Showing papers in "Pharmaceutical Biology in 2007"
TL;DR: In this paper, the antioxidant activity of extracts and fractions of six vegetal species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest were determined based on the scavenging activity of the stable DPPH free radical.
Abstract: The antioxidant activity of extracts and fractions of six vegetal species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest were determined. The total antioxidant activity was assessed based on the scavenging activity of the stable DPPH free radical. Eight extracts or fractions of plants showed significant DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 � 10.0mg=mL) compared with the values obtained for ascorbic acid (IC50 ¼ 8.4mg=mL) and gallic acid (IC50 ¼ 2.6mg=mL). The extracts or fractions were as follows: ethanol extracts of leaves, flowers, and stems of Baccharis illinita DC., ethanol extracts of leaves and stems of B. platypoda DC., hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of leaves of Cyathea phalerata Mart. and hydroalcoholic extract of bark of Trichilia catigua A. Juss. Seven flavonoids present in the plant extracts were also investigated. The most active compounds were taxifolin, quercetin, and luteolin, which possess the catechol group 3 0 ,4 0 diOH. In addition, the total phenolic or flavonoid contents of these extracts and fractions were evaluated. The phenolic content of the sample was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and varied from 489.07 to 11.29 mg=g dry weight expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE). The total flavonoid concentrations, detected using 2% aluminum chloride, varied from 61.82 to 5.6 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)=g dry weight. These results suggest that the level of antioxidant activity in these plants varies by a great extent. They also suggest that the phenolic content in these plants provides substantial antioxidant activity. The flora of Brazil appears to be a rich and interesting source for supplementary ethnomedical and phytochemical studies.
259 citations
TL;DR: The chemistry, uses, pharmacological activity, and toxicity of Aloe, gel, latex, and isolated compounds are reviewed and are confined to literature pertaining to Aloe vera.
Abstract: Aloe. (Lilliaceae) has long been used as a remedy in many cultures. Aloe. products, which include the latex, gel, and whole leaf, are used, among other reasons, as laxatives, in creams for skin ail...
139 citations
TL;DR: A review of the different phytoconstituents and pharmacological activities of Acorus calamus, a semiaquatic, perennial, aromatic herb with creeping rhizomes, found in the northern temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, North America, and Europe.
Abstract: Acorus calamus. Linn. (Araceae), commonly known as “sweet flag” or “calamus”, is a semiaquatic, perennial, aromatic herb with creeping rhizomes. The plant is found in the northern temperate and sub...
114 citations
TL;DR: The aqueous extract of Punica granatum peels may contain some biologically active principles that may be active against diarrhea, and this may be the basis for its traditional use for gastrointestinal disorders.
Abstract: The antidiarrheal effects of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) peels were evaluated in rats. Studies were carried out on the isolated rat ileum, gastrointestinal motility in vivo, and on castor oil–induced diarrhea in rats. The results revealed that the extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of the spontaneous movement of the isolated rat ileum and attenuated acetylcholine-induced contractions. The extract (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg=kg) also caused a dose-dependent decrease of gastrointestinal transit and markedly protected rats against castor oil–induced diarrhea enteropooling. The intraperitoneal injection LD50 of the extract was found to be 132115 mg=kg in mice. A preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum peels gave positive tests for tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract of Punica granatum peels may contain some biologically active principles that may be active against diarrhea, and this may be the basis for its traditional use for gastrointestinal disorders.
111 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, α-Terpineol, a monoterpenoid alcohol, was investigated for its anticonvulsant activity, which increased the latency to convulsions induced by pentylenetetetrazole at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg and decreased the incidence of hindlimb extension produced by MES in a dose-related manner.
Abstract: α-Terpineol, a monoterpenoid alcohol, was investigated for its anticonvulsant activity. This compound increased the latency to convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg and decreased the incidence of hindlimb extension produced by MES in a dose-related manner at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg.
82 citations
TL;DR: Bioassay-guided fractionation of the MeOH extracts of Euphorbia hirta showed proliferation inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum, but flavonol glycosides afzelin, quercitrin, and myricitrin exhibited little cytotoxic property against human epidermoid carcinoma KB 3-1 cells.
Abstract: Bioassay-guided fractionation of the MeOH extracts of Euphorbia hirta Linn (Euphorbiaceae) aerial parts led to the isolation of flavonol glycosides afzelin (1), quercitrin (2), and myricitrin (3), whose structures were established by MS and NMR analysis. Compounds 1-3 showed proliferation inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum, with IC50 values of 1.1, 4.1, 5.4 mu g/mL, repectively. On the other hand, they exhibited little cytotoxic property against human epidermoid carcinoma KB 3-1 cells.
80 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the in vitro and in vivo antioxidative and radical scavenging potential of organic extracts of the aerial parts and roots of Ferula szovitsiana DC (Umbelliferae).
Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the in vitro and in vivo antioxidative and radical scavenging potential of organic extracts of the aerial parts and roots of Ferula szovitsiana DC (Umbelliferae). Extracts were evaluated for ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities in vitro. The influence of the most potent sample was examined in rats for the prevention of plasma and liver lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The methanol extract was found as the most active in scavenging DPPH radicals and in FRAP and showed the greatest polyphenol content. The phenolic content of the extracts positively correlated with the FRAP values (r 2 ¼ 0.92, p < 0.0001) and DPPH scavenging activity (r 2 ¼ 0.96, p < 0.0001) in vitro. Administration of the methanol extract to rats decreased lipid peroxidation in plasma and liver, whereas FRAP of plasma increased. The activities of CAT and SOD increased in the liver. These results lead to the conclusion that F. szovitsiana extracts show relevant antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo by means of scavenging free radicals, reducing cellular lipid peroxidation, increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and total antioxidant power. The higher antioxidant potential of the methanol extract of F. szovitsiana shown in the current study indicates that most of the active constituents of this plant are polar phenolic components.
72 citations
TL;DR: Two steroid glycosides were isolated from the berries of Solanum aculeastrum, which were identified as tomatidine and solasodine by spectroscopic techniques and showed very low apoptotic indices.
Abstract: Solanum aculeastrum. Dunal is a medicinal plant that has long been used to treat various cancers and many other conditions in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In this study, two steroid glycosides were isolated from the berries of this plant, which were identified as tomatidine and solasodine by spectroscopic techniques. Effects on cell growth of these compounds were investigated with HeLa, MCF7, and HT29 cancer cell lines. The IC50 values confirmed that tomatidine and solasodine had the highest inhibitory effect on HeLa cells and the IC50 of the combined compounds was lower than the value for solasodine and unchanged from that of tomatidine. However, the IC50 values of the two compounds combined was also lower in HT29 and MCF7 cells than for the individual compounds. Both tomatidine and solasodine inhibited cell growth by blocking the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase after 24-h exposure with an increase from 55.6% to 64.2% and 66.8%, respectively. Using annexin V–FITC/PI staining by flow c...
68 citations
TL;DR: Ethanol extracts of 19 Turkish medicinal plants, used in the traditional system of medicine, were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against 14 pathogenic bacterial species and a yeast, Candida albicans.
Abstract: Ethanol extracts of 19 Turkish medicinal plants, used in the traditional system of medicine, were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against 14 pathogenic bacterial species and a yeast, ...
67 citations
TL;DR: Strong antischistosomal activity was found in the extracts of 15 species (possessing LC50 ≤ 15 µg/mL), viz.
Abstract: In vitro. bioassay screening of 346 methanol extracts originated from 281 native and cultivated plant species growing in Egypt, and related to 81 families, was carried out for schistosomicidal activity. The extracts were bioassayed at 100 µg/mL on viable Schistosoma mansoni. mature worms in culture medium. Viability of worms was examined after exposure for 24 h, and mortality determined. Negative (DMSO) and positive (praziquantel) controls were used. Of the tested plant extracts, 72 were found to possess reproducible in vitro. antischistosomal activity. These active extracts were further subjected to determination of their LC50 and LC90 values. Strong antischistosomal activity was found in the extracts of 15 species (possessing LC50 ≤ 15 µg/mL), viz. Agave americana. L. var. marginata. Trel. (Agavaceae), A. lophantha. Schiede (Agavaceae), Furcraea selloa. C.Koch. (Agavaceae), Calotropis procera. (Aiton) W.T.Aiton (Asclepiadaceae), Pergularia tomentosa. L. (Asclepiadaceae), Asclepias sinaica. (Bois...
67 citations
TL;DR: Water extracts of di yu, xian he cao, and da huang were show to be the most antioxidative and had the highest growth inhibitory effect on human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell and human breast cancer MCF-7 cell, suggesting that the antioxidants of the herbal water extracts might contribute to their anticancer effects on A549 and MCF -7 cells.
Abstract: Lobeliae chinensis. Herba (“ban bian lian”), Rheum officinale. Baill. (“da huang”), Sanguisorba officinalis. Linn. (“di yu”), Agrimonia pilosa. Ledeb. (“xian he cao”), and Paris polyphylla. Smith (“zhi hua tou”) are well-known traditional Chinese medicines. They are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine formulae against cancer. In this study, the antioxidant and anticancer effects of water extracts of these herbs were investigated. In the antioxidant and anticancer studies, water extracts of di yu, xian he cao, and da huang were show to be the most antioxidative and had the highest growth inhibitory effect on human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell and human breast cancer MCF-7 cell. By comparing their percentage free radical scavenging capacity (SR%) and percentage growth inhibition on A549 and MCF-7 cells, a positive linear relationship between antioxidant activity and anticancer effect of the five herbal water extracts was found. This suggested that the antioxidants of the herbal water extr...
TL;DR: Results demonstrated that the extracts of P. reticulatus possess significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Abstract: The petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of Phyllanthus reticulatus. Poir. (Euphorbiaceae) were chosen for pharmacological screening. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the ...
TL;DR: In this article, the antioxidant activity of Asteraceae was evaluated by comparing the reducing capacity and the DPPH radical scavenging of two previously isolated sesquiterpene lactones (vernolide and vernodalol) with the ethanol extract from which the two compounds were isolated.
Abstract: Vernonia amygdalina Del. (Asteraceae) is a plant widely used both for nutritional and medicinal purposes throughout the tropical Africa. The health-promoting ability of this plant species might be related to the antioxidative effect of its constituents. In this study,the antioxidant activity of this plant was evaluated by comparing the reducing capacity and the DPPH radical scavenging of two previously isolated sesquiterpene lactones (vernolide and vernodalol) with the ethanol extract from which the two compounds were isolated. Results indicated that vernolide had a higher reducing power than vernodalol and the ethanol extract. At 0.25 mg=mL, vernolide had an absorbance value of 0.15 while vernolide and the ethanol extract had absorbencies of 0.042 and 0.144, respectively. Catechin (a standard antioxidant compound), however, exhibited a higher reducing power than all the three samples. In the DPPH radical scavenging, both the sesquiterpene lactones and the ethanol extract exhibited appreciable activity. At 0.25 mg=mL, the activity order was ethanol extract > vernodalol > vernolide. At all concentrations, the ethanol extract had higher radical scavenging activity than the sesquiterpene lactones, suggesting a possible synergistic effect of these and any other antioxidant constituents.
TL;DR: Alcohol extracts obtained from above-and below-ground organs of the cup plant Silphium perfoliatum had slightly stronger antibacterial properties compared with lipophilic ones and rhizomes had the highest activity compared with the leaf and inflorescence extracts.
Abstract: Methanol and hexane extracts obtained from above-and below-ground organs of the cup plant Silphium perfoliatum. L. (Asteraceae) were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Eighty-five components were identified in the extracts. Moreover, evaluation of the content of total secondary metabolites (flavonoids, o.-dihydroxyphenols, and glycoside-bonded oleanolic acid) was made in the methanol extract. It was found that leaf, inflorescence, and rhizome extracts of S. perfoliatum. were characterized by antibacterial action toward Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis., Staphylococcus aureus.) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli., Pseudomonas aeruginosa. bacteria). All the extracts showed extremely high activity toward Staphylococcus aureus. FDA 209P strains (MIC values: 1.00 mg/mL for rhizome alcohol and hexane extracts; 2.50 mg/mL for leaf and inflorescence alcohol extracts and for leaf hexane extracts; 5.00 mg/mL for inflorescence hexane extracts). In general, alcohol extracts had sli...
TL;DR: It was concluded that leaves of Moringa oleifera increase healing of gastric ulcers and also prevent the development of experimentally induced gastric Ulcers and duodenal ulcers in rats.
Abstract: The effect of different extracts of leaves and fruits of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) on gastric and duodenal ulcers was evaluated by using different gastric ulcer models and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer method. The leaf extracts (500 mg=kg, p.o.) of Moringa oleifera showed gastric ulcer healing effect in acetic acid–induced chronic gastric ulcers. The acetone extract and methanol extract of the leaves produced gastric antisecretory effect in pylorus-ligated rats and showed gastric cytoprotective effect in ethanol-induced and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers. The leaf extracts also produced a significant reduction of stress-induced gastric ulcers and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers. None of the extracts of the fruits showed any significant antiulcer effect. It was concluded that leaves of Moringa oleifera increase healing of gastric ulcers and also prevent the development of experimentally induced gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers in rats.
TL;DR: In this paper, the phenolic compounds of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile (Posidoniaceae), a widely distributed phanerogam in Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, were investigated for the potential to be used in pharmaceutical sciences.
Abstract: In this study, Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile (Posidoniaceae), which is a widely distributed phanerogam in Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, was investigated for the phenolic compounds that have the potential to be used in pharmaceutical sciences. The leaves, separated as young and mature leaves, were extracted and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromotagraphy (HPLC). The younger leaves were found to have higher concentrations of chicoric acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillin, and ferulic acid, and the amount of gentisic acid, caffeic acid, and cinnamic acid was found to be higher in the mature leaves. Consequently, the plant might be a source of compounds to be investigated for anti-HIV and immunostimulant (caffeic acid, chicoric acid), antitumor (cinnamic acid, ferulic acid), antioxidant, and antibacterial activities.
TL;DR: The observation that each extract showed a distinctive permutation of target organisms suggested that different bioactive phytochemicals were present in each species.
Abstract: Twenty-three selected plants belonging to 12 families were collected from different localities of Tunisia and dried and extracted with the solvents petroleum ether or hexane, ethyl acetate or acetone, and methanol to yield 72 extracts. The extracts were tested for their antimicrobial activity against 14 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using agar diffusion and microdilution methods. The antimicrobial profiles varied considerably. Fifty-six (77.78%) extracts showed some degree of activity against one or more of the bacterial strains. Antibacterial activity was demonstrated especially against Gram-positive bacteria. The greatest activity was exhibited by all Cistus monspeliensis. L. (Cistaceae) leaves and flowers extracts, Inula viscosa. (L.) Ait. (Asteraceae) and Juniperus phoenicea.L. (Cupresaceae), by the acetone and methanol extracts of Arbutus unedo. L. (Ericaceae) and Polygonum aviculare. L. Var. Bellardi (All.) Duby (Polygonaceae), by the hexane and acetone extracts of Hypericum crisp...
TL;DR: The results of the current study suggest the use of these two essential oils in very low concentrations for preserving food materials by demonstrating the DPPH scavenging activity of the essential oils of the of leaves of male J. oblonga and the OH radical scavenging effects of the fruit oil of J. Oblonga.
Abstract: The essential oils of different parts of Juniperus communis. subsp. hemisphaerica. (Presl) Nyman (Cupressaceae) and Juniperus oblonga. M. B. were examined for their potential radical scavenging activity. The compositions of the essential oils of these plants were studied qualitatively and quantitatively by GC and GC-MS. The main components of the essential oils as well as positive controls were subjected to antioxidant testing. A rapid evaluation for antioxidants, using two TLC screening methods, showed that all tested oils and their main components have antioxidant activity. The abilities of the volatile oils to act as nonspecific donors for hydrogen atoms for electron were checked in the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In the DPPH assay, the strongest effect among the essential oils was measured for the oil of leaves of male J. communis. subsp. hemisphaerica. at a concentration of 4 µL/mL (24.0%) In the deoxyribose degradation assay, the essential oils, pure components, and positive control...
TL;DR: Both extracts showed significant inhibitor activity against castor oil–induced diarrhea and PGE2-induced intrafluid accumulation, and both extracts showed a significant reduction in the gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal test, which could explain their use as antidiarrheal agents in traditional medicine.
Abstract: This study reports the antidiarrheal potential of Lithocarpus dealbata. (Miq.) Rehder (Fagaceae) and Urena lobata. L. (Malvaceae) used in the traditional medicine system of the Naga tribes of in India. The antidiarrheal efficacies of the seed extract of L. dealbata. and leaf extract of U. lobata. were evaluated in murine models by three different approaches: (i) castor oil–induced diarrhea, (ii) PGE2-induced enteropooling, and (iii) small intestinal transit. The 800 mg/kg dose of methanol extracts of both plants showed significant (p < 0.001) inhibitor activity against castor oil–induced diarrhea and PGE2-induced intrafluid accumulation. Both extracts also showed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal test. Acute toxicity tests did not reveal any sign of toxicity in the animals. The observed results could explain their use as antidiarrheal agents in traditional medicine.
TL;DR: Examination of the testicular histology revealed that the extract of T. glaberrima favors spermatogenesis by enhancing the proliferation of the seminiferous epithelium and a significant increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase was observed in rats treated with methanol extract.
Abstract: Tricholepis glaberrima. DC (Compositae) is popularly known as ‘brahmadandi’ in Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine. Aerial parts of this plant are used as a nervine tonic, and its infusion was prescribed in seminal debility and impotence. In the current study, we have investigated the effect of methanol extract of the aerial parts in sexually active male rats. In addition, the effect of the extract on the testicular histology and on the activity of two antioxidant enzymes, viz. superoxide dismutase and catalase in testicular homogenate were determined. Administration of the methanol extract at 200 mg/kg body weight for 28 days altered significantly the various components of the sexual behavior study. The extract increased significantly mounting latency (ML) and intromission latency (IL) with a significant reduction in mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI). Examination of the testicular histology revealed that the extract favors spermatogenesi...
TL;DR: The results show that the ethanol extract of T. polium suppressed the growth of all tested cell lines effectively and inhibited formation of colonies in agarose efficiently.
Abstract: Teucrium polium. (Lamaceae), part of the natural flora of Iran and the Middle East, has long been used for the treatment of diabetes, gastric inflammation, and convulsion in traditional medicine (Reishinger, ). Although some benefits of T. polium. have been claimed by researchers, very few studies have investigated the cytotoxic effects of this herb. In the current study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of an ethanol extract of T. polium. on four cell lines, A549, BT20, MCF7, and PC12, by measurement of mitochondrial respiration as well as colony-forming assay. We also compared T. polium. cytotoxicity to paclitaxel, a known herbal anticancer agent. Our results show that the ethanol extract of T. polium. suppressed the growth of all tested cell lines effectively. The IC50 values for each cell line were calculated as follows: A549, 90 µg/mL; BT20, 106 µg/mL; MCF-7, 140 µg/mL; and PC12, 120 µg/mL. T. polium. extract also inhibited formation of colonies in agarose efficiently. Further investigat...
TL;DR: The broth microdilution test was applied for screening of antibacterial activity in extracts of higher and endophytic fungi, and among tested extracts, three possessed significant antib bacterial activity.
Abstract: Discovery and development of new antibiotics is still very important because of the constant appearance of drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. The broth microdilution test was applied for screening of antibacterial activity in extracts of higher and endophytic fungi. Among tested extracts, three possessed significant antibacterial activity: extracts of mushrooms Amanita virosa. (Fr.) Bertill. (Amanitaceae) and Cortinarius praestans. Cordier (Cortinariaceae) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. and Staphylococcus aureus., respectively, and extract of endophytic fungus Trucatella hartigii. (Tubeuf) Steyaert (Amphisphaeriaceae) against Enterococcus faecalis. and S. aureus.. The extract of Truncatella hartigii. was further analyzed by one- and two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography, and the position of the active compound was determined on the chromatogram.
TL;DR: Curculigo orchioides root tuber is used in the treatment of diabetes and several other diseases and both alcohol and aqueous extracts produced significant hypoglycemic activity in alloxanized rats when compared with diabetic control.
Abstract: Curculigo orchioides. Gaertn. (Hypoxidaceae) is known as “talamuli” or “musali” in Ayurveda and as “nilapanai” in Siddha. The root tuber is used in the treatment of diabetes and several other diseases. Both alcohol and aqueous extracts were tested with alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were evaluated on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days. Doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of both extracts produced significant (p < 0.001) hypoglycemic activity in alloxanized rats when compared with diabetic control.
TL;DR: Ethanol and aqueous extracts obtained from 11 plant species from 11 families selected based on their use in Turkish folk medicine, including Isatis glauca, displayed significant anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model in mice without inducing any gastric damage and were shown to possess significant antinociceptive activities.
Abstract: Ethanol and aqueous extracts obtained from 11 plant species from 11 families selected based on their use in Turkish folk medicine, including Isatis glauca Aucher x Boiss. subsp glauca (herb) (Brassicaceae), Tamus communis L. (herb and root) (Dioscoreaceae), Rumex crispus L. (herb) (Polygonaceae), Daphne oleoides Schreber (aerial parts) (Thymeleaceae), Laurus nobilis L. (leaves and seeds) (Lauraceae), Ranunculus tricophyllus Chaix (herb) (Ranunculaceae), Anchusa azurea Miller var. azurea (herb) (Boraginaceae), Calluna vulgaris L. (herb) (Ericaceae), Prunella vulgaris L. (herb) (Lamiaceae), Scabiosa rotata Bieb. (herb) (Dipsacaceae), and Arceuthobium oxycedri (DC.) Bieb. (herb) (Loranthaceae), were evaluated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Among the plant extracts studied, the ethanol extracts of Laurus nobilis seed and Calluna vulgaris herb and the aqueous and ethanol extracts of Arceuthobium oxycedri herb displayed significant anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model in mice without inducing any gastric damage. The ethanol extracts of Isatis glauca subsp. glauca, Calluna vulgaris, Laurus nobilis (seeds) as well as the aqueous and ethanol extracts of Arceuthobium oxycedri were also shown to possess significant antinociceptive activity in varying degrees against p-benzoquinoneinduced abdominal cont raction test in mice.
TL;DR: The antibacterial activity of the ethanol, aqueous, and organic extracts from the root of Rheum ribes, examined, recorded for the first time in this species, did not inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Abstract: The antibacterial activity of the ethanol, aqueous, and organic extracts from the root of Rheum ribes. Linn (Polygonaceae) was examined. Four anthraquinone aglycone components, chrysopahnol, physcion, aloe emodin, and emodin, were isolated from the biologically active extract and identified by spectroscopic analysis. Emodin is recorded for the first time in this species. The MIC values of the biologically active extracts, aloe emodin, and emodin, were 500, 125, 250, and 63 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus., respectively. The extracts and compounds did not inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa. and Escherichia coli. at the highest concentration tested, 4000 and 250 µg/mL, respectively.
TL;DR: Results from this preliminary investigation suggest that these Lauraceae tree species may have a great potential for further development as cancer chemoprevention agents or food supplements for promoting human health.
Abstract: This research collected 27 Lauraceae tree species in Taiwan, and the extracts prepared from leaves and branches were selected to evaluate and characterize their putative bioactivities and potential medicinal applications. Several bioactivity assays, including antifungal tests, antioxidant evaluation, anti-inflammation activity, and cytotoxicity were preformed in this study.The results showed no significant antifungal activity by Lauraceae extracts. Neolitsea parvigemma (Hay.) Kanehira et Sasaki expresses the best antioxidant activity (IC50 ¼ 5.73mg=mL) in the DPPH assay.The extracts of Litsea akoensis Hay. and Cryptocarya concinna Hance had significant anti-inflammation activity, and they can inhibit the nitric oxide (NO) production in the LPSinduced microphage assay at the dose of 25mg=mL. According to the cytotoxicity assay, Lindera aggregate (Sims) Kosterm and Cryptocarya concinna Hance extracts showed in vitro cytotoxicity against human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (HUVEC) with IC50 values of 43.15mg=mL and 49.36mg=mL, respectively, and Phoebe formosana (Matsum. et Hay.) Hay. extract exhibited marked cytotoxicity (IC50 ¼ 42.87mg=mL) against a human leukemia cell line (HL-60). Results from this preliminary investigation suggest that these Lauraceae tree species may have a great potential for further development as cancer chemoprevention agents or food supplements for promoting human health.
TL;DR: Aqueous extracts of the leaves of all the plants appeared to have less antibacterial activity than the methanol extracts, and P. aeruginosa, the only exception, was found to be resistant against the aqueous extract of N. arbortristis.
Abstract: The bactericidal activities of the aqueous and methanol extracts of the leaves of three plants used as popular medicine in India were studied. The dried leaf extracts of Vangueria spinosa. B. (Rubiaceae), Cestrum nocturnum. L. (Solanaceae), and Nyctanthes arbortristis. L. (Oleaceae) were tested in vitro. by the disk diffusion method against four bacterial strains, namely, Staphylococcus aureus. (MTCC 2940), Bacillus subtilis. (MTCC 441), Escherichia coli. (MTCC 739), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (MTCC 2453). Both the aqueous and the methanol extracts of V. spinosa. showed the strongest activity, followed by C. nocturnum. and N. arbortristis.. The only exception was P. aeruginosa., which, in turn, was found to be resistant against the aqueous extract of N. arbortristis.. Aqueous extracts of the leaves of all the plants appeared to have less antibacterial activity than the methanol extracts.
TL;DR: In this paper, the ellagic acid content of the methanol extracts of Juglans regia was determined to develop melanogenesis inhibitors by monitoring the appearance of dopachrome, an intermediate in the melanogenesis process.
Abstract: Ellagic acid (EA) is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in a variety of plants in its free form or in the form of ellagitannin glycosides. In this study, the ellagic acid content of the methanol extracts of Juglans regia. L. (Juglandaceae) leaves, Castanea sativa. Mill. (Fagaceae) stem bark, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Dehnh. (Myrtaceae) leaves was determined to develop melanogenesis inhibitors. An improved NaNO2 assay was used for determination of EA. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the extracts and synthetic EA was tested in vitro. by monitoring the appearance of dopachrome, an intermediate in the melanogenesis process. The results were compared keeping the same total concentration of inhibitor. The efficacy of EA (1%) was compared with arbutin (1%) and hydroquinone monomethyl ether (1%) as reference substances, and it was found to be a more efficient suppressor of pigmentation. The effect of formulation variables on the tyrosinase inhibitory activity was also evaluated. Based on dop...
TL;DR: The results of this study showed that the aqueous crude extracts of V. amygdalina significantly reduced the fecal egg count of the helminths, it could be a potential source of a new lead anthelmintic agent.
Abstract: The anthelmintic efficacy of an aqueous crude extract of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina. Del. (Compositae) was studied in 16 Nigerian puppies. They were divided into four groups of four puppies per group. The group A animals were uninfected and hence were untreated, whereas those in groups B, C, and D were naturally infected with helminths. Group B animals were untreated whereas group C animals were treated with a proprietary anthelmintic (Mebendazole). Group D animals were treated with aqueous crude extracts of V. amygdalina. using the oral route. Two weeks after treatment, blood and fecal samples were collected to evaluate the hematologic values and fecal egg counts, respectively. Before the onset of this study, fecal egg counts showed that ascarids (Toxocara canis.) and hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum.) were present in the experimental animals. The results of this study showed that the aqueous crude extracts of V. amygdalina. after its administration into local dogs produced significant change...
TL;DR: Cholesterol-lowering, anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of Thespesia populnea.
Abstract: Thespesia populnea Soland ex. Correa (Malvaceae) is a large tree found in the tropical regions and coastal forests of India. Various parts of Thespesia populnea are found to possess useful medicinal properties such as antifertility, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, purgative, and hepatoprotective activities. The current study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Thespesia populnea bark on memory in rats. Elevated plus-maze and Hebb-Williams maze served as the exteroceptive behavioral models for testing memory. Diazepam-, scopolamine-, and ageing-induced amnesia served as the interoceptive behavioral models. The ethanol extract of Thespesia populnea (TPE) was administered orally in three doses (100, 200, and 400 mg=kg) for 7 successive days to different groups of young and aged rats. TPE (200 and 400 mg=kg, p.o.) resulted in significant improvement in memory of young and aged rats. TPE also reversed the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg=kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg=kg, i.p.). Cholesterol-lowering, anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of Thespesia populnea may favorably contribute to its memory-enhancement effect. Therefore, Thespesia populnea bark appears to be a promising candidate for improving memory, and it would be worthwhile to explore the potential of this plant in the management of Alzheimer patients.