Pharmacological evidence of Vitex thyrsiflora, Entandrophragma cylindricum, and Anonidium mannii used for the management of inflammation in Cameroon

Background Inflammation is the most common health problem faced in life relating to a vast number of diseases. The present study evaluated the pharmacological effect of three plants (Vitex thyrsiflora, Entandrophragma cylindricum, and Anonidium mannii) commonly used in the Cameroon pharmacopeia for the management of inflammatory response. Methods The pharmacological effect was characterized by the antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties of the ethanol extracts of the three plants. Antioxidant capacity was determined using total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, hydrogen peroxide, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro by protein denaturation and hypotonic-induced hemolysis methods and in vivo by carrageenan paw edema method. Analgesic and antipyretic activities were studied in vivo using acetic acid-induced writhing and brewer's yeast-induced hyperpyrexia models. Results All selected extracts showed high phenolic (15.93-64.45 mgCAE/g) and flavonoid (336.03-1053.48 mgCAE/g) contents and high ferric reducing power (288.75-364.91 mgCAE/g). These extracts exhibited good DPPH (IC50 = 0.30-1.65 μg/mL), ABTS (IC50 = 0.52-1.90 μg/mL), and H2O2 (IC50 = 1.40-3.55 μg/mL) radical scavenging activities. All extracts inhibited protein denaturation (6.79-82.27%) and protected the erythrocyte membrane from lysis induced by hypotonic solution (18.90-88.00%). The extracts significantly reduced dose-dependent paw edema (p < 0.05), fever, and abdominal writhing (p < 0.001) especially at 400 mg/kg. Conclusions All extracts exhibited interesting antioxidant properties, as well as significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects.

Propolis Consumption Reduces Nosema ceranae Infection of European Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)

Nosema ceranae is a widespread obligate intracellular parasite of the ventriculus of many species of honey bee (Apis), including the Western honey bee Apis mellifera, in which it may lead to colony death. It can be controlled in A. mellifera by feeding the antibiotic fumagillin to a colony, though this product is toxic to humans and its use has now been banned in many countries, so in beekeeping, there exists a need for alternative and safe products effective against N. ceranae. Honeybees produce propolis from resinous substances collected from plants and use it to protect their nest from parasites and pathogens; propolis is thought to decrease the microbial load of the hive. We hypothesized that propolis might also reduce N. ceranae infection of individual bees and that they might consume propolis as a form of self-medication. To test these hypotheses, we evaluated the effects of an ethanolic extract of propolis administered orally on the longevity and spore load of experimentally N. ceranae-infected worker bees and also tested whether infected bees were more attracted to, and consumed a greater proportion of, a diet containing propolis in comparison to uninfected bees. Propolis extracts and ethanol (solvent control) increased the lifespan of N. ceranae-infected bees, but only propolis extract significantly reduced spore load. Our propolis extract primarily contained derivatives of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, ellagic acid and quercetin. Choice, scan sampling and food consumption tests did not reveal any preference of N. ceranae-infected bees for commercial candy containing propolis. Our research supports the hypothesis that propolis represents an effective and safe product to control N. ceranae but worker bees seem not to use it to self-medicate when infected with this pathogen.

[Effects and active substances of ethanol extract from Dendrobium officinale on metabolic hypertensive rats induced by comprehensive dietary]

Previous studies of Dendrobium officinale on anti-hypertension effect always focused only on the blood pressure,while polysaccharides of D. officinale( DOP) have been traditionally considered as one of the main effective substances. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract from D. officinale( DOE) on blood pressure,Glu and lipid profile in metabolic hypertensive rats induced by comprehensive dietary factors,and elucidate the composition of effective fractions from DOE. A metabolic hypertension model of rat induced by high-sugar,high-fat diet and alcohol drinking was adopted to evaluate the effect of DOE on hypertension and other metabolic disorders. Blood pressure,Glu and lipid profile were detected to find the features and differences of DOE and DOP on metabolic hypertension. Furthermore,DOE was separated with three different common solvents according to the polarity. Along with blood pressure,Glu,UA and lipid profile,hemorheology,oxidative index and aortas structure changes were adopted to evaluate the comprehensive effects of the most effective fractions on metabolic hypertension. Finally,HPLC-DAD-MS was adopted to identify the components of the most effective fraction. The SBP and Glu of models were decreased significantly after administration of DOE and DOP for 6 weeks,while TG in DOE groups also reduced dramatically. The DOE was separated with ether,n-butanol respectively and named NAF,NBF and NCF. SBP,TG,Glu,UA of model rats were decreased significantly after 4 weeks administration with NBF. The level of MDA in serum was down-regulated,while GSH-Px and T-AOC were up-regulated obviously after 12 weeks.And the blood viscosity also obviously decreased,with less collagen deposition of aortas by Masson's trichrome staining. NBF was mainly composed of phenols and flavone C-glycosides,whose aglycone was apigenin,and monosaccharide was connected to C-6 and C-8. Ethanol extract from D.officinale has an positive effect in alleviating hypertension and metabolic disorders in metabolic hypertension. Medium polarity fraction was the effective fraction of alcohol extraction from D. officinale,and mainly composed of phenols and flavone C-glycosides.

Investigation of Antituberculosis from Medicinal Plant of Community Ethnic in South Sulawesi

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis is one of the transmitted diseases that has been claimed as one of the most serious health problems worldwide resulting in death, as reported in WHO in Global Tuberculosis Report 2014. It has been predicted that 9 million people suffer from tuberculosis disease and 1.5 - 2 million deaths occur by this disease.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research is to know the species of plant used as anti-hematemesis medicine that has the activity of antituberculosis and antituberculosis-MDR and then investigate the phytochemistry characteristics of the compound from every parts of the plant extract that show the activity of antituberculosis and antituberculosis-MDR which is indicated by the value of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extracts.

METHODS

The extraction method used in this research was the maceration method. The antituberculosis activity test was investigated using MODS and LJ media methods. The isolation of the active compound was carried out using Bioassay Guided Fractionation and then the compound characteristics were identified using spectroscopy data.

RESULTS

The results showed that extracts from Talas (Collocasia esculenta tuber) and Kariango (Acorus calamus rhizome) plants were active against M. tuberculosis. The FTIR spectroscopy data showed that three isolates obtained from Talas plants contained aliphatic OH and C-O and CH groups. The MIC values of kariango and Talas extracts using the MODS method were 45 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Talas (Collocasia esculenta) tuber and Kariango rhizome ethanolic extract have a potency for antituberculosis and anti-MDR tuberculosis drugs.

Propolis Extract as Antioxidant to Improve Oxidative Stability of Fresh Patties during Refrigerated Storage

The effect of propolis ethanol extract (PEE), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ascorbic acid (Asc) against lipid (Lox) and protein oxidation (Pox), color deterioration, and the antioxidant stabilizer of raw beef and pork patties during chilled storage (9 days at 2 °C/under darkness) was investigated. Total phenolic content (TPC), reducing power ability (RPA), DPPH^● radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of the PEE was evaluated. Meat samples were evaluated for pH, Lox (TBARS), Pox (Carbonyls), color (L*, a*, b*, C*, and h*), metmyoglobin formation (MMb), TPC, RPA, and FRSA. Results indicated that PEE is rich in phenolic content and antioxidant activity, and their incorporation in beef and pork patties reduced (p < 0.05) Lox and Pox (TBARS-88.7 and 80% inhibition; Pox-47.3 and 30.6% inhibition, respectively), as well as loss of color and increased the oxidative stability throughout storage.

[Neuroprotective effects and mechanism of ethanol extract of Cistanche tubulosa against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion]

To investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanism of Cistanche tubulosa ethanol extract( CTEE) against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion( OGD/R)-induced PC12 cells neuronal injury. In this study,OGD/R-induced PC12 cells were used to explore the neuroprotective effects of CTEE( 12. 5,25,50 mg·L-1) by detecting cell viability with MTT assay,apoptosis with AO/EB and Hoechst 33258,mitochondrial membrane potential changes with JC-1 staining,mitochondrial oxidative stress with MitoSOX staining,as well as the apoptosis-related protein expression( PARP,cleaved PARP,caspase-3,cleaved caspase-3,Bax,Bcl-2) with Western blot. RESULTS:: showed that CTEE effectively protected OGD/R-induced neuronal injury and increased the survival rate of PC12 cells.AO/EB and Hoechst 33258 staining showed that CTEE could effectively inhibit apoptosis. Moreover,JC-1 and MitoSOX staining results showed that CTEE decreased mitochondrial stress and mitochondrial membrane potential imbalance in PC12 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile,CTEE could obviously suppress the activation of key proteins in mitochondrial apoptosis pathway such as caspase-3 and PARP,and significantly inhibit the rise of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2. In conclusion,CTEE has obvious protective effects on OGD/R-induced PC12 cells neuronal injury,potentially via inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis-related signaling pathway.

Linderae radix ethanol extract attenuates alcoholic liver injury via attenuating inflammation and regulating gut microbiota in rats

This study aimed to explore the influence of gut microbiota alterations induced by Linderae radix ethanol extract (LREE) on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in rats and to study the anti-inflammatory effect of LREE on ALD through the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. ALD rat models were established by intragastric liquor [50% (v/v) ethanol] administration at 10 mL/kg body weight for 20 days. Rats were divided into six groups: normal group (no treatment), model group (ALD rats), Essentiale group (ALD rats fed with Essentiale, 137 mg/kg), and LREE high/moderate/low dose groups (ALD rats fed with 4, 2, or 1 g LREE/kg). NF-κB and LPS levels were evaluated. Liver pathological changes and intestinal ultrastructure were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy. The gut microbiota composition was evaluated by 16S rDNA sequencing. Expression levels of TLR4 and CD68 in liver tissue, and occludin and claudin-1 in intestinal tissue were measured. LREE treatment significantly reduced NF-κB and LPS levels, improved liver pathological changes, and ameliorated intestinal ultrastructure injury. Meanwhile, LREE-fed groups showed a higher abundance of Firmicutes and a lower abundance of Bacteroidetes than the rats in the model group. Administration of LREE suppressed TLR4 overexpression and promoted the expression of occludin and claudin-1 in intestine tissue. Thus, LREE could partly ameliorate microflora dysbiosis, suppress the inflammatory response, and attenuate liver injury in ALD rats. The protective effect of LREE might be related to the LPS-TLR4-NF-κB pathway.

Antiviral Effects of Houttuynia cordata Polysaccharide Extract on Murine Norovirus-1 (MNV-1)-A Human Norovirus Surrogate

Houttuynia cordata is an herbal plant rich in polysaccharides and with several pharmacological activities. Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are the most common cause of foodborne viral gastroenteritis throughout the world. In this study, H. cordata polysaccharide (HP), with a molecular weight of ~43 kDa, was purified from H. cordata water extract (HWE). The polysaccharide HP was composed predominantly of galacturonic acid, galactose, glucose, and xylose in a molar ratio of 1.56:1.49:1.26:1.11. Methylation and NMR analyses revealed that HP was a pectin-like acidic polysaccharide mainly consisting of α-1,4-linked GalpA, β-1,4-linked Galp, β-1,4-linked Glcp, and β-1,4-linked Xylp residues. To evaluate the antiviral activity of H. cordata extracts, we compared the anti-norovirus potential of HP with HWE and ethanol extract (HEE) from H. cordata by plaque assay (plaque forming units (PFU)/mL) for murine norovirus-1 (MNV-1), a surrogate of HuNoVs. Viruses at high (8.09 log10 PFU/mL) or low (4.38 log10 PFU/mL) counts were mixed with 100, 250, and 500 μg/mL of HP, HWE or HEE and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. H. cordata polysaccharide (HP) was more effective than HEE in reducing MNV-1 plaque formation, but less effective than HWE. When MNV-1 was treated with 500 μg/mL HP, the infectivity of MNV-1 decreased to an undetectable level. The selectivity indexes of each sample were 1.95 for HEE, 5.74 for HP, and 16.14 for HWE. The results of decimal reduction time and transmission electron microscopic revealed that HP has anti-viral effects by deforming and inflating virus particles, thereby inhibiting the penetration of viruses in target cells. These findings suggest that HP might have potential as an antiviral agent in the treatment of viral diseases.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of Siparuna guianensis extract and essential oil against Strongyloides venezuelensis

New therapeutic approaches are necessary to control strongyloidiasis due to the side effects of, and resistance to, currently available drugs thiabendazole, albendazole, and ivermectin. This study examined the anthelmintic properties of extracts and isolated compounds from Siparuna guianensis against Strongyloides venezuelensis eggs and larvae, using the egg hatching test (EHT) and larval motility test (LMT). Albendazole (0.025 mg/ml) and ivermectin (0.316 mg/ml) were used as the positive controls for the EHT and LMT assays, respectively. Strongyloides venezuelensis eggs or larvae (±50 specimens) were treated with ethanol extract (0.05-1.0 mg/ml), ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions (0.05-0.8 mg/ml), essential oil (0.2-1.0 mg/ml) and α-bisabolol (0.2-1.0 mg/ml) from S. guianensis, and analysed by optical microscopy after 48 h (EHT), or after 24, 48 and 72 h (LMT). All the tested compounds exhibited ovicidal activity equivalent to the positive control and changed the morphology of the eggs. The S. guianensis ethanol extract and aqueous fraction were as effective as the positive control. Phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract and fractions revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins and flavonoids. Therefore, S. guianensis is effective against S. venezuelensis eggs and larvae in vitro, and can be considered as a potential alternative treatment for strongyloidiasis.

Protective Role of Carissa edulis Ethanolic Extract Against Dimethoate-induced Hepatotoxicity in Guinea Pigs

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Carissa edulis (CE) (Apocynaceae) is distributed in tropical Africa and Asia and commonly used in folk medicine to treat many diseases such as headache, cough, rheumatism and fever. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective role of ethanolic extract of CE, a medicinal plant locally called "Al-Arm" in Yemen, against liver injury induced by dimethoate (DM) intoxication in male guinea pigs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals were divided randomly into 5 groups and kept at 5 animals per group. The first group was served as a control group and administered with vehicle orally; the group II administered with DM (14 mg kg-1; 1/25 LD50) orally. Animals of group III, IV and V were administered with 100 mg kg-1 of CE extract, 200 mg kg-1 of CE extract and 100 mg kg-1 Liv-52 orally half hour before DM administration, respectively. All the previous administrations were repeated daily for 21 days. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SPSS.

RESULTS

The DM caused a statistically significant increase in the serum level of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) when compared to control animals, whereas CE and Liv-52 pre-treatment to the DM-intoxicated animals resulted in a significant normalization of the activities of enzymes. Similarly, a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, while induced significant decreases in the activities of liver catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). In contrast, co-administration of CE and Liv-52 to DM-treated animals restored most of these biochemical parameters to nearly normal levels. Histopathological examination of intoxicated animals showed many tissues alterations such as; vasodilation, hemorrhage, cytoplasmic vacuolization, inflammation and nuclear pyknosis indicating liver damage, while the animals received CE or Liv-52 showed less pathological effects when compared to animals treated with DM alone.

CONCLUSION

The biochemical and histological results confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of CE against DM-induced hepatotoxicity in male guinea pigs.

Subchronic Toxicity Studies of Cortex Dictamni Extracts in Mice and Its Potential Hepatotoxicity Mechanisms in Vitro

Cortex Dictamni is a commonly-used traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of skin inflammation, tinea, and eczema. Recently, some studies reported that Cortex Dictamni might induce liver injury, suggesting more attention to its safety. The current study was designed to investigate subchronic toxicity of Cortex Dictamni aqueous extract (CDAE) and ethanol extract (CDEE) in mice and the potential hepatotoxicity mechanisms in vitro. Firstly, CDAE or CDEE groups were administrated with varying dosages (2.3, 4.6, or 9.2 g/kg/day, p.o.) in mice for 28 days in subchronic toxicity studies. General clinical signs and biochemical parameters were examined, and morphological analyses were conducted. Secondly, we identified the different constituents of CDAE and CDEE using HPLC-MS/MS and chose major components for further study. In order to determine the toxic components, we investigated the cytotoxicity of extracts and chosen components using CCK-8 assay in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, we explored the possible hepatotoxicity mechanisms of Cortex Dictamni using a high content analysis (HCA). The results showed that no significant differences of general clinical signs were observed in mice. Aspartate alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aminotransferase (AST) were significantly increased in the high-dose CDAE and CDEE groups compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the absolute and relative liver weights and liver/brain ratio were significantly elevated, and histological examination of liver demonstrated cellular enlargement or nuclear shrinkage. In UPLC analysis, we compared the chemical constituents between CDAE and CDEE, and chose dictamnine, obakunone, and fraxinellone for hepatotoxicity evaluation in the in vitro studies. In the CCK-8 assay, CDAE, CDEE, dictamnine, obakunone, and fraxinellone decreased the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner after treatment for 48 h. Furthermore, the cell number decreased, while the nuclear intensity, cell membrane permeability, and concentration of reactive oxygen species were shown to increase, meanwhile, mitochondrial membrane potential was also changed in HepG2 cells following 48 h of compounds treatment using HCA. Our studies suggested that CDAE and CDEE have potential hepatotoxicity, and that the alcohol extraction process could increase toxicity. Dictamnine, obakunone, and fraxinellone may be the possible toxic components in Cortex Dictamni with dictamnine as the most potentially hepatotoxic component, whose potential hepatotoxicity mechanism may be associated with cell apoptosis. Moreover, this study could provide valuable data for clinical drug safety research of Cortex Dictamni and a good example for safety study of other Chinese herbal medicines.

Absolute quantitation of poly(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid using spectrofluorometry in recombinant Escherichia coli

Poly(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB) is a biodegradable natural polymer produced by microorganisms and plants under nitrogen deprivation and physiological stress. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology approaches are underway to develop strains that can produce PHB and its co-polymers. One of the major limitations to the scaling and success of strain development for biosynthesis of PHB is the absence of fast, accurate, quantitative and scalable methods to estimate PHB in polymer producing cells. In this study, a Nile red-based spectrofluorometric method is developed for absolute quantitation of PHB in recombinant Escherichia coli. The method is a modification of an existing Nile red-based method currently only used for relative quantitation. The two added steps of sonication and ethanol extraction increase the dynamic range of the assay and limit of detection/quantitation. Sonication of PHB standards provides uniform distribution of surface area to volume ratios. This ensures reproducibility and accuracy (lower %relative error) of quantitative staining of granules by Nile red even in a higher dynamic concentration range of 125–1000 µg/ml. Ethanolic extraction of the PHB bound Nile red allows higher recovery and accurate absolute quantitation. To reproduce high recovery and ensure accuracy and precision of the analytical method directly using cells, a protein digestion step was added. This accounted for fluorescence from over-expressed protein and resulted in screening of nonproducers of PHB amongst samples. Thus, the method developed is rapid, accurate, and reproducible, requires low sample volumes and processing compared to other conventional methods. This method is scalable to other PHA’s and diverse plastics.

Antiproliferation of keratinocytes and alleviation of psoriasis by the ethanol extract of Artemisia capillaris

The therapeutic potentials of the ethanol extract of Artemisia capillaris (ACE) for psoriasis were verified in HaCaT cells (as an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line) and imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mouse models. In HaCaT cells, IC₅₀ value of ACE was 37.5 μg/ml after incubating for 72 hr. The antiproliferation activity of ACE in HaCaT cells was further verified by apoptosis assays. The percentage of apoptotic population in ACE-treated group was significantly higher than that of control group (p < .05). The result of cell cycle arrest assay also supported the observed antiproliferation efficacy of ACE in HaCaT cells. In IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse models, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score of ACE (50 mg/ml; ACE50)-treated group was significantly lower than that of IMQ group on Day 4 (p < .05). After topical application of ACE on psoriasis-like lesion for 4 days, the epidermal thickness of (IMQ + ACE50) group was significantly lower than that of IMQ group (p < .05). The expression levels of Ki-67 and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 in excised skin tissues of (IMQ + ACE50) group were also lower than those of IMQ group. All these findings suggest that ACE can be used as a promising antipsoriatic agent.

Phytochemical Constituents and Antimicrobial Activity of the Ethanol and Chloroform Crude Leaf Extracts of Spathiphyllum cannifolium (Dryand. ex Sims) Schott

Context:

The study investigated the medicinal properties of Spathiphyllum cannifolium (Dryand. ex Sims) Schott as a possible source of antimicrobial compounds.

Materials and Methods:

The phytochemical constituents were screened using qualitative methods and the antibacterial and antifungal activities were determined using agar well diffusion method.

Statistical Analysis:

One-way analysis of variance and Fisher’s least significant difference test were used.

Results:

The phytochemical screening showed the presence of sterols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, and tannins in both ethanol and chloroform leaf extracts, but triterpenes were detected only in the ethanol leaf extract. The antimicrobial assay revealed that the chloroform leaf extract inhibited Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whereas the ethanol leaf extract inhibited E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis only. The ethanol and chloroform leaf extracts exhibited the highest zone of inhibition against B. subtilis. The antifungal assay showed that both the leaf extracts have no bioactivity against Aspergillus niger and C. albicans.

Conclusions:

Results suggest that chloroform is the better solvent for the extraction of antimicrobial compounds against the test organisms used in this study. Findings of this research will add new knowledge in advancing drug discovery and development in the Philippines.

Investigation of Antihyperglycaemic Activity of Banana (Musa sp. Var. Nanjangud rasa bale) Flower in Normal and Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND

The vital enzymes of starch digestion and absorption are intestinal α-glucosidases and their inhibition improves postprandial hyperglycaemia, constituting an effective mode of therapy in diabetes.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was designed to assess the inhibitory potential of ethanol extract of banana flower (EF) on mammalian α-glucosidases and its pharmacological effects on postprandial hyperglycaemia in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EF was evaluated for its inhibitory potential and mode of inhibition on mammalian α-glucosidases. Further, the role of EF and its constituents Umbelliferone (C1) and Lupeol (C2) on glucose uptake using isolated rat hemi-diaphragm and insulinotropic activity using RINm5F (rat insulinoma) cell lines were determined. The phytocomponents in EF were also evaluated using GC-MS.

RESULTS

EF illustrated a dose-dependent inhibition for rat intestinal sucrase, maltase and p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG) hydrolysis (IC50 values: 18.76±0.22, 25.54±0.10 and 76.42±1.12 µg/ml, respectively) and the mode of inhibition was non-competitive with low Ki values. Oral administration (100-200 mg/kg b.wt.) of EF significantly improved the maltose/glucose-induced postprandial hyperglycaemia in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. EF, C1 and C2 exhibited stimulation of glucose uptake and a dose-dependent glucose-induced insulin secretion at both 4.5 and 16.7 mM glucose concentrations. Further, GC-MS analysis revealed significant levels of steroids (25.61%), diazoprogesterone (21.31%), sesquiterpene (11.78%) and other phytocomponents.

CONCLUSION

EF inhibited α-glucosidases besides promoting glucose uptake and insulin secretion, resulting in antihyperglycaemic effect determining EF as a potent anti-diabetic agent.Abbreviations used: mg/dl: milligramsper deciliter, mM: millimolar, b.wt.: body weight.

IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF AQUILARIA AGALLOCHA ROOTS

Background:

It was previously shown that some parts of Aquilaria agallocha, which is commonly known as oud or oodh, such as roots have been used as a traditional medical herbal in different countries. In Turkey A. agallocha is one of the ingredients while preparing famous Mesir paste, which was invented as a medicinal paste and used from the Ottoman period to now at least for 500 years. The identification the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of A. agallocha roots is main purpose of this analysis.

Materials and Methods:

By using 17 bacteria and 1 fungi, which include Bacillus, Candida, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Listeria, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Staphylococcus genera, the activity of A. agallocha root extracts were analysed by the help of the disk diffusion method, that is one of the methods commonly used to determine antimicrobial activities.

Results:

As a result of the study it was observed that ethanol extracts of A. agallocha roots have a clear antimicrobial activity against nearly all microorganism used in the study, but only two bacteria namely E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. typhimurium SL 1344.

Conclusion:

According to the disk diffusion test results it may be possible to propose that A. agallocha roots should have a medicinal uses especially against E. faecium, L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644, B. subtilis DSMZ 1971, C. albicans DSMZ 1386, S. epidermidis DSMZ 20044 and S. aureus ATCC 25923.

BEHAVIORAL EVIDENCE OF ANTIDEPRESSANT-LIKE ACTIVITY OF RAPHANUS SATIVUS L. VAR. CAUDATUS IN MICE

BACKGROUND

Currently-available antidepressant agents produce various adverse effects, and are expensive. At present, various plants are being evaluated for their possible role against numerous diseases, and no doubt, the role of traditional and complementary medicines in the development of effective therapy is incredible. The present study was designed to evaluate antidepressant-like activity of Raphanus sativus L. Var. caudatus at different doses in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antidepressant potential of ethanolic extract of Raphanus caudatus L. was evaluated at three different doses 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg by using forced swim test and tail suspension test on albino male mice. The results were compared with control and standard mice groups administered with normal saline and Fluoxetine respectively. In both parameters immobility period was recorded two times during 60 days dosing.

RESULTS

The ethanol extract at all three tested doses (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) and standard fluoxetine demonstrated notable antidepressant-like activity (p<0.05) in both FST and TST paradigms.

CONCLUSION

Our results clearly show that Raphanus caudatus ameliorate depression-like behavior in rodent model, and can be used to establish newer antidepressant approaches in future. However, mechanism-based studies are needed to establish the mechanistic action of Raphanus caudatus L. List of Abbreviations: EERC Ethanol Extract of Raphanus caudatus: FST Forced swim test: TSTTail suspension test.

Antimutagenic Activity of Ethanol Extract of Rhaphidophora pinnata (L.f) Schott Leaves on Mice

Rhaphidophora pinnata is suggested to prevent or treat cancer of genetic mutations. In this study, antimutagenic activity of an ethanol extract of Rhaphidophora pinnata leaves was evaluated by using a bone marrow micronucleus assay on mice. Male mice (20–30 g) were treated for sevendays with an ethanol extract of Rhaphidophora pinnata leaves at a dose of 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg/day/orally, prior to exposure to cyclophosphamide (i.p. 30 mg/kg), 24 h after the end of the treatment. Antimutagenic activity was determined by the decrease of micronuclei (MN). The results showed that a single administration of all variant doses of the extract had significantly decreased the micronucleus formation in bone marrow cell of mice as compared to the cyclophosphamide group. The ethanol extract of Rhaphidophora pinnata leaves had antimutagenic activity against cyclophosphamide-induced gene mutation.

Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Potentials of Amaranthus hybridus in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

CONTEXT

Amaranthus hybridus (Amaranthaceae) has been used as a folk medicine in southern parts of India for the treatment of diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

This research evaluates the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Amaranthus hybridus ethanol leaf extract (AHELE) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Blood glucose levels of diabetic rats were measured on days 1, 4, 7, and 15 after oral administration of AHELE at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 14 days. The effects of extract were observed on serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein, antioxidant potential, and histopathological changes.

RESULT

AHELE (200 and 400 mg/kg) caused a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in blood glucose levels on day 15 (152.2 and 181.2 mg/dL, respectively versus diabetic control 287.0 mg/dL). The extract also improved serum biochemical parameters associated with diabetes. A significant (p < 0.001) decrease in malondialdehyde protein (liver: 15.92, 12.29 nmol/mg, and kidney: 13.92, 10.29 nmol/mg vs. diabetic control 25.49, 24.49 nmol/mg), increase in superoxide dismutase protein (14.01; 17.47 IU/mg, and 25.01; 37.47 IU/mg vs. diabetic control 9.65; 15.65 IU/mg), catalase protein (35.80, 44.49, and 39.80, 49.69 nmol/min/mg vs. diabetic control 18.45, 20.85 nmol/min/mg) and reduced glutathione protein (44.77, 55.08 and 40.77, 51.08 μM/gm vs. diabetic control 29.81, 26.50 μM/gm) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The study reveals that treatment of diabetic rats with AHELE significantly reduced hyperglycemia-associated oxidative damage. This could provide a rationale for the use of the plant to treat diabetes in folk medicine.

Bioactivities of ethanol extract from the Antarctic freshwater microalga, Chloromonas sp. Int J Med Sci 2017;14. [PMID: 28638272 PMCID: PMC5479125 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.18702]

Cancer is the principal cause of human death and occurs through highly complex processes that involve the multiple coordinated mechanisms of tumorigenesis. A number of studies have indicated that the microalgae extracts showed anticancer activity in a variety of human cancer cells and can provide a new insight in the development of novel anti-cancer therapy. Here, in order to investigate molecular mechanisms of anticancer activity in the Antarctic freshwater microalga, Chloromonas sp., we prepared ethanol extract of Chloromonas sp. (ETCH) and performed several in vitro assays using human normal keratinocyte (HaCaT) and different types of cancer cells including cervical, melanoma, and breast cancer cells (HeLa, A375 and Hs578T, respectively). We revealed that ETCH had the antioxidant capacity, and caused significant cell growth inhibition and apoptosis of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it showed no anti-proliferation to normal cells. In addition, ETCH had a significant inhibitory effect on cell invasion without the cytotoxic effect. Furthermore, ETCH-induced apoptosis was mediated by increase in pro-apoptotic proteins including cleaved caspase-3 and p53, and by decrease in anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 in ETCH-treated cancer cells. Taken together, this work firstly explored the antioxidant and anticancer activities of an Antarctic freshwater microalga, and ETCH could be a potential therapeutic candidate in the treatment of human cancer.

HPLC-DAD phenolic profile, cytotoxic and anti-kinetoplastidae activity of Melissa officinalis

Context Melissa officinalis subsp. inodora Bornm. (Lamiaceae) has been used since ancient times in folk medicine against various diseases, but it has not been investigated against protozoa. Objective To evaluate the activities of M. officinalis against Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi as well as its cytotoxicity in fibroblast cell line. Materials and methods The fresh leaves were chopped into 1 cm(2) pieces, washed and macerated with 99.9% of ethanol for 72 h at room temperature. Antiparasitic activity of M. officinalis was accessed by direct counting of cells after serial dilution, while the cytotoxicity of M. officinalis was evaluated in fibroblast cell line (NCTC929) by measuring the reduction of resazurin. The test duration was 24 h. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to characterise the extract. Results The extract at concentrations of 250 and 125 μg/mL inhibited 80.39 and 54.27% of promastigote (LC50  value = 105.78 μg/mL) form of L. infantum, 80.59 and 68.61% of L. brasiliensis (LC50 value  = 110.69 μg/mL) and against epimastigote (LC50 value  = 245.23 μg/mL) forms of T. cruzi with an inhibition of 54.45 and 22.26%, respectively, was observed. The maximum toxicity was noted at 500 μg/mL with 95.41% (LC50  value = 141.01 μg/mL). The HPLC analysis identified caffeic acid and rutin as the major compounds. Discussion The inhibition of the parasites is considered clinically relevant (< 500 μg/mL). Rutin and caffeic acids may be responsible for the antiprotozoal effect of the extract. Conclusion The ethanol extract of M. officinalis can be considered a potential alternative source of natural products with antileishmania and antitrypanosoma activities.

IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY SCREENING OF XYLARIA HYPOXYLON

BACKGROUND

Fungi have a potential of using both as nutritive and medicinal food stuff. Because of containing several therapeutic agents, they are reported to be used for hundreds of years to treat several diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. The aim of this study is to determine the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Xylaria hypoxylon, which were collected from Yomra, Trabzon, Turkey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

X. hypoxylon samples were air dried and extracted by using ethanol. Antimicrobial activity of X. hypoxylon ethanol extracts were investigated against 21 bacterial and 2 fungal strains, namely, Bacillus subtilis DSMZ 1971, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida albicans DSMZ 1386, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048, Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Escherichia coli CFAI, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria innocula, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644, Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSMZ 50071, Pseudomonas fluorescence P1, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13075, Salmonella infantis, Salmonella kentucky, Salmonella typhimurium SL 1344, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus carnosus MC1.B, Staphylococcus epidermidis DSMZ 20044 and Streptococcus agalactiae DSMZ 6784 by using the disk diffusion method.

RESULTS

It is observed that ethanol extracts of X. hypoxylon has antimicrobial activity against several Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms tested. As a result of the study, an antimicrobial activity of X. hypoxylon found against most of strains used in the study.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study clearly puts forward that X. hypoxylon could have a possible medicinal use.

The anti-dermatophyte activity of Commiphora molmol

CONTEXT

Commiphora molmol Engl (Burseraceae) or myrrh has been traditionally used for the treatment of skin fungal infections.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the antifungal activity of myrrh ethanol extract and essential oil against skin dermatophytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antifungal evaluations were performed by the food poisoning technique (250 ppm) and micro-broth dilution assay (800-6.25 µg/mL) against Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, and T. verrucosum. The chemical composition of myrrh oil and ethanol extract was analyzed by GC and GC-MS.

RESULTS

Furanoeudesma 1,3-diene and menthofuran were the main components of myrrh oil, while 2-tert-butyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, benzenemethanol,3-methoxy-α-phenyl, and curzerene were the main components of myrrh ethanol extract. The inhibitory effect of myrrh oil and ethanol extract against dermatophytes were 43.1-61.6% and 12.5-27.5%, respectively. The MIC and MFC values of myrrh oil were 25-100 and 25-200 µg/mL while these amounts for ethanol extract were 25-400 and 25-400 µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, myrrh oil had higher antifungal activity than that of the ethanol extract. Both extracts showed good anti-elastase activity.

CONCLUSION

The results of our investigation confirmed the traditional uses of C. molmol as a poultice for the treatment of cutaneous fungal infections.

Screening for antibacterial activity of some Turkish plants against fish pathogens: a possible alternative in the treatment of bacterial infections

The antibacterial activity of ethanolic and aqueous crude extracts from 36 plants in Turkey, including seven endemic species, against fish pathogens was studied using the disc diffusion assay. The extract that was most active against all microbial strains, except Aeromonas salmonicida, was that of Dorycnium pentaphyllum. Some of the extracts also showed a very broad spectrum of potent antimicrobial activity. The extract of Anemone nemorosa showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Vibrio anguillarum. V. anguillarum, a Gram-negative bacterium, appeared to be the most susceptible to the plant extracts used in this experiment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the antimicrobial activity of 11 of the studied plants. The preliminary screening assay indicated that some of the Turkish plants with antibacterial properties may offer alternative therapeutic agents against bacterial infections in aquaculture industry.

Investigation of antihyperglycaemic activity of banana (Musa sp. var. Nanjangud rasa bale) pseudostem in normal and diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Postprandial hyperglycaemia in diabetes could be ameliorated by inhibiting intestinal α-glucosidases, responsible for starch hydrolysis and its absorption. Different parts of banana have been in use in conventional medicinal formulations since ancient times. Its role as an antihyperglycaemic agent has also been studied. This study was aimed at explaining the mechanism of hypoglycaemic effect by ethanol extract of banana pseudostem (EE). Additionally, studies on the active components involved in the effect have also been attempted.

RESULTS

EE significantly inhibited mammalian intestinal α-glucosidases and yeast α-glucosidase (IC50 , 8.11 ± 0.10 µg mL(-1) ). The kinetic studies showed that EE inhibited sucrase, maltase and and p-nitrophenyl-α-d-glucopyranoside hydrolysis by mixed-type inhibition. Further, in vivo studies identified that the oral administration (100-200 mg kg(-1) body weight) of EE significantly suppressed the maltose/glucose-induced postprandial plasma glucose elevation and wielded an antihyperglycaemic effect in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. GC-MS analysis of EE revealed high levels of β-sitosterol (29.62%), stigmasterol (21.91%), campesterol (10.85%) and other compounds.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that EE might exert an anti-diabetic effect by inhibition of α-glucosidases from the intestine, in turn suppressing the carbohydrate absorption into the bloodstream. Hence the results extend a foundation to the future prospects of the food-derived enzyme inhibitors in treatment of diabetes.