Antioxidant and antidiarrheal activities of ethanol extract of Ardisia elliptica fruits

Context: Ardisia elliptica Thunb Lam. (Myrsinaceae) is widely used traditionally in the treatment of diarrhea related health disorders in Bangladesh.

Objective: The crude ethanol extract of Ardisia elliptica fruits (EFA) was evaluated for its antioxidant and antidiarrhoeal activities.

Materials and methods: DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power and Fe⁺⁺ ion chelating ability were used for determining antioxidant activities and animal models were used for antidiarrheal activities such as the castor oil and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea, enteropooling induced by the administration of castor oil and magnesium sulfate at the doses of 250 and 500?mg/kg.

Results: The extract possessed a significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 30.75?μg/ml compared to ascorbic acid (IC₅₀: 7.89?μg/ml). The IC₅₀ values of the extract and ascorbic acid were 51.72 and 38.68?μg/ml, respectively, in nitric oxide scavenging assay. The IC₅₀ value of the extract for Fe⁺⁺ ion chelating ability (41.30?μg/ml) was also found to be significant compared to the IC₅₀ value of EDTA (22.57?μg/ml). The EFA also showed a significant protection (p?Conclusion: Therefore, the obtained results confirm the antioxidant and antidiarrheal activity of EFA and thus support the traditional uses of this plant as a modality for antioxidant and antidiarrheal activity.     

Antidiabetic and Free Radicals Scavenging Potential of Euphorbia hirta Flower Extract

The present study was carried out to evaluate antidiabetic and in vitro free radicals scavenging effects of flower extract of Euphorbia hirta. The ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg) were orally tested for 21 days in alloxan induced diabetic mice and blood glucose level was measured with glucometer. Administration of extract resulted in significant reduction in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase levels but high density lipoprotein levels and total proteins were found to be increased after treatments. Free radicals scavenging effect of ethanolic extract was also evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, superoxide anion radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, and reducing power assay. It was compared with standard antioxidants compounds such as butylated hydroxyl anisole and ascorbic acid. All the extracts showed antioxidant activity in all the tested methods.     

In vitro antioxidant activity and scavenging effects of Cinnamomum verum leaf extract assayed by different methodologies.

The free radical scavenging capacity and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract of Cinnamomum verum leaf (CLE) were studied and compared to antioxidant compounds like trolox, butylated hydroxyl anisole, gallic acid and ascorbic acid. The CLE exhibited free radical scavenging activity, especially against DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation. They also exhibited reducing power and metal ion chelating activity, along with hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The peroxidation inhibiting activity of CLE recorded using the linoleic acid emulsion system, showed very good antioxidant activity.     

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.     

Antinociceptive and antioxidant potential of the crude ethanol extract of the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides grown in Bangladesh

Abstract

Context: Ageratum conyzoides Linn. (Asteraceae) is an annual herbaceous plant with a long history of traditional medicinal and agricultural uses; it is usually grown in the northeast part of Bangladesh.

Objective: The ethanol extract of the plant leaves was evaluated for preliminary phytochemical screening with its antinociceptive and antioxidant activities.

Materials and methods: The preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed on the basis of standard procedures. The analgesic activity of the extract was investigated using the acetic acid-induced writhing method in mice. Five complementary tests such as DPPH free radical scavenging, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, reducing power, Fe⁺⁺ ion chelating ability and total phenolic content were used for determining antioxidant activities.

Results: The results of preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, saponins, gums, steroids, tannins and flavonoids. The extract possessed a significant dose-dependent DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 18.91?μg/ml compared to ascorbic acid (IC₅₀: 2.937?μg/ml) and butylated hydroxyanisole (IC₅₀: 5.10?μg/ml). The IC₅₀ value of the extract for NO scavenging (41.81?μg/ml) was also found to be significant compared to the IC₅₀ value of ascorbic acid (37.93?μg/ml). Moreover, the extract showed reducing power activity and Fe⁺⁺ ion chelating ability. The total phenolic amount was also calculated as quite high (378.37?mg/g of gallic acid equivalents) in the crude ethanol extract.

Discussion and conclusion: Therefore, the obtained results tend to suggest the antinociceptive and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of the plant leaves and justify its use in folkloric remedies.     

茉莉花挥发油清除自由基活性的研究

目的：从清除1,1－二苯基－2－苦苯肼自由基（DPPH?）、羟自由基（? OH）、超氧阴离子自由基（O2?－）3个方面,研究茉莉花挥发油清除自由基活性。方法采用水蒸气蒸馏法提取茉莉花挥发油,从其清除DPPH?、? OH和O2?－能力3个方面进行考察,并以常用抗氧化剂L－抗坏血酸为对照作比较,通过计算半数抑制浓度（ IC50）评价茉莉花挥发油清除,在供试质量浓度范围内,呈一定量效关系,其 IC50分别为153．548μg?mL －1、56．481μg? mL －1和133．586μg? mL －1。结论茉莉花挥发油具有良好的清除自由基活性,是一种新型天然抗氧化物质来源。     

In vitro antioxidant activity of three Piper species

Reactive oxygen species are known to play a role in numerous pathological conditions, and antioxidants from plant sources have been of great help in modulating this effect. This study assesses the methanolic extracts of the leaves of three Piper species (Piper guineense Schum and Thonn., Piper nigrum L. and Piper umbellatum L.) (Piperaceae) for their polyphenolic concentration and free radical scavenging activity. The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to assess the polyphenolic concentration while the reducing power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide scavenging and metal chelating activities were employed in studying the radical scavenging activity of the extracts. All three spices exhibited a marked polyphenolic concentration and dose dependent free radical scavenging activity. The free polyphenolic concentration of the three spices was in the order P. umbellatum (15.9 +/- 1.9 mg/g) > P. guineense (12.6 +/- 0.3 mg/g) > P. nigrum (9.8 +/- 0.8). The three Piper extracts exhibited a 79.8-89.9% scavenging effect on DPPH, an 85.1-97.9% scavenging effect on nitric oxide at a dose level of 10 mg/ml and a 47.1-51.6% scavenging effect on superoxide radical at a dose level of 8 mg/ml extraction. Piper extracts also exhibited a 57-76.1% scavenging effect on hydroxyl radical at 5 mg/ml, a 0.4-0.6 reducing power and an 88.3-93.9% metal chelating activity at a dose level of 8 mg/ml of extract. Thus, these Piper species can play a role in the modulation of free radical induced disorders.     

Hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Hiptage bengalensis leaves against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The objective of the present study was to evaluate hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Hiptage bengalensis (L.) kurz (MEHB) in rats. Hepatic damage was induced by administration of carbontetrachloride(1 ml/kg, b.w, p.o.) in combination with liquid paraffin (1:1) as a single dose on 7th day. The extent of liver damage was studied by estimating biochemical parameters. Administration of MEHB (200 mg & 400 mg/kg) for 6 days before carbontetrachloride administration showed a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of serum liver damage enzymes markers-aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Histopathological changes of hepatic tissue were also evaluated in control and MEHB treated groups. Results also indicated that MEHB possessed potential antioxidant effect by increasing the levels of glutathione and also possessed free radical scavenging activities. The hepatoprotective effect of Hiptage bengalensis (L.) kurz was comparable to standard drug silymarin (50 mg/kg).     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Cordia macleodii leaves

This investigation was undertaken to evaluate ethanolic extract of Cordia macleodii leaves for possible antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by four established, in vitro methods viz. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging method, iron chelation method and reducing power method. The extract demonstrated a significant dose dependent antioxidant activity comparable with ascorbic acid. The extract was also evaluated for hepatoprotective activity by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver damage model in rats. CCl₄ produced a significant increase in levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. Pretreatment of the rats with ethanolic extract of C. macleodii (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg po) inhibited the increase in levels of GPT, GOT, ALP and total bilirubin and the inhibition was comparable with Silymarin (100 mg/kg po). The present study revealed that C. macleodii leaves have significant radical scavenging and hepatoprotective activities.     

Comparative radical scavenging and antidiabetic activities of methanolic extract and fractions from Achillea ligustica ALL

The yield of methanolic extract and total phenol and non polar content of flowered parts from Achillea ligustica ALL. are reported. GC-MS analysis of the non polar fraction showed that the triterpene moretenol was the major constituent (17.228%) followed by stigmast-6-en-3beta-ol, veridiflorol and beta-amyrin (7.524%, 5.078% 4.470%, respectively). The antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract and its fractions from A. ligustica were carried out using two different in vitro assays, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test and lipid peroxidation of liposomes assay. Methanolic extract showed higher radical scavenging activity on DPPH (IC50 of 50 microg/ml). This activity is probably due to the phenolic fraction which shown an IC50 value of 22 microg/ml. A different result was obtained from the methanolic extract on the lipid peroxidation of liposomes (IC50 of 416 microg/ml). The alpha-amylase inhibition assay was applied to evaluate antidiabetic activity. The methanolic extract showed weak activity (28.18% at 1 mg/ml) while the n-hexane fraction showed 74.96% inhibition at 250 microg/ml.     

In vitro antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activities of Rhizophora mucronata

Context: Rhizophora mucronata Lam. (Rhizophoraceae), commonly known as Asiatic mangrove, has been used traditionally among Asian countries as folk medicine.

Objective: This study investigates the cholinesterase inhibitory potential and antioxidant activities of R. mucronata.

Materials and method: Rhizophora mucronata leaves were successively extracted using solvents of varying polarity and a dosage of 100–500?µg/ml were used for each assay. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities were assessed according to the method of Ellman. In vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using free radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal-chelating activity (duration – 3 months). Total phenolic and flavonoid content were quantified spectrophotometrically. Compound characterization was done using column chromatography, NMR, FTIR, and LC-MS analysis.

Results: Methanolic leaf extract (500?µg/ml) exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against AChE (92.73?±?0.54%) and BuChE (98.98?±?0.17%), with an IC₅₀ value of 59.31?±?0.35 and 51.72?±?0.33?µg/ml, respectively. Among the different solvent extracts, methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 47.39?±?0.43, 401.45?±?18.52, 80.23?±?0.70, and 316.47?±?3.56?µg/ml for DPPH, hydroxyl, nitric oxide radical, and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. Total polyphenolic and flavonoid contents in methanolic extract were observed to be 598.13?±?1.85?µg of gallic acid equivalent and 48.85?±?0.70?μg of rutin equivalent/mg of extract. Compound characterization illustrated (+)-catechin as the bioactive compound responsible for cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities.

Conclusion: The presence of rich source of flavonoids, in particular catechin, might be responsible for its cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities.     

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia bonducella seeds

The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro potential of ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia bonducella seeds as a natural antioxidant. The DPPH activity of the extract (20, 40, 50, 100 and 200 μg/ml) was increased in a dose dependent manner, which was found in the range of 38.93–74.77% as compared to ascorbic acid (64.26–82.58%). The IC₅₀ values of ethanolic extract and ascorbic acid in DPPH radical scavenging assay were obtained to be 74.73 and 26.68 μg/ml, respectively. The ethanolic extract was also found to scavenge the superoxide generated by EDTA/NBT system. Measurement of total phenolic content of the ethanolic extract of C. bonducella was achieved using Folin–Ciocalteau reagent containing 62.50 mg/g of phenolic content, which was found significantly higher when compared to reference standard gallic acid. The ethanolic extract also inhibited the hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, superoxide anions with IC₅₀ values of 109.85, 102.65 and 89.84 μg/ml, respectively. However, the IC₅₀ values for the standard ascorbic acid were noted to be 70.79, 65.98 and 36.68 μg/ml respectively. The results obtained in this study clearly indicate that C. bonducella has a significant potential to use as a natural antioxidant agent.     

Evaluation of the antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties of Justicia hypocrateriformis

Content: Justicia hypocrateriformis Vahl (Acanthaceae) is used as an herbal remedy for diarrhea in Cameroon folk medicine.

Objective: This study evaluates the antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract of J. hypocrateriformis (JH).

Materials and methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening and an acute toxicity testing of the extract were carried out. The antidiarrheal activity of JH extract (100, 250, and 500?mg/kg) was assessed at curative and preventive levels in castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice. The antioxidant activity was measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content, and radical scavenging activity.

Results: A high lethal dose (LD₅₀) of 14.35?g/kg obtained in acute toxicity implies the extract is not toxic. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, and anthocyanins. JH showed a significant protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea as evidenced by a decrease in the number of defecation and wet stool. JH (100–500?mg/kg, p.o.) produced a non-significant dose-dependent decrease in castor oil-induced intestinal transit in the preventive study. In the curative and in healthy mice study, the decrease was only significant at 500?mg/kg. JH possessed a radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ of 9.93?mg/ml compared to 4.90?mg/ml for catechin. JH FRAP of 2703.77?±?0?mg/g (catechin equiv) and phenolic concentration of 14?169.99?±?612.39?mg/g (catechin equiv) were also obtained.

Conclusion: Justicia hypocrateriformis extract possesses antidiarrheal activity supported by its antioxidant potential and phytochemical constituents.     

Evaluation of antioxidant and antiulcerogenic activities of Opuntia ficus indica f. inermis flowers extract in rats

The Opuntia ficus indica f. inermis methanolic flowers extract (OMFE) was phytochemical studied, in vitro tested for their potential antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power, linoleic acid peroxidation assays and in vivo evaluated for its ability to prevent ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. The OMFE was rich in polysaccharide, phenolics and flavonoids contents and exhibited a moderate in vitro antioxidant activity when compared with (+)-catechin and ascorbic acid. Pre-treatment with OMFE at oral doses 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight was found to provide a dose-dependent protection against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer by averting the deep necrotic lesions of the gastric epithelium, by preserving normal antioxidant enzymes activities, by inhibiting the lipid peroxidation, the oxidation of protein and the DNA fragmentation in gastric mucosa. The antiulcerogenic activity of OMFE might be due to a possible synergistic antioxidant and antihistaminic-like effects.     

Hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Hiptage bengalensis leaves against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The objective of the present study was to evaluate hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Hiptage bengalensis (L.) kurz (MEHB) in rats. Hepatic damage was induced by administration of carbontetrachloride(1 ml/kg, b.w, p.o.) in combination with liquid paraffin (1:1) as a single dose on 7th day. The extent of liver damage was studied by estimating biochemical parameters. Administration of MEHB (200 mg & 400 mg/kg) for 6 days before carbontetrachloride administration showed a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of serum liver damage enzymes markers-aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Histopathological changes of hepatic tissue were also evaluated in control and MEHB treated groups. Results also indicated that MEHB possessed potential antioxidant effect by increasing the levels of glutathione and also possessed free radical scavenging activities. The hepatoprotective effect of Hiptage bengalensis (L.) kurz was comparable to standard drug silymarin (50 mg/kg).     

Evaluation of Ethanol and Aqueous extracts of Cinnamomum verum Leaf Galls for Potential Antioxidant and Analgesic activity

In the present study, ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaf galls of Cinnamomum verum were prepared to evaluate the antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay and superoxide radical scavenging assay with ascorbic acid as a standard, and analgesic activity by tail immersion test and acetic acid-induced writhing test methods using diclofenac sodium as the reference drug. Swiss albino mice maintained under standard laboratory conditions were used for analgesic tests. In the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay it was found that the aqueous and the ethanol extract possessed almost equal capacity to inhibit free radicals (IC₅₀=13.3 and 13.53 µg/ml) but found less than ascorbic acid (IC₅₀=9.96 µg/ml). And in superoxide assay the ethanol extract was found to be more potent in scavenging super oxide radicals when compared to ascorbic acid and the aqueous extract (IC₅₀=237.1 and 197.8 µg/ml) with the IC₅₀=119.7 µg/ml. For analgesic activity, ethanol extract showed the maximum time required for response against thermal stimuli (6.75±0.47 s) and maximum % of writhing inhibition (44.57%) when compared to aqueous extract (5.25±0.48 s and 32.61%), whereas diclofenac showed response in 7.25±0.25 s 67.39% inhibition in tail immersion and writhing tests, respectively. These results demonstrate that the ethanol extracts of leaf galls possessed high antioxidant and analgesic activity.     

陈皮提取物的抗氧化活性研究

通过乙醇浸提法对陈皮中黄酮类化合物进行提取并对其含量进行测定,进一步通过铁还原能力实验和羟自由基消除率实验测定陈皮中黄酮提取物的抗氧化活性。研究结果表明：陈皮中黄酮化合物的含量达到24.43%,铁还原能力试验表明,陈皮提取物的IC50值为1.354 mg/ml,羟自由基清除率实验表明,当陈皮黄酮提取物的浓度为4 mg/ml时,清除率达到82.56%,其IC50值为1.340mg/ml。并且黄酮类化合物的浓度的增加,其抗氧化活性逐渐增强。     

Chemical composition of five wild edible mushrooms collected from Southwest China and their antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activity

Evaluation of the chemical composition and antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activity of five wild edible mushrooms (Clitocybe maxima, Catathelasma ventricosum, Stropharia rugoso-annulata, Craterellus cornucopioides and Laccaria amethystea) from Southwest China. The chemical composition assay includes proximate analysis (moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, total carbohydrates and total energy), bioactive compounds analysis (total phenolic, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, ergosterol, tocopherol), fatty acid analysis, amino acid analysis, phenolic compounds analysis and mineral analysis of these mushrooms. Furthermore, assays of α-glucosidase inhibitory and α-amylase inhibitory activity were used for evaluating antihyperglycemic activity of the mushrooms, and assays of reducing power, chelating effect on ferrous ions, scavenging effect on hydroxyl free radicals and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were used for evaluating antioxidant activity of the mushrooms. Based on the results, ethanolic and aqueous extract of these mushroom all showed antihyperglycemic and antioxidant potential. In particular, the aqueous extract of C. ventricosum revealed the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (EC50 value 2.74 μg/mL), DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50 value 2.86 mg/mL) and reducing power (EC50 value 0.96 mg/mL), while the aqueous extract of L. amethystea showed the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity (EC50 value 4.37 μg/mL) and metal chelating activity (EC50 value 2.13 mg/mL).     

α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity and in vitro antioxidant activities of alcohol-water extract (AWE) of Ichnocarpus frutescens leaves

In this study alcohol–water extract (AWE) of Ichnocarpus frutescens was studied for its α–glucosidase inhibitory activity and antioxidant properties. HAE exhibited the rat intestinal α-glucosidase, sucrase, isomaltase, and maltase activities. Sucrose was administered orally with or without extract to rats at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. The postprandial elevation in the blood glucose level after the administration of sucrose with the extract was significantly suppressed when compared with the control. The antioxidant activity, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide anion radical scavenging , and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities were evaluated to determine the total antioxidant capacity of the alcohol–water extract. HAE exhibited strong activity in phenyl-hydrazine–induced hemolysis. The total amount of polyphenol compounds in HAE was determined as pyrocatechol equivalents per gram of alcohol–water extract.     

Antioxidant activity of selected plant species; potential new sources of natural antioxidants

The aim of this study was to examine six plants from Serbia for their potential antioxidant activity. Therefore, six antioxidant activity assays were carried out, including: total antioxidant capacity, DPPH free-radical scavenging, the inhibitory activity toward lipid peroxidation, Fe³⁺- reducing power, Fe²⁺- chelating ability and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined for each alcoholic extract. Cotinus coggygria extract contained the highest amount of total phenols (413 mg GAE /g dry extract), while the highest proportion of flavonoids was found in the Echium vulgare methanol extract (105 mg RU/g). Cotinus coggygria and Halacsya sendtneri alcoholic extracts showed the highest total antioxidant capacity (313 and 231 mg AA/g dry extract), as well as DPPH free-radical scavenging (IC₅₀ = 9 and 99 μg/ml), inhibitory activity toward lipid peroxidation (IC₅₀ = 3 and 17 μg/ml) and reducing power. Whereas, the greatest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, as well as ferrous ion chelating ability showed Echium vulgare, Echium rubrum and Halacsya sendtneri.