Showing papers in "Natural Products: An Indian Journal in 2010"

Triterpenoid and sterol constituents of Strobilanthes ciliatus Nees

Abstract: Phytochemical investigation on the stems of Strobilanthes ciliatus Nees (FamilyAcanthaceae) was conducted. The separation of the chemical components was carried out by chromatography and structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including nuclear magnetic resonance as well as mass spectrometry. The compounds were identified as Lupeol, Stigmasterol, Betulin, and Stigmasterol glycoside.

Phyto-pharmacological review of Bacopa monnieri Linn.

Abstract: Bacopa monnieri Linn. (Family: Scrophulariaceae), known as “Brahmi,” has been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries. Traditionally, it was used as a brain tonic to enhance memory development, learning and concentration[1] and to provide relief to patients with anxiety or epileptic disorders[2]. The plant is also used as cardio-tonic, digestive aid, hepatoprotective and to improve respiratory function in cases of bronchoconstriction[3]. Bacopa’s antioxidant properties may offer protection from free radical damage in cardiovascular disease. In this review, we have explored the Phyto-pharmacological properties of the B. monnieri plant and compiled its vast pharmacological applications to comprehend and synthesize the subject of its potential image ofmultipurpose medicinal agents.

Somoclonal variation studies on Passiflora mollussima (H.B.K.) bailey using phytochemical methods

Abstract: The present studywas aimed to develop a somoclonal variant for Passiflora mollussima (H.B.K.) Bailey using the inter-nodal segments and leaves as explants. Maximum percentage of callus formation (inter-nodal segments 75.2 ± 0.90 and leaves segments 78.7 ± 0.51) was obtained on Murashige and SkoogÂ’s basal medium supplemented with 3% sucrose and 1.0mg/l of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid. The callimediated plantlets showed the morphological variation in the leaves texture and size. These morphological variations were confirmed as somoclonal variant through the phytochemical, anti-bacterial and isozyme (peroxidase) analysis. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and extractionwas performed on 4weeks old leaves segments derived calli. The phytochemical study confirmed the presence ofmore alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavanoids, phenolics etc., fromleaves segments derived calli. Antimicrobial activity of different extracts (benzene, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and chloroformand petroleumether) of mother plants and somoclonal variant were investigated by well-diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella aerogenes, Aeromonas sps, and Serratia and Escherichia coli. Of these, ethanol extract of leaves segment derived calli showed the maximumsolubility and antimicrobial activitywith theMIC ranged from100 to 250i­l. Extracts of petroleum ether and isopropanol were ineffective in inhibiting the selected bacteria. The isoperoxidase banding profile showed the different banding profile in inter-nodal and leaves segments derived calli and mother plants. The isozyme banding patterns of the somoclonal variant is used as a molecular marker for the future plant breeding or genetic improvement programme.

Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of Excoecaria agallocha L. in alloxan induced diabetic mice

Abstract: Excoecaria agallocha (L.) Leaves extract (ethanolic and aqueous 500 mg/ kg body wt.) were evaluated for its effect on blood sugar level in normal and alloxan induced wistar albino mice at various time points comparing it with standard drug metformin (75 mg/ kg). The studies indicated that the crude ethanolic extract exhibited significant hypoglycemic (P < 0.01) and anti- hyperglycemic (P < 0.001) activities in normal and alloxan – induced diabetic albino mice respectively. The study reports for the first time the hypoglycemic acivity of Excoecaria agallocha (L.) in mice.

Nutrient composition, protein quality and anti-nutritional factors in the seeds of Moringa oleifera grown in Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria

Abstract: The nutrient composition, protein quality and some anti-nutritional factors of the seeds of Moringa oleifera were determined using standard analytical techniques. The methods of Association of Analytical Chemists were used for the proximate analysis and vitamin determination. Themineral and amino acid content of the seed samples were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and Technicon sequentialMulti-sample amino acid analyzer (TSM) respectively. The seeds contain 33.78i€¥ fat, 28.02i€¥ proteins, 28.77i€¥ carbohydrates, 3.03i€¥ ash, 6.40i€¥moisture and 93.60i€¥drymatter. It contains ascorbic acid (94.74mg/100g), but lacks niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and thiamine. Calcium(2.84mg/100g) and sodium (129.03mg/100g), two essential electrolytes also abound in the seeds. Tannins (40mg/100g) and oxalates (51.24mg/100g) were present at high levels while saponins (9.4mg/100g), phytates (0.435mg/100g) and cyanogenic glycosides (4.59mg/100g) occur atmuch lower levels. Experimental studieswith rats suggest that despite the appreciably high protein (28.02%) and fat (33.78%) contents of the seeds, it does not support growth. Rats fed compounded meal containing 35.7% of Moringa seed ration for 21 days presented with drastic reduction in growth rate withmean bodyweight declining from55.77 ± 2.61g to 36.87 ± 1.52g. The implication is that either the protein content of the seeds is not digestible or that the anti-nutritional factors interfered with normalmetabolism.

Isolation and chromatographic resolution of calophyllolide, an antimicrobial and cytotoxic coumarin from Calophylluminophyllum

Abstract: Calophyllolide, a 4-phenyl pyranocoumarin is the major component in the seed of Calophyllum inophyllum. As the seed oil was reported to be showing anti HIV activity, isolation of calophyllolide was attempted using a simple and efficient soxhlet extractionmethod.Anewreverse phase HPLC method was developed to check the extraction efficiency and purity of the isolated compound. Themethodwas validated as per ICHguidelines. Forced degradation studieswere performed to ensure the specificity of themethod. The LOD and LOQ of calophyllolide was found to be 0.011% (w/w) and 0.034%(w/w) respectively in thismethod.

Salvadora persica: A rich medicinal plant of polyphenols and alkaloids with biological activity

Abstract: In this study, stems and leaves of Salvadora persica were collected from trees grown at Ahaggar in south Algeria. They were powdered and extracted why to assess, the one hand, total phenolic, tannin and flavonoid content and, on the other hand, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of (ethyl acetate fraction, butanolic fraction and alkaloids total). The results showed higher levels of total phenolic, tannin and flavonoid content in leaves (67.32 ± 0.17 and 39.31 ± 3.81 mg PE/g DW and 0.47 ± 0.00 mg RE/g DW). Higher Free Radical Scavenging and iron reducing power of leaves ethyl acetate extractwas observed (IC50, 11.8 ± 0.07 i­g/ml and 480 ± 6 ig/ml respectively). On the contrary of antioxidant activity, the strongest antibacterial activity of Salvadora persica extract was exhibited by StemsAlkaloids extract against Bacillus cereusATCC 11778 (17mmat 20mg/ml).

In-vitro antifungal screening of Embelia ribes plant extract through EUCAST method

Abstract: Aim of the present study was to investigate the antifungal activity of the Embelia ribes plant extracts using standard in vitro antifungal susceptibility testmethod like EUCAST (European Committee onAntimicrobial SusceptibilityTestingM27- A2 Protocol).Antifungal screening of Embelia ribes not studied in detail and not extended to the different spectrum of fungal which are causing human diseases. Thus different types of extracts were prepared using different solvents and TLC characterized. Assays were performed in 96 well plates and detection was carried outwith colorimetric plate reader at 530nm.To obtain the MIC50with the help of the graph pad prismsoftware.The petroleumether extract, solvent ether extract andmethanol extract had low MIC50 values against the Candida species than the other species. Solvent ether extract and petroleumether extractwere highly effective against the c.albicans (MTCC NO 183) with the 65 mg/L and 32mg/L MIC50 values. The methanol extract were more active against c.albican (MTCC NO 183) species with 300-500 mg/L MIC50 value. The solvent ether extract, petroleumether extract, methanol extract, potassium embelate and Embelin have reported theMIC50 values in range of 800-1600 mg/L against c.tropicalis (MTCC NO 184) and c.parapsilosis (MTCCNO 1744). The petroleum ether extract and potassium embelate was found to have MIC50 between range 300-700 mg/L against c.parapsilosis (MTCC NO1744) and a.fumigatus (MTCCNO2550) .Other extracts required higher concentrations against c.parapsilosis and a.fumigatus. Water extract was found to have MIC50 values greater than 2000 mg/L against all fungus. Most of the results for the Embelin could not obtain by EUCAST method due to having higher fluctuation in results.

Phyto-pharmacological review of Terminalia chebula Retz.

Abstract: In the present study Herbal drug Terminalia chebula Retz Commonly known as Myrobalan cultivated throughout India mainly for its multipurpose use, was selected for review Terminalia chebula is used commonly as a constituent of Triphala churna – an herbal formulation The plant is traditionally used for treatment of chronic ulcers, wound, as a gargle in stomatitis & as laxative It also has antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic antiviral and antibacterial activity In this review we have explored the phyto- pharmacological properties of T Chebula and compiled its vast pharmacological applications to comprehend and synthesize the subject of its potential image ofmultipurpose medicinal agent

Antidiabetic activity of bark extract of Pithecellobium dulce benth in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the Antidiabetic activity of bark of Pithecellobium ducle Benth. Hydro alcoholic bark extract of Pithecellobium ducle Benth was subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis which showed the presence of sterols, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The extract at dose levels of 200mg/kg.b.wt and 400mg/kg.b.wt were screened for antidiabetic activity in alloxan induced rats. The extract at dose level of 400mg/kg.b.wt showed a significant antidiabetic activity (p<0.05) when compared to standard Glibenclamide and also showed significant decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels (p<0.05) when compared to control diabetic rats.

Total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of organic fractions from Capparis spinosa and Limoniastrum feei

Abstract: In recent years, interest in finding new sources of natural antioxidants has increased, especially that of medicinal plants which are mainly required in the pharmaceutical field. The study of antioxidant activity has become an inescapable in the search for new bioactive substances. Phenolic compounds appear to be targeted by researchers. Our work aim is to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds extracted from twoAlgerian medicinal plants: Capparis spinosa and Limoniastrum feei. The two plants of this study presented average content of phenolics and flavonoids compounds. The antioxidant activity of the various organic fractions was evaluated using different antioxidant assays, including: reducing power and DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction (fraction rich in mono and di-glycosids) had a high antioxidant activity than the butanolic fraction (fraction rich in polyglycosids). In addition, the organic fractions of different parts of Limoniastrum feei presented an high potent to scavenging DPPH radical and reducing power.

Isozyme markers for the crude drugs of maiden hair ferns from the Western Ghats, South India

Abstract: Adiantum, commonly called as maiden hair ferns, is a large genus of the non- flowering vascular plants.Most of the species are grown as ornamentals and many species are used in traditionalmedical practices and they are sold in the market for considerable prices. There ismore possibility for the adulteration in the market sample, either intentionally or unintentionally, due to the presence of morphologically similar species with many variants within species. In order to identify the molecular markers, at species level, for the identification and confirmation of crude drugs, isozyme analysis was initiated on six different species of Adiantum fromtheWestern Ghats, South India. The isoperoxidase analysis revealed the identity of the selected six species and the number of bands varied fromsix to eighteen. The present study revealed the presence of interspecific variation in the isozyme pattern for peroxidase. Of which, Adiantum raddianum and Adiantum lunulatum banding profile showed high percentage of similarity index compared to other species. Next to this, Adiantum caudatum and Adiantum zolingeri showed the similarity. The band PRX 13 and 4, PRX 24, PRX 44 and PRX 71 showed their unique presence in Adiantum raddianum, PRX 51 for Adiantum caudatum, PRX 64 and PRX 72 for Adiantum zolingeri, PRX 31, PRX 91 and 3 and PRX 101 for Adiantum lunulatum, PRX 23 and PRX 61 for Adiantum hispidillum and PRX 43 for Adiantum incisum. These unique bands can be used to distinguish and characterize the species and differentiate the original crude drug from the adulterant.

Preliminary analysis of antioxidant activity and colour of water soluble extract from Tunisian Deglet Nour and Allig palm date seeds

Abstract: The antioxidant activity and phenolic content of water soluble extracts (WSE) of date seeds from Deglet Nour and Allig varieties were studied. Total phenolic contents inWSE ofDegletNour andAllig seedswere, in dry weight, 38.34 mg GAE /g and 37.78 mg GAE /g, respectively. Free radical scavenging activities of WSE were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH).WSE pigments showed an excellentDPPH radical scavenging activity with 75-78% of inhibition. The variation in colour of WSE pigments of date seeds have been evaluated over pH range 2-10. The study was made on crude extract. The pigment directly from Deglet Nour andAllig date seeds can be dissolved in alkaline and acidic waters solutions. The WSE pigments of date seeds showed much redder colour at alkaline solution than the acidic solution. The colour was reversible with pH variation. No significant difference between the UV-Visible absorbance of the Deglet Nour and Allig seed WSE. When varying pH from acidic to alkaline values, a progressively apparition of two peak in the visible wavelength was observed while no noticeable change was observed in the UV absorbance wavelengths for the two studied varieties. A concomitant increase in the intensity of theUV absorptionwavelengthwas also observed for DegletNour andAllig seeds. The red-brown taint obtained in the neutral and alkaline pH values may allow the studiedWSE pigments of date seeds compound to be regarded as a possible colorant for some slightly redbrown coloured neutral and alkaline products.

Comparison of chemical composition of essential oil and n-hexane extracts of stachys Lavandulifolia vahl

Abstract: The water distilled essential oil and n-hexane extract of Stachys lavandulifolia (family: Lamiaceae) growing inArdabil, north-west of Iran, were analyzed byGC and GC/MS. The yields were: 0.2%and 0.7%(V/W) for essential oil and n-hexane extract, respectively. Twenty-six compounds representing 72.0%of the distilled oil of S. lavandulifolia were identified, among them caryophyllene oxid (7.4%), a-pinene (7.0%), i¢-Phellandrene (6.3%), germacrene-D(5.6%), spathulenol (5.0%), linalool (4.7%) and trans- â-farnesene (4.5%) were the major constituents. The extractwas characterized by higher amount of 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic methyl ester (34.0%), eicosane (10.7%), palmitic acid (9.9%) and nonacosane (7.5%).Twelve components, accounting for 82.7%of the total oil, were detected in the extract. The oil obtained by hydrodistillation method consists mainly of aliphatic oxygenated and sesquiterpene constituents, whereas the extract contains mainly aliphatic ester compounds.

HPLC analysis of different parts of Withania somnifera

Abstract: Withania somnifera, popularly known as “Ashwagandha”, is one among the top rankingmedicinal plants of India and is highly valued for itsmedicinal and neutraceutical properties. It holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in China. The medicinal properties of Withania somnifera were attributed to the presence of steroidal lactones collectively termed as withanolides present in both the leaves and tuberous roots that can be used for treating various diseases. In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyze the variation of withanolide content in methanol extracts prepared from different parts of Withania somnifera namely root, rhizome head and stembyHPLCanalysis.HPLCchromatogramrevealed that similar peaks were found at the retention time of 7.7 and 9.9 minutes for all the samples. Concentration of withanolides calculated using the area count of similar peaks obtained at the retention time of 7.7 and 9.9 minutes revealed that Withania somnifera roots has more withanolides compared to the stem and rhizome head portions.

Screening for the antimicrobial activities of the medicinal plants Coccinia indica and Cassia auriculata

Abstract: The crude ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Cassia auriculata and Coccinia indica were tested for their antimicrobial activities with three bactrerial [Staphylococcus aureus, Steptococcus pyrogens, Escherichia coli] and two fungal [Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum] organisms. It was observed that both plants possess antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyrogens. Cassia auriculata showed some weak activity against Gram negative bacteria E.coli, while Coccinia indica was inactive. The antifungal activity studies on C.albicans and T.rubrum had negative results for both the plants. The above results clearly demonstrate selective anti bacterial activity of bothmedicinal plants.

Changes in total chlorophyll and carbohydrates in different mustard leaves infected with powdery mildew disease in both naturally infected and fungicide treated plants

Abstract: Changes in total chlorophyll, total soluble sugar, reducing sugar and non reducing sugar were observed in five different cultivars ofmustard in response to powderymildewviz, Skm-9801, skm-9804,GM-1,Varuna and Skm- 9818 at different stages of disease infection. In fungicide treated plant ie. Control plants significantly higher value for total soluble sugar, chlorophyll and reducing sugar where as reverse trend obsereved in non reducing sugar content in all cultivars.Among the different cultivars no similar trend was observed in diseased infectional stages.

Altitudinal and cultivation variation in fatty acid profile of Perilla frutescens L.

Abstract: The seeds of P. frutescens L., collected from different altitudes showed a maximumoil yield (43%) fromGhat Chamoli, while in cultivated samples fromPinder Valley an oil yield of 46%was observed. The fatty acid profile revealedmore than 87%polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) having 74.3% omega-3 fatty acid (ALA) from cultivated seed oil of Dehradun, while in wild samples amaximumof 84.5%PUFAs with 68.8%omega-3 fatty acid. The fatty acid profile revealed octadecatrienoic (omega-3) acid as themajor component of these oils ranging from 65.96-74.29%, maximum being in cultivated seed oil fromDehradun region, therefore, we may conclude that Perilla should be cultivated for the oil vis-a-vis omega-3 fatty acid.

Zinc based Indian traditional drug (Yashad Bhasma):Preparation, characterization and its bacterial response

Abstract: We report on the preparation of Zinc based ‘Yashad BhasmaÂ’ that involves purification of pure Zinc metal using herbal juices followed by detoxification and calcinations at high temperature (~ 900°C) The structural, optical and elemental properties of the Yashad Bhasma have been investigated The structural study of Yashad Bhasma revealed the existence of single phase ZnO with Hexagonal wurzite structure Fourier transform- infra red (FT-IR), Photoluminescence (PL), Raman Spectroscopy, and Energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX), confirms the presence of only ZnO without any other impurity in these BhasmasWe also report on the effect ofYashad bhasma on the growth of Escherichia coli (E Coli) DH5ii and Listeria monocytogenes (L monocytogenes) bacteria Preliminary results showthat Yashad Bhasma is less toxic as in comparison to the earlier studied ZnO Nanoparticles Even at very high concentration ie 4500 ig/ml, the inhibitory effect is very mild In vitro study suggests that the particles ofYashad Bhasma are not toxic to the microorganismpresent in the environment and the growth pattern does not change in the presence of these particles

Progress of the antioxidation of the Chinese herbal medicine Gan-Cao (Licorice)

Abstract: Gan-Cao, or licorice, is a popular Chinese herbalmedicine derived fromthe dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. glabra, and G. inflata. The review describes the progress from four aspects including the history of the research on licoriceÂ’s antioxidation, the main chemical anti-oxidative constituents, the mechanism of Glycyrrhizic antioxidation, the relation between the pharmacological function and the mechanism.We also give a prospect in the fields such as research on the total-herb activity and improvement of the anti-oxidative effect by chemicalmodifying.

DPPH radical scavenging activity of three medicinal plants from similipal biosphere reserve: A study on antioxidant activity

Abstract: The free radical scavenging activity of aqueous extracts of three medicinal plant species (Saraca indica, Withania somnifera and Asparagus racemosus) were assayed byDPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay at concentrations 50, 75 and 100i­g/ml with a view to assess the antioxidant properties of the medicinal plants. The DPPH activities of all plant species increased with the increase in concentrations.While aqueous extract of S. indica bark showed significantly higher DPPH activity, A. racemosus and W. somnifera showed comparatively moderate activity at all concentrations. Results revealed the presence of antioxidant properties borne by the different plant parts in different amounts which has got promising future prospect for their use in pharmaceutics for replacement of synthetic antioxidants.

Extraction and comparison of chemical constituents of the essential oils isolated from leave and stem of Thymus pubescens Boiss. & Kotschy ex Celak

Abstract: A comparison of the chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from the leave and stems of Thymus puhesceras Boiss. & Kotschy ex Celak. were carried out. The oils were obtained by Hydrodistillation and were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Seventeen constituents representing 93.1% of the essential oil of leaves and two components of the stems oil have been identified. The oil fromleave was characterized by higher amount of thymol (35.5%), linalool (21.7%), geraniol (9.0%) and i§-terpinene (3.5%). In the oil of T. pubescens stems, thymol (84.6%) and linalool (10.1%) were only detected as the predominant compounds. In the both sample oils, the oxygenated monoterpenes compounds predominated over sesquiterpenes.