Free radical scavenging property and antiproliferative activity of Rhodiola imbricata Edgew extracts in HT-29 human colon cancer cells

ObjectiveTo investigate the in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of rhizome extracts of Rhodiola imbricata (R. imbricata) in HT-29 human colon cancer cell line.MethodsThe successively extracted rhizome of R. imbricata using various solvents was analyzed for their total phenolics, tannins and flavonoid contents. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by employing different assays, including DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging assays, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum reduction assay, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical scavenging activities and metal chelating ability.ResultsAcetone and methanol extracts recorded higher phenolic content and showed comparable antioxidant activity with standard reference. Additionally, they also inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells upon treatment at higher concentration (200 μg/mL) (acetone and methanol, 84% and 84%, respectively). On examination acetone extract exhibited antiproliferative activity in a concentration dependent manner whereas, methanol extract showed both dose dependent and time dependent inhibitory activity.ConclusionsThe results obtained justify the traditional usage of R. imbricata from their promising antioxidant activity.     

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and apoptotic activities of Cyperus rotundus

Objective:To evaluate in vitro antioxidant and apoptotic activities of Crperus rotundas(C.rotundus).Methods:The phytochemical study and the antioxidant activities of both methanol and aqueous extracts from C.rotundus aerial part were determined.In addition,these extracts were also investigated for their cytotoxic and apoptotic activities.The major compound of the methanol extract was isolated.Both metlianol and aqueous extracts(300,150,and 50μg/mL)were evaluated for their antioxidant activity by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase assay system.However,16,8,and 4 mg/mL of each extract were tested to investigate their OH.formation scavenging potential.Aqueous extract(800,400.and 200μg/mL)and melhunol extract(350,175,and 88μg/mL)were tested against lipid peroxidation,induced by 75μM H_2O_2,The cytotoxicity(by MTT assay)and cell DNA fragmentation of both extracts were evaluated Inwards K562 and L1210 cell lines.The major compound was obtained from the butanol fraction of methanol extract and its structure was determined by KMN spectroscopic analysis.Results:The methanol and aqueous extracts showed respectively,88%and 19%inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity.Vet.the same extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation by 61.5%and 42.0%.respectively.Roth extracts inhibited OH.formation by 27.1%and 25.3%,respectively.Only methanol cxtract induced DNA degradation.Orientin was determined as the major compound isolated from the butanol fraction of metlianol extract.Conclusions:It appears that C.rotundus extracts exhibit a potential use as a natural antioxidant and an apoptosis inducer.     

A comparative in vitro antioxidant potential profile of extracts from different parts of Fagonia cretica

ObjectiveTo evaluate antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of organic extracts from fruit, roots and aerial parts of Fagonia cretica.MethodsShed dried and powdered plant parts were initially extracted in methanol and subsequently partitioned in n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and 1-butanol successively. Antioxidant and radical scavenging potential of the methanol extracts and the fractions of each part were evaluated using total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation radicals scavenging, reducing power (potassium ferricyanide-trichloroacetic acid system), ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential, lipid peroxidation inhibition activity (linoleic acid system) and total antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdate) assays.ResultsTPC and TFC values for methanol extracts and various fractions ranged from 0.23-4.30 mg/L gallic acid equivalents and from 30-545 mg/L rutin equivalents, respectively. Overall, methanol extracts and all the fractions of root and aerial parts showed higher TPC and TFC values. Methanol extracts and aqueous fractions of root and aerial parts and the n-butanol fraction of root showed lower EC₅₀ values for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging than the other plant extracts. The 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging, total antioxidant potential and ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential values confirmed the presence of potent antioxidant principles in the methanol extract of roots. In general, all the extracts/fractions and especially those of root showed high antioxidant and radical scavenging activities.ConclusionsThe crude methanol extract of root can be explored further for in vivo studies. This study revealed the potent antioxidant potential of Fagonia cretica and its prospective efficacy against various reactive oxygen species-mediated diseases.     

Comparative study of total phenolics,flavonoids contents and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of different polarities fruits crude extracts of Datura metel L.

ObjectiveTo determine the total phenolics and flavonoids and to evaluate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of different extracts from fruits of Datura metel (D. metel).MethodsDifferent crude extracts from the fruits of D. metel were subjected to determination of total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities by established methods.ResutlsThe total phenolics results showed that ethyl acetate extract was the most efficient (60.26%) compared to hexane, chloroform, butanol and methanol extracts which had phenolic contents of 50.08, 35.50, 52.54 and 26.49%, respectively. Almost similar results were obtained from the fruits crude extracts for total flavonoids and results found that methanol crude extract was the highest (1.71%) compared to other crude extracts. The antioxidant activity results showed that methanol extract acted the highest activity compared to other extracts and in the order of methanol>ethyl acetate>hexane>chloroform>butanol extract. All extracts were displayed moderate antibacterial potential against the tested bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonus aeruginosa in the range of 0%–10%.ConclusionsThe results of this present study clearly showed that the crude extracts of D. metel demenstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and it may act as potential antioxidant sources for human biological system.     

Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of Phyla nodiflora extracts on human breast cancer cell line

IntroductionCancer is a disease of gene disorder that occurs in the normal processes of cell division. Undesirable side effects of chemotherapy and surgery have triggered the search of new compounds from plant to fight cancer because they are relatively safer than synthetic drugs. Apoptosis is a process of internally programmed cell death, which is initiated by intrinsic or extrinsic signals. It plays important roles in cancer development and treatment, thus the ability of bioactive compounds to increase the sensitivity of cancerous cells towards cellular damage and activate the apoptotic response is the most desirable. Phylanodiflora has been used as folk medicine for various ailments. It is known to have various biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective and antimelanogenesis effects but their underlying molecular events are largely unknown.ObjectiveTo study the antiproliferative and apoptosis activity of P.nodiflora in MCF7 cells.MethodsThe leaf and stem of this plant was extracted separately using methanol and ethyl acetate. The free radical scavenging activity of the plant extracts was determined using DPPH antioxidant assay, while the proliferation assay was performed using MTT method. DNA fragmentation induced by the plant extracts was evaluated through DNA extraction.Results & DiscussionCompared to stem extracts (1.2134 mg/ml and 0.9877 mg/ml for ethyl acetate and methanol respectively), both leaf extracts exhibited lower EC₅₀ values (0.4271 mg/ml and 0.6177 mg/ml for ethyl acetate and methanol respectively) which indicating higher antioxidant activity. MTT results showed that MCF7 cells were inhibited by all the extracts with IC₅₀ ranging from 90–120 μg/ml. DNA extracted from treated cells showed the formation of DNA laddering suggesting the occurrence of apoptosis.ConclusionThe results suggest that Phyla nodiflora extracts are capable of inhibiting cancer cell growth via apoptosis.     

Evaluation of extracts and essential oil from Callistemon viminalis leaves: Antibacterial and antioxidant activities,total phenolic and flavonoid contents

ObjectiveTo investigate antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Callistemon viminalis (C. viminalis) leaves.MethodsThe essential oil of C. viminalis leaves obtained by hydro-distillation was analyzed by GC/MS. Different extracts were tested for total phenolic and flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant (DPPH assay) and antibacterial (agar disc diffusion and 96-well micro-plates methods) actives.ResultsFourteen components were identified in the essential oil, representing 98.94% of the total oil. The major components were 1,8-cineole (64.53%) and α-pinene (9.69%). Leaf essential oil exhibited the highest antioxidant activity of (88.60±1.51)% comparable to gallic acid, a standard compound [(80.00±2.12)%]. Additionally, the biggest zone of inhibitions against the studied bacterial strains was observed by the essential oil when compared to the standard antibiotic (tetracycline). The crude methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction had a significant antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains.ConclusionsIt can be suggested that C. viminalis is a great potential source of antibacterial and antioxidant compounds useful for new antimicrobial drugs from the natural basis. The present study revealed that the essential oil as well as the methanol extracts and ethyl acetate fraction of C. viminalis leaves exhibited highly significant antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains.     

Insecticidal, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of bulb extracts of Allium sativum

ObjectiveTo evaluate the insecticidal, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of bulb extracts of Allium sativum (A. sativum).MethodsDried bulbs of A. sativum were extracted with different solvents and evaluated for insecticidal, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.MethodsAqueous and methanol extracts showed highest insecticidal activity (mortality rate of 81% and 64% respectively) against the larvae of Spodoptera litura (S. litura) at a concentration of 1 000 ppm. With regard to antimicrobial activity, aqueous extract exhibited antibacterial activity against gram positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureu,) and gram negative (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia) strains and antifungal activity against Candida albicans. While methanol extract showed antimicrobial activity against all the tested micro organisms except two (Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans), the extracts of hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate did not show any anti microbial activity. Minimum inhibitory concentration of aqueous and methanol extracts against tested bacterial and fungal strains was 100–150 μg/mL. Antioxidant activity of the bulb extracts was evaluated in terms of inhibition of free radicals by 2, 2′-diphenly-1-picrylhydrazyl. Aqueous and methanol extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity (80%–90% of the standard).ConclusionsAntioxidant and antimicrobial activity of A. sativum against the tested organisms therefore, provides scientific basis for its utilization in traditional and folk medicine. Also, our results demonstrated the insecticidal efficacy of A. sativum against S. litura, a polyphagous insect.     

Aceclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity: An ameliorative effect of Terminalia bellirica fruit and ellagic acid

BACKGROUNDAceclofenac (ACF), a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been associated with a number of severe cases of clinical hepatotoxicity. Terminalia bellirica, an evergreen tree, is known to have several ethnomedicinal uses including antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Hence T. bellirica fruit extracts and its phytoconstituent ellagic acid (EA) are expected to provide protection against oxidative stress and liver damage produced by long-term use of ACF. AIMTo evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of T. bellirica fruit extracts and EA against ACF-induced toxicity in albino Wistar rats.METHODSThe in vitro antioxidant activities of T. bellirica fruit ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts were measured by metal ion chelation and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of T. bellirica extracts (200 mg/kg) and EA (40 mg/kg) in ACF-induced hepatotoxic rats were assessed in serum and liver tissue after oral administration for 21 d. Silymarin (40 mg/kg) was used as a standard control. Oxidative stress markers in the blood (ferric reducing ability of plasma and lipid peroxidation inhibition) and liver tissues (superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde) were analyzed using standard protocols. Liver function markers such as alkaline phosphatase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyl transferase, creatinine, total protein, and uric acid were evaluated in rat serum.RESULTSThe T. bellirica fruit ethyl acetate extract exhibited superior metal ion chelating and nitric oxide radical scavenging abilities during in vitro antioxidant assays as compared to aqueous extracts. Oral administration of ACF in rats (15 mg/kg) for 21 d produced oxidative stress and adversely affected liver function suggesting liver injury. Treatment with extracts (ethyl acetate and aqueous), EA and silymarin accounted for a significant reduction in the adverse effects of ACF on oxidative stress and liver function markers in serum and hepatic tissue in rats. Histopathological evaluation of the liver indicated that the extracts and EA significantly decreased the degree of liver damage. The in vivo efficacy of EA was higher than T. bellirica fruit extracts. Of these extracts, ethyl acetate extract revealed comparatively better antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.CONCLUSIONEllagic acid and T. bellirica fruit extracts exhibited considerable hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities in long-term ACF-treated rats.     

Evaluation of the acute and sub acute toxicity of Annona senegalensis root bark extracts

ObjectiveTo investigate the safety profile of Annona senegalensis (A. senegalensis).MethodsDried powdered root-bark of A. senegalensis was prepared by Sohxlet extraction using methanol-methylene chloride (1:1) solution and concentrated to obtain the methanol-methylene chloride extract (MME). MME was fractionated to obtain the n-hexane (HF), ethylacetate (EF) and methanol (MF) fractions. Acute toxicity (LD₅₀) test was performed with MME, HF, EF and MF in mice by oral route. The sub acute toxicity studies were performed in rats after 14 days of MME administration while haematological and biochemical parameters were monitored.ResultsMedium lethal (LD₅₀) values of 1 296, 3 808, 1 265 and 2 154 mg/kg were obtained for the MME, MF, HF and EF, respectively. The sub-acute toxicity studies indicated a significant (P<0.05) increase in the body weight of both the treated rats and the control. The haematological tests indicated no change in the packed cell volume values but a significant (P<0.05) increase in the total WBC count at 100 and 400 mg/kg doses. The differential analysis showed a decrease in the nutrophils and a non-significant increase in the lymphocyte counts. The liver transaminase enzymes, alanin transaminase and aspartate transaminase showed no significant increase compared to the control. Histopathological examination of the liver sections also indicted no obvious signs of hepatotoxicity except with the 400 mg/kg dose that showed degeneration and necrosis of the hepatocytes.ConclusionsThese results indicated that the root bark extracts of A. Senegalensis are safe at the lower doses tested, and calls for caution in use at higher doses in treatment.     

Pharmacological properties and related constituents of stem bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (Fabaceae)

ObjectiveTo screen methanol and dichloromethane extracts of stem bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, in vitro antioxidant activities and phytochemical analysis.MethodsAnti-inflammatory activity was determined by using carrageenan induced-edema of mice paw and croton oil-induced edema of mice ear; analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing. Phytochemical screening of extracts was performed by thin layer chromatography. The chromatographic fractionation led to the isolation of main active components as friedelin, lupeol and epicathechin. The structures were established by TLC and nuclear magnetic resonance studies.ResultsBoth methanol and dichloromethane extracts, friedelin, lupeol and epicatechin showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect using croton oil induced-ear edema. Furthermore, the action of dichloromethane extract was more important. At the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, the methanol extract was able to reduce the carrageenan induced-hind paw edema, while at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, it showed an important analgesic effect against writhing induced by acetic acid injection of 38.8%, 68.0% and 74.3%, respectively. Antioxidative properties of methanol extract and its dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were assessed by using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method. The methanol extract showed the stronger radical scavenging activity than dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions, with an antiradical power of 5, 3.5 and 2 respectively. The main components isolated from these extracts as friedelin, lupeol and epicathechin were responsible of these activities.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the stem bark extracts of Pterocarpus erinaceus possessed important anti-inflammatory, analgesic activities and strong antioxidant properties, therefore, they could be used as natural potential ingredients for pharma ceutical industry.     

In vitro antioxidant activities of selected seaweeds from Southeast coast of India

ObjectiveIn vitro antioxidant activities of three selected Indian seaweeds viz., Halimeda tuna (H. tuna), Turbinaria conoides (T. conoides) and Gracilaria foliifera (G. foliifera) were evaluated.MethodsTotal antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and reducing power of crude methanol and diethyl ether extracts were determined.ResultsTotal phenolic content and total antioxidant activity were higher (1.231±0.173 mg GAE/g, 1.675± 0.361 mg GAE/g) in T. conoides respectively. Reducing power of crude methanol extract increased with concentrations of the extract. The Fourier transform-infra red spectrum analysis revealed the presence of polyphenolic signals. The seaweed extracts displayed moderate antioxidant activity compared to gallic acid standard.ConclusionsThe seaweeds could be considered for curing diseases from oxidative deteriorations.     

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

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

In vitro total phenolics, flavonoids contents and antioxidant activity of essential oil, various organic extracts from the leaves of tropical medicinal plant Tetrastigma from Sabah

ObjectiveTo detect the in vitro total phenolics, flavonoids contents and antioxidant activity of essential oil, various organic extracts from the leaves of tropical medicinal plant Tetrastigma from Sabah.MethodsThe dry powder leaves of Tetrastigma were extracted with different organic solvent such as hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol and aqueous methanol. The total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of the essential oil and various organic extracts such as hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol and aqueous ethanol were determined by Folin - Ciocalteu method and the assayed antioxidant activity was determined in vitro models such as antioxidant capacity by radical scavenging activity using α, α-diphenyl- β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method.ResultsThe total phenolic contents of the essential oil and different extracts as gallic acid equivalents were found to be highest in methanol extract (386.22 mg/g) followed by ethyl acetate (190.89 mg/g), chloroform (175.89 mg/g), hexane (173.44 mg/g), and butanol extract (131.72 mg/g) and the phenolic contents not detected in essential oil. The antioxidant capacity of the essential oil and different extracts as ascorbic acid standard was in the order of methanol extract > ethyl acetate extract >chloroform> butanol > hexane extract also the antioxidant activity was not detected in essential oil.ConclusionsThe findings show that the extent of antioxidant activity of the essential oil and all extracts are in accordance with the amount of phenolics present in that extract. Leaves of Tetrastigma being rich in phenolics may provide a good source of antioxidant.     

Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extracts and fractions of Mangifera indica

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extracts and fractions of Mangifera indica in in vitro conditions.MethodsIn vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition assays were used to evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities respectively. Methanolic extract (MEMI), successive water extract (SWMI) and ethyl acetate fraction (EMEMI), n-butanol fraction (BMEMI) and water soluble fraction (WMEMI) of methanolic extract were evaluated along with respective reference standards.ResultsIn in vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity, the MEMI, EMEMI and BMEMI have offered significant antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 13.37, 3.55 and 14.19 μg/mL respectively. Gallic acid, a reference standard showed significant antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 1.88 and found to be more potent compared to all the extracts and fractions. In in vitro LOX inhibition assay, the MEMI, EMEMI and BMEMI have showed significant inhibition of LOX enzyme activity with IC₅₀ values of 96.71, 63.21 and 107.44 μg/mL respectively. While, reference drug Indomethacin also offered significant inhibition against LOX enzyme activity with IC₅₀ of 57.75. Furthermore, MEMI was found to more potent than SWMI and among the fractions EMEMI was found to possess more potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the MEMI and EMEMI possess potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in in vitro conditions.     

In vitro bioactivity and phytochemical screening of Suaeda maritima (Dumort): a mangrove associate from Bhitarkanika, India

ObjectiveTo investigate the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities along with phytochemical screening of organic and aqueous extracts of leaf and stem of Suaeda maritima (Dumort), a mangrove associate from Bhitarkanika of Odisha, India.MethodsAntioxidant activity of the crude extracts was evaluated in terms of total antioxidant capacity, total phenol content, ascorbic acid content, DPPH radical scavenging, metal chelating, nitric oxide scavenging, and reducing power etc. The antimicrobial activity of the plant was determined by agar well diffusion method along with MIC and MBC carried out by microdilution techniques against 10 gram positive and gram negative human pathogenic bacteria. The qualitative and quantative phytochemical screening were carried out by standard biochemical assays.ResultsOut of the seven antioxidant bioassays, both the leaf and stem extracts were found to posses strong antioxidant properties of 70 % to 92 % for phenol, total antioxidant capacity, DPPH free radical scavenging activity and fairly good ascorbic acid content, metal chelating (1.33 %-22.55 %), reducing power (0.01-0.12) and nitric oxide scavenging (0.84 %-66.99 %) activities. Out of the four extracts evaluated for antimicrobial activity, two leaf extracts such as acetone and ethanol showed promising activity against four pathogenic bacteria and one stem methanol extracts against one pathogenic bacteria when compared with amoxcycillin as standard. The MIC and MBC values of the antimicrobial extracts ranged between 2.5 to 5.0 mg/mL. Screening of phytochemicals showed presence of carbohydrates, protein, tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids in comparatively higher amount than other phytochemicals tested.ConclusionsThe present study reveals the presence of potential antioxidants and antimicrobial properties in the plant extract which could be exploited for pharmaceutical application.     

Larvicidal and adulticidal potential of medicinal plant extracts from south India against vectors

ObjectiveTo determine the larvicidal and adulticidal activities of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Momordica charantia (M.charantia), Moringa oleifera(M. oleifera), Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum), Ocimum tenuiflorum (O. tenuiflorum), Punica granatum(P. granatum) and Tribulus terrestris (T. terrestris) against Culex gelidus (Cx. gelidus) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus).MethodsBioassay test was carried out by WHO method for determination of larvicidal and adulticidal activity against mosquitoes.ResultsAll plant extracts showed moderate larvicidal and adulticidal activities, however the effective larval mortality was found in the leaf ethyl acetate and methanol extract of O. gratissimum and bark methanol extract of M. oleifera against Cx.gelidus with LC₅₀ values of 39.31, 66.28, and 21.83 μg/mL respectively, and methanol extract of O. gratissimum, O. tenuiflorum and P. granatum against Cx. quinquefasciatus with LC₅₀ values of 38.47, 24.90 and 67.20 μg/mL, respectively. The adult exposed for 1 h and mortality was recorded at 24 h recovery period. Above 90% mortality was found in the ethyl acetate and methanol extract of all experimental plants at the concentrations of 500 μg/mL.ConclusionsThe present results suggest that the medicinal plant extracts provided an excellent potential for controlling Cx. gelidus and Cx. quinquefasciatus.     

Antiulcer activity of methanolic extract and fractions of Picralima nitida seeds(Apocynacaea) in rats

ObjectiveTo investigated the antisecrectory activities of the methanol extract, chloroform fraction and methanol fraction of Picralima nitida seeds.MethodsThe methanol extract of Picralima nitida seeds was fractionated into chloroform fraction and methanol fraction. They were evaluated for antiulcer activity and gastric emptying time in rats using aspirin-pylorus-ligation model.ResultsOral administration of the methanol extract, chloroform fraction and methanol fraction at 1 000 mg/kg reduced gastric ulcer by 56.4%, 40.0% and 56.3%, respectively; and the fractions of the extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced gastric emptying time when compared to the control. Gastric acidity was significantly decreased when compared with saline group, 40.25 mEq/L in methanol extract, 50.0 mEq/L in chloroform fraction 51.25 mEq/L in methanol fration but had no significant effect on the gastric secretion volume.ConclusionsThese findings showed that methanol extract, chloroform fraction and methanol fraction of the seeds of Picralima possessed potent antiulcer properties and some antisecretory properties.     

In vitro screening for acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant activity of medicinal plants from southern Africa

ObjectiveTo determine the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) and antioxidant activity of the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of 12 traditional medicinal plants used in the treatment of neurological disorders.MethodsAChEI activity was determined spectrophotometrically using the Ellman's colorimetric method. Antioxidant activity was carried out by determining the ability of the extracts to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals. The levels of total phenols, flavonoids and flavonols were determined quantitatively using spectrophotometric methods.ResultsAChEI was observed to be dose-dependent. Lannea schweinfurthii (L. schweinfurthii) (Engl.) Engl. and Scadoxus puniceus (S. puniceus) (L.) Friis &; I. Nordal. root extracts showed the lowest IC₅₀ value of 0.000 3 mg/mL for the ethyl acetate extracts while Zanthoxylum davyi (Z. davyi) (I. Verd.) P.G. Watermann had the lowest IC₅₀ value of 0.01 mg/mL for the methanol extracts in the AChEI assay. The roots of Piper capense (P. capense) L.f., L. schweinfurthii, Ziziphus mucronata (Z. mucronata) Willd., Z. davyi and Crinum bulbispermum (C. bulbispermum) (Burm.f.) Milne-Redh. &; Schweick. showed noteworthy radical scavenging activity and good AChEI activity.ConclusionsFive plants show good antioxidant and AChEI activity. These findings support the traditional use of the plants for treating neurological disorders especially where a cholinesterase mechanism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved.     

Evaluation of antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wild leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice

ObjectiveTo investigate the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of the petroleum Ether, chloroform and methanol extract ofSaraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wild (S. asoca) leaves in mice.MethodsSwiss albino mice were made diabetic by a single dose of streptozotocin (150 mg/kg i.p.). Blood glucose levels and body weights of mice were measured using on weekly intervals i.e. day 0, 7, 14 and 21 after daily administration of all extracts at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Other biochemical parameters such as serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, urea, creatinin and proteins levels were also measured at the end of study. The effects of all extracts were also noticed on vital organs e.g. liver, kidney and pancreas. The antioxidant potential of all extracts was also determined by DPPH and H₂O₂ radical scavenging in vitro methods.ResultsOral administration of the extracts for 21 days caused a significant (P <0.01) reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. Among all the extracts, methanol extract showed better results. The body weight of diabetic animals was also improved after daily administration of extracts. All the extracts also improved other altered biochemical parameters associated with diabetes. Furthermore, the extracts have favorable effects on the histopathological changes of the pancreas, liver and kidney in STZ induced diabetic mice. All the extracts showed significant (P <0.05) antioxidant activity at the dose of 500 µg/ml.ConclusionsS. asoca possesses antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties as well improves body weight, liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels. It can justify folklore uses of the plant in diabetes.     

Larvicidal and repellent activity of medicinal plant extracts from Eastern Ghats of South India against malaria and filariasis vectors

ObjectiveTo evaluate the larvicidal and repellent activities of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Acacia concinna (A. concinna), Cassia siamea (C. siamea), Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum),Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum), Lantana camara (L. camara), Nelumbo nucifera (N. nucifera) Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus), Piper nigrum (P. nigrum) and Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) against Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus).MethodsThe larvicidal activity of medicinal plant extracts were tested against early fourth-instar larvae of malaria and filariasis vectors. The mortality was observed 24 h and 48 h after treatment, data were subjected to probit analysis to determine the lethal concentrations (LC₅₀ and LC₉₀) to kill 50 and 90 per cent of the treated larvae of the tested species. The repellent efficacy was determined against two mosquito species at five concentrations (31.25, 62.50, 125.00, 250.00, and 500.00 ppm) under the laboratory conditions.ResultsAll plant extracts showed moderate effects after 24 h and 48 h of exposure; however, the highest activity was observed after 24 h in the leaf methanol extract of N. nucifera, seed ethyl acetate and methanol extract of P. nigrum against the larvae of An. stephensi (LC₅₀ = 34.76, 24.54 and 30.20 ppm) and against Cx. quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ = 37.49, 43.94 and 57.39 ppm), respectively. The toxic effect of leaf methanol extract of C. siamea, seed methanol extract of C. cyminum, leaf ethyl acetate extract of N. nucifera, leaf ethyl acetate and methanol extract of P. amarus and seed methanol extract of T. ammi were showed 100% mortality against An. stephensi and Cx. quinquefasciatus after 48 h exposer. The maximum repellent activity was observed at 500 ppm in methanol extracts of N. nucifera, ethyl acetate and methanol extract of P. nigrum and methanol extract of T. ammi and the mean complete protection time ranged from 30 to 150 min with the different extracts tested.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the leaf and seed extracts of C. siamea, N. nucifera, P. amarus, P. nigrum and T. ammi have the potential to be used as an ideal ecofriendly approach for the control of the An. stephensi and Cx. quinquefasciatus.