Rhodamine-Ethylenediol, A Novel Vital Fluorescent Probe for Labelling Alkaline Phosphatase-Rich Organelles

Incorporation of Rhodamine into a Host Polymer via In-Situ Generated Isocyanato Group and Application for the Detection of Cu2+ Ion

A rhodamine-based fluorescent polymer P(MMA-co-RB) has been synthesized via an intermediate NCO-containing polymer generated by the Lossen rearrangement reaction. The fluorescent property of P(MMA-co-RB) with regard to metal ions, such as Cu2+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Al3+, Zn2+, Co2+, Sn2+ and Ag+, was studied by fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the fluorescence intensity of P(MMA-co-RB) decreased gradually with an increase of the concentration of Cu2+ ion. Furthermore, a test strip made of P(MMA-co-RB) can be used for fast and quantitative determination of Cu2+ ion. In the presence of Cu2+ ion, the sensory tester undergoes distinct changes in fluorescence intensity and visible color.

Diuretic and serum electrolyte regulation potential of aqueous methanolic extract of Solanum surattense fruit validates its folkloric use in dysuria

BACKGROUND

Solanum surattense Burm. (Solanaceae) is traditionally used for management of various ailments. The study was conducted for provision of pharmacological justification for folkloric uses of Solanum surattense in the treatment of dysuria.

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, each of (n = 6). Aqueous methanolic fruit extract of S. surattense were also administered intraperitoneally to the rats at doses of 50, 70 and 100 mg/kg. Furosemide (10 mg/kg i.p) was used as standard drug whereas controls were given saline solution (40 mL/kg i.p). The electrolytes in urine were measured using a flame photometer whereas serum sodium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonate and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were determined by using an automatic analyzer. Urine osmolality was assayed by the micro-osmometer.

RESULTS

The extract S. surattense induced diuretic effects in a dose-dependent manner as compared with control. Upon administration of extract (70 and 100 mg/kg), we observed the prominent (p < 0.01) increase in the urine volume and osmolality in comparison to control group. However, plant extract (100 mg/kg) significantly increase the urinary electrolyte excretion especially calcium (p < 0.05) to that of the furosemide whereas level of magnesium remains constant. Moreover, our results showed a decrease in serum levels of sodium, potassium, calcium and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), but concentration dependent increase in bicarbonate was found in the test groups. There was no substantial change in the pH of urine samples of the extract-treated groups.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that S. surattense investigated exert its action by causing diuresis in the treatment of dysuria.

Amphiphilic nanoparticles of resveratrol-norcantharidin to enhance the toxicity in zebrafish embryo

Direct coupling of a hydrophobic drug and a hydrophilic natural product via an ester bond produced an amphiphilic adduct that formed liposomes. Liposomes of resveratrol-norcantharidin adduct are capable of forming a tadpole-like nanoparticle and exhibited high toxicity in zebrafish embryos to give the better transportation and the effective concentration into cells. Using fluorescent chromophore showed the liposome in the stomach and intestinal villi rather than in the skin and muscle. This result may provide an insight into the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicines, which often contain a significant amount of flavonoids and polyphenol analogs.

Ethnomedicinal and phytochemical review of Pakistani medicinal plants used as antibacterial agents against Escherichia coli

Medicinal plants have always been part of human culture and have the potential to cure different diseases caused by microorganisms. In Pakistan, biologists are mainly focusing on plants’ antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli due to its increasing resistance to antibiotics. In total, extracts from 34 ethnomedicinally valuable Pakistani plants were reported for in-vitro anti-E. coli activities. Mostly methanolic extracts of medicinal plants were used in different studies, which have shown comparatively higher inhibitory activities against E. coli than n-hexane and aqueous extracts. It has been found that increasing concentration (mg/ml) of methanolic extract can significantly increase (p < 0.01) anti-E. coli activities. Not all medicinal plants are extracted in solvents others than above, which should also be tested against E. coli. Moreover, medicinal plant species must be fully explored phytochemically, which may lead to the development of new drugs.