Showing papers in "Journal of Medicinal Plants Research in 2011"
TL;DR: The effect of dietary phenolics is currently of great interest due to their antioxidative and possible antic-arcinogenic activities as discussed by the authors, and phenolic acids and flavonoids also function as reducing agents, free radical scavengers, and quenchers of singlet oxygen formation.
Abstract: Flavonoids and phenolic acids make up one of the most pervasive groups of plant phenolics. Due to their importance in plants and human health, it would be useful to have a better understanding of flavonoid concentration and biological activities that could indicate their potentials as therapeutic agents, and also for predicting and controlling the quality of medicinal herbs. Plants and herbs consumed by humans may contain thousands of different phenolic acid and flavonoid components. The effect of dietary phenolics is currently of great interest due to their antioxidative and possible anticarcinogenic activities. Phenolic acids and flavonoids also function as reducing agents, free radical scavengers, and quenchers of singlet oxygen formation. In addition, flavonoids and phenolic acids components play important roles in the control of cancer and other human diseases.
Key words: Flavonoids, phenolic acids, biological activities, antioxidative, anticarcinogenic.
557 citations
TL;DR: A critical review of different phytochemicals isolated from tea and their associated medicinal properties as well as the chemical constituents responsible for aroma, taste and color is provided in this paper.
Abstract: The genus Camellia sinensis belongs to the family of Theaceae of the flowering plants. The leaves and leaf buds of C. sinensis are used to produce tea. The chemical composition of tea leaves has been thoroughly studied and the main constituents belong to the polyphenol group accounting for 25 to 35% on a dry weight basis. C. sinensis also contains various chemical constituents including methylxanthines, amino acids, chlorophyll, carotenoids, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and more than 600 volatile compounds. Literature reports indicated that consumption of tea protects from various physiological and pharmacological effects which could be because of the presence of crucial therapeutic compounds which are more bio-stable and direct acting than those present in other medicinal plants. The activities of the compounds from tea are so pervading that they are virtually broad spectrum in their actions. This article provides a critical review of different phytochemicals isolated from tea and their associated medicinal properties as well as the chemical constituents responsible for aroma, taste and color.
Key words: Tea, Camellia sinensis, chemical constituents, biological activity, aroma, taste, color.
236 citations
TL;DR: Carotenoids are biosynthesized by bacteria, algae, fungi, and plants, but not by animals, which must obtain them from their food as mentioned in this paper, and they have good effect on human health, such as pro-vitamin A, antioxidant, anticancer, antiobesity effect and anabolic effect on bone components.
Abstract: Carotenoids are biosynthesized by bacteria, algae, fungi, and plants, but not by animals, which must obtain them from their food. These compounds are divided into two major classes based on their structural elements; carotenes, constituted by carbon and hydrogen (e.g. b-carotene, a-carotene and lycopene), and xanthophylls, constituted by carbon, hydrogen, and additionally oxygen (for example lutein, b-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin and fucoxanthin). Carotenoids have good effect on human health, such as pro-vitamin A, antioxidant, anticancer, antiobesity effect and anabolic effect on bone components. Currently, carotenoids are used commercially as feed additives, animal feed supplements, natural food colorants, nutrient supplement and, more recently, as nutraceuticals for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. These compounds can be produced commercially by chemical synthesis, fermentation or isolation from the small number of abundant natural sources. Furthermore, commercial production of carotenoids from microorganisms competes mainly with synthetic manufacture by chemical synthesis. However, most of the commercially used carotenoids (for example β-carotene, astaxanthin and cantaxanthin) are produced by chemical synthesis.
Key words: Carotenoid, food industry, nutraceutical, food colorant, feed supplement, pro-vitamin A, antioxidant, anticancer, antiobesity effect.
215 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that future research must aim at characterizing the active principle(s) responsible for each effect, and determining if they act singly or synergistically with other principles present in the plant.
Abstract: Vernonia amygdalina Del, commonly called bitter leaf, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family Asteraceae and grows throughout tropical Africa. It is probably the most used medicinal plant in the genus Vernonia. Traditional medicine practitioners use the plant as an anti-helminth, anti-malarial, laxative, digestive tonic, appetizer, febrifuge and for the topical treatment of wounds. Scientific research in the last few decades has scrutinized these claims and found that extracts from the plant have numerous phytotherapeutic properties. Extracts from V. amygdalina Del have been shown to have antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, antiplasmodial etc), anti-cancer/tumor, antioxidant, hypoglycemic/anti-diabetic, oxytocic, hepato- and nephro- protective, serum lipid modulation, and other properties. These properties are believed to be mediated by different phytochemicals found in the plant, acting singly or in concert. This paper critically reviews the present state of scientific knowledge on the medicinal and nutritional potentials of V. amygdalina Del. It concludes that future research must aim at characterizing the active principle(s) responsible for each effect, and determining if they act singly or synergistically with other principles present in the plant.
Key words: Vernonia amygdalina, medicinal uses, nutrient composition.
157 citations
TL;DR: The different mechanisms which are present in salt tolerant plants against high salt concentrations of the soil are dealt with by combining information from different research papers to make a comprehensive account of halophytes.
Abstract: Present work deals with the different mechanisms which are present in salt tolerant plants against high salt concentrations of the soil by combining information from different research papers to make a comprehensive account of halophytes. It covers all the aspects of halophytes regarding their classification, mechanisms against high salt concentrations (both at physiological and molecular level). Furthermore, the article discusses the importance of halophytes and some aspects regarding the transformation of non-salt tolerant plants to salt tolerant plants. ~400 million hectares land is affected by salinity and this area is increasing day by day due to excessive irrigation practices also the world population is tremendously increasing hence we need a large amount of food supply. The crops cannot be grown on a salt affected land but nature has provided us with a unique group of plants that is, halophytes. Owing to the consumption of fossil fuels we need the fuel that can be obtained from plants and halophytes can be a good approach in this respect. They can be grown on salt affected lands, by identifying the genes present in them functioning against salinity production of transgenic crops can be done.
Key words: Salt stress, stress genes, transgenic plants, molecular mechanisms, ion compartmentalization, halophytes.
146 citations
TL;DR: Considering the widespread use of these medicinal plants to treat various ailments, it becomes crucial to scientifically validate the therapeutic uses and safety of these plants through phytochemical screening, different biological activity tests and toxicological studies.
Abstract: Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by traditional healers was carried out in the Blue Nile State, South-eastern Sudan. Information was obtained through conversations with traditional healers with the aid of semi-structured questionnaires. Informant consensus, use value, and fidelity level for each species and use category were calculated. A total of 31 traditional healers participated in the study. Fifty three plant species distributed into 31 families and 47 genera were identified as being used to treat one or more ailments. The major source of remedies came from wild plants. The most frequently mentioned indications were digestive system disorders, infections/infestations, pain, evil eye and respiratory system disorders. The majority of remedies are administered orally and decoctions were the most frequently prepared formulation. The collected data may help to avoid the loss of traditional knowledge on the use of medicinal plants in this area. Considering the widespread use of these medicinal plants to treat various ailments, it therefore becomes crucial to scientifically validate the therapeutic uses and safety of these plants through phytochemical screening, different biological activity tests and toxicological studies.
144 citations
TL;DR: The family is a good starting point for the search for plant-based medicines because of its wide variety of chemicals that may probably be responsible for the family’s medicinal nature.
Abstract: Euphorbiaceae is among the large flowering plant families consisting of a wide variety of vegetative forms some of which are plants of great importance. Its classification and chemistry have of late been subjects of interest possibly because of the wide variety of chemical composition of its members, many of which are poisonous but useful. In this review, we have tried to demonstrate why Euphorbiaceae are important medicinal plants. Two important issues have come up. The worldwide distribution of the family exposes its members, to all sorts of habitats to which they must adapt, therefore inducing a large variety of chemicals (secondary substances) that are employed for survival/defense. Succulence and the CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) pathway that characterize a good number of its members were quoted as some of the adaptations that aid colonization and survival to achieve this induction. We have also found out that medicinal properties of some of its species may be due to stress factors that characterize most habitats of the family. Varying stress factors like temperature, salinity, drought and others were seen to operate in tandem with genetic factors such as gene expression and mutation loads to bring about synthesis of a wide assemblage of secondary substances that may probably be responsible for the family’s medicinal nature. It was concluded that the family is a good starting point for the search for plant-based medicines.
Key words: Bio-synthesis, ethnomedicine, secondary metabolites, stress physiology.
139 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the antioxidant and radical scavenging performance of water extract of Melissa officinalis (WEM) and ethanol extract of M. officinalsis (EEM) by means of the DPPH and DMPD assays.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate antioxidant activities of water extract of Melissa officinalis (WEM) and ethanol extract of M. officinalis (EEM), comparatively. The WEM and EEM were evaluated for their radical scavenging activities by means of the DPPH and DMPD assays. WEM scavenged radicals effectively with IC50 values of 31.4 µg/mL for DPPH free radical and 60.5 µg /mL for DMPD cation radical. Similarly, EEM scavenged radicals effectively with IC50 values of 202.7 µg/mL for DPPH free radical and 120.9 µg/mL for DMPD cation radical. Also, total reducing power of WEM was found higher than EEM with both potassium ferricyanide reduction (FRAP) and cupric ions reduction capacity methods (CUPRAC). The present study showed that WEM have effective antioxidant and radical scavenging activities as compared to EEM.
Key words: Antioxidant activity, Melissa officinalis, reducing power, radical scavenging.
137 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a review of drying process, focusing in assisting research on aromatic and medicinal plants, and compiles experimental studies in terms of effect of drying air temperature on active ingredients at different drying conditions.
Abstract: The yield and chemical composition of essential oils from medicinal plants are related to a variety of internal and external factors, for example, the drying process. Drying is the most common way to preserve quality of aromatic and medicinal plants. The choice of the optimal drying air temperature is a central economic and ecological criterion. Most experimental studies focus on species with essential oils, revealing increasing essential oil losses with increasing temperature. However, there are differences in temperature sensitivity between species. Objective of this work was to develop a review of drying process, focusing in assisting research on aromatic and medicinal plants. This review compiles experimental studies in terms of effect of drying air temperature on active ingredients at different drying conditions.
Key words: Active ingredient, essential oil, drying temperature.
129 citations
TL;DR: An ethno medicinal survey was carried out to collect information regarding the various traditional uses, especially the medicinal plant uses in Nandiar Khuwarr catchment as discussed by the authors, which is located on the western edge of Himalayas, dominated by Sino-Japanese type of vegetation.
Abstract: An ethno medicinal survey was carried out to collect information regarding the various traditional uses, especially the medicinal plant uses in Nandiar Khuwarr catchment.Floristically the area is placed in Western Himalayan Province. It is located on the western edge of Himalayas, dominated by Sino-Japanese type of vegetation. Aims of the study were to document the medicinal plant resources and their use patterns. A total of 156 taxa were reported as locally used for various medicinal purposes. Majority of the recipes are prepared in the form of decoction from freshly collected plant parts. Mostly a single species were used and mainly taken orally. All of these plants are collected from the wild, 12 of which are reported as scarce locally. They used medicinal plants for asthma, cough, tonic, abdominal pain, expectorant, anthalmintic, carminative, on boils, snakebites, jaundice, diarrhea and dysentery etc. Among 156 medicinal plants 22 were used for curing livestock. Field observation showed that vegetation of the area was generally threatened with the unwise of local communities. The trends like urbanization, deforestation, over grazing, habitat fragmentation, unscientific extraction of natural vegetation, introduction of the exotic taxa and habitat loss were the visible threats. Measures for the conservation of plant resources especially medicinal plants of Nandiar Khuwarr catchment are urgently needed.
Key words: Medicinal plant, Nandiar Khuwarr, Himalayas, conservation.
129 citations
TL;DR: In this article, three kinds of solvents (methanol, acetone and chloroform) extracts from different parts (leaves, stems and rhizomes) of two Malaysian young ginger varieties (Halia Bara and Halia Bentong) were used to examine the effects of extraction solvent on total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), quercetin, catechin and rutin content and antioxidant activity.
Abstract: The extractive capability of phenolic components from herb material is considerably depended on the type of solvent. In our research three kinds of solvents (methanol, acetone and chloroform) extracts from different parts (leaves, stems and rhizomes) of two Malaysian young ginger varieties (Halia Bara and Halia Bentong) were used to examine the effects of extraction solvent on total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), quercetin, catechin and rutin content and antioxidant activity [1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay]. Results showed that extraction solvent had significant effects on TP, TF, quercetin, catechin and rutin content and antioxidant activity. The highest content of TP, TF and DPPH scavenging activities were found in methanol extracts. Additionally, High performance liqouid chromatography results shown that methanol had the highest extraction capacity for quercetin, rutin and catechin. Between varieties Halia Bara had high content of TP, TF and antioxidant activities to compare with Halia Bentong. Accumulation and partitioning of TP and TF in both varieties were: leaves > rhizomes > stems in all the three solvent extracts. However, according to the results extraction yield of phenolic compounds is greatly depending on the solvent polarity. With increased in solvent polarity from chloroform to methanol, amount of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities increased in both varieties. Thus, for routine screening of young ginger varieties with higher antioxidant activity, methanol was recommended to extract phenolic compounds from young ginger.
Key words: Solvent, TP, TF, DPPH, Zingiber officinale.
TL;DR: The present study investigate the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major bioactive constituents of 13 medicinally important plants, namely Woodfordia fruiticosa, Adhatoda vasica, Chenopodium ambrosoides, Viburnum cotinifolium, Euphorbia hirta,ÂVitex negundo, Peganum harmala, Broussonetia papyrifera, Taraxacum
Abstract: The present study investigate the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major bioactive constituents of 13 medicinally important plants, namely Woodfordia fruiticosa, Adhatoda vasica, Chenopodium ambrosoides, Viburnum cotinifolium, Euphorbia hirta, Vitex negundo,Peganum harmala, Broussonetia papyrifera, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Verbascum thapsus, Caryopteris grata and Mimosa rubicaulis collected from different localities of Margalla Hills, Islamabad Pakistan, for their authentication. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, flavonoids, flavons, flavonols and chalcones, terpenoids, phlobatanins, coumarins, steroids and cardiac glycosoides were analyzed qualitatively where as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols and saponins were analysed quantitatively too. In W. fruticosa andV. cotinifolium, all the constituents were detected except coumarins and steroids. All the constituents were detected in A. vasica, C. ambrosoides and P. harmala except anthraquinones, coumarins, steroids and terpenoids. V. negundo exhibited all the studied phytochemicals except coumarins, steroids and phlobatanins. Maximum alkaloid content (1.13%) was recorded in A. vasica followed by P. harmala (1.11%), W. fruticosa (1.036%) andV. cotinifolium (0.90%). Maximum (0.87%) phenolic content was observed in methanolic extract of W. fruticosa. Tannin content was recorded maximum (15.75%) in M. rubicaulisfollowed by W. fruticosa (14.16%), C. grata (13.4%), V. cotinifolium (12.33%), E. hirta (11.2%),B. papyrifera (10.56%) and P. harmala (10.2%). Maximum flavonoid content (10.95%) was observed in V. negundo. Maximum saponin content (5.06%) was recorded in methanolic extract of T. officinale.
Key words: Medicinal plants, Margalla Hills, qualitative, quantitative analysis.
TL;DR: Root and latex extracts inhibited the inducible nitric oxide synthase in macrophages RAW 264.7, comparable to L-Nitro-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME), indicating appreciable anti-inflammatory activities.
Abstract: A comprehensive study on the phytochemical contents and biological activities of the methanolic extract from different parts of Jatropha curcas Linn. was conducted. The extracts of different plant parts contained various levels of phenolics, flavonoids and saponins. Latex and leaf extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity. Root and latex extracts inhibited the inducible nitric oxide synthase in macrophages RAW 264.7, comparable to L-Nitro-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME), indicating appreciable anti-inflammatory activities. Cytotoxicity assay results indicated the anticancer therapeutic property of the root extract against human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell line but its cytotoxic effect on human hepatocyte (Chang cell) was high.
TL;DR: The effect of water stress, excess water and water deficit, on the leaf relative water, amounts of proline, water soluble sugars and total chlorophyll andchlorophyll a, b were examined, to characterize the involvement of these components in the adaptive processes.
Abstract: The effect of water stress, excess water and water deficit, on the leaf relative water, amounts of proline, water soluble sugars and total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a, b were examined, to characterize the involvement of these components in the adaptive processes. An experiment was carried out with four irrigation levels (W1, W2, W3 and W4 consisting 100, 85, 70 and 55% of field capacity, respectively) arranged in randomized complete block design with five replications. Potted seedlings of Matricaria chamomilla were used as a test medicinal plant. Leaf relative water content, percentage of proline and total soluble sugar were not affected by irrigation regimes. But, irrigation had significant effect on amount of total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a, b. The maximum amount of chlorophyll a (19 mg/g), chlorophyll b (16 mg/g) and total chlorophyll (35 mg/g) obtained from W2 and W3. The minimum amount of chlorophyll a (15 mg/g), chlorophyll b (11 mg/g) and total chlorophyll (26 mg/g) obtained from W1, W4, W4, respectively. The values of total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a, b were the same in irrigation, at 100 and 55% of field capacity.
Key words: Drought stress, irrigation, Matricaria chamomilla, osmolytes, proline, soluble sugar.
TL;DR: The presented review summarizes the information concerning the botany, ethnopharmacology query, phytochemistry, biological activity and toxicity of A. marmelos plant.
Abstract: Aegle marmelos (linn) Correa commonly known as Bael (or Bel) belonging to the family rutaceae, is a moderate – sized, slender and aromatic tree. A number of chemical constituents and various therapeutic effects of A. marmelos have been reported by different workers. Extensive investigations have been carried out on different parts of A. marmelosand as a consequence, varied classes of compounds Coumarins (Marmelosin, marmesin, imperatorin), alkaloids (Aeglin, aegelenine), Tannins (skimmianine), Carotenoids and seed oils and other miscellaneous compounds have been isolated from this plant. Various phytochemical and biological evaluations have been reported in the literature for the importance of the A. marmelos. So, it has been used in ethnomedicine to exploit its medicinal properties including antidiabetic, antiulcer, antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, radioprotective, antihyperlipidaemic, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral activities. The presented review summarizes the information concerning the botany, ethnopharmacology query, phytochemistry, biological activity and toxicity of A. marmelos plant.
Key words: Aegle marmelos, phytochemical, biological and ethnopharmacology evaluations, phytochemistry, coumarin, tannins.
TL;DR: It can be concluded that purslane is a promising natural product, which could be useful for the prevention of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and other chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress.
Abstract: Aqueous juice from purslane ( Portulaca oleracea ) was screened for its antioxidant activity in adult male Waster albino rats. The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as the inhibition in lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide in liver, kidney and testis of rats. Liver and kidney function were also determined. Administered rats with aqueous juice of purslane, resulted in marked improvement in all studied parameters. On the basis of the above results, it can be concluded that purslane is a promising natural product, which could be useful for the prevention of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and other chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress.
TL;DR: In this article, the antidiabetic properties of aqueous leaves extract of Leonotis leonurus in streptozotocin (45 mg/kg intraperitoneal) induced diabetic rats for 15 days were investigated.
Abstract: The present study was carried out to investigate the antidiabetic properties of aqueous leaves extract of Leonotis leonurus in streptozotocin (45 mg/kg intraperitoneal) induced diabetic rats for 15 days. The induced diabetic rats exhibited high blood glucose level, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides accompanied with weight loss while the level of low density lipoprotein (LDL) was very low. In addition, the water intake was remarkably high while feed intake was decreased as compared with normal control group. The continuous oral administration of the extract at the dose of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg for 15 days was able to lower the blood glucose level, HDL, feed and water intake while that of LDL was increased. Also, the weight loss of diabetic rats (31 g) after extract treatment was near that of glibenclamide treated groups. The extract yielded high phenolics content (48 mg/g tannic acid equivalent) and flavonoids (4.8 mg/g quercetin equivalent). These compounds have been reported to potentiate insulin secretion. The present study revealed that aqueous extract of L. leonurus possesses antihyperglycemia and antilipidemic potential and thus could support ethnotherapeutic usage of this plant.
TL;DR: An outline of the medicinal plants of Manipur which are used for curing diabetes is reported.
Abstract: Manipur, which lies in the North-eastern part of India, is rich in its flora and fauna; and is one of the hotspots of biodiversity. The flora of this region includes aromatic and medicinal plants with a number of bioactive compounds. Before the coming of the modern pharmacological medicines, the people of Manipur use medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Even today, people not only in the rural areas but those living in the urban areas are also using these traditional medicines, and give first preference to herbal treatments by consulting the medicine men. An outline of the medicinal plants of Manipur which are used for curing diabetes is reported.
Key words: Traditional, plants, Manipur, anti-diabetics.
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of traditional ethnomedicines by the local elders of district Bhimber Azad Jammu and Kashmir was revealed by the mean of questionnaire method, interviews and direct observation.
Abstract: Ethno medicines are developed by the etnobotanical and ethnopharmacological surveys. This study work revealed the use of traditional ethnomedicines by the local elders of district Bhimber Azad Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 38 plant species belonging to 22 families were reported of having ethnomedicinal utilizations. Ethno medicinal data was collected by the mean of questionnaire method, interviews and direct observation. Information and the medicinal uses of plants were collected by interviews through a questionnaire. About 13 Hakims and 78 local people were visited to collect ethno medicinal data. Medicinal knowledge obtained by these sources is presented in this study.
Key words: Ethnomedicines, traditional knowledge of Bhimber Azad Jammu and Kashmir, herbal remedies.
TL;DR: Foeniculum vulgare mill with common name fennel, is a very popular spice as well as an important traditional Chinese medicine, and it has many biological activities due to its volatile and nonvolatile compounds as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Foeniculum vulgare Mill. with common name fennel, is a very popular spice as well as an important traditional Chinese medicine. The plant is native to Southern Europe and Mediterranean region. It has two important subspecies of Capillaceum and Piperitum. It mainly contains essential oil, fatty acids and phenolic compounds, etc. The most intense odor compounds of fennel are trans-anethole, estragole and fenchone. Fennel has many biological activities due to its volatile and nonvolatile compounds, and it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating various conditions, particularly rheumatism, cold pain and stomach disorder. It is also used as a spice for its aromatic fruit. This review covers progresses on the chemistry, pharmacology and nutraceutical value of fennel, and aims to lay the foundation for further study and utilization of fennel.
Key words: Chemistry, bioactivity, Foeniculum vulgare.
TL;DR: In this article, a fractionation of an ethylacetate extract from leaves of Blumea balsamifera (DC) led to the isolation of nine flavonoids.
Abstract: Fractionation of an ethylacetate extract from leaves of Blumea balsamifera DC, led to isolation of nine flavonoids. The isolated compounds consisted of two dihydroflavonols, dihydroquercetin-4¢-methyl ether (1) and dihydroquercetin-7,4¢-dimethyl ether (2), two flavanones, 5,7,3¢,5¢-tetrahydroxyflavanone (3) and blumeatin (4), three flavonols, quercetin(5), rhamnetin (6) and tamarixetin (7), two flavones, luteolin (8) and luteolin-7-methyl ether (9). Their chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including UV, NMR and MS analyses. Their inhibitory activities on mushroom tyrosinase using L-DOPA as substrate were evaluated. The anti-tyrosinase activities of dihydroflavonols (1 and 2) and flavonols (5-7) are stronger than arbutin, whereas flavanones (3 and 4) and flavones (8 and 9) are weaker than arbutin. The kinetic analysis showed that the dihydroflavonols (1 and 2), flavanones (3), and flavonols (5 and 6) are competitive inhibitors, whereas the flavones (8 and 9) are noncompetitive inhibitors. The inhibition constant (KI) of compounds 1-3 were determined to be 0.10, 0.08, and 0.33 mM, respectively. Some compounds (1-5 and 9) were evaluated for cytotoxicity against KB, MCF-7 and NCI-H187 cancer cell lines.Compounds 2, 4, and 9 were active against the KB cells with the IC50 values of 17.09, 47.72 and 17.83 ug/ml, respectively. Compounds 2, 3 and 5 exhibited moderate activity against the NCI-H187 cells with the IC50 values of 16.29, 29.97 and 20.59 ug/ml. Luteolin-7-methyl ether (9) showed strong cytotoxicity against human lung cancer (NCI-H187) cell lines with IC50 of 1.29 µg/ml and moderate toxicity against oral cavity cancer (KB) cell lines with IC50 of 17.83 µg/ml.
Key words: Blumea Balsamifera DC, cytotoxicity, flavanoids, tyrosinase inhibitor.
TL;DR: In this article, the antioxidant potential of C. fistula seeds extract was evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and xanthine oxidase inhibition assay.
Abstract: This study investigates antioxidant activity of Cassia fistula seeds extract. The antioxidant potential of this extract was evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and xanthine oxidase inhibition assay. The IC50 values were calculated for DPPH and xanthine oxidase assays in order to evaluate the antioxidant efficiency of C. fistula seed extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were also determined. The seeds extract were exhibit antioxidant activity 59.587% with an IC50 value of 11.07 mg/ml in DPPH radical scavenging method. Furthermore, the C. fistula seeds extracts scavenged the superoxide radical generated by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system. The percentage of xanthine oxidase inhibition activity of seed extract and allopurinol was 64.56 and 93.24%, respectively. The amount of total phenolic and flavonoid content was 474.25 ± 25.89 µg GAE/mg extract and 70.86 ± 1.43 µg catechin/mg extract respectively. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) screening indicates the presence of both free radical scavenging and phenolic compounds in C. fistula seed extract. The colored bands developed on TLC chromatogram visualized after spraying the plates with Folin-Ciocalteu’s and DPPH reagents which represent phenolic and radical scavenging compounds, respectively.
Key words: Cassia fistula seed, antioxidant activity, xanthine oxidase inhibition, phenolic compounds.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted field surveys for two consecutive years in the villages of Brah, Totay, P khel, Mekhband, Kot and Haryankot of Hazar Nao forest.
Abstract: Regular field surveys were conducted for two consecutive years in the villages of Brah, Totay, P khel, Mekhband, Kot and Haryankot of Hazar Nao forest. Hazar Nao is located at about 23 km west of the tribal zone of Dargai, Malakand District, Pakistan. Although, majority of the local inhabitants in the study area depend on plants to treat human ailments, the indigenous knowledge is still not documented. Therefore, the present study is carried out to enlist plant species of this un-explored area and record their medicinal uses before the ethnomedicinal information are lost. Information about medicinal plants were gathered through formal and informal interviews and questionnaires were filled from local people. The folk medicinal uses of 75 plant species were recorded for various human ailments.
Key words: Pakistan, Malakand, Hazar Nao, medicinal plant, human ailments.
TL;DR: The results clearly indicate the beneficial reducing effects of ALE on serum TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-L, glucose levels and plasma MDA level in STZ-treated rats.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of artichoke (Cynara scolymus ) leaf aqueous extract (ALE) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. ALE (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered to STZ-induced diabetic rats and fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), atherogenic index, lipid peroxidation (LPO), red blood cell (RBC) superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and plasma antioxidant capacity were measured. The oral administration of ALE for 21 days significantly reduced TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C and hyperglycemia in treated diabetic rats as compared to diabetic control group. ALE also markedly ameliorated the level of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased plasma antioxidant capacity of treated diabetic group. The results clearly indicate the beneficial reducing effects of ALE on serum TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, glucose levels and plasma MDA level in STZ-treated rats.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of nano silver and silver nitrate on abscission and yield of seed in Borago officinalis (L. l. l.) was investigated. But, the results showed that there was no significant difference between 100 ppm of silver nitrates and 60 ppm concentration of nano Silver on the shoot silver concentration.
Abstract: Borage plant (Borago officinalis L.) is an herbaceous annual plant. It was used as a medicinal plant since ancient times. Seed oil of this plant has been used to treat many skin disorders. It is the richest plant source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). However, seed production of borage is limited by flower and seed abscission. Ethylene is responsible for plant organs abscission which may be inhibited by silver ion (Ag+). Therefore, this experiment was designed to study the effect of nano silver and silver nitrate on abscission and yield of seed in borage. The study was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications. Four levels of either silver nitrate (0, 100, 200 and 300 ppm) or nano silver (0, 20, 40, and 60 ppm) were sprayed on borage plant at seed growth stage. The results showed that there was no significant difference between 100 ppm of silver nitrate and 60 ppm concentration of nano silver on the shoot silver concentration. However, increasing the concentration of silver nitrate from 100 ppm to 300 ppm caused a decrease in seed yield. On contrast, a raise in the concentration of nano silver from 20 ppm to 60 ppm has led to an improvement in the seed yield. Additionally, the lowest amount of seed yield was found with control plants. Finally, with increasing level of silver nitrate, the polyphenols compounds content were raised, but the enhancing level of nano silver resulting in the reduction of these components. In conclusion, nano silver can be used instead of other compounds of silver.
Key words: Borage, nano-silver, silver nitrate.
TL;DR: The general outline of this work includes information on ellagitannins, their classification and properties, biosynthesis, biodegradation, ellagic acid production and potential applications, special attention has been focused on the biological properties of ellag itannins.
Abstract: From the antiquity, the ellagitannins have formed an important part of human diet. With a great relevancy in the field of science and technology, several studies have reported the important benefits of ellagitannins to human and animal health. However, the knowledge and application of these compounds is seriously limited due to their complexity and diversity. One of the unknown facts of ellagitannins is their biodegradation, but it is well known through this process that it is possible to get the monomeric unit, the ellagic acid, which is a product from the hydrolysis of ellagitannins and represents a high added value compound due to its biological properties. The general outline of this work includes information on ellagitannins, their classification and properties, biosynthesis, biodegradation, ellagic acid production and potential applications. Special attention has been focused on the biological properties of ellagitannins.
Key words: Ellagitannins, biosynthesis, biodegradation, ellagic acid, biological properties.
TL;DR: A survey conducted on traditional medicinal uses of common medicinal plants of district Mirpur AJK, Pakistan finds a total of 29 plant species belonging to 20 families, that are being used by local inhabitants for various purposes.
Abstract: Medicinal plants are valuable and are used for the production of various drugs. These plants are traditionally used to cure various diseases. The present research work is based on a survey conducted on traditional medicinal uses of common medicinal plants of district Mirpur AJK, Pakistan. The local, especially old people use medicinal plants for various ailments. A total of 29 plant species belonging to 20 families are reported, that are being used by local inhabitants for various purposes. In the present research work only medicinal plants and their local medicinal uses are interviewed and presented. Information was obtained by local informants having the knowledge about medicinal plants. About 7 Hakims and 58 local old men were interviewed. The information obtained by these sources is present here. For each plant necessary information like botanical name, family of plant species, local name and uses are given.
Key words: Ethnobotanical studies, medicinal plants, Mirpur AJK.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the antioxidant potential of seven fruit and vegetable peels from India using cold percolation method using various organic solvents (hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanol).
Abstract: Consumers are currently demanding less use of chemicals or minimally processed fruits and vegetables, so more attention had been paid to search for naturally occurring substances. This is particularly true for plant materials that act as alternative antioxidant sources. From this point of view, the present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of seven fruit and vegetable peels from India. Extraction was done individually by cold percolation method using various organic solvents (hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanol). Quantitative phytochemical analysis was done for total phenol and flavonoid content. Antioxidant testing assays were 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay and reducing capacity assessment. Amongst the seven plant peels, the acetone extract of Mangifera indica was the most potent and in some cases even better than the standard. The results obtained indicate that M. indica peel may become important as a cheap and noticeable natural source of compounds with health protective potential, which can be used in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food preparation.
Key words: Antioxidant activity, Mangifera indica, Lagenaria siceraria, peels, total phenol content, solvent extracts.
TL;DR: In this paper, the curative effects of C. mas powder on atherosclerosis and its risk factors in hypercholesterolemic rabbits were evaluated and it was shown that consumption of the powder significantly increased antioxidant capacity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), fibrinogen and AIP (AIP = log TG/HDL) in plasma.
Abstract: Atherosclerosis results from gradual deposition of lipids in medium and large arteries and is the leading cause of death world wide. Due to the side effects of chemical compounds more attention has been paid to herbal remedies. This study was aimed to evaluate the curative effects of Cornus mas on atherosclerosis and its risk factors in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Twenty-five male New-Zealand rabbits weighing 2 to 2.5 kg were randomly desigrated into five groups of five and were fed for 60 days using the following diet regimens: Standard diet, standard diet plus C. mas (1 g/kg bw, daily), hypercholesterol diet (1%), hypercholesterol diet plus C. mas (1 g/kg bw, daily), hypercholesterol diet plus lovastatin (10 mg/kg bw, Daily). The concentration of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) HDL cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and fibrinogen were determined in rabbits in the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Fatty streak formation was also evaluated. C. mas powder significantly increased antioxidant capacity and decreased MDA, fibrinogen and AIP (AIP = log TG/HDL) in plasma. It also decreased TC, LDL and TG levels and atherosclerotic lesion in the aorta, although the reduction was not statisticant. Results showed that consumption of C. mas might be beneficial in hypercholesterolemic patients due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Key word: Atherosclerosis, Cornus mas, hypercholesterolemia, rabbit.
TL;DR: An attempt has been made to review the work being carried out all over the world about the cancer, its causes and plants as anticancerous agents along with the phytoconstituents present in these plants.
Abstract: Cancer is a dreadful disease and any practical solution in combating this disease is of paramount importance to public health. Therefore, besides the rationalized allopathic drugs, it is worth evaluating the folk medicine-a plant based therapy which is not a systematized study. Keeping the fact, an attempt has been made to review the work being carried out all over the world about the cancer, its causes and plants as anticancerous agents. 11 different plant sources have been listed in the present review along with the phytoconstituents present in these plants.
Key words: Cancer, anticancer properties, medicinal plants, review.