Protective Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bauhinia variegata</Emphasis> Leaf Extracts Against Oxidative Damage,Cell Proliferation and Bacterial Growth

Present communication describes the therapeutic potential of Bauhinia variegata leaf extracts. Protection against oxidative damage was observed with several extracts as indicated by their antioxidant potential. Polar extracts namely, ethyl acetate, acetone and aqueous exhibited appreciable ferric reducing antioxidant power. Aqueous and benzene extracts accounted for significant free radical scavenging activity in beta carotene bleaching assay. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation was also displayed by aqueous extract in rat liver homogenate. Aqueous fraction demonstrated remarkable antiproliferative activity (91–99 %) against colon (Colo-205 and HCT-116) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines. However, lower activity was observed against prostate (PC-3), breast (T47D) and lung (NCI-H322) cancer cell lines. Low to moderate antibacterial activity was manifested by hexane, benzene, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts against Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 7299), Salmonella typhi (MTCC 3917), Bordetella bronchiseptica (MTCC 6838), Bacillus cereus (MTCC 6840) and Streptococcus mutant (MTCC 497). The study revealed noticeable antioxidant, radical scavenging, anticancer and antibacterial potential in B. variegata leaf extracts.     

Antifeedant and Insecticidal Activity of Plant Extracts Against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera litura</Emphasis> (Fab.) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lipaphis erysimi</Emphasis>

The solvent extracts of four plants, viz. Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thw. (PL), Paederia foetida (PF), Limonia acidissima L. (LA) and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. (BA), from different families, were screened for their antifeedant, insecticidal and insect growth regulatory potential against important crop pests. The solvent extracts, namely methanol, petroleum ether, chloroform and water, of all four plants were tested for their bio-activity against lepidopteran insect pest, Spodoptera litura; and sucking insect pest, L. erysimi (mustard aphid). It was observed that Polyalthia longifolia (methanol extract) exhibited maximum potency with least concentration of 0.1 % (~1080 ppm) to give 50 % antifeedancy, followed by P. longifolia (petroleum ether) with a value of 0.2 % (~2360 ppm) and Limonia acidissima (methanol) and L. acidissima (petroleum ether). The least active compound for antifeedancy was found in the aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptica. Out of 16 plant extracts bio-assayed, methanol showed potential antifeedancy when compared with chloroform, water and petroleum ether extracts. But chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of all four plants gave very promising insecticidal activity against aphids, in comparison to other two extracts. L. acidissima (water), B. aegyptica (methanol), P. longifolia (methanol) and P. foetida (water) did not give any insecticidal activity with 50 % lethal concentration (LC₅₀) up to 0.1 % as maximum concentration.     

Essais antimicrobiens d’un savon à base d’extrait éthanolique des feuilles de <Emphasis Type="Italic">Morinda morindoides</Emphasis> (Morinda,Rubiaceae) sur la croissance in vitro de germes impliqués dans les infections cutanées

The objective of this study is to develop a soap based on the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Morinda morindoides and to evaluate its antimicrobial activity on the in vitro growth of two bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and four fungi (Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes) involved in skin infections. The ethanolic extract of Morinda morindoides was used as an antimicrobial agent in the manufacture of an anti-infectious soap coded “S2” using a cold process. The antifungal tests of soap with ethanolic extract of Morinda morindoides (S2) and control soap (S0) were carried out using the broth dilution method by incorporation of test soap into Sabouraud agar. The antibacterial parameters of soaps S2 and S0 were determined by incorporation into Mueller-Hinton agar and testing in liquid medium. Soap S2 expressed an effective antimicrobial activity compared to soap S0 with a MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) of 31.25 mg/ml against tested microbial germs. We conclude that incorporation of 10% of ethanolic extract of Morinda morindoides in the formulation of an anti-infectious soap does not alter its antimicrobial properties. In view of the effectiveness of soap S2 on microbial germs involved in skin infections, its production on an industrial scale will constitute a real hope in the fight against skin diseases, which are very widespread in Côte-d’Ivoire.     

Antibacterial Activity of Extract of Endophytic Fungi of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gymnema sylvestre</Emphasis>

Endophytic fungi were isolated from Gymnema sylvestre, a known medicinal plant for hypoglycemic activity. Isolated endophytes were screened for their antibacterial activity against an array of pathogenic bacteria. The systemic study was made on endophytic fungi of medicinal plant, G. sylvestre growing in different natural habitats of India. A total of 25 fungal isolates were recovered from different parts of G. sylvestre and they were grouped in 11 fungal genera. Potato dextrose agar medium yielded the highest number of isolates with the greatest species richness. The fungi were identified as Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Phomopsis sp., Pestalotia sp., Xylaria sp., Phyllosticta sp., Gleomastix sp., Acrimonium sp., Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp. and Scytalidium sp. The secret of this medicinal plant was revealed by the evaluation of the extract of its endophytic fungi having antibacterial activity. Traditionally this plant is being used since long in diabetic treatment, however it is also effective against the infection. The extracts of five fungal isolates among 25 isolates were found effective inhibitors against human pathogenic bacterial strains Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) a gram negative and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25323) a gram positive bacteria.     

Valorisation des huiles essentielles de <Emphasis Type="Italic">Juniperus thurifera</Emphasis> et de <Emphasis Type="Italic">Juniperus oxycedrus</Emphasis> du Maroc

The volatile oils from branches of Juniperus thurifera and Juniperus oxycedrus (Cupressaceae) collected at Eastern Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco were obtained by hydro-distillation and analysed by GC and GC/MMS. The major constituents obtained were pinene: β-pinene (36.26%) for the essential oils of Juniperus thurifera and α-pinene (52.13%) to that of Juniperus oxycedrus. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the two essential oils has been studied against seven microorganisms and compared to those found in the literature.     

HPLC-DAD phenolic screening and in vitro assessment of antimicrobial,antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Tanteboucht dates

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the most important crops in arid and semi-arid zones. Date fruit occupies a good place in traditional medicine among the Saharan residents, due to its therapeutic virtues; although there may be several therapeutic virtues yet to be discovered. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the hexanic (EHx), chloroformic (ECh), ethyl acetate (EAc) and aqueous (EAq) extracts of Tanteboucht pulp. The phytochemical characterization and estimation of phenolic compounds were done based on an HPLC-DAD approach. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by a DPPH scavenging effect test. The sensitivity of 7 bacterial strains and Candida albicans to Tanteboucht extracts was tested using the diffusion disc on agar medium method. The membrane stabilization test was used to determine the in vitro anti-inflammatory effect of the fruit extracts. Fourteen phenolic compounds were detected in organic extracts and EAc was the richest followed by ECh and finally EHx which was very poor in these molecules. All extracts showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which differ in rate. Indeed, ECh had the greatest scavenging effect on DPPH, followed by EAc and then EAq. EAc was the most potent inhibitor of microbial strains. EAc and ECh were more efficient at membrane stabilization followed by EAq and the three extracts had more anti-inflammatory capacity than the positive control acetyl salicylic acid. The obtained considerable activities were significantly correlated with flavonoid and tannin contents in the extracts.

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the most important crops in arid and semi-arid zones.     

Toxicity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lantana camara</Emphasis> Leaf Extracts Against Almond Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cadra cautella</Emphasis> (Walker)

The toxicity of various extracts of Lantana camara L. leaves was investigated against Cadra cautella (Walker) eggs, larvae and adults. For eggs and larvae film residue method and for adults specimen tube method was followed, then it was compared with azadirachtin technical (20 %). The toxicity of various extracts on egg, larval and adult mortality was compared. The egg mortality was based on their hatchability. It was observed that through film residue, most of the extracts of L. camara showed higher mortality as compared to azadirachtin. Based on LC₅₀ values methanol fraction of hexane extract (LC-3) and hexane extract of hexane fraction (LC-4) of L. camara were found to be most effective against different stages of C. cautella. The mortality was dose dependent and it increased with increasing concentration. The leaf extracts of L. camara were positively toxic to insects. The effects of various extracts on different stages of C. cautella are discussed.     

Investigating Disease Controlling Ability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica</Emphasis> Volatiles and Their Compatibility with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichoderma harzianum</Emphasis>

The present investigation aimed to test the in vitro toxicity of Brassica volatiles against soil-borne plant pathogens (Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn, Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris (Padwick) Matuo & K. Sato and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary) and biocontrol fungus Trichoderma harzianum Rifai. Moreover, the response of T. harzianum to toxic volatiles was also studied in terms of glucanase and chitinase gene expression. A strong fungistatic effect of B. alba treatment was recorded against all the test pathogens. Noticeably, S. sclerotiorum manifested least sensitivity among all the tested pathogens. All T. harzianum isolates were less sensitive as compared to the assayed pathogens. Based on the in vitro study involving 6 T. harzianum isolates, T₅₅ and Th-R showed least, while T₃₉ showed highest sensitivity to the volatiles. Interestingly, the patterns relating to the effect of volatiles on inoculum density of T. harzianum isolates were similar to their effect on fungus growth in vitro. More importantly, expression of chitinase and glucanase genes in different Trichoderma isolates was up-regulated, which could improve the biocontrol activity of T. harzianum. Therefore, here the authors envisage that combining biocontrol and biofumigation has the potential to provide sustainable and cost-effective strategies to manage soil-borne plant pathogens.     

Influence of cancer treatment on the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida albicans</Emphasis> isolated from the oral cavities of cancer patients

Purpose

Cancer treatment causes mucositis and the manifestation of oral candidiasis. This study investigated the virulence properties and antifungal susceptibilities of Candida albicans isolated from cancer patients undergoing therapy.

Methods

C. albicans were isolated from 49 patients on cancer treatment and 21 healthy individuals and their virulence attributes measured. A correlation was determined between the length of treatment and the fungal counts and their virulence factors.

Results

Although Candida carriage was similar in all the study groups, high quantities of C. albicans and variety of Candida were found in cancer patients. Germ tubes were produced by all the strains. Significantly high number of yeast isolated from radiotherapy and chemotherapy produced large quantities of phospholipase compared to healthy individuals (p?<?0.01). The length of chemotherapy was associated with an increase in the phospholipase production (p?=?0.03) by the C. albicans. Proteinase production was seen in a significant number of isolates from the radiotherapy group (p?<?0.01). Type of cancer treatment had no effect. Resistance to antifungal agents was low.

Conclusions

High quantities of phospholipase were produced by C. albicans in cancer patients on therapy which also increased with the length of chemotherapy suggesting enhanced risk of oral and systemic infection. Therefore, during treatment, prophylactic topical antifungal therapy may be considered.

     

Étude de l’activité des extraits de feuilles de <Emphasis Type="Italic">Punica granatum</Emphasis> Linn sur <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida albicans</Emphasis> et <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhodotorula spp</Emphasis>

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as remedies for human diseases, because of their bioactive components contained in therapeutic extracts. Among these we find Punica granatum considered as food, medicinal plant and as an ornamental, which has not yet revealed all its secrets. The aim of our study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of two methanolic and ethanolic leaf extracts of pomegranate. For this purpose, the extracts were tested on clinical strains (. albicans clinical (c), R. spp) and reference C. albicans (IP 444, ATCC 1231), using the agar diffusion method. The ethanol extract produced greater inhibitions zones than those obtained with the methanol extract; other parameters are to be evaluated in our study namely the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration of inhibition zones (MFC) of tested strains.     

Propriétés antioxydantes et antimicrobiennes des extraits de <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myrtus nivellei</Emphasis> Batt et Trab. obtenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">in situ</Emphasis> et <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis>

This work provides a contribution to the investigation and valorization of the Sahara-endemic plant: Myrtus nivellei Batt & Trab and the evaluation of the antioxidant effect of methanolic extracts harvested in situ, and in vitro propagated calli of this plant. Several spectrophotometric analyzes were performed, showing that the in situ methanolic extract was richer in polyphenols than the in vitro methanolic extract. Also, It expressed a good power to scavenge free radicals (EC50 = 0.98 mg/ml) and a great capacity to inhibit the peroxidation of linoleic acid estimated as 74.01%, largely higher than the ascorbic acid (50.57%) used as a positif control. However, the methanolic extracts of calli expressed the best ferric reducing power estimated as 66.71%. A very good antimicrobial activity was recorded for the extract of the plant harvested in situ, particularly against S. aureus (MIC=2.25 mg/ml), also against S. pneumoniae, S. flexineri, S. typhi and C. albicans (MIC=4.5 mg/ml). However, the calli extracts had presented no anti-microbial effect.     

Bioluminescence Imaging of Colonization and Clearance Dynamics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brucella Suis</Emphasis> Vaccine Strain S2 in Mice and Guinea Pigs

Purpose

The goal of this study was to develop a plasmid-based lux bio-reporter for use to obtain in vivo images of Brucella suis vaccine strain 2 (B.suis S2) infection with high resolution and good definition.

Procedures

The pBBR-lux (pBBR1MCS-2-lxCDABE) plasmid that carries the luxCDABE operon was introduced into B. suis S2 by electroporation yielding B. suis S2-lux. The spatial and temporal transit of B. suis S2 in mice and guinea pigs was monitored by bioluminescence imaging.

Results

The plasmid pBBR-lux is stable in vivo and does not appear to impact the virulence or growth of bacteria. This sensitive luciferase reporter could represent B. suis S2 survival in real time. B. suis S2 mainly colonized the lungs, liver, spleen, and uterus in mice and guinea pigs as demonstrated by bioluminescence imaging.

Conclusion

The plasmid-based lux bioreporter strategy can be used to obtain high resolution in vivo images of B. suis S2 infection in mice and guinea pigs.

     

Activités anti-inflammatoire,analgésique et antioxydante de l’extrait aqueux des tiges feuillées de <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saba senegalensis</Emphasis> Pichon (Apocynaceae)

Saba senegalensis (A. DC.) Pichon with synonymous Landolphia senegalensis (A. DC.) Kotschy & Peyr. (Apocynaceae) is a lianescente plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases with inflammatory components in Burkina Faso. The objective of this study was to test the pharmacological action of the aqueous extract of its leafy stems on swelling, pain and to assess its antioxidant properties. The aqueous extract reduced edema in the first hour, the third hour and five hours after the injection of carrageenin. Maximum inhibition was achieved at the fifth hour after the injection of the carrageenin. The analgesic effect of the aqueous extract of S. senegalensis at doses of 100, 200, 300 mg/kg was evaluated by the method of Koster after injection of acetic acid. The results showed that the aqueous extract reduced significantly (p <0.05) and in dose-dependent manner the abdominal writhing in NMRI mice. The analgesic effect of the aqueous extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg is comparable to that of acetaminophen (150 mg/kg). The study of aqueous extract in vitro showed a significant antioxidant capacity by inhibition of DPPHradical (IC₅₀=18.4 μg/ml), lipid peroxidation (79.22%) and lipoxygenase (93.26%). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, anthocyanosides, triterpenes and sterols. These results show that the leafy stems of S. senegalensis have anti-inflammatory properties and justify the use of the plant in traditional medicine against inflammatory diseases.     

Variation in Mycosis of Entomopathogenic Fungi on Mealybug, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paracoccus marginatus</Emphasis> (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)

External symptoms of mycosis, chronological developments and duration of mycosis by entomopathogenenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecanii and Metarhizium anisopliae on mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus was studied at in vitro condition. Variations were observed in timing and duration of the different phases of mycosis. The mycosis cycle of entomopathogenic fungi was faster in M. anisopliae and B. bassiana treated P. marginatus but it was slower in V. lecanii. The M. anisopliae killed the insect faster than B. bassiana and V. lecanii. There were no variations observed in conidiogenesis phase in all the three entomopathogenic fungi. Disintegrated cuticle structure was observed at the end of the mycosis cycle.     

Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage Preventive Activity of Selected <Emphasis Type="Italic">Valeriana</Emphasis> Species from West Himalaya

The polyphenols, antioxidant activity and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage preventive efficiency of 3 species Valeriana jatamansi, V. hardwickii and V. himalayana were investigated. V. himalayana exhibited significantly higher total phenolics and V. jatamansi showed significantly higher flavonoids and total tannins. Valerenic acid was significantly higher in V. himalayana (1.6 %) in root portion as compared to that of V. jatamansi (0.75 %). Significantly higher antioxidant activity of 2,2′-azinobis benzyl ethyl thiazole 6-sulphonic acid was observed as 4.65 mM AAE/100g in aerial portion and 5.73 mM AAE/100g in root portion; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrzyl was 8.87 mM AAE/100g in aerial portion and 17.53 mM AAE/100g in root portion; and ferric reducing antioxidant power was 4.48 mM AAE/100g in aerial portion and 7.28 mM AAE/100g in root portion was higher in V. himalayana as compared to that of V. jatamansi and V. hardwickii. DNA damage preventive efficiency revealed variation in these species. V. himalayana exhibited better ability to prevent Fenton reagent induced DNA damage (97.97 %) as compared to the other two species at 100 μg/μl of aqueous extract. Based on the results it is recommended that as V. himalayana exhibited higher phytochemicals, antioxidant property and DNA damage preventive efficiency, therefore, more systematic investigation and conservation of this species is suggested to meet the increasing industrial demand. As the species is threatened in its natural habitat the other two species i.e., V. hardwickii and V. jatamansi can be promoted as an alternative source for phenolics and antioxidants.     

Morphogenetic Studies on Two Mosses, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bryum dichotomum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Entodon macropodus</Emphasis> Grown In Vitro

Axenic cultures of two moss taxa viz. Bryum dichotomum Hedw., an acrocarpous moss and Entodon macropodus (Hedw.) Müll. Hal., a pleurocarpous moss were established by inoculating their spores into agar media. Germination, growth, development and comparative morphogenetic studies of these two growth forms were done. In B. dichotomum, protonemal buds developed on caulonema, while in E. macropodus, buds were produced on chloronema. Sub culturing of B. dichotomum gave rise to new individuals through chloronemal and caulonemal stage, while E. macropodus it directly regenerated into new gametophytes. In old culture under low moisture conditions, asexual diaspores namely, protonemal bulbils B. dichotomum and protonemal brood cells E. macropodus were formed.     

Development of Microbial Consortia for Growth Attributes and Protein Content in Micropropagated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacopa monnieri</Emphasis> (L.)

The study was conducted for evaluation of the effect of microbial consortia for growth attributes and protein content of micropropagated plants of Bacopa monnieri. Five microbial strains e.g., Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB04, Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB06, Burkholderia sp. BHUPSB03, Bacillus sp. BHUPSB13 and Paenibacillus sp. BHUPSB16 were isolated and characterised on the basis of biochemical and molecular characters. Burkholderia sp. BHUPSB03 was screened as an effective and significant for phosphate solubilisation, production of indole-3-acetic acid, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and siderophores. Hydrogen cyanide was produced by other strains namely Bacillus sp. BHUPSB13, Paenibacillus sp. BHUPSB16 and Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB04. Higher indole-3-acetic acid production was recorded with Burkholderia sp. BHUPSB03 followed by Bacillus sp. BHUPSB13, Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB04 and Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB06 as compared to A. Brasilense and T. harzianum. Tetra inoculation of microbial consortia Azospirillum + Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB06 + Trichoderma + Burkholderia sp. BHUPSB03 showed maximum growth attributes like shoot length, number of branching, dry weight and protein content in micropropagated plants of B. monnieri followed by tri-inoculation of A. brasilense + Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB06 with Burkholderia sp. BHUPSB03/Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB04/Paenibacillus sp. BHUPSB16/Bacillus sp. BHUPSB13 as compared to control and other treatments. Therefore, tetra and tri inoculations may be used as most efficient microbial consortia for enhancing the growth attributes and protein content in shoots of B. monnieri.     

Evaluation of Cultivated and Wild <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allium</Emphasis> Accessions for Resistance to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium oxysporum</Emphasis> f. sp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">cepae</Emphasis>

Fusarium basal rot (FBR) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae (FOC) is a highly destructive soil borne disease incurring heavy damage in pre and post harvest onion and garlic crops worldwide. Only a few onion lines exhibit partial resistance against the pathogen and there is a need for identification of more effective resistance sources for use in breeding programmes. Selected sets of wild onion and garlic accession and seven related Allium species were screened for resistance to Fusarium basal rot using three FOC isolates. FOC infection revealed significant variation among the evaluated Allium species (at P = 0.001). A. sativum accession ‘CBT-As153’ showed high level of resistance to each isolate while A. cepa accession ‘CBT-Ac77’ exhibited intermediate resistance. Among related Allium species, A. fistulosum, A. roylei and A. schoenoprasum were highly resistant, A. tuberosum had mixed response while A. griffithianum was susceptible. Further, the root density of Allium species negatively correlated with disease incidence for different FOC isolates. Thus, the present study suggests that besides related Allium species, A. sativum ‘CBT-As153’ can be used as a potential donor of FBR resistance for genetic improvement of onion and garlic in India.     

Larvicidal Activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colocasia esculenta,Eclipta prostrata</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Wrightia tinctoria</Emphasis> Leaf Extract Against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Culex quinquefasciatus</Emphasis>

Control of mosquitoes by using chemical insecticides creates several problems including development of resistance. This leads to find out alternative methods via plant products. Viewing this in mind, methanolic extracts of Colocasia esculenta, Eclipta prostrata and Wrightia tinctoria leaves were tested against II, III, IV instars and pupa of filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus. The LC₅₀ value obtained for IV instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus is 165.697 ppm for C. esculenta while it is 114.257 ppm for E. prostrata and 210.298 ppm for W. tinctoria. Of the three plants studied E. prostrata is most effective in controlling mosquito larvae than the others.