Antimicrobial activity against periodontopathogenic bacteria,antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of various extracts from endemic Thermopsis turcica

ObjectiveTo investigate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of Thermopsis turcica Kit Tan, Vural & Küçüködük against periodontopathogenic bacteria, its antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect on various cancer cell lines.MethodsIn vitro antimicrobial activities of ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate (EtAc), n-hexane and water extracts of Thermopsis turcica herb against periodontopathogenic bacteria, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 29523 and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 were tested by agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). Antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging activity and β-carotene bleaching methods. Amounts of phenolic contents of the extracts were also analysed by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Additionally, cytotoxic activity of the extracts on androgen-insensitive prostate cancer, androgen-sensitive prostate cancer, chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute promyelocytic leukemia human cancer cell lines were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Human gingival fibroblast cells were used as a control.ResultsOur data showed that EtAc extract had the highest antimicrobial effect on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (MIC: 1.562 mg/mL, MBC: 3.124 mg/mL) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (MIC: 0.781 mg/mL, MBC: 1.562 mg/mL). In antioxidant assays, EtAc extract exhibited also the highest radical scavenging activity [IC₅₀=(30.0±0.3) μg/mL] and the highest inhibition [(74.35±0.30)%] against lineloic acide oxidation. The amount of phenolic content of it was also the highest [(162.5±1.2) μg/mg gallic acid]. In cytotoxic assay, only ethanol [IC₅₀=(80.00±1.21) μg/mL] and EtAc extract [IC₅₀=(70.0±0.9) μg/mL] were toxic on acute promyelocytic leukemia cells at 20-100 μg/mL (P<0.05). However, no toxic effect was observed on human gingival fibroblast cells.ConclusionsAccording to our findings, owing to its antioxidant and cytotoxic potential, EtAc extract might include anticancer agents for acute promyelocytic leukemia.     

Antioxidant and anti–acetylcholinesterase activities of extracts and secondary metabolites from Acacia cyanophylla

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant potential and anti-acetycholinesterase activity of compounds and extracts from Acacia cyanophylla (A. cyanophylla).MethodsThree polyphenolic compounds were isolated from ethyl acetate extract of A. cyanophylla flowers. They have been identified as isosalipurposide 1, quercetin 2 and naringenin 3. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR experiments as well as ES-MS. The prepared extracts and the isolated compounds 1–3 were tested for their antioxidant activity using 1′-1′-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging assays and reducing power. They have been also investigated for inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase using the microplate assay.ResultsIn the DPPH test, the EtOAc extract of flowers exhibited the highest antioxidant effect (67.26 μg/mL). Isosalipurposide 1 showed a significant antiradical power against DPPH (81.9 μg/mL). All extracts showed a dose-dependent acetylcholinesterase inhibition. In terms of the IC50 value, the butanolic extract (16.03 μg/mL) was the most potent sample. Isosalipurposide 1 was found to be active against AChE with an IC50 value of 52.04 μg/mL.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated the important antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of pure compounds and extracts from A. cyanophylla.     

Proteomics analysis of antimalarial targets of Garcinia mangostana Linn.

ObjectiveTo investigate possible protein targets for antimalarial activity of Garcinia mangostana Linn. (G. mangostana) (pericarp) in 3D7 Plasmodium falciparum clone using 2-dimensional electrophoresis and liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).Methods3D7 Plasmodium falciparum was exposed to the crude ethanolic extract of G. mangostana Linn. (pericarp) at the concentrations of 12μg/mL (IC₅₀ level: concentration that inhibits parasite growth by 50%) and 30 μg/mL (IC₉₀ level: concentration that inhibits parasite growth by 90%) for 12 h. Parasite proteins were separated by 2-dimensional electrophoresis and identified by LC/MS/MS.ResultsAt the IC₅₀ concentration, about 82% of the expressed parasite proteins were matched with the control (non-exposed), while at the IC₉₀ concentration, only 15% matched proteins were found. The selected protein spots from parasite exposed to the plant extract at the concentration of 12 μg/mL were identified as enzymes that play role in glycolysis pathway, i.e., phosphoglycerate mutase putative, L-lactate dehydrogenase/glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase/phosphoglycerate kinase. The proteosome was found in parasite exposed to 30 μg/mL of the extract.ConclusionsResults suggest that proteins involved in the glycolysis pathway may be the targets for antimalarial activity of G. mangostana Linn. (pericarp).     

Methanolic extract from Lespedeza bicolor: potential candidates for natural antioxidant and anticancer agent

Objective

To evaluate the anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities along with total phenolic and flavonoids contents extracted from Lespedeza bicolor indigenous to Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, Pakistan.

Antioxidant,antimicrobial, cytotoxic and analgesic activities of ethanolic extract of Mentha arvensis L.

ObjectiveTo investigate potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and analgesic activities of ethanolic extract of Mentha arvensis L. in different in vivo and in vitro experimental models.MethodsIn vitro DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the plant extract. In vivo analgesic activity was carried out by acetic acid-induced writhing test in Swiss albino mice. All studies in mice were undertaken at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. Antibacterial activity was studied by disk diffusion assay against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Brine shrimp lethality assay was used to investigate cytotoxicity effects of the plant extract.ResultsThe extract showed free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH assay (IC₅₀∼41 μg/mL) compared to the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid (IC₅₀∼19 μg/mL). The extract also produced prominent antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Shigella boydii, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus aureus compared to standard drug kanamycin at the dose of 30 μg/disc. The extract exhibited lethality against the brine shrimp nauplii with the LC₅₀ values of 40 μg/mL, and also 90% mortality (LC₉₀) value was found to be 160 μg/mL. In analgesic test, the extract demonstrated statistically significant (P<0.01) analgesic effect in acetic acid induced writhing in white albino mice at both dose levels.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the ethanolic extract of Mentha arvensis L. has potential antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic and analgesic activities that support the ethnopharmacological uses of this plant.     

Identification of sitosteryl glucoside palmitate in a chloroform-derived fraction of Phyllanthus niruri with antiplasmodial and peripheral antinociceptive properties

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antiplasmodial properties of fractions of chloroform portion of Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) methanol extract and identify a suitable chemical marker present therein.MethodsChloroform portion of P. niruri methanol extract was separated from silica gel using gradient systems of hexane, ethylacetate and methanol. The fractions were screened for antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum HB3 and FcM29. Fractions with IC₅₀<10 μg/mL against parasites were further screened for peripheral analgesic activity, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using THP-1 cells.ResultsFractions 12-14 were very active (IC₅₀<10 μg/mL) against Plasmodium falciparum and showed no significant cytotoxicity. Fractions 12 and 13 exhibited significant (P<0.01) reduction in acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, decreasing the number of writhes by 66.67% and 65.22% respectively and comparable with 100 mg/kg aspirin (65.22%). From fraction 12, a compound was isolated and identified as sitosteryl-6-β-D-glucoside-6’-palmitate by ¹H, ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopies.ConclusionsOur findings illustrate antiplasmodial column fractions of P. niruri with analgesic activity and identify sitosteryl glucoside palmitate as a chemical marker of activity.     

A comparative study of the antioxidant,antimicrobial, cytotoxic and thrombolytic potential of the fruits and leaves of Spondias dulcis

Objective

To investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and thrombolytic property of the fruits and leaves of Spondias dulcis (S. dulcis).

Methods

Methanolic extracts of fruits and leaves of S. dulcis were partitioned with chloroform and dichloromethane. The antioxidant potential of the crude extract and partitioned fractions were evaluated in terms of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging potential, reducing potential and total antioxidant capacity by specific standard procedures. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion method. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by using brine shrimp lethality bioassay and compared with vincristine sulfate. The thrombolytic activity was compared with streptokinase.

Results

The methanolic fruit extract exhibited the highest phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity, among the other extracts, with the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity at a concentration of 10 µg/mL (IC₅₀: 1.91 µg/mL) and maximum reducing power at a concentration of 100 µg/mL (EC₅₀: 3.58 µg/mL). Though all extract showed moderate antimicrobial activity against the bacterial strains, weak or no activity against fungus. The range of LC₅₀ value of all extracts was 1.335-14.057 µg/mL which was far lower than the cut off index for cytotoxicity. All extracts exhibited statistically significant (P<0.001) thrombolytic activity.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that S. dulcis exhibits antimicrobial activities against a wide variety of strains while it possesses significant antioxidant, cytotoxic and thrombolytic activity.     

Protective capacity of Artemisia annua as a potent antioxidant remedy against free radical damage

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antioxidant capacity of four leaf-derived solvent extracts of Artemisia annua (A. annua), a medicinal plant widely touted for its vast phyto-therapeutic potential.MethodsA. annua leaves were extracted with four solvents (absolute ethanol, absolute methanol, 70% ethanol and 70% methanol), and extracts obtained studied by five complementary in vitro antioxidant test systems using ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and rutin as standard references.ResultsThe extracts remarkably inhibited lipid peroxidation (79.81%-86.70%), and erythrocyte haemolysis (40.02%-49.91%). Their IC₅₀ values for hydroxyl, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activities ranged from 2.39–3.81 mg/mL (superior to the standards), 107.24–144.49 μg/mL and 28.53–53.20 μg/mL, respectively. 70% alcohol extracts generally showed better antioxidant activity than absolute alcohol extracts.ConclusionsThe results indicate that A. annua leaf extracts have potent antioxidant activities that would have beneficial effect on human health, and aqueous organic solvents are superior to the absolute counterparts in yielding extracts with better antioxidant potential.     

Inhibition of cell proliferation and migration by Oroxylum indicum extracts on breast cancer cells via Rac1 modulation

In this study,we investigated how Oroxylum indicum leaf and fruit extracts affect the viability and migration of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and the mechanisms of action responsible for these effects.MCF-7 cells treated with the extracts were examined using the sulforhodamine B,colony formation and caspase 3 activity assays,and by Western blotting.O.indicum extracts were found to inhibit MCF-7 cell growth in a concentration-and time-dependent manner,with 48 h IC50 values of 57.02±2.85μg/mL and 131.3±19.2μg/mL for leaf and fruit extracts,respectively.Further,the O.indicum leaf extract caused a reduction in MCF-7 cell viability,induction of MCF-7 cell apoptosis and ROS formation,and an increase in caspase 3 activity.Also,the two extracts inhibited MCF-7 cell migration and reduced both MMP 9 and ICAMP1 gene expression and MMP9 protein expression.Additionally,O.indicum extracts greatly reduced expression of the cell cycle regulatory protein Rac1 in the mevalonate pathway.In summary,O.indicum leaf and fruit extracts reduce breast cancer cell growth,cell viability and cell migration.O.indicum constituents could,therefore,be useful for augmenting the activity of chemotherapeutic drugs employed to treat breast cancer.     

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic activity of ethanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum Linn. leaf in alloxan induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic effect of ethanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum (M. malabathricum) Linn. leaf in alloxan induced diabetic rats.MethodsDiabetes was induced in albino rats by administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg i.p). the ethanol extracts of M. malabathricum at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg of body weight were administrated at a single dose per day to diabetes induced rats for a period of 14 d. The effect of ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf extract on blood glucose, plasma insulin, creatinine, glycosylated haemoglobin, urea serum lipid profile [total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and phospholipid, serum protein, albumin, globulin, serum enzymes (serum glutamate pyruvate transaminases), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase] were measured in the diabetic rats.ResultsIn the acute toxicity study, ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf was non-toxic at 2 000 mg/kg in rats. The increased body weight, decreased blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and other biochemical parameters level were observed in diabetic rats treated with both doses of ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf compared to diabetic control rats. In diabetic rats, ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf administration, altered lipid profiles were reversed to near normal than diabetic control rats.ConclusionsEthanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf possesses significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic activity in diabetic rats.     

In vitro antioxidant and anti–inflammatory activities of Korean blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) extracts

ObjectiveTo investigate in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Korean blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.).MethodsTotal phenolic and flavonoid contents of the Korean blueberry water and ethanol extracts were determined before determining the potential of the extracts as antioxidant. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by following some well established methods for free radical scavenging such as 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl hydrate, 1,2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid), free radical induced DNA damage, superoxide dismutase-like and catalase assay etc. Furthermore, 1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan and nitric oxide assay were performed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts.ResultsTotal phenolic contents were found (115.0±3.0) and (4.2±3.0) mg GAE/100 g fresh mass for both extracts, respectively and flavonoid contents were (1 942.8±7.0) and (1 292.1±6.0) mg CE/100g fresh mass for water and ethonal extracts, respectively. Both the extracts displayed significant scavenging activity of some radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (IC₅₀ at 1.8 mg/mL and 2.05 mg/mL, respectively), 1,2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) (IC₅₀ at 1.5 mg/mL and 1.6 mg/mL, respectively) and nitrite (IC₅₀ at 1.7 mg/mL and 1.5 mg/mL, respectively) etc. The extracts were found to prevent inflammation as well by reducing nitric oxide production and cytotoxicity in cell.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the fresh Korean blueberry could be used as a source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.     

Isolation and Characterization of an Algicidal Bacterium Indigenous to Lake Taihu with a Red Pigment able to Lyse Microcystis aeruginosa

Objective To isolate and characterize indigenous algicidal bacteria and their algae-lysing compounds active against Microcystis aeruginosa, strains TH1, TH2, and FACHB 905. Methods The bacteria were identified using the Biolog automated microbial identification system and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The algae-lysing compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Their structures were confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Algae-lysing activity was observed using microscopy. Results The algae-lysing bacterium LTH-2 isolated from Lake Taihu was identified as Serratia marcescens. Strain LTH-2 secreted a red pigment identified as prodigiosin (C 20 H 25 N 3 O), which showed strong lytic activity with algal strains M. aeruginosa TH1, TH2, and FACHB 905 in a concentration-dependent manner. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of prodigiosin with the algal strains was 4.8 (±0.4)×10 -2 μg/mL, 8.9 (±1.1)×10-2 μg/mL, and 1.7 (±0.1)×10 -1 μg/mL in 24 h, respectively. Conclusion The bacterium LTH-2 and its pigment had strong Microcystis-lysing activity probably related to damage of cell membranes. The bacterium LTH-2 and its red pigment are potentially useful for regulating blooms of harmful M. aeruginosa.     

Phytochemical and in vitro biological investigations of methanolic extracts of Enhydra fluctuans Lour.

ObjectiveTo study the phytochemical and biological properties (antioxidant, anthelmintic and thrombolytic) of methanolic extracts of Enhydra fluctuans Lour., a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family.MethodsThe phytochemical evaluation was carried out by qualitative analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity of extract was studied using free radical scavenging assay, ability of reduction, total phenol and total flavonoid contents determination assays. The anthelmintic activity was determined using paralysis and death time of Pheretima posthuma (earthworm) and thrombolytic activity by clot disruption assay.ResultsThe phytochemical evaluation showed significant presence of flavonoids, triterpenes, carbohydrate, reducing sugars, saponins, phenols, diterpenes, protein and tannin. The antioxidant activity was found significant [IC₅₀=(135.20±0.56) μg/mL] as compared to ascorbic acid [(130.00±0.76) µg/mL]. The reducing power was increased with concentration. Total phenol and total flavonoid contents were (153.08±0.38) mg/mL and (172.04±0.56) mg/mL respectively. The paralysis and death time of earthworms for different concentrations of extract were determined and compared with albendazole. The results showed that 10 mg/mL of the crude extract had similar effect with albendazole. Additionally, the crude extract showed a concentration depended relationship with its anthelmintic property. The clot lysis activity of crude extract was compared to the standard streptokinase's clot lysis (40.13%) activity and found significant (31%).ConclusionsThe study proves that the crude methanolic extract of Enhydra fluctuans Lour. has significant antioxidant, anthelmintic and thrombolytic activity containing wide range of phytochemicals.     

The Anti-cancer Activity of Vernonia divaricata Sw against Leukaemia,Breast and Prostate Cancers In Vitro

Background:

Vernonia divaricata is one of five endemic Vernonia species of Jamaica. The ethnomedicinal uses of other species have been established, however, scientific validation of this species has not yet been done and as such this paper is aimed at identifying the anti-cancer activity of V divaricata against leukaemia, breast and prostate cancer cell lines.

Methods:

Leaves and stems of V divaricata were dried and milled into powder. The crude hexane and methanol extracts of the leaves and stems were obtained and bio-assayed using WST-1 cell proliferation assay against leukaemia, breast and prostate cancer cell lines.

Results:

The crude hexane and methanol extracts of V divaricata were able to significantly retard the growth of the MCF-7 (breast), HL-60 (leukaemia) and the PC-3 (prostate) cancer cell lines. The crude methanol extract of the stem was the strongest, exhibiting anti-proliferation activity with IC₅₀ values of 10.14, 12.63 and 9.894 μg/ml for the HL-60, MCF-7 and PC-3 cancer cell lines, respectively, with the most potent toward prostate cancer.

Conclusion:

The medicinal use of V divaricata as an anti-cancer agent was corroborated as the crude hexane and methanol extracts demonstrated potent anti-proliferation activity and as such hold potential for further research and development into a drug to prevent or treat various cancers.     

Analysis of chemical composition and bioactive property evaluation of Indian propolis

Objective

To analyze the chemical composition and to evaluate the bioactive potential of hydroalocoholic extract of propolis.

Methods

Ethanol extract of propolis was analyzed by GC-MS, HPTLC and HPLC methods and in vitro antioxidant, anticholinesterase and cytotoxicity assay were performed.

Results

GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of fatty acids, alcohols, and quercetin. Quercetin was identified and quantified by HPTLC and HPLC methods. Dose dependent DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of hydroalcoholic extract of propolis was calculated as 16.20 and 34.33 µg/mL respectively. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation was significant and the IC₅₀ value was calculated as 55.56µg/mL. Anticholinesterase activity was less observed. The cytotoxic activity against both breast (MCF-7) and lung cancer (A543) cell lines were significant and the IC₅₀ value was calculated as 10 and 13 µg/mL respectively.

Conclusions

These findings showed that bioactive compounds present in propolis will alleviate many diseases and can be used for better human health.     

In vitro antiplasmodial effect of ethanolic extracts of coastal medicinal plants along Palk Strait against Plasmodium falciparum

Objective

To identify the possible antiplasmodial compounds from Achyranthes aspera (A. aspera), Acalypha indica (A. indica), Jatropha glandulifera (J. glandulifera) and Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus).

Methods

The A. aspera, A. indica, J. glandulifera and P. amarus were collected along Palk Strait and the extraction was carried out in ethanol. The filter sterilized extracts (100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125 µg/mL) of leaf, stem, root and flower extracts of A. aspera, A. indica, J. glandulifera and P. amarus were tested for antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. The potential extracts were also tested for their phytochemical constituents.

Results

Of the selected plants species parts, the stem extract of A. indica showed excellent antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀= 43.81µg/mL) followed by stem extract of J. glandulifera (IC₅₀= 49.14µg/mL). The stem extract of A. aspera, leaf and root extracts of A. indica, leaf, root and seed extracts of J. glandulifera and leaf and stem extracts of P. amarus showed IC₅₀ values between 50 and 100 µg/mL. Statistical analysis revealed that, significant antiplasmodial activity (P<0.01) was observed between the concentrations and time of exposure. The chemical injury to erythrocytes was also carried out and it showed that there were no morphological changes in erythrocytes by the ethanolic extract of all the tested plant extracts. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity might be due to the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, triterpenoids, proteins, and tannins in the ethanolic extracts of tested plants.

Conclusions

The ethanolic stem extracts of P. amarus and J. glandulifera possess lead compounds for the development of antiplasmodial drugs.     

GC-MS analysis,determination of total phenolics,flavonoid content and free radical scavenging activities of various crude extracts of Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori leaves

ObjectiveTo perform phytochemical screening, estimate total phenolics, flavonoids and to evaluate antioxidant potential of Moringa peregrina (M. peregrina) leaves.MethodsThe dried powdered leaves of M. peregrina (150 g) were extracted exhaustively by Soxhlet with ethanol and then fractionated into hexane, chloroform, ethy alacetate and methanol. All the prepared extracts were also analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify and characterize the chemical compounds present in the crude extracts. Folin- Ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride colorimetric methods were used to estimate total phenolic and flavonoid content of extracts. Hydrogen peroxide and 1,1 diphenyl -2-picrylhydrazyl were used to determine in vitro antioxidant activity.ResultsPhytochemical analysis of ethanol extract showed presence of major classes of phytochemicals. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results revealed presence of 19 phytoconstituents in hexane extract, 6 in ethyl acetate and 7 compounds in methanolic extract. Methanol extract was found to contain the highest phenolic content and flavonoids. In vitro antioxidant activities of all crude extracts were significant and comparable with the standard ascorbic acid.ConclusionsResults of this study show that the leaves of M. peregrina are the rich source of phenolic compounds that can play an important role in preventing the progression of many diseases.     

Tagetes erecta Linn. and its mosquitocidal potency against Culex quinquefasciatus

Objective

To investigate mosquitocidal effects of ethanolic extract of flowers of Tagetes erecta (T. erecta) and its chloroform and petroleum ether soluble fractions against the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus).

Methods

The fresh flowers of T. erecta were extracted in cold with ethanol (5.0 L) and after concentration, the ethanol extract was fractionated with chloroform and petroleum ether to afford a brownish syrupy suspension of ethanol extract (50.0 g), petroleum ether soluble fraction (18.6 g) and chloroform soluble fraction (23.8 g). The larvicidal effect of ethanol extract and their solvent fractions were determined by the standard procedure of WHO against different instars of Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Results

Among the tested samples the chloroform soluble fractions showed the highest toxicity and consequently, the lowest LC₅₀ values (14.14 µg/mL, 17.06 µg/mL, 36.88 µg/mL and 75.48 µg/mL) for all the instars larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus. The larvae showed comparative tolerance in the course of increasing age and time.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that the flowers of T. erecta are very effective natural larvicide and could be useful against Cx. quinquefasciatus.     

Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray dry flowers

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antioxidant activity of extracts of dried flowers of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray (T. diversifolia) dry flower-a shrubby plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and very common in Brazil, providing data to help prevent premature aging skin.MethodsThe tests of phytochemical screening included total phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins. The active antioxidant was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl method.ResultsThe phytochemical screening of T. diversifolia dry flowers revealed the presence of phenolic compounds (tannins, flavonoids and total phenols), while alkaloids and saponins were not detected. The IC₅₀ values showed a strong antioxidant activity of the plant extracts.ConclusionsTherefore, this study suggests the possibility of using dry flowers extracts of T. diversifolia for the prevention of cell aging, as was shown to have significant antioxidant activity.     

Effects of Traditional Herbal Formulae on Human CYP450 Isozymes

Objective:To assess the effects of traditional herbal formulae Sijunzi Decoction(四君子汤,Sagunja-tang,SJZD),Siwu Decoction(四物汤,Samul-tang,SWD),Bawu Decoction(八物汤,Palmul-tang,BWD)and Shiquan Dabu Decoction(十全大补汤,Sipjeondaebo-tang,SDD) on the activities of human cytochrome P450(CYP450),a drug-metabolizing enzyme.Methods:Herbal formula water extracts were filtered and lyophilized after the powder extracts were dissolved in distilled water.The activities of major human CYP450isozymes(CYP3A4,CYP2C19,CYP2D6 and CYP2E1) were measured using in vitro fluorescence-based enzyme assays.The inhibitory effects of the herbal formulas on the activities of CYP450 were characterized as half maximal inhibition concentration(IC_(50)) values.Results:All the tested herbal formulae inhibited CYP2C19activity(IC_(50):SJZD,83.28 μg/mL;SWD,235.54 μg/mL;BWD,166.82 μg/mL;SDD,178.19 μg/mL);SJZD(lC_(50) = 196.46 μ g/mL),SWD(IC_(50) = 333.42 μ g/mL) and SDD(IC_(50) = 163.42 μg/mL) inhibited CYP2E1-mediated metabolism;whereas BWD exhibited comparatively weak inhibition of CYP2E1(IC_(50) = 501.78 μg/mL).None of the four herbal formulas significantly affected CYP3A4 or CYP2D6.Conclusions:These results suggest that SJZD,SWD,BWD and SDD could potentially inhibit the metabolism of co-administered synthetic drugs whose primary route of elimination is via CYP2C19.In addition,clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions could occur when SJZD,SWD or SDD is co-administered with drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.Our findings provide information for the safety and effective clinical use of these four classic herbal formulas.