Swagata Karak

Bio: Swagata Karak is an academic researcher from University of Calcutta. The author has contributed to research in topics: Swertia & Curcuma. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 6 publications receiving 69 citations.

Metabolic profile and β-glucuronidase inhibitory property of three species of Swertia

Abstract: β-Glucuronidase inhibitors are suggested as potential hepatoprotective agents. Swertia chirayita (Roxb.) Buch.-Ham. ex C.B. Clarke, Gentianaceae, is known for its hepatoprotective and anti-hepatotoxic activity in Ayurvedic system of medicine for ages. This plant is substituted by other species like S. decussata Nimmo ex C.B. Clarke and S. bimaculata (Siebold & Zucc.) Hook. f. & Thomson ex C.B. Clarke. The aim of the study was to compare metabolite profile and β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity of these three important species of Swertia and to identify the active constituents. S. chirayita (IC50 210.97 μg/ml) and S. decussata (IC50 269.7 μg/ml) showed β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity significantly higher than that of silymarin, the known inhibitor of the enzyme. The activity of S. bimaculata was low. The metabolites present in the three species were analyzed by HPLC and GC-MS based metabolomics approach. Five amino acids, twenty one organic acids, one inorganic acid, eight fatty acids, twenty one phenols including xanthones, eight sugars, seven sugar alcohols, five terpenoids and amarogentin were identified. Activities of the xanthones mangiferin (IC50 16.06 μg/ml), swerchirin (IC50 162.84 μg/ml), decussatin (IC50 195.11 μg/ml), 1-hydroxy-3,5,8-trimethoxy xanthone (IC50 245.97 μg/ml), bellidifolin (IC50 390.26 μg/ml) were significantly higher than that of silymarin (IC50 794.62 μg/ml). Quinic acid (IC50 2.91 mg/ml), O-acetylsalicylic acid (IC50 48.4 mg/ml), citric acid (IC50 1.77 mg/ml), d -malic acid (IC50 14.82 mg/ml) and succinic acid (IC50 38.86 mg/ml) also inhibited the enzyme β-glucuronidase. The findings suggest that constituents, in addition to the xanthones, probably also contribute to the bioactivity of different Swertia species by synergistic effect. Further in vivo study is required to support the claim.

Metabolite Profile and Bioactivity of Musa X Paradisiaca L. Flower Extracts

Abstract: The flower extracts of two cultivated varieties of Musa X paradisiaca viz. Kanthali and Kancha Kela were assayed against the enzymes α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, β-glucuronidase and Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme, which are related to different diseased states like diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, hepatic disorder and cardiovascular diseases, respectively. The extracts inhibited all the enzymes except α-amylase by Musa X paradisiaca cv. Kanthali. Significantly high activities were observed in both the cultivated varieties for inhibiting the enzymes β-glucuronidase and Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme with respect to the known inhibitors of such enzymes silymarin and Lisinopril, respectively. The chemical constituents present in the methanol extracts were profiled following GC-MS based metabolomics approach. Eleven organic acids, seven sugars and sugar alcohols, six fatty acids, three phenols, two amino acids and a sterol could be identified. Practical Applications The male flowers of Musa X paradisiaca are cooked as vegetable in South-East Asia. The flowers are also useful in diabetes. Enzyme inhibitors have properties to prevent or control different noninfectious diseases. So, the flower extracts of two varieties of the plant were assayed for their activities against the glycosidases, acetylcholinesterase, β-glucuronidase and Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme. The activities of the flower extracts against the enzymes suggest that they may have beneficial effects in controlling diseases.

Phytochemical composition, β‐glucuronidase inhibition, and antioxidant properties of two fractions of Piper betle leaf aqueous extract

Abstract: Rationale Piper betle leaf, used as masticatory in South Asia, is also medicinally important. Objective This work was done to analyze phytochemical composition of two solvent fractions (chloroform and ethyl acetate) of the aqueous extracts obtained from eight varieties of P. betle leaves and to identify the active components against β-glucuronidase by chemometric analysis. Results Twenty-four phenolic compounds, in addition to different organic acids, fatty acids, amino acids, sugars, and polyols, were identified from the solvent fractions. The extracts inhibited the enzyme β-glucuronidase. Piceatannol was the most active constituent against the enzyme (activity 12 times higher than that of silymarin), Chlorogenic acid also inhibited β-glucuronidase (activity 4.4 times higher when compared to silymarin). 2,2'-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide free radical scavenging activities of both the fractions of eight varieties of P. betle leaf extracts showed very strong antioxidant potentiality. Conclusion The findings validated some medicinal properties of the said leaves. Practical applications Edible leaves of Piper betle are medicinally and economically important. Leaves of different local varieties are reported to be used for the treatment of different diseases. The leaves have many biological properties, hepatoprotection being one of them. A large number of rural population is economically dependent on the cultivation of betel vine. But with a rapid change in lifestyle, the chewing habit of P. betle is decreasing ultimately affecting the livelihood of farmers dependent on betel cultivation. Knowledge on β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity and the mechanism for hepatoprotection of different P. betle varieties may validate the medicinal properties of betel, which would increase consumption of these leaves.

Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitory Peptides from Plants.

Abstract: Hypertension is an important factor in cardiovascular diseases. Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like synthetic drugs are widely used to control hypertension. ACE-inhibitory peptides from food origins could be a good alternative to synthetic drugs. A number of plant-based peptides have been investigated for their potential ACE inhibitor activities by using in vitro and in vivo assays. These plant-based peptides can be obtained by solvent extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis with or without novel food processing methods, and fermentation. ACE-inhibitory activities of peptides can be affected by their structural characteristics such as chain length, composition and sequence. ACE-inhibitory peptides should have gastrointestinal stability and reach the cardiovascular system to show their bioactivity. This paper reviews the current literature on plant-derived ACE-inhibitory peptides including their sources, production and structure, as well as their activity by in vitro and in vivo studies and their bioavailability.

Bio-actives of betel leaf (Piper betle L.): A comprehensive review on extraction, isolation, characterization, and biological activity.

Abstract: Piper betle L., belonging to Piperaceae family, known as a traditional herbal medicinal plant and used for several health benefits in Asian countries. Currently, demand for its products such as herbal drugs, medicines, and natural herbal formulations has increased. The beneficial effects of betel leaves and its products have traditionally exploited for the treatment of several diseases like bad breath, cuts, injuries, inflammations, cold cough, indigestion, etc. Till now, a broad range of bioactive compounds including polyphenols, terpenes, etc., has been identified from the extracts and essential oil (EO) of betel leaves. The structural and functional characterization of the extract and EO bio-actives has been derived by various advanced standard methods. Most of the health-related benefits of betel leaves have been associated with their bioactive phenolic compounds. The extract of this highly perishable product can be used in organic synthesis, food, and beverage industry, pharmaceuticals, etc., to the environmental issues. The present review provides information on extraction techniques, identification of bioactive compounds, and their biological activities. That apart, information on processing, preservation, and health benefits along with their mechanisms has also been added.