese observations confirmed the presence of a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-noiciceptive activity in the ethanol extract of the leaves of H. annus and therefore validated the folkloric use of the leaves of this plant in treatment of pro-inflammatory, post traumatic situations.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of methanolic flower extract of Nerium oleander against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.MethodsIn vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander (MENO–F) was evaluated by various assays, including reducing power, lipid peroxidation, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals and metal chelation. The hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activity of MENO-F were evaluated against CCl₄–induced hepatic damage in rats. The MENO-F at dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were administered orally once daily for seven days. Serum enzymatic levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin were estimated along with estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver tissues. Further histopathological examination of the liver sections was carried out to support the induction of hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotective efficacy.ResultsThe extract showed potent activities on reducing power, lipid peroxide, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and metal chelation. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin were found to be restored towards normalization significantly by the MENO-F in a dose dependent manner with maximum hepatoprotection at 400 mg/kg dose level. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of hepatoprotection. Elevated level of SOD and decreased level of MDA further strengthen the hepatoprotective observations.ConclusionsThe results of the present study strongly reveal that MENO-F has potent antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in experimental animals.     

Phytochemical analysis, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Alchornea cordifolia methanol leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Alchornea cordifolia (A. cordifolia) leaf extract.MethodsVarious solvent fractions of the methanol extract of the leaf of the plant A. cordifolia Mull. Arg (Fam: Euphorbiaceae) were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity by carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats. The degree of protection was measured by using biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (SGOT/AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT/ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extract was also evaluated by the 1, 1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening.ResultsThe ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions, at a dose of 300 mg/kg, produced significant (P<0.05) hepatoprotection by decreasing the activities of the serum enzymes and bilirubin while there were marked scavenging of the DPPH free radicals by the fractions. The effects were comparable to those of the standard drugs used for the respective experiments, silymarin and ascorbic acid. Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins were detected in the phytochemical screening.ConclusionFrom this study, it was concluded that the plant of A. cordifolia possesses hepatoprotective as well as antioxidant activities and these activities reside mainly in the ethyl acetate and acetone fractions of methanol leaf extract.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant capacity of Melochia corchorifolia extracts

ObjectiveTo evaluate hepato protective and antioxidant capacity of Melochia corchorifolia (M. corchorifolia) aerial part extracts.MethodsAntioxidant activity was evaluated by using three free radicals (Superoxide, Hydroxyl and DPPH) and hepatoprotective activity was assessed against CCl₄ induced liver intoxication in rats.ResultsThe extracts produced concentration dependent percentage protection in decrease of serum enzymes and percentage inhibition on free radicals. Among all extracts methanol extract showed better activity with percentage protection of SGOT (78.98%), SGPT (79.65%), ALP (82.48%) and total bilirubin (80.0%) levels against CCl₄ liver intoxication and also methanolic extract showed better activity with IC₅₀ values on superoxide, hydroxyl and DPPH radicals were 127 μ g, 240 μ g and 179 μ g.ConclusionsFrom the results obtained during the study it could be concluded that M. corchorifolia aerial part extracts have antioxidant and hepatoprotective components. Further study is necessary for isolation and characterization of bioactive molecules which are responsible for hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity.     

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Abroma augusta Linn

ObjectiveTo evaluate the Phytochemical and anti-inflammatory property of the different parts of methanolic extracts of Abroma augusta Linn.Materials and methodsAbroma augusta Linn (Family-Malvaceae) commonly known as Ulatkambal in Hindi and Devil's cotton in English, found in tropical Asia, South and eastern Africa, and Australia. It is mainly used for dysmenorrhoea, ammenorrhoea, sterlilty and other menstrual disorder. The present study aimed at evaluation of Phytochemical and anti-inflammatory study of different parts of Abroma augusta Linn methanolic extract by the carrageenan induced rat paw oedema method.ResultsThe result showed significant anti-inflammatory property of different parts of Abroma augusta Linn methanolic extract.ConclusionsThe methanolic extract of different parts of Abroma augusta Linn showed potent activity comparing with the standard drug diclofenac sodium perhaps due to the alkaloids and flavonoids present in the plant.     

Pharmacognostic study and anti – inflammatory activity of Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. fruit

ObjectiveTo study pharmacognostic evaluation and anti – inflammatory activity of Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. (P. reticulatus) fruit.MethodsThe fruit sample was studied by macroscopical, microscopical and other WHO recommended methods for standardisation. The hydroalcoholic extract of ripe fruit was also screened for anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan induced left hind paw oedema in rat at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, orally.ResultsTransverse section of fruit and powder study showed the presence of epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp, fibres and sclereids. Hydroalcoholic extract of fruit showed significant (P < 0.01) reduction of paw volume when compared with diclofenac sodium. The extract showed anti – inflammatory activity at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg and was comparable with diclofenac sodium.ConclusionsPharmacognostic profile of Phyllanthus reticulatus provides the simplest and quickest means to establish the identity and purity and thereby assure the quality of sample. The hydroalcoholic extract shows significant anti – inflammatory activity at both doses when compared with standard drug diclofenac sodium (100 mg/kg).     

Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of prop roots of Pandanus fascicularis Lam

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of prop roots of Pandanus fascicularis (P. fascicularis) Lam (pandanaceae). And provide experimental evidence for its traditional use such as rheumatoid arthritis and spasmodic.MethodsThe anti-inflammatory activity was observed by carrageenan-induced edema of the hind paw of rats. Analgesic activities of prop roots of P. fascicularis were determined using acetic acid induced writhing model and tail clip method in mice and rat, respectively. The ethanol fraction was then subjected to chromatographic analysis and a compound has been isolated and characterized by IR, ¹H-NMR and mass spectroscopy.ResultsEdema suppressant effect of ethanol extract was found to be 37.03% inhibition whereas aqueous extract was found to be 63.22% inhibition after 3 h which was nearly equivalent to that of 10 mg/kg of indomethacin (67.81%). Percentage inhibition of writhing compared to control were 63.15%, 54.38%, 14.90% for aspirin, aqueous extract and ethanolic extract, respectively. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts show significant activity against appropriate controls after 60 min of treatment on tail clip method. The structure of the isolated compound is may be characterized as Hepta deca-5-ene-1-ol by analysis it's IR, ¹H-NMR and mass spectroscopy data.ConclusionsThe extracts of prop roots of P. fascicularis produce significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the traditional application of this herb in treating various diseases associated with inflammation and pain.     

Free radical scavenging potential of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl fruits extract

ObjectiveTo elucidate free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extract Lagenaria siceraria (L. siceraria) (Molina) fruit.MethodsThe free radical scavenging activity of the L. siceraria (Molina) fruit extract was assayed by using α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,20-azinobis 3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS), FRAP, reducing power, chelating ability and β-carotene bleaching assay.ResultsThe IC₅₀ values of DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity was found to be 1.95 mg/mL and 19 mg/mL, respectively. In ferrous chelation assay, the percentage of inhibition was found to be 89.21%. The reducing power of ethanolic extract of L. siceraria (Molina) fruit was 0.068 at 1 mg/mL and increased to 0.192 at 5 mg/mL. The β-carotene linoleate bleaching assay was 46.7% at 5 mg/mL and antioxidant activity using FRAP at 0.305 for 1 mg/mL to 0.969 for 5 mg/mL.ConclusionsThe results indicate that L. siceraria (Molina) fruit could be an important sources of natural radical scavengers.     

Radical scavenging and antibacterial activity of Arnebia benthamii methanol extract

ObjectiveTo evaluate in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of Arnebia benthamii (A. benthamii) whole plant.MethodsPlasmid damage was analyzed by agarose gell electrophoresis. Calf thymus DNA was monitored by TBARS formation. DPPH, reducing power and lipid peroxidation was evaluated by using standard procedures. Antibacterial assay was monitored by disc diffusion method.ResultsDPPH radical scavenging and hydroxyl radical scavenging potential of the plant revealed that the extract to be active radical scavenger. Reducing (Fe³⁺-Fe²⁺) power and lipid peroxidation inhibition efficiency (TBARS assay) of the extract was also evaluated and the extract showed promising activity in preventing lipid peroxidation and might prevent oxidative damages to biomolecules. The extract offered a significant protection against plasmid and calf thymus DNA damage induced by hydroxyl radicals. The extract was also evaluated on different bacterial strains and the maximum antibacterial activity was exhibited against Escherichia coli (E. coli) when compared with standard drug.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that the methanol extract of A. benthamii has excellent anti-oxidant activities and could be considered as a potential source of lead molecules for pharmaceutical industries.     

Evaluation of in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex Benth

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ajuga bracteosa Wall Ex Benth. (Labiateae) is described in Ayurveda for the treatment of rheumatism, gout, palsy and amenorrhea.ObjectivePresent study was aimed to investigate the in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Neelkanthi (whole plant) and to support its traditional use.MethodsMethanolic extract of plant Ajuga bracteosa (ABE) was investigated for its anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw oedema, egg albumin induced inflammation in rats and the study was further supported with in vitro anti-inflammatory study by using Human red blood cell membrane stabilization (HRBC) method. Three doses of the extract (ABE-250, 500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p.) were used in the study and diclofenac sodium (5mg/kg, i.p.) was used as standard.ResultsABE (500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced increased in paw volume induced by carrageenan and egg albumin. ABE also showed significant stabilization toward HRBC membrane.ConclusionsABE at the dose of 500 and 750 mg/kg showed potent action on comparison with the standard drug diclofenac sodium.