Antioxidant activity and phytochemical screening of the methanol extracts of Euphorbia hirta L

Minerals salt composition and secondary metabolites of Euphorbia hirta Linn., an antihyperglycemic plant

Phytochemical study and research on acute toxicity were performed on the aerial parts (leaves and stems) of Euphorbia hirta Linn. The phytochemical screening and chromatography revealed the presence of saponin, sterol, terpene, alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids and especially mucilage. The evaluation of total polyphenols and total flavonoids gave 120.97 ± 7.07 gallic acid equivalents (GAE) mg/g (mg of GAE/g of extract) of dry extract and 41.4 ± 0.5 mg quercetin equivalent per gram (QE/g) (mg of QE/g of plant extract) of dry extract respectively. The physicochemical study revealed moisture content of 7.73% ± 0.00%, total ash 7.48% ± 0.03%. Sulfuric ash 9.05% ± 0.01%, hydrochloric acid insoluble ash of 0.8% ± 0.02%. The search for minerals salt revealed the presence of Cr, Zn, K, Ca and Mg having an important role in glucose metabolism. The acute toxicity study showed that the toxic dose may be above 3000 mg/kg. The results of these studies indicate that extracts from the leaves and stem of E. hirta Linn. contains trace elements and minerals salt and bioactive secondary metabolites which explain their therapeutic uses for treating diabetes mellitus.

Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community of district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tharu community is the largest primitive indigenous community of the Uttarakhand, India. In this article we have scientifically enumerated medicinal plants and herbal preparations used by the Tharu community to treat various skin diseases, and discussed dermatological properties of these plants in the light of previous ethnomedicinal, microbiological, pharmacological, toxicological, phytochemical and clinical studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnomedicinal survey was conducted in different villages of Tharu community located in district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India. Ethnomedicinal information on plants used to treat various skin diseases was collected from 122 individuals (93 males and 29 females), including 35 experienced herbal practitioners and 87 local villagers. For each of the recorded plant species the use value (UV) and fidelity level (FL) was calculated. The informant consensus factor (Fic) was also calculated to find out the homogeneity in the information given by the informants.

RESULTS

A total of 90 plant species belonging to 86 genera and 48 families were used by the Tharu community to treat various skin diseases viz., wounds (38 spp.), boils (32 spp.), cuts (18 spp.), leprosy (11 spp.), eczema (10 spp.), itching (7 spp.), ringworm (5 spp.), burns (4 spp.), leucoderma (4 spp.), cracked heels (2 spp.), dandruff (3 spp.), body infection (2 spp.), chilblains (2 spp.), hair fall (2 spp.) and toes infection (2 spp.). Information on botanical name, family, vernacular name, ailments treated, mode and dose of herbal preparations, UV and FL values are provided for each of the recorded species. According to UV value most preferred plant species used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community was Ricinus communis L. followed by Tridax procumbens (L.) L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Ageratum conyzoides and Allium cepa L.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study has revealed significant information on various medicinal plants used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community. Literature review has confirmed most of the claims made by the Tharu community regarding treatment of various skin diseases by the reported plants. The literature review has also revealed that products from very few of the reported plants are available in market, while most of the reported plants are still under preclinical or clinical trials. There are various known phytochemicals, and antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents present in these plants which may be synthesized or transformed to make pharmaceuticals. Some of the reported plants have shown promising results in preclinical trails and there is a need of clinical trials to see their safety and efficacy in treating various skin diseases. These plants may be targeted for development of new medicines, ointments or drugs for the treatment of skin diseases. However further toxicological, preclinical and clinical studies are needed to validate claims about little worked out plant species reported in the present study viz., Sida cordata (Burm. F.) Borss. Waalk., Millettia extensa (Benth.) Baker, Caesulia axillaris Roxb., Ehretia laevis Roxb., Vanda tessellate (Roxb.) Hook. Ex G.Don. and Eualaliopsis binata (Retz.) C.E. Hubb. Further studies on these plants are recommended to assess their potential in development of new skin care products.

Antiosteoporotic effect of combined extract of Morus alba and Polygonum odoratum

Due to the limitation of osteoporosis therapy, the alternative therapies from natural sources have been considered. In this study, we aimed to determine the antiosteoporotic effect of the combined extract of Morus alba and Polygonum odoratum leaves. Ovariectomized rats, weighing 200-220 g, were orally given the combined extract at doses of 5, 150, and 300 mg·kg(-1) BW for 3 months. At the end of study, blood was collected to determine serum osteocalcin, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase level. In addition, tibia bone was isolated to determine bone oxidative stress markers, cortical bone thickness, and density of osteoblast. The combined extract decreased oxidative stress and osteoclast density but increased osteoblast density and cortical thickness. The elevation of serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin was also observed. These results suggested the antiosteoporotic effect of the combined extract via the increased growth formation together with the suppression of bone resorption. However, further studies concerning chronic toxicity and the underlying mechanism are required.

Euphorbia hirta accelerates fibroblast proliferation and Smad-mediated collagen production in rat excision wound

Background:

Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a traditional herbal medicine used for treatment of various diseases.

Objective:

E. hirta was investigated for in vitro/in vivo wound healing activity using human dermal fibroblast cell line and Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods:

Petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water successive extracts of E. hirta leaves were evaluated for antioxidant, antimicrobial and fibroblast proliferation activities. Among different extracts, the promising methanol extract was screened for wound healing activity in Wistar rats, using gentamicin sulfate (0.01% w/w) as a reference. Wound contraction, hydroxyproline content and the protein expression of COL3A1, bFGF, Smad-2,-3,-4 and -7 were measured.

Results:

The E. hirta methanol extract showed a potent antimicrobial (MIC 0.250 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, both), antioxidant activities (IC₅₀ = 10.57 μg/ml, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; 850.23 μg/ml, superoxide-anion radical scavenging activity and 23.63 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram extract) with significant fibroblast proliferating activity (112% at 12.5 μg/ml) as compared to other extracts. In vivo study also supported the wound healing potential of methanol extract, as evidenced by faster wound contraction, higher hydroxyproline (4.240 mg/100 mg tissue) and improved histopathology of granulation tissue as compared to control groups and gentamicin sulfate-treated ones. Western blot also revealed a significantly altered expression of Smad-mediated proteins resulting in collagen production.

Conclusion:

The study suggested that E. hirta accelerates the wound healing by augmenting the fibroblast proliferation and Smad-mediated collagen production in wound tissue.

Evaluation of antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of some subtropical plants

The antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the methanolic leaf extracts of some subtropical plants were evaluated in the present study. Antioxidant activity was evaluated based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, reducing power, hydrogen peroxide and β-carotene bleaching assays. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity and enzyme kinetics as well as the total phenolic content of the extracts were also investigated. Elaeocarpus sylvestris extract had the highest activities on all the antioxidant assays performed such as DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 12.7 ± 0.5 μg mL(-1)), reducing power (491.1 ± 6.3 mg QE g(-1) dry extract), hydrogen peroxide (IC50 65.6 ± 0.4 μg mL(-1)) and β-carotene bleaching assays (IC50 5.1 ± 1.9 μg mL(-1)). The total phenolic content of the E. sylvestris extract also had the highest values for gallic acid, quercetin and rutin equivalents (353.8 ± 28.6 mg GAE g(-1) dry extract; 294.9 ± 24.5 mg QE g(-1) dry extract; 663.0 ± 52.3 mg RE g(-1) dry extract, respectively). α-Glucosidase inhibition assay revealed that Distylium racemosum had the highest activity with an IC50 value of 22.6 ± 1.9 μg mL(-1). The results of the present study revealed the potencies of E. sylvestris, D. racemosum, Acer mono Maxim and Liquidambar styraciflua as alternative sources for antioxidants and α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Evaluation of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of Euphorbia hirta ethanolic extract

This study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of a Euphorbia hirta L. extract. The antioxidant activities of whole E. hirta ethanol extract were determined by electron spin resonance spectrophotometric analysis of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, and alkyl radical levels and by using an online high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. The E. hirta ethanol extract (0.5 mg/mL) exhibited DPPH-scavenging activity of 61.19% ± 0.22%, while the positive control (0.5 mg/mL ascorbic acid) had 100% ± 0.22% activity. The concentration of the extract required to trap 50% of DPPH (IC₅₀) was 0.205 mg/mL. Online HPLC analysis of the extract also showed strong antioxidant activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of the E. hirta extract was assessed in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The anti-inflammatory activity was highest in the presence of 200 µg/mL E. hirta extract, and nitric oxide production was decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The extract also showed selective anticancer activity at a concentration of 100 µg/mL (p < 0.05). These results indicated that E. hirta may warrant further investigation for the development of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer herbal medications.

Phytochemical and in vitro biological investigations of methanolic extracts of Enhydra fluctuans Lour

OBJECTIVE

To study the phytochemical and biological properties (antioxidant, anthelmintic and thrombolytic) of methanolic extracts of Enhydra fluctuans Lour., a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family.

METHODS

The phytochemical evaluation was carried out by qualitative analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity of extract was studied using free radical scavenging assay, ability of reduction, total phenol and total flavonoid contents determination assays. The anthelmintic activity was determined using paralysis and death time of Pheretima posthuma (earthworm) and thrombolytic activity by clot disruption assay.

RESULTS

The phytochemical evaluation showed significant presence of flavonoids, triterpenes, carbohydrate, reducing sugars, saponins, phenols, diterpenes, protein and tannin. The antioxidant activity was found significant [IC50=(135.20±0.56) µg/mL] as compared to ascorbic acid [(130.00±0.76) µg/mL]. The reducing power was increased with concentration. Total phenol and total flavonoid contents were (153.08±0.38) mg/mL and (172.04±0.56) mg/mL respectively. The paralysis and death time of earthworms for different concentrations of extract were determined and compared with albendazole. The results showed that 10 mg/mL of the crude extract had similar effect with albendazole. Additionally, the crude extract showed a concentration depended relationship with its anthelmintic property. The clot lysis activity of crude extract was compared to the standard streptokinase's clot lysis (40.13%) activity and found significant (31%).

CONCLUSIONS

The study proves that the crude methanolic extract of Enhydra fluctuans Lour. has significant antioxidant, anthelmintic and thrombolytic activity containing wide range of phytochemicals.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assessment of Euphorbia hirta in MCF-7 cell line model using comet assay

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity activity of Euphorbia hirta (E. hirta) in MCF-7 cell line model using comet assay.

METHODS

The cytotoxicity of E. hirta extract was investigated by employing brine shrimp lethality assay and the genotoxicity of E. hirta was assessed by using Comet assay.

RESULTS

Both toxicity tests exhibited significant toxicity result. In the comet assay, the E. hirta extract exhibited genotoxicity effects against MCF-7 DNA in a time-dependent manner by increasing mean percentage of DNA damage. The extract of E. hirta showed significant toxicity against brine shrimp with an LC₅₀ value of 620.382 µg/mL (24 h). Comparison with positive control potassium dichromate signifies that cytotoxicity exhibited by the methanol extract might have moderate activity.

CONCLUSION

The present work confirmed the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of E. hirta. However, the observed toxicity of E. hirta extracts needs to be confirmed in additional studies.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Leaf Extracts from Plukenetia volubilis Linneo (Euphorbiaceae)

Plukenetia volubilis Linneo, or Sacha inca, is an oleaginous plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. The aim of this work was to perform a chemical and biological analysis of different leaf extracts from P. volubilis such as aqueous extract (AEL), methanol (MEL), ethanol (EEL), chloroform (CEL), and hexane (HEL). Thin layer chromatography analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, steroids, and/or terpenoídes. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities were analyzed by in vitro assays and their effects on cell lineages by in vivo assays. The Total Antioxidant Capacity (TCA) was expressed as equivalent ascorbic acid (EEA/g) and it was observed that the extracts showed values ranging from 59.31 to 97.76 EAA/g. Furthermore, the DPPH assay values ranged from 62.8% to 88.3%. The cell viability assay showed that the extracts were able to reduce viability from cancer cells such as HeLa and A549 cells. The extracts MEL and HEL (250 µg/mL) were able to reduce the proliferation of HeLa cells up to 54.3% and 48.5%, respectively. The flow cytometer results showed that these extracts induce cell death via the apoptosis pathway. On the other hand, the extracts HEL and AEL were able to induce cell proliferation of normal fibroblast 3T3 cells.

Polyphenolic contents and free radical scavenging potential of extracts from leaves of Ocimum americanum L

This study assessed the polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activity of ethanol, butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Ocimum americanum leaves using in vitro models. The ability of the extracts to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryihydrazyl (DPPH*), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS*+), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Nitric Oxide (NO) and hydroxyl radical (OH*) was investigated. The inhibition of lipid oxidation, reducing power, total flavonoids, phenols and flavonols contents of the extracts were also determined using spectrophotometric methods. The result revealed highest concentration of polyphenolic compounds in the ethanol extract followed by n-butanol while ethyl acetate extract contained the least concentration. Free radical scavenging potentials of the extracts were found to be proportional to their respective polyphenolic contents. This study provides evidence that O. americanum leaves contain biologically active components with effective antioxidant activity and thus could be used for the management of radical related diseases.

Prophylactic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. extracts on experimental induction of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) popularly known as "diuretic agent" are traditionally used in folk medicine in the treatment of hyperuricemia, rheumatism, gout, nephritis, nephrolithiasis, urethritis and cystitis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate prophylactic potentials of total flavonoids, total phenolics and polysaccharides from OS on experimental induction of calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nephrolithic rats were induced by treating with 1.0% ethylene glycol and 1.0% ammonium chloride for 7 days. Rats in the treated groups were also given OS extracts at the doses of 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg. Urine samples (4h) and serum samples were collected at 7th day for biochemical analysis. Kidney tissues were stained with H.E. and analyzed by light microscopy. Expressions of OPN protein were detected by immunohistochemistry. Rates of nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals were derived from 20-min time-course measurements of optic density at 620 nm after mixing solutions containing calcium chloride, sodium oxalate and OS extracts at 37°C, pH 5.7.

RESULTS

Polysaccharides exhibited the most significant prophylactic effects by reversing BUN and S(cr) levels, ameliorating histopathological changes, increasing urine C(2)O(4)(2-) and Ca(2+) excretion and down-regulating OPN protein expression of kidney in the model rats in comparison with those effects of total flavonoids and total phenolics. Polysaccharides could also significantly inhibit both nucleation and aggregation of CaOx crystals.

CONCLUSIONS

Polysaccharides were the main therapeutic materials in OS. It had impressive prophylactic effects on CaOx stones in nephrolithic rats, playing a role as a regulator of OPN protein expression to increase urine C(2)O(4)(2-) and Ca(2+) excretion and also as an inhibitor of CaOx crystallization.

Aqueous extracts of microalgae exhibit antioxidant and anticancer activities

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of aqueous extracts of nine microalgal species.

METHODS

Variable percentages of major secondary metabolites (total phenolic content, terpenoids and alkaloids) as well as phycobiliprotein pigments (phycocyanin, allophycocyanin and phycoerythrin) in the aqueous algal extracts were recorded. Antioxidant activity of the algal extracts was performed using 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test and 2,2'- azino-bis (ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS.(+)) radical cation assay. Anticancer efficiency of the algal water extracts was investigated against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma cell (EACC) and Human hepatocellular cancer cell line (HepG2).

RESULTS

Antioxidant activity of the algal extracts was performed using DPPH test and ABTS.(+) radical cation assays which revealed 30.1-72.4% and 32.0-75.9% respectively. Anticancer efficiency of the algal water extracts was investigated against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cell (EACC) and Human Hepatocellular cancer cell line (HepG2) with an activity ranged 87.25% and 89.4% respectively. Culturing the promising cyanobacteria species; Nostoc muscorum and Oscillatoria sp. under nitrogen stress conditions (increasing and decreasing nitrate content of the normal BG11 medium, 1.5 g/L), increased nitrate concentration (3, 6 and 9 g/L) led to a remarkable increase in phycobilin pigments followed by an increase in both antioxidant and anticancer activities in both cyanobacterial species. While the decreased nitrate concentration (0.75, 0.37 and 0.0 g/L) induced an obvious decrease in phycobilin pigments with complete absence of allophycocyanin in case of Oscillatoria sp.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitrogen starvation (0.00 g/L nitrate) induced an increase and comparable antioxidant and anticancer activities to those cultured in the highest nitrate content.

Protective Role of Phyllanthus niruri Extract against Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Cirrhosis in Rat Model

A preclinical study was performed to determine if the extract from Phyllanthus niruri (PN) plays a protective role against liver cirrhosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in rats. Initially, acute toxicity was tested and the results showed that the extract was benign when applied to healthy rats. Next, the therapeutic effect of the extract was investigated using five groups of rats: control, TAA, silymarin, and PN high dose and low dose groups. Significant differences were observed between the TAA group and the other groups regarding body and liver weights, liver biochemical parameters, total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress enzyme levels. Gross visualization indicated coarse granules on the surface of the hepatotoxic rats' livers, in contrast to the smoother surface in the livers of the silymarin and PN-treated rats. Histopathological analysis revealed necrosis, lymphocytes infiltration in the centrilobular region, and fibrous connective tissue proliferation in the livers of the hepatotoxic rats. But, the livers of the treated rats had comparatively minimal inflammation and normal lobular architecture. Silymarin and PN treatments effectively restored these measurements closer to their normal levels. Progression of liver cirrhosis induced by TAA in rats can be intervened using the PN extract and these effects are comparable to those of silymarin.