Showing papers in "Asian pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine in 2011"
TL;DR: There is a large variation in the antimicrobial activity of some natural honeys, which is due to spatial and temporal variation in sources of nectar, and identification and characterization of the active principle(s) may provide valuable information on the quality and possible therapeutic potential of honeys.
Abstract: Indeed, medicinal importance of honey has been documented in the world's oldest medical literatures, and since the ancient times, it has been known to possess antimicrobial property as well as wound-healing activity. The healing property of honey is due to the fact that it offers antibacterial activity, maintains a moist wound condition, and its high viscosity helps to provide a protective barrier to prevent infection. Its immunomodulatory property is relevant to wound repair too. The antimicrobial activity in most honeys is due to the enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide. However, another kind of honey, called non-peroxide honey (viz., manuka honey), displays significant antibacterial effects even when the hydrogen peroxide activity is blocked. Its mechanism may be related to the low pH level of honey and its high sugar content (high osmolarity) that is enough to hinder the growth of microbes. The medical grade honeys have potent in vitro bactericidal activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing several life-threatening infections to humans. But, there is a large variation in the antimicrobial activity of some natural honeys, which is due to spatial and temporal variation in sources of nectar. Thus, identification and characterization of the active principle(s) may provide valuable information on the quality and possible therapeutic potential of honeys (against several health disorders of humans), and hence we discussed the medicinal property of honeys with emphasis on their antibacterial activities.
585 citations
TL;DR: M. oleifera demonstrates strong potential for synthesis of silver nanoparticles by rapid reduction of silver ions (Ag(+) to Ag(0)).
Abstract: Objective
To formulate a simple rapid procedure for bioreduction of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaves extract of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera).
282 citations
TL;DR: From the patient feelings and blood reports it showed that Carica papaya leaves aqueous extract exhibited potential activity against Dengue fever, which can be further used as a strong natural candidate against viral diseases.
Abstract: The main objective of the current study is to investigate the potential of Carica papaya leaves extracts against Dengue fever in 45 year old patient bitten by carrier mosquitoes. For the treatment of Dengue fever the extract was prepared in water. 25 mL of aqueous extract of C. papaya leaves was administered to patient infected with Dengue fever twice daily i.e. morning and evening for five consecutive days. Before the extract administration the blood samples from patient were analyzed. Platelets count (PLT), White Blood Cells (WBC) and Neutrophils (NEUT) decreased from 176×10(3)/µL, 8.10×10(3)/µL, 84.0% to 55×10(3)/µL, 3.7×10(3)/µL and 46.0%. Subsequently, the blood samples were rechecked after the administration of leaves extract. It was observed that the PLT count increased from 55×10(3)/µL to 168×10(3)/µL, WBC from 3.7×10(3)/µL to 7.7×10(3)/µL and NEUT from 46.0% to 78.3%. From the patient feelings and blood reports it showed that Carica papaya leaves aqueous extract exhibited potential activity against Dengue fever. Furthermore, the different parts of this valuable specie can be further used as a strong natural candidate against viral diseases.
219 citations
TL;DR: C. roseus demonstrates strong potential for synthesis of silver nanoparticles by rapid reduction of silver ions (Ag(+) to Ag(0)).
Abstract: Objective
To develop a simple rapid procedure for bioreduction of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaves extracts of Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus).
173 citations
TL;DR: AHE has significant antioxidant activity, which may be attributed to high phenolic content, and reduces blood glucose level in STZ-induced diabetic model but does not show significant effect in normoglycemic study but showes significantEffect in OGT.
Abstract: Objective
To evaluate antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Hybanthus enneaspermus in different models.
166 citations
TL;DR: The present study indicates that the phytochemicals derived from M. oleifera seeds extracts are effective mosquito vector control agents and the plant extracts may be used for further integrated pest management programs.
Abstract: Objective
To evaluate the larvicidal and pupicidal potential of the methanolic extracts from Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) plant seeds against malarial vector Anopheles stephensi (A. stephensi) mosquitoes at different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppm).
157 citations
TL;DR: Most of the plant extracts had antibacterial activities, among which Acokanthera schimperi and Brucea antidysenterica inhibited growth of 100% and 35% of the test organisms, respectively.
Abstract: Objective
To evaluate the activity of selected Ethiopian medicinal plants traditionally used for wound treatment against wound-causing bacteria.
155 citations
TL;DR: Aegle marmelos leaf extracts significantly inhibites the growth of all dermatophytic fungi studied and if this activity is confirmed by in vivo studies and if the compound is isolated and identified, it could be a remedy for dermatophytosis.
Abstract: Objective
To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of Aegle marmelos leaf extracts and fractions on the clinical isolates of dermatophytic fungi like Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Epidermophyton floccosum.
146 citations
TL;DR: Green algae C. humicola are a rich and varied source of pharmacologically active natural products and nutraceuticals and showed excellent effect against the microbial pathogens.
Abstract: Objective To analyse the existence of bioactive phytochemicals and their antimicrobial role of green algae Chlorococcum humicola (C. humicola). Methods The various organic solvents such as acetone, benzene, chloroform, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, hexane and methanol were used for the preparation of the algal extracts then subjected to chemical analysis and further used for the screening of antimicrobial assay. The purified carotenoid pigments and chlorophylls were used for the antimicrobial studies against the harmful pathogens Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibreo cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. Results The chemical analysis showed the existence of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, alkaloids, favanoids, fattyacids, saponins, aminoacids and carbohydrates. In vitro screening of organic solvent extracts of green algae C. humicola shows activity in inhibiting the growth of virulent strains of bacteria and fungi pathogenic to human. Eight different extracts showed effective inhibitory action against the selected pathogens. Depends upon their existence of the bioactive compounds the different organic algal extracts shows difference in their inhibitory zone against the microbes. Out of all the organic extracts benzene and ethyl acetate extracts showed excellent effect nearly 80% microbial growth inhibition. The separated carotenoid and chlorophyll fractions of C. humicola, also results in the microbial growth inhibition. Conclusions The present study concludes that green algae C. humicola are a rich and varied source of pharmacologically active natural products and nutraceuticals. While nutraceutical and pharmaceutical content in the baseline algae strain is very small, they showed excellent effect against the microbial pathogens.
145 citations
TL;DR: From the results it can be concluded the crude extracts of E. coronaria and C. pulcherrima are an excellent potential for controlling Cx.
Abstract: Objective
To determine the ovicidal and repellent activities of methanol leaf extract of Ervatamia coronaria (E. coronaria) and Caesalpinia pulcherrima (C. pulcherrima) against Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus), Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) and Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi).
135 citations
TL;DR: The alcoholic extract at a concentration of 300 mg/mL showed potent activity on comparing with the standard drug diclofenac sodium and showed significant anti-inflammatory property of the different extracts tested.
Abstract: Objective
To evaluate the anti–inflammatory property of the leaf exacts of Gendarussa vulgaris (G. vulgaris) Nees.
TL;DR: The seven different solvent extracts of seaweeds used in the present study have shown significant bacterial action and a detailed study on the principle compound in the seaweeds which is responsible for antimicrobial activity is still needed and it can be achieved by using advanced separation techniques.
Abstract: Objective
To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Turbinaria conoides (T conoides), Padina gymnospora (P gymnospora) and Sargassum tenerrimum against human bacterial and fungal pathogens
TL;DR: It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of bark of A. africana possesses antihyperglycemic properties and can prevent various complications of diabetes and improve some haematological parameters.
Abstract: Objective
To investigate the antidiabetic properties of aqueous extract of stem bark of Afzelia africana (A. africana) and its beneficial effect on haematological parameters in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.
TL;DR: Methanol extracts of Amaranthus caudatus,Amaranthus spinosus and Amaranth viridis showed significant anti-diabetic and anti-cholesterolemic activity, which provides the scientific proof for their traditional claims.
Abstract: Objective
To investigate the anti-diabetic and anti-cholesterolemic activity of methanol extracts of leaves of Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus spinosus and Amaranthus viridis in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.
TL;DR: Omani henna from Al-sharqyia region demonstrates high in vitro anti-P.
Abstract: Objective
To investigate the antibacterial activity of henna (Lawsonia inermis Linn) obtained from different regions of Oman against a wide array of micro-organisms.
TL;DR: Results demonstrated significant antidiabetic effects and showed that serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides levels were decreased, significantly, consequently this plant might be of value in diabetes treatment.
Abstract: Objective
To achieve a primary pharmacological screening contained in the aqueous extract of Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris) and to examine the hypoglycaemic effect and biochemical parameters of aqueous and saponins extract on groups of rats rendered diabetic by injection of streptozotocin.
TL;DR: Most bacteria isolated from ICU of Fatmawati Hospital Jakarta Indonesia were resistant to the third generation of cephalosporins, and quinolone antibiotics.
Abstract: Objective
To evaluate the sensitivity pattern of bacterial pathogens in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care of Fatmawati Hospital Jakarta Indonesia.
TL;DR: The peppermint essential oil is proved to be efficient larvicide and repellent against dengue vector and the isolation of active ingredient from the oil could help in formulating strategies for mosquito control.
Abstract: Objective
To assess the larvicidal and repellent potential of the essential oil extracted from the leaves of peppermint plant, Mentha piperita (M. piperita) against the larval and adult stages of Aedes aegypti (Ae. Aegypti).
TL;DR: It can be concluded that raw market milk in the study area is of poor bacteriological quality and hazardous for human consumption and the need to implement good hygiene practices and effective monitoring from production through the delivery chain to the consumer.
Abstract: Objective
To evaluate microbial quality and associated health risks of raw milk marketed in the Tanga region of Tanzania.
TL;DR: The present review article summarizes the plant material which has been tested for its aphrodisiac activity in different experimental model (in vitro, in vivo on animal models, or in human clinical trials) and comply its claim in the different system of medicine.
Abstract: Substances which are used to treat sexual dysfunction or to improve sexual behavior and satisfaction in humans and animals are called “aphrodisiac”. Uses of plant material to treat sexual disorder is a long back history in the different system of medicine and it was practiced by different type of vaidyas and traditional healer in almost all the countries in the world, like China, India, Egypt, Rome and Greek. Even though there was an unavailability of the scientific data, these substances have been used as aphrodisiac. During the historic times Lytta vesicatoria, Tribulus terrestris, Ptychopetalum olacoides, Crocus sativus, Bufo marinus, Myristica fragrans, Theobroma cocao and other plants have been investigated for its aphrodisiac activity by in vivo and in vitro model. Even though the study showed positive response to a particular substance, there is always a need to run the clinical trial before administering the tested drug in human being. The present review article summarizes the plant material which has been tested for its aphrodisiac activity in different experimental model (in vitro, in vivo on animal models, or in human clinical trials) and comply its claim in the different system of medicine. A brief overview about the data of percentage study in the last eighteen years duration on aphrodisiac activity of plant material was done on the basis of the CAB abstract database.
TL;DR: The aqueous seed extract of Brassica juncea has potent hypoglycemic activity in male albino rat, which is a significant depletion in all groups, short term as well as long term diabetic animals, when compared to that of normal animals.
Abstract: Objective
To evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of Brassica juncea (seeds) on streptozotocin induced diabetic male albino rats.
TL;DR: Administration of aqueous extract of C. longa has immunotherapeutic properties along with its ability to ameliorate hepatotoxicity in CCl4 intoxicated Swiss albino mice is suggested to offer significant protection from these damaging actions of CCl3 on the non specific host response in the peritoneal macrophages.
Abstract: Objective
To evaluate the hepatoprotective and immunotherapeutic effects of aqueous extract of turmeric rhizome in CCl4 intoxicated Swiss albino mice.
TL;DR: The hepatoprotective effect of the L. racemosa leaf extract might be due to the presence of phenolic groups, terpenoids and alkaloids and in vitro antioxidant properties.
Abstract: Objective
To identify the hepatoprotective and in vitro antioxidant activity of Lumnitzera racemosa (L. racemosa) leaf extract.
TL;DR: It can be concluded that, potent antibacterial and antifungal phytochemicals are present in ethanol extract of Z. zerumbet and its chloroform and petroleum ether soluble fractions against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Abstract: Objective
To investigate antimicrobial effects of ethanolic extract of Zingiber zerumbet (Z. zerumbet) (L.) Smith and its chloroform and petroleum ether soluble fractions against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
TL;DR: The use of plants among the Paliyar and Muthuvar traditional healers reflects their interest in ethnomedicine and further investigation on these species may lead to the discovery of novel bioactive molecules.
Abstract: Article history: Objective: To identify the knowledgeable Paliyar and Muthuvar traditional healers in Theni District of Tamil Nadu, Southern India and to explore their indigenous ethnomedicinal knowledge. Methods: With the help of standardized questionnaires, 12 informants were interviewed on the medicinal use of the local flora in various tribal villages of Theni District, Tamil Nadu during August 2008 to July 2009. Results: A total of 86 plant species belonging to 75 genera and 45 families were reported with ethnomedicinal uses. In terms of the number of medicinal plant species, Acanthaceae (6 genera and 7 species, 8% of total collected plants) and Cucurbitaceae (5 species) are dominant families. Among the different plant parts used for the preparation of medicine, the leaves were most frequently used for the treatment of diseases. Conclusions: The use of plants among the Paliyars and Muthuvars reflects their interest in ethnomedicine and further investigation on these species may lead to the discovery of novel bioactive molecules.
TL;DR: In this paper, the in vitro antioxidant activity of Sargassum wightii and Ulva lactuca was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Abstract: Objective To evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of Sargassum wightii (S. wightii) and Ulva lactuca (U. lactuca). Methods Dried seaweeds of S. wightii and U. lactuca were tested for total phenolic content. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Functional groups of two seaweeds were analysed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results The highest total phenolic content was observed in S. wightii (0.65±0.02 mg GAE/g) when compared with U. lactuca. In vitro antioxidant activity of S. wightii showed higher activity in all assays than U. lactuca with the higher total antioxidant activity (123.40±4.00 mg ascorbic acid/g), DPPH radical scavenging activity (108.06±1.02)% and ferric reducing antioxidant power (153.40±1.41 mg GAE/g). FITR spectrum of standard gallic acid was compared with seaweeds and same number of peaks lying between 449.32 and 3 495.89 cm-1 and 462.89 and 3 407.05 cm −1 was recorded. Conclusions These results show that S. wightii has higher antioxidant capacity than U. lactuca. Further study is necessary to exploit the multifunctional properties of seaweeds which will be usefull to treat many diseases.
TL;DR: It can be concluded that oils of lemon grass and combination from eucalyptus-sweet basil are the most effective in repellent activity.
Abstract: Objective To investigate the repellent activity of herbal essential oils from garlic ( Allium sativum ), clove ( Syzygium aromaticum ), lemon grass ( Cybopogon citratus ), citronella grass ( Cymbopogon nardus ), peppermint ( Mentha piperita ), eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus globulus ), orange ( Citrus sinensis ) and sweet basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) and their combinations against Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) (L.) and Anopheles dirus ( An. dirus ) Peyton & Harrion under laboratory conditions. Methods In laboratory condition, 0.1 mL of each essential oil was applied to 3-10 cm of exposed area on a volunteer's forearm. The test was carried out every 30 min until fewer than two mosquitoes bit or land during the 3 min study period and then the repellency test was stopped. Results Essential oil from lemon grass exhibited protection against biting from two mosquito species, for Ae. aegypti [ (98.66±11.56) min protection time and 0.97% biting rate] and for An. dirus [(98.00±15.28) min protection time and 0.80% biting rate]. The combinations from eucalyptus oil and sweet basil oil were effective as repellents and feeding deterrents against Ae. aegypti [(98.87±10.28) min protection time and 0.90% biting rate] and An. dirus [(210±10.70) min protection time and 0.93% biting rate]. All herbal repellents exhibited the period of protection time against Ae. aegypti which was lower than 120 min. Conlussions It can be concluded that oils of lemon grass and combination from eucalyptus-sweet basil are the most effective in repellent activity.
TL;DR: A wide array of plant derived active principles representing numerous chemical compounds has demonstrated activity consistent with their possible use in the treatment of diabetes.
Abstract: In India, indigenous remedies have been used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus since the time of Charaka and Sushruta. Plants have always been an exemplary source of drugs and many of the currently available drugs have been derived directly or indirectly from them. The ethnobotanical information reports that about 800 plants may possess anti-diabetic potential. Out of several Indian medicinal plants 33 plants were reviewed. The most effective antidiabetic Indian medicinal plants are Acacia arabica, Aegle marmelose, Agrimonia eupatoria, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica, Benincasa hispida, Beta vulgaris, Caesalpinia bonducella, Citrullus colocynthis, Coccinia indica, Eucalyptus globules, Ficus bengalenesis, Gymnema sylvestre, Hibiscus rosasinesis, Ipomoea batatas, Jatropha curcus, Mangifera indica, Momordica charantia, Morus alba, Mucuna pruriens, Ocimum sanctum, Pterocarpus marsupium, Punica granatum, Syzigium cumini, Tinospora cordifolia, Trigonella foenum graecum. A wide array of plant derived active principles representing numerous chemical compounds has demonstrated activity consistent with their possible use in the treatment of diabetes.
TL;DR: It can be concluded that the plant species assayed possess antifungal properties and further phytochemical research is needed to identify the active principles responsible for the antIFungal effects of some of these medicinal plants.
Abstract: Article history: Antifungal activity Medicinal plants Hexane extract Ethyl acetate extract Methanol extract Minimum inhibitory concentration Broth microdilution method Phytochemical Active principles Fungi Objective: To assess the antifungal activity of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of 45 medicinal plants and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration for each extract against human pathogenic fungi. Methods: A total of 45 medicinal plants were collected from different places of Tamil Nadu and identified. Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of 45 medicinal plants were assessed for antifungal susceptibility using broth microdilution method. Two known antifungal agents were used as positive controls. Results: Most of the extracts inhibited more than four fungal strains. From the evaluation we found that ethyl acetate extracts inhibited large number of fungal growth. Hexane extracts also nearly showed the same level of inhibition against fungal growth. Methanol extracts showed the minimum antifungal activity. Among the 45 plants tested, broad spectrum antifungal activity was detected in Albizzia procera (A. procera), Atalantia monophylla, Asclepias curassavica, Azima tetracantha, Cassia fistula (C. fistula), Cinnomomum verum, Costus speciosus (C. speciosus), Nymphaea stellata, Osbeckia chinensis, Piper argyrophyllum, Punica granatum, Tinospora cordifolia and Toddalia asiatica (T. asiatica). Promising antifungal activity was seen in A. procera, C. speciosus, C. fistula and T. asiatica. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the plant species assayed possess antifungal properties. Further phytochemical research is needed to identify the active principles responsible for the antifungal effects of some of these medicinal plants.
TL;DR: HPTLC profile of steroids has been chosen here to reveal the diversity existing in A. lanata and is useful in differentiating the species from the adulterant and act as biochemical markers for this medicinally important plant in the pharmaceutical industry and plant systematic studies.
Abstract: Objective
To determine the chemical profile and steroids composition of the medicinally important plant Aerva lanata (A. lanata) L.