Antimalarial and free radical scavenging activities of rhizomes of Polygonatum verticillatum supported by isolated metabolites

Cuscuta reflexa Possess Potent Inhibitory Activity Against Human Malaria Parasite: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Drug resistance to practically all antimalarial drugs in use necessitate the development of new chemotherapeutics against malaria. In this aspect, traditionally used plants with folklore reputation are the pillar for drug discovery. Cuscuta reflexa being traditionally used in the treatment of malaria in Odisha, India we aimed to experimentally validate its antimalarial potential. Different solvent extracts of C. reflexa or column fractions from a promising solvent extract were evaluated for in vitro anti-plasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strain Pf3D7. Potent fractions were further evaluated for inhibition of parasite growth against different drug resistant strains. Safety of these fractions was determined by in vitro cyto-toxicity, and therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated by suppression of parasitemia and improvement in survival of experimental mice. Besides, their immunomodulatory effect was investigated in Pf-antigen stimulated RAW cells. GCMS fingerprints of active fractions was determined. Column separation of methanol extract which showed the highest in vitro antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ = 14.48 μg/ml) resulted in eleven fractions, three of which (F2, F3, and F4) had anti-plasmodial IC₅₀ ranging from ≤ 10 to 2.2 μg/ml against various P. falciparum strains with no demonstration of in vitro cytotoxicity. F4 displayed the highest in vivo parasite suppression, and had a mean survival time similar to artesunate (19.3 vs. 20.6 days). These fractions significantly modulated expression of inflammatory cytokines in Pf-antigen stimulated RAW cells. The findings of the study confirm the antimalarial potential of C. reflexa. Exploration of phyto-molecules in GCMS fingerprints of active fractions is warranted for possible identification of lead anti-malarial phyto-drugs.

Ultrasound-assisted green extraction methods: An approach for cosmeceutical compounds isolation from Macadamia integrifolia pericarp

This study aimed was to examine the potential of several green extraction methods to extract cosmetic/cosmeceutical components from Macadamia integrifolia pericarps, which were a by-product of the macadamia nut industry. M. integrifolia pericarps were extracted by conventional solvent extraction process using 95% v/v ethanol and various green extraction methods, including infusion, ultrasound, micellar, microwave, and pulsed electric field extraction using water as a clean and green solvent. The extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu method.The antioxidant activities were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing/antioxidant power, and ferric-thiocyanate method. The anti-skin ageing activities were investigated by means of collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase inhibition using enzyme-substrate reaction assay. The irritation profile of the extracts was evaluated by the hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) test. The results noted that ultrasound-assisted extraction yielded the significantly highest extract amount with the significantly highest total phenolic content (p < 0.05), especially when the extraction time was 10 min. The aqueous extract from ultrasound-assisted extraction possessed the most potent antioxidant and anti-skin ageing activities (p < 0.05). Its antioxidant activities were comparable to ascorbic acid and Trolox, whereas the anti-skin ageing activities were equivalent to epigallocatechin-3-gallate and oleanolic acid. Besides, the extract was safe since it induced no irritation in the HET-CAM test. Therefore, ultrasound-assisted extraction was suggested as an environmentally friendly extraction method for M. integrifolia pericarp extraction and further application in the cosmetic/cosmeceutical industries.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Conyza bonariensis Leaf Extracts against Clinically Isolated Fungi Causing Superficial Infection

Plants have been used since long time ago to treat infectious diseases and are considered as important sources of new antimicrobial agents. In this study, crude extracts from leaves of Conyza bonariensis were prepared using methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, and chloroform. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated against pathogenic fungi causing superficial infection (Candida albicans, Malassezia globosa, and Malassezia furfur). Results demonstrated that all extracts had different effects against all the tested fungi with the exception of crude extract using hexane which did not show any effect against M. furfur. A strong effect was observed with chloroform and hexane extracts on C. albicans (32.60 ± 4.69 mm and 27.00 ± 1.00 mm), respectively. While, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts showed the best effect against M. furfur (30.80 ± 1.71 mm and 27.00 ± 1.00 mm), respectively. Moreover, the ethyl acetate showed a considerable effect on M. globosa (25.03 ± 1.05 mm). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the fractions was also determined by the microbroth dilution method. The results recorded as the MIC values of the tested extracts against fungi varied from 0.19 ± 0.00 to 66.66 ± 2.86 mg/mL. Ethyl acetate was the best and powerful extract with the lowest MIC value of 0.190.19 ± 0.00 mg/mL for all tested fungi followed by chloroform and methanol extracts with the MIC values ranging from 0.19 ± 0.00 to 0.78 ± 0.00 mg/mL and 0.84 ± 0.68 to 1.56 mg/mL, respectively. Concerning minimum bactericidal concentration (MFC), ethyl acetate was the most potent extract with a MFC value of 0.190.19 ± 0.00 mg/mL for C. albicans and M. furfur. Higher (0.39 mg/mL) MFC was recorded against M. globosa by this extract. In conclusion, solvent extracts of some C. bonariensis can be used to treat infections with pathogenic fungi such as C. albicans, M. furfur, and M. globosa. Further studies should consider this plant as one of the best candidates for the discovery of potent antimicrobial compounds that treat superficial infections.

Production of fermented tea petal decoction with insights into in vitro biochemical tests, antioxidant assay and GC-MS analysis

Abstract

This research work was designed to attempt and propose the first report on production and biochemical characterization of fermented tea flower petal decoction or simply tea petal wine. The tea petal decoction and brewer’s yeast or Saccharomyces cerevisiae were co-cultured for fermentation. Antioxidant activity and chromatographic separation of potential candidates were assessed. Primary investigations for qualitative characters on this fermented broth revealed the presence of steroids, tannin, flavonoids, phenol, cardiac glycosides, coumarin, caffeine etc. Our manufactured fermented broth showed high free radical scavenging activity after 2 months of aging. High DPPH scavenging activities were also observed in solvent fractions of acetone, ethanol and methanol. The antioxidant activity, alcohol percentage and other qualities were seen to be gradually increased during aging. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 44 compounds including many potential antioxidant molecules and other bioactive agents. Hopefully, presence of alcohol with medicinally active compounds and antioxidant activity will make it as acceptable as a good wine and tea flower as economically functional.

Graphical abstract

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of chemical constituents from the flower buds of Buddleja officinalis

Five new glycosides including mimenghuasu A and B (1-2), isolinarin (3), cyclocitralosides A and B (4-5), along with forty-seven known compounds were isolated from the flower buds of Buddleja officinalis. These structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, 1 D, 2 D NMR, and MS spectra). The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on the expression of TNF-α (LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells) and MTT experiment on LPS-induced HUVECs proliferation effects. Good suppressive effects on the expression of TNF-α were shown by 4 and 5 with IC₅₀ values of 19.35 and 22.10 μM, respectively, compared to positive control indomethacin (IC₅₀ 16.40 μM). In addition to this, some isolated compounds exhibited excellent antioxidant activities including compounds 16, 18, 29, 39, and 47 (IC₅₀ μM: 82.59, 72.94, 33.65, 46.67, and 20.81, respectively) with almost the same or stronger potency with reference to vitamin C as positive control (IC₅₀ 81.83 μM).

Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Docking Studies of Potential Dinaphthodiospyrols from Diospyros lotus Linn Roots

The main aims of this investigation were the isolation of dimeric naphthoquinones, a new class of dinaphthodiospyrols (1-7), from chloroform fractions and screening them for antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant potential. The susceptibility of the isolated compounds, namely, dinaphthodiospyrol A (1), dinaphthodiospyrol B (2), dinaphthodiospyrol C (3), dinaphthodiospyrol D (4), dinaphthodiospyrol E (5), dinaphthodiospyrol F (6), and dinaphthodiospyrol G (7) was assessed for antibacterial potential using well diffusion methods. The isolated compounds showed excellent antibacterial activity against selected bacterial strains, including Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus epidermis, and Bacillus subtilis, and Gram-negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumonia with the zones of inhibition 6 to 26 nm. The standard drug Imipenem showed a maximum inhibitory zone 30 to 35 nm. Similarly, the isolated compounds were screened for antifungal properties, which showed an excellent reduction in the growth of selected fungal strain including Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium solani, Trichyton logifusus, Microsporum canis , and Candida glabrata. Among all the screened compounds, 7 exhibited good activity (30-49 mm), followed by compounds 5 and 6, (35-46 mm), while compounds 1-4 showed a moderate effect (8-28 mm) against the selected fungal strain against miconazole which showed potent effects (101-110.98 mm). The isolated compounds were also screened for 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity. In vitro-based free radical was employed using ascorbic acid as a standard antioxidant. The tested compounds (1-7) exhibited significant antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The dinaphthodiospyrol 7 exhibited 97.32% scavenging activity, followed by dinaphthodiospyrol 6, 92.01%, and compounds 5 and 4 with 89.90 and 88.43% scavenging activity at 100 μg/mL, respectively; ascorbic acid showed 96.45% scavenging effect. Furthermore, docking analysis was performed to know the exact binding mode of the tetra-substituted derivatives of dinaphthodiospyrols to the selected target proteins. From the docking analysis, it was found that the docking results are well correlated with the experimental observations. In conclusion, the dinaphthodiospyrols exhibited excellent antibacterial, antifungal, and free radical scavenging potential.

Enhancement of Chemical Stability and Dermal Delivery of Cordyceps militaris Extracts by Nanoemulsion

This study aimed to develop nanoemulsions for enhancing chemical stability and dermal delivery of Cordyceps militaris extracts. C. militaris was extracted by maceration and infusion. The extracts were investigated for cordycepin, phenolic, and flavonoid content. The antioxidant activity was investigated by in vitro spectrophotometric methods. The irritation profile was investigated by hen's egg-chorioallantoic membrane test. Nanoemulsions were developed using high-pressure homogenizer. C. militaris extract was incorporated into the nanoemulsion and investigated for safety, release profile, permeation, and skin retention. The results demonstrated that water extract (CW) contained the significantly highest content of cordycepin, phenolics, and flavonoids, which were responsible for antioxidant activity. CW was the most potent antioxidant. CW possessed comparable 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition to l-ascorbic acid (96.9 ± 3.1%) and alpha-tocopherol (87.2 ± 1.0%). Consequently, ten mg/mL of CW was incorporated into nanoemulsions composing of sugar squalene, Tween® 85, and deionized water. Nanoemulsion, which had the smallest internal droplet size (157.1 ± 2.6 nm), enhanced the stability of CW, had no cytotoxicity effect and no skin irritation, released the most CW (0.9 ± 0.0% w/w after 24 h), and delivered the highest CW into the skin layer (33.5 ± 0.7% w/w). Therefore, nanoemulsion was suggested for enhancing the stability and dermal delivery of CW.

5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde purified from Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Nijisseiki) juice concentrate inhibits melanogenesis in B16 mouse melanoma cells

Pear juice concentrate prepared by boiling Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Nijisseiki) juice can significantly inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin synthesis in human skin. Using the ethanol extract of pear juice concentrate, we homogeneously purified an active compound that was identified as 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (5-HMF) through ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR and mass spectroscopy. We observed that 5-HMF inhibited the monophenolase and diphenolase activities of mushroom tyrosinase as a mixed-type inhibitor (K _i values of 3.81 and 3.70 mmol/L, respectively). In B16 mouse melanoma cells, treatment with 170 µmol/L of 5-HMF significantly reduced α-melanocyte-stimulated melanin synthesis by suppressing the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent signaling pathway involved in melanogenesis. The results of our study indicated that 5-HMF can be potentially used as a skin-lightening agent in the cosmetic industry. Abbreviations: AC: adenylate cyclase; CREB: cAMP response element-binding protein; dhFAME: S-(-)-10,11-Dihydroxyfarnesoic acid methyl ester; DMEM: dulbecco's modified eagle medium; l-DOPA: 3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)- l-alanine; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; HEPES: 4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazine ethane sulfonic acid; 5-HMF: 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde; MITF: microphthalmia-associated transcription factor; α-MSH: α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone; PKA: protein kinase A; PVDF: polyvinylidene difluoride; SDS: sodium dodecyl sulfate; TRP1: tyrosinase-related protein 1; TRP2: tyrosinase-related protein 2.

Quantitative analysis of flavonols, flavonol glycoside and homoisoflavonoids in Polygonatum verticillatum using UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-IMS and evaluation of their antioxidant potential

INTRODUCTION

Polygonatum is widely used as a part of food in different regions of the world which covers five main categories such as drinks, vegetables, snacks, staple and seasoning foods. Presently, no analytical method is available for the quality control of Polygonatum.

OBJECTIVE

Development and validation of a method using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector quadrupole time-of-flight (UHPLC-DAD/QTOF) technique for the estimation of six compounds including a flavonol glycoside [rutin (1)], two flavonols [quercetin (2) and kaempherol (3)] and three homoisoflavonoids [5,7-dihydroxy-3-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one (4), 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-8-methylchroman-4-one (5) and 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4-methoxybenzyl)-8-methylchroman-4-one (6)]. In addition, screening of extract, fractions and compounds of P. verticillatum for antioxidant activity was also determined.

METHODOLOGY

The separation was achieved on C-18 column using acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid. The method was validated as per ICH (International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) guidelines. The validated method was applied for the simultaneous identification and quantification of compounds 1-6 in extract (E) and fractions (F1-F4) of P. verticillatum. Furthermore, antioxidant potential of E, F1 and F2 and compounds was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay.

RESULTS

The method was within the linear range (r² ) of 0.982 to 0.999, precise (intra- and inter-day percentage relative standard deviations < 2.72 and 2.26) and accurate with recoveries (89.1-98.3%). The limit of detection and limit of quantification were in the ranges 0.02-0.16 and 0.06-0.48 ng/mL, respectively. Compounds 1-6 were quantified in all the samples. Compounds 1, 2 and 5 showed higher activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀ ) values 0.41, 0.39, 0.72 at 10, 20 and 30 μg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Developed method will be helpful to assess the quality of P. verticillatum raw material and their derived products.

In vivo pharmacological investigation of Monotheca buxifolia and Bosea amherstiana using animal models

Experimental based evidence suggests that most of the medicinal plants possess wide-ranging pharmacological and biological activities that may possibly use in treatment of inflammation-related diseases. The current study was aimed to explore the acute toxicity, analgesic, sedative and antipyretic activities of Monotheca buxifolia and Bosea amherstiana in mices. In vivo experimental models were used in this study. Acute toxicity was evaluated for 24 h' interval at concentration of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg. The analgesic activity was estimated by acetic acid induced writhing test. White wood apparatus enclosed in stainless steel was used for sedative experiment and antipyretic activity was evaluated in brewer's yeast induced hyperthermic at 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg i.p. Both plants were found safe at all tested doses. Monotheca buxifolia and Bosea amherstiana dose-dependently reduced abdominal constrictions in mice. Both plants exhibited significant (P < 0.0001) sedative effects in dose of 50, 150 and 150 mg/kg. Both plants markedly (P < 0.0001) reduced yeast induced hyperthermia. The inhibitions were dose-dependent and remained significant up to five hours of administration. These investigational results have linked a pharmacological indication for the traditional claim of the drugs to be used as an anti-inflammatory, analgesics and antipyretic agents.

Traditional Herbal Knowledge among the Inhabitants: A Case Study in Urgam Valley of Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India

The Indian Himalaya is rich in plant species, including many medicinal plants, greatly valued by local inhabitants for health care needs. The study in Urgam Valley of Uttarakhand, India, is to identity and document traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. The study revealed high consensus on medicinal plant usage, with 51 species belonging to 31 families used for local health care. Number of species and uses known increases with age, and elders and specialist healers retain higher levels of traditional medicinal plant knowledge, having unique knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses as well as preparation.

Antimicrobial Homoisoflavonoids from the Rhizomes of Polygonatum verticillatum

Three homoisoflavonoids, including a new compound, 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4-methoxybenzyl)-8-methyl chroman-4-one (1), together with two known compounds, 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-8-methylchroman-4-one (2) and 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one (3), were isolated from the rhizomes of Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. (P. verticillatum). Isolated compounds were characterized on the basis of UV, FT-IR, ESI-MS, and 1D-, 2D-NMR data. Further, different extract fractions and pure compounds from Polygonatum verticillatum were screened for their antimicrobial potential. Among three pure compounds, compound 2 was found most potent with good zone of microbial growth inhibition as compared to the standards.

Membrane of Candida albicans as a target of berberine

Background

We investigated the mechanisms of anti-Candida action of isoquinoline alkaloid berberine, active constituent of medically important plants of Barberry species.

Methods

The effects on membrane, morphological transition, synthesis of ergosterol and the consequent changes in membrane permeability have been studied. Polarization and lipid peroxidation level of the membrane following berberine treatment have been addressed.

Results

Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of berberine against C. albicans was 17.75 μg/mL. Cytotoxic effect of berberine was concentration dependent, and in sub-MIC concentrations inhibit morphological transition of C. albicans cells to its filamentous form. Results showed that berberine affects synthesis of membrane ergosterol dose-dependently and induces increased membrane permeability causing loss of intracellular material to the outer space (DNA/protein leakage). Berberine also caused membrane depolarization and lipid peroxidation of membrane constituents indicating its direct effect on the membrane. Moreover, ROS levels were also increased following berberine treatment indicating further the possibility of membrane damage.

Conclusion

Based on the obtained results it seems that berberine achieves its anti-Candida activity by affecting the cell membrane.

Phytochemical analysis, antibacterial, and antifungal assessment of aerial parts of Polygonatumverticillatum

The current study was designed to assess the phytochemical profile, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of the crude methanol extract of the aerial parts of Polygonatum verticillatum (PA) and its various subsequent solvent fractions using agar well diffusion, agar tube dilution, and microdilution methods. Phytochemical analysis showed positive for different chemical groups and also contained marked quantity of saponin and flavonoid contents. Significant antibacterial activity was observed against various tested pathogenic bacteria. The only susceptible Gram-positive bacterium was Bacillus subtilis and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) measured ranged from 11–50 µg/ml. The sensitive Gram-negative bacteria were Salmonella typhi and Shigella flexeneri. The estimated MICs were in the range of 2–7 µg/ml and 8–50 µg/ml for S. typhi and S. flexeneri, respectively. However, the antifungal activity of the plant was limited to Microsporum canis and their MICs ranged from 60 to 250 µg/ml. Our study confirmed significant antibacterial potential of the plant and substantiated its folk use in dysentery and pyrexia of multiple origins.

Antispasmodic and antidiarrheal activities of rhizomes of Polygonatum verticillatum maneuvered predominately through activation of K⁺ channels: Components identification through TLC

Polygonatum verticillatum has traditionally been used for various purposes. The present study was aimed to validate the antispasmodic and antidiarrheal properties of crude methanolic extract of rhizomes of P. verticillatum (PR). Isolated rabbit jejunum preparations were suspended in tissue baths to measure the isotonic responses using Power Lab data acquisition system for the antispasmodic activity of PR, while the antidiarrheal activity was conducted in vivo in mice. PR caused complete relaxation of the spontaneous contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum preparations in a dose-dependent mode. A complete inhibition was observed against low potassium (K(+); 25 mM)-induced contractions, while the plant extract partially inhibited the high K(+)(80 mM)-induced contractions. From a mechanistic point of view, the spasmolytic effect of PR against low K(+)was antagonized by glibenclamide similar to the effect of cromakalim, thus showing the presence of constituents in PR mediating spasmolytic activity predominantly through the activation of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K(+)channels. When tested against castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice, oral administration of the plant extract manifested marked antidiarrheal activity at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg similar to loperamide. This study provided a pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of PR in abdominal colic and diarrhea.

Antioxidant profile of constituents isolated from Polygonatum verticillatum rhizomes

The purpose of the current study was to estimate the antioxidant profile of two compounds, diosgenin and santonin, isolated from Polygonatum verticillatum rhizomes. Stable free radical, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and reducing power assays were employed for this purpose. The results showed profound free radical scavenging effect of both diosgenin and santonin in a concentration-dependent manner. The calculated half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for both diosgenin and santonin was 65.80 and 50.03 μg/ml, respectively. Similarly, in reducing power assay, diosgenin and santonin exhibited marked quenching effect. The corresponding IC50 values for both the compounds were 62.10 and 46.40 μg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, both the isolated compounds have strong antioxidant potential, which is consistent with the results of the extracts of the plant.

Studies on tracheorelaxant and anti-inflammatory activities of rhizomes of Polygonatum verticillatum

Background

The present study describes the tracheorelaxant and anti-inflammatory effects of Polygonatum verticillatum which may support its medicinal use in hyperactive airway complaints and inflammatory disorders.

Methods

The tracheorelaxant activity of crude extract of the rhizomes of P. verticillatum (PR) was assessed in isolated guinea-pig tracheal tissues immersed in tissue organ bath filled with Tyrode’s solution and a continuous supply of carbogen gas (95% O₂ and 5% CO₂). The contractile and relaxant responses of the tissue were measured using isometric transducers coupled with Power-Lab data acquisition system. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model, while the lipoxygenase inhibitory activity was performed in the in-vitro assay. Various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques were used for the isolation and characterization of pure molecules.

Results

In isolated guinea-pig tracheal preparations, PR caused complete inhibition of the high K⁺ (80 mM) and carbachol-induced contractions however, it was more potent against K⁺ than CCh, similar to verapamil. Pretreatment of the tissue with PR, displaced the Ca²⁺ concentration-response curves to the right, similar to that induced by verapamil, indicating the presence of Ca²⁺ channel blocking like activity. When tested on carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, PR demonstrated a marked reduction in edema with 65.22% protection at 200 mg/kg, similar to aspirin. In the in-vitro assay, PR showed lipoxygenase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀: 102 ± 0.19 μg/mL), similar to baicalein. Bioactivity-guided fractionation led to the isolation of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid and β-sitosterol.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the plant possesses tracheorelaxant, mediated possibly through a Ca²⁺ channel blockade mechanism, and anti-inflammatory activities, which may explain the medicinal use of this plant in airway disorders and inflammation.

Lipoxygenase and urease inhibition of the aerial parts of the Polygonatum verticillatum

Over expression of lipoxygenase (LOX) and urease has already contributed to the pathology of different human disease. Targeting the inhibition of these enzymes has proved great clinical utility. The aim of the present study was to scrutinised the inhibitory profile of the aerial parts of the Polygonatum verticillatum enzyme against LOX, urease, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) using standard experimental protocols. When checked against lipoxygenase, the extracts revealed significant attenuation. Of the tested extracts, the ethyl acetate fraction was the most potent (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)): 97 µg/mL) followed by aqueous fraction IC(50): 109 µg/mL). Regarding urease inhibition, n-butanol was the most potent fraction (IC(50): 97 µg/mL). However, the extracts did not show significant inhibition on AChE and BChE. In the preliminary phytochemical tests, the aerial parts of the plant showed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins and terpenoids. The current findings could be attributed to these groups of compounds.

Antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic studies of total saponin, alkaloid and sterols contents of decoction of Joshanda

The current study was aimed to assess antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of total saponin, alkaloid and sterol contents of Joshanda decoction followed by its constituent’s analysis via thin layer chromatography (TLC). Saponins and alkaloids showed prominent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumoniae whereas sterols only against S. aureus. Saponin and alkaloid contents of 97 and 108 µg/ml, respectively, showed prominent free radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhidrazyl, with mild cytotoxicity in brine shrimp cytotoxic test. Under ultraviolet light at 254 nm, TLC of total saponins showed eight different compounds, total sterols comprising three while total alkaloids two compounds of various polarities. It is concluded that the various contents of Joshanda decoction possess outstanding susceptibility against bacteria implicating primarily upper respiratory tract infections augmented by strong antioxidant activity.

Bronchodilator activity of aerial parts of Polygonatum verticillatum augmented by anti-inflammatory activity: attenuation of Ca²⁺ channels and lipoxygenase

Polygonatum verticillatum is commonly used for the treatment of asthma and inflammation. The current study was aimed to scrutinize the pharmacological profile of methanolic extract of the aerial parts (PA). Isolated tracheal preparations were used for the evaluation of bronchodilatory activity, whilst the in vivo carrageenan-induced paw oedema test and an in vitro lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory assay were used for the assessment of the anti-inflammatory profile of PA. When tested against carbachol and K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contractions, PA caused complete inhibition of isolated rabbit tracheal preparations in a dose-dependent mode, similar to verapamil. While elucidating possible mechanism, PA shifted the Ca²⁺ concentration-response curves to the right, analogous to that produced by verapamil, confirming a Ca²⁺ channel blocker-like activity. PA provoked profound reduction in paw oedema with a maximum protection of 60.87% at 200 mg/kg i.p. in a dose-dependent manner which was augmented by its prominent LOX inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ : 125 µg/mL). These findings authenticated its therapeutic potential in the treatment of asthmatic and inflammatory conditions.