Antibacterial Activity of some Medicinal Mangroves against Antibiotic Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria

The antibacterial activity of the leaves and bark of mangrove plants, Avicennia marina, A. officinalis, Bruguiera sexangula, Exoecaria agallocha, Lumnitzera racemosa, and Rhizophora apiculata was evaluated against antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus sp. Soxhlet extracts of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water were prepared and evaluated the antibacterial activity using agar diffusion method. Most of the plant extracts showed promising antibacterial activity against both bacterial species. However, higher antibacterial activity was observed for Staphylococcus aureus than Proteus sp. The highest antibacterial activity was shown by ethyl acetate of mature leaf extracts of E. agallocha for Staphylococcus aureus. All ethyl acetate extracts showed higher inhibition against S. aureus while some extracts of chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol gave inhibition against Proteus sp. None of the petroleum ether and aqueous extracts showed inhibition against Proteus sp. All fresh plant materials did also show more antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains than did dried plant extracts. Antibacterial activity of fresh and dried plant materials reduced for both bacterial strains with time after extraction. Since L. racemosa and A. marina gave the best inhibition for bacterial species, they were used for further investigations. Charcoal treated plant extracts of L. racemosa and A. marina were able to inhibit both bacterial strains more than those of untreated plant extracts. Phytochemical screening of mature leaf, bark of L. racemosa and leaf extracts of A. marina has been carried out and revealed that leaf and bark contained alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids and flavonoids. None of the above extracts indicate the presence of saponins and cardiac glycosides. Separated bands of extracts by TLC analysis showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus.     

Antiproliferative activity of plant extracts used against cancer in traditional medicine

Forty four extracts from sixteen plants used traditionally as anticancer agents were evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against Hep-2, MCF-7, and Vero cell lines. Plants were fractionated using ethanol, methanol, chloroform, n-hexane, distilled water, and butanol. The antiproliferative activity was measured by MTT assay. TLC was used to identify active fractions. The apoptotic activity of active fractions was determined using TUNEL colorimetric assay. 20 of these extracts demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity against one or more of the cell lines. These extracts were prepared from Ononis hirta, Inula viscosa, Salvia pinardi, Verbascum sinaiticum and Ononis sicula. Methanol fractions of Ononis hirta (aerial parts) and Inula viscosa (flowers) were the most active fractions against MCF-7 cells with IC₅₀ of 27.96 and 15.78 μg/ml respectively and they were less toxic against other cell lines. Other extracts showed lower activity against cancer cell lines. TLC analysis showed the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids in active plants while alkaloids were detected in Ononis hirta (aerial parts) extracts. Ononis hirta (aerial parts) and Inula viscosa (flowers) extracts exerted their antiproliferative activity by inducing apoptosis in cancer cell lines. Further studies are necessary for detailed chemical characterization and more extensive biological evaluation of the most active ingredients.     

Antimicrobial Studies on Extracts of Four Species of Stachys

The antimicrobial activity of the methanol extracts of the dried flowering aerial parts of Stachys byzantina, S. inflata, S. lavandulifolia and S. laxa (Labiatae) were studied using the disc diffusion method and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sanguis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aspergilus niger and Candida albicans. The extracts of plants exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against the bacteria tested. The extracts were more active against Gram-positive microorganisms. The extracts, however, did not show any antifungal activity.     

Composition and antiradical activity of lilac extracts

The composition and antioxidant properties of aqueous and EtOH extracts of the flowers and bark of various lilac species (Syringa vulgaris L., varieties Jeanne d’Arc and Lavoisier; S. josikaea Jacq. fil.; S. microphylla superba, and S. amurensis Rupr.) were investigated. It is found that the antiradical activity does not depend on the variety and species of lilac. Thus, any of the studied species can be used as pharmacological raw material. It is established that the antiradical properties of lilac extracts are determined to a considerable extent by compounds of nonphenolic nature.     

Design,Development and Rationalization of Sarpagandha Ghanvati

Sarpagandha ghanvati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation widely prescribed for anxiety and insomnia. It contains Sarpagandha (roots of Rauwolfia serpentina L. (Benth.) Ex Kurz; Family: Apocyanaceae), Khurasani ajowan (Hyocyamus niger L.; Family: Solanaceae) seeds, Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi DC. Family: Valerianaceae) roots and Pipplamul (root of Piper longum L.; Family: Piperaceae). The objective of this study was to make a comparative evaluation of Ghanvatis and tablets of this formulation. Two tablet formulations were prepared; one incorporating only powders of all ingredients; the other with ethanol extracts of the first three ingredients and powder of Piper longum root. Similarly, two types of Sarpagandha ghanvati pills were prepared; one as per Ayurvedic Formulary of India; the other with ethanol extracts of the first three ingredients and powder of Piper longum root. Alcohol extracted 0.22% w/w of total alkaloids as against 0.061% w/w extracted by water. Tablets prepared with powders of all the ingredients had friability more than 3.0% where as those prepared with ethanol extract had very low friability. Ghanvatis, prepared as per the Ayurvedic formulary, did not show reserpine although other alkaloids were present. They showed less content uniformity and lower drug release. Ethanol extracted reserpine along with other alkaloids. Ghanvatis made with the alcoholic extracts exhibited better content uniformity and drug release than the traditional formulation. Tablets prepared with powders or extracts of the ingredients exhibited good content uniformity but the release of alkaloids from the tablets of powders was only 80%. Tablets of the extracts had good content uniformity with 90% release of the total alkaloids. Tablets prepared with alcoholic extracts using 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone as binder and 5% dried starch powder as disintegrating agent confirmed to all the requirements. Thus, the study shows tablets made with the extracts are superior to Ghanvatis and powder tablets.     

The mutagenicity of some edible mushrooms in the ames test

The mutagenic activity of five wild and two cultivated species of edible mushrooms was studied in the Ames Salmonella/microsome test system. The wild mushrooms tested were four species of the genus Lactarius (L. necator, L. torminosus, L. helvus and L. rufus) and bolete (Boletus edulis). The cultivated species were champignon (Agaricus bisporus) and shiitake (Lentinus edodes). All the mushrooms were mutagenic to tester strains sensitive to base-pair substitution mutagens, and L. necator, L. rufus and B. edulis also had some frameshift activity. Metabolic activation was not required and the mutagenic activity could be detected even in boiled mushroom extracts. After fractionation with organic solvents (ethanol followed by diethyl ether) the activity was recovered in the ether phase as well as the aqueous phase in the case of L. necator, but remained in the aqueous phase of the A. bisporus and Lentinus edodes extracts.     

Anti-inflammatory,Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Artemisinin Extracts from Artemisia annua L.

The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of artemisinin derived from water, methanol, ethanol, or acetone extracts of Artemisia annua L. were evaluated. All 4 artemisinin-containing extracts had anti-inflammatory effects. Of these, the acetone extract had the greatest inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), and proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β , IL-6, and IL-10) production. Antioxidant activity evaluations revealed that the ethanol extract had the highest free radical scavenging activity, (91.0±3.2%), similar to α-tocopherol (99.9%). The extracts had antimicrobial activity against the periodontopathic microorganisms Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. animalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. polymorphum, and Prevotella intermedia. This study shows that Artemisia annua L. extracts contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial substances and should be considered for use in pharmaceutical products for the treatment of dental diseases.     

Comparative evaluation of the potential anti-spasmodic activity of Piper longum,Piper nigrum,Terminalia bellerica,Terminalia chebula,and Zingiber officinale in experimental animals

BackgroundSpasm of muscle is one of the frequent complaints seen by most of the population worldwide. The present study evaluated the efficacy of some of the commonly used herbal extracts against known spasmogens, such as histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT).Material and methodsThe study was conducted on isolated guinea pig ileum and rat uterus preparations using histamine and 5-HT, respectively. Five herbal extracts such as Piper longum (P.L), Piper nigrum (P.N), Terminalia bellerica (T.B), Terminalia chebula (T.C), and Zingiber officinale (Z.O) were tested. Herbal extracts at doses 50, 150, 500, 1500, and 5000 mcg/ml were pretreated to the isolated tissue preparation, and the contractile response of histamine and 5-HT was recorded. The efficacy and the inhibitory concentration (IC50) were calculated and statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA.ResultsThe study indicated that all five herbal extracts produced a concentration-dependent suppression of histamine and 5-HT-induced responses. A significant (p < 0.05) non-competitive antagonism was observed against the known spasmogen induced smooth muscle contraction for P.L, P.N, T.B, and Z.O in both guinea pigs and rat uterus preparation. Moreover, P.L and P.N completely abolished (100%) the contractile response induced by histamine and 5-HT. Although, T.C produced a concentration-dependent reduction in known spasmogen-induced contraction but the response was found to be statistically non-significant (p greater than 0.05).ConclusionThe finding suggested that P.L. and P.N. have better activity in terms of reducing the spasmogenic contractions compared to other extracts. Additionally, T.B. and Z.O. can lessen the uterine and intestinal contractions brought on by spasmogens. Although P.L and P.N demonstrated better efficacy against the spasmogenic activity of histamine and 5-HT, more research, particularly on isolated phytochemicals of the extracts and involving different experimental models, is required before establishing the precise safety and efficacy against spasmogenic-induced disorders.     

In vitro cytotoxic screening of selected Saudi medicinal plants

Many natural products from plants have been identified to exert anticancer activity. It might be expected to be a challenge to look at the Saudi plants in order to discover new sources for new molecules which may have anticancer activity. The methanolic extracts of forty species of plants traditionally used in Saudi Arabia for the treatment of a variety of diseases were tested in vitro for their potential anticancer activity on different human cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic activity of the methanolic extracts of the tested plants were determined using three human cancer cell lines, namely, breast cancer (MCF7), hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG2), and cervix cancer (HELA) cells. In addition, human normal melanocyte (HFB4) was used as normal nonmalignant cells. Sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay was used to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic activity of the different extracts. The growth inhibition of 50% (IC₅₀) for each extract was calculated from the optical density of treated and untreated cells. Doxorubicin, a broad-spectrum anticancer drug, was used as the positive control. Nine plant extracts were chosen for further fractionation based on their activity and availability. Interesting cytotoxic activity was observed for Hypoestes forskaolii, Withania somnifera, Solanum glabratum, Adenium obesum, Pistacia vera oleoresin, Caralluma quadrangula, Eulophia petersii, Phragmanthera austroarabica, and Asparagus officinalis. Other extracts showed poor activity.     

Quality control,phytochemical profile,and biological activities of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Crataegus laciniata Ucria fruits aqueous extracts

The current study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, quality control, and antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antihyperglycemic activities, and toxicity assessment of Crataegus monogyna Jacq (C. monogyna) and Crataegus laciniata Ucria (C. laciniata) fruits aqueous extracts. The quality control of the plant material revealed that it is free of heavy metals and the acidity and ash parameters comply with international standards. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of eight phenolic compounds in the C. monogyna extract and nine compounds in the C. laciniata extract, with coumaric acid present only in the C. laciniata extract. According to the findings, both extracts are high in total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins. The results of the antioxidant activity revealed that our extracts have significant effects against 2, 2-diphényl 1-picrylhydrazyle (DPPH), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). The antibacterial test revealed that the two extracts tested were effective against four bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, and Shigella dysenteria, but were ineffective against Salmonella typhi, and Acinetobacter baumanii. In addition, extracts from both plants showed remarkable antihyperglycemic activity with no acute toxicity. In conclusion, the extracts studied could be a good source of bioactive molecules with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic activity for pharmaceutical applications.     

Anti-Helicobactor pylori activity of some Jordanian medicinal plants

Context: Natural flora are considered a major source of new agents for the treatment of Helicobactor pylori. The plants used in this study were selected based on previous traditional use.

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the effect of extracts of 16 medicinal plants grown in Jordan against clinical isolates of H. pylori.

Materials and methods: Tested plant extracts included Aloysia triphylla (L'Her.) Britton (Verbenaceae), Anethum graveolens L. (Apiaceae), Artemisia inculata Delile (Asteraceae), Capparis spinosa L. (Capparaceae), Crataegus aronia (L.) Bosc ex. DC. (Rosaceae), Inula viscose (L.) Ait (Asteraceae), Lavandula officinalis Chaix. (Lamiaceae), Lepidium sativum L. (Cruciferae), Origanum syriaca L. (Lamiaceae), Paronychia argentea Lam. (Caryophyllaceae), Passiflora incarnate L. (Passifloraceae), Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach (Rosaceae), Sesamum indicum L. (Pedaliaceae), Urtica urens L. (Urticaceae) and Varthemia iphionoids Boiss (Asteraceae). Clinical isolates of H. pylori were tested in vitro for susceptibility to each of the above plant crude extracts using disk diffusion method, and the MIC value was determined for each plant extract using the serial dilution method.

Results: Results showed that ethanol extracts of most medicinal plants exerted cytotoxiciy against H. pylori isolates. Among the tested plant extracts, A. triphylla (MIC: 90?µg/mL, MBC: 125?µg/mL) and I. viscosa (MIC: 83?µg/mL, MBC: 104?µg/mL) showed the strongest activity against both isolates of H. pylori.

Discussion and conclusion: Jordanian medicinal plants might be valuable sources of starting materials for the synthesis of new antibacterial agents against H. pylori.     

Inhibitory effects of wild dietary plants on lipid peroxidation and on the proliferation of human cancer cells

Thirteen hydroalcoholic extracts of edible plants from Southern Italy were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activity on three human cancer cell lines: breast cancer MCF-7, hepatic cancer HepG2 and colorectal cancer LoVo. After 48 h of incubation the most antiproliferative plant extract was rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) on LoVo cell line with IC₅₀ of 16.60 µg/ml. Oregano (Origanum vulgare L. subsp. viridulum) showed a selective antiproliferative activity on hepatic cancer with IC₅₀ of 32.59 µg/ml.All the extracts, with the exception of Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC., exerted antioxidant properties, the most active plants being dewberry (Rubus caesius L.) and “laprista” (Rumex conglomerates Murray) with IC₅₀ of 4.91 and 5.53 µg/ml, respectively. Rumex conglomeratus contained the highest amount of flavonoids (15.5 mg/g) followed by Portulaca oleracea L. (11.8 mg/g). Rosmarinus officinalis contained the highest number of terpenes. Among them ketoursene (14.7%) and aristolone (11.3%) were found to be the major constituents. P. oleracea and Raphanus raphanistrum L. subsp. landra contained the highest number of sterols.     

Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Against Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria from Clinical Isolates

The in vitro antibacterial activity of various solvents and water extracts of aloe vera, neem, bryophyllum, lemongrass, tulsi, oregano, rosemary and thyme was assessed on 10 multi-drug resistant clinical isolates from both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and two standard strains including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. The zone of inhibition as determined by agar well diffusion method varied with the plant extract, the solvent used for extraction, and the organism tested. Klebsiella pneumoniae 2, Escherichia coli 3 and Staphylococcus aureus 3 were resistant to the plant extracts tested. Moreover, water extracts did not restrain the growth of any tested bacteria. Ethanol and methanol extracts were found to be more potent being capable of exerting significant inhibitory activities against majority of the bacteria investigated. Staphylococcus aureus 1 was the most inhibited bacterial isolate with 24 extracts (60%) inhibiting its growth whereas Escherichia coli 2 exhibited strong resistance being inhibited by only 11 extracts (28%). The results obtained in the agar diffusion plates were in fair correlation with that obtained in the minimum inhibitory concentration tests. The minimum inhibitory concentration of tulsi, oregano, rosemary and aloe vera extracts was found in the range of 1.56-6.25 mg/ml for the multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates tested whereas higher values (6.25-25 mg/ml) were obtained against the multi-drug resistant isolates Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 and Escherichia coli 1 and 2. Qualitative phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of tannins and saponins in all plants tested. Thin layer chromatography and bioautography agar overlay assay of ethanol extracts of neem, tulsi and aloe vera indicated flavonoids and tannins as major active compounds against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.     

Medicinal plants of Tamil Nadu (Southern India) are a rich source of antiviral activities

In order to evaluate the potential of medicinal plants of Tamil Nadu as sources of antiviral activities, we used seven different viruses to evaluate the methanol extracts of 30 plants, derived from 22 families and recognized for their local medical applications. Antiviral activity was the minimum concentration of extracts required to completely inhibit viral cytopathic effects (CPE), i.e., MIC₁₀₀ values. Many extracts showed strong activities against Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and mouse corona virus (MCV, the surrogate for human SARS virus). Some extracts were also active against influenza virus and Sindbis virus (SINV, surrogate for hepatitis C virus), but fewer were active against the non-membrane viruses feline calicivirus (FCV, the surrogate for Norovirus), rhinovirus (common cold virus), and poliovirus. The most potent extracts (low MIC₁₀₀ and broad spectrum of activity) were obtained from Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae), Pergularia daemia (Forsskal) Chiov. (Asclepiadaceae), Sphaeranthus indicus L. (Asteraceae), Cassia alata L. (Caesalpiniaceae), Evolvulus alsinoides L. (Convolvulaceae), Clitoria ternatea L. (Fabaceae), Indigofera tinctoria L. (Euphorbiaceae), Abutilon indicum G. Don. (Malvaceae), Vitex trifolia L. (Verbenaceae), Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn (Verbenaceae), and Leucas aspera Spr. (Lamiaceae), which showed anti-MCV and anti-HSV activities at a concentration as low as 0.4 μg/mL. In some cases the activities were enhanced by light, suggesting the presence of photosensitizers. Some of these antiviral activities could contribute to the medicinal properties of the plants, and also provide more support for the concept of scientific validation of traditional plant medicines in the fight against infectious diseases.     

Development and Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Polyherbal Formulation Containing Some Indigenous Medicinal Plants

The present study explores the hepatoprotective activity of various extracts of Ferula asafoetida, Momordica charantia Linn and Nardostachys jatamansi against experimental hepatotoxicity. Polyherbal suspensions were formulated using extracts showing significant activity and evaluated for both physicochemical and hepatoprotective activity in comparison with LIV-52 as standard. Petroleum ether (60-80°), chloroform, benzene, ethanol and aqueous extracts of Ferula asafetida, Momordica charantia Linn and Nardostachys jatamansi were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats. Polyherbal suspensions were prepared by the trituration method using a suspending agent and other excipients. Formulation F3 has shown significant hepatoprotective effect by reducing the elevated serum enzyme levels such as glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. Various parameters evaluated for all formulations were within the official specifications. Experimental data suggested that treatment with formulation F3 enhances the recovery from carbon tetra chloride-induced hepatotoxicity. From these results it may be concluded that the F3 formulation (containing chloroform, petroleum ether and aqueous extracts of Ferula asafetida, petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of Momordica charantia Linn. and petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of Nardostachys jatamansi) demonstrated significant hepatoprotective activity, that might be due to combined effect of all these extracts.     

Antibacterial Activity and Alkaloid Content of Berberis thunbergii,Berberis vulgaris and Hydrastis canadensis

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii DC.) is a species non-native to North America but widely found as a garden ornamental. Due to its invasiveness, it has become a pest in certain parts of Maine. A comparison of alkaloid content and antibacterial activity of Japanese barberry with common barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) has been carried out to determine whether B. thunbergii might serve as a viable substitute for more commonly used berberine-containing medicinal plants such as goldenseal (HHydrastis canadensis L.)

Extracts were prepared by exhaustively extracting B. thunbergii, B. vulgaris, and H. canadensis with 70% ethanol (ratio of roots to solvent was 1?:?5). Additional extracts were prepared with both 65% glycerin, and a mixture of 15% alcohol, 40% glycerin and 45% water (ratio of roots to solvent was 1?:?4).

The ethanolic extracts were more potent against five bacteria than either the glycerin extracts or the mixed solvent extracts. Notably, the extracts exhibited strongest activity versus bacteria associated with sore throat (Streptococcus pyogenes) and opportunistic skin infection (Staphylococcus aureus), which supports the traditional uses of berberine-containing plants. The total alkaloid content in the dried roots (% w/w) was found to be 3.47 ± 0.39 (1.38 ± 0.14 berberine) for B. thunbergii, 2.22 ± 0.12 (0.43 ± 0.02 berberine) for B. vulgaris, and 9.04 ± 0.21 (6.34 ± 0.14 berberine) for H. canadensis.     

Accumulation of phenolic compounds in in vitro cultures and wild plants of Lavandula viridis L’Hér and their antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase potential

In this study, we evaluated the phenolic profile, antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase potential of different extracts from wild plants and in vitro cultures of Lavandula viridis L’Hér. The HPLC–DAD analysis allowed the identification and quantification of 3-O-caffeoylquinic, 4-O-caffeoylquinic, 5-O-caffeoylquinic and rosmarinic acids, and luteolin and pinocembrin. Water/ethanol extract from in vitro cultures contained the highest amount of the identified phenolic compounds (51652.92 mg/kg). To investigate the antioxidant activity we used Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, Fe²⁺ chelation activity and the inhibition of Fe²⁺-induced lipid peroxidation in mouse brain homogenates (in vitro). Overall, all the extracts from both wild plants and in vitro cultures exhibited ability to scavenge free radicals, to chelate Fe²⁺ and to protect against lipid peroxidation. In addition, the extracts from L. viridis were active in inhibiting both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (Ellman’s method). Our findings suggest that L. viridis in vitro cultures represent a promising alternative for the production of active metabolites with antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activity.     

Melilotus albus and Dorycnium herbaceum extracts as source of phenolic compounds and their antimicrobial,antibiofilm, and antioxidant potentials

Melilotus albus Medic. and Dorycnium herbaceum Vill. (Fabaceae) acetone, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts were investigated for their in vitro antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-oxidant activity with quantification of phenolic compound contents. In general, D. herbaceum extracts showed better antibacterial and antioxidant activity than M. albus extracts. Bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis were the most susceptible with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), determined by microdilution method, between 1.25–10 mg/mL. Antifungal activity was lower with the detectable MICs at 10 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL. The plant extracts, using the crystal violet assay, inhibit P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in concentration range from 5 mg/mL to 20 mg/mL whereas the effect on mature bacterial biofilm was lower. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging and reducing power model systems. The intensity of DPPH radicals scavenging activity, expressed as half maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) values, was from 84.33 μg/mL to >1000 μg/mL. The extracts demonstrated reduced power in a concentration-dependent manner, with ethanol extract as the most active. The total phenols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins were determined spectrophotometrically while total extractable tannins were obtained by precipitation method. The phenolic compounds showed differences in their total contents depending on solvents polarities and plant species. Although the plants M. albus and D. herbaceum have not yet been fully explored, these results contribute better understanding of their biotic properties and potential application as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.     

Herbal Extracts Encapsulated Nanoliposomes as Potential Glucose-lowering Agents: An in Vitro and in Vivo Approach Using Three Herbal Extracts

Encapsulation of polyphenol-rich herbal extracts into nanoliposomes is a promising strategy for the development of novel therapeutic agents against type 2 diabetes mellitus. An attempt was made to encapsulate aqueous, ethanol, and aqueous ethanol (70% v/v) extracts of Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb., Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng,. and Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt into nanoliposomes and to screen acute bioactivities in vitro and in vivo. A wide spectrum of bioactivity was observed of which aqueous extracts encapsulated nanoliposomes of all three plants showed high bioactivity in terms of in vivo glucose-lowering activity in high-fat diet-fed streptozotocin induced Wistar rats, compared to respective free extracts. The particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the aforementioned nanoliposomes ranged from 179–494 nm, 0.362–0.483, and (–22) to (–17) mV, respectively. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging reflected that the nanoparticles have desired morphological characteristics and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed successful encapsulation of plant extracts into nanoparticles. However, only the S. auriculata aqueous extract encapsulated nanoliposome, despite the slow release (9% by 30 hours), showed significant (p < 0.05) in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and in vivo glucose-lowering activity compared to free extract, proving worthy for future investigations.     

In vitro antioxidant and antitumor activities of six selected plants used in the Traditional Arabic Palestinian herbal medicine

Context: Despite several pharmacological applications of the medicinal plants in the Traditional Arabic Palestinian Herbal Medicine in Palestine (TAPHM), studies on their antioxidant properties are still scarce.

Objective: This work evaluates the antioxidant and antitumor activities of the ethanol extracts from different parts of six plants: [Arum palaestinum Boiss (Araceae), Urtica pilulifera L. (Urticaceae), Coridothymus capitatus (L.) Reichb (Lamiaceae), Majorana syriaca (L.) Rafin. (Lamiaceae), Teucrium creticum L. (Lamiaceae), and Teucrium capitatum L. (Lamiaceae)] used in the TAPHM.

Materials and methods: The antioxidant activity was evaluated for the ethanol extracts by DPPH and β-carotene–linoleic acid assays together with total contents of phenols and flavonoids. For the anti-carcinogenic evaluation, the extracts were tested for the ability to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) using the MTT reduction assay.

Results: Among the extracts, the U. pilulifera had the highest amount of total phenolics, possessing the second highest total flavonoids. It also showed a maximum cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀?=?63?µg/ml), followed by C. capitatus, and A. palaestinum. Otherwise, the extract of T. creticum was demonstrated to be an efficient scavenger of O₂ (IC₅₀?=?83?µg/ml), followed by M. syriaca, C. capitatus, T. capitatum, A. palaestinum, and U. pilulifera.

Discussion and conclusion: The results suggest that the investigated plants have shown varied antioxidant capacities which were strongly correlated with their contents of phenolics. Accordingly, this study proposes that the therapeutic benefit of these plants can be, at least in part, attributed to its potential inhibition of oxidative processes.