In Vitro Antioxidant and In Vivo Hepatoprotective Activity of Leave Extract of Raphanus Sativus in Rats Using CCL4 Model

Background

Raphanus sativus is reported to have a variety of biological activities. This work screened the hepato-protective and antioxidant activity of ethanol (ERS), and aqueous (ARS), extracts of leaves of Raphanus sativus in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), model in rats.

Material and Methods

The extracts were subjected to antioxidant tests (Total reducing power and Total phenolic content), and preliminary phytochemical screening. A pilot study was done on 100 and 300 mg/kg extracts, form which 300 mg was chosen for further experiments. The albino rats (200–250 grams), were divided into 5 groups of 6 animals each (n=6). There were three control groups comprising of normal control (normal saline −1ml/kg), negative control group (CCl₄ 1ml/kg in olive oil in a ratio of 1:1 v/v), and positive control group (Silymarin 50mg/kg). The Test drugs were given in a dose of 300 mg/kg for both ERS and ARS extract for 7 days. Biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, Alkaline phosphatase, Total Bilirubin), histo-pathological examination of liver and in vivo antioxidant tests [CAT, GSH and MDA] were done.

Results

The phytochemical study showed the presence of flavanoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins and sterols. A dose dependent increase in the oxidative potential was observed in both the extracts with total phenolic content 70.1 and 44.4 GAE/g extract for ERS and ARS respectively. ERS 300mg/kg showed a significant (p<0.001) increase in levels of AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase as compared to negative control (percentage hepatoprotection =45.3%) while ARS 300 mg/kg (p<.01) group showed 30% hepatoprotection. The GSH (p<0.001) and CAT (p<0.05) in ERS and ARS were significantly increased while MDA levels were decreased (P< 0.01), as compared negative control. The findings were confirmed histo-pathological examination.

Conclusion

The ethanol and aqueous extract of Raphanus sativus have partial hepatoprotection against CCl₄ toxicity.     

Piper Sarmentosum Increases Nitric Oxide Production in Oxidative Stress: A Study on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

OBJECTIVE:

Nitric oxide produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) possesses multiple anti-atherosclerotic properties. Hence, enhanced expression of eNOS and increased Nitric oxide levels may protect against the development of atherosclerosis. Piper sarmentosum is a tropical plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Piper sarmentosum on the eNOS and Nitric oxide pathway in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODS:

HUVECs were divided into four groups: control, treatment with 180 μM hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), treatment with 150 μg/mL aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum, and concomitant treatment with aqueous extract of PS and H₂O₂ for 24 hours. Subsequently, HUVECs were harvested and eNOS mRNA expression was determined using qPCR. The eNOS protein level was measured using ELISA, and the eNOS activity and Nitric oxide level were determined by the Griess reaction.

RESULTS:

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum showed a marked induction of Nitric oxide. Treatment with PS also resulted in increased eNOS mRNA expression, eNOS protein level and eNOS activity in HUVECs.

CONCLUSION:

Aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum may improve endothelial function by promoting NO production in HUVECs.     

Ameliorative effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on alloxan toxicity in Wistar rats

Background

Diabetes has been associated with several complications occasioned by oxidative stress. Thus, in treatment of the condition, these complications must also be taken into consideration. This study evaluates the effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius complications of diabetes induced by alloxan, on haematology and sperm morphometry using the Wistar rats.

Methods

Diabetes was induced in 25 rats using alloxan. The diabetic rats were then divided into five groups B–F consisting of five rats per group. Groups C–E were administered with 100mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg of ethanolic leaves extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, respectively, for four weeks post treatment with alloxan, while group F received Chlorpropamide (Diabenes®, Pfizer). The diabetic rats in group B were not treated while group A served as the non diabetic control.

Result

Following treatment with alloxan, there was anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia, while the sperm count, motility and live/dead ratio were significantly reduced. Sperm morphological abnormalities and erythrocyte osmotic fragility also increased significantly. Following treatment of alloxan treated-rats with the extract, there were significant increases in the PCV, RBC, Hb, WBC, MCV and the platelet values. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility, sperm count, motility and live/dead ratio also improved significantly.

Conclusion

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius extract was found to ameliorate the effects of alloxan induced diabetes on the haematology but not on the abnormal sperm morphometry in rats.     

Antidiabetic and haematinic effects of Parquetina nigrescens on alloxan induced type-1 diabetes and normocytic normochromic anaemia in Wistar rats

Background

The plant, Parquetina nigrescens is used in folklore medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and its complications in several parts of West Africa.

Objective

To determine the effect of Parquetina nigrescens extract on fasting blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

The blood glucose levels, complete blood count, erythrocyte indices and osmotic fragility, body and organ weights were evaluated.

Results

Diabetic rats treated with the extract showed significant (P<0.01) reduction of the blood glucose to levels comparable to that of the non-diabetic control and those treated with chlorpropamide (standard drug). Similarly, there was significant (P<0.01) reduction in the complete blood count in the diabetic rats.

Discussion

The anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia associated with the diabetes were corrected in the animals treated with the extract and chlorpropamide. The extract also reduced the erythrocyte osmotic fragility, body and organ weights. Parquetina nigrescens demonstrated antidiabetic property by reducing the elevated blood glucose in alloxan treated rats which is comparable to animals that received the standard drug.

Conclusion

Paraquetina nigrescens stabilized the erythrocyte membrane, decreased the body weight probably by lowering lipogenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the antidiabetic and haematinic properties of Parquetina nigrescens remains to be elucidated.     

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Root Extract of Pepper Fruit (Dennetia Tripetala), and It's Potential for the Inhibition of Lipid Peroxidation

Background

The antioxidant properties of ethanolic root extract of pepper fruit (Donnetia tripetala), and its effect on lipid peroxidation of some fresh beef tissues during frozen storage were investigated.

Materials and Methods

The antioxidant parameters were assessed using standard methods, while malondialdehyde levels of different fresh beef tissue sections treated with the extract prior to freezing, were estimated in a colorimetric reaction with thiobarbituric acid.

Results

The H₂O₂-scavenging ability of the extract was similar to that of ascorbic acid, with a maximum scavenging power of 55.61 ±4.98%, and an IC₅₀ value of 86µg/ml. The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent ferric ion-reducing power, although this was significantly lower relative to that of the ascorbic acid (p < 0.05). The total phenolic content was 212.5 ± 0.002 mg/g, while the nitric oxide-scavenging ability was 64.33 ± 0.2% after 150 min. The capacity of the extract to inhibit lipid peroxidation in frozen heart muscle slices was significantly higher than that of vitamin C (p < 0 .05), but comparable to vitamins C and E in frozen testes and kidney slices.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the root extract of D. tripetala is rich in antioxidants which can be applied to meat preservation during refrigerated storage.     

Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Sambucus Ebulus and Urtica Dioica Against Clinical Isolates of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

Background

Increase in the emergence of drug -resistant pathogens led to the development of natural antimicrobials. In this study the antimicrobial effect of methanolic extracts of Sambucus ebulus and Urtica dioica on 16 skin and wound infections isolates of methicillin resistant S. aureus have been studied.

Material and Methods

Solvent extraction procedure was done using soxhlet apparatus for extracting antimicrobial agents from freeze dried plants. Antibacterial activity was measured using agar well diffusion method.

Results

The MIC of Sambucus ebulus and Urtica dioica extracts against the standard strain of S. aureus ATCC 6538 were determined using the micro dilution method at 15 mg and 20 mg respectively. All the test bacteria were found sensitive to the Sambucus ebulus extract and only one isolate was resistant to Urtica dioica extract.

Conclusion

Extracts of Sambucus ebulus and Urtica dioica possess antibacterial potency against MRSA isolates and may be used as a natural antiseptics and antimicrobial agents in medicine.     

A Study on Antimicrobial,Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Activities of Elaeagnus Angustifolia L. Leaves

Backround

The aim of this work was to investigate the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antimutagenic potentials of methanol extracts from E. angustifolia.

Materials and Methods

Methanol extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against different species of 4 Gram positive and 3 Gram negative bacteria and one fungus. These bacteria included food pathogens. The leaf extract was tested using disc diffusion assay.

Results

The methanol extract of E. angustifolia showed maximum inhibition zone of 16 mm against Yersinia enterocolitica. Whereas, the inhibition zone was not determined by methanol extract against Escherichia coli ATCC 1122 and Candida albicans RSKK 02029. The MIC was evaluated on plant extracts as antimicrobial activity. All of bacterial strains showed the lowest sensitivity to methanol extract of E. angustifolia (3.5 mg/mL), except Yersinia enterocolitica NCTC 11174. In addition, the plant extracts were tested against the stable DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) free-radical. Finally, the methanol extract displayed a strong antioxidant activity (Trolox equivalent = 1.49 mM). Also, E. angustifolia methanol extracts were screened for their antimutagenic activity against sodium azide by Ames test in absence of rat microsomal liver enzyme (-S9). The results showed that E. angustifolia methanol extracts can inhibit mutagenic agents of sodium azide. The plant leaf extracts with the inhibition of 36% sodium azide showed moderate potential in decreasing mutagenic agents in Salmonella typhimurium TA100.

Conclusion

E. angustifolia methanol extracts have antimicrobial, antioxidant and antimutagenic potential.     

Antibacterial agents from the leaves of Crinum purpurascens herb (Amaryllidaceae)

Background

Typhoid fevers and urogenital infections continue to be serious health problems in developing countries. In our search for therapeutic agents from natural sources with potential for the treatment of typhoid fevers and urogenital infections, extract and compounds were obtained from Crinum purpurascens and tested.

Methods

Two alkaloids (4,5-ethano-9,10-methylenedioxy-7-phenanthridone or hippadine (1) and 4,5-ethano-9-hydroxy-10-methoxy-7-phenanthridone or pratorimine (2)) and one steroid (â-D-glucopyranoside of sitosterol (3)) were isolated from the CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1) leaf extract of Crinum purpurascens and screened for antibacterial activity using both agar diffusion and broth dilution techniques.

Results

For the CH₂Cl₂/MeOH extract, the MIC values obtained were 3 mg/ml (against P. aeruginosa), 4 mg/ml (against E. coli, K. pneumoniae and S. aureus) and 6 mg/ml (against S. typhi and S. paratyphi B), whereas the MBC values varied between 7 and 12 mg/ml. For compound 1, the MIC values varied between 200 and 250 µg/ml, whereas the MBC value was 300 µg/ml against all the bacteria strains used. Compound 2 did not show any antimicrobial activity against these bacteria strains. For compound 3, the MIC values varied between 250 and 300 µg/ml, whereas the MBC values were 300 µg/ml (against S. typhi and S. paratyphi B) and > 300 µg/ml (against the other bacteria strains).

Conclusion

These data suggest that C. purpurascens leaf extract contains antibacterial agents which could be used in the treatment of typhoid fevers and urogenital infections.     

Investigation on Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Aristolochia Indica Linn. Root Extracts in Mice

Background

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of ethanolic extract (EtAI), and aqueous extract (AqAI) of Aristolochia indica Linn roots on castor oil-induced diarrhoea and study on small intestinal transit. Phytochemical analysis of extracts was performed as per standard procedure.

Materials and Methods

The oral toxicity study using Swiss albino mice was performed in accordance with OECD guidelines. The EtAI and AqAI extracts of Aristolochia indica Linn were studied for antidiarrhoeal property using castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model and charcoal-induced gastrointestinal motility test in Swiss albino mice.

Results

Among the tested doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, the extracts reduced the frequency and severity of diarrhoea in test animals throughout the study period. At the same doses, the extract delayed the intestinal transit of charcoal meal in test animals as compared to the control and the results were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Experimental findings showed that ethanol extract of Aristolochia indica Linn root possess significant antidiarrheal activity and may be a potent source of anti-diarrhoeal drug in future.     

Anti-Ulcer and Wound Healing Activities of Sida Corymbosa in Rats

Background

There are strong beliefs in the efficacy of traditional medical systems worldwide. Many herbs have been acclaimed to possess antiulcer effects and could be unexplored sources of new lead compounds. Sida corymbosa R. E. Fries (Malvaceae) is used in Northern Nigeria to treat ulcers and wounds. This work aimed to investigate the usefulness of Sida corymbosa in treatments of stomach ulcers and wounds in traditional medicine.

Materials and Methods

Effect of the aqueous extract was determined on gastric ulceration, rate of wound healing and inflammation using ethanol-induced and diclofenac-induced ulceration, wound excision model and albumin-induced inflammation respectively in rats.

Results

The study demonstrated the anti-ulcer activity of Sida corymbosa as the extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent, significant (P<0.05) reduction of ulcer indices against gastric ulcers induced by both ethanol and diclofenac. Topical application of a formulation prepared with the extract of Sida corymbosa on surgically created incisions produced an increase in the rate of healing of the wounds. The extract of Sida corymbosa exhibited a significant (P < 0.05), dose-related decrease in inflammation induced by fresh egg albumin. This study showed that Sida corymbosa has constituents with the ability to reduce the severity of haemorrhagic gastric lesions, promote wound healing and reduce inflammation. These actions may be attributed to any one of the active constituents or as a result of synergistic effects of these phytoconstituents.

Conclusion

This study validates the use of the plant in traditional medicine for the treatment of stomach ulcers and wounds.     

Cytotoxicity,Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Crude Extracts from Rhizomes of Elephantorrhiza Elephantina and Pentanisia Prunelloides

Background

Elephantorrhiza elephantina (Ee) and Pentanisia prunelloides (Pp) are two medicinal plants which are widely used to remedy various ailments including diarrhoea, dysentery, inflammation, fever, rheumatism, heartburn, tuberculosis, haemorrhoids, skin diseases, perforated peptic ulcers and sore joints in southern Africa (South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana and Zimbabwe). The following study was conducted to explore the in vitro cytotoxicity, antioxidant properties and phytochemical profile of the two medicinal plants.

Materials and Methods

The cytotoxicity of the aqueous and methanol extracts and fractions of both species was studied using the brine shrimp lethality tests (BST) for the first time.

Results

The results demonstrated that the lethality (LC₅₀) for crude extracts for both plants ranged between 1.8 and 5.8 ppm and was relatively greater than that for the methanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions of the extracts which ranged between 2.1 ppm and 27 ppm. This suggested that crude extracts were more potent than their respective fractions, further explaining that the different fractions of phytochemicals in these plant species work jointly (in synergy) to exert their therapeutic efficacy. Both aqueous and methanol extracts of the two medicinal plants demonstrated a high degree of antioxidant capacity against the DPPH radical with the Duh and Yen inhibition percentage ranging between 4.5% and 72%. Phytochemical studies of the rhizome extracts showed that the major compounds present include flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanidins, anthraquinones, triterpenoids (oleanolic acid), the steroidal saponin Diosgenin, the sugars, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, Arabinose and hexoses.

Conclusion

This is the first report of the detection and isolation of diosgenin and oleanolic acid from the rhizome extracts of Ee and Pp. All structures were determined using spectroscopic/spectrometric techniques (1H NMR and 13C and LC-ESI-MS) and by comparison with literature data.     

Anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of shallot (Allium ascalonicum) extract

Introduction

Alliumplants are an important part of the diet of many populations and there is a long-held belief in their health-enhancing properties such as cancer prevention. In this study, the anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of the Allium ascalonicum bulbs have been studied.

Material and methods

The antiproliferative and anti-growth activity of the aqueous extract of A. ascalonicum was examined in vitro on different tumor cell lines. Furthermore, the acetic acid-induced vascular permeability as an in vivo assay was used for studying anti-inflammatory activity of the extract.

Results

The aqueous extract of A. ascalonicum had the most anti-growth activity on the cancer cell lines; Jurkat and K562 against Wehi 164 with lower cytotoxic preference. The extract also showed much less cytotoxicity against the normal cell (HUVEC) line and significant anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.

Conclusions

It is of interest that the extract of this plant has shown much less cytotoxicity against the normal cell line, and, if this also occurs in vivo, the use of this plant clinically for the treatment of cancer patients would have some scientific support. The results of these assays indicated that A. ascalonicum can be a candidate for prevention and treatment of many diseases related to inflammation and malignancy.     

Hypoglycaemic activity of commelina africana and ageratum conyzoides in relation to their mineral composition

Background

Many plants with antidiabetic properties probably act in part through their content of fibre, vitamins, bioactive or mineral content

Objectives

This study investigated the mineral, proximate, phytochemical compositions and hypoglycaemic effect of Commelina africana and Ageratum conyzoides extracts in diabetic rats, and the likely relationship between this property and the mineral, proximate and phytochemical compositions of the plants.

Methods

The plants were subjected to mineral, proximate composition and phytochemical analysis. Attempt was made to see (if any) the relationship between the hypoglycaemic effect and the mineral, proximate compositions and phytochemistry of the plants. Alloxan-induced diabetic animals were administered 500mg/kg body weight aqueous extracts of the plants and glibenclamide as the reference hypoglycaemic agent.

Results

Aqueous extract of Ageratum conyzoides reduced fasting blood glucose of experimental animals by 39.1% while Commelina africana reduced the same by 78.0%. Alkaloids, cardenolides, saponins, and tannins were detected in both plants. Anthraquinones was absent in C. africana but a trace of it was detected in A. conyzoides. The hypoglycaemic effect of Commelina africana was comparable with the reference hypoglycaemic agent. Ageratum conyzoides showed comparably weaker hypoglycaemic effect than exhibited by reference hypoglycaemic agent. Comparatively, Commelina africana had higher mineral concentrations (except Na) than Ageratum conyzoides.

Conclusions

Plants'' extracts minerals (magnesium, potassium and iron) and bioactive components (alkaloids and cardenolides) seemingly enhanced their hypoglycaemic effect. Furthermore, these minerals, alkaloids and cardenolides could be helpful in ameliorating complications of diabetes like hypertension and cardiovascular disease.     

c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase contributes to dexmedetomidine-induced contraction in isolated rat aortic smooth muscle

Purpose

Dexmedetomidine, a full agonist of α_2B-adrenoceptors, is used for analgesia and sedation in the intensive care units. Dexmedetomidine produces an initial transient hypertension due to the activation of post-junctional α_2B-adrenoceptors on vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The aims of this in vitro study were to identify mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) isoforms that are primarily involved in full, α_2B-adrenoceptor agonist, dexmedetomidine-induced contraction of isolated rat aortic SMCs.

Materials and Methods

Rat thoracic aortic rings without endothelium were isolated and suspended for isometric tension recording. Cumulative dexmedetomidine (10^-9 to 10^-6 M) dose-response curves were generated in the presence or absence of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor PD 98059, p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 203580, c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP 600125, L-type calcium channel blocker (verapamil and nifedipine), and α₂-adrenoceptor inhibitor atipamezole. Dexmedetomidine-induced phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK in rat aortic SMCs was detected using Western blotting.

Results

SP 600125 (10^-6 to 10^-5 M) attenuated dexmedetomidine-evoked contraction in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas PD 98059 had no effect on dexmedetomidine-induced contraction. SB 203580 (10^-5 M) attenuated dexmedetomidine-induced contraction. Dexmedetomidine-evoked contractions were both abolished by atipamezole and attenuated by verapamil and nifedipine. Dexmedetomidine induced phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK in rat aortic SMCs, but did not induce phosphorylation of ERK.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine-induced contraction involves a JNK- and p38 MAPK-mediated pathway downstream of α₂-adrenoceptor stimulation in rat aortic SMCs. In addition, dexmedetomidine-induced contractions are primarily dependent on calcium influx via L-type calcium channels.     

Pigmentation and Dermal Conservative Effects of the Astonishing Algae Sargassum Polycystum and Padina Tenuis on Guinea Pigs,Human Epidermal Melanocytes (HEM) and Chang Cells

Background

The preference for a fairer skin-tone has become a common trend among both men and women around the world. In this study, seaweeds Sargassum polycystum and Padina tenuis were investigated for their in vitro and in vivo potentials in working as skin whitening agents. Seaweed has been used as a revolutionary skin repairing agent in both traditional and modern preparations. The high antioxidant content is one of the prime reasons for its potent action. It has been employed in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. For centuries, most medical practitioners in the Asian cultures have known seaweed as an organic source of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 and antioxidants. The present objective of the study was to evaluate the potent dermal protective effect of the two seaweeds Sargassum polycystum and Padina tenuis on human cell lines and guinea pigs.

Material and Methods

Seaweeds were extracted with ethanol and further fractionated with hexane, ethyl acetate and water. The extracts were tested for mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity, cytotoxicity in human epidermal melanocyte (HEM), and Chang cells. Extracts with potent melanocytotoxicity were formulated into cosmetic cream and tested on guinea pigs in dermal irritation tests and de-pigmentation assessments.

Results

Both Sargassum polycystum and Padina tenuis seaweeds showed significant inhibitory effect on mushroom tyrosinase in the concentration tested. SPEt showed most potent cytotoxicity on HEM (IC₅₀ of 36µg/ml), followed by SPHF (65µg/ml), and PTHF (78.5µg/ml). SPHF and SPEt reduced melanin content in skin of guinea pigs when assessed histologically.

Conclusion

SPEt, SPHF and PTHF were able to inhibit HEM proliferation in vitro, with SPHF being most potent and did not cause any dermal irritation in guinea pigs. The results obtained indicate that SPHF is a promising pharmacological or cosmetic agent.     

Protopine Inhibits Heterotypic Cell Adhesion in MDA-MB-231 Cells Through Down-Regulation of Multi-Adhesive Factors

Background

A Chinese herb Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang that showed anticancer and anti-angiogenesis effects in our previous studies was presented for further studies. In the present study, we studied the anticancer proliferation and adhesion effects of five alkaloids which were isolated from Corydalis yanhusuo.

Materials and Methods

MTT dose response curves, cell migration assay, cell invasion assay, as well as three types of cell adhesive assay were performed on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. The mechanism of the compounds on inhibiting heterotypic cell adhesion were further explored by determining the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), αv-integrin, β₁-integrin and β₅-integrin by western blotting assay.

Results

In five tested alkaloids, only protopine exhibited anti-adhesive and anti-invasion effects in MDA-MB-231 cells, which contributed to the anti-metastasis effect of Corydalis yanhusuo. The results showed that after treatment with protopine for 90 min, the expression of EGFR, ICAM-1, αv-integrin, β₁-integrin and β₅-integrin were remarkably reduced.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that protopine seems to inhibit the heterotypic cell adhesion between MDA-MB-231 cells, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells by changing the expression of adhesive factors.     

Phenolic Composition,Antioxidant Capacity of Salvia Verticcilata and Effect on Multidrug Resistant Bacteria by Flow-Cytometry

Background

Antioxidants are of great importance for preventing oxidative stress that may cause several degenerative diseases. Studies have indicated phytochemicals have high free-radical scavenging activity, which helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The aim of the present study is the determination of antioxidant properties, polyphenolic content and multidrug resistant bacteria of Salvia verticcilata L.

Materials and Methods

Methanol was used as the extraction solvent. The total phenolic content was calculated using Folin-Ciocalteau method and phenolic composition was determined by HPLC. The radical scavenging activity of plant was evaluated in vitro based on the reduction of the stable DPPH free radical. The reducing capacity was identified by using the FRAP method. The ability of Salvia verticcilata L. to increase the permeability of multidrug resistant bacterial cells was conducted by flow cytometric assay on Listeria innocua and E-coli.

Results

The amount of total phenolics was found to be 347.5 mg GA/g extract. The IC₅₀ value and FRAP assay are 0.61, and 0.944 respectively, Free radical scavenging effect and FRAP values are less than synthetic antioxidant compounds (BHA and BHT). Eight phenolic compounds were found in Salvia verticcilata L. Intense concentration of S. verticcilata L. has destroyed 97 % of living cells for Listeria innocua and 94.86% for E-coli

Conclusion

This studyshows that methanolic extracts of Salvia verticcilata L. is a potential source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agent and can form the basis for pharmacological studies.     

A Study on Isolation of Chemical Constituents from Sophora Flavescens Ait. and Their Anti-Glioma Effects

Background

Sophora flavescens Ait. is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history in China. It is mainly used in the treatment of heat dysentery and similar ailments in the clinical. The objective of this paper was to isolate, purify and identify alkaloids from Sophora flavescens Ait. and to explore their inhibitory effects on C6 glioma cells.

Materials and Methods

Column chromatography, extraction and NMR spectroscopy were used to structurally identify the isolated compounds. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to detect the inhibitory effect of matrine on C6 cells.

Results

Three compounds were isolated from Sophora flavescens Ait., namely matrine, oxymatrine and lupeol. Different concentrations of matrine solution all had inhibitory effects on growth of C6 cell lines, which showed apparent dose-effect relationship. Compared with the control group, proportion of G0/G1 phase cells increased in each matrine concentration group to a maximum of 79.8%; proportion of S phase cells reduced, and proportion of G2/M phase cells declined slightly to a minimum of 6.3%, suggesting that after the action of matrine proliferation of C6 cells was significantly inhibited and the cells were arrested in the G1 phase.

Conclusion

We concluded that Sophora flavescens Ait. has an inhibitory effect on C6 cell proliferation.     

Hepatoprotective Effect of Cymbopogon Citratus Aqueous Extract Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Liver Injury in Male Rats

Background

Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) a tropical perennial herb plant that is widely cultivated to be eaten either fresh with food or dried in tea or soft drink has been reported to possess a number of medicinal and aromatic properties. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effects of C. citratus aqueous extract against liver injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), in male rats.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-five rats were randomly divided into five different groups of five animals in each group; (1) Control. (2) Received H₂O₂ (0.5%) with drinking water. (3), and (4) received H₂O₂ and C. citratus (100 mg·kg⁻¹ b wt), vitamin C (250 mg·kg⁻¹ b wt) respectively. (5), was given C. citratus alone. The treatments were administered for 30 days. Blood samples were collected and serum was used for biochemical assay including liver enzymes activities, total protein, total bilirubin and malonaldehyde, glutathione in serum and liver homogenates. Liver was excised and routinely processed for histological examinations.

Results

C. citratus attenuated liver damage due to H₂O₂ administration as indicated by the significant reduction (p<0.05), in the elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, TB, and MDA in serum and liver homogenates; increase in TP and GSH levels in serum and liver homogenates; and improvement of liver histo-pathological changes. These effects of the extract were similar to that of vitamin C which used as antioxidant reference.

Conclusion

C. citratus could effectively ameliorate H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and prevent liver injury in male rats.     

Hepatoprotective Properties of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Persea Americana,Mill (Lauraceae) ‘Avocado’ Against CCL4-Induced Damage in Rats

Background

Natural products from plants have received considerable attention in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidants and hepatoprotective activities. The protective effects of aqueous extract of Persea americana (AEPA) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats was investigated.

Materials and Methods

Liver damage was induced in rats by administering a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of CCl₄ and olive oil [3 ml/kg, subcutaneously (sc)] after pre-treatment for 7 days with AEPA. Hepatoprotective effects of AEPA was evaluated by estimating the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and levels of total bilirubin (TBL). The effects of AEPA on biomarkers of oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation) and antioxidant enzymes namely, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were measured in liver post mitochondrial fraction.

Results

AEPA and Reducdyn® showed significant (p<0.05) hepatoprotective activity by decreasing the activities of ALT, AST, ALP and reducing the levels of TBL. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls were also decreased dose-dependently in the AEPA-treated rats. Pre-treatment with AEPA also decreased the serum levels of glutathione significantly.

Conclusion

These data revealed that AEPA possesses significant hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced toxicity attributable to its constituent phytochemicals. The mechanism of hepatoprotection seems to be through modulation of antioxidant enzyme system.