Protective effects of Etlingera elatior extract on lead acetate-induced changes in oxidative biomarkers in bone marrow of rats

The Effects of Sodium Tetraborate against Lead Toxicity in Rats: The Behavior of Some Metabolic Enzymes

This study was planned to research the in vivo effects of lead (Pb) ions and sodium tetraborate (Na₂B₄O₇) on G6PD and 6PGD, which are some of the enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway, which carries vital importance for metabolism, and GR and GST, which are glutathione metabolism enzymes, and the in vitro effects of the same agents on the 6PGD enzyme. According to the in vivo analysis results, in comparison to the control group, the rat liver G6PD (p < 0.05), and 6PGD (p < 0.01) enzyme activities in the Na₂B₄O₇ group were significantly lower. In addition, GR and GST enzyme activities were insignificantly lower in the Na₂B₄O₇ group compared to the control group (p > 0.05). The Pb group had lower G6PD and 6PGD enzyme activity levels and higher GR and GST enzyme activity levels compared to the control group, while these changes did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). In the in vitro analyses of the effects of Pb ions on the 6PGD enzyme that was purified out of rat liver with the 2',5'-ADP-Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography method, it was determined that Pb ions (200-1200 μM) increased the rat liver 6PGD enzyme activity levels by 33%. On the other hand Na₂B₄O₇ was not significantly effective on 6PGD activity. These results will also contribute to future studies in understanding the physiopathology of the states triggered by Pb ions and sodium tetraborate (Na₂B₄O₇).

A novel mushroom (Auricularia polytricha) glycoprotein protects against lead-induced hepatoxicity, promotes lead adsorption, inhibits organ accumulation of lead, upregulates detoxifying proteins, and enhances immunoregulation in rats

Introduction

Lead is a ubiquitous environmental and industrial pollutant. Its nonbiodegradable toxicity induces a plethora of human diseases. A novel bioactive glycoprotein containing 1.15% carbohydrate, with the ability of adsorbing lead and effecting detoxification, has been purified from Auricularia polytricha and designated as APL. Besides, its mechanisms related to regulation of hepatic metabolic derangements at the proteome level were analyzed in this study.

Methods

Chromatographic techniques were utilized to purify APL in the current study. For investigating the protective effects of APL, Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily intraperitoneal injections of lead acetate for establishment of an animal model, and different dosages of APL were gastrically irrigated for study of protection from lead detoxification. Liver samples were prepared for proteomic analyses to explore the detoxification mechanisms.

Results and discussion

The detoxifying glycoprotein APL displayed unique molecular properties with molecular weight of 252-kDa, was isolated from fruiting bodies of the edible fungus A. polytricha. The serum concentrations of lead and the liver function biomarkers aspartate and alanine aminotransferases were significantly (p<0.05) improved after APL treatment, as well as following treatment with the positive control EDTA (300 mg/kg body weight). Likewise, results on lead residue showed that the clearance ratios of the liver and kidneys were respectively 44.5% and 18.1% at the dosage of APL 160 mg/kg, which was even better than the corresponding data for EDTA. Proteomics disclosed that 351 proteins were differentially expressed following lead exposure and the expression levels of 41 proteins enriched in pathways mainly involved in cell detoxification and immune regulation were normalized after treatment with APL-H. The results signify that APL ameliorates lead-induced hepatic injury by positive regulation of immune processing, and suggest that APL can be applied as a therapeutic intervention of lead poisoning in clinical practice. This report represents the first demonstration of the protective action of a novel mushroom protein on lead-elicited hepatic toxicity.

Genetic susceptibility of δ-ALAD associated with lead (Pb) intoxication: sources of exposure, preventive measures, and treatment interventions

Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) is involved in the synthesis of haem and exhibits a polymorphic nature. δ-ALAD polymorphism produces two alleles, namely δ-ALAD-1 and δ-ALAD-2, which in turn produce three different phenotypes, namely δ-ALAD1-1, δ-ALAD1-2, and δ-ALAD2-2. δ-ALAD gene is more susceptible to lead (Pb) toxicity than any other genes. Its genotype and phenotype frequencies change with respect to different geographical areas and extent of Pb exposure. The δ-ALAD-2 allele dominancy is linked with high concentration of lead in the body. It has also been thought that the δ-ALAD-2 allele can provoke Pb toxicity by producing a protein that binds more tightly with Pb than δ-ALAD-1 protein. However, few evidences suggest that δ-ALAD-2 may reduce harmful effects by increasing excretion of Pb from the body, thus producing its unavailability towards pathophysiologic alterations. However, the recent evidences have supported that the individuals who are heterozygote for the δ-ALAD-1 allele may be associated with a higher risk of long-term Pb toxicity. In this regard, the individuals who are exposed at occupational levels are among the most frequent study population. The main objective of our study was to explore the gene susceptibility associated with Pb poisoning. Moreover, this study also summarizes various sources of Pb exposure and thereafter outlined multiple strategies to minimize the Pb toxicity in order to save the exposed residential communities.

Lead nitrate and cadmium chloride induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity: Protective effects of sesamol on biochemical indices and pathological changes

Lead nitrate (LN) and cadmium chloride (CdCl₂ ), regarded as environmental contaminants, are toxic heavy metals. Sesamol is a dietary phytochemical found in sesame oil. We aimed to analyze the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of LN and CdCl₂ and to evaluate the possible protective effect of sesamol. LN (90 mg/kg bw per day), CdCl₂ (3 mg/kg bw per day), and sesamol (50 mg/kg bw per day) were given to rats via gavage for 28 days. Total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, urea, uric acid, creatinine, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, malondialdehyde, acetylcholinesterase, and histopathological changes were investigated in liver and kidney tissues. Lead and cadmium were found to result in decreases in the antioxidant enzymes and acetylcholinesterase activities, increases in malondialdehyde levels, and changes in serum biochemical parameters and various pathological findings. An improvement in all these parameters was observed in the sesamol-treated groups. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Heavy metals are used in many areas of the industry all over the world. Heavy metals which include lead nitrate and cadmium chloride cause cell damage by oxidative stress. Some of the examining parameters for oxidative stress are SOD, GST, MDA, GPx, and CAT. However, some chemicals such as sesamol are well-liked and widely used as antioxidants against xenobiotic toxicity. We also indicate that sesamol has been shown to protective effect against heavy metals caused cell damage.

Carvacrol reduces hippocampal cell death and improves learning and memory deficits following lead-induced neurotoxicity via antioxidant activity

Carvacrol is a monoterpene with neuroprotective effects in several animal models of neurodegeneration, including epilepsy, ischemia, and traumatic neuronal events. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of carvacrol on neurodegeneration induced by lead acetate in rats. A total of 50 male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. The control group received drinking water, while the neurotoxic group was exposed to 500 ppm of lead acetate in drinking water for 40 days. The three remaining groups, which were also exposed to 500 ppm of lead acetate, received carvacrol at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg orally for 40 days. The Morris water maze test was employed to examine spatial learning and memory. Pathological damage to the hippocampus was determined by Nissl staining. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were detected using biochemical analysis and the free radical scavenging activity as evaluated by the DPPH test. Administration of carvacrol significantly restored learning and memory impairment induced by lead acetate. Moreover, carvacrol ameliorated neurodegeneration, antioxidative capacity, and lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus of rats exposed to lead. The present results provide a rationale for the inhibitory role of carvacrol in the attenuation of lead-induced neurotoxicity.

Du-Zhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) Cortex Extract Alleviates Lead Acetate-Induced Bone Loss in Rats

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Du-Zhong cortex extract (DZCE) on lead acetate-induced bone loss in rats. Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: group I (control) was provided with distilled water. Group II (PbAc) received 500 ppm lead acetate in drinking water for 60 days. Group III (PbAc+DZCE) received 500 ppm lead acetate in drinking water, and given intragastric DZCE (100 mg/kg body weight) for 60 days. Group IV (DZCE) was given intragastric DZCE (100 mg/kg body weight) for 60 days. The bone mineral density, serum biochemical markers, bone histomorphology, and bone marrow adipocyte parameters were analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, biochemistry, histomorphometry, and histopathology, respectively. The results showed that the lumbar spine and femur bone mineral density was significantly decreased in PbAc group compared with the control (P < 0.05); however, this decrease was inhibited by the intake of Du-Zhong cortex extract (P < 0.05, vs. PbAc group; P > 0.05, vs. control and DZCE group). Serum calcium and serum phosphorus in the PbAc+DZCE group were greater than that in the PbAc group (P < 0.05). The PbAc group had higher ALP, osteocalcin, and RANKL than the control group (P < 0.01), and they were significantly lower in the PbAc+DZCE group compared with the PbAc group. There were no significant differences of ALP, osteocalcin, and RANKL among the PbAc+DZCE, control, and DZCE groups (P > 0.05). Serum OPG and OPG/RANKL ration were significantly higher in the PbAc+DZCE group than that in the PbAc group (P < 0.05). The bone histomorphometric analyses showed that bone volume and trabecular thickness in the femoral trabecular bone were significantly lower in the PbAc group than that in the control group, but those were restored in the PbAc+DZCE groups. The bone marrow adipocyte number, percent adipocyte volume per tissue volume (AV/TV), and mean adipocyte diameter were significantly increased in the PbAc group compared to the control (P < 0.01), and those were restored in the PbAc+DZCE group. The differences of those parameters between PbAc+DZCE, DZCE, and the control group were not significant. The results above indicate that the Du-Zhong cortex extract has protective effects on both stimulation of bone formation and suppression of bone resorption in lead-exposed rats, therefore, Du-Zhong cortex extract has the potential to prevent or treat osteoporosis resulting from lead expose.

Dietary strategies to reduce the oral bioaccessibility of cadmium and arsenic in rice

The study aims to seek the dietary strategies to reduce the bioaccessibility of Cd and As in contaminated rice. A total of 12 selected food matrices were assayed by using the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion models. The results showed that tomato, carrot, water spinach, and spinach reduced the solubility of Cd by 45-78%, 50-71%, 53-70%, and 45-71%, respectively. Meanwhile, tomato, carrot, potato, and sweet potato reduced the solubility of As by 53-79%, 50-80%, 40-71%, and 36-76% in aqueous solution, respectively. In both gastric and gastrointestinal phases, Cd and As bioaccessibility decreased as the amount (100, 200, or 400 mg) of food matrices increased (except for As in water spinach). These results suggested that the uses of some foodstuffs may be a good dietary strategy to reduce Cd and As bioaccessibility, although in vivo studies are required to confirm their suitability.

Glutathione, glutathione-related enzymes, and oxidative stress in individuals with subacute occupational exposure to lead

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of subacute exposure to lead on the glutathione-related antioxidant defense and oxidative stress parameters in 36 males occupationally exposed to lead for 40±3.2days. Blood lead level in the examined population increased significantly by 359% due to lead exposure. Simultaneously, erythrocyte glutathione level decreased by 16%, whereas the activity of glutathione-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in erythrocytes and leukocytes decreased by 28% and 10%, respectively. Similarly, the activity of glutathione-S-transferase in erythrocytes decreased by 45%. However, the activity of glutathione reductase in erythrocytes and leukocytes increased by 26% and 6%, respectively, whereas the total oxidant status value in leukocytes increased by 37%. Subacute exposure to lead results in glutathione pool depletion and accumulation of lipid peroxidation products; however, it does not cause DNA damage. Besides, subacute exposure to lead modifies the activity of glutathione-related enzymes.

Ginger extract modulates Pb-induced hepatic oxidative stress and expression of antioxidant gene transcripts in rat liver

CONTEXT

Spices and herbs are recognized sources of natural antioxidants that can protect from oxidative stress, thus play an important role in chemoprevention of liver diseases. Ginger is used worldwide primarily as a spicy condiment.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the ability of ginger extract (GE) to ameliorate oxidative-hepatic toxicity induced by lead acetate (PbAc) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five groups of animals were used: group I kept as control; groups II, IV, and V received PbAc (1 ppm in drinking water daily for 6 weeks, and kept for an additional 2 weeks without PbAc exposure); group III treated orally with GE (350 mg/kg body weight, 4 d per week) for 6 weeks; group IV (protective) received GE for 2 weeks before and simultaneously with PbAc; and group V (treatment) received GE for 2 weeks after PbAc exposure.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis of GE revealed its content of gingerol (7.09%), quercetin (3.20%), dl-limonene (0.96%), and zingiberene (0.18%). Treatment of PbAc-treated rats with GE has no effect on hepatic Pb concentrations. However, it maintained serum aspartate aminotransferase level, increased hepatic glutathione (157%), glutathione S-transferase (GST) (228%), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (138%) and catalase (CAT) (112%) levels, and reduced hepatic malondialdehyde (80%). Co-treatment of PbAc group with GE upregulated mRNA expression of antioxidant genes: GST-α1 (1.4-fold), GPx1 (1.8-fold), and CAT (8-fold), while post-treatment with GE upregulated only mRNA expression of GPx1 (1.5-fold).

CONCLUSION

GE has an antioxidant protective efficacy against PbAc-induced hepatotoxicity, which appears more effective than its therapeutic application. However, the changes in antioxidant gene expression were not reflected at the protein level.

Effects of lead nitrate and sodium selenite on DNA damage and oxidative stress in diabetic and non-diabetic rat erythrocytes and leucocytes

The adverse effects of lead nitrate (LN) and the preventive role of sodium selenite were investigated in diabetic and non-diabetic rat blood by measuring trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) also by evaluating DNA damage with comet assay. LN increased the levels of MDA, tail DNA%, mean tail length and tail moment, decreased the enzymes activities, FRAP and TEAC values. In sodium selenite+LN group, we observed the protective effect of sodium selenite on examining parameters. Diabetes caused alterations on these parameters, too. We found that sodium selenite did not protect against diabetes caused damages. As a result, LN caused toxic effects on blood cells and sodium selenite alleviated this toxicity but it did not show preventive effect against diabetes. Also, LN caused more harmfull effects in diabetic groups than non-diabetic groups.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine administration on homocysteine level, oxidative damage to proteins, and levels of iron (Fe) and Fe-related proteins in lead-exposed workers

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) could be included in protocols designed for the treatment of lead toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we decided to investigate the influence of NAC administration on homocysteine (Hcy) levels, oxidative damage to proteins, and the levels of iron (Fe), transferrin (TRF), and haptoglobin (HPG) in lead (Pb)-exposed workers. The examined population (n = 171) was composed of male employees who worked with Pb. They were randomized into four groups. Workers who were not administered any antioxidants, drugs, vitamins, or dietary supplements were classified as the reference group (n = 49). The remaining three groups consisted of workers who were treated orally with NAC at three different doses (1 × 200, 2 × 200, or 2 × 400 mg) for 12 weeks. After the treatment, blood Pb levels significantly decreased in the groups receiving NAC compared with the reference group. The protein concentration was not affected by NAC administration. In contrast, Hcy levels significantly decreased or showed a strong tendency toward lower values depending on the NAC dose. Levels of the protein carbonyl groups were significantly decreased in all of the groups receiving NAC. Conversely, glutamate dehydrogenase activity was significantly elevated in all of the groups receiving NAC, while the level of protein thiol groups was significantly elevated only in the group receiving 200 mg of NAC. Treatment with NAC did not significantly affect Fe and TRF levels, whereas HPG levels showed a tendency toward lower values. Treatment with NAC normalized the level of Hcy and decreased oxidative stress as measured by the protein carbonyl content; this effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, small doses of NAC elevated the levels of protein thiol groups. Therefore, NAC could be introduced as an alternative therapy for chronic Pb toxicity in humans.

Dietary strategies for the treatment of cadmium and lead toxicity

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are toxic heavy metals that cause adverse health effects in humans and animals. Chelation therapy, the conventional treatment for heavy metal toxicity, is reported to have a number of safety and efficacy issues. Recent studies have shown that dietary supplements play important roles in protecting against Cd and Pb toxicity. This paper reviews the evidence for protective effects of essential metals, vitamins, edible plants, phytochemicals, probiotics and other dietary supplements against Cd and Pb toxicity and describes the proposed possible mechanisms. Based on these findings, dietary strategies are recommended for people at risk of Cd and Pb exposure. The application of these strategies is advantageous for both the prevention and alleviation of Cd and Pb toxicity, as such supplements can be added easily and affordably to the daily diet and are expected to have very few side effects compared to the chelation therapy.

Effect of vitamin E and C supplementation on oxidative damage and total antioxidant capacity in lead-exposed workers

The molecular response of the antioxidant system and the effects of antioxidant supplementation against oxidative insult in lead-exposed workers has not been sufficiently studied. In this work, antioxidants (vitamin E 400 IU+vitamin C 1g/daily) were supplemented for one year to 15 workers exposed to lead (73 μg of lead/dl of blood) and the results were compared with those on 19 non-lead exposed workers (6.7 μg of lead/dl). Lead intoxication was accompanied by a high oxidative damage and an increment in the erythrocyte antioxidant response due to increased activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Antioxidant supplementations decreased significantly the oxidative damage as well as the total antioxidant capacity induced by lead intoxication with reduction of the antioxidant enzyme activities. We conclude that antioxidant supplementation is effective in reducing oxidative damage and induces modifications in the physiopathological status of the antioxidant response in lead-exposed workers.

The effect of occupational lead exposure on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and plasma viscosity

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of occupational lead (Pb) exposure on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and plasma viscosity in workers. The examined group included 283 healthy male employees of manufacturing facilities using zinc and Pb. The mean blood concentrations of Pb and zinc protoporphyrin as well as the mean urine δ-aminolevulinic acid levels were used as markers of exposure for the examined group. Taking into account the obtained mean values of blood lead level, the examined group was divided into three subgroups. When comparing the control group with the subgroups, Pb exposure markers were significantly elevated in all the three subgroups. Concentrations of conjugated dienes (CD), lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl groups were also significantly increased. Conversely, the levels of total protein and protein sulfhydryls were significantly decreased in the subgroups compared with the controls. The plasma viscosity was significantly elevated in the subgroups. A dose-response between Pb levels and plasma viscosity was not observed. Pb supposedly elevates MDA and CD in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, occupational Pb exposure induces oxidative stress that results in lipid and protein damage. Moreover, Pb-induced oxidative stress is likely the primary factor that elevates plasma viscosity, despite decreased protein levels.

Morphological study of bone marrow to assess the effects of lead acetate on haemopoiesis and aplasia and the ameliorating role of Carica papaya extract

Lead causes damage to the body by inducing oxidative stress. The sites of damage include the bone marrow, where marrow hypoplasia and osteosclerosis may be observed. Leaves of Carica papaya, which have antioxidant and haemopoietic properties, were tested against the effect of lead acetate in experimental rats. The rats were divided into 8 groups; control, lead acetate only, Carica papaya (50 mg and 200 mg), post-treatment with Carica papaya (50 mg and 200 mg) following lead acetate administration and pre-treatment with Carica papaya (50 mg and 200 mg) followed by lead acetate administration. The substances were administered for 14 days. The effects were evaluated by measuring protein carbonyl content (PCC) and glutathione content (GC) in the bone marrow. Histological changes in the bone marrow were also observed. The results showed that Carica papaya induced a significant reduction in the PCC activity and significantly increased the GC in the bone marrow. Carica papaya also improved the histology of the bone marrow compared with that of the lead acetate-treated group. In summary, Carica papaya was effective against the oxidative damage caused by lead acetate in the bone marrow and had a stimulatory effect on haemopoiesis.

Effects of Etlingera elatior extracts on lead acetate-induced testicular damage: A morphological and biochemical study

Lead causes damage to the whole body by inducing oxidative stress. This includes the testis, in which spermatogenesis is affected. Etlingera elatior, a consumable plant that is being extensively studied for its high anti-oxidant properties, was tested against the effect of lead acetate in experimental rats. Rats were divided into groups consisting of a control, lead acetate only, Etlingera elatior treatment only, concurrent treatment of lead acetate and Etlingera elatior, post-treatment of lead acetate followed by Etlingera elatior and preventive group of Etlingera elatior followed by lead acetate. The substances were administered for 14 days and the effects were measured by protein carbonyl content (PCC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the testis, as well as the testosterone level in the serum. Histological changes in the testis were also observed. Results showed that Etlingera elatior induced a significant reduction in the testis PCC activity, while at the same time it significantly increased the activities of SOD and GPx in the testis, and the testosterone level in the serum. Etlingera elatior also improved the histology of the testis when compared to the lead acetate-treated group. On the whole, Etlingera elatior is effective against oxidative damage caused by lead acetate in the testis.

Locomotor damage and brain oxidative stress induced by lead exposure are attenuated by gallic acid treatment

We investigated the antioxidant potential of gallic acid (GA), a natural compound found in vegetal sources, on the motor and oxidative damages induced by lead. Rats exposed to lead (50 mg/kg, i.p., once a day, 5 days) were treated with GA (13.5mg/kg, p.o.) or EDTA (110 mg/kg, i.p.) daily, for 3 days. Lead exposure decreased the locomotor and exploratory activities, reduced blood ALA-D activity, and increased brain catalase (CAT) activity without altering other antioxidant defenses. Brain oxidative stress (OS) estimated by lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and protein carbonyl were increased by lead. GA reversed the motor behavior parameters, the ALA-D activity, as well as the markers of OS changed by lead exposure. CAT activity remained high, possibly as a compensatory mechanism to eliminate hydroperoxides during lead poisoning. EDTA, a conventional chelating agent, was not beneficial on the lead-induced motor behavior and oxidative damages. Both GA (less) and EDTA (more) reduced the lead accumulation in brain tissue. Negative correlations were observed between the behavioral parameters and lipid peroxidation and the lead levels in brain tissue. In conclusion, GA may be an adjuvant in lead exposure, mainly by its antioxidant properties against the motor and oxidative damages resulting from such poisoning.

Antioxidant effects of Etlingera elatior flower extract against lead acetate - induced perturbations in free radical scavenging enzymes and lipid peroxidation in rats

Background

Etlingera elatior or 'pink torch ginger' (Zingiberaceae) are widely cultivated in tropical countries and used as spices and food flavoring. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of Etlingera elatior against lead - induced changes in serum free radical scavenging enzymes and lipid hydroperoxides in rats.

Findings

Rats were exposed to lead acetate in drinking water (500 ppm) for 14 days alone or plus the ethanol extract of E. elatior (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg). Blood lead levels, lipid hydroperoxides, protein carbonyl contents and oxidative marker enzymes were estimated. Lead acetate in drinking water elicited a significant increase in lipid hydroperoxides (LPO) and protein-carbonyl-contents (PCC). There was a significant decrease in total antioxidants, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase levels with lead acetate treatment. Supplementation of E. elatior was associated with reduced serum LPO and PCC and a significant increase in total antioxidants and antioxidant enzyme levels.

Conclusions

The results suggest that flower extract of Etlingera elatior has powerful antioxidant effect against lead - induced oxidative stress and the extract may be useful therapeutic agent against lead toxicity. However, detailed evaluations are required to identify the active antioxidant compounds from this plant extract.