Protection from oxidative damage using Bidens pilosa extracts in normal human erythrocytes.

Bidens pilosa (B. pilosa) is well known in Taiwan as a traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of both the ethanol (EtOH) and ethylacetate/ethanol (EA/EtOH) extracts from the whole B. pilosa plant, to protect normal human erythrocytes against oxidative damage in vitro. It was determined that the oxidative hemolysis and lipid/protein peroxidation of erythrocytes induced by the aqueous peroxyl radical [2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)] were suppressed by both EtOH (50-150 microg/ml) and EA/EtOH (25-75 microg/ml) extracts of B. pilosa in concentration- and time-dependent manners. B. pilosa extracts also prevented the decline of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the depletion of cytosolic glutathione (GSH) and ATP in erythrocytes. These results imply that B. pilosa may have protective antioxidant properties.     

In vitro Antioxidant Studies of Fruits of Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke) Pamp

Antioxidant potential of fruits of Artemisia nilagirica was studied using different in vitro models like 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl, 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothizoline-6-sulphonate), nitric oxide, superoxide, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation. Both the ethanol and aqueous extracts of A. nilagirica fruits at 500 μg/ml showed maximum scavenging activity (89.33% and 89.14%) in quenching 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical. The ethanol extract showed better scavenging activity (69.78%) of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical followed by the scavenging of nitric oxide radical (73.25%) compared to aqueous extract. In contrast, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals were effectively scavenged by aqueous extract. Total antioxidant capacity of ethanol and aqueous extracts at 500 μg/ml concentration was found to be 56.21 and 62.78 mg ascorbic acid equivalents, respectively. However, both the extracts showed only moderate lipid peroxidation inhibition activity. They were also found to contain considerable total phenols and flavonoids suggesting their role as an effective free radical scavenger. These findings suggest that phenolics and flavonoids in the fruits provide substantial antioxidant activity.     

Genotoxic and anti-genotoxic properties of Calendula officinalis extracts in rat liver cell cultures treated with diethylnitrosamine.

Calendula officinalis flower extracts are used to cure inflammatory and infectious diseases, for wound healing and even cancer with partial objective evidence of its therapeutic properties or toxic effects, many of which can be attributed to the presence of flavonols. We studied whether C. officinalis extracts induce unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in rat liver cell cultures, and if these extracts can reverse diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced UDS. Four different flower extracts were prepared: aqueous (AE), aqueous-ethanol (AEE), ethanol (EE) and chloroform (CE). AE and AEE were evaporated to 6.72 and 4.54 mg of solid material per ml, respectively and final ethanol concentration in AEE was 0.8%. EE and CE were dried and resuspended in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to 19.2 and 10 mg of solid material per ml. Ethanol residue of EE was 0.34%. In the UDS assay in liver cell cultures, DEN at 1.25 microM produced a maximal increase of 40% (3)H-thymidine ((3)HdTT) incorporation, and both, AE and AEE showed complete reversion of the DEN effect at around 50 ng/ml and between 0.4 to 16 ng/ml, respectively. In the absence of DEN, these two polar extracts induced UDS at concentrations of 25 microg for AE and 3.7 microg/ml for AEE to 100 microg/ml in rat liver cell cultures. Concentrations producing genotoxic damage were three orders of magnitude above concentrations that conferred total protection against the DEN effect. Thus, at the lower end, ng/ml concentrations of the two polar extracts AE and AEE conferred total protection against the DEN effect and at the higher end, g/ml concentrations produced genotoxic effects. These results justify the study of C. officinalis flower extracts to obtain products with biological activity and to define their genotoxic or chemopreventive properties.     

Screening of Fifty Cunoniaceae Species from New Caledonia for Inhibitors of Xanthine Oxidase and Scavengers of Superoxide Anions

Two-hundred-and-four extracts (101 ethyl acetate extracts and 103 methanol extracts) from 50 species of Cunoniaceae from New Caledonia were screened for antioxidant properties due to free radical scavenging and/or xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory activity. Of the crude extracts, 95.1% were active at a concentration of 50µg/ml. Fifteen (27.8%) extracts showed more than 50% activity at 10µg/ml and were studied for XOD inhibition. All were active against XOD at 50µg/ml but only 6 (40%) showed up to 60% inhibition. Ethyl acetate extracts from the bark of Weinmannia dichotoma Brongniart & Gris, Weinmannia monticola Däniker and Cunonia linearisepala (Guillaumin) Bernardi and from the roots of Codia incrassata Pampanini, as well as methanol extract from the bark of Pancheria brunhesii Pampanini, exhibited the highest activities (between 70% and 86% XOD inhibition at 50µg/ml). In view of these preliminary results, New Caledonian Cunoniaceae species appears to be promising material for the isolation of bioactive compounds.     

Antioxidant activities of Physalis peruviana

Physalis peruviana (PP) is a widely used medicinal herb for treating cancer, malaria, asthma, hepatitis, dermatitis and rheumatism. In this study, the hot water extract (HWEPP) and extracts prepared from different concentrations of ethanol (20, 40, 60, 80 and 95% EtOH) from the whole plant were evaluated for antioxidant activities. Results displayed that at 100 mug/ml, the extract prepared from 95% EtOH exhibited the most potent inhibition rate (82.3%) on FeCl2-ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate. At concentrations 10-100 microg/ml, this extract also demonstrated the strongest superoxide anion scavenging and inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase activities. In general, the ethanol extracts revealed a stronger antioxidant activity than alpha-tocopherol and HWEPP. Compared to alpha-tocopherol, the IC50 value of 95% EtOH PP extract was lower in thiobarbituric acid test (IC50=23.74 microg/ml vs. 26.71 microg/ml), in cytochrome c test (IC50=10.40 microg/ml vs. 13.39 microg/ml) and in xanthine oxidase inhibition test (IC50=8.97 microg/ml vs. 20.68 microg/ml). The present study concludes that ethanol extracts of PP possess good antioxidant activities, and the highest antioxidant properties were obtained from the 95% EtOH PP.     

Phytochemical contents and biological evaluation of Ruta chalepennsis L. growing in Saudi Arabia

Phytochemical screening of Ruta chalepensis L. exhibited the presence of different chemical groups. The dried aerial parts of the plant was total extracted by ethanol and successively using chloroform, ethyl acetate and Butanol, out of the successive extracts four compounds namely, scopletin, kaempferol, quercetin, quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamno glucopyranosyl (Rutin) were isolated and biological evaluations. Total ethanol and successive extracts; chloroform, ethyl acetate and Butanol were produced excellent antimicrobial activities against gram negative bacteria, gram positive bacteria and fungi. Ethyl acetate extract was the best for inhibition of the microorganism’s growth. All extracts (total ethanol, and successive extracts) showed DPPH radical scavenging activity in a concentration–dependent manner. The best antioxidant activity was obtained by ethyl acetate & n-butanol extract (94.28%, IC₅₀?=?56.6?µg/ml). Also All extracts (total ethanol, and successive extracts) showed anticoagulant activity at higher concentration with prolonged clotting time 6:30 and 4:30?s at 10?mg/ml concentrations, respectively.     

Croton cajucara Benth. leaf extract scavenges the stable free radical DPPH and protects against oxidative stress induced by paraquat

Antioxidant effects of extracts from Croton cajucara BENTH. leaves was investigated in different in vitro and in vivo models. Extracts showed inhibitory radical scavenging activity against the stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (75%, 43% and 25% of the standard trolox at 1, 10 and 100 mg/ml, respectively; IC50 218 mg/ml). Percentage survival of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells treated with 10 mM paraquat increased by 21% and 55%, when 1 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml concentrations of the extract, respectively, were added. The cytosolic concentration of TBARS increased in animals treated with paraquat (+283%), while values did not significantly differ from the controls in rats additionally receiving the leaf extract. Paraquat administration also induced a significant increase in hydroperoxide-initiated chemiluminiscence (+76%), that was partially prevented by the leaf extract (+31%). Liver SOD activity was a 158% higher in animals receiving paraquat as compared to the controls. This effect was abolished by administration of the leaf extract. Paraquat administration did not significantly modify the activity of GPx or catalase. Croton cajucara extract increased GPx and catalase activities in paraquat treated-animals by 342% and 70%, respectively. Our results confirm that Croton cajucara leaf extract present radical scavenging activity and reduce oxidative stress induced by paraquat, suggesting the beneficial use as a potential source of antioxidant agents of natural origin.     

Potent antifungal activity of garlic (allium sativum) against experimental murine dissemenated cryptococcosis

The adequate management of cryptococcosis is difficult with the available armamentarium of synthetic antifungals. We made an effort to evaluate fresh extracts of garlic ( Allium sativum L.) to assess potential therapeutic use of this herb as an anticryptococcal agent. The in vitro antifungal activity in broth showed greatest activity in the aqueous extract (MIC 125-250 μg/ml; MFC 250 to = 500 μg/ml) compared to the alcoholic, crude or commercial extracts. Treatment of Balb/c mice with garlic extracts in mice (orally) showed that alcoholic extracts (5 mg/kg, q.i.d.) provided 100% protection of mice against disseminated cryptococcosis. A concomitant increase in MST (> 35 days) was observed, along with a significant reduction in cfu (log 10 ) burden of cryptococci in visceral (liver, spleen, kidney, lung and heart) tissues, especially brain (> 4.5 log 10 ). The efficacy of extracts was also evident in the sera of mice. Thus, alcoholic extracts of fresh garlic elicit potential anticryptococcal activity against murine disseminated cryptococcosis.     

Superoxide radical scavenging and antibacterial activities of different fractions of ethanol extract of Mentha spicata (L.)

Mentha spicata is a well-known spice that has a variety of biological properties and is abundantly available throughout the world. This study was designed to investigate the superoxide radical scavenging and antibacterial properties of different fractions (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous) of the ethanol extract of Mentha spicata. In addition, xanthine oxidase generated uric acid inhibition, reducing potential and iron chelating activity, also was investigated. Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest (≤84%) superoxide radical scavenging and inhibition of uric acid formation at 40 μg/ml compared with the standard quercetin (≤81%) at 30 μg/ml. The highest reducing potential also is observed in ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions, which were comparable to the reducing potential of quercetin and ascorbic acid. Iron chelating activity of solvent fractions was found to be better than standard of EDTA (79% at 3 mg/ml). In addition, all fractions showed effective antibacterial activity against five human pathogenic bacteria among the ten samples used. However, aqueous fraction showed maximum growth inhibition zone (≤36 mm diameter at 6 μg/per disc) against Shigella boydii. Hence, we conclude that the ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of ethanol extract of Mentha spicata exhibited higher superoxide radical scavenging and antibacterial activities.     

The hemorheological effects of Lychnis chalcedonica L. extracts

The hemorrheological effects of extracts from Maltese cross campion (Lychnis chalcedonica L.) prepared using 40% (I) and 70% (II) aqueous ethanol solutions were studied in vitro in comparison with tanakan on the model of high blood viscosity syndrome. Under the hyperthermia conditions, extracts I and II at a concentration of 1 x 10(-5) g/ml limited the growth of blood viscosity and thrombocyte aggregation and the drop in thrombocyte deformability. The effects of both extracts were comparable to those of tanakan. Prolonged (5 days) administration of extract I (daily dose, 150 mg/kg p.o) in rats with arterial hypertension (SHR) decreased the viscosity of whole blood and plasma, reduced the concentration of fibrinogen, and increased the deformability of erythrocytes. No reliable effects of the extracts in vivo upon the erythrocyte aggregation and hematocrit were observed.     

Evaluation Of The Diuretic Activity Of Boerhaavia Verticillata

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the potential diuretic activity of Boerhaavia verticillata . The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of B. verticillata were administered in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p., to normal and adult albino rats, which were monitored over a period of 24 h. Experimental results confirmed that both the ethanol and aqueous extracts have diuretic properties, but the ethanol extract seems to have less diuretic and natriuretic activity than the aqueous extract.     

Evaluation of the diuretic activity of boerhaavia verticillata

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the potential diuretic activity of Boerhaavia verticillata . The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of B. verticillata were administered in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p., to normal and adult albino rats, which were monitored over a period of 24 h. Experimental results confirmed that both the ethanol and aqueous extracts have diuretic properties, but the ethanol extract seems to have less diuretic and natriuretic activity than the aqueous extract.     

Biological activities of the red algae Galaxaura rugosa and Liagora hawaiiana butters

The biological activities; antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer, of the red algae Galaxaura rugosa and Liagora hawaiiana were determined. The total ethanol, lipoidal matters, chloroform, n-butanol, aqueous extracts and powder of both algae showed and bacterial and antifungal activities. However, the chloroform extract of Galaxaura rugosa showed antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (24?mm, 0.15?mg/ml) higher than gentamycin (23?mm, 0.49?mg/ml). Moreover, the total ethanol, lipoidal matter and chloroform extracts showed antifungal activity (21, 22 and 25?mm, 1.25, 0.312 and 0.156?mg/ml) similar to the antibiotic Ketoconazole activity (23, 24 and 27?mm, 1.25, 0.312 and 0.156?mg/ml) against Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger and Candida trobicalis, respectively. A good antioxidant activity (80.96%, IC₅₀?=?27.8?µg/ml) was provided by Galaxaura rugosa. The anticancer activity results revealed that the lipoidal matters of Galaxaura rugosa and Liagora hawaiiana possessed antitumor activity (IC₅₀?=?15?±?1.7 and 21.2?±?1.6, respectively) against lung carcinoma (A-549) better than vinblastine sulfate (IC₅₀?=?24.6?±?0.7). Although, the lipoidal matters of Galaxaura rugosa and Liagora hawaiiana antitumor activity against cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and intestinal carcinoma (CACO-2) (IC₅₀?=?10.2?±?0.6 and 12.2?±?0.6, respectively) preferable than vinblastine sulfate (IC₅₀?=?59.7?±?2.1 and 30.3?±?1.4, respectively).     

Effect of Drynaria baronii Rhizome Extracts on the Proliferation in Osteoblast-Like UMR106 Cells

Cultured osteoblast-like UMR106 cells were employed as an osteoblast model and the effect of Drynaria baronii rhizome extracts on cell proliferation was studied. The crude ethanol extract of Drynaria baronii promoted cell proliferation by 36% at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml after 36 hours co-culturing with UMR106 cells, which was similar to that of 10 -5 mol/L NaF. Both its ethyl acetate fraction and n -butanol fraction partitioned from the crude extract were found the same promoting effect as the crude extract, and the effective concentration of the n -butanol fraction was lower than that of the crude extract. The residual aqueous fraction had no significant effect on the cell proliferation. The results suggested that Drynaria baronii rhizome extracts might have potential activity against osteoporosis, and that its ethyl acetate and n -butanol fractions might contain active constituents stimulating osteoblasts.     

Antineoplastic and Antiviral Screening of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids from Heliotropium subulatum

The phytochemical investigation of Heliotropium subulatum, guided by bioassay, led to the isolation of heliotrine, 7-angeloyl heliotrine, retronecine, subulacine and subulacine- N -oxide. It has been reported that 7-angeloyl heliotrine was the major alkaloid both in vivo (0.42%) and in vitro (0.25%) cell cultures. Antineoplastic, cytotoxic and antiviral activities of ethanol, hexane, dichloromethane crude extracts and isolated pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been screened by packed cell volume and plaque inhibition methods. The 7-angeloyl heliotrine and retronecine showed activity at 5µg/kg/day of 41.7 and 38.6% inhibition against Sarcoma 180. The hexane extract (3µg/ml) and 7-angeloyl heliotrine (10 and 5µg/ml) showed selective cytotoxicity against Chinese hamster V 79 cells. The ethanol and hexane crude extract showed significant antiviral activity to Coxsackie, Poliomyelitis and Measles at 500 and 100µg/ml concentrations, while heliotrine and 7-angeloyl heliotrine possess activity against Poliomyelitis and Vesicular stomatitis at a concentration of 10µg/ml.     

Total phenols, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of walnut (Juglans regia L.) green husks

The total phenols content and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were studied in walnut (Juglans regia L.) green husks aqueous extracts of five different cultivars (Franquette, Mayette, Marbot, Mellanaise and Parisienne). Total phenols content was determined by colorimetric assay and their amount ranged from 32.61 mg/g of GAE (cv. Mellanaise) to 74.08 mg/g of GAE t (cv. Franquette). The antioxidant capacity of aqueous extracts was assessed through reducing power assay, scavenging effects on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and beta-carotene linoleate model system. A concentration-dependent antioxidative capacity was verified in reducing power and DPPH assays, with EC50 values lower than 1 mg/mL for all the tested extracts. The antimicrobial capacity was screened against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, and fungi. All the extracts inhibited the growth of Gram positive bacteria, being Staphylococcus aureus the most susceptible one with MIC of 0.1 mg/mL for all the extracts. The results obtained indicate that walnut green husks may become important in the obtainment of a noticeable source of compounds with health protective potential and antimicrobial activity.     

Potent Antifungal Activity of Garlic (Allium Sativum) Against Experimental Murine Dissemenated Cryptococcosis

The adequate management of cryptococcosis is difficult with the available armamentarium of synthetic antifungals. We made an effort to evaluate fresh extracts of garlic ( Allium sativum L.) to assess potential therapeutic use of this herb as an anticryptococcal agent. The in vitro antifungal activity in broth showed greatest activity in the aqueous extract (MIC 125–250 µg/ml; MFC 250 to = 500 µg/ml) compared to the alcoholic, crude or commercial extracts. Treatment of Balb/c mice with garlic extracts in mice (orally) showed that alcoholic extracts (5 mg/kg, q.i.d.) provided 100% protection of mice against disseminated cryptococcosis. A concomitant increase in MST (> 35 days) was observed, along with a significant reduction in cfu (log 10 ) burden of cryptococci in visceral (liver, spleen, kidney, lung and heart) tissues, especially brain (> 4.5 log 10 ). The efficacy of extracts was also evident in the sera of mice. Thus, alcoholic extracts of fresh garlic elicit potential anticryptococcal activity against murine disseminated cryptococcosis.     

Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of methanol and aqueous extracts of Agave sisalana

The methanol and the aqueous extracts of the plant, Agave sisalana were prepared and evaluated for its phytochemical properties and antimicrobial activities. The phytochemical analysis of the preparation revealed the presence of some secondary metabolites which include: saponins, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, steroids, tannins and flavonoids. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the crude methanol and aqueous extract of the Agave sisalana were investigated. The extract showed antimicrobial activities against the test organisms with different zones of inhibition ranging from 28-32 mm and 25-29 mm for methanol and aqueous extract, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of both the methanol and aqueous extract was between 10-20 mg/mL, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was between 20-40 mg/mL for both extracts. The investigation indicated that the methanol extract inhibited the growth of the microbes more than the aqueous extract. The ability of the crude extracts of A. sisalana to inhibit the growth of the microbes is an indication of its antimicrobial potential, which may be employed in the management of microbial infections.     

Evaluation of free radical scavenging and antityrosinase activities of standardized longan fruit extract.

The protective effects of fruits and vegetables against chronic diseases have been attributed to the antioxidant properties of some secondary metabolites present in these foods. Plant polyphenols have been reported to exhibit bioactive properties, and in particular antioxidant activities. Longan seeds are found to contain high levels of some beneficial polyphenolic compounds such as corilagin, gallic acid and ellagic acid. The present study examined the free radical scavenging activity of longan seed extract by using three different assay methods. Longan extracts contained corilagin ranging from zero to 50.64 mg/g DW, gallic acid from 9.18 to 23.04 mg/g DW, and ellagic acid from 8.13 to 12.65 mg/g DW depending on the cultivars. Dried longan seed extracts of cultivar Edor contained high levels of gallic acid and ellagic acid and also exhibited the highest radical scavenging activities when comparing fresh seed and dried pulp extracts. For scavenging activity of DPPH and superoxide radicals, longan seed extract was found to be as effective as Japanese green tea extract while dried longan pulp and mulberry green tea extracts showed the least scavenging activities. In the ORAC assay, both fresh and dried longan seed also had higher activity than dried pulp and whole fruit. However, the results demonstrate that three polyphenolics may not be the major contributors of the high antioxidant activity of longan water extracts but this high activity may be due to other phenolic/flavonoid glycosides and ellagitannins present in longan fruit. In addition, longan seed also showed tyrosinase inhibitory activity with IC(50) values of 2.9-3.2 mg/ml. Therefore, the preliminary observations suggest that longan seed extract could be another potential source of potent natural dietary antioxidants and also in an application as a new natural skin-whitening agent.