In vitro ovicidal assessment of methanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of Annona squamosa and Chenopodium album against caprine gastrointestinal nematodiosis

Phytochemical constituents, bioactivities, and applications of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.): A narrative review

Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) is a versatile tree with an edible fruit showing abundant medicinal and industrial applications. The nutritional values of this plant are due to carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and vitamins. Ethnopharmacological uses referred to treatment of dysentery, headlice, cancer sores, purgative, and tonic effects. The main reported biological activities for A. squamosa L. were cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antimalarial, molluscidal, anthelmintic and insecticidal activities, and its chemical classes encompassed alkaloids, diterpenes, acetogenins, and cyclopeptides. The nutritional content of A. squamosa L. and their main chemical components, biological effects, and the different applications were discussed in this review. This comprehensive review strived to compile all the relevant data in the period between 1990 and 2023 covering databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Googlescholar and Reaxys concerning A. squamosa L. different parts with their reported phytochemical constituents and biological activities to integrate a better understanding of the medicinal values.

Extract of Chenopodium album lowers blood pressure in rats through endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the antihypertensive effect of crude extract of Chenopodium album (Ca.Cr), based on its medicinal use in hypertension.

METHODS

Ca.Cr and its fractions were tested in-vivo in normotensive anesthetized rats for blood pressure-lowering effect. In-vitro experiments were performed on isolated rat aortae to explore the vascular mechanism(s).

RESULTS

In normotensive anesthetized rats, Ca.Cr produced a dose-dependent (1-300mg/kg) fall (30%mmHg) in mean arterial pressure (MAP). Among the fractions, nHexane was the most potent (46% fall). In rat aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine (PE), Ca.Cr and its fractions (except Ca.Aq) produced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, which was partially reversed with endothelium removal and by pretreating intact aortic rings with L-NAME (10μM) and atropine (1μM). This relaxation to Ca.Cr and fractions (nHexane, ethylacetate and chloroform) was also eliminated with indomethacin pretreatment, however, it unmasked a vasoconstriction effect with Ca.Cr only. Surprisingly, the aqueous fraction produced a calcium sensitive strong vasoconstriction instead of vasorelaxation. The crude extract and its fractions (except Ca.Aq) also antagonized vasoconstriction induced with high K+ (80mM), suggesting calcium antagonistic effect. The aqueous fraction produced mild vasorelaxation against high K+. This effect was further confirmed when pretreatment of the aortic rings with different concentrations of crude extract and fractions suppressed CaCl2 concentration response curves, similar to verapamil. In acute toxicity test, Ca.Cr extract was found safe up to 5g/kg body weight in mice.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that crude extract and fractions of C. album produced vasorelaxant effect through muscarinic receptors linked-NO pathway, prostaglandin (endothelium-dependent) and calcium antagonism (endothelium-independent), which explains the blood pressure lowering effect of C. album in rats.

A Compiled Update on Nutrition, Phytochemicals, Processing Effects, Analytical Testing and Health Effects of Chenopodium album: A Non-Conventional Edible Plant (NCEP)

Bathua (Chenopodium album) is a rich source of extensive-ranging nutrients, including bio-active carbohydrates, flavonoids and phenolics, minerals, and vitamins that translate to countless health benefits such as anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity. Ascaridole, an important phytoconstituent present in aerial parts of the plant, contributes to its anthelmintic property. Even with vast historical use and significant health benefits, its renown has not spread, and utilization has significantly decreased in recent decades. Gradually, the plant has become known under the name of Non-conventional edible plant (NCEP). This compilation is prepared to bring out the plant under the spotlight for further research by foregrounding previous studies on the plant. Scientific research databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Online, were used to fetch data on C. album. This review offers over up-to-date knowledge on nutritious values, phytochemical composition, volatile compounds, as well as health benefits of C. album. The ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal uses of the plant in India and other parts of the world are deliberately discussed. Scrutinizing the reported literature on C. album reveals its powerful nutrient composition advantageous in the development of food products. The impact of various cooking and processing methods on the nutritional profile and bioavailability are discussed. The future perspectives with regards to the potential for food and nutraceutical products are critically addressed. This review proves the necessity of breakthrough research to investigate the pharmacology and safety of phytochemicals and nutraceutical development studies on the C. album.

Anthelmintic activity of Cratyliamollis leaves against gastrointestinal nematodes in goats

SUMMARY The present study assessed the in vivo anthelmintic activity of the C. mollis leaf decoction extract when administered orally to naturally infected goats with gastrointestinal nematodes. To this, animals were randomized into three groups:non-treated, control (treated with doramectin 1mL/50 kg b.w.) and C. mollis extract treated groups (2.5mg/kg b.w.). Blood and faecal samples were collected from each animal at day 0, and 30th day posttreatment to monitor immunological and parasitological parameters. A significant faecal egg reduction (61.1%) and an increase in IgA and eosinophils levels were observed in the C. mollis extract treated group, in comparison to the untreated and doramectin groups. Considering that gastrointestinal nematode infections in small ruminants are serious problems in the world, causing economic losses worldwide, associated to high anthelmintic cost, resistance to available anthelmintics and residue problems in meat and milk for human consumption, the plant extract use is an area of interest to search new anthelmintic agents. Thus, Cratyliamollis Mart. Ex Benth, an important medicinal plant from Brazilian Northeast semiarid region, is used to treat different types of diseases, and as forage supplementation. Therefore, the data indicated the potential anthelmintic activity of C. mollis extract; further research is thereby warranted to assess its value for therapeutic purposes.