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.     

Investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of leaves of Dalbergia paniculata (Roxb)

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of orally administered methanolic leaf extract of Dalbergia paniculata (D. paniculata) in Carrageenan induced inflammation in rats.MethodsIn vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated for superoxide radical, Hydroxyl radical and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Three doses 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of D. paniculata were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in Carrageenan induced rat paw edema model and paw thickness was measured every one hour up to 6 h.ResultsThe methanolic leaf extract of D. paniculata produced dose dependent inhibition of Superoxide radical, Hydroxyl radical and DPPH radicals. In Carrageenan induced inflammation model, all three doses produced significant percentage inhibition of rat paw edema and 800 mg/kg dose produced maximum percent inhibition of rat paw edema (47.83%) at 3h compared to control group.ConclusionsIn the present study we found that methanolic leaf extract of D. paniculata showed good in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats.     

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.     

Comparative evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of crude extract and secondary metabolites isolated from Artemisia kulbadica

ObjectiveTo investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Et₂O/MeOH/petrol extract and three isolated compounds from Artemisia kulbadica (A. kulbadica).MethodsThe antimicrobial activity was tested by using the disc-diffusion method and determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the agar dilution method against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, and fungi. The antioxidant activities of crude extract and tree isolated compounds were evaluated using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays.ResultsThe plant extract was showed moderate values DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀= (422.4 ± 2.4) μg/mL) while it was showed no considerable antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms. Three isolated compounds tested for the first time, demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Two sesquiterpenes showed higher antimicrobial activity than the flavone while the later compound was better antioxidant than the sesquiterpens.ConclusionsThe present study clearly demonstrated that A. kulbadica and some of its isolates each one separately possess antimicrobial or antioxidant properties and may act as potential antioxidant for biological systems susceptible to free radical-mediated reactions.     

Antioxidant activity and identification of bioactive compounds from leaves of Anthocephalus cadamba by ultra–performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antioxidant potential of different extract/fractions of Anthocephalus cadamba (A. cadamba) (Roxb.) Miq. (Rubiaceae) and study the tentative identification of their active constituents.MethodsThe extract/fractions were screened for antioxidant activity using various in vitro assays viz. DPPH assay, ABTS assay, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay, reducing power assay and plasmid DNA nicking assay. Total phenolic content of extract/fractions was determined by colorimetric method. An ultra–performance LC-electrospray-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry method was used to analyse the active constituents of extract/fractions of A. cadamba.ResultsThe ethyl acetate fraction was found to be most active fraction in all the assays as compared to other extract/fractions. The IC₅₀ value of ethyl acetate fraction (ETAC fraction) was 21.24 μg/mL, 1.12 μg/mL, 9.68 μg/mL and 57.81 μg/mL in DPPH assay, ABTS assay, reducing power assay and superoxide scavenging assay respectively. All the extract/fractions also showed the potential to protect the plasmid DNA (pBR322) against the attack of hydroxyl radicals generated by Fentońs reagent. The bioactive compounds were identified by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, by comparing the mass and λ_max with literature values.ConclusionsThe potential of the extract/fractions to scavenge different free radicals in different systems indicated that they may be useful therapeutic agents for treating radical-related pathologic damage.     

Antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging activities of Streptomyces sp.strain MJM 10778

Objective:To investigate the antioxidant activity of soil-borne aetinobacteria.Methods:The total phenolic contents,the level of antioxidant potential by DPPH radical scavenging activity,MO scavenging activity,and ABTS radical scavenging activity in ethyl acelale extract were determined.Results:The 16 S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that Streptomyces sp.strain MJM 10778.which was isolated from Hambak Mountain.Korea,has 99.9% similarity to Streptomyces misionensis(S.misionenis) NBRC 13063.The physiological and the morphological test revealed that the strain MJM 10778 has different characteristics from the strain NBRC.13063.The entire antioxidant assay with the ethyl acelale extract displayed good radical scavenging activity.The IC_(50) values of the strain MJM 10778 extract on DPPH,.NO.and ABTS radicals were identified to he 92.8 μg/mL,0.02 μg/ml,and 134.9 μg/mL,respectively.The ethyl acetate extract of the strain MJM 10778 showed an 81.500% of cell viability at 100 μg/mL in Raw264.7cell viability assay.Conclusions:The results obtained suggesl that the ethyl acetate extract of Streptomyces sp.strain MJM 10778 could be considered as a potential source of drug for the diseases that is caused by free radicals with its anti-oxidant activities and low cytotoxicity.     

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Jasminum humile leaves

ObjectiveTo evaluate in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Jasminum humile (J. humile) leaves extract.MethodMethanolic extract of J. humile was evaluated for its antimicrobial activity by using agar well diffusion method &; their possible antioxidant assay by two complementary test systems, namely DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. These various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as ascorbic acid for both the tests.ResultsIn the DPPH &; hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, the IC₅₀ value of methanol extract was 70.43 μg/mL &; 60.79 μg/mL respectively. Further, the extract showed inhibitory activity for Gram-positive and negative bacteria at different concentrations. The maximum antibacterial activity of extract was exhibited against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) at concentration 50 mg/mL when compared with ciprofloxacinConclusionsThese results clearly indicate that J. humile is effective in scavenging free radicals and has the potential to be a powerful antioxidant. Thus, the results obtained in the present study indicate that J. humile leaves extract could be considered as a potential source of natural antioxidants and that could be used as an effective source against bacterial diseases.     

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 composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult. Stem (Amaranthaceae)

ObjectiveTo analyze the phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant properties of aqueous extract of Aerva lanata (A. lanata) stem.MethodsDuring the preliminary phytochemical analysis, the aqueous extract of A. lanata was screened for the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic compounds, oil and fats, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and phytosterols. Antioxidant activity of the extract was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, metal chelating activity, reducing power activity and DNA damage inhibition activity. Analysis of phenolic compounds was performed by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent method and gradient high performance liquid chromatography technique.ResultsPreliminary phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of phenolic compounds, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and phytosterols as major phytochemical groups. The extract exhibited high 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀= 110.74 μg/mL), metal chelating activity (IC₅₀= 758.17 μg/mL), reducing power activity and DNA damage inhibition efficiency. The extract was reported to possess a high amount of total phenolic content and some of them were identified as gallic acid (3,4,5-OH), apigenin-7-O-glucoside (apigetrin), quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin) and myricetin (3,5,7,3,4,5-OH) by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. The extract was found non toxic towards human erythrocytes in the hemolytic assay (IC₅₀ = 24.89 mg/mL).ConclusionsThese results conclud that A. lanata stem possesses high antioxidant activity and can be used for the development of natural and safe antioxidant compounds.     

Antidiarrheal effect of fractions from stem bark of Thespesia populnea in rodents: Possible antimotility and antisecretory mechanisms

ObjectiveTo evaluate antidiarrheal activity of the fractions of aqueous extract from stem barks of Thespesia populnea (Malvaceae).MethodsFrom the aqueous extract three fractions namely ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), methanolic fraction (MF) and residue fraction (RF) were made and studied for antidiarrheal activity. Antidiarrheal activity of the fractions were evaluated in castor oil induced diarrhea, prostaglandin E₂ (PG-E₂) induced diarrhea and charcoal meal test as in vivo models and the most potent fraction was further evaluated with in vitro models to determine the possible antimotility effect.ResultsIn castor oil induced diarrhea model, the RF (10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, po.) and MF (100 mg/kg, po.) has significantly reduced the cumulative wet faecal mass, where as the EAF have not shown any significant antidiarrheal activity, RF was found to be more potent than MF. Based on these results and percentage yield, only RF was evaluated in PG-E₂ induced enteropooling and charcoal meal test. RF (10, 25 and 50 mg/kg) had shown significant inhibition of PG-E₂ induced secretions (antisecretory) and decreased the movement of charcoal in charcoal meal test indicating its antimotility activity. Furthermore, RF has showed significant inhibition of acetylcholine, histamine and BaCl₂ induced contractions on rat colon, guinea pig ileum and rabbit jejunum with EC₅₀ values of 241.7, 303.1 and 286.1 μg/mL, respectively indicating the antimotility effect of RF. The phytochemical analysis of RF showed presence of gums and mucilages and the possible mechanism may be the combination inhibition of elevated prostaglandin biosynthesis and reduced propulsive movement of the intestine.ConclusionsRF possesses good antidiarrheal activity comparing with other two fractions and the possible mechanism thought to be associated with combination of antisecretory and antimolity.     

Free radical scavenging and reducing power of Lawsonia inermis L. seeds

ObjectiveTo determine the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content of Petroleum ether extract (PE), Dichloromethane extract (DCM), Ethanol extract (ET) and aqueous extract (AQ) of henna seeds.MethodsTotal antioxidant assay (phosphomolybenum method), DPPH radical scavenging assay, reducing power assay and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay were used to ascertain the potential of seeds as an antioxidant.ResultsIn all the assays carried out ET showed a greater potential to scavenge DPPH radical, reduce MO (VI) to MO (V) complex and Fe (III) to Fe (II) and to inhibit lipid peroxidation. The IC₅₀ of ET was far greater than that of the standard, ascorbic acid (AS) in the lipid peroxidation assay. The activity of AQ was lesser when compared with that of ET but greater than PE and DCM. The amount of phenolics and flavonoids were present in higher amounts in ET followed by AQ. Trace amounts of phenolics were detected in PE and DCM, but the amount of flavonoids were below the detection level. The study showed that the antioxidant activity and the concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids are proportionate to each other.ConclusionsEthanolic extract of henna seeds are efficient antioxidants, which can be utilized for further isolation of active compounds and pharmaceutical applications.     

Evaluation of phytochemical and antioxidant activities of the different fractions of Hybanthus enneaspermus (Linn.) F. Muell. (Violaceae)

ObjectiveTo investigate the naturally occurring antioxidant for the first time from the different solvent fractions of Hybanthus enneaspermus (H. enneaspermus) Linn F. Muell. family (Violaceae).MethodsDifferent fractions of H. enneaspermus were tested for total phenolic content, and in vitro antioxidant activity was measured by total antioxidant assay, DPPH assay, reducing power, nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging assays.ResultsThe ethyl acetate (EA) fraction was found to have high levels of phenolic content [(212.15±0.79) mg GAE/g]. The EA fraction exhibited higher total antioxidant capacity, higher percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity [(127.07±2.29) μg/mL], nitric oxide [(245.16±1.44) μg/mL], hydrogen peroxide [(227.38±7.18) μg/mL], deoxyribose [(270.61±8.72) μg/mL] and higher reducing power. There was a significant correlation between total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity (r²=0.972).ConclusionsThese results reveal that EA fraction of H. enneaspermus has strong antioxidant potential compared with other fractions. Our further study has been extended to the isolation of the possible compound that is responsible for having antioxidant property.     

Phytochemical,antioxidant and antibacterial potential of Elaeagnus kologa (Schlecht.) leaf

ObjectiveTo screen different solvent extracts of Elaeagnus kologa (E. kologa) leaf to determine the phytochemicals, potent antioxidant and antibacterial activity to find out the possible source of applied pharmaceutical formulations.MethodsSolvent extracts of leaf material were prepared using the Soxhlet apparatus. A study was performed on antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of leaf by 1-1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method. The phenolic and flavonoid content of all the fractions were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Leaves were also subjected to protein and carbohydrate test.ResultsThe total phenols, flavonoids were found to be high in petroleum ether as compare to other solvent fraction. The IC₅₀ value of methanolic extract of the sample was 62.20 μg/mL which showed significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive).ConclusionsThe present study suggests that the methanolic extract of E. kologa leaf possesses antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Such properties may be of great use in mitigating the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and reducing susceptibility to bacterial infection. Notably, extracts of E. kologa leaf also contain proteins and carbohydrates which add to its nutritional value.     

A comparative pharmacological and phytochemical analysis of in vivo & in vitro propagated Crotalaria species

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy for phytochemical, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of in vitro propagated plants and field grown plants of Crotalaria sps., for against five human pathogens.MethodsThe preliminary phytochemistry, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were evaluated using disc diffusion and DPPH radical scavenging methods.ResultsThe ethanolic extract of in vitro raised Crotalaria retusa (C. retusa) was effective on tested microorganisms and optimal ZOI values of 38 mm was obtained against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The optimal concentration (IC50) required for 50% inhibition of the DPPH radical scavenging was 57.6 μ g/mL obtained for ethanolic extract of in vitro propagated C. retusa. The in vitro propagated C. retusa has significant pharmacological activities while the Crotalaria prostrate (C. prostrate) and Crotalaria medicaginea (C. medicaginea) has low pharmacological activites. It was cleared that ethanolic extract of in vitro regenerated plants was most effective.ConclusionsThese findings indicate compounds isolated from ethanolic extracts of Crotalaria sps., possesses pharmacological properties and potential to develop natural compounds based pharmaceutical products. The IC₅₀ values for ethanolic extracts of Crotalaria sps. was evaluated through the Linear regression analysis (R² ≤ 1).     

Antioxidant activity of newly discovered lineage of marine actinobacteria

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant activity of marine actinobacteria.MethodsThe content of total phenolics, the level of antioxidant potential by DPPH radical scavenging activity, metal chelating activity, FRAP method, β carotene assay and NO scavenging activity in extract were determined.ResultsIn all the methods the extract exhibited good scavenging activity except NO scavenging activity. The IC₅₀ values of marine actinobacteria extract on DPPH radical were found to be 41.09 μg/mL. The zone of color retention was 12 mm in β-carotene bleaching assay. DNA protective efficiency of the extracts was also studied using UV-photolysed H₂O₂-driven oxidative damage to pBR322. HPLC analysis identified some of the major phenolic compounds in extracts, which might be responsible for the antioxidant potential and cyto-protection. It showed a 100% cytotoxic effect in brine shrimp lethality assay within 10 mins. The novel actinobacteria was identified as Streptomyces LK-3 (JF710608) through 16S rDNA Sequencing.ConclusionsThe results obtained suggest that the extracts bear anti-cancer metabolites and could be considered as a potential source for anti-cancer drug development.     

Phytochemical screening,anti-oxidant activity and in vitro anticancer potential of ethanolic and water leaves extracts of Annona muricata (Graviola)

ObjectiveTo determine the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and anticancer activities of ethanolic and water leaves extracts of Annona muricata (A. muricata) from the Eastern Uganda.MethodsPhytochemical screening was conducted using standard qualitative methods and a Chi-square goodness of fit test was used to assign the relative abundance of the different phytochemicals. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and reducing power methods whereas the in vitro anticancer activity was determined using three different cell lines.ResultsPhytochemical screening of the extracts revealed that they were rich in secondary class metabolite compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins and lactones, anthraquinones, tannins, cardiac glycosides, phenols and phytosterols. Total phenolics in the water extract were (683.69±0.09) μg/mL gallic acid equivalents (GAE) while it was (372.92±0.15) μg/mL GAE in the ethanolic extract. The reducing power was 216.41 μg/mL in the water extract and 470.51 μg/mL GAE in the ethanolic extract. In vitro antioxidant activity IC₅₀ was 2.0456 mg/mL and 0.9077 mg/mL for ethanolic and water leaves extracts of A. muricata respectively. The ethanolic leaves extract was found to be selectively cytotoxic in vitro to tumor cell lines (EACC, MDA and SKBR3) with IC₅₀ values of 335.85 μg/mL, 248.77 μg/mL, 202.33 μg/mL respectively, while it had no cytotoxic effect on normal spleen cells. The data also showed that water leaves extract of A. muricata had no anticancer effect at all tested concentrations.ConclusionsThe results showed that A. muricata was a promising new antioxidant and anticancer agent.     

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.     

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of spiro benzofuran compound from mangrove plant of Southern India

ObjectiveTo find out the in vitro antipalsmodial activities of mangrove leaf extracts.MethodsIn vitro antiplasmodial assay was carried out with 13 different mangrove plants. Column chromatography was performed with the most potent Agecerious corniculatum (A. corniculatum) by using various solvent extractions. GC-MS was also preformed with the most potent ethanolic fraction of the A. corniculatum extract.ResultsOf the 13 mangroves plants, A. corniculatum showed maximum percentage of parasitemia suppression (94.98 ± 1.16)%. Column chromatography was performed with A. corniculatum with different solvents and the methanolic extract showed maximum percentage (99.73±1.63)% of parasitemia inhibition at 150 μg/mL concentration with the IC₅₀ value of (29.28±3.23) μg/mL concentration. The results of the GC-MS analysis observed that, the most potent methanolic extract showed maximum retention time (30.687 RT) and the chemical class was identified as Spiro [benzofuran-2(3 H), 1′(3 cyclohexane)-2′,3-dione, 7-chloro-4′,6] which was responsible for the antiplasmodial activity.ConclusionsIt is concluded from the present study that, the chemical constituents of A. corniculatum collected from Pichavaram mangrove forest can be used as a putative antiplasmodial drugs in future.     

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.     

Evaluation of phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of successive solvent extracts of leaves of Indigofera caerulea Roxb using various in vitro antioxidant assay systems

ObjectiveTo evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of successive solvent extracts of Indigofera caerulea Roxb using various in vitro antioxidant assay systems.MethodsTotal phenol and antioxidant activity of different solvent extracts of Indigofera caerulea Roxb leaves were investigated. Extraction was done sequentially in soxhlet apparatus using various solvents (Petroleum ether, Ethyl acetate and Methanol). Antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay and Total ion reducing power assay. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were also measured.ResultsMethanolic extract had more total phenol content and more antioxidant activities, confirming to the hypothesis that phenol content and antioxidant activity has a direct correlation.ConclusionsAll the results of the in vitro antioxidant assays revealed that the methanolic extract of Indigofera caerulea Roxb leaves had notable antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. The results obtained appeared to confirm the antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of Indigofera caerulea Roxb.