Screening of some Indian medicinal plants for their antimicrobial properties

Piper betle shows antioxidant activities, inhibits MCF-7 cell proliferation and increases activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer and the focus on finding chemotherapeutic agents have recently shifted to natural products. Piper betle is a medicinal plant with various biological activities. However, not much data is available on the anti-cancer effects of P. betle on breast cancer. Due to the current interest in the potential effects of antioxidants from natural products in breast cancer treatment, we investigated the antioxidant activities of the leaves of P. betle and its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of the breast cancer cell line, MCF-7.

METHODS

The leaves of P. betle were extracted with solvents of varying polarities (water, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane) and their phenolic and flavonoid content were determined using colorimetric assays. Phenolic composition was characterized using HPLC. Antioxidant activities were measured using FRAP, DPPH, superoxide anion, nitric oxide and hyroxyl radical scavenging assays. Biological activities of the extracts were analysed using MTT assay and antioxidant enzyme (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) assays in MCF-7 cells.

RESULTS

Overall, the ethyl acetate extract showed the highest ferric reducing activity and radical scavenging activities against DPPH, superoxide anion and nitric oxide radicals. This extract also contained the highest phenolic content implying the potential contribution of phenolics towards the antioxidant activities. HPLC analyses revealed the presence of catechin, morin and quercetin in the leaves. The ethyl acetate extract also showed the highest inhibitory effect against the proliferation of MCF-7 cells (IC50=65 μg/ml). Treatment of MCF-7 cells with the plant extract increased activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethyl acetate is the optimal solvent for the extraction of compounds with antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities. The increased activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the treated cells could alter the antioxidant defense system, potentially contributing towards the anti-proliferative effect. There is great potential for the ethyl acetate extract of P. betle leaf as a source of natural antioxidants and to be developed as therapeutics in cancer treatment.

In Vitro Antibacterial and Antioxidant Studies of Croton roxburghii L., from Similipal Biosphere Reserve

In vitro antibacterial activities of acetone, ethanol, methanol and water extracts of leaves and bark of Croton roxburghii L. studied against ten human pathogenic bacterial strains showed significantly higher activity in acetone extract and least activity in case of aqueous. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of all extracts ranged between 0.62 and 10 mg/ml, while minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranged from 1.25 to values greater than 10 mg/ml. The antioxidant assays viz. DPPH, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, iron reducing and iron chelating assays along with total phenol and ascorbic acid content were carried out with aqueous extracts of leaves and bark. While the total phenol contents in leaves and bark extracts were 0.766 ± 0.014 and 0.735 ± 0.028% respectively their ascorbic acid contents were found to be 0.252 ± 0.019 and 0.431 ± 0.013% respectively. DPPH activities in both (leaves and bark) extracts increased with the increase in concentrations. Iron chelating capacity of leaves extract is significantly higher than that of the bark. Leaves extract showed an increase in percentage of scavenging property with the increase in concentrations. Plant extracts showed low amount of iron reducing property at all concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide scavenging properties of bark was low than that of the leaves.

Investigations of antimicrobial activity of some Cameroonian medicinal plant extracts against bacteria and yeast with gastrointestinal relevance

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Resistance against antibiotics of many bacteria is accumulating. Therefore, searches for new substances with antimicrobial activity have become an urgent necessity. Medicinal plants are frequently used in popular medicine as remedies for many infectious diseases (intestinal infection, malaria, tuberculosis, etc.).

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to determine the in vitro antimicrobial activity of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from different parts (leaves, stem bark, entire plant) of five different plant species against bacteria and yeast of gastrointestinal relevance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-one extracts from all the following plants (Albizia gummifera (leaf), Ficus exasperata (leaf and stem bark), Nauclea latifolia (leaf and stem bark), Ricinodendron heudelotii (stem bark), Senna hirsuta (entire plant) have been screened for their antimicrobial activity against eight bacteria species including Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and one yeast species (Candida albicans) using agar disc-diffusion, and microbroth dilution assays.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that F. exasperata and N. latifolia were active against the whole set of tested microorganisms. The methanol extract of N. latifolia (leaf and stem bark) was the most active against against C. albicans, E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2, 32, 64 and 64 μg/ml, respectively. The methanol extract of leaf of F. exasperata was also most active with significant inhibitory activity against E. coli, S. dysenteriae, S. Typhi and P. aeruginosa with MIC values of 128 μg/ml. Only the extract of N. latifolia (stem bark and leaf) showed anticandidal property.

CONCLUSION

The results show that these plant extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity and N. latifolia proved to be most effective as an antibacterial and antifungal.

Antifungal activity of phenyl derivative of pyranocoumarin from Psoralea corylifolia L. seeds by inhibition of acetylation activity of trichothecene 3-o-acetyltransferase (Tri101)

Antifungal activity of petroleum ether extract of Psoralea corylifolia L. seed, tested against Fusarium sp. namely, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium moniliforme, and Fusarium graminearum, was evaluated by agar well diffusion assay. The chromatographic fractionation of the extract yielded a new phenyl derivative of pyranocoumarin (PDP). The structure of the PDP was confirmed using spectroscopic characterization (GC-MS, IR, and NMR), and a molecular mass of m/z 414 [M-2H](+) with molecular formula C(27)H(28)O(4) was obtained. The PDP had a potent antifungal activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 mg/mL against Fusarium sp. Molecular docking using Grid-Based Ligand Docking with Energetics (GLIDE, Schrodinger) was carried out with the Tri101, trichothecene 3-O-acetyltransferase, as target protein to propose a mechanism for the antifungal activity. The ligand PDP showed bifurcated hydrogen bond interaction with active site residues at TYR 413 and a single hydrogen bond interaction at ARG 402 with a docking score -7.19 and glide energy of -45.78 kcal/mol. This indicated a strong binding of the ligand with the trichothecene 3-O-acetyltransferase, preventing as a result the acetylation of the trichothecene mycotoxin and destruction of the "self-defense mechanism" of the Fusarium sp.

In vitro Studies of Antimicrobial Activity of Crude Extracts of the Indian Grasses Dhaman (Cenchrus ciliaris) and Kala-Dhaman (Cenchrus setigerus)

The aim of present study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Cenchrus ciliaris and Cenchrus setigerus extracts in order to use it as a possible source for new antimicrobial substances against important human pathogens. Crude extracts of the stem of Cenchrus ciliaris and Cenchrus setigerus were evaluated against some medically important pathogens viz. Escherichia coli, Raoultella planticola, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus. The dried and powdered stems were successively extracted with hexane, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, acetone and ethanol using soxhlet assembly. The antimicrobial activity assay was done by both disc diffusion and serial dilution methods. Isopropyl alcohol extract of Cenchrus setigerus showed highest activity against Escherichia coli. The test pathogens were more sensitive to the isopropyl alcohol, acetone and ethanol extracts than to the hexane and toluene extracts except against Bacillus subtilis. Result reveals that the most bioactive compound was cycloleucolenol-9,19-cycloergost-24 (28)-en-3-ol, 4, 14-dimethyl acetate in both the species of Cenchrus grass, (19.15%) in isopropanol extract of Cenchrus setigerus whereas, (14.03%) in acetone extract of Cenchrus ciliaris.

Antimicrobial potential of Terminalia chebula Retz. fruit extracts against ear pathogens

AIM: To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Terminalia chebula (T. chebula) extracts against pathogens causing otitis externa and compare it with ear drops.

METHODS: Four different extracts, methanol, ethanol, acetone and aqueous (hot and cold) extracts, from the T. chebula were tested for their antimicrobial activity through the agar well diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined through the macrodilution broth method against six different microorganism, five bacterial (one gram positive and four gram negative) and one yeast.

RESULTS: Organic and aqueous fruit extracts displayed activity against all five tested bacterial ear pathogens with a maximum zone of inhibition of 31.6 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Acinetobacter sp. (24.6 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.6 mm), Proteus mirabilis (21 mm) and Escherichia coli (19.3 mm). Of the four solvents evaluated, acetonic fruit extract of T. chebula was found to be best. The MIC values ranged between 0.78 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL for the different bacterial ear pathogens and MBC values ranged between 1.56 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL. The acetonic fruit extract showed larger inhibition zones compared to the herbal ear drops, Kan pip with lowest MIC of 0.78 mg/mL and MBC of 1.56 mg/mL.

CONCLUSION: Acetonic extract of T. chebula fruit may be used to treat otitis externa. However, more detailed studies, such as in vivo testing and pharmacokinetics properties, are needed to determine its therapeutic potential.

Evaluation of the Radioprotective Action of Geriforte in Mice Exposed to Different Doses of γ-Radiation

The effect of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg b. wt. of hydroalcoholic extract of geriforte (an Ayurvedic herbal medicine) administered intraperitoneally was studied on the radiation-induced mortality in mice exposed to 10 Gy of γ-radiation. Treatment of mice with different doses of geriforte consecutively for 5 days before irradiation delayed the onset of mortality and reduced the symptoms of radiation sickness when compared with the non-drug treated irradiated controls. A maximum protection was observed for 10 mg/kg geriforte, where a highest number of survivors were reported by 30 days post-irradiation and further experiments were carried out using this dose of geriforte. The mice were treated with 10 mg/kg b. wt. geriforte or double distilled water (DDW) and exposed to 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 Gy of gamma radiation and observed for the induction of symptoms of radiation sickness and mortality up to 30 days post-irradiation. The geriforte treatment protected the mice against the GI death as well as bone marrow deaths and the dose reduction factor (DRF) was found to be 1.14. Toxicity study showed that geriforte was non-toxic up to a dose of 4250 mg/kg, where no drug-induced mortality was observed. The LD 50 dose of geriforte was found to be 4750 mg/kg b. wt. To understand the mechanism of action of geriforte, free radical scavenging activity of the drug was evaluated. Geriforte was found to scavenge • OH , O 2•- ABTS •+ and NO • in a dose-dependent manner. Our study demonstrates that geriforte is a good radioprotective agent and the optimum protective dose of 10 mg/kg was 1/475th of the LD 50 dose.

Potential antifertility agents from plants: a comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional medicines are practiced worldwide for regulation fertility since ancient times. This review provides a comprehensive summary of medicinal flora inhabitating throughout the world regarding their traditional usage by various tribes/ethnic groups for fertility regulation in females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing classical text books and peer reviewed papers, consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases from the last six decades. Plants/their parts/extracts traditionally used for abortion, contraception, emmenagogue and sterilization purposes have been considered as antifertility agents. Research status of selected potential plant species has been discussed. Further, compounds isolated from plants with attributed fertility regulating potentials are also classified into three categories: (a) phytoconstituents with anti-implantation activity, (b) phytoconstituents with abortifacient activity and (c) phytoconstituents with contraceptive activity.

RESULTS

577 plant species belonging to 122 families, traditionally used in fertility regulation in females, have been recorded, of which 298 plants have been mentioned as abortifacients (42%), 188 as contraceptives (31%), 149 as emmenagogues (24%), and 17 as sterilizers. Among 122 plant families, fabaceae constitutes 49.2%, asteraceae 40.98%, euphorbiaceae 19.7%, apiaceae 16.4%, poaceae 12.3%, labiateae 11.5%, and others in lesser proportion. Various plant parts used in fertility regulation include leaves (25%), roots (22%), fruits (15%), seeds (12%), stem/stem bark (37%), and flowers (4%). Some active compounds, isolated from about various plant species, have been reported to possess significant antifertility potential.

CONCLUSION

This review clearly indicates that it is time to increase the number of experimental studies to find out novel potential chemical entities from such a vast array of unexploited plants having traditional role in fertility regulation. Also, the mechanisms of action by which plant extracts and their active compounds exert antifertility effects remain to be studied.

Antibacterial activity of selected medicinal plants against multiple antibiotic resistant uropathogens: a study from Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, India

The increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens necessitates medicinal plants as an alternate therapy in restricting the resistant infectious organisms. In this primitive study, the antibiotic resistance of organisms isolated from urinary tract infected patients was evaluated using the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) method and Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index values, and the MAR values was also calculated for plant extracts. The 10 common medicinal plants collected from Kolli hills, Namakkal, south India were extracted using the chloroform, methanol, acetone, ethanol and saponification procedure. The efficacy of the extracts on the uropathogens was tested by agar disc diffusion method in order to analyse the inhibitory activity of plant extract on the organisms. Azadiracta indica A. Juss., Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) and Euphorbia hirta Linn. exhibited high inhibitory activity against most of the 11 tested organisms followed by Cassia javanica Linn. and Phyllanthus niruri Linn. The maximum zone size of 46.3 mm was exhibited by methanol extract of P. niruri Linn. against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Asparagus racemosus Willd. and Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl had the least activity against resistant pathogens. Saponified lipids of most of the plants exhibited maximum antibacterial activity. Among the tested organisms, P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis were the most susceptible and Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter cloaceae, Citrobacter koseri, and Citrobacter freundii were the least inhibited by most of the extracts of medicinal plants. It is concluded that revised antibiotic policies and more importantly the development of herbal medicine as an alternative may be incorporated in urological practice.

Anti-biofilm activity of Salvadora persica on cariogenic isolates of Streptococcus mutans: in vitro and molecular docking studies

Salvadora persica sticks are used for chewing and oral-hygiene measures worldwide. The growth inhibition and anti-biofilm effects of various extracts on cariogenic Streptococcus mutans isolates were evaluated. Biofilm inhibition, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses for phytochemicals and their possible mode of interaction with biofilm response regulators were revealed using LigandFit docking protocols. All S. persica extracts showed considerable inhibitory activity and the cariogenic S. mutans showed varied susceptibility when compared with controls. The percentage reduction in biofilm inhibition obtained for methanol, ethanol, chloroform, acetone, and aqueous extracts were 87.92%, 85.75%, 72.44%, 61.66% and 58.68%, respectively. GC-MS analyses revealed >28 compounds, of which benzyl (6Z,9Z,12Z)-6,9,12-octadecatrienoate, 3-benzyloxy-1-nitro-butan-2-ol and 1,3-cyclohexane dicarbohydrazide interacted efficiently with the bacterial communication quorum-sensing (QS) regulators Streptococcus OmpP and Staphylococcus Lux proteins. The bioactive, dual-function, anti-biofilm agents in S. persica not only inhibit growth, but also control the colonization and accumulation of caries-causing S. mutans.

Antibacterial activities of Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extracts

The antibacterial activity of methanol, ethanol, chloroform, and hexane extracts of the leaves of Himalayan gymnospermous plant Ginkgo biloba L. was assessed against five animal and plant pathogenic strains (Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Erwinia chrysanthemi, and Xanthomonas phaseoli) employing disc-diffusion and broth-dilution assays. The methanol extract showed the highest activity (zone of inhibition of 15–21 mm) followed by ethanol (14–19 mm), chloroform (15–20 mm), and hexane (14–19 mm) extracts at 250 μg/mL. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 7.8 μg/mL was found for the methanol extract against most of the pathogens tested.

The effect of Quercus castaneifolia extract on pathogenic enteric bacteria

The family of Enterobacteriaceae is a major group of gram negative bacteria, some of these microorganisms are pathogen and could cause disease mainly gastroenteritis. Recently, due to drug resistant nature of these bacteria specially in developing countries treatment of the patient considered as important investigate. Quercus castaneifolia is a native plant of Yasuj province in Iran, which the people who living in this area consume the fruit of this plant for treatment of enteric disease. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fruit of Q. castaneifolia extract on pathogenic enteric bacteria viz., E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella dysenteriae and Yersinia enterocolitica. Antimicrobial susceptibility and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts were assessed by gel diffusion method and modification of E-test respectively. All the experiments were performed in triplicate and the statistical analysis was carried out on the results. The results obtained from this study indicated that alcoholic extract was shown antimicrobial effect on the microorganisms tested. In addition, S. dysentriae was more sensitive with zone of inhibition 18 mm and MIC value was 2.5 × 10(-4) whereas, E. coli was less sensitive with zone of inhibition 12 mm and MIC value 1 × 10(-2). Salmonella typhimurium and Yersinia enterocolitica showed relatively intermediate susceptibility to the extract with zone of inhibition of 14 mm and MIC value 5 × 10(-3). Overall, Q. castaneifolia may be considered for treatment of the patients suffering from enteric disease.

Pharmaceutical preparation of Saubhagya Shunthi Churna: A herbal remedy for puerperal women

BACKGROUND

In the last few decades, there has been exponential growth in the field of herbal remedies. Pharmacopoeial preparations like avleha or paka (semi-solid), swarasa (expressed juice), kalka (mass), him (cold infusion) and phanta (hot infusion), kwatha (decoction) and churna (powder) form the backbone of Ayurvedic formulations. Newer guidelines for standardization, manufacture, and quality control, and scientifically rigorous research will be necessary for traditional treatments. This traditional knowledge can serve as powerful search engine that will greatly facilitate drug discovery.

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study is to standardize Saubhagya Shunthi Paka in churna (powder) form. The powder form makes this traditional drug more stable for long-term storage and hence, easier to preserve.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Saubhagya Shunthi Paka is an ayurvedic formulation containing Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis) as one of its chief ingredients. The basic preparation of this drug is a semisolid. We checked the microbial load and nutrient values (using International Standard IS and Association of Official Analytical chemists AOAC methods)

RESULTS

The powdered form of Saubhagya Shunthi Churna yielded a weight loss of approximately 17.64% of the total weight of ingredients. The total energy of Churna (calculated based on nutrient content) was found higher over Paka.

CONCLUSION

Saubhagya Shunthi Churna may be a good therapeutic and dietary medicine for Indian women, which may be easily prepared at home.

Review on medicinal and pharmacological properties of Iresine herbstii, Chrozophora rottleri and Ecbolium linneanum

India has a rich tradition of plant-based knowledge on healthcare. A large number of plants/plant extracts/decoctions or pastes are equally used by tribals and folklore traditions in India for treatment of cuts, wounds and burns. The resistance of the microorganism has increased due to the indiscriminate use of commercial antimicrobial drugs commonly used for the treatment of infectious diseases. Resistance to antimicrobial agents has resulted in morbidity, mortality, from treatment failures and increased health care costs. There is an urgent need to discover novel, effective plant-based antimicrobial drug to the increasing problem of drug resistance. This situation forced the scientist to search for new antimicrobial substances from various sources including medicinal plants. Iresine herbstii, Ecbolium linneanum , Chrozophora rottleri have been used in folk remedies and is reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects. Therefore this paper attempts to bridge the lacunae in the existing literature and offers immense scope for researchers engaged in validation of the traditional claims and development of safe and effective therapeutic agent.

Prameha in Ayurveda: correlation with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. Part 2--management of Prameha

BACKGROUND

Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus are increasing to epidemic proportions globally. Prameha is a syndrome described in the ancient Ayurvedic texts that includes clinical conditions involved in obesity, prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Various dietary, lifestyle, and psychologic factors are involved in the etiology of Prameha, particularly in relation to disturbances in fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

RESULTS

The Ayurvedic management of Prameha emphasizes dietary and lifestyle recommendations and herbal preparations, in accordance with the psychophysiologic constitution of the patient. Ayurveda also addresses the management of psychologic factors that contribute to the development of Prameha. Ayurvedic treatment known as Apatarpana (balanced diet with restricted calories) and Santarpana (highly nutritious, high-calorie diet intended to increase weight) are recommended for patients with type 2 and type 1 diabetes, respectively. Various Ayurvedic herbs and herbomineral formulations are utilized, based on the stage and type of disease as well as the psychophysiologic constitution of the patient. A large body of research has been conducted on these Ayurvedic herbs.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating the theory and modalities of Ayurveda in the management of these disorders may prove to be beneficial.

Altholactone displays promising antimicrobial activity

The antimicrobial activity of altholactone, a naturally extracted styryllactone isolated from Goniothalamus malayanus, was determined against Gram positive (S. aureus ATTC 25923, S. aureus ATTC 25392, and E. faecalis ATTC 29212) and Gram negative (E. coli ATTC 35218, S. typhi ATTC 14023 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853) reference bacteria and against the fungus C. albicans ATTC 10231. Different concentrations of altholactone (0, 12, 25, and 50 μg/mL) were used. Results revealed that altholactone inhibited the growth of all tested microbes except P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest cytotoxic effects occurring at 50 μg/mL. The average of the inhibition zones of the different concentrations was between 0-30 mm. Furthermore, altholactone-induced antimicrobial activity against the more sensitive microbes was assessed by measuring the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results indicated that Gram positive (S. aureus ATTC 25923, S. aureus ATTC 25392, and E. faecalis ATTC 29212) cells were more sensitive to altholactone than Gram negative ones (E. coli ATTC 35218, S. typhi ATTC 14023). C. albicans showed moderate sensitivity. These results indicate that altholactone might be a potential antimicrobial agent, particularly in ciprofloxacin-refractory S. aureus and E. faecalis infections. Further investigations are required to illustrate the mechanism(s) by which altholactone produces its antimicrobial effects.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of ten medicinal plants against clinical isolates of oral cancer cases

Background

Suppression of immune system in treated cancer patients may lead to secondary infections that obviate the need of antibiotics. In the present study, an attempt was made to understand the occurrence of secondary infections in immuno-suppressed patients along with herbal control of these infections with the following objectives to: (a) isolate the microbial species from the treated oral cancer patients along with the estimation of absolute neutrophile counts of patients (b) assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity medicinal plants against the above clinical isolates.

Methods

Blood and oral swab cultures were taken from 40 oral cancer patients undergoing treatment in the radiotherapy unit of Regional Cancer Institute, Pt. B.D.S. Health University,

Rohtak, Haryana. Clinical isolates were identified by following general microbiological, staining and biochemical methods. The absolute neutrophile counts were done by following the standard methods. The medicinal plants selected for antimicrobial activity analysis were Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav., Asparagus racemosus Willd., Balanites aegyptiaca L., Cestrum diurnum L., Cordia dichotoma G. Forst, Eclipta alba L., Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. , Pedalium murex L., Ricinus communis L. and Trigonella foenum graecum L. The antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plants was evaluated by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. MIC and MFC were investigated by serial two fold microbroth dilution method.

Results

Prevalent bacterial pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (23.2%), Escherichia coli (15.62%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (12.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.37%), Klebsiella pneumonia (7.81%), Proteus mirabilis (3.6%), Proteus vulgaris (4.2%) and the fungal pathogens were Candida albicans (14.6%), Aspergillus fumigatus (9.37%). Out of 40 cases, 35 (87.5%) were observed as neutropenic. Eight medicinal plants (A. tenuifolius, A. racemosus, B. aegyptiaca, E. alba, M. koenigii, P. murex R. communis and T. foenum graecum) showed significant antimicrobial activity (P < .05) against most of the isolates. The MIC and MFC values were ranged from 31 to 500 μg/ml. P. aeruginosa was observed highest susceptible bacteria (46.6%) on the basis of susceptible index.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that treated oral cancer patients were neutropenic and prone to secondary infection of microbes. The medicinal plant can prove as effective antimicrobial agent to check the secondary infections in treated cancer patients.

Antitumour effects of Phyllanthus emblica L.: induction of cancer cell apoptosis and inhibition of in vivo tumour promotion and in vitro invasion of human cancer cells

Phyllanthus emblica Linn. (PE) is a medicinal fruit used in many Asian traditional medicine systems for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. The present study tested the potential anticancer effects of aqueous extract of PE in four ways: (1) against cancer cell lines, (2) in vitro apoptosis, (3) mouse skin tumourigenesis and (4) in vitro invasiveness. The PE extract at 50-100 microg/mL significantly inhibited cell growth of six human cancer cell lines, A549 (lung), HepG2 (liver), HeLa (cervical), MDA-MB-231 (breast), SK-OV3 (ovarian) and SW620 (colorectal). However, the extract was not toxic against MRC5 (normal lung fibroblast). Apoptosis in HeLa cells was also observed as PE extract caused DNA fragmentation and increased activity of caspase-3/7 and caspase-8, but not caspase-9, and up-regulation of the Fas protein indicating a death receptor-mediated mechanism of apoptosis. Treatment of PE extract on mouse skin resulted in over 50% reduction of tumour numbers and volumes in animals treated with DMBA/TPA. Lastly, 25 and 50 microg/mL of PE extract inhibited invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 cells in the in vitro Matrigel invasion assay. These results suggest P. emblica exhibits anticancer activity against selected cancer cells, and warrants further study as a possible chemopreventive and antiinvasive agent.

Ethnobotanical survey of traditionally used plants in human therapy of east, north and north-east Bosnia and Herzegovina

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aims to provide a systematical revision of the traditional use of wild and cultivated plants in north-eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina (Western Balkan Peninsula; Southeast Europe). Thereby, it will extend and complement a recent previous study carried out in middle, southern and western Bosnia and Herzegovina.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Information was collected by performing so called open ethnobotanical interviews. The following data were recorded and systematically assembled in a database: name, age and occupation of the interviewed person; the geographic locality and date of the interview; the name of the used plant; plant parts used; prescription background and preparation procedure as well as indication. Plants mentioned to be used by the informants were collected during field trips done together with the informants and taxonomically determined. The corresponding material was finally deposited in the herbarium of the Department of Pharmacognosy of the University of Vienna for the purpose of documentation.

RESULTS

In total, 45 places including villages and mountain areas were visited and 84 persons questioned. 254 wild and cultivated species and 1655 different preparations for the use in traditional human therapy were recorded. The most frequently mentioned indications were disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, urogenital tract, skin, blood system, cardiovascular system, nervous system as well as rheumatism. Infusions were the most frequently prepared formulation. Other applied preparations mentioned with decreasing frequency were decocts, sirups, tinctures, collars, direct application of plants without prior preparation, ointments, freshly pressed juices, oils, powders, fluid unctions, macerations and finally suppositories. Special preparations, typical only for the area of Bosnia and Herzegovina were "mehlems" and some kind of sirup called "đulbe šećer" (eng. đulbe sugar). While "mehlems" were already recognized and accordingly discussed for the central, southern and western parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, "đulbe šećer" seems to be known in north-eastern region only. The main compounds of this preparation are sugar or honey, lemon and flowers of one particular species of Rosa (with very small flowers), in Bosnia called "đulbe" rose or "sugar" rose. Prescriptions were verbally delivered for up to more than six generations, traditionally from mother to daughter. For the objective of further analyses and comparisons, the recorded data were inserted in the "VOLKSMED" data base of Austrian prescriptions.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that there exist considerable similarities in medicinal plant use including indications and type of preparations between the different regions and ethnicities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Interestingly, there were also only little differences in frequencies of medicinal plant use, indications and preparations between middle, western and southern part Bosnia and Herzegovina on one hand and the eastern, northern and north-eastern part of this county on the other hand. The results also demonstrated the high importance of medicinal plants for the physical health of Bosnian people. 70 of the species reported by Bosnian people were also used in official pharmacy. In addition, a variety of less known plants has been used since ages in traditional therapy of this country and hence may be potential sources for new therapies. Therefore, further pharmaceutical research into this particular and scientifically still underexplored proportion of Bosnian plant biodiversity appears promising and is recommended by the authors.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antibacterial Activity of Punica granatum Peel Ethanol Extract against Salmonella

Punica granatum is commonly used in Korea as a traditional medicine for the treatment of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of P. granatum peel EtOH extract (PGPE) against 16 strains of Salmonella. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of PGPE were in the range of 62.5–1000 x03BCg mL⁻¹. In addition, the in vivo antibacterial activity of the PGPE extract was examined in a S. typhimurium infection mouse model. Mice were initially infected with S. typhimurium and then with PGPE. The extract was found to have significant effects on mortality and the numbers of viable S. typhimurium recovered from feces. Although clinical signs and histological damage were rarely observed in the treated mice, the untreated controls showed signs of lethargy and histological damage in the liver and spleen. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that PGPE has the potential to provide an effective treatment for salmonellosis.

Biphasic Effect of Phyllanthus emblica L. Extract on NSAID-Induced Ulcer: An Antioxidative Trail Weaved with Immunomodulatory Effect

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica L.), apart from its food value, can be used as a gastroprotective agent in non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastropathy. It has been suggested that the antioxidative property of amla is the key to its therapeutic effect. Hence, on the basis of in vitro antioxidative potential, the ethanolic extract of amla (eAE) was selected for in vivo study in NSAID-induced ulcer. Intriguingly, eAE showed biphasic activity in ulcerated mice, with healing effect observed at 60 mg/kg and an adverse effect at 120 mg/kg.The dose-dependent study revealed that switching from anti-oxidant to pro-oxidant shift and immunomodulatory property could be the major cause for its biphasic effect, as evident from the total antioxidant status, thiol concentration, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content followed by mucin content, PGE₂ synthesis and cytokine status. Further, Buthionine sulfoxamine (BSO) pretreatment established the potential impact of antioxidative property in the healing action of eAE. However, eAE efficiently reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-1β) levels and appreciably upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) concentration. In conclusion, gastric ulcer healing induced by eAE was driven in a dose-specific manner through the harmonization of the antioxidative property and modulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine level.

Cyclization of some carbothioamide derivatives containing antipyrine and triazole moieties and investigation of their antimicrobial activities

Acetohydrazide derivative containing both antipyrine and triazole nuclei (5) was obtained starting from ethyl hydrazinecarboxylate derivative (2) and 4-aminoantipyrine (1) by three steps. The treatment of compound 5 with CS(2) afforded the conversion of hydrazide function into 5-mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazole ring leading to the formation of 7. Then, 7 gave the product containing triazolotriazine moiety (9) by the reaction with hydrazine hydrate. The synthesis of the compounds incorporating the 1,3,4-thiadiazole (10a-c), 1,2,4-triazole (11a-c) or 1,3-thiazole (12, 13) nucleus as third heterocycle was performed by the acidic or basic treatment of compounds 6a-c which were obtained from the reaction of 5 with several isothiocyanates, or by the condensation of 6a with two different phenacyl bromides, respectively. The antimicrobial activity study revealed that all the compounds showed good activities except 3-5.

Anti-proliferative effects of carvacrol on a human metastatic breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB 231

PURPOSE

Although the anti-tumor effects of carvacrol have been demonstrated earlier, the exact underlying molecular mechanisms involved in its action have not been defined and in the present study an attempt has been made to identify the mechanism of carvacrol induced cell death in human metastatic breast cancer cells, MDA-MB 231.

METHODS

Apoptosis induced by carvacrol was determined based on different assays like MTT assay, Annexin V, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, multicaspase activation assay and cell cycle analysis by flow cytometer. Cleavage of PARP, cytochrome c release and modulation of Bax and Bcl2 ratio by Western blot analysis were also studied.

RESULTS

The study clearly showed induction of apoptosis by carvacrol in MDA-MB 231 cells dose dependently at an IC(50) of 100 microM with a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential of the cells resulting in release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, caspase activation and cleavage of PARP.

CONCLUSION

The data in the present study clearly demonstrated anti-tumor effects of carvacrol on human metastatic breast cancer cells, MDA-MB 231, and that the compound could have a potential therapeutic significance in treating cancer.

Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils from Flowers of Senecio othonnae, S. racemosus, and S. nemorensis

The chemical composition of the essential oils of Senecio othonnae, S. racemosus, and S. nemorensis obtained by hydrodistillation of fresh flowers were analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. A total of seventy-six compounds were identified, constituting over 83.1%, 97.7% and 86.8% of the total oil composition of the flowers of S. othonnae, S. racemosus, and S. nemorensis. The main components of the oils were caryophyllene oxide (18.6%), ( E)-β-farnesene (21.6%), and γ-curcumene (42.8%), respectively. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the main group of constituents of all three species, forming 34.6%, 73.2%, and 81.8% of the oils, respectively. The oils of S. othonnae, and S. nemorensis showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida tropicalis, but that of S. racemosus was only active against Candida tropicalis.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activities of some new 1,2,3-triazole derivatives

Some novel 4,5-disubstituted-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (3, 6, 8, 9) derivatives and or 3-(4-methylphenyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3]benzoxazole (5) were synthesized from the reaction of various ester ethoxycarbonylhydrazones (1a-e) with several primary amines. The synthesis of 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[(5-mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl]-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (13) was performed starting from 4-Amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (2) by four steps; then 13 was converted to the corresponding Schiff base (14) by using 4-methoxybenzaldehyde. Finally, two Mannich base derivatives of 14 were obtained by using morpholine or methyl piperazine as amine component. All newly synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities and some of which were found to possess good or moderate activities against the test microorganisms.

Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive compound from Plumbago zeylanica leaf

Plumbago zeylanica Linn. (Plumbaginaceae) is used in the treatment of various inflammatory ailments in traditional medicines. In order to validate these ethnobotanical practices, the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of various leaf extracts (petroleum ether (60-80 degrees ), chloroform, acetone, ethanol, and aqueous) were studied using in vivo experimental models at two dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.). Anti-inflammatory activity was tested using the carrageenan induced rat hind paw edema method while analgesic activity was studied using the hot plate and formalin induced models. Diclofenac (100 mg/ kg) was used as the reference standard in both anti-inflammatory and analgesic models and morphine (10 mg/ kg, i.p.) was used as the reference standard in the formalin induced analgesic model. The acetone extract significantly (p < 0.01) reduced inflammation in the rats when compared to the control group. As for the analgesia effect, the acetone and petroleum ether extracts significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the pain stimulus only in the later phase of the formalin test, suggesting that the drug could be peripherally acting. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the acetone extract led to the isolation and identification of plumbagin. Structure elucidation of plumbagin confirmed it as 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, a naphthaquinone derivative, through spectral techniques.

Antibacterial activity of Ecklonia cava against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp

Ecklonia cava is a brown alga (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) growing on the subtidal rocky shores of Korea. It has antioxidant, antidiarrhea, and anticoagulant effects. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of E. cava EtOH extract and its fractions (n-hexane, CH2Cl2, EtOAc, n-BuOH, and H2O) were investigated against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. The E. cava EtOAc fraction showed good antibacterial activity against all bacteria. Eckol isolated from E. cava EtOAc fraction showed antimicrobial activity against all the tested strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration of eckol against S. aureus strains ranged from 125 to 250 microg/mL and 125 to 250 microg/mL for Salmonella strains. The fraction inhibitory concentration index of eckol in combination with ampicillin ranged from 0.31 to 0.5, indicating remarkable synergism against S. aureus. However, against Salmonella gallinarum ATCC 9184 and Salmonella typhimurium, it ranges from 0.75 to 1.0. The combinations of eckol + ampicillin exhibited improved inhibition of S. aureus and Salmonella with synergy or additive effect. We suggest that eckol ingredients of the E. cava against S. aureus and Salmonella have antibacterial activity.

Ethnopharmacological application of medicinal plants to cure skin diseases and in folk cosmetics among the tribal communities of North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present investigation is an attempt to find out ethnopharmacological application of medicinal plants to cure skin diseases and in folk cosmetics.

METHOD

We interviewed respondents in 30 remote sites of North-West Frontier Province by a structured interview form in the local language and respondents were queried for the type of herbal cure known to him.

RESULTS

A total of 66 plant species belonging to 45 families have been recorded. Seventy-five medications for 15 skin diseases and cosmetics were documented. The mode of application was topical as well as oral administration. Water, milk, ghee, oil, eggs, sulphur and butter are used during administration of herbal remedies. About 15 plant species are known for their use to cure multiple skin diseases. Among these Berberis lyceum, Bergenia ciliata, Melia azedarach, Otostegia limbata, Phyla nodiflora, Prunus persica and Zingiber officinale constitutes major plants. The herbal cosmetics products range from face freshness, removal of ugly spots, hair care, and colouring of palm, feet, gums, and teeth.

CONCLUSION

Most of the reported species are wild and rare; this demands an urgent attention to conserve such vital resources so as to optimize their use in the primary health care system. Since most of the skin diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi in this context, phytochemical screening for active constituents, biological activities and clinical studies is of global importance.