Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Coccinia indica

Ameliorative effects of Atriplex crassifolia (C.A.Mey) on pain and inflammation through modulation of inflammatory biomarkers and GC-MS-based metabolite profiling

Atriplex crassifolia (A. crassifolia) is a locally occurring member of Chenopodiaceae family that has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of joint pain and inflammation. The present study was focused to determine the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of the plant. n-hexane (ACNH) and methanol (ACM) extracts of A. crassifolia were evaluated for in vitro anti-inflammatory potential using protein denaturation inhibition assay. In vivo anti-inflammatory potential was determined by oral administration of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day of extracts against carrageenan and formalin-induced paw edema models. Inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β, NF-kB, IL-4, and IL-6 were estimated in blood samples of animals subjected to formalin model of inflammation. Analgesic activity was determined using acetic acid-induced writhing and tail flick assay model. Phytochemical profiling was done by GC-mass spectrophotometer. The results of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity revealed that both ACNH and ACM displayed eminent inhibition of protein denaturation in concentration-dependent manner. In acute in vivo carrageenan-induced paw edema model, both extracts reduced inflammation at 5th and 6th hour of study (p < 0.05). A. crassifolia extracts exhibited significant inhibition against formalin-induced inflammation with maximum effect at 1000 mg/kg. ACNH and ACM significantly augmented the inflammatory mediators (p < 0.05). Levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and NF-kB were reduced, while those of IL-4 and IL-10 were upregulated. ACNH displayed maximum analgesic effect at 1000 mg/kg, while ACM showed potent activity at 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The extracts restored the CBC, TLC and CRP toward normal. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of compounds like n-hexadecanoic acid, Phytol, (9E,11E)-octadecadienoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester, 1-hexacosene, vitamin E, campesterol, stigmasterol, gamma sitosterol in both extracts. These compounds have been reported to suppress inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines. The current study concludes that A. crassifolia possesses significant anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential owing to the presence of phytochemicals.

Synthesis and bioactivity assessment of Coccinia grandis L. extract encapsulated alginate nanoparticles as an antidiabetic drug lead

AIM

This study aimed to prepare, characterise, and evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Coccinia grandis (L.) extracts encapsulated alginate nanoparticles.

METHODS

Alginate nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method and characterised by encapsulation efficiency %w/w, loading capacity %w/w, particle size analysis, zeta potential, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro antidiabetic activity was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Encapsulation efficiency %w/w, loading capacity %w/w, mean diameter, zeta potential of C. grandis encapsulated alginate nanoparticles ranged from 10.51 ± 0.51 to 62.01 ± 1.28%w/w, 0.39 ± 0.04 to 3.12 ± 0.11%w/w, 191.9 ± 76.7 to 298.9 ± 89.6 nm, -21.3 ± 3.3 to -28.4 ± 3.4 mV, respectively. SEM and FTIR confirmed that particles were in nano range with spherical shape and successful encapsulation of plant extracts into an alginate matrix. The antidiabetic potential of aqueous extract of C. grandis encapsulated alginate nanoparticles (AqCG-ANP) exhibited inhibition in α-amylase, α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzymes of 60.8%c/c, 19.1%c/c, and 30.3%c/c, respectively, compared to the AqCG.

CONCLUSION

The AqCG-ANP exerted promising antidiabetic potential as an antidiabetic drug lead.

Inhibition realization of multidrug resistant bacterial and fungal isolates using Coccinia indica extracts

The crude aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Coccinia indica were screened for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug resistant (MDR) Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Candida auris and Trichophyton rubrum. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed by standard disc diffusion and tube dilution methods. The results showed that ethanolic extract inhibited MRSA, C. auris at 250 µg/mL and S. pyogenes at 200 µg/mL comparable to the susceptible antibiotics used as positive controls. There was no observable activity against T. rubrum, while a mild activity was observed with ethanolic extracts over E. coli at higher concentrations which did not turn out to be complete or significant inhibition. Aqueous extract did not exhibit any observable activity over the five organisms tested. Furthermore, the results showed clear cut concentration dependent antibacterial and antifungal activities with additional variation of specific activity over Gram positive and negative bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. So, it is evident that ethanolic extract of Coccinia indica could be further escalating for mechanistic studies in the era of multidrug resistance, indigenous preparations from herbs could be a safe choice over clinically challenging organisms.

Synergistic Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn. and Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. Extracts and Their Potential as a Treatment for Xerosis Cutis

BACKGROUND

A common health condition among older persons is xerosis cutis. Topical corticosteroid treatments are -associated with side effects. There is an unmet need for her-bal treatment alternatives. Coccinia grandis, Clerodendrum inerme and Acanthus ebracteatus are used to treat skin con-ditions in Thai traditional medicine. This study aimed to investigate their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, synergistic properties as well as their cytotoxicity.

METHODS

-Ethanolic herbal extracts were used to perform minimal -inhibitory (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays on common skin pathogens. Synergistic anti-microbial activity was evaluated by a chequerboard assay. Antioxidant and synergistic properties were assessed by a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Cytotoxicity was tested on normal adult human primary epidermal keratinocytes.

RESULTS

All extracts showed an inhibitory effect on growth of all microorganisms tested. MIC and MBC values ranged from 0.0625 to 32 mg/mL and from 0.0625 to >256 mg/mL, respectively. A. ebracteatus extract markedly demonstrated bactericidal activity against an methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain. Additive antimicrobial activity was observed (fractional inhibitory concentration index values: 0.75-1). All extracts possessed antioxidant properties (IC50 values: 0.12-0.25 mg/L). However, antagonism was observed with paired extract combinations (combination index values: 1.025-1.455). The cell viability assay confirmed that herbal extracts were not cytotoxic.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide early findings of pharmacological activities to support a novel choice of herbal combinations as potential local skin treatment options for xerosis cutis.

Metabolic profiling of a polyphenolic-rich fraction of Coccinia grandis leaves using LC-ESI-MS/MS and in vivo validation of its antimicrobial and wound healing activities

A polyphenolic-rich fraction (CG50) was obtained from the methanol extract of Coccinia grandis leaves by chromatographic fractionation over a Diaion column using 50% aqueous methanol. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of CG50 showed the presence of six flavonoids, namely quercetin-hexoside deoxyhexoside (rutin), quercetin-hexoside deoxyhexoside (quercetin-3-O-neohesperidoside), kaempferol-hexoside deoxyhexoside (kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside), kaempferol-hexoside deoxyhexoside (kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside), kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, and kaempferol-hexoside in addition to the presence of two secoiridoids which are oleuropein and ligstroside. CG50 hydrogel showed a pronounced inhibition of the bacterial growth in wounds infected by Bacillus cereus in rats comparable to those treated with hydrogel base only showing 85.08 and 16.50% inhibition for the bacterial growth for the CG50 hydrogel and hydrogel base, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of CG50 hydrogel was close to that of fucidin during all days of treatment. Rats treated with CG50 hydrogel showed remarkable healing ability of the wound compared to other groups and approaching that of fucidin. This was clearly manifested by the clear formation of scars with obvious reduction in the wound size together with the appearance and re-growth of hair. This was further confirmed by the histopathological study of skin tissues as well as by the evaluation of the percentages of collagen fiber deposition. CG50 hydrogel showed 18.71% collagen fiber deposition comparable to the untreated group that showed 6.84% collagen fiber deposition and approaches that of the fucidin group. It was concluded that Coccinia grandis could be used as a natural wound healing agent that further consolidated its traditional use as a wound dressing.

Pharmacological evidence for the use of Cissus assamica as a medicinal plant in the management of pain and pyrexia

The existing therapeutic agents for the management of pain and pyrexia are not very efficient and accompanied by numerous side effects. Thus, new effective agents are the most needed. The present study investigates bioactivities and phytochemical screening of different parts of Cissus assamica (Vitaceae), a Bangladeshi tribal medicinal plant. Three plant parts stems, leaves and roots were collected, washed, dried, powdered and then prepared for cold extraction. The methanolic stems and leaves extracts were fractioned with four and two solvents respectively. Different plant extracts were then investigated for in vivo antinociceptive activity and only methanolic leaves extract was investigated for in vivo antipyretic activity. In Swiss-albino mice, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight doses were used for all extracts. In the peripheral antinociceptive activity, the methanolic stem extract and its dichloromethane, chloroform, pet ether fractions and methanolic roots extract at their both doses showed significant antinociceptive responses when compared to standard diclofenac sodium (60.49% inhibition). In the central antinociceptive activity, the response was found significant for methanolic stem and methanolic roots extract in their both doses compared to standard morphine. In antipyretic activity, methanolic leaves extract significantly reduced pyrexia level at 400 and 200 mg/kg body weight doses after two, three and 4 h of administration when compared to standard. So our findings indicate that this plant possesses noteworthy pharmacological activities which may be a basis for further researches to establish a possible mode of action of its different parts.

In vitro evaluation of novel antiviral activities of 60 medicinal plants extracts against hepatitis B virus

Currently, >35 Saudi Arabian medicinal plants are traditionally used for various liver disorders without a scientific rationale. This is the first experimental evaluation of the anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) potential of the total ethanolic and sequential organic extracts of 60 candidate medicinal plants. The extracts were tested for toxicity on HepG2.2.15 cells and cytotoxicity concentration (CC₅₀) values were determined. The extracts were further investigated on HepG2.2.15 cells for anti-HBV activities by analyzing the inhibition of HBsAg and HBeAg production in the culture supernatants, and their half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) and therapeutic index (TI) values were determined. Of the screened plants, Guiera senegalensis (dichloromethane extract, IC₅₀=10.65), Pulicaria crispa (ethyl acetate extract, IC₅₀=14.45), Coccinea grandis (total ethanol extract, IC₅₀=31.57), Fumaria parviflora (hexane extract, IC₅₀=35.44), Capparis decidua (aqueous extract, IC₅₀=66.82), Corallocarpus epigeus (total ethanol extract, IC₅₀=71.9), Indigofera caerulea (methanol extract, IC₅₀=73.21), Abutilon figarianum (dichloromethane extract, IC₅₀=99.76) and Acacia oerfota (total ethanol extract, IC₅₀=101.46) demonstrated novel anti-HBV activities in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Further qualitative phytochemical analysis of the active extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins, which are attributed to antiviral efficacies. In conclusion, P. crispa, G. senegalensis and F. parviflora had the most promising anti-HBV potentials, including those of C. decidua, C. epigeus, A. figarianum, A. oerfota and I. caerulea with marked activities. However, a detailed phytochemical study of these extracts is essential to isolate the active principle(s) responsible for their novel anti-HBV potential.

Monograph of Coccinia (Cucurbitaceae)

This monograph deals with all 95 names described in the Cucurbitaceae genus Coccinia and recognizes 25 species. Taxonomic novelties are Cocciniaadoensisvar.aurantiaca (C.Jeffrey) Holstein, stat. nov., Cocciniasessilifoliavar.variifolia (A.Meeuse) Holstein, stat. nov., and Cocciniaadoensisvar.jeffreyana Holstein, var. nov. For the 25 species 3157 collections were examined, of which 2024 were georeferenced to produce distribution maps. All species are distributed in sub-Saharan Africa with one species, Cocciniagrandis, extending from Senegal in West Africa east to Indonesia and being naturalized on Pacific Islands, in Australia, the Caribbean, and South America. Coccinia species are dioecious creepers or climbers with simple or bifid tendrils that occupy a range of habitats from arid scrubland, woodlands to lowland rainforest and mist forest. The corolla of Coccinia species is sympetalous, usually pale yellow to orange, and 1 to 4.5 cm long. Pollination is by bees foraging for pollen or nectar. After pollination, the developing ovary often exhibits longitudinal mottling, which usually disappears during maturation. All species produce berries with a pericarp in reddish colors (orange-red through to scarlet red), hence the generic name. The globose to cylindrical fruits contain numerous grayish-beige flat to lenticular seeds. Chromosome numbers are 2n = 20, 24, and 22 + XX/XY. Many Coccinia species are used for food, either as roasted tubers, greens as spinach, or the fruits as vegetables. Medicinal value is established in Cocciniagrandis, of which leaves and sap are used against diabetes.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of methanolic Tecomaria capensis leaves extract

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity of methanolic Tecomaria capensis (T. capensis) leaves extract using different models in rats.

METHODS

Methanolic T. capensis leaves extract (100, 300, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight) was given to rats orally to observe acute toxicity, and observed for 14 days. Analgesic activity was evaluated using tail immersion and formalin induced paw licking models in rats. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan induced paw edema model in rats. Antipyretic activity was evaluated using brewer's yeast induced pyrexia model in rats. Methanolic T. capensis leaves extract were given at dose of 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg p.o.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that the no mortality was reported even after 14 days. This indicated that the methanol extract was safe up to a single dose of 2 000 mg/kg body weight. Methanolic T. capensis leaves extract (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg p.o.) significantly increased the latency period in the tail immersion test, reduced the licking time in both the neurogenic and inflammatory phases in the formalin test. Methanolic T. capensis leaves extract (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg p.o.) significantly prevented increase in volume of paw edema. Methanolic T. capensis leaves extract at the doses of (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg p.o.) significantly decreased the rectal temperature of the rats.

CONCLUSIONS

This study exhibites that methanolic T. capensis leaves extract possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity which may be mediated by the central and peripheral mechanisms.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex Linn. fruits

This study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex Linn. fruits in selected experimental animal models. Anti-inflammatory activity of Pedalium murex Linn., with doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, p.o., was evaluated by Lambda-carrageenan induced paw oedema in Wistar albino rats; analgesic activity with doses of 280 mg/kg and 560 mg/kg, p.o., was evaluated by hot plate method and acetic acid induced writhing method in Swiss albino mice; and antipyretic activity with doses of 110 mg/kg and 220 mg/kg, p.o., was evaluated in New Zealand white rabbits by injecting gram -ve lipopolysaccharide obtained from E. coli. Results were analysed by one way ANOVA followed by Dunnet's multiple comparison test. Pedalium murex Linn. showed significant anti-inflammatory activity from 15 min to 180 min as compared to vehicle treated animals. It was comparable to diclofenac sodium at 180 min. The extract did not prolong the reaction time on hot plate method but significantly reduced the number of writhing after acetic acid administration. Also the extract did not show any antipyretic activity on lipopolysaccharide induced pyrexia. It is therefore concluded that the ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex Linn. fruits has an anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgesic effects.