Anti-enteric bacterial activity and phytochemical analysis of the seed kernel extract of Mangifera indica Linnaeus against Shigella dysenteriae (Shiga, corrig.) Castellani and Chalmers

ObjectiveTo evaluate the phytochemical and anti-bacterial efficacy of the seed kernel extract of Mangifera indica (M. indica) against the enteropathogen, Shigella dysenteriae (S. dysenteriae), isolated from the diarrhoeal stool specimens.MethodsThe preliminary phytochemical screening was performed by the standard methods as described by Harborne. Cold extraction method was employed to extract the bioactive compounds from mango seed kernel. Disc diffusion method was adopted to screen antibacterial activity. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated by agar dilution method. The crude extracts were partially purified by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and the fractions were analyzed by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) to identify the bioactive compounds.ResultsPhytochemical scrutiny of M. indica indicated the presence of phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, gums, flavanoids, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins and xanthoproteins. Antibacterial activity was observed in two crude extracts and various fractions viz. hexane, benzene, chloroform, methanol and water. MIC of methanol fraction was found to be (95±11.8) μg/mL. MIC of other fractions ranged from 130–380 μg/mL.ConclusionsThe present study confirmed that each crude extracts and fractions of M. indica have significant antimicrobial activity against the isolated pathogen S. dysenteriae. The antibacterial activity may be due to the phytochemical constituents of the mango seed kernel. The phytochemical tannin could be the reason for its antibacterial activity.     

Antibacterial activity and characterization of secondary metabolites isolated from mangrove plant Avicennia officinalis

ObjectiveTo explore antibacterial activity and characterization of secondary metabolites isolated from mangrove plant Avicennia officinalis (A. officinalis).MethodsIn the present study the leaf extracts of A. officinalis were examined for its antibacterial potential using five different solvents against some reference strains of human pathogenic bacteria for the crude extract. Maximum activity was observed for ethyl acetate and hence different concentrations like 15 μL, 25 μL, and 50 μL of ethyl extracts was checked for its antibacterial activity. Partial purification of crude extract was carried by column chromatography and fractions were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify compounds.ResultsThe crude ethyl acetate extracts of A. officinalis showed remarkable antibacterial activity with zones of inhibition of 13 mm against Eschericia coli (E. coli) and 11 mm against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Fraction 13 (ethyl acetate÷methanol= 8÷2) as the most potent one against with the minimal inhibitory concentration of 30 mm against E. coli and 25 mm against S. aureus. The GCMS resultsof active column fraction (F13) revealed that the active principals were a mixture of hydroxy-4 methoxybenzoic acid, diethyl phthalate, oleic acid.ConclusionsThe leaf extracts with proven antibacterial effects can clearly be directed towards cancer treatment as to inhibiting cancer cell growth. The limited number of test organisms owes to a constraint of resource. So, the effect of strong bursts of leaf extracts on human pathogenic bacteria should further be tested on a wide range of test organisms.     

Phytochemical characterization of brown seaweed Sargassum wightii

ObjectiveTo explore the phytochemical properties of Sargassum wightii.MethodsPhytochemical screening of the extracts was carried out according to the standard methods. To identify the functional constituents present in the crude extracts, the spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis were performed.ResultsThe different extracts of S. wightii showed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins and flavonoids with varied degree. TLC profile of S. wightii demonstrated three distinct phenolic spots in the methanolic extract of S. wightii with different Rf values 0.172, 0.534 and 0.810. Steroids profile displayed only one distinct spot with the Rf value 0.068. HPLC fingerprint profile of chloroform extracts of S. wightii displayed one prominent peak at a retention time of 3.060 min out of nine compounds separated. Benzene extract of S. wightii displayed one prominent peak at a retention time of 2.637 min. The crude powder of S. wigthii was passed into the FTIR and it confirmed the presence of functional groups such as amides, phosphorus compound, alcohols, phenols and halogen compounds.ConclusionsThe results of the present study confirmed that Sargassum wightii may be rich sources of phytoconstituents which can be isolated and further screened for various biological activities.     

Isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites from the mangrove plant Rhizophora mucronata

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antibacterial activity of foliar extracts of Rhizophora mucronata (R. mucronata) against pathogens belonging to human origin and to identify the compound hitherto unprecedented in nature by GC-MS analysis.MethodsSoxhlet extraction method was used to get the corresponding extracts of ethanol, petroleum ether, acetone, methanol and ethyl acetate. The antimicrobial activities of the organic solvent extracts on the various test organisms using agar well diffusion technique were carried out. Ethyl acetate extract exhibited promising antimicrobial activity and hence minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was performed for the same. Column chromatography was done for partial purification of crude extract and fractions were analyzed by GC-MS.ResultsA column chromatographic fractionation of the extracts and further UV visible and GS-MS analysis suggested the active principle compound were a mixture of squalene (19.19%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (6.59%), phytol (4.74%), 2-cyclohexane-1-one, 4-hydroxy-3,5, (4.20%) and oleic acid (2.88%).ConclusionsThe results are good enough to serve to transform the practice of research in this sub field across a range of different benefit streams that include drug development. By and large this type of structure analyses are most important as aids to more rational decision taking in safety models versus effectiveness. In general, structural data provide prima facie support for drug hypothesis.     

Larvicidal,smoke toxicity,repellency and adult emergence inhibition effects of leaf extracts of Swietenia mahagoni Linnaeus against Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae)

ObjectiveTo analyze the larvicidal, smoke toxicity, repellency and adult emergence inhibition activity of crude and solvent extracts of Swietenia mahagoni (S. mahagoni) leaves against larva of Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi).MethodsTo examine the mosquito larval mortality, third instars larvae of An. stephensi were terated with different concentrations of crude and ethyl acetate extracts of mature leaves of S. mahagoni. For smoke toxicity, comparative study was done between mosquito coils prepared from S. mahagoni leaves and commercial mosquito coils. Mosquito repellency was studied with crude and petroleum ether extracts of mature leaves. Inhibition in adult emergence was examined with crude and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves.ResultsAbout 97% mortality of third instars larvae was found in 0.5% crude and 80 mg/L ethyl acetate extracts of mature leaves after 72 h of exposure. Smoke of S. mahagoni leaves showed appreciable toxicity. Crude and petroleum ether leaf extracts of leaves showed repellency up to 2 h after treatment. Regression coefficients (R²) of adult emergence inhibition are close to one.ConclusionsThis study reveals that the plant, S. mahagoni has considerable potentiality for malaria vector control. The plant could be utilized as source compounds for the development of safe plant-based herbal insecticides. The leaf extracts of S. mahagoni showed remarkable effect as larvicide, smoke toxic, repellent and adult emergence inhibitor against An. stephensi.     

Evaluation of larvicidal activity of medicinal plant extracts against three mosquito vectors

ObjectiveTo evaluate the mosquito larvicidal activity of plant extracts.MethodsThe hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol leaf, flower and seed extracts of Abrus precatorius (A. precatorius), Croton bonplandianum (C. bonplandianum), Cynodon dactylon (C. dactylon), Musa paradisiaca (M. paradisiaca) and Syzygium aromaticum (S. aromaticum) were tested against fourth instar larvae of Anopheles vagus (An. vagus), Armigeres subalbatus (Ar. subalbatus) and Culex vishnui (Cx. vishnui).ResultsThe highest larval mortality was found in seed ethyl acetate extracts of A. precatorius and leaf extracts of C. bonplandianum, flower chloroform and methanol extracts of M. paradisiaca, and flower bud hexane extract of S. aromaticum against An. vagus with LC₅₀ values of 19.31, 39.96, 35.18, 79.90 and 85.90 μg/mL; leaf ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of C. dactylon, flower methanol extract of M. paradisiaca, flower bud methanol extract of S. aromaticum against Ar. subalbatus with LC₅₀ values of 21.67, 32.62, 48.90 and 78.28 μg/mL, and seed methanol of A. precatorius, flower methanol extract of M. paradisiaca, flower bud hexane extract of S. aromaticum against Cx. vishnui with LC₅₀ values of 136.84, 103.36 and 149.56 μg/mL, respectively.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the effective plant crude extracts have the potential to be used as an ideal ecofriendly approach for the control of disease vectors. This study provides the first report on the larvicidal activity of crude solvent extracts of different mosquitoes.     

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.     

Cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of selected marine sponges

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anticancer activity of the crude extracts of Rhabdastrella globostellata (R. globostellata) and Spirastrella inconstans (S. inconstans) var. moeandrina Dendy.MethodsSoxhlet extraction method was used to extract the secondary metabolites and various assays antioxidant, anticancer and various assays were carried out. The extract were tested anticancer activity against a HeLa, Raw 264.7 and Hek-293.ResultsThe sponge extracts tested exhibited from median to high toxicity in at least one of the toxicity bioassays performed. The antioxidant activity of the isolated metabolite in ethylacetate solution was assessed by SOD and GTH assays and compared with that of other known natural antioxidants.ConclusionsPotent antioxidants have been detected among both phenolic metabolites and alkaloids. Antioxidant effects of tested compounds have been attributed to their action as chain-breaking antioxidants and/or as scavengers of radicals     

Investigation on cytotoxic,antioxidant, antimicrobial and volatile profile of Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br. flower used in Indian medicine

ObjectiveTo investigate the total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of Wrightia tinctoria flower extract.MethodsTotal phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids content, DPPH scavenging activity, the reducing power activity, phosphomolybednum activity, metal chelating activity, Hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity of crude extract, Cytotoxicity activity, GC-MS analysis and Antibacterial screening were evaluated.ResultsTotal phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids in the extract was found to be 55.29±0.45 mg GAE, 370.53±1.213 mg QE and 1.825±0.321 mg/g respectively, where the reducing power, phosphomolybednum activity and metal chelating activity were increasing with increasing concentration of the flower extract. The antioxidant activity (IC₅₀) of the flower extract was said to be 43.16μg/mL by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl method and 124.07 mg AAE/100g of plant extract by phosphomolybednum method. The antibacterial studies of the ethanolic flower extract tested at different concentration of extracts, where 250mg/mL concentration of extract showed good inhibitory activity against all the test pathogens compared with standard antibiotics like streptomycin and penicillin. The cytotoxic activity of flower extract was evaluated by brine shrimp lethality bioassay method and the LC₅₀ value found to be 3.544μg/mL.ConclusionsThe presence of major bioactive compound, hexadecanoic acid justifies the use of the whole plant for various ailments by traditional practitioners. Further studies are needed to explore the potential phenolics, flavonoid compounds from W. tinctoria for application in drug delivery, nutritional or pharmaceutical fields.     

In vitro studies on phytochemical evaluation and antimicrobial activity of Borassus flabellifer Linn against some human pathogens

ObjectiveTo detect preliminary phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity of seed coat of Borassus flabellifer (B. flabellifer) against some human pathogens.MethodsThe antimicrobial activity of the organic solvent extracts of seed coat of B. flabellifer against various test microorganisms including bacteria and fungi was investigated using agar well diffusion technique.ResultsThe preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous, methanoic and ethanolic extracts of seed coat of B. flabellifer revealed the presence of certain phytochemicals like tannins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides and terpenoids. The zone of inhibition of methanolic extracts varied from 16 to 23 mm where as with ethanol extracts from 14 to 23 mm and aqueous extracts from 10 to 15 mm at 50 mg/mL concentrations. Among all tested organisms, Aspergillus brasiliensis and Bacillus subtilis showed a higher rate of inhibition with ethanolic and methanolic extracts of B. flabellifer.ConclusionsB. flabellifer exhibited higher rate of growth inhibition against some human pathogens, so it can be used for treatment of some infectious diseases. Further studies are being carried out to separate and purify the individual compounds that are present in seed coat of B. flabellifer by using various chromatographic techniques.     

Investigation of the volatile oils,lipid constituents and biological activity of Ballota andreuzziana,Teucrium zanonii and Verbena tenuisecta in Libya

ObjectiveTo determine the chemical composition of essential oils and lipid constituents of Ballota andreuzziana (B. andreuzziana), Teucrium zanonii (T. zanonii) and Verbena tenuisecta (V. tenuisecta) growing in Libya, and to test the antibacterial activity of different extracts of Teucrium zanonii.MethodsThe volatile oils of all plants were extracted by hydrodistillation method and analyzed by GC/MS method. The lipid constituents of plants were obtained by extraction with petroleum ether and fractionated into fatty alcohols, fatty acids and unsapoinfiable matters. Antibacterial activity of T. zanonii extracts and antioxidant activity of different extracts of T. zanonii were also studied.ResultsThe volate oil of B. andreuzziana was found to consists of 20 compounds in which caryophyllin is the main one (63.1%), the volatile oil of T. zanonii consists of 74 compounds in which germacrene-D was the main compound, while the volatile oil of V. tenuisecta consists of 13 compounds with 1-octen-3-ol as a major constituent (52.87%). The study of antimicrobial activity of different extracts of V. tenuisecta showed that, both methanol and butanol extracts exhibited the highest activity against Mycobactirium phlei (M. phlei) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) respectively, while petroleum ether, fatty alcohols and unsaponifiable fractions had no antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms. Investigation of the antioxidant activity of different extracts of T. zanonii using DPPH method proved that, the ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed the highest activity where the inhibition percentage (I%) are 93.6 and 92.1 respectively.ConclusionsThis is the first report about the volatile oils of these plants where T. zanonii have the highest content and the highest number of the identified compounds. The study of antioxidant T. zanonii extracts proved that, the ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous extracts have the highest antioxidant activity. Methanol and butanol extracts of V. tenuisecta exhibited the highest activity against M. phlei and C. albicans respectively.     

Evaluation of Andrographis paniculata Burm.f. (Family:Acanthaceae) extracts against Culex quinquefasciatus (Say.) and Aedes aegypti (Linn.) (Diptera:Culicidae)

ObjectiveTo investigate the larvicidal and ovicidal efficacy of different extracts of Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) against Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus) Say and Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) L. (Diptera: Culicidae).MethodsLarvicidal efficacy of the crude leaf extracts of A. paniculata with five different solvents like benzene, hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and chloroform was tested against the early third instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti. The ovicidal activity was determined against two mosquito species to various concentrations ranging from 50-300 ppm under the laboratory conditions.ResultsThe benzene, hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and chloroform leaf extract of A. paniculata was found to be more effective against Cx. quinquefasciatus than Ae. aegypti. The LC₅₀ values were 112.19, 137.48, 118.67, 102.05, 91.20 ppm and 119.58, 146.34, 124.24, 110.12, 99.54 ppm respectively. Among five tested solvent, methanol and ethyl acetate crude extract was found to be most effective for ovicidal activity against two mosquito species. The extract of methanol and ethyl acetate exerted 100% mortality at 200 ppm against Cx. quinquefasciatus and at 250 ppm against Ae. aegypti.ConclusionsFrom the results it can be concluded the crude extract of A. paniculata was a potential for controlling Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.     

In vitro antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of endophytic fungi isolated from Eugenia jambolana Lam.

ObjectiveTo elucidate the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) of ethyl acetate extracts of endophytic fungi isolated from Eugenia jambolana by three different antioxidant assays.MethodsTwenty one different endophytic fungal extracts were screened for presence of various phytochemicals, TPC and in vitro antioxidant activity. TPC was tested by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent based assay. DPPH free radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and reducing power assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity.ResultsAlkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenes were the main phytochemicals presents in all 21 endophytes. A significant positive correlation was found between antioxidant activity and TPC in fungal extracts. There is 36% endophytic extracts having high phenolic content exhibited potent antioxidant activity. Chaetomium sp., Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus peyronelii and Aspergillus niger strain showed the highest antioxidant activity ranging from 50% to 80% having 58 mg/g to 60 mg/g GAE total phenolics. Ascorbic acid used as a standard showed 90% reducing potential.ConclusionsThe results reveal that metabolites produced by endophytic fungi isolated from Eugenia jambolana can be a potential source of novel natural antioxidant compounds.     

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of spiro benzofuran compound from mangrove plant of Southern India

ObjectiveTo find out the in vitro antipalsmodial activities of mangrove leaf extracts.MethodsIn vitro antiplasmodial assay was carried out with 13 different mangrove plants. Column chromatography was performed with the most potent Agecerious corniculatum (A. corniculatum) by using various solvent extractions. GC-MS was also preformed with the most potent ethanolic fraction of the A. corniculatum extract.ResultsOf the 13 mangroves plants, A. corniculatum showed maximum percentage of parasitemia suppression (94.98 ± 1.16)%. Column chromatography was performed with A. corniculatum with different solvents and the methanolic extract showed maximum percentage (99.73±1.63)% of parasitemia inhibition at 150 μg/mL concentration with the IC₅₀ value of (29.28±3.23) μg/mL concentration. The results of the GC-MS analysis observed that, the most potent methanolic extract showed maximum retention time (30.687 RT) and the chemical class was identified as Spiro [benzofuran-2(3 H), 1′(3 cyclohexane)-2′,3-dione, 7-chloro-4′,6] which was responsible for the antiplasmodial activity.ConclusionsIt is concluded from the present study that, the chemical constituents of A. corniculatum collected from Pichavaram mangrove forest can be used as a putative antiplasmodial drugs in future.     

Effect of medicinal plants on Moraxella cattarhalis

ObjectiveTo determine the antimoraxella activity of Ethiopian medicinal plants extracts.MethodsTwo clinical isolates of Moraxella cattarhalis (M. cattarhalis) with different antibiotic sensitivity pattern were tested to determine their susceptibility to garlic [Allium sativum (A. sativum)], bark of cinnamon [Cinnamomum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum)], clove [Syzygium aromaticum (S. aromaticum)], and leaves of avocado [Persea americana (P. americana)], rosemary [Rosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis)] and prickly poppy [Argemone mexicana (A. mexicana)]. Disk diffusion assay and broth dilution method were used to measure zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of plant extracts against M. cattarhalis.ResultsBoth the strains of M. cattarhalis exhibited similar sensitivities to the extracts of medicinal plants. Antimoraxella activity was exhibited only by garlic, avocado leaves and cinnamon. Garlic was found to be more antagonistic to M. cattarhalis than cinnamon and avocado. Garlic and avocado leaves have shown similar MIC (30 mg/mL) where as their zone of inhibition (15 and 11 mm, respectively) were different.ConclusionsGarlic, cinnamon and avocado leaves extracts represents alternative source of natural antimicrobial substances for use in clinical practice for the treatment of cases of M. cattarhalis. Further research on the effects of these extracts on M. cattarhalis can be rewarding to pursue in the search for new broad spectrum antimicrobial agents.     

A survey on Hibiscus rosa—sinensis,Alcea rosea L. and Malva neglecta Wallr as antibacterial agents

ObjectiveTo guide for selection of plants with antibacterial activity for further phytochemical works on the isolation and identification of the active compounds.MethodsEthanolic extracts of 3 species from Malvaceae family were evaluated by agar disc diffusion method for antibacterial activity against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis, Escherichia coli Streptococcus pyogenes). The extracts were obtained from aerial parts of Hibiscus rosa (H. rosa)-sinensis (leaf and flower), Alcea rosea (A. rosea) L. (leaf and flower) and Malva neglecta (M. neglecta) Wallr (flower).ResultsThese extracts had inhibitory effects at different concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.40 g/mL) against above mentioned bacteria. Escherichia coli was the most resistant strain. The highest inhibitory zone was showed by ethanolic extract of M. neglecta against Staphylococcus epidermidis (22 mm) and followed by ethanolic extract from flower of H. rosa against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus (20 mm). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values against Staphylococcus epidermidis were equal (MIC=MBC=5 mg/mL for M. neglecta extract and for H. rosa extract MIC=MBC=20 mg/mL).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that these native plants have good antibacterial properties that can be used for infection control and treatment and could also be as new source for antibiotics discovery and infection treatment.     

Antimicrobial,phytochemical and larvicidal properties of Jatropha multifida Linn.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the phytochemical, antimicrobial and insecticidal properties of different extracts of Jatropha multifida (J. multifida) in Mauritius.MethodsQualitative and quantitative methods were used for the determination of the presence of phytochemicals in the crude solvent extracts of J. multifida. The antimicrobial sensitivity (disc diffusion method) and antibacterial activity (microdilution method) of 13 microorganisms were reported. The insecticidal properties of the crude solvent extracts were tested against the larvae of two insects, Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae), which cause important economic losses to local fruits.ResultsEthyl acetate was proved to be a good solvent for extraction. J. multifida showed very interesting activity against Bacillus algicola and Staphylococcus epidermis. The plant also showed good larvacidal activity against Bactrocera zonata.ConclusionsThis paper reports the dual use of J. multifida, hence further studies can be made in term of application.     

Estimation of total phenolic content,cytotoxicity and in–vitro antioxidant activity of stem bark of Moringa oleifera

ObjectiveTo assess the phytochemical constituents, total phenolic content, cytotoxicity and in-vitro antioxidant activity of stem bark extracts of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) (Moringaceae).MethodsBrine shrimp lethality (BSL) bioassay was used to investigate the cytotoxic effects. DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity was used to demonstrate antioxidant activity.ResultsPhytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, steroids and alkaloids. The LC₅₀ values were obtained for extracts as 850 μg/mL for petroleum ether extract, 800 μg/mL for chloroform extract and 900 μg/mL for methanol extract. The total phenolic content of the methanolic extract was 50.72% w/w, equivalent to gallic acid. Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanolic extracts of M. oleifera and standard ascorbic acid were found to be scavenger of DPPH radical with an IC₅₀ of 124.75, 112.08, 54.34 and 13.86 μg/mL, respectively. Methanolic extract was found to be good scavenger of DPPH radical. Petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate soluble fraction of methanolic extracts of M. oleifera and ascorbic acid were found to be scavenger of nitric oxide radical with an IC₅₀ of 93.32, 65.12, 54.83 and 12.59 μg/mL, respectively. Ethyl acetate soluble fraction was found to be good scavenger of nitric oxide radical.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that the crude extracts of M. oleifera is a potential source of natural antioxidants, and this justifies its uses in folkloric medicines.     

Antimicrobial activity of mangrove plant (Lumnitzera littorea)

ObjectiveTo investigate the antimicrobial activities of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the leaves of Lumnitzera littorea (L. littorea) against six human pathogenic microbes.MethodsThe antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion and microdilution methods.ResultsThe antimicrobial activities of the crude extracts were increased with increasing the concentration. It is clear that n-hexane extract was the most effective extract. Additionally, Gram positive Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) appear to be the most sensitive strain while Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and the yeast strains (Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans)) appear to be resistance to the tested concentrations since no inhibition zone was observed. The inhibition of microbial growth at concentration as low as 0.04 mg/mL indicated the potent antimicrobial activity of L. littorea extracts.ConclusionsThe obtained results are considered sufficient for further study to isolate the compounds responsible for the activity and suggesting the possibility of finding potent antibacterial agents from L. littorea extracts.     

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of Solanum xanthocarpum leaves (field grown & in vitro raised) extracts on alloxan induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate antidiabetic efficacy of the extract of field grown and in vitro raised leaves of Solanum xanthocarpum (S. xanthocarpum) against alloxan induced diabetic rats.MethodsThe antidiabetic activity of the crude methanol extracts of the field grown and in vitro raised leaves of S. xanthocarpum at different concentrations (100–200 mg/kg bw) was tested against alloxan induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic efficacy was validated through various biochemical parameters and the antioxidant effect was also determined. The phytochemical analyses of field grown S. xanthocarpum and in vitro rasied S. xanthocarpum leaves were done by estimating their chlorophyll, carotenoids, total sugar, protein, amino acid and minerals contents.ResultsThe results revealed that the methanol extracts of both the leaves (field grown and in vitro raised) of S. xanthocarpum was efficient anti hyperglycemic agents at a concentration of 200 mg/kg bw and posses potent antioxidant activity. However, the extracts of in vitro rasied S. xanthocarpum raised leaves exhibit higher efficacy than the field grown leaves in all tested concentrations. Proximal composition and mineral analysis of S. xanthocarpum revealed higher concentration of contents in in vitro rasied S. xanthocarpum than field grown S. xanthocarpum.ConclusionsFrom the results it can be concluded that the leaves extracts of S. xanthocarpum can be a potential candidate in treating the hyperglycemic conditions and suits to be an agent to reduce oxidative stress.